Love and Ruin

“And that's it for today. See you in the next class”, the lecturer said as the lights were turned on. Roselyn gathered her books into her bag and plugged in her earphones. A notification chimed from her phone and she checked to see it was a message from Isabella. She hurried her steps and waved to a group of three girls waiting under the pine tree. “Sorry, it was Mr Baldie, you know how he can be”, Roselyn said with a lazy voice earning a laugh from her friends Mr Baldie is a name Vivian gave to the lecturer because he was, of course, bald and liked to delay releasing students. “Since we're all here, why don't we go to Lymere to get some clothes. I am celebrating my birthday at The Meridian and the celebrant and her friends cannot look crusty”, Isabella said “Let me guess. By not looking crusty you mean we should dress like sluts”, Olivia rolled her eyes “Ouch”, Isabella held her chest to fake being hurt. “Nope, I have just worn too many so called classy clothes for the numerous charity events this season and I need a break” “I think I'll agree with that…hopefully we don't get to attend such events for a while”, Vivian complained “I don't think wearing ‘so-called classy clothes’ is that bad”, Roselyn shrugged, and they all grumbled. “Don't be a buzz killer Rose. We're already late, let's leave before they close”, Isabella warned and walked to the car waiting for them. The rest joined her in the back seat and the car drove off. Upon arriving at Lymere, they headed straight to the gown section. “OMG, these gowns are really pretty” “I think I'll take this one”, Isabella reached for a mauve coloured gown with no straps. It was well above her knee and featured a lot of glitter. Vivian picked a blue gown with short sleeves and a V-neck, which was also above her knees. Olivia chose a green halter-neck gown with a long slit that revealed her thighs. “C'mon Rose, let me see what you got”, Vivian probed. “Uhm, about that, is there another section to choose from? All these clothes are revealing”, Roselyn complained. “Are you kidding me?” “Here, try this on”, Isabella handed a short black dress with thin straps. She was shoved into the dressing room and after a few moments, she came out adjusting the length of the dress and her cleavage simultaneously. “Jeez, see all that beauty you wanted to cover”, Olivia rolled her eyes. “If only you knew how many would kill for your body, you won't be hiding”, Isabella sighed. “There's no way you want me to walk around in this”, Roselyn furrowed her brows pointing to her dress. “Oh yes you will”, “Ring this up for us”, Isabella said to the cashier. “Yes ma'am” After getting their make up done and hair styled, they changed into their dresses and entered the car that took them to The Meridian. Waiting for them were Carlos, Isabella's boyfriend and four other people, including George, who couldn't seem to take his eyes off Roselyn. “Happy birthday, babe”,, Carlos wished and kissed Isabella on the lips, giving her a little squeeze on her left butt cheek. “Let’s have fun, guys”,, Isabella shouted as she popped a bottle of champagne, making a loud noise. “To me”, she raised the bottle. “To you”, everyone choruses and clinks the glass cups together before sipping the contents. Isabella slid out and walked to where Roselyn was. “I think this is the night to break your dry spell”, Isabella giggled and slid a pack of condoms into her bag. “No way, Isa, I don't want this, and I am not interested in having s*x”,, Roselyn whispered sternly and tried to return the condoms, but Isabella was adamant. “Yes, you are…just look at how hard George has been staring at you all night”, Isabella gestured with her eyes to George, who was a few feet apart from them. Roselyn gulped when she caught George staring at her. “It does not change anything, I do not like him that way”, Roselyn defended. “Oh please, you do not have to like him. Who knows he may just be as good in bed as he is in reality”, Isabella winked and swayed her hips as she walked away. “Christ”, Roselyn cursed and gulped the contents of her drink before heading outside to cool her head. She went to the mini garden in the club and plucked a rose which she brought close to her nose to sniff the scent. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a door adjacent to the garden. She took a few steps to the door but didn't go too close as there was heavy security there. It was the “Aurum”, an exclusive bar reserved only for the Tier A class (old money and very influential people). She was also rich, but she belonged in Tier C, while Isabella and Vivian belonged to Tier B since their families were richer than hers. Her family ran a wine business, which was doing well enough to provide her with anything she needed. No one outside Tier A has access to Aurum which is why most people are very curious about what's inside. Just as she was lost in thought, the door opened, and a man dressed in a black suit walked out. She was startled, causing her to lose balance, but the man held her arm to prevent her from falling. The contents of her bag spilt out, and she immediately bent down to pack them. She cursed Isabella as she packed the condoms. “I'm so sorry”, Roselyn apologised without taking a glimpse at his face due to the embarrassment she was feeling. She hurriedly turned back to return to her friends but he stopped her. “You forgot this”, he said in a very low tone that was almost inaudible and she turned her head at the familiar voice. “Liam?”