Chapter 13

Boredom had led me to drink three glasses of champagne in the last twenty minutes, and I was certain that if I had one more, I’d be seeing stars. I could feel myself getting tipsy, and I needed to find a way to excuse myself before I embarrassed myself in the worst possible way.

“Excuse me,” a beautiful blonde lady approached me. Her bright blue eyes were the first thing I noticed as she came closer. Then I took in her height—she was tall, slim, and had beautifully tanned skin. She was the epitome of beauty, and she knew it.

“Good evening, my name is Adeline,” she introduced herself, her thick French accent adding a certain charm to her words. I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure, trying my best not to get intimidated .

“I’m Veronica,” I replied, suddenly self-conscious under her gaze. Her hair was almost golden, and I found it difficult to look away from her. If anyone had told me she was a model, I wouldn’t have doubted it for a second. I envied her beauty—it was magnetic.

“Your name is beautiful. It suits you so well, especially with your dress,” she said, adoration clear in her tone, and I couldn’t help but blush. Maybe I needed another glass of champagne to steady myself. That’s if it doesn’t go the other way round.

“Thank you, but you don’t need to flatter me. Your dress is magnificent. Even as a fellow woman, I can’t take my eyes off you,” I told her, and she giggled elegantly.

“The designer is really talented. I love the fabric,” she said, and I smiled. Yvonne would literally jump into a pool of happiness if she heard this.

“She really is. She’s my best friend, and this is one of her newest designs,” I explained, and she raised an eyebrow in interest. “Elcanto,” I added, sharing the name of Yvonne’s brand. I had forgotten the specific name of the dress I was wearing, but I was sure Adeline could describe it perfectly.

I watched as she pulled out her phone, probably to search for the brand. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she gasped. “These dresses! They’re marvelous! How have I never heard of them before?” she asked, more to herself than to me. “I am definitely going to get two or three of these!” she gushed.

Yvonne had started her clothing brand when we were in our last year of university. It had been a rough start, but it had definitely paid off.

Adeline and I continued talking about the dresses when, suddenly, I felt the urgent need to pee. I excused myself and headed toward the bathroom.

Inside, a middle-aged woman was by the sink, applying her makeup. She turned to face me and immediately noticed my dress. “Your dress is stunning. Where did you get it?” she asked eagerly.

“Elcanto,” I told her with a smile, and she instantly took out her phone to take note of it. Yvonne might owe me a dinner after all the compliments I was receiving on her behalf. I made my way to one of the stalls and took care of business.

Feeling relieved, I exited the stall and moved to wash my hands. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I let out a small sigh. My hair was still in place, and my lipstick hadn’t budged. Just as I reached for my phone to check a text from Yvonne, I saw someone walking in through the mirror. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized who it was.

Mr. Aubert.

Without thinking twice, I clicked on the last name in my call log and lowered the volume. My hands shook as I gripped my phone tighter, trying to act like I didn’t notice him yet. I cleared my throat and looked up.

He was already behind me with a very sick smile. “I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you, Ms. Maslow,” he said in what he thinks is a husky tone. It wasn’t—it was disgusting.

“Mr. Aubert, this is the female bathroom. Please leave before I call the police,” I said as I turned around to face him. He looked at me and laughed.

“That can’t scare me. You and I bought know you want me. You want attention. That’s why you put on that dress so every man in this hall can look at you more than twice,” he said approaching me. I moved away quickly to run to the door but he was quick to grab my arm.

For a man with meaty hands, his grip was strong and it hurt. “Let me go, you sick man!” I exclaimed as my heart slammed against my ribcage. This isn’t going to happen. I won’t let it happen.

“You think I will let those men get you before me? Never!” he yanked me back to the wall and I hit my head with a loud thud. My vision blurred as I fell to the ground. My head began to ring and panic rose in my chest.

“HELP ME!” I managed to scream before a loud smack silenced me. Instant pain spread through my cheek, burning me but I didn’t have time to react when the door burst open and a man walked in through my blurry vision.

“Sick bastard! You’re fucking dead!” a familiar voice thundered and I heard a groan followed by a loud thud. My vision cleared and I saw a man on top of Mr. Aubert, punching him.

My eyes widened, “Mr. Railway?” my voice was barely audible and I felt my vision go blurry again, making me close my eyes.

“Arrest him, he assaulted her,” I heard Mr. Railway say and then I was suddenly picked up by strong arms.

“Mr. Railway?” I wanted to know who it was.

“It’s me. You’re safe now,” he said and I sighed in relief, leaning into his touch. Right now, I couldn’t fight it if I wanted to.

“Austin, let’s leave,” he said and then he began walking. I opened my eyes to see he was walking out through a door. “We’re going back to the hotel,” he said to me and I nodded, which as a very bad mistake on my part.

A winced as the back of my head rang and he stopped in his tracks, looking down at me. “Did you hit your head?” he asked, his jaw clenching in the process. I nodded slowly and he sighed before walking faster.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, love,” it was Austin that spoke this time as we got into the car. I gave him a small smile as I moved to get off Mr. Railway’s lap but he held me closer, glaring down at me.

“Austin, get us to the hotel quickly so we can call a doctor,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. Then I frowned as Austin started the car.

“It’s not that serious. A few painkillers, and I’ll be fine,” I said and Mr. Railway rolled his eyes.

“You may suffer a concussion,” he said and took out his phone from his pocket. I didn’t say anything and eventually, I felt myself gradually lose consciousness.

A warm arm wrapped around my shoulders and I succumbed to the warmth before going into the dark.