The sky above had started to spill a gentle drizzle, droplets tapping softly on the hood of Auden’s sleek car. He watched as KitKat, standing just beyond the curb, cursed quietly under her breath while scanning the street desperately for a cab.

“You can hop in here. I can keep you dry and warm,” Auden offered with a cocky wink. She shot him a glare laced with frustration, throwing up her hands like he was an annoying shadow she just couldn’t shake.

“You’re still here?” she muttered, annoyance dripping from her voice.

“Always,” he replied smoothly.

Suddenly, a distant voice called out urgently, “Hey! Where’s that girl? Is that her?!” Panic flickered in KitKat’s eyes, and Auden stiffened, a protective edge tightening his grip on the steering wheel. The fierce, untamed energy he’d seen in her earlier was replaced by tension, and he didn’t like it one bit.

She glanced down at him, and with a slow, teasing smile, he sent her a grin so effortless it made hearts flutter. He could see her resolve melting away.

“Open the door,” she ordered abruptly, striding around the front of the car. Auden’s smirk deepened at her assertive tone as he unlocked the door and pushed it open for her.

She slid inside, slamming the door with finality and folding her arms across her chest like a queen staking her claim. In her hands, she nibbled on a KitKat bar, then turned her sharp gaze toward him.

That look—half challenge, half invitation—was slicing right through him.

“What are you staring at? Drive,” she barked, and he couldn’t help but beam, his foot pressing the accelerator as the city blurred past.

“So, what’s your real name, KitKat?” Auden asked, curious.

She bit her lip, savoring another bite of her chocolate bar. “None of your business,” she replied with a sarcastic sweetness that made him like her even more.

“Are you really wearing a wedding dress?” he inquired, eyebrow raised.

She groaned, making him grin. “I ran away from my own wedding.” The words came easily, but a brief flicker of something darker shadowed her eyes before it vanished. He noted how she pressed her lips together; clearly, the topic hit a nerve.

Deciding not to push, he switched gears. “Where to?”

He secretly hoped she’d say she didn’t know. Then he could suggest she come back to his place. What was wrong with him? Auden had never brought a girl home before—not like this.

“My friend’s place. In Winston.”

The car screeched to a stop on the side of the road. She had finished the KitKat and flicked the wrapper out the window carelessly.

Littering, he thought, frowning but not saying a word.

“Do you happen to have any KitKats?” she asked, eyes already scanning the car’s interior, fingers rifling through the glove compartment and console.

“It’s a two-hour drive,” Auden said dryly, amused.

“Duh,” she rolled her eyes, still searching. “No KitKats?”

“Nope,” he replied. She pouted, her fiddling finally stopping.

“Then I can’t go with you.”

“Fine. I’ll catch another cab.” She reached to open the door.

“Wait!” Auden called, making her pause and turn around, a triumphant gleam in her eyes.

“What?” she asked slyly.

He gathered himself. “I’ll take you there. But...” He raised a finger dramatically, “tomorrow.”

Her brows knitted. “And where will I stay until then?”

“As much as it pains me to admit it...” He grinned. “You’re welcome to crash at my place.”

“Douche,” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “What makes you think I’d stay at your house? You could be a rapist. Or a serial killer.”

“Do you even know who I am?” he asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Why? Have you forgotten?” she shot back, and he realized she didn’t recognize him. Should he tell her he was Auden Don Milson, youngest billionaire, owner of Milson Industries, and often called the most proficient man around? Maybe not the last part.

“I’m Auden,” he said simply.

Her eyes widened, then she blinked and quickly masked her surprise. “Oh,” she said, “you might come in handy.”

“Why’s that?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Well... you know who Auden Milson is, right?” she cocked an eyebrow.

He chuckled silently—he was sitting right in front of her.

“Yeah.”

“So,” she hesitated, “I told everyone I secretly married Auden Milson and ran away.”

He blinked. Then blinked again. Then broke into a wide grin.

“Seriously?” he asked, struggling to keep a straight face. His heart leapt with delight as he bit his lip, holding back laughter.

“Really,” she mumbled. “You and I share the same name. Could be useful.”

This woman.

“So, do you think Auden’s hot?” he teased, biting down on his fist to stop himself from laughing out loud.

“I’ve never met him, but my cousins won’t shut up about him. You should’ve seen their faces when I announced I was married to Auden Milson. Priceless,” she shared, smiling at the memory.

Auden squeezed the steering wheel and turned his gaze to the window, fighting amusement that threatened to spill over. He wondered what would happen when she found out the truth.

“Can we stop and get some KitKats before heading to your friend’s house?” she asked, breaking the silence.

He instantly wiped the grin off his face and nodded. “Sure thing, KitKat.” He swerved the car toward the nearest convenience store.

“Why are you smiling like that? It’s creepy,” she said suspiciously.

“How could I not? I’ve got a gorgeous girl next to me.” He winked, making her roll her eyes but her cheeks flushed a delicate pink.

The rain outside thickened as the city lights shimmered through the wet glass. For once, Auden felt a thrill beyond his usual wealth and power—a connection sparked by unpredictability and wit. As they pulled into the store parking lot, he caught her subtle smile and realized this unexpected night might be the start of something neither had anticipated.