CHAPTER 3

Rays of sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows and landed on my face. I swiveled on the bed and peeled my eyes, smiling as memories of last night played in my head.

It was passionate.

We’d given ourselves completely to each other, without holding back. Even the sheets still carried the scent of our sweet lovemaking.

I turned and found the space beside me empty. Cold. But I sat up and saw him standing before the window, already dressed, with his back to me.

“Good morning.”

He glanced over his shoulder and resumed staring across the window.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Mabel.” I swallowed. “Mabel Parker.”

Slowly, he turned around and faced me, his eyes cold as winter's breeze. “Who are you working for, Mabel?”

I blinked. “What?”

He walked to the table and picked up a glass, his drink from last night. He shook it gently and looked at me again.

“Last night, my drink was spiked. I managed myself to my penthouse and suddenly you showed up.”

“Excuse me?” My brows pulled closely as I tried to decipher what he was saying. “I–I do not understand.”

His jaw tightened . “I don't have time for this. If you don't want me calling the police, I suggest you start talking, Ms. Parker.”

Police?

What did the police have to do with the one-night stand we had?

My heart pounded.

“Why would you think I did that?” I stuttered. “I—I wasn’t even the one who served you last night.”

“I've seen this before. There’s a strong chance you conspired with whoever spiked my drink.”

“No!” I shook my head. “I did not!”

“What's in it for you? Money? Is someone trying to blackmail me?”

Tears gathered in my eyes.. “I will never do such a thing!”

He lowered the drink and took a cautious step toward the bed.

“You will never do such a thing?”

“Yes.”

“How did you suddenly know where I was?”

My lips parted and closed.

“It's true I noticed you leaving the party. But someone grabbed me in the hallway and threw me into the elevator, and the next thing, I was in your suite.”

“Trust me,” I begged.

He smirked. “Who?”

I realized I didn’t even know anything about the stranger last night.

“A woman.” I blinked. “S-she was in her mid-fifties, I think... had green eyes and blonde hair.”

Silence stretched between us. His eyes softened as though he was believing me, only to harden again. His phone rang. With his eyes still locked on mine, he answered. “Hello, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart?

He had a sweetheart?

His heart belonged to someone else yet I had given mine completely to him without holding back.

“Yes, I’m in my suite,” he said, and slipped the phone back into his pocket. We stared at each other. Just then, a knock sounded on the door.

Our eyes drifted to the door and met again. Warmth pooled in my belly.

No. I shouldn't still feel this way toward him. Not after his accusation and what I knew now.

Alec hesitated for a split second, then he stepped away from the bed and answered the door. My heart sank as I took in the slender figure.

A beautiful brunette in designer clothes, and a woman in her eighties.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re safe, Alec,” the older woman rasped and hugged him.

“Mama Emelda. I'm fine,” he said and straightened.

“So you’re cheating on me?” the model-looking lady asked, bursting into tears.

“Angelina!” He stepped toward her, but she stepped back.

It hurt my heart seeing him put so much effort toward another woman. My fingers instinctively tightened on the sheets. “I swear, I had no idea. My drink was spiked.”

Angelina suddenly stopped crying, and her furious gaze darted to me. “No you didn't. You low-life!”

Before I could say jack, she was upon me on the bed, hitting me at everywhere possible, and dragging my hair.

“No. I did not!”

Pain exploded across my scalp. My vision turned white as hot tears filled my eyes, but pride kept them from falling.

“Angelina. Stop!” they rasped and pulled her away from me.

“Leave me. I am calling the police right away,” she threatened.

“She’s not worth it,” he whispered, and pulled her into his arms. My heart broke—and this time, I couldn't stop the tears.

They rolled freely down my cheeks.

“I didn't do it.”

“Oh, you’re still talking?!” Angelina shrieked.

He pointed at the door. “Leave before I involve the manager.”

“Yes. Dress up and get out, you whore!” she spat.

Without hesitation, I climbed down from the bed and stepped into my clothes. Never have I felt so ashamed and small. He was at least decent enough to turn around and give me the privacy I needed, his hand still wrapped around Angelina's waist.

I finished and scurried to the door. “I'm sorry—”

“Get out!” she shrieked.

Bowing my head with shame, I ran like never before, without looking back.

I jumped into the first taxi I could find, and literally bit down on my lips to keep myself from crying until I was in the safe space of my apartment. I collapsed right in the doorway and let it all out.

My phone kept ringing.

Ruth.

No.

I couldn't continue to burden her with my miserable life. First an overdue rent, my father's inherited debts, and now a disgraceful one nightstand with a billionaire.

Slowly, I pushed myself back on my feet and gathered all my stuff into a single bag. With one last glance at my apartment, I shut the door and headed out.