Chapter 1 The Night That Changed Everything

Chapter 1

Lena's POV

"Sign the papers, Lena. Give up your shares. It's best for the company."

Just when I had been excited that all my hard work was soon paying off and Dad was finally going to acknowledge me, I was greeted with this absurd instruction. It was more like an order than a plea.

"Best for the company?" I had scoffed. "Did you hear about the deal I closed today at the company? It will very much save the work you put in all those years." I said, trying to pass the message to him in case he hadn't heard.

"I heard. You did a splendid job at curbing the impending bankruptcy but that's not a permanent solution." Dad sighed.

"A permanent solution? You sound like there's already one." Feeling hurt and betrayed by his quick decision to give up on my hard work to save the company. Did he not believe that a woman could run the company alone?

"Yes. We now have good backing. This is the best, I tell you." He was suddenly sounding very excited. This was an emotion I hadn't seen on the man's face in a very long time. Happiness, the kind that was not faked as a form of business dealings.

"Backing? What solution did you find?" I had a vague idea of what it was but I had always pushed it aside. It was a solution that completely ignored my abilities.

"Clarissa has gotten a husband. A powerful man for that matter." Dad sounded proud. He never looked proud when talking about my successes.

"Who is he?" I asked, feeling the blood of excitement I had felt upon entering this study, drain from my face.

"Does it matter to you? He is a billionaire capable of saving the company, that's all you should really care about." He replied while casually putting away the documents I had brought to show him proof of the progress I had made.

"It matters to me because Clarissa has not been the one holding meetings and meeting potential investors to seal a deal worth millions." My voice was shaky and my vision blurry as tears cascaded like a waterfall from my eyes.

"Lena, understand where I'm coming from. That company is my legacy. I have to do my best for it to prosper. It'll benefit even your offspring if Clarissa's marriage is successful." Dad said while attempting to comfort me.

"So now, I am expected to step aside like I was nothing more than a placeholder in my own birthright?" I asked him, while wishing that my voice was firmer. I was his first born but not legitimately, which is why I word twice as hard as any heirs I know.

"Shut up already about this birthright. This is more beneficial. Allow Clarissa the right to your shares. I'll hear nothing more on the topic." He snapped. Making mention of the birthright must have triggered him and the underlying guilt he felt towards my mother.

"I've worked hard to get to the point I'm at now. I won't hand over my shares!" I yelled in anger and slammed the door behind me as I stormed out of the house. My father's words still ringing in my ears about how marriage with the right man was the permanent solution for his company.

I went to Avira's place without thinking. As my best friend since high school, she was aware of the responsibility I had and also the struggles I faced at home. Receiving me with a bottle of wine was her typical response to my sad face. She listened without saying a word and allowed me to vent for a solid three hours.

"Lena!" Avira's voice pulled me from my rage as she chugged down the remaining liquid in the bottle. "You need a break. We're going out."

I blinked at her. "Where?"

A slow smirk curved her lips as she winked.

"Somewhere you can forget everything for a while."

"Whenever you wink, it's not good." I laughed as she searched her closet, bringing out a few body con dresses that were very open.

"Doesn't matter. Let's dress up to match the vibe." She smiled, raising up a long sleeved romper that was very short and open at the back.

"I'm not wearing that." I shook my head in useless protest because two hours later, I was walking hand in hand with Avira into a club called Maestro's Muse.

Avira whispered the name at the entrance, and the bouncer gave us a knowing smirk before letting us in.

"You've been here before?" I asked her. She was very open to trying new things. Avira liked to explore unlike me, who was a workaholic and a daughter set to please her father at the expense of my own happiness.

"Yes. Have connections with the owner. You'll love this place, trust me." She squealed.

Of course, Avira was right. The place was intoxicating with the dim lights, waiters that were eye candies and the plush velvet couchs instead of the normal stools with tables. It was a lovely place and even more appealing because the waiters wore masks while being completely shirtless. My heart pounded, excitement thrumming through me as I scanned the room from the position we sat.

"Are you already in love with the place?" Avira asked with a knowing smirk.

"Something's missing," I said while making a face that looked like I was in deep thoughts.

"Don't fret my queen, I ordered drinks!" That was what I needed. A night to lose myself in the liquor and scenarios.

I grabbed a drink as soon as the waiter dropped it in front of us. Avira laughed, watching me toss back the liquid courage.

"Easy, wild one," she teased.

I lost track of time, drinking and giggling.

Then a tune came up and people began to stand.

"Oh, it's time for my favorite part. The bird dance." Avira giggled.

Pulling me to the dance floor amidst my own giggles and confusion.

"Wait!" I was tipsy but not drunk and the whole mood of the club had suddenly become brooding. With everyone acting like dogs in heat.

Maybe it was because of how heated the sexual energy had become or because there was a talk mysterious stranger with his gaze fixed on me.

"What the heck is a bird dance?"