Anastasia’s POV
As I made my way through the dimly lit corridors, I stumbled upon Blake, my husband, locked in a passionate kiss with a woman. I moved closer to get a glimpse of the lady while praying a silent prayer that I was wrong about it being Blake initially. My heart stopped, and for a moment, I stood frozen, concealed by the shadows, watching them with a mixture of disbelief and anger.
My suspicions were confirmed and there she was- Selene Blackheart, the head of the operations team, my work rival. They were so immersed in each other that they didn’t even notice me standing there.
Anger and confusion overflowed through me, hot and blinding. I turned back and my eyes met the gaze of the stranger, my phone in his hands – I’d probably forgotten it. I stormed to the bar, my vision getting obscured by unshed tears and fury. The bartender looked up as I approached, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”
“Give me your most expensive champagne,” I demanded, my voice shaking. “Put it on the guy in the suit’s tab,” I added, nodding in the direction where Blake was still wrapped around Selene.
The bartender raised an eyebrow but complied, handing me the bottle still looking confused. I took it, my hands shaking with anger, and walked back to where Blake and Selene were now whispering to each other, oblivious to my presence.
Without a word, I popped the cork, the champagne foaming and pouring out. With a flood of fulfillment and satisfaction, I stepped forward and doused them both in the expensive liquid. The shock on their faces was priceless, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Selena’s makeup ran in streams down her cheeks, and Blake’s shirt gripped his chest, drenched through.
“What the hell?” Blake spluttered, finally noticing me. His eyes widened in recognition, and he stepped back, his face withering.
I didn’t wait to hear an explanation. “Enjoy your night,” I said, my voice dripping with venom. “The drink is on you.” I turned on my heel and walked away, feeling a wound feeling of win as I left them to deal with the mess.
When I got outside of the club, I cleaned the tears that had already dropped, from my face. The chilly night air touched my face, mixing with the heat of my anger. I couldn’t even process what just happened but I knew I had to leave this place ASAP. I couldn’t stand this place anymore.
I walked further down a little and was about to hail a taxi or board a bus when the stranger from before showed up, seemingly out of nowhere. His presence was making me very uncomfortable and uneasy. It reminded me of the unresolved tension that took place inside the club.
I felt embarrassed, I had shunned him earlier and went on to get cheated on by my husband in front of him.
“You forgot your phone,” he said, holding the phone out to me. I looked at the phone in his hand, realizing that in my haste, I had forgotten to collect it.
“Thank you,” I whispered and took the phone from him. “I should get going.” I quietly avoided eye contact with the man.
“You look like you’ve had a rough night,” he said, his voice softer now, almost concerned. “You sure you’re alright?”
I was about to lose my temper, I wanted to raise my voice at him and let him know to stop interfering but seeing the genuine and sincere look in his eyes, my mouth could not move.
“Come on, let me give you a ride,” he offered, pointing to a sleek black Cadillac Escalade parked nearby. “You shouldn’t be alone right now.”
Damn!
For a split second I was in awe, the car confirmed my earlier predictions.
Who cares what he thinks? Right?
I should decline. Definitely.
On a deeper thinking level, I would rather be in a silent space with few humans, than a crowded area or bus.
I wavered, the admonition ringers in my mind conflicting with the staggering need to leave. Contrary to what I might think is best, I nodded again and followed him to the car.
As we got to the car, the man opened the door for me. I stepped into the passenger seat, grateful for the short moment of peace. The interior of the car was exceptionally clean and had the scent of new leather and expensive cologne.
He entered into the driver’s seat and started the engine, the low purr of the car being a form of comfort in the silence.
“Where to?” he asked, looking at me.
I hesitated for a moment, as I suddenly did not want to go home alone to an empty house that held recollections of Blake and me. “Just drive,” I eventually sighed, “Anywhere but here”
He nodded and drove out of the parking lot, the city lights blurring past us. We drove in silence for a while, the tension slowly easing from my shoulders. Finally, he spoke again. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I shook my head. “No, not really.”
He nodded, respecting my need for silence. As we passed through the city, the heaviness of the night’s occasions settled intensely on my shoulders. I gazed through the window, watching the city lights obscure into streaks of color. The man didn’t speak, giving me the space I needed to process everything.
We arrived at a luxurious hotel, and he led me to the door of a quiet, faintly lit suite. “You can stay here tonight,” he said, his voice gentle. “Get some rest.”
“Why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why are you helping me?”
He hesitated, his expression unreadable. “Let’s just say I know what it’s like to need an escape,” he said finally. “And I can tell you need one tonight.”
I felt a lump form in my throat, the weight of his words felt like a punch to me. I nodded, unable to find the words to express my appreciation.
“Alright I’ll be off then,” he expresses, strolling off.
“Would you mind staying for a drink?” I blurted out, causing him to stop on his heels.