Two

Nina's POV

Wanna escape?" Frida’s question didn’t even land before I quickly accepted.

"Yes," I breathed, the word rushing out of me as my mood felt better instantly. "Yes, Frida, get me out of here."

"I am shifting the car into drive so slip out through the side terrace by the gardens. The guards are too busy kissing his billionaire ass to notice you. Move, now!"

I shoved the phone into my small purse and hurried to my closet to change into a dress and quickly brushing my hair, before hurrying out of my room with my heart pounding hard against my chest.

I didn’t stop until I slipped through the terrace and quickly slipped into Frida’s car, with no one merely noticing.

The moment I shut the door, Frida hit the gas and set the car into motion and it was in a matter of seconds before the estate disappeared from behind us.

As she drove farther away, I slumped against my seat and covered my face with my hands, as fresh tears sprang to my eyes.

Frida kept one hand on the steering wheel and reached over with the other to rub my shoulders in a soothing way. She had known of my love for Liam for the longest time so she knew exactly how I was feeling.

"I’ve got you, babes," she said in a calm tone. "I am going to help you feel better, I promise.”

It took about twenty minutes before the car finally pulled to a stop and it was no other place but ‘The Vibe,’ which was a high-end club that only those of high status could actually get to enjoy.

Under normal circumstances, girls like us would be turned away immediately since we were alone, but Frida was a legal associate for the firm that handled the club's assets and she bypassed the massive queue entirely by flashing a digital security pass to the bouncer, who immediately moved to the side and granted us access.

The moment we got inside, we were immediately swallowed by the loud music and swarm of sweaty bodies that were having fun on the dance floor.

Moving through the bodies, Frida dragged me straight to the bar while shouting to get the bartender's attention due to the loud music. "Two double shots of tequila! Now!"

A while later, the bartender presented our drinks and I didn't hesitate before grabbing my glass and chugging its contents down. I winced as the harsh liquid burned down my throat but I didn’t back down, I needed this.

"Another!" I yelled, pushing the now empty glass towards him.

"That’s my girl," Frida shouted back, ordering a round of martinis to follow.

Four drinks in and my vision was beginning to get hazy as I slowly began to relax. I forgot about Liam and the wedding as I moved my head to the music and simply enjoyed myself.

Feeling good, I turned my stool around and leaned my elbows against the bar to survey the dancing crowd as I contemplated going to dance. As I watched the dancers, my eyes drifted upwards towards the VIP section and when they settled on a figure, I froze.

Sitting quietly in one of the VIP sections was no other person, but Liam.

He looked devastatingly handsome, wearing a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone, with his hair looking messy and stunning at the same time as I watched him take a sip of his drink. My heart ground painfully as I couldn’t believe he was only a few walks away.

I had spent so long running and hiding away from him but now, with the alcohol in my veins, I began to wonder ‘what if I just go up there?’

‘What if I walk up to him, look him in the eye, and tell him that I’ve loved him for a whole year? What do I have to lose when he’s already gone in two days?’

Feeling a sudden burst of courage, I got off my stool and took a deep breath before turning towards the VIP section, but before I could take a step, I saw a figure walk towards him and I froze immediately.

It was Anya.

She wore a backless, silver dress that caught every single eye in the room as she catwalked over to him and straddled his lap, wrapping her legs on either side of him before wrapping her arms around him.

Liam didn't pull away but instead, his large hands pulled her in. I watched in horror as Anya leaned in and kissed him passionately, making my little hope shatter completely.

As I watched them, a bitter taste filled my mouth by how perfect they looked. I was nothing like Anya, that was why he chose her.

I was always pushed to the side.

Unable to bear the sight anymore, I turned around and ignored Frida’s concerned gaze, before bolting for the restroom so I couldn’t break down in front of everyone.

The moment I burst into the restroom, I rushed to a stall and collapsed over the toilet, before retching and vomiting hard until there was nothing left in me.

And only then did I slide down against the wall tiredly.

Burying my face in my knees, I cried heartbreakingly until my ribs ached and even then, I didn’t stop. I cried for the year I spent wasting my love on a fantasy, I cried for my mother, who wasn't here to hold me, and for my father, who wished I didn't exist.

I cried till there was nothing left in me and then, I realized coming here was a mistake. I should have known they had plans of coming here.

“I can't be here,” I breathed as I pushed myself off the floor, walked to the sink and splashed water over my face to wash away the tears and the vomit.

When I was done, I walked out of the restroom but I felt guilty for ruining the night for Frida because she only wanted to help. Choosing to leave without bothering her, I slipped through bodies and headed for the exit because I didn’t want to ruin her night.

When I stepped outside, I took a deep breath to clear my head as I took a step forward but then, I collided with a hard chest that knocked me off balance immediately, making me lose my footing.

"Whoa," a deep voice rumbled as strong hands reached out to hold me, before I could fall to the ground.

The touch sent a jolt of electricity straight up my spine as a strangely familiar scent filled my nose.

Gasping, my head snapped up but I regretted it immediately.

Liam.