Try Me (Drunk In Love #1)

Chapter Thirty Five

We drove to the nearest mall to shop for a wedding dress. But after browsing for hours, I couldn't find the perfect one. I come back home, exhausted and stressed about what I will wear. Abel drove me home but didn't stayed, saying he had to be in studio for the new album.

As Lexi also isn't home, I mindlessly flicker tv channels, everyone of them playing something boring. I switch it off with a sigh and take my phone in hand, opening Instagram to pass time. I have a new direct message. I open the message section and see a name that I wouldn't have imagined in a thousand years. New message from Bella Hadid. At first, I thought it was some fan page but then I saw the verified tick and got even more confused. I opened the chat and read her message.

*Hey Kiara. I heard you were in the fire accident that happened a few days ago. Hoping you are okay. I just wanted to check on you and apologise for my behaviour at the party. I shouldn't have said the things I did. I hope there is no bad blood between us.

Love Bella xoxo*

I know what she said that night was out of anger and alcohol. Sure, her words hurt me but I can also understand her. Not wanting to continue this drama even further I type her a reply.

*Hi Bella. Thank you for asking, I just got out of the hospital and saw your message. I'm okay now, no severe injuries. I forgave you that night only. I understand why you lashed out. Just was hurt because it turned into a field day for reporters. There is no hard feelings between us. 😊*

Just then another notification from Instagram arrives, informing me of a new story from Abel.

I open it and see he posted a picture. It's a picture of me on our very first date, he clicked it saying he I was looking, well, delicious.

In it, I am looking right at the camera, my hair open as I have a hand under my chin. I browse through replies and see all the shocked reactions.

Someone wrote 'New muse??' while other wrote, 'She a perfection 👌🏻'. There are also negative replies, some comparing me to Bella, his ex, while others upset that he is not single anymore.

It's sad, that people can't see their favourites happy if they aren't with whom the fans want them to be. He is an artist, but more importantly, he is also a human and he can date whoever he wants without thinking twice and I'm not just saying it for me.

I exit the app, trying not to get upset over those replies. I open news instead, my fingers typing in 'Lush fire accident' in search box. Multiple results come up but one catch my attention. The headline reads, Fire at popular bar and lounge, Lush, took a shocking turn in investigation. I open the article and read the whole article. It says the fire was no accident and it was arson, somebody set it on fire. Someone who hates my workplace so much, that they don't care if somebody died in there.

My mind works overtime, trying to understand the whole case and unveil the accused behind it. My phone pings with a new message. I look down and see its from a blocked number. I tap on the message and read it.

Unknown number: Want to know who set fire to your precious workplace?

I frown at it, maybe somebody is messing with me. I quickly type a reply.

Me: Who is this?

The reciever ignores my question.

U.N: Let me give you a hint, the culprit is closer than you think.

Now this person, whoever they are, is bullshitting. There is no way they know who the person is behind the incident, except for cops. And no cop would bogus message anyone.

Me: Again, who is this? And how do you know who is the accused?

The sender is quickly to reply again, but I take my time to reply.

U.N: you can call me your, let's say well-wisher. Now, do you really want to know who is it?

Me: How can I know you're not lying or bluffing me?

He takes his time to reply me but when he does, it angers me.

U.N: the culprit was present at the party, mixed right into the crowd. And poor you, you didn't even recognised them. Do you know who you can trust?

I've had it now. This person is messing with me and I will not fall into their trap.

Me: Look, Mr.well-wisher, unless you have solid evidence as to who the person is behind it, I would not believe your BS, because I see right through you. Don't text me again.

He takes a long time to reply, making me think he definitely backed down. But he didn't, and what he sent to me in reply triggers my panic attack.

Unknown number: *Photo*

I click on the picture and it opens, showing me a background of a room, where a girl is sitting on the sofa with a guy. I instantly recognise it, how can I not, it is none other than me and Abel, from one of the time he stayed here with me.

Panicked, I look around the room and feel too lonely and scared. What if that person is watching me right now, they might know I'm alone amd vulnerable. Damn, even Tabitha is not here. I can feel my breath speeding up, before I get an attack and pass out I have to call someone. Hastily, I diall the last called number on my list.

Abel picks up on first ring, greeting me with his nickname for me.

"Hey ma, whatchu upto?" He asks.

"Abel, I- I am home alone. And I feel so- paranoid. Can I come over?" I manage to say through my constricted throat.

"Oh, do you want me to come over? I can speed and reach there quickly." He immediately picks up on my scared tone.

"No that's fine, I'm on my way." I say and cut the call. Quickly, I put on leggings and a jacket. Locking the door behind me, I keep telling myself to calm down over and over again. I take out the pump from my bag and spray it in my mouth twice, instantly feeling my chest muscles loosening. I quickly get into the car and drive over to Abel's.