WHEN HE CHOOSE HER

Grace POV I should be sleeping now but Bryan won't let me. To him, this is an important party we need to attend. He didn't even tell me whose party it was. I couldn't argue with him because I was too tired after a 7-hour shift at Mike Industries. I was required to walk over time as the Junior marketing executive at the company. I said quietly at the passenger’s seat as Bryan drove us off into one of the most expensive and luxurious estates of Los Angeles. “I need to recall exactly why we are going to this party, Bryan?” I say as a sigh and close my eyes. “I should be back at home now burying my face in my pillow after a long day.” “I know Grace and I'm sorry I have to drag you along with me but…” Brian paused and then looked at me but I wasn't looking at him. I kept staring at the long coconut trees that seemed endless as we drove through the estate. “... You have to be there because if you aren't then Emma is going to skin you alive for not attending her birthday.” My eyes pop out as I remember, “oh s**t…” “Yeah yeah” Bryan nodded his head as if to tell me, now you know. “And by the way, you look stunning in that dress.” He complimented while giving me a sweet smile. I barely smile back at him as I yawn. Bryan insisted I wear the red cocktail dress he bought for me on my birthday last year. I barely wore it twice since he bought it for me. To him, it was the most beautiful dress he ever got for me. The neckline plunged down, exposing the upper part of my boobs. And the hemline? It rode up each time I sat, exposing my thigh. “Is that why you insist I wear this dress?” I turned and asked him with a serious face. Bryan didn't turn to look at me, he was focused on the road ahead. “Grace, we have been together for the past 4 years so I know what is good for you and what wouldn't fit you.” “Really?” I chuckle at his claim. “So, tell me, how well do you know me?” He smiled without turning. “A lot more than you can imagine. Trust me, when we get to that party, every other guy there would have wished you were his girlfriend.” I let out a sudden laugh I never thought of holding. “So this is what is all about right? To show me off, to make other guys jealous.” He didn't look at me, he kept a straight face as he drove. “You are serious right?” I asked, my voice turning low and serious. He shook his shoulder and nodded. “I have to protect what is mine.” We finally arrived at the destination. It is a big mansion at first sight. Emma bought it to mark and celebrate her birthday. She has been into real estate management for the past five years now. And with persistence and determination, her hard work is finally paying off. There are other expensive cars packed in front of the mansion. Bryan found a spot and halted. He unclipped his seatbelt and looked at me. “Are you ready to make a ground entry?” I smile at him while unclipping my seatbelt. “Always ready.” I replied. I grabbed my purse. Bryan stretches his hands to the back seat and grabs the gift box. We headed straight to the front door, his hand lying dangerously below my waist. “I promise we won't take much of the time. We will spend some hours, celebrate with her and then I will get you back home so that you can rest.” He says as we walk towards the Mansion. “Man, this is insane.” He added, scanning the mansion. The door wasn't closed, it was open and we could see the light that was flickering inside along with the cool music that was playing. “Oh… my…goodness!” Emma appeared by the door, dressed in an expensive half gown with a gold necklace laid perfectly on her neck. “Finally you made it, Grace.” She welcomed us into her mansion. "My job did everything possible to keep me occupied," I said with a laugh, returning her energetic embrace. "Happy birthday, Emma." "And Bryan, as handsome as ever." She blew him a kiss. "Get in here! You two are already behind, everyone's on their second round." Bryan's palm rested on my lower back as we stepped into the entryway, which revealed an expansive main room filled with at least thirty guests. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels showcased the glittering Los Angeles skyline in the distance. "Do you want a drink?" Bryan asked, his eyes already sweeping across the crowd. "Absolutely. Whatever's strongest." I answered. He grinned. "That's my girl. I'll be right back. Give me a minute." While Bryan headed toward the bar area, a recognizable shriek cut through the party noise. "Grace Mathew, get yourself over here!" The voice cut through the music I spotted Sophia gesturing wildly from a luxurious sectional couch. My closest friend from our college days was already showing signs of alcohol consumption, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders in loose curls. "Sophia!" I weaved between groups of partygoers to reach her. "When did you arrive?" "Early enough to hear the bartender's entire biography." She rose unsteadily on her high heels and threw her arms around me. Stepping back, she held me at a distance to assess what I was wearing. "Holy s**t, your boobs look amazing in that dress. Did Bryan choose it?" Heat rushed to my face. "Is that really so surprising to you?" "Well…just because we've been friends for eight years now, and this is the most cleavage you've ever displayed." She grinned. "I am not complaining, though. If I had your figure, I'd flaunt it constantly." "Mind keeping your voice down? I'm pretty sure everyone here just heard that." "My apologies. You're just too much fun to tease." Sophia's expression turned playful as she took another drink. "Speaking of which, have you spotted our birthday girl? She was here welcoming guests earlier, then suddenly... disappeared." I surveyed the packed room. "Where's Bryan?” Sophia asked. “He went to grab me something to drink. He might be on the back patio. I noticed some guests wandering out there before." Sophia gave a casual shrug. "Or maybe he's sneaking a smoke." My eyes narrowed. "He promised me he would stop three months ago. If I discover he's still smoking after all those 'I'm quitting nicotine for good, baby' promises, I'll end him myself." "Men are dishonest about the most ridiculous things. Honestly, just own up to it and spare everyone the theatrics." "I'm tracking him down," I announced, adjusting my dress that had crept up alarmingly high. "If he's out there with a cigarette, I'm stubbing it out on his prized sneakers." "That's my girl." Sophia lifted her glass. "I'll be right here critiquing everyone's fashion choices when you return." I navigated through the packed living area, recognizing a few faces from previous events. The kitchen overflowed with guests preparing cocktails. Bryan was nowhere to be found. The rear patio hosted a cluster engaged in drinking games involving shot glasses and ping pong balls. Bryan wasn't among the group. "Searching for someone?" A lanky guy with his hair in a bun walked over, his attention dropping to my neckline before finding my eyes. "My boyfriend. He is tall, dark-haired, likely wearing a self-satisfied expression." He chuckled. "I haven't crossed paths with him yet. But I'd be glad to entertain you until he appears." "Nice try, but no thanks." I pivoted away, my frustration mounting. Where the hell had Bryan gone with my drink? I ascended the contemporary floating staircase to the upper level, where the party sounds grew more subdued. The corridor was poorly lit with multiple shut doors. A noise grabbed my attention, a groan? A chuckle? Something in between. It was barely audible, emanating from deeper in the corridor. The sound repeated, clearer now. Unmistakably a groan. Oh wonderful. A couple had secured a private corner for a hookup at Emma's celebration. How tasteful. I was ready to retreat when I spotted a partially open door at the corridor's end, a sliver of illumination bleeding onto the wooden floor. Something pulled me forward,inquisitiveness, or maybe an instinct I hadn't realized I possessed. As I drew nearer, the sounds intensified. A woman's voice, breathless and desperate: "f**k, yes, right there." I went rigid. The voice was recognizable. A male voice replied, deep and authoritative: "You like that, don't you? Tell me how badly you want it." My gut plummeted. Bryan's voice. I should have spun around, raced down those stairs, and bolted straight through the entrance. Instead, I stepped closer, shoving the door open further. The image seared itself into my vision like a brand. Emma was bent over her vanity; her golden dress bunched around her waist. Bryan stood behind her, his trousers lowered to his ankles, fingers digging into her hips as he drove into her. "Harder," Emma moaned. "Make me feel it like never before." "What the f**k?" The words burst from me before I could contain them. They both went still. Bryan's head jerked around, his eyes growing wide with horror.