Matters of the Heart: Mitch and Gabriella

Chapter Five:

Gabriella’s POV:

“GAAAABRIEEEEEEELLLLLAAAA!” I hear Malcom screeching from the bottom of my black staircase. I roll my eyes at how he draws out my name. Malcolm is my best friend, but boy he can be dramatic! I quickly apply the last bit of lip gloss on and check my outfit in the mirror. My friends told me we are going to the club downtown, so I don’t think I need to overdo it. Nevertheless, being Gabriella Hunan and sole heir to Hunan Enterprise comes with one hell of a reputation to uphold.

“GABRIELLA, WE ARE GOING TO BE LATE. WILL YA HURRY UP!” Malcom goes at me again, this time I can hear his footsteps pounding up the stairs. I quickly run to my bed and grab my black purse before heading out the door.

“I’m here. I’m here! Sorry, I couldn’t decide on what top to put on. You never know what the vibe is going to be at the club.” I breath out, looking down at my friend. I take in his tight, whiter skinny jeans and his pink glittery vest. He is even sporting his best make-up look for the evening. I chuckle at how amazing he looks and wonder if I have chosen appropriate clothes.

“Ya look smoking hot girl! Damn. If I wasn’t shooting for the other team, I may have taken ya right now!” Malcom giggles out and I join in and roll my eyes as we make our way down the stairs and into the foyer of my apartment block. Malcom has always been unapologetically authentic and himself, which is why he is my best friend. Growing up as a Hunan came with baggage. Everyone around me has always only made my acquaintance with an agenda. Be my friend and get into clubs. Have me on f******k to get more likes. Say hi to me in the streets to get an autograph. Take me to lunch in order to finish a business deal. Befriend my father to marry me. A shiver runs down my spine at the last one.

“Is that Gabriella Hunan?” A stranger points to me on the street outside my apartment block. I hear gasps and chatter roaring up around me, as Malcom very quickly leads me across the corner.

“Is that the latest Chanel leather skirt?” I hear another whisper.

“That Hunan girl is hot.” An older male booms.

Malcom quickly edges me into his vehicle, not caring for the gathering of people around the car. I sigh as I close the door next to me and lock, as Malcom hoots his car horn and begins to edge forward onto the street, joining the rest of the evening traffic. Another really horrible part of being a Hunan is that everybody knows who I am. I wish I could just be a normal person for one day. I wish I could just have my own life.

“I know that look.” Malcom whispers next to me, smiling and cautiously bumping my shoulder with his as he drives us to the club. I only smile, but I feel it doesn’t reach my eyes. Would I ever smile with my eyes ever again?

“It’s okay, Malcom.” I say, not really wanting to speak about it.

“I know it’s hard, Gab, but try have fun tonight? For one-night ya can just let your hair down and be yaself. It’s ya bachelorette party and tomorrow is tomorrow.” Malcom breathes, his voice almost pleading. I know he isn’t wrong, but how do I enjoy myself when I am engaged to be married to someone who I don’t know and definitely don’t love. The whole city knows I am merely a business transaction in this marriage and my father is the banker, ordering me around and pulling at the financial strings.

“I will enjoy myself, I promise.” I reply, smiling at my quirky friend. I can see his smile holds an edge of sadness, only reflecting my own, but what is he to do? If anything, Malcom has been nothing but supportive and kind these past few months as I live out my torture. I notice the car coming to a slow down, as Malcom edges across the final corner and starts searching for a parking space.

I hop out, linking Malcom’s arm with mine and walking straight past the giant queue of party-goers and into the club. If it weren’t for Malcom pulling me through the crowd, I would be completely lost. The club is pulsating with people tonight. I feel my feet catching onto the rhythm of the dance track booming from every speaker. The air reeks of alcohol and sweat that swim against the blue, purple, green and flashing lights. In between each flash of light, my eyes scan over the shadows of people grinding against one another, others swinging on the poles on the dance floor and people with their arms high up, as they jump in energy to the beat. The people look so carefree and hypnotic, that I can feel my soul screaming out to join them.

“SURPRISE!” I hear a whole table of people scream. I look ahead of me and see all my closest friends sitting around a long, pink table that is decorated with balloons, glitter and blown-up condoms. I laugh out at how much décor is on the table and instantly look at Malcom, who just shrugs and looks amused. Everyone looks overjoyed as I edge closer to them, pulling out a chair and thanking them all for going to so much effort.

