Chapter 112: Night life
Lily’s POV
“What happened in your past?” I pressed on, my voice gentle. “With Daniel?.”
Alex’s gaze drifted downward, his jaw clenching. “My father… he was ambitious. He wanted me to succeed, no matter the cost.”
I sensed a deep pain in his voice, a pain he’d long suppressed. “What do you mean?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Alex’s eyes met mine, filled with anguish. “He tortured me, Lily. Emotionally, physically. He wanted me to excel in business, to be ruthless.”
My heart recoiled in horror. “Why?” I whispered.
Alex’s voice cracked. “Because he believed that’s what it took to succeed. To be the best. He thought if I could withstand pain, I could withstand anything.”
I felt a wave of compassion wash over me. No wonder Alex had built walls around himself. “How did you… survive?” I asked, my voice trembling.
Alex’s gaze dropped, his voice barely audible. “I learned to adapt. To numb myself. But deep down… I was dying.”
His words struck me like a blow. I saw the depth of his pain, the scars he’d hidden for so long. “Alex,” I whispered, my voice filled with empathy. “I’m so sorry.”
Alex’s eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. “You’re the first person I’ve ever told, Lily. The first person I’ve ever trusted.”
In that moment, I knew Alex had revealed a part of himself he’d never shown anyone before.
We walked in silence for a moment, the only sound being the soft hum of the city.
“Alex,” I said, breaking the silence. “How did you manage to escape your father’s influence?”
Alex’s expression turned grim. “I found ways to cope. To rebel. But it wasn’t until I took control of my own life that I truly broke free.”
I nodded, understanding, at least one of us found a way to break free and heal from trauma. I sighed and continued. “And your real father?. How are you copping with the news?.”
Alex’s sighed and turned to me. “Honestly, I’m just indifferent. Daniel was never a real father to me so it doesn’t change anything and my real father is dead so no chance of knowing him personally. That is that.”
I sensed a deep sadness in Alex, a sadness that came from being failed by those who should have loved and protected him. I knew what it felt like to know that a parent is dead, although he never knew his father, I’m sure he felt the same loss but this was as much as he would reveal to me. It was enough for me though.
As we continued walking, the city lights twinkling around us, I realized that Alex’s past was far more complex, far more painful, than I’d ever imagined.
“Lily,” Alex said, his voice low.
“Yes?” I replied.
“Thank you for listening,” he said, his eyes searching mine.
I smiled softly. “You’re welcome, Alex.”
As we turned a corner, the stunning vista of the city skyline unfolded before us. The towering skyscrapers, their peaks shrouded in mist, seemed to touch the heavens.
The distant hum of the city’s nightlife pulsed through the air, beckoning us to explore its secrets.
“Let’s keep walking,” Alex said, his eyes sparkling.
“Okay,” I replied quietly.
As we continued walking through the city streets, the neon lights of a nightclub caught my eye. The entrance pulsed with energy, beckoning passersby to join the party.
“Alex, look!” I exclaimed, tugging on his hand.
He followed my gaze to the nightclub, its sleek, modern facade gleaming under the city lights.
“A nightclub?” he raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical.
I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Let’s go. It’ll be fun. We can let loose and forget about everything else.”
Alex hesitated, his eyes scanning the club’s exterior. “I don’t know, Lily. I’m not really in the mood.”
But I was already imagining us on the dance floor, surrounded by pulsating lights and infectious beats.
“Come on, Alex,” I coaxed, my voice playful. “You can’t say no to a night out. Besides, I want to see you let loose.”
Alex’s gaze searched mine, then softened. “Okay,” he said, a hint of a smile on his lips.
We walked towards the nightclub, the thumping music growing louder with each step. The bouncer, a towering figure with a stern expression, nodded at Alex as we approached.
“Mr. Dankworth,” he said, his voice deep.
Alex nodded in response, and the bouncer stepped aside, allowing us to enter.
Inside, the club pulsed with energy. The air vibrated with music, and the crowd moved as one on the dance floor. Strobe lights flashed, casting colorful patterns across the room.
Alex’s eyes scanned the room, his expression still uncertain. But I was already pulling him onto the dance floor.
