Roxanne worried about leaving Archie and Benny at home, but Madilyn assured her she'd informed Lysa.

Soon, both women stood outside a bar. Roxanne followed Madilyn impetuously.

Madilyn was clearly a regular. As they entered, an employee greeted them and led them to a booth near the dance floor. Pulsating music blared; well-dressed men and women gyrated. Roxanne slowly relaxed in the electric atmosphere.

"Drinks are on me tonight! Let's drink our fill!" Madilyn yelled.

She ordered a ten-thousand-dollar bottle of alcohol, pouring a glass for Roxanne. "There are plenty more fish in the sea. Let's not get hung up on one!"

Roxanne accepted the glass, clinking it with Madilyn's and tossing back her drink. Madilyn smiled at Roxanne's boldness. They'd drunk together in university; though well-behaved, Roxanne could hold her liquor.

Madilyn planned to help Roxanne forget her troubles. Roxanne downed several glasses, loosening up and putting her problems aside.

Unsatisfied with just drinking, Madilyn slammed her glass down and grabbed Roxanne's hand. "Let's dance!" She dragged Roxanne to the dance floor without waiting for a reply.

Their hasty decision to go to the bar meant their outfits were less than appropriate compared to the scantily clad women around them. However, their beauty attracted attention.

Roxanne wore a knee-length dress, her pale calves visible as she moved rhythmically to the music under the strobing lights. A hint of a smile played on her lips; her eyes were downcast. Her movements were erratic yet mesmerizing.

Madilyn, meanwhile, scanned the crowd, hoping to find someone better than Lucian for her friend. Lost in her search, she was pushed to the center of the dance floor and, looking back, lost sight of Roxanne.

Her expression froze. She stopped dancing and frantically searched for Roxanne in the crowd.

"Looking for someone, beautiful?" a man asked flirtatiously.

"Get out of my way! I'm in a crisis!" She ignored him.

Roxanne realized Madilyn was being swallowed by the crowd and called her name twice, but the music drowned her out. She watched her friend disappear.

She wanted to follow, but her gaze was fixed on a passionately kissing couple, halting her. After a pause, she returned to their booth, assuming Madilyn would find her way back. She wasn't keen on clubbing, so the respite was welcome.

A few minutes later, a cheerful voice spoke. "Hello, may I buy you a drink?"

The voice was muffled, and Roxanne thought she'd misheard. She looked up, surprised to see a well-dressed man in a casual shirt. He was equally surprised when their eyes met. Leaning closer, he repeated, "May I buy you a drink? You're very beautiful and elegant. I'd like to befriend you, if possible."