The night was bustling with activity, the thumping music filling the air at an exclusive club located within one of New York City's most renowned hotels. Dim lights danced among the crowd, who were lost in the rhythm, laughter, and the scent of alcohol wafting through the air.
Amidst the chaos, a woman stood motionless near the bar, her eyes following the figure of her close friend, who was engrossed in dancing on the dance floor. The elegant black dress hugging her slender figure emphasized her cold yet graceful aura. She was Tessa Leighton.
A man approached, flashing a smile as warm as the night lights. "Hi, Tessa," he greeted softly.
Tessa turned, returning the smile with a faint nod. "Hi," she replied briefly, showing no enthusiasm.
The man was James, a college friend who had long harbored feelings for Tessa. However, those feelings had never been reciprocated. Tessa had never truly liked James. To her, he was too pushy and too confident. But James, undeterred, continued to seek opportunities to get closer to her.
Casually, James handed her a glass of pink-colored drink. "For you," he said.
Tessa looked at the glass for a moment, then shook her head gently. "Thank you, but I already have my own drink."
James didn't give up so easily. He smiled and acted as if he were sincere. "Consider this a sign of friendship. I promise I won't bother you again tonight."
Tessa held her breath for a moment, then reluctantly accepted the glass. "Alright," she said softly, more because she wanted to end the interaction quickly.
She sipped the drink slowly, unaware that at the same time, a small smile appeared at the corner of James' lips. A sly, satisfied, and calculating smile. He had mixed something into the drink, a drug that would make Tessa lose control of herself tonight.
James did want Tessa, but not for love, nor for a long-term relationship. He only wanted to have Tessa for a while. He was a free-spirited man who didn't believe in commitment but firmly believed that everything could be obtained, including the woman who had always rejected him. The night had just begun, and James was certain it would be his.
"Cheers," James said, clinking his glass against Tessa's, just as she took a sip of her drink.
However, before their conversation could continue, the ringing of a phone broke the mood. James glanced at his phone screen and then turned to Tessa. "I'll take this call first," he said, standing up without waiting for a response. Tessa remained silent, not caring about his departure.
She finished the remaining drink in her glass. Her gaze was fixed on her friend, who was now walking toward her after dancing on the dance floor.
"Is that James?" asked Grace, still slightly out of breath after dancing. She reached for her drink from the table.
"Yes," replied Tessa curtly, without expression.
"Is he coming over to you again?" Grace glanced toward where James had been sitting.
"He said he just wants to be friends. He promised he wouldn't bother me anymore." Tessa's tone sounded lazy and uninterested.
Grace furrowed her brow as she watched Tessa close her eyes and shake her head slowly. "Why? Are you feeling unwell?" she asked worriedly.
"My head is spinning," Tessa replied, massaging her temples gently.
"How much did you drink?" Grace asked, her tone growing more anxious.
"Just one glass," Tessa answered, causing Grace to look at her in surprise.
"One glass?" Grace repeated, as if she didn't believe it. "Tessa, are you sure you're okay?"
Tessa nodded slowly, though her expression didn't seem convincing.
"Want to go to my room? I rented a room at this hotel. You can rest there," Grace offered gently.
"Yes, that's fine," Tessa replied.
"Can you go there alone, or do you want me to accompany you?" Grace asked again.
Tessa shook her head. "I can go alone. You stay here and accompany the others. This is your event too. Our friends are still here, don't leave them."
Grace looked hesitant but eventually nodded slowly. "If anything happens, call me right away, okay?"
Tessa replied with a weak smile, then slowly stood up from her seat and walked toward the elevator without looking back.
Tessa walked down the hotel corridor with unsteady steps. Her head felt heavy, and the world around her seemed to be spinning. Several times she stumbled, her body colliding with the wall, struggling to keep moving toward the room Grace had mentioned.
But unconsciously, her steps led her to an open door. Her body lost its balance and collided with the door, causing it to swing open wider. Tessa didn't notice the room number. In her blurred vision and fading consciousness, she thought it was Grace's room.
She stumbled inside, colliding with the furniture inside the room. Several objects fell as she accidentally bumped into them. Her body finally landed on the soft bed in the center of the room.
Sweat drenched her temples. Her body felt hot and sticky, as if burning from within. With trembling movements, Tessa removed her clothes one by one, hoping the heat would subside. She even turned up the air conditioner, hoping the cool air would calm her overheated body.
But suddenly, an arm wrapped around her waist from behind. Instead of being startled, Tessa froze in silence. An odd sensation spread quickly from her skin throughout her body, making her body temperature seem to double. The touch felt comfortable, for some reason.
Her body was then gently yet firmly pulled, causing her to lie back on the bed. Her breathing grew heavy, her mind drifting, swaying between consciousness and unconsciousness. She didn't know who was with her in the room. She wasn't even sure whose room she was in. But one thing was certain, she didn't feel afraid.
Slowly, the man leaned in, his lips meeting hers. Tessa's lips pressed against his. He began to kiss her, his tongue dancing with hers. His hands started to roam over her body.
Sighs filled the dark, quiet room. Two strangers merged in the silent darkness of the night.