Chapter 1

The thumping bass from the massive speakers rattled Rian’s chest, syncing with his heartbeat that was already racing from alcohol and adrenaline. Purple and green laser lights sliced through the darkness of the VIP room in Jakarta’s most exclusive nightclub, illuminating the arrogant smirk on the nineteen-year-old’s face.

"Rian! You are the man, bro!" shouted Dika, a friend who was more like a noisy shadow attached to Rian. Dika raised his crystal glass high. "Our Sultan tonight!"

Rian laughed—a loud, triumphant laugh. In his hand, he held a limited-edition gold bottle of Armand de Brignac. The price of that single bottle could cover a full semester's tuition at a top university, but to Rian, it was just a starter drink.

"We’re not done yet, Dik!" Rian yelled over the blasting music, signaling the club attendant. "Bring five more bottles! Spray them on the floor if you have to—we’re celebrating tonight, no holding back!"

Several attractive young women in heavy makeup and skimpy outfits immediately wrapped their arms around him, giggling brightly and leaning into Rian’s arms. There was Vania, Clara, and a few other faces whose names Rian didn't even care to remember. They smiled at him with sparkling eyes, but Rian knew exactly what they were looking at. They weren't looking at Rian the young man. They saw an unlimited credit card, a sports car in the parking lot, and a lifestyle they could piggyback on.

And Rian? He was completely fine with that. To him, women and friends like Dika were accessories—just like the Rolex watch on his wrist or the G-Wagon he drove last night. Tools to show the world that he was at the top.

"You're amazing, Rian," Vania whispered, her fingers playing with the collar of Rian's silk shirt—a shirt that cost as much as a manager's monthly salary. "Are we going to your villa in Puncak tonight? I really can't wait."

Rian smirked, about to answer, when his phone vibrated violently inside his trousers pocket.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the latest-model smartphone. The screen lit up brightly, cutting through the dimness of the room.

Incoming Call: Dad

Rian let out a sharp scoff, a wave of annoyance rising in his chest. His peak mood was suddenly ruined. He knew exactly what that phone call was about. His father was definitely going to tell him to come home early, or at the very least, lecture him about responsibility and the future. As if my future isn't already secure with the family business waiting for me, Rian thought dismissively.

Without a second thought, Rian swiped left on the screen, rejecting the call. He then set his phone to silent and tossed it carelessly onto the leather couch in the corner of the room.

"What was that, babe? Who called?" asked Clara, who had been watching Rian's reaction.

"Just my parents. Boring," Rian answered casually, pouring the remainder of his expensive drink into a glass filled with ice and lemon slices, purely to show how little he valued luxury. "They always want me to come home early. They don't get that their son is busy enjoying life."

Dika laughed in agreement, slapping Rian's shoulder. "Damn right, bro! While we're young, while we still have dad's money! We can worry about the company when we're old. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" the others chimed in, clinking their glasses together.

Rian straightened his back, taking in the crowd inside the VIP room. He felt like a king. He felt untouchable. His parents' money flowed so heavily into his bank account, making him feel that the world was his personal playground. He had never known what it felt like to be hungry, had never known what it felt like to be chased by debt, and most certainly, had never known what it felt like to lose everything.

Out there, on the dark and rainy highway, a luxury car was speeding through the heavy downpour. Inside, his parents were fighting off sleep and the slippery road, carrying a birthday cake for Rian, hoping to surprise their only son at home.

But Rian didn't know that.

Rian only knew that tonight the music was loud, his drinks were expensive, and he was the center of his own universe. He raised his glass high, smiling broadly toward the disco lights.

That night was the night Rian felt like the king of the world.

He had no idea that the crown on his head would shatter into pieces before the sun came up.