They have their champagne glasses raised and are watching me with joyous eyes.

“Yes, congratulations, FRIEND.” I hear another voice coming from behind me. My worst nightmare walks into the room, but I have to put up a good show because she is my fiancé’s “best friend”. Never mind the fact that she used to bully me in school and still continues to call me all her favorite nicknames.

“Thank you for coming, Amy.” I say, faking a smile and turning back to face my actual friends. She immediately pulls her chair right up to mine before sitting.

“So, how does it feel to finally be only three weeks away from marrying the LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, hmm?” Amy asks, her whole expression dancing with an evil smirk. My whole body erupts into shivers. I look around the table and everyone is smiling at me, waiting to hear about how excited I am. Only Malcom knows the truth.

“Never been happier.” I reply, smiling and looking at her and meeting her strength with mine. Everyone is back to talking with one another, but Amy seems to be observing my every move. I notice her standing now and gathering her purse.

“You going so soon?” Malcom asks from across the table, causing Amy to flick her hair over her shoulder. Her smirk is still present and I wish I could wipe it off with my fist. She may be drop dead gorgeous according to every man’s darkest desires, but it is a pity her personality is everything but.

“Oh, yes I have elsewhere to be. Besides, I really just came to say hi and leave a message for Gabriella before her wedding.” Amy says, her words intriguing me. Leave a message for me? I look up at her petite figure and I see her looking down on me, as she slowly edges forward, as if about to divulge the biggest secret.

“You may get his last name, but you will never have his heart. We all know he only has eyes for me. Even only three weeks before the wedding and on the night of your bachelorette, he texts ME to come over for a booty call. So, while you’re here celebrating your marriage and sipping champagne with all your ladies, just remember who is actually at home pleasing your man. You will never get rid of me, even if you tried and you will never be enough for him, even if you wished.” Amy whispers in my ear before ripping away from me and walking away. I watch her with wide eyes as she fades slowly into the crowd. She only turns once to wink at me, which sets my whole body into a blaze of fire.

I feel the music causing the air around me to dance, but I can hardly feel my body anymore. I stand and start walking through the club, hearing my friends call for me from the distance. I just need to get some air really quickly. I manage to find the door and look outside, only to see Amy walking towards a bright red Ferrari. My fiancé’s car. I allow my eyes to follow her and I watch as my own betrothed climbs out from the drivers side, walks around until reaching Amy and pulls her against his bonnet in a passionate kiss. I turn around and face the other way, allowing the nip of the evening air to fill my lungs and ease my face. How did my life become like this? I allow myself a few moments outside before I finally pluck up the strength to return back to the party my friends had organized for me. A party to celebrate my sham of a marriage.

Making my way through the heavy streams of people, I finally see the table ahead of me and begin to amble closer. I am so busy navigating my way through the crowd, that I hardly notice the magnificent male watching me from right beside my friend’s until I see him standing in front of my chair. I look up to meet the most enticing, dark, brown eyes I have ever come across. They are so dark, so mysterious and so proud against his medium-brown hair and tanned skin. I could swear I see absolute desire and adoration swimming inside them, but maybe that is just something from my wildest dreams? I continue to take in the frame of this man, my eyes soaking up his muscular physique and his broad shoulders. He must spend his life in the gym. The most surprising of all, is against my 5.6-foot height, he stands much taller than me, my head only reaching his shoulder. Damn, I swallow down.

“Excuse me, please.” I ask, my eyes looking up to meet his. I notice the tray in his one hand, which signals that he must work here. Ha, he could be a model! I see him scanning over me too, his eyes burning heated holes into my skin, which is crawling with goose bumps at this point.

“Sorry?” I hear him ask, his voice deep and low. He looks as hazed as I feel. He almost looks shocked, but why?

“You are in my way to get to my friends.” I hardly get out, but this seems to make him move to the side so I can be seated. If I don’t sit down right now, I may fall over from the heat in the room. Malcom manages to tease me a bit, which I endure and respond to, but I can still feel the heat from the hot guy’s stare. My friends really seem concerned about me at this point. I don’t even know what I am saying right now.

“Oh sweetie.” My one female friend says, her eyes holding so much pity that I feel anger rise inside of me. They are all supposed to think I am beyond happy to get married, but what the hell.

