The Night Rose's Entangled Fate: Love and Deception in the Dark

"I've grown tired of you." I patted his fair cheek, delivering my final ultimatum.

"There are people who love me that could fill a stadium. Why should I even spare you a glance? Oh, and by the way, I actually prefer your dad over you."

One day in the future, dressed in black and carrying a white rose, I would go to find him.

He was still foolishly waiting there, hoping to go home with me.

1

"Your drinking capacity isn't great today, huh? Just a little and you're already drunk?"

I couldn't have been bothered to respond, pretending to be tipsy as I leaned on the bar, letting out a soft groan, trying my best to ignore the greasy voices and the wandering hands.

I discreetly dodged and was eager to shake him off quickly.

After all, my favorite show was about to start, and I didn't want to waste my time on this man.

But this man was clearly one of those who didn't know when to stop. Even when given a way out, he insisted on pushing his luck.

I squinted, seized the moment, and stomped hard on his foot with my high heel.

Hearing him squeal, I staggered to my feet, draping my arms weakly over his shoulders, my voice coy.

"Hey, Mr. Smith, I'm really not feeling well today, please forgive me."

Mr. Smith, being a boss, deserved some respect.

After saying this, I ignored his drooling gaze on my back and walked away in my high heels.

I hadn't taken more than a couple of steps when Mr. Smith, emboldened, grabbed my arm. I glared at him, trying to shake him off, but he only tightened his grip.

"Hey, isn't it inappropriate to treat a lady like this?"

I turned towards the voice and saw a boy with striking features and a confident demeanor.

"Who do you think you are, daring to act tough in front of me?"

Mr. Smith, clearly drunk, didn't care who was in front of him and raised his hand to strike, only to have it twisted back by the boy.

I watched the boy's calm expression, chuckled softly, patted his shoulder, and walked past him.

As I reached the parking lot, I could sense someone following me.

"Who's there?" I called out, alert.

Seeing that I had noticed, the person stopped pretending and casually stepped out.

"You're planning to drive after drinking?"

It was the boy who had helped me earlier.

"I can't afford a driver, so how about you give me a ride home?"

"That would be too much trouble. Actually, I'm here on a dare. How about you give me your WhatsApp so we can chat later?"

His face turned a bit red, and he quickly held up a WhatsApp QR code, too shy to even look at me.

I took a closer look. This wasn't a QR code for adding contacts at all!

Suddenly, I felt it was all quite pointless. So, he followed me and helped me offend someone just for a dare?

But this boy, with his fair skin and a slightly eccentric demeanor, was a type I had never come across among all the boyfriends I had dated.

I pointed to his phone, signaling him to take a closer look.

He froze for a moment, then awkwardly fumbled around before giving me an embarrassed smile.

I returned a polite smile, but as soon as I turned away, my expression fell.

Because I saw my boss.

He was the demon of my life, the hell I could never escape. Seeing him always ruined my good mood.

He stood by my car, dressed in black and wearing a mask, making it impossible to read his expression.

I got into the car, turning my face to the window, clearly not wanting to talk to him.

"Your new prey? Your taste has changed."

"A slightly eccentric college student, came to me on a dare." I adjusted my coat, admiring my freshly done nails, and said nonchalantly.

"Whatever you do is none of my business. Just remember what you're supposed to do." My boss spoke in a steady voice, tossing a file folder at me. "Your next assignment."

I opened the folder leisurely, pulling out the paper inside, and couldn't help but click my tongue.

"Though a bit old, he's not bad-looking. Finally, you didn't assign me one of those sleazy men. I haven't been able to stomach fatty meat for days."

"Do your job well, and don't get any ideas you shouldn't have."

He gave me a look, as if trying to read all my thoughts.

"Don't worry."

I gazed into the endless night, smiling faintly.

No one knew the face hidden beneath the heavy makeup.

2

Back home, I turned on the water heater, letting the steam rise in the bathroom.

I kept washing my body and face with hot water.

Heaven knew how much I loathed these two things!

I stared quietly at the pale face in the mirror, often doubting if it was really mine.

I slipped into a loose T-shirt, grabbed a cold beer from the fridge, and lazily lay on the sofa, watching my shows.

"Is there something wrong with the male lead? Why isn't the female lead fleeing? If I were her, I surely would have fled already. Seriously?"

I entertained myself like a fool, muttering to the air, playing out emotional dramas in my head. I was a typical teenager going through a phase.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by a loud knocking at the door.

"Jennifer, you've got some nerve! Open the door!"

Rubbing my buzzing head, I shuffled to the door, opened it, and then flopped back onto the sofa.

I didn't need to look to know who it was. It had to be my mother.

