Chapter 1

Rhea

I stand straight in front of the mirror, checking myself out for the twentieth time today, excitement coursing through my veins. I've never felt Special or exceptionally pretty, but tonight, I feel pretty and sexy.

My red gown matches my red lipstick and the box of red velvet cupcakes I'm carrying. They're Marcus's favorite. I lightly stroke my dark brown hair that's pinned on top of my head with tiny tendrils swirling around my face. My make up is minimal. Well, that's because I'm terrible at it, actually. But the most exciting thing about my appearance tonight is the red, lacy lingerie I'm wearing under my dress.

‘Aren’t you doing too much?’ Sira says in my head. Sira is my imaginary head voice. We’re kind of besties, but sometimes I hate her too.

‘I’m not! Marc deserves this and more.’ I silently reply to her.

Tonight is the night. I'm finally ready to give myself completely to my boyfriend. The man I'm in love with. Marcus Richards is a 26 year old man who's from Alabama. I met him at a work conference hosted by the companies we work with, a hospitality agency that assigns nurses and caregivers for patients in need. That was four months ago. Marcus and I started dating a week after we met and as everyday went by, my feelings for him grew stronger. The best thing about him is his patience with me.

When I told him I wasn't ready for intimacy due to my past traumas, Marcus assured me that he would wait until I'm ready. He told me that he was in love with my soul and not just lusting after my body and I believe him with all my heart. Every time we've kissed and touched each other intimately, I was the one who initiated it.

There was even a night where I almost slipped up and jumped his bones after having one too many drinks with him and my best friend who’s also my coworker, Nora Button.

That night, I dry-humped him and told him to touch my vagina, But you know what Marcus did instead? He pulled me off him and kissed me softly before tucking me into his bed, saying that he wants our first time to be special and intentional.

We’ve spent the night together quite a few times but Marcus never passed the boundaries I set.

No sex until I'm comfortable enough to perform the act.

No choking of my neck while kissing.

No rest training my hands or tying me up.

Ever since what happened to me in sixth grade with a boy I thought I really liked, it's like something broke inside of me. I find it really hard to trust anyone. And it didn't help that my papa and I were constantly moving, it was almost impossible for me to make genuine friends every few years.

At some point, I stopped trying to make myself work. I stopped talking to guys and having fun. All I did was focus on my nursing career so I could live up to my mother's legacy.

I've been content with living my life alone, until I met Marcus and Nora. Speaking of Nora, I suddenly remember that I still haven't checked the voice note my best friend left me.

I quickly open my phone and play her voice note. "Hey, Ree. I just got off work a while ago. I'm done for the week. How's work going over there? I can't wait to see you next week. I miss you so much, take care!"

I can't help the wide smile that spreads across my face after I respond to her mail, telling her I miss her too. I'm smiling because I know I'm supposed to be back from my post next week, but my patient had a last minute emergency they had to travel for, which leaves me free for the rest of the week until next Tuesday.

This is why I'm excited. Neither Nora nor my sweet boyfriend, Marcus, knows that I'm already back in New York. Nora is still at her post in California and won't be back until tomorrow, but Marcus is back home.

I know this because he sent a text earlier today saying he would be staying home and doing nothing all weekend but missing me and wishing I was with him. This is why I decided to surprise him. And tonight is the night we'll finally have mind-blowing sex. I squeal with excitement as I step out of my building and approach my rusty corolla then gently place the box of cupcakes in the backseat of my car.

The moment my phone rings and I see Marcus's face flash on my screen, I smile and answer the call, silently hoping he won't catch the excitement in my voice.

"Hi princess" I almost swoon at his sweet voice.

"Marcus, this is the third time you're calling in just one day. Is everything alright?" I yawn loudly to make it look like I'm probably still exhausted at work.

Marcus chuckles. "I know, baby. I'm sorry for disturbing you. I just miss you too much. These past few days have been rough without having you by my side."

my heart warms at his words. "I really miss you too, Marc. I can't wait to see you soon." Real soon.

'I have to go now, bye!"

"Wait, baby. I also wanted to ask... Can you transfer some money into my account right now? I have some urgency I need to take care of. I’ll pay it back with the previous amount I owe ya."

"Oh... okay. Text me the amount you need, I'll send it over once I withdraw from my savings."

"What would I do without you, Rhea? I love you so much." He says on the phone, sighing with relief. I'm truly glad I can be there for my boyfriend. My savings have been kept for my papa's health but I don't mind borrowing some to my man for sometime. "Don't worry about it, Marc. I got you. See you soon!"

There's a slight pause. "Next week, right?"

"Yeah, right." I almost giggle but press my hand over my mouth to tamper it. The fact that he has no Idea that he's about to be surprised makes this all the more fun!

When he finally texts me the amount he needs, my mouth opens wide in shock.

Four thousand dollars? What emergency could he possibly have? Is Marcus in trouble? All of my savings is about five thousand dollars and most of it is kept for papa's treatment. He has heart problems and I’ve been saving for him to get the proper treatment that he needs. I think about it for a few minutes before deciding that I'll lend my boyfriend the money for now. I know he's going to return it later. He needs me to be there for him and I trust him because he's been there for me in the past.

I'm about to send the money to him when my phone flashes a warning that it is about to go off.

"Oh, shit. I forgot to charge my stupid phone!" I grumble frustratedly. I'll just have to send the money when I get to Marcus's place.

I start my car and drive to his address. I really can't wait to enjoy the weekend with my boyfriend for the first time. I initially wanted to stay with papa but since he assured me that he would be fine with Mrs Rose, our neighbor who has a crush on him, I figured I'd just spend the weekend with Marcus instead.

After about forty five minutes, I slowly park my car outside of Marcus's apartment building. It's a four story glass and brick building. A nice place but also easily affordable. I step out of my car and pull my wind ruffled hair out of my face as I carry out the box of cakes from my car. I cheerfully wave at the security guard who smiles at me and bows slightly. Donald, I think, is his name. He's familiar with my face, in fact, we’re practically friends. Since there are more than a dozen cupcakes in the box, I pick out two and hand them over to the man.

"Oh, you're so kind, ma'am, these look delicious. I'll keep them for my daughter." Donald says gratefully. I smile at him before leaving him and making my way upstairs.

Marcus' apartment is on the fourth floor. I have a spare card to his space, so when I get there, I simply swipe the card and the door opens.

The first thing I see when I let myself in makes me freeze in place.

It's a woman's shoe. A black heel that looks like it was tossed aside hastily.And then there’s a rumpled shirt lying beside the shoes. His shirt.

Wait... this cannot be what I'm thinking, can it? Marcus says he doesn't let anyone apart from me in his home. Does this mean...?

As I step further into the apartment, I begin to hear some weird noises like grunts and moans, and slaps. so much slapping.

No. This can't be happening. I have to be Imagining this. But as the voices become clearer, I'm certain that I'm not Imagining it.

"Yes! Yes baby! harder!" The entire world spins when I recognize the feminine voice. The voice I just heard an hour ago. Nora.

No! this can't be true! Please tell me this is all a lie.

The door to his room is not even closed, it’s wide open. As I step into the room, I'm greeted with the sight of my boyfriend slamming into my best friend from behind with so much force that the bed is shaking.

I don't realize that I dropped the box of cup cakes until their heads snap to my direction, and I see the look of utter shock and horror in both their eyes.

"Rhea?" Marcus calls in disbelief.

"What... what are you doing here?" Nora asks shakily.

I suddenly feel like I'm going to pass out any moment from now.

***