“Okay, you have to pick one milady. Green shimmery dress or cobalt tube gown?” Eva held each selection to her body as she mentioned them. She struck a pose, waggling her brows at Flora. “Come on Flo, pick one. Personally, I recommend the cobalt. Show off those curves to the world girl.”
Flora rolled her eyes, dropping the book she’d been attempting to read before Eva had begun her mini fashion show. “I’m not going to a nightclub Eva. I haven’t been to one in what, five years? What would I even do there?”She shook her head, making her chestnut hair fall free from the loose bun she’d packed it into. “I don’t think I even remember how to dance.”Eva blew out an irritated breath, one hand on her hip. “You’re not some old grandma; you’re in your twenties! It’s your literal prime. Just because Henry kept you locked up doesn’t mean you can’t live life a little now that he’s out of the picture.”“By drinking myself half to death and ending up with a kilThe moment she saw the Cherub, Flora wondered what she had been so scared about. It was a beautiful place, and the very sight of it soothed her nerves. The actual building resembled a magnificent mansion that was lit up with electrical lights that were designed like medieval lamps. In front of the entrance was a huge water fountain that was lit up from underneath with blue and yellow lights that gave it the illusion of an intricate water show.All around the building were fully grown palm trees that nearly towered over the building, lending sophistication to the entire location. Flora could barely contain her gasp as she got down from the car. “I told you,” Eva said with a huge grin. “It’s a swanky place.”Her friend was wearing the cobalt tube gown she had tried and failed to convince Flora to wear. It hugged her body like a lover, emphasizing her slim hips and tiny waist. The gown was strapless, and Eva’s midnight black hair fell over her shou
“At my service?” She rose her eyebrows at him. “Are you going to show me all the secrets of the Cherub?”He did not reply to her for a second, letting his gaze trail all over her and Flora fought the shivers that went down her spine at his obvious attraction to her.Really, he was the epitome of sophistication, his tailored tuxedo accentuating his chiseled features and piercing eyes. His commanding presence drew attention yet he seemed unfazed by the admiring glances, devoting his attention to her and her only.It was a heady drug, his attention, one that was intoxicating yet very unsettling. When she had left behind the clothes that were made for her body type and begun wearing maternal clothes that suited a woman several sizes bigger, it was as if she had become invisible. Due to Henry’s insistence, she had started staying at home so much more which limited her human contact. Often, the only people she would speak to in a week were the servants, Eva and Henry’s mother when she call
Flora lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Despite drinking some chamomile tea before retiring for the night, she had not been able to sleep until very late into the night, and even when she had managed to fall asleep, she would always wake up after an hour or two before getting so tired she would succumb to sleep once more. Her rest had proven restless and Flora knew exactly why. It was the guilt of leaving Damien the way she had, with so little explanation for her strange behavior. What must he be thinking of her now?His concerned face flashed in her mind and she cringed, embarrassment flooding through her. She had not meant to leave him so abruptly, but she had felt like she was suffocating, the weight of her doubts and fears crushing her. Flora had enjoyed the kiss but the panic that followed was overwhelming. She’d thought she was ready to move on but the kiss had brought all her insecurities flooding back, filling her with a feeling of inadeq
As the plane descended, Flora’s heart quickened with each passing minute. She peered out of the window, her eyes scanning the landscape below. The sprawling city was bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, casting long shadows over the horizon.The familiar sights brought a sense of unease, a feeling that had been gnawing at her since she had booked her ticket. As the aircraft taxied to a stop, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She gathered her belongings and made her way down the narrow aisle, the hum of the engines fading into the background as she stepped onto the tarmac. The crisp evening air greeted her and the warm sunshine enveloped her, a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in her bones. She had been dreading this trip for weeks, but she knew it was necessary. She had to face her father and stepmother, to tell them the truth about her marriage and the impending divorce. She couldn’t do it over the
“Here we are,” the driver said of the taxi. “The Equinox Hilton.”Flora peered out the window at the hotel he’d brought her to. It was a towering masterpiece of elegance and sophistication, its sleek glass and steel façade gleaming in the city lights. From what she could see, the lobby was lavish, adorned with marble and crystal, every detail crafted to be nothing short of unforgettable.“It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in this city ma’am,” the driver continued. “Very refined. You’ll enjoy your stay here.”From the looks of it, Flora was not even sure she could afford it, but all the same she nodded and flashed him a grateful smile. She alighted from the vehicle, and paid his fee before getting her box out of the trunk. The hotel exuded an air of opulence and extravagance from the moment Flora stepped through its grand entrance, hinting at the world she was entering. Marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers and tower
Their conversation flowed easily as evening turned to night, moving through dreams, fears and aspirations. The storm outside eased up, replaced by a light shower. Flora found herself growing more and more tipsy, the champagne flowing like water as she laughed and joked with Damien. He was witty, and she couldn’t help but feel drawn to him, her inhibitions slowly disappearing with each passing minute and with each sip of champagne, replaced by a sense of recklessness fueled by the bitterness of her recent argument with her parents. She laughed at his anecdotes, her laughter mingling with the soft strains of music playing in the background. The more she drank, the easier it became to confide in him, to share her deepest fears and frustrations. And then, in a moment of drunken candor, she made a mistake. As they sat together on the couch, their legs touching, she leaned in close, her voice low. “I have a confession to make, she said, her eyes locked on his. He raised an eyebrow, his
Sunlight speared through the gaps in the curtains, dragging Flora from a restless sleep. It casted a warm glow over the interior of the penthouse suite. She stirred from her slumber, her mind still hazy with the remnants of dream and desire. As she blinked away the last of her sleep, the events of the previous night played on repeat in her mind – the raw vulnerability she’d shared with Damien, the intoxicating of alcohol and attraction and the stolen moment of connection before reality intruded. Disappointment gnawed at her. A part of her had been hoping to wake up to Damien by the window, the city skyline a backdrop to their newfound alliance. But the plush armchair was empty, the only evidence of his presence a single white orchid lying on the bedside table, its delicate petals mirroring the fragile hope blooming in Flora’s chest.Beside the orchid lay a folded piece of paper. With trembling hands, she reached for it. Flora’s heart hammered against her
As Flora walked into the lawyer’s office – Henry’s lawyer’s office – she felt a sense of assurance wash over her. This was it, the final step in ending her marriage. She was ready for this to happen, prepared. The lawyer, a kind-faced woman named Sarah, greeted her warmly and led her to a conference room. She’d met Sarah several times during office holiday parties and when the woman had come to drop off some urgent paper work for Henry. She was comforted by the sympathy in the woman’s eyes.“Are you ready to do this?” Sarah asked gently.Flora nodded, taking a deep breath. “Yes, let's get this over with.”Just then, the door opened, and her husband, Henry, walked in, followed by Olivia. Flora felt a surge of anger and betrayal, but tried to keep her emotions in check.Olivia smiled sweetly at her, but there was a hint of hostility in her eyes. She had inherited her mother’s beady thin eyes and mean disposition. It was a no surprise. “Hel