Chapter 3

When they pulled up in front of the club, Lily felt her nerves creeping in again. A huge signboard bearing the club’s name–Golden Arc– in bold, elegant lettering, stood imposingly at the top of the building.

For a moment, Lily wanted to turn back and go home. Her hand tightened around the seat belt, her heart racing. But Chloe was already stepping out of the car, she took a deep breath and stepped out too.

“It’s time for the night of your life.” Chloe came to her side and grabbed Lily’s arm. She led her to the entrance where a long line was already forming–stretching down the sidewalk– the crowd buzzing with excitement.

As they walked past the crowd, many heads turned in their direction, taking in the newly arrived beauties. Lily felt a little self-conscious with all the eyes on her, her confidence wavering. She shifted closer to Chloe.

At the door, two bouncers stood like sentinels, checking IDs and maintaining the crowd. They were huge and held guns in their hands. Their stern expressions, enough to deter any disturbance.

Chloe opened her purse and brought out a card. She presented it to one of the bouncers at the entrance.

The bouncer took the card and examined it, after confirming its authenticity. Without a word he removed the red velvet rope and handed the card back, gesturing for them to enter.

“What was that–some kind of VIP pass?” Lily whispered, leaning closer to Chloe as they entered the main area. The music hit her immediately– a steady, pulsing pop song that vibrated through the building. She took the card from Chloe. The pure black card was outlined with silver, ‘Booth 4’ was printed in the centre in elegant cursive font. When she turned it over, Golden Arc was printed in the same font as the sign outside.

“Yep” Chloe said breezily. “I met the owner during my trip to Italy last year”, When I found out about the bar, I did some research to find out the owner. Once I figured it was him, I texted and voila–he sent me a complimentary card.”

“You meet a lot of people during your travels,” Lily mused, her voice tinged with wistfulness.  She and Chloe were supposed to travel together after graduation, but she got married instead. Leaving Chloe to travel along. “Chloe–”

Chloe smiled, shaking her head. “Hmm. I also get to learn about myself, when you experience how different people live, it changes how you see life.” She turned to face Lily. “You should go out more often, keep the card. Booth 4 is in the VIP section, and would always be available–any time you come.”

Lily wasn’t sure she was ready to fully embrace the club life. But tonight…maybe she could try.

“What do we do first?” She asked in a bid to change the topic.

“Introduce you to the hot bartender” Chloe announced with a wicked grin as she tugged Lily towards the bar. She led them through the crowd with practiced ease, not bumping into anyone as they passed.

The bartender was even more handsome in person. Curled dark hair fell just over his brow and his golden-brown skin glowed under the lights. There was a light in his eyes, that the camera didn’t quite capture.

“Hello ladies.” He greeted, his voice smooth, as he flashed a charming smile at Chloe and Lily.

“What would you like to drink tonight? First round is on me.” He winked.

Chloe tugged at Lily’s hand excitedly. “What do you think?” she whispered

Lily stared at the array of drinks displayed behind him, and then turned to Chloe completely lost. She didn’t know much about cocktails, she was only familiar with wine and champagne.

“A Mojito for my friend” Chloe answered, leaning across the counter.

“And for you?” the bartender asked, his eyes twinkling.

“What would you recommend?” Chloe replied with a playful smirk.

“How about I surprise you?”

The bartender set to work, his hands turning and twisting expertly. Bottles flipped and liquid poured smoothly into the shaker. By the time he set their drinks down, a small crowd had gathered watching him work.

Lily’s glass contained a beautiful blue liquid. Under the club lights, it glittered like a gem. She hesitated, for a second her mind went to Ethan’s eyes.

“Try it,” Chloe urged, pushing the glass toward her.

She took a sip, the drink was cool and refreshing, it's sweetness perfectly balanced by the taste of mint and lime.

“Not bad” She commented. Feeling out of place, she excused herself. “I want to go to our booth”

The bartender beckoned for a server to lead her there. Booth 4 was tucked away in a private corner, offering a perfect view of the entrance and dancefloor while obscuring its occupants from view.

Lily settled into the plush couch, sipping her drink as she watched the people on the dancefloor. The energy was infectious and she soon found herself humming along to the music.

Multiple men approached her throughout the night, offering drinks and invitations to the dance floor. She turned them all down politely, bringing out her phone to scroll through social media.

There was a little commotion, Lily raised her head to the direction.

And then she saw him.

Ethan walked into the club, his tall, commanding frame, impossible to miss. Wherever he was, her eyes were always drawn to him, her heart skipping each time. Her gaze traveled the length of him, from his face.

Her heart stopped.

There was a woman on his arm.

Stacy Peters.

Stacy looked as amazing as she always did, her slim figure was wrapped in a form-fitting glittering silver dress that clung to her voluptuous curves. She leaned into Ethan, her hand hooked possessively around his arm and whispered into his ears. He smiled in response to whatever she said. Lily looked on bitterly, he never even glanced at her when she spoke.

Walking by his side like his rightfully wedded wife, Stacy moved with confidence as if he was hers. Lily's chest tightened as she thought back to the many events Ethan had attended over the years. He either went alone or with Stacy.

Never her.

Was he ashamed of her?

The wife that couldn’t be shown in public.

She could only watch him from home on the news.

Behind them a crowd of men in suits followed.

Her fingers tightened around her glass–her hand shaking– as she watched them bypass the crowd, before they disappeared into a hallway.

So this was his important business meeting.

Pain flared sharp and a lump rose in her chest, suffocating her. The lights suddenly felt too bright and the music grew louder, almost deafening.

Lily realized her hand was shaking so much that she had splashed some of her drink on her dress.

She waved down a passing server.

“Please, where is the restroom?” Her voice came out thin and steady