The club pulsated with life, a kaleidoscope of flashing lights, thumping beats, and the laughter of the city's elite. Ariana's entrance was a magnetic force that drew the attention of her entourage. Her friends, bathed in the club's neon glow, welcomed her with raised hands and dazzling smiles.
Jen had been friends with them since their kindergarten days, walked beside Ariana, her loyalty often overshadowed by the extravagance of Ariana's circle.
Ariana's reputation for using her friends was not undeserved.
With unwavering authority, Ariana swept towards her friends. Kate, a confidante with her own family's wealth and influencer, was the first to envelop her in a warm embrace. The dynamics of power and privilege were ever-present, even in their close-knit group.
Ariana, her tone commanding, directed Jen, "Fetch the bottles," her gesture indicating the private enclave where they could observe the club's vivacious crowd while indulging in their drinks.
Lyon was the heir to a prestigious jewelry empire, couldn't conceal his delight at Ariana's arrival. He whisked her away from Kate, an act that made Ariana's eyes shimmer with pleasure.
Jen returned with bottles in tow, pouring wine for the group as Ariana nestled against Lyon. This was her opportunity, a chance to persuade Lyon to offer her a coveted role in their upcoming collection.
Wine flowed, laughter filled the air, and the night unfolded with an enchanting allure. Lyon's happiness was palpable as he drew closer to Ariana, his lips brushing her cheek in an intimate caress, sending electric shivers through her.
Kate, the inquisitive one, inquired, "Where's Vincent? He hasn't arrived yet.
Lyon, wearing a knowing grin, replied, "He'll make an appearance soon; I'm sure of it."
Kate raised her glass, signalling a toast and revelling in the opulent ambiance. Then her attention returned to Ariana, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Tell me, Ariana, how are things progressing with Louis?"
Ariana's eyes danced with excitement as she straightened her posture, revealing her news. "Kate, we're planning our next date soon, and we've even started discussing marriage."
Their friends erupted in cheers and applause, their enthusiasm filling the air. The prospect of a grand high-society wedding was a thrilling topic, and Ariana basked in their warm wishes.
"Thank you all," Ariana beamed, deeply moved by their support. "But enough about me; let's make the most of this night and celebrate together!"
Laughter and clinking glasses filled the space, and Ariana cherished this moment of jubilation amidst the glamour of the club.
It was a respite from the competitive world of modelling, a chance to revel in the joys of friendship and the allure of the night.
Jen bit her lip, the memory of how Ariana had been rejected and mistreated in the past still fresh in her mind. She exchanged a knowing glance with Ariana, silently acknowledging the strength it took for her friend to return to the scene.
Vincent's arrival added new energy to the group. He was effortlessly stylish in a crisp white shirt and jeans, his charismatic presence drawing admiring glances from the women around him. As he strolled towards the group, girls couldn't resist touching his arms, their interest evident.
"Hey, guys," Vincent greeted, his charm evident as he hugged Lyon before taking a seat beside Kate.
Ariana couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation as she noticed that Vincent hadn't hugged her this time.
He was known for being affectionate, often hugging her upon arrival. She pushed aside her unease, choosing instead to focus on the party and their conversations.
As the music throbbed in the background, Ariana found herself drawn even closer to Lyon. He flashed a charming grin and whispered in her ear.
"You know, Ariana, I can't take my eyes off you tonight. You look ravishing, and I can't help but imagine what you'd look like in the private club rooms."
Ariana's cheeks flushed with a mixture of excitement and intrigue. She leaned in, her voice teasing as she replied, "Well, Lyon, who knows what the night might bring? Maybe you'll get your wish."
Kate, always the playful one, overheard their flirtatious exchange and couldn't resist teasing. "Looks like someone's in for an interesting night."
Vincent's eyes remained fixed on Ariana, his attention unwavering as he finished his drink and leaned in closer to speak. "Ariana," he began, his voice low and confidential, "I heard Verena is out."
Jen, ever vigilant, glanced between the two of them but opted to take a discreet sip of her drink. She knew her role, especially since Ariana had indulged in quite a few drinks, and she needed to ensure her friend's well-being throughout the night.
Ariana, her senses slightly dulled by the alcohol, frowned as she asked, "Verena? How do you know?"
Vincent leaned in even closer, his tone laced with intrigue. "I happened to run into her," he confessed, his words hanging in the air as the conversation shifted to a more serious and mysterious tone.
Ariana's curiosity piqued, and she leaned in closer as well, their faces almost touching. "Tell me more," she urged, her words tinged with both interest and concern.
"I intended to introduce her to you all, but I want to make it clear upfront that she's not the same person we once knew. She's grown more courageous," Vincent emphasized, his words hanging in the air like a warning.
Ariana nodded, her curiosity still burning despite the cautionary words. "Yes, she's become quite different," Ariana agreed, her tone tinged with skepticism. "But saying that Verena has become strong? Haha, I don't believe it."
Lyon and Kate joined in, their memories of Verena not aligning with the idea of her newfound strength.
Kate chimed in, "Remember that time she fell down the stairs and didn't even complain? She was always such a timid person, especially around our Ariana."
Lyon nodded in agreement, adding, "Exactly. She used to be afraid of Ariana's shadow."
Before Vincent could delve into the whole story, his phone rang unexpectedly, and the conversation shifted to reminiscing about their school days. The group shared stories, laughter, and fond memories, temporarily forgetting the mysterious transformation of their former friend.
Vincent's face turned pale as he listened intently to the voice on the other end of the line. His assistant's words struck him like a lightning bolt. "Sir, return to the company immediately. The stocks are falling, and we've lost everything!"
Vincent couldn't contain his shock. He rose from his seat abruptly, shouting, "What!?" The sudden outburst drew the attention of everyone in the club, and they turned to see him staring at his phone in disbelief.
Without explaining or offering any details to his friends, Vincent rushed out of the club, leaving them bewildered and anxious. They called out to him, demanding to know what had happened, but he disappeared into the night without a word.
The group exchanged worried glances, their pleasant evening disrupted by the unexpected turn of events.
"Let's not ruin our party just because of him. I'll call him later," Kate suggested, trying to diffuse the tension caused by Vincent's sudden departure.
The rest of the group nodded in agreement, not wanting to let the unexpected interruption spoil their evening.
Lyon, always the charismatic one, rose from his seat and extended his hand to Ariana. With a sultry smile, he whispered in her ear, "It's time to enjoy the night, my dear."
Ariana blushed, her heart racing at Lyon's seductive charm. But before they could make their way towards the stairs, Jen intervened.
She spoke with a tone of concern: "Lyon, she's had quite a bit to drink, and I've been asked to bring her home early tonight."
Lyon and Kate shared a laugh at Jen's protective nature, but Lyon didn't voice any objections. Instead, he gently took Ariana's hand and led her towards the stairs.
Ariana's eyes met Jen's, and a brief moment of hesitation crossed her face, but Lyon's magnetic pull was irresistible.
Kate noticed Jen's lingering worry and stepped in, guiding her towards a couch. "Let them enjoy themselves, Jen. We can have our own fun, you know?"
Jen scrunched her face, still uncertain, but eventually she gave in and stood up, walking out of the club.
In the privacy of the room, Ariana was enveloped in Lyon's affection; their chemistry was tactile. She felt an overwhelming sense of euphoria, and Lyon knew exactly how to make her feel cherished.
But as the night wore on, Lyon had other intentions. He offered her drugs, and Ariana, already lost in the haze of the party, eagerly accepted.
As they indulged together, Ariana's world spiralled into a blurred realm of pleasure and escape, with the allure of the night and the drugs proving irresistible.