Chapter-1

                                                  Sofia

Some great guy once said, "It's our choices that define us,"

I don't really know who that guy was but if he was still alive and anywhere near Vixen, one of New York City's prominent night club where I was right now, then I would dearly like to contradict him. Because, clearly my choices don't define me or do they?

I frowned as I stared at the ice sculpture that seemed like a peacock adorning the bar but I couldn’t be sure for my vision was anything but clear right now. Everything seemed doubled and blurry.

Maybe it does. I made one fucking decision for myself in the span of twenty-four years that I have lived and that one decision fucked me up beautifully. Maybe I should keep letting mom make decisions for me just like she used to until I decided to put my foot down two years back.

Maybe then I wouldn't be Sofia Sayles, Harvard Graduate and ex-employee at Ericsons, who right now was on her eight glass of Kamikaze, jobless and hoping for a means to survive in the whirlwind of New York's extravagance. Maybe then she would have been a proud daughter to the proud parents who were undoubtedly reaping the fruit of the decisions they made for their lives.

I shook my head. No! My decisions have nothing to do with who I was as a person. I know who I am. I am the girl who decided to find her way out from the comfort of her parents' posh lifestyle and decided to live the reality.

I am the girl who made a comfortable living for herself alone without an ounce of support from anybody. Yes! This is exactly who I was and this was what I choose to believe about me. It's just a bad time and it will pass. I know it will, once I clear my interview at Mckinnons in two days. If, I clear my interview.  There was no reason to be over confident.

I sighed and gazed around when my eyes locked on a guy sitting two or three places ahead of me. My vision was f*cked up but yet there was something about him that made it hard for me to tear my gaze away. He was staring at the dance floor but then his gaze flickered from the floor and fell on me. He stared at me for a few seconds and then I think his lips twitched up in a smile. I scowled at myself.

Screw my vision.

I turned towards him again and then tentatively smiled at him. He smiled back at me and I think he nodded his head as well but I couldn't do much because the clingy guy sitting beside me tapped on my shoulder and I have no other option but to turn towards him. However, I didn’t forget to make a mental note to myself.

Never ever go on a blind date again! Sofia, you idiot!

The bottom line of this night that was turning out to be lamer by the hour was that blind date was not a good idea to meet someone new...I mean whatever happened to Tinder? And a blind date set up by my best friend Kristen was a big NO. I should keep that in my mind forever.

Daniel Hussey, my first and last blind date set up by my best friend and flat mate Kristen was a disaster. He was tall, lanky with a goatee that doesn't suits him at all and to top it up, unnecessarily gelled hairs that made him an awkward concoction of  an eighteen and thirty years old person combined in one. B*tchy but true.

I could have easily ignored his looks if he had some personality or if he was fun or something after all in the end that’s what matters, isn’t it? But all of that was a far call and he was the reason why I was drowning down my eight glass of Kamikaze now.

He was as lame as ... I don't even know a suitable comparison. For the past two hours, he was continuously blabbering about his dad's extravagant car collection and his dad's opinion that Audi was in no comparison with BMW. I mean it was okay to talk about cars and I love them as well but two hours?

I did care to listen to his shit for an hour or so but that was enough. I couldn't be any more patient.

"Enough about me, tell me how long have you been single Sofia?" He asked, moving the barstool closer to mine.

Oh...

"Two years, "I replied flatly. That was what he wanted to know about me? Since when did relationship status replaced hobbies and personality?

"Oh, you must be quite lonely huh?" He asked. Now what was that supposed to mean? As if to answer my question and to my utter annoyance, he leaned in even closer to me so that I could almost feel the peppermint in his breathe.

Wasn't he drinking scotch?

"Not really," I answered. And even if I was, it was none of your business, I thought inwardly.

"You can tell me Sofia, I can help you. A girl like you don't deserve to be single for so long," He whispered seductively and I couldn’t refrain from shooting him a disgusted look.

Before I could reply he inched even closer, his lips a few inches away from me. His right hand gliding up my thigh as he grinned at me.

What the fu*k!

