The Jaded Bride

I've observed that people are just like animals—like snakes slithering toward better prey once their own has been stolen. Humans, however, do it just to satisfy their envy.

I'm intoxicated.

I could hurl out everything I just drank and ate a few minutes ago. Who knew such a feeling could make you want to puke it all out at the same time you took a dump? Or was it just me? Either way, my mouth tasted like shit and my legs felt like they had just run a hundred miles before finally slowing down. My head was spinning to the tune of a disco song that had been on repeat at Elise's birthday party. The flashing neon lights still hurt my eyes; I almost mistook them for stars.

"Hang in there…" Encouraging words from a stranger's mouth made me sober up slightly, my hands pushing the person away. Creeps were notorious around this area, and the last thing I wanted was to be kidnapped. In doing so, I lost my balance, and I was close to making out with the dirty road when the stranger caught me. "I told you to hang on. Don't let go or you'll certainly kiss the floor!"

"W-who…?" With that one word out of my mouth, the bile rose from the pit of my stomach up to my throat. Fighting back the tears and the horrifying taste lingering in my mouth, I pushed myself away from the person and grabbed the closest thing I could reach, dry heaving.

Shit…I can't believe I'm going to vomit in front of this stranger. My reputation…

"Ugh…that's a lot."

The voice made a similar gagging sound as I emptied my stomach. The last thing I remembered before blacking out was the person calling my name over and over. Then, I was consumed by the darkness that I had become well acquainted with ever since Desmond Cole, my professor and boyfriend—now my ex—broke up with me all too suddenly three months ago, without even an explanation. It bewildered me and made me hate myself, thinking long and hard about where I went wrong.

"Definitely plastered. Don't worry, Miss Bay. I promised her I'd bring you home safely."

Did I lie to him? Did I fight him out of the blue and hurt his feelings? Did the opinions of the people who knew about our relationship finally get in his head? Was that it? I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case since a professor caught dating or having an intimate relationship with a student was frowned upon.

But no.

He didn't say a word.

Elise's birthday party was just an excuse to drink away all of my sorrow and anger. And for me to have black-out dreams of killing the idiot for leaving me. It would be a good dream—I could tell just by picturing his face weeping in anguish.

"The fucker…"

» — ✣ — «

Ding dong!

Glaring at the door, I got up from the couch and walked towards the most annoying sound in the morning. I had a massive headache, and my eyes were close to shutting due to how bright the sun was shining through the curtains. The day appeared to be so happy; my mood contrasted with it greatly. Just the idea of going out and leaving the quiet apartment was already making me emit a whine of frustration.

I knew it. I shouldn't have drunk so much last night. Then I wouldn't be sporting this splitting headache!

"Yes!" I shouted, wrapping the blankets tighter around my frame as I waddled to the door. The doorbell was ringing constantly now. "Sheesh, can't you chill?"

Grabbing the handle, I pulled it open and was face to face with the delivery man, who had a stupid smile on his face. "Good morning, Miss Bay. There's a package for you."

"Well, obviously, you wouldn't be here if there wasn't, now would you?"

His response was a laugh and another smile, which ticked me off. I took the paper he handed me, signing on top of my name.

"It seems to have come from your friend. Apparently, it's urgent."

I snickered. "Which friend? I have a lot of friends."

Which is totally a lie.

"The girl named Elise. You know, the one who used to live with you—"

Dumb woman. What did she have to pay so much to send me?

"If you want to find her, she's at the Salvador mansion. Also, she's already married." Giving him a pointed look, I handed the signed paper to him. "And be careful, her husband might sue you. Even kill you if you touch his wife."

Another lie as well.

"I won't!" The man laughed and waved farewell as he walked away. Rolling my eyes, I locked the door and stared at the small box I had received. My name, in Elise's ugly handwriting, was scrawled on the surface along with hers. Shaking my head at the thought of her sending this to me so early in the morning, I grabbed my mug filled with hot green tea. The sound of the aquarium bubbling, with my leeches swimming around, filled my ears. The bright lime green dress that I wore last night was sitting on top of the couch along with my other clothes.

I might as well open it so that, when that crazy woman calls, she won't yell my ear off. What the fuck could this even contain?

Spotting the remote, I grabbed it and turned the television on. Showbiz lit up the screen right away with the face of a famous actress, her scandal being explained. After taking a small sip of tea, I set the mug down and began to unwrap the box.

"What is this…? Some kind of prank?" I grumbled and frowned. The idea of Elise rubbing her happy marriage and the celebration of her birthday yesterday in my face didn't sit well. No, the sudden arrival of this package was making me anxious. "That lazy bitch. She should've just delivered this on her own…"

"And now, for another bit of exciting news." My attention was diverted to the screen as the actress's face disappeared and was replaced with a more familiar one. "Aurelius Clarke was seen leaving Elise Salvador's birthday party at the Salvadors' hotel at nine in the evening with a woman around his arm. We have yet to find out whom. They are probably seeing one another!"

A picture of him leaving with a woman, whom he had covered with his jacket, flashed on the screen.

Oh, it's Aiden's friend.

Focusing back on the package, I threw away the wrapper and stared at the shiny yellow box sitting on my lap.

As far as I know, it isn't my birthday today…

"Charlie, did you dig up any exciting new scoops today?"

"That's right, Ash. I just received word that the woman who was seen leaving with Aurelius Clarke last night is none other than Elise Salvador's best friend!"

Oh? Elise has a new best friend and she's hooking up with Aurelius Clarke, who is also Elise's husband's best friend. That woman—

"Yes, and her name's Alex Bay."

