58

Chapter 58

Brittany’s Pov

Vivienne knew I hate waiting for someone that long. She knew and she'd kept me waiting for thirty minutes.

Even though the bar was nice, the lights were not bright, just the way I liked it. It's quiet enough for private conversations, elegant enough, and it suits my standards.

This is my first time here, I had picked it carefully. No one important ever came here, and that was exactly the point. I didn't want too many eyes since we had stormed other bars in town.

I was finishing my second drink of martini when Vivienne walked in, glowing. I could tell she was happy.

“You look like you just won the lottery, Vivienne ” I said as she sat next to me in the booth.

“Better than the lottery, darling.” She grinned, signaling for champagne. “I have news. Good news.”

I leaned forward. “Well, don’t leave me guessing. The gala’s in two days, Viv. Whatever it is, I need to hear it now.”

Vivienne’s eyes sparkled. “I saw her. Adrian. Today.”

My back stiffened. “Where exactly?”

“At Bergdorf’s,” she said proudly. “She was shopping—with that little girl, Pink.”

My stomach dropped. “You’re sure?”

“I knew you’d doubt me.” Vivienne smirked and pulled out her phone. “So I took pictures.”

She turned the screen toward me. And there they were. Adrian, was dressed in casual wear but she looked beautiful, Pink’s was beside her as she held her tiny hand walking into the store.

In another picture, Pink was turning around in a cute pink gown. Smiling like she'd, no problem at all.

I felt anger burning deep inside. Jealousy,something sharp and ugly.

“That’s not all, Bri.” Vivienne said, in a low voice.

I looked up. “What else?”

“Pink called her ‘Mother.’”

My breath caught. “What?”

“I heard it,” she said. “Several times. ‘Mommy, look at this.’ ‘Mommy, can I get it?’ The saleswoman even said how cute her daughter was.”

I gripped my glass so hard it nearly broke. “She’s calling her mother? That’s my place. I’m supposed to be Pink’s mother once Darcy and I are married!”

“I know.” Vivienne held my hand on the table. “That’s why I told you right away. Adrian’s getting too close to Darcy Rodrigo and his child. Anything that you have in mind, do it before she ruins everything.”

I swallowed hard, but my mind was racing.

“Did you see the DNA results yet?”

Brittany sighed. “Vivienne, please. You know they need a sample from both people to confirm it. I already have Pink’s hair. We just need Adrian’s DNA samples. And I said I’d get that at the gala day.”

She nodded.

“Is just... that... this makes me so angry. That woman is acting as part of my future family. I don't like that.”

“Bri. You know you don’t have to just sit back and watch until Darcy is out of your reach,” Vivienne said sharply. “You have a plan. Use it.”

A slow smile spread across my face. “It's true. I’ll make sure Adrian disappears this time. Even if it's for me to kill her. Darcy will notice I belong to his life at last.”

“Exactly.” Vivienne lifted her glass. “So Brittany, what’s the plan for Saturday?”

“Martin will be there as catering staff,” I said. “He’ll plant the drugs on Adrian during the event. Then we’ll make an anonymous tip to security. She’ll be caught that day, arrested, and sent back to prison for violating her parole.”

Vivienne’s eyes gleamed. “And Darcy?”

“If he tries to save her,” I said coldly. “ He'd have me to deal with. But once she’s found with drugs, he won't do anything again. After that, I’ll be there to comfort him. To love him.”

“To crushing the competition,” Vivienne said with a grin.

“To crushing the competition,” I echoed, clinking my glass with hers.

For the next hour, we went over every detail. What I’d wear. How I’d stay close to Darcy. What to say to Margaret so the engagement announcement went smoothly.

“My mother called this morning,” I said, stirring my drink. “She’s so excited about the gala. She said this marriage will unite two powerful families and make our future secure.”

“And your father?” Vivienne asked.

I let out a breath. “He called too. Said it’s time I prove I’m not just some spoiled socialite wasting her life. He wants me to make him proud.”

“That’s harsh,Bri.” Vivienne muttered.

“No matter what I do Viv., it’s never enough." I said sadly, "Maybe he will show me my respect if the marriage works out.”

Vivienne smiled gently. “He will. You always get what you want.”

I stared into my glass. “Do I? Darcy doesn’t look at me like he used to lately. He had made up his mind not to marry me lately."

