The Mistress

Chapter VII

I stared at the blinking red dot, it’s still moving. 

Where is he heading to? Von must be running away from something. 

The red dot stopped moving. I zoomed in. He’s in a bar.

The side of lips automatically rose. IT’S PARTY TIME!

I changed into a nude mini skirt, black sleeveless cropped top and black ankle length heeled boots. I let my hair down and I’m good to go.

As I entered the bar, men’s eyes were glued on me.

I heard them whisper my name.

I saw him sitting alone at the bar counter. 

I occupied the seat beside him.

"Dry martini, please." I told the bartender and he smirked.

"You order the same drink every time you come here, Miss Agatha." I gave him a small smile.

"Old habits die hard." I responded with a small chuckle.

"Agatha, is that you?" Von, who was sitting by my side, was surprised to see me.

"Uhh, yeah. Hi, Von I actually didn’t notice you there." I said, pretending to be surprised.

"Wow, we met again. What a coincidence." he said, staring at me with his blood shot eyes. He’s drunk and lonely. A perfect opportunity to take advantage of his vulnerability. 

"Just here to have fun but you, on the contrary, look miserable. Mind sharing ‘em?" I stared into his eyes, trying to find connection—a sympathy link. 

"It’s about Imo. I tried to convince her to just adopt a child since it’s seems impossible for her to conceive, she got pissed and nagged at me." he emptied his glass and stared at me. "You know, sometimes women could be so complicated. Like a confusing jigsaw puzzle." he laughed and drank from a newly opened bottle of Jack Daniels.

"Here’s your drink Ma’am" the bartender interrupted.

"That’s quite serious." I took a sip from my drink before continuing, "Not having a child is the worst feeling for a woman. My Aunt has gone through the same struggle. Her husband left her. Save your marriage before it’s too late." I said with a worried look on my face. I reached out for his hand and squeezed it.

"Hey Von! Join us!" Von and I turned to look at the man who called his name. He stood up and walked towards us, staring at me with disbelief. "Von, Am I seeing it right? You’re with Agatha Verdana?" he turned to me and stared at my face.

"You’re seeing it right, it’s the one and only Agatha Verdana." he let out a chuckle. His friend is still staring at me. "Hey, could you stop staring at her, you’re making her uncomfortable!" he turned to Von who placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

"I’m just amazed. It’s my first time seeing her this close."

I laughed at him. "You’re funny. I mean, I’m no different from what you see on magazines and billboards." he laughed too and faced the bunch of guys from the table he left earlier.

"Hey guys, look who’s here!" They immediately turned their heads and shock were evident in their faces. I waved my right hand and mouthed "Hi"

"Do you want to join us, Agatha?" I turned to Von who spoke to me. I smiled and nodded my head.

He offered his hand and I gladly took it. They gave way for me and Von to sit. 

The man who approached me earlier spoke, "I haven’t introduced myself yet, Ms. Agatha. I’m Vince." 

"I’m Via" a thin short haired blonde said. She seems too friendly.

"I’m Tanya." a petite girl with long black hair spoke. Judging by her looks, she’s a typical party girl.

"I’m Rick.” a young man held out his hand, offering a handshake. I shook his hand and smiled. He winked at me.

"Joe." a serious looking man briefly said and drank from his bottle of beer. 

"So, how did you two became close?" Tanya asked with sparkle in her eyes.

It kinda feels awkward to be around strangers. If not for Von, I would’ve left already.

I was about to open my mouth and speak when Von spoke.

"As you know, we have a common denominator—the fashion industry. It’s a small world after all."

"Agatha is one of those brightest stars, you know. It seems like she’s not someone you can easily approach." Vince said with a small laugh.

"We met by coincidence. We were both in that hotel at the same time. I owe him a lot for helping me. He’s too kind." I turned to him and smiled before taking another sip on my drink.

I almost choked when a woman suddenly called out Von’s name. The whole group turned to look at her who was walking towards us with a sad look on her face.

It’s Imogen, the ever annoying Imogen.

Von rose from his seat with a shocked look on his face. "How did you know that I’m here?" he threw a questioning look to her.

Imo pretended to not hear him and just threw her arms around his neck. She buried her face on his chest and repeatedly said sorry.

I rolled my eyes. I can’t stand seeing all this drama right in front of me.

I hate what I’m seeing. I almost didn’t notice that I was gripping the glass on my hand too tight.

I heard Vince and Via’s voice teasing them. 

I walked out of the group and ordered two shots of tequila. I need strong alcohol in my system. 

That Imogen just f*****g ruined all my plans for tonight. 

I closed my eyes. The strong bitter taste of tequila ran down my throat.

My phone suddenly rang, interrupting my train of thoughts.

I opened my eyes and fished out my phone. 

Aunt Veron’s friend is calling. We weren’t very close so she probably wouldn’t call me unless necessary.

I answered the call.

"What’s the—" she didn’t even let me finish the sentence.

Her shaky, worried voice welcomed me.

"Veron collapsed. She’s so pale and she’s shaking—" My hands were shaking so hard when I ended the call. 

I tossed a handful of bills on the bar counter and drove towards the hospital, exceeding the speed limit. 

I don’t f*****g care. 

She’s the only family I have.