Chapter 6

Thin rays of light entered through the hotel curtains and lit up the bedsheets. Sandra slowly opened her eyes and felt the warmth beside her. The body next to her was a solid reminder that the night before was very much real. The faint scent of Fergus clung on her skin and, for a slight moment, she allowed herself to feel the sensation of peace that had stayed hidden from her for way too long.

Turning to her side, she looked at the man still sleeping next to her. He looked relaxed and the intensity usually present in his sharp hazel eyes was massively softened. Fergus's arm was wrapped over Sandra’s waist which made her feel a tinge of fear and excitement all at once. She found herself thinking, is this the beginning of something beautiful? The conflicting emotions left her baffled, but was it okay to trust someone again?

This part of the world was understandable to her. The warm embrace of a man so unlike her ex husband. Fergus was everything she had ever needed. He was everything kind, gentle and present – all traits Steph lacked. The intimacy they had shared in such a short span of time was trustworthy, passionate, tender and a reflection of the bond they were slowly building.

However, reality was soon unmasked.

When the notification of a new message buzzed on the phone lying on the nightstand, Sandra's stomach tightened. Without thinking, Sandra grabbed her phone and checked the screen. Her phone was flooded with missed calls and messages, every single one from acquaintances from her past.

"You alright?" Fergus's voice lit on an unexpected fear in Sandra. He leaned up on one elbow, watching her.

“I thought you were still asleep.” She said, trying to hide the tears gushing on her face. Unfortunately for her, she was caught. 

“Oops, you are crying dear, what's the problem?” 

“Nothing…don't worry, l am fine.” She sobbed.

Fergus couldn't believe that so he had to adjust his body and tap her, asking her again.

“Hope you are sure?”

“ It's just my world reminding me I’m still broken.”

Fergus sat up straight, letting the pillow on his chest fall down. Wandering what she meant, he asked again “Broken? I really don't get you.”

“You don't know me, Fergus and l don't think l am ready to delve in my past”

“I understand how you feel, but I really  know you won't regret sharing, allow me,” he said, eyes peering deeply into hers, looking so serious, and eager to know what is biting her. “Start anywhere. I’ll listen.” he added, folding his palms with hers.

Still, Sandra was hesitant. Remembering the agony she almost survived wasn't necessary to tell. However, something in his eyes, the silent tolerance, the lack of judgment, caused her to release her breath and start.

She told him about the betrayal, the scandal, the way she was dragged into the mud while her husband smiled through interviews. She described how her birthday dinner became her worst nightmare. Fergus didn't say anything. Instead, he focused attentively till she finished.

When she finished, he stretched out his hand to wipe up tears off her face. "None of that was your fault." He remarked.

Sandra felt no embarrassment for the first time in weeks. She became... lighter.

They stayed in bed a little longer, holding silence like a fragile glass. Finally, Sandra sat up and began to dress. “I should go.”

Fergus heard that and stopped her, thinking of catching her back for another moment with her, “Wait! he exclaimed  "What's for dinner tonight?"

 She squeezed her jaw in surprise taking a pause at the doorway, "Huh, are we still meeting tonight?”

“Yes of course, he smiled, “l want to see your beautiful face again. " Fergus whined as he stood up from the bed patting his shoulder he slept on.

"Uh,ou say?” Sandra grinned, feigning like she didn’t hear.  

 

‘I want to meet you again, my fantasy,” He teased her.

“I will think about it,” she replied instantly, pulling out a slight smile on her lips as she left the room.

$$$

In a very unusual daze, Sandra spent the next two days in a strange blur. She completely dodged the greatest sources of noise and chose quiet cafes and art galleries, which were hidden far away from the city’s hustle bustle. Sandra concealed herself in public using sunglasses and scarves like armor.

Her phone buzzed with messages from her best friend Vera, who was keen on meeting her for gossip.

Vera: “Sugarlump, I really don't give a damn whether you are hiding. I am physically dragging you out for some wine, and you owe me some rich gossip.”

Those words made Sandra smile, which is rare for her these days. Perhaps some company wouldn't be too bad after all.

That evening, she met Vera at a nice rooftop lounge. Just as expected, her bundle of joy, Vera, always full of fiery energy threw a hug at her while wearing a red lipstick on.

“Don't tell me….” Vera voiced out, taking Sandra up her feet, moving her 360 degrees to check her properly.

“Damn, girl. You’re glowing. Despite all that has happened.”

“Don't dare to go there Vera, that is all in my past now, you can see,” she said, patting her shoulders, "I have moved on.”

“Hmmm… it is a good idea you left him. But girl, it seems you are not telling me something,” she remarked looking straight at her eyeball, giving a very serious face, “Gist me, What's up? Who is he?”

Sandra laughed, exposing her brown teeth  knowing that Vera will definitely catch her.

 “You always assume that because l have moved on means a man is behind it right?”

“l know you, It always is.” Vera grinned, winking her eyes, sipping her drink. “So spill.” she remarked.

Sandra told her about Fergus, how she met him, the night they spent together, and how he made her feel seen, happy and complete again.

 Vera leaned in, eyes widened.

“An Italian billionaire? Sandra, are you in a romance novel?”

“I don’t know what this is,” Sandra admitted. “But he’s kind and interesting to be with with. And... I don’t feel so lost when I’m around him.”

Vera took her hand. “ Darling, let yourself feel it. You really deserve it, girl.”

Sandra knew that very word of Vera was timely and was enough to make her stand up to her weak shell. She needed that words. She is not ready to look into sipping into her past. Thank goodness, Fergus came timely, but is she ready to ignite the connection between her and Fergus? Or would she make what they had together pass away? Or maybe he is just a subject to pass the moment.