Chapter 15: Just For Tonight
Lara clung desperately to the shards of her composure.
She couldn't break down. Not here. The air in the car felt suffocating, pressing against her like an invisible weight, but she forced herself to breathe. Deep, steady inhales. Measured exhales. As if that would stop the ache spreading in her chest, as if that would erase what she had just seen.
"Hey, are you okay, Lara?"
Ali's voice snapped her back to reality.
Lara flinched, hastily wiping at her eyes before forcing a smile, one that she hoped looked convincing.
"Y-Yeah… I'm fine. Just a little tired, I guess."
Lies.
But what else was she supposed to say?
Ali, seated in the passenger seat, didn't look convinced. Her sharp eyes narrowed, scanning Lara's face like she could see every crack in her facade. "You sure?"
Before Lara could come up with another excuse, the car door on the driver's side opened, and Duke slid into his seat. His sharp gaze flickered between the two women, instantly sensing the shift in the atmosphere.
"What happened?" he asked, his gaze landing on Ali first.
Ali shrugged, tilting her chin toward Lara. "Ask her."
Duke's attention shifted to Lara, his brows knitting together. "Nics?"
Lara quickly waved a dismissive hand, plastering on a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's nothing. I'm fine."
Duke didn't look convinced either. His brows furrowed as he studied her face, his gaze piercing like he could see through every flimsy wall she had built.
"You don't look fine," he said, his tone softer this time. "Nics, if something's wrong—"
"I said I'm fine," she forced a chuckle, though it sounded hollow even to her own ears. "I'm just tired. That's all."
Ali exhaled loudly, crossing her arms. "You know, for someone who's a terrible liar, you sure do it a lot."
Lara bit the inside of her cheek.
If only she could tell them.
If only she could say that just a moment ago, she had seen her husband with another woman, looking so happy and in love. That she had saw him smile, watched him look at someone else the way she had always dreamed he would look at her. That her heart had been shattered into pieces, and now, she was desperately trying to hold herself together.
But she couldn't.
She wouldn't.
She didn't want to burden them with her personal problems. This was her choice. Her fault for holding onto a love that had never been hers to begin with.
So she had to endure.
Alone.
Duke's frown deepened. "Are you sure you still want to go? We can cancel and take you home instead."
Home.
The word sent a sharp, bitter pang through her chest.
The last place she wanted to be right now was home where Lucas was.
Where she would have to pretend that nothing was wrong. Where every corner of the house held memories of a love she had built alone.
She couldn't face him right now. Not after what she saw. Not when she was barely keeping herself together.
"No." She shook her head, a little too quickly. "I don't want to ruin the night. It's been a while since the three of us went out together."
And she meant it.
Even if her heart ached, even if she felt like she was falling apart, she didn't want to be the reason their night was ruined.
Besides, she needed this.
A distraction. Anything to stop herself from replaying the scene over and over in her mind until it completely broke her.
Duke sighed but didn't push further. Instead, he turned the key in the ignition, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence. "Alright. But if you need to leave, just say the word."
Lara nodded, grateful that he didn't press any harder.
Ali, however, wasn't as easily satisfied. She crossed her arms and shot Lara a pointed look. "If you think I'm letting this go, you're dead wrong. We'll talk later."
Lara mustered a weak smile, pretending not to hear the underlying threat in her friend's words.
As the car pulled onto the road, she leaned her head against the window, watching the city lights blur past them.
She wanted to forget.
Forget that her heart was breaking.
Forget that she was a wife who was never wanted.
Forget that no matter how much love she poured into her marriage, Lucas would never return it.
Tonight, she just wanted to pretend. Even if it was just for a little while.
Because if she didn't… she might completely fall apart.
⫘⫘⫘
When they finally arrived at the bar, Lara was immediately hit by the pulse of the music. Loud, heavy, and intoxicating. Neon lights flashed in a dizzying array of colors, casting flickering shadows across the sea of bodies moving in rhythm to the beat. Laughter and conversation blended into the melody, the scent of alcohol thick in the air, mingling with expensive cologne, faint traces of smoke, and sweet perfume.
