We had perfected our disguises to enter the nightclub. Dressed to impress, we transformed into heirs of a major corporation, ready to enjoy the night and flaunt our wealth.
"We shouldn't be too conspicuous," Mina said, glancing around.
I leaned casually against the bar, lowering my sunglasses slightly, letting my eyes roam the dance floor. "What can we do? None of us has been to a place like this before."
Recalling the struggle of finding the right outfit at the rental store, it was fair to say it had been complicated. The internet offered little help, and the final look was undeniably flashy.
"Never mind, it's done. The important thing is we got in." I adjusted my sunglasses. "So, your boyfriend isn't here yet? Finished work?" I asked, diverting the topic.
"Judging by his routine, he probably isn't done yet at this hour."
"In that case, go find him. Remy and I will wait here."
As I finished speaking, my eyes darted to my side—but only emptiness greeted me.
"Where's Remy?"
Mina looked left and right, just like me, finding no trace of him. The kid had vanished in seconds, even though he had been right beside me minutes ago.
"I don't see him anywhere," Mina said, confused.
"I'll look for him. You handle your business. We can stay in touch via phone."
"Alright, then I'll go."
I nodded, watching Mina leave. Now, my task was to find the missing child. Hopefully, Remy wasn't causing trouble.
"Hi."
My search for Remy was immediately interrupted when a woman greeted me. Unlike the scantily dressed women on the dance floor, she wore a gown that exuded elegance.
"Are you here alone?" she asked.
"Actually, I came with two friends. They're taking care of some things," I replied.
"And what about you? Are you here on business too?"
I paused, then smiled faintly. "Yes, my business is waiting for my friends to finish theirs."
She laughed lightly. "That's a funny answer."
I furrowed my brow, slightly puzzled. "But I'm not joking."
We exchanged smiles, momentarily silent, watching the crowd around us. Suddenly, she extended her hand. Feeling awkward, I quickly shook it.
"I'm Aria."
"Ian. Nice to meet you, Aria."
We exchanged smiles again before Aria spoke, "I don't think I've seen you here before. You rarely come?"
I nodded. "You could say that. From your question, it seems you come here often?"
"Only occasionally, when my mind feels too heavy."
"Life must be stressful for you, then?"
"You mean work or personal life?"
"Either one."
Aria pressed her lips together. "Everyone has their own challenges."
"You're right."
We were quiet for a moment, only the music filling the space. Finally, Aria shifted the conversation. "Your sunglasses are cool."
I reflexively removed them. "Oh, these? My stylist's taste never misses."
There was no stylist, I was just playing the role of a wealthy elite.
"But your eyes are far more captivating," she continued.
I glanced at Aria, digesting her words. The compliment was unexpected. Were people in nightclubs really this good at flirting?
"Nice try, Aria," I replied casually, attempting not to show I was affected.
She took my sunglasses and put them on with confidence, posing as if they were hers. I could only watch, worried the borrowed glasses might fall or break, though honestly, my eyes were glued to her charm.
I reached for the sunglasses, but Aria brushed my hand, drawing closer.
My confidence crumbled. My flashy attire suddenly felt meaningless with a woman like Aria before me. Every movement of hers stirred unease within me, igniting desire. She had a way of making anyone feel at ease, and I found myself hypnotized.
Her breath teased me, pulling my soul closer, wanting more time together. It was insane, I knew, but I couldn't deny it. I had never known a nightclub could awaken such a desire.
"I have a reason for coming here too. Aren't you curious?" Aria's voice whispered softly in my ear. She brushed my hand before murmuring, "You."
Not only her presence but also her voice had me trapped. If this continued, I felt I might lose control. Aria made a novice like me feel swept into a world I'd never known.
"Can we spend time somewhere more private?" her proposition shook my composure.
"I—"
"Ian!"
I spun around, startled by the call of my name. Remy appeared, flanked by two women. Previously, he claimed he had no talent for nightclubs or dealing with women. Yet now…
"Is this the friend you mentioned, Ian?" Aria asked, pulling back.
"Yes, he's the friend I meant."
Remy approached me. "Miss, may I take my handsome friend aside for a moment? There's something we need to discuss."
Aria nodded. Immediately, Remy and I walked aside. As he began speaking, the topic shifted to Jia. It was like a bucket of cold water to my soul, extinguishing the desire that had flared with Aria. My urge to follow her evaporated, replaced by guilt for thinking of someone other than Jia.
"I didn't expect you to be a flirt too," Remy teased lightly.
"Too? Are you talking about yourself? You've never been to a nightclub? Seems like you're more experienced than me," I shot back, narrowing my eyes.
Remy exhaled, his expression turning serious. "I saw a beautiful woman and immediately fell in love at first sight, but unfortunately, she already had a partner. Today is my heartbreak day, so I decided to comfort myself by getting to know the woman who approached."
I sneered. "Is that really love? Getting excited and desperate in such a short time?"
Our attention shifted momentarily as we saw Mina running out of the nightclub, tears streaming down her face. The scene shocked us, leaving us bewildered.
"We have to chase her," Remy said, his voice tense.
I looked in the opposite direction, where Mina was running. "You go after her first. I need to settle something."
Without waiting for a response, I turned, heading toward the room that seemed to be the source of Mina's sobs. Something serious had clearly happened to hurt her so deeply.
When I opened the door, I saw Mina's boyfriend, stunned, clearly unprepared for my arrival. Now, everything was clear. I understood why Mina had cried so intensely. She shouldn't have witnessed the person she loved lying with another woman.
"BASTARD!!" I screamed, my fury erupting.