Chapter 1
At first everything seemed normal till she realized he was worst
Abby woke up early feeling so stressed out after drinking and clubbing yesterday. She had ended things with her ex cause he was a cheat and chose to get drunk which she thought would ease her pains but it was the beginning of a nightmare.
It all started when she found out her fiancé was gay and has been cheating on her with her father, she felt that could be the reason her mom divorced her dad years back and left without a trace. She was disappoint and ashamed, she thought of what she'd tell her friends was the reason for the sudden breakup, but nothing came to her mind aside the idea of getting drunk which people say eases pain. While she entered the club, she switched her phone to silent mode then sat on an empty chair by the corner while she ordered shots and few bottles of alcohol which was brought to her few minutes later. She drank without concern as silent tears rolled down her eyes, passersby would know how depressed she was, but she wouldn't spill ā word cause the reason for her depression was shameful which actually made her feel like she was carrying something heavy alone.
While she kept drinking, a stranger walked up to her asking if he could sit with her
"sure" she replied while adjusting her seat a bit.
I'm Eric, he said gently but she just nodded
Is it that heavy, he asked taking a shot.
She looked at him with her teary eyes but didn't say a word, then shifted her gaze to the waiter as she demanded for more shots.
Is it really worth it? He asked again
She tried not to say a word but couldn't
You won't understand, she said in a tone only him could hear
I would, he replied looking her straight in the eyes
She couldn't bear his gaze then she took a shot, the first glass, second, but he stopped her from talking the third glass
That's enough, you've had much already, I'd take you home, he demanded
You don't even know me, she replied after some moments of silence
Consider it a stranger offering to help ā gloomy woman, he sneered
After she realized she was very drunk and can't stand upright, she accepted his kindness
Where do you live? He asked calmly as he looked towards her
She was sleeping with tears in her eyes while blabbing a lot of things, she wished someone would understand her without judgements or mockery
He tried tapping her but she didn't respond, so he chose to take her to his apartment. As he arrived, he told his maid to clean her up then take her to the guest room, then gave her a cloth she'd change to. The maid was surprised cause it was the first time her boss brought someone home. The maid did as instructed and left the room.
The next day, she woke up feeling so tired, wondering where she was. After few minutes the maid entered inside and handed her a hungover tea which could help calm her nerves. She looked surprised and asked in a low tone
Sorry to disturb you ma, but where am I? She said curiously
Before the maid could say a word, he walked in and answered
In my apartment, avoiding her gaze he continued
I tried taking you home but you won't say ur address so I had no option, he snapped
Oh, thanks for that, she replied gently lowering her gaze.
After some moments…..
I'd go prepare what you'd eat, the maid broke the silence
Leave it to me, I'd handle it, he replied looking at her.
For some moments she was confused, then got back to her senses
Oh... thanks, she replied as she lowered her gaze again
He looked at her, smirked, and left the room heading to the kitchen to prepare her breakfast. After some minutes, breakfast was ready, he then called out her name and asked her to come for breakfast.
She was surprised, then asked
How did you know my name? ...… he didn't say a word
Wow how did you know these are my favorite for breakfast, she asked genuinely.
Wait ..... you know my name, and you know the dishes I prefer for breakfast, isn't that too coincidental, she said looking at him suspiciously
He avoided her gaze,
Then paused.
"You told me."
Abby frowned. "I don't remember telling you that."
"You were drunk."
"I was drunk, not unconscious."
He smiled faintly. "You talked a lot."
She stared at him.
Something about his answer didn't feel right she thought…
You blabbed a lot of things yesterday, he said still avoiding her gaze
Oh, retentive memory, she sneered nodding her head
Eric's expression changed.
The faint smile disappeared.
He didn't raise his voice. He didn't have to.
"Eat.".
Abby stared at him
Something about his answer didn't sit right with her.
They had only met the night before. Yet there was something strangely familiar about the way he spoke to her.
She couldn't put her finger on it.
Maybe she was just being paranoid.
Or maybe she had missed something.
She couldn't explain it, but for the first time, she wondered if bringing her here had really been an act of kindness.
