Birthday girl

Lily

Tears brimmed at my eyes looking at the pregnancy test. Denial ran through me like a river, but there was no escaping those two lines.

I swallowed thickly looking at it. the result was clear. I was pregnant for the one person I regretted ever meeting.

....

Two Months Ago

the soft morning sunlight filtered through my bedroom curtains, a loud ring pierced the air. I groggily reached for my phone on the nightstand, squinting slightly.

I smiled the moment I saw who it was, answering the call.

"Hey birthday girl! Guess who remembered to call you at the crack of dawn?" Malina's voice sang excitedly through the receiver, instantly pulling me out of my half-asleep state.

I chuckled, my heart warming at the sound of her familiar voice. "Thanks for the wake-up call, but isn't this too early?"

"Come on, Lily! It's your special day! You can't waste precious time snoozing away. Happy birthday!" Malina's enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile wider.

"Thanks a lot Malina, I appreciate it," I replied genuinely, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"So, I've got big plans for us today. First things first, I'm picking you up in a couple of hours. We're going to hit up that new brunch spot downtown. You know, the one with the insane avocado toast?" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable even through the phone.

"Coffee does sound like a perfect start," I agreed, already feeling a bit more awake.

"But wait, there's more," Malina continued, her voice dripping with mischief.

"After brunch, you're heading to the spa for some serious pampering. Massages, facials, the whole nine yards. You don't have to worry because it's all been paid for."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? You shouldn't have."

"You deserve it, Lily. You've been through a lot lately. You need a day to just unwind and feel amazing," she reassured me, sounding unfazed.

My eyes welled up with unspoken emotions as Malina's comforting words washed over me. My shoulders slumped as a heavy sigh left my lips.

I didn't need to be reminded of the pain I'd been through. Memories of tearful confrontations and shattered trust still haunted me as did my current unemployment. The corners of my lips tried to curl into a smile, though it was a fragile one.

"Tonight, Lily," Malina continued, "We're hitting the club. I want you to dance away all those negative thoughts. Let loose, have fun, and maybe find someone to help you forget him."

At the mention of my ex my fingers twitched slightly, tracing invisible patterns on my phone in hesitation. The thought of bumping into the cheating bastard crossed my mind and a mixture of anger and trepidation ran through me.

Malina must have sensed my uncertainty.

"Don't worry Lily. I've got your back.” she spoke comfortingly “ Besides, he's not gonna be anywhere near where we're going. Trust me on this."

After a moment of deliberation I had made my decision.

"You're the best Malina." I said, a sense of gratitude washing over me.

"You're not so bad yourself," she quipped playfully.

"Now, get ready, birthday girl! It's going to be a day to remember."

As I hung up the phone, a mixture of emotions swirled within me. Gratitude for having a friend like Malina, excitement for the day ahead, and a touch of nervousness about stepping outside my own home after so long. But amidst it all there was a small hope that something would get me out of this rut.

….

The vibrant city lights painted the night sky. Fully refreshed wearing the sparkling red dress Malina had prepared, I stood outside the entrance of the grand hotel Luminous Works. Looking around I was still in disbelief. For the life of me I couldn't understand how Malina had been able to get us in here.

This hotel could be defined with one word-Luxury. It was one of the best hotels in the country after all.

A place like this wasn't my style; I preferred much quieter cozy places. But Malina had insisted on bringing me here and I didn't have the heart to refuse her expensive gift.

As I stepped through the entrance, my senses were immediately overwhelmed by the symphony of sights and sounds. The night club radiated an aura that was impossible to ignore.

The walls were adorned with shimmering art installations that seemed to come alive in the ever-changing lights, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The dance floor was a sea of bodies, bathed in a mesmerizing blend of neon and strobe lights. Mirrored panels lined the walls, reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors and dancers, making the room feel infinitely larger than it actually was.

Thumping bass reverberated through the floor and up into my chest, synchronizing with the anticipation I felt.

My fingers toyed with the hem of my dress in hesitation. Just in time Malina materialized beside me, her grin contagious.

"Ready to have some fun, birthday girl?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I nodded, the butterflies in my stomach beginning to flutter even more as we stepped inside.

She led me to the bar, where the bartenders were busy mixing drinks. Ordering something for both of us, she handed me a vibrant concoction in a cocktail glass.

