CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

DALLAS


The loud music and the flashing lights engulfed us as we stepped into one of Seoul's busiest night club. Lisa tugged at my arm slightly and giggled. Ari, Lisa's older cousin, hung on her other arm.

Tonight was Lisa's bachelorette party. And she was determined to make the most of it.

Her words were: ‘one last hurrah before I become a ‘Mrs’.

Lisa was in a sleeveless, golden shimmery dress that stopped mid-thigh. The dress clung to her body, accentuating her curves. Her hair was styled in a high ponytail, baring her elegant neck. She doesn't look any inch nervous as she walked to the bar, carrying a air of confidence.

“Come on, bitches! Let's get the fucking party started!” Lisa said in a high pitched voice, her eyes glistened with excitement.
“We're so gonna get wasted! No holding back!”

I grabbed a shot of tequila laying on the counter and downed in one go.
“That's the spirit, bestie!” I giggled.

I missed this. I missed having fun with my best friend. I missed being reckless, and only having to worry about having to do well in class, or how to ace my fencing training.

Everyone says it's all part of growing up, but growing up sucks. Ever since I moved back to New York after my mother's death four years ago, the closest thing to fun I've ever had was when I was working at a bar.

But even then, I could only sway to the music not join the actual party. It also came with side effects like dealing with dick heads like Mason Castillo, who I haven't heard of since he left Kang's mansion with a sliced hand. He is rarely mentioned in the news anymore.

I wanted to feel that thrill again. That excitement from partying all night after winning a fencing competition, and waking up with an hangover the next day. Lisa was always there with me all those times.

I keep thinking maybe if I hadn't stayed back at New York, my life would be different. Maybe I'll be… happier.

Atlas's words from the last time I saw him flashed across my mind.

Do you think your mother would want you to grasp on to the past this tight? I'm certain she would tell you to move on and live your life. It really isn't worth it, Dallas.

I quickly shrugged it off. I'm not going to think about anything tonight, not Atlas, not Lucien, and certainly not my gray eyes, 6’4, sinfully handsome boss.

“Your wedding is tomorrow, Lisa. I think you should be careful with the amount of drinks you take.” Ari said with caution.

“Relax, cos! I'm simply having fun. Besides, it's the first time I'm seeing my best friend in four years. I plan to enjoy every minute.” She said and grabbed my hand. I flashed her a smile.

Ari sighed in resignation.
“Okay, fine!”

Lisa squealed.
“Thanks, cos! First round is on me! Now, let's the fun begin!”

She ordered three shots of tequila and handed it to each of us. We clinked glasses and downed the shots. We swayed our bodies to the intensifying music.

We downed a few more shots and very soon, Lisa seem pretty drunk. While I, on the other hand, is not feeling the thrill like I used to. There was good music, lots of drinks, and men gawking over my body, but it still didn't get to me like it used to.

“You guys carry on, I'll go take a seat.” I said to Lisa and Ari, and they gave me a nod.

I grabbed a glass of cocktail from the bar before strolling to the sitting lounge.

I could still see them from where I sat. I felt bad for what was happening. Lisa was trying her best to connect with me, but I couldn't even enjoy the party. I was ruining my best friend's bachelorette because of my issues.

I saw Ari strolling towards me, her brows furrowed.

Okay, maybe I wasn't the only one not feeling the vibe anymore.

But it was understandable for Ari, she is three years older than the both of us.

She sat beside me, sipping from the glass in her hand.

“Feeling tired already?” I asked, still keeping my eyes on Lisa.

She is the only one out of the three of us that's still on the dancing floor. Lisa doesn't exactly have a good track record when it comes to clubbing. I need to keep an eye on her.

“Yeah, not exactly my kind of scene.” She said.

Ari and I aren't exactly friends, she isn't the talking type.

“Lisa seems full of energy though. She must be really excited.” I smiled and took a sip of the cocktail.

Ari sighed.
“Yeah about that…” she trailed off.

I tore my gaze away from Lisa and turned to Ari.
“What's the matter, Ari? You seem worried.”

“Yeah I am. I'm worried about Lisa.” She said, her voice barely audible over the loud music.
“With the wedding approaching, Lisa has been acting really strange the entire week. She's been so paranoid. At first, I thought it was because she was excited but now, I don't know what to think anymore.”

A frown etched between my brows. I finally read into Lisa's behavior this past week. It was a bit above normal. She was probably worried about the transition that would happen in a few hours.

I felt like a bad friend for not noticing her change in behavior.

My eyes flew to the dance floor and I saw her strolling towards the bar, probably to order another drink.

"I'll go talk to her," I said to Ari, making my way through the crowded club.

"Lis, let's take a break," I said, gently taking the glass away from her.

“Arghh, seriously! Just let me have one more drink, Dal!” She spurted.

“You've had enough drinks, Lis. You're drunk.”

I grabbed her arm and dragged her to a quieter corner of the club, away from the pounding music.

“And now you're dragging me away from the fun. Don't be like Ari, Dal. I thought you wanted to have fun.” she said.

“Well, not like this.”

I squeezed her arm softly.
“Lisa, you're clearly not okay. What is going on? Talk to me.” I asked, my voice gentle but urgent.

“I'm perfectly fine. I'm just having fun.” She said and burst into a maniac laughter.

“You're clearly not fine. I'm your best friend, I can tell when something is up with you. Is it about the wedding?” I asked.

Lisa's laughter slowly transition into tears, her face falling. I hugged her and let her cry on my shoulder. I stroked her back gently. She stopped crying after a few minutes.

She sniffled back her tears as we disengaged from the hug.

“I don't know what's happening, Dallas. But I just can't help feeling all these things. I ask myself if I'm doing the right thing by getting married. I mean I've seen how it turned out for people around me. Or maybe in probably too young to be taking this huge step. I'm only twenty four. I'm scared just anticipating what married life is like. I don't want to feel like this, Dal. I don't want to ruin my own wedding.”

“It's okay, Lis. Everything is going to be fine. And you're not making a mistake choosing love. You and Dae-ho love each other, right?”

She nodded.

“It doesn't really matter if you tie the knot now or later if it's going to be the same person. You need to believe that the both of you can make it work. No matter how scary it might be, you'll always have each other.” I said.

“God, how did I get so lucky to have a best friend like you? I don’t know what I'd do without you.”

“Nothing, sweetie.” I said and we both laughed. We hugged each other tightly.

“Now, let's go have the most memorable bachelorette party ever!” I half yelled as we disengaged.

“Yay! Except no dancing, I'm too tired.” She said.

We walked back to the sitting lounge to meet Ari. We ordered a battle of champagne and started drinking while enjoying the music. We chatted happily. Lisa seem lighter than when we first arrived which made me smile.

My phone screen lit up and I saw a text notification. My hand froze and my eyes widened as I saw who the text was from.

“When are you coming back?”