chapter 3

*Raymond’s POV*

I woke up very early in the morning, the room was lightly lit, and there she was, the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes on. She was sleeping so peacefully, the pleasing smell of her perfume filled the air —floral, intoxicating, and already fading.

I started smiling as I ran a hand through my hair, forcing myself to remember everything.

She had walked into my life last night like a storm, her eyes looked sad, her voice unsteady, yet her resolve was clear.

"All I want is for you to make me feel good," she had pleaded.

I didn't have the intention of touching her. She was clearly heartbroken, drowning in whatever betrayal had shattered her.

But the moment I kissed her, I was gone.

Last night was magic.

The way she moved her body, the way she responded to my touch, she wasn't desperate, I could tell it was something deeper, something raw. She had trusted me with her body.

And damn, I was glad I said yes, because that was the best night of my life. I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.

Finally I stood up from the bed, not wanting to wake her up, I had to pick up my suit for my brother's wedding. It was happening today and I couldn't get it last night because I was with an angel. And not to lie, it was worth it.

I left her a note, along with some cash in case she needed anything before I got back.

But now, she was gone.

I looked around the room and I saw the note I dropped for her on the floor, she already squeezed it.

I bent down to pick it up and straightened it and then I read what I wrote. "Thanks for last night." That was when I realized I had made a silly mistake.

Then I saw the money on the desk, she barely touched it.

Oh no.

She must have misunderstood. I was really angry with myself.

I only left the money so she wouldn’t feel stranded, not because I thought she was a damn prostitute.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath, rubbing my face.

I should’ve stayed, I should've waited until she woke up.

But now she was gone, and I didn't even ask for her name.

Idiot.

I exhaled sharply and checked the time.

My brother’s wedding was today and time was not on my side.

I picked up my phone, quickly getting dressed, I adjusted my tie, straightened my cuffs, and checked my watch.

It was already late morning hours.

I typed out a quick message to Alex.

"Hey man, meet you up shortly."

His reply came almost immediately, as if he had been waiting for my message.

"The wedding has been cancelled. Meet me at home. Mum and Dad are also waiting."

I froze.

What?

A cold wave rushed through me, my grip tightening around my phone.

Cancelled?

What the hell happened?

A million questions ran through my head, but none made sense.

Alex had refused to introduce us to his fiancée, he kept her identity hidden like a damn government secret.

Had she run away?

Or worse, did something bad happen?

I clenched my jaw, stuffing my phone in my pocket before grabbing my keys.

I used my morning time reminiscing about a woman who had already left and I don't know how to get her.

Now, I had another problem to deal with.

...

The ride home was a long one.

The city buzzed outside the tinted windows, but my mind was elsewhere.

Why was the wedding cancelled?

The closer I got to the Darlington's Estate, the more I grew curious.

When I finally arrived, the atmosphere was heavy.

The grand house, usually alive with movement, felt like a damn mourning hall.

I stepped out of the car, fixing my suit before heading inside.

The moment I stepped inside the house, all eyes were on me.

My parents sat on the couch, their faces unreadable.

Alex stood near the fireplace, his back stiff, his expression dark.

Something was very wrong.

I exhaled and forced a smile. "Hello, Mum. Hi, Dad."

My father barely looked at me. My mother pursed her lips, her gaze cold.

I adjusted my tie. "Okay, so what the hell happened? Why was the wedding cancelled?"

The silence stretched.

Then, finally, Alex met my gaze.

Just for a second.

Then he said, “I caught her cheating on me."

His voice was flat.

Emotionless.

Dead.

I blinked.

"What?"

Alex exhaled, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the weight of his own words.

"I can’t marry a cheat."

The way he said it sounded like he was so certain, so sure of it.

Something felt off.

My mother sighed. "We always warned you, Alex. Marrying a woman from a different class."

"Your Dad and I told you this would happen," she continued, shaking her head. "You should’ve listened."

This is really bad, "I can't even imagine

how much embarrassment this family will face when this news goes out. How will I face the world now," mother said.

Alex didn’t respond and just watched everyone. Now that the wedding has been cancelled, I'm pretty sure all the pressure will come back to me now.

Just like I thought, my dad that hasn't said a word since I came in finally spoke up. "No need to cry over spilled milk, the did has been done, now is the time for Raymond to take over the responsibility he has been running away from for a very long time. I can't keep going to meetings with my old age."

"As for Alex... Go on a break to clear your head first." My dad added.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or lose my damn mind, I already expected this. I turned to face him "I'd only accept to run the company and all the things you want me to do if only I'm not pressured to get married or find a wife." I only said that to get him angry because my father always believes that behind every successful man lies a woman.

The old man stood up almost like he was going to hit me with his stick, "nonsense, Raymond, you will get married and you will run the company, Playtime is over."

"If not I will will everything to your younger brother, since he seems more responsible." Alex smirked at dad's words.

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