Chapter one - Party Invitation

“Come on, Chloe! It’s the weekend, and you’ve been cooped up for way too long,” Maya's voice practically danced with excitement as she pleaded over the phone.

 “It’ll be fun, I promise. Just come with me and Andrew to the party. You can even bring Steven if you want.” Maya said, referring to her boyfriend. 

Chloe and Steven have been dating for six years and it had been love at first sight for both of them while her best friend Maya fell in love with Andrew one year ago. 

“Fine,” she muttered. “I’ll come, but let me see if Steven can make it.”

Maya’s squeal echoed through the phone. “Yes! I’ll be over soon!”

The call ended, and Chloe stared at her phone, the smile slipping from her lips as she dialed Steven’s number.

The phone rang two times before he picked up. “ Hello my love’, he greeted softly and she blushed .

“Hello, babe,” she responded happily.

“ Are you missing me?” he asked as though he could read her mind. 

“ Yes baby, a lot. What are you up to? Are you free tonight? She asked 

“Not really, but I'm trying to get some work 

done and missing the love of my life”, he said and she grimmed.

“What about you? What are you doing?” 

he asked with interest. 

“Me? Just sitting down though maya’s dragging me to some party tonight. I was wondering if you wanted to come.” she replied softly

“Omg, I’d love to baby, but I’m exhausted,” he replied, his voice muffled. “It’s been a long day at work, I just got home and I have some work to do. I don’t think I’ll make it.”

 “Oh, okay,” she replied, doing her best to hide the disappointment in her voice. “ Just try and rest okay?, Love you”

“Yeah I will babe, Love you more,” Steven answered. And with that she hung up the call. 

The sound of her front door swinging open. Maya’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she held up a bag.

“Ta - da!” Maya announced triumphantly, “I brought you something sexy for tonight!”

Chloe blinked in confusion. “What is that?” she asked, eyeing the bag suspiciously.

“Your outfit for tonight, duh!” Maya grinned, unzipping the bag. Inside was a gorgeous midnight-blue dress. It was sleek, completely unlike anything Chloe would normally wear.

Chloe's fingers brushing over the smooth material. “It’s gorgeous, but I don’t think I can wear it.”

“Oh, yes, you can,” Maya said. “Trust me, you’ll be looking so hot in this”.

Chloe glanced at the dress again, uncertainty still gnawing at her. “Steven can’t make it tonight. I’ll be going alone.”

Maya rolled her eyes, waving a dismissive hand. “And so what!? That's why I'm here. Now go change. We’re already running late.”

Reluctantly, she took the dress and disappeared into the bathroom. When she returned, the dress hugged her curves perfectly.

Maya’s jaw dropped as she took in the sight. “Jeez, you look fucking hot, c’mon see that shape”

Chloe turned to the mirror, her breath catching. She didn’t look like the usual Chloe, the one who preferred baggy sweaters and messy buns.

“Trust me,”Maya, grabbing her by the shoulders. “Steven’s going to regret staying home”

Maya's phone buzzed,It was Andrew. “We will be leaving now” she announced

***

The party venue was nothing short of spectacular. As Chloe stepped out of the car and followed Maya and Andrew into the towering building, her mouth fell open in awe. The structure was a marvel of glass and steel, shimmering under the glow of the streetlights. Expensive cars lined the entrance, a red carpet stretching out before them as elegantly dressed men and women strode inside.

“Wow,” Chloe whispered under her breath, taking in the grandeur of it all. The bass vibrated under her feet as they stepped through the glass doors. Inside was even more breathtaking.

The ceilings were high and adorned with chandeliers that sparkled like stars. People milled about in groups, their laughter and conversation rising above the music. 

Andrew led them to a bar on the side. He handed them both drinks, clinking glasses before disappearing with Maya onto the dance floor.

“Make sure you mingle!” Maya shouted over her shoulder. “I’ll be back soon!”

Chloe took a sip of her drink, savoring the cool burn.

Suddenly thinking of Steven, she decided she will go to his place from the party but before going she decided to give him a call.

