In the Embrace of the Past

“You’d better go home and sleep instead of wasting your time at this club.”

“Who even are you?” Cleo snapped, glaring at the man with frustration.

The man remained silent, not uttering a single word. Feeling disrespected, Cleo moved to another spot, intending to drink the wine she had just ordered. But once again, the man moved swiftly, knocking the glass from her hand, causing it to shatter on the floor. The commotion caught the attention of many in the club.

“Are you insane?” Cleo shouted, embarrassed by the scene.

“You’re the one acting insane,” the man replied calmly, as if nothing had happened.

Cleo was growing increasingly confused by this stranger. “What do you want? Stay out of my business!”

The man said nothing, then sat beside her without a word.

Cleo exhaled sharply. “Why are you sitting here? Trying to get my attention? Don’t bother! I’m not interested in men anymore, especially not guys like you.”

“Quite confident, aren’t you?” he said, smirking faintly.

Cleo scoffed and chose not to respond. She ordered another bottle of wine, trying to drown her sorrows in more drinks.

“Got a problem?” the man asked. “Why else would you order that?”

Cleo glanced at him sideways, her eyes half-closed. “You’d be better off leaving and letting me be.”

“Not until you leave this place,” he answered firmly.

Cleo stared at him, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. When the bottle and glass were placed on the table, Cleo poured herself another drink without a second thought. “Why are you here, anyway?” she asked, her voice hoarse.

“Just needed some fresh air,” he replied casually.

Cleo scoffed quietly. “Just admit you’re here for the pretty girls.”

“Could be,” he said with a small smile.

“Typical sleazy guy,” Cleo muttered before taking a slow sip. The wine burned, just like the pain in her heart.

“I’m not drinking like you,” he remarked in a flat tone. “I’m just here to let go of some burdens without needing alcohol.”

Cleo looked at him, puzzled. “Without drinking? That’s pointless,” she replied, her face turning red as the alcohol took effect.

The man simply cleared his throat and watched as Cleo slowly finished her drink. For a moment, she felt as though the world had stopped, lost in her loneliness and confusion. Just as she reached for another drink, the man quickly held her hand, stopping her.

“That’s enough. Don’t overdo it,” he said gently but firmly.

“What’s your problem? Let go!” Cleo pushed his hand away and poured herself another glass, downing it quickly in an attempt to quiet her chaotic thoughts.

Suddenly, someone called out to the man. “Kevin?”

Kevin—the name the man responded to—turned toward the voice, looking slightly surprised. Another man in a tuxedo approached them. Kevin hesitated briefly before giving a faint smile.

“You can head back first. I’ll follow soon,” Kevin said to the newcomer.

“Alright. I’ll leave the car for you and take a cab,” the other man replied before walking away.

Kevin nodded slightly, watching the man disappear into the crowd.

Cleo, now feeling dizzy, tried to stand but staggered. “You should’ve gone with him. Stop meddling in my business!” she said, her voice slurred.

Kevin remained silent, his calm gaze fixed on her. He watched as Cleo continued drinking relentlessly. Eventually, he stood up and gently took the glass from her hand, which was nearly empty.

“Cleo, let’s go. Don’t hurt yourself any more than you already have,” he said softly but with resolve.

Cleo, feeling as though the world was spinning around her, struggled to stand on her own. “Ugh! Let go of me! I can manage on my own!” she yelled, trying to push Kevin away.

But her legs gave out, and she nearly collapsed. Thankfully, Kevin was quick to catch her, holding her up from behind.

“Cleo?” Kevin called her name, concern etched on his face. His expression grew serious as he noticed her worsening condition.

Cleo, her face flushed and body trembling, tried to pull away from Kevin’s support. “I don’t need your help!” she shouted angrily, stumbling as she attempted to walk on her own.

Kevin clenched his jaw, his worry mounting. He could see how much Cleo was hurting, and though her stubbornness frustrated him, he couldn’t abandon her. “Cleo, don’t push yourself,” he said firmly, holding her shoulders to steady her.

Cleo turned, trying to break free from Kevin’s gentle hold. “Let me go!” she yelled, her anger clear on her flushed face. “I don’t need anyone! Especially not you!”

But as she tried to walk again, her legs weakened further, and she stumbled once more. Kevin caught her just in time, preventing her from falling.

Cleo clutched her chest, feeling a tightness that stemmed more from her emotions than her physical exhaustion. “Why does everything have to be this way?” she whispered. “Why did Jack have to be so cruel? I never thought he’d do this. And now… now you show up out of nowhere, meddling in my problems.”

Kevin didn’t respond immediately, his eyes filled with quiet understanding as he looked at her. “I’m just trying to help. But if you don’t want that, I won’t force you. Just know you’re not alone, Cleo.”

Cleo fell silent, her tear-filled eyes meeting his. There was a sincerity in Kevin’s expression that she couldn’t ignore. Despite her pain, she could sense that this man wasn’t like Jack. Kevin wasn’t here to break her further; he was offering a semblance of peace in her chaotic world.

She looked up at him, her weakened body leaning against his steady frame. Her voice broke as she let out a bitter laugh. “You know my name?” she asked, her tone a mix of disbelief and anguish.

Kevin sighed deeply, gazing at the woman who could barely stand. Without another word, he bent down, lifted her into his arms, and carried her out of the noisy club.

Cleo felt heavy in Kevin’s arms, whether from the alcohol or the emotional weight she carried. Yet one thing was clear to her: this man was different. There was something about him that made it impossible for her to reject his help.

As they stepped outside, the cool night air greeted them, offering a brief reprieve. Kevin gently helped Cleo into a car, handling her with care.

“I don’t know what to do anymore, Kevin. I hate this feeling. I hate everything,” Cleo muttered, her voice trembling with barely suppressed sobs.

Kevin looked at her intently, his eyes soft but serious. “You’re not alone, Cleo. Take your time. I’ll be here. But don’t let yourself stay trapped in this pain for too long. You’re stronger than you think.”

Her gaze locked onto his, her eyes clouded with despair but tinged with a glimmer of hope. She didn’t fully understand what was happening, but for the first time that night, she felt a faint sense of relief, a sliver of calm amid her turmoil. Was this the beginning of healing? Or just a fleeting illusion that would vanish with the night?

Kevin gently closed the car door and slid into the driver’s seat. Without another word, he started the engine. The car drove off, leaving behind the shimmering city night, a keeper of unforgettable memories—bittersweet, beautiful, and enigmatic.