Chapter 2 Liquid Wrath

Anastasia's POV

As I made my way through the dimly lit corridors, I stumbled upon Blake, my husband, locked in a passionate kiss with a woman. I moved closer to get a glimpse of the lady while praying a silent prayer that I was wrong about it being Blake initially. My heart stopped, and for a moment, I stood frozen, concealed by the shadows, watching them with a mixture of disbelief and fury.

My suspicions were confirmed and there she was- Selene Blackheart, the head of the operations team, my work rival. They were so immersed in one another that they didn't even notice me standing there.

Anger and confusion overflowed through me, hot and blinding. I turned back and my eyes met the gaze of the stranger, my