A Night to Forget

Lexi sat beside Harrison in the back of his sleek, black luxury car, her hands folded in her lap as she gazed out the window. The neon lights of the city blurred past, but she barely noticed. Her father, Richard, had all but ordered Harrison to take her out tonight—to "spend quality time together," to "bond." But in reality, it felt more like a business transaction than a date.

Harrison sat beside her, scrolling through his phone, barely acknowledging her presence.

When they arrived at Eclipse, the city's most exclusive nightclub, Lexi stepped out of the car, feeling an unease settle in her chest. The bass thumped through the walls, the line to get in stretched around the block, but they were ushered through the VIP entrance without a second glance.

Harrison, ever the charmer, placed a hand on her lower back as they entered the dimly lit lounge. His attention, however, was already drifting elsewhere, his gaze scanning the room, as if searching for someone more interesting.

"Champagne?" he asked, signaling the waiter before she could respond.

Lexi nodded, taking a small sip as she watched Harrison. He was handsome, impeccably dressed, and confident—everything her parents considered the perfect match. And yet, as he leaned back in his chair, barely looking at her, she felt lonelier than ever.

Then, a sultry voice cut through the air.

"Harrison, darling," a woman purred, stepping up to their table. "I didn't know you'd be here tonight."

Lexi turned, her eyes landing on a striking woman with long, curly hair and piercing green eyes. She exuded elegance, the kind of confidence that came from knowing you were desirable.

Harrison's face lit up with a grin. "Aurora, you look stunning as always," he said smoothly, standing to kiss her cheek.

Aurora's gaze flicked to Lexi, curiosity flashing in her emerald eyes. "And who's this?" she asked, her tone laced with intrigue.

Harrison gestured toward Lexi, his voice annoyingly casual. "This is Lexi, my fiancée."

Aurora's expression shifted, surprise flashing across her face before she quickly masked it with a warm smile. "Oh, how lovely," she said. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lexi."

Lexi forced a polite smile, but the interaction left a bitter taste in her mouth. The way Harrison spoke about her—it was as if she was nothing more than an accessory, something to show off.

As the conversation between Harrison and Aurora continued, Lexi felt more like a bystander than an actual participant. Their laughter, their shared history, the ease with which they spoke—it all made her feel like an outsider.

She excused herself to the restroom, needing a moment to breathe.

When she returned, Harrison was gone.

Lexi scanned the room, expecting to find him wrapped in conversation with Aurora or another group of socialites, but he was nowhere to be seen.

A wave of frustration hit her. Of course, she thought bitterly. Typical Harrison.

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced down, her frustration momentarily forgotten as an unknown number flashed across the screen.

Hey, hope you're having a great day. Just wanted to say hi.

A small smile tugged at her lips. She knew who it was.

Julian.

The mysterious artist who had somehow wormed his way into her thoughts far more than she cared to admit. He had made her laugh, made her feel like she was more than just a pawn in her parents' game.

As she sat there, absentmindedly twirling her champagne flute, she couldn't help but compare him to Harrison. Julian was kind. Attentive. Genuine. Everything Harrison wasn't.

Her moment of reflection was cut short when Harrison finally reappeared, a smug look on his face and a napkin with a phone number scribbled on it in his hand.

"Where did you go?" Lexi asked, trying to keep her voice even.

Harrison smirked, slipping the napkin into his pocket. "Just handling some business, darling. Nothing to worry about."

Lexi's stomach twisted with irritation. "Business?" she echoed, her eyes narrowing. "That wouldn't happen to involve another woman, would it?"

Harrison chuckled, clearly unfazed. "You're adorable when you're jealous," he teased.

Lexi clenched her jaw, the last of her patience snapping. "I think it's time we left," she said, her voice sharp.

Harrison arched a brow, amused by her anger. But he didn't argue. "As you wish," he said smoothly, gesturing toward the exit. "After you, darling."

The car ride back was silent, tension thick between them. Lexi stared out the window, but her mind was elsewhere.

On Julian.

She thought about his quiet confidence, the way he had looked at her like she was a person, not just a deal. She thought about how he had made her feel—free, even if just for a fleeting moment.

But she knew better than to let herself get carried away. Julian could never be a part of her world. Her parents would never allow it. He was from a different life, one they would deem beneath her.

She sighed, shaking the thought away. She wasn't in love with Julian.

Not really.

She just craved what he represented—something real.

Something she knew she would never find with Harrison.

And yet, as she drifted off to sleep that night, her last thought was of Julian.

And the quiet, undeniable pull that kept drawing her back to him.