LETTING GO

CHAPTER 2

It took forever but dawn finally came, knocking on the thick drapes that she’d refused to put up since last night. After shamelessly going at it, they finally left the house and Alara had her eyes open through it all.

The door swung open suddenly and she jerked upright, relaxing when she saw it was only her best friend, Scarlet, breezing in like she owned the place.

You couldn’t blame someone whose father always made it a point to tell her the world was her playground. Spoilt brat she was. One who wouldn’t hesitate to endure through whatever it was for Alara. 

The woman flicked her red hair as she walked toward the bed where Alara had herself cocooned under the sheets once more. A suggestive, teasing smile sat on her face and her blue eyes glinted with mischief.

“Look who got screwed. Do you think sleeping in will—” she was taken aback when she heard the little strangled sobs that came from the wrapped heap on the bed. “Alara?”

Feeling trapped, Alara tossed the covers back and Scarlet jumped back at the sight of her distressed friend. Confusion marred her features when Alara broke down in another round of fresh sobs.

“What the fuck happened? Charles didn’t come home last night? No sexy time? Come on, help me out, I’m running out of suggestions.”

Alara sniffled and blew her nose on the covers to which Scarlet winced at the sound. Her voice was hoarse when she spoke, “Charles brought home another woman last night while I waited for him in a stupid white lingerie.” she managed between sobs. 

Scarlet flew to her feet in a rage. “That sleazy fucker! Tell me he is in this house, please. How dare he? You see, I always knew something was wrong with the way I saw him in odd places with a woman.”

Alara raised her face from her palms as a look of betrayal flashed across her features. “What?! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Oh, baby, I did tell you but you didn’t say much apart from she was helping Charles at his place of work or something —”

“Because that’s what I thought. Who’d have thought there were other motives to it?”

“Motives which have been uncovered now. I’m sorry you had to go through this horrible thing.”

Alara gazed down at herself and on seeing the lingerie, she tossed the covers to the side, angrily muttering, “I don’t know why i still have this on me.” Then she marched over to the closet to rip them off. 

She rummaged through the closet, angrily yanking off hangers with jerky movements.

A hoodie. Sweatpants. Anything she could find to hide her vulnerability from seeping to the surface. Still, the sound of Charles locking lips with Michelle echoed in her mind. 

That memory was going to stay for a long time.

Alara ripped the flimsy material to shreds while cursing loudly and sobbing in-between. She felt like her heart was ripped out of her chest and squashed with an iron soled foot.

She didn’t feel any better staring at the material on the floor. Before she could do further harm, Scarlet wrapped her arms around her. 

“It’s okay. He’s a jerk and doesn’t deserve one drop of your tears. Save it for mind-blowing orgasms in future.” She whispered softly and led her back to the bedroom. 

Just as they took a seat on the massive bed, the door opened and there was Charles standing there with a detached expression. 

Shoulders stiff and legs maintaining a wide berth, she knew he wasn't here for an apology. The warmth that was missing in those eyes revealed enough about it.

Alara felt her heart break all over again. 

“What the hell do you want now?” Scarlet spat, glaring at him with hate that sparked alive in her bright baby blues.

“I’m here to pack my stuf. Couldn't get it last night because you were…well,” he shrugged, no remorse in his eyes as he stepped in. 

They watched him gather his things, every one of them and when he was done, he stopped in front of the dresser and pulled out a rose-gold band from his pocket.

Alara recognized it. Scarlet did too because it had been her suggestion after the last time the couple got into another argument. 

“Take it. Throw it away. Give it to Michelle, I don't care!” Alara barked, unable to help the pressure of emotions welling up inside her.

Scarlet did a double take at her friend. “Wait, Michelle Austin?” She turned to Charles, enraged. “You've been sleeping with her secretary? For how bloody long?”

“Six months…” Alara managed in-between snot, tears and sniffle.

“Don't blame me. Blame it on your friend who doesn't know how to keep a man.” He didn't look one bit shameless as he looked between both women. “I'm a healthy man with needs and she wasn't available to satisfy them. I got myself some relief and now I'm the villain?”

“Is that all she is to you? An object of gratification?” Scarlet had never been so shocked and appalled at the same time. “It's her fault because she has a job she's dedicated to and so you do this to her? How lower can you stoop?”

The tension in the room was palpable but somehow, Charles managed to school his face into a calmness that infuriated Alara the more.

She cleared her throat. “I think you've overstayed your welcome.” And she had never meant those words more than she did in that moment. “Oh, and Charlie?”

He stopped right as he crossed the threshold, turned to her. 

“Tell Michelle that she's no longer welcome to work.” 

“Yeah, she can resume duty sucking your cock.” Scarlet added, before slamming the door in his face.