The thrum of the city's nightlife pulsed through the glass walls of The Pulse, the hottest club in the district.
Darren stepped inside, dressed sharper than ever — a tailored black jacket, crisp white shirt, the kind of look that made heads turn without a word.
He wasn't here to party.
He was here on business.
The room buzzed with laughter, music, and whispered deals.
His eyes scanned the crowd.
Then he saw her.
Layla.
The girl he once loved — the girl who walked away when everything fell apart.
She was laughing, leaning close to a well-dressed man — the son of one of the richest families in the city.
Their eyes met for a split second.
Layla's smile flickered — surprise, maybe even regret.
Darren's jaw tightened.
He pushed through the crowd, ignoring the curious stares.
"Layla," he said, voice low but steady.
She turned, eyes wide.
"Darren? What are you doing here?"
"Same as you, I guess. Trying to survive."
Her laugh was hollow.
"You think this life's easy? You left because it got hard."
He stepped closer.
"No, I left because I had to. But now, I'm back."
The man at her side narrowed his eyes.
"Who's this?"
Layla didn't answer.
Darren caught the challenge in the man's gaze.
He smiled coldly.
"This is the guy you forgot."
Later, outside on the balcony, the city lights stretched endlessly.
Layla's voice softened.
"You've changed."
Darren looked at her.
"Not yet. But I will."
The system pinged on his phone.
[New Mission: Reclaim your past. Influence Layla.]
[Reward: Relationship Bond Unlock.]
Darren smirked.
This game was far from over.