The sound of clinking glasses and laughter filled the air as Harrison Blackwood stood by the bar, a drink in hand.
'To another successful business deal!' he exclaimed, raising his half-filled glass in a toast. His friends and colleagues cheered while going round, clinking their glasses against each other's.
'Well deserved, Harry,' one of them said. 'You worked really hard on this project.'
'Your wife must be so proud of you...all those late nights must really be worth it now.' another commented.
Harrison smiled wistfully. 'Of course, she's proud. She and the kids went on a vacation in the Bahamas. They left yesterday morning. I'm celebrating my freedom.' he joked, laughing.
His group of friends laughed and teased him about being a 'bachelor' again.
As the night wore on, Harrison's drinks kept coming. He lost count of how many he'd had, but his body was starting to feel the effects. His words slurred, his vision blurred, and his legs wobbled beneath him.
His driver, Jenkins, who was ever-so-dutifully watching and observing from a corner, appeared at his side.
'Time to get you home, sir.' he said, his voice firm but gentle. He led his boss outside and to the car which was already parked in the front patio.
Harrison mumbled something incoherent, stumbling into the backseat. Jenkins secured him in with the seatbelt, then got behind the wheel.
As they drove, Harrison's head lolled against the window, his eyes drifting shut. He was vaguely aware of Jenkins helping him out of the car and onto the driveway.
Harrison shrugged off Jenkins' attempt to support him, stumbling towards the front door. But before he could reach it, the door swung open and Alia stood before him, a look of concern on her face.
'Mr. Blackwood!' she exclaimed, stepping forward. 'I'll take it from here, Jenkins.'
Jenkins nodded, transferring Harrison's weight to Alia.
'I'll just go park the car, then,' he said, before turning and heading back to the driveway.
Alia wrapped Harrison's arm around her shoulders, holding him steady as she led him into the mansion.
'Let's get you upstairs, sir.' she said gently.
Harrison nodded, his eyes already starting to droop. He stumbled alongside Alia, relying on her to guide him up the stairs and to his bedroom door.
They managed to get to the top of the stairs, Alia expertly maneuvered Harrison towards his bedroom door. She pushed it open with the side of her body and guided him inside, helping him collapse onto the bed.
Harrison let out a groan, his head spinning. Alia quickly moved to remove his shoes, her fingers working deftly to loosen the laces.
'Let me get you some water, sir,' she said, moving to the bedside table to pour him a glass.
The man felt a cool glass being pressed into his hand, and he took a sip, the water feeling like heaven on his parched throat.
As he lay there, he was vaguely aware of Alia moving around the room, tidying up and drawing the curtains. He felt a blanket being pulled up over him, and then...
Everything went black.