3. Night with a stranger

Olivia

By the time I went back to the stand, Jamie was no more in sight. My thought wandered to Alex and his new bride. There was no slight of remorse on his face. How easy it was for him to move on. "What would you like Ma'am" the bartender spoke up. There was something in his eyes. Like he knew I was in some kind of predicament situation.

Olivia even other people can see right through your pain. Just walk out. Staying and watch your heart sank will not make you feel better. My inner voice echo. However, some part of me wants to stay and maybe drink away my pain. "Give me the strongest drink you have" I muffled out.

The bartender hesitated for a moment before nodding his head and started preparing my drink. As I waited, my mind kept going back and forth on whether I should stay or leave. But before I could make up my mind, the bartender placed the drink in front of me. I took a deep breath before downing the drink in one go. The alcohol burned my throat, but I welcomed the sensation.

I tried calling Jamie but she isn't picking up. I felt so alone there. Maybe I should have come in the first place. I should've stay at home, or go to work. I've not opened the animal clinic for like two days now. Or I can pay my grandmother a visit. Maybe it would've been better. Maybe. Just maybe, I won't have to witness seeing Alex with another woman.

"A beautiful lady like you shouldn't dwell herself with a strong drink. A wedding is going on" A voice said beside me.

A light chuckle escaped me. "A wedding?" I repeated the words sounding bitter on my tongue. The alcohol is already making its effect in my body. I poured in and gulped it down in one go.

"Who says marriage is important for two lovers? People are taking the marriage thing too serious" I let out adjusting my sitting position on the stool.

"Marriage is a beautiful thing. It brings two people together" the stranger said.

"What if you realized they're not the one for you after the marriage?" I gulped down another glass. My head had began spinning already

"Unless you didn't talk it over before the marriage. The responsibilities and the consequences. You know marriage is a lifetime commitment. We can't risk committing to the wrong person" At that moment, I turned my face to take a look at the stranger beside me. My breathing hitched as his eyes dig a hole in mine.

I realized that I didn't know this man at all. He was just a random person who happened to be sitting next to me at the bar. Embarrassment crept over me as I realized how much I had been pouring my heart out to him. How my mouth choose to blabber to a stranger. Great Olivia. Just Great.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude," I said, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

The stranger just smiled and said, "No need to apologize, it happens to the best of us. Sometimes, it's easier to talk to a stranger than someone we know."

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. "You're right" it is better. Not people who break your trust.

A moment of silence suddenly fell. Only the sound of the microphone could be heard. I didn't want to turn around. It's better to drink away when Jamie comes back we leave. And that's it.

"Bride side or groom side?" He asked. Annoyance settled at the pit of my stomach. What's with him and asking question.

"Groom" I stated out.

"Why aren't you participating then?"

"What about you? Aren't you also here for the wedding?" I asked back. We once again stared at each other. I was the first to break the silence. "There's nothing to participate. I wish them a happy married life"

"Um.. why do I feel like you're heartbroken"

"Shut it!" I found myself hissing out. He was quite taken aback by my outburst. What does he know.

"Guess I pressed the wrong button" he raised his hands in surrender. I reached for the bottle only to get it snatched away by him.

"I'm afraid you will pass out before the wedding finish"

"Let go" I said as calmly as I can. "Letting our emotions to get the best of us is the worst thing that will ever happen to us" he pulled the bottle and set it by his side.

"That is-"

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, to celebrate the bride and groom we would like to open up the dance floor. If you know you got the steps, this is for you. But mind you, this is strictly for couples. You know what I mean" the words went to my ears straightforward.

I clenched my jaw. If I'm not mistaken, the words were directed at me. Alex knew what he was doing when he sent me the wedding invitation. He sure wants to break me completely.

The stranger next to me cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. "Do you want to dance?" he asked, extending his hand towards me.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden offer. "Why would you want to dance with me?" I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

He chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Why not? It's a wedding, after all. And besides, it might cheer you up a bit."

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then I looked around the room and saw all the happy couples dancing together, lost in their own little worlds. Maybe he was right. Maybe dancing would help me forget, even if just for a moment.

"Okay," I said, placing my hand in his. "Let's dance."

He led me to the dance floor, and we swayed to the music, his hand on my waist and mine on his shoulder. I closed my eyes, trying to forget everything else and just focus on the moment.

For a while, it worked. The music was soothing, and the stranger's touch was comforting. But then, as if on cue, a slow song started playing, and I couldn't help but think of Alex again.

I tried to pull away, but the stranger held me close. "Just breathe," he whispered in my ear. "Don't let him ruin this moment for you."

I was taken aback. The fact that he could see right through me. He knows what I was going through. I felt embarrassed for allowing myself to weaken around a stranger. "Thank you" I muttered.

"What will you repay me with for saving your day. Because it seems it's hitting him right where it should" He whispered to my ears sending what I don't know down my body. I slightly shifted my face towards Alex finding him looking at us with some kind of unreadable expression.

"Sex" I blurted out. The stranger hands went rigid around my waist. Even I was surprised at my answer. But isn't that what most of the things men wants? I have no money to give him. And he doesn't look like someone who is poor. Just his two pieces black suit screams luxury.

"Are you sure? Because I'm not going to decline the offer" An amused smile was playing at his lips.

"Won't you be happy for a free sex on a platter"

What the hell are you doing Olivia. Back out. "I'm in then. I won't say no to an exciting offer" I know if I want to, I can back out and leave but somehow, the stranger resting his hands on my waist, is the solution to my problems. I nodded my head snaking my arms around his neck while closing the remaining gap between us.

The music was blaring through the speakers, the rhythm vibrating through my body. I was lost in the moment, my head thrown back as I laughed, my arms wrapped around the stranger's neck.

We had danced for what seemed like hours, moving together in perfect sync, our bodies melding together as if we were made for each other. I couldn't believe how good it felt to be in his arms, to feel his breath on my skin, his hands roaming over my body.

As the song ended, the stranger pulled away slightly, his eyes locking onto mine. I could see the desire burning in his gaze, and I knew that I was feeling the same way.

Without a word, he led me off the dance floor, his hand clasping mine tightly as he pulled me towards the exit. I didn't resist, following him without hesitation.

As we stepped out into the cool night air, he turned to me, his eyes searching mine. "I don't want this to end," he said softly. "I know we just met, but I feel like I've known you forever."

I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions at his words. He was right - it felt like we had an instant connection, as if we were meant to find each other in that crowded room.

"I feel the same way," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my cheek. "Then come with me," he said, his voice low and husky. "Let me show you what it's like to be truly loved."

I didn't hesitate. Taking his hand, I let him lead me away into the night, knowing that whatever lay ahead, I was ready to face it.