Chapter 1 Chapter 1

I stood in the kitchen, wiping the same plate for the third time, when I heard Bennett’s voice from the living room. He clearly didn't know I was there.

“Yeah, Eclipse Hotel. The best suite you’ve got. Rose petals on the bed, chilled champagne, soft lighting…. make it romantic as hell. Candles too, my lady deserves the best treatment tonight.”

My heart skipped. My lady deserves it. Was he talking about me? After all the cold nights, the way he pulled away whenever I tried to touch him, the cruel words about me being barren... maybe this was his way of saying sorry…. Or starting over.

I pressed my hand to my mouth to stop the happy sob that wanted to escape.

He laughed softly. “No, don’t worry about the cost. Just make sure it’s perfect. She’s been waiting for this. Yeah... three years. Time to give her what she needs.”

I backed away as my cheeks turned warm. God, I love him so much, even if once treated me badly.

I hurried upstairs and changed into the little red dress I knew he liked, the one that hugged my curves. I brushed my hair until it was almost perfect and put on a sweet perfume.

Tonight was going to be different, I could feel it.

I waited in the bedroom, heart racing every time I heard him move around downstairs. When he finally came up to shower, I acted normal, like I hadn’t heard a thing.

“Happy anniversary, babe,” I said, smiling as he came out with a towel around his waist.

He barely looked at me. “Yeah. You going somewhere?”

I blinked. “I thought... we could go out…. You know.. Celebrate.”

He shrugged, pulling on his shirt. “I’ve got a work thing, Might be late so don’t wait up.”

The words stung me but I kept smiling. “Okay. I understand.”

As soon as his car pulled out of the driveway, I grabbed my keys. If he was setting up something special at the Eclipse, I wanted to surprise him to show him I could be the wife he needed. The one who could make him happy again.

The drive to the hotel took twenty minutes as memories replayed our early days in my head… how Bennett used to laugh at my jokes, how he’d kiss my forehead and promise we’d fill our house with kids. Lately, all he did was criticize. “You’re too emotional, Diva.” “Stop nagging me about babies.” “Maybe if you weren’t so desperate...”

I shook the thoughts away. Tonight would fix it at least because we'll have the entire night to spend under the sheets.

When I finally arrived at the hotel, I moved towards The receptionist Asking her The room number of the best suite in the hotel. She looked at me weirdly But told me Its room 1024.

I stepped off on the twelfth floor, following the signs soft music played from hidden speakers. My hands trembled as I reached the door. It was slightly open. I smiled. He must have left it that way for me.

I pushed it gently and stepped inside.

Rose petals covered the floor. Champagne sat Inside a bowl filled with ice. Candles flickered everywhere And there, on the huge bed, was………..

My entire world stopped as I saw Bennett…

Naked.

Thrusting hard into a…. woman whose legs were wrapped around his waist.

Lira???

My best friend?.

“Oh God, yes, Bennett…harder!” Lira moaned, her nails digging into his back. She looked over his shoulder and our eyes met.

I couldn’t move.

Bennett froze mid-thrust, then turned his head. His face twisted from pleasure to annoyance. “Diva? What the fuck are you doing here?”

Lira laughed, not even bothering to cover herself. She pushed her hips up against him, making him groan. “Aw, look at her face. Poor little Diva. Still trying so hard to be wanted.”

I stumbled back, my hand hitting the doorframe. “How... how could you?”

Bennett pulled out of her and stood up, not ashamed at all. His body filled with sweat. “You weren’t supposed to find out like this. But maybe it’s better. I’m tired of pretending.”

“Tired?” My voice cracked. “I’ve been the perfect wife! I cook, I clean, I wait for you every night….”

“And you can’t even give me a damn baby!” he snapped. “Three years, Diva. You’re barren. Useless in that department. Lira... she gets me. She doesn’t cry every time I touch her.”

Lira smirked, sitting up on her elbows. “Face it, Diva. You’re boring. You spread your legs like its a duty, not like you actually enjoy it. Bennett needs a real woman. One who can actually satisfy him and carry his child.”

Tears burned my eyes. “You were my best friend. I told you everything. All my pain... and you…”

“I was comforting you baby,” Lira said sweetly. “While fucking your husband behind your back. Guess I comforted him better.”

Bennett moved towards her, kissing her again while I was literally still there.

Nothing was settling well anymore.. just then, I turned and ran.

The elevator felt way too slow. I burst out of the hotel into the storm outside.

Rain poured down like the sky was crying with me. Thunder rumbled, and lightning cracked in the clouds.

My dress was soaked in seconds, sticking to my skin. My makeup ran in black lines down my cheeks as I cried.

Cars honked as I crossed without looking. My phone buzzed, probably Bennett or Lira. But I threw it into a puddle in annoyance.

News alerts blared from a nearby shop window: “Dangerous thunderstorm tonight… multiple lightning fatalities reported across California. Stay indoors.”

I laughed bitterly through my sobs. Good. Let it take me.

But the rain only grew heavier. I had nowhere else to go. No money for another place. My father would just lecture me. Lira’s place was obviously out and I couldn't go back to that house at the moment.

I dragged myself back to the Eclipse, dripping water across the lobby. The receptionist stared in pity… now I knew why she looked at me that way earlier.

“Ma’am, are you okay? The storm is really bad out there. Lightning struck two people already tonight.”

“I... I need a room,” I whispered, voice hoarse. “Just for the night.”

She typed quickly. “We’re almost full, but... Room 57 just became available. A gentleman requested it earlier, but there was a mix-up so it's vacant now.”

I sniffed as I headed towards the room. The Power flickered as I reached the door, I slid the card in and the lock opened.

Inside, it was dark except for the occasional flash of lightning that came through the curtains. I stepped in, closing the door behind me.

“Hello?” a deep male voice said.

I flinched and lightning flashed again, illuminating a tall, broad-shouldered man standing near the bed. He wore only a white towel around his hips.

Water droplets still stuck on his muscled chest, like he’d just stepped out of the shower. I couldn't see his face clearly but I felt like his voice sounded familiar.

“I’m sorry,” I stammered. “They gave me this room. The storm... I didn’t know anyone was here.”

He didn’t move closer, but his voice was just calm and commanding. “Stay. It’s not safe out there. The power’s about to go completely.”

As if on cue, the lights died. Complete darkness took over.

I stood there, soaked and terrified, tears mixing with rain on my face. There was total silence till he spoke again.

“You’re shaking,” he finally said. “Come here. There are towels in the bathroom.”

I should have left. But where would I go? Bennett’s betrayal played on repeat in my head. Lira’s mocking laugh…. The way my body felt so empty, so unwanted…. Gosh.

The way she insulted me, like I was useless on bed made me wipe my tears.

I took one step, Then another.

“I... I just need to forget tonight,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Please.”

He exhaled slowly. “Are you sure?”

I nodded, even though he probably couldn’t see it clearly. “Make me forget. Just for tonight.”

In no time, his hand found mine in the dark. He pulled me gently toward him, and whispered to my ear.

“ Hope you don't regret this.”