Episode 2
Anita POV
The evening of Sandra’s birthday party had finally arrived. I stood in front of my mirror, examining my reflection. I had chosen a simple yet elegant dress that complemented my figure, and I had let my hair cascade down my shoulders in loose waves. A touch of makeup enhanced my features, and for the first time in a while, I felt a sense of anticipation.
As I left my room and headed downstairs, I caught a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror. Who was this girl looking back at me? The events of recent days had turned my life into something I could hardly recognize. It was as if fate had taken control of the wheel, steering me into uncharted territory.
The party was already in full swing when I arrived at Sandra’s luxurious mansion. Lights illuminated the garden, and music filled the air. Laughter and chatter blended into a joyful symphony. I spotted Tracy near the drinks table, and she waved excitedly as I approached.
“Anita, you look amazing!” she exclaimed, handing me a drink.
“Thanks, Tracy,” I replied with a grateful smile. “You’re not looking too shabby yourself.”
We shared a laugh, and I felt a twinge of relaxation in the midst of the festivities. It was a strange sensation, being at a party with people I didn’t know well, yet somehow feeling a connection through the simple act of celebration.
As the night progressed, I mingled with a few guests and even engaged in a dance or two. But as the crowd swirled around me, my thoughts wandered back to Alexander. I couldn’t deny the intensity of our encounter and the way his presence seemed to draw me in.
Lost in thought, I didn’t notice him approach until his voice broke through my reverie. “Enjoying the party?”
I turned to find Alexander standing beside me, his gaze warm and inviting. “Yeah, it’s been better than I expected.”
He chuckled softly. “Glad to hear that.”
We fell into conversation effortlessly, talking about everything from our interests to our future plans. It was strange how comfortable I felt in his presence, as if we were old friends catching up after years apart.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere shifted from lively to intimate. The garden’s beauty seemed to magnify under the moonlight, casting a spell over the entire scene. And in the midst of it all, I found myself drawn to Alexander in a way I couldn’t explain.
As if reading my thoughts, he leaned in slightly, his voice a soft murmur. “Anita, there’s something about you that’s incredibly captivating.”
I felt my cheeks warm as his words hung in the air between us. “I could say the same about you.”
A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “Touché.”
The music shifted to a slower tempo, and he extended his hand toward me. “Care to dance?”
Without hesitation, I placed my hand in his, and we moved together in a slow, graceful dance. It was as if the world had faded away, leaving only the two of us swaying under the starlit sky.
In that moment, I could almost forget the tangled mess of my reality—the pregnancy, the strained relationship with my sister, the uncertainties of the future. For now, there was only the music, the warmth of Alexander’s hand in mine, and the promise of something new and unexpected.
T. B. C.
