Chapter 3: Mr. Brandon Donovan

ELENA.

“You had what?” violet eyes widened and her voice drops in a sharp whisper.

She tightens her fingers around my arm, her eyes staring at me like I’ve just lost my mind.

“You…you had a one night stand with your sister’s fiancé?”

“I…I didn’t know” I say as my eyes are locked on Brandon standing beside my sister. “I told you I don’t remember everything”

Violet blinks her eyes. “This is serious Elena, you’ve to remember something.”

My voice cracks. “I only remember his tattoos and his voice. I remember…” my eyes fall on his tattoos. “I remember his touch. I know it’s him.”

“Do you even know who that is?”

At this moment I didn’t care who he was anymore, that didn’t matter. I just want to know what happened between us and why he had left me at the hotel.

I care only about the truth.

“Oh my goodness if I had known that the name on that card is the same as Mr. Brandon Donovan” violet continues. “One of the famous known billionaire CEO of Don’s enterprise. He is one of the rich and powerful car dealers in town…he’s the kind of man that people don’t come across.”

I finally glance at her.

“You had a one night stand with that man? Elena if Rita finds out I’m sure she’s going to see this as an opportunity to rip your head off” violet says.

“She’s not going to find out. I’m not planning on telling her.”

Violet snaps quickly. “It doesn’t matter now Elena. Just stay away from him and forget everything that happened between you two.”

“No! I need to know what happened, what he did to me.”

She stares at me. “Elena-”

“I need answers” finding out the truth would put me at ease. The gap in my memory is driving me insane.

I glance at him one more time and then-

His eyes lock on mine.

He looks at me, like he knows I’ve been staring.

My stomach drops instantly. Everything fades again.

The way he stares at him is controlled and heavy in a way I can’t seem to explain.

There is something about him that sends shiver down my spine. Something that pulls every inch of me without permission.

Those grey eyes. It’s him.

I know it and I can feel it.

My lips part slowly, like I’m about to say something even if I know he wouldn’t hear me.

i just need to know if he recognizes me.

But then something shifts. His expression stays calm. No change or sign of recognition from him.

His gaze on me is suddenly distant like I’m just a stranger in the room.

My breathe catches.

No…this isn’t possible. He has to know me somehow.

Before I could react, his phone rang and the moment breaks.

He glances away, whispering to Rita as he releases her hands and answers the call.

And then suddenly he is walking towards me.

My heart jumps instantly. His expression is cold and unreadable. I don’t care, this is my only chance to get an answer from him.

I step forward quickly so I can catch up with him.

“Hey wait-“

But he doesn’t slow down, he doesn’t even look at me, instead he walks past me like I am invincible.

Like that night meant nothing.

Everything around me freezes.

Violet walks towards me quickly. “Are you sure it’s him?”

I stare at her. “Yes. The card confirms it.”

She searches my face before asking. “But what if he doesn’t remember that night too?”

“No, he has to remember”

Because if he doesn’t, then there won't be a way for me to know the truth.

“I don’t remember inviting you to my engagement party.” Rita’s voice cuts in.

I turn slowly, she looks at me closely as she flaunts her ring.

“Try not to embarrass yourself Elena. You don’t belong here and you never will.”

My fingers curl at my side but I stay silent.

“At least I don’t have to worry about you taking anything else from me.” Rita says.

My eyebrows raise slightly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh you don’t know what it means?” she adds, moving closer to me. “Like how you and your mother shattered my family by being his mistress?”

Her words sends a slight pain to my chest.

“If you and your mother didn’t come into our lives, dad wouldn’t have divorced my mom. But this time I won’t let you take anything from me again.”

“Enough Rita.” violet cuts in

Rita glares at her. “Excuse me?”

“You forgot to add the truth. You liar. Or let me remind you? Didn’t your mom cheat on your dad before he divorced her?”

Everywhere becomes silent instantly.

Rita’s eyes darkens. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that?”

“Then stop acting like you are better than everyone else because the truth is you just a daughter of jezebel”

“Violet please stop” I say quickly.

I didn’t want more trouble right now.

“Just go home violet please” I whisper, violet stares at me.

I smile at her giving her the reassurance that I can take care of myself, then she nods and leaves.

I turned to Rita. “I’m going upstairs. I don’t want to cause you any problem.”

Rita scoffs. “Yeah I don’t want you to ruin my party. You’ve done enough.”

She glares at me on more time before she turns away.

I turned my head slightly, my eyes scanning through the room, hoping I would find him.

But he’s gone and somehow that makes everything worst.

I move towards the stairs, then suddenly my phone vibrates.

An unknown number. My heartbeat starts racing again as I answer the call slowly.

“Hello…”

Then a low, cold, familiar voice cuts in.

“Stay away from me El.”

My eyes widened.

It’s him.