*****Ella's POV*****
I settled into a secluded corner of the dimly lit bar, the air thick with an enticing blend of laughter and clinking glasses. I cradled a glass of deep red wine in my hand, watching the rich liquid swirl as I took a slow sip, savoring its velvety texture. Alone with my thoughts, I found comfort in the warmth of the drink, yet my mind replayed the events of the day like a stubborn loop tape.
The surrounding ambiance buzzed softly, illuminated by soft, golden lights that danced off the polished wood of the bar. I had ventured here after work, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings of this establishment just a few blocks from my office. The bar was usually a sanctuary, a place where I could unwind and forget the stresses of the day. But tonight, it felt different; the weight of earlier events lingered heavily in the back of my mind, shrouding me in a mist of confusion and frustration.
With every sip, I silently conversed with myself. It was as if the wine were both a companion and a confessor, ready to absorb my unspoken thoughts as I tried to decipher the chaos that had unfolded just hours before.
"Ugh," I groaned, my forehead thudding against the wooden table in front of me, a desperate attempt to clear the chaos swirling in my mind. How am I supposed to move through life when the weight of my thoughts clings to me like a suffocating fog? The shocked gazes of onlookers felt like a burning spotlight, intensifying my frustration as I continued my futile rhythmic assault on my skull.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally rose to my feet, my legs unsteady beneath me, the effects of the drink still pulling at my senses. I stumbled my way home, each step a wobbly struggle, thoughts of the night swirling tumultuously. When I reached my front door, I knocked with urgency and weariness, my knuckles lightly rapping against the cool surface.
Ethan opened the door, his expression shifting from surprise to concern as he took in my disheveled state. Without hesitation, he offered a steady hand, leading me upstairs and guiding me to my room. He helped me settle onto my bed, the familiar warmth of the blankets wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, easing the weight of the night ever so slightly.
I tossed and turned on my bed, unable to find a comfortable position as the day's events replayed in my mind. I desperately tried to pat myself to sleep, but each attempt only caused my thoughts to wander back to what had transpired at the office with my boss.
No matter how hard I tried to distract myself with other thoughts, the encounter kept looping in my head like a stubborn melody. His poised demeanor, with that calm confidence and piercing gaze, haunted me.
I could almost picture the way he had leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, as he delivered his critiques with a measured tone that felt both disapproving and distant. The image of that firm expression etched itself into my mind, making it impossible for me to drift into a peaceful slumber.
I pushed myself up from the cozy warmth of my bed and shuffled over to my study table, the soft glow of my desk lamp illuminating the pages of my book. Just as I began to immerse myself in the text, a gentle knock interrupted my solitude.
"Come in," I called out, my voice slightly muffled by the stillness of the night. The door creaked open, and Ethan stepped inside, his brow furrowed with concern. "Ella, are you okay? I saw the light on," he said, his tone laced with genuine care.
"I'm fine, Ethan. Just had a long day at the office," I responded, forcing a smile to reassure him. He glanced at me for a moment, his worry evident, but I could see him deciding to let it go as he nodded and quietly left the room.
Ethan had been a steadfast friend, stepping in when I needed support the most. After moving far from home for a job opportunity, he welcomed me into his space without hesitation. My aunt had clarified that she wouldn't tolerate anything but my compliance with her wishes.
When she learned I'd secured a position in a different field, she coldly demanded I leave if I wasn't going to work at her store. The leftovers she served me for dinner felt like a pointed reminder of my supposed obligations and her disapproval.
Now, here I was, grateful for Ethan's friendship but also burdened by the weight of my past decisions.
I closed the book with a sigh, allowing my head to rest heavily on the pages of my study material. The fatigue settled deep within me, despite having left work slightly earlier today than usual.
Our boss had sent us home early in celebration of the president's birthday, a gesture that should have filled me with joy. Yet, my anticipation of a relaxing evening diminished when I unexpectedly encountered him in the narrow passageway of the office.
I rounded the corner, eager to escape the confines of the office, only to collide with my boss. The last person I wanted to see after a long day of tasks and tension was him. In the grand narrative of my life, I often referred to him as my "monster" in my diary—a fitting title for someone who had made my work experience a constant battle!
He stepped closer after our accidental bump, and I quickly murmured an apology. Yet, instead of stepping back, he closed the distance between us, his head aligning perfectly with mine.
His gaze, intense and piercing, held mine captive for a moment before he glanced down, a mix of shyness and nervousness flickering in his eyes. It was as if the world around us had faded away, leaving just the two of us in that charged moment. He gently cupped my face, his fingers brushing my lips, sending an electric thrill through my body.
"Oh," I gasped, caught off guard by the softness of his touch. My mind raced with conflicting thoughts, and I desperately tried to push them aside. Surrendering to the overwhelming sensation, I forced my eyes shut and willed myself to drift off to sleep, longing for the comforting embrace of dreams to take me away.