Chapter Fifty-four

Brenda’s eyes fluttered open, and she found herself lying in a luxurious bed, soft sheets enveloping her body. Confusion quickly washed over her as she realized that she wasn’t in her own room. She turned her head, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings, a mix of surprise and curiosity dancing in her eyes. Where was she? As Brenda shifted, the emptiness of the room became apparent. Damien was nowhere to be seen. She gazed at the clock on the bedside table; its hands pointed to eight-thirty. The realization dawned on her that she was alone in this spacious room. A tinge of disappointment mingled with her curiosity. She sat up, her mind retracing the events of the previous day.

Carla had paid her a visit, and together they had indulged in the pleasure of two bottles of wine. Brenda’s memory seemed hazy, a product of her intoxicated state. She vaguely recalled wandering into Damien’s room, but the details remained elusive. She must have sought Damien’s company, and exhaustion had led her t