ELENA'S POV
I'm already at my breaking point and there's obviously nothing I can do to save myself from this mess.
Nonna is gone. Her bakery is about to be taken away as well. Ryan, my boyfriend has abandoned me. I can't seem to do anything right. It's all my fault. I'm such a failure.
I walk aimlessly around the city afraid of going home to sleep and maybe die of thinking. Before I knew it, I found myself outside a crowded downtown nightclub.
I look up at the place for some minutes, contemplating whether to go in or not.
"Damnit! I don't care. I'm going to drink tonight. Maybe it'll take away this pain or make me forget everything. I just want to be reckless tonight without thought of tomorrow."
I'm going to drown myself in my sorrows and worry about it later. Although I don't drink, there's always a first time for everything right?
I step inside the crowded club. Music roars in my ears but I don't care. Flashes of lights hit my eyes from every corner. I push my way through the sea of people to the counter where I meet a male bartender.
"Give me a shot, please. A strong one."
"Right away ma'am." He nods at me and mixes drinks of different colours or so and places it before me. I do not think, just take it and gulp it down in one second. It tastes sweet and sour in some kind of way.
However I do not care. I'm not here to worry about drinking. I'm here to drown, so drown it is. I raise my glass to no one in particular and gulp another.
***
On the other side of the city, there is a high class charity gala event taking place. The richest and powerful people in the city are present. The main event just ended a few minutes ago and everyone is going around getting acquainted with each other. There is laughter and clinking of glasses. Some sit and discuss while others stand or move around. The room is lively and full of life. This is where it all happens.
Adrian de Luca has never fancied being in events like this. He would rather stay at home sorting out business in his study. From where he is seated, legs crossed against each other, he looks around lazily, one hand rested in his knees while the other holds a glass of wine.
A glance at him shows he's irritated. His father has just reminded him that his arranged marriage to Valentino Romano, his business rival's daughter will soon be announced and preparation for the marriage will commence immediately after. In his words, there is no need to delay anymore.
Well, it's the opposite for Adrian. He has no intention of obeying. The last thing he would do is to get married to someone he has no iota of feelings for.
He leaves the gala in need of fresh air and signals his men to refrain from following him. He walks alone through the streets of the city still deep in thought. He eventually strides into a nightclub hands in pocket like the owner of the place.
He makes his way directly to an empty luxurious cushion and seats. Both hands spread across the head of the long luxurious cushion. He brings out a cigarette from his pocket and lights it while watching the party before him.
His eyes caught sight of the back view of a lady at the corner of the room arguing with the bartender, demanding for somethinghe couldn't hear clearly. He watches as she raises her glass and turns it upside down then wiggle her index finger before the bartender.
He is amused and immediately feels drawn to her.
"Pour me now, I command you else I'll shut down this whole place." I threaten. I don't know what's over me anymore. I just say whatever is in my head without care.
"Life is fucked up and so are you Mr Man." I wiggle my hands in his face.
"I'm sorry ma'am." I hear him say.
"What do you mean you are sorry? Sorry for your ass."
"Ma'am you have had much to take and you haven't paid for the once you've drank so far."
"Shut it, mother fucker! Who are you to tell me how much I should drink? You're talking about money huh? I have it here…" I reach for my bag slung across my shoulders and search inside for money. I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand as I try to see clearly to bring out the money.
Still unable to find any, I hiss and pour every content inside the bag on the counter in frustration. "There, now pick your money and pour me a drink before you piss me off." I commanded.
He picks the money scattered on the table, counts it and stares at me.
"What? What are you waiting for? Pour me the goddam drink."
"Ma'am the money is not complete."
"Tell that to your momma. I would have said my momma but she's dead. I laughed bitterly."
I slam the table. "Now do your fucking job, Mr."
"How dare you insult my momma? Your bullshit momma is nowhere as good as her. Security! Come throw this lady outta this place." He explodes and yells.
Two built men march forward out of nowhere like they've been waiting to throw me out. They lay their hands on me.
"Hey..." I shouted.
A man suddenly shows up and places a large stack of money on the counter. He looks at the bartender and calmly says "Enough to cover her cost right? Her drinks are on me." He looks at the security and waves them away. They leave me and back off.
I slowly turn to look at the man who just helped me. Ohhh, he is tall and gives off a dangerous and powerful vibe. I giggle in my head. I like him already.
He watches me like something interesting, then leans closer and asks.
"Now tell me… what kind of trouble drives a woman to drink like this?"