Crash into love

Her First Kiss

The opulent ballroom froze in awe. Ryder's hands cradled Anya's face. His lips descended, claiming hers. Time suspended. The room's soft chatter, the clinking glasses, the gentle music - all faded. Anya's eyes widened, startled. Her hand instinctively pushed against Ryder's chest. But he drew her closer. Their bodies swayed, lost in the kiss.

The world around them melted. Victoria's malicious grin twisted. Nicolas's eyes widened in surprise. Albert's eyebrows rose. The crowd held its collective breath. Camera flashes erupted. Ryder's companions cheered.
"Ryder! Way to go!"
"Best kiss of the night!"

The room's magic was palpable. Anya's resistance dissolved. Her heart soared for one fleeting moment. She forgot everything, her hesitation, her doubts, her fears. But Ryder's abrupt withdrawal shattered the spell. Anya's eyes locked onto his. A glimmer of hurt flickered. Quickly concealed. A polite smile masked her turmoil. "Sorry," Ryder whispered. His voice low and husky.

Anya's reply forced calm "no need." Tension lingered, thick unspoken words, unmet expectations. The room's attention refocused, whispers spread. "Ryder and Anya - a new power couple?"
"Did they just confirm their relationship?"
Anya's cheeks burned. Ryder's expression remained enigmatic. Their eyes locked in a silent standoff. The night has just begun. And the stakes were higher than ever.

Anya locked herself in the washroom. Tears streamed down her face. She struggled to regain composure. Fixed her makeup. Took a deep breath. "I need to leave." Meanwhile, Nicolas approached Ryder, "Are you two together?" Nicolas asked. Ryder's gaze flickered. A pang of jealousy stabbed. But he masked it, "no, we're not."

Nicolas's eyes sparkled. "Interested in her." Ryder's expression remained neutral. "Just a momentary lapse." Anya, unaware of the conversation returned to the ballroom. Head spinning, emotions raw. She spotted an empty table, and sat down. Ordered a light drink unaware that Victoria had spiked it. The bartender, bribed by Victoria handed Anya the tainted glass.

Anya sipped. The drinks effect crept in. Dizziness, numbness, her inhibitions faded. Ryder searched for Anya. Found her laughing and teetering on the edge of her seat. Nicolas standing close. Ryder's eyes narrowed, possessiveness surged. He strode toward them. "Anya, time to leave."

Anya's gaze lifted. Her eyes locked onto Ryder's. A mix of hurt and anger. "You said we're not together." Her voice slurred. Ryder's expression darkened. "What's going on?"

"Leave me!" Anya slurred. Her words laced with venom. Ryder's face darkened. Nicolas intervened. "Anya, calm down." He gently grasped her shoulders. "Let's get you some fresh air."

Anya shrugged him off. Stumbled. Ryder caught her. "Time to go," he said firmly. He grasped her arm. Anya snatched it back. "Don't touch me!" Ryder's anger flared. "Anya, stop this."

Nicolas stepped in. "Ryder, maybe give her space." Ryder's glare silenced Nicolas. He scooped up Anya, Despite her struggles. She kicked, pounded his chest, "put me down!" Ryder ignored her protests. Carried her outside to his waiting car.

He deposited her onto the seat. Anya's head lolled unconscious. Ryder's expression softened. Concern etched his face. "What happened tonight?" He whispered gently brushing her hair. The driver pulled away.

As they sped into the night. Ryder's phone buzzed. Headlines screamed:
"Ryder's Fake Romance Exposed!"
"Businessman's Reputation Tarnished!"

Ryder's phone rang nonstop. His team struggled to contain the damage. He called his PR department. "Handle this. Now!"

On the other side of the car, Anya's condition worsened. She clutched her stomach. Gagged Ryder's eyes locked onto hers. "Anya, hold on." She lurched forward and vomited.

Ryder softly pulled over. Stopped the car. Rushed to her side but it was too late. Anya's vomit splattered onto Ryder's tailored suit, his face, his hands, he held her steady.

Despite the mess. Concern etched his face. "Anya, oh God." Anya's  eyes rolled back. She slumped. Ryder scooped her up. Cradled her. Called his doctor "get to my place. Now." As Ryder held Anya, vomit - soaked. He realised. This wasn't just a PR crises. Something was seriously wrong.