As the ambient music in the riverside cafe softly faded, the two gently pulled back from their intimate proximity.
Divya's face had turned a deep, flushed crimson, looking as beautiful as a rosebud about to bloom. Touching her burning cheeks, she could feel her heart beating frantically against her ribs.
Why did I lose control just now? she thought, slightly dazed.
She had never seen herself act so boldly before; this was a complete first. Just a moment ago, she had entirely abandoned the strict, conservative etiquette drilled into her by her elite business family since childhood. She had ignored the gazes of the other patrons and acted purely on her own desires.
And the feeling of finally taking off that heavy mask was truly wonderful!
Today felt like the happiest, most indulgent day of her entire twenty-four years of life. And all of it was because of the Indian guy sitting across from her.
Divya suddenly looked up. She bit her lower lip, staring at Rahul, and summoned an unprecedented wave of courage to ask him the one question burning in her mind:
"Rahul... do you... do you have a girlfriend?"
Rahul snapped out of the mesmerizing trance of the sunset. Hearing her question, he smiled and shook his head. "No. I'm single."
Suddenly, Divya let out a soft, joyful laugh, her upturned red lips making her perfectly white teeth stand out even more. She didn't ask anything else, instead smoothly changing the subject.
"Rahul, I'm so incredibly happy today. Thank you for staying with me to do things I've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try."
Rahul leaned back, a warm smile on his face. "You're welcome. But I should be the one thanking you for bringing me to see such beautiful scenery."
Divya thought back to the smooth compliment Rahul had given her when he first got into the car. Not knowing where this sudden surge of flirtatious courage was coming from, she tilted her head and asked:
"Then tell me the truth. Right now, compared to this sunset... which is more beautiful?"
"You, without a doubt," Rahul replied instantly, his deep voice unwavering.
Divya felt an electric thrill race down her spine at her own boldness and his immediate answer. She grabbed Rahul's hand and stood up from the table.
"Come on, Rahul. I'm going to take you to see another beautiful sight."
Acting exactly like a young, carefree girl on her first real date, Divya pulled him back toward the wooden pier and onto the long-tail boat.
They returned to the mainland and got back into the Panamera. This time, her ankle feeling significantly better, Divya insisted on driving while Rahul sat in the passenger seat.
"Where are you taking me now?" Rahul asked curiously.
"Home first, to change clothes. Then we'll go to a restaurant. I've booked an amazing spot; I promise you'll love it."
As she spoke, Divya stepped on the gas, and the Panamera roared out of the parking lot. The sudden G-force pushed Rahul back into the plush leather seat, making him instinctively grip the safety handle.
Looking at Divya—who was currently radiating an energetic, joyful aura completely different from the intimidating CEO he had met hours ago—Rahul couldn't help but feel his heart flutter. This was the first time he had met such a multifaceted, compelling woman. Being around her was incredibly comfortable, lacking any of the toxic pressure he was used to.
Thinking of this, Rahul mentally opened his System interface.
Sure enough, a notification flashed: [Karma Target Engaged: +1 Charm Point. Total Proficiency: 6 Points.]
Half an hour later, Divya pulled the Porsche into the private, ultra-secure garage of a high-end luxury apartment building in Thong Lo—Bangkok's premier wealthy district.
The people living in this enclave were exclusively global elites, expatriate executives, and embassy diplomats. Looking at the palatial, minimalist renovation and the priceless modern art decorating her penthouse, Rahul had to re-evaluate just how wealthy Divya's family truly was.
"Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right out," she said, disappearing down the hall.
When Divya finally emerged from her master bedroom, Rahul was genuinely stunned into silence.
She was wearing a breathtaking, backless black evening gown with an aggressive, high-fashion design. The neckline was cut elegantly low, revealing her well-defined collarbones and a tasteful hint of cleavage.
Her neck, as graceful and white as a swan's, was adorned with a vibrant, heavy Thai-style ruby necklace. The blood-red jewels acted as the perfect finishing touch, instantly elevating her aura to something incredibly aristocratic and charming.