Oh…. Okay, thanks, she said lowering her gaze
She picked up her fork and began to eat
Eric said nothing
But she could feel his eyes in her
He sat and watched her eat, making the moment awkward, he said something she couldn't here
What did u say? She asked
Nothing serious, he replied still looking at her
She felt a bit uncomfortable, then stood up saying she was full, and needed to go home cause people may be worried, then she remembered her phone had been on silent all night, she then rushed back to the room removing her phone from silent. She had several missed calls and messages, from her ex, father, and colleagues
At some point, she was glad she silenced her phone, then suddenly he knocked on the door
Come in, she said
I guess I've overstayed my welcome, thats for everything, she said smiling
I didn't say anything like that, but it's fine I'd drive you, he snapped
Uhm, I booked a ride already
Cancel it, he commanded looking at her
Avoiding his gaze she said
I don't wanna stress you
You're not, he replied almost immediately
The moment was silent till he broke it
Have you canceled it? He asked
She stopped starring
Oh thats right, she said as she carried her phone
After she canceled the ride, he gave her his contact info and drove her home. On reaching her apartment, her ex was sitting outside the door, he looked a bit worried. As he saw the car he paused, he was very shocked when he saw her coming out of the car, but she didn't spare him a glance.
Thanks for the ride, she said while coming out from the car
The pleasure is mine, but if you're really grateful, treat me to dinner, he said looking at her
Okay… sure, she replied
I'd come pick you, give me a time, he requested
Uhm, I'd be moving to a hotel, I'd send you the location, she paused …. 6:30pm would be fine, she said.
Sure, expect me, take care for now, he said as he drove off
She starred at his car till it vanished, she smiled and headed for the door where her ex was standing in shock. She didn't spare him a glance rather she walked in to pack her bags and head to a hotel, where she'd be staying till she find an apartment
Abby..…. Uhm, He tried talking to her but couldn't
If you don't have what to say, then shut it….she snapped
I really need to talk things out with you, Yh I made a mistake and I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, am I that unforgivable? not like I'm the first, and what would people say when they find out your father …..he tried saying something but couldn't
Shut up…..you're disgusting, she cut his statement short
I'm not ready to have any conversation with you, we're done, so please just avoid my space, she said with tears in her eyes then entered inside to pack her suitcase
After an hour she was done packing, then she booked a ride, while she was heading to the door her ex said to her 'good luck Abby' but she didn't spare him a glance or respond to him, then the car headed to the hotel according to the location she gave. After someone minutes, they arrived at the hotel, she paid for the ride and then stepped out with her suitcase. The hotel was so beautiful, she stood and admired it, then dragged her suitcase and headed to the counter where she booked a room. She slept off immediately she entered her room.
Abby woke up with a start.
She glanced at the clock.
7:00 p.m.
"Oh my God."
She suddenly remembered her appointment with Eric.
She quickly picked up her phone and called him.
"Eric, I'm sorry. I completely overslept."
There was a brief silence on the other end before she heard him chuckle.
"I figured."
"You did?"
"You had a rough night. I wasn't expecting you to wake up early."
Abby sighed, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"I really am sorry."
"Don't be. Go downstairs and get the package waiting for you at the reception."
She frowned.
"Package?"
"You'll see."
Before she could ask anything else, he ended the call.
Curious, Abby hurried downstairs.
The receptionist handed her a beautifully wrapped package.
"This is for you."
"For me?"
She took it with a puzzled expression and returned to her room.
As she opened it, her eyes widened.
Inside was a beautiful dress.
She ran her fingers over the fabric, surprised by how perfectly it seemed to suit her.
Beneath it was a small card.
"Take your time. I'll wait."
Abby stared at the words for a moment.
A smile slowly appeared on her lips.
Who does that?
She had expected Eric to be annoyed that she had kept him waiting.
Instead, he had somehow managed to make her feel as though there was no rush at all.
She got dressed, fixed her hair, and finally made her way downstairs.
The moment she stepped into the lobby, she saw him.
Eric was already there.
He stood beside his car, dressed simply but elegantly, his hands tucked into his pockets as he waited patiently.
The moment he saw her, his expression softened.
He didn't immediately compliment her.
Instead, he walked toward her and held out his hand.
"Ready?"
Abby smiled shyly.
"You waited this whole time?"
"I told you I would."
Something about those four words stayed with her.
He hadn't complained. He hadn't rushed her. He had simply waited.
And for the first time in days, Abby felt a warmth she hadn't realized she had been missing.
She placed her hand in his.
"I'm ready."
Eric took Abby to ā quiet restaurant, they were surprisingly the only ones there
Abby looked around curiously.
"Are we at the right place?" she asked.
Eric chuckled. "Why?"
"Because there's no one here."
"I wanted somewhere peaceful."
She looked at him for a moment. "You planned all this?"
"Of course."
He pulled out a chair for her, and she sat down.
"You really are full of surprises," she said with a small smile.
Eric took his seat opposite her.
"I haven't even started yet."
Abby raised an eyebrow. "Should I be worried?"
"You should eat first."
She laughed softly.
And for the first time since everything had fallen apart, Abby found herself forgetting about her ex.