My flight or fight instinct kicked in as his hand kept going north until I have to grab it roughly. Before I could even stop myself, I slapped him hard. I couldn't believe that I slapped him so hard but the stinging pain that now coursed through my palm was real and man it hurts! I had no idea I have so much strength in me.

I turned my gaze to Daniel and he was slightly rubbing his cheek and his look... God, he looked almost lethal. I mentally decided to kick him straight in the balls if he dares to hit me back or maybe I should be a little more sympathetic and go for the groin?

"What the hell?" Daniel yelled, stroking his cheek with his hand.

"Go to hell, a*shole, "I hissed acidly.

By now the whole club was distracted by the commotion and a few people were gathered around us looking curious.

"You b*tch!" Daniel growled, bringing up his hand to hit me.

I closed my eyes automatically and mentally prepared to hit him back as planned but unfortunately all of that went down the drain as a strong masculine voice reached my ears.

"Get it over now," The voice said calmly. I dragged my gaze to the guy standing beside Daniel and gasped inwardly.

He was the guy I was gawking at a few moments ago! Wasn’t he?

"Who the hell are you?" Daniel demanded. I looked at the guy and his gaze turned to me in as he appraised me. I stared at him and for some reason I felt relief.

"That's not the point," He answered, giving him a steely glance. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," I nodded, rubbing my palm.

"Get the f*ck off here," Daniel barked. "This is between me and her,"

"Not anymore," He hissed. "Now apologize and get your bloody ass outta here before I make you regret ever coming here in the first place. And if you want to keep coming here in future, I suggest you learn how to treat a woman with respect first,"

"Do you know who I am?" Daniel hissed.

"Do you know who I am?" The guy retorted back, staring squarely at him in the eye. He looked so confident, it was amazing.

There was something about the way he spoke that made Daniel take him seriously. He glared at him, then at me and then again at him before he turning on his heels and disappearing into the crowd.

"Good riddance," I muttered under my breath, agitated.

"Are you all right?" The Greek God stranger asked again, looking concerned.

"Yes, thank you!" I muttered. "I owe you. Let me buy you a drink?"

"It's alright," He muttered. "I'll pass,"

"Oh come on," I said. "What would you like?'

"Bourbon. Neat," He answered probably realizing that I wasn't giving up, a reluctant smile crossed across his exquisite lips as he perched down on the barstool beside me.

"You heard him," I said to the bartender. "I will have the same,"

The bartender handed me the drinks looking amused and I gave him a sly grin. I handed the stranger his drink and he took it reluctantly.

"I am Liam, by the way," He introduced.

"Sofia," I answered and it came out a little slurry.

"Don't mind," He said, drowning the glass. “But, what was all that about?"

"A blind date," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "I will kill Kristen but then she has no idea about guys or dating so maybe I won't,"

Liam looked at me quizzically and just nodded. I noticed he has sexy lips but I already mentioned that before, didn’t I?

Hmm, nice…

"I don't think you should drink anymore," He remarked, eyeing my glass. I frowned at him.

"Don't worry," I laughed. "I won't puke on you,"

Okay…did that just come out of my bloody mouth?

Liam shook his head and laughed as if enjoying some private joke.

"Would you like to dance, Sofia?" He offered his hand out of the blue. I eyed him speculatively and then glanced at the dance floor.

Go for it!

"Okay," I nodded. "Let's dance!" I stood up and then instantly sat down as my head began to spin. Oh dear…I was in trouble. 

"Whoa!" I exclaimed, feeling sheepish. "Head rush,"

"Come," Liam placed his hand on my semi-naked back and to my surprise, a weird current ran down my spine. His hand was so warm against my cold skin. It felt good and somewhat reassuring.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" I blurted out, as we strolled towards the floor. Now where did that come from? What the hell are you doing, Sofia? I am not usually so verbose with strangers but tonight was turning out to be more and more exceptional. In the history of my dating adventures, this night will definitely find a special place.

"Umm, no," He replied and shook his head to emphasize his point since the blaring music made it impossible to talk without shouting.