It had been a long time since she last set foot in a place like this.
Probably before she lost herself trying to be the perfect wife.
Ali had always invited her out, urging her to loosen up, to live a little. But Lara had always said no.
Because of work.
Because of Lucas.
Because she didn't want him to think she was the kind of woman who spent her nights drinking in bars.
Not that it mattered in the end.
Lucas never cared. Never asked where she went, what she did, or how she felt. Whether she stayed home or disappeared for hours, it made no difference to him.
So why had she tried so hard?
She had bent over backward for him. Twisted herself into someone he might like.
And for what?
A bitter chuckle slipped past her lips.
How pathetic.
Lara exhaled sharply, pushing the thought away. Tonight wasn't about Lucas. Just for tonight, she wanted to forget everything.
"Come on, slowpoke." Duke grinned as he placed a guiding hand on Lara's lower back, ushering her and Ali up the sleek staircase toward the VIP section.
Lara glanced at him before nodding, letting him lead the way. The soft click of her heels echoed against the polished floor as they ascended.
The VIP room was dimly lit but exuded luxury, with plush leather couches, a private bar stocked with top-shelf liquor, and a sleek interior that screamed exclusivity. A faint scent of cologne and expensive whiskey lingered in the air.
Inside, four men were lounging, engaged in easy conversation, their laughter a smooth hum against the background music.
Lara's breath hitched slightly.
They weren't just men.
They were gorgeous.
The kind of men who looked like they had stepped out of a high-end fashion magazine. Each one with distinct, striking features that made them look almost unreal.
Ali let out a low whistle, nudging Lara's side. "Damn, this might turn out to be more exciting than I thought."
Lara barely heard her, too distracted by the man who had just stood up and was now approaching them.
He was tall, effortlessly exuding confidence with each step like someone who knew exactly how much attention he commanded. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and the tattoos decorating his neck stretched down to his hands, peeking from under the sleeves of his fitted black shirt. He looked like he belonged in his early thirties, maybe even younger, but there was something about him that screamed experience. The kind of man who had seen things, done things.
And when he smirked, Lara swore she felt the temperature in the room rise.
He stopped in front of Duke, his gaze flickering over him. "You're late," he drawled, voice deep, smooth. Unbothered yet laced with amusement.
Duke chuckled. "Traffic," he said casually.
Before Lara could blink, the man grabbed Duke by the collar and—
Kissed him.
Lara's jaw practically hit the floor.
Ali made a choking noise beside her before scrunching her face. "Oh, God. Why am I witnessing this?"
Lara blinked rapidly. Sure, she knew Duke was dating someone, but she hadn't expected… this. A full-blown, no-shame, get-a-room kind of making out session right in front of her. She didn't even know you could kiss someone like that, as if trying to devour each other.
When they finally pulled apart, both men wore matching smirks, looking far too pleased with themselves.
Ali, never one to filter her thoughts, crossed her arms. "So… who's the bottom?" she asked bluntly.
Lara frowned, confused. Bottom? What does that mean?
Duke let out a laugh while the man beside him raised an amused brow.
Ali rolled her eyes. "Never mind. The important part is—" she wiggled her brows mischievously "—you're both getting laid."
The entire room burst into laughter.
Lara, still mentally trying to decode the term bottom, just stood there, stunned.
"So, he's your boyfriend?" Ali asked, arms crossed.
Duke grinned, wrapping an arm around the man's waist. "Yes, in case it wasn't clear, this is my man." His voice held unmistakable pride.
Lara didn't miss the way his partner's eyes softened at the statement. It was subtle, but it was there—the quiet affection between them.
Lara couldn't help but smile. They looked so in love. Genuinely happy.
The man grinned, but his sharp gaze suddenly landed on Lara, studying her with interest. There was a knowing glint in his eyes that made her shift slightly under his scrutiny.
"So, you must be Nichole," His tone was casual, but there was an underlying curiosity.