Chapter 89Estefan’s gaze stayed on Kaitlyn; the soft glow from the chandelier above them created a delicate shadow over her face. Her lips were so close, just inches away, and the air between them felt thick, charged with an intensity he hadn’t felt in years. His heart was pounding, and he had been dreaming of this moment for far too long. How would her lips taste? Would she melt into him like he imagined, or would she pull away?He leaned in, closer, almost there—when her phone buzzed loudly, breaking the fragile electric current that had been built between them. Estefan cursed under his breath.Kaitlyn jumped slightly, her eyes moving down to her phone as Sarah’s name flashed across the screen. She muttered something, her voice barely audible, but Estefan caught it. “I—I should take this,” she stammered, grateful for the interruption. The intense pull of the moment had left her breathless, and she needed an excuse—any excuse—to get away from the confusing emotions racing through he
Chapter 90Michael and Melissa’s Apartment Michael stumbled through the front door, his mind clouded by the events of the day. He had just returned from the dinner with the executives who had come for the inspection, but he could barely remember what was discussed. All he could think about was how Estefan seemed to mark his grip on Kaitlyn’s life, and it infuriated him that she was slipping beyond his reach.He dropped his briefcase and suit jacket on the sofa, adjusting his tie as he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. His head was pounding with frustration, which didn’t stop his thoughts from flowing like a rushing wind. Without a second thought, he walked over to the bar and poured himself a strong drink, then wandered to the kitchen to toss a few ice cubes into his glass.Back in the living room, he sank into the couch, resting his back against the cushions as he stared blankly at the ceiling. He was angry—angry at himself, at Estefan, at everything. Why couldn’t he shak
CHAPTER 1"Do you take Melissa to be your lovely wedded wife?" The priest inquired.I had a moment of my heart ceasing to beat. This was unbelievable. After all this time of loving him and being there for him in every situation, not now. It's impossible that Michael is getting married to someone else in my presence.I gazed at the stunning woman wearing a white dress who was standing next to him. Melissa, who I thought was my best friend. The person who assisted me in choosing the ring I gave to Michael when I proposed two years back.Tears stung my eyes while witnessing her bright smile directed at him."I do," Michael proclaimed confidently, looking at Melissa with a clear expression of pure love on his face.Those two small words stabbed my heart deeply.For eight years, we had been inseparable ever since we met in college.We had been preparing for this wedding for more than a year.Now, he was tying the knot with my disloyal best friend rather than me. How could they have treated
CHAPTER 2"I love you." He said. "I will always be by your side and will never let you down." He said.Smack! Smack! Smack! I aggressively hit the steering wheel in frustration with my hand."Fuck you Michael!" I screamed on top of my lungs.How could I have been so foolish to not realize his deception, to have truly trusted him. I was so stupid. I gritted my teeth as I gripped the steering wheel, raking my other hand through my hair.I angrily wiped away the tears that were beginning to form at the edges of my eyes. "Stop shedding tears for that deceitful snake Kate. After so many fucking years! I am done allowing him to manipulate me that way!!"I inhaled. "You can do this, Kaitlyn'," I encouraged myself. "It's time to move forward and begin living for yourself."I breathed deeply to calm myself and began driving towards the restaurant where I would meet my friend Emma for dinner.She had been a significant source of support during the last couple of months, allowing me to release a
CHAPTER 3"I don't want to go with it, Sarah," I sulked, acting like a child as she pulled me towards the mirror to tidy my messy hair.You should take a moment to examine yourself. "You look extremely disheveled," she remarked with accuracy.My appearance suggested I had been sleep deprived for several days, featuring under-eye bags and disheveled hair resembling a bird's nest.Observing my worn-out appearance only emphasized the complete exhaustion, both physically and emotionally, caused by Michael's betrayal.After a short while, Sarah had performed her magic.She skillfully enhanced my complexion with makeup and styled my hair into gentle, flattering waves. As the final step, she gave me a sleek black dress to put on. She had brought me over to my apartment, not allowing me return back alone and wallow in self pity."There, much better," Sarah said with a pleased grin while I marveled at my reflection in the mirror.The tight-fitting dress highlighted my curves perfectly, resulti
CHAPTER 4I quietly giggled as I politely left Sarah to go to the bathroom. The stunning man had been staring at me all night, but I refused to look at him again to satisfy his curiosity.I swayed through the crowd, adding a little more sway to my hips. Allow him to observe as much as he desired, I am capable of playing this game as well. Tonight, I regained control and felt empowered.Upon arriving at the bathroom, I pushed the door open and suddenly halted. The place was a total mess, with puddles of liquid - hopefully just beverages that were accidentally spilled - scattered throughout the tacky floor. Discarded makeup wipes and balled up toilet paper were scattered all over the place.The blonde at the counter, wearing heavy makeup, was the most worried as she slumped over and snored lightly with streaks of mascara on her cheeks."Uh, pardon me?" I dared to shake her shoulder slightly. Excuse me, ma'am? You are not allowed to sleep in this place."She woke suddenly with a loud sno
CHAPTER 5I couldn't shake off the feeling of that man from yesterday's party as I stared at the paper in my hands. I stood, looking at myself in the mirror. He had slipped it into my hand before leaving.When I looked at it was an address, a place I could meet him. On the paper it was written that he would send someone to pick me up.I knew I couldn't trust strangers, but there was something about this man that I couldn't shrug off. An aura of mystery and intrigue that had me feeling unsettled yet undeniably drawn in.Sarah walked up from behind me, spotting the paper in my hands. "You still thinking about him?" She asked with a sly smirk.I chuckled to myself, both amused and exasperated by her relentless prodding about my apparent "admirer" from last night. "Don't get your hopes up too high.""Why wouldn't I?" She shot back impishly. "He seems pretty interested in you. And he looked pretty rich too." She punctuated her point by taking a dramatic sip of coffee.Sarah, though perpetu
CHAPTER 6"Over there," Sarah mentioned, moving back with a content nod. "You are prepared to go and pursue your billionaire playboy."I let out a nervous laugh, running my hands gently over the smooth cotton shirt she had assisted in choosing. "Take it easy. I have no idea what this even is, to be honest."Sarah gave me a sharp glance. "Young woman, I beg of you. That guy was ogling you from the other side of the club. He obviously desires to devour you next.""Perhaps he is simply a harmless eccentric who delights in gathering intriguing individuals."Before Sarah had a chance to reply, a loud car horn honked outside. Both of us looked at the windows and I was amazed to see the shiny luxury car parked outside my humble apartment building.Sarah dryly remarked that she believes that is your mode of transportation. "Shall we?"“I still wonder how he knows where I live.”She linked her arm with mine and practically pulled me out before I could hesitate and change my mind, “Leave that f