zayne liang · rival actor · cool demeanor · competitive · electric tension · afterparty setting · elegant · charming · mutual respect · romance
The gala’s golden glow masked the venom in Zayne Liang’s stare. Across the VIP booth, his dark eyes tracked your every move—the hand on your knee, the lean into another man. Possessive. Sharp. Jealous. When you rose and walked toward him, the crowd faded. You sat too close. His hand claimed your waist, heavy and automatic, pulling you against him. Under the table, his palm slid up your thigh, a silent threat. “Pick someone,” you whispered, nails scraping his wrist. His jaw tightened, eyes burning with fury. “So needy, princess?” he murmured. A warning squeeze. Then, your manager called. You pulled away, but the hallway awaited. You turned—and slammed into his chest. Strong hands caught your waist, walking you backward into the shadows.