When Aria arrived, the VIP room reeked of lust and expensive cologne, with some sultry R&B playing low in the background]
Sophia wore a smug smile, draped over Ryan like she’d already claimed her territory. Their fi
fingers intertwined Intimately as they shared a glass of champagne]
“Since you’ve got nothing better to do, join the party,” Ryan commanded, his tone leaving no room for refusal.[]
The table was loaded with top–shelf vodka and whiskey, the strong liquor fitnes making her nauseous.[]
Aria went pale and instinctively shook her head.[]
Her stomach had always been painfully sensitive–cold food and alcohol could have her hugging the toilet for hours.[]
“If you can’t handle even this much, I might just pull my funding. Imagine watching Daddy’s company crash and burn,” Ryan remarked casually, sipping his drink without sparing her a glance.
“Fine…” Aria’s nails dug into her palms as she poured herself a tumbler and forced it down, wincing.
“Continue,” Ryan said coldly.
Glass after glass appeared before her like a boozy assembly line.
Aria had no choice but to robotically lift each one to her lips and drain it.[]
Before long, her entire body began shaking uncontrollably. The liquid fire scorched down her throat and exploded in her stomach, sending shockwaves of pain radiating through her.
Ryan’s entourage sat in a circle, watching her suffering with predatory eyes.[]
“Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Holier–Than–Thou Sterling, now slumming it with the rest of us peasants? When your daddy’s company tanks, you’ll still be begging our boy Ryan for handouts!” one sneered.]
Sophia, who’d been savoring the spectacle, chimed in with mock sympathy: “Don’t be so harsh, guys. After all, isn’t she the one who acted like we were all beneath her?“]
This sparked a feeding frenzy, their comments growing increasingly vicious: “Little Miss Perfect–let’s see how long before that mask slips completely!“]]
Aria could barely register their words through the fog of pain.
Her clothes clung to her, drenched in cold sweat, as if she’d been dunked in ice water.[]
She collapsed into the corner of the sofa, struggling for each breath.]
Without warning, a cold hand snaked across her back, lingering on her waist before brazenly slipping under her blouse, exploring deeper.[]
“Get your hands off me!” Aria summoned every ounce of strength to shove away the sleazy groper and struggled to her feet, her face contorted in agony.]
She looked toward Ryan, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, her voice barely audible:[]
“I’ve downed every drink. Can I go now?“]
Ryan’s brow furrowed as he took in her trembling, vulnerable state. Something unfamiliar stirred in his chest.[]
His voice carried a hint of reluctance:
“Get out of here. You’re killing the vibe.”
Aria forced herself upright, stumbling toward the exit.[]
As she braced herself against the wall, fumbling for her Uber app, laughter from the room crashed over her like toxic waves.]
“Damn, it’s no fun just letting her walk. The way she looked, she should’ve been on her knees thanking us for even allowing her in the same room!“]
My Ex Planned His Wedding On My Death Day?!
174.29
Chapter 2
After absorbing these barbs, Aria realized with a strange detachment that she felt… nothing.]
She was becoming a hollow shell of herself.
Back at the mansion, the pain finally overwhelmed her completely.[]
She barely made it to the bathroom before violently emptying her stomach into the toilet.[]
Eventually, her throat filled with the metallic tang of blood, crimson streaks trickling from the corner of her mouth.
She collapsed onto the cold tile, staring at her ghostly reflection in the full–length mirror–her eyes bloodshot, tears streaming down unbidden.[]
College memories flooded back: whenever someone tried to toast her at parties, Marcus would smoothly intercept, his smile protective yet warm.[]
“My girl’s allergic to alcohol. I’ll take her share–double pour, no problem!“[]
Everyone would tease them good–naturedly, their voices tinged with envy:[]
“Cole, you spoil her rotten! Afraid we might corrupt your princess?“]
Without fail, he’d ensure she always had warm milk or fresh juice instead.[]
Aria let the tears soak into her collar.
Each memory was both treasure and torture, squeezing her heart until she could hardly breathe.]]
Life had been so carefree back then. With Marcus beside her, she’d never had to compromise, never had to swallow her pride.]]
Never had to endure such degradation.
But now, no one stood between her and the world’s cruelty.[]
Her Marcus was gone, and she carried that guilt like a stone around her neck.
Aria finally broke, curling into herself on the bathroom floor, sobbing as pain knifed through her stomach.
Eventually, the physical agony numbed, her tears dried up. Completely drained, she dragged herself to bed and passed out.[]
Even unconscious, Aria’s body betrayed her anxiety. She curled into a tight ball, trembling in her sleep.[]
Suddenly, the soft click of a key in the lock broke the night’s silence.[]
