That evening found Ryan occupying his usual corner booth at Elixir Lounge, methodically working through an entire bottle of thirty year Macallan neat. Only complete anesthesia offered momentary respite from his psychological turbulence.[]
He absently scrolled through his contacts before impulsively calling Brandon–supposedly his closest confidant since prep school.]
Uncharacteristically, Brandon allowed multiple rings before answering hesitantly.[]
“Ryan? Everything okay, man? Something happen?” His voice carried unmistakable tension beneath superficial concern, background rustling suggesting hasty rearrangement.
“Just looking for drinking company. Available tonight?” Ryan detected something distinctly off about his friend’s demeanor.]
“Shit, I’m actually caught up in something unavoidable tonight. Definitely next time though…“[]
Barely audible feminine moans filtered through the connection, punctuated by breathless encouragement.[]
Ryan assumed Brandon was entertaining another random conquest and disconnected without further comment.[]
Ryan
However, something about the woman’s voice nagged at his subconscious–disconcertingly familiar undertones he couldn’t immediately place.[]
Without realizing, he’d mechanically emptied the entire bottle of scotch, molten agony spreading through his digestive tract.]
Mental fog descended while coherent thought fragments disintegrated progressively.
As he fumbled for his phone to summon his driver, he discovered the battery completely depleted.
Outside, torrential rain had transformed city streets into miniature rivers, massive droplets pounding against windows with escalating ferocity, effectively obscuring the external world.
Lightning carved brilliant veins across the midnight sky as thunder detonated overhead, nature’s fury perfectly complementing his psychological landscape.]]
Ryan clutched his cramping stomach while haphazardly flagging down a passing taxi, eventually staggering through his mansion’s imposing entrance.
Despite the ungodly hour–approaching 3AM-bedroom lights blazed inexplicably, silhouettes clearly visible through partially drawn curtains.]
Tempestuous weather conditions effectively camouflaged subtle electronic beeping as security systems disengaged.]
Ryan instantly registered unfamiliar oxfords positioned carelessly near the entryway, alcohol–induced fog evaporating instantly.
He removed his own rain–soaked footwear, ascending the grand staircase with surprising stealth despite his inebriated state.
Approaching the master suite, increasingly explicit soundtrack confirmed his suspicions–unmistakable masculine grunting harmonized with feminine encouragement, punctuated by rhythmic furniture protests.
Ryan experienced unprecedented clarity despite substantial alcohol consumption. Positioned strategically outside the partially open door, he absorbed the intimate conversation with eerie detachment.]
Through the aperture, he witnessed Brandon–supposedly his lifelong brother–in–arms–enthusiastically engaged with Sophia’s unmistakable form, their naked bodies intimately entwined atop Egyptian cotton sheets Ryan had personally imported from Alexandria.]
They exchanged passionate kisses between breathless exchanges, apparently oblivious to potential discovery. Photographic evidence of Ryan and Sophia’s relationship observed their betrayal from the nightstand, heightening the perverse tableau.[]
Foreheads glistening with exertion, Sophia nestled against Brandon’s chest with practiced familiarity, playfully admonishing:[]
“Getting pretty bold, aren’t you? Doing this in Ryan’s actual bed? If he caught us, he’d absolutely lose his mind.“[]
Brandon dismissively smirked, contempt saturating every syllable:[]
“That pathetic alcoholic is probably face–down in some VIP section right now. He literally called me earlier looking for a drinking buddy. He’s become a complete stereotype–when he had someone genuinely worthwhile like Aria, he treated her like garbage. Now suddenly he’s playing heartbroken ex–husband? For whose benefit exactly? Pure self–delusion. Meanwhile, she’s living her best life with college sweetheart!“]]
My Ex Planned His Wedding… On My Death Day?!
229.09
This revelation pronged Sphinx exaggerated eye roll as she continued complaining!]
The exhausted constantly performing devoted girlfriend while he barely acknowledges my existence, Marriage prospects looking increasingly unlikely. I abepzately must secure legal rights to his fortune before everything implodes. Thank God you’ve remained consistent throughout everything. “[]
Brandon tradesty caressed her prominently rounded belly, inquiring solicitously!]
Approaching seven months now, right? You’re being careful with nutrition? This pregnancy needs absolute protection.“[]
Sophia nodded reassuringh “After losing our first baby, I’m taking zero chances with this one, fortunately, our clueless benefactor will ultimately finance everything regardless
Additional intimacies followed before they collapsed together amid muffled laughter:[]
Processing everything he’ll witnessed, Ryan experienced profound disorientation as though suddenly recognizing he’d been performing in entirely the wrong theatrical production
He’d catastrophically misjudged everyone surrounding him, while inflicting unconscionable damage upon the single individual who’d demonstrated authentic integrity
Aria had committed no transgressions whatsoever. She’d merely represented another casualty of familial manipulation, yet he’d systematically demolished her spirit through deliberate cruelty
Without Sophia’s venomous interference, perhaps genuine connection might have eventually developed between them…]
This devastating epiphany obliterated Ryan’s remaining restraint. Blinding fury propelled him forward as he violently kicked the bedroom door completely off its hinges
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