DOMINIC’S POV.
I told the taxi driver to drop me a few blocks away. “Just here is fine,” I muttered, not wanting to be seen. I pulled my hood up, trying to blend in.
As I moved closer, I spotted Arlan standing near Saraya’s window. What the hell is he doing out here so late? I thought.
Then, Saraya opened the window, her phone pressed to her ear. I froze. She was talking to someone, but I could tell something was off. The she looked at him made my heart sank.
And then, she disappeared from the window only to reappear at the door. Arlan stepped closer. Before I knew it, they were hugging. My eyes locked on them, unable to look away. No. No way…
I saw it. I saw the kiss. The long, lingering kiss. I bought out my phone and started recording.
My heart slammed against my chest, and I couldn’t move. I kept filming them, though. Just… couldn’t stop.
Once they’d disappeared from my sight, I let out a sharp breath, stomping my foot against the ground. “What the hell…?”
I shook my head, my fists tightening. “How dare they? Pretend like family when they’re having an affair. Are you kidding me?”
I glanced back toward the window, gritting my teeth. “Did Saraya used me to put Arlan on the edge all day?” I asked realizing my role in the lovers scheme.
I kicked at the ground, anger rising inside me. “Little wonder Saraya asked me to give them a lift. Little wonder Arlan’s been acting like he doesn’t like me. It all makes sense now.”
I growled under my breath. “Dammit.”
I walked away, my hands clenched into fists as I flagged down a taxi. The car screeched to a halt, and I yanked the door open, climbing in without a word.
“Where to?” the driver asked, glancing at me in the mirror.
“Oriental hotel,” I snapped, barely able to keep my voice steady.
The driver nodded and I got in. I leaned back, staring out the window, but the image of Saraya and Arlan kept replaying in my head. My jaw tightened.
“Everything okay, mate?” the driver asked cautiously.
“Just drive,” I muttered, my tone sharp enough to end the conversation.
By the time we pulled up to the hotel, I was barely holding it together. I shoved some cash at the driver, not even waiting for my change, and stormed inside. My boots thudded against the marble floor as I made my way to the elevator.
In my room, I slammed the door shut and let out a sharp breath. I grabbed the phone and jabbed at the buttons.
“Room service,” came a calm voice on the other end.
“Whiskey. Neat. And bring the whole bottle,” I growled.
“Of course, sir. It’ll be right up.”
I hung up without saying another word, pacing the room as I waited. A knock on the door came faster than I expected, and I snatched it open.
“Your whiskey, sir.”
I took the tray without a word, closed the door, and poured myself a drink. The first glass went down fast, the burn doing nothing to dull the fire inside me.
I grabbed my phone and played the video again. Arlan and Saraya, kissing like they had no care in the world. Laughing, smiling, recording it like it was some perfect moment.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered, pouring another drink. My hand shook as I lifted the glass.
I replayed the video, the scene hitting me harder each time. “How long has this been going on?” I said aloud, my voice low and bitter. “How dare they think of playing games with me?”
Another drink. Another replay. Each time, the anger swelled. I slammed my glass onto the table, pacing the room.
“Arlan, you think you’re clever? Think you’ve won?” I shook my head, laughing bitterly. “You’re both going to pay for this. Both of you.”
MATILDA’S POV.
I woke up and immediately felt something was off. The room was quiet, too quiet. I turned my head to Arlan’s bed, but it was empty.
“Arlan?” I called out groggily, sitting up. No answer.
I rubbed my eyes and checked the bathroom, pushing the door open. It was dark and empty. My heart started to race. Where the hell did he go in the middle of the night?
I grabbed my phone from the nightstand, about to call him, when the door creaked open. Arlan walked in, looking calm as if nothing was wrong.
“Seriously?” I said, rolling my eyes. “Where have you been?”
He stopped in his tracks, avoiding my gaze. “I went out for a few drinks,” he said casually, kicking off his shoes.
“With who?” I asked, crossing my arms.
He let out an annoyed sigh. “Does it matter? I just needed some air.”
“It does matter, Arlan,” I shot back. “You disappeared without saying a word.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Because I didn’t want to disturb your sleep.”
“You know, you’re bad at lying.” I retorted.
“Enough with the questions, Matilda. I’m tired. We’re leaving early in the morning, and I need to get some sleep. You should go back to sleep too.”
But I wasn’t letting this go. “Did you meet with Saraya?” I asked, reading his body language.
That stopped him in his tracks. He turned, his face hardening.
“That’s it, he met with her.” A voice said in my head.
“Matilda,” he said slowly, his tone icy, “why do you care? Live your life and stop obsessing over what I’m doing or what Saraya’s doing. It’s none of your business.”
I blinked, stunned for a moment. “None of my business? Really?”
He didn’t answer, just turned away and climbed into bed, pulling the covers over himself. I sat there, anger bubbling in my chest.
I clenched my fists, the anger surging. “You’re unbelievable, Arlan,” I said, my voice rising. “None of my business? After everything, you just dismiss me like that?”
He didn’t even turn. “Matilda, drop it,” he mumbled into his pillow. “I’m not having this conversation.”
“Oh, we’re having it,” I snapped, standing up and walking over to his bed. “You think you can sneak around and then tell me to stay out of it? Who do you think you are?”
He groaned, turning onto his back to glare at me. “What is your problem? Why are you so obsessed with Saraya?”
I folded my arms, refusing to back down. “Because I see what you’re doing. Don’t treat me like I’m stupid. You left in the middle of the night, came back smelling like trouble, and now you won’t even deny it.”
“I’m not denying or confirming anything,” he said coldly. “Because it’s not your business.”
My jaw dropped. “Wow. So, what, I’m just some idiot who tags along while you-”
“Matilda, enough!” he snapped, sitting up. His voice was louder now, sharper. “I’m done explaining myself to you. Stop trying to control everything.”
“Control?!” I shouted. “You’re the one sneaking around, lying, and then acting like I’m the problem.”
He rubbed his temples, shaking his head. “I’m not doing this. Go to sleep.”
“Not until you admit it,” I demanded. “You were with her, weren’t you? Saraya. Just say it, Arlan.”
He stood abruptly, towering over me. “You want the truth? Fine. Yes, I was with Saraya. Happy now?”
His words hit me like a slap. I took a step back, my voice faltering. “So, it’s true…”
He sighed, looking away. “It doesn’t matter, Matilda. Just… let it go.”
I stared at him, the betrayal twisting in my gut. “You’re unbelievable,” I whispered, turning away.
“Get some sleep,” he said again, his tone softer now but still dismissive.
I climbed back into my bed, my heart pounding. As I pulled the covers over myself, I whispered to the darkness, “I’m not letting this go, Arlan. Not this time.”