Emily's POV"Can she just die already?""Maybe killing her would make things faster."I take two steps forward."Stop! That's harsh coming from her husband.""You know I am only that on paper, I can't wait to get all the money from her and I can divorce her.""Maybe you could have checked up on her in the hospital.""Her sight irritates me and you know that. I am thinking of convincing her to invest in my new business plan.""Isn't that the eighth fake business plan? Do you think she will still believe it?""Of course, she always does. She is a fool."I stopped. My heart skipped."How about the bag you want to get me?""Let me get the next money from her, and I will transfer it to you.""Thanks, my love.""You know I'll always love you. But remember we need to be careful. We must get everything from her before she finds out.""You don't need to tell me that, I have been her best friend for seven years."I squeeze the doctor's report in my hands, tears now gathering in my eyes. I turned my back and ran out of the house. I had been in the hospital for a week, my husband didn't visit, but she did and I now know why. I ordered a ride without an idea of where to go. My phone buzzed.Brian's Mum.I picked up my Mother-in-law's call with hesitation. Brian's Mum: Hi Emily, yesterday Brian told me today was your discharge day. I am sorry I couldn't make it. Are you now out?I inhaled deeply before responding.Emily: I am out, Ma.Brian's Mum: That's good hon. Can you send me some dollars? My friend's daughter is having a baby shower next week, so I need to get a new dress for it. Emily: Alright, I will.Brian's Mum: Of course you will, try to move around carefully. With that, she ended the call. Brian was right, my Mother-in-law never checked up on me, yet I am sending money to her. My Uber arrived and I got in."Where is your destination, Ma'am?" ***"Give me one of your strongest drinks," I said as I took a stool at one of the barstools, the bartender looked at me with a raised brow and I rolled my eyes. All I wanted was the strongest drink they had. I drank everything in my glass cup. The alcohol burned, but it couldn't compare to my aching betrayed heart. I have never felt this wrecked, not even when my parents died. My two-year marriage was a lie and they planned to take everything. Vanessa has been my best friend for seven years. I would never believe a day would come when she would stab me in the back like this.
I treated her like a sister and even paid her debts.
I can't believe I fell in love with a con man. I thought he was in love with me. My aunt had said he was up to no good.
Someone sat beside me, and I suddenly became aware of my surroundings. "Hi gorgeous," he said, facing me.My breath hitched and I felt dizzy. His elbows rested on the counter, jacket draped over the back of his chair. His sharp jawline and mesmerizing eyes caught me off, guard. I let my eyes rake over for a longer time before looking away. "Looks like you need something stronger," his smooth voice jolted me from my haze.
"Not sure anything stronger can do," I muttered as I poured another drink into my cup.
He raised his eyebrows, shocked at my response. "I am not the one to endorse drowning sorrows, but it seems you need company." He ran his hand over his freshly cut black curly taper fade, I got turned on just watching him do this.
"Company?" I asked, glancing at him.
"Yes."
"You know it is not every day you find a pretty woman sitting by herself in a bar during a weekday." He smirked, a hint of warmth in his expression.
"How many ladies have you used this line on?" I rolled my eyes, caught him off guard.
"You should have asked about the success rate too. And I must say you are the first who the line hasn't worked on before."
A small laugh slipped out of my mouth.
"Is the drink solving the problem?" He asks with a serious face.
"Nah," I said, swirling the drink in the glass cup. "The drink seems to be failing at its only job."
"I'm Lucas, it is nice to meet you, Emily," he said with a grin nodding at the beaded bracelet with my name on my wrist.
I looked at it with disgust. I need to get this off. Vanessa gifted it to appreciate me for paying her rent.
"A bad day?"He asked, and I nodded my head without saying anything.
"What happened?" He asked further, with a concerning expression.
"I found out my husband and best friend have been sleeping together." I smiled with a faint lift at the corner of my lips.
I signaled to the bartender to bring another bottle.
"Your best friend and husband?" He echoed, his gaze sharpening as I took in my expression.
"And they had been planning to take all my money-everything," I poured another drink into my cup. "He never loved me, it was all about the money".
Just as I was about to drink it, he stopped and took the cup away from my hand.
"Emily! You need to slow down."He said calmly.
"Who are you to take my baby away," I said, slurring my words.
"You've had too much," he said, pausing, "I know you're in pain but it won't get you anywhere but regret the next morning."
I let out a bitter laugh. "And you think I am not full of regrets right now?"
"You're stronger than you think you are," he stared at me, "Don't let some low lives make you wreck who you are."
He leaned forward, "What are you looking for tonight?"
I swallowed hard, "I want a distraction"
"Come with me," he said.
Without a word, I stood up and grabbed my bag, and let him lead me out of the bar and to the hotel across the street.
***
The door clicked shut behind both of us.
Lucas walked towards me, "Do you still want that distraction?"
"Yes," I whispered slowly.
He pulled me close, his hands brushing my hair. His touch was slow but steady. I melted at his touch, the way he held me, and his breath against my skin.
My lips brushed against his, his hands on my waist, and my hands curled into his shirt.
He pulled back, his forehead lightly pressed against mine.
"You're beautiful," he whispered.
He lifted me like I was a piece of paper, carrying me to the bed.
My heart throbbed as Lucas was now above me.
"Emily," he said softly, his eyes dark and full of lust.
And I forgot Brian or Vanessa.
And as his lips trailed slowly down my neck, I closed my eyes and let go of any guilt or pain.
***
I opened my eyes.
I must have drunk too much alcohol.
Wait a minute, this ceiling is not mine.
Where am I?
How did I get here?
I tried to get up, but the movement only made my headache get more intense.
"Jeez," I muttered under my breath.
The sheets slid against my skin
And it was at this moment that it hit me…that I was naked.
The other side of the bed was empty.
I tried to remember what had happened the previous night.
The Bar…A Man…drank more…His eyes… the way he whispered near my ears.
What was his name?
I pressed my fingers against my forehead, trying to bring the memory back, but it only made the headache worse.
A folded piece on the bedside table caught my eye.
My stomach twisted as I reached for it.
Emily,
I didn't plan for yesterday to happen but it did anyway. I enjoyed every bit of it. I really meant it when I said you deserve better than the people who hurt you.
But last night has to stay where it belongs- the past.
Take care of yourself.
I folded the note slowly.
"Last night has to stay where it belongs- the past."
As I stared at the empty side of the bed, a question lingered in my mind.
What exactly happened last night?