[02]Bea's Secret and the Missing Girl

As soon as I entered, I immediately saw Bea, but Dylan was no longer there. I quickly approached her.

"Bea,"

She immediately looked at me, stood up, and hugged me. I felt her shoulders shaking again. She seemed troubled earlier while waiting for me.

"C-Claire, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

"Shhh... It's okay, Bea. Don’t worry about it,"

I said while patting her back, letting her cry in my arms. After a few minutes, she finally calmed down.

"Are you okay now?" I asked with a smile, and she nodded. Her eyes were swollen, and her nose was red. Bea was beautiful—she had long black hair with brown highlights, thick eyebrows, long lashes, and thin lips. In short, she was perfect.

"Let’s sit down, Bea," I said, and we sat. "Wait, where’s Dylan? He was here earlier, right?" She looked at me curiously.

"He left. He said he was going to wake up his friend, the best man, Kiel. You know, you and Kiel would make a great pair! Though he’s a bit grumpy, but with your beauty, I’m sure you could tame him!"

My heart skipped a beat when I heard that man’s name. Kiel. That was his name. And what?! Dylan was going to wake him up?! What if he brings him here?! No, that can’t happen!

"Hey! Are you okay?! You suddenly tensed up and started sweating, but it’s air-conditioned here!" I shook my head at Bea’s words. You don’t understand, Bea!

"Wait, how did you know Dylan was here earlier?"

I froze at her question. Her forehead creased in confusion, while I struggled to find the right words.

"Uh—well—"

"Never mind! I want to apologize, Claire, because I’m leaving you,"

I suddenly forgot my nervousness when I heard her words and let out a sigh.

"What are you talking about, Bea? It’s fine. I’m sorry too for what I said last night. I was drunk and sad, but that’s no reason for you not to be happy. Wherever you find happiness, I’ll be happy too. Bea, I love you so much—you’re my sister," She smiled at my words, and I could see tears forming in her eyes again.

"Hey! No more crying, okay? Be happy, Bea. Don’t worry about me—I can take care of myself,"

I smiled, and she sighed in response.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely sure!" I grinned, and she smiled back.

"Good! Now, let’s eat! Waiter—" I panicked at her words and stopped her.

"No! Stop!"

I looked around frantically, as if searching for something. "Hey! Are you okay?! Why don’t you want to eat?" I looked at Bea and sighed. I didn’t know how to tell her, but she needed to know—she and Dylan were the ones who saw me last night wearing that dress.

"Claire, are you okay? You’ve gone quiet," Bea said, concerned. I looked at her, rested my chin on the table, and tugged at my hair in frustration.

"Hey! What are you doing?!"

"Bea..." I said nervously, glancing around.

"OMG! Don’t tell me you killed someone here?!" she whispered, making me glare at her wide-eyed.

"No! I’m not that kind of person! If I wanted to kill someone, you’d be first!" I said, and she laughed. She really loved teasing me—so annoying!

"Just kidding! So, what is it?"

I took a deep breath and fidgeted with my fingers.

"I already know—you did something wrong again, didn’t you? What is it, Claire?" she said seriously. The last time I messed up, I nearly burned down their kitchen—I didn’t know how to cook back then, lol.

"I-I had a one-night stand..." I mumbled, but it was loud enough for her to hear. She gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

"A-and the guy... was Dylan’s friend. The best man. K-Kiel."

"OMG!"

I closed my eyes, bracing myself for Bea’s scolding. I knew she’d be mad at me for my stupidity.

"OMG! You had your honeymoon before me, and I just got married yesterday!" My brows furrowed at her words, and I looked at her—she was laughing.

"I’m serious, Bea!" I said irritably, making her laugh again.

"Hahaha, what? Do you want me to scold you? Like, hello! We’re twenty-one—old enough to have a husband and kids! We’re graduates! And besides, he’s Dylan’s friend! Easy to track down if something grows in your belly!"

"That’s the problem!"

