All Chapters of The Scandal In Room 214: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Candace “Candy, I swear if you're not ready this time, I'm going to ske-” My roommate and friend, Bridgette lost her train of thought when she saw me walk through the curtain in her old sequin dress that hugged every inch of my body.Her mouth fell open, her eyes going wide as saucers as they scanned up and down my body.An agonising thirty seconds crawled by where she just gaped at me and of course, it started to get to me.I shifted uncomfortably on the balls of my feet, tugging down the gem of my dress as all my insecurity came to play. “It's ugly, isn't it?” I blurted out, biting down on my lower lip. “Damn, I knew I should have gone with the sundress. Hold on, let me just quickly change-”I turned around, intent on doing that but Bridge didn't let me move an inch, instantly jumping to block my path.“Oh, hell no!” She bursts out, smiling widely. “You're not changing anything! Girl, have you seen yourself in the mirror? You look so damn hot!!”Years of insecurity and low self-es

Two weeks later…Candace “Oh, gosh, I missed you so much!” Jake, my boyfriend whom I loved very much two weeks ago, leaned in to kiss me on the lips but I swiftly avoided the contact, turning my head at the last second so he could kiss my cheek.He pulled away, his brows coming together at the gesture. “Sorry! I ate too much garlic at breakfast but of course, I missed you too!” My tone went up at the end of my sentence but I covered it up by jumping into his arms for a hug.When Jake told me he was popping around for a surprise visit two days ago, I couldn't have the heart to tell him no.The truth is, ever since that hot explosive night with that stranger by the trees, my feelings for him had changed.I know I sound like a cliche but now…Anytime I saw or spoke to Jake, it was like I was looking at a stranger. It doesn't help that I cheated on him and felt guilty about it.“So what are you doing after class today?” He asks, slipping his hands into mine as he walks me towards the His

CandaceI forced myself to breathe.One inhale.One exhale.Smile.My fingers tightened around the stem of my wineglass as Jake settled back into his chair, completely unaware.“My dad.”The words kept echoing in my head.No.No, no, no.Out of every man in Los Angeles…Out of every person I could have flirted with at that stupid party…It had to be Jake’s father.Across the table, Elias looked almost unnaturally calm.If I hadn’t spent an entire evening studying him, I never would have noticed the tiny crack in his composure.His jaw was tighter.The hand resting beside his plate had curled into a loose fist before relaxing again.Jake laughed, completely oblivious.“I know, right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”I blinked.“What?”“You’ve barely said anything.”“Oh.”I let out a nervous laugh that sounded painfully fake.“I was just… surprised.”“I should’ve told you he was coming.”“You really should have,” I said, feeling cold sweat gathering beneath my dress.Jake scratched t

CandaceThe alarm rang at seven.I reached across the bedside table, silenced it, and stared at the ceiling without making any effort to move. I’d barely slept.Every time I closed my eyes, I found myself back at the restaurant, watching Jake beam with pride as he introduced the two people who had unknowingly shared an evening.I rolled onto my side and reached for my phone.Three unread messages.All from Jake.Jake: Morning, beautiful. Hope you slept well?Jake: I know dinner was a little awkward because of my dad, but don’t overthink it. He’s honestly nicer than he looks.A few minutes later:Jake: Good luck in class today. I’ll call you tonight.A smile tugged at my lips before disappearing almost instantly.If only he knew.The kindness in his messages made the guilt settle even deeper inside me. Jake wasn’t suspicious. I dropped my phone onto the mattress and covered my face with both hands.“I can’t do this,” I whispered into the silence.History started in less than an hour.

CandaceThe knock on my apartment door came just after twelve.I frowned.I wasn’t expecting anyone.Bridgette usually texted before showing up, and my delivery order had arrived an hour ago.Another knock.I pulled open the door.Jake stood there with an easy grin, a cardboard coffee tray balanced in one hand and a bouquet of sunflowers tucked under his arm.“I come bearing peace offerings.”I blinked.“What did I do to deserve all that?”He lifted the flowers with a shrug. “I figured I’d check on my favourite girl.” He smiled wider.My chest tightened. He looked so happy to see me. So completely unaware of the storm inside my head.I stepped aside.“Come in.”The apartment suddenly felt too small.Jake looked around as he set the coffees on the makeshift kitchen counter.“I still think you need more plants.”“I can barely keep myself alive.”“Exactly why you need plants. They’re good practice.”I rolled my eyes.“So your solution is to let innocent greenery suffer?”He laughed.“I’l