Chapter 7 Night Of The Party

• "Are you sure you don't want me to take you there?" Ares asked again as we reached the front gate of our house.
• I turned to him and took my bag. When I looked at him again, I noticed he was yawning and struggling to keep his eyes open.
• "Just rest. I'm sure Elena will pick me up," I reassured him. He took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
• "I wish I could rest with you in my room," he confessed, looking visibly exhausted. His eyes were soft, and he seemed like he could fall asleep right there.
• I gave him an apologetic smile. I didn't know how to respond because even though we'd been in a relationship for two years, we had never shared a bed or even been left alone in the same room. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't give in. It had never crossed my mind. Luckily, he understood my situation.
• "I'm sorry..." I whispered to him and hugged him. "We're getting married, so..."
• "Hush, it's fine. I don't want you to think that I'm excited to marry you just for that. I understand," he said gently. I felt his kisses on top of my head, and it made me smile.
• When he released me, his tired smile greeted me, but there was a lingering desire to accompany me to the bar where Elena had organized a party for me. I lifted my hand and gently massaged his forehead, trying to ease his fatigue. He closed his eyes, seemingly appreciating the gesture, and leaned in closer.
• "I really want to go with you, but Elena made it clear it's a girls' night out. Will you be okay there tonight?" he asked, still keeping his eyes shut, as if not wanting me to stop soothing him.
• "I'll be fine, Ares. I won't let you come because you need more rest. Don't pressure yourself too much, please," I declined, pausing my massage.
• When he looked up at me, our eyes met. His were hazel-brown and shaped like a crescent moon. The color was more pronounced when in the sunlight. He adjusted his seat and let out a tired sigh.
• "Is this still about your failed partnership with the Chuas or because of your brother?" I inquired, and he shook his head.
• "He's just my half-brother," he emphasized softly but firmly.
• I sighed and organized my belongings inside his car. I glanced around our house and noticed Mama peeking out from inside. When I turned my gaze to Ares, he was also looking at the house.
• "Would you like to come in for a bit?" I offered, but he declined by shaking his head.
• "I don't want to see them for a while, babe. I still can't forget what your brother did to you," he replied, a hint of coldness in his tone, and stepped out of the car.
• I watched him as he turned towards my side of the car and opened the door. As I got out, he immediately embraced me tightly.
• "I'll see you tomorrow. Just enjoy your night and don't worry about me," he gently assured, releasing me from the hug.
• I looked at him and nodded. Later, he leaned down to kiss me, and I met his lips eagerly. He kissed me softly and passionately, his hand gently holding my waist, even squeezing it as if shivering. Our kiss deepened, and for a moment, I felt the urge to chase his lips when we parted. I saw his smile, and I gazed at him.
• "Your kiss is really addicting," he whispered. Heat rushed to my face.
• "I can't wait to marry you, so I can kiss you anytime I want," he added, then laughed. I playfully slapped him on the arm and drove him away. It was hard, and I might not be able to stop kissing him anymore.
• When I entered the house, Mama greeted me immediately. I waved at her and silently went straight to my room. I even heard her smirk, making me a bit flustered.
• After looking at myself, I applied light makeup and chose a pair of sandals to wear. My gaze fell on those black 3-inch stilettos I hadn't worn since I bought them. I shrugged and decided to wear those damn heels. I also grabbed a cardigan that would go well with my outfit and went out.
• "Where are you going looking like that, Ana?"
• I quickly turned to the source of the voice and saw Agatha holding a mug, probably from the kitchen. She scrutinized me from head to toe, raised an eyebrow, and smiled.
• "Wow. Can you dress like that?" She seemed to be teasing me with a question.
• "I'm just going out for a while. Please tell Mama," I said goodbye to her and ignored her playful remarks.
• "So, where are you going? From the looks of it, I guess you're heading to the bar. Does Ares know about this?" She sarcastically asked again, and I sighed lazily.
• "Elena has prepared a bachelorette party for me. I'm leaving," I lazily replied and hurried out.
• When I exited, I quickly hailed a taxi since our house was close to the highway. As soon as I sat down, I received Elena's text with the bar's location. She didn't pick me up because she went straight from the office.
• In less than an hour, I arrived and immediately texted them to meet me outside. I considered waiting near the entrance, but I felt uneasy when I saw someone causing a scene, so I hurriedly went inside.
• The wild party music greeted me instantly. I squinted slightly as various lights flashed in sync with the beat of the music. Thankfully, there were only a few people, with most of them in the middle, dancing. I looked around carefully to find Elena but couldn't spot her, so I headed straight to the bar counter.
• I was pretty impressed watching the bartender mix drinks, just taking it all in.
• "Hey, I'm looking for something... Did anyone reserve a spot for three ladies here—"
• "Miss Anastacia?" The bartender interrupted me, and I just grinned and nodded.
• "Miss Elena is in the VIP area, upstairs on the second floor. You'll spot them as soon as you go up," he informed me while still fixing some drinks. So, I glanced in that direction.
• This is my first time stepping into a joint like this. It's also my debut at having a drink in a place like this. I'm curious about the taste... They say drinking can be a good way to escape. Will it make me forget what went down that night once it starts to flow down my throat and settle in my heart?
• "Here. It'll help ease your nerves."
• I blinked a couple of times upon hearing that. Then I noticed the shot glass the bartender had placed in front of me. It's a shot of some alcohol, not exactly sure what. I hesitated, glancing at the bartender who was waiting, grinning, to see if I'd actually done it. As I turned the shot glass in front of me again, I took a deep breath. It feels like it's beckoning me.
• "Excuse me..."
• My eyes widened as the wine splashed on my thigh from the sudden jostle when a man bumped into my arm. I glanced at him quickly. He was already seated beside me, but I couldn't quite make out his face as he was hunched over. Taking in his appearance, he wore a white polo, probably just off work, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and tapered pants. His hair cascaded down to his shoulders.
• I waited for him to speak, but minutes passed and he remained silent, leaving me slightly unnerved.