Seeing Rahul's dazed expression, Divya gently pivoted her body.
As her crystal stilettos turned, the gown revealed her flawless, sculpted back, looking as smooth as pale jade under the warm apartment lighting.
"Does it look good?" Divya asked, her sharp phoenix eyes looking at him boldly.
"It looks incredible," Rahul said sincerely, finding his voice.
"I actually designed this piece myself, but I never dared to wear it out in public before. It felt too... daring," she confessed softly. "You are the very first man to see me wear it."
Rahul slowly walked up to her and, like a true gentleman, extended his arm. "Then it is my absolute honor."
Divya smiled, naturally wrapping her arm around his. "Let's go. We aren't driving tonight. I want to have a real drink with you."
By the time they left the building, the sky had turned completely pitch black. Bright, neon lights illuminated the sprawling Bangkok city center.
When Rahul and Divya stepped out of their private VIP transport at the 56th floor of the King Power Mahanakhon—the famous "Pixel Building"—the staff at the 3-star Michelin restaurant were visibly stunned by their celestial appearance.
The hostess and waiters genuinely thought a Bollywood power couple was visiting the establishment. But no matter how hard they racked their brains, they couldn't figure out which movies they had starred in. Seeing their elite aura, the restaurant manager personally rushed over to receive them, leading them to the best table in the house.
Every man in the dining room subtly stared at Divya, while the women couldn't take their eyes off Rahul.
At the same time, everyone lamented in their hearts: How could there be such a perfectly matched, impossibly attractive couple in the real world? The women looking at their wealthy but average male companions suddenly felt a sharp pang of disappointment!
Finally, the two took their seats on the outdoor glass terrace.
Before them lay Bangkok's glittering skyline. Half of the metropolis was in full view beneath them, an extraordinary sea of lights stretching to the horizon.
"How is it, Rahul? Do you like the view?" Divya asked, looking at him affectionately in the dim, romantic lighting.
"I love it," Rahul answered truthfully. "To be honest, it's my first time eating at a place like this."
Divya loved his straightforwardness and total lack of pretension. She didn't want a man who constantly tried to flex fake wealth. She raised her glass of vintage red wine and took a deep, elegant sip.
Rahul set his camera aside and raised his own glass to meet hers.
After finishing her first glass, a soft, flushed redness bloomed on Divya's cheeks, and the alcohol helped open her heavily guarded heart.
"I'll be honest with you, too. It's my first time here as well," she confessed, swirling the deep red liquid in her glass. "If it weren't for you, I would have never found the courage to dress like this and sit here tonight."
"You made me take off my mask today. You let me experience the actual joy of freedom. Tomorrow... tomorrow I have to throw myself back into the corporate meat grinder. I'll have to put that thick mask back on and pretend to be cold and untouchable again. I just want to prove myself to my family's board so badly."
Saying this, Divya raised her glass to take another heavy drink.
As a qualified, empathetic listener, Rahul reached out and gently clinked his glass against hers. "Even cold, unfeeling machines need downtime to avoid burning out, Divya. Let alone a person."
"Sometimes, letting your guard down and just allowing yourself to be happy isn't a weakness. It's necessary."
The corners of Divya's mouth curled up into a stunning, unguarded smile.
"You're right," she whispered. "So, I want to completely indulge myself tonight."
"Cheers!"
After a few more expensive glasses of wine, Divya was completely relaxed.
As the saying goes: the colder the woman usually is, the more wildly passionate her heart burns when the ice finally melts. At this moment, Divya's eyes were visibly glossy and blurry as she stared deeply at Rahul.
Rahul could clearly see that she was drunk. He stood up from his seat, moving to her side of the table.
"Divya, let's stop drinking for tonight. I'll take you home."
But instead of standing, Divya suddenly reached up, wrapping her arms tightly around Rahul's neck. She pulled him down, her warm, wine-scented breath brushing against his ear as she whispered:
"Rahul... I want to be bold for myself one more time."
"The luxury hotel is just downstairs. I've already booked the penthouse suite. Take me there."