Chapter 6 Unraveled Desires

• Narrator-
• Alex walked up to Arthur in anger. why does he always want what he wants, it is as if he competes with him. He drives the same model of the car he drives, he has the same office space, and now he wants the same woman he wants. He wasn't going to let him, Sex with Ann was different and he had promised himself he was going to keep her all to himself no matter what it took.
• “Hey Alex, he greeted with a smile on his face.” Alex knows that smile it's the one Arthur puts on when he thinks he has won.
• “I’ve noticed how you were being all cosy with Ann, and I need to make something clear.”
• "I don't understand, Alex. We were just chatting or do you have a problem with that?”
• “The problem is, I've seen the way you looked at her, and I'll appreciate it if you stay away from her. He stated.
• “Is there a problem, Alex’s mom asked announcing her presence.
• “Hello aunt, you look stunning tonight."
• "Thank you, sweetie. You always know how to make me feel special."
• “ Would you do me the honour of sharing a dance with me?"
• Alex’s mom lit up with delight at Arthur’s request. She extends her hand towards him, accepting his invitation.
• "Of course, dear. I would love to."
• They move to the centre of the hall, the soft melody of the song playing in the background filling the air. Arthur takes Alex's Mom's hand in his, leading her in a gentle dance.
• Alex couldn't believe Ann was throwing herself to Arthur, probably she was cheap, she could throw herself to any rich man available.
• “Hey, one shot of tequila”.
• The barman returned with his order, he gulped in the shot angrily, he couldn't get his mind off her, and he found myself reminiscing on the moments they had spent together. He wasn't sure why she was in his head. was it the fact that she was good in bed or the way he always felt different whenever she was around? He kept ordering shots to get his mind off her lost in his thoughts as he tried to drown out the thoughts of her in his head.
• Just then Ann came downstairs and immediately spotted Alex drinking himself into a stupor. Her heart drops in her stomach at the sight of him drinking alone, determined to interfere she approaches him with a sense of urgency.
• "Alex? What are you doing here, drinking?”
• He looked up, surprised to see her standing before him. He tries to hide his inner restlessness, but she sees right through him.
• “What do you care”?
• “You can't just sit here drinking, drinking isn't going to solve whatever the problem is.
• "I appreciate your concern, Ann, but I'm fine. Really."
• Ann reaches out and gently places her hand on his, her touch sending a twitching down his spine. He looked up at her, her eyes were filled with concern if only she knew she was the reason he was drinking.
• “Whatever it's I'm here for you,” she stated with concern.
• Katherine enters, Her heart sinks as she sees Ann comforting Alex. “Alex? What's going on here? She asked surprised and worried.
• Ann looks up, her eyes meeting Katherine's with a mixture of guilt and empathy. She rises from the chair giving Katherine space to approach.
• "Katherine, I'm sorry. I found Alex drinking alone, and he looked like he needed company.”
• Katherine's concern worsens as she moves closer to Alex gently touching his shoulder to get his attention.
• "Alex, honey, what's going on? Why were you drinking?”
• Alex lifts his head slowly, his eyes weary and unfocused. He stumbles to form legible words as he looks at his girlfriend.
• "I... I'm sorry, Katherine. I just... I couldn't stop thinking about... about..."
• "Oh, it's fine whatever it is we will talk about when you are sober, but drenching yourself in alcohol won't make it go away."
• Ann watches the tender conversation between Katherine and Alex, feeling a twitch of jealousy and guilt for being caught in the middle of their uneasiness. She steps back, giving them space to talk.
• “I'll leave you two alone”. With that, she turned to leave but was stopped by Katherine.
• “I'll appreciate the fact if you stay where you belong, you can't just come here and start meddling in other people's affairs. I don't want to warn you again.
• Ann wasn't surprised at what Kat said she knew she never liked her from the very first day she arrived. She quietly exits the room. Kat turns her attention back to Alex, her heart hurting for him.
• “We’ll get through this together as a couple, you don't have to go through it alone.”
• Alex nods weakly, he leans into Katherine's embrace, finding comfort in her comforting presence.
• The following morning Alex woke up With his head pounding like a jackhammer, he rolled over in his bed and moaned. He strained to see through the curtains as the morning crept in, attempting to reconstruct the previous evening. His pulsing brain whirled with vague memories of laughing, loud music, and too many shots of tequila. He sat up, struggling to get his legs over the side of the bed. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as the environment briefly whirled around him. He knew he needed water because the dryness in his mouth was unbearable. He climbed down from his bed and headed to the kitchen his steps were small victories over the dizziness that was about to knock him down as he slowly made his way downstairs from his room.
• Alex descended the stairs with determination, rounding the corner into the kitchen. And then bumped into Ann, who was also there to get a glass of water.
• "Ow!" Rubbing her shoulder, Ann exclaimed and staggered back a little. Almost dropped the glass she was holding due to the unexpected force of the blow. Alex mumbled, blinking quickly to concentrate.
• "Ann, ugh, I'm sorry. "I didn't see you there."
• Ann glanced up at him, her own eyes a little tired and red around the edges. "That's alright. I also didn't notice you. We both seem a little lost this morning, I suppose."
• "Yeah, am sorry about last night."
• It's alright, you don't have to apologize.
• While filling his glass, Alex gave a sympathetic nod. Feeling the cool water relieve his dry throat, he took a long, appreciative sip. They sipped their water and enjoyed the peacefulness of the morning kitchen as they stood in friendly silence for a while.
• Ann finally broke the silence. “What is your schedule for today? Or should I say your recovery plan?”
• Alex put down his empty glass on the counter and shrugged. “How about I take you out tonight? I'm going for a fundraiser event you can be my plus-one.
• Ann's eyes widened in surprise, and the blush on her cheeks deepened. "Oh, wow. I mean, that sounds amazing, but... are you sure you want me to go with you?"
• “My driver will pick you up by seven, see you at seven and he left to his room.
• Ann felt her heart race a little faster, was he asking her to be his plus-one? She couldn't believe he had asked her. Taking a deep breath, she got up to start planning her outfit, a smile playing on her lips as she thought about the evening ahead.