Chapter 2_ The party.
993 Words
Chapter 2– The Party
As the sun began to set, Anne returned from the market and decided to relax in a warm bath before her night shift at the bustling Paradise Club. Just as she started getting ready, her mischievous sister, Sarah, sauntered into the room with a sly grin on her face.
"Sis, I've got a surprise for you tonight," Sarah announced excitedly.
Anne raised an eyebrow, knowing her sister's tricks all too well.
"What's the catch this time? Trying to steal all the eligible bachelors at Paradise? You know, now that our brother is off the market," she quipped with a playful smile.
Sarah chuckled and shook her head.
"No, no, nothing of the sort. I've got an invitation to a party on the tenth floor, and I thought I'd drag you along for the ride. Don't worry, I'll smooth things over with your manager," she assured, planting a kiss on Anne's cheek.
Anne couldn't help but stare at her in surprise.
"Wait... who are you, and what have you done with my usual snarky sister? Are you feeling alright?" she teased.
Sarah simply smiled before walking out of the room, leaving Anne standing there in confusion.
For the first time in a long while, Anne found herself wondering what her sister was really up to.
---
Anne walked into the club feeling as though she was stepping into a lion's den.
The manager approached her with a serious expression.
"Anne, I only have one assignment for you tonight," he said. "A major client is staying in the private suite on the ninth floor. Your job is to serve him. He's one of our most important guests, and we can't afford any mistakes."
He looked at her with confidence.
"You're the best we've got for this job. Your charm, professionalism, and good character are exactly what we need. If you pull this off without a hitch, there's a little bonus waiting for you."
Anne smiled and nodded.
"I won't disappoint you."
An hour later, she returned with a satisfied grin.
She had completed the assignment flawlessly.
The manager congratulated her and promised that the bonus would be transferred to her account.
As Anne made her way toward the tenth floor, she couldn't help feeling proud of herself. Not only had she done her job well, but she had also proven once again that she was one of the club's most dependable employees.
Yet, one thought refused to leave her mind.
The mysterious client.
His tall figure, broad shoulders, and commanding presence lingered in her thoughts. It was a shame he had worn a mask. She couldn't help wondering if the face beneath it was just as handsome as the body she had briefly admired.
Realizing where her thoughts were heading, Anne lightly pinched herself.
"Come on, Anne," she muttered.
"Wake up. You've got a difficult road ahead. There's no room for foolish fantasies. Your focus should be on working hard, earning money, and making your family proud—not chasing impossible dreams."
Taking a deep breath, she continued toward the tenth floor.
---
The party was already in full swing when Anne arrived.
The music echoed through the luxurious lounge as elegantly dressed guests laughed and chatted among themselves.
The moment Sarah spotted her, she hurried over and pulled Anne toward a middle-aged man.
"Anne, this is Mr. Van Storm, tonight's host."
Anne forced a polite smile and greeted him.
Standing among wealthy guests who looked young enough to be Mr. Van Storm's children, she couldn't help feeling completely out of place.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Sarah handed her a glass of red wine.
"It's only three percent alcohol," she said with a reassuring smile. "Just try a little."
Anne frowned.
"You know I don't like drinking."
"Oh, come on. One glass won't hurt. Trust me."
After a brief hesitation, Anne reluctantly accepted the glass.
As the music played, the sisters chatted and mingled with the guests.
A few minutes later, Anne's smile slowly disappeared.
Her vision blurred.
A pounding headache settled behind her eyes.
Then an unbearable heat spread through her body.
She blinked several times, trying to steady herself.
"S...Sarah..."
Sarah quickly stepped forward, pretending to be worried.
"You don't look well. Come on, I'll take you to the room I booked."
Anne tried to respond, but the words wouldn't come.
She could only lean against her sister as they left the party.
Once inside the room, Sarah gently laid Anne on the bed.
The concern on her face vanished.
A cold smile replaced it.
She pulled out her phone and made a call.
"The plan worked," she whispered.
"She's exactly where she needs to be."
Anne, drifting in and out of consciousness, had no idea that the sister she trusted had just betrayed her.
Sarah glanced at her one last time.
"So gullible," she muttered before walking out of the room and locking the door behind her.
Minutes passed.
Anne's body felt as though it were burning from the inside out.
Every breath became heavier than the last.
Summoning the last of her strength, she forced herself off the bed.
"I... have to get out..."
She staggered into the hallway, using the wall for support as her legs threatened to give way beneath her.
The corridor spun around her.
"No... something's wrong..."
She took one more step.
Then her knees buckled.
Just as she was about to fall down the marble staircase, a pair of strong arms caught her.
The scent of cedarwood and expensive cologne surrounded her.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Anne struggled to lift her head, desperate to see the face of the man who had saved her.
But before her vision could clear...
Everything went black.
The man was impossibly handsome.
maybe....
maybe... she thought to herself I can indulge myself a little.
She put her hand on his neck and kisses him.
"What a little beautiful drunkard...
You dare provoked me...
- Writer
