Chapter 5 Platinum club

PLATINUM CLUB

The next day, Serena and her two friends, Louella and Rowan, were seated in the front row of their history class. The professor was talking about ancient civilizations, but Serena couldn't help but steal glances at the clock. She was eager for the class to end, as she had plans to hang out with her friends after.

As the minutes ticked by, Serena tried to concentrate on the lecture, but her mind kept wandering.

Finally, the professor wrapped up his lecture, and the students packed up their belongings, ready to leave. Serena and her friends stood up, stretching their limbs after being seated for what felt like an eternity. Louella tucked her notebook into her bag, while Rowan gathered his scattered pens.

Just as they were about to exit the classroom, Serena's heart skipped a beat. Jason, strolled into the room. His sandy blonde hair fell perfectly into place, and his mischievous smile was enough to make any girl weak in the knees. Serena couldn't help but feel a jolt of nervous excitement run through her veins, and she wandered why, ever since their first encounter, she has been unable to get her mind off him totally.

Jason's blue eyes scanned the room until they landed on Serena. With a smirk, he walked over, completely disregarding Louella and Rowan. "Hey, Serena," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Got a moment?"

Serena's friends exchanged knowing glances, their eyebrows raised in mischief. Louella nudged Rowan playfully and mouthed, "Look at them!"

Blushing, Serena nodded, not trusting her voice at that very moment. Jason motioned for her to follow him, and she couldn't resist the allure as her friends giggled behind her.

He led her away from the crowded hallway, into a hidden corridor within the school. Jason leaned casually against a nearby locker, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"So, Serena," he said, drawing out her name teasingly. "Been missing me?"

She couldn't help but laugh, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "Maybe just a little," she playfully retorted.

Jason grinned, leaning in closer to her as if sharing a secret. "So, d'you think you could handle a little challenge?"

Curiosity bubbled inside Serena. She wasn't one to shy away from a challenge, especially not with someone like Jason. "I'm always up for a challenge. What do you have in mind?"

A glint of mischief danced in Jason's eyes as he pulled out a deck of playing cards from his pocket. "How about a game of poker? Winner gets bragging rights?"

Serena raised an eyebrow, realizing that this was his way of getting to know her better. She nodded, accepting the challenge. "You're on, Jason."

he shuffled the deck, and the two of them sat down on the hallway floor, engrossed in their impromptu game. Serena's laughter echoed through the corridor as they engaged in playful game and occasional teasing.

Little did they know, Serena's friends had been quietly watching from a distance, their smiles widening with each passing moment.

CHESTER'S MANSION - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

Chester, enters his lavish mansion, dropping his briefcase at the entrance. He sighs heavily, feeling the weight of the day slowly lift off his shoulders.

Brandon, Chester's best friend since childhood, appears from the kitchen with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He notices Chester's disheveled appearance and concernedly approaches him.

"Hey, buddy, tough day at the office?" He asked

Chester walks over to the couch, collapsing onto it with a groan. He leans back, staring into nothing.

"You have no idea, Brandon. I have been thinking about the marriage contract lately, with someone I don't even know.

Brandon sits down on the couch next to Chester, his face stained with surprise.

"A contract marriage? you didn't even tell me about this, why would your dad want to force you into a marriage you don't want" He said,

Chester rubs his forehead in frustration,

"Tell me about it, Brandon. They believe it will attract more customers and publicity, but how can I marry someone I don't even know?"

Brandon takes a sip of his whiskey, placing it on the coffee table, and turns to Chester, empathetically placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Chester, I know it's overwhelming, but hear me out. You're the face of Starbucks, the man behind its success. And as your best friend, I believe in you. Whatever hurdle comes your way, you always find a way to overcome it."

Chester meets Brandon's gaze, his eyes filled with uncertainty and concern.

"You've always had more faith in me than I have in myself. But how can I willingly enter into a contract that will dictate my personal life? It feels like I'm being trapped, like they're taking away my freedom." he said worriedly,

"Listen, my friend, you might feel trapped now, but you're not alone. We'll find a way to make this work. Together. Remember, contracts can be negotiated, and you can still maintain control over your own life. We'll figure it out." Brandon said

Chester's tense shoulders relax slightly, the weight on his chest seeming a little lighter. He reaches for his own glass of whiskey, joining Brandon in a sip.

"Thanks, Brandon. I don't know what I'd do without you. Your unwavering support gives me strength." He said

Brandon clinks his glass with Chester's, offering a reassuring smile.

" Let's go have some fun in the club" Brandon said

" Nahhhhh, ain't going"

"Chester, we are going," He said as he dragged Chester up to room to get changed.

SERENA'S ROOM - EVENING

Serena was wearing a simple t-shirt, jeans, and sneaker. Serena takes a deep breath, feeling her worries from the day melt away. Tonight, she's decided to treat herself to a much-needed break from the her marriage coming up and the routine of school and everyday life.

PLATINUM CLUB

Serena arrives at a club, music thumping through the walls, and laughter spilling into the streets. The bouncer grants her entry with a nod, and Serena steps inside, eyes widening at the lights and energetic beats. She makes her way to the bar and orders herself a drink, determined to enjoy her own company for the night.

She found a spot and settles in, occasionally taking sips from her drink and tapping her foot to the infectious rhythm of the music. Lost in the moment, she lets go of any worries, surrendering to the carefree ambiance around her.

Suddenly, piercing screams rupture the air, instantly shattering the atmosphere. masked figures burst into the club, releasing gunfire, commanding everyone to get down. Panic engulfs the room like a wildfire, and chaos continues.

Serena's heart pounds in her chest as she searches for an escape route. She spots a dimly lit hallway, Gathering her courage, she rises from her seat and bolts towards it, pushing through the panicking crowd.

As Serena races through the hallway, her heart pounding in her ears, she stumbles upon a loose floorboard, and her body falls forward. She braces for a painful impact with the cold, hard ground when, suddenly, a strong hand shoots out, wrapping around her arm.