Chapter 1: The Party

Tara's phone beeped with a text message while she was waiting for a cab in front of the university building. She pulled it out of her bag and glanced at the screen. It was a text from her best friend and roommate, Emily.

“Hey Babe! There’s this huge party at Crystal waters Hotel tonight. They're inviting some important business moguls. You HAVE to come. It's going to be epic – think rooftop views, gourmet food, live music… You can't say no, it's the perfect way to celebrate your final project submission! See you at 8pm? xx”

Tara sighed, her fingers hovering over the screen. It was so like Emily to always plan extravagant outings and parties, but Tara hated parties – the noise, the loud music, the crowds. It was just so overwhelming.

But saying no to Emily was another matter entirely, totally out of question.

She stood there, torn and contemplating her response. She wondered how Emily always manage to do this? The countless times Emily had dragged her out for “fun” and how, despite her initial reluctance, she always ends up accepting.

But tonight, of all nights, after such an exhausting week and day?

She typed, deleted and retyped a message several times before finally typing something she felt was a reasonable compromise.

“Hey Em! That sounds amazing, but you know I’m not really into parties and I had a really hectic day in school today. Can we maybe hangout in a quiet place?”

Taking a deep breath, she hit send before she could change her mind.

Her phone buzzed again almost immediately.

“I totally get it, Tara, you’re tired but this party is going to be amazing, trust me. And remember it’s at Crystal waters. You know how many connections you can make there? Plus, we can always find a quiet spot if it gets too much. Please? You deserve to let loose a bit!”

Tara sighed, shaking her head as a small smile played on her lips. ‘Classic Emily,’ she thought. Emily always know how to strike the right chord. The idea of finding a quiet spot sounded appealing though and the thought of Emily going through that much effort just for her warmed her heart.

“Okay, okay. You win. I’ll come. But if it gets too much, I'm sneaking out.” I text her back before looking from left to right in search of a cab.

"Yay!!! You’re the best! I knew I could count on you, and yes, deal. See you at 8pm and wear something sexy. xx"

She sighed gently, slipped her phone back into her bag, hailed a cab and headed back to the apartment that she shared with Emily. The two bedroom apartment was a courting gift given to Emily by one of her admirers who thought he could win her heart if he got her gifts. She didn't want to live alone, so she asked Tara to move in with her. It was cozy and homely.

By the time she got back to the apartment, it was already late afternoon. She threw her bag on one corner and collapsed onto the couch, intending to close her eyes for a few minutes but she was exhausted and must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, the door swung open, and she heard the soft clicking sound of Emily’s expensive designer heels against the tiled floor.

Emily burst into the room, her smile as radiant as ever. “Tara! You’re home!” she exclaimed excitedly, dropping her Chanel handbag on the kitchen counter with so much grace she could pass for a royalty.

Emily always dresses like she was going for a fashion show or had just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Her hair is always perfectly styled and her outfits, effortlessly chic.

Emily is a fast rising model in New York, already making a name for herself, but Tara never quite understood where she gets the money to buy such expensive and exquisite things. It was a mystery, but one she had learned not to question too deeply, after all, some things were better left unexplored. 

Tara stirred, still groggy from her nap. “Hey, Em, how did the shoot go?”

"It went really well! You can trust me to be fantastic, and we got some really great shots. I think the final images will turn out amazing.” Emily replied, waving her hand as she walked over  to the couch to sit with Tara. Her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Oh Tara, I can’t wait for you to see the hotel. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Tara smiled, trying to match Emily’s enthusiasm. “I’m sure it will be amazing, I can't wait to free up tonight. Thanks, Em.”

Emily waved her hand dismissively. “Now, what are you going to wear?”

“I haven’t really thought about that but you know I don’t have anything as fancy as you.” She sighed and stood up.

Emily’s eyes lit up. “Don’t worry about that! I’ve got just the thing.” She disappeared into her room and returned with a stunning dress, holding it up with a flourish. “Here, try this on.”

Tara’s eyes widened. “Emily, this is beautiful! But I can’t wear your clothes. What if something happens to it?”

“Nonsense!” Emily insisted, pushing the dress into Tara’s hands. “It’ll look amazing on you. Now go try it on.”

