Chapter 5 Trouble comes after midnight
THIRD PERSON'S POV.
“I think I’ve lost my way” Serena whispers to Trisha, panic laced in her voice.
“ I can’t remember where Clara and Jonathan are”. She sounded like she was trying not to cry.
“Girl, that's fine” Trisha said waving off the thought, “let’s just stay down here. Not like I wanted to hang with your snobby sister and annoying boyfriend anyway, “ Trisha said as she signaling for the waiter..
“Fiancé…” Serena responded sheepishly “he’s my fiance now…. Well sort of”.
Trisha made a face, “what do you mean?” Trisha never liked Jonathan, there was something fishy about him she just couldn’t place her finger on it, but her friend seems to love him, God knows why. But he had hoped Serena would grow out of it, then getting engaged was the last thing she wanted to hear.
“He proposed last night, that’s what I’ve been meaning to tell you. That’s why we are out celeb tonight. Clara insisted “ Serena gulped down her wine in a haste, trying to avoid Trisha’s gaze, she knew she wouldn’t approve of this.
Trisha took a long pause before speaking again “you know what? It’s a lovely night and this is not a conversation for the club, so I’m going to save all my opinions until we get back home. For now let’s dance baby”.
And so they did. The music got louder, the drinks stronger. Before long they were both wasted and screaming out the lyrics of Drake's way 2 sexy at the top of their lungs shouting and laughing like the night couldn’t touch them.
Until….
“Serena.”
She froze. That voice, low, measured and steady. unmistakably clear over the noise. She turned and there he was in all his glory.
Tall and every bit as striking as she remembered Damian Crowne
Even here, under the flashing lights and the blur of champagne he looked annoyingly composed, too composed for the chaos around him. His dark shirt was rolled at the sleeves, his collar slightly open, the kind of detail that shouldn’t matter to her but it somehow did. He had that familiar unreadable expression on his face like a mask.
She sighed, giving him a tight lipped smile. “Why am I bumping into you twice in one day? What gods have I offended?”
He looked at her for a moment. Eyes steady “You okay?” he asked, his voice smooth and unhurried. “You look a little……. out of place.” He droned.
“I’m fine,” she said quickly, brushing off his concern. “You people need to stop acting like I’ve never been to a nightclub before”
“I didn’t say never “ he replied. “Just rare enough for it to feel wrong”.
She lifted her glass in mock salute. “Well, maybe I’m trying something new.”
His gaze flicked to the drink, then back to her. “Would you like me to take you home?”
She almost laughed. “No need. I came with a chauffeur.”
That was when it hit her, the name of the place. Vulga. Of course. How could she have forgotten? This was his nightclub. The thought irritated her more than it should have.
He must have noticed, because his mouth curved slightly. “You look surprised.”
“Just annoyed,” she muttered. “I keep forgetting you own half the city.”
She must have sensed her discomfort and made an attempt to leave but Trisha chimed in
“Hey, don’t go just yet! Stay and buy us a few drinks, the least you can do for bumping into a pretty woman.”
Damian’s eyes flicked to Serena. “Pretty woman?”
Trisha grinned. “You heard me.”
For a second, Serena swore she saw amusement flash across his face, but it was gone as quickly as it came. Against his better judgment, he stayed.
They ended up sharing a few rounds of drinks, the music pulsing through the speakers as they danced, laughed, and for a fleeting moment, forgot who they were outside those walls.
When he finally stood to leave, Damian nodded at Serena. “Get home safe.”
And just like that, he was gone, slipping into the crowd as quietly as he’d appeared.
Trisha turned to Serena, fanning herself dramatically. “Now that’s a man you should date.”
Serena groaned. “What is it with you and my grandfather trying to link me up with this ancestor?”
“Ancestor?” Trisha laughed. “He’s barely six years older than you. Don’t be so dramatic.”
“Whatever, “ Serena muttered, rolling her eyes. But she found herself glancing once more toward the crowd, as if expecting to see him again.
The night carried on, and Serena forgot all about Clara and Jonathan until it was time to head back home.
“I’ve been trying to reach Clara. Her phone isn’t going through. Even Jonathan hasn’t made any attempt to come find me.” She muttered sadly as she and Trisha stumbled out of the club.
The evening air was harsh and cold making them instantly regret their choice of outfit.
Trish tugged at the hem of her skirt desperately trying to shield her legs from the cold. “Clara is a grown woman she will find her way home, this is her type of scene after all. In the meantime you will ride with me, good thing I came with a driver.” “As for Jonathan…”
She pinched her nose, her teeth chattering from the cold “As for Jonathan…” she muttered through the tremors, “you should be used to his nonchalant behavior by now.”
Tricia’s chauffeur drove the car to a park in front of them and they hopped in hastily, happy to leave the cold.
“Mike, take us home, and turn the heater up please”. Trisha said rubbing her arms.
“Yes ma’am “ the driver replied and eased the car out of the club’s parking lot.
“Home?”. Serena asked, brows furrowed.
“Yeah, it’s late already, we can't be driving back and forth. Besides, your dad’s still away on his trip, so relax.” Trisha tapped her knees reassuringly.
As they drove through the quiet streets, the city lights dimmed into the softer glow of the suburbs. When the car turned into a gated compound lined with freshly planted flowers and white stone fences, Serena relaxed a little.
Trisha’s house came into view as a sleek, modern duplex with warm lights spilling through the tall windows. It wasn’t as grand as the Gregory Estate, but it carried a kind of warmth that money couldn’t fake.
Serena smiled faintly. “I still can’t believe your parents finally let you move out.”
Trisha grinned, straightening her back as Mike brought the car to a stop. “Yup. Although they still think it’s a ‘phase,’ but I like having my own space. No rules, no early dinners, no staff watching my every move.”
They stepped out of the car. The night air was cool and quiet, and as Serena glanced at the cozy home, its soft lights glowing against the dark sky, and again her chest tightened from worry. Seeing the lights in Trisha’s home reminded her of the lights in her fathers study back home and the anxiety kicked in.
Trisha noticed her fidgeting “you are hyperventilating” she said, turning towards her, “ what’s wrong? Are you still scared your dad will freak out if he finds out you slept out?”
“I’m not worried about that” Serena mumbled, her voice unsteady. “I’m worried about his reaction when I tell him about Jonathan.”
Trisha frowned “ oh that” she waved a hand dismissively “what’s the worst that could happen?.”
She turned the doorknob as they walked into the house “Anyway, that’s tomorrow’s problem. Right now, I just want to sleep”.
Serena laughed softly, but the sound wavered, hollow, uncertain. In her chest, tomorrow’s problem was already taking shape.