As a reward for his achievement as the new CEO of Dela Merzcid Real Estate Company, Alas decided to go bar hopping. He'd been swamped with work all month, so he wanted to get away from his responsibilities for a while. Just this once – after this, he'd go back to reality, because his hectic schedule of meetings and projects would be waiting for him again soon.
He decided to go to a bar near his place so he could leave quickly afterwards. He wanted to celebrate his success in life – this was one of his dreams since childhood: that one day, he would take over his father's position as CEO. He hadn't failed – he had finally achieved the position he desired at the company built by his father, Eduardo.
The moment he stepped through the entrance, he was met with stares from people who seemed to be scrutinizing him from head to toe. He paid no attention to them. Of course they would look – he was incredibly handsome in his polo shirt and jeans, looking attractive and well-built.
Many women glanced his way, some even squealed and gaped as they looked at him. But when he stared back at them intensely, they immediately averted their eyes and went back to dancing on the floor. They were intimidated by his stern expression – and rightly so, because he felt uncomfortable being stared at in that manner.
He looked for an empty table and seat, but the only available spot was at a table occupied by a heavily intoxicated woman. He had no other choice but to approach her and share the table. However, he grew annoyed when he tried to talk to her – she didn't answer, and instead kept repeating the name of a man. He assumed that must be her boyfriend.
He let her be and ordered a shot of tequila. As soon as the bartender handed it to him, he downed the entire glass in one go.
It would have been fine if she hadn't been so noisy – he felt irritated by her presence, but there was nothing he could do. He didn't want to cause a scene by making her leave. Besides, he was the one intruding on her table, so he had no right to do that.
The woman was completely drunk; she was practically slumping over her seat. He didn't want to get involved in any scandal because of her, so he simply ignored her. He just let her cry and make noise in front of him.
"Janus?" she called out, seemingly looking for that man. Alas shook his head as he watched her look completely out of it.
"You – why are you here? After you left me? You only show up again now? How dare you!"
He was shocked when the drunk woman shouted at him. He looked around to see if there was anyone else she could be referring to, but there was no one else behind him – she was definitely talking to him. "What the hell! What is she saying?" he thought to himself.
He dismissed her words again, thinking she must have mistaken him for someone else. Besides, he didn't even know this woman. He finished his drink and ordered another one.
The woman stood up and slowly walked towards him, stumbling and holding onto the edge of the table for support. Suddenly, she slapped him across the face – though it was weak and uncoordinated.
He was stunned by what happened. He gritted his teeth and glared at her, but it seemed to have no effect on her.
"How dare you! Why did you slap me?" he said sharply, holding his stinging cheek.
"This is for leaving me almost a year ago!"
"Damn it, you've got me confused with someone else! I'm not Janus, Miss!" he said firmly, grabbing her arm. "Are you crazy? Not every man here is your ex-boyfriend. Use your head – figure out whether you're just dreaming or simply mistaking me for someone else!"
The woman didn't listen to a word he said. Who was she? He was getting confused. Out of all the men in the bar, why did she have to mistake him for her ex? It was really annoying.
"Wow? After everything you did to me, you've forgotten me?" she spoke again, filled with anger. Her hair was messy and falling all over her face, and she didn't bother fixing it – making her look completely deranged in his eyes.
Alas shook his head and smirked slightly. He didn't let her say another word. He grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the bar. He didn't want people who knew him to see this. His image as the CEO of one of the largest real estate companies in the country was important to him. He was known as a kind and respected leader, so he desperately wanted to avoid any issues that could ruin his career.
They stopped in the parking area. He let go of her arm.
"Are you really out of your mind, Miss? I don't even know you!" he asked her again, still smirking at her.
"I'm not crazy. You'll pay for leaving me!" she said before suddenly losing consciousness.
He quickly caught her in his arms before she could hit the ground. If he hadn't reacted fast, she could have gotten bruises or even broken bones. Her body felt heavy yet soft, like a pillow.
He couldn't just leave an unconscious woman alone in the parking lot. Even though she had slapped him earlier, his conscience wouldn't allow it. He had no other choice but to bring her to his condo unit to let her rest.
He got into his car, started the engine, and drove off quickly.
She was still unconscious when they arrived at his place. He carried her into his bedroom and gently laid her down on the bed.
As soon as she was settled, he brushed the hair covering her face aside. He gasped in surprise when he saw her features – she was beautiful, like an angel sent from heaven. Her face was lovely and smooth, completely different from what he had expected earlier.
"She's so beautiful," he whispered, smiling slightly. "You're so pitiful, Miss. You don't deserve to be left by the man you keep mentioning."
He looked at the sleeping woman again and felt pity for her. If he were her boyfriend, he would never do what that man did to her.
"Why do women get drunk when they're heartbroken? How pathetic!" As the woman shifted in her sleep, her dress rode up, revealing her fair and shapely legs.
Suddenly, he felt a rush of heat throughout his body. "Damn it, Alas, what are you thinking?" He shook his head to clear his mind of inappropriate thoughts. He was about to leave when her soft, warm hand grabbed his arm. She stopped him from leaving and pulled him towards her, causing him to lose his balance and fall on top of her. They both gasped in shock.
"Don't leave me again, Janus. I still love you – just stay with me tonight," she murmured softly.
"I'm not Janus, Miss."
"Yes you are. I love you so much, Janus," she repeated. He felt his body heat up and his emotions shifting rapidly.
"Damn it," he cursed inwardly. He forced himself to stop from kissing the woman beneath him. He was a bit tipsy himself, so this was definitely the wrong time to be thinking such things – he might end up doing something he would deeply regret. Besides, he didn't even like her that way – his heart already belonged to someone else.