Tears streamed down my face, making her pause.

"He’s Dylan’s friend! A rich guy! And who knows how many women he’s been with?! Bea, I wanted to give my virginity to my future husband, but now it’s gone! Taken by some rich playboy!"

I covered my face and cried. I felt a hand rubbing my back—Bea’s.

"Shhh... It’s okay. I’m here,"

After a while, I stopped crying.

"Now, promise me you won’t tell Dylan’s friend it was me, Bea. Please!"

I pleaded, and she nodded.

"I understand, Claire. That’s Zekiel Gray—you’re right about him. He’s wealthy and famous worldwide. But girl, you’ve got taste! Handsome and rich, hahaha!"

I rolled my eyes. I didn’t care if he was rich or handsome—ugh.

"What if you get pregnant?"

I sighed heavily.

"That’s the thing, Bea. I’m ovulating right now."

Shock painted her face again. "OMG! You’ll have a baby before me?!" I glared at her—should I smack this friend of mine?

"Hahaha, just kidding! It’s simple—just tell him! What, he’ll knock you up and then abandon you?!" I shook my head.

"No, I won’t. If there is a baby, I won’t tell him. One night of mistake is enough. He might look down on us or, worse, deny the child." She fell silent and slowly nodded.

"So please, don’t tell Dylan. I know Kiel would tell him first, especially now that he’s heading to the VIP room. Please, don’t say anything. Please?"

"Are you sure about this, Claire?" she asked worriedly, and I nodded. "Do you want me to come with you—"

"No! Bea, no. This is your honeymoon with Dylan. You’re a married woman now—you have obligations. Don’t worry about me. I’ll update you if anything happens, okay?"

She had no choice but to nod.

"Bea, I need to leave. I have to go home. What if we cross paths? I can’t! I need to go back. Isn’t your flight today? Be careful, okay? Call me when you have free time."

I stood up, and she did too.

"Come with us, Claire. We’re heading to Manila too."

I shook my head. "No, I want to leave now. I know you’re leaving later. I need to go as soon as possible." I hugged her tightly.

"Enjoy your honeymoon, Bea! I want to be a godmother soon, hahaha!" She frowned, and I laughed—she could be so petty.

"You might have a baby before me," I frowned this time.

"Hahaha, got you! Thought you’d get mad? Hahaha!"

"Stop it! Hmp! Fine, I’m leaving. Take care, okay? I’ll just ask for a ride from one of your cars here."

She smiled and hugged me again. "Yes, please, Claire. And… thank you. And sorry, at the same time." I pulled away and pinched her cheeks.

"Your happiness is mine too."

***

"KIEL!!!"

Zekiel woke up to the noise outside, groaning at his headache—but then he smiled, remembering last night. A night he would never forget.

He turned to embrace the woman but froze when he felt nothing. His senses sharpened, and he checked again.

"Sht!"

He bolted up, scanning the room for her. He grabbed his clothes and dressed quickly, cursing when he realized her dress was gone.

"No! Sht! Where are you?!"

Once dressed, he checked the bathroom—nothing. He searched every room in the VIP suite—three in total—but she was nowhere.

"Kiel, open up! We’re leaving soon!"

He glared at the door—the noise had been going on for a while. He yanked it open.

"Finally! Took you long enough," Dylan said, scowling. Zekiel ignored him and dragged him inside.

"Ow! What the hell, Kiel?! I was coming in anyway!" Dylan protested.

"Where is she?!"

Dylan froze at Zekiel’s tone. Zekiel Gray—the ruthless CEO of the world’s most famous company—was never emotional.

"Who are you talking about?! Don’t tell me you mean my wife—"

"Shut up! Not her! The girl last night! The one I brought here—the one who—" Zekiel cut himself off.

"The one who what? You brought a girl here? And you slept with her?! Something happened?!"

Zekiel met his eyes and nodded.

"Wow! Congrats, Kiel! You’re not a virgin anymore, hahaha! Who’s the lucky girl?"

