Valentine's Nightmare

I was standing at the entrance, holding a new phone and a bouquet of flowers, happy as a lark, but then I heard Samuel on a call, complaining to his friends about my performance in bed.

Samuel Lawson, my husband, was smoking on the balcony. He muttered, "See you at the club tonight."

I backed off quietly, my heart aching. Samuel courted me back when he needed money to get through a hurdle. I gave him my money and helped tide his company over. Then, he started getting busy.

We'd been married for three years, and life was nothing but peaceful, albeit boring sometimes. Samuel would buy me gifts sometimes. At the time, I always thought I was the happiest girl in the world.

It was shocking that he found me to be rubbish. Three years in, and he was already showing signs of cheating. Well, two could play the game. I tossed the gifts into the bin and went straight to the club. It was just money in exchange for fun, after all.

The sun was already setting, but the heat of love was still raging on. There was an air of lust hanging about. Brochures and promotions for Valentine's Day were abundant, and couples filled the streets.

I stopped my car, and the club's manager greeted me. "Alone today, Ms. Croyford?"

"Yes. Get me someone young, hot, and down for anything." Before I got married, I would always wine and dine with my clients in this club. It was a good place.

The manager took me into a parlor, and then a row of models came in. Six feet tall, eight packs, yeah, they were all handsome. Guess they knew what women liked. I eyed them all and was about to appoint one as my playmate, but a young man came barging in.

The young man took up the tail of the line. He was flushed, and his eyes were clear and filled with innocence. I pointed at him. "This one."

Everyone left, and the lad stayed. He introduced himself, "I'm Ronald Weeks, lady. Twenty-three years old, and I've just graduated from college. Oh, here's a gift for you."

He took out a pot of mint, apparently from out of nowhere. The smell sobered me up, and I was half-amused. "It is Valentine's Day today. And you gave me this?"

"Yes. I bought this for you," said Ronald earnestly.

"Why?"

"You're a beautiful woman, and yet you still came to this place on Valentine's Day. I'm sure you know that this place can give you something better than a relationship."

No arguments against that. I grabbed Ronald's hand and asked him to drink with me. When I sobered up once more, it was already the next day. I found myself in an unfamiliar bed, and it jolted me awake.

The air was filled with the aroma of food. I looked around and found myself in a clean apartment. My clothes weren't changed, thank goodness. Someone texted me. Samuel.

'Working overtime tonight. Happy Valentine's Day, honey.'

I scrolled through TikTok. Samuel probably had no idea that I knew his secret account's details. He had a short uploaded. That bastard was having fun with some ladies. They looked fresh and innocent. He had a good eye for them, I guess.

I downloaded the video and wondered when I should confront him. Then, someone opened the door, and Ronald stuck his head in. "Oh, hi. I made some soup. You want some?"

He'd just finished showering, and water dripped from his hair. His T-shirt clung to his pecs tightly, and I thought he must be a good seducer.

"Hey, Ronald. I need you to put on an act with me. I'll give you thirty grand. Sound good? And I'll also put in a recommendation letter. I'm friends with the boss of the company you want to work with."

Ronald was stunned, and he smiled. "I don't need the money. I just need you to be my girlfriend for three months. Is that alright?"

Huh, that was an interesting offer. He had a deal. I sincerely hoped Samuel would be able to handle the missile going his way.