“You want me to sign a contract agreeing to divorce you when the two packs have stabilized and that our divorce won’t affect it. This is some kind of joke, right?” Alex’s voice drips with sarcasm as he enters my room in the silver pack.
I spin around, meeting his gaze head-on. “No, it’s not.”
Alex stared at me in disbelief. “You can’t be serious. After everything we’ve been through, you will just walk away?”
I fold my arms, holding firm. “The contract is for the good of both packs. Once they’re stabilized, it’s best we go our separate ways.”
“Best for who?” Alex shouts. “Did you ever stop to consider if I would also want this?”
I turn away, bitterness welling up inside. I picture Alex picking Alice instead of me. “Please sign the contract,” I said coldly.
“Our engagement ceremony is barely days away. No, I won’t.”
I release a deep breath, my gaze locked onto Alex. The weight of my request hangs heavy between us, the tension palpable in the air. I know what needs to be done, even if it means resorting to deception.
“If you sign the contract, I will accept that saving Alice was the right choice,” I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me.
Alex swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly. “Hannah,” he murmurs.
I close my eyes briefly, savoring the way he says my name. When I reopen them, I find his intense gaze fixed on me, searching for something in my expression.
“If you sign it, it also proves to me you don’t have your ex in your heart anymore,” I continue, my voice trembling slightly with the weight of my words.
“Hannah, but that’s the opposite. Signing it would be proving I do and want to get back with her, which I don’t,” Alex counters, his brows furrowed in confusion.
I meet his gaze head-on, willing him to understand. “I know, but that’s not how I will look at it. I will see it as you doing everything I ask because you care for me,” I explain, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Really?” Alex asks, uncertainty etched in every line of his face.
“Yes, if you sign this contract, I will believe you care for me and have my best interests at heart,” I affirm, my voice tinged with hope.
“Okay, fine then. I will sign it,” Alex agrees, surprising me with his acquiescence.
He signs the contract and hands it back to me, a sense of relief washes over me, mingled with a twinge of sadness. This decision marks a turning point in our relationship, one I’m not sure we can recover from.
“See you at the engagement party,” I say softly, gesturing toward the door. Alex hesitates for a moment, his gaze lingering on mine before he finally steps out, leaving me alone with my tumultuous thoughts.
As Alex steps out, my phone begins to ring on the nightstand. I glance at the caller ID before answering.
“Hi, Jason.”
“Hey, Hannah. How are you doing?” Jason’s voice comes through the phone.
“I’m good. You?”
“Good also,” I reply, sinking onto the edge of my bed.
“What are you doing tonight?”
“Nothing much. Why do you ask?”
“A couple of friends and I are going out for a drink, and I thought it would be nice if you came along.”
I hesitate, weighing the pros and cons. I don’t know any of Jason’s friends, and it might be awkward, but at the same time, I could use a distraction.
“Trust me, it’s going to be fun,” Jason assures me.
“Alright, if you say so. Send me the address.”
“Wonderful. See you soon,” he says before hanging up.
I head over to my closet, racking my brain for something to wear. After rummaging through my closet, I finally settle on a cropped halter top that features a necktie and a plunging neckline. Completed with a high-waisted bodycon mini skirt adorned with ruched detailing at both sides. The fabric clings to my curves, accentuating every curve and contour. I know it’s a bold choice, but I want to feel confident and free tonight. With one last glance in the mirror, I adjust my hair and makeup, ensuring everything is perfect, before stepping out the door with my Jean jacket over my outfit.
Arriving at the club’s address, I hand the bouncer my flawless fake ID, adrenaline pumping through my veins. Bee and I had gotten fake IDs for occasions like this. I briefly considered inviting her along tonight, but since Jason hadn’t mentioned anything about bringing friends, I decided against it. Besides, I figured it would be easier to navigate the night solo without having to worry about entertaining someone else. I step into the chaotic thrill of the dancefloor, the darkness flashing with hypnotic neon strobes. The deep bass pounds in time with my racing heartbeat as I’m enveloped by the writhing mass of bodies. The thick air smells of perfume, alcohol, and pure abandon.
I search for any sign of Jason’s smiling face among the sea of strangers gyrating at the bar. Coming up empty, disappointment sinks in my chest. I pull out my phone when suddenly a hot whisper caresses my ear.
“There you are,” someone yells over the music. I jump, spinning around, ready to hit the person, until I see it’s Jason. Relief washes over me.
“I almost hit you!” I say, playfully shoving his sturdy shoulders, unable to hide my smile.
“Good thing you didn’t,” he winks, grabbing my hand. “Come on, the others are waiting.”
He leads me through the writhing mass of bodies, his strong grip guiding me forward. We approach a foreboding black door where a muscular bouncer stands guard. Jason exchanges a knowing nod, and we ascend the dim staircase. With each step, the deafening music fades to a dull thump.
We enter a sleek lounge where his friends lounge on leather couches, drinks in hand. Their eyes turn to appraise the new girl Jason’s brought into their exclusive world tonight. “Hannah, meet Kiley and Hillary.” Jason points to the girl on the right and then to the left.
“Hello,” I wave with a small smile. Kiley and Hillary exchange glances; their forced smiles do little to mask their disdain. With her impeccably styled hair and designer outfit, Kiley eyes me up and down with thinly veiled contempt. Meanwhile, Hillary’s arms crossed over her chest signal her guarded stance. They look a bit familiar from school and I have never spoken to them.
“Hannah, huh?” Kiley’s tone drips with condescension. “Interesting name. What brings you here?”
A knot forms in my stomach as I realize this encounter might not unfold as smoothly as I hoped. Jason, sensing the tension, quickly interjects.
“Hannah’s a friend of mine,” he says, attempting to defuse the situation. “She’s cool, don’t worry.”
Despite Jason’s attempt to reassure them, Kiley and Hillary remain unimpressed, shooting skeptical glances my way. I take a deep breath, reminding myself not to let their hostility get to me.
“Nice to meet you both,” I reply, forcing a polite smile. “Thanks for having me.”
Taking a seat, I feel a bit out of place in the tense atmosphere of the club. Jason’s reassuring hand squeeze silently urges me to hang in there. It’s becoming clear that this night might be more challenging than I anticipated, but I refuse to let it dampen my spirits. Tonight, my aim is simple: get drunk and let loose without worrying about making friends or overthinking things.
I order drink after drink, gradually losing count as the alcohol starts to take effect. Eventually, I find myself unable to pronounce my own name properly. With a giggle, I discard my jeans jacket, tossing it carelessly onto the floor. Standing unsteadily on my feet, I make my way toward the dancing pole in the room, feeling a surge of confidence wash over me.
Removing my heels, I begin to dance, letting the music guide my movements as I embrace the pole like it’s my long-lost lover. “Go, girl,” Jason cheers from the sidelines as I shake my ass and twirl around the pole with reckless abandon. Despite the occasional hiccup, I only stop when I decide it’s time for another drink.
As I stagger over to grab the Jack Daniel’s bottle, I notice the expression on Jason’s face as he stares intently at his phone. “Is something wrong?” I ask, making my way back toward him.
“Alex is calling,” he replies, turning the phone to face me, his expression unreadable.