-Adam-

Mr. MarQueen is the founder and partner at the law firm where I work. Since I passed the bar, Mr. MarQueen has served as a mentor and father figure to me. After learning about my father's adultery and abuse of my mother, I have always sought Mr. MarQueen's advice and have never been turned away. When the time came for me to seek legal representation for my mom in the divorce case against my father, I naturally turned to Mr. MarQueen, a renowned Boston lawyer I trust, who happens to be my boss. However, I have become uncertain about the relationship between Mr. MarQueen and my mother after discovering that he and my mom have been spending time together even when his presence is not required.

"I wonder if there is something more going on between him and my mom," I think to myself. "It's not like I would dislike it if something was happening between the two. After all, Mr MarQueen is by far a better man than my father ever was or will be. Although he was previously married, he is now a widower due to the death of his wife in an accident. Since then, he has chosen to remain single. It's not that women haven't been showing interest in him; rather, he prefers to stay that way. He still wears his wedding ring to deter most women. However, the persistent ones stick around, hoping to win his affection someday."

I need to contact Mr. MarQueen and ask about his visit to my mom. Was that visit only for business, or was there something more to it? By the way, I did promise my mom that I would call my father. Feeling a bit irritated, I said to myself, "I should just go ahead and do it."

With the phone in hand, I dialled his number and waited patiently for an answer.

"Hello. I have tried reaching out to you multiple times, but it seems like you're not getting my messages. I understand that our relationship has its challenges, but I am still your father."

"Please don't be so bold as to tell me who you are. I could care less about you. Why on earth would you contact my mom when the judge has ordered your attorney to do that on your behalf whenever you wish to talk to her? Has the restraining order that was served to you slipped your mind? You will regret it if you ever do that daring thing again, I promise. Have some self-awareness, man."

"I didn't intend to call her. I really need your help. My lawyer quit, and I need someone to represent your brother. The company he works for is falsely accusing him of embezzling funds. He's completely innocent in this."

"Are you sure he is innocent in this? After all, he is your son."

"I may be many things, but stealing is not one of them. And let's not forget that I am your father. Are you suggesting that you take after me?"

I retort sharply, my voice tinged with bitterness, "As much as I hate that your blood runs through me, I will never be like you. Furthermore, with the upcoming trial and the merger negotiations on my plate, I am unable to assist you. It's in your best interest to seek legal counsel elsewhere."

"Oh right, you lack the financial resources to hire a new lawyer. Such a shame." I teased.

"Listen, I know you hate me, but please don't get your brother involved in this. He is innocent in all this." Cutting him off I say, "He is no brother of mine. I want nothing to do with you or him. Don't you ever call me again? I don't care what happens to him, but if you ever call my mom again without a legal representative, I will make sure you share a cell with your son." Just then, I cut the call.

"I can't believe that guy had the audacity to ask me for such a big favour, especially after everything he has put our family through."

-Writer POV-

Ben found himself in the center of the living room, seething with anger and squeezing his hand into a tight fist. It was unfathomable to him that his father would have the audacity to seek his assistance after subjecting their family to such turmoil. From the mistreatment of his mother to the infidelity and the subsequent scandal that had tarnished their family's reputation once it became public, it had ultimately led to his decision to change his last name.

As he stood there, the memories of that fateful night came flooding back to him. He recalled the shocking discovery of his mother in the basement, barely conscious from dehydration. The guilt of not having called home before returning for summer break weighed heavily on him as he walked back that night. Usually, he spent his summers on campus, so this time he had decided to surprise his mom, but the events of that evening had left a lasting impact on him.

On that fateful evening, as the car came to a stop in front of the house, he stepped out and proceeded indoors. Typically, at this hour, he would find his mother comfortably ensconced on the couch, engrossed in his favorite magazine. However, on this occasion, the entire house lay shrouded in silence, with darkness enveloping every corner. Given the relatively early hour, the absence of his parents was perplexing. Where could they be?

He shouted out to them, but the only response was the echo of his own voice. Concerned, he decided to head to their bedroom, only to find it deserted. He speculated that his father might have remained on campus to admire his latest artwork, a common occurrence for the dedicated artist, while his mother could be tied up with a photo shoot. After reaching out to his mother's agent for confirmation, he was shocked to learn that she had not been seen for an entire week. Worry gnawing at him, he tried to contact his father, but there was no answer.

After that, he made the decision to get in touch with his grandfather, Jacob Adams, to verify whether his mother was at his place. If she wasn't there, he wanted to inform his grandfather about what had happened. His grandfather told him that he hadn't seen his daughter, and when Ben proposed contacting the police, his grandfather cautioned against it and said he would come over instead.

With his mom nowhere to be found and his father unable to reach him, he decided to search the entire house while waiting for his grandfather. As he cautiously made his way through the familiar rooms, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him. When he reached the garage, he was surprised to see his mother's car parked there. It was her pride and joy, and she rarely went anywhere without it. Puzzled by its presence, he was about to leave the garage when a sharp metallic sound echoed from the depths of the basement, like someone striking a pipe with a metal object. His curiosity piqued, he listened intently, realizing that the mysterious noise was indeed emanating from the basement.

