Amid a joyous Christmas celebration, friends Jayson and Nikolai along with their workmates, find themselves in the middle of a storm. Jayson woke up inside his friend's video game, which he soon found out was with him in a cell next to his. They wer...
As I suspected, Sir Oscar and Ma'am Porcia had orchestrated a cunning ploy to ensnare Erica and me. A treacherous trap lay ahead, promising a morning filled with the weight of a pounding head and a world that spun in disarray.
"Behold the savior of our company and her esteemed majesty!" Glenn, a member of the team I led, exclaimed over the microphone, standing proudly on the event hall stage.
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Nikolai, having escorted us inside, swiftly departed, leaving Erica and me as the center of attention. The crowd erupted in cheers, bottles of liquor raised high in the air.
Beside Glenn, my younger sister sported a knowing smirk. Her expression conveyed a clear message—a triumphant gleam that seemed to say, "Finally, I get to witness my workaholic brother in his inebriated glory."
Regrettably, I had to disappoint them. During my time in the construction department—my previous job before joining this team—I had my fair share of drunken escapades, even clocking in with a hangover.
What truly concerned me now was Erica; this was her first real experience with revelry. In past parties and celebrations, I had always shielded her from any attempts to pressure her into drinking.
I held her left hand as we walked, scanning for an unoccupied table. Erica beamed and gestured toward a group with two empty seats. It was where Nikolai, Nica, Ron, and Kylie were seated.
"Well, as you can see..." I muttered, mustering a smile as we approached. "You know what awaits us once we sit there."
"You're the one who reminded me that we're here to enjoy, not stress out, right?" Erica said, embracing my arm.
I sighed and smiled. "Yeah, I said that."
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Erica was an adult, and as her partner, I had no right to dictate what she should or shouldn't do. It was her choice.
"Bro, catch!" Nikolai tossed a can of beer my way, and I caught it effortlessly. With a swift motion, I popped it open, the satisfying hiss escaping into the air.
