CHAPTER 4

Rays of sunlight landed on my face. I blinked as memories of last night played in my head. A smile spilled on my lips.

We’d given ourselves passionately to each other. Even the sheets still carried the scent of our sweat and muffled moans.

I turned and found the space beside me empty. He was by the window, already dressed, staring into the morning light.

Clutching the sheets, I sat on the bed. “Good morning.”

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

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Mabel. Mabel Parker.”

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

I gasped. “What?”

He walked to the table and picked up a glass of wine, his drink from last night. Shaking it gently, he looked at me again. “Last night, my drink was spiked. Then you suddenly 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.”

My heart pounded. Police? What does the police have to do with the one-night stand we had?

“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 in movies...girls like you acting smart. There’s a possibility that you conspired with the girl that served me. Didn't you?”

“I did not!” Tears gathered in my eyes.. “I will never spike someone's drink.”

He lowered the drink and took a step closer to the bed. “You suddenly came to me.”

“Yes. Someone came to me at the ballroom and said a guest needed a drink, and the next thing I knew, I was in your room.”

“Trust me,” I begged.

Silence stretched between us. His eyes softened as though he was believing me, only to harden again.

Then he smirked. “Who?”

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

“A woman. S-she had green eyes and blonde hair.”

His phone rang. His eyes still locked on me, he answered. “Hello, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart? He had a sweetheart?

He belonged to someone else, and I gave my heart to him?

“Yes, I’m in my suite,” he said and ended the call. Just then, a knock echoed through the room.

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.

He hesitated for a split second, then answered the door. A beautiful brunette with the body of a model and a woman in her eighties stood on the threshold.

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

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

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

“Angelina!” He stepped towards her but she stepped back. It wrenched my heart seeing how much he cared about her, while I sat on the bed like forgotten trash. “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 blink, she was upon me on the bed, dragging my hair and hitting me everywhere.

Pain exploded in my head. 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.

With blurry eyes, I climbed down from the bed and stepped into my clothes. Never have I felt so ashamed and small. He was decent enough to turn around, hand still wrapped around Angelina's waist.

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

“Get out!” she shrieked.

Bowing my head, I ran without looking back. My tears left a trail on the marble floor as I made my way to the reception where I picked up my bag and headed out.

I jumped into the first taxi I could find, and literally bit down on my lips to keep myself from crying.

In the safe space of my apartment, I broke into tears. There was nothing left to keep me here.

Gathering myself off the floor, I stuffed my life in a bag.

My phone rang. Ruth. Couldn't afford to keep boring her with my shameful life.

I let the phone fall silent and tucked it into my pocket. With one last glance at my apartment, I headed out.