Chapter 5: CHAPTER 5: The party
Aaron remembers his dad's work. "Sorry, Eve. I've got some business work for my dad's company, and I need to get it done by the weekend."
Evangeline smiled, though a little disappointed. "It's okay. We can hang out another time."
Aaron stood up and hugged her before leaving. "Take care, Eve. Thanks for the invite, though."
"You too," she said, as she walked him to his car. She waved goodbye with a warm smile, watching him drive away until he disappeared through the gate.
---
The weekend evening, buzzed with music and vibrant lights, Lisa's house glowing like a beacon in the neighborhood. The party was in full swing, laughter, and chatter filling the air as guests mingled.
Inside, Lilly and Joe wandered through the grand living room of the house, marveling at its wealth.
"Wow, Eve, Lilly said, "You have some expensive stuff in your house. By the way, where are your parents and that handsome brother?"
"This place is mine. Nobody else lives here and I'm just here for my studies," she said casually.
Lilly stared at her, "What the hell? All of this for just you? This huge house? Are you serious?"
Evan related. "Being rich, I guess money doesn't matter. My dad owns a ton of companies and industries. Even I prefer a normal simple and peaceful life."
Joe burst out laughing. "Oh, come on. It's cringe Evee..., you rich kids always say the same thing."
Eve raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
Joe grinned. "That you want to be normal, rent your own house, live modestly with your mom and dad working regular jobs. Am I right?"
"Exactly!" Evan shouted, "But you wouldn't understand."
"Because it's never gonna happen, my friend."
Lilly laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, okay, we get it. But we should head out before your bodyguard shows up to chase us away."
"Oh, you have a bodyguard, too? Joe teased, her eyes lighting up with mischief. I want to meet him. Is he Oppa or Ah Jussi? We can wait for a few minutes after visiting them, and then we can go. I am okay with both. "
Evan groaned. "Hey, ladies, behave yourselves. Be women of class, will you?"
Joe rolled her eyes dramatically. "Alright, alright. Let's go."
The three laughed as they made their way to the door, the party's energy following them like a warm glow.
Nate stood before the mirror, adjusting his black, cleaved shirt and pants. He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair and turned to Kim.
"Kim, how do I look? Is that my dress fit perfectly" he asked confidently.
"I'm straight, Nate. Don't ask me these silly questions."
Nate smirked. "Ah, my jealous bodyguard and I have taken it as a compliment. You have to learn to speak facts sometimes and I don't mind if you speak."
Kim rolled his eyes. "Alright, Alright, fine. Let's go. Otherwise, we are going to be late."
As they walked toward the car, Kim glanced at him. "Do you have a plan for tonight?"
"Of course, Kim. If everything goes as planned, she'll be in my bed tonight." confidently Nate said.
Kim gave him a deadpan look. "Tonight? Are you joking man? You don't waste time, do you?"
Nate just chuckled; his confidence unwavering as they headed to the party.
After reaching Lisa's house, Eve and Joe made their way to the living room, settling on the plush sofa. The music thumped softly in the background, and the glow of the party lights filled the air with excitement.
Meanwhile, Lilly wandered off with another friend from her classroom, leaving the two alone.
Eve and Joe talk about his brother and family and drinking drinks, after 1 hour.
"What time is it now?" Eve asked, glancing around.
It's around 8, You didn't bring your phone?"
"No way," Eve replied, leaning back. "If I'd brought it, they'd know where I am. That's why I left it in my room."
"What about your bodyguards? "Joe asked with curiosity
"I already planned for them, if they drink that vodka they will be completely flat for 12 hrs."
Before Joe could respond, the front door opened, and Nate walked in with Kim. Now, the atmosphere changed completely after arriving at Nate the party went to peak with sound and fun. Lisa was the first to greet them, her smile wide.
"Welcome, handsome!" Lisa said warmly, her tone playful. "And is this your friend? I'm Lisa."
Kim offered a polite smile. "I'm Kim. Nice to meet you."
"Make yourselves at home," Lisa said with a wave. "Enjoy the party guys!"
Eve, sitting across the hall, sipped her champagne and observed their conversation with a smirk, clearly unimpressed.
Turning to Joe, "I need some fresh air. This place is suffocating me. I want to go outside"
Joe shrugged. "All right, let's go."
As the evening progressed, Eve and Joe slipped to the backyard, seeking solace from the lively gathering inside. The cool breeze provided a refreshing respite from the party's warmth. Soon after, as laughter echoed through the house, half the guests bid their farewells, leaving a more intimate atmosphere.
Eve and Joe, feeling the night drawing to a close, also prepared to make their exit. However, just then, they were surprised to find the garden was softly illuminated with enchanting fairy lights that cast a warm, inviting glow over the space. To their joy, a group of friends had come together, excitedly preparing for a lively game of "16 Shots," an exhilarating challenge that promised another night of fun and laughter.
Lisa asked everyone here to participate in the little game and win the prizes.
Inside, Nate glanced around the hall, his brow furrowed. "I can't see her."
"She went to the backyard," Kim said, nudging him lightly. "I saw her leaving a few minutes ago."
Curious, Nate and Kim made their way outside, joining the group as laughter and cheers filled the backyard. Spotting Eve standing by the edge of the gathering, Nate smirked.
"Mind if we join?" he asked, already stepping forward.
The group welcomed them enthusiastically, and soon Nate and Kim were part of the lively game. Eve stood nearby, her expression unreadable as the night unfolded around her. A group of friends gathered in a corner, with excitement as they prepared for their challenge.
"Alright, let's play 16 Shots!" Lisa announced, holding up a prize money.
"What's the deal with this game?" asked Eve
"You never played this before, they choose whatever topic, and if we answer correctly, which team has the highest points will take prizes after drinking 16 shots the team," Joe told the rules
The music continued to thump in the background as Lisa, the host, stood at the front, holding a deck of cards with trivia questions. The teams were ready, excitement buzzing in the air.
Everyone clapped and cheered for the contestants, motivating them as they enjoyed the lively party.
"Alright, let's get this started!" Lisa grinned, holding up the first card. First question: Which country has the most population?"
Lilly, with a sly grin, leaned in and took a shot before confidently calling out, "China!"
Lisa shook her head. "Nope, that's incorrect."
Joe, "I think India?"
"Correct!" Lisa waved, handing Joe's team the first point.
Joe raised his glass, grinning. "That's how we do it!"
Lisa continued reading from the next card, her eyes twinkling. "Next question, coming right up!"
"Which country is known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun'? "
Lilly's team confidently "Easy one, Japan!"
"Correct! Aww, come on! Both of the team has one point, Now, the third question. What is the largest country by land area in the world? "
Kim answered "Russia!"
"Wow! My boy has some General Knowledge", Nate teased
"Oh! My favorite team finally gave me a right! Answer"
Kim "Yes, finally! We did it"
After several rounds, Lisa finally announced the scores for each team. Joe and Eve's team has 3 points, Nate and Kim's team also has 3 points, while Lilly and Lisa's team has 2 points.
This was the final question of the game and echoed in the air as the tension mounted.
"Last question, everyone! This one decides the winner!