3
1242 Words
Aurelia’s POV.
The early morning sun streamed through the window, blinding me as it hit my face. I cursed, throwing a pillow over my head in an attempt to block out the light. But it was no use, the sun was determined to wake me. I groaned and tossed the pillow to the side, opening my eyes with a squint. I blinked several times, trying to adjust to the bright light.
As my eyes began to focus, I became aware of my surroundings. I was in a large, lavish bedroom, the walls decorated with gold-framed paintings and silk curtains hanging from the windows. The room was luxurious, but I was all alone.
Suddenly, it all came rushing back to me. The memories of the night before flooded my mind, and I gasped, my heart racing. I remembered the party, the drinks, the handsome stranger who had caught my eye. The pieces began to fall into place, and I realized I must have come home with him.
“f**k!” I cursed under my breath. I pulled the blanket from me, and I let out a breath of relief as I realized I was not naked.
I sat up, feeling the unfamiliar fabric of the shirt against my skin. I could feel the panic rising in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm. I had to get myself together and figure out what had happened. The more I tried to think, the more my head aches.
My phone was lying next to the bed, and next to it was a white envelope. I picked it up, curiosity getting the better of me. Inside was a folded piece of paper.
I unfolded it and read the words on the page: “Take the cash as a token.”
My heart began to race. Did this man think I was a prostitute? Did he have any idea who my father was? I felt a wave of anger wash over me, and I crumpled the note in my fist. I had to get out of here, and fast. I threw back the covers and jumped out of bed.
I looked around the room, my eyes settling on a pile of clothes in the corner. My clothes. Relief washed over me as I realized I wouldn't have to leave in his shirt. I quickly pulled on my strapless gown, which stopped just above my knees.
It was a little wrinkled, but it would do. I couldn't leave like this, it was daylight already. I decided to put on his shirt. I pulled it on over my dress, feeling slightly less exposed. My hair was a mess, but there was no time to fix it.
I hurriedly put on my shoes, my hands shaking as I tied the laces. I grabbed my phone and walked out of the bedroom, my heart pounding in my chest. The hotel lobby was bustling with activity, and I kept my head down as I walked towards the front door. I could feel the eyes of the people around me, and I tried to keep my breathing steady.
When I reached the door, I pushed it open and stepped outside. The fresh air hit me like a wave, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I hailed a cab and gave the driver my address.
I slid into the back seat of the cab and let out a long sigh of relief. The cool air conditioning felt like a balm on my skin, and I allowed myself to relax for a moment. I pulled out my phone and saw I had missed 30 calls from my father. I opened my messages, and a message from him popped up.
“Where are you, Aurelia? Get home now. Don't let me find you.” My heart sank, and I felt a wave of dread wash over me. What was he going to do?
I finally made it home, and I paid the cab driver with trembling hands. I opened the front door and crept inside, trying to be as quiet as possible. I slipped up the stairs and made my way to my bedroom. I quickly changed out of my clothes, tossing them heaped on the floor.
I went into the bathroom and turned on the cold water, letting it run over my hands. I closed my eyes, and the image of the man from the previous night flashed before me. I opened my eyes and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked tired, my eyes bloodshot and my skin pale. I quickly rushed my bath and stepped out.
“Where the hell were you last night?”
I jumped at the sound of his voice, and turned to see my dad standing in the doorway, his face red with anger.
“You scared me,” I said, my voice shaking.
“That's not an answer to my question,” he said, his voice rising. “Where the hell were you last night?”
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “I went out with friends,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“With friends?” he asked, his eyes narrowing. "Or you were out having fun with a man?”
“What man?” I asked, pretending to be confused.
He threw a photograph at me, and I dropped to my knees to pick it up. My heart was racing, and I let out a sigh of relief when I saw what it was — a photograph of me dancing with the stranger, but his face wasn't captured, only his back. I must have looked confused because my father spoke again.
“Oh this, he was just a casual friend I met there, nothing more.” I said, trying to sound casual and unconcerned. I could see the anger rising in my father's eyes.
“You have to be careful, you are about to be engaged to a powerful family, you can't afford to be seen in such a compromised position. He said, his voice low and furious.
“About to be engaged, to whom?” I asked, pretending not to understand what he meant, “If I can remember clearly the last time we had this conversation, I clarified that I will not marry him.” I said sharply.
“You're going to marry him, whether you like it or not,” my father said, his voice firm and unyielding.
“I'm not getting married to anyone I don't love,” I said, my voice shaking with anger.
“It's not up to you,” he said, his voice rising. “It's my choice, and you have to marry him.”
I glared at him, my anger boiling over. “I won't do it,” I said, my voice rising to match his.
“It's not a choice. You must marry him,” he insisted. I shook my head, my hands balling into fists at my sides.
“Then make me,” I said, my voice quivering with rage. “ I should have just stayed at the club or roamed around the streets rather than coming back.”
I could see the anger and frustration on my father's face, but he didn't respond. He just stared at me, his jaw set and his eyes cold.
And then his next word made me open my mouth agape as I stared at him incredulously.
- Writer
