Don't let go

Chapter 3

Alex POV:

“Today was really stressful,” I muttered to myself. I couldn't believe one of my business partners would keep me waiting for no reason after fixing the meeting.

“The piles of work on my table weren't doing justice at all to the stress.” I stood up and walked to my office window. Viewing the busy streets of New York City.

The memory of Catherine's betrayal still lingers in my mind like a fresh wound. I recalled everything, the way she lied about being pregnant, and cheating with my trusted business partner. A mix of emotions swirled inside me.

“ I was too blinded by love to notice anything.”

A knock on my office door interrupted me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said, without looking to know who it was.

“Hi man, what's up?” Dave asked while sitting on my office chair with his damn legs placed on my table…

“It's been a long day, Dave,” I replied, still staring outside.

“C'mon man, don't tell me you're still thinking about your ex?” Dave exclaimed with amusement evident in his voice.

“No, I don't,” I answered coldly. Already feeling irritated.

He stood up from where he was sitting and walked to the mini-bar in my office, bringing out a drink.

“Take this and cool yourself down,” he said.

“Let yourself loose, man, 'cause you're not missing this party tonight,” he said, smiling like an i***t.

“I’m definitely not going to miss that party bro,” I replied, as I gulped down the drink.

Dave and Anthony have been very close friends of mine since childhood and missing his bachelorette party was definitely not on the list.

So, without thinking much about the meeting and Catherine's betrayal, I gulped down the remaining drink, allowing it to burn down my throat.

After spending some time at the office, he left to get ready for the party while I went for a family meeting at my parents house.

My Mom kept pestering me to settle down with someone who could give her a grandchild.

But I wasn't ready for that. I lost interest in dating any woman after what Catherine did.

I arrived at my parents' house and found my little sister standing outside with a wide smile on her face.

Looking at the beauty who is 10 years younger than me, I felt the urge in me to protect her no matter what.

She's one of my favorite people that makes me smile whenever she visits.

“Hi bro, Dad is going to skin you alive”

My sister Lilian voices out without letting me come down from my car.

“What kept you so long, brother?” She asked, pouting her lips.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her.

“I was held in traffic, your majesty,” I answered. Now, “can you excuse me?”

“Whatever brother” you know as your favorite, I care about you, she spoke while following behind me.

I stopped on my track and turned to her before giving her a warm hug. “Yes little pumpkin”, I said while pecking her cheeks.

“Eww stop, that's disgusting” she said, giggling as we both walked inside.

“You're late”, my Mom said when she saw me.

While my Dad was busy engaged with the magazine in his hands.

“I was held in traffic mom” I replied, as I took out a seat to settle down.

We started eating silently when my Dad suddenly asked about Catherine.

“So son, what about Catherine, any news about her whereabouts?” I was already losing my appetite because of that damn question.

“Mike,” my Mom whispered.

“What I'm just asking,” he shrugged.

“Why are you talking about that two-faced b***h, Dad?

“She cheated on Alex and still had the guts to run away with his money” Lilian said, already pissed.

“Alex, you never listened to me or any…”

“Excuse me” I said, leaving the room.

“Alex, son, you need to eat first” my Mom said.

“I'm full Mom” I said before leaving.

*********

At the party

As I stepped into the party a little late, the thumping of music and flashing lights enveloped me. I know I've attended several parties and events but tonight felt different.

I was dressed in a black button-up that hugged my well-toned upper body, black slacks that looked tailored to fit me, a silver Rolex that shone on the night of the party and expensive black dress shoes.

But I wasn't blind to see the stare of the women shamelessly checking my out while some of the men were trying to distract their spouses from staring.

“Hi handsome” I heard a voice behind me. I turned to find a blonde woman smiling up at me, her eyes sparkling this flirtation. She was busy checking me out, when someone cleared their throat.

As I turned to face the voice, Mr Ethan, one of my business partners, approached us with a warm smile.

“Ah, Alex, I see you've met my daughter, Melissa,” He said as we exchanged pleasantries.

“Oh hi nice to meet you Alex” she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

“The pleasure is all mine” I replied while shaking hands as she kept biting her lower lips.

“If you may excuse me I need to discuss some business” I said before leaving without sparing her a glance.

“Well, well, look who we have here,” Anthony said, slapping my back lightly.

“Didn't think you'd show, man,” he added.

I chuckled, exchanging nods and handshakes. “ You know I won't miss your big day man.”

“Congratulations dude” I voiced out to him.

“Thanks man,” he said.

I picked up a glass from a bartender's tray as Anthony replied to me, eyes dancing with amusement.

“You're doing great” I commented while gulping down the drink.

Busy scanning the room, my eyes locked on a beautiful Brunette-haired lady who was busy swaying her hips redeemically to the music.

The red dress she wore stuck to her body like a second skin accentuating her curves.

“Isn't she gorgeous?” Dave whispered to me. “f**k! "Dave, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” He raises his hands, smirking.

“What a f*****g psycho” I muttered.

"Suddenly, she turned, and our eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze. I was immediately lost in the depths of her eyes, which seemed to shift and change colors in the dim light."