CHAPTER 1

Third Person's POV

Elissa‘s 18th birthday crept closer. As the anticipated day arrived, her excitement vanished, when her father made a huge announcement.

“Elissa, I made the decision to remarry” His father’s words struck Elissa with a force she hadn’t anticipated.

“ That’s not fair, Dad.” Elissa protested, her voice tinted with sadness and rage. She can't believe what she heard.

“How can you just replace mom like this?”, She continued talking while looking at her father’s face, searching for empathy. She felt betrayed when she saw her father’s face, remained like his usual serious-looking face.

Her father sighs a deep exhale. “ Elissa, life moves on, we need to adapt and continue living. You're mother is gone and she will never come back” Her father replied like it was not a big deal.

“How can you move on that fast? Mom just died 2 years ago!” Elissa’s voice cracked as she shouted and her tears ran down her cheeks.

Alfredo’s eyes flared with a mix of hurt and frustration. The room seemed to tighten with an invisible weight as his daughter’s accusing words hung in the air. He took a deep breath, attempting to control the storm brewing within him.

“I loved your mother more than words can convey, you don't know how much I missed her,” he said, his voice strained. “Don’t question my feelings or motives. You’re too young to grasp the complexities of adult relationships.”

But before he could continue, his daughter’s grief-fueled defiance took over.

“Did you really love my mom? Or did you only marry her because of her wealth!” Elissa shouted.

‘slap’

In a surge of frustration, Alfredo’s hand met her cheek with a sharp slap. The sound echoed through the room, leaving an eerie silence. His eyes widened, realizing the weight of his actions, while his daughter’s tear-streaked face displayed a mix of shock and betrayal.

“I can’t believe it.” She mumbled before she walked out and went to her room.

“Elissa wait, I didn’t mean to hurt you!” Alfredo tried to stop Elissa, but she did not listen and she didn’t look back.

ELISSA’S POV

I don’t know how many hours I’ve been crying in my room. The more I think of Dad replacing my mom, my heart aches so much. I hate Dad, I hate him so much.

It was also the first time my dad had ever hurt me with his hands, and it was all because of his new fiancée. Will he choose his newfound lover over me and Mom?

I need to get out, I don’t want to spend my night here crying all night long. This is the worst birthday ever.

Exactly 10 o’clock in the evening when I went out of my room. The mansion is already quiet and everyone seems asleep already.

Sneaking out of our mansion, I felt the cool night breeze. After a lot of walking, I finally found a taxi passing by.

“Good evening mister, can you drop me at the nearest bar? “ I said to the driver.

“Sure young lady.” The driver replied.

The city lights blurred as we sped away, leaving behind the mansion’s silence.

‘Midnight Paradise ‘

The name of the bar where the driver dropped me off.

It was almost 10 minutes since the taxi left but I was still standing here outside, contemplating if I should go inside. My father is strict and I never taste alcohol before so I am a little bit nervous.

I am already here, it’s now or never.

As I entered the bar, the noisy crowd welcomed me.

Inside, the sound of people talking, the rhythmic beat of music, the smell of cigarettes and alcohol, and the sound made by the clinking of glasses surrounded me. Finding a secluded spot at the bar, the dim light casts a mysterious glow on the scene.

I chose to sit in the corner where the most uncrowded part is located.

The bartender, a friendly face in the sea of strangers, noticed my hesitation. “First time here?” he asked.

"How did you know?" I asked confused.

"Your get-up is so obvious. Haha," He replied.

I automatically looked at myself when he said that and I guess he is right. I am wearing something that is not suited for a bar. A long-sleeved top and a knee-length floral skirt.

I nodded, offering a tentative smile. “Yeah, just needed to escape reality .”

In fairness, he looked so handsome.

He chuckled. “You’re in the right place for that. What can I get you?”

“ Ahmm, anything?” I don’t know what to say because I never drink before. I don't even know the name of the drinks.

“Okay let me get you something for beginners, “ He said with a huge smile.

“Here, try it .” the bartender handed a glass with a yellow-colored drink.

“You looked like you have a problem to share, do you? “ The bartender asks me while looking intently at my face.

I felt a little shy, so I took a sip of my drink.

The unfamiliar taste provides a welcome distraction. “Just needed a break, you know? Life’s been a bit overwhelming lately.”

“Oh, I see. This place has a way of offering a temporary escape. Anything you want to talk about?” He offered

I hesitated before opening up about my strained relationship with my father and the need for a night away from our house.

As the conversation unfolded, the bartender listened, offering a sympathetic ear.

He also joined me in drinking.

“What a coincidence, my mother is planning on remarrying too, and I also don’t want that to happen.” He shared after hearing my story.

He is right, what a coincidence.

We talk more about other things, I don’t know how many glasses of alcohol did I drink but I am starting to feel dizzy and feel hot.

“I think you should stop drinking now, It will be dangerous for you if you pass out here.” I heard him say but I can’t understand him clearly. I think I am drunk already.

“Let me help you grab a taxi, you need to go home now. You are so pretty to be sleeping here.” I can’t really understand him anymore I feel so sleepy.

The room swayed as the bartender guided me gently off the barstool, concern etched across his face. He supported me as we navigated through the lively crowd, heading towards the exit.

“Let’s get some fresh air,” he suggested, leading me to a quieter corner outside. The cool night breeze did little to sober me up, and the world continued to spin.

"I think, I should go home now. I feel sleepy." I said to the man beside me.

I am getting really dizzy, I want to sleep.

"Okay, that's a good idea. I'll find you a taxi ." He replied.

As we reached the entrance, the bartender hailed a taxi. He helped me into the backseat, but the moment I sat in the backseat I passed out.