Chapter 1
The bar was suffused with an indescribable atmosphere, and the dim lights enclosed the cramped space in a layer of ambiguous tones. The gleam on the top flickered intermittently, like clusters of tiny flames dancing, radiating a bewildering luster upon the surface of the colorful cocktails inside the glasses.
Crowded with all kinds of people inside the bar. A melting pot of the day's exhausted office workers shedding their burdens in the confines of this tiny space. Some were idlers, nursing their sorrows with liquor, murmuring regret into their drinks alone. Others were the uneducated punks and street-smart rascals. Their calm talks a lure for any fleeting beauty to join them in a toast to the long night.
Amidst the cacophony of gossip, lament, and flirtation, the sounds intertwined and interspersed within this tiny little secluded haven, dazzling. The young bartender, shuttling through the hustle and bustle of the crowd, posture in the dim light outlined like a swimming mermaid. His proficient hands deftly splashed out a kaleidoscope of cocktails that captured the gaze of myriad inebriated patrons.
Indeed, in this small shelter cut off from the exterior world, alcohol was the best choice to take one's mind off one's troubles for a while. Even the lady dancing alone acted to cast aside her self-consciousness for the moment. With eyes closed, she swayed to the music's melody, her slender waist undulating forward and back, reminiscent of a mermaid weaving through the waves.
Her name is Grace Jones, an ordinary student toiling in obscurity within this city. To outsiders, her life felt monotonous and dull, a repetitive cycle of school, research, and sleepless nights. But only she knew the struggle to sustain herself. She was under the harsh guidance of her mentor daily, confronting the tedium and repetition of study. And then the last, there was her nauseating, cheating boyfriend.
To escape life's trouble and be her genuine self, even if just for a while, was her way of trying solace. Her dance became more fervent as if to release all the disapproval and grievances buried deep within.
When the song ended, Grace wiped the sweat from her brow and walked towards the bar, grabbing a beverage of unknown color, and downing it without hesitation.
"Hey, that wasn't your liquor!" the young bartender said with an awkward look, standing behind the bar.
"Opps...Well, I don't believe it matters, it's merely a drink after all." Grace Jones replied carelessly with her gesturing hands, turning to leave.
Just then, a man in a black suit approached the bar. His handsome features and extraordinary demeanor grabbed her attention at first sight. Unfortunately, she was quickly repelled by his debonair behavior. This decent and elegant gentleman was blatantly flirting with every woman nearby.
"What a slag!" Grace Jones thought, shaking her head in contempt, relieved she had not entertained any inappropriate thoughts about him.
"Hey, Aaron! Bring me my liquor over here!" The man barked at the bartender, nothing like a gentleman, his manners undoubtedly rude.
"Mr. Evans, I am sorry, this lady just drank your liquor, " the bartender replied timidly.
Seeing this, Grace Jones quickly interjected, "Sorry, I was distracted and drank it. I will leave now." and she left the bar without looking back.
Yet, she could not escape the man's piercing gaze. He saw her intently, a scarcely perceptible grin playing on his lips. The simplicity and maturity entwined in her, the youthful vibrancy and adult allure coexisting, piqued a unique interest in him.
As she walked away, followed by a wave of heat overwhelmed her. Her legs became weak, and her consciousness obscured. The world spun and distorted around her. Just as she felt herself about to collapse, powerful arms enveloped her, and darkness veiled her vision.
"I'm sorry for the trouble I might have caused earlier, but I must say, you have your character, that's definitely what I craved for a long time." a deep, magnetic voice muttered in her ear. "My name is Daniel Evans, delighted to meet you."