Chapter One: The Encounter
“My usual shot.” She said, The bartender nodded.
“Make it special.” Someone added. Zyla faced toward her left. It’s none other than the famous Eric Yan, the owner and music producer of a top global entertainment company. “It’s on me.” he said and Zyla carved a smile.
‘Stylish, good looking and flirty, what a great combination! But, he’s less than 20 percent of my perfect guy definition. I can see through his eyes, he’s lonely and wants a serious relationship. Better watch out with this one.’ She grabbed the drink and raised the cup to thank him.
“Should you be drinking tonight?” she asked to be polite. “I heard you’ll be having your Asian tour in the next two days.”
“Aahh, so you did follow my activity.” Eric stated - glugged down the shot and smirked to her. “No. I shouldn’t. But if I didn’t come here tonight, there would be no more chance to meet you in person.” He faced the bartender who served his scotch and her ‘special’ vodka - asking for another glass. The bartender took the empty glass and filled it to the full.
“Hmm...” Zyla nodded to herself though she didn’t care much about what he said about meeting her. She took the glass of her vodka and glugged down in one go. She scrunched her nose. The bitterness sensation flowing down her throat is no joke.
“Why vodka?” he asked. This time Zyla smirked.
“Dealing with breakup?” he guessed.
Zyla chuckled, “No, recovering phase.”
His face fell. “Nah, it’s my all time favourite.”
“Really?” his face changed - looking impressed.
She nodded, “It makes me feel better.”
After 30 minutes chatting with him, a stranger who will turn into her best friend anytime if they further their conversation. Zyla finishes her second shot. “I’ll leave first.”
“Wait!” Eric grabbed her arm. “Wanna have a dance with me? This song is inviting.” She wasn’t to agree at first but on second thought, she then nodded. He extended his right hand and Zyla placed her palm on his hand and their hands were locked. He brought her to the centre of the dance floor and he guided her hands to his shoulders. Both his hands are wrapped around her waist. They started moving left and right slowly – following the music beats.
“So what are you doing?” he asked. “Other than singing here.”
“I don’t share my personal information with anyone.” She said – looking into his perfect hazel orbs.
“Trying to be fair, you know my name and my job, so what’s yours?” Eric doesn't want to give up.
She chuckled – looking down, “I'm a postgraduate university student, environmental engineering.”
“Yeah, Go Green!” he exclaimed – earning her big laughs.
“Mr. Yan, it really feels like we’ve known each other for a long time.” She looked into his eyes.
“Is your trick usually working for the other guys?” he asked.
She shrugged, “Depends on who’s asking.”
He chuckled but then his expression changed, “Yeah. It’s one of the greatest mysteries in my life. I feel that too.” Eric replied.
She laughed - thinking Eric was joking. “So what’s the other greatest mystery?” she asked – her hands still on his shoulders.
“Your name.” he mumbled in a deep, husky and seducing voice.
She furrowed her eyebrows, “Was that supposed to be your pickup line?”
“Hahaha….” He bursted into awkward laughs. “I know, it’s lame.” He sighed, looks down.
“Zyla.” She told him anyway.
“Huh?” He is confused.
“Zyla Ziegler.” She repeated.
“Wait!” their steps halted. “You are saying now, that you are actually Zyla Lee? That only daughter of Jimmy…”
“What do you know about me, Mr. Yan?” she interrupted.
“Will you date me?” he blurted.
“Wanna get laid?” she countered his question.
“One night stand or serious?” he asked her. She was taken aback. She didn’t have the slightest thought, this famous guy, the nation’s boyfriend, will ask her that question. It never crossed her mind. Swear to God!
“I’ll do the second option.”
“It’s a bit crowd here.” He whispered to her ear. He pulled her through the crowd. They left the bar for his sports car outside. He opened the door for her. The silver metallic sports car left the nightclub. He placed his right hand on her thigh. She pushed the button at the car’s door and the car’s window rolled down. He lifted an eyebrow, waiting for more explanation from her. “I wanted fresh air.” She said before putting her right hand outside. The wind rushed over to her hand.
“Why did you choose this kind of life? Having different guys every weekend to sleep with?” he suddenly voiced out.
“If I’m being all reserved, you’ll never get a chance to know me.” she winked.
“Do you always act this slutty each time you are with a guy?”
“For fun? Sure. Do you always say exactly what’s on your mind?” she asked back – there isn’t slightest hurt from the way she’s asking.
He shrugged. “Not to strangers.”
Slowly, a smile crept into her face. “So am I not a stranger? You only know my name.”
“Depends on how you behave tonight.” He winked. She chuckled. “There will be more facts next time. I’ll surely have it.”
“It doesn’t work that way, Mr Yan.” She replies.
“Do you need to push someone away, even before you try to get to know them?” Eric asked as he could sense her intention in rejection.
“Can we just not talk for a little while?” she faces toward him. As a matter of respect, he slowly nodded and faced forward – focusing on his driving. The car moves fast through the city into a suburban area where his mansion is located.