Chapter 1 - Teaser: The Beginning of a Dream has been completed. (The Narcissist)

The neon lights of the nightclub flickered in rhythm with the heavy bass. It was one of those nights that felt like anything could happen. Kim, feeling out of place but urged by friends to let loose, leaned against the bar nursing a drink. That’s when he saw her—Jessie. She was magnetic, her laughter echoing above the music, her every movement commanding attention.

Jessie approached Kim with a confidence that left him disarmed. Her eyes locked onto his, and within moments, she had drawn him into her orbit. They danced, talked, and laughed like they’d known each other forever. By the end of the night, Kim felt like he had stumbled into something extraordinary.

In the days that followed, Jessie opened up about her life. She spoke of her young son, William, a bright-eyed boy who was her world. She painted a grim picture of her past, describing her ex-partner as a dangerous, drug-addicted gang member. “I just want a safe life for William,” she confided, her voice trembling. Kim, ever the people pleaser, felt a surge of protectiveness. He vowed to help her, to be the man who could offer her and William the stability they deserved.

Jessie’s charm was undeniable, but it was her vulnerability that hooked Kim the most. She knew how to use it. Her touch lingered just a second longer than necessary, her words carefully chosen to make him feel special. The intimacy they shared felt like a dream—one he didn’t want to wake from. Jessie’s sexuality was a powerful tool, and she wielded it with precision, solidifying her place in Kim’s heart. One night, after a long day when Kim was visibly stressed, Jessie appeared in the doorway wearing nothing but an oversized shirt. She leaned against the frame, her voice soft and inviting. "Let me take care of you," she said, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that melted away his exhaustion. Moments like these weren’t rare; they were calculated. She used her allure to make him forget her cutting words from earlier, to ensure he would keep prioritizing her needs over his own doubts. It worked every time, leaving Kim entranced and more devoted than ever.

Kim’s friends noticed the intensity of their relationship and occasionally voiced their concerns. “Doesn’t it seem too perfect?” one asked. But Kim brushed it off, attributing their skepticism to jealousy or misunderstanding. He was in love, and love, he believed, meant trusting and supporting the person you cared about.

In hindsight, the signs were there. Jessie’s stories didn’t always add up. Her ex, who she claimed was a constant threat, never seemed to materialize. There were subtle inconsistencies in her narratives, but Kim, blinded by his emotions, dismissed them as unimportant. Jessie had a way of steering conversations, shifting focus, and making Kim feel guilty for even doubting her.