Love at First Night: The Billionaire's First Love-Chapter 61: A sudden kiss

>Mallory

I sat on the floor behind the bedroom door, my back pressed against the wood. My phone was clutched tightly in my hand, my fingers stiff from holding it for too long. The screen had already gone dark, but I didn’t move to turn it on again.

I can’t believe this.

When she needs me the most, I can’t even do anything.

I’m useless.

The thought kept repeating in my head, over and over, until it hurt. I buried my face into my knees, breathing in slowly, trying to calm the tight feeling in my chest.

Then I heard the sound of the front door opening.

My head snapped up.

Footsteps followed, steady and familiar. I quickly stood up, my legs a little numb from sitting too long, and rushed out of the room. I nearly ran down the stairs, gripping the railing to keep myself from tripping.

It was Venz.

He was already inside, one hand reaching back to close the door behind him. His tie was slightly loose, his coat hanging over his arm. He looked tired, but when he lifted his head and saw me, his expression softened.

Thank goodness.

"Wife?" he called out, his voice gentle.

My hand moved on its own, slipping into my pocket. I touched the cold metal of the car key I had prepared earlier, just in case. When I felt it there, safe and real, I finally relaxed a little.

I rushed toward him.

"Can you take care of my son while I’m gone?" I asked quickly, not giving myself time to hesitate.

He paused, clearly surprised. His brows pulled together as he studied my face, probably trying to understand what was happening. After a moment, he nodded.

"Of course," he said.

"Thank you!" I smiled, the words spilling out with relief. Before he could say anything else, I turned around and ran for the door.

I hurried to my car, pulled the door open, and slid into the seat. My hands shook as I fastened my seat belt.

I turned the key.

The engine came to life with a low hum.

I drove as fast as I could without being reckless, my eyes fixed on the road ahead. My heart beat fast, my thoughts messy and loud. I kept checking the time, gripping the steering wheel tighter every second.

Please be okay.

When I finally reached my destination, I parked without wasting time. I pushed the door open and stepped out, the cold air brushing over my face.

The building stood tall before me, its lights glowing brightly. I walked toward the entrance, my steps quick and firm.

Golden Dragon Exclusive.

That was the name written in bold letters at the front.

I approached the bouncer and handed over my ID. He gave it a short look, then another glance at my face. After a brief pause, he nodded and stepped aside.

Inside, the place felt different from other clubs I had been to. It wasn’t dark or crowded. The lights were bright, the floors shiny and clean. Long hallways stretched ahead, with doors lined neatly on both sides. Each room looked private, sealed away from the noise.

I checked my phone again.

Room 205.

I walked down the hallway, counting each door as I passed. My steps slowed as I reached the right number. I took a deep breath before pushing the door open.

The sight inside made my brows knit together.

Mara was sitting in the center of the room, leaning back in her chair. Two men and two women were pressed close to her, clinging to her arms and shoulders. Empty bottles and half-filled glasses covered the table. She was wearing a suit, but her tie was loose, hanging crookedly around her neck.

She looked drunk.

"All of you, get out," I ordered, my voice firm and sharp.

Everyone turned to look at me, including Mara.

"Oh! You came!" she said brightly, as if this were a normal meeting.

She waved her hand at the others. "Go on, leave."

They didn’t argue. One by one, they stood up and walked out, casting curious looks my way. The door closed behind them, leaving only the two of us in the room.

I marched toward her, anger burning in my chest. I stopped right in front of her, looking down at the mess she had made of herself.

She just smiled at me, her eyes unfocused.

"What’s wrong with you?" I asked, my voice trembling with frustration. I can’t believe I was worried.

She chuckled softly and leaned forward, reaching for another bottle. She lifted it toward her mouth.

I reacted without thinking. I grabbed the bottle from her hand and slammed it down on the table.

"Enough," I snapped. "We’re leaving. You’re coming with me."

I grabbed her arm and pulled her up. She pouted like a child, but she didn’t resist.

"If you had a problem, you should’ve called me," I said as we walked. I hooked her arm over my shoulder to support her. Her full weight leaned against me, and I almost groaned.

She was heavier than she looked.

What was she trying to do? Kill someone like me who barely exercises?

"But I don’t have a problem," she replied, her words slurring slightly. Her legs crossed awkwardly as we walked. The smell of alcohol was strong on her breath.

"Save it," I said, opening the door with my free hand.

Getting her into the car took all my strength. I pushed her gently into the front seat, making sure she was settled, then hurried to the driver’s side.

"Where should I take you?" I asked, glancing at her.

She leaned her head against the window. "To my condo."

"Alright," I nodded. "Give me the address."

She did, mumbling the details. I typed it in and started driving.

The ride was strangely quiet.

She didn’t say a word.

"Is there really no problem?" I asked after a while, my voice softer now.

"Did you like my cousin?" she suddenly asked.

It caught me off guard.

"What?" I said, confused. "You know as well as I do, it was a contract marriage."

"I see," she replied. "That’s enough."

She closed her eyes and leaned back into the window.

She was acting strange.

I stopped thinking about it and focused on the road. When we arrived at her condo building, I quickly got out to help her, but she had already stepped out on her own.

She didn’t sway much. Still, I stayed close, guiding her carefully.

"You can visit us anytime," I blurted out while we waited for the elevator. "If you need someone to talk to."

"I think I might," she said with a small chuckle. "I miss my son."

My heart warmed. I smiled.

"He’s starting school soon," I said.

"Has he started speaking?"

"Not yet, but he’s improving," I replied. "You know Dr. Chesten, right? He recommended a special school."

"Why do you accept help from them so easily," she asked quietly, "but always refuse when it’s from me?"

I looked at her. Her eyes looked hurt.

"I could give you all of that too," she murmured.

"What?" I asked.

"Never mind," she said. "We’re here." We stopped at one of the doors.

She entered the code, fumbling a bit before the door clicked open.

I guided her to the sofa as soon as the door opened, making sure she sat down properly. She leaned back, her head falling against the cushion.

"I’ll get you something to drink—" I said, turning toward the kitchen.

Before I could finish, she suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward her. I stumbled forward, caught off guard. Her lips pressed against mine.

My eyes widened.

I pushed her away immediately, stepping back. "What are you doing?!" I snapped, my voice sharp and confused.

She leaned back on the sofa again, one corner of her lips lifting into a small smirk.

"What?" she said, acting like nothing had happened.

My chest felt tight. I didn’t know what to say or how to react.

Before I could speak again, a beeping sound came from the door.

A second later, it unlocked and opened.

A woman with pink hair rushed inside, slightly bent forward, her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. It looked like she had run all the way here.

"Oh, Monique!" Mara greeted casually, as if nothing was wrong.

The woman went straight to Mara, not even sparing me a glance. She started checking her, asking something in a low voice.

I stood there for a moment, feeling out of place.

Without saying anything else, I turned and walked toward the door. My hand rested on the handle before I paused and looked back at them.

"We’d better talk when you sober up," I said.