Chapter 7

"I paid every dime for that apartment—that's my place, you know," Zoe said firmly, frustration clear in her voice.

"So, you actually want to go back and stay with them?" Bernard asked, his tone skeptical as he gave Zoe a questioning look.

"Hell no!" Zoe said firmly, her expression unwavering. She had no intention of going back to that house—or to the people in it.

"Okay."

'I'd rather stay in a hotel than spend a night under the same roof as those cheats,' Zoe thought, shuddering at the idea. The sting of Stanley and Jenna's betrayal was still too fresh.

"Going home with this guy wouldn't be the worst idea—he is pretty charming," Zoe thought for a moment. But she quickly shook it off. "Hell no, he's a stranger. I have no clue what he's up to," she reminded herself.

"I suggest you come along with me to my mansion. I will make sure no one bothers you, I can't allow you to go back to your apartment alone," Bernard said. As if he knew what was going through Zoe's mind.

Zoe froze, hearing those words come out of his mouth. "Well, thank you for the offer, you can leave if you want to. I have decided to lodge in a hotel." Zoe responded.

The bar, once bustling with lively chatter and clinking glasses, is now nearing the end of its evening. The atmosphere has shifted from vibrating to subdued.

Zoe sensed the atmosphere had changed. She looked around with her head rolling as she gulped down the last drop of her alcohol.

"Well, suit yourself. I'm exhausted, and I'm leaving. Can I at least have your phone number?" Bernard asked as he was grinning cheerfully.

"No need," Zoe responded 

"Okay, bye." Bernard already knew that it was going to be tough for Zoe to get a taxi at that time because he had a challenge securing a taxi back home three days ago, when he had decided to use a taxi to the same bar instead of his car. Taxis are few and far between the East part of Wimland where the bar was located.

Bernard pretended he was leaving the bar back to his home as he left Zoe. But when he got to his car, he entered it. Instead of driving away, he waited patiently.

Zoe glanced around, expecting to see Bernard entering his car and driving away; her eyes darted back and forth, searching to see him.

"Wait, did he disappear or something?" 

Zoe became confused.

She glanced at her wristwatch; it was already 1 am. "I really should get going…, it's getting late." Zoe mumbled.

She picked up her handbag, preparing to leave the bar. Zoe stumbled slightly while standing up from her seat. She walked slowly, deliberately trying to regain her balance.

Emerging from the bar's doorway, Zoe blinks to the bright light. Taking a deep breath of fresh air as she figured out the next step.

Zoe finally made her way to the sidewalk; she outstretched her arm, hoping to hail a taxi. Her eyes were fixed on approaching vehicles, hoping one would stop.

'I should have just followed Bernard to his mansion… I feel nervous right now; getting a taxi here is difficult. Stanley is responsible for all this. I would not have been out here by this time, if not that he's a scumbag." Zoe mumbled as exhaustion etched on her face, in need of a taxi to a hotel. 

Bernard has been in his car quietly watching Zoe go through the stress of getting a taxi before he finally came out from his hidden spot. He drove closer to where Zoe was standing, frustrated.

He winds down his windshield. "Hey, you need a ride?" Bernard asked Zoe with a radiant smile. 

Zoe darted at Benard with her eyes widening like dawn breaking on the horizon. 

"I thought you'd gone, " Zoe asked, wondering where he appeared from.

"How could I have left you alone on a night like this? Aren't you happy to see me?" Bernard said with a grin.

A warm smile spreads like sunlight chasing away shadows on Zoe's face.

"Yeah, I'm happy to see you."

Bernard quickly came down from his Mercedes-Benz; he immediately opened the door for Zoe to come in.

Zoe didn't argue this time but went into the car without saying a word.

Bernard drove off, with a concentrated expression like a pilot navigating through the skies. 

Zoe sat so comfortably with her head leaned back on the car seat; she felt so relaxed, facing forward and embracing the journey without worries or fear. She forgot that Bernard was a stranger she had met at the bar.

Bernard suddenly interrupted with a question. "Have you agreed to follow me to my mansion?"

Zoe darted her eyes slowly towards Bernard, she looked so exhausted. "Take me wherever you wish," Zoe responded softly.

"All right your wish is my command"

Bernard's mansion is located in the West part of Wimland, where most of the rich and successful men live. It will take them twenty minutes to get there.

They both finally made it to Bernard's house, and it was truly a mansion, as he always called it.

His mansion is of luxury, craftsmanship, and refinement. Every detail, from its imposing exterior to its lavish interior, exudes opulence and sophistication.

Zoe's jaw dropped immediately after she got out of Bernard's car. Wow, amazing, was escaping her lips.

Bernard held Zoe's wrists as he took her into his mansion. The inside chambers were filled with natural lights and comfortable seats inviting relaxation.

"This could be a paradise," Zoe mumbled.

"This is one of my mansions," Bernard said.

"Geez, did he just say one of his mansions? He must be freaky rich, " Zoe said to herself.

Zoe was so carried away by the beauty of Bernard's house that she almost forgot what Stanley and Jenna had done to her earlier.

Zoe took a slow, deep breath calming her mind and body. 'I know I am going to have a good dream after I sleep here tonight.'

Zoe thought to herself.