"Drink up babe. It's time to loosen up and enjoy the party." She raised her hand up in cheers.

I stared at the drink for a moment. Taking a deep breath, I took a sip. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a sweet and tangy note.

It was wonderful.

The music seemed to weave its way into my body. I found myself moving to the beat, my body swaying and hips shifting in time with the rhythm. The self-consciousness that usually held me back began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of liberation.

Malina grinned, visibly impressed.

"There she is! Letting loose!" She cheered

The more I drank, the more my inhibitions faded. I laughed a lot more freely and started chatting with strangers, and danced with newfound abandon.

The air was thick with the mingling scents of perfume, sweat, and alcohol. The floor beneath my feet seemed to vibrate with the collective energy of the crowd.

Amidst the sea of faces, my eyes inadvertently locked onto a figure that seemed distinctly out of place. He stood near the edge of the dance floor, a tall and commanding presence, like a lone statue amidst a swirling tempest of movement and music.

The dim, kaleidoscopic lights played tricks with shadows across his chiseled features, lending an air of mystery to his cold demeanor. His dark hair was impeccably styled, falling just above his sharp, angular jawline.

But it was his eyes that held my attention captive. Ice-blue orbs, as frigid as a winter's night, scanned the crowd with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. They seemed to pierce through the joyful facade of the club, as though searching for something.

There was something about him, an aura of quiet confidence that hid something else. My curiosity got the best of me as I found myself drawn to this tall, handsome stranger, despite the chill that seemed to emanate from him.

With newfound strength fueled by alcohol and the night's atmosphere. As I approached the tall, enigmatic stranger at the edge of the dance floor. My steps wavered slightly, but I pushed past the nervousness that tugged at my thoughts.

"Hi," I said, my voice laced with confidence. "I couldn't help but notice you standing here, all alone."

Those icy pools of light faced me and for a moment, I felt their piercing gaze dissecting me. He remained silent, his cold visage unbroken.

Undeterred, I leaned closer, my words slightly slurred. "You know, this place is all about letting loose and having fun. Why don't you join me on the dance floor?" I offered a playful smile, attempting to thaw the frostiness of his presence.

For a moment I could have sworn I spotted a slight change. A reddish glow in his eyes?

I blinked blearily to find it had disappeared.

Just my imagination then.

His lips curved ever so slightly, and my heart soared.

He took a step toward me, closing the distance between us. He reached out and held my hand, his touch surprisingly warm against my skin.

Without a word, he led me into the heart of the dance floor, where bodies writhed to the hypnotic beat. His hands found their way to my waist, guiding me in the sensuous rhythm of the music. As we danced, the cold facade he wore began to crack, revealing a passionate intensity that drew me in.

In the midst of the swirling lights and pounding bass, our bodies moved as one, and the world around us faded into obscurity. It was a magnetic pull, a dance of desire that ignited between us. With every brush of his fingers, every shared gaze, my infatuation deepened until I couldn't tell what was real and what was not.

The night had been a whirlwind of emotions and desire, and as the club's neon lights flickered in the early hours, I found myself making an impulsive decision. The mysterious stranger and I had shared an electric connection, and I couldn't resist the pull of curiosity any longer.

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, I whispered in his ear, "Let's get out of here."

His nod conveyed an understanding that transcended words, and we began to navigate the crowd towards the exit, hand in hand.

Against the cool air outside the club, I almost couldn't believe my actions. Yet there was no ounce of regret as his gaze never left mine. It was as if some irresistible force was drawing us together.

A mix of excitement and nervousness coursed through me . It was a moment of surrender, an unspoken understanding that we were about to embark on something… sinful.

Everything blurred as the night unfolded, a passionate dance of desire and longing. As I kissed him, I felt nothing but the overwhelming sensation of pleasure and a profound connection with the stranger.

…..

I slowly blinked my eyes open, wincing at the intrusion of light. The events of the previous night were like fragments of a dream, hazy and elusive. A sharp pang of disorientation swept over me as I took in my surroundings.

It was morning, and an early one. The room was bathed in soft hues of cream and gold, exuding luxury. The plush bedding cocooned me, and the gentle rustle of the sheets hinted at the luxury of the space. My gaze drifted to the wide windows that spanned one wall, offering a panoramic view of the city below.

A twinge of confusion tugged at the edge of my consciousness. Looking around, only one question rested firmly in my mind.

Where was I?