The Aftermath

Chloe's POV

The sun was barely up when I got out of Derek's bed. My head still throbbed, and my entire body felt heavy. I got dressed quickly, my hands shaking as I pulled my dress back on.

Derek woke up and leaned back, resting on the bed frame. "Let me have my driver take you home," he said, his voice was deep and bold.

I hated to admit it but it felt like I could relax there in his arms, just for a little while. But what was I thinking!

I'd just slept with a total stranger!

"No," I quickly said, looking away. "Thanks, but no." I hurried out before he could stop me.

Thinking he would just let me go, I slowed my pacing, admiring the beauty of that mansion. Fancy and well lit decorations, bright lighting and I was suddenly caught off guard when I found it.

It was a grand picture of this man receiving an award from the president of a big business association in the world. He held a strong stance, smiling just with his lips curving slightly upward but his eyes filled with so much pride. This man was none other than Derek Sinclair. The same fucking Derek?! The most richest man in the country! He ran a massive investment empire and basically controlled half the economy.

I froze right on that spot. Derek wasn't just a rich and powerful figure. He was Nathan's worst nightmare. His business competitor. I just slept with a man who can destroy Nathan with just a command.

He cleared his throat behind me, making me jump up in shock. He was tying the bedspread around his waist, completely shirtless-and ripped.

I didn't wait for him to say anything and ran outside in full speed. Quickly, I hailed a taxi as I'd already covered distance from his apartment. Then glad he stopped, I climbed in.

You would think I'd just been kidnapped and was escaping. I had to keep my compusure calm before he started asking some questions. But I still couldn't believe the biggest mistake I'd just committed right now.

I got home feeling exhausted but there was no time to relax. If I wasted any more time, I would be late for my appointment. I hit the shower and got dressed in a simple black pants and a cooperate blouse.

"Oh shoot! I'm gonna be late!" I bolted out, still struggling to slip into my sneakers. Bianca didn't stay too far from me so by the time I got to the entrance, she was already waiting for me. I smiled and greeted our house keeper, Mabel, then guided Bianca to the car.

About an hour later, I was sitting in a sterile white waiting room next to my teenage sister, Bianca. Bianca was only sixteen, and she had spent the last few months in a coma. The shock of our mother's sudden death had completely broken her, causing temporary paralysis and a total shutdown.

She finally woke up a few weeks ago, but her mind had blocked out the trauma. She remembered me, she remembered how to talk, and she knew basic things about life, but she had absolutely no memory of our mother dying. She still thought Mom was just away on a long business trip.

"Chloe, look," Bianca said, nudging my arm. She pointed to a magazine on the waiting room table. "That couch looks exactly like the new line Mom was about to buy before she left for Europe."

I looked at the magazine, my heart twisting in my chest. I had to force a fake smile. "Yeah, it does. Mom always had the best taste."

The guilt swallowed me whole. I wanted to scream. I wanted to tell her that our mother was buried in a cemetery, and that my husband was currently stealing her company with my best friend. But the doctor said any big shock could send Bianca right back into paralysis.

I reached for my pockets then it hit me. Shoot! I forgot my phone and purse…last night memory blurred into my mind. I needed to catch my breath right now. Nathan cheated on me…with Naomi…

"Are you okay?" I heard her asked.

The recording of their nasty plan was on my phone!

I cleared my throat, managing a smile. "What? Of course." My chest was heavy and I felt a hard lump in my throat. "I'm fine, B."

We walked out of the sliding glass doors of the hospital into the bright afternoon sun. Bianca was leaning against me a little, still weak from her therapy session.

"I'm glad everything is fine. You're getting really better." I said to her, helping her out. She just nodded, clearly interested in nothing but to crash on the bed and bury herself into one of her adventure novels.

A large, sleek black SUV pulled up right to the curb in front of us. Then he stepped out, approaching us. The tinted window rolled down, and…It was Derek. He looked incredibly sharp, wearing a dark suit that made him look completely out of place in front of a regular hospital.

"Hey, princess," Derek said, his voice deep and smooth. "Fancy meeting you here. Get in. I'll drive you both home."

My stomach dropped."Derek? What are you…" What was he doing here? Did he follow me? Guilt rushed through me, hot and sudden. Then it slowly became anger. I thought about what happened last night, and then my eyes flashed across my innocent sister standing next to me. "No," I said immediately, my voice tight. "We're fine. We can take a cab."

Bianca looked between us, her eyes wide with curiosity. She could clearly feel the heavy tension in the air. "Chloe," she whispered, tugging on my sleeve. "Or should I say, princess?" She said between giggles. "Who is that?"