Morning After Despair
She had to make Ethan Blackwood drop the lawsuit, no matter what.
"Ugh—"
Another wave of burning alcohol surged up Lily's throat, and she bent over, retching violently. Tears stung her eyes as she struggled against the pain and misery that threatened to consume her.
"Miss, this is the men's restroom."
A gentle, pleasant male voice suddenly spoke from behind her, a kind reminder of her mistake.
Lily's body trembled, her head still bowed as she peered at the large mirror before her through the tangled curtain of her long hair.
A young man stood behind her, his tall, slender frame highlighted by a crisp white shirt and a silver-gray tie. His face was handsome and refined, and his bright eyes filled with a hint of concern as he watched her.
How could it be him...?
What was he doing here?
With her eyes fixed on the man in the mirror and her heart feeling as though it had stopped beating, Lily was completely spellbound.
"Miss, are you alright?"
His gentle voice reached her ears once more, his long, elegant fingers reaching out towards her...
Lily flinched, quickly dodging to the side, frantically pushing her long hair over her face with her hands. Her head collided with the door, the impact making her wince.
"Miss, are you okay?" He asked, his voice laced with worry as he approached her, ready to offer his assistance.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Lily's voice was choked with emotion, her words tumbling out in a desperate apology as she stumbled towards the restroom door, like a frightened rabbit. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I went into the wrong one."
She was on the verge of tears, her voice quivering.
How could she let him see her like this... She didn't deserve it, didn't deserve to be in his presence...
Once outside the restroom, Lily finally managed to smooth her long hair back into place, her eyes burning with unshed tears, still reeling from the shock of the unexpected encounter.
Nine years... It had been nine years since she had last seen him.
Alex Carter... Judging by his vibrant, energetic appearance, he must have been doing well all these years.
He was the esteemed only son of the Carter family, naturally faring far better than a fallen heiress like herself, whose family had been torn apart...
It was good, truly good.
As long as he was doing well... That was all that mattered.
The lights in the corridor swayed gently along with the walls, and Lily fought back her tears as she walked forward, each step feeling as though she were treading on cotton, unsteady and surreal.
Suddenly, a forceful hand pushed her into a corner. Lily winced in pain, her brow furrowed as she lifted her gaze to find Ethan Blackwood's tall, imposing figure looming before her.
When did he come out?
"What do you want?" Lily was exhausted, lacking the energy to deal with him. She tried to push him away, but her efforts were feeble and ineffectual.
Ethan pressed her against the wall, his knee wedged between her legs, one hand pinning her flailing arms in place. His scorching breath fanned across her face as he leaned in close, his voice a low, dangerous whisper.
"I think I prefer you in a dress."