2
407words
I claimed I couldn’t touch a drop of alcohol.
In reality,my college funds came from singing in bars during the summer after high school.
My drinking tolerance was unmatched.
But that was then.
Now,my body was frailer than that of any pampered socialite’s.A sip of ice water could ruin my day,let alone liquor.
At the dinner,the group was small.Ethan and Mr.Larson exchanged pleasantries before toasting.
Soon,Larson’s hand crept onto my thigh.
I flinched dodged,and glanced at Ethan.
His brief look was filled with disgust.
My heart sank.
Of course.
Ethan brought me here to humiliate me.
Swallowing my revulsion,I shifted away.
Larson showed no signs of relenting,sliding closer.“Mr.Caldwell,your date’s stunning.”
Ethan’s tone was flat.“She’s not just pretty—she can hold her liquor.”
“Would you like to test her,Larson?A few rounds?”
I snapped my eyes to him.“Mr.Caldwell,I can’t drink.”
He sneered.“Jessica Lane,why are you pretending?”
The last shred of my hope crumbled.
Larson,emboldened by Ethan’s nod,shoved a glass into my hand.
One drink,then another.Before I finished one,another was already being refilled.
My stomach churned,a sharp pain twisting inside.
A metallic taste hit my throat.Unable to hold it back,I pushed Larson aside and bolted to the restroom.
I vomited everything,wiping blood from my lips,splashing cold water on my face at the sink.
I couldn’t face going back.Leaning against the wall,I dialed a familiar number,gave my location,and asked for a quick pickup.
After hanging up,I saw Ethan approaching,his face dark,aura heavy.
I wiped my face,murmuring,“Mr.Caldwell.”
He grabbed my chin.“Jessica Lane,you’ve grown bold.”
“When did I give you permission to leave?”
I kept my head low.“I’m free to choose when to leave.”
“Aren’t you?”
His scoff cut deep.“Freedom belonged to Jessica Lane, the heiress, five years ago,not the fraud who fled in shame.”
My body stiffened.
Pain gripped my stomach,sapping my strength to respond.
“Ethan,”I whispered,“I just want to go home.”
I forced my eyes up,seeing my reflection in his eyes —with pale lips cracking and tears brimming.
His hand rose,as if to touch my face.
Before I could react,a frantic voice calling“Jessica!”.
Ryan Walsh!
His voice broke my resolve.My legs buckled,collapsing sideways.
In the last second before my eyes closed,I felt a firm embrace catch me.
I woke up in a hospital,aching everywhere,wanting to cry.
As I stirred,Ryan,dozing beside me,jolted awake and ran for a doctor.
After a quick check,the doctor sent Ryan outside.
“Ms.Lane,do you have a history of miscarriages?”
