Chapter 3: Shot

I drove the car away from the restaurant, eager to escape the emotional turmoil and the allure of Lester's persuasive words. Avoiding the homely solace, I sought refuge at a resto-bar, hoping to drown out the heartache, if only for a moment.

Opting for a seat directly in front of the bartender, I requested, "One tequila, please," determined to numb the ache within me. Without a second thought, I downed the shot swiftly, signaling for another without the customary lemon—what bitterness could match that of my shattered heart?

As the bartender set down the fresh shot, I tossed it back in quick succession. My requests grew incessant, each shot fueling a sense of haziness until I felt the edges of intoxication.

"Waiter, one more, please," I murmured, my vision growing blurred.

The bartender, sensing my inebriation, shook his head before reaching for the glass. Just as he made a move to retrieve it, a man's hand intercepted, drinking the shot unabashedly.

"Hey, that's my drink!" I protested amidst hiccups.

"You're drunk," the man stated in his assertive baritone.

I chuckled, raising my head gradually to meet his gaze. "And who are you?" I slurred, blinking to clear my vision. Despite the glaring lights obscuring his features, I discerned his tall stature and chiseled jawline.

As our eyes locked, my heart leaped erratically.

"Where do you live? I'll take you home," he offered softly.

"Who are you to take me home?" I retorted, gently nudging his sturdy chest. His physical strength was evident.

"You're not in a state to drive. Let me help you," he insisted, settling the bill with the bartender before turning to me with unwavering resolve. "Come, I'll take you home."

In my inebriated state, I acquiesced, following him. Before we could depart, we encountered Lester, visibly taken aback by our presence.

"Baby, what's going on?" Lester's demeanor shifted upon seeing the man beside me. "What have you done to my girlfriend?" His tone brimming with hostility, he lashed out, landing a punch on the man next to me, who defensively retreated.

Stunned by the sudden turn of events, I interjected, "Stop it, Lester!"

In the ensuing chaos, the man retaliated with a blow, causing Lester to stumble backward. With tensions escalating, poised for further conflict, I stepped in between the two men, determined to prevent further escalation.

"F*ck! I said stop!" I exclaimed with all my might.

"Margaux, can't you see? That man was trying to take advantage of you!" Lester countered.

"He was simply offering to take me home," I clarified, frustrated at having to justify myself to him.

"Did you agree? What if he has ill intentions?" Lester's eyes widened in anger.

Fed up with his interference, I retorted, "You no longer have a say in my life. We're over. You have no right to dictate who I'm with!" Full of fury, I didn't linger for his response. Taking the man's hand, I swiftly led him out of the bar.

Once in my car, I allowed him to drive, providing directions to my condo. As we neared the destination, fatigue and the effects of the alcohol overtook me, and I drifted into a slumber. A gentle shake roused me, prompting me to find myself gazing into the man's captivating brown eyes. The warmth and light in his gaze left me flustered, my cheeks flushing under his stare.

"Where are we?" I inquired, attempting to deflect his gaze.

"We've arrived at the condominium you mentioned," he replied in a soft tone.

Clearing my throat, I averted my eyes, murmuring a brief affirmation. Stepping out of the car, disorientation caused me to lose balance, leading me to lean into his broad chest. His firm grasp steadied me, his touch igniting a rush of sensations as I almost instinctively leaned into him.

"Are you alright?" he whispered near my ear.

Momentarily captivated by his enticing scent, I hesitated before brusquely pushing him away. "Yes, of course, I'm fine!" I asserted, striving to maintain composure.

As I began to move away, his grip on my elbow halted me. "You're still intoxicated. Which floor is your unit on?" he inquired, his gaze fixed ahead.

Glancing at his long fingers gripping my elbow, I felt a tremor run through me. His touch was warm, evoking a mix of emotions.

"On the fourth floor," I replied hoarsely, leading the way to my condo unit. Throughout the brief journey, I couldn't help stealing glances at him. Tall and undeniably attractive, his slightly disheveled hair did little to diminish his allure.

Feeling a flush of heat rise within me, I averted my gaze as we arrived at my condo door, opening it wide.

"Please come inside. Would you like something to drink? Coffee, water, or juice?" I inquired, offering a warm smile.

"Coffee would be perfect," he replied in a subdued tone.

Nodding swiftly, I made my way to the kitchen while he settled in the living room.

Returning with his coffee, I found him gazing at the pictures of Lester and me adorning the wall. Clearing my throat, I placed the coffee on the glass table, interrupting his contemplation.

"Here's your coffee," I interjected.

Glancing back momentarily, he then refocused on the pictures. Intrigued, I inquired, "Is there something amiss with the photos?"

"No, nothing," he responded, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Perplexed, I pressed, "What's amusing you?"

"I find it puzzling why your wedding didn't proceed. You two seem perfect," he remarked, taking a sip of the coffee before settling on the sofa.

Puzzled and slightly concerned, I furrowed my brow. How did he know about my failed wedding with Lester?

"Was it in the news? How did you learn what happened?" I queried, exhaling deeply.

"No," he swiftly replied, a smile dancing on his lips.

Perplexed by his knowledge, I pressed, "Then how did you come to know about our wedding?" Though indifferent to his response, I was curious to uncover the source of his information, especially as we were strangers.

Drawing closer, he stood mere inches away, his presence arresting. "Don't you recall me?" he murmured, his warm breath grazing my ear, stirring a surge of emotion. "I was the man you shouted in the middle of the road. Remember?”