Edge of Surrender

Chapter 1

Serena Rosette

Jenna and I have been best friends since our childhood. From playmates to sleepovers, we’ve shared countless memories. Now, as roommates, we navigate through the ups and downs of life, supporting each other every step of the way.

Tonight, we were getting ready to head out to a club party after a series of exhausting exams. Ben, Jenna’s ex-boyfriend and a good friend of mine, had kindly agreed to pick us up. I couldn’t help but feel relieved that I could finally relax and enjoy some time with my boyfriend, Austin.

Impatiently waiting for Jenna to finish her makeup, I called out to her, “Jenna, we’re getting late. Ben is waiting outside. Finish up quickly!”

Emerging from her room with a twirl, Jenna asked excitedly, “How am I looking?”

“Absolutely beautiful,” I replied, blowing her a playful kiss. “Can we please go now?”

Teasingly, Jenna remarked, “Seems like someone is desperate to meet her boyfriend.”

“Of course!” I exclaimed. “After all those days filled with exams, I can’t wait to hang out with Austin.”

Turning off the lights and locking the door, I asked Jenna, “What took you so long to get ready?”

Grinning mischievously, she placed her hands on my shoulders. “Well, exams just ended, and with the new semester around the corner, I’m excited to find myself a new boyfriend at the club.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “Jenna, do you really need to go to such lengths just to make Ben jealous?”

Smirking, she replied, “He broke my heart, and he needs to feel the consequences.”

Concerned about her well-being, I said, “But Jenna, what about you? Are you really ready to move on with someone else?”

“Relax, girl,” she assured me, pointing towards the waiting car. “Now, aren’t we getting late?”

Arriving outside, we discovered Ben waiting for us. His eyes couldn’t tear themselves away from Jenna’s captivating presence. She quickly hopped into the backseat, her anticipation palpable.

Grinning at him, I spoke up, attempting to break the tension. “Don’t mind her, Ben. Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Ben glanced at me through the rear-view mirror and quipped, “No need to apologize, Sere, the one who should be is too busy with her phone.”

Not missing a beat, Jenna retorted, “Maybe you should focus on driving instead of complaining.”

As I watched their playful banter, I couldn’t help but smile. They were still so connected, despite their complicated history. I couldn’t help but hope that they would find a way to clear the air and perhaps even rekindle their love.

In a short time, we reached the club. The vibrant music split out onto the street, beckoning us to its energetic embrace. A guy took the car to the parking area, his hands confidently maneuvering the vehicle with precision. At the entrance was Austin, waiting for us to arrive, his eyes brightening as we stepped out of the car.

He was about to speak, but before any words could escape his lips, a flood of emotions compelled me to instantly hug him and press my lips against his. The intensity of the kiss transcended the physical realm, unearthing a whirlwind of longing that had built up during our time apart. I had missed him so much, every touch and every moment shared.

“Guys, if you’re done romancing here, can we go in?” Jenna’s voice sliced through the tender atmosphere, bringing us back to reality. We reluctantly broke apart, exchanging a knowing look, and nodded in response to Jenna’s comment. It was time to join the lively crowd inside.

With the excitement bubbling inside me, fueled by the presence of Austin by my side, I felt as though I had ascended to the heavens. We found our seats midst the pulsating energy of the club. Everyone ordered their drinks, and Austin took it upon himself to order a light drink for me, ensuring I wouldn’t end up getting too drunk by the end of the night. His consideration touched my heart, a small gesture that spoke volumes about his caring nature.

As Jenna and Ben ventured to the dance floor, their actions mirroring the electrifying beats emanating from the speakers, I found myself alone with Austin in the cozy corner area. After a while, I couldn’t resist the urge to join the rhythmic chaos of the dance floor. I turned to him, my eyes shining with excitement.

“Let’s go dance,” I said, my voice laced with anticipation, hoping against hope that he would comply.

He chuckled softly, his hand finding mine as he gently shook his head. “Not at all, your ankle sprain hasn’t recovered properly. I don’t want to see you in pain again,” he said, concern etched on his face.

At first, I felt a pang of disappointment, my longing to dance momentarily thwarted. But then it hit me that this is how much he cared for me. His love spoke volumes in that moment, outweighing any dance floor night.

