The sunlight gently streamed through the hotel curtains, casting a warm, golden glow in the room. Amara woke up, squinting at the light, a mix of confusion and embarrassment washing over her.
For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then everything rushed back—the restaurant, the laughter, the drinks, and Leonardo. Her heart ached in her chest as the memories of the previous night flooded back.
Panic surged within her. Turning away from him, she pulled at the sheets, trying to summon the nerve to leave before he realized she was awake.
Leonardo, still partly asleep, reached out, his hand gently landing on her shoulder. "Good morning," he said, his tone soothing yet carrying a subtle intensity. "Did you sleep well?"
Amara opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She quickly shook her head. "This... this was a mistake," she said, her voice trembling. "I... I didn't know who you were. I didn't realize..." Her voice wavered with guilt. "Please... no one can find out about this. I'm married. I... I can't—"
Leonardo raised a hand, halting her before she could turn. He took a smooth black card from his pocket and set it on the bedside table.
"This is for you," he said casually. "Ten million Naira. Spend it as you like."
Amara's eyes widened in shock. "What? No. I can't accept that. I'm not—"
"Amara," he cut in, his voice surprisingly soft yet authoritative, "this isn't just about cash. It's about keeping you safe and ensuring you don't look back on this night with regret or face any consequences. But I understand if you won't accept it.
That's why I'm giving it to you anyway."
She shook her head, sliding the card aside. "I don't need this. I don't want it. I'm... I'm married. You just don't get it..." Her voice broke as feelings of shame and fear surged within her.
Leonardo's gaze softened for a brief moment, and then a slight grin appeared on his face. "Want to hear something?" he whispered. "You don't need to worry about getting pregnant. You won't. That's one concern you can let go of."
Amara was taken aback. Her stomach knotted up. How does he know? she wondered, anxiety creeping in. Memories of the years she had silently battled infertility, the hidden hurt she had borne alone, flooded her mind. Nobody—not her friends or family—was aware.
"What... what are you talking about?" she murmured, her voice a blend of surprise and worry.
Leonardo's grin took on a slightly playful tone. "You understood me. There's no need to be scared. That part of your life... it's protected tonight. But I can't help but wonder, are you truly as pure as you're acting?"
Her heart dropped. Does he think I'm dishonest? she pondered, feeling both vulnerable and exposed by how effortlessly he seemed to see through her.
Swiftly, she wrapped the sheets around herself and sat up. "I can't... I can't stay here. I have to leave. I... I need to confront reality."
Leonardo leaned back, observing her with a blank look. "You'll go," he said gently, "and the world will try to pull you back to your old life. But keep in mind, Amara... some nights can change everything. This night will."
Amara refrained from protesting. She hurriedly got dressed, her hands shaking as the weight of the night and its aftermath bore down on her. Each step she took toward the door felt heavier than the last.
She needed to return home, to the life she vowed to protect, but now she realized that something within her had changed forever.
As she stepped into the hallway, she heard Leonardo's voice calling out to her, quiet yet persuasive.
"Amara... don't worry about what's ahead. It could turn out to be even better than you thought."
Her mind was clouded with confusion, guilt, and a strong attraction to him. She tried not to dwell on it, but the feelings tugged persistently at her thoughts. That night was a mistake... yet it was also the first time in years that she felt genuinely alive.
That realization scared her, but it also excited her.
Amara left the suite, quietly shutting the door behind her. The hallway was calm, with only the gentle hum of the air conditioning. Each step she took toward the elevator felt surreal, as if she were living someone else's life. Her heart raced, and her thoughts kept circling back to what Leonardo had said about the card, his comment on fertility, and the intense attraction she had felt when he held her.
What am I doing? she wondered. How did I allow myself to get carried away like that?
Morning Realities
Once she reached the lobby, it felt like she was wading through a haze. People walked past, chatting and laughing, but she felt utterly isolated. Her fingers gripped the strap of her bag tighter, her nails digging into her palm, as guilt gnawed at her from all sides.
She could no longer pretend everything was fine. She had gone too far. Just one night. One foolish mistake. Now she had to return to a life that wouldn't let her escape—not if anyone learned the truth.
The ride back was a blur. She gazed out the window at the streets of Lagos flashing by, trying to distract herself from the memory of Leonardo's hand on hers and his piercing look.