His Destined

Chapter I

Esme Wells knew the Bainbridge Hotel well. She worked there for almost two years. The buzzing neon lights above her and the clicking heels on the marble floors were familiar sounds. Pouring drinks at the bar felt easy for her, even though she had never tried a drink herself. But tonight felt different.

Esme walked into a dark back room. This room was usually where staff took breaks. She wanted a quiet moment before her busy shift. But then she stopped in her tracks.

Tom was in the shadows. He had been her boyfriend for three years. Next to him stood Sarah, her co-worker.

Sarah and Tom stood close together. Sarah held Tom's shirt tightly. Her blonde hair brushed against his cheek when he leaned in. It was obvious that they had a strong connection. Esme felt stuck. Her heart felt tight in her chest. It was like the ground was shaking beneath her.

Everything around them seemed to slow down. Their quiet laughter faded away. Esme's vision narrowed, and she had a hard time breathing. It felt like she was both gasping and crying. They didn’t even notice her.

She turned around quickly and took a deep breath. She hurried down the hallway. Tears filled her eyes, but she didn’t stop to wipe them away. She grabbed her purse and pushed open the door to the street. The cold air hit her face as she stepped outside.

The Chicago skyline shone brightly, as if it didn’t care about her problems. The wind cut through her light jacket. She had nowhere to go, but she knew she needed to escape.

After a few hours, Esme walked back to the Bainbridge. She felt tired and weighed down. She didn’t want to be there, but she had to work. Bills were piling up, and she had no other options.

She opened the glass doors and walked inside. Usually, the warm lights of the bar made her feel better. Tonight, they only made her feel more trapped.

She moved behind the bar like it was second nature. She wiped the counter and checked the bottles. She pushed away thoughts of Tom's hand on Sarah's back. Tom used to smile at Esme in the same way. She didn't want to cry again.

A familiar face approached her. He was one of the regulars. He was tall and a bit scruffy, but he usually had a confident smile. Tonight, however, he made her feel uneasy. He had never done anything wrong.

"I'll be right with you," she said in a flat tone. She kept wiping the bar without looking up. Her fingers gripped the rag tightly. She tried to stay calm. Then Sarah walked in.

Her blonde curls bounced as she walked in confidently. She sat down on the barstool with a big smile.

“I thought I saw you leave in a hurry,” Sarah said. She tapped her nails on the bar. “Are you okay?”

Esme felt tense. The word "okay" felt like a joke to her.

“Do you think I’m okay after what I just saw?” Her voice shook. She was trying to stay calm.

Sarah’s smile didn’t go away. It looked arrogant now. “It wasn’t like that…”

Esme narrowed her eyes. “Save it. You’re dating my boyfriend. It was like that. Don’t lie to me.”

For a moment, the whole bar went silent.

“I… didn’t mean for it to happen like this,” Sarah said softly. But her eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

Of course, she meant it. She wanted Esme to see. She wanted Esme to break up with Tom so she could have him.

“Esme,” the manager called sharply from behind. “We need someone to handle the VIP section.” Esme blinked. Her heart raced. She quickly nodded and stepped out from behind the bar. She felt relieved to be free.

She walked toward the velvet ropes. She pushed through to the exclusive room. Then she saw him.

Alexander Edmond sat in a leather chair against the far wall. One leg was crossed over the other. His head leaned back, and his eyes were closed. His black hair looked messy, like he hadn’t fixed it all day. He looked rich and tired. He seemed completely uninterested in everything around him.

Esme paused for a moment. Then she took a deep breath and walked inside.

“Can I help you?” she asked. She forced a small, professional smile.

When he heard her voice, Alexander opened his eyes slowly. His gaze was dark and intense. Even with the tired lines around his eyes, he looked sharp. He stared at her for a moment longer than he felt comfortable.

“Whiskey. Neat,” he replied. His voice was low and rough, as if he hadn’t talked much that day.

Esme poured the drink with steady hands. She handed him the glass, and their fingers touched briefly. There was no spark or heat, just a simple human connection.

"Long day?" she asked quietly.

"You could say that," he replied while swirling his drink. "How about you?"

She took a moment before answering. "Yeah... you could say that too."

They fell silent for a bit. Esme turned to clean a nearby table, giving him space. After a few minutes, he broke the silence.

"Want to join me?" he asked.

She looked at him, surprised. He added, "You don’t have to. It just seems like you could use one."

Esme hesitated. Her stomach twisted. She didn't drink at all. But tonight felt different. After what she had seen, she thought maybe it was time.

"I shouldn’t..." she started, but he nodded like he was ready to take back the offer.

Then she changed her mind.

"Screw it," she said, grabbing a glass and sitting across from him.

Her first sip burned her throat. The second sip was easier.

They didn’t talk much. They sipped quietly and shared occasional glances. The atmosphere felt muted. It wasn’t warm or cold, just numb.

She wasn’t sure how it happened. Maybe it was the drink, the silence, or the fact that Alexander didn’t ask questions. But soon, she found herself following him upstairs.

They entered the hotel room like strangers caught in a storm. The air conditioner hummed softly. Alexander shrugged off his jacket and collapsed onto the bed, breathing steadily.

Esme stood in the doorway, swaying a bit. Her head spun with thoughts about Tom and Sarah.

When Alexander looked at her, he didn't feel love. Instead, he felt sadness. They both wanted to escape their feelings.

Their lips met quickly and messily. They were caught up in the moment. Esme held on to him tightly, as if he were her only support. He held her like she was the only real thing around. Clothes were scattered on the floor. Their hands gripped each other tightly. Their breaths came faster and faster.

*******

Esme woke up in a strange bed. Her head hurt, and her dress from the night before was on the floor. She looked around slowly. Then, she saw Alexander Edmond next to her. He was asleep and not wearing a shirt.

Her heart raced. She thought, Oh no… What did I do?