Once he reached the basement door, he noticed that it was locked. He forcefully broke it open and made his way down the creaky wooden steps, the old floorboards groaning beneath his weight. At the bottom, he saw his mother lying at the foot of the stairs, her face contorted in pain. Without hesitation, he rushed to her side, gently supporting her as he reached for the phone to call an ambulance. In the chaos, he noticed how dry her lips were and quickly rushed upstairs, grabbed a glass of water, and returned to help her drink as he anxiously waited for help to arrive.

To the present.

In a fit of rage, Ben's hand swiftly snatches the delicate, intricately designed vase from the antique table. With a sudden, explosive motion, he hurls it against the wall, the impact causing the vase to shatter into countless sharp fragments, scattering across the room.

***

-Shelley POV-

It's been exactly one week since Ben and I had that amazing time together, and I can't help but feel grateful for how things have been going between us. When he's unable to come over to my place, we make it a point to meet up and spend time together. Our usual routine involves grabbing dinner from a local roadside vendor and taking a stroll through the neighbourhood, taking in the sights and sounds around us. When the evening comes to an end, we share a passionate kiss before parting ways, always leaving me longing for more of his company.

I often wake up feeling ashamed of having vivid erotic dreams about him. I never knew such intense emotions existed. At first, I hated running into him, but now I find myself yearning to see him with each passing minute. Isn't that crazy?

Tonight, he plans on taking me to his favourite nightclub where he and his buddies often hang out. I've never been to a nightclub before and I have no idea what to wear. I'm really worried about making a fool out of myself tonight.

"Not if I could help it. I need a plan," I said to myself. Who better knows how to party? To get advice, all I have to do is call the queen of parties and dress-ups.

I wait patiently on the line, hoping and praying that she will pick up. The last time we talked, I told her to get her sh*t together. Now it is me who needs her help in getting my sh*t up and going. "How ironic."

"Hello Shelley, Is that you?"

"Yes, it is. How have you been, Sarah?"

"I have been good. God, it's been so long. I miss you."

"I am so sorry I have not called you to find out how things are. It's just that I have been busy. Forgive me." I said.

"It's okay, Shelley. Given my behaviour, I was even surprised that you tolerated me for such a long time. You are right to tell me to get my act together. I needed that."

"Seriously, Sarah, how are you?"

"I am really fine; you don't have to worry about me. I have been sober for a while now."

"That is great. I am proud of you."

"Thanks. Enough about me. I am sure you did not call to find out whether I had been sober or not. So, what's up?"

"Right. I have a date at the nightclub, and I don't know what to wear. Can you suggest what I can wear to such a place?"

"A nightclub, you say? Well, well, what have you done to Shelley?" she inquires. I chuckle. "Are you going to help me or not?"

"Do you trust me?" she asked. "If I didn't, I wouldn't be calling."

"Then I'll send you a few dresses to your location. You can pick one and pay me later. How about that?"

"That will be great. Thank you so much. I owe you one."

Seated beside Ben in his luxurious Range Rover, I can't help but feel a bit out of place. Despite Sarah's thoughtful gesture of sending over beautiful dresses, none of them quite fit my usual style. Yet here I am, venturing to a nightclub, a place I have never visited.

I gazed at my dress. After much thought about the dresses Sarah sent over, I chose this stunning silver dress with a daring deep V-neck and long sleeves, a departure from my usual attire. It hugged my body perfectly, making it impossible to resist. I found myself continuously adjusting the hemline, which fell just above my knee, feeling slightly self-conscious about the shorter length. With my hair cascading down the right side of my face, I couldn't shake the feeling of being both alluring and out of my comfort zone. Here I am, in a revealing yet elegant dress, seated next to a captivating man, en route to a destination that feels entirely foreign to me. With a sigh, I couldn't help but wonder about the night that lay ahead.

"Is everything alright?" Ben asks glancing my way.

"Everything is fine," I said as I glanced at him. "So, which club are we going to?" He replied, "You will see," while placing his left hand on mine. "Relax. You look beautiful," he added. I bit my lip and joined my palm with his.

"You are biting your lips," he says. "Sorry. I guess old habits are hard to lose."

A small smile creeps onto my lips as I look him over. He is wearing a casual blazer with a T-shirt paired with denim jeans. "What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?" he asked. Giggling, I respond, "Nope, just checking you out. You look dashing, by the way."

"Thank you," he said, smiling.

"Are we there yet?" I ask.

"Not yet."

A moment later, we pull up at the club's entrance. Suddenly, the car door beside me opened, and a hand stretched forth, offering assistance. I grabbed the hand, and the security guard helped me out. As I looked up, I read the sign on the building: "Vienna City Club."

"Seriously, Here?" I gestured nervously towards the building, glancing at Ben. "What's wrong with this place? Do you hate it?" He asked, standing beside me.

"Nope, it's just too crowded and expensive for my liking."

"Clubs are expected to be crowded and expensive," he retorted.

"Am I being stupid?" I asked. "No, you're just freaking out," he said, extending his arm for me to take. "You're with me. I assure you, you're safe."

"With a charming smile, he asks, "Shall we?" I couldn't help but grin as I linked my arm with his, and together we made our way inside."