Four

“Revolting,” I hissed as I flung myself onto the mattress. I was genuinely annoyed by his last question. Did he honestly think he was that handsome? What kind of question was that?

“I am tired of acting sweet in front of him,” I muttered, hurling a pillow aside.

My head felt as though it would boil; perhaps a warm bath would calm me. I walked to the bathroom and opened the tap, letting the tub fill.

Closing my eyes, I surrendered to the water, its warmth kneading every nerve. Hugo’s image drifted back, yet this time it came with a memory that pleased me. My lips curved; a soft laugh escaped as I splashed the surface with hands and feet.

“Your ruin is coming, Hugo. Sleep peacefully tonight, for it will be your last untroubled night. Soon you will know what it feels like to be humiliated before many, just as I once was.”

****

“You have checked social media, Miss?” Holly asked as I sat at the breakfast table.

I smiled briefly. “What is trending this morning?”

She placed a tablet before me. As I expected, a video hinting at Hugo’s misconduct was at the top of every feed. I glanced at Holly, who studied my face.

“Why that look?” I asked, displeased.

“I hope I am mistaken, Miss. You would not be careless enough to do this,” she said. I cleared my throat and pushed the tablet away, choosing instead to sample my pastry. Holly always read my expression without need of words.

“Today I wish to go alone. No one is to follow,” I declared, dabbing my lips with a napkin.

“Do you understand?” I raised my voice slightly.

“Forgive me, Miss, but I am not paid by you. I would lose my position if I ignored Mr. Horrison’s rules,” Holly replied. Irritation flared; I struck the table and rose.

“You may trail me from a kilometre away,” I said, fitting dark glasses.

“Fifty metres, Miss.”

“Five hundred,” I retorted, striding off.

“Miss, please—”

“Starting now,” I snapped, halting Holly and the guards behind her. I smiled at her faint sigh of resignation.

I longed for an old pastime. The car held clothes I once loved and a folding bicycle in the boot. I stopped at a place I had not visited for years, feeling that justice was mine after Hugo’s disgrace. His downfall would surely harm his business.

With a broad smile I stepped out, wearing plain attire and thick spectacles. My hair, now long, was braided. I took the bicycle from the boot and pedalled eagerly, the cold air striking my face while my smile widened. I headed for my former campus, the silent witness to my darkest days.

Yet the nearer I drew to the gate, the more my body trembled. My breath grew heavy, heat filled my eyes. The trauma had not vanished.

“Are you insane?” A familiar voice wrapped me in warmth. Tears spilled as Nicky’s arms steadied me, urging me not to push myself.

During the return journey he kept one arm around my shoulders, the other holding my hand. Holly had called him in worry. I had thought myself strong, but the campus was more frightening than any graveyard.

The car halted before the mansion gates. Weak from the sedative Holly provided, I could not speak. Through fading awareness I heard Nicky instruct the driver to turn toward his old apartment.

My eyelids fluttered open with effort. The ceiling was strange, I realised I was in Nicky’s flat. The door creaked, and Holly’s voice followed.

“I have been waiting for you to wake, Miss.” I gave no reply.

“All meetings today are cancelled. Mr. Horrison wants you to rest completely,” she continued. Paradise, I supposed, yet memories of the morning dulled any pleasure.

“Where is Nicky?” I asked.

“He left after ensuring you were well,” she answered, handing me a glass of water. Then she leaned closer. “There is something I feared, Miss. Mr. Cassilas now knows who posted the video.”

I choked, spraying the remaining water. My heart pounded faster than before.