Page 26 of Johan.

Ludovic nods, satisfied. “Good. Now, let’s enjoy the rest of the evening. There’s still plenty of celebration left.”

As I leave Ludovic’s office, the weight of the bracelet and the file still pressing on my mind, I force myself to return to the party. The lively atmosphere outside is a stark contrast to the tense conversation I just had. I move through the crowd, shaking hands and faking smiles, each gesture feeling more mechanical than the last. The laughter and music blur into a cacophony, and I struggle to keep my composure.

Astrid finds me, her face lighting up as she approaches. She leans in and kisses me on the mouth again, the public display of affection meant to solidify our engagement in front of everyone. Her kiss tastes faintly of champagne, and I try to mask my lack of enthusiasm.

“Come outside,” she whispers, pulling me towards the garden.

We step out just as fireworks begin to explode in the sky, casting vibrant colors across the night. Astrid leans into me, her arm wrapped around my waist, her voice a soft murmur in my ear. “Aren’t they wonderful?”

I nod, barely registering her words. My gaze shifts to the corner of the garden, where I see Hannah and Conrad standing together, their faces illuminated by the bursts of light. They look so natural, so comfortable with each other, and it twists something deep inside me.

“I need to excuse myself,” I murmur to Astrid, gently detaching myself from her grip.

She looks puzzled but lets me go; her attention quickly diverted back to the fireworks. I make my way back inside the house, my steps quickening as I approach the bar. The need for another drink, something to dull the ache, propels me forward.

At the bar, I order a whiskey and down it quickly before signaling for another. The burn in my throat is a welcome distraction, a temporary numbness to the turmoil inside.

“Tough night?” My father’s voice startles me. I turn to see him standing beside me, a concerned look on his face.

“A bit, yeah,” I reply, trying to keep my tone neutral.

“This party has been a great success, son. I’m proud of you,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder.

Despite the compliment, I feel anything but thrilled. The weight of the evening, the charade, it’s all too much. As my father continues talking about the success of the engagement and our future, I keep drinking, the alcohol coursing through my veins.

Through the haze, I see Hannah and Conrad coming back inside, their closeness evident. The sight of them together, laughing and whispering, stirs a potent mix of jealousy and anger within me. Fueled by the alcohol, I make my way over to them, the sarcasm dripping from my voice before I can stop myself.

“Wow, Conrad and Hannah, look at you. You guys do make a fine couple,” I say, the words biting and unkind, fueled by jealousy and the alcohol coursing through my veins.

Hannah’s eyes widen, her expression a mix of surprise and hurt. Conrad steps slightly in front of her, his gaze steady and unflinching.

“Johan, maybe now isn’t the time,” Conrad says calmly, but there’s an edge to his voice.

“Oh, why not? It’s a celebration, isn’t it?” I retort, my words slurring slightly. “Maybe we should even raise a glass to you both for being the perfect, happy couple.”

Hannah’s face flushes, and she looks down, avoiding my gaze. The pain in her eyes is unmistakable, and it cuts through my drunken bravado, leaving me feeling more hollow than ever.

“Thank you, Johan… I’m glad you think so,” she says, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. She then turns on her heel and walks away, her posture stiff, leaving me standing there with Conrad.

Conrad’s gaze remains steady on me, a mixture of disappointment and concern. “Johan, you’re drunk. Let’s talk about this another time.”

I open my mouth to respond, but the words die on my lips. The realization of what I’ve just done, how I’ve hurt Hannah, crashes over me like a wave. I take a step back, the room spinning slightly.

“I... I need some air,” I mutter, turning on my heel and heading towards the exit. The night air hits me like a shock, and I stumble slightly, the alcohol and emotions swirling in a chaotic mix.

I find a secluded corner of the garden and sit down heavily, my head in my hands. The fireworks continue to explode above, their beauty a stark contrast to the mess I’ve made of the evening. The weight of everything—Hannah, the engagement, the expedition—presses down on me, and for a moment, I feel utterly lost.

12

Johan

I wake up with a start,my head pounding and my mouth dry as sandpaper. The unfamiliar ceiling above me is the first clue that I’m not in my own bed. I turn my head slowly, and my eyes widen in shock as I see Astrid lying beside me, her hair splayed out on the pillow, a satisfied smile on her lips.

Panic surges through me. My thoughts race, piecing together fragmented memories from the night before. I had promised Hannah that no matter what, I wouldn’t have sex anymore with Astrid. Yet here I am, waking up beside that bitch, the morning sunlight casting a harsh glare on my worst fears.

I lift the edge of the covers and realize with a jolt that I’m only in my boxers. My heart hammers in my chest, and I struggle to keep my voice steady as I turn to Astrid. “Did we…?”

She chuckles softly, a sound that grates on my nerves. “You passed out last night. The staff found you sleeping in the garden and brought you up here. I thought you might be more comfortable without your tuxedo on.”

---