Chapter 7 Night of the Party

"Are you sure you don't want me to take you there?" Ares asked again as we reached the front gate of our house.

I turned to him and took my bag. When I looked at him again, I noticed he was yawning and struggling to keep his eyes open.

"Just rest. I'm sure Elena will pick me up," I reassured him. He took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I wish I could rest with you in my room," he confessed, looking visibly exhausted. His eyes were soft, and he seemed like he could fall asleep right there.

I gave him an apologetic smile. I didn't know how to respond because even though we'd been in a relationship for two years, we had never shared a bed or even been left alone in the same room. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't give in. It had never crossed my mind. Luckily, he understood my situation.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered to him and hugged him. "We're getting married, so..."

"Hush, it's fine. I don't want you to think that I'm excited to marry you just for that. I understand," he said gently. I felt his kisses on top of my head, and it made me smile.

When he released me, his tired smile greeted me, but there was a lingering desire to accompany me to the bar where Elena had organized a party for me. I lifted my hand and gently massaged his forehead, trying to ease his fatigue. He closed his eyes, seemingly appreciating the gesture, and leaned in closer.

"I really want to go with you, but Elena made it clear it's a girls' night out. Will you be okay there tonight?" he asked, still keeping his eyes shut, as if not wanting me to stop soothing him.

"I'll be fine, Ares. I won't let you come because you need more rest. Don't pressure yourself too much, please," I declined, pausing my massage.

When he looked up at me, our eyes met. His were hazel-brown and shaped like a crescent moon. The color was more pronounced when in the sunlight. He adjusted his seat and let out a tired sigh.

"Is this still about your failed partnership with the Chuas or because of your brother?" I inquired, and he shook his head.

"He's just my half-brother," he emphasized softly but firmly.

I sighed and organized my belongings inside his car. I glanced around our house and noticed Mama peeking out from inside. When I turned my gaze to Ares, he was also looking at the house.

"Would you like to come in for a bit?" I offered, but he declined by shaking his head.

"I don't want to see them for a while, babe. I still can't forget what your brother did to you," he replied, a hint of coldness in his tone, and stepped out of the car.

I watched him as he turned towards my side of the car and opened the door. As I got out, he immediately embraced me tightly.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Just enjoy your night and don't worry about me," he gently assured, releasing me from the hug.

I looked at him and nodded. Later, he leaned down to kiss me, and I met his lips eagerly. He kissed me softly and passionately, his hand gently holding my waist, even squeezing it as if shivering. Our kiss deepened, and for a moment, I felt the urge to chase his lips when we parted. I saw his smile, and I gazed at him.

"Your kiss is really addicting," he whispered. Heat rushed to my face.

"I can't wait to marry you, so I can kiss you anytime I want," he added, then laughed. I playfully slapped him on the arm and drove him away. It was hard, and I might not be able to stop kissing him anymore.

When I entered the house, Mama greeted me immediately. I waved at her and silently went straight to my room. I even heard her smirk, making me a bit flustered.

After looking at myself, I applied light makeup and chose a pair of sandals to wear. My gaze fell on those black 3-inch stilettos I hadn't worn since I bought them. I shrugged and decided to wear those damn heels. I also grabbed a cardigan that would go well with my outfit and went out.

"Where are you going looking like that, Ana?"

I quickly turned to the source of the voice and saw Agatha holding a mug, probably from the kitchen. She scrutinized me from head to toe, raised an eyebrow, and smiled.

"Wow. Can you dress like that?" She seemed to be teasing me with a question.

"I'm just going out for a while. Please tell Mama," I said goodbye to her and ignored her playful remarks.

"So, where are you going? From the looks of it, I guess you're heading to the bar. Does Ares know about this?" She sarcastically asked again, and I sighed lazily.

"Elena has prepared a bachelorette party for me. I'm leaving," I lazily replied and hurried out.

When I exited, I quickly hailed a taxi since our house was close to the highway. As soon as I sat down, I received Elena's text with the bar's location. She didn't pick me up because she went straight from the office.

In less than an hour, I arrived and immediately texted them to meet me outside. I considered waiting near the entrance, but I felt uneasy when I saw someone causing a scene, so I hurriedly went inside.

The wild party music greeted me instantly. I squinted slightly as various lights flashed in sync with the beat of the music. Thankfully, there were only a few people, with most of them in the middle, dancing. I looked around carefully to find Elena but couldn't spot her, so I headed straight to the bar counter.

I was pretty impressed watching the bartender mix drinks, just taking it all in.

"Hey, I'm looking for something... Did anyone reserve a spot for three ladies here-"

"Miss Anastacia?" The bartender interrupted me, and I just grinned and nodded.

"Miss Elena is in the VIP area, upstairs on the second floor. You'll spot them as soon as you go up," he informed me while still fixing some drinks. So, I glanced in that direction.

This is my first time stepping into a joint like this. It's also my debut at having a drink in a place like this. I'm curious about the taste... They say drinking can be a good way to escape. Will it make me forget what went down that night once it starts to flow down my throat and settle in my heart?

"Here. It'll help ease your nerves."

I blinked a couple of times upon hearing that. Then I noticed the shot glass the bartender had placed in front of me. It's a shot of some alcohol, not exactly sure what. I hesitated, glancing at the bartender who was waiting, grinning, to see if I'd actually done it. As I turned the shot glass in front of me again, I took a deep breath. It feels like it's beckoning me.

"Excuse me..."

My eyes widened as the wine splashed on my thigh from the sudden jostle when a man bumped into my arm. I glanced at him quickly. He was already seated beside me, but I couldn't quite make out his face as he was hunched over. Taking in his appearance, he wore a white polo, probably just off work, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and tapered pants. His hair cascaded down to his shoulders.

I waited for him to speak, but minutes passed and he remained silent, leaving me slightly unnerved.