STOLEN HEARTS AND A DANGEROUS OBSESSION
Prologue
*. Almost two years of graduating college and Lily Morozova has not been able to secure a job, although incrediblely smart, career driven and industrious, not to mention she had killer looks, lily could not hold down enough to take care of herself. Then it all changed when she met Dominc Volkov and her world turned upside down, trying to defy the intense feelings between then and also hiding from the world outside, both of them fall in a love-hate relationship with building passions and the dangerous nature of the Mafia underworld.
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### Chapter One: *The Encounter*
The ballroom shimmered with opulence, every surface glinting gold under the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. Dominic Volkov strode into the heart of the gathering, his presence commanding attention as the low hum of conversations paused, heads subtly turning to steal glances. He had spent years perfecting this persona—the untouchable billionaire, radiating power yet cloaked in mystery. Tonight, he wasn't here for indulgence or charity, despite the gala's pretense. He was here for reconnaissance. Deals were struck in shadows, and Dominic always ensured he controlled the light.
Across the room, Lily Morozova adjusted the pearl-studded cuff on her wrist, the borrowed adornments unfamiliar against her skin. Her invitation to this exclusive gala had been a last-minute decision, courtesy of the firm hiring her as a consultant for a behavioral project. Her sharp mind rarely faltered, but here, among the elite, she felt the tug of imposter syndrome. Nonetheless, her hazel eyes were sharp as she discreetly observed the guests. The billionaire's world was far from hers, but she knew there was always more beneath the surface than polished smiles and tailored suits.
Dominic noticed her almost instantly. She didn't belong here. Not because she lacked beauty—on the contrary, her auburn waves framed a delicate yet resolute expression—but because she carried an air of purpose, scanning the room as if searching for answers rather than basking in luxury. He made a mental note, his curiosity unexpectedly piqued.
Their paths collided under the guise of coincidence, near the edge of the ballroom where conversations melted into privacy. Dominic's sharp gray eyes met Lily's golden-hazel gaze, and for a moment, the world seemed to contract, leaving only the two of them.
"You don't look like someone here for the champagne," Dominic remarked, his voice smooth as silk yet edged with an almost predatory curiosity.
Lily straightened, her professional instincts kicking in. "And you don't seem like someone who needs an introduction."
Dominic smirked. Direct. Refreshing. He liked that. "Dominic Volkov."
"I know." Her reply was simple, yet her tone carried the weight of an acknowledgment that didn't fawn over him like most others. She resisted the pull of intimidation and held her ground—a rare occurrence in Dominic's world.
For the rest of the evening, Dominic found himself watching her from the periphery, intrigued not only by her presence but by the questions her existence sparked. Who was she, really? And why did he feel as if she'd stolen something intangible from him—a moment, a breath, a thought he couldn't pin down?
Lily, unaware of the storm brewing in Dominic's mind, felt an unease she couldn't shake. There was something about him—his composure, his magnetism—that drew her in but warned her at the same time. It wasn't love at first sight; it was a dangerous gravity, pulling her toward an unknown that felt both thrilling and treacherous.
As the gala ended, Lily stepped outside into the brisk night air, eager to leave the world of wealth and secrets behind. But as she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being followed—not physically, but mentally. Dominic Volkov had stolen a part of her tonight, and though she didn't know it yet, her life would never be the same.
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