Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 29: Alex desperate call

The air inside the club was thick with music and the scent of alcohol, bodies moving to the bass-heavy rhythm under flashing neon lights. Laughter and chatter blended into the atmosphere, a perfect escape from reality.

Elaine felt lighter—almost free. It was a welcome change.

At their table, Ryan and Mary were locked in a ridiculous competition, downing drinks at a concerning speed, neither willing to admit defeat. "You're slowing down, Ryan," Mary taunted, slamming another empty glass onto the table.

Ryan scoffed, wiping his mouth. "Please, I was just letting you catch up."

Adrian, sitting with a beer in hand, watched them with an unimpressed expression. "You guys are idiots."

Elaine laughed, tipping back her last drink. But before she could finish, Adrian reached over, grabbing the glass from her hand. "That's enough," he said firmly.

Elaine, feeling a little bold, pouted playfully. "Oh, come on, Adrian. One more won't hurt."

His eyes locked onto hers, unwavering. "You'll regret it in the morning."

A mischievous glint sparked in Elaine's eyes. "Maybe I like regrets."

Adrian sighed, setting her glass down. "Yeah? Well, I don't like dealing with them. So, no more."

Elaine crossed her arms, but the warmth in his voice made her stomach flip. She wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or the way he was looking at her.

Either way, the night was just getting started.

_______

Both Ryan and Mary had completely passed out, their heads resting on the table as empty glasses surrounded them. The club's vibrant energy continued, but at their booth, the night had clearly ended.

Elaine, on the other hand, had dozed off—her head comfortably resting on Adrian's shoulder. Her soft breaths tickled his neck, and despite himself, he couldn't help but glance down at her peaceful face.

Adrian let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Great," he muttered. "Looks like I'm the only responsible one here."

He glanced at Ryan, then Mary, then back at Elaine, who shifted slightly in her sleep, murmuring something incoherent.

Adrian shook his head. "And now I have to carry all of them."

With another resigned sigh, he carefully adjusted Elaine, making sure she wouldn't wake up abruptly. Then, rolling up his sleeves, he braced himself for the exhausting task ahead.

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Adrian carried Ryan first, struggling slightly under his weight as he hauled him toward the car. After making sure Ryan was settled in the back seat, he went back for Mary, who mumbled something incoherent before curling up as soon as he placed her beside Ryan.

With a tired sigh, he turned back towards the booth, ready to carry Elaine next—only to find the seat empty.

His brows furrowed. "Elaine?" He scanned the area, his sharp eyes moving through the crowd. She couldn't have gone far.

Then, he spotted her.

She was near the washroom, standing still, her eyes distant, her expression blank. The flashing lights of the club flickered across her face, but she didn't move.

Adrian quickly made his way to her, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. "Elaine?" he called, his voice gentle but firm.

She blinked slowly, as if coming back to reality, then looked up at him. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

Adrian frowned. "What are you doing here?"

Elaine swayed slightly, and he instinctively reached out, steadying her. Her dazed expression worried him.

"Come on," he murmured. "Let's get you home."

Without waiting for a response, he carefully scooped her up in his arms, feeling her relax against him. As he carried her toward the car, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in his chest. Something was off.

Adrian kept glancing at Elaine through the rearview mirror as he drove. She sat silently in the passenger seat, staring out the window with a dazed expression, her usual sharpness dulled by whatever was weighing on her mind.

After dropping off Ryan and Mary at their homes, he pulled up in front of Elaine's hostel. He shifted the gear into park and turned to her. "We're here."

Elaine didn't move.

She kept her gaze fixed outside for a moment before slowly turning to him. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I don't want to go."

Adrian's fingers tightened around the steering wheel. He had already suspected something was off, but hearing her say it made his concern deepen.

"Elaine..." His voice was softer now, careful. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head, forcing a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Nothing. I just... I don't want to be alone tonight." She looked at him, vulnerability clear in her expression. "Can I stay at your place? Just for one night."