“Let go, Alex,” I shouted over the music.
At first, he moved stiffly, his body rigid. But as the beat took over, his movements relaxed, and he began to sway to the rhythm.
I danced around him, my hips swiveling to the music. Alex’s eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity.
As we danced, the music shifted to a slower tempo. Alex pulled me close, our bodies swaying together.
“Lily,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
“Yes?” I replied, my voice barely audible.
“I want to kiss you’. he said, his eyes searching mine.
My heart skipped a beat. The music swirled around us, but I only heard Alex’s heartbeat.
“Bold!”. I said sarcarstically with a wide smile.
“If I want something I say so, or I might just regret not making a move.” He said with raised brows.
“I guess that’s a good way to live but…” I paused pulling away from him. “I need a drink.” I said as I swayed my hips to the bar.
I could hear his rushed footsteps behind as I pushed through a crowd of people on the dance floor. “Two shots of tequila please.” I said with a smile to the hot bartender who was dressed in a tiny singlet and some washed jeans. His muscles rippled as he moved around with bottles and his abs looked really inviting.
“Coming right up” The hot bartender said with wink.
I smiled in response as I took a seat and watched the crowd. Alex was nowhere to be seen, he must have probably left without me. I wouldn’t put it past him.
I wouldn’t be surprised that he would pour out his heart to me barely thirty minutes ago and just switch up. It was typical Alex.
Soon enough as the drinks kept flowing, my inhibitions began to fade. My cheeks were burning and my eyes hazy. I felt so free and alive so I managed to draw my slurry self to the dance floor.
My body swayed to the beat and for once I didn’t care about anything or anyone. I just wanted to dance.
“Hey, beautiful,” a strange voice shouted over the music, his eyes scanning my body. “Want to dance?”
I giggled, feeling carefree. “Why not?” I replied, shrugging. If Alex didn’t want some, his loss and besides a little dance with this stranger couldn’t be wrong right?.
The stranger grinned and pulled me close. His hands wrapped around my waist, and we began to move to the music.
At first, I felt a thrill of excitement. The stranger’s touch was unfamiliar, but it was exhilarating. But as the song wore on, I began to feel uneasy. The stranger’s grip tightened, and his movements became more suggestive.
I tried to push him away, but he held firm. “Hey, relax,” he whispered in my ear. “We’re just having fun.”
Suddenly, a hand clamped on the stranger’s shoulder, spinning him around.
“Leave her alone,” Alex growled, his eyes blazing.
The stranger backed off, hands raised. “Sorry, man. Just trying to have some fun.”
Alex turned to me, his expression concerned. “Lily, are you okay?”
I nodded, still feeling dizzy from the drinks. “Y-yes. I’m fine.” I slurred. “Where have you been?.” I snapped.
“I just steeped out to take a call.” He explained.
I sighed my gaze softening. “Okay.”
Alex’s gaze searched mine, then softened. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, pulling me close.
I nodded, grateful for his rescue. As we left the club, the cool night air hit me like a slap in the face.
I stumbled, and Alex caught me, holding me upright.
“Whoa, easy there,” he said, smiling. “Maybe we should get you home.”
I nodded, feeling embarrassed. “Yeah. Sorry.”
Alex helped me into the car, his hand cradling my head.
As we drove, I drifted in and out of consciousness, aware only of Alex’s soothing voice.
When we arrived at my place, Alex helped me out of the car and walked me to the door.
“Thanks for tonight, Lily,” Alex smiled, his eyes crinkling.
I slurred, leaning against him. “You’re welcome.” I said with a proud smile.
He stared at me for a while before flashing a nervous smile at me. As he turned to leave, I grabbed his arm.
“Alex?”
“Yes?”
Before I could think about twice I crashed my lips against his. The kiss was gentle, yet electrifying. Alex’s lips parted, and I felt his warm breath mingle with mine.
For a moment, the world around us melted away. But as the kiss deepened, my legs gave out.
Alex caught me, holding me upright, but I felt myself slipping away.
The last thing I remembered was Alex’s panicked voice.
“Lily! Oh God, Lily!”
Everything went black.