A Night to Remember
The car came to a halt in front of a grand party hall. Zain stepped out slowly, every stride radiating calm authority. With deliberate grace, he walked around, opened the door, and Anna emerged. Her heart pounded wildly with every step in her black heels.
Zain's hand came to rest lightly on her back—possessive, yet steady, a touch that commanded and reassured at once.
"Don't be nervous," he murmured, his voice low but firm. "And please, don't do anything that will make me regret bringing you here. Understood?"
Anna gave a slight nod. A cold wave of hatred rushed through her veins. You'll never change. I hate you, Zain Yan, she thought, forcing a bright, practiced smile onto her face.
Inside, the atmosphere was breathtaking. Golden light poured from crystal chandeliers, reflecting against the marble floor and bathing the hall in hues of rose and gold. Laughter, clinking glasses, and elegant chatter created a melody of extravagance. But to Anna, it all felt unbearably heavy.
The moment they entered, every eye turned toward them. In her flowing black gown beside Zain in his tailored black suit, they looked like a pair of power and allure carved from light itself.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"What a beautiful couple…" someone sighed.
"Looks like a mafia couple," another whispered with a laugh.
Anna's breath caught. Almost instinctively, her hand tightened around Zain's.
"Don't panic," Zain instructed in that commanding tone. "Ignore them. Stay close to me."
They moved forward slowly, where an elderly couple stood at the entrance, welcoming guests with genuine warmth.
Everyone is staring at me… what must they be thinking? Anna's heart raced.
When they finally reached them, Uncle Feng greeted warmly.
"Thank you for coming, children. And for taking the time."
"It's my duty, Uncle, Auntie, to be here on your birthday," Zain replied, respectful yet firm.
A waiter approached with a red velvet box. Inside shimmered a delicate necklace and matching earrings. Zain accepted it and presented it to Aunt Feng.
"Zain, my dear, this was not necessary," Uncle Feng chuckled.
"It was necessary," Zain said, and for a fleeting moment, a rare, genuine smile softened his lips. "Uncle, you're my father's friend and partner."
Aunt Feng's gaze shifted to Anna. Her eyes lit up as she came forward, gently holding Anna's hands.
"And this… is your wife, isn't she, dear?"
Zain bowed his head slightly. "Yes."
Aunt Feng's eyes sparkled. "Far more beautiful than in photographs… truly, an angel."
Anna's cheeks flushed, but guilt pricked at her chest. Bowing lightly, she smiled politely.
"Happy Birthday, Aunt Feng. And thank you for your kind words."
Aunt Feng turned toward Zain with fondness. "Your wife is so graceful, such a lovely girl. But tell me, son, you don't trouble her, do you?"
Zain's hand at Anna's waist tightened possessively. "Why would I ever hurt my wife? She is my life… my half better
Anna's smile faltered. Her brows twitched. Since when did I become your life? she thought bitterly, though her lips held the mask of composure.
"Yes… my husband takes very good care of me," she replied, her voice steady.
Aunt Feng laughed warmly. "Good, that's how it should be."
Uncle Feng smiled. "Now, we'll go greet the rest of the guests. You two spend some time together."
"Of course, Uncle," Zain answered with respect. Then leaning toward Anna, his voice dropped into a warning whisper—
"Stay cautious."
The moment they were gone, Zain's mask cracked, revealing his true self.
"So," he sneered, "enjoying the rich people's party?"
Anna shot back without hesitation.
"No. I'd much rather have a small dinner at my favorite restaurant with friends. Do you understand?"
Before Zain could reply, his business clients arrived, pulling him into conversation. He was soon engrossed, leaving Anna stranded—alone in a sea of people. Her eyes searched for him again and again, but he remained buried in business, unreachable. Loneliness seeped into her chest. She picked up a glass of wine, letting the crowd swallow her, as though anonymity might bring her peace.
When Zain finally realized she was no longer at his side, a sharp chill shot through him. His eyes scanned the hall urgently. Panic flickered across his usually composed face, his jaw tight.
"This girl will drive me insane one day," he muttered under his breath.
Meanwhile, Anna had escaped the chaos, finding refuge in the restroom. She shut the door and exhaled in relief. But as she tried to leave, the handle refused to budge. She pulled harder. The door wouldn't open. Her heartbeat quickened.
"Hello? Someone! The door's stuck!" she cried, banging on it.
Outside, muffled laughter rose.
"You stole my crush! Now you'll pay for it," a sharp voice hissed.
Another, hesitant voice followed.
"But… what if something happens to her? Isn't this too much?"
Anna's stomach dropped. She recognized the first voice—it was the same girl who had been glaring at her all evening.
"Please! Open the door! This isn't funny!" Anna begged, pounding desperately. But the footsteps drifted away.
Her hands turned raw against the door. Tears welled up and spilled freely. She fumbled for her phone—dead battery.
"Of course… now of all times…" she whispered in despair.
Back in the hall, Zain dialed her number over and over. Straight to voicemail. His face darkened, eyes flashing with frustration and fear.
Just then, a cleaning lady passing by heard Anna's cries.
"Ma'am! How did you get locked in there?"
"Someone locked it on purpose! Please, open it!" Anna's voice cracked with tears.
At last, the door gave way. Anna stumbled out, eyes red, fingers scraped raw.
"I won't spare those witches… they locked me in knowing I'm claustrophobic…" she muttered, shaking.
She went searching for Zain but couldn't find him. Tears stung again as she stepped out of the hall—only to freeze when her eyes met his.
For a heartbeat, both of them stood there, silently confessing with their gazes the worry they'd carried. But no words left their lips.
Zain exhaled deeply, his shoulders loosening.
"Let's go home. It's getting late," he said quietly.
"Alright…" Anna replied, her voice drained.
They walked to the car in silence. The drive back was heavy with unspoken words. Anna kept her eyes fixed on the window, bitterness weighing her down.
Even if I had died in there… would it really matter to him?
After a long silence, Zain spoke softly.
"Anna… why did you leave without telling me?"
The question shattered her restraint.
"Do you really care? What if I had died in there? You told everyone I'm your life, your everything—was that just a lie? Just for show?"
Before she could stop herself, tears blurred her vision. In a surge of anguish, she slapped him hard across the face. I can't live with a heart as hard as yours
The car plunged into silence. Anna flung the door open and ran into the night—
And jolted awake.
"Mrs. Yan? What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
Zain's voice pulled her back into reality.
Anna blinked rapidly. A dream… it was all just a dream.
"Nothing," she murmured.
"I asked where you went. I was looking for you," Zain said firmly.
"I… I went to the restroom. Then up to the terrace for a bit. The crowd was suffocating me."
"Next time, tell me before you disappear," he said—stern, yet touched with softness.
"…Alright," Anna whispered.
It was midnight by the time they reached home. Anna retreated straight to her room. She changed out of the gown, showered, slipped into pajamas, and collapsed into bed. Tears dampened her pillow. The memory of being locked in the restroom replayed in her mind, leaving her trembling.
Some time later, her door creaked open. Zain entered quietly, a first-aid box in hand. Moonlight softened the edges of his sharp features. Kneeling beside her, he carefully bandaged her bruised fingers.
"You have no idea how terrified I was when I couldn't find you," he confessed, his voice raw. "I know I've hurt you countless times. But tonight… when I heard someone had locked you in, I lost my mind. The cleaning lady told me what happened. For that… I'm truly sorry."
then stood silently and walked back to his room, leaving behind the echo of words Anna had longed—and feared—to hear.