Lies over Love

Chapter 1

|Aila|

 “Someone is back, Aila,” Ynna said while sipping on her iced coffee. It’s Sunday and usually, Ynna and I are always hanging out at the famous coffee shop here in La Fuego.

“Who are you talking about?” Someone entered my mind, but I shrugged it off. I don’t want to see or even hear that person’s name because of what happened nine years ago.

“I know you already have someone in mind, Ail,” She grinned while looking at me.

My heart can’t stop beating so fast that I can already feel my body getting numb. I took a sip from my caramel macchiato and trying to keep my-f*****g-self calm.

“No. Please, not him,” I’m silently praying that Ynna would mention other names. We have so many friends, how on Earth could it possibly be…. that guy?!

 Please, Lord, just keep him away from me. I can’t even imagine myself facing him again. This is a nightmare coming to life for me!

“Sandro is back in La Fuego, Aila,” 

“f**k,” I cursed and gripped the cup harder.

“Yes, Aila,” I can see in Ynna’s face that she’s not worried or something for me.

“Who told you that? The last time I checked, he was in the US! Jonas told me he’s already settled and has started a new life!” I’m getting nervous already.  

“Aila, until when will you run away from what happened a long time ago? And who knows? Maybe he has moved on already, and you were just overthinking things!” her question caught me off guard. I can really feel that he’s angry for what I’ve caused him, even though we haven’t seen each other for years.

“How I wish he already had moved on so I can live my life peacefully! And where did you get that news?!” I finished my drink and ate the only chocolate muffins that are left from what I ordered.

“I met Liane last Friday at Black Hole, she was with Maximo. Actually, I didn’t know they were an item, imagine my shock when I saw them kissing!” Ynna said with amusement.

Black Hole is a famous bar in the city of La Fuego. The place is known for its expensive drinks, high-class services, best party vibe, and of course, a prominent bachelor’s favorite spot. My friends and I are always in that place, especially when we don’t have work on the following day. Partying and going to high-end bars became my routine for the past years because it helps me forget my problems and stress from work.

“And then?” Curiosity strikes that I want every detail of the story.

 “We all know that Maximo is Sandro’s best friend! He told me that Sandro is already on his way to the bar that night! And I am so sure that the Sandro that he’s talking about is the only Sandro that you--”

“Shut the f**k up, Ynna!” I immediately cut her words, and I accidentally said it in a much louder voice and caught the attention of some customers in the shop.

I was a little embarrassed for what I said and saw Ynna just laughing at me. The nerve of this woman!

“Yes, Aila. So just ready yourself because any time from now you will meet the worst nightmare of your life,” With no hesitation, she finished her drink and left me in the coffee shop dumbfounded.

Oh God, I’m not that religious but this time can you please help me get out of this?  

Another week has passed, and my mind is still thinking about Sandro. I can’t concentrate on my work in the office because of the thoughts that there is a possibility that we can meet each other in no time. That is the problem if we just have the same circle of friends.

Today is Saturday, and because there are so many displeasing thoughts running in my mind, I went to Black Hole. Just a little drink and the loud sound of music might help me relieve the stress.

I didn’t tell Ynna that I will get some drinks tonight because I know her, she will just be pestering me about the guy Sandro.

I went to the bar counter, it’s just 7 pm so there are just a few people drinking in this bar at the moment. The peak hour is 11 pm, that’s the time where bachelors are flocking in this place. But I didn’t come here for those fucktards, so 7 pm is already good for a few glasses of drinks.

“Sunset Rhum, please,” I told the bartender while getting up in their high chair.

He just winked at me and showed me his flirtiest stare. He’s handsome, all right. His white long-sleeve that he folded up to his elbow paired with a black tuxedo vest and black trousers made him look so masculine. This man is a hunk.

“Sunset Rhum for a beautiful lady.” He handed me my drink and with no hesitation, I drank it all straight.

“Wooohh. Thas was fast.” A smile crept on his face and leaned towards me. The only thing that is between us is the bar counter table.

My God, Aila! What are you thinking?

I came back to my senses and keep my body away from him.

“S-sorry,” horrified for what I’ve done, I just look at him and ordered another glass of Rhum like nothing happened.

He gave me the drink, and he attended the other costumers.

One drink after another drink. I can’t even count how many glasses I already consumed. But there’s something in me that wanted to get drunk.

Fudge, who will drive me home after this? So stupid, Aila.

I don’t have any choice but to call a friend. Macy is the key for me to go home safely, even if drunk.

After 2 rings, Ynna hurriedly answered the call.

“What?” she annoyingly asked me. Who wouldn’t get annoyed if someone is calling you at 9 in the evening? Hahaha.

“Can you come here?” using my angelic voice, I’m trying to win her sweetest yes!

