Chapter 06
“What?” slipped out of Laura’s mouth. “What.. what do you.. what do you mean?” She asked, moving closer to Barry to be sure she heard what her had had just told her.
“That marriage.. it’s happening for real” Barry repeated. Laura stood still, unable to move from a spot, trying to process and digest what Barry had just said.
***
After an heated argument with her dad, Laura decided to go out for a drink.
_____
Laura pushed through the throngs of people, the pulsating music reverberating through her body as she entered the dimly lit club. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat, and the dance floor was a sea of bodies moving in rhythm to the pounding beat.
She made her way to the bar, her heart heavy with the weight of her worries. Settling onto a stool, she signaled to the bartender for a drink, needing something to numb the turmoil raging inside her.
As she watched the bartender mix her drink, her gaze drifted across the crowded room, taking in the chaotic scene unfolding around her. Couples danced in close proximity, their movements fluid and uninhibited, while groups of friends laughed and chatted animatedly over their drinks.
Amidst the chaos, Laura’s eyes landed on a familiar figure seated at the far end of the bar. It was Christian, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the neon lights. He sat alone, a solitary figure lost in his own thoughts, his expression a mask of contemplation.
Laura’s heart skipped a beat as memories of their one-night stand flooded her mind. She remembered the intensity of their connection, the way his touch had ignited a fire within her that she had never experienced before. But now, faced with the reality of their fabricated marriage, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for the way she had allowed herself to succumb to temptation.
As if sensing her gaze, Christian turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers across the crowded bar. There was a flicker of recognition in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the shared moment they had once shared.
For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as they held each other’s gaze, the weight of their unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. And then, as quickly as it had begun, the moment passed, and Christian returned his attention to the drink before him.
Laura’s heart raced as she struggled to make sense of the emotions swirling inside her. She knew she should look away, to pretend she hadn’t seen him, but she found herself unable to tear her gaze away from him.
With a trembling hand, she lifted her drink to her lips, the liquid burning as it made its way down her throat. She closed her eyes, allowing the numbing sensation to wash over her, “What’s wrong with me?” She wondered. “Is it the drink” She shook her head repeatedly as she finally tore her gaze away from him.
****
It’s been an hour since Laura got to the club and she’s had one too many cups and was now drunk, and meanwhile, Christian still hadn’t left. He had only had two cups ever since he got there an hour and half ago.
He looked over to Laura for the umpteenth time and by now, she had passed out on the table. He stood up, grabbed his phone and after giving a tip to the bartender, he walked out of the bar.
**Next Day**
As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, Laura stirred from her fitful sleep, her head throbbing with the remnants of last night’s indulgence. With a groan, she reached for her phone, squinting against the harsh brightness of the screen as she checked the time.
Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was already well past noon, and panic gripped her as she struggled to recall the events of the previous night. Memories flickered in her mind like distant stars, fragmented and hazy, leaving her with more questions than answers.
Dragging herself out of bed, Laura winced as her head protested each movement. She stumbled across the room, her limbs heavy with fatigue, until she reached the bathroom. Splashing cold water on her face, she tried to shake off the remnants of her hangover, but the pounding ache in her head persisted.
With a sigh, Laura made her way downstairs, her movements slow and unsteady. The scent of something cooking wafted through the air, and she followed it to the kitchen, where she found Rian standing over the stove, a look of concern etched on his face.
“Hey, you’re finally up,” Rian greeted, his voice gentle as he turned to face her. “How are you feeling?”
Laura managed a weak smile, her head still pounding with each heartbeat. “Like I got run over by a truck,” she admitted, sinking into a chair at the kitchen table.
Rian chuckled softly, his eyes warm with affection. “Well, hopefully this will help,” he said, placing a steaming bowl of soup in front of her. “My special hangover cure.”
Laura’s stomach churned at the sight and smell of the soup, but she knew she needed to eat something if she had any hope of feeling better. She lifted the spoon to her lips, blowing on the hot liquid before taking a tentative sip.
To her surprise, the soup was warm and comforting, a soothing balm for her aching body. She closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh, savoring the familiar flavors as they washed over her.
“Thank you, Rian,” she murmured, opening her eyes to meet his gaze. “For taking care of me.”
Rian smiled, his expression softening with affection. “Always,” he replied, reaching across the table to take her hand in his.
As they sat together in the quiet warmth of the kitchen, Laura couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over her. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that seemed to follow her wherever she went, she knew she could always count on Rian to be there for her, to support her through even the darkest of times.
“So..” Laura started, sipping the soup from he spoon.”How did you know where I was last night?” She asked with a satisfied groan after savoring the taste of the soup.
“You’re so good at this” She said, gesturing to the soup.
“I know” Rian responded with a chuckle.
“So?..”
“Oh yeah, I didn’t bring you home, Riley did.”
“Oh,” Laura mouthed.”but how did she..”
“She said someone texted her, probably the bartender or something” He replied.
“Someone?” She asked and the very first person her mind went to, was Christian.
“It couldn’t be the bartender, could it be him?” She wondered.