chapter 20

Esmeralda’s POV

What just happened? Would I have seriously, allowed him to have my body, if we hadn't been interrupted? What was I thinking?

These questions raced wildly through my mind.

“Gosh, Esmeralda, are you really that desperate? After everything he said to you, you behaved exactly the way he accused you of.” I chastised myself, my fingers lingering over my swollen, sensitive lips.

“Who raised a mannerless fool like you?” a smooth, silky voice asked from behind me.

I turned to see the woman from the stall adjusting her exquisite, expensive clothes.

“Were you not taught basic human manners, like knocking to announce your arrival?” she continued, her eyes filled with pure hatred. “Barging in like an uncouth goat... I should have you fired. You fool!”

Fool?

At first, I was taken aback by the insults. My first instinct was to correct her assumption that I had slammed the door shut on purpose.

But merely seeing her, it was obvious she was just another irrational, obnoxious, pompous guest.

It was pointless to argue. And more importantly, I couldn't afford to lose my job.

“I'm…… I'm sorry, ma’am,” I mumbled, intending to leave immediately.

Right then, a man stepped out of the changing stall, adjusting his disheveled clothes. I instantly knew he was the man I heard her cheating on her husband with.

So shameless.

“It's okay, baby, don't let her stress you… she's just a poor girl.” He pulled her close, trailing kisses up the side of her neck. “Let it go… we'll have our fun later, don't be angry.”

“Thank you, sir,” I muttered, sidestepping them and briskly walking out the door.

As I hurried down the hallway, I realized money really couldn't buy happiness. Otherwise, why else would she cheat on her husband?

Not my business anyway.

“Esmeralda!” Mulan yelled the moment I set foot in the kitchen. “Where the hell have you been?”

I was startled, but I quickly found my voice. “Changing my clothes.”

“Don't try to act smart with me!” she snapped. “Are you saying it took you an hour and a half to change into a simple uniform? What do you mean?”

Fuck!

Kane and I must have spent ages there. God, why do i keep fucking up?

“I'm sorry, I couldn't get zipped up,” I said. It was almost the truth.

I certainly couldn't tell her I had almost been taken against the changing room wall. I’d rather the floor swallow me whole.

Oh, the shame!

“It's okay, I've been covering for you anyway. Grab that oyster tray.” Mulan motioned toward the kitchen counter while balancing a tray of dessert pastries. “Then you can tell me where you ‘really’ were and what you were doing, instead of those lies you're spewing.”

“Can't you just let it go?” I groaned.

“What do I look like to you? Mother Teresa?” She grinned. “I know you're up to something… first you got here late, and now you're hiding out in the changing room. My dear, I've been down that road before.”

I blushed to the roots of my hair while reaching for the oyster tray.

But as the raw, metallic scent hit my nose, a wave of violent nausea washed over me, accompanied by an uncontrollable urge to throw up.

“Hold this for me,” I managed to choke out, rushing toward the staff bathroom with Mulan right on my heels.

“What's wrong?” she asked frantically, patting my back as I heaved into the sink. "Are you coming down with malaria?”

“Hmm,” I nodded weakly, rinsing out my mouth. “I suddenly felt ill. It must be the flu.”

“I'm sorry, baby.” Mulan ran her fingers through my hair, dabbing my damp face with the hem of her apron. “I don't think you should work anymore. You need to go home and rest. I told you that you were going to break down at the rate you were pulling double shifts.”

I rolled my eyes at her, but I didn't argue. She was right, and I knew it.

“I'll call you a ride. Go home and rest,” she insisted.

“What about the gala? Won't the supervisor be….”

“Don't worry, I'll handle her,” Mulan cut in, guiding me toward the exit.

“Good night. Make sure you get some sleep. I'll head home after my shift,” Mulan assured me as my ride pulled up to the curb.

“Good night,” I waved back weakly.

At home, I dragged myself up the porch steps and slipped my key into the lock.

The house was dark when I stepped inside, which was a massive relief. My fear of running into Klaus slowly ebbed away, and I let out a heavy sigh.

Then I flipped on the light.

My heart practically leapt into my throat at the sight awaiting me on the couch.