One Night Mistake

ARIEL'S POV “Are you attending the party?” Mia, my best friend, asked for the umpteenth time and I hummed in response. Holding up my tab to see her face properly. “Why do you ask such questions? We are holding a welcoming party for our new CEO and you expect me not to be there?” I inquired, moving forward to my wardrobe to check out clothes. Mia has been my best friend since I graduated from college and ever since then she has become my everything. People often mistake us for twins because she has light green eyes with blonde hair, just like I do. “I'm just quite surprised that you decided to go, without anyone persuading you.” She beamed as I walked over to the phone, picking out a dress. Yes, true I don't fancy things like this but it would be disrespectful not to regard someone as a new boss. “This or This?” I asked, showing her a slinky evening gown that was the exact color of my eyes and a flowing chiffon dress that was pale blue. She squeezed her face in displeasure and pointed at the phone. “This.” I rolled my eyes angrily “What are you doing, Mia? You could pick them with their color, you know that.” I said and she laughed. “Okay, Okay. Hands up. You are more invested in the party than I thought,” she said and winked at me. “Perhaps you want to see the handsome man that has been hidden for years.” She teased while I scoffed, shaking my head unbelievably at her words. “Will you pick one? I don't have much time left,” I said impatiently, checking the time from the wristwatch plastered to my wrist. It was past 5 in the evening and the party was starting at 7. One-hour intervals. “I can't believe you're asking me that question.” She sighed and continued. “That dress with Emerald green color suits your Emerald eyes, why do you stress me to talk?” She shrugged her shoulders and I picked up the dress with a smile. “It doesn't matter what the color of my eyes are, I just want to be sure of the dress,” I replied while she scoffed. “Just be safe and don't hesitate to give me a call when things get tough.” She reminded me and I squinted my eyes. “Please, it's just a welcoming party and nothing more. Things can't get tough,” I replied and she sighed. “Talk to you later,” I said before ending the call to get ready for the party. ~~~ Slipping into the silky evening gown, my eyes sparkled with excitement as I felt the soft fabric hug my curves. The emerald green color brought out the brightness in my eyes and the straps revealed my toned shoulders. I packed my black long hair to the front and zipped up the side, the sound echoing through the quiet room. I adjusted my hair, brushing it down to my waist. Yeah, that's how long my hair is. I put on the silver necklace around my neck, the small emerald pendant glinting through the light. Putting on my heels, I applied gloss on my lips and stepped backward to check out my appearance in the mirror. Taking a long look at myself, I headed down the stairs with a bright smile on my face. “What the heck!” Mikel said as his mouth dropped in awe. “Ari,” he called, getting up from his seat as he adjusted his glasses. “I can't even describe how you look. It's sophisticated or…” He just stared at me, dumbfounded about what to say. “Oh, please. Don't flatter me, it's just some dress.” I waved my hands, chuckling at his choice of words. “I ain't flattering you, Ari. Zeke needs to be here to tell you how well your dress matches your eyes. You look like a beauty goddess. Should we welcome you back home?” He asked and my face turned red. I was flustered by his words. I sashayed out of the house, my cheeks burning red as I entered the cab that was waiting outside. Mikel and Zeke are my brothers and apart from having parental love, I can't express the love and attention I get from my brothers. They are ready to get into hell because of me and so is Mia. That's why I rather face my fears than to involve them into some shitty fight. The journey lasted minutes before he stopped at the Massive Company where the light shone brighter than yesterday. I looked in the direction and noted that it should be that way because it was night and a big Party was happening there. I paid the man and headed into the busy company. The arrangements had been made since yesterday and it was a beautiful sight to behold. I sashayed into the company, my eyes scrutinizing the prestigious people there. It was truly worthy to be present. The boss we have waited for years to see finally made the right decision to return to France. I was somewhat eager to meet him. Was he cold like they had tagged him to be? How handsome his face was on paper? It should be more pretty than I imagined. Those questions ran into my head as I watched the stageman end his speech and introduce the man of the hour. Like they call it. “We welcome Mr. Ian White to the stage,” The man announced and they all started with their screaming, raising their hands and blocking views. It is beautiful to see people this happy, but isn't this too much? “Ariel!” I heard a familiar voice scream my name through the loud noise and I scanned the room and finally settled on Cassie. She's the only one who would call out my name like some possessed human being. The only colleague that would do anything just to be in this party. Crazy Cassie. She waved towards me, directing me to come to her side and I elegantly strode to her, with a shrug. “You look stunning.” She complimented and I smiled. She was wearing a skimpy strapless black dress with red gloss plastered to her lips. Mind me if I say she's always the bitchy type. Who was she trying to seduce? “Take this and have some fun,” she beamed, handing me a cup of cocktail, and a frown formed on my face. “I don't drink this.” I rejected and she burst into laughter. “Ariel, don't kill me. Ride on and don't be a killjoy. It's the staff night and we have to make this memorable.” She yelled, waving her hands up to acknowledge the incoming boss. I gulped in a large quantity of the cocktail and smiled. “Thank you.” If I don't drink much, I won't get drunk. I thought to myself staring at the stage as the man we were waiting for wasn't showing up. The MC continued to tell us more jokes, passing time for the Man. I laughed once he said some jokes and stumbled backward as I started to feel dizzy. I cleaned my eyes and glanced up again but it all went blurry. What the heck was happening? I gripped my purse tightly and headed to the bathroom in a rush. I collided with a hard rock, making me lose my steps and focus, then I fell to the floor.