"Oo that's a shame" I muttered, this was so weird. How can he not have a girlfriend? It was right that thanks to my over drinking I couldn’t afford a good look at him but I can feel it. There was something about him...just something which was different. Something I can't point out at the moment.

"Do you have a boyfriend," He repeated my question, shouting in my ears.

"I wouldn't be handling that jerk if I had a boyfriend, would I?" I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Oh yeah right," He agreed with a frown.

"But I do have an imaginary boyfriend," I added, trying hard to make out what I was saying. Words were just flowing out of my mouth without even asking for my permission.

"Who's that?" He asked, looking amused.

"Ian Somerhalder," I giggled. "I love him!"

"Vampire, huh. Tough competition," He laughed and it was a very refreshing sound. "Now let's dance!"

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The morning sunshine peeked through the blinds in my room and fell on my eyes jolting me awake from a rather uncomfortable slumber. I groaned as I forced my eyes open. My head was as heavy as a rock and so were my eyelids.

Damn me!

From my room, I could hear the cluttering of the plates and clinking of glasses. Christina Perry's A Thousand Years crooned in the background and I could also hear Kristen's soft humming. She was really obsessed with that song.

Rolling around I searched for my phone and found it lying on the bedside table. I tried to switch it on but it was in vain. No battery.

Great! What else?

"Oh you're up," Kristen stood on the threshold with her arms crossed across her chest, her face impassive.

Oh no..I was in deep trouble.

"Yeah," I muttered wryly, sitting up.

"Good, breakfast is ready. Be quick," She said and then left. I stood up and dragged my ass to the bathroom. I looked horrifying. Ruined makeup. Messy hairs and deep lines under my eyes. Oh, Jesus!

After spending a good deal of time cleaning myself up I came out and put on a plain T-shirt and pajamas. Now Rihanna's Love The Way You Lie was playing. Another favourite of Kristen.

"Morning," I greeted, sitting down rather groggily.

"Morning," Kristen said giving me the mother hen look.

I eyed her cautiously. She looked as fresh as laundry. Her reddish-blonde hairs were tied in a ponytail and her beautiful black eyes were as usual covered with her glasses. I don’t understand why she doesn’t get lenses so that she could freely flaunt those beautiful deep eyes. I would definitely have.

Kristen and I met two years back and since then she has been my constant. We were totally opposites and I think I hardly have ever met someone as taciturn as her in my entire life.

She has a totally different perspective towards life and mostly towards relationship than me. If I was the dreamer, she was the realist and sometimes it was a bit annoying especially when it comes to the matter of boyfriends, a word almost non-existent for her. But apart from that, she was extremely kind, forgiving and amiable as well as hard-working and talented.

"Tea?" She offered. I nodded still waiting for her to start lecturing. Kristen poured me a cup and handed it without a word.

"Thanks," I murmured.

"Drink, this will help your headache," She commented and I nodded.

"I know," I agreed. "Exactly how mad are you at me by the way?" Kristen frowned at me and shook her head.

"Why would I be mad at you?"

"After what I did," I said, waving my hand around. "Last night,"

"Yeah that was reckless to the next level but no, I am not mad at you," She replied and relief instantly filled me from within. I don’t like disappointing people and especially not her but lately, that’s exactly what I have been doing.

"Well, how...how did I come back home?" I asked and she shot me a condescending look.

"You don't remember anything?" She inquired.

"Not really. Some parts but not very clear," I replied, refilling my cup. Kristen was right. Tea does help a bit.

"You came back around one in the morning. A guy dropped you home. You passed out in his arms," Kristen said. I jolted up from my lousy state and stared at Kristen questioningly. That guy. I need to know about him and that was going to be an uphill task because frankly, everything that happened last night was nothing but blurred images popping up now and then.

"Wh...what was his name?" I asked. "How did he look?"

"I don't know. You see it was so late and I was really asleep and then when I saw you like that I panicked so much and in all that chaos, I didn't pay attention to him neither did I asked his name. He didn't even wait here. A call came and then he just left," Kristen replied with a shrug.

