Chapter 2

I stared at him in shock. "You were there?"

"It was the most beautiful Chopin nocturne I've ever heard," he said, walking slowly toward me. The drug's effect made his eyes burn with a dangerous flame. "I've been trying to find that pianist ever since."

My heart pounded wildly.

"Could you... let me hear it again?" he asked, his voice carrying a restrained longing.

I nodded and walked to the piano. The moment my fingers touched the keys, the familiar melody flowed through the gallery.

But this time was different.

I could feel his burning gaze fixed on me, that intense focus making my whole body heat up. The music trembled under my fingertips, carrying an emotion I'd never felt before.

"Beautiful," he whispered when the last note faded. He moved behind me, his voice soft against my ear. "I've waited so long for this..."

His hand brushed my shoulder, his body temperature burning hot. I could feel him struggling to control himself, but the drug was slowly dismantling his restraint.

"May I... hold you?" His voice trembled.

I turned around and met his ocean-deep eyes. In those eyes, I saw desire, restraint, and a tenderness that made my heart skip.

He gently pulled me into his arms, then slowly pressed me against the piano. His burning warmth seeped through the thin fabric, nearly melting me.

"You have no idea how dangerous you are to me," he whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my neck.

The next second, he kissed me.

The kiss was light and gentle, yet carried a restrained passion, as if he were handling the world's most precious treasure. I closed my eyes, letting myself drown in this feeling I'd never experienced before.

"Well, well, well..."

A familiar voice came from the gallery entrance, shattering the beautiful moment.

I snapped my eyes open to see Kris leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, wearing a playful smirk. Vivian and several friends followed behind him, all wearing expressions like they were watching a show.

"I wondered where everyone disappeared to. Turns out you came here to 'appreciate art,'" Kris said slowly, walking in, his gaze sweeping between us.

I tried to push away from the man beside me, but he gently held my hand, not letting go.

"Really didn't expect this, Ainsley," Kris continued, his voice carrying dangerous amusement. "Someone who usually blushes talking to waiters sure knows how to pick her spots."

"Kris..." My voice trembled.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Vivian approached, shaking her head mockingly. "This doesn't look like the pure piano goddess we know. That expression just now looked pretty... enjoyable?"

Her words slithered into my heart like poison.

"Speaking of which, Ainsley," one of Kris's friends spoke up, "did you forget to tell this gentleman something? Like how you were crying in Kris's office just last month, begging to get back together?"

The blood drained from my face instantly.

"Oh yes," another person chimed in, "what did you say then? 'I can change, I can be more interesting' – is this how you're proving it to us now?"

Their words cut like knives, stabbing at my most painful spots.

I felt like I couldn't breathe, wanting to run, but my legs felt heavy as lead. This feeling of being cornered was just like three years ago when Kris first criticized me – utterly helpless.

"But seriously," Kris moved closer, his voice becoming more contemptuous, "this is the first time I've seen Ainsley so... proactive. Guess I underestimated you – change the environment and you're a different person?"

Change the environment and you're a different person.

Those words struck me like lightning. All the painful memories came flooding back—

"You're just too introverted, Ainsley. Look at Vivian, see how she livens up the atmosphere."

"I need a girlfriend who can accompany me to social events, not a decoration."

"Can't you stop being so uptight all the time? Sometimes I really wonder if there's something wrong with you."

These were all things he'd said to me before. And now, he was using the same mouth to say completely opposite things.

"Cat got your tongue?" Vivian asked sarcastically. "You seemed pretty expressive just now."

"Maybe she's shy," Kris's voice dripped with mockery, "after all, it's her first time being watched while 'performing.'"

Tears began welling up in my eyes. I felt the whole world spinning, that familiar suffocating feeling returning.

But then, the man beside me suddenly spoke:

"Enough."

His voice was calm, but carried a chilling coldness. I could feel his body temperature still burning, yet his voice was unnaturally steady.

This contrast shocked me – even under the drug's influence, he was still protecting me.

"Sir, this is a private matter between us..." Kris began.

"Private matter?" The man chuckled softly, slowly turning to face them. Though still holding me, his entire aura changed instantly.

His whole demeanor transformed, becoming cold and dangerous. I could feel the terrifying presence emanating from him, making even me shiver.

"Ganging up on a lady in a public place – this is your private matter?"

His gaze swept over each person present, making them all instinctively step back.

I'd never seen anyone inspire fear with just a look. Who exactly was this man?

"I don't know what your backgrounds are," the man's voice turned dangerous, "but if I hear one more disrespectful word..."

He pulled out his phone and said casually:

"Marcus? It's me. Run a detailed background check on Murphy PR Company."

Hearing him casually mention that name, Kris's expression changed instantly.

"Also, Miss Rodriguez, isn't your father's real estate company currently applying for loans?"

Vivian froze completely.

The scene fell into dead silence.

Everyone realized they had provoked someone they absolutely should not have messed with.

Standing beside him, my shock was beyond words. This man... who exactly was he? Why would he go this far for me?

The massive emotional whiplash from humiliating despair to protected amazement nearly brought me to tears.

"Now, leave immediately." The man's voice was sharp as an ice blade. "If I see you harassing this lady again, you'll face the consequences."

Kris swallowed hard, wanting to say something, but ultimately said nothing. He grabbed Vivian and started heading out.

"Wait." The man spoke again.

Everyone froze in their tracks.

"Apologize to her."

Four simple words, but carrying undeniable authority.

Kris's face turned bright red, but under the man's icy stare, he finally turned to me:

"S-sorry, Ainsley."

His voice was barely a whisper, but in the quiet gallery, everyone heard it clearly.

"Get out."

One word. Kris and the others fled the gallery as if granted amnesty.