“Whatever. This is to future Mrs. Williams!” I spit out sarcastically, reaching to not one, but two tequila shots and downing them one by one. I allow the alcohol to burn down my throat, hitting my stomach and causing me to gag. Everyone is watching me at this point, but who cares right?

“More!” I exclaim. Malcom edges closer, bringing another shot for me, which I down quickly. This one tasted like garbage bags.

“Another.” I say, but Malcom shakes his head. I look at him and see his expression holding concern. It is no use people feel sorry for me. What good will it do when I am merely just a pawn in some business men’s lives?

“Fine. I am going to go dance.” I say, rolling my eyes and standing. My friends are only watching me now, each of them looking between me and each other with worry. I know I seem like a brat, but Malcom said I must let loose for one night, right? I step forward, looking up and seeing hot model, bar dude standing and watching me. He looks pained, but a little dancing would cheer him up right? A dance with this magnificent man is exactly what I need. I move closer to him, grabbing his arm and pulling him deep into the dance floor. I thought he would object and send me back to the table, but he seems to hold a sensitivity towards me that is gentle and understanding.

I close allow my hands to sit on either side of his shoulders and I press my body against his, allowing the music to guide my moves. I feel the beat taking over as I sway and rub against him. His hands have found my waist and he has pulled me closer, which feels so real and perfect in this moment. No man has ever held me with such care or caution and his fingers are burning against my skin. I feel his fingers snaking across my stomach, which causes the most mouth-watering sensation to tingles to erupt across me. I turn, allowing my back to press against him and closing my eyes to the music. Right here and in this moment I am not future Mrs. Williams and I am not Gabriella Hunan. I am just a woman dancing, having fun and being in the moment. The beat picks up and I feel his strong arms enclosing me, rocking me from side to side as the people around us jump to the climax of the song. I lean my head back against his chest and slowly peep open, noticing he is watching me with a smile on his face. His smile holds so much warmth and sincerity. This man is looking at me as if I am his greatest reward, making every fiber inside me burn with need. His fingers slowly turn me around and his whole body is pressed in tight embrace against mine. This time our bodies are swaying in sync to the music and his and my eyes are connected in a deep and longing stare. Before I can even blink, I feel his lips smashing against mine in a wet and fiery kiss, our tongues hardly able to contain their excitement. I moan as he runs his hand through my hair and pulls me closer to him. Damn, this guy can kiss! He holds so much dominance, so much passion and so much adoration just from one moment, that I can hardly contain the fire burning up inside my soul. Of all my years, this is the most alive I have ever felt.

“Mmm…” I moan, slowly pulling away to catch a breath. I can’t help but smile and when I open my eyes to meet his again, I shiver at how much darker his whole expression appears. Could this man be any better looking? Why does he look at me as if I am the love of his life? Tyron hardly ever looks at me in anything but boredom. My eyes go wide at this thought.

Shit! s**t! s**t!

I look back at the handsome man who is watching my every move. How could I be so stupid?

“Is everything okay?” He asks, his hand reaching out to me, but all I can do is step out of his reach, causing him to wince. He looks troubled, but not as troubled as I feel right now. s**t!

“I am engaged to be married!” I half shout, my voice coming out frantic and raspy. I have seriously messed up. How could I take things far enough to cheat on my fiancé? The man in front of me looks worried and his whole body seems tense as he reaches out for me again, but I only shake my head.

“No. This was a mistake. I am sorry I got you involved. This was a mistake.” I say again, this time watching as his eyes become riddled with sadness. I feel my chest clench at this, but this isn’t enough to calm the concern in my heart. Tyron has always been a player and I will be damned if I become the very thing that I hate about him! That and my father will have my head for breakfast if I mess up this marriage.

I quickly turn to walk away, each step weighing in my soul more and more. I need to get out of here and quickly!

I run out the club, barely giving myself enough time to fathom what had just happened and not even looking back to find my friends. They will need to just accept that this bachelorette, along with everything associated to my marriage, is nothing but a fake agenda. I manage to find a taxi to take me home and I climb in, letting the cold, hard seat calm me back into regular breaths. With each building that passes, all I can think about is the distance I am creating between myself and the club. Those dark, mysterious and love-filled eyes dancing in my mind over and over again in what would become my deepest desire, but also my worst nightmares.