Chapter One: The Night It Fell Apart

Ariana's POV

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I stammered, nearly crashing into a waiter holding a tray of drinks. My heels clicked against the white-tiled floor of Silver Foods Restaurant as I rushed toward the private booth at the back.

Thirty minutes late. My stomach churned as I glanced at my wristwatch again. I was supposed to meet Daniel at 7:00 PM, and it was nearly 7:30.

Why was I running? Well, as ridiculous as it sounds, I was desperate to meet my boyfriend of five years, who’d called me earlier with a tone so cold it sent chills down my spine.

“Hey, love,” I’d greeted warmly when I picked up his call.

“We need to talk. Meet me at the usual spot.”

Before I could ask him what was wrong, he hung up.

I had barely caught my breath when I spotted him sitting at our usual table. His broad shoulders were hunched, and he was staring at his phone, oblivious to the bustling restaurant around him.

“Danny!” I called, plastering on a smile as I slid into the seat opposite him. “I’m so sorry. Traffic was horrible",

“You’re late,” he interrupted without looking up.

“I know, and I’m really sorry,” I said softly, leaning closer. “But I’m here now.”

Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet mine. My heart sank. His eyes, once filled with warmth and love, were now cold and distant. Something was wrong. I glanced at the table and noticed the spread.Steak, salad, and an expensive bottle of red wine. My heart warmed. Daniel had always been caring and romantic.

"So, is this a date?" I asked, smiling as I stared at him with love and admiration. "You should've told me. I would've worn something more… you know, sexy. Like that red dress you love," I teased, lightly touching his face.

But Daniel didn’t react. On a normal day, he would’ve kissed me so hard I’d struggle to catch my breath. Now, all I got was a cold stare.

“What’s going on, Danny?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He sighed, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. “Ariana, we need to talk.”

“Okay…” I said hesitantly. “Talk about what honey? Is something wrong?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he poured himself a glass of wine, took a sip, and stared at the table like it held the answers to life’s biggest questions.

“This is going to be our last meeting,” he said finally.

I froze. “What do you mean, last meeting’?” I asked, forcing out a shaky laugh. “Danny, what are you talking about? Are you joking?”

He shook his head, his expression unreadable. “I’m serious, Ariana. We can’t be together anymore.”

My heart stopped. “Why?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“It’s for the best,” he said, his tone detached. “I got engaged last week.”

For a moment, I thought I’d misheard him. “Engaged?” I repeated, blinking rapidly. “To who?”

“To the daughter of my dad’s business partner,” he said, his voice flat.

I stared at him, my mind struggling to process his words. “You’re joking, right? Please tell me this is some kind of a sick joke.”

“It’s not a joke, Ariana,” he said, looking me in the eye. “It’s reality.”

“Why?” I asked, my voice breaking. “Why are you doing this? Did I do something wrong?”

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ariana, you’ve always been amazing caring, beautiful, and loving. But…” He paused, searching for the right words. “You’re not the kind of woman I need by my side. You don’t understand the business world. My family expects me to marry someone who can contribute to our empire.”

I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said, my voice rising. “I loved you, Daniel. I stood by you when I didn’t even know who you were, when you were just a regular guy at school. And now, you’re throwing me away because I’m not ‘business-minded’ enough for you?”

“It’s not personal, Ariana,” he said, his tone infuriatingly calm.

“Not personal?” I repeated, my voice shaking. “You’re breaking my heart, Daniel! How is this not personal?”

“Look,” he said, leaning forward. “I’ve transferred some money to your account. It’s the least I can do to make up for this.”

I stared at him, stunned. “You think money can buy everything? you think money can buy all these years we've been together?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “Do you really think throwing money at me will erase five years of love and memories?”

“Ariana, please don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” he said, standing up.

I grabbed his arm, tears streaming down my face. “Don’t do this, Danny. Please. I love you. We can work through this. I’ll learn about business, I’ll do whatever it takes. Just don’t leave me.”

He pulled his arm free. “It’s over, Ariana. Move on.”

Before I could say anything else, he turned and walked away. I collapsed back into my seat, sobbing uncontrollably. The stares of other diners burned into my skin, but I didn’t care. My world had just fallen apart.

I stumbled out of the restaurant, my vision blurred by tears. The night air was cool, but it did little to soothe the ache in my chest. I had no idea where I was going; I just needed to get away.

After wandering aimlessly for what felt like hours, I found myself standing in front of a bar. The neon sign flickered invitingly, and without thinking, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The bar was dimly lit, with faint music playing in the background. People sat in small groups, their laughter and chatter a stark contrast to my misery.

I approached the counter, where a bartender was busy polishing a glass.

“Whiskey,” I said, my voice hoarse.

The bartender looked up, his expression softening when he saw my tear-streaked face. “Rough night?”

“Just give me the drink,” I snapped

He nodded, reaching for a bottle. “One whiskey, coming up.”

I watched as he poured the amber liquid into a glass and slid it toward me. “Take it slow,” he advised. “This stuff’s strong.”

I ignored him, downing the drink in one go. The burn in my throat was nothing compared to the pain in my heart.

“Another,” I said, slamming the glass down on the counter.

The bartender hesitated before pouring me another drink. “You sure about this?”

I nodded, taking the glass and sipping it slowly this time. The alcohol dulled the edges of my pain, but it couldn’t erase it entirely.

Hours later, I was a drunken mess, barely able to keep my balance as I stumbled toward the exit.

“Watch it lady,” a deep voice said as I collided with someone and just as I was about to fall, he caught me.

I looked up,or tried to. My vision was too blurry to make out his features, but I could tell he was tall and muscular.

He pushed me off him abruptly, but I grabbed onto him, unwilling to let go.

"Get me out of here, please," I mumbled, clutching him for support. I didn’t care where he took me.

"Get you out of here? To where?" he asked, scanning me with a skeptical look.

"Just get me out of here, please. I’ll go anywhere with you," I whispered desperately, holding him tighter.

"Well… I see. You’re one of those girls who come to bars looking for anyone to take them home. I don’t want to have anything to do with a drunk bar bitch," he said coldly.

I froze. Did he just call me a drunk bitch? Who did this man he was? My pride wouldn’t let me stoop to his level, even in my drunken state.

"I’m not… a bitch… yes… drunk… but a… bitch… no.. Just… take me… anywhere… I…" My words trailed off as darkness consumed me.