“b***h, you’re in Black Hole? And the audacity that you didn’t even bother to invite me? f**k off!” She ended the call, but my persistence become stronger!

I’m calling her, but she’s not answering the phone!

I won’t stop until you come here,Ynna.

“Thank God you answered the call!” she can’t really leave me to rot in here, drunk and almost dying.

“b***h, I just showered and prepared to come there.” I can feel that she’s grinning from ear to ear. This girl is really something when it comes to partying and drunk nights, she can never say no. This is the reason I love her so much. One call away.

“Oh, I thought you won’t. But if you’re not willing to come here, that’s okay. I will just call Luna, I think she’s availa—“ I said, teasing her.

“b***h! You’re annoying! Just thank me I will save your a*s in that place. Shut up, I’ll drive my way there now.” she’s already shouting in annoyance.

She ended the call with no goodbyes.

I sipped on my hum and let my blurry vision roam around the bar. It’s already starting to get crowded. Hot boys are now surrounded by girls who want to get laid tonight. Hah! What’s new?

In this world, if you have a pleasing appearance and the money, having girls is not that hard to get.

I am busy observing some customers when someone got my attention. I can’t see him because of the effect of the Rhum but I can feel that he’s staring at me. He’s somehow familiar, but I can’t really recognize him.

Because of my desire to know the guy, I tried my best to stand and go towards him. My heart is beating so fast that I didn’t really have the idea why am I feeling this way. Who is he? Is he someone from high school?

I was about 2 meters away from the table of the guy when Ynna arrived.

“Hey! You’re already drunk? Such a stupid a*s b***h! Let’s get you some water.” She pulled me back to the bar counter and asked the same bartender for some glass of water.

“Did you bring your car?” she asked me while giving the glass of water.

I drank it all and gave the glass back to the bartender and ask for another one.

“Yes, I didn’t expect that I’ll get carried away and get tipsy.” I’m trying to talk to her, but my eyes are looking for someone at the back.

“Are you looking for someone?” Intrigued plastered on her face and she also looked at the back.

“I think I knew someone sits with that group a while ago,” I explained to her.

“A girl?” she asked me again.

“Nope. A boy. I think he’s from highschool. Seems familiar, but I can’t see him clearly.”

“I assume it was Sa—“ She’s not even here for 10 minutes but she’s already getting on my nerves!

“Shut up! I’m not joking.”

“Oh, sorry.” She laughed and ordered vodka to the bartender.

This is already the nth time I looked at the back but the boy who’s sitting there was already nowhere to be found. Was it just my imagination? But I was sure he’s familiar!

Deep talks with Ynna made me forget about the boy at the back.

My vision is now blurry but because of whatever gotten into me, I’m still drinking.

Hours passed, and I don’t even know what time is it now. I tried to stand but my knees became weak that I can feel my body become numb.

“I need to go to the powder room.  I want to throw up, shit.” She hurriedly went to the powder room.

I chuckled because Ynna really got a low tolerance for alcohol, but she can’t control herself and drink a lot. Always.

My phone beeped, and my mom’s name flashed on the screen. I got a text from her.

Mom: Aila, please check if my Cartier bangle is in your car. I remember removing it while sitting on the passenger seat; I’m getting anxious already because of that. Text me right away if you have found it. Thank you.

Really? At 12 in the midnight? My mom’s addiction to jewelry never fades. She loves to buy and attend auctions to have an extra item, especially diamonds.

I tried my hardest to stand and headed to the exit of the bar. I’m still far from the parking area, but I can feel my head spinning and my vision got foggy. s**t, I think I’ll fall down!

I am now waiting for my body to hug the floor but it stunned me when a firm arm encircled my waist saving me from a nasty drop.

My body is so close to him that in just one wrong move, we’ll end up kissing each other. That is how close we are. My hands have their own life at this moment because it went up to his face and gently caressed it. My palm can feel his stubble. These facial features seem familiar but before I acknowledge who is he, everything went black.

Half-awake, but I can’t still open my eyes fully. s**t, this is bad. I won’t get myself to be drunk again!

A soft bed touched my back. Moving my body is also hard for me. f**k that Rhum!

“You never change.” A manly voice covered the entire room. I already heard that kind of voice, but I forgot if from whom.

Curiosity strikes and I thank God that he gave me another chance to have the strength to open my eyes.

FUCK THIS s**t! THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING!

It was like I was being poured by lukewarm water!

Earlier, it was hard for me to open my eyes because of the overconsumption of Rhum. Now, I can’t even blink for what I saw!

“Still remember me, Aila Feliz?” he immediately stripped his black tuxedo off that startled me. What is he trying to do?!

This time, I knew, I am really f****d up!

“S-SANDRO?!!”