CHAPTER 05_ Unclear

Eva's infectious laughter filled the air, and Matt's presence was surprisingly polite and courteous as we settled into a cozy restaurant, the aroma of sizzling meat and spices enveloping us.

As we placed our order, my gaze drifted to the TV above the bar, catching my attention.

Breaking news flashed on the screen: "Billionaire, Braxton Bryan Purchases Priceless Diamond Necklace at Auction." My heart skipped a beat.

The camera pans to the stunning necklace, its diamonds glinting under the lights.

My fingers instinctively rose to touch the identical necklace around my neck. A nervous tremble ran through my hand.

One of my coworkers, Rachel, gazed wistfully at the TV. 

"I'll never make enough money to afford something like that." She remarked, her eyes wandering to my neck, and her brows furrowed"

"Wow, Quinn, your knock-off looks amazingly real!"

"Where did you get it?"

I force a casual smile, trying to sound nonchalant. "Oh, I picked it up from a street vendor for seven bucks." The lie rolled off my tongue effortlessly.

Eva raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "That's quite a find! "Can you take me to that vendor?"

Matt's gaze flicks at mine, his expression unreadable. Does he suspect something?

I shrug, attempting to deflect attention. "I'm not sure if they're still there. "Besides, it's probably a one-of-a-kind fake."

I nursed my drink, pretending to focus on the discussion as Eva's laughter filled the air accompanied by Matt's charming smile. The two were growing inseparable by the day.

But my attention kept drifting to the nearby table, where a hushed conversation sent a shiver down my spine.

"... Bryan's relentless, some bosses have jumped off buildings due to his pressure.“ The words hung in the air like a specter.

My heart sank. “Bryan's reputation for ruthless business tactics is legendary.” Someone else commented.

"...now he's set his sights on Sutherland Corporation." 

What!?

The sudden mention of that company made my blood run cold.

I glanced around, hoping no one had noticed my reaction. Eva, Matt and the other colleagues were engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to the tension building inside me.

The group continues, their voices barely above a whisper. "No one knows if Sutherland Corporation’s boss can withstand the onslaught."

I force a smile, trying to shake off the unease. But my thoughts were already racing ahead, anticipating the worst.

He’s finally making the moves. I knew he was going to do so someday.

As the conversation at the next table fades away, leaving me with a growing sense of unease.

I quickly finished my meal and I bid the group goodbye. With claims of having unfinished tasks to attend to, leaving Eva with Matt. He sure can handle her.

Matt's words still lingered in my mind: "Sometimes, the person who hurts you the most is the one you trust the most."

I quicken my pace, the city lights blurring around me. The question is, who can I truly trust?

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EVA’S POV

I giggled uncontrollably, my head spinning from the cocktails effect. Matt's eyes crinkling as he smiles, his arm hovering over my shoulders.

But Quinn's expression across from me looked so troubled. Her eyes darted toward me, then back to her drink, not until she finally excused herself, claiming to have unfinished tasks and I let her go too.

As the night wears on, my senses blur. Matt's gentle guidance helped me out of the restaurant, into the cool night air.

"Where are we going?" I murmured, leaning towards him.

"My place," he replied softly.

I nodded, trusting him completely as we hailed a taxi to Matt’s apartment.

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Once we got inside, our passion ignited.

We tumbled into a heated kiss, he kissed around my neck, his hands roaming freely, sending shivers through my spine.

The taste of his mouth, laced with the remnants of liquor, left me breathless.

He swung open the bedroom door, pushing me gently onto his bed. He opened the drawer, retrieving a condom. As he unbuckled his trousers, his kisses continued to dance on my neck. 

Suddenly, I let a faint moan escape my lips, one laced with unease. Matt paused. His face was etched with concern.

”Eva? He called softly. "Do you know what we're doing right now?"

I blinked, trying to focus as Matt's face hovered above me.

I let out a small laugh "Puppy..." I whispered, reaching up to caress his head.

Matt's expression softened as he gently pulled me into a hug.

"Eva, you're unconscious. I'm not going to take advantage of you.”

I murmured incoherently, my thoughts drifting away.

As I fade into darkness, Matt's gentle voice whispers, "Sleep tight, Eva.”

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As dawn approaches, I sat on the windowsill, wrapped in Matt's shirt, the city lights twinkling below. I took a long drag on my cigarette, savoring the bitter taste.

Matt stirred in his sleep, flipping onto his side. His handsome face relaxes, vulnerable in slumber.

I gazed at him, my thoughts swirling. He thinks I'm just a carefree party girl, always up for a good time. But what he doesn't know is that I see everything.

I pretend to be drunk when I'm not, just to avoid his advances. Matt never suspects a thing but I see.

I see the way he looks at her, the softness in his eyes. The protective instincts that suddenly kicks in whenever she’s around.

The unspoken connection and I understand.

But I know more than I let on. I watch, I listen, and I piece together the fragments.

I took another drag, the smoke burning within me.

My eyes lingered on Matt's lips, remembering the taste of him. I crave more, but not just physically.

I long to reveal my true self, to show him I'm more than just a pretty face. Maybe some day, he’ll finally notice me.

I badly wanted to whisper, to let him know that: "I know you love her."

But for now, I'll keep up with the charade.