Morning fog drifted lazily around the foothills of Windstone Mountain, wrapping the small village of Vensona in pale mist. Wooden houses lined the narrow road, and trekkers gathered with backpacks, laughter echoing between stone walls.
Kevin stood near the village gate.
He wore a simple trekking suit—clean but unremarkable. Round, plain glasses rested on his nose, hiding tired eyes that had learned to endure far more than they showed.
"Kevin!"
Before he could react, a strong arm pulled him into a hug.
Malone laughed loudly. "Damn, man, you're finally here!"
Kevin stiffened for a second, then relaxed. "Good to see you."
Malone stepped back and clapped his shoulder. "You look thinner."
Kevin smiled faintly. "Work."
Malone didn't push further. He knew.
"This is Emily," Malone said, pulling a girl closer. "My girlfriend."
Emily smiled gently. "I'm glad you came, Kevin."
Her tone held genuine concern. She knew about his parents. She knew how quiet his life had become afterward.
Kevin nodded. "Thanks."
Malone gestured toward the others. "Two more guys, three girls—everyone's chill."
Not everyone was.
Martin leaned against a jeep, sunglasses still on, despite the fog. He glanced at Kevin once and sneered.
"So this is the famous hardworking officedog Kevin?" Martin said lazily. "Looks… plain did you just came from office ."
Ruby stood beside him, arms crossed, eyes sharp. " looks like you did not even money to buy a set of decent clothes ."
Kevin heard them.
He didn't respond.
Years of humiliation had taught him silence was cheaper than pride.
The trek began.
Windstone Mountain was steep, the trail narrow and unforgiving. Cold wind brushed past them, carrying the scent of pine and stone.
Martin walked ahead, laughing loudly.
"Careful, Kevin," he called back. "This isn't your office chair."
Ruby added coolly, "Don't slow us down."
Kevin kept walking.
Emily slowed her pace and walked beside him. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. "They are very rude to you ."
"It's fine," Kevin replied calmly. "I'm just here to enjoy the mountain."
Emily studied him, then nodded. "You're stronger than they think."
Kevin didn't answer.
He didn't feel strong.
By nightfall, they reached the resting point—a wide open platform carved into the mountain. Lanterns were lit, and the mountain glowed faintly under starlight, as if breathing.
A bonfire crackled.
Wine bottles were opened.
Someone started singing. Someone else clapped badly to the rhythm.
Laughter filled the air.
Kevin stood at the edge of the light.
Since his parents died, he avoided crowds. Avoided noise. Being alone was easier.
Emily noticed.
She walked over, holding a glass. "Just one," she said softly. "For tonight."
Kevin hesitated, then accepted.
The wine burned lightly, warmth spreading through his chest.
Malone joined them, already tipsy. "No hiding tonight," he said, pulling Kevin forward. "Dance."
"I don't dance," Kevin said.
"Yes, you do."
The music grew louder.
Under the alcohol's effect, something loosened inside Kevin. He removed his glasses, ran a hand through his hair, letting it fall messily. He stepped into the firelight.
At first, his movements were awkward.
Then—free.
Laughter escaped him.
For the first time in years, Kevin smiled without forcing it.
Others joined. Even Martin stopped mocking but clearly his eyes buring with jealousy. The mountain wind howled softly, as if watching.
Ruby didn't dance.
Her eyes stayed fixed on Kevin's face—without glasses, sharp and unfamiliar. Something unreadable flickered in her gaze.
Late at night, the fire dimmed.
One by one, people went to their rooms.
Kevin walked unsteadily, alcohol finally catching up. His vision blurred. He pushed open a door without looking.
The room was dark.
A woman slept on the bed, wearing simple pajamas. Moonlight outlined her figure sexy and cold .
Kevin froze.
He tried to step back—but his foot caught the rug. He stumbled forward.
The woman woke suddenly.
Her eyes widened.
She gasped.
In panic, Kevin reached out to steady himself. His lips brushed hers by accident—warm, brief, shocking. kevin wanted to enjoy that sensation a little more when i slapped came across his cheeks
Smack.
Pain exploded across his neck.
Lights snapped on.
The door burst open.
"What's going on?!"
Kevin staggered back, alcohol haze gone instantly.
The woman stood upright now, eyes blazing with fury.
Kevin's heart dropped.
"Elisa…?"
Silence swallowed the room.
Elisa jones the domineering CEO of the Windwood corporation and also the ruby's aunt. she also jas a title " tigeress jones " due to her strict personality and cool aura.
Ruby stared in disbelief" Aunt , what happened here ?.
Martin's lips curled into a cruel smile" hah , That bastard clearly here trying to humilate madam jones do not worry mam i will thow that ant to the prison and break all his bones .
Malone looked horrified. "Kevin… what did you do?"
Kevin bowed deeply, voice hoarse. "I'm sorry. I walked into the wrong room. I lost my balance. This is entirely my fault."
Elisa studied him coldly.
"You should be careful," she said slowly. "Especially when you're nothing more than a lost dog ."
Her words cut deeper than the slap.
Kevin straightened, humiliation burning in his chest.
"I understand," he said quietly.
Outside, the wind roared against Windstone Mountain.