The air was cool as he walked confidently down the street, his hand intertwined with the woman beside him. Her laughter rang in his ears, light and carefree, but it didn't quite reach him. His focus was elsewhere, scanning the streets with the calm awareness that came with years of commanding respect and power. Behind him, his men followed in silent precision, their presence enough to remind anyone who he was—a man who owned three companies by day and ruled the dark underworld by night.

They approached a popular restaurant, the line stretching down the block. He didn't stop, nor did he acknowledge the murmurs of protest as he bypassed the crowd. Rules were for other people. Not him. His every step radiated authority, and no one dared to challenge him.

As they reached the entrance, he glanced casually to his left, just a flicker of movement catching his eye. That's when he saw you.

His heart stopped for a split second, his breath catching in his throat. Time seemed to slow as he stared at the face he hadn't seen in three years—attractive, hot, you. You had changed so much. Gone was the woman he once knew, replaced by someone even more captivating, your presence now radiating with confidence and power. Memories flooded his mind—your smile, your laugh, but you were no longer the same. This version of you was sharper, more self-assured, commanding attention in a way he hadn't anticipated

The initial shock widened his eyes, but he quickly masked it. Years of experience in hiding his emotions took over, and a smirk crept onto his lips. He tightened his grip around the woman's waist, drawing her closer to him. If you noticed him, you wouldn't see the momentary weakness. You'd see him as untouchable, just as he wanted to appear.

But inside, chaos raged.

Why were you here? Was it a coincidence, or had fate decided to play games with him? He hadn't expected to see you again, much less like this, when he was on someone else's arm. It didn't matter that he was wealthy now, more powerful than you could've imagined when you were together. None of it mattered at that moment. Seeing you brought back everything—resentment, longing, regret, and something deeper that he wasn't ready to name.

He forced himself to look away, his smirk growing wider as though the sight of you didn't affect him. He wouldn't give you the satisfaction of knowing that you still had the power to unnerve him. Wrapping his arm possessively around the woman beside him, he walked into the restaurant without another glance.

But even as he moved forward, the image of you stayed with him, haunting him, and for the first time in years, he felt like the ground beneath him wasn't as steady as he thought.