Plaza Hotel ( The One Night Stand 2 )

An hour before discovering Isabella and James’s betrayal, Ashley had expressed her discomfort to her stepsister. The noisy atmosphere of the hotel club made her feel as though her eardrums were about to burst. Isabella, however, urged her to enjoy herself, reminding her that it was her special day. Little did Isabella know that Ashley had absolutely no desire to celebrate her birthday in such a place.

Looking for her boyfriend, James, Ashley asked Isabella where he was.

Isabella reassured her that James was probably just around the corner.

Moments later, James arrived with drinks for both of them. His affectionate gestures toward Ashley made her blush, while Isabella rolled her eyes in irritation.

As they drank in silence, James asked Ashley to dance, and she happily agreed.

“My beautiful lady, may I have this dance?” James asked with a gentlemanly bow, making Ashley giggle at his exaggerated gesture.

Their bodies swayed together on the dance floor under Isabella’s watchful gaze. She glared at Ashley with intense hatred, muttering angrily to herself as she knew her stepsister’s little fantasy would soon come to an end.

Excusing herself to use the restroom, Isabella shot James a meaningful look before walking away.

As Ashley danced with James, drowsiness suddenly washed over her, leaving her feeling extremely uncomfortable. Confused by the strange sensation, she asked James what was in her drink.

Insisting that there was no alcohol in the glass, James offered to take her to a room where she could rest, ensuring that she would not leave the celebration early. Unaware of what was about to happen, Ashley accepted his offer.

Unbeknownst to her, Isabella was watching everything from a nearby corner. The malicious smile on her face indicated that her plans were unfolding exactly as expected.

After taking Ashley to one of the hotel rooms, James laid her on the bed and stepped into the hallway. The moment he came out, he came face-to-face with Isabella. The two exchanged a passionate kiss before finally pulling apart.

“Are the guys ready?” James asked Isabella.

“Absolutely. The cameras are also perfectly positioned. I can’t wait to show everything to the family tomorrow,” Isabella replied gleefully.

“Good. I can’t wait either,” James agreed, pulling Isabella into a tight embrace. “Come on, darling. Let’s have some fun. The guys will be here soon to take care of her.”

He glanced at the door before adding, “Dear Ashley, don’t blame me for taking everything away from you. I’m simply claiming what rightfully belonged to me.”

With those words, James left with Isabella.

Despite her drowsiness, Ashley couldn't fall asleep. She climbed out of bed, deciding to step outside for some fresh air. Something didn't feel right with her body. Fortunately, the door wasn't locked.

She stumbled out of the room, struggling to keep her balance as she walked. Despite her unsteady steps, she eventually reached the entrance leading outside the hotel. Unfortunately, she nearly collapsed to the ground, but a rescuing hand caught her just in time.

In her drowsy state, Ashley lifted her head to look at the person who had saved her. However, her blurred vision and exhaustion prevented her from making out his face. Everything around her seemed hazy.

“Are you all right?” the man asked.

Ashley could only nod in response.

The stranger loosened his grip, but she immediately began to stagger again.

“Thank you, sir. I feel terribly dizzy,” Ashley told the man, whose identity remained a mystery to her.

“Then you shouldn't be out here,” he reprimanded her.

“I just need some fresh air. I don't understand what's happening to me. I haven't even had a single drop of alcohol, so why do I feel this way?” Ashley wondered aloud, unaware that the stranger could hear every word.

“Excuse me, miss,” the man called to a nearby employee.

“Yes, young master?” a young waitress responded as she approached him.

“Please get her a seat over there and prepare a glass of milk with a pinch of salt. She's feeling drowsy. After that, take her to the restroom and help her splash some cold water on her face. That should help stabilize her,” the man instructed.

“Understood, young master. Miss, would you kindly come with me?” the waitress asked Ashley gently.

Ashley nodded, as her mind wasn't functioning clearly at that moment. Before she could walk away, she heard the stranger speak again.

“You're far too young to be in a place like this.”

Amid her drowsiness, Ashley managed a faint smile and turned her attention toward the man standing before her.

“I didn't come alone,” she revealed. “My sister and my boyfriend are here with me. Today happens to be my birthday, although I must admit this isn't exactly the kind of place I prefer.”

After expressing her gratitude, Ashley continued, “Sir, even though my eyes can see three people standing in front of me, deep down, I know you're the only one who's really here. Please forgive me for being so exhausted. I can't see your face clearly, but I can sense your scent.”

Somewhat amused and bewildered, the man asked, “You can sense my scent?”

“Definitely,” Ashley confirmed with a nod before adding, “What I mean is that even though I can't see your face, you smell really nice. So, you must be handsome. Thank you, Mr. Handsome.”

The man was left speechless, captivated by the young woman standing before him.

Their conversation was interrupted when an older woman approached and called the man by his name, David, immediately catching Ashley's attention.

“David,” she murmured to herself.

Before leaving, David entrusted Ashley to the waitress's care, giving her clear instructions. Surprised yet charmed by Ashley's personality, the employee obeyed, treating her with exceptional gentleness because of her apparent youth.

After feeling considerably better thanks to the waitress's assistance, Ashley thanked her before setting out to look for James and Isabella.

However, the persistent desire to leave the place continued to occupy her thoughts. Despite her improvement, her longing to return home remained overwhelming.

The dance floor was the first place Ashley searched, but neither of her companions was anywhere to be found.

According to a witness, they had headed toward one of the rooms on the upper floor. Ashley immediately went upstairs to look for them, carefully checking each room along the way. Her search did not go unnoticed, as several people reprimanded her for disturbing their privacy.

Just as she was about to give up, Ashley heard Isabella's voice coming from one of the rooms. The excitement in her stepsister's tone made Ashley smile and shake her head. She decided to find a room where she could rest until Isabella finished whatever she was doing.

The growing bond between Ashley and her sister was evident, and Ashley was determined not to let their relationship slip back into the hostility of the past. After all, they were sisters.

However, the sound of a man's voice suddenly pierced Ashley's consciousness, sending a shiver down her spine. Slowly, she turned around and cautiously approached the room from which the voices were coming.

Fortunately, the door was slightly ajar. As Ashley gently pushed it open, an overwhelming sense of emptiness washed over her.

At that very moment, she regretted ever opening that damned door.