“That’s because she’s still in the picture,” Vivienne said quickly. “Once Adrian’s gone—”

“It’s not only her,” I cut in, my voice breaking a little. “Even before she became Pink's nanny, Darcy was distant. Cold. He has not forgiven me for sleeping with Thomas. For the abortion. For everything.”

Vivienne stayed quiet for a moment. Then she said softly, “Then remind him why he fell for you in the first place. Saturday is your chance.”

I nodded slowly. “You’re right, Vivienne. Maybe, I’m overthinking. I believe the gala will change everything. Once the engagement is announced and Adrian is gone, Darcy will finally notice I’m the one.”

“Good,old Brittany I know is back,” Vivienne said, smiling.

But even as I smiled back, something inside me twisted. What if she was wrong? What if, even after all this, Darcy still didn’t want me?

What if I’d already lost him?

---

Vivienne left around nine to attend another party. I didn’t want to go home. I decided to stay back just a little bit,by the time I went home my parents would've slept.

So I stayed.

And I drank.

One martini. Then another. Then more—I stopped counting after the fourth.

The bar got noisier as time went on. More people came in, and they were discussing. Laughter everywhere. I sat alone, thinking to myself, watching the ice in my drink melt.

Everything depended on Saturday. The engagement, the plan, my family’s reputation—my entire future. If it fails, nothing is left for me. I'm sure my father would cast me out.

I was looking at my glass when I heard him talk. A familiar voice.

“Is this seat taken?” he said

I looked up to the person standing. My eyes weren't clear anymore. Tipsy.

A tall man. Well-dressed.

“That seat is taken by my bad mood,” I said, “But it can be shared.”

He laughed and sat down. “Rough night?”

“Rough month,” I said. “Rough year, actually.”

He ordered drinks for us, and we started with little talks. City, life, the cold, and music.

He was funny. Charming.

I finally felt at ease.

After a while, he touched my arm, his hands were warm, gentle and I didn’t remove my hands.

“You’re beautiful,” he said looking in my eyes.

I gave a small, tired smile. “You’re not bad yourself.”

He came closer to me. He kissed me.

For a second, I froze. I didn't stop him. I didn't even think of my future husband or anybody or anything at risk. I just allowed it to flow naturally.

But the alcohol made it easy to forget. His kiss felt good... it's been a long time, I kissed a man. This kiss. Hungry. Confident. Alive.

I kissed him back, his tongue was tasting whiskey and something addictive. Dangerous.

There was something familiar about him. His voice. The way he moved.I've seen him before but can't remember. The alcohol wouldn't allow me to remember.

His lips came closer to my ear. “There are private rooms upstairs,” he whispered. “Quiet. No one will bother us.”

I knew we'd make out.

Darcy loved Adrian instead of me. He sees me like a bad curse. A mistake he can't undo. And this man here. This stranger here wants me so bad. Desire me. See me for me.

“Show me,” I said.

He took my hand, and we walked upstairs in the bar together. My heels tapping on the floor. My heart beat fast. Alcohol made it easier. And then I desired to be touched too.

Brittany, I didn’t follow rules. I made them. And tonight, I wanted to forget.

Forget Darcy’s cold eyes.

Forget the weight of my father’s expectations.

Forget about everything.

When we reached one of the private rooms. We started kissing each other.

I stopped thinking about everything.

For once, I stopped acting like the perfect daughter, the perfect wife to be. I acted like me.

I could just be... wanted.

His kiss deepened. His hands touched every part of my body. He opened my cloth zip and allowed my dress to touch the floor.

He looked at my naked body, as he licked his lower lips. I felt wanted.

He laid me on the bed, kissing me.

I moaned slowly.

Then he kissed me from my neck to my breast. My nipples were hard. Then his lips went down to my tights, he ate my wet cunt. I moaned loudly.

"I missed you." He said...

Something about him was familiar. Something about his touch wasn’t random.

But I pushed the thought away.

Tonight wasn’t for thinking.

Tonight was for forgetting.

And as his lips met mine again, as he slid his shaft inside of me. The way he was grinding his big dick inside my cunt, I forgot about the plan, the fear, and the consequences.

Because sometimes, even Brittany Hawthorne needed to stop acting, she was in control.

Just for a one night stand.

Just until morning.