The Man in My Dreams

CHAPTER 11: The Shadows Of Betrayal

Chapter Eleven: The Shadows Of Betrayal

YORRIS

"Bal, are you okay?" I forced a smile, trying to mask my discomfort. I glanced at him and managed a shaky grin before replying.

"Y-Yes. I just need to use the restroom."

I stood up quickly and, for a fleeting moment, our eyes met. I looked away almost immediately, unable to ignore the sight of his hand still resting on Gia's waist. I noticed his grip loosening, and he slowly withdrew it. I turned and hurried toward the comfort room, my heart aching for reasons I couldn't quite comprehend.

Why was I in so much pain? Why did it feel like betrayal, when Van wasn't my boyfriend? I hadn't realized I was crying until I felt the tears on my cheeks. Damn it, Zarianna, why are you reacting like this?

The once lively sounds of the party-cheering and applause-had faded, replaced by a deafening silence. I quickly wiped away my tears and quickened my pace, not wanting anyone to see me upset. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me and felt a hand grip my wrist.

"Bal, let me go." I demanded, not sure why I was so insistent. This was the first time I called Luke Bal.

"Van, where are you goi-" Gia's voice trailed off as I faced them. It wasn't Luke who had grabbed me; it was Van. His hand tightened around my wrist, and I pulled it away.

I looked at them both before turning my back. As I entered the powder room, I leaned against the door and clutched my chest. The feeling was overwhelming.

I faced the mirror, wiping away the remnants of my tears. Thankfully, my makeup was waterproof. I quickly touched up my lipstick and smoothed my hair, trying to convince myself.

"You're not affected, right?" I asked my reflection. I nodded to myself, adjusting my hair and forcing a confident smile.

"This is the real you, Zarianna. Resilient. Fighting." I reassured myself, smiling with renewed determination.

When I emerged from the powder room, I didn't expect to see Van waiting by the door. Perhaps he was waiting for Gia, who was not here. I gave him a casual smile.

"Nice to see you again, Van. Are you waiting for Gia? She's not here. Anyway, see you around, special guest." I noticed his jaw tightening but chose to ignore it. I turned to leave when he stopped me, gripping my wrist firmly.

"H-Hey, you're hurting me," I said, trying to pull my hand free, but he wouldn't let go.

"L-Let me go."

"Bal?" I heard Luke's voice from behind. Van's grip on my wrist loosened, and I seized the opportunity to free myself.

"What took you so long?" Luke asked, approaching me. I quickly responded.

"N-Nothing. I was just accidentally bumped into someone. Let's go?" He nodded and placed his hand on my waist. I didn't protest, glancing back one last time at Van, whose jaw was clenched in frustration.

As we returned to our table, where food had already been served, I saw Van and Gia positioned on the stage. Van sipped his drink while Gia tried, unsuccessfully, to capture his attention. Van seemed disinterested, focused on his drink, but his gaze shifted toward me. I quickly looked away, taking another sip of my own drink.

"You're drinking too much, Bal. You might get drunk." Luke said with concern. I smiled at him.

"No, I won't get drunk so easily, Luke, and look, it's not hard liquor yet." I reached for another drink when a hand grabbed my glass.

"Enough, you're drunk." The voice was unfamiliar, its scent intoxicating. I tried to see the owner of the hand, but the lights made it difficult. The alcohol in my system was starting to cloud my vision. I took back the glass, trying to make out the person's face.

"I'm not drunk." I insisted, finishing the drink. I looked at Luke but was still distracted by the alluring fragrance.

"Luke, you smell really good. I think I love your smell."

"It's not me, Bal."

"No, it's you. I can smell you from here." I smiled and continued.

"Anyway, let's dance." I stood up, pulling Luke to the dance floor. He hesitated, but eventually joined me. The dance floor was packed, and the music made it impossible for me to stay still. I moved with the rhythm, feeling elated as the crowd cheered me on. Luke stood off to the side, watching me intently.

"Bal, you're drunk." He said.

"I'm not, Luke. Come on, dance with me," I urged.

The lights flashed with the beat of the music, and I danced with abandon. Luke remained still, his eyes fixed on me. The crowd's cheers only spurred me on. I felt a surge of confidence, moving closer to Luke until he finally joined me on the dance floor, holding me from behind.

"I didn't know you could dance this well, Bal. You're turning me on." Luke whispered, making me smile wider.

Our moment was interrupted by the sound of something crashing. I saw a chair fall and then noticed a man striding toward us angrily. Is that Van? The lights dimmed, plunging everything into darkness. Panic surged through me as someone lifted me, carrying me out of the chaos.

When the lights returned, I found myself in a secluded space with only high walls around us. The person set me down and I saw Van's furious face illuminated by the faint light.

"DAMN IT ZARIANNA, WHAT WAS THAT?" He shouted, making me flinch.

"W-What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice trembling. This was the first time he'd shouted at me, and it was terrifying. I looked down, feeling tears well up.

"ANSWER ME! WHAT WAS THAT?" His voice echoed in the corridor, and my drunken haze began to dissipate.

"W-Why are you shouting at me? W-Why are you mad?" I stammered, tears streaming down my face. Van's anger seemed to melt into concern as he saw my tears.

"Damn, why are you crying?" He pulled me into a tight embrace. The warmth of his hug made me cry harder.

"Shhh. Baby, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for shouting. I'm sorry if I got mad."

"I miss you. So much!" I said, my voice choked with emotion. Van pulled away slightly, looking into my eyes.

"Say it again, baby." He pleaded. Before I could respond further, his lips were on mine. A tear of joy slipped down my cheek as I kissed him back, feeling the longing we both shared.

He deepened the kiss, his hands traveling down my back, making me shiver with every touch. His kisses grew more passionate, moving from my lips to my neck, causing me to moan softly.

"V-Van," I called, almost moaning, but he seemed lost in his own world, his lips and hands exploring my body.

I moaned silently as he kissed my cleavage. When he paused, catching his breath, he looked at me with a satisfied grin.

"I miss you so damn much too, baby." He said, pressing a kiss to my cheek. My face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and pleasure.

"You're amazingly stunning. You never fail to amaze me." His words made me blush even more.

"You danced so well, but why did you let that man touch you? Your body is mine. You are mine, and I don't share Zarianna." I frowned, recalling how he had touched Gia's waist.

"You touched Gia's waist too." I argued.

"Because she asked me to."

"And you did?"

"Baby, Gia and I were guests, so I had to."

"You could have walked alongside her without touching her waist."

"Okay, I'm sorry.."

"Tsss."

"You should not do it again either. It's infuriating."

I smiled. "Okay." He hugged me tightly and kissed me once more.

"Bal?" Luke's voice interrupted us. I pushed Van away gently. Luke's eyes were in pain.

"L-Luke," I whispered.

I reached out, but he stepped back, leaving me torn between the two men in my life.

-Anniarian