CHAPTER 2

Evan's POV

{ 3 Years ago }

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“Evan, wake up! Just because your exams are over doesn’t mean you can sleep all day. Did you forget you planned a trip with your friends?”

Mom’s one hand shook me while the other switched off the fan and AC.

“Mom, I’m awake. Please, close the window—the sunlight’s annoying,” I said, yawning and rubbing my eyes. But she opened the windows anyway.

“I’m awake, aren’t I, Mom?”

“I don’t want to hear excuses. Take a bath and come down for breakfast.”

She left the room, and a few minutes later, I heard her laughing with Dad. It made me smile—I was glad my parents were happy. And I was happy too. I had passed the college entrance exam and gotten admitted to the biggest university in another city.

It was my dream university. My high school friends and I had promised that once we all passed, we’d go on a trip to an island for two weeks. This trip was going to be amazing.

I got out of bed, stretched, and rushed into the bathroom. After my shower, I ate breakfast and started packing. Mom and Dad helped too—Dad had even taken the day off to spend time with her.

Just as I finished packing, a notification popped up in our group chat.

[Friend 1: Umm… guys. I know we planned this trip, but my girlfriend wants the two of us to go alone… so I’ll go with you next time.]

My heart sank. He was the one who arranged all the tickets, and now he was ditching us for his girlfriend. What a jerk.

“What happened, Evan?” Mom asked, noticing my expression.

“You know my friend—the one who organized the trip? He’s going with his girlfriend instead. He said we’ll go next time,” I explained.

Mom and Dad exchanged a look.

“Why don’t you go on a solo trip to another island?” Dad suggested.

And suddenly, I lit up. I had never thought of traveling alone before. Couldn’t that be fun?

“Yes! Great idea, Dad. I’ll go on a solo trip!”

Mom frowned with worry. I was thinner than most boys, and no matter how much I worked out, I couldn’t gain muscle. I was short too. But Dad reassured her, saying, “He’s a man. He’ll be fine.”

I searched online until I found Blue Heaven Island. The pictures showed water glowing like blue crystal at night. I even booked a small villa for myself—I was going to stay more than a week and enjoy every moment.

After everything was ready, I left—first a bus, then a boat with other travelers heading to the island.

I felt thrilled. Nervous too, but mostly thrilled. This was my first solo trip.

After a few hours, the boat docked. I stepped onto the pier and hopped into a taxi bound for the seaside resort.

As I sat in the passenger seat, looking around, my attention snagged on a sleek black car with tinted windows so dark I couldn’t see inside.

Probably someone rich, maybe even a celebrity, I thought.

But then the window slid down, and a pair of eyes stared straight at me.

They were terrifying. I couldn’t see his whole face in the darkness, but those eyes looked almost inhuman—like a demon’s.

I quickly turned away, fixing my gaze on the road. My chest tightened as I realized the car was still beside us.

“Uncle, could you drive faster? I’m in a hurry,” I told the taxi driver. He nodded and pressed the pedal.

As we overtook the black car, I dared another glance. This time, I saw the man’s face. He was strikingly handsome, but his expression was icy—so cold it sent shivers through me.

Dark hair, dark eyes, sharp features… and all of it terrifying. He kept staring at me even as we passed.

When the resort finally came into view, I sighed in relief, pushing the encounter from my mind. It was nothing more than a momentary meeting.

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My villa wasn’t very big, just a simple resort space. I had only booked one room, but apparently, the rest of the villa was already reserved by someone else. I didn’t know who—and I didn’t want to know.

Since it was already evening, I showered and changed into a loose white T-shirt and black shorts.

With my phone in hand, I locked the room and stepped out.

And froze.

The same man from the car stood near his vehicle.

Don’t tell me… he was staying here too?

Earlier, I had only seen his face. Now, I saw his full figure. He was even more intimidating in person.

A navy-blue suit, crisp white shirt, polished leather shoes. His tall, broad frame and commanding posture made him look like a mafia boss—or someone just as dangerous.

But wait—why was I so scared? He wasn’t doing anything. He was just… looking at me. Maybe his gaze was naturally intense. I couldn’t let fear get the better of me.

Taking a deep breath, I hurried toward the dining area.

A waiter approached with a polite smile.

“What would you like to eat, sir?” he asked, handing me a menu.

“Mhmm… could you recommend something popular here?”

He suggested a few dishes, and I placed my order.

As I waited, I glanced around. Most of the tables were filled with couples or groups of friends. Almost no families.

It would’ve been nice if my friends were here. We could’ve enjoyed everything together. But being alone wasn’t so bad—just boring. I wasn’t introverted, but it always took me time to open up to new people.

When the waiter returned with my tray, I was relieved. At least I wouldn’t have to sit there hungry.

The table was set for four, but I sat alone. I picked up my spoon and took a sip of chicken soup.

Delicious. Absolutely heavenly.

I was busy eating when suddenly—

Someone slid into the seat beside me.

The moment his hand clamped around my shoulder, my body froze. My eyes darted toward him—and my blood turned cold.

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