I don't know if it's just my imagination, but the tone in which he spoke felt as though a husband was interrogating his unfaithful wife.
But what exactly is the relationship between Micheal and me?
If there has to be a relation, that would count the incident on that one night.
But we're adults, such an incident is really nothing out of the ordinary. I, a woman, gave him my first time without much fuss, yet he finds a reason to mumble about it.
"Do I need to let you know?"
I asked nonchalantly, wishing to head to the bathroom as swiftly as I could.
Micheal, in long strides, came forward and walked side by side with me, sandwiching me between himself and the wall, leaving me barely any space to pass.
Hearing my words, he turned his head and created a small smile, "Isn't the relationship between a debtor and creditor enough for me to ask this question?"
"That's enough, you're so great because you have money, right?
Can you please stop bothering me?"
Damn it, why is it so hard to go to the bathroom?
"Are you certain, I'm the one bothering you?
You've followed me all the way to the men's room, I have all the more reason to question your purpose."
As he spoke, he pointed at the symbol above the door.
I took a glance and my face turned crimson with embarrassment.
I've actually followed him into the men's room, it's mortifying!
Reluctantly, I made a humph sound and told him in feigned calmness: "The ladies' room is right around the corner, would it be a crime to want to take a walk in the outdoors before entering?"
Micheal raised his chiseled jaw towards the opposite direction, and mentioned: "Right.
I just want to kindly remind you that the ladies' room is at the end of the hall.
The arrangement of this establishment is probably designed to guard against women like you tailing men."
After he finished speaking, he went into the washroom, leaving me with a face wanting to cry but no tears.
I took a deep breath, mustered enough energy, and ran across the hallway again, almost not able to hold it in.
Micheal, this grudge, we have established!
Coincidentally, as soon as I came out of the washroom, I saw Micheal coming out from the opposite side.
For a man to take so long in the toilet, he must have prostate issues, and kidney problems, perhaps even erectile dysfunction.
He must be like this!
Thinking like this, I suddenly felt a lot more comfortable and contented as I walked towards the private room.
Just in time, I walked into the private room alongside Michael.
Fortunately, everyone was drunk and busy toasting each other, no one paid us any mind.
Otherwise, we would have inevitably been teased.
However, they don't know how to drink, the seats have all been moved around.
Now, only two adjoining seats were vacant.
Micheal was quite generous, taking the seat on the right.
I had no other choice but to brace myself and sit down.
To my left was Edwin, and to my right was Micheal.
In a daze, I felt a bit like a sandwich cookie.
"Mr. Micheal has been away for quite a while.
Shouldn't he be self-punished with three drinks?"
Someone saw Micheal, and hastily spoke.
"That's right, the beauty that Edwin brought also has to drink."
Someone echoed.
I can't drink at all.
As soon as I consume alcohol, I break out in red spots all over my body.
It looks horrendously unbecoming.
"I apologize, I'm allergic to alcohol.
I'll substitute it with tea if that's okay," I said apologetically, standing up with my tea.
However, everyone was insistent, adamantly making me drink the wine.
Edwin couldn't bear to see me being taken advantage of and quickly interjected,
"Let me take it for her.
You guys shouldn't bully a woman.
Playing the knight in shining armor is my hobby after all."
Yet, they persisted, "Edwin, you didn't say so when you were making my girlfriend drink.
Why has the rule changed now that it involves you?"
At this point, it seemed like Edwin was in a bit of a bind as well.
Bella had already stood up, poured a cup of wine and was walking towards me.
"Come, Miss Ella, let me toast you."
Saying so, she almost forcibly poured the wine into my mouth.
Once the alcohol was down, I could feel every inch of skin on my body burning like fire, causing extreme discomfort.
This was white liquor, and I reckoned it wouldn't be long before red rashes started appearing on my body.
If I really have to finish three cups, I reckon my end wouldn't be far off.
A sly and triumphant smile slipped across Bella's face.
Edwin couldn't approach to help me, he could only stand aside anxiously.
Micheal had already been punished with three drinks.
When he saw Bella trying to pour more drinks for me, he snatched the cup from her hands, gulped down the entire drink, and then poured himself another and drank it down.
"I, Micheal, will drink the remaining two glasses.
If anyone still can't let it go, then you're not giving face to me, Micheal," he said, effectively silencing everyone.
No one at the scene uttered another word.
It seemed that Micheal's status was indeed out of the ordinary compared to the ordinary bosses present.
The dinner party ended quickly, and most of the business to be discussed was already settled.
Edwin drank a lot and kept leaning against me as he walked.
It took a lot of effort to support him.
I couldn't drive to send Edwin home, so I called a chauffeur for him and sent him home.
I headed to the bus stop, ready to take the next bus home.
The night wind was blowing hard, I was not dressed warmly, and was about to break out in a rash from the alcohol.
I was shivering all over.
There was a pharmacy behind me, but I didn't even have the money to buy some antihistamines.
I had only about ten dollar, I didn't know how long it would last me.
I was stubborn by nature and didn't want to borrow money from anyone.
When I got home, I still had to face my parents' questions and difficulties.
The pressures of life were almost crushing me.
Even the terms proposed by Micheal began to jump in my mind.
To me at this point, what he said was really tempting.
But, I didn't want myself to fall to this point.
Shaking my head, I rid myself of those dirty thoughts troubling me.
My mind started to ease a bit.
But now, I was at a loss about what to do next.
"Here you go."
Micheal's voice echoed from behind me.
I jumped in surprise.
He had left before me.
Why was he still here?
Turning around, I saw him holding a small bag from a pharmacy.
Beside him, the tumultuous Bella was nowhere in sight.