Chapter 2 Drowning Sorrows
962 Words
I stole one last glance at the twisted faces of Zane and Kara before turning away and walking out.
To be honest, they seemed even uglier after being struck by the truth, but I didn't feel any satisfaction from seeing their reaction. Instead, I was crushed.
"Ellie!" As soon as I got home, I collapsed into Ellie's arms and couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I sobbed uncontrollably.
Ellie had been like a second mother to me. My father was always busy, spending more time in his company than at home, and even when my mother was home, she preferred to rest rather than have me bother her. That was why Ellie and I had always been incredibly close.
She wiped away my tears, her voice filled with concern. "My dear, what happened?"
I poured my heart out, telling her everything. Ellie comforted me, then brought over some freshly baked cookies and sweet milk—just like she used to when I was younger.
With Ellie by my side, I finally calmed down and eventually drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, as I thought about the years of love I had invested and replayed the events of last night in my mind, my heart still ached with the same sting.
I couldn't help but think of the little dessert shop that Zane, Kara, and I used to love visiting. I actually felt a bit nostalgic.
"The desserts there really were something..." I thought to myself, then grabbed my keys and drove to the shop.
The apple juice tasted refreshing, and I ordered a slice of cake. The sweet milky flavor was just what I needed.
Though I had no intention of forgiving those two, the happy memories weren't fake, and that shop had been a part of my university experience.
"Soraya! Oh my god, babe, you're here!"
I looked up to see Zane rushing toward me, his face full of regret.
He reached for my hand. "Babe! It was Kara who led me astray. How could I not love you? We've been together for four years! You came here because you're thinking of me, right? Let's start over. What do you say?"
I looked at him, feeling nothing but disgust. "I'm just here to eat. Never mind. I've lost my appetite."
Ignoring his pleas, I turned and walked away, heading toward the sportscar I had parked by the curb.
When Zane spotted the car, his eyes momentarily lit up before he pretended to be in deep agony. "Babe, I swear I still love you. I already dumped Kara. That vicious woman..."
"Enough," I cut him off, hitting the gas and speeding away, leaving Zane standing there, unwilling to accept it.
As I drove, the sight of a newly opened small bar flashed by, and I remembered how at the usual private clubs or yachts, I'd often bump into familiar faces. I didn't want any of those socialites to see me in this state, heartbroken.
The small bar might not have the finest aged whiskey, but the gin was always good.
After all, meeting Zane had completely ruined my mood. 'A drink might help me forget,' I thought, 'and I'd have the driver pick me up later.'
Despite acting so cold and unfeeling, my heart was still sore. After all, I had been betrayed by two people I had truly cared for.
I walked into the bar, the dim lighting and noisy atmosphere offering a refuge from the pain I didn't want to face. I threw myself onto a bar stool, resting my chin in my hand and absently tapping the counter with my fingers.
I knocked back two dry martinis in quick succession. The strong alcohol slid down my throat like a razor, but the rush of flavor followed, hitting my brain in a wave of bittersweet pleasure.
Still feeling unsatisfied, I ordered a Negroni. "Make it as strong as possible."
The bartender quickly served me the drink. I grabbed the glass and downed it in one go. The fiery liquid burned down my throat, and I couldn't help but cough.
My eyes wandered over the crowd, but my mind couldn't focus. Everything around me felt irrelevant, like I wasn't even part of it.
My cheeks were flushed, my vision blurry from the alcohol, and I found myself mumbling under my breath, "Why... why did they have to do this to me..."
I had definitely had enough to drink and was starting to lose my grip on reality.
A man slid into the seat next to me, his voice smooth as he asked, "Drinking alone?"
His hand rested on my shoulder, his tone teasing. "Care to chat? I'm sure you're looking for some fun tonight, too."
I recoiled, shoving his hand off me. "Don't touch me."
But the alcohol made me weak, and I couldn't push him away. He smiled and grabbed my hand, leaning in as if to kiss me.
My mind was foggy, but I could hear him suddenly yelp in pain. He released my hand, and the smell of cheap tobacco vanished, replaced by the faint scent of men's cologne.
"Miss, you're drunk. Do you need help?" A voice, deep and soothing like the strings of a cello, asked.
I blinked, my eyes too hazy to make out his face, but I inhaled deeply, the scent of grapefruit and vetiver filling my senses, with a hint of jasmine.
It was my favorite men's fragrance, and I had given an exact bottle to Zane two months ago.
I remembered what that lecherous man had said earlier, that I must be looking for some fun tonight as well.
With my eyes closed, I grabbed the collar of the man in front of me, pulling him in for a kiss.
- Writer
