Chapter 4: One Nightstand

Ria had returned home broken after the humiliating encounter with Adrian. She headed straight for her room and shut the door behind her. Soon enough she heard a soft knock on the door and Olivia walked in, her expression soft and compassionate as she sat beside her.

“Ria,” Olivia began, her voice calm but tinged with emotion. “Do you remember that time when you had that accident? When the doctors said you wouldn’t survive without an immediate blood transfusion?”

Ria stiffened, her hands clutching the blanket. How could she forget? That memory had haunted her for years.

But why is Olivia bringing that up now? she knows she doesn't like remembering that incident. She had lost her mother from that accident and Olivia had almost lost her life too trying to save her.

“I didn’t even think twice when they said my blood matched,” Olivia continued, her voice trembling slightly. “I was terrified, Ria. I thought I’d lose you. But I did what any sister would do—I gave you my blood because I couldn’t imagine life without you.”

Ria’s throat tightened, guilt washing over her as the memory resurfaced. She remembered the pale, fragile figure of Olivia lying on the hospital bed, and the look of fear on everyone’s faces. She had woken up and was told Olivia had given her blood without hesitation, collapsing from exhaustion afterward.

Ria looked away, guilt creeping into her heart. She had always felt Indebted to Olivia and would do anything to pay back.

“You were so strong,” Olivia continued, placing a gentle hand on Ria’s. “You fought so hard to survive, and I was so proud of you. I still am.”

Her voice softened further. “And that’s why I need you to understand something. I didn’t know Adrian was your childhood sweetheart when I fell in love with him. I swear, Ria. I never meant to hurt you. I'm so sorry about my outburst earlier and my harsh words.”

Ria’s chest tightened, her mind reeling. She'd be a fool if she doesn't know where this conversation was headed.

“I love him,” Olivia said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He makes me so happy, Ria. And I think I make him happy too. Please… don’t stand in our way. Let me have this chance at happiness. After all, I gave you a second chance at life. Please, don’t take him from me. I’m begging you, Ria.”

Ria’s throat burned as Olivia’s words struck her heart.

The weight of Olivia’s words crushed Ria. Every part of her wanted to scream, to fight for Adrian, to claim her own happiness, but how could she? She owed Olivia her life. And if sacrificing her love and happiness for Olivia's will ease the guilt…

Ria looked away, her hands trembling as she fights back the tears that threatened to spill. Olivia’s pleas and tears tugged at the deepest corners of her heart. Reluctantly, Ria nodded, her heart breaking as she whispered, “I won’t meddle anymore. After all, Adrian doesn’t even recognize me. If he’s happy with you, I won’t stand in the way.”

Olivia sobbed with relief, throwing her arms around Ria. “Thank you, Ria. Thank you so much.”

Ria remained stiff in her embrace, her heart splintering with every word.” But behind Ria’s shoulder, Olivia's expression shifted. The soft, tearful facade faded, replaced by a sly, triumphant glint in her eyes. Her lips curved into a subtle, victorious smirk—she has the golden card in her hands and she intends to play it well.

“That reminds me Ria” Olivia said as she pulled back. “Adrian and I are going out for dinner tonight. I’d love for you to come with us.”

Ria frowned, confused. “Why would you want me there?”

Olivia chuckled lightly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Because you’re my sister, silly. I don’t want you to feel left out. And… maybe it’ll help you see that everything’s okay between us. I just want things to go back to normal.”

Her voice was sweet, her intentions seemingly innocent, but Ria hesitated, her instincts warning her against Olivia’s invitation.

“Please,” Olivia added, her smile widening. “It’s just one dinner. It would mean so much to me if you came.”

Ria sighed. Olivia’s request felt genuine, and she didn’t want to cause unnecessary conflict. “Fine,” she said reluctantly. “I’ll come.”

“Great!” Olivia beamed, clapping her hands together. “Adrian will be here soon. Wear something nice, okay?”.

As Olivia left the room, her smile lingered. Inside, she felt a surge of satisfaction. Ria had no idea that tonight wasn’t about spending time together—it was about showing Ria just how happy Adrian was with her. If Ria still harbored feelings for him, tonight would crush any lingering hopes.

***

The Blake Grand Hotel was as lavish as Ria had imagined. The chandeliers sparkled, and the air smelled of wealth and power. Adrian checked them in, and Ria was relieved to discover her room was separate from theirs—directly opposite.

