24: memories 2

Roughly five minutes later, she heard a knock at the door, causing her to startle. She quickly dabbed the wet stain on her gown while taking a deep breath. Then Aria proceeded to open the door, her heart thumping hard against her rib cage, mainly because she was unfamiliar with the environment. With shaky heads, she bent the handle of the door.

Her eyes darted towards the person in front of her. It was the man from earlier on—the one who had bumped into her—stretching a handkerchief towards her. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words died in her throat as she took in his high cheekbones, which cast a shadow on his stubble. His face held a blank expression.

Wordlessly, she grabbed the offer. Even though she had already cleaned herself up, she couldn't find the words to decline. She felt obliged to accept this act of kidness. Once she did so, he turned around, taking calculated steps that exuded confidence back into the club. Involuntarily, she held the handkerchief toward