Xᴀɴᴅᴇʀ's ᴘᴏᴠ
As the music pulsed softly in the background, I leaned back, a wicked grin spreading across my face. "Come on, baby," I called out to her as she stepped closer, the anticipation electrifying the air between us. Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" floated through the room, setting the mood just right. "Show Daddy what you've got," I urged, my voice low and playful, as she bent enticingly in front of me. I couldn't help but tap lightly on her behind, savoring the rhythm of the moment.
Suddenly, the tranquility shattered with a loud bang from outside. "Not again," I muttered, my expression turning sour as frustration twisted my features. "Man, I told you to leave me alone!" I shouted into the void, anger boiling within me. It felt like such a buzzkill; I sighed inwardly, resigning to the thoughts of the interruption that was spoiling my fun.
After what felt like an eternity of silence, I decided I had to confront the source of my annoyance. I made my way down the stairs, determined to give Henry a piece of my mind. "Henry, what the hell did you do that for?" I demanded as I scanned the bar area, but he was nowhere to be found. The door stood wide open, an unsettling feeling creeping up my spine; someone else was here.
I stepped outside, my fists clenched in preparation for a confrontation. "Hen…" I choked on the word as a chilling presence enveloped me. "Dad?" I whispered, my heart sinking. Shame and fear washed over me as I regarded the man I had always admired. Was this truly the person I was becoming?
"Is this the man I taught you to be?" he thundered, his voice booming even in the open space, reverberating off the walls. The disappointment in his tone pierced my heart. "What are you doing up here, Xander?" he hissed, his voice dropping to a more subdued yet icy register. "Do you understand the ramifications of your stupidity?"
He looked at me, his eyes hardening. "A man must never show emotions in public, and a man who hides behind bottles during grief and pain is no man at all." His words were sharp, cutting through me like a knife. "The board meeting is tomorrow, and after two weeks of reckless behavior, I expected you to do the right thing and show up." He turned away, but not before whispering as if pleading, "Don't make me withdraw my investment funds."
My mind reeled in confusion. "What am I doing?" I muttered the words escaping my lips as a painful realization struck me. My father rarely let his emotions surface; when he did, the consequences were always severe. I crouched down, my head hung low in shame. This wasn't me; I wasn't this fractured soul. Was I? I just wanted to reveal my true self under the mask of pain I wore.
As I gathered the remnants of my dignity, I called out to her, "I don't ever want to see you again!" My voice echoed as I flung her belongings in her direction. It had been just a fleeting moment of fun, but now she was clinging on like it was something more. "It was supposed to be a one-night thing!" I pushed through my annoyance, hoping she'd be gone before I woke up.
Tʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ...🌹🌹🌹🌹
I woke up feeling paranoid, I reached for the pipe and took a few quick drags, trying to steady my nerves. "Shit, Dad," I mumbled, reminding myself of his empty threats from yesterday. The day dragged on, but I finally retreated to the bathroom, allowing the water to cascade over me, washing away the remnants of my earlier mood.
With a wry smile curling on my lips, I remembered Felicia's text message from earlier. I rummaged through my wardrobe, finally selecting a sharp black tuxedo that fit perfectly. Standing in front of the mirror, I admired my reflection, feeling a surge of confidence. I opted to drive my favorite car today—after all, I had no one to impress but myself.
The drive to the office was exhilarating; I pressed down on the accelerator, laughter spilling from my lips as the scenery blurred by. Upon arriving at the parking lot, I spotted Felicia already waiting near the entrance. Glancing at my watch, I noted it was just moments before 7 AM. "Early bird," I thought, excitement bubbling within me. As I approached her, I couldn't help but tease, "Why are you standing there, sweetheart?" She looked up at me shyly, and I playfully nudged her as we headed inside.
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt my smirk widen. "Slow down, baby, I'm all yours," I assured her with a playful glint in my eyes as we reached my office. I pinned her against the door, our laughter mingling with soft kisses, igniting sparks between us. As my hands wandered, I felt how eager she was, a sense of satisfaction swelling within me. "Come here," I beckoned, leading her to my chair.
"Undo your shirt," I commanded, watching as she eagerly complied, quickly unbuttoning it to reveal a figure that took my breath away. This was what I had been missing, the thrill of shared passion. I pulled her close, showering her with kisses, my hands exploring as I savored every moment.
Suddenly a heavy thud echoed through the room, and we both turned in unison, surprise evident on our faces. At the doorway stood a woman, her features familiar—wasn't she the one from the party we had attended? I squinted, trying to get a better look. Just as I was about to step forward to examine her more closely, she swiftly opened the door and stepped outside, leaving me bewildered. What could she possibly be doing here at this hour? The air felt charged with an unexpected tension, and a rush of questions filled my mind as I exchanged a glance with Felicia.