Chapter 4 The fourth chapter

Yay! Thank God it is Friday.

The week had been stressful, with long days at the firm and even longer evenings working at the restaurant and caring for her mother.

Laura was exhausted, her body suffering from the constant demands on her life.

Nevertheless, when she walked home from work, she couldn't shake the sensation that she needed to try something new.

The walls of her tiny apartment, while familiar, felt confining tonight.

She needed air and space, something to remind her that life was more than just surviving day to day.

When she got home, her mother was already asleep. Laura remained at the doorway of her mother's room for a long time, just staring as she slept.

Elizabeth's condition has deteriorated in recent weeks, with more frequent pain and more bills to pay. It was getting increasingly difficult to maintain the falsehood of strength, to continue pretending that everything would be fine.

But tonight, Laura didn't want to think about it. She didn't want to think about the mounting medical bills or how each day felt like a lost struggle.

Tonight, she wanted to feel alive even if it was only for a few hours, the never-ending fight that had become her existence. She needed something to make her feel like herself again.

Anita, Laura's best friend had been begging for for days to come out with her during the weekend.

Anita was everything Laura wasn't, she was bubbly, energetic and very outgoing. They became friends in college and it has been a rollercoaster since then.

Laura always felt out of place at Anita's events and parties but tonight she was going to make it work.

She picked up her phone and texted Anita.

"Hey girl, I think I'll be down for tonight" She wrote

"Stop messing with me." Anita replied almost immediately

"No, I'm not. This house suddenly feels stuffy. I need some air." She replied

"Now that's what I'm talking about. You will have so much fun tonight I promise you. I'll pick you up by 8. Is that okay?" Anita said

"Yeah sure. 8 is fine" Laura replied "My girl is backkkkkkkk. Dress hot with two kiss emojis"

The text popped up on the screen. Anita was still texting.

Laura laughed at the texted, turned off the phone and made her way to her room.

As the evening progressed and the time to get dressed came, Laura experienced something she hadn't felt in a long time. It was such an ecstatic feeling.

She searched through her small closet, looking for something appropriate to wear.

The majority of her outfits were mostly work clothes, she barely had anything nice to wear.

But buried in the back, she discovered a dress she had forgotten she owned: a simple, lovely black dress she had bought years ago for a friend's wedding.

She put on the dress, shocked by how nicely it still fit, and stood in front of the mirror.

The lady staring back at her was a little bit different, still Laura, but with a hint of something new, something she hadn't seen in herself in a long time.

She applied just a little blush and lipstick and she removed the pins on her hair making them fall loosely on her shoulders.

Anita came at exactly 8:10pm and she couldn't help but admire Laura's beauty immediately she saw her

"I always knew you still had it in you" She said loudly while embracing her

"It's just a basic dress" Laura replied shyly

"It may be a basic dress but with you in it? Nothing like basic anymore." Anita said happily.

Laura quickly made a stop to check on her mother before she headed out. She was still fast asleep peacefully. She planted a soft kiss on her kiss while hoping she doesn't wake her up.

"Let's go" She beckoned to Anita as they made their way out of the door.

"You are sure going to turn heads tonight." Anita whispered as they were on their way to the venue.

Laura smiled softly.

Laura wasn't sure she wanted to turn heads, but the idea of being seen, was strangely appealing.

The closer they got, the more nervous Laura became. She'd never been to a place like this before, world of riches and excess that was so far distant from her own.

When they arrived, Laura was wowed by the place's stunning elegance. The nightclub was housed in a sleek, modern building made of glass and steel, with a line of people waiting outside, eager to get in.

But Anita, who appeared to know everyone, breezed past the crowd, smiling at the bouncer who let them in without a second thought.

Inside the club, there was an excessive stimulation. The music was extremely loud, the bass was pounding on the floor and almost felt like the building was shaking, the light was dim and the air was dense with the smell of expensive perfume and the tang of liquor.

Anita walked her to the bar and ordered drinks for them both. Laura accepted hers and took a tiny sip from the cocktail. It tasted nice, with hints of something stronger beneath the surface, and it warmed her from within.

She relaxed, taking in the environment and allowing the energy of the location to flow through her. As the night progressed, Laura found herself loosening up more than she had anticipated.

The music, the drinks, and the laughter all combined to create a euphoric atmosphere that helped her forget her troubles.

Laura danced with Anita, the two of them dancing to the beat of the music, and for the first time in a long time, she felt free.

In the midst of this euphoria, she noticed him. Alexander Russo stood at the edge of the dance floor, commanding as usual. He was speaking with a group of men dressed in crisp suits, but his concentration was elsewhere.

He was scanning the crowd, looking, like he knew she was there, until his gaze fell on her.

Laura froze, her breath seizing in her throat. She had not expected to see him here, nor had she imagined the idea of their paths crossing again so soon.

But there he was, as appealing as ever, his gaze fixed on hers with such intensity that her pulse skipped a beat.

She could have glanced away or claimed she hadn't noticed him. But something in his stare captivated her.

She kept his gaze for a long time, her heart increasing, before breaking the connection and turning back to Anita.

But Alexander refused to pass up an opportunity. He excused himself from his companions and walked across the dance floor, moving with the assurance of a guy who knew exactly what he wanted.

"Oh my God. He's walking towards me." She muttered while emptying the contents of her glass.

When he got to her, he didn't say anything at first, but stood there waiting for her to notice him.

"Laura" He called out. His voice sending shivers down her spine.

She turned to face him. Her heart racing more than when she first saw him.

"Mr. Russo. What a pleasing surprise" She said with a faint smile.

"Drop the act. We are not in the office" He said sternly with his piercing eyes fixed on her.

"I'm just surprised to see you here." She shrugged, trying to play it cool.

"Are you having fun?" He asked

"Yes I am" She replied hesitantly

"You deserve it. Would you like to dance?" He asked, holding out his hand.

Laura gazed at his outstretched hand and then back up at him.

She understood what this meant, that entering his world, even for a short while, was risky.

But tonight, she did not want to be cautious. She didn't want to be the responsible, rational Laura who always prioritizes others.

Tonight, she wanted to be someone else, someone who could take risks and enjoy the moment without worrying about the consequences.

The hint of something stronger from the drink was beginning to get to her. She could feel it all over her body and even though she was not a good dancer, she had never felt the urge to dance more than she feels it now.

So she put her hand into his and he led her to the dance floor.

The music was slower now, a sensual rhythm that engulfed them as they swayed together.

"You look so good, Laura" He whispered softly into her ears.

"Thank you" She responded while blushing hard.

Alexander rested his hand on her waist, his gaze permanently fixed on her, guiding her gently through the steps.

He was a great dancer, his moves smooth and confident, and Laura found herself settling into the rhythm and allowing him to take the lead.

As they danced, the rest of the world appeared to dissolve. It was only the two of them, moving in harmony.