Flames From The Past

Chapter3

LENA’S POV.

My heart stopped as I came face-to-face with Jane and Ben; it felt like I was in a dream; I struggled to make sense of what was in front of me; my heart raced as I tried to process what I was seeing; I was in disbelief; I stopped in shock and couldn't breathe; it felt like I was choking. I froze in one spot, and as I tried to take a step backwards, my legs became heavy, my knee was weak, and I fell to the ground.

I got up, and as I tried to speak, I was stuttering; my mouth was heavy, and it was as though the room was compressing me. I opened my mouth to say a word, and I couldn’t compose a simple sentence. My eyes were heavy, and before I knew what was happening, tears were rolling down my face; it was rushing like a mighty wind. Everyone else around me didn't look surprised; they were Ben’s family and friends, and they knew that we had been married before.

“Jane? So you have been having an affair with Ben? Did you get engaged to my ex-husband behind my back?

Tears were rolling down my face nonstop. I tried to control them, but it was impossible because I was overwhelmed by my emotions.

“Ohh, please!! Stop with the emotional blackmail. You knew Ben was my high school crush, but you went ahead and got married to him.

“Your high school crush? But he never had a thing for you.

“Well, now he does, and we will get married in a few days, so leave before I call the security on you.

“Lena, you already signed the divorce papers, so we have no business together.

“I am carrying your child, Ben; I am pregnant for you.

“Lies!! Lies Ben, Lena here has been sleeping around even when she was still married to you. She has been sleeping with every man she meets here in New York. She is trying to pin this child on you.

The pain I felt was sharper than a knife cut. I wasn't pained because Ben was getting married; I was pained because of the betrayal by my friend Jane. I didn't know Jane could do such evil. I thought I was going to die because of the pain I was feeling. My chest was heavy, and Jane was flaunting her diamond ring in a bid to spite me. I still couldn't believe what was happening, and I was hoping someone would tap me and wake me up, but it was reality—my reality—that was happening to me.

I ran out of the house because I couldn't bear the shame and embarrassment. Ben wasn't even ready to believe anything I had to say; he believed his fiancee Jane. I was walking back to the hotel, and I was weeping profusely. My heart was shattered and broken. I was alone, with no family, no husband, and no friends. The only thing that gave me hope at that point was the child in my womb. I was a few miles away from my hotel when I noticed a bar that was bubbling. I crossed the road and headed to the bar. I was going to drink until I blanked out. I cleaned my eyes as I approached, and I arranged my hair because it was looking scattered.

I entered the bar and saw people having fun. I walked slowly towards the bartender; he was mixing a cocktail drink for someone. I didn't want a cocktail; I wanted something stronger.

“Can I have five tequila shots, please?

“Great!! Coming right up.

My Drink was ready in no time, and I gulped the first shot; I gulped the second almost immediately, blocking my mind from whatever was happening behind me; and I gulped the third shot.

“Take it easy, ma'am; you are going to get wasted if you continue drinking like that.

I ignored the bartender; my mission was to knock myself out, and until I accomplished that, I wasn't going to stop. I picked up the fourth shot, and as I turned to see what was going on behind me before I gulped it, my arm hit someone, and my drink spilt on the person. I was already tipsy, but when I lifted my head to see who this person was, for the first time in a long time, I felt butterflies in my belly. He was drop-dead cute; his physique was to die for; he had a broad shoulder, flat abs, a strong jawline, and thick black hair.

“Omg!!! I’m sorry, I’ve ruined your shirt.

He was wearing a white shirt, and his perfume was charming. He smelled like citrus and sandalwood, and it broke my wall of defenses each time I caught a scent of him. I didn't know what was special about this person, but I felt a connection between us.

“My name is Alex; you owe me a drink.

I gave Alex my last shot of tequila because I couldn't afford to get another one. I was so embarrassed when he sat beside me and fixed his gaze on me.

“You are pretty; what is your name?

“Lena, but you can call me, Lee.

“Beautiful name; you look stressed.

“I think I need to use the bathroom.

I tried to stand up because I was embarrassed; I didn't want Alex to notice the bruises on my left eye. I came down from my seat and fell to the ground, and Alex caught me. He was talking to me, but I was gone; I could only hear the echoes of his voice.

“Lee, can you hear me?

Alex carried me on his arm like I was his prom date; he carried me to his car and drove off to his house. I was oblivious to where I was because I was drunk; he took me to his bedroom and placed me on his bed. As he tried to move away, I pulled him close and kissed him. We kissed passionately for a while, and I blanked out. I couldn't tell if we made out or not.