We stayed in the corner, enjoying each other’s company, the music, and the magical ambiance. Time slipped away effortlessly as we immersed ourselves in conversation and laughter. I was blissfully content, knowing that I was with someone who truly cherished me.

After a while, the boredom of sitting still grew palpable, the restlessness taking hold. Austin, sensing my unease, placed his palm over mine, his gaze meeting mine. Without warning, he leaned in and captured my lips in a sudden, passionate kiss. The world seemed to fade away as we surrendered to the intensity of our connection, momentarily oblivious to the surroundings.

Eventually, as the haze of passion lifted, we found ourselves gazing into each other’s eyes, his smile radiant and my cheeks flushed with shyness. I felt a warmth emanating from within, basking in the afterglow of a magical moment.

“Where are you going?” Austin asked, his voice filled with curiosity, as I stood up, grabbing my handbag.

“Restroom,” I said, my tone tinged with playfulness.

He burst into laughter, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I shot him a playful glare, and he immediately ceased his amusement. With a lingering smile on my lips, I made my way to the restroom, the sound of laughter and music drifting behind me.

The restroom was located at the rear of the club. Before that, there were exclusive VIP rooms in the lobby. All of the rooms were closed, with only a faint flickering light. Each room had a glass window on the door, some covered by curtains and others not.

The rooms without curtains were occupied by people engaged in private conversations or meetings. Quietly, I walked by, holding my phone in one hand and adding a story to my i********:. In the last room, it was pitch black except for a dim flashing light, and I could find the shadows of a few men.

Just as I was about to pass by, I heard a loud banging noise. I was almost frightened, my heart racing in my chest. In the reflection, I saw someone gripping another person’s collar. Suddenly, the light inside the room turned on.

I don’t know why, but my legs froze outside the room. Almost instinctively, I walked towards that room. When I peeked inside, a man wearing a black coat pulled out a gun from his back pocket and quickly shot the person in front of him. I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to stifle my scream. My heart was pounding rapidly. Then, I saw the person holding the gun, and I was even more shocked.

After seeing him, my body became completely frozen. Before I could react any further, my phone started ringing—it was Austin. I silenced the call and as I looked up, I realized I had been caught. I hid my face and ran out of the club, desperate to escape the chaos that had unfolded before my eyes.

I was completely blank after what I saw in the club. It was raining outside, and without informing and telling others, I started walking outside the club, with tears in my eyes. My phone was ringing continuously, but I was not in a state to pick it up and call. The scene kept flashing in front of me again and again, tormenting me. My clothes were soaked, and I shivered in the cold. Fear consumed me as I imagined what if that person caught up to me. It all played out before my eyes.

Suddenly, my ankle twisted, and I fell to my knees. I was about to struggle to stand up when strong arms helped me to my feet. I turned and found that it was Adrian, my senior in college.

“What happened, Serena? Why are you getting drenched in the rain? Why are you crying?” he asked, firing off so many questions in one breath. His words only served to irritate me further.

“Nothing, Adrian. Leave me alone. I just want to go,” I snapped irritably. He did nothing to leave me be. I didn’t want anyone around me. I was scared, hurt, broken, and overwhelmed with emotions.

“Let me drop you home. You’re wet and hurt too. Come with me,” Adrian pleaded. His words fueled my anger, and I shouted, “Leave me!” I struggled, trying my best to break free from his grip.

“Not at all,” he said defiantly. “I’m dropping you home, and that’s final. So, either you come willingly, or I’ll pick you up and carry you in my arms.” His tone conveyed his frustration, and realizing I couldn’t win this battle, I reluctantly climbed into his car.

Adrian always had a soft corner for me, ever since we met at college. He knew I didn’t share the same feelings, yet he cared for me like a friend, always ready to lend a helping hand.

As he started the engine, my phone began ringing again. I made a move to pick it up, but it suddenly switched off. Its battery must have died. With a sinking feeling, I saw missed calls from Austin, but now I couldn’t return them. I had no choice but to wait until my phone could charge.

“Charge your phone if you want,” Adrian offered kindly. I nodded in acknowledgment, silently accepting his offer.

After turning on the phone, I texted Austin that I wasn’t feeling well and had decided to go home by cab. The truth was, I wasn’t in the right state of mind to talk to anyone. I still couldn’t believe that the person I saw in the club was none other than Mason Graves.