Paid To Love You

chapter 2

A lot has happened in my life, but I've learned to leave things how it is.

Looking back, I never regret leaving my family. instead, I wish I had left them earlier.
Maybe then, it would not hurt this much.

Today marks the 5th year I left home, unfortunately, it's also my birthday.

I knew I needed to leave when nobody acknowledged me on that day. It was supposed to be one of the biggest days of my life - I was going to meet a representative from Bedel construction who was willing to appoint me into the company, which happened to be an international organization, as their brand designer. But you know what they say, "some dreams are more fascinating if they remain a dream."

My dream was shattered right in front of me as my father said to the company's representative that he loves me and all, but his family reputation means a lot more. So he felt it'll be better to tell them all the evil deeds I have done before it boomerang cause if anything happens in the future, he wouldn't want his family's name to be tag with it.

I mean what can I say, any respectable company wouldn't want to ruin their reputation so what did they do?
I remember, they apologized and had said "we know you're good at what you do, trust me you really are talented but then, we wouldn't want anything that will ruin our company's image in the future."
I felt my soul ripped out at that very moment. I wept for hours but couldn't even get my mother or any of my siblings for comfort, so I left with a heavy heart and a sad soul.
I stopped celebrating my birthday ever since because turns out my supposed happiest day has turned into the saddest day of my life.
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I felt someone tap my back and I snap out of my thoughts, all this while I didn't realize I've been crying.

''Hey, are you okay?'' A voice which I recognize to be my boss's asked from behind.
"You look like you've just seen a ghost. And gosh! you're crying. Don't you like the birthday surprise?"
He seems to be startled by my expression.

"No sir thanks for the surprise, I appreciate it, I'm just happy to know someone still cares about me," I said and he pulls me into a hug.

You deserve way better darling, you are a good girl and I hope you learn to accept that too because people like you are priceless. He said and walk away to join some of his business partner who is present at the party.

I kept zooming out from time to time because today's events prompt out memories I thought had vanished years ago. I felt lost amid my colleagues, it feels like I'm alone despite being surrounded by people, it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle with myself and all I want is to find a peaceful place I can crash on.
But then, where could I possibly go when fate keeps following me around?

I decided to get myself drunk, at least it'll help me forget my problems for a little while and that's exactly what I did. I joined a group of friends who seems to be playing some stupid game to get themselves drunk. not that I mind though, I mean that's the exact thing I needed right now.
"An escape!"
I don't know how much I drank, all I know is I can barely stand on my own. It feels good, I don't have to put on an act about my happiness at the moment because I am. I danced with any guy that comes my way, stranger or not. It's been ages since I had real fun.
I don't know how long I kept doing that, all I know is someone carried me before everything becomes a blur.

I wake up in an unfamiliar room.
I don't know how I get here or remember anything from last night for that matter.
"Damn, my head hurts Af, Hangover is a bitch," I muttered to myself.
I am trying to reach for my phone when Nick entered the room, looking half-naked.
To say am shocked is an understatement. like OMG! what have I done, I kept praying I didn't do anything stupid in front of my boss or any of my colleagues. Shit, it's so embarrassing. I kept talking to myself and all he does is stand at the door, as he watches me with pure amusement.
"Say something will you?" I thought to myself but I kept my mouth shut. After a few minutes of silence, he finally decided to talk.

"Seeing your expression, I can tell you don't remember what happened last night," he said with a smile.

"E m mm" I stuttered. He didn't even try to save me from the stress and say what happened he just watches with amusement.
I can tell he's enjoying this, freaking bastard.

Hmm... Sir, how did I get here?

Oh! That... he said still smiling.
I brought you here when I saw your condition. You wouldn't have made it home last night, you can barely walk rightly.

I covered my face with my hands as a sign of embarrassment and he only chuckles.

"You can take the day off, I won't mind plus you need to recover from your hangover. Guess it's my fault to take you to club on a weekday" he state.

"Thank you sir!" is all I could say. I left his place embarrassed. How am I supposed to face my colleagues if they all saw me acting crazy at the party?