In the plush comfort of a hotel suite, Lorraine lay draped across the sofa, giving Sheila her most pleading look. “Don’t be angry with me, please. I came Soon as you called.”
Sheila’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I told you to stay put. Or did you just ignore me?” Her voice was ice cold.
Lorraine clasped her hands tightly against her chest. “When I saw the Moore Group sign, I just… I couldn’t resist. I swear I didn’t plan this.”
“Stephen wouldn’t be there. Who were you really looking for?” Shella pulled up a chair and sat down, her eyes locking onto Lorraine. “If you don’t tell me the truth now, I’ll find out anyway. You know I will.”
Lorraine shrunk back under Sheila’s piercing stare. Facing Shella, she know any attempt to hide the truth would be futile, with a resigned sigh, she spilled everything that had happened over the last few days.
Sheila’s face went blank with shock, her mouth hanging open. The truth that Lorraine’s marriage had been used to conceal her husband’s homosexuality was already hard to believe. But Eugene’s brutal attack made everything even more unbelievable.
Just a few days ago, Sheila had returned home for a New Year’s celebration with her parents. Now, coming back, she found Lorraine’s life in complete chaos.
“Am I hallucinating?” Sheila finally managed to say after a long silence.
She had di
dropped everything and rushed back when Lorraine called yesterday.
Stephen’s mess was wild enough–but Eugene hitting on her clueless best friend was even crazier. This was like some cheesy love story coming to life.
Lorraine gave Sheila’s arm a sharp pinch,
“Ow! Damn it, that hurts!” Sheila yelped, swatting Lorraine’s hand away.
“If only this were just a bad dream,” Lorraine muttered, hugging a cushion to her chest. “What do you think he wants?”
Ewants something from you,” Sheila said with absolute certainty. “No doubt about that.”
“He
“Well? What?” Lorraine leaned forward, eyes bright with anticipation
Sheila shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Lorraine was speechless.
Leaning back, Sheila gave Lorraine a slow once–over. “Maybe he’s taken a fancy to you?” she suggested.
Lorraine’s hands flew to her face.
Before Lorraine could say anything. Sheila interrupted, “Maybe not. A guy ko Eugene has seen everything in this flashy world. Beautiful women must be boring to him by now. But you…” She glanced at Lorraine’s simple clothes “Someone ordinary like you? That’s different.”
Lorraine’s hand fell to her side.
“He’s after your family fortune!” Sheila snapped her fingers, then immediately dismissed it. “Please. The Shaw family fortune wouldn’t even register with someone like Eugene–it’s pocket change to him.”
Lorraine could only stare. “Well, my best friend–never misses a chance to roast me, she thought,
“Treasure maps? Secret martial arts
nuals?” Sheila advanced, patting Lorraine’s pockets. “There’s got to be something he wants from you.”
“I’ve got nothing.” Lorraine dodged, arms raised. “No money, no looks, no special skills–justme”
1/2
Chapter 18
“Then there’s only one explanation–he must be blind!” Sheila declared.
Lorraine couldn’t help but think Eugene must be completely out of his mind
to show interest in someone like her.
The girls were deep in conversation when the doorbell interrupted them. They locked eyes for a moment before Lorraine snatched up a vase, pupping i like a weapon. “Who’s there?” she called out cautiously.
“Room service,” came the reply.
Lorraine’s shoulders relaxed. She set the vase down and moved to open the door.
“Lorraine, it’s me.” Stephen appeared from behind the hotel attendant, blocking the door before she could shut it.
The staff member offered an apologetic nod before retreating
Lorraine’s thoughts spun wildly. She instantly regretted setting the vase down.
“We need to talk,” Stephen said.
