Chapter 2

I waited for the stranger to fall asleep.

Within a minute, I gently lifted myself from the soft bed.

I picked up each piece of clothing from the floor and put them on one by one. I knew I needed to leave the room as soon as possible.

Trying to be as quiet as possible, I quickly left the room. A twinge of discomfort in my thigh made me flinch, and I rubbed my forehead, feeling the start of a headache.

I was sure Stella was looking for me by now.

I chastised myself for how the night had turned out. Stella would definitely have a lecture ready for me. I moved carefully, needing to get out of there before the stranger woke up.

I hated myself for being so foolish, and tears welled up in my eyes. I quickly wiped them away with a swift motion.

"You've been so foolish, Elizabeth!" I scolded myself.

I made my way back to the table where I had left Stella.

I tried to walk normally, but I knew Stella would ask questions and wouldn't stop until she got answers.

"Where have you been, Elizabeth?"

I froze at the sound of Stella's voice. Slowly, I turned to face her. I tried to keep my face calm, not wanting her to see the turmoil I was feeling inside.

"On the terrace," I replied.

"Did you see him?" she asked, her face showing concern. I felt a pang of guilt.

"Do you mean my ex-boyfriend, who I can't stand? If I said no, Stella, I'd be lying."

"Yes, and he's looking for you."

"Why would he do that?" I asked, feeling annoyed.

"To apologize. I was annoyed, but I listened to him."

"What a waste of time," I snapped.

I knew what I needed to do - get out of this ridiculous party. I touched my temple, trying to hide my discomfort.

"Are you okay?" Stella asked, looking worried.

"I want to go home, Stella."

"You look pale."

I didn't respond to her comment. Stella helped me to the car that was parked in the garage.

Once I was in the car, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Thank God," I said quietly.

"Good thing you're driving, Stella. I'm not in any shape to be behind the wheel," I said.

"Here, take this," Stella offered, handing me a bottle of water.

I took the bottle and took a quick drink, hoping it would help with the dizziness.

I wondered what the stranger would think when he woke up and found me gone. His necklace still haunted my thoughts.

"Elizabeth, are you even listening to me?" Stella asked, looking confused.

"I'm trying to," I said.

"Really?"

"Sorry, Stella."

"So, you were with your ex-boyfriend again?"

"No, it was a stranger."

I was startled when the car suddenly stopped. "What's wrong, Stella?"

"Who are you talking about?" she asked, looking shocked.

"Let's just forget about it and go home. I'm really tired," I said.

"But who is this stranger you're talking about?"

I felt annoyed at her constant questions. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat.

"Elizabeth, I'm your friend. You can tell me."

"I slept with a stranger." I couldn't see Stella's reaction, but I could imagine her shock.

"Elizabeth! You're such a reckless little devil," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

As I remembered the passionate encounter in the room, a smile spread across my face. It was an experience that had helped me forget the pain of my past relationship. I was looking forward to seeing him again.

"Why are you smiling?" Stella asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm just thinking," I said, forcing a smile as I thought back to the intense and unforgettable night.

"You're quite the character, Elizabeth!"

"Thanks, Stella. But tonight, I felt like a woman." At this, Stella simply shook her head.

As she focused on the road, Stella said she never thought she'd have such a unique friend.

Soon, we were at my house. I knew my mom was still up, waiting for me.

"Thanks, Stella," I said, giving her a smile.

"You're welcome. Take care of yourself. And say hi to your mom for me."

"I will. Take care," I replied.

I opened the gate and walked towards the house. My mom came out to greet me, a gentle smile on her face.

"Welcome home, sweetie. How was the party?"

"It was alright, mom."

"How's your heart? Are you holding up okay, sweetie?"

I looked at my mom. The truth was, I was still hurting. But seeing her kind face lifted my spirits.

"I'm sure time will heal your pain, sweetheart. Trust in God and he'll guide you."

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Don't cry, sweetie. Stay strong, okay? I love you."

"I love you too, mom."

I hugged my mom tightly. Her comforting embrace gave me a sense of peace. "I love you, sweetie. We'll get through this together."

"With God's grace, I believe we will, mom."

"Absolutely. Now, come with me. I have something for you," she said. We went inside and headed to the kitchen.

Suddenly, my phone beeped. I asked my mom if I could answer the call from an unknown number.

"Who is this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"It's me, the stranger from the party," he replied.

A shiver ran down my spine, a mix of fear and excitement. "How did you get my number?" I asked.

"I have my ways," he said, his voice smooth and mysterious. "I hope you don't mind."

I was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. "What do you want?" I finally asked.

"I want to see you again," he said simply. "I can't stop thinking about our encounter."

His words sent a thrill through me. Despite the potential danger, I found myself drawn to him.

"Why should I trust you?" I asked, trying to sound confident.

"You don't have to trust me," he replied. "But I promise you, I'm not a threat. I just want to get to know you better."

I hesitated, torn between my curiosity and my caution. "I need to think about it," I finally said.

"Of course," he replied. "Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting."

With that, he hung up, leaving me with a whirlwind of emotions and a decision to make.