CHAPTER 36

Our journey back to America was a smooth one. It was quite chilly that morning as we were slowly approaching the winter season. I woke up shivering from the cold, and even after bathing in warm water, it didn't change anything. I knew I was going to freeze because I didn't bring sweaters, coats, or any winter suit with me. I had to improvise by wearing three shirts at a time but I hope no one noticed.

Stepping out of the room with my traveling bag by my side I stood by the door and took a final glance at the room. I was surely going to miss it because it had somehow become a part of my life during my few day's stay in California. There was not much difference between the hotel room and my room in Adrian's house in America.

I ran my eyes from the cozy bed to the marble floor and the smooth walls. I took a deep breath savoring the soothing scent of the air fresheners and flowers for the last time. Maybe not the last but I never could tell.

I shut the door slowly wishing whoever was the next occupant a good stay in the room. Adrian was already out, so I hurriedly joined him in the car, but before then, someone stopped me.

“Hey, Kira.” I greeted them with a smile.

“Good morning ma'am.” She replied warmly.

She tried to feign an “all is well” look, but as a professional pretender, I could detect it with ease.

“What are you doing here? I mean this is not the hotel you work for.” I shuttered.

“Yeah, you're right. I excused myself from work to come and see you.” She replied slowly.

“Alright, I am all ears,” I mumbled.

“Oh, congratulations on your amazing presentation yesterday. You were excellent. I never knew you were a professional public speaker with the talent of charisma.” She announced at once, making me annoyed. Why was she beating around the bush?

“Thank you for the compliment,” I muttered.

“Oh, you're welcome.” She replied smiling.

“This is not the reason you came all the way from your workplace to see me, right?” I asked matter of factly.

“Yeah.” She whispered.

“Kira, I would appreciate it if you go straight to the point time is not really on my side at the moment.”

“Hmm, I don't even know how to start saying it”. She muttered her voice laced with uneasiness.

“Why? Is anything the matter?” I asked with furrowed brows.

“Not really, this is actually a confession”. She blurred, feeling ashamed.

“Really. What could that be? The last time I checked you have done nothing wrong to me.” I replied with a confused look.

“I know. It's just that everything was a pretense”. She pronounced with her head slightly bowed.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, blinking nervously.

“I will explain. She replied.

“Please do. I urged her to speak.

“I am Julian Sterling's hook-up girl. I do it to put food on my table. Lately, my son was involved in an accident on his way back from school and needed urgent surgery if he must live again. I was so scared because I didn't want anything to happen to him. I met with Julian for assistance, and he gave me all the money I needed with no hesitation, and I paid for the surgery. When I went to him to thank him for his help, I asked him what I could do to return the favor apart from the usual sex. That was how he told me to look for any possible way to get closer to you.”

She paused for a few seconds and gulped hard studying my facial expression. I was too shocked, that was all she could see. She heaved a deep sigh and continued.

“That was how I tracked you down here, and fortunately for me, nature handled the rest through the hospital incident, making my work easier.”

“What the hell?” I whispered.

“Hmm.” Kira exhaled looking down.

“So you don't work at the hotel we first lodged when we arrived in California?” I asked in stammers.

“Yes and no. Yes, because Julian easily arranged a job for me there the moment you checked in with Adrian. No, because I never worked there all along the sole purpose was to find a way to get to you. So as we speak, my resignation letter is on the Manager's table because I am returning to America.”

“Kira, why are you telling me this?” I asked softly, my voice gloomy.

“I saw that it was nearly impossible to achieve what I was sent to do cunningly, especially with your husband in the picture. I also observed that you are a good and reasonable woman so I decided to save myself the stress and come to you directly.”

“But why exactly did he do this?” I asked again with confusion written all over me.

“I am certain that it is for good, there are no strings attached. He is just interested in getting close to you, and he cannot achieve that the normal way. That's why he used me. Julian is a good man. I am saying this with utmost sincerity.” She replied, looking at me intently.

Of course, I had many more questions to bombard her with, but a voice interrupted me from behind.

“Jenny,” Adrian yelled from inside the car.

“Bye, ma'am, please give everything I have told you a good thought. We may not meet again except fate wants it”.

With those words, she ran away without looking back. I stood there dumbfounded for a while, trying to digest all she said, but I couldn't. Yes, it was clear enough to understand but my brain wasn't cooperating.

I knew I wanted to ignore everything concerning Julian and Adrian's differences but this alone made me more curious. I wanted to get to the bottom of it, yes, he told me to stay out of his business, but now it's also my business because I am now in the picture.

I strode to the car with an unreadable expression preparing my mind for Adrian's trouble.