Sudden Coincidence

CHAPTER 3

"I don't want to go with it, Sarah," I sulked, acting like a child as she pulled me towards the mirror to tidy my messy hair.

You should take a moment to examine yourself. "You look extremely disheveled," she remarked with accuracy.

My appearance suggested I had been sleep deprived for several days, featuring under-eye bags and disheveled hair resembling a bird's nest.

Observing my worn-out appearance only emphasized the complete exhaustion, both physically and emotionally, caused by Michael's betrayal.

After a short while, Sarah had performed her magic.

She skillfully enhanced my complexion with makeup and styled my hair into gentle, flattering waves. As the final step, she gave me a sleek black dress to put on. She had brought me over to my apartment, not allowing me return back alone and wallow in self pity.

"There, much better," Sarah said with a pleased grin while I marveled at my reflection in the mirror.

The tight-fitting dress highlighted my curves perfectly, resulting in a very sexy appearance.

I briefly caught a glimpse of the self-assured, lively woman I once was, before Michael's betrayal left me broken.

I let out a frustrated breath and looked away from my reflection adorned with makeup.

Despite Sarah's effective efforts in enhancing my appearance, internally I still felt empty and disconnected from my true self.

"I'm not keen on going out tonight," I objected, showing no enthusiasm. "Is it not possible for us to simply remain indoors and relax on the couch watching movies?"

Sarah firmly stated, "Definitely not. You've been stuck in your apartment feeling sorry for yourself for months now. What you require is to go out, enjoy yourself, and socialize with others for a change. Perhaps you could even encounter a distraction that can assist in diverting your thoughts away from him."

I was about to argue more, but Sarah's expression made me stop. She was determined to lift me out of the depression I had allowed myself to fall into, regardless of my feelings on the matter. I yielded with yet another deep sigh.

"Okay, sure, that's fine. But can't guarantee that I will enjoy myself."

Sarah smiled with understanding, obviously seeing it as a challenge. She linked her arm with mine and, without giving me a chance to object, started guiding me away from my place towards her vehicle.

A little while after, we reached a lively nightclub in the city center where loud dance music could be heard outside along with a crowd of people.

Sarah covered both of our entry fees, giving me a challenging look, and then guided me through the poorly lit inside until we discovered two empty bar stools.

She purchased a round of beverages for us and we got comfortable, slowly drinking our cocktails while observing our surroundings.

The dance floor was crowded with moving bodies, intoxicated individuals swaying around in a hot, jolting group.

The senses were completely overtaken by the flashing lights and pulsating basslines. I immediately felt the urge to turn around and leave.

Sarah sensed my hesitation and squeezed my hand, leaning in close to speak to me over the music.

"Hey, you don't have to do anything tonight if you're not comfortable, alright? Simply attempt to enjoy yourself a bit. Allow yourself to experience life instead of getting stuck in the past. Can you make a promise to me, at the very least?

I saw the loving, imploring look on her face and couldn't resist feeling a wave of love for her.

Throughout this nightmare journey, she had always been by my side as Emma was, doing everything possible to help me escape the depths of despair. The most I could do was indulge her attempts for just one evening.

I let out a deep breath and nodded in agreement. "Alright, I agree with you." "I will attempt to do it; I give my word."

Sarah smiled and gave me a quick, enthusiastic hug before finishing her drink.

"That girl is mine! Alright, let's hit the dance floor and enjoy ourselves!"

Without allowing me to protest, she seized my hand once more and pulled me towards the bustling crowd on the dance floor. I let myself be drawn in, absorbing Sarah's contagious enthusiasm.

Before long, I found myself encircled by a crowd of unfamiliar faces, all matching in their movement to the intense beats.

Initially feeling self-conscious, I attempted to hesitantly move my hips and fit in as best as I could.

However, when the strong beat hit on a track with a heavy bass, it felt like something within me was stirred.

The pain and rage that I had kept inside for months began surfacing from a hidden place.

I shut my eyes and allowed the intense force of the music to engulf me, causing vibrations to course through my body.

I let the rhythm dictate, causing my movements to become more expansive and free.

I was no longer awkwardly moving back and forth; instead, I was swinging my hair wildly and moving my hips in a way that would shock Michael.

For those brief moments, I experienced a sense of freedom and vitality that I hadn't felt in a long time.

I noticed a thin layer of perspiration on my skin.

Sarah signaled approving with a thumbs up.

 "Yes!". "That's it baby gurly!" She exclaimed before resuming her dancing, drawing energy from my newfound vigor.

At that instant, even with the reasons that had initially led me to this place, I felt a sense of weightlessness that I hadn't felt in a while.

Similar to how the burden of sorrow that had been weighing down my shoulders was finally beginning to lessen, even if only for a short while.

Sarah and I enjoyed drinks, danced, and laughed more than I could recall doing in a long time. It was refreshing in a manner that I had not realized was achievable.

"Why don't we go grab a few water bottles and get some fresh air?" she yelled in my ear.

Agreeing, I followed her off the dance floor as she led us through the crowd towards a VIP section in the back corner that was roped off.

 We stopped at the bar to get our drinks and as I turned back, I bumped into a strong muscular wall.

"Ah! Excuse me, entirely my mistake," a deep male voice with a slight accent rumbled behind me.

Surprised, I glanced up, my breath momentarily catching in my throat when I saw the man in front of me.

He stood at a height of more than six feet, possessing a sculpted, Mediterranean look; defined olive facial features, deep dark eyes, and a sturdy jawline with a hint of attractive stubble.

In general, he exuded masculinity in a way that made me suddenly very conscious of how closely my dress fit my curves.

"No, I mean, it was my fault," I said with a blush, struggling to speak. "I failed to pay attention to my surroundings while moving."

The man scrutinized me slowly, leaving me feeling exposed under his gaze. When our gazes connected once more, a slight grin appeared on one side of his full lips, causing a pleasant flutter in my stomach.

"In that instance, I will pardon you," he responded in that affluent, confident tone. "But only if you permit me to get you a drink, only as an apology for getting in your way."

Typically, I would immediately reject such a blatant approach from someone I don't know. But, there was a certain charm in this man that compelled me to stay in his company a little longer.

 Perhaps Sarah was correct, this evening, I indeed needed to experience life to the fullest.

"I think that sounds really nice," I responded before my brain was able to take control. The man's grin widened a little when I agreed.

"Fantastic." I will ask the bartender to send a drink as I go back to my friends. "Will you be back later…?"

He let his voice fade, clearly waiting for me to share my name. I handed it over willingly, completely captivated by the amusement dancing in those eyes of the bedroom.

“Kaitlyn. My name is Kaitlyn.”

He repeated 'Kaitlyn' in a soft purr that sent shivers down my spine. "What a lovely name. Hope to see you soon, Kaitlyn."

After giving me a last lingering glance, he turned around with a slight nod and vanished into the midst of the partygoers, leaving me both flustered and filled with exhilarating joy.

Sarah approached me quietly, observing the entire conversation with a surprised expression. She leaned over to make herself audible over the music.

"Hmm, hmm. It appears that someone is being admired. That man was basically consuming you with his gaze. There is a chance that you could get a good experience this evening!"