I Will Never Forget You| chapter 6| A Night of Surprises

The evening air was filled with excitement as the grand ballroom of the prestigious hotel buzzed with activity. William's father, a well-known and successful businessman, had organized a lavish party to celebrate the success of his latest project. The who's who of the business world were in attendance, making it a night to remember.

William arrived at the party looking sharp in a classic black tuxedo, his presence commanding attention as he mingled with the guests. He had no idea that tonight would bring an unexpected encounter that would change everything.

Across the room, Ash entered with his parents. His father had insisted that Ash attend the celebration because they were personally invited by the host. Ash, wearing a stylish yet understated suit, followed his parents through the throngs of people, feeling slightly out of place but intrigued by the grandeur of the event.

As the evening progressed, William found himself engaged in conversation with several influential guests, but his mind wandered, wondering how Ash was spending his weekend. Just then, his gaze swept across the room and landed on a familiar face.

"Ash?" William called out, unable to hide his surprise.

Ash turned around, equally astonished. "William! What are you doing here?"

"My father is hosting the party," William explained, stepping closer. "What about you?"

Ash smiled, a bit shyly. "We were invited by the host. I came with my father."

Just then, Ash's father approached them, accompanied by William's father. "Ah, Ash, there you are," he said, turning to William's father. "I'd like to introduce my son, Ash."

William's father smiled warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ash. I've heard a lot about you."

As they exchanged greetings, Ash noticed a familiar face approaching. "William, that's your mom!" he exclaimed in surprise. "She's my drawing professor at the university."

William's mother joined them, her eyes lighting up with recognition. "Ash! What a small world. It's wonderful to see you here."

Their initial surprise quickly gave way to laughter and shared amusement at the unexpected turn of events. They spent the next hour chatting and catching up, their connection deepening with every passing moment.

As the night continued, the guests moved to different parts of the sprawling hotel. William and Ash decided to explore the quieter areas, seeking a brief respite from the crowded ballroom. They found themselves in a cozy, dimly lit room filled with antique furniture and elegant decor.

Suddenly, the door swung shut behind them, and the room was plunged into darkness. Ash's breath hitched, and William felt him tense beside him.

"William, I... I don't like the dark," Ash admitted, his voice trembling.

"It's okay, Ash," William said softly, reaching out to pull him into a comforting embrace. "I'm here with you."

Ash clung to William, his body shivering slightly. "When I was a child, my parents used to fight a lot. One day, after a particularly bad fight, my father stormed out of the house. My mom had a heart attack, but I was too scared to leave the dark room where I was hiding. By the time I came out, it was too late. Since then, the dark terrifies me."

William's heart ached for Ash. He held him tighter, whispering soothing words. "You're safe now, Ash. I'll always be here to protect you."

In the protective circle of William's arms, Ash began to relax, finding solace in his presence. "Thank you, William," he murmured, his voice steadier now.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, until the door finally creaked open, and the light from the hallway spilled into the room. Ash looked up at William, a shy smile on his face.

"I'm glad we got stuck

in here," Ash said softly. "It made me realize how much I trust you."

William smiled back, his heart full. "I'm glad too, Ash. And I promise, you'll never have to face the darkness alone again."

They stepped out of the room, hand in hand, ready to face whatever the future held, knowing that they had each other for support and strength. The party, the business success, the unexpected encounter – all of it seemed to fade into the background as they walked forward together, united by a bond that grew stronger with every moment.....................