Elona’s POV
I walked down the street to go to the club, but I let out a heavy breath as Maggie stood in the driveway of Tristan’s house. It seemed as if they were busy. But Tristan was nowhere outside. I started to walk fast, but then that woman decided to cross the street. I swear this woman never wants to leave me alone.
“Elona, how are you doing?” She walked in step with me, very chirpy.
“I’m good and congratulations on the baby,” I gave her a fake smile.
“Well, because of my pregnancy complications, Tristan asked me to move in with him, and he proposed to me,” she wiggled her fingers in front of me, there was indeed a diamond ring. My heart started to shatter all over again.
“Congratulations. But if you will excuse. I have a photo shoot to get to.” I smiled politely and then she left me alone. I needed to forget anything that reminded me of Tristan, even this news.
I walked into the club by myself. The music was blasting with strobe lights. It was already crowded and warm. I made my way through the crowd. I had decided to wear a mini black dress where my entire back is showing skin. But the only thing that covers my bare back is my hair, which I kept loose and straight. I had a clutch bag to match with a chain strap over my shoulder and black heels. I was basically wearing black except for my lips, which were red.
I had to make my way to the VIP section as I searched for the sign to lead me there. As I walked further I found it. I spotted Mr Luca sitting on a sofa with some other beautiful women. A beer in his hand and his arm resting on the back of the sofa. The little table in the middle had glasses of alcohol, there were familiar faces too. I just stood there unsure of what to do.
“Hey,” I turned and Spooky smiled at me. “I’m surprised you actually came,” he said.
“Yeah, I figured that I should get out of the house and have some fun. Apparently, we are doing a photoshoot.” I replied.
“Yes, we are. I do think that this is a great setting.” I looked around, checking out the place. This club was not the same one that Tristan’s friend owned. So he won’t be keeping an eye on me, which is just what I like.
“Oh, I wanted to give you something,” I said as I opened my clutch. It was big enough to fit in my phone and the little box of bracelets and the chain that Tristan gave to me. I handed it to him, and he took it from me hesitantly. Confusion was evident on his face. “Please give this back to Tristan. I don’t want it,” I said as I closed my clutch bag again.
“Okay. I’m not sure if he will be happy about this, but if you don’t want it, I guess there is nothing that he can do to make you have it.”
“That’s correct,” I replied.
“Elona, it’s great to see you’ve decided to join us,” Mr Luca said with a huge smile. I only smiled at him.
We all began the photoshoot, and it went smoothly. It was a bit of a private area, and it had the right vibe of a party. Maxime was her usual self. I don’t know what I have ever done to her to make her hate me. She fluffed my hair and I had to pose provocatively.
Once the photoshoot was done. I felt so confident. “Would you like a drink?” Mr. Luca asked me. Spooky was chatting with the photographer across from us.
“Um… I will go for… Surprise me,” I said as Mr Luca signaled for a waiter. I was not one to drink and the last time I drank was basically my first and last time. I took a seat on a chair while the others had their phones. They were even smoking. I hated the smell, but I had to endure it. Mr Luca sat down next to me and handed a glass to me. “Thanks,” I replied, and I took a sip. It was just burning down my throat like fire. Coughing, he rubbed my back gently, chuckling.
“Not used to it?” He asked.
“No,” I replied as I gulped the rest down. I guess this is what fun looks like than to be cooped up at home and wallowing in sadness.
He leaned in, and I caught Spooky’s eye as the photographer was chatting to him. “I want to have a meeting with you tomorrow. It’s something that I want to help you with,” he said, as I turned my attention to him. His eyes were on my empty glass. “Another one?” he asked.
“Yeah,” he took the glass from me, and then he signaled for the waiter to put in the order. “What is it about? Am I doing anything right?” I was panicked that I could possibly lose my opportunity to work with the Dakota Agency.
“No, it’s something that I think you would like. It’s to do with the Velvet Fashion Show.” My eyes widened. It’s a dream of mine that I have always wanted to be part of VFS.
“Are you sure?” I asked. “I mean… I didn’t do much, and I hardly even started at the Dakota Agency.”
“I’m sure. You are beautiful and you fit in there. You have a body that is sexy. Once you graduate, then I can help you get into VFS.” he smiled.
“I don’t even know what to say. Thank you,” I smiled. My drink came, and he handed it to me and I gulped it down.
Two drinks became more, and I was really letting myself feel at the moment. I stumbled towards the table, taking another glass of whatever it was. “Hey, you should slow down on that, in fact, you should stop. Just because you and Tristan broke up doesn’t mean that you should drink yourself into a stupor.”
“Well, you are not allowed to tell me what to do. I am living my life just as Tristan is living his.” I gulped the rest of the alcohol down.
“I should get you home,” he said, grasping my arm and pulling me along with him. But I yanked my arm out of his grasp.
My stomach turned, and I was nauseous. I knew what was coming next. The club was spinning. “I-I think I’m going to be sick.”
Spooky grasped my arm once more and hurried with me into the ladies’ room. Luckily, there wasn’t a long line as some of the ladies protested. I made it just in time to one of the stalls as bile rose. My stomach convulsed all the contents out. I was on my knees, hunched over the toilet pot, grabbing onto it for dear life. I was not feeling well at all.
Once I was done, I flushed. But then, as I moved to stand up. It was like something was pulling me down to the ground and then darkness consumed me.
It felt as if I had been out for a lifetime as I heard voices. I was being moved. “Elona,” I heard that familiar voice. I opened my eyes but they were blurry.
“Tristan,” I slurred, which was barely a whisper.
“I’m here, okay? I’m taking you home,” he said as he started to scoop me up into his arms, but I was trying to fight to stay awake. “We-we lost the baby,” I slurred.
“I’m sure it was just a dream,” he replied as he carried me. I could still hear the music and it hurt my head.
“It wasn’t a dream…” not sure if he even heard me over the music because I didn’t have the energy to say it out loud.
Darkness consumed me again.