Chapter 2

~Aria~

I sat on a table at the far end of the bar, two bottles of beer and an already almost empty bottle in front of me.

I refilled the cup trying to find solace in the alcohol. If everything was to betray me at least alcohol wouldn't, I thought to myself.

Or would it?

My mind drifted back to the disastrous meeting we just had at the boardroom this evening before I found myself at this bar. I could still see that arrogant smirk on Darren’s face as he told the shareholders I was mentally unfit to lead the company and also a fraud. He had papers. Falsified. Polished. Legal. My own signature had even been forged on those papers.

They clapped for him.

The very people my father hired had turned their backs against me.

I let out a bitter laugh as I gulped down the remaining beer in the cup.

I could feel the room starting to spin around me, blurring my vision as I refilled my cup again and again. I blinked hard and tried to stand up but my legs felt wobbly like jelly, causing me to stumble backwards.

I immediately supported myself with the bar stool, trying to stabilize myself but my hand slipped and I could feel my body going for a heavy fall

Shit

I cursed under my breath.

A firm hand caught me, stopping me from falling and hitting my butt on the ground. I turned abruptly to this stranger and was met with two piercing blue eyes and a lazy smirk that sent shivers down my spine.

Those eyes looked familiar, was that Darren? Had he come to find me? Maybe, Darren had finally realized his mistake and had come to get me.

I tried to get a close look at his face but the flashing lights at the bar weren’t helping as they distorted my vision more.

“ Are you alright?” He asked, his voice low and thick with so much baritone.

Oh no, that isn’t Darren’s voice. I muttered, feeling all my hopes dashed

“What did you say?” The stranger asked again, edging closer to me. I felt his breath on my skin.

“ I-I…” I stuttered, unable to respond to him due to the effect of the alcohol. I staggered a little and leaned against him

His arm tightened around my waist, keeping me steady “Come on, let's get you out of here.”

I shouldn't have obliged. I should have said no, I should have pushed him away

But I didn't, instead I let him lead me out the door.

The night air brushed against my skin, but it did little to clear the haze in my mind.

He guided me into a car, which I assumed was his and he immediately drove out of the bar.

The next thing I knew, I was gently guided into a room.

The room was dimly lit with the moonlight seeping through the window being the only source of illumination.

I could only see a shadow of his face but I could feel his gaze burning into me, the air thick with unspoken tension surrounding us.

He moved slowly towards me, taking me into his arms. I should have stepped back but I didn't.

“I should go” he said, about to turn away from me

“No, please don’t leave me here” I whispered, holding his arm

His lips brushed my neck as his finger traced my arm, trickling down to my waist. He grabbed it gently and pulling me towards him.

My breath hitched, my chest pounded. My body responded before my brain could process anything, arching to his every touch.

I moaned lightly, “hmmm..” as his tongue rolled on my nipple

“You’re mine tonight” he whispered huskily, his lips brushing my ears

And with that, I lost every sense of awareness and melted into his touch.

____________

The sunlight pierced through the blinds across the large French window, burning against my skin.

A soft groan escaped my lips as I pulled myself up to sit on the bed while opening my eyes slowly.

“ Argh” I held my head, feeling a slight headache due to the alcohol I had last night.

My eyes immediately caught onto my clothes lying on the floor. In fright, I yanked the blanket that was hovered over me.

I was naked.

I turned my head sharply to the side but there was no one.

Shit, what have I done? what have I done?

I rushed out of the bed as quickly as I could, throwing my dress on. I dashed out of the room, making sure no trace of me was left behind.

As soon as I stepped outside the hotel, the bustling sounds on the road slapped me back to reality as I raced to the bar.

Luckily my car was still intact at the bar. I jumped in, kickstarted the engine and sped off.

Panic surged through me. My sweaty palms held my steering wheel tightly.

Oh god, what have I done, my chest pounding as I accelerated my car down the road. I raked my hand through my hair, licking my lips to keep them from quivering.

After what seemed to be an eternity ride, I finally reached the mansion, pulled into the garage and headed for the main entrance door.

As soon as I stepped in, I was met with my luggages and belongings thrown out.

My clothes, my shoes, everything was scattered across the porch like garbage.

What the hell?!

Why are my things–

A slow rhythmic clap echoed behind me, I tilted my head towards the direction

And there she was.

Laurel.

Standing with her arms crossed as she leaned against the door frame, her expression unreadable.

“Took you long enough” she slurred, her beautiful manicured fingers tapping against her arm.

“Laurel, what the hell is this?” Seeing her standing there with that annoying smirk on her face made my blood boil. “Why are my things scattered on the floor outside?”

She laughed without answering me, making me arch my eyebrows in confusion. “ Are you going to answer me or not?”

“Oh my sweet loving Aria, you're actually slower than I thought” she said mockingly, walking towards me and stopping abruptly in front of me. “This? This is a goodbye letter”

A goodbye letter? What was she even talking about?

After what I saw yesterday I don't have the time to be exchanging words with a betrayer.

“Move, I want to see Darren”

“No darling, Darren is in our room and I'm not going anywhere”

In our room. I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes for a few seconds to calm the storm raging inside me.

“ Laurel, get out of my way or I'll make you regret it” I said in a threatening voice.

She didn’t budge. She stood straight like a vulture, guarding its nest from invaders. I had never seen Laurel this way. I always thought we had each other's backs, I thought she was my sister.

Another hysterical laughter escaped her lips, hurting more than the first one. “ Omg, you still don't get it?”

I stared at her, a big frown plastered on my face. What was she trying to insinuate.

“You were nothing but a pawn all along”