She stood there and cried for a while and with a resolute swipe of her hand, she wiped away the tears that had betrayed her emotions. The sting of betrayal still lingered, but she was determined to let go. They weren't worth her pain, her sorrow, or her tears. It was time for a new chapter, one where she took control of her life. She would no longer be the Jasmine that everyone trampled upon, the doormat. She was done being the people-pleaser, done being in the shadow of her sister. From now on, she would live for herself, prioritize her own happiness, and forge her own path. The thought was liberating, and she felt a surge of determination course through her veins. With a newfound sense of purpose, she stepped out of the hotel and into the crisp night air, heading to a nearby bar to clear her head with a few drinks. The neon lights of the bar sign beckoned her, promising a temporary escape from her troubles. As she pushed open the door, the sounds of laughter and music enveloped her, and she made her way to the bar. She ordered a drink and sat alone, nursing her thoughts along with her whiskey. The liquor began to take effect, and she felt a slight buzz, her worries slowly unraveling. Just as she was starting to relax, a man appeared beside her, his presence commanding attention. His jet-black hair was styled perfectly, framing his chiseled feature complimenting his deep brown eyes. In her tipsy state, she couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled, the way his smile seemed to light up the room. She felt a flutter in her chest as he caught her gaze, and before she knew it, her heart had skipped a beat. "May I? He said , reaching out for the seat next to her. She felt a rush of excitement as he spoke. "Sure" she answered back quickly. It was as if she was already waiting for him to ask and before long, they had found themselves lost in a conversation . The words flowed effortlessly, and she found herself laughing, feeling alive, and momentarily forgetting the heartbreak that had brought her to this place. They talked about everything and nothing, she couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this carefree, this alive. As they clinked their glasses together and took sips of their drinks, she felt a sense of connection with this stranger that she couldn't quite explain.
As they talked, she didn't realize how much she had drank. "I'll like to use the the restroom " she said as she tried to get up. She tripped over and he caught her quickly. "You are drunk, let me help you" he said and led her to the restroom. As she stepped out of the restroom, refreshed and rejuvenated after washing up, Sebastian waited patiently outside, his eyes fixed on the door as it swung open and she emerged, a vision in the dimly lit hallway. Together, they re-entered the bar. Without hesitation, she lifted her glass to her lips and drained the remaining contents in one swift motion, the liquid burning its way down her throat. The room began to spin, and her legs wobbled beneath her. Before she could even register what was happening, her vision blurred, and she blacked out, her body swaying precariously. Sebastian's quick reflexes kicked in, and he caught her just in time, holding her upright as he guided her out of the bar and into the cool night air. He tapped her lightly on the cheek, trying to get her to wake up so he could take her home safely. "Hey, are you okay? Can you hear me?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. But she was unresponsive, her body limp in his arms. It was already well past midnight, and the streets were deserted. Sebastian knew he couldn't leave her out there alone, especially in her current state. With a mixture of concern and determination, he managed to get her into his car, trying to revive her as he drove. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, a figure lurked in the shadows, camera in hand, capturing intimate moments of the scene unfolding before them. The flash went off discreetly, snapping photos .His mind conflicted inwardly, he didn't know if he should take her to his home or an hotel. Either way, he didn't want to be misunderstood. He finally decided to take her home, at least, that won't draw unnecessary attention that way. The silence between them punctuated only by her occasional murmurs and the hum of the engine. Once they arrived, he carefully carried her inside, his arms cradling her as if she were a child. The dim lighting of his living room cast a warm glow on her pale face, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. He laid her gently on his bed, his hands brushing against her hair as he pulled back the covers. She stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open for a brief moment before closing again. Sebastian's gaze lingered on her face, taking in the soft features and the dark lashes that framed her eyes. He pulled off her shoes and adjusted the pillow beneath her head, making sure she was comfortable. As he watched her sleep, concern etched on his face, he pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number. When Leon answered, Sebastian's voice was low and urgent. "Leon, I need you to investigate something. I think she might have been drugged tonight. Find out who was responsible and get back to me ASAP" . He paused, listening to Leon's response before continuing. "Alright sir, I'll try to get footage from the bar. I'll send it to you as soon as I get my hands on it to see if you'll find someone suspicious "….
"….check with the bartender too, find out what it is that she had drank".With that,the call ended, Sebastian's gaze returned to the woman on his bed. He fetched a glass of water and placed it on the bedside table, along with a towel, just in case. As he sat beside her, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't right. Who would do such a thing, and why?.