WHERE HATE MEETS HEART

Finally arriving at the club, she sighed, already sensing this was going to be a long night.

At the entrance stood two large bodyguards, and even from outside, she could hear the heavy bass of the music thumping through the walls. As they stepped inside, the place was lit with vibrant, colorful lights but to her surprise, it wasn't as crowdy as she expected. That allowed her to relax a little.

She and Abby headed straight to the VIP area and ordered some drinks.

Abby clapped her hands together. "Okay, we're not going to sit here all night. We need to get down there and dance!"

She was about to argue that it was better to stay putnespecially since she couldn't dance sober, when something, or rather someone, caught her eye.

It was him.

The guy she'd stepped on earlier that day.

Now dressed in a blue shirt and black trousers, he looked different… less irritating, more composed. Still annoying, yes but also surprisingly attractive.

What a waste, she thought. Such a fine face ruined by bad manners. I guess the saying's true, you really can't have it all.

Before he could turn her way, she instinctively ducked her head, turning slightly so he wouldn't see her. She didn't even know why she was hiding. She hadn't done anything wrong. If anything, he was the one who bumped into her without apologizing. Still… she wasn't in the mood for drama.

Noticing how uncomfortable she suddenly looked, Abby raised a brow. "What's wrong? Are you drunk already? That was fast. I knew it's been a while since you last drank, but dangmyou're rusty. Or wait… are you making up an excuse to go home early?"

Rolling her eyes, she sighed. "I'm not drunk. It's just " she paused, unsure if she should tell Abby.

Abby leaned in. "What? Talk to me. You know I'm responsible for you tonight."

Before she could start her classic Abby-style nagging, she blurted it out. "I may or may not have... purposely stomped on someone earlier today because he bumped into me and didn't apologize. And now… he's sitting across from us. I don't know if he recognizes me."

Abby blinkednand then burst out laughing. Not a quiet giggle, but a full-on cackle.

"I always thought you were the calm, collected one between us. Who would've known you were just like me? Birds of a feather really do flock together!"

She groaned. "I'm asking for help and you're over here talking about birds. Besides, you corrupted me. I knew I should've stayed away after seeing the way you terrorized that poor boy in high school."

"Oh wow. For someone who wants my help, you sure are mouthy," Abby shot back with a playful smirk.

Meanwhile, at a nearby table, a man dressed in a blue shirt sipped his wine, barely paying attention to his friends' conversation. His mind was stuck on that girl the one who had stepped on him on purpose.

He had caught a glimpse of her earlier that day and he was sure he hadn't seen her before so he was quite confused by her sudden attack . He didn't know her name, or why she did what she did, but it definitely irritated him.

A laugh from across the room pulled him from his thoughts, and his gaze shifted instinctively. There she was, dressed in a black off-shoulder dress, arguing animatedly with her friend.

That was her.

Their eyes met.

She visibly froze, her eyes widening as she realized she'd been spotted. Then, like prey caught in the hunter's gaze, she quickly turned away and ducked again.

That reaction… it made him smile.

But the smile didn't last long.

He stood up intent on going over to confront her.

Still bickering with Abby, she decided to sneak a glance toward his table, only to realize he was no longer seated.

He's coming over.

Panic surged. "Abby, we need to go. He's coming."

"Who's coming?" Abby asked, turning her head casually only to see a tall, handsome guy walking toward them.

Before she could tease her friend, she watched her grab her bag and make a break for it.

"I'll call you when I get home!" she called out over her shoulder.

"Wait! What the hell are you doing?!" Abby shouted after her, but she was already halfway down the stairs and to Abby's surprise, the guy was following her.

From his angle, he'd seen her glance at him and then bolt. Without thinking, he followed. He didn't even know why. Maybe curiosity. Maybe annoyance. Maybe a little of both.

As she ran, she kept glancing behind her and he was still following.

What is this guy's problem?! she screamed internally. Doesn't he know when to quit?

Determined to lose him, she dove into the crowd on the dance floor, weaving through dancers and pushing past people. The music pounded in her ears as she searched for another exit. And finally, she saw it an Exit sign glowing above a side door.

Without hesitation, she pushed through and stumbled out into the cool night air.

Gasping for breath, she leaned against the wall and tried to calm her racing heart.

Then she heard his voice.

"I just want to talk to you. Why are you running?"

Her eyes widened. He followed me?! She turned sharply, annoyed and alarmed.

"What is wrong with you? Don't you know when to give up?"

Before she could run again, he was already too close.

Fine. Maybe talking it out was better. She didn't think there was anything he could say that'd be worse than what she'd just endured.

"I'm not running. I'm going home. I don't even know you—why would I run from you?" she said defensively.

He smirked. "You seemed to know me pretty well when you stepped on my foot earlier."

He took a step closer.

She instinctively stepped back.

Too far back.

Suddenly, there was no ground beneath her feet and with a loud thud, she fell into a hole.

His eyes widened as he rushed forward. He hadn't even seen it there. By the time he reached her, she was on the ground, groaning.

"Hey! Are you okay? Give me your hand I'll help you up," he said, reaching out. The hole was deep but thankfully not dangerous.

"Ow! I can't. My anklenit's twisted! And this is all your fault!" she hissed, pain and anger mixing in her voice. "Why were you even chasing me?!"