Chapter 1

While I was waiting to get my job, Dennis Manning reported me for accidentally killing someone a year ago.

I got hauled in for questioning.

Meanwhile, his sister took my spot in my place.

I confronted Dennis, furious.

He just shrugged, totally unfazed. "Fiona is my sister. Of course I'll take her side. And you did kill someone by accident."

*****

After graduation, I'd been staying at home, preparing for my job application.

I passed both the written test and the interview with flying colors.

As long as nothing unexpected happened during the announcement period, getting in was pretty much a sure thing.

To avoid any trouble, I kept telling my parents not to spread the word. I was worried someone might dig up dirt on me and report me while the results were still being announced.

They promised over and over they wouldn't breathe a word to anyone.

Feeling relieved, I shared the good news with my boyfriend, Dennis Manning.

"If nothing goes wrong, I'll get the job," I told him.

There was an unexpected pause on his side.

I figured maybe it was noisy over there and he didn't catch what I said.

I couldn't help but ask, "Where are you? Why's it so loud?"

Dennis chuckled, "Some friends organized a hangout. I couldn't say no, so I just went along."

I pressed, still suspicious. "What friends? What kind of hangout? Where are you guys?"

"It's just a regular night out. Everyone's from the same crowd, just sharing some work talk," he replied.

I couldn't help but frown. "It's not at a bar or something, is it?"

Dennis sounded a bit annoyed. "I'm just out for drinks. Do you have to be so paranoid?"

Then he started whining again. "It's been three months since we last saw each other. You ignored my calls, and didn't message me back. Now you call just to keep tabs on me?

"Blair, is that really the kind of guy you think I am? If you're done with this, just break up with me. Stop overthinking everything. Seriously, you're driving me crazy."

I didn't touch my phone these past few months, just so I could really focus on the job application.

Hearing Dennis complain, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed and looked down.

Once he finished venting, I started coaxing him. "Sorry, it's all my fault these past three months.

"When will you be done? Let me come pick you up, okay? Think of it as me making it up to you."

He snorted. "Honestly, I have no idea when I'll be done," Dennis said.

"It's fine. I'll wait for you. Where are you?" I asked.

Dennis told me the place, then added, "No need, I already brought a driver."

I could only agree for now.

Next moment, I went to change into a new dress, planning to sneak out and surprise him.

After all, we'd been together since university, and I still cared about him a lot.

I couldn't help but feel a little guilty after his complaints.

When I arrived, I was about to ask the front desk which room Dennis and his friends were in when I spotted a familiar face.

"Griffin?" I called out.

Griffin Manning turned around, looking a bit surprised to see me.

"Blair? You're here for Dennis, right? He's in room 6 upstairs," Griffin said.

Griffin was Dennis's cousin, just starting his freshman year of university.

He bore a strong resemblance to Dennis. While Dennis had that handsome, roguish charm, Griffin was much more reserved.

His face still had a touch of youthfulness, and his eyes were clear and bright. He looked more innocent and younger.

I nodded. "What are you doing here? Isn't it a bit late for you to be out? Shouldn't you be at school?"

Griffin gave a sheepish smile, looking a little embarrassed. "Just having dinner with a friend," he said.

With that, he led me upstairs.

He brought me to Dennis's private room, gave me a quick nod, and then headed off.

I knocked on the door.

After a moment, someone opened it.

When he saw me, his bleary eyes suddenly snapped into focus. "H-Hey, Blair, you here for Dennis?"

I nodded.

He stood in the doorway, blocking me from coming in, and I couldn't help but frown.

"Mind letting me through?" I asked.

He seemed to realize he was being rude.

Still blocking the door, he turned his head and yelled inside, "Dennis, Blair's here for you!"

After another moment, he finally slowly moved out of the way.

My doubts deepened, and a bad feeling started creeping up inside me.

When I looked up, Dennis's brows were furrowed, a hint of impatience on his face.

His long, straight legs looked even more striking in those black dress pants, and the matching shirt made him look both reserved and put-together.

Three buttons at the top were left undone, showing off a patch of his well-built chest.

There was a faint flush on his cheeks, but his eyes were strikingly clear.