Adrian studied her for a long moment, his jaw tensing. He didn't ask more, not now. Whatever had shaken her this much, she wasn't ready to talk about it yet.

With a sigh, he shifted the car back into gear. "Alright," he said. "Let's go."

Elaine exhaled, relief flashing in her tired eyes as she leaned back into the seat. Adrian didn't say anything else as he drove. But as the city lights blurred past, he knew one thing for sure—something had happened.

They both tiptoed into Adrian's hostel room, careful not to make noise. The dim light cast soft shadows against the walls, making the small space feel even quieter. Adrian had recently shifted to the hostel as well, so the room still had a bare, unfamiliar feel to it.

"You should freshen up," Adrian said, his voice calm as he handed her a bottle of water. Elaine nodded silently and disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes.

When she returned, they both sat on the bed, an uncomfortable silence stretching between them. The weight of unspoken words filled the room, but Adrian didn't push. He just sat there, waiting, offering her space without pressure.

Elaine glanced at him hesitantly before finally asking, "You're not going to ask me why I'm here?"

Adrian leaned back slightly, resting his arms on his knees. "No," he said simply. "Whenever you feel like sharing, I'll be here. But I'll never force you."

Elaine's eyes softened at his words. The quiet understanding in his voice made her chest tighten. For so long, she had felt like she had to explain herself, to justify her pain. But here, with Adrian, she didn't have to.

And just like that, the dam broke. A sob escaped her lips as she clutched her face, her body shaking with the force of her emotions. Before she could stop herself, she turned toward him and hugged him tightly, burying her face into his shoulder.

Adrian stiffened for a second, caught off guard, but then he exhaled and wrapped his arms around her, holding her as she cried. He didn't say anything, didn't tell her to stop, didn't offer empty reassurances. He just let her cry, anchoring her in the silence.

Because sometimes, silence was the only answer that mattered.

Elaine pulled away slightly, wiping her tears as she took a deep breath. "I saw Alex," she whispered, her voice barely holding steady.

Adrian's brows furrowed. "Where?"

"In the club... near the washroom." Her fingers curled into the fabric of her sweater as she forced herself to continue. "He was with her. They were kissing."

Adrian's jaw clenched, but he let her speak.

"When they saw me, she—Olivia—closed the door in my face." Elaine let out a bitter laugh. "But I saw enough. I don't know why it still hurts. Why can't I just let go? Why do I keep torturing myself over him?" Her voice cracked, frustration and pain mixing into one.

Adrian watched her for a long moment before exhaling. Then, with a calm determination, he said, "Use me."

Elaine's head snapped up, eyes widening. "What?"

"Use me," Adrian repeated, his gaze unwavering.

Elaine blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "What are you talking about? Use you for what?"

Adrian opened his mouth to explain, but before he could, Elaine's phone buzzed loudly, breaking the tension in the room.

She flinched, glancing down at the screen. Her breath hitched when she saw the name flashing on the display.

Alex.

Her fingers hovered over the phone, hesitating.

Adrian watched her carefully. "Are you going to answer?"

Elaine swallowed hard, torn between the familiar ache in her chest and the silent question in Adrian's eyes.

Elaine hesitated for a long moment before pressing the answer button.

"Hello?" Her voice was cautious, guarded.

There was a pause, then Alex's voice came through—slurred, heavy with alcohol. "Elaine... come down. I need to talk to you."

Her grip on the phone tightened. "Why are you calling me at this hour?" she asked, her voice cold. "And what could you possibly have to say to me now?"

Alex let out a bitter laugh. "Just... come down. Please."

Elaine closed her eyes, exhaling sharply. She knew she shouldn't. She knew this was a mistake. But a part of her still wanted to hear what he had to say. Maybe, just maybe, it would give her the closure she never had.

She glanced at Adrian, who had been silently watching her the entire time. He didn't stop her. Instead, he simply said, "Take care. If you need anything, call me."

Elaine nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat before grabbing her coat and stepping out into the night.