A stranger.

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as I groaned, pressing my palm against my forehead.

A dull ache throbbed there, a painful reminder of the drinks I had last night. although i couldn't remember what had happened last night.

With a quiet whimper, I shifted slightly and froze. Panic surged through me as I slowly turned my head. This was my bedroom, but there was a man laying beside me. A stranger.

“Who the hell are you?!” I screamed, my voice sharp with fear as I jumped off the bed, my heart racing as i clutched the duvet to my body, covering my nakedness.

The man slowly opened his eyes, revealing his bright green eyes that made me wonder how a man could have such pretty eyes. But that wasn't my concern at that moment. I wanted to know what the hell he was doing in my bed naked!

“Hey, it’s okay,” he said, his voice low and calm.

I took a step back, my breath quickening. I tried to piece together the memories of last night. I remembered driving straight to the club on my way back from Ethan's house. I could remember the music, the drinks. But how did I end up here, in my own bed, with this insanely handsome guy?

“Who are you?” I managed to ask, my voice trembling.

“I’m just,”…..he paused as if he was searching for the right words.

“Someone you met last night,” he replied, propping himself up on one elbow. There was a hint of drowsiness still lingering in his expression, which only added to my confusion.

“Someone I met?” The name didn’t come to me, and the realization made my pulse quicken. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I think we both know how I got here,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

I felt my face flush. “I don’t remember anything,” I admitted, the embarrassment settling in my stomach like a stone.

“Look, it’s okay,” he said, his tone sincere. “Sometimes things happen. We were at the club, and you….you just wanted to forget for a night.” he said reluctantly.

Forget. That was the goal, but waking up to this situation felt like a mistake. “What did I say?” I asked, my heart racing with anxiety. Maybe I had told him about my divorce, or something more personal. How could I be so stupid to drink more than I could handle. Look at the mess I put myself now.

He didn't respond to me. Instead, he slowly, nonchalantly, got up from my bed, got dressed and then he left. That was it.

*****

“No way! You can't tell me he left just like that,” Mia, my little sister mumbled. I shrugged.

“And you let him?“ Mia asked with a brow raised. I turned to her, my brows furrowed.

“And what's that supposed to mean?“

“Alice,” she hissed softly. “Don't get me wrong, i am only wondering why you didn't ask him for his name, or who he was, he could be a Mafia king or some dangerous dude you know,"

“Well, you know what? I don't care. I have been going through a lot for the past one month. I just need peace right now, I need to figure out how to get my life back. And thinking about a stranger who I might never see again should be the least of my problem,” I said, getting up from the couch, as I headed up stairs to my room.

“Alice, I'm sorry if I oversteped!“ Mia yelled, but I ignored her, shuting my door close.

*****

It's been one month since I finalized my divorce with Ethan. I still think of him. Even when I know I'm not supposed to. It's just….it's hard to let go of someone you hoped on growing old together with. Someone you loved so deeply, and never thought a day like this would come.

I got up from the bed, heading to the bathroom. It was seven AM, and i needed to get dressed for work. Most importantly, I needed to move on. Because this is my reality now.

Later that afternoon at work, my boss called me into his office.

“Good day Mr George, I greeted, bowing my head slightly.

“Good day Alice, I need to talk to you about a business alliance,” he said. looking serious.

“The most elite CEO in the city is coming in to discuss potential collaboration with us. It’s in an hour.”

“Okay,” I replied, trying to hide my nerves. “Who is it?”

“His name is Jake Astor. You’ll want to be prepared. We need this deal. We need him” My boss said. I nodded, my heart beat racing.

I wasn't sure I could handle it. I wasn't ready. My whole life was a mess right now. Handling such an important task was something i couldn't afford to ruin.

Moments later, we were all seated at the conference table. My heart racing from the fact that I was meant to give a speech, convincing who ever this was, in order to close an important deal with him.

The door opened, A farmiliar figure walking in, his posture straight, exuding confidence and authority.

I gasped, my eyes flying open in shock as they landed on the stranger I had a one night stand with.

The man I had a one night stand with, was the CEO I had to impress?!