Night cloaked the city in thick darkness, and under the glow of neon lights, silhouettes wandered to the rhythm of loud music. The party was in full swing, and the air was heavy with the scent of perfume, alcohol, and unrestrained euphoria. It was meant to be one of those unforgettable nights—full of laughter, conversations, and happiness, a night to forget everyday worries and just dance until dawn.
Samantha stood amidst the crowd, holding a glass of wine in her hand, her eyes scanning the guests, searching for Alex. He was here somewhere, definitely. She had been excited about this evening for weeks, hoping their marriage would finally settle into lasting happiness, free from shadows of the past and the lingering uncertainty that still hovered over them like ominous clouds. Even though she knew their relationship was complicated, she couldn't stop believing that the love she had for Alex could overcome anything.
Finally, she saw him—standing in the corner of the room, speaking with a few people. He smiled when he noticed her, but something in his expression made her pause. Maybe it was a trace of exhaustion, or perhaps irritation. But Samantha didn't have an opportunity to dwell on it. She quickly made her way toward him, wanting to join him.
"I just wanted this night to be perfect," she thought.
But when she got closer, her lips parted in surprise. Alex wasn't alone.
Beside him stood a stunning woman. A model. Her long, glossy hair draped over her shoulders, and there was something seductive in her gaze. They were talking, laughing—and their conversation seemed so… intimate.
Samantha felt a sting of jealousy, but quickly brushed it off. It was just a conversation, right? Nothing to worry about.
But then she saw the woman gently place a hand on Alex's shoulder—and he didn't move it away. And then… something happened. They walked off together in the same direction, disappearing. The hand holding Samantha's wine glass began to tremble.
Before she could follow them and dispel the growing unease, she felt a touch on her shoulder—it was Naomi, accompanied by Mark. The young woman looked at her with a smile, but also a hint of concern in her eyes.
"Samantha, are you okay?" she asked softly.
But Samantha didn't answer.
"Do you know who that girl is who's been hanging around Alex all night? Is she a new model at your company?"
Naomi nodded.
"Yeah, they're working together now, that's why they keep talking to new people. She's a friend of Mark's from college. Don't worry—it's just business. It sucks that you're here alone, but you know how it is… I was being dragged around too, and only now can I finally focus on my man," she said, wrapping her hand around Mark's.
"If this is how the whole night will be… I'm already tired. Will you tell Alex I went home? I've had enough."
"You sure you want to leave him here alone?" Mark raised an eyebrow. "You looked jealous…"
"We're married—we have to trust each other, right? I can't just stand here all night to keep an eye on him. I just want to lie down," Samantha replied.
"I'd go home too, honestly—these parties wear me out," Mark muttered, ignoring his fiancée's glance.
"Have fun."
"I will keep an eye on your hubby! Just need to find him first…" Naomi said cheerfully.
But by then, Samantha didn't care anymore.