ִֶָ𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆★⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ
ELYSIAN.
The newest club in town—a luxurious playground for the rich, spoiled, and powerful. Known for its impeccable service, jaw-dropping interior, and uniquely crafted cocktails, it had already become the place to see and be seen. And if the whispers were true, it was only the beginning of its reign.
Night had long since fallen when Vee stood in front of her mirror, selecting tonight's outfit.
She dabbed lightly at her makeup, tousled her hair into controlled perfection, and let her fingers trail over the dress that clung to her like silk and confidence. It was crimson—a long-sleeved, deep V-neck number that stopped just past her knees. Elegant, arresting, and very expensive.
A perfect contrast against her pale skin, the dress was a limited-edition piece from Estelle, an elite brand that released only five designs a year. Hard to obtain, harder to afford.
But Vee wasn't just any customer.
When the designer had first started—an unknown black horse in the industry—Vee had seen potential early on and invested. Now, Estelle made sure she was always the first to receive their best. Loyalty like that came back in style.
With a final check in the mirror, she grabbed her purse and descended the marble staircase of her mansion.
She was running late. Terribly late. However, the best always comes last as they say.
Her butler greeted her with a respectful nod. "Miss, what about your appointment with Noctare Company?"
"I'll attend it," she replied smoothly. "Don't worry."
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆★⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ
Half an hour later.
"Vee! Going home already?" a sweet, high-pitched voice called out as she arrived at the club. A shorter girl clung to her arm, pouting to play up her charm—more for the watching boys than for Vee.
"I'm sorry, everyone," Vee said with a polite smile. "I have to go back early. I have a meeting to attend tomorrow."
A guy—previously too distracted by the petite girl—suddenly jumped up. "Oh! Is it with Noctare Company?!"
"Isn't that the company that focuses on technology development?" another gasped. "They're ranking in the top three among all technology development company!"
A hush fell over the group, followed by too-sweet smiles and fake congratulations.
"Looks like our dear Vee's gonna get that bag once her meeting success," the previous girl teased, elbowing her. "So... when are you going to introduce me to your brother?"
Vee forced a dry chuckle. That girl don't even bother hiding it anymore.
But that was fine. She wasn't here for loyalty—just leverage. In high society, everyone used each other. She simply played the game better.
She needed this outing, not just to unwind from relentless corporate meetings, but also to gather gossip—useful, strategic whispers she could weaponize later.
"Speaking of Noctare Company..." the girl leaned in close, voice conspiratorial. "Some people said the CEO is here tonight."
"Do you think we'll get to meet him?" she squealed. "Imagine if he's tall, rich, and totally my type—"
Vee barely heard her. The noise melted into static. Her head was starting to hurt from the constant sound.
"Vee! Aren't you curious?"
She glanced at her watch before making a false excuse. "My assistant's almost here. I really should go."
As one of the country's most successful young businesswomen, Vee didn't have time for daydreams. Her mother and her was involved in a car accident where Vee miraculously managed to escape death. However, her mother was not lucky as her. Being the eldest child with no father, she took responsibility for the building the company.
But I held it together. I rebuilt everything. Vee breathed in and out to regain her composure.
"Vee? You okay? You look pale," someone murmured.
"I'm fine," she said softly, rising from her seat. "Really. I just need some rest."
She turned to leave.
"Get home safe!" a guy trailed off, waving slightly uncomfortably. He was promptly elbowed by the girl next to him, as if he'd said something wrong.
Vee felt it then—a prickling heat on her neck. A gaze. Someone watching.
Who?
She didn't turn around. She didn't forget to have her assistant investigate later on.
The moment Vee stepped outside the club's glowing entrance, a sharp chill wrapped around her. She shivered, rubbing her arms in a futile attempt to warm herself. The weather report didn't say it'd be this cold, she thought bitterly.
Moonlight bathed the pavement in silver as stars flickered above. Her phone buzzed from inside her purse.
Her voice crackled through. "Yes? Who's this?"
"...Speak up, I'm busy."
"How busy would you say you are—on a scale of eight to nine?"
Such a stupid reference could only be from her beloved younger brother, Adam. Vee rolled her eyes and smirked. "Adam, are you still quoting that yellow sponge cartoon?"
"Ha! I knew you'd get the reference!"
"Childish," she muttered playfully. "Where are you? I've been freezing out here for thirty minutes."
"I'm almost there, young miss!" he replied dramatically. The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable.
From a distance, a red Sedan pulled up. Vee waved, then flipped him off with a teasing grin.
"What the hell?! Is that your way of saying thank you for picking you up!" Adam childishly gasped through the phone. Vee only laughed at his childishness.
But the smile quickly faded. A shiver—deeper this time—ran down her spine. Her instincts screamed. Someone was watching her.
No, she realized, not just watching... hating.
It wasn't like the unease back in the club. This was darker. Heavier. It carried malicious intent. She glanced behind her. No one.
Trying to shake it off, she spoke again. "You should be honored this young miss is—"
"Vee!" Adam suddenly screamed through the phone. "Behind you!"
She spun around but not fast enough.
A wreching pain exploded in her abdomen. Her mouth opened in shock as a dagger buried itself deep into her flesh. The phone slipped from her hand and shattered on the pavement.
How? She could have swore that she had not seen anyone besides her.
"W-What—?" she gasped, pressing trembling hands to the wound. Warm blood seeped through her fingers.
"Shit! I'm calling the cops!" Adam's voice blared from the discarded phone.
The attacker slowly removed their mask and cap, twirling the bloodied dagger like a toy. Their face twisted into a mocking grin.
Vee's eyes widened. I've seen them before... but where?
"Oh, don't tell me you've already forgotten me?" they sneered. "You should at least recognize the one who's going to kill you."
She stumbled back. "W-Why...?"
"Why?" They chuckled and dragged the blade across her cheek, drawing blood. "Some people just really hate you. And they're willing to pay good money to see you gone."
Vee's breathing faltered. She tried to memorize their's face— their's voice—but the pain was too sharp, too consuming.
"But I'm a little hurt you don't remember me." They grabbed her by the chin, yanking her face toward them.
"Wait..." she whispered, barely standing.
"Don't get me wrong, darling. I hate you just as much as they do," they spat, eyes gleaming with malice and excitement.
Vee's eyes dilated in shock, as if she was in utter disbelief.
"I... you're—" Before she could finish, the knife plunged into her again.
She collapsed.
So this is how I die?
Her blood pooled beneath her on the cracked pavement, mixing with dirt and cigarette ash. If she had known it would end this way, she might've dropped the act earlier—ripped off the masks from the fake friends, pulled their perfect hair out one by one.
Out of the corner of her dimming vision, she saw an unfamiliar man tackle her attacker.
A voice—Adam—crying out her name beside her limp body. There were sirens in the distance.
Annoying brat, she thought, hearing Adam sob beside her. Why are you crying?
But even now, she found herself worrying for him.
He still needs me...
She wanted to say something. Anything. But her lips wouldn't move.
Someone gripped her pale hand tightly. A whisper called her name. As if they were reminding her who she was.
Then, everything went black.
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆★⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ
Bright letters flickered across the void.
[System 521 Setting Up...]
[System 521 Loading...]
...Initializing Host Compatibility...
[Reloading due to server disturbance.]
[Successfully merged Host with the system.]