All Chapters of The Night Before I Knew Him: Chapter 101 - Chapter 110

JuneIt’s been a week since I left that hospital or let's say got chased away.I should be used to his disappearances by now, right?I tell myself that, but thinking back to the way he sent me away—rudely, when he could barely stand—I can’t help but worry.I even tried going to the hotel to check on him, but I couldn’t. Not after what happened. Not after the way the staff looked at me, like I had done something to him. Like I’d drugged him or worse.And yes, I messaged him first. I know he said I shouldn’t, but I did. Maybe that’s why my text has been sitting there, unread.Vanessa says he’s on a business trip. Ugh. More like a running-away-from-me trip."June."The voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I look up, realizing the entire team is staring at me. My stomach twists."We’re in a team meeting," Mr. Scott says, raising an eyebrow. "Did you forget?"I spring to my feet, flustered. "Oh! No—uh, do you need more coffee?"Scott’s frown deepens. "Coffee? June, you do realize you’re supp

June"Would you like some wine, Miss?" the flight attendant in a red uniform asks, leaning toward me with a polite smile.I shake my head quickly, my lips curling faintly. "Just water, please."He nods and then moves down the aisle.I exhales softly letting my shoulders drop slightly, adjusting in the plush seat. The cabin shimmers with quiet elegance—the cream leather, soft lighting, the polished wood accents, and I find myself glancing around, momentarily forgetting everything else, caught in awe of the private jet's understated luxury.Pulling out my phone, I scroll through messages. Leila had texted me first, wishing me a safe journey and reminding me to stay careful. Kayla’s message followed, teasing about all the famous things I had to bring back from Greece, and how she was so envious.I laugh softly, shaking my head. "I'm envious of myself too," I murmurs, my fingers tapping lightly against the screen. Never in a thousand years would I have believed my idea would actually ma

~Hermes~I knew better than to fucking believe that she wanted us to be professional. Tsk. If she's this obsessed with me, then there's a big problem.Oh—great. Now I'm the one sitting here, thinking about how to push her away.Me. The same guy who swore I'd take whatever she was willing to give, no strings attached until I'm satisfied.If someone had told me months ago that I'd be the one feeling this… whatever this is, I would’ve laughed in their face and walked away. But here I am, watching her tap her fingers on her lap, the picture of unfiltered excitement, as if the whole world had just been handed to her. Excited, unbothered, completely blind to the fact that this—we can’t go on…My thoughts snapped when a well-dressed man approached, bowing slightly."Good afternoon, Mr. Grande, Miss Alexander," he said, voice careful but firm. "I am Nikos, the guest relations manager at Elysian Heights Hotel. My sincerest apologies, but there was a mix-up with your original reservation, and t

~Hermes~I catch sight of her the moment she steps into the room. The phone in my hand falters slightly, and I nearly miss a beat.She’s wearing a soft cream midi dress, fitted just enough to trace the line of her figure without being scandalous. The fabric moves with her, simple heels clicking lightly against the floor. Her hair is pulled back elegantly, and her makeup is flawless—nothing overdone, nothing that screams attention, yet she owns the room.My jaw drops slightly. Christ."Grande?" the voice on the other end pulls me back.I curse under my breath. This resolve — This plan is easier said than done.She’s not even dressed provocatively, not like she was that night at that club or those other nights, but still—fuck me—I’m jaw dropped.Why the hell does she have this effect on me? Why now? Why in a situation where I can’t just… selfishly keep her to myself?Her gaze flicks to me for a split second, curious, unreadable. I blink, clear my throat, and force my composure. I can ov

~Hermes~"Hello." Her voice shifts, strange, like she’s speaking to someone unfamiliar.In a beat, her face drains of color. I watch her lips tremble as she listens on the line."What happened?" I mouth, careful not to break whatever fragile thread she’s holding.Her gaze flicks to me—haunted, fragile—and then she pulls away, sliding off me. The sudden absence is cold. She tugs her skirt down, fumbling to make herself decent, before disconnecting the call with a sharp tap."I need to go back," she whispers, urgent. Her voice is thin, frayed at the edges. "To Ohio."I zip my trousers, forcing my tone to remain calm. "Are you okay?"She doesn’t answer, but turns her face to the window, shoulders suddenly stiff. Silence sits heavy in the car, heavier than anything we’ve shared. I grip the wheel harder than necessary, because pushing her now feels wrong. So I drive quietly, but inside, I hate the way I can’t reach her.At the villa, she finally speaks, her voice splintering. "Can we fly b