Tara reluctantly took the dress and went to her room to try it on. As she slipped on the dress, she couldn’t help but run her hands gently over the fabric. They were exquisite. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she gasped. The way the dress hugged her figure perfectly, and highlighted her hourglass shape and her slim waist, she had to admit that the dress looked stunning. 

When she stepped out, Emily’s face lit up with approval. “You look incredible!” she exclaimed. “You can keep the dress, it fits you better”

Tara blushed, she looked down shyly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. “Thanks, Em. I really appreciate this.”

“Of course! Now, we better get ready or we might not get any comfortable spot.”

****

There was a cab parked and waiting for them at the entrance of their apartment. Tara still felt a bit edgy and apprehensive, but she knew she could handle anything the night had in store with Emily by her side.

As the cab weaved through the city streets, Emily chattered on about how fun the party will be, and all the important personnels that they would meet. Tara listened with a small smile playing on her lips. Maybe tonight would be different. Maybe, just maybe, she would have fun.

Once they arrived at the party, they walked into the large hall that was blazing with blue light, the music was loud and the chatter was louder. 

Emily leads Tara to a table, excused herself to greet a few people she already knew and then sensually moves her hips as she disappeared into the crowd to hold conversations. Tara sat down and watched as people danced and drank. The room was exquisite.

One of the ladies serving at the party approached them immediately Emily came back, carrying a tray that had glasses of wine. She placed a glass before Tara gently, wearing a welcoming smile.

“Is it alcoholic?” Tara asked. She didn't dislike alcohol but only a glass of it can make her feel tipsy.

“It's not alcoholic, Miss. It is soft and sweet,” she replied, placing another cup before Emily. She gently brushed her hands on her black and white uniform before walking away.

“Here’s to your achievements and your success,” Emily said raising her glass. “Cheers.” Tara clinks her glass against Emily's and they smile.

Emily drinks hers in one gulp, Tara sees it and did the same. Her vision immediately starts getting blurry.

‘I thought the young lady said the drink was not alcoholic’ Tara thought to herself.

“Uhmm… Em, can we leave? I am not feeling too well.”

“Come on, Tara, don't be a party spoiler. Girl we just got here.” Emily said nonchalantly. “Ok! Just a few more minutes.”

Tara couldn't control her body movements after a some minutes. She felt as if her body  became heavier, like it didn't belong to her. She tried to speak to Emily, to call out for help, but she only knew her mouth was opening and closing. She had no control over what she was saying.

Emily looked at Tara and smiled to herself, there's no better time to destroy her best friend's life than now. She was going to set her up and turn her boyfriend against her.

She helped Tara up, placed her right hand on her shoulder and the left around her waist. Tara leaned her head on Emily's shoulder as Emily half dragged her down the hallway. Tara stumbled, her vision blurring.

Panic started to set in, but her body felt heavy and unresponsive. They stopped in front of a door, and Emily fumbled with a key card, pushing it open and shoving Tara inside.

"Em, what—?" Tara's words slurred as she collapsed onto the bed. Her mind struggled to process what was happening, but the drug was too strong.

She pulled her phone from her bag and made a call; “Hello, she's ready for you. Do whatever you want with her.” She said, smirking.

Unbeknownst to them, a few floors below, Landon Malcolm was celebrating a deal that would solidify his status as one of New York's youngest billionaires. His friends, always eager for a good time, had spiked his drink, urging him to let loose for once.

"Come on, Landon, just one more!" his friend, Ty, laughed, pushing another glass into his hand.

Landon's usually sharp mind was dulled by the alcohol. He staggered towards the elevator, his vision hazy. He pressed the button for his floor, but in his intoxicated state, he got off at the wrong one.

He stumbled down the hallway, trying to find his room. He saw a door slightly ajar and assumed it was his. Pushing it open, he saw a figure on the bed. In his clouded mind, he thought it was the woman his friends had arranged for him. Without thinking, he moved towards the bed, his actions driven by a mix of frustration and desire.

Tara felt a weight beside her, but her body was too weak to react. She tried to scream, but no sound came out. The last thing she saw was a shadowy figure leaning over her before darkness enveloped her completely.