Chapter 001

NORA

It was that time of the year again. The time that everyone goes home for holiday, and I’m not an exception.

The only time that the weather seems to change in a lovely way that one can breathe in some aroma of love, warmth, and comfort.

I love this season; it’s one of my best festivals ever. I can’t miss this for anything, though I have been so lonely through my Christmas period for some while now, but at this moment I’m changing and spicing it up.

I’m going to make sure my holiday is one to remember for good. I’m going to have lots of fun and look back at it and feel so happy. Not when I look back at my past holidays and regret not doing this or that.

This will be different because I’ve planned it out so well.

“Have a nice day, ma'am, and do enjoy your holiday,” the plane waitress said as I stepped down.

“You too, ma'am,” I said back, walking down the plane stairs.

I was finally back in my hometown after years of moving away to Italy because of work; now I’m in France.

“Home sweet home,” I smiled, inhaling the sweet aroma in the air.

“Nora!!!” I heard my name loudly as I turned around and saw my baby sister running towards me.

“Emma?” She pounced on me, hugging me so tightly.

“I have missed you so much!” She tightened her hands around me, almost suffocating me.

“Emma is okay,” I laughed, pushing her off me slightly.

“I’m so glad you’re here, my holiday will be so fun!” She grabbed my luggage and started leading me out of the airport to where her car was parked .

I walked slowly behind her when something caught my attention. A man standing so tall and broad. I couldn’t see his face because he was facing the other direction, but this side portrait of him was enough to drive me crazy.

He had a snake tattoo on his neck with his white sleeve rolled up, revealing his flawless white skin, but there were some tattoos on it, like a cross

Oh my goodness, this profile of him is enough to drive me crazy. Who’s he?

I aimed to walk towards him when my sister pulled me into the car.

“A bigger surprise is waiting for you at home!” Emma giggled, and I hit my forehead.

This girl just ruined it all for me. With her all around me, can I ever complete my bucket list?

Even if she isn’t there, would I be bold enough to even make a move?…No, I’m too shy.

We drive smoothly to the house, but that doesn’t stop my sister from talking over and over. She kept narrating all the scenarios going on at home that I wasn’t aware of.

My baby sis is one hell of a talkative.

“We’re home!!” She screamed, parking in the garage as I got down carrying my luggage, but she snatched it from me.

“Don’t stress yourself while I’m here,” she scolded like an adult before walking in.

“Surprise!!!”

My heart almost leaped out when I met with the biggest surprise in the living room. I wasn’t expecting any of this.

My family, including the extended, was here to welcome me back after three years of being away.

Wow!!

“My baby girl is all grown up!” My mother pulled me into a hug, as they all did.

“Thank you all.” I appreciate them for coming here to welcome me alone, gladdens my heart.

“Why don’t you go upstairs and relax? Today is Mom and Dad's anniversary, a party will be hosted by evening,” Emma updated me, and I nodded.

“Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad.” I pecked my mom's cheeks and then fist-bumped my dad because he normally treats me like a boy, and we’re old-time buddies.

“Oh boy!” I fell on my bed tiredly.

It took me almost a day to get here, and I’m so fucking exhausted. I closed my eyes and slept for a while.

**

“Wake up, everyone has started arriving, and my big sis is still sleeping.” Emma jumped on my bed, and fuck, I will do anything to chase her away for good.

“Nora…”

“Hmm, go prepare my dress for me!” I found an excuse to chase her off, but she didn’t leave.

“It’s here already, wake up.” She nagged, and I involuntarily sat straight.

Oh, I wish it was when I was still staying alone.

“Fine, go. I will change” I immediately headed for the bathroom as she left.

The dress was so fine that I couldn’t help but think my sister took a sneak peek at my bucket list.

This was the kind of dress I wished to wear when I saw him. It was a black sparkling gown with a cut in the front, while the back was open, revealing my back skin.

I tied my hair into a bun while letting some strands down with my lips painted in a shade of dark red, making me appear differently.

Gosh! I was all sexy.

I grabbed my phone and headed downstairs as the living room was filled with people I didn’t quite know or remember.

“Yes, Mr. Wilson, this is my eldest daughter, Nora.” My dad introduced me to an elderly man, and I stretched my hands at him for a handshake.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wilson,” I said with a smile.

“I’m so glad to see the hardworking daughter of Mr. Brown that’s taking the bank company to places…” He complimented me, and I smiled.

I laughed and spoke with them before heading to go grab a glass of wine. After spending some time with everyone downstairs, I walked straight to my room.

I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling when a message popped in on my phone. I glanced at it, and it was my longed not so forgotten stupid ex… Damon.

Can I bring myself to block him?

“So you’re back in town, huh?” His message read, with a laughing emoji and a photo attached.

I opened it, and he fucking sent me a photo of him kissing another girl. Anger surged through me, but I kept my cool.

He’s my foolish ex; no need to get all hyper.

I drop my phone without taking the initiative of replying him. He still thinks I’m still on him because I haven’t moved on for three years now.

What a fool!

I sat straight and decided to make a move. If I can’t do this now, then I can’t do it again.

That ex of mine needs to know that I can pull a trigger. I can make any man fulfill my wish. Now is the time to put my bucket list into action.

I’m done being that good girl they all know of. I grabbed my purse and sneaked out of the house through the back door, heading to that one place I had always fantasized about as a kid.

Down Town Club.