Yoongi's sleek black car pulled up to the entrance of an extravagant mansion. The high-end party he was taking Valentina to was hosted by one of his business associates, a prominent figure in the corporate world. Tonight, though, it wasn’t about business or contracts. It wasn’t about their BDSM arrangement or the intense roles they played in the privacy of their home. Tonight was simply about enjoying themselves, about being together in a setting where none of the complexities that usually surrounded their relationship would intrude.

Valentina sat beside him in the car, her hands resting nervously in her lap. She wore a stunning, off-the-shoulder black dress that clung to her curves in all the right places, her hair styled elegantly to frame her face. Yoongi, ever the composed CEO, looked sharp in a tailored suit that accentuated his lean figure. As he glanced at her, he couldn’t help but admire how breathtaking she looked. There was something about her, the way she carried herself with quiet confidence despite the nerves she felt, that always left him in awe.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Yoongi said softly, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand.

Valentina smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Thank you, sir.”

Yoongi chuckled, shaking his head. “Tonight, just call me Yoongi. We’re here to have fun, no roles, no rules.”

His words reassured her, and she relaxed a little as the car came to a stop. The chauffeur opened the door, and Yoongi stepped out first, offering his hand to help Valentina out of the car. She took it, stepping into the cool evening air as they made their way toward the entrance of the mansion. The sound of soft classical music drifted out from the open doors, mingling with the chatter of guests already inside.

As they entered the grand foyer, Valentina was struck by the sheer opulence of the place. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the room. The guests were dressed in their finest attire, mingling around the open bar and buffet tables laden with gourmet dishes. The atmosphere was one of luxury and refinement, and Valentina found herself a little intimidated by the grandeur of it all.

Yoongi, however, was perfectly at ease. He guided her through the crowd, nodding politely to a few familiar faces. He kept a protective hand on the small of her back, a silent gesture of reassurance that reminded her she wasn’t alone in this unfamiliar setting.

“Let’s get a drink,” Yoongi suggested, leading her toward the bar. He ordered a glass of whiskey for himself and a champagne for Valentina, handing her the delicate flute once the drinks arrived.

They found a quiet corner to stand in, away from the bustle of the main crowd, and sipped their drinks in comfortable silence for a moment. Valentina looked around, taking in the sights and sounds of the party. It was a different world from the one she had grown used to with Yoongi. There was no intensity here, no power dynamics at play. Just two people enjoying an evening out together.

“You’re doing okay, right?” Yoongi asked, his voice soft as he leaned closer to her.

Valentina nodded. “Yes, it’s just…a lot to take in. But I’m fine. I’m glad to be here with you.”

Yoongi smiled, pleased with her response. He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, his touch gentle and affectionate. “Good. I want you to enjoy tonight. No pressure, no expectations.”

Valentina’s heart swelled at his words, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment settle over her. This was new territory for them, but it felt right. She liked seeing this side of him, the side that was gentle and relaxed, free from the weight of their contract or the intensity of the pleasure room.

But, as the evening wore on and they moved through the crowd, something shifted. As they made their way toward the buffet table to grab a bite to eat, Yoongi suddenly stiffened beside her. Valentina noticed it immediately, the way his posture changed, the slight narrowing of his eyes as he looked ahead.

Following his gaze, Valentina’s heart sank. A tall, striking woman was walking toward them, her expression cold and calculating. Valentina didn’t need to ask who she was—she had heard enough about Yoongi’s past to know that this was his ex-submissive, the one who had been texting him incessantly, the one who had betrayed him in ways he still hadn’t fully explained to Valentina.

“Yoongi,” the woman greeted, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Yoongi’s jaw clenched, but he remained composed. “I could say the same to you, Mayra.”

Valentina stood frozen beside him, unsure of what to do. She wasn’t prepared for this confrontation, especially not at such a public event. Mayra’s eyes flicked toward her, and Valentina could feel the weight of her gaze, cold and dismissive.

“And who’s this?” Mayra asked, her tone laced with condescension. “Your latest…distraction?”

Valentina’s stomach twisted at the way she said it, as though she were nothing more than a temporary plaything. Yoongi’s expression darkened, his protective instincts kicking in.

“This is Valentina,” Yoongi said firmly, his voice hard. “And I’d appreciate it if you showed her the respect she deserves.”

Mayra let out a sharp laugh, her eyes narrowing as she looked Valentina up and down. “Respect? For her?” She shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “I doubt she even knows what you like. Or maybe she’s just a replacement for what you lost.”

Yoongi’s hand tightened around his glass, his temper barely in check. “Mayra, that’s enough,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Valentina is none of your business, and I won’t tolerate you speaking to her like that.”

Valentina’s heart raced, her palms growing sweaty. She had never seen Yoongi this angry, and it unsettled her to see him so riled up. She wanted to say something, to defend herself, but her voice seemed caught in her throat.

Before Mayra could say anything else, Yoongi took a step closer to Valentina, wrapping his arm around her shoulders protectively. “We’re leaving,” he said to Mayra, his tone final.

As they turned to walk away, Mayra called after them, her voice cutting through the air. “She’ll never understand you the way I did, Yoongi. You’ll regret this.”

Yoongi didn’t respond. He led Valentina away from the confrontation, his grip on her tightening slightly as they made their way toward the exit. Valentina could feel the tension radiating off him, but she remained silent, not wanting to push him while he was clearly upset.

Once they were outside, Yoongi let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair. He turned to Valentina, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

“I’m sorry about that,” he said quietly. “She had no right to speak to you that way.”

Valentina shook her head. “It’s okay. I understand.”

But Yoongi frowned, clearly not satisfied. He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “No, it’s not okay. You deserve better than that. I won’t let anyone disrespect you, not even her.”

Valentina smiled softly, touched by his words. She leaned into his touch, feeling the tension between them ease. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Yoongi sighed, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Let’s get out of here. Just the two of us.”

Valentina nodded, her heart fluttering at the thought of spending the rest of the night with him, away from the party, away from the drama. As they walked back to his car, hand in hand, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the way he had stood up for her. Despite the challenges they faced, there was something undeniable between them—a connection that went beyond contracts and roles.

And tonight, that was all that mattered.