At Olivia’s insistence, they headed to the hotel bar. Ria chose a table far from theirs, sipping whiskey as she watched Olivia shamelessly flirt. She threw herself at Adrian, her laughter ringing out across the room. Adrian didn’t seem to mind, which only added to Ria’s growing frustration.

Ria tried not to watch but her gaze betrayed her, lingering on Adrian's relaxed smile, something she hadn't seen directed at her since his return.

She downed glass after glass, the alcohol dulling the ache in her chest.

Hours passed. Ria’s vision blurred, and her head spun. She saw Olivia stand unsteadily, leaning into Adrian with a drunken giggle.

“I’m heading upstairs,” Olivia slurred.

Ria watched her stagger out of the bar before turning her gaze back to Adrian. He looked utterly unfazed, his head resting against the back of his chair, his eyes half-closed, the effect of the alcohol clearly obvious.

“I need some air,” she mumbled, pushing her chair back.

Her heels clicked unevenly against the marble floor as she stumbled out of the bar.

The dim hallway swayed slightly in Ria’s vision as she stumbled forward, her head fuzzy from the alcohol she’d downed earlier at the bar. She hadn’t intended to drink so much, but watching Olivia shamelessly throw herself at Adrian—her Knight—had been too much to bear.

Her breath hitched as she remembered how Adrian had barely spared her a glance all evening, his smiles and attention reserved solely for Olivia. She clenched her fists, trying to block out the image of them together.

“I need the restroom,” she muttered, her voice trembling. Her heels clicked unevenly against the marble floor as she turned a corner, her mind clouded and unfocused.

Just as she was about to take another step, she collided with something solid.

“Careful,” a deep voice rumbled, strong hands gripping her shoulders to steady her.

Her heart stopped. She looked up, and through her blurred vision, those piercing blue eyes stared back at her—Adrian.

“Knight?” she whispered, her voice shaky.

His brows furrowed, his lips parting as if to say something, but no words came. His gaze swept over her face, lingering on her flushed cheeks and slightly parted lips.

The hallway felt smaller, and the air between them charged with an unspoken tension. His gaze dropped to her lips, lingering there for a moment too long.

“Knight…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Something in his expression shifted, the alcohol clouding his judgment as much as hers. Slowly, he leaned in, his warm breath brushing against her skin.

Ria’s heart raced as his lips touched hers, soft and hesitant at first, as if testing her reaction. She froze, stunned, but the feel of him—the taste of whiskey and something undeniable—sent a shiver down her spine.

She melted into the kiss, her hands instinctively reaching for his shirt, clinging to him as if he were her anchor in a spinning world. Adrian groaned softly, pulling her closer, his fingers sliding to her waist.

The kiss deepened, growing more urgent as the alcohol took full control. Ria’s mind screamed at her to stop,that this wasn't right, but her body betrayed her, giving in to the heat of the moment.

The door to a nearby room creaked open, and Adrian scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her inside. Neither of them spoke, their lips never parting as he laid her on the bed. The world outside ceased to exist as they gave in to the fiery pull between them, their reasoning lost to the alcohol and emotions they couldn't suppress.

***

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, piercing Ria’s eyelids. She stirred, her head pounding as memories of the night before came rushing back. Her eyes flew open, and she froze.

Adrian lay beside her, the sheets barely covering his bare chest, his face turned away. Panic set in as she realized the full extent of what had happened.

“Adrian…” she whispered, but he didn’t stir.

Before she could say anything more, the door to the room burst open.

“Ria, have you seen Adrian—” Olivia’s voice stopped abruptly, her scream shattering the morning quiet.

Adrian jolted awake, his eyes wide as he took in the scene: Olivia standing in the doorway, her face pale with shock, and Ria clutching the sheets to her chest. Adrian sat up beside her, his expression shifting from confusion to fury as he realized where he was—and who he was with.

“What the hell?” Olivia shrieked, her voice echoing. Without another glance, she ran out of the room.

Adrian shot out of bed, quickly pulling on his clothes. His expression darkened, and when he turned to Ria, his eyes burned with anger.

“How could you?” he spat, his voice cold enough to freeze her in place.

Ria’s mouth opened to protest, but no words came. She could only watch as Adrian stormed out, muttering under his breath.

“I don’t ever want to see you again,” he said harshly. Pray Olivia forgives me, or else…” He didn’t finish the threat, slamming the door behind him.

Ria sat frozen, her heart shattering anew. The sound of the door slamming behind him echoed in her ears. She wrapped the sheets around herself, the weight of the night’s events crushing her. What have I done?