CHAPTER ONE: Drugged

Esmeralda's POV

As I stepped into the dimly lit threshold of Elite Lounge,the bouncer,a towering figure with a sturdy build and strong physique,gazed down at me with a neutral expression.

"Name?" He asked,his deep voice firm but polite.

"Esmeralda Reyes" I replied with a smile plastered on my lips.

His piercing black eyes scanned my face before shifting to the sleek,black clipboard in his hands. His thick fingers scrolled through the list,his expression unreadable. His gaze returned to my face,his eyes narrowing slightly as if to confirm my identity. A moment passed before he nodded.

"Welcome to Elite Lounge,Mrs.  Reyes. You're on the list" His deep voice rumbled with a slight smile on his lips as he moved aside from the door. I sauntered in, grimacing at the loud blaring music and the sight of people twirling and dancing on the floor. 

Born into the world as an heiress of the Lawson family's fortune,I grew up accustomed to the extravagant lifestyle of the rich,but everything changed when I got married to Antonio two years ago. Love humbled me and I was happy that way.

"Hey, girl! What took you so long?" I heard a familiar voice shout from behind me,and turned to receive the sudden hug.

"I'm sorry,Elena. I had to convince Antonio to let me come here. You know how much he hates the nightlife" I yelled back, infuriated by the noisy atmosphere.

"Yeah. Blah blah blah. I think it's high time you and your hubby allow the singles breathe" Elena exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "When is he going to settle with the fact that I'm your best friend?"

"Well I'm here now so chill out" I scoffed and dragged her towards the bar counter.

"A virgin cocktail for me, please" I said to the bartender. Elena had already ordered a drink so I didn't bother about her. 

"Wow! You're really good at getting people's attention" Elena said, frowning.

I didn't quite catch up on her words and shifted my gaze to her.

"What do you mean?" I asked and followed her gaze to see the stares directed at us,or should I say me. My ethereal beauty had always attracted people to me,but I had given them less attention. I thought I didn't need anymore companions apart from Antonio and Elena.

"Ignore them" I said and turned to sip my drink, letting the music sink into my hearing.

"I need another drink" Elena declared. She ordered for another glass and as she reached out to it,her elbow knocked against my glass, spilling the content on me and drenching my dress.

"Oh,crap!" I exclaimed, trying to wipe the stain off,but it was futile.

"I'm really sorry. Let me help you out" Elena said,her voice laced with concern.

"It's alright. I'll go take care of it in the restroom" I muttered, standing up from my seat.

"Let me come with you" Elena insisted, standing up groggily.

I pushed her back on her seat and patted her shoulders, saying,"don't bother. You're almost wasted. Just wait here for me and don't move" I warned with a stern gaze.

I was familiar with the Elite Lounge,which made it easy for me to find the restroom. I sighed in relief, seeing the almost deserted place. I pushed the door with the female sign on it,and walked in. The lower part of the dress was made of silk which made it easy to wash the stain off.

I hurried out of the restroom and headed back to my spot to see Elena with her head crashed on the counter,her shoulders slumped to show how drunk she was.

"Elena" I nudged her slightly, noticing the new glass of cocktail on the counter. 

"Ma'am,your friend here ordered it for you" The bartender said with a smile.

"Oh!" I pouted.

Feeling thirsty, I grabbed the cup and emptied the content in one gulp. I decided it was time to leave and placed a wad of Pesos on the counter. My next thought was to drag Elena to the car,but the moment I stood up,my vision began to blur. The sounds around me- the laughter, music,and clinking glasses,warped into a distant hum. 

A blurry figure approached me and grabbed my arms, dragging me forward. At that time,I couldn't quite pinpoint what was occuring. The only thing I was sure of was my unusual obedience to a stranger. The numbness in my limbs made it impossible to resist and the next thing I saw was darkness pulling me into its deep abyss.

*****

As I regained consciousness,my eyes fluttered around the familiar room. I was quick to recognize it as my matrimonial home. The interior designs and classic furniture all remained the same. I scrambled up on the bed to sit up,but the throbbing pain in my head stops me from sitting properly. The last thing I recalled was drinking that cocktail at the bar,any other attempt to recall something after that, ended up appearing blank.

"Arrrghh" I growled in frustration, massaging my forehead to reduce the throbbing pain. Since I was home,I assumed Antonio had come to pick Elena and I up. But where was Elena?

I ignored the unsettling feeling in my heart, convincing myself she was already at home. A sense of relief washed over me as I jumped off the bed and wore my fluffy slippers. I strutted slowly out of the room,still battling with dizziness.

"Antonio.. Hubby" I called out, hoping someone would respond to my call,but I got nothing. I proceeded to the kitchen and saw one of the maids cleaning up.

"Where's my husband?" I asked, startling her.

"Huh.. Madame,Boss is in his study room" She replied with fear in her eyes. 

I wondered for a moment,what could be happening at that time to make the maid scared,but I was quick to brush it aside. I arrived at doorstep of the study room,and heard soft moans seeping through.

"What?!" I exclaimed in surprise and quickly pushed the door opened without knocking.

"Antonio" I walked and glanced around until my gaze landed on Antonio. Surprisingly, Elena,my best friend,was there but I was missing something,or maybe my brain was trying to repel the thoughts. Whether it was dream or a reality,I didn't know,but one thing was glaring- Antonio,my husband was making out with the woman I called my best friend.