Chapter 5

They arrived at the venue right on time stepping into the lively ambiance with smiles as they approached the birthday celebrant.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Ramada, here's my gift for you. I hope you like it." Darius said, gesturing to Hezekia. She stepped forward and handed out the gift.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Ramada," she said with her sincere smile as she handed the present.

"Wow, thank you so much, Mr. Hidalgo, and also your date tonight is very beautiful," he said and gave a meaningful look to Darius.

Darius glanced at Hezekiah, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Yes, she is. She looks stunning today," Darius replied, flashing her a warm, charming smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Ramada for the compliment," she shyly said.

"You're very welcome. I'll go great with a few more guests, but please enjoy yourselves!" he said leaving them to enjoy the evening's event.

"Let's go let's find our seats," Darius suggested as they walked toward their table and settled in.

As they sipped their wines, Darius leaned in, his eyes twinkling "Mr. Ramada likes you Ms. Patterson" Darius said as they sat in the chair and started to drink the wine.

Hezekiah raised an eyebrow. " What are you talking about? " She felt the urge to nudge him playfully.

"Oh, nothing," Darius teased. "He just admired how beautiful you are tonight. Although between us, you don't look stunning in my eyes."

"Oh, really ?" She shot back, pretending to be offended." Then I guess I'll ignore you for the rest of the night!".

Darius just continued to drink the wine in front of them while Hezekiah just got some dessert and continued to eat and sipped a little bit wine wine. Just then Mr. Ramada went to the stage, tapping his glass with a spoon.

"Good evening, everyone thank you for being here today to celebrate my special day with Richard from near or far. It's wonderful to have each of you here all my visitors let's enjoy every moment. Make new memories and celebrate this day together once again. Welcome and make this day to remember." They applauded and everyone raised their glasses in toast, Darius caught Hezekiah's Eyes. The connection is different and the warmth in his gaze was a little bit intense but Hezekiah did not care about it and sat.

The music changed to a slow, romantic tune. Darius extended his hand to her " Care to dance?"

Hezekiah hesitated for just a second then placed her hand in his. Led her to the center of the dance floor, their hands interlocking. his other hand, rested then gently on her waist as they moved in sync with the soft rhythm.

"You know," he whispered, leaning close, " I never thought I'd see you dress up like this. You look like ...well like someone out of a dream."

She looked at him, meeting his gaze, her heart skipping a bit. " Maybe it's the effect of the liquor you drink, Mr. Hidalgo."

" Maybe, I think so, I drank too much," Darius said and both of them laughed and continued to dance as the music finished dragging her somewhere.

"What are you doing? Where are we going?" Hey curiously asked.

“Just come with me,” he said, leading her outside. He and Hezekiah made their way through a set of glass doors leading into the garden. The night air was cool, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves, and the quiet sound of the party faded into the background.

Just as they reached the edge of the garden path, Darius stopped abruptly. He squinted ed noticing two figures hidden in the shadow beneath a tree, engaging in what looked like a heated conversation. Darius took Hezekiah's hand without a word, guiding her over to a nearby tree, where they were covered, hidden by the shadows.

Hezekiah whispered, "What's going on?"

"I'm not sure," Darius replied quietly, his eyes fixed on the couple "But.....I think I know the girl."

The man has his back turned to them, but the girl's face is fully visible. She looked familiar a little too familiar just Darius' eyes widened in shock. It was his girlfriend.

The man leaned closer to her and she didn't hesitate, leaning in too until their lips met in a lingering kiss, Darius' expression hardened, and he felt his sudden ache in his chest. He turned his would look just a surprise, her hand still lightly clasped in his.

Before she could say anything, he whispered, "Let's go out of here."

Darius led her back into the hotel without looking back. He didn't stop until they reached his assigned room for the night. Closing the door behind them with a soft click. Darius moved into a mini bar, pouring a generous glass of whiskey for himself and a glass of wine for her. he handed her the wine and sipped it.

She watched him quietly sensing the storm of emotions beneath his calm moment she spoke softly, "Why you did not stop them? You should have punched the guy and confronted your girlfriend."

He Lets out a low chuckle, but there is no humor in it." I have a plan, Hezekiah. But first I need proof he pulled out his phone and scrolled through the photos and video until he found what he was looking for." I recorded the whole thing," he said, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the screen, "I'm going to make them pay for what they did."

Hezekiah's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You recorded it? Are you sure that is a good idea?"

“It’s a great idea,” he replied, his voice low and determined. “But right now, I need a drink to calm down.” He poured himself another glass of whiskey, then filled hers again. “Let’s drown our sorrows for a bit.”

As they sat together, the noise of the party faded into the background, and the warmth of the alcohol coursed through them, loosening their inhibitions. The initial shock of the revelation began to wear off, replaced by a growing sense of camaraderie.