"Who?" I raised my head and stared at the television with wide eyes as the two hosts laughed and began talking about Elise and me before commenting on how Aurelius and I were possibly hooking up. However, their words didn't make the dots connect. Eyes back on the box, I slowly opened it and stared at the package of condoms next to a photo of Elise giving me a thumbs up. After flipping the photo over, the words scrawled on the back made my headache worse:

Congratulations on getting laid!

"What? What the fuck?"

Hello, my name is Alex Bay and I’m twenty-four years old. A college student ready to finish my studies and become a well-known veterinarian. I am an only child and I’m happy being one unlike those who wish to have siblings. Despite all the hardships and successes, I often wonder how it all led up to this moment. Like, how I became friends with an idiot who sent me a box of condoms for a senseless reason.

To be friends with a crazy woman, there is definitely something wrong with me.

“Good morning, Miss Bay.” A man greeted me behind the gates of the Salvador mansion. He has been scrutinizing me ever since I arrived and I had to remove the mask I wore for him to know who I am. Recognizing him as part of the security in the area, I waved. Hair flying around with the cold wind. “Are you here to see Señora Elise?”

They even regard the idiot like some queen, just because she married into a rich family. The world is coming to an end!

“Yes, I have a problem with what she sent me.” I waved the box in front of his face. The condoms rocking inside. If only I had the time, I would burn them. “I’m here to complain.”

He laughed. “Sorry, but Señora Elise is out right now. She and her husband will be back before lunch.”

“I’m willing to wait.” I glowered, not amused with what she did. “As long as she arrives, I’ll wait so I could knock some sense into that tiny brain of hers. I also need to ask her a few questions regarding the party last night.”

I could also get free food.

Another chuckle escaped his lips as he opened the gate, letting me in. Just as I was stepping inside, a car rolled in which caught my attention. I stared at the black Rolls-Royce and sniffed in disdain before making my way inside.

Rich people and their cars… One day I’ll be able to afford them. Just you wait!

“Oh! Good morning, Mr. Clarke! It’s great to see you again.”

Hold the fuck up.

“Top of the morning to you too, Sir.” That English accent of his filled my ears as he waved at the guard. My eyes were wide as I watched them interact, not expecting to see him today. Or ever again. “I’m here to see Aiden, is he around?”

“Unfortunately, Señor Aiden isn’t. But he’ll be back before lunch. He’s currently out with his wife.” The same man relayed the message to the British man behind the wheel. “Would you wait for him inside?”

Aurelius’ reply didn’t reach the man once he caught sight of me. A huge smile immediately spread across his face. “Hello, Miss Bay. Fancy seeing you here in the morning. Are you already well?”

“Who the fuck are you? I don’t want to speak to strangers.” I turned my head sharply away and went off. Pretending not to know him was not necessary, yet the thought of that picture of him and I leaving Elise’s birthday party yesterday makes me wish I didn’t know him at all. The media must think we’re going out which is bothersome.

My phone has been buzzing all day, questions about my relationship with him to which I don’t even know how to answer. I had to turn it off before I left home so it wouldn’t annoy me on the way here.

Desmond wasn’t curious about the news circulating. I admit it is disappointing. I even wore thick clothes and a mask just in case someone recognizes me. Yet he, someone who used to be so close to me, wouldn’t even send a text to inquire about it.

And yet this idiot Aurelius Clarke is just taking it easy. The worst thing is, I don’t even remember what happened after drinking a lot of alcohol back in the party. Why was he even troubling himself on sending me home?

Finally, inside the house, I removed my coat and gave it to the housekeepers. As soon as I sat comfortably next to the fireplace, the front door burst open. The dog, Maximus, came running up to Aurelius just as it did with me. The British man petted the dog, making funny faces.

Rolling my eyes, I looked away and crossed my arms across my chest. Not wanting to deal with him.

Idiots. They’re everywhere.

“Don’t be so cold, Miss Bay!” My spine went straight at his flowery voice that shocked me to the bone. He flopped down beside me, pushing back his blond wavy locks. His green eyes were shiny and if you would look closely, you could see specks of blue in them. “After I sent you home last night, you’re suddenly treating me like some strange—”

“What the fuck happened last night then? Do care to tell.” I narrowed my eyes, every letter I spoke dripping with the promise of killing him. “Have you seen the news? The media is now making up a lot of stories with just a photo of us taken last night. Elise even sent me…” Trailing off, I cleared my throat and resumed my serious mode. “What happened?”

The blond man merely smiled at me, probably thinking to himself before shrugging innocently. As if he didn’t have any part of it. “Nothing much. I was also tipsy myself. All I remember was sending you home after the party—well, the driver did the job since I wasn’t allowed to drive. That’s it. You shouldn’t pay any attention to the news—”

“Really? I shouldn’t?” When he nodded, I clenched my fists and gave him a sweet smile. Holding back my irritation, since he is, after all, Aiden’s best friend. Someone who is living in a far more different world. And you know what they say, people with different lifestyles don’t get along. Especially if his lifestyle is buying cars that cost more than your rent and entire savings. “Is that so? Well then, why don’t you explain that to the media? By yourself?”

Scratching his chin, he nodded with a stupid smile still on his stupid face. “No problem. I’ll ask them to cease the articles from popping up. Plus, I’m going to give them something else to chew on.”

“What?”

He laughed. “Probably an old photo of Aiden in his swimming trunks? Maybe an embarrassing video of him—”

“And why would you do that?” I raised an eyebrow, completely confused. “Isn’t there any other way rather than embarrassing him?”

Why would he embarrass his friend in order to—

“Ah! I’m home!”

I cringe at the sound of Elise’s loud voice echoing around the living room. Behind her followed Aiden, who was carrying a box. I immediately stood up and pointed at Aurelius, who had a surprised expression on his face. “Who is this man? Why do I have to be rumored to be his girlfriend? We’re not even close!”

“Hello, Alex—”

“And why a box of condoms? I don’t even have a dick!”