Valen Gainsbourg never liked the concept of marriage.
Yet there he was married his wife Avi just for show so he can maintain his public image as a respectable businessman, to make his parents happy, and to secure his position in the upper echelons of society.
Despite his beliefs, he still worked so hard to make his marriage work. However, he’s not an idiot to not realize that his efforts were futile. Valen noticed signs that his wife is cheating on him. At first, it was subtle—late nights at the office, mysterious phone calls, and a sudden interest in "girls' nights out". He thought he's just overthinking, not until he saw marks on her neck that he certainly didn't leave. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, but oddly, he felt more relieved than angry.
Valen didn't confront Avi. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity. If she could have her fun, why couldn't he? That's how he found himself partying with his friends as if he were still a carefree bachelor. Tonight was no different. The bass pulsed through the crowded nightclub as Valen knocked back another shot of top-shelf whiskey. His suit was slightly rumpled, his carefully styled hair now tousled from hours of dancing.
"Another round!" He shouted to the bartender over the thumping music, gesturing to his equally inebriated friends.
As the bartender lined up a fresh row of shots, Valen's eyes were drawn to the person across the bar, who looks extremely out of place wearing a wedding attire.
"Hey." Valen called out, his inhibitions lowered by the alcohol coursing through his veins.
"Looks like you could use this more than me," Valen said, sliding one of the glasses across the bar. Normally, he wouldn’t even talk to strangers, maybe it's just the alcohol or maybe, tonight is different.