Lionel’s POV

We quietly slipped away from the glitter-covered monster in heels. Because we knew what came next.

High Noise Pollution in 3... 2... 1—

"NOOOOOOO! HOW DARE YOU?!"

She screamed like a constipated pig whose tail got stuck in barbed wire. Everyone around winced at the sheer auditory assault.

Mandy Cradwell.

Oswald Cradwell’s only daughter. He’s the founder of Pristine Group.

Also known as... my ex-fling. Regrettably.

Three years ago, I was drunk, bored, and temporarily brain-dead. One night of weakness turned into a lifetime of regret. If my rotting corpse could roll its eyes, it’d still cringe over that decision.

And the worst part?

"You dumb pig! Just wait till my Lioney hears about this! He’ll fire your ass. GET LOST!"
Yes. Lioney. That’s what she calls me. Like a toddler naming a pet hamster.

“Boss, we need to wrap things up and get out of here before she sees you and starts shrieking about wine on her dress,” Ravi said. Smart man.

We started searching again.

But after a while, it became clear—Katherine wasn’t here yet.

What if she didn’t come?

That question looped in my head on repeat, each time tightening a knot behind my eyes. A familiar stress headache began to throb—these days, it was practically a roommate.

“I think it’s a dead end again, Ravi,” I sighed, slumping into a nearby chair. “She’s not coming. This was all a waste.”

Ravi placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Don’t lose hope. The night’s not over yet.”

Before I could respond, the MC’s voice boomed through the hall:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the lady of the night has arrived! Xavier Corp, once again, is our top donor this year. Please welcome the ever-gorgeous Ms. Katherine Xavier, CEO of Xavier Corp!”

My breath hitched.

There she was.

After five long years, she stood just a few feet away from me. And damn… she looked like she’d stepped straight out of a dream.

Her red silk gown clung to her like it had been made for her alone. The plunging neckline, the sharp elegance in her posture—it all screamed power. Her hair was shorter now, but she wore it like the boss she was.

She was talking to someone, but I couldn’t hear a word. Everything else faded.

“She’s gonna give you a boner if you keep staring,” Ravi muttered beside me.

His voice snapped me out of it.

“Shut up. I was just... checking if it was really her. She looks okay. I’ve seen better,” I lied.

Ravi raised a brow. “Oh? Then wipe that drool.”

My hand shot to my mouth before I realized the idiot tricked me. I shot him a glare as he laughed like he just won the lottery.

“Jerk,” I muttered.

I turned back—but she was gone.

Without a word to Ravi, I started searching again.

And then it hit me.

She always hated these kinds of events. If she wasn’t at the bar or pretending to listen to speeches, she’d be—

The balcony.

And sure enough, there she was, facing the city lights, letting the cool breeze tousle her hair. Even from behind, she was beautiful.

Emotions clawed at my chest. I almost felt like crying—but I wasn’t the same Lionel from five years ago.

I was Lionel Lawson—CEO of Lawson Inc.

Strong. Unbothered. Independent. Totally not still obsessed with her.

Okay, maybe I needed to slap myself.

I was in the middle of a mental pep talk when I heard her voice—soft but sharp as ever.

“Oh well, just the person who wanted me alone. What a not-so pleasant surprise, Mr. Lawson.”

There it was. Venom, served chilled.

Scratch everything I just said. She’s still a savage.

“Unpleasant surprise indeed, Ms. Xavier,” I replied smoothly. “Honestly, I thought you were six feet under when your brother took over the company. But apparently, ice queens live forever. Guess someone missed the spotlight.”

I braced for a slap—or at least a daggered glare.

Instead, she smiled. A genuine one.

“Still bad at comebacks, I see. Still the weak, pathetic loser I dumped five years ago. And what’s worse? You went crawling to Capo di Capi. To beg him to talk to me? How embarrassing. Honestly, dumping you was the best decision I ever made.”

She spat every word, but I saw it—the way she winced when she called me a loser. She was lying.

“You call me a loser, yet you’re the one stalking me,” I said calmly, stepping closer. “What should I call you, then?”

She stepped back instinctively—until her back hit the railing.

Cornered.

Her confidence faltered. I could see it.

“Hey—what are you doing? Step back!” she snapped.

I just smirked, leaning forward, hands braced on the railing beside her, caging her in.

“Oh? Or what, Katherine? What will you do?”

“I... I’ll scream!”

Adorable.

“You’ll be screaming my name by the end of the night anyway,” I whispered, lips inches from hers.

I saw her cheeks flush crimson in the moonlight.

“Don’t you dare, Lionel. Get away from me. I meant what I said that day. I don’t need you. I don’t love you. And I definitely don’t want you anywhere near me. You were just a—”

I kissed her.

I had to.

Because I needed the truth—and that lie in her voice? It broke me.

I expected a slap. Or a knee to my groin. Maybe even both.

Instead, she kissed me back.

Her fingers tangled in my hair. Her lips moved hungrily against mine, like she’d been starving for me.

And I knew—she was.

Suddenly, she pushed me back, startled at her own reaction. Shock painted her face like she couldn’t believe what just happened.

I gave her a soft, genuine smile.

“So… that was fake? What are you hiding, Kate? Tell me the truth. I know you still want me.”

She looked at me—eyes wide, guilty. And then, resolve.

This was it. This was the moment.

“Lio, I... I’m s—”

“LIONEY BABY!”

And there it was.

The screech that could wake the dead.

Oh dear lord. Grant me patience... or a grenade.