Chapter 4: The New Me

Hilary Windsor

I stirred in my sleep, my head banging as I struggled to wake up. Slowly, I opened my eyes, trying to process where I was.

This room was unfamiliar. It was large but simple, with gray walls and sleek furniture. The faint scent of cologne and fresh sheets filled the air.

Where am I?

Then I saw a man sleeping peacefully next to me. His face was still and calm, jawline softened in his sleep. My eyes widened as I noticed a faint lipstick stain on his white shirt.

I gasped.

Did I… spend a night with a stranger?

“Did we do it?” I whispered, my heart pounding as I glanced down at myself under the duvet.

Oh no.

I'm naked!

What have I done?

I feel so tender between my legs…

I pressed my hand on my temple, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Then, like a floodgate bursting open, memories of last night came rushing in.

The bar. The drinks. The handsome stranger with the piercing blue eyes.

My cheeks burned as flashes of last night filled my mind.

His lips on mine, his hands gripping my waist, pulling me closer.

The way he kissed me, hungry and relentless, the way his hands roamed my body, claiming me completely. In his arms, I had forgotten everything.

It was unlike anything I had experienced.

What is wrong with me?

I shook my head slightly, I shouldn't be remembering how good it felt.

He suddenly shifted slightly in his sleep. His breathing was deep and steady. I froze, waiting, but he didn't wake.

I needed to leave. Now.

I carefully slipped out of bed, grabbing my dress from the floor and pulling it over my head in a rush. My hands shook as I gathered the rest of my things, stealing one last glance at him.

He looked so peaceful. He was completely unaware that the woman he had spent the night with was about to run.

I spotted a notepad on the bedside table and scribbled a quick note, my heart pounding.

No goodbyes. No explanations. Just a clean break.

Then, without another glance back, I slid out the door.

The cool morning air hit my skin as I stepped out of the hotel. I flagged down a taxi, my heart still racing.

By the time I reached the bar where I had left my car, my mind was clearer, but my emotions were a tangled mess.

I climbed into the driver's seat, gripping the wheel tightly. Everything that happened during the past weekend crashed over me at once.

Liam. Emily. My mother.

They used me, betrayed me. Treated me like I was nothing.

I pressed the gas harder than necessary as anger and rage surged through, frustration boiling inside me. I had spent years being the doormat they used to walk all over.

Not anymore.

By the time I stepped inside my house, my Pulse steadied. I already knew what to do.

I walked straight into the bathroom. The hot water hit my skin and I let it wash over me, washing away my past, the heartbreak, the old version of me that had them control me.

When I stepped out, I looked at myself in the mirror, my towel tightly wrapped around myself, staring at my own reflection.

I didn't recognise myself.

For the first time, I looked different. I looked… fierce. My eyes no longer held uncertainty; they burned with determination.

I wasn't going to cry anymore. I was going to fight.

I grabbed my phone and made a call.

“I need divorce papers drawn up immediately,” I told my lawyer, my voice steady and unshaken.

They are not ready for what is about to hit them.

******************

I dressed in an all black fitted dress, matching heels, makeup and a bold red lipstick. I looked untouchable.

I walked into the Windsor mansion, my steps were deliberate ones that drew attention.

Just as I stepped into the spacious living room, Liam walked towards me with a fake apologetic smile plastered on his face.

He had the nerve to smile. That same charming smile that he used to manipulate me.

I noticed Vivian and Emily in one of the couches.

In his hands, he held a bouquet of roses.

“Hilary,” he said softly, stepping forward. “I made a mistake, let's talk about this.”

I took the flowers, turning them in my hands slowly. Studying them.

Our gazes met and he smiled at me. As if he thought he was winning me over.

Then, without hesitation, I twisted the flowers on his head, tossing them on his feet.

Liam's smile faltered, his eyes widening in shock.

I didn't break eye contact as I pulled out the divorce papers and flung at him and said, “Sign them. Now.”

The room fell silent.

I turned slightly, catching Emily and Vivian's shocked gazes.

Vivian stood up, her arms crossed. “Hilary, what is this nonsense? Why are you being so dramatic?”

I turned to her sharply. “I'm doing what I should have done years ago.”

Emily scoffed from the side, “You really think you're something, don't you?”

I smirked, “And yet you spent years trying to take what was mine.”

She opened her mouth, but for the first time, she had nothing to say.

I looked back at Liam. “Sign the papers or I'll make sure you regret it.”

He swallowed hard, realising I wasn't the same woman he could manipulate anymore.

Just then, Vivian's phone rang.

She glanced at the screen, then she answered, her voice smooth and composed. “Yes, is everything settled?”

My brows furrowed as I watched her expression closely.

A small satisfied small spread across her lips. “Perfect, I'll let her know.”

She ended the call and turned to Emily. “Your engagement to Bennett has been finalised”

Emily let out an excited squeal in response, and Liam tensed where he stood.

My breath caught. Emily is getting married?

To Bennett Landon?

The name meant nothing to me, but something and Liam's stiff posture and Vivian’s victorious smirk told me it was something more than a simple engagement.

I have to find out.