Nina.
A famous quote says; “When you lose something don't think of it as a loss; accept it as a gift that gets you on the path you were meant to travel on.” Fucking motivational speakers!
How was I going to accept being laid off from a job I spent eighteen months searching for?!
I turned to take a final look at the company where I had worked diligently for three years. They laid me off on the accusation of forgery.
A few minutes ago, I was pleading with Mr. Harry, the CEO of Tanis Holdings. “We should investigate this.”
His reply was simple. “The evidence before me is enough proof that you did it!” He replied sternly, handing me a check.
Staring at the white paper, the figure written on it wasn't up to a quarter of my salary. When I complained all he said was I was lucky to even get something from him.
I needed to speak to someone, the first person who came to my mind was my mom but I hesitated. I didn't want to get her worried so I dialed my best friend's phone instead but it entered a voicemail.
“Melinda.. pick up,” I muttered the words slowly, I gave up after the second attempt.
I waved down a taxi and an aged man popped his head toward the passenger seat and opened the door swiftly.
“Luxembourg Bar!” I announced. We arrived in no time and I dropped some dollar notes in his pale hands before stepping out. “Thank you,” I said and he nodded before zooming off.
My heels clicked harshly against the tiles as I made my way into the bar. The air seemed to go thick with the beat of the music. People swayed to the rhythm, their bodies pressed together as they danced in revealing outfits in contrast to the red corporate fitted gown I was putting on.
The room was a mixture of colors, with flashing lights and neon decorations casting a vibrant glow on the stage.
I found my way through the throng, my eyes scanning the bar as I walked to order a drink. The bartender paid me attention, a charming smile spreading across his face as he caught my eye.
“It's a busy night! What can I get you to unwind?” He asked, his voice loud enough to cut through the music.
I paused, unsure of what to order. Melinda was good with the parties and liquor but not me.
He noticed my hesitation and smiled. “We just got in some new sought-after cocktails. Would you like to try some?”
“I could make use of that.”
My drink was ready in no time. As I stretched my hand to collect my drink, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. I was going to tick a goal on my checklist- get drunk!
I was about to take a sip when tragedy struck. In a rush to grab the glass, I accidentally hit a waiter, it happened too fast, and the tray of drinks he was holding splashed all over a suited man standing nearby. The sound of glasses breaking into several tiny pieces was enough to call the attention of the crowd.
Frozen, I jumped on my feet. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!"
Lucian Ryders! The infamous Mafia Don!
His expression darkened, his eyes burning as he brushed off the liquid from his expensive-looking suit but he was already drenched, his white collar shirt now having a red non-uniform design."How dare you!” he thundered, his voice laced with annoyance.
His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like he could see right through my soul. His black curly hair made its way to his face and he brushed it off slightly.
Suddenly, my ears caught whispers of conversation from onlookers.
“…heard he locked up a guy who bashed his car a week ago.”
“…imagine what he would do to this hungry-looking lady for embarrassing him.”
I gulped slowly, awaiting my fate.
He took a business card from his pocket and stretched his hand to me. "See me at my office tomorrow at 8 AM. I don't entertain late-coming.”
I took the card, feeling a shiver run down my spine as our fingers touched. I nodded briefly, my mind racing with fear.
Just then I heard my phone peep.
My heart broke into a thousand pieces at what I saw.
“Meet me at Saint John's Hospital, room 206. Your mom got involved in an accident!!”
