Love’s Unexpected Arrival The Bride Who Came Knocking by Rochelle

Chapter 12 Drunkenness

Abruptly, a notification chimed on her phone, signifying the arrival of a text message. The contents of the message made the woman utter a chilling and spiteful tone, echoing, “Maria, you’ll regret this, mark my words!” Reacting swiftly, she replied to the text: “Attending a barbecue won’t create any scandal, keep an eye on her!” Considering the multitude of individuals at the barbecue, any covert action would undoubtedly be challenging without drawing attention or leaving a trace. After reading the message, Erika felt somewhat relieved, anticipating a carefree evening at the barbecue. Douglas Barbecue was a self-service eatery where patrons could grill their own meat. Maria was preoccupied with managing the grilling process, frequently requesting fresh foil from the waitstaff. She also instructed the waitstaff to bring several dozen beers to their table. There were four or five male colleagues from the design department, all of whom boasted a high alcohol tolerance. Most of the female colleagues could also handle two or three bottles of beer. Although Maria wasn’t the most resilient drinker, she didn’t complain. Amidst her bustling activities, she’d intermittently grab a bottle of beer and enjoy it with her colleagues. Maria strategized, “Knowing Scarlett’s alcohol allergy, no one will pressure her to drink. If I get tipsy, Scarlett will help me get home.” The atmosphere was relaxed as everyone indulged in their meal. Soon, some initiated drinking games, with the loser inevitably having to consume more alcohol. Scarlett, unable to drink, willingly assumed the role of referee to ensure fair play. As Maria went to fetch more meat, she caught sight of two familiar figures walking past the clear glass window in succession. It was Chris and Ruby. Maria’s heart twinged at the sight of Chris in his impeccably tailored suit and his tall, commanding presence. Memories of the times they had shared flooded her mind. Memories of a time when he would tenderly hold her, his warmth enveloping her as he professed his love for her. A wave of melancholy washed over Maria, dimming the previously joyous atmosphere. Despite the passage of time, the memories felt fresh and raw. Even after his betrayal with Ruby, Maria realized she couldn’t let go of her feelings for Chris. It seemed that the human heart struggled to reconcile reason with emotion. “Maria, come here!” Scarlett called out enthusiastically, “We have enough meat. Stop grilling!” “Sure, I’m coming!” Maria responded promptly. Glancing back at the window, the two figures had vanished, as if they had never been there. But for Maria, their presence lingered heavily, an unwelcome weight on her heart. “Maria, come on! You’re the host tonight. You can’t just grill meat and avoid drinking. Join us, let’s drink! Today is a celebration! We have to finish all the beer!” Stella urged, offering a bottle of beer. Maria accepted the beer, but Scarlett intervened, “Maria, you can’t handle too much alcohol!” Maria chuckled, “I’ll be fine. Two or three bottles won’t knock me out!” “Oh, Scarlett, come on! We’re in high spirits tonight. You can’t drink due to your allergy, but why stop Maria? Where’s the fun in life if we can’t enjoy a good drink?” Stella scolded Scarlett. “Cheers!” Maria sat down and clinked her beer bottle with Stella’s, then tilted her head back and guzzled down the beer. Stella was astonished, exclaiming, “Wow, Maria, I had no idea you were capable of this! So lively! We never noticed this before. Come on, Erika, Mike, Stan, and the rest, join us! Let’s drink with our courageous warrior!” “Cheers!” “Here’s to you, Maria! Thank you for the fantastic barbecue!” “Let’s take a shot together, Maria!” “Bottoms up, Maria!” Maria embraced the jovial atmosphere, accepting each offer and downing bottle after bottle. Before long, her cheeks were flushed, and her vision blurred. Everything before her started to meld together. “Maria, you can’t have any more!” Scarlett swiftly took the beer bottle from her hand. Despite her inebriation, Maria thought, “I’m not drunk! How could I be? Even after all this drinking, my mind is fixated on the man who betrayed me!”