Chapter 1: The Affair.

Eleanor sat nervously across her manager, Mr. Rashford.

Mr. Rashford's expression was stern. "Eleanor, we've received allegations of theft, security footage and witnesses confirming you took company's property."

Eleanor's voice trembled. "Sir, that's not true! I would never pull anything from you, I would never steal."

"I've thoroughly reviewed the evidence, Eleanor, and I'm afraid the conclusion is certain. Your actions have left me no choice but to terminate your contract." Mr Rashford sighed as he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers.

Eleanor stammered in a frightened tone. "But I didn't do it, someone must have…"

Mr Rashford interrupted, his tone was firm. "This is a working space and I won't have you causing a nuisance here. Please get out!"

Eleanor felt her world crumbling around her as Mr. Rashford's words sealed her.

She felt a lump form in her throat. She only got this job two weeks ago and had been managing it for feeding, clothing and other expenses. As she left the office, her colleagues whispers and glances followed her. The reality of her situation sunk in- she was no longer employed.

Outside, the evening sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the city. Eleanor hailed a cab, her heart remained heavy as she slid into the cab, letting out a deep sigh as her body collapsed against the seat. Her eyes brimming with sorrow, reflected the shattered remains of her day.

Her phone buzzed with an email notification. 'You've ignored our warnings. Pay $10,000 within 72 hours or face the consequences' It had been accompanied by a threat sign.

Eleanor's heart sank. Her shoulders sagged down by the heavy burden of her terminated contract, looming debts, and the crushing memories that resurfaced. Her thoughts drifted to her parents who passed away, leaving her with unresolved grief and financial struggles.

As the cab navigated through the city, Eleanor's thoughts went to her best friend, Mia.

She remembered her advice. 'Whenever you're sad, go to a noisy place. It'll drown your thoughts'

She felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe Mia was right. Maybe the noise would silence her inner turmoil.

The cab finally pulled up at a trendy bar. It's neon lights pulsating like a heartbeat.

Eleanor took a deep breath as she gathered courage. She paid the cab driver and stepped out of the cab. With a newfound determination, she went in.

Inside the bar, the thumping music enveloped her, a sonic shield against her sorrow. The air vibrated with laughter, chatter and clinking glasses.

Eleanor spotted an empty stool at the far end of the long polished bar and made her way over, ordering a double of her favorite cocktail. As she swirled the amber liquid, her emotions churned like the whirlpool of ice and liquor.

Pain and despair crept in, threatening to overwhelm her. How would she pay her debts? Where would she find another job?. The weight of her terminated contract and her parents' memory bore down on her.

As the alcohol hit her system, Eleanor's thoughts blurred. She slid off her stool, her legs trembling as she weaved down the street, her thoughts still filled with hurt. She found herself in front of a hotel.

Without thinking, Eleanor pushed through the revolving door and walked up to the reception desk, swaying slightly as she leaned on the counter.

The receptionist's warm smile greeted her. "Welcome ma'am, how can I help you?"

"I need a room. For the night, please." Eleanor stuttered.

A few minutes later, the receptionist handed her a keycard and directed her to her room. Eleanor stumbled through the hotel's corridor, her vision blurry from the alcohol. She fumbled her key card, swiping it twice before the door swung open.

She stepped inside, the door swinging shut behind her with a soft click. She kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the bed, her purse spilling content. She refused to notice the suitcase beside her and the strong unfamiliar scent of cologne.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" A deep baritone voice echoed through her ears.

Eleanor's gaze drifted upwards, focusing on the stranger's chiseled features. But her alcohol-addled brain failed to register the question.

Before she realized what she was doing, she pounced on him, pressing her lips against his.

"What…" he started to say but Eleanor's tipsy mind wasn't listening, her senses were on fire. Liam pulled away with a curse, his expression was unreadable. 

Eleanor's head spun, and his question sounded like a whisper in the wind as she pressed her lips on his again.

The night dissolved with a haze of desire and pleasure.

The next morning, Eleanor woke up in an unfamiliar room, sun streaming through the window. Beside her, the man from last night was fully dressed, sipping coffee. His expression was cold.

The vague memories of last night returned in snippets. "I didn't mean… I was drunk," Eleanor stammered.

Liam raised an eyebrow with a small sad smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Save it. You're not the first to try to seduce me."

Eleanor's anger flared. "I wasn't trying to seduce you! And I'm not some prostitute."

Liam's gaze hardened. "Well, I'm not here to judge you, but don't expect any more than that." 

With that, he turned and left, leaving Eleanor stunned.

She felt a wave of humiliation wash over her. She covered her ears, struggling to accept she had been intimate with a stranger.

Not daring to think about the humiliation of the night, Eleanor pulled her clothes on and hurried out of the room.

An hour later, a drained Eleanor returned home, unsure how to deal with what had happened. Just as she began to unravel the tangled threads of her thoughts, her phone buzzed.

She hesitated before picking it up, her heart sinking. The text message on her screen made her breath catch.