The One for You Would Never Leave You

"Are you really going through with this, Rose?" my best friend asked, eyeing me as I carefully applied a fresh coat of lipstick. The decision was made, I was going out tonight. Clubbing, of all things.

All thanks to my ex, who dumped me after two years because he suddenly decided I was too boring and not his type anymore. Funny how it never seemed to bother him before.

I felt the sting behind my eyes, the threat of tears rising, but I blinked them away. He didn't deserve that...not now, not ever. And I wasn't about to mess up my makeup over someone who clearly never saw my worth.

"I'm fine, Bella. Really. You don't have to worry," I said, raking my fingers through my hair to give it that intentionally messy, effortlessly sexy look. She was only concerned because she knew me well,crowds, loud music, alcohol... None of that was really me. But maybe that was the problem. Maybe I needed to change things up. Maybe he was right, and I was too stiff.

"It's just... it feels like you're doing this to prove a point to Derick," she said gently. And maybe that's what it looked like from the outside but the truth was, this had nothing to do with him anymore.

"I'm not doing this for Derick," I told her, my voice steady. "He's out of my life for good". This is for me.

"I just want to know what it's like to be wild for once. You could come with me, you know," I offered, noticing how anxious she looked.

Bella let out a frustrated sigh. "Trust me, I'd love to...but I've got a shift at the hospital tonight." Of course she did. Being a nurse meant her nights were often spent saving lives, not tagging along on impulsive clubbing adventures. So, it was just me tonight. Solo. But that was okay. Maybe I needed the space to let loose.

"Please don't do anything crazy," she said, pulling me into a hug before giving me a playful smile.

"Yes, ma'am," I teased, grabbing my bag and heading for the door.

"See you tomorrow!" she called after me.

"Bye!" I shouted back, just as I slid into the Uber waiting outside. I hadn't driven myself on purpose,if everything went according to plan, I'd be far too drunk to be behind the wheel.

I asked the driver to take me to The Cyclone, a chaotic, infamous club I'd only ever heard wild stories about. Something told me that's exactly where I needed to be tonight.

The line outside was insane...mostly kids who looked like they'd only just turned eighteen, hungry for their first real taste of nightlife. I didn't feel like waiting around. Tugging the neckline of my dress just a little lower, I gave myself a confident, sultry smile in the reflection of my phone screen and strode straight past the crowd.

The bouncer didn't say a word.

Just like that, I was inside.

The music hit me like a wave,loud, fast, and overwhelming. For a split second, I second guessed this whole idea. But no, tonight was about shedding my usual self. Tonight was about being bold.

As I pushed through the crowd, people were already losing themselves to the beat, some were drunk enough to forget what planet they were on.

I was just about to reach the bar when someone grabbed my hand. I turned to see a man who looked like he could barely stand.

"Dance with me, pretty thing," he slurred, pulling me against him. I practically crashed into his chest, instantly assaulted by the heavy stench of alcohol. Gross.

"Not tonight, sweetheart," I said, gently but firmly pushing him away before he could try anything else. I slipped into the nearest seat at the bar.

"Hit me with your strongest drink," I told the bartender, who raised an eyebrow in question.

I just shrugged. Why not?

The first shot went down rough,fiery and foul tasting. I winced. How people did this for fun, I had no idea. Still, I was here to let go. No overthinking. No rules. Just chaos.

As I glanced at the dance floor, the sea of bodies swaying under the flashing lights, my thoughts drifted straight to him. Was this the kind of nightlife Derick craved? Late nights, packed clubs, strangers bumping shoulders? We'd had our moments...sweet dates, quiet picnics, long walks in the park. I gave him all I could, so what more did he want? How did I go from being his person to suddenly not his type?

I used to ignore the way he double tapped bikini pics on Instagram like it meant nothing, but maybe that was always a red flag. Still, I couldn't believe he woke up one day and decided I wasn't enough.

And yet... Here I was, standing in the middle of a club trying to prove I was. No. I stopped myself. I wasn't doing this for him. This night,this version of me was for me.

Then I heard my name.

"Rose?"

I froze.

People always say speaking of the devil brings him to life, and apparently, that's not just a saying. Because there he was...Derick,of all people, in the same damn club, tonight of all nights. And he wasn't alone. A girl clung to him like she had to mark her territory.