Chapter Four

MARIA

I woke up to the most terrible headache ever. It felt like my head was splitting into two.

I sat up clutching my head. I rubbed my eyes and yawned.

"Ma'am, room service."

I opened my eyes again to find a young lanky boy staring down at me.

In an instant, the events of the previous night came rushing back to me. My happiness when I received my letter of promotion which shortly after turned sour when I caught my fiancé in bed with my best friend, the man at the club…

The man at the club.

He had left before I woke up. I had slept with a stranger. Oh my God, what happened to me? I've never been this careless before.

I tried to remember what he looked like but I couldn't. I could only remember the sound of his voice.

I grabbed my phone from my purse to check the time. It was ten o'clock in the morning. I saw a ton of missed calls from both my mom and my dad. There was one from Elena.

What was she calling me for? To feed me with more lies?

I knew my parents would be so worried. I was supposed to spend the night and the next few days at their place. I had not showed up or communicated my whereabouts with them.

My eyes landed on the room service boy again.

"Hey, can you come back later. Like in an hour."

He nodded and stepped out of the room.

I stood up quickly and went into the bathroom to freshen up. I got dressed as soon as I could and called an Uber.

It was there in no time and soon, I was at my parents place.

My parents were not filthy rich, but they lived in an extravagant house which my dad told me was passed down from my his father to him.

It was an heirloom that had been in the family for years.

My parents were outside when I arrived. I could see the worry on their faces. Especially my father.

"Dad,mom."

I hugged them.

"Maria. What happened? We've been calling. We thought something bad happened to you." My dad said.

"Oh no, Dad. I spent the night at Elena's," It surprised me how easily I told that lie. "I went over to tell her the good news about my promotion and we had drinks and well…"

"Okay. We're happy you're okay. I made your favourite for breakfast."

"Thanks Mom."

"Well, let's get inside and have breakfast."

At the breakfast table, I spilled the news of my breakup with Franklin.

"Thank God. I always knew that man was not right for you." My dad said.

"You did?" I asked, surprised. Dad had never acted in any way to show that he did not approve of Franklin.

"Yes, but you loved him so much. I knew you wouldn't listen if I tried to warn you."

And he was right, I admitted.

"Anyway, your dad's having a visitor over today." Mom said.

Dad barely ever entertained visitors. Mom always said Dad was a big loner before she came into his life.

"Really? Who's that?"

"A friend and former business associate. We went to school together. He was also there during our wedding and during your naming ceremony. Sadly, he had to leave because of his wife. She didn't really like this city and he was all about pleasing her." Dad laughed.

"And he's back now because?" I asked as I chewed on a piece of bacon.

"Oh, his wife died some time ago. So he sees no need to remain in Seychelles. Besides, he has a booming business here."

"Oh, that's sad." I said.

"Right. Well, he'll be here anytime soon. You should change into something more pleasing.

I got you a dress I thought you'd like." Dad winked at me and I wrapped my arms around him.

"Thank you, Dad."

"Anything for my little princess."

…

"The news of her death definitely came as a shock."

I heard my father say as I stepped into the living room in a light blue dress and sandals.

My father and his visitor sat close on the lounge chair, their conversation pausing when they saw me

"Oh, This is my daughter, Maria." My dad said, gesturing to me.

"Pleasure to meet you, Sir. My dad told me a lot about you." I said, despite the sudden flutter in my chest as I looked at him.

He held my gaze with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

I took in his face, striking, high cheekbones carved beneath a neatly trimmed beard, a strong jawline, which was softened by a light, knowing smile.

His dark hair was lightly streaked with silver at the temples. He was undeniably gorgeous. I swallowed and looked away. But his gaze didn't waver.

His gaze lingered in a way that should have felt intrusive. Normally, such attention from older men disgusted her.

But his was different. His look, steady and apologetic, sparked something unfamiliar.

It made my heart beat faster. It was unsettling and yet strangely exciting.

"Pleasure to meet you too, Maria. It's a shame your father never told me anything about you."

The room seemed to tilt as he spoke. Yes, I might have been drunk last night and my senses blurred, but I would never forget that voice.

The voice that said my name over and over again like it was his lifeline.

He was the man at the club.