"She’s missing," Zekiel said flatly.

"What?! How could you let her go?! I know you, Kiel. You don’t just bring a woman to your room unless you like—or love—her. But why’d you let her leave?!" Dylan sounded frustrated.

Zekiel tugged at his hair.

"I don’t know! I fell asleep, and when I woke up, she was gone." Dylan saw the fear and worry on his face.

"You love her."

Zekiel stared at him.

"What are you saying?"

"I said you love her! This is the first time I’ve seen you show any emotion other than for your parents. You love that girl, Kiel. Then again, she was your first,"

Zekiel’s expression darkened at the last part. "Don’t say it like that, Dylan! It wasn’t like that! I was ready to take responsibility! And I’m sure we’ll have a child!" Dylan frowned, then burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, you’re such a virgin! It’s not that easy to get pregnant! Just because you finished inside doesn’t mean there’s a result, hahaha! Wow, you really think losing your virginity guarantees a baby?!"

Annoyed, Kiel punched him.

"Ow! What was that for?! I’m just stating facts!" Dylan yelled.

"Well, I’m stating facts too! She told me last night she was ovulating, so I didn’t waste the chance, Dylan."

Dylan froze, then stood up proudly.

"Wow! Nice one, man! Who would’ve thought? Hahaha! Your bloodline’s strong—I’m sure there’ll be a baby. For now, we need to find her." Zekiel sighed.

"You’re right."

"So, what does she look like?"

"I don’t know."

"What?! How can you not know when you slept with her?!" Dylan exclaimed.

"I don’t know! I didn’t see her face, damn it!" Dylan stared in disbelief.

"You’re really doomed. The girl’s missing—probably scared of you and left. You don’t even know what she was wearing?"

Zekiel shook his head. "No. It was dark, and I was drunk. I didn’t notice when we came up here."

"You’re an idiot. How are we supposed to find her now?!"

Zekiel had no answer. "Forget it for now. Let’s eat first. I’m sure Bea’s with her friend," Dylan said, walking out. Zekiel followed.

"Who’s the friend? The bridesmaid?"

"Yeah. Don’t tell me it was her?!" Dylan gasped.

"No. Maybe? I don’t know."

"You’re so stupid. What if you did get her pregnant? Tsk tsk. No protection, and you just let her leave?"

"Shut up if you want to live."

Dylan shook his head, and they went downstairs. When they arrived, only Bea was there.

"Oh? Where’s Claire?" Dylan asked, kissing his wife.

"Love! S-she left. She said it was an emergency—she had to go home." Bea glanced at Zekiel nervously, calming herself so she wouldn’t give anything away.

"Oh? Why does Kiel look so grumpy?" Dylan teased as they sat.

"This brilliant friend of mine had a girl with him, but now she’s missing. He’s looking for her." Bea tensed—she knew it was Claire.

"O-oh, did you find her?"

"Nope! Doesn’t even know her face or what she was wearing! How’s he gonna find her?" Dylan shook his head. Bea thought—that means even Dylan doesn’t know.

Suddenly, Zekiel stood.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"CCTV."

Zekiel’s tone was cold. Bea panicked—he was looking for Claire! She had no choice but to follow them to the CCTV room.

"Show me the footage from last night!" Zekiel ordered. The guard hesitated, but when Bea nodded, he complied—only for them to find it was incomplete.

"What? Why is it missing?" Dylan asked, confused.

"I don’t know, sir," the guard said.

"Footage from this morning," Zekiel demanded, but it was also gone.

‘Did Claire delete it? That girl’s really smart,’ Bea thought.

"Fvck! What’s wrong with your CCTV?!"

Zekiel yelled, pulling his hair in frustration. His face was a picture of desperation—he had no way to find the woman.

Meanwhile, Bea breathed a sigh of relief. She wouldn’t have to tell Dylan—he didn’t know either.

The secret would remain hidden.