A Fatal Obsession

Chapter3

Williams McCalister sat on a stool at the bar, nursing his whiskey. His eyes scanned the crowded room, observing the guests at his party. *The music pulsed*, and laughter echoed through the air, the ladies were just too beautiful, but his attention was drawn to a vision of a certain blonde hair.

Kimberly stood out amidst the sea of faces, her blond hair falling down her back like a waterfall. She laughed with Lisa every now and then, they were trying so hard to hide their discomfort seeing as they were surrounded by high-profile men and ladies who were from very rich homes. From where Williams sat, her smile was rather radiating warmth and joy. Williams was captivated, his gaze locked onto her. There was this longing he felt, one so familiar and at the same time so unfamiliar.

As he watched, a group of girls, dripping in designer jewels, walked by him pointing at Kimberly and Lisa. Their condescending smiles turned into scorn.

“Look at those dresses,” one sneered. “Last season's leftovers?”The other girls giggled.

“So very, last season. Who wears these things to a party now?” They giggled again.

Bullies!!! Williams sniggered inwardly, pissed.

“Willll!” Just then one of the girls cried out his name, Anastasia, his youngest sister. He should have known, he let out a deep breath, what was she doing here? As she and her friends walked towards him, with every clicking sound their heels made to the floor, he grew even more pissed. Why couldn't she be nice to people?

“What are you doing here?” He asked once they were close to him

“Hi,” the other girls greeted.

“Hey,” his voice husky and low. “Why are you at my party?" He asked, directing his question to Anastasia.

“Who let you both in here?” A feminine voice thundered, the music had stopped, and a small crowd had gathered around. Williams could tell what the problem was that instant. Well, Williams McCalister to the rescue, he thought excusing himself he took large strides towards the crowd“ I find it hard to breathe around people like you,” The voice came again.

“What were you girls thinking coming here dressed in last season's leftovers?”Another feminine voice asked, causing others to laugh. The air in the room was thick, almost tense. Oh my God, no! Williams opened his mouth to say something but a very calm voice beat him to it and it was Kimberly defending herself and Lisa.

"I'll take worn-out clothes over a worn-out heart any day.” The voice sounded like Melody to Williams's ear and the confidence struck a chord within him. The girls snickered but Williams admired her poise.

Lisa bristled, but Kimberly remained calm, her eyes flashing with dignity throughout the exchange.

“Besides, I'd rather wear ‘last season’ with pride than look down on others just to fit in" Kimberly continued, her voice steady.

" Oh, please__” the first lady started but Williams interrupted her.

“Ok ladies, that's enough. They are my guests and they were specially invited. If you have a problem with it, you might as well leave, please. He gestured to the door. “Being mean to my friends means being mean to me.” There was a loud gasp from the crowd as a lot of ladies wondered where Williams McCalister could have made ‘such’ friends.

The girls' smirks disappeared, and they retreated, embarrassed. Williams was impressed. Kimberly's confidence shone brighter than any designer dress, bag, or shoes. He immediately took a liking for her. Kimberly on the other hand felt utterly displeased, after breaking her three-year savings this is all she got??

Argh…. The life of the rich must be utterly crazy.

“Isn't she adorable?” A voice whispered into Williams’ ear.

“Robert?” He asked turning around, just then he remembered throwing the party to help Robert get over his heartbreak.

“Yeah, man,” Robert smiled, exchanging handshakes with Williams. “Who is she?” Robert asked, nudging his face towards Kimberly.

“Man, I really don't know.”

“I thought she's your ‘friend’?” He asked emphasizing the friend whilst giving Williams the I know you're a bad boy kind of look.

“I just had to say that to clear the tension." He rolled his eyes. “Do you like her?” He asked, wanting to fulfill the purpose of the party. “This party was for you after all.”

“She’s pretty, very pretty and her confidence is a hundred but I'd rather go for her friend because the almighty Williams seems to be mesmerized by her.” He slapped and rubbed William's shoulder.

“What? No, the ladies do the mesmerizing,” A pink blush finds its way to his cheeks.

“And you do the blushing, I see," Williams quickly covered his face with his palms and Robert headed towards Lisa and Kimberly. Williams, who remained glued to the spot, watched as Robert said something to the ladies and Kimberly threw her head back laughing. He wondered what Robert had said that got her laughing that much.

Soon, Robert was walking away with Lisa. Just as they left, a clumsy guest spilled juice on Kimberly's dress, and she gasped in dismay.

“Watch where you’re going," she yelled amidst the loud music that had resumed playing, she heard someone laugh but she didn't mind it, everyone here was cruel anyway. Williams seized the opportunity, striding toward her with purpose.

"Ah, sorry about that," he said, offering his handkerchief. "Let me help."

Kimberly's eyes widened as she took in his tall frame, he was here, her prey was finally here, looking so handsome. He was wearing a white button-down shirt paired with dark-washed jeans, and a blazer to fit, the perfect definition of stylish, yet casual, he finished up the look with a sleek black boot and a simple leather belt. His cologne filled her nose, tasting like coffee on her lips, a coffee she would most definitely drink. "Thank you," she said, catching herself, her voice frail.

Williams' gaze lingered on hers, sensing vulnerability perfectly hidden beneath her very confident face. He couldn't help but wonder if she was weary of carrying the weight of her family's struggles.

As he gently cleaned the stain, He could sense her unease but couldn't help being drawn to her.

"You're doing great," he said softly, meaning it. "Don't let anyone talk you down. You are amazing just the way you are." Kimberly's eyes searched his, looking to be sure he was being sincere. Williams held her gaze, his expression genuine, he was used to this, ladies always wanting to be sure you're for them. He gave a small but assuring smile. He was indeed a master in this craft.

"I mean it," he continued. "You shine brighter than anyone in this room. ‘Last season leftovers or not,’ you are gorgeous. Drop dead gorgeous" he said every word slowly so that it held enough water.

A faint blush spread across Kimberly's cheeks, and Williams' heart skipped a beat. What was wrong with him? How come this girl affected him so much? She exuded a girl he was all so familiar with but he couldn't place where.

"Sorry again about the mess," Kimberly said, her eyes locking onto his, drawing his attention back to her.

"No worries, I'm glad I could help," Williams replied, his smile warm. "But I think we've done all we can for now. How about a drink to make up for it?”

“A good host, huh?” Kimberly's face lit up.

“What can I say, nobody does better than the original himself,” he laughed. “What do you say?” He nudged to the bar

“Sounds like a plan. I'm thirsty,” she said gulping down her spit dramatically. Williams laughed, she was intriguing.

Williams offered his arm, and Kimberly took it, feeling a sense of ease with him. As they walked to the bar, the music and laughter seemed to be behind them as if they were in a world of their own