Rachael's POV
This feeling was sensational, from the way he flips me on the bed and increases his pace, I was loving all of it
The hotel's cellphone rang, and he ignored it for the first few times, then, after a while, he slowly pulled it out and went over to answer it.
"Yes this is Jonathan" he answers
"Of course you can send her upstairs," he continues.
Send who?
He hangs up the phone and packs up my clothes, shoving me into the wardrobe.
He said he isn't married so who could this possibly be?
I hide as Jonathan opens the door, and the voice that follows is unmistakable.
"Daddy!" a girl echoed. From where I stand, I see Bella step inside.
And the truth immediately hits… Jonathan Hills, the man I had just lost my virginity to and shared a one-night stand with, is her best friend's father
***
A few days before
"Rachael, this marriage is not up for discussion" my mother's voice, calm and calculated. The tone she uses when she's already finalized and is just informing me. "It's about duty," she continues. I sit across from her, hands folded into my lap, like a child receiving instructions, even though I'm old enough to choose what I want.
"This union secures protection for your father and the company, there's no need to delay."
"I understand", I say, even though something tightens in my chest.
"Good", she replies. "The gala in France is tomorrow, Clinton's family will be there. It's the first step".
Later in my room, I pack my bags. It's just another night, all I have to do is fake a smile, wave, and act like everything is good. By the next morning, we'd be back in London.
I shut the suitcase, and the servants load it into the car. Heading to the airport, I lean against the window, wondering what it feels like to be free. I tell myself it's just one night, one gala. I can survive it the way I survived everything else.
Little did I know that France would be the place where everything unravels. One conversation, one decision, one man will split my life cleanly in two.
After landing in France, we get ready and head to the gala.
The gala feels nothing like home, the smell of the expensive perfumes, the chandeliers hanging and shining so bright..
Bella sneaks up on me a few minutes after we step inside
"You look miserable" she says cheerfully
I exhale a small laugh "You're mean".
"I'm honest" she corrects guiding me towards the bar, "and you need a drink"
Bella has been my best friend for three years now. We met in college and hit it off instantly
With her divorced and absent parents and my selfish parents, one could say all we had were each other.
Music hums and everywhere I look, there are men dressed in tailored suits and women beautified and elegant. Deals are being made with smiles and handshakes. This is the world my parents prepared me for.
Bella takes a sip of champagne and leans closer. "So", she says casually, "are you really going through with the marriage"
Of course, she brings it up here, "I don't have a choice" I answer, keeping my voice light. "It's happening."
She studies me for a moment and then rolls her eyes "That's not fair"
"That's life" I reply.
And then silence follows. Suddenly she smirks mischievously "Then at least promise me one thing"
I raise an eyebrow
"Have one night of fun before you get married to that spoiled daddy's boy", "One reckless decision, something daring. One memory that belongs to you"
"Besides my dad is here", she says scanning the room, "And I wouldn't have time to sit and listen to your sob story all night"
I blink "Your dad?"
She nods, "apparently he landed this morning and I finally get to see him after five years"
Bella always joked that her father lived in airports more than he lived at home. I bet she was really excited.
"Now back to you"
I shake my head in disagreement but she persuades me "It's going to be fun, trust me!" she says "And you're so far from home. Whatever you do in France, stays in France"
A smile slips through my face "I know you love the idea… now go!".
I pick up my bag and my coat and slip away, Bella's words ringing in my head.
I head to the lounge, it's quieter, low lighting, leather chairs, the kind of place made to hold secrets.
I sit at the bar and order a drink, trying to remember what it feels like to live without expectations.
Looking around, people leave slowly and then I start to regret slipping away from the gala. I sit at the bar, sliding my hands gently over the glass filled with a drink I don't need.
And there he is, a tall, calm, commanding figure who towered over me. His gaze fixed on me.
"You don't look like someone who enjoys parties" his voice echoes from behind me
"I don't" I answered
"So I guess you're the one I've been waiting for?" he continues
I don't turn around, I don't answer and I don't correct him
He leans closer "Interesting, you don't correct me"
I shrug, taking a sip from my drink while turning around "Maybe I like surprises"
"Or maybe you're just playing games" he says
"Maybe both", I answer, playing around with his tie
"You little slut" he says softly
A slut! Is that who he was waiting for?
The misunderstanding is perfect. He assumes I'm the person he came for and I let him.
***
I sank against the wall, my heart still racing. The room is quiet now but the weight in my chest makes it feel suffocating. I didn't mean for it to go this far.
I pressed my palm against my face, trying to recollect my thoughts. Every thought of what I did reconnects with the reality of who Jonathan was.
My best friend's father…