Not The Night I Expected

Sarah POV

My current life situation is more intense and meaningful than any I have encountered before. A year ago, I graduated from one of the most prestigious universities, where I achieved the highest honors in my class, marking a significant academic milestone. Alongside my educational pursuits, I have been in a committed relationship with my boyfriend, John, for the past year. We first met during our senior year of college, and since then, our bond has deepened and become more fulfilling, adding a layer of emotional growth to my life.

I've been anticipating the moment when John would finally propose. With the holidays already underway, I assumed he might do it during this festive season. So, I've been considering the possibility of him proposing at his workplace's Christmas Eve party.

I am confident that John loves me deeply, and I believe that choosing to propose in front of his coworkers will be the ideal moment for him to openly confess his affection. To ensure I make a memorable impression, I carefully selected the most alluring dress I could find, hoping to make John drool with admiration and to capture everyone’s attention as I showcase my confidence and beauty.

Throughout the week, I have been eagerly preparing myself for a moment of pure joy and surprise when the time finally arrives. After a particularly exhausting day at work, I dedicated some time to indulge in self-care, starting with a relaxing manicure and pedicure to ensure my nails look perfect. I also scheduled a wax treatment, a facial, and a professional hairstyling session in preparation for the Christmas Eve party tomorrow night. My goal is to look and feel my absolute best as John gets down on one knee in front of his colleagues. This upcoming event fills me with anticipation, excitement, and a overwhelming sense of happiness that I can hardly contain.

I woke up bright and early on Christmas Eve morning, feeling refreshed and eager to start the day. I began with some light yoga to stretch and center myself, followed by a hearty breakfast to energize for the day ahead. I greeted John with a cheerful 'Good morning,' and he responded warmly, wishing me the same. He also confirmed that he would pick me up around five o'clock in the evening. Although it was still quite early, I knew I had to start preparing myself for the festivities and get everything ready for the celebration. I couldn't help but feel an increasing sense of excitement and anticipation because this was going to be a very special and memorable Christmas Eve party.

The morning and afternoon passed by quickly as if it reached close to 5 o'clock. My phone buzzed with a text from John, letting me know he was downstairs. I looked myself over in the mirror one last time before departing. As I stepped outside my apartment building, John was standing by his car waiting for me. "Hi, baby. How was your day? I asked as he held the car door open for me.

Hello, my love. I hope this message finds you well. Today, my day went quite smoothly, though I must admit I felt a bit nervous as I spoke. Recently, I've been feeling especially anxious and kept some things to myself. I truly believe that once I propose, everything will fall into place, and I won't feel so nervous anymore.

Once in the car John drove off to our destination. I figured the party would be at his office building he works. However, John pulled up to a beautiful banquet hall. I guess his boss went all out. He must be a great boss to rent out a place like this for just a Christmas Eve party. I'm glad I purchased this beautiful dress.

After John parked the car we headed inside the hall to see the wonderful Christmas decorations and the mesmerizing display of lights everywhere. It was breathtaking to see how much effort was put into this party. This was the type of work that I want to do, an event planner. However, I've been stuck as an assistant for an event planner for 8 months now.

Come on, Sarah, it's time to focus and stop daydreaming. I have important meetings with my job board members here, as well as the owner who is present tonight. This is a crucial opportunity for me to present my ideas and aim for a higher position within the company. Do you recall what your role is in all of this? he asked me. "Yes, John, I remember my part," I replied. "Good. Make sure you don't sabotage this for me. Remember, if I succeed, you succeed as well," he emphasized.

Whenever there is some kind of work-related event, John always has me looking the part as an elegant and respectful girlfriend, who says the right things to make him look good. However, I'm always doing those things, so it come easy to do.

John took my hand and led me to the main room everyone should be chatting before the meal is ready to be served. "There they are. the board members. Let's go before they get too busy talking to someone else," John said. We approached 6 men wearing tailored suits, all dressed in black. "Good evening sirs," John began to say. "Good evening," I said next. One of the men that were tall, built with pepper hair spoke. "Good evening. I'm Richard Cohen and who might you be? His attention went straight to me, ignoring John's presents. John cleared his throat. "I'm John Henderson. I work as an Identity and Access Management Engineer at the office and this is my girlfriend Sarah.

"You surely have a beautiful girlfriend," Richard stated and the other 5 men agreed. John cleared his throat once again. I can tell he was getting annoyed. "I would like to have a few moments of your time. I have great ideas for a better software system that will better protect our clients' files," John began to say but one of the other men, who is overweight cut him off. "Excuse me young man. We didn't come here to this Christmas party to discuss work after hours. If you would like to discuss whatever ideas you may have, then take the proper channels to set a meeting with us. Good evening Miss," he said. Then the 6 men walked away.

John watched the men walk away, his gaze cold and distant, as if he was analyzing them from afar. Then he turned sharply to look at me, his eyes flashing with anger, which sent a jolt through my stomach and made me feel nervous and exposed. I hesitated, uncertain of what he might do or say next, my mind racing. Was John angry with me? I blinked slowly, struggling to steady my trembling hands and calm my nerves. "Just great," John began to say, his voice tinged with frustration. This was my only chance to pitch my ideas, yet all the attention from everyone else was focused entirely on you. Why did you have to wear such a revealing dress? You look like a slut," he whispered softly, trying to keep his voice low enough to avoid drawing more attention and escalating the scene. After uttering those words, he spun around sharply and strode away briskly, leaving me standing there alone, feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, as the reality of the moment settled in.

He was the one insisting that I wear this particular dress. It’s not even provocative or inappropriate. Still, he’s so angry with me—why? I honestly didn't do anything to deserve this treatment.

After a while dinner was served but I couldn't find John. I ate at a table full of people who didn't talk to me. Where was John? Once I finished my meal, I went to look for John. A whole hour had passed and I still couldn't find him. Where was he? Why did he leave me alone?

As I was walking quietly along the corridor, immersed in thought, I suddenly heard an odd, unsettling sound. Curiosity compelled me to move closer to a nearby door to better understand what was happening inside, and I listened intently to the muffled moans. Since it was not my business at that moment, I hesitated for a brief instant and then decided to walk away. However, my attention was diverted when I heard someone call out John's name. Intrigued and hesitant, I slowly and carefully crept closer, gently cracking open the door just enough to peek inside and see who was in the room. As I stood frozen in shock, unable to move or look away, I saw John completely naked, engaged in an intimate act with a woman who was bent over the armrest of a couch, him inside her. I had believed he was going to propose to me that very night. I would have never imagined that something like this could happen to me, abruptly shattering my expectations and trust.

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