Allure in the Darkness

Edith's POV:

As loneliness thrummed through my veins, I caught sight of a few couples sitting across various tables, happiness splattered on their faces. I felt like the most misplaced person in the room, waiting for my date with zero interest.

It felt like I was merely a speck in time, going through the motions and surviving. There was nothing inside of me that felt alive. And I was truly tired of living my life in that way.

What I wanted in life was something most people had, happily-ever-afters with partners who loved them unconditionally. I couldn't help but feel like a failure when mom kept reminding me that I hadn't found my man. Despite being fully independent, I often wondered what tomorrow held for me.

Sometimes, I wished that there was someone in my tomorrow who brought me breakfast in bed, who listened to me without getting bored, who planned date nights, and who treated me like the sole reason for their existence. If only there were a man deserving of my presence, I would do anything for him, even sacrificing myself, because I loved him just that much.

But then again, such a man only existed in fantasy, not in the city of Brighton, I thought bitterly.

I dismissed my self-pitying thoughts and continued to wait for my date, leaning back on the armchairs, until I eventually dozed off.

My eyes fluttered open upon hearing a female voice, and it was a waiter, and I quickly regained my composure. I felt utterly embarrassed for not even knowing when I fell asleep so pathetically.

"Ma'am, it's time to close the café. Are you willing to stay here a bit longer?", She asked politely, which only made me wonder how long I had been sleeping.

"Wh... What time is it?", I searched for my phone in my purse and found it was past 11 of the night.

I palmed my mouth in shock, not believing I had been sleeping for so many hours, and as I scanned the cafe, there were no more customers left.

"Did you notice any guy who might have been sitting at this table?" I asked the waitress, wondering if my stupid date hadn't bothered to wake me up.

Her negative response only confirmed that the guy had never shown up, which deeply frustrated me. I felt pathetic waiting for a guy for so long, only to be abandoned in the end. Now I wondered whether it was my mom who lied to me.

Stepping out from the cafe, I tried to call my mom, but she seemed too busy to answer.

"That was a very sweet blind date you've set for me, mom, though the guy never showed." I texted her and switched off my phone, refusing to find any of her responses for now since my mood was completely spoiled.

With the intention of heading home, I got on the elevator. However, when it paused, I noticed there was a club on the third floor. Without a second thought, I stepped out because I really needed to have some drinks to fix my mental state after such a miserable day.

As I entered the bar, the loud music buzzed in my ear, irritating me like hell. I wasn't used to clubbing, having only gone a couple of times during my college days with friends. Hence, the environment felt uncomfortable now that I was alone, watching others talk, laugh, and enjoy each other's company.

Pushing aside my thoughts, I made my way up to the bar and ordered a whiskey ginger. As I sat there waiting for my drink, I couldn't shake the eerie feeling that someone was watching me, even though the bar area wasn't much stuffed. Then it occurred to me that I might just be imagining things.

"Here you go, ma'am," the bartender said, sliding a glass across the bar top.

I lifted the glass to my lips, and with the first sip, I felt a warm, smoky embrace of the whiskey that lingered on my tongue, leaving a refreshing yet warming sensation.

I was in the midst of sipping, losing in my thoughts, when I felt a presence beside me. I tilted my head, and that's when I saw him.

The man stood tall, over six feet, with a chiselled frame that left me speechless. 

His face was a beautiful blend of perfection, showcasing ivory skin, stormy blue eyes, and a strong jawline dusted with just the right amount of scruff, giving him a rugged yet refined look. Thick black hair was swept back, except for one strand that fell artfully across his forehead.

Even his attire made my mouth dry, as he wore polished black loafers, tailored slacks, and a pressed dress shirt that clung to his muscular physique. The sleeves were rolled up, revealing tattoos and Patek Philippe's watch, while the top buttons were undone, showing a gold chain with a cross nestled against his powerful chest.

He seemed neither older nor younger, and I could literally feel his presence magnetic and commanding, with an air of old money and undeniable confidence.

Butterflies fluttered wildly in my stomach when I saw him staring straight at me. I held his gaze, unknowingly giving him the approval to approach me.

The man sat on the bar stool not too far away from me, angling his large frame my way as he took a slow sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving mine.

Unashamed, I couldn't help but watch him in fascination. There was an appreciative glint in the man's eyes, which might be his way of telling me that he liked what he saw.

Was I making things in my mind or was it really happening, I thought, confusedly, glancing back at my drink.

But I proved wrong, when the man finally spoke. His voice was so deep and rich that it could sway even the most stubborn minds. "It's truly a shame for the eyes to watch such a beautiful woman drink alone. Don't you think so?"

"Pardon?", I murmured, taken aback by his compliment. It felt so foreign to be called beautiful by this mysterious man, even though I was aware of his flirting tone.

He shifted a seat closer, hitting me with a wave of his spicy cologne. The man seemed more bolder and taller up close with those mesmerizing blue eyes and long lashes.

"Are you always so easily intrigued, or should I consider myself the lucky man?", The wickedness gleamed in his eyes, and a smirk played on his lips.

"And you're asking me this because?" I asked softly, arching my brows as if I wasn't gawking at him a minute ago.

His smirk widens, and he lets out a low laugh. "Perhaps I'm trying to...", He paused suddenly as his eyes fell on my ring finger.

As he gazed at the ancient diamond ring , I noticed how disappointment was replacing the playfulness in his eyes.

"You engaged?" He sounded offended, making my heart clench, proving how much effect he was having on me.

"It... It's my purity ring. An old tradition in my family to wear it until I'm married," I explained honestly, not quite sure why I cared to tell this stranger, about saving my virginity for my future husband.

I felt shivers down my spine watching how his expression darkened and jaw clenched upon hearing me.

He leaned closer, his gaze intense and alluring, "You're a remarkable woman, aren't you? So pure, so untouched. It feels like a sin to even be around you, little bird."

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The story is a dark romance and will have explicit scenes through out the story with which some of you may feel uncomfortable, read at your own risk.]