From birth until then, I had always pondered the great question of life. Was I really her biological child?

I had always thought she was a bit off her rocker and had pointed it out sincerely, only to have her yank my hair and curse at me.

I didn't know if other parents were like this, but since I was born, she had been dissatisfied with my face and had even made me lie to get cosmetic surgery for double eyelids.

I grew up under her control. She dictated my every move, even making me undergo plastic surgery at eighteen to become her idea of a perfect girl.

Fortunately, I later found a powerful benefactor who took me out of that hell, only to bring me into another.

He gave me freedom and money, but in return, I had to complete tasks for him. I had to use my beauty to eliminate his business rivals.

My body was never truly mine, but I felt a sense of freedom. I could do whatever I liked, and that made me feel content.

Yet, my mother was never one to be underestimated. She quickly found out where I lived but wisely chose not to disturb my life, only occasionally showing up like today.

"What do you want now?" I asked.

She demanded. "Send me money!"

I sat up immediately, looking at her coldly. "What is it this time?"

She replied. "My new boyfriend needs an investment for a shop."

I stared at her in disbelief. How absurd it was!

"Didn't you already get him a store?"

"That was for another one. Give money." She said, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

With a sigh, I tapped my phone a couple of times and said, "The money's been transferred, Alina. You better open your eyes and see clearly."

Alina snorted, "You are so rude."

Then she left without a backward glance, not caring about how her daughter was doing or where the money came from.

I tidied myself up a bit. I had a task today, and the target was a mature, charming man. I needed to be on my best behavior.

After splurging with a membership card at the mall, I sat elegantly in an upscale café, sipping afternoon tea. I looked up to see a young man who seemed somewhat familiar.

He was being pestered by a young girl, and I couldn't help but think how nice it was to be young.

But why was the target heading my way?

He placed a hand on my shoulder and said seriously, "This is my girlfriend. You've seen her, so we're not suitable."

3

I was a bit surprised but quickly adjusted my expression, smiling at her.

The girl, feeling wronged, turned and ran away with tears in her eyes.

"Hey, you're going the wrong way." I called out in a moderate tone.

The boy gave a sigh of relief, immediately stepped back and said, "Thank you."

"You can relax now." I said nonchalantly, waving my hand and continuing to drink my coffee.

The boy blushed, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.

"Would you like to sit down for a drink?"

I asked, feeling like a caring sister looking out for a youth.

He stammered. "Uh... I didn't mean to take advantage of you earlier."

I waved it off, "It's fine, I understand."

He scratched his head, looking shy.

"Can I buy you a drink?"

"No need. You're just a kid. I can't let you pay."

He said seriously, "I'm not a kid. I'm already 19."

"Where do you go to college?" I asked, intrigued.

He replied, "At NovaTec University."

I commented, "A top student, huh? You look smart."

That was a prestigious university, known for its students with IQs over 140. I had imagined them to be bespectacled, research-focused individuals, not fresh-faced boys like him.

"May I ask your name and where you study?" He asked cautiously.

I chuckled. "You've already seen me at the bar. I'm long past school."

He nodded blankly, raising his phone. "You haven't added me on WhatsApp. Can I add you?"

I smiled politely, adding him to my contacts under his watchful gaze.

"I'm Jennifer Ahmed."

"Hi, I'm Mathew Palmer."

He said with a bright smile. The light was perfect, highlighting his charming dimples.

This kind of boy, how should I have put it? Oh, he was probably the campus heart-throb.

After a few words, he said goodbye, and I saw him head to the cashier, only to scratch his head and leave shortly after.

How silly he was. I had already paid the bill.

Watching him leave, I sighed softly, collecting my thoughts. I was no longer young, past the age of heart-fluttering moments.

My phone suddenly pinged with a message from my boss.

I put on my sunglasses and walked outside, where a black car seemed to have been waiting for a while.

"Is that what you're wearing? My boss asked, frowning.

I shrugged, my eyes twinkling. "I was waiting for you."

His warm fingers brushed against my lips, his gaze dangerous yet captivating. "Perform well, don't embarrass me."

I smiled confidently, looking at him steadily. "Of course not."

I knew trusting him was the right choice. He had arranged for a professional makeup artist and stylist, someone who had previously done red carpet looks for top actresses.

Truly, money talked.

Wearing designer heels and a new long dress, I walked elegantly into a ball. I was like a high-end doll, meant to be displayed in a showcase, even the dust on me would be cherished.

Many men extended their hands, inviting me to dance, but none were my target.

I smiled and waved them off, indicating I was waiting for someone.

Politely declined.

Until the man entered my sight, I squinted at him.

The photo matched the real person. It was time to make my move!