Wrong From The Start

In a room of its own world, filled with clinking of glasses and clicking against the marble floor, Tyler's laughter was swallowed by the pulsing music and noise.

" Man, she's still going to be hanging around, isn't she?" Conrad asked, smiling as he shook his head.

" Of course," Tyler said, leaning back like he owned the room. " She will always be."

" Your confidence.. man."

He shrugged. " It doesn't matter what I do, she's there. Waiting. Like always. I don't even have to ask."

Conrad laughed, amused. " Lucky bastard. That's an insane amount of loyalty, you know? Most guys would kill for that."

He smirked, tilting his head. " Loyalty? Nah. I call it convenience. Tessa is predictable. Always there when I want her, ready to help and do everything I want, and that's all I care about."

" Damn..." Conrad leaned back. " She must really like you."

" Doesn't matter if she does." He replied, voice calm, almost amused. " She's mine anyway... in the ways that matter. Everything else? Irrelevant."

He smirked, grabbed his whiskey, and downed the contents in a gulp before moving his body to the vibration of the bass. Laughter and chatter mingled with the stench of sweat and alcohol. But beyond the buzz is a trembling lady in the restroom.

Tessa Monroe.

Her breath quivered as she grabbed the edge of the sink, her knuckles whitening. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, sharp and relentless.

Out there, laughter and music spilled, but in this room, all that echoed was her own despair.

Her lashes fluttered, remembering how it had always been.

He would drag her out, she would follow, but once they arrived, she'd cease to exist in his world. Left in a corner to watch him laughing and flirting with other ladies.

Tyler Beaumont. Her best friend. The one she had loved for twelve years.

She had followed him willingly to the club, into the night, believing, as she always did, that maybe this time would be different.

But he wasn't looking at her, his eyes had lit up for someone else. Another girl. Smiling, leaning close, laughing at something only he could make funny.

Tessa swallowed, forcing her trembling lips into a smile, but the ache in her chest wouldn't stop. She pressed her palms against her face, inhaling deeply and exhaling.

She straightened, brushing imaginary dust from her black short dress before stepping out

" Oh." She jumped the moment she stepped out, not expecting to see him waiting for her outside.

" Tyler." She called, her voice lower than intended. " What are you doing here?"

" Are you alright? You were taking so long. I was beginning to get worried." He stepped closer, his face full of worry.

She gulped and nodded. " Y- yes, just some..." she shrugged.

He frowned and stepped even closer, close enough for her to inhale his cologne that immediately soothed her nerves.

But they