I didn't know how long I had been in the washroom, but when I finally emerged, I noticed my mother was no longer in the room. Relief washed over me, easing the tightness in my chest. I had never felt so overwhelmed by the people closest to me before, but now I didn't know what to expect from them anymore. My father had slapped Donovan without even giving me a chance to explain, and my mother, who once guided me with a steady hand, was now telling me to turn a blind eye to Leo's betrayal. They had never been so absurd. So what was wrong now? I wondered.
'Should I visit his company? I don't even have his phone number, I'm such an idiot for not asking for it,?' Jo thought, frustrated with myself. But then, what would I even say to him? Why would I visit him? Or more specifically, why did I *want* to visit him?
I racked my brain for an answer, but all I could think of was his face the way his presence had wrapped around me, filling me with a warmth that both soothed and unsettled me. His scent, so distinct and comforting, seemed to linger in my mind.
I shuddered at the thought of him for more than a second, not knowing what to do with my mind, which was now obsessing over a man I had just met. He was right at our first meeting. How could I trust someone so quickly? But here I was, willingly falling into that same trap, ignoring the logic I once held so tightly. He kept giving me reasons to trust him, even when my better judgment told me to be cautious.
With those thoughts swirling around in my head, I quickly changed my clothes and headed downstairs, only to find Leo seated at the table, shamelessly laughing with my family. Even my mother joined in, her laughter mixing with his. The sight made my stomach turn, and I felt a surge of hate wash over me. I didn't even want breakfast anymore.
As I turned to leave, my father's voice halted me.
"Where are you going?" His voice was stiff, and I turned to meet his gaze.
"Outside!" I snapped.
"With whom?" he hissed, his eyes narrowing. I glanced briefly at Leo, the sight of him making me sick to my core.
"With someone who isn't a cheater," I said bitterly before walking away.
I had almost forgotten that my car was still at the bar from the night before, so I asked the driver to bring me another car and take me to Donovan's office. Reluctantly, he agreed, though I knew it raised questions.
*What will I even say to him?* I asked myself as the car sped through the city streets. I had nothing planned, no carefully constructed words. All I knew was that I wanted to see him. Just him. Now.
I had dressed up for him, though it felt absurdly foolish. The effort seemed so desperate, but I couldn't stop myself. I wanted to look beautiful for him, even though I knew he had already rejected me when I wore that revealing nightgown the previous evening. Still, I made an effort, choosing a cropped top that barely covered my chest, paired with a short denim skirt with a daring slit. It was my usual style, but today I aimed to be as alluring as possible. I added a denim jacket over it, just in case I needed to cover up. Despite my attempt to appear confident, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was throwing myself at him.
Desperate? Maybe. But after that kiss…after feeling his lips on mine, I craved more. I wanted another taste of him, especially now that I had embraced a newfound freedom away from Leo's suffocating grip. When I finally arrived at the building, I was awestruck by its grandeur. It was worth a fortune, and I was impressed by Donovan in a way I hadn't been before.
Inside the office, I was greeted by a strikingly attractive receptionist who made me momentarily doubt my chances with Donovan.
"I'm here to meet Donovan Black," I said, trying to sound confident. She gave me a skeptical look before rolling her eyes.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked.
"I—YES, I do," I replied, lying but hoping my gut feeling was correct. It turned out my intuition was right.
"He'll be waiting for you on the top floor," she said, returning her attention to her screen.
As I headed toward the elevator, clutching my bag, I caught a few odd looks. My attire was definitely not office-appropriate.
"Miss! Not that one! Take the other elevator," the receptionist called out, pointing to a different elevator across the hall. Heads turned, and I felt a flush of embarrassment.
Gosh, Jo thought, pressing the button for the correct elevator. It opened instantly. I stepped inside the elevator seemingly reserved for Donovan, and felt a wave of nerves wash over me. I took a deep breath as I pressed the button for the top floor, my heart racing.
What do I say? I should tell him I'm here to apologize, I muttered to myself. The wait felt like an eternity as the elevator ascended.
When the doors finally opened, I found myself in front of a tall, imposing door with a nameplate that read: Donovan Black.
"This is his house." I was utterly baffled.