365 Days of Him

Chapter 1

Burning Desire

Mary's POV

Being the only child of the CEO of one of the biggest beverage companies in the country meant my life had always been dictated by responsibilities. While other girls my age dreamt about romance and adventure, my world was consumed by board meetings, financial reports, and corporate rivalries.

The company was everything to my father. It was his legacy, his life's work. And now, it was falling apart.

A new rival company had taken the market by storm, stealing our top clients and crushing our sales. The pressure to save my father's empire was suffocating me. Every day felt like a battle, and no matter how much I fought, I was losing.

I sat in my office, my fingers gripping a pen so tightly it nearly snapped. My mind raced through possible solutions, each more desperate than the last.

And then my phone rang.

Stella.

"Hey, Mary! There's this amazing party tonight, and we have to go!" Her voice was filled with excitement. "Come on! You might meet your future husband there!"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Stella, I don't have time for parties. I need to figure out how to fix this mess."

"Oh, please. You're working yourself into an early grave. Just one night, Mary! One night to let loose! You deserve this."

I hesitated. The truth was, I couldn't remember the last time I had done something for myself. Everything revolved around my father's company. Maybe... just this once?

"Alright," I relented. "But just this once."

"Yes!" She squealed. "I'll send you the address. Don't be late!"

When I got home, my father was in his study. I knocked, stepping inside.

"Princess," he greeted, opening his arms for a hug. "You look exhausted. How was work?"

I sank into his embrace, my voice weary. "It's bad, Dad. No matter what I do, I can't fix this."

He sighed, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Mary, you've done all you can. Sometimes, you need to step back and breathe. You're a young, beautiful woman. Enjoy life a little."

I hesitated before saying, "I'm going to a party tonight."

His eyebrows shot up. "Well, that's a surprise."

Then he smirked. "Just make sure you use protection, and if you can, find yourself a rich, handsome man while you're at it."

"Dad!" My face burned as I stormed out of the room, his laughter echoing behind me.

---

The dress I chose was bold, scarlet red, hugging my curves like a second skin. The sleek fabric shimmered under the light, accentuating every line of my body. My long brown hair cascaded in soft waves down my back, and my makeup was subtle but alluring.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, suddenly unsure. Was this too much?

Before I could change, my phone rang.

"Don't even think about backing out!" Stella warned.

I sighed. "Fine."

The driver took me to the address she sent-a high-end bar on the far side of the city, the kind of place where only the elite gathered.

As I stepped out of the car, a chill ran down my spine.

"Oh no. What have I gotten myself into?"

Inside, the atmosphere was electrifying. Dim lighting, low bass thrumming through the walls, and expensive perfume lingering in the air. Stella found me immediately.

"Mary, you look incredible! Every guy in here is going to lose their minds!"

I groaned. "I don't want to be the center of attention."

"Too late," she said, dragging me toward the bar.

I ordered a drink-one drink turned into two, and soon, the stress of the past weeks began to melt away. My body felt lighter, the music more inviting.