Chapter 3

Zach's PoV

I need to teach that asshole a lesson on how to treat women or his staff more importantly. Yana's body language told me everything I needed to know. I seethed in anger as I pondered whether he had ever assaulted her.

No wonder she almost drowned the bastard!

Entering the office, Mr. Henry greeted me, then profusely apologized because my reservation got messed up somehow.

My best friend Kyle Parker usually handles these things, but somehow, the room was booked in his name and not mine.

"These things happen sometimes, but I hope there won't be any recurrences." I retorted.

He visibly paled instantly, "I've made sure of that sir. We have also given you a complimentary upgrade to the penthouse suite for tour troubles."

Nodding curtly, I gave him my final instructions, “Please ensure Yana’s money is refunded for the room.” Without waiting for him to acknowledge me, I  headed back to the lobby eagerly.

Imagine my disappointment when I realized Yana was gone without a trace! Rushing to the front desk, I signaled the receptionist. "Where is the young lady I was with earlier?"

She furrowed her brow while checking the computer, "She checked out and left, Sir."

My heart dropped instantly! I haven't felt this connected to anyone in such a long time and now this! "By chance, do you have her contact details? I need to get in touch with her urgently." I pleaded.

She looked at me apologetically, "I'm very sorry, but it's against hotel policy to share a guest's personal details."

Feeling defeated, I headed back to my seat sulking. How could fate be this cruel to me yet again?

Fifteen minutes later, I was standing to the left of the podium as the host read my bio. As she concluded, the audience applauded and stood as I walked across the stage.

It's a rare occasion for me to make an appearance like this despite being the CEO of the Diamond Club Hotel chain.

Kyle usually makes public appearances, but I made this exception since my late father Kevin was being posthumously awarded. About ten minutes later, I quickly concluded my speech, exited the stage and grabbed a champagne flute. 

I downed the drink in one go because I felt frustrated, but then I was startled by a snicker behind me. Turning slowly, I prayed silently to see Yana before me, but fate had other plans.

"Natasha!" I semi shouted, "What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded hotly.

She smirked as she inched closer to me. "A little birdy told me you'd be here, I just had to see you Zach."

My skin crawled at her vane attempt to be sultry or even sexy. Hissing my teeth, I stepped away from her, "Well, you've seen me, so you can go now."

Natasha pouted, but I was unphased! She's the Devil's spawn! She was pure poison and the most conniving person I've ever met in my life.

She's nothing like Yana! My subconscious scoffs, causing me to smile inwardly.

"Zach, I miss you baby." Natasha attempted to caress my chest, but I slapped her hand away.

Grabbing her arm, I haul her towards the door without attracting too much attention. "Get the hell out before I have them throw you out on your goddamn ass!" I tried to suppress my anger, "You have some nerve showing up here after what you did!"

Her cheeks flushed red, but her eyes blazed in anger briefly. "You're going to regret this decision, Zach."

I guffawed, then tucked my hands into my pocket. "The only regret I have is the day I met you."

Walking away, I reentered the room and reclaimed my seat sulking. Could my day get any worse than this?

Moments later, the guest services manager Norman approached me with my messenger bag. My heart leaped for joy because otherwise, I would've been screwed!

I tried tuning in to the presentations, but all I could think about was Yana. She was truly a breath of fresh air compared to Natasha.

A chill overtook my body as I recall our last day together.

Flashback

My last meeting ended and I was eager to go home to see my girlfriend of one year, Natasha Gomez. We met at a charity gala and I was enthralled by her. She was perfect in every way that mattered to me.

Pulling into the garage, I switched the engine of my Maybach off then entered the house through the side door. A bouquet of red roses in hand, I smiled as I headed toward the foyer. Natasha had been sending me nude photos and videos all day so I was super hyped.

However, my steps faltered when I heard yelling.

"My brother will never marry an evil bitch like you!" My baby sister Kyra yelled crying.

Natasha laughed haughtily, "Yes he will and as soon as he does, I'll ship your bratty ass off to Australia!"

Anger coursed through my body at the realization that I failed to protect Kyra! My parents must be turning in their graves right now. Kyra spotted me but I signaled her to act indifferent to my presence. She hiccuped, "Zach won't do that to me. You only want his money and I'm gonna tell him!"

Natasha cackled like an evil witch. "Of course I want his money, I'll spend every dime and you can't stop me!"

Before I could interject, she pushed Kyra roughly into the couch causing her to yell in pain. Being the little firecracker that she is, Kyra kicked her shin and ran to me.

Natasha turned to chase her but froze when she saw me. "Za..Zach baby, you're home early."

She took a step towards us but I raised my free hand stopping her in her tracks. "Pack your shit and leave right now!" 

Clenching my teeth, I tried to curtail my anger because I wanted to avenge Kyra. I watched as her face became deathly pale, "Bab...ba..baby you don't mean that..." She ran a trembling hand through her hair. "I was just upset, how about we all just calm down and..."

"LEAVE NOW!" I bellowed, causing her and Kyra to jump in fright.

They've never seen me angry before and at this point in time I was struggling to control myself! Taking Kyra to her room upstairs, I placed her on the bed then locked the door behind me as I left.

Natasha was still planted in the same spot  crying so I took the liberty to help her. Heading back to our room, I grabbed three large suitcases and threw all her shit inside. Hurling them down the stairs, I dragged the suitcases to the front porch and tossed them onto the driveway.

She wailed loudly, "Zach, please don't do this. I'm truly sorry baby.”

Instead of listening, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind me until she was outside.  Stepping back, I slammed the door in her face, then called Steve the security guard to escort her off the premises.

How could I have been so blind?

End of Flashback

I shuddered at the memory, especially as I remembered everything Kyra endured when I wasn’t present. That night, I promised her to never give another woman the chance to even get close to her. If it meant sacrificing my happiness and having flings now and then, I would do it.

I've been an elusive bachelor since that day two years ago, but my armor cracked today. Yana Brighton managed to slip through with a simple act of kindness and a display of selflessness. She didn’t know who I was, she wasn’t a gold digger and she has to be the purest woman I’ve encountered in a long while.

A woman of her caliber should be treasured and I am the man to do just that! Grabbing my phone, I called Kyle and relayed the day’s events to him. He was definitely entertained by my pathetic life, with all the laughing he did much to my dismay. 

However, that didn’t matter as he uttered the words I needed to hear: “I will find her for you bro!”

-----