Chapter 02: Mint And Whiskey

~Lora~

“Mrs. Brown, can you hear me?”

A faint voice stirred me from the darkness.

I blinked rapidly as everything became clear.

“Thank God you're awake”, the nurse said, smiling warmly, relief washed over her.

“What happened?” I asked hoarsely, my body feeling strangely light...numb.

“You collapsed on stage, ma’am.”

On stage?

My mind flared.. Michael... Ivy... blood...

The betrayal was vivid in my mind, too vivid to be a dream.

“Are you… are you sure?” My voice trembled. None of it aligned with what my mind remembered.

She nodded. “Yes, ma'am. Thankfully, you finished your speech before you fainted.”

“Wait... when exactly did I collapse?”

“During your speech at the award winning show, today.” She gently checked my pulse, her touch grounding me.

Today?

No, that wasn’t right.

I remembered having an argument with Michael, my palm across his cheek, and being pushed...

“I didn’t... bleed?” I asked, confused.

She gave a soft laugh. “No, ma’am. Just fatigue. You’re perfectly fine now.”

She handed me my phone. “Your husband’s been trying to reach you.”

My husband?

The man who..

I pinched my arm sharply, the sting was real.

I wasn't daydreaming.

Shaking slightly, I powered on my phone.

The date glared at me: 22nd of June, 2023.

No. Something's not right..

I was sure it should be the 22nd of September, 2024.

“What day is it?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“June 22nd, ma’am,” she confirmed.

Not September.

Not a year later.

“Are you feeling disoriented? Maybe I should check your vitals again,” she said, stepping closer.

“No, I'm fine, I lied, forcing a smile. Can I get discharged today?”

“Yes, but please try to get some rest.” She frowned slightly.

I nodded, and after much examination, she left to prepare the discharge papers.

Immediately the door closed shut, cold air ran through my spine.

Was everything I remembered... just a dream?

I looked at my phone screen again.

My wedding picture with Michael, which shouldn’t be, is still set as my screensaver.

My phone rang, jolting me back to reality. “Hello?” I said, pressing it to my ear.

“Oh my, thank goodness! Lora. You gave me a scare.” The voice sighed with relief.

“James, is it really you?” I asked to confirm it was my assistant.

“Come on, are you still not back to yourself? You know what I'll be down there in an hour; Let me just wrap things up here.”

“Things? Where are you?” I inquired, confused.

“At the club concert. We need to arrange for some of our people to come in.”

“Yeah, I remember. There’s an after-party for all the celebrities and winners.”

“Don’t worry, I exempted your name,” he said, fast.

“No, wait. I’ll attend. Get me a dress, and I’ll meet you at your place.”

“What? Are you sure?” he asked, his voice high pitched than normal.

“Yes, I’ll see you.”

“Oh great, 7pm it is.” He said, surprised but excited, the call ended.

I would be surprised too, if someone had told me I'd say yes to hanging out with actual people.

In a fucking loud place.

But whatever this was….a dream, nightmare, second chance…I wasn’t staying in this bed.

I'll take back my life before I wake up from any of it.

Three hours later, I stood in front of a glass skyscraper.

Although it was dark, the disco lights, chandeliers, and flickering cameras illuminated everything brightly.

"Are you sure about this, Lora?" James asked as I handed him my phone.

"Yes," I replied, smirking. “And please put it on Do Not Disturb."

He looked stunned, but just acted.

I adjusted my red designer slit dress, which revealed my perfect cleavage and curves. The sudden murmurs around me confirmed I had turned heads.

James extended his arm to hold mine, and together we entered the party. All eyes were on us….well, mostly on me.

I tried to exude confidence, but could feel the sweat forming on my palms.

"Wow, glad you could make it, Mrs. Brown. Please turn for the camera. Strike a pose!"

The swarm of paparazzi was overwhelming, yet for the first time, I loved the attention, all the cameras focused on me.

A few minutes later, my legs throbbed from standing in heels, but the adrenaline kept me upright.

I managed to sit at one of the tables in a bar, glancing around, trying to get the feel of everything.

“Someone’s looking all sexy tonight.” I heard a familiar voice and knew exactly who it was.

"George, good to see you again!" I exclaimed as I extended my arms to hug him, surprising him in the process.

George Maculay, a business tycoon and one of my admirers. He had been upset when I chose Michael over him and often nagged about it.

And now his eyes sparkled, and I couldn't help but return it with a broad smile.

"I thought you said you couldn't make it, even had to spam your secretary with emails, which I’m sure you ignored," he started.

Should I call him shameless?

He never stopped wooing me, flowers, gift cards, parcels, which I always turn down.

But maybe now, I might as well accept them all.

"I'm sorry. You know I've been busy with designs, dresses... what's not," I replied.

"I get it…always too busy for me. Where's your husband by the way?" he asked, and my smile flattered instantly, replaced by anger and…maybe disgust.

"Oh, he's busy," I said, sipping my blueberry cocktail.

"You know you don't go anywhere or do anything without him," he cleared his throat. "I'm surprised you came today, wearing this..." He roamed his gaze all over me.

Did I feel guilty for loving the way he looked at me right now?

Not even a little.

"C'mon, George, enough of the Michael talk. Let's enjoy the party," I said as I ordered whiskey for our table.

"Okay, that's fine, gorgeous, if you insist," he grinned.

James had wandered off into the crowd.

The party was lively, and the DJ was playing great music.

But I stood still like a damn statue. Yeah, don't judge, not much of a dancer anymore.

I turned my gaze back to him and couldn’t help but notice how dark and well-trimmed his hair was and how his eyes sparkled in the light.

Not to mention his smile; it was cute and seductive in a way.

I cleared my throat, staring at his lips. It begged for attention.

Was I moving too fast?

Who cares..

My gaze linger on him, and he noticed, for a brief moment, I couldn’t hear the noise around us.

Sly, charming George, he got the signal.

He leaned forward, his warm palm against my cheek.

I tilted my head, meeting him and did the unthinkable.

My lips brushed against his…gentle and soft, he deepened it, a mixture of mint and whiskey.

I swallowed, as his tongue fondled with mine.

I wanted more.

But then, the moment was ruined by the stupid bartender.

"Here’s your drink, ma’am," he said as he served us whiskey.

A sense of guilt washed over me, but I shoved it down my throat. "Uhm, so.."

He leaned in “You're different tonight”

“Am I?...or maybe difficult for you to handle?” I tilted my head.

“No, no. You know I've been dying for this,” he grinned.

I smiled, enjoying the moment.

But then the air shifted, as though someone was watching us.