Page 46 of Wild Tangled Hearts

Then, there's a message from my mom, and my heart skips a beat as I read her reminder about the family brunch to celebrate my dad's retirement. It's a day he's been looking forward to for so long, and I know how important it is to him.

As I mull over the messages, a dilemma starts forming in my head. Part of me longs to stay here, have breakfast with Alex, and hear what he has to say. But the other part knows that I committed to my family, especially my dad, and I can't let them down on his special day.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Scratch the brunch arrangements and stick around to listen to what Alex has to share. Turn to this page.

Family comes first. Brunch it is! Apologize to Alex for an abrupt departure, and maintain the optimism that if he genuinely wishes to have a conversation, he'll call. Turn to this page.

Chapter20

Alex

CLEARING THE HAZE

The pounding music fills the room as I dance with Jessica, but I can feel the alcohol's effects weighing me down. The world blurs and my steps become increasingly unsteady. It's as if a haze has settled over my senses, muffling the noise of the party and slowing my thoughts.

I lean close to Jessica and shout over the music, "I think I've had enough, Jess!"

She raises an eyebrow, her eyes dancing with the intoxication of the night and the numerous shots. "Are you sure, Bella? We're just getting started!"

I can feel the alcohol-induced haze creeping in, clouding my judgment and dampening my energy. I need clarity, not chaos.

I need fresh air.

"I'm sure," I reply.

Jessica pouts playfully but eventually relents. "If you say so. But you better get some rest because Kimmy's wedding is just around the corner, and I need you rested for another fun night."

I groan, thinking about drinking again.

My speech is slurred as I say goodbye to Kimmy and Hal. I see the concern in my friend’s eyes when she asks, “Are you sure you don’t want me to help you get home.”

“It’s your Stag and Doe. I’ll be fine.” I hug her, then turn and stumble towards the exit.

As I step outside into the cool night air, relief washes over me. The brisk breeze helps clear the fog in my mind, and I take a deep breath, inhaling the freshness of the night.

I can't help but feel a pang of disappointment that I didn't get to see Alex again. But deep down, I know it's for the best. The unresolved tension between us needs time to settle, and a clear head will help me understand it all.

My stomach lurches, and I fumble with my purse, trying to find my phone. My fingers seem clumsy, and it takes a few attempts before I finally retrieve it. With relief, I unlock the screen and open the Uber app. As I enter my location and request a ride, I lean against the brick wall, using it as support.

“Bella.” The cute guy I'd been flirting with exits the building, holding a pack of cigarettes. His smile is now replaced with a predatory look, and the alcohol in my system no longer blurs my perception of the situation. "I'm glad I found you.”

"I'm going home," I mumble, my words slurring slightly. “I’m not feeling well.”

“I’m sure I can make you feel better.”

A sense of vulnerability washes through me as he steps closer, his large frame caging me against the wall. His breath smells like alcohol, and his intentions are clear. One hand strokes my arm, the other lands on my hip, his fingers squeezing tightly.

“I don’t want this.”

“How you’ve been throwing yourself at me all night says differently.”

Panicking, I push him away, but my movements are sluggish, and he manages to lean in, attempting to kiss me. I turn my head at the last moment, and his lips graze my cheek. The feeling of his unwelcome advance sends a shiver down my spine.

"Leave me alone," I manage to say, trembling but determined.

---