CHAPTER TWO- Striking grey eyes

Happy birthday my ass, there was nothing happy about today which is my birthday. Firstly, my shift started so early in the morning, secondly, I had missed the bus because I didn’t wake up on time and thirdly to top it all, birthday sex with Mathew sucked ass!

Thankfully the bus stopped right across the street from Saint Peterson’s memorial hospital that I currently worked at. I sipped my morning tea, crossing the street to the hospitals gate.

“Happy birthday, Jo!” The security guard waved.

I held back from groaning out loud but gave him a polite smile and waved back in a hurry. I was probably the only person that hated when others knew about my birthday which was a strange feeling.

The strong scent of antiseptics that filled the hospital air immediately wafted my nostrils as i rushed into the elevator to my ward. Slipping into my routine was easy while I masked my exhaustion with a fake smile.

I have gotten used to the chaos of my unlucky life, long hours, meager pay, toxic work environment and to add on top, my toxic relationship that I’m still hanging on to like a fool....

A genuine smile spread on my lips as I walk over to my work bestie, Evelyn. She squealed and ran over to hug me, whispering a ‘happy birthday’ into my ear.

“Thank you...”

The rest of my colleagues plastered fake smiles which I returned with the same fakeness. Evelyn reached down, behind the desk to reveal a huge bouquet of purple flowers that I’ve never seen before.

My eyes widened in shock as I let out a gasp. “This is too much!.....”

She giggled and handed them over to me. “Mathew must really be stepping up his game toady....”

My brows furrow from her statement. “Mathew?”

She nodded with a mischievous smirk. “These flowers came in so early this morning, so it’s probably from Mathew I assume.”

The memory of Mathew literally snoring his heart out while I showered after my depressing birthday sex flashed into my head. There was no way Mathew could’ve arranged this, it’s definitely not like him.

“Did it come with a note?” I observed the huge bouquet.

Evelyn hummed a reply and reached down for an envelope. “It came in with this but I just assumed it was from Mathew....”

I ripped the thin envelope which revealed a small card with only three simple but confusing words.

‘Happy birthday, princess.’

“Princess?!” Evelyn read out with wide eyes.

My brows scrunched in confusion and I quickly flipped the card but there were no names written just three words in clean cursive. What the hell....who would’ve sent this to me?

Evelyn pulled me into the empty staffs room. “Girl, don’t tell me you have someone else besides Mathew?!” she whispered harshly.

“I swear I’m just as confused as you are!” I whispered back.

“What?....” Evelyn muttered out.

I wracked my brain for anybody that might send this to me but there was no one I could think off other than Mathew and I was one hundred percent sure that this wasn’t from him.

“And you’re sure it isn’t from Mathew?”

I nod vigorously. “One hundred percent sure.”

“Damn....then this only means one thing, you have an admirer.”

Laughter burst from my lips, what a lousy joke, ‘an admirer’ my ass. “You know how stupid that sounds, don’t you?”

Evelyn shrugged. “Its the only explanation I’ve got for these mysterious flowers.”

Her words sinks in, could it be that I have an admirer or is this just a coincidence or some kind of prank by Evelyn. I brush those thoughts away and admire the bouquet in my hands, they were quite pretty....

My shift goes on with the usual charting, attending to patients needs, medication and wound dressings which I hated but was very good at. I was eager to head home and rest after such a full week of taking on extra shifts.

The extra cash was to pay for the loads of debts that my dad had left me with after he died with the rest of my family. Working as a personal nurse for Mr Chevalier was a blessing but it barely made a dent to the debts.

I had to cover expenses for the apartment like maintenance, groceries, rent and saving up for a car....while Mathew covered minor bills because he earned lower than I did.

A text pops up on my phone from Mathew, reminding me that I shouldn’t forget our reservation at a five star restaurant for my birthday. There was no way I would’ve forgotten such a special gift like that, I had already bought my dress since the year began.

It is known to be really hard to get a reservation at the luxurious Russian restaurant that was rated five stars. Mathew was sweet to save up and struggle to book our reservation on my birthday.

I giggled softly at the faint memory of his excited face once he had successfully booked the restaurant. The bus ride went smoothly until they reached my street and I hurried into my apartment complex.

“Babe, why are you coming home so late, you only have a few minutes to get ready!” He yelled with annoyance.

I roll my eyes and hurry to undress to take a quick shower. “Come on, cut me some slack I just got off work!”

He let out an exasperated sigh which annoyed me as I showered as fast as possible. Luckily, my outfit was already picked out so I hurried to do my light makeup and dress up as fast as possible.

Mathew frowned. “I thought you’re wearing the blue dress that I got you last month?”

I shook my head and shuffled into the beautiful backless purple dress that fit on my body like a glove. “Mathew, I had already bought this at the beginning of this year....”

“Its too revealing, your boobs are almost popping out and the back-”

My jaws clenched in annoyance, I really didn’t want to have an argument about what I was wearing, especially not tonight!

“Its fine, I can wear what I want to and there’s nothing wrong with the dress!” my feet hurt in the gold strappy heels I wore but beauty is pain, isn’t it?

He groaned, giving me his usual look of disapproval but I ignore it and grab my purse. “If I change now, we’ll be wasting more time for our reservation...”

“Fine...”

Finally, our ordered ride showed up and we head over to the restaurant just in time for our reservation. The place screamed luxury, warm scent of food in the air and people chatting while dining.

I walked confidently with Mathew in my arm to our designated table and as usual, looks were thrown our way with their eyes raking down my body. I knew I looked good and I loved when people also noticed that too.

We sat down and I couldn’t hold in my excited smile while glancing around in awe. “Can you stop, people would know we don’t fit in....” Mathew whispered harshly.

“The place is beautiful Mathew, what’s there not to admire?” I was starting to get irritated by his attitude tonight.

He clenched his jaws with an annoyed expression. “Whatever, let’s just enjoy tonight.”

The night went on with minimal chatting and awkward silence as we ate the amazing cuisines that was served. Mathew kept on speaking about his usual ambitions and dreams to start his constructions company which I’ve heard thousands of times.

Suddenly, a prickling feeling hits me. I tensed up and shifted uncomfortably in my chair with my fingers toying with the edge of my wine glass.

Someone was watching me.

My pulse quickened as I swept a cautious glance around the room, which was inevitably drawn to the shadowy VIP section. Dim light illuminated over sleek, leather seats and dark wood panels with a man sitting in the middle, my breath hitched.

It’s him.

He lounged there like he owned the world, his broad shoulders framed by the tailored cut of his suit. The dim light played over his sharp cheekbones and a jawline that looked like it could cut glass.

Striking cold grey eyes, calculating, and disturbingly magnetic locked to mine with a predatory intensity that made my throat dry. I swallowed hard with my chest tightening under his heated gaze.

He didn’t smile. He didn’t look away. Instead, he cocked his head ever so slightly and that motion spoke volumes. He wanted me to know that he was watching.

My mind screamed for me to look away but my body was frozen under his captivating gaze. In that moment it felt like it was only I and him in the buzzing restaurant.

The striking grey eyes of the stranger locked me down like i was a prey under his predatory gaze and that caused a shiver down my spine.