"You do remember something?" I asked expectantly.

"Not really Soaf, though I might remember him if I see him again. He was tall and had dark hairs," She replied frowning.

"I don't understand, how can I not remember anything?" I wailed.

"Maybe, because you were drunk to death?" Kristen muttered sarcastically and I couldn’t even scowl at her because I knew she was right.

"Well, never mind," I replied dismissing the subject quickly and focusing on my breakfast instead.

"What happened to Daniel?" Kristen asked, raising her brow.

"Daniel?" I frowned at her and she rolled her eyes in return.

"Daniel Hussey, your date?" Kristen clarified and vague memories came hurling into my head again.

"Oh yeah, him," I growled, remembering his filthy hands up my thighs.

"What?" She asked, looking surprised at my sudden outburst.

"That f*cking a*hole tried to feel me up!" I barked and instantly regretted as throbbing pain filled my head. Oh damn, I will never touch alcohol again.

"Really?” Kristen exclaimed, looking surprised. “What did you do?”

"I slapped him!" I replied with glee. That part, I remembered pretty well.

"You what?" Kris cried and I nodded my head, sitting back proudly.

"Slapped him" I repeated. "Where did you found that nutjob again?"

"Some friend of a friend," She replied with a shrug and I scowled at her. She actually doesn’t have an inkling how these things work and I decided to forgive her for the sake of her innocence.

"Never mind, I have learnt my lesson and I am never ever going on a blind date again," I said at last.

"And you're never ever going to drink like that again ever," Kris added.

"Yeah yeah," I nodded my head vigorously. How can I forget that? The way I was feeling right now, the worst hangover ever…I was never going to forget this ever again.

"Alright, I need to leave now. See ya later, okay?" She said, grabbing her and purse and I frowned. Leave where?

"Wait! You're going to the office today? But it's Saturday!" I exclaimed in surprise.

"Well, my boss is an asshole as well. Just hope I don't have to endure him for too long," She muttered with a shrug.

I frowned at her. Somewhere deep down I always felt that Kris was being too hard on herself. She was the eldest daughter of six sisters and there has always been this big responsible daughter tag attached to her. She sort of supports her family as well and is the only member in her family who has stepped away from the family business and shifted to the city for a career.

And now you have added to her burden with your stupidity!

I sighed inwardly. I needed the job tomorrow. I can't let Kris manage both her home and pay our bills alone as well. And I had to be cautious with my savings as well. No more club hopping, I decided. Jesus, why in heaven’s name did I suddenly decide to take a leap of faith and quit my considerably well paying job without actually figuring out what I wanted in the first place? Can anyone be that stupid? If not then I have definitely set the benchmark for others to follow.

"Sofia?" Kris called, distracting me and I turned my eyes to her.

"Yeah? Oh right okay. See you in the evening," I murmured, feeling extremely guilty inside.

"Get some rest and prep for tomorrow, okay?" She said kindly and it made me feel worse.

"Yeah, right," I agreed, standing up to give her a hug.

Once Kris left, I clumsily walked back to my room and slumped down on the bed. Closing my eyes I tried to trace back the last night memories. It sucks when you can’t remember things you desperately want to remember. I passed out in the arms of a stranger. What sane person forgets something like that?

Who was he? What was his name?

The questions started to fill up my head and it began to throb harder. I needed to remember him. I needed to know who he was. I needed to find him. I had no idea why I was feeling this way. I don't even remember his name or anything except that he had a deep voice and he helped me yet I feel like he has taken away a part of me with him. It was so absurd but that was how I was feeling. The instant connection I felt with him, it was still lurking around inside me which was actually annoying.

I can feel his touch but I don't remember his face. I can hear his voice but it's too distant. The only thing that I remember...sort of was a pair of dark eyes. A thousand people in this city have dark eyes.

Was that enough to find him? I guess not.

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A/N: Hey guys! So here's the first chapter and a brief introduction of Liam and Sofia...I hope you like it! And if you do...do let me know in the comments :)