The phone rang three times before he picked up. “Hey, babe,” he answered groggily.

“Hi dear, just wanted to check up on you” she lied. 

“Awnn babe, I was asleep. Sorry I didn’t pick up sooner, Are you at the party already?.”

“ It's fine, and yes baby we just got here a few minutes ago,” she replied. “I’ll let you get back to sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Okay, darling. Love you.”

“Love you too,” she whispered, ending the call.

A deep voice interrupted her reverie as she looked around, her mind still fixed on Steven. "You look amazing, I have to say."

Turning, Chloe saw a tall, attractive man grinning at her. His dark hair was neatly styled, and he had striking green eyes. His sharp suit and everything about him screamed Money. 

"Oh, thank you," she said, looking a little uncomfortable. 

"Hi, my name is Liam," he said while holding out his hand. "And you are?"

Shaking his hand, she said, "Chloe." He held on with a soft grip. It's good to meet you.

In a casual tone, he said, "I don't think I've seen you at one of these events before." "You’re not a regular?”

She shook her head, offering a small smile. “No, I don’t usually attend things like this. My friend dragged me along.”

“His eyes gleamed as he said, "Well, I'm glad she did." "You don't meet someone this beautiful very often."

"Oh, thank you," she answered, blushing starting to show on her cheeks.

They chatted for nearly an hour, and Chloe glanced at her phone and realized it was already past ten p.m.

“opps I have to get going,” she told Liam.

“Really?” he asked, his tone neutral. “I was actually thinking of heading home too. I have some work to catch up on.”

“Hold on, what way are you heading?” Liam asked.

“Oh, I’m going to 134 West 81st Street,” she replied. “Well, I can drop you off then,” Liam offered with a warm smile. “I’ll be passing that direction.”

“I really don’t want to bother you. I can get a cab,” she insisted.

“No, C’mon, I can drop you off. It’s already raining, and you might not see a cab in time,” he countered.

“Okay,” she said, giving in. “Just let me quickly inform my friend that I’m leaving.” 

Approaching Maya, who was dancing, Chloe tapped her shoulder. Maya turned around, eyes wide with surprise. “You’re leaving already?”

“Yeah, I’m heading out now. Just wanted to let you know,” Chloe said.

Maya pouted playfully. “So soon? C'mon, the main party is about to start!”

“I have to go, Maya. I'm really exhausted, and I'm going to Steven's place, not mine. I don’t want to stay out too late,” Chloe explained.

“Oh, okay. There are cabs outside that can take you home. Call me once you get back, okay?” Maya replied, her tone shifting to concern.

“Yes, mummy, I will do that,” Chloe teased, giving her a quick hug before returning to Liam.

As they drove through the rainy streets in Liam’s luxury car, She couldn't wait to see the surprise on Steven's face when he saw her in his room. 

By the way, let me get your number so we can talk some other time.” Liam stretched out his phone for her to dial her number, he called it so she could save his number

Ten minutes later, they arrived at his place.

“And here we are, your destination, ma'am,” Liam announced with a charming smile.

“Thank you, Liam. I really appreciate the ride,” Chloe said, returning his smile.

“It was my pleasure,” he replied. “Take care, Chloe.”

Wanting to surprise him, she didn't want to make any noise and she rode the elevator up to his apartment.

The moment she walked in, the smile on her face faltered when she saw a red stilettos by the door. 

Did he have company? She mused as she took off her shoes and walked inside. 

She wanted to call out his name but she stopped when she saw a feminine clothes across his couch, a short black cotton dress and a red blazer. 

Her heart raced fast as she made her way towards the bedroom. A part of her brain had already analyzed the situation but didn't want to believe it .

She wanted to believe that perhaps his sister came over to stay at his place.

Unfortunately, the closer she drew to the bedroom the less she believed the excuse she was making. 

A female's moan drifted through the half- opened door of the bedroom “ oh fuck, Steven go faster” 

“ just fuck me baby, I'm fucking wet” the voice moaned louder. 

And her perfect world shattered at an instant