Lustful Paradise

However, though it seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves at this magnificent event, there was one person who stood apart from the crowd—the beautiful young woman named Victoria was alone and lost in thought on the large balcony overlooking the expansive garden with the bright lights illuminating the fountain and paved walkways that led into the distant darkness of the night.

Standing at the railing, Victoria leaned over the ornate marble banister of the balcony as her face was outlined by the light behind her, making her skin glow.

Wearing an off-the-shoulder red dress with a slit on the right side that ran the full length and reached almost up to her hip, she looked alluring even in her solitude. The halter-style top came together at the center of her chest, and with its large cutout on the midriff, it provided a view of her cleavage and exposed the curves of her waist.

Her dark flowing hair fell down to cover the bare skin of her back, left exposed by the low dip of the dress, enhancing her sensual appearance and adding a touch of elegance. A couple of long gold earrings graced her ears while a heart-shaped pendant hung from her delicate neck.

On her feet, she wore high-heel sandals made of thin straps that crossed over the tops of her feet and twisted around her ankle and heel. A couple of expensive bracelets on her wrists added to the glamour of her attire.

But while everything else about her radiated splendor, Victoria\'s expression wasn\'t as bright as anyone would expect from a stunning young woman hosting a grand party at her mansion.

Even though everyone was present here at her invitation, she was lost in thought while the party moved forward without her.

Just a few minutes ago, she had greeted guests with a radiant smile and laughter, but now she was here alone with nothing more than a melancholic face.

Even though this celebration was thrown for her successful business venture, happiness was far from her mind, and her thoughts only dwelled upon the absence of her boyfriend Jason, whom she was supposed to introduce as her fiancé at the party.

Yes, this event was supposed to be extra special for them. They had both been waiting for this moment for so long and finally decided to announce their engagement together to the world.

Unfortunately, something urgent came up in his schedule last minute, and he couldn\'t show up, which broke her heart.

"That idiot... why couldn\'t he make it? How could he ditch his girlfriend on such an important day? Why is he always off to work for some stupid investigation whenever I need him?" Victoria bit her bottom lip in annoyance, thinking about the man who should\'ve been standing by her side. "And here I was, looking forward to enjoying the evening in his arms on the night that would mark the beginning of our happily ever after..."

She let out a sigh, closed her eyes, and felt the light, cool breeze brushing against her exposed skin, hoping it would provide some solace from her miserable situation. It did soothe her somewhat, but no amount of relief could truly cure her loneliness, especially since her parents hadn\'t come to the party either.

"They were always against our relationship, saying I made the wrong decision in choosing him. But they don\'t know anything." Victoria scoffed and looked down at the garden with a determined expression. "If it wasn\'t for him saving me from kidnappers when I was traveling, who knows what would\'ve happened to me? He is a brave man with a strong sense of justice. Maybe he has his flaws, but so does everyone. Nobody\'s perfect. So why does it bother my family so much?"

Of course, no one could give her the answer she sought, as no one was there beside her.

But sometimes, help comes when it\'s needed the most. In her case, the help came in the form of her handsome friend, Richard, who opened the balcony\'s glass door and stepped out to check on her.

"Victoria, why are you standing here alone?"

Hearing his voice, she snapped out of her thoughts and turned around to face him, giving a small smile that didn\'t reach her eyes.

"I was just... a bit tired and thought some fresh air would do me good. That\'s all." Victoria explained half-heartedly with a tone that betrayed her true feelings, but before Richard could say anything, she continued by changing the topic. "In any case, what about you? Shouldn\'t you be busy enjoying yourself with beautiful women flocking around you? It\'s an open secret that there isn\'t a single girl in our circles who hasn\'t gone to bed with you yet."

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The young man with golden locks, deep blue eyes, and the posture of a tall, lean figure, wearing a luxurious Italian suit, let out a gentle chuckle and stepped closer to her while shaking his head at her question.

"I am not interested in meaningless flings anymore, Victoria. And I thought I had already told you about it, no?" Richard replied with a warm expression. "Besides, there are more important matters in life, aren\'t there? For example, to enjoy this accomplishment of yours alongside your dearest friend. Isn\'t this something worth being present for rather than getting distracted by pretty ladies?"

These words managed to bring a genuine smile to her lips. At least that much was enough to melt her sadness somewhat.