9. A Bad Plan To Broke Us

AMBER. Thumping music from the dance floor could still be heard faintly inside the restroom, despite the thick walls separating it. I stood in front of the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My face looked tired, and my red lipstick was slightly faded. Tonight had been too much, more than I expected. I touched my cheek, trying to calm my chaotic thoughts, when the sound of footsteps entered the room. Someone stopped at the far booth. I didn't notice who it was, my mind too busy with other things. But then, I heard that voice-a voice I could never forget. It was him. My ex-boyfriend. I froze for a moment, hearing the sound of his cell phone starting to ring. I didn't care at first, but when he started talking, I couldn't stop myself from listening. "Yes, everything is set," he said in a low tone, almost like a whisper. His voice echoed in the small space, making my hair stand on end. "I've made sure she'll be there. Her husband too. They'll both be in the same place at the right time." I held my breath. What was she talking about? My heart skipped a beat, and I felt the air suddenly become cold. I stepped back a little, trying to get away from the mirror, but my legs felt heavy. "Don't worry," he continued, his tone now sharper. "Once everything is done, I'll make sure they can't rise again. You just need to do your part. I'll take care of the rest." I almost dropped my small bag on the floor. Obviously, whatever he was planning, it wasn't something good. Her words were mean-spirited, and to make matters worse, I knew she was talking about me and my husband. I wanted to get out of there, wanted to run as far away as possible, but my body was frozen in place. I didn't dare move. The sound of her approaching footsteps made my heart almost jump out of my chest. He opened the cubicle door, and I only had a few seconds to hide. I stepped into the booth beside him, closing the door quietly, trying not to make a sound. My breath caught, and I heard his steps stop in front of the sink. "Yes, I know it's a big risk," he said again, talking to someone on the phone. "But I don't care. They both deserve it, especially him. I've endured this for too long." A chill ran through my body. I knew she held a grudge, but I never thought she would go this far. I pressed my hand over my mouth, afraid he would hear my trembling voice. Finally, he finished his call. I heard his footsteps slowly moving away, accompanied by the sound of the toilet door opening and closing. I remained silent for a few moments, making sure she was really gone. Once I was sure the room was empty, I walked out of the stall with a trembling body. My face was pale as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I had to do something, but what? Who would believe me if I said my ex-lover was planning to ruin my life and my husband's? I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. But only one thing was clear: I had to warn my husband. And I had to do it before it was too late. *** I felt my heart beating twice as fast as I stepped out of the toilet. My mind was full of those voices-his threatening words, the evil plans he had prepared for me and my husband. I had to leave. Must get out of this place before something bad happens. My steps were fast, almost like running, but I tried not to attract attention. The music in the nightclub still thumped loudly, the lights flickered blindingly, and people moved like shadows trapped in a repetitive rhythm. I felt like I was in a trap. My eyes searched for the exit. Just a few more meters, and I'd be safe. I could call my husband, tell him everything, ask for help. But just then, I felt a strong hand grip my wrist. "Where are you going in such a hurry?" his voice stopped me in my tracks, making my body freeze. I didn't need to turn around to know who he was. That voice-its cold low tone-was too familiar. I swallowed, trying to gather courage. "I... I just want to go home," I replied, my voice shaking despite my efforts to sound calm. He pulled me closer, his grip getting stronger. "Go home? Without saying goodbye? You make me feel unappreciated." I looked at him, his dark eyes full of something hard to interpret-rage, hatred, or perhaps a game he was enjoying. "Let go of me," I said, trying to pull my hand from his grip. But he didn't budge. "You heard something, didn't you?" he asked softly, almost like a whisper. But behind that soft tone, I could sense a clear threat. I tried to deny, tried to defend. "I don't know what you're talking about." He smiled, but it wasn't a friendly smile. "Don't lie to me. You've always been bad at lying." I feel panic start to creep into my body. This room felt increasingly claustrophobic, and the pounding music seemed to drown out all my logic. I need to get out of here, but how? He brought his face closer, so close that I could smell the alcohol on his breath. "Listen," he said in a quieter but scarier tone. "I don't like it when someone meddles in my business. Especially you. So, if you want to live a quiet life with your husband, pretend you don't know anything." I felt my body trembling, but I stared at her with the remaining courage I had. "You can't control me like you used to," I said, though my voice nearly broke. He chuckled, but it wasn't a pleasant laugh. "You want to try? You know I always have a way." I took a deep breath, trying to find an opening to escape. I knew if I stayed here any longer, I wouldn't stand a chance. With all my might, I pulled my hand from his grip and stepped back. He was surprised for a moment, but then his steps followed. "You won't be able to run away from me, you know that," he said, his tone getting lower, more dangerous. Without thinking, I turned and ran, pushing through the crowd of people filling the dance floor. I heard the sound of his steps chasing me, but I didn't care. I had to get out. I had to survive. The exit was getting closer, and I promised myself, this wasn't the end. I won't let him win. My hand was almost reaching for the exit when something pulled me roughly from behind. The grip was too strong, too familiar. I tried to resist, but it was futile. My body was pulled backwards forcefully, taking me into the darkness of the crowd that mingled with the music. "Stop resisting," the cold voice sounded near my ear. It was low, sharp, and made me want to scream, but my breath caught. I knew who he was-I knew what he was capable of. "You think you can run away from me?" he continued, his tone scornful, like a hunter who had just caught his quarry. I tried to struggle, but he grasped my arm harder, forcing me to walk. "Let me go!" I finally managed to croak out, though it was barely audible amidst the noise of the club. Still, he didn't care. We walked further away from the exit, deeper into the darker, more deserted parts of the club. I tried to pull my hand away, but she pushed me forward, directing my steps towards a large door guarded by two men in black suits. They didn't say anything, just opened the door obediently, as if this was a normal thing. "Enter," he ordered coldly. I resisted, halting my steps, but he pushed me forcefully.