I smiled at myself, adoring how good I looked, as I stared at my reflection in the large, rectangular-shaped mirror which was placed on the wall in front of me, in Ryan’s guest room. Ryan kind of had a nice sense of fashion. The dark, shiny evening gown he had bought was very beautiful, matching the silver slingback heels I had on. The hairstylist had given me a little hair cut, and had styled my hair in wavy curls. Overall, the slight makeup on my face was perfect.
I cupped my hands around my jaw, flushing like an infatuated teenager. “You’re pretty,” I murmured to myself.
“You’re done?” Hearing Ryan’s voice, I turned to him.
He leaned his shoulder over the door frame, his arms curled around his chest. I couldn’t help but notice him. The dark blue shirt he wore matched his black chino pants and brown lace up shoes. Also, he styled his hair in a classic taper cut, which made him look so handsome.
I nodded with a smile, and took my purse from the vanity table. “All done,” I announced.
He cleared his throat, stood straight, and sauntered to me. Standing in front of me, a smile creased on his lips, and he took my hands.
“I hope no one’s gonna take you from me, tonight,” he teased. “How can a person be this beautiful?”
“Oh, stop.” I tapped his arm, blushing even more. There was no doubt that my cheeks were burning in red color.
He pecked my lips. “Love you, baby. Ready to go now?”
I nodded. “Sure.”
With that, we walked out of the room, headed to the parking lot of this condo. Getting there, we hopped into his SUV Jeep, then drove out of the vicinity.
I hoped this was going to be fun. Another date with my man. Adorable, right?
***
Things were going really fine for me. Ryan had introduced me to a couple of very influential people. I felt like this place was too good for a person like me. If Ryan hadn’t helped with my outfit, I didn’t think I’d be fit for such a dinner which suspended wealthy dudes and chics.
“You’re enjoying yourself?” Ryan asked.
I looked up at him, and smiled. “Very much. Um, I’d thought you said I’d meet your sis. Can’t find her anywhere.”
“O-Oh.” He scratched the back of his neck as if he was hesitant. “Well, she couldn’t make it here. And, don’t worry about that. Let’s leave my family members for later, okay?”
I nodded, and set my gaze on the people who were on the dance floor. For some reason, I had a feeling that Ryan never wanted to say anything about his family. Sometimes, I’d wonder if he had a family. I knew it wouldn’t be nice to question him, but I really wanted to know more about him. Well, I guess I’d leave that topic for “later”. Just like he had said.
I sighed. The moment I wanted to glance at him, my eyes caught something else. Something stupid; someone stupid. None other than this little devil, Sherri.
She looked very pretty. She was in stiletto shoes, an off shoulder, mini gown that displayed her nice lap. Her hair was in a tight ponytail, and oh my goodness, she was wearing a diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings. Gosh, she seemed too pretty tonight. Had she dressed this way, only because she wanted to get Ryan attracted to her? What an idiot.
Quite threatened and jealous by her luxurious outfit and style, I intertwined my arm with Ryan’s. To my surprise, his eyes were on her. What the heck? Was he falling for her?
“Why are you looking at her?” I tried to control my little fury.
He blinked like he was confused, and turned to me. “What did you say?”
“Is she prettier?” I went straight to my point. There was no need for me to beat around the bush.
He laughed weirdly. “Why’d you say that? Was only admiring—” He raised his eyebrows as if he had realized something. “Sorry. I mean, she looks… different. So, I was only, you know, admiring her a little.”
I gave him a dirty look, and just pulled my arm from his. “Can’t believe you’d admire the woman who hates your girl.”
“Come on. You know there’s nothing fishy going on.” He pulled his arm around my shoulder, and pecked me on the cheek. “Stop the attitude. Being pretty doesn’t make her sensible. It doesn’t make me like her or something.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “But, you shouldn’t—”
“Hi, guys?” And then, the freaking, little devil appeared. She had a small, pretty smile on her lips, her cool facial expression seeming so unreal. “Glad to see you here. Didn’t even expect you both to be around.”
“Well, we’re around. And, we’re here as a couple. A genuine couple.” I held Ryan’s arm again. Goodness knew why I was wearing some attitude.
She looked at Ryan, kind of ignoring me. “What’s up? You’re having a nice time?”
“Sure.” He nodded.
“You mind drinking wine with me? It’s been a while since we saw each other,” she offered, that fake-innocence hovering in her voice. Why was she trying to seem cool?
“Um, sorry, I can’t. I’m with Serene. That’s pretty obvious,” he refused. That was my man!
“Okay then.” She smiled even wider. Wait, she ought to be disappointed, right? “Guess I’ll go and check on my other friends. Hopefully, your night will go well. Hoping no bad luck comes your way.”
“Pardon?” Ryan raised his eyebrows at her.
She chuckled, and winked. “You know I crack silly jokes. Anyway, I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Hm.”
As soon as she left, I rolled my eyes, happy that she hadn’t done something crazy. However, there was something fishy about her. Who knew what her bitchy-side was up to? Well, I would just ignore her.
“You’re okay?” Ryan probably noticed the irritable look on my face, so he asked that.
I nodded, a feigned smile on my lips. “Sure. Was only deep in thoughts.” Pulling my arm from his, I sighed. “I wanna pee. Will be right back.”
He smirked. “Mind if I come with you?”
I shook my head, and slapped his arm. “Shut up, you badass. What’ll you do there? Stare at my butt?”
He laughed. “Will be waiting for you, okay? Don’t spend too much time. Don’t make me come over to call you out.”
“Weirdo.” I giggled. Turning around, I walked towards the restroom.
The hallway was pretty silent. Well, that was something I would expect from a luxurious hotel like this one. How in the world could anyone have the money to host a dinner in such a place? Renting the hall cost millions of dollars! It was good to be rich.
About walking into the restroom, I heard footsteps coming from behind me. A bit alarmed, I turned around. But, there was no one there. Not wanting to be scared, I took a deep breath, and turned back to the door of the restroom.
Again, I heard the footsteps. This time around, my heart began to throb against my chest. Wait, was I in the right place? I knew this was the restroom, but what if no one used the place?
Without a second thought, I turned around, heading back to the main hall. This moment was when I began hearing the footsteps even more. The person was coming closer. Unable to look back, completely petrified, I started to half-walk and half-run.
Just a few steps away from the hall, a force pulled me from behind. I gasped. And, the moment I wanted to see who or what had pulled me, something that felt like a rock clashed against the back of my head.
Again, I gasped. I tugged my hands to the back of my neck, groans eluding my throat. Someone was in front of me, but my blurry and shaky vision wasn’t enabling me to see who it was.
Abruptly, darkness overshadowed my sight. I couldn’t hear anything, I couldn’t see anything. I was too weak to call for help. For a moment, I thought I was dead.
Who was this? Why would anyone want to harm me?
I fell into the person’s arms, like a dead leaf which was falling from a tree.
I passed out.
***