CHAPTER 1: The Return

"Breaking news today as we witness the official release of Dominic, the renowned young billionaire actor and businessman..."

The television screen glowed brightly in the dimly lit living room.

"...Dominic was arrested last year under heavy suspicion of being tied to an underground mafia syndicate. While claims of murder, intense physical assault, and racketeering swirled around the young mogul, prosecutors failed to produce concrete evidence. Ultimately, he was only charged with a one-year imprisonment and a hefty fine."

Outside the prison gates, the scene was absolute chaos. Thousands of fans and reporters barricaded the streets.

"As you can see, thousands of his supporters and dedicated fans have gathered here today to celebrate his freedom!" The reporter shouted over the deafening roars of the crowd, shoving a microphone toward a crying young woman. "Let's speak to some of the supporters."

"Oh my lord, I am just so obsessed with Dominic!" the woman shrieked, clutching her face. "This entire year of not being able to see him on my screen was pure agony!"

Another fan pushed forward, holding up a massive banner. "I literally abandoned my Christmas Eve preparations! After all, it's just a day away, but I had to come here. Even if he's accused of being a mafia boss, I don't care. He is just too hot!"

The camera panned out, but inside the quiet house, Alec sat frozen on the couch.

The living room was completely surrounded by festive Christmas decorations, the colorful fairy lights casting long shadows against the walls. On his lap, his five-year-old daughter lay fast asleep, breathing softly.

Alec stared at the screen, a bitter, cold feeling settling deep in his chest. Why do you choose to accept a criminal just because he is good-looking? He thought, his jaw tightening. They had no idea what kind of monster they were cheering for.

Back on the TV screen, the heavy prison doors swung open.

Dominic marched out. He wasn't wearing a uniform; he wore a flawlessly tailored, pristine clean suit that screamed wealth and power. Thousands of cameras flashed at once, creating a blinding strobing effect on the screen. Adoring fans screamed so loudly the microphone audio began to crack.

"God, I actually wanted to see him in the orange jumpsuit, he would have looked so hot!" a fan screamed in the background. "But he still looks amazing!"

A reporter broke past the security line, desperately trying to get a word before the billionaire departed in his luxury vehicle.

"Sir! Dominic! What are your remarks about forcefully kissing Detective Alec in the courtroom before being dragged to jail?"

Dominic paused right before the open car door.

Slowly, he turned his head. His icy, piercing gaze locked directly onto the camera lens—looking through the screen, through the miles of distance, and straight into Alec’s living room.

He gave a slight, indifferent shrug. Then, a dark, terrifying smirk played on his lips.

"Hmm... Just..." Dominic’s voice was smooth, dark, and chillingly deliberate. "I'm in love."

Click.

The television was suddenly switched off, plunging the room into abrupt silence.

A sharp spark of terror flared in Alec's eyes. His breath hitched, his lips trembling as the memory of that forced courtroom kiss flashed in his mind. He could still feel the phantom pressure of Dominic's lips and the chilling promise behind them.

But looking down at the innocent face of his sleeping daughter, the panic was quickly concealed.

He forced his shaking hands to steady. Carefully, he scooped his daughter up into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest as he carried her down the dark hallway to bed. With Christmas Eve arriving tomorrow, Alec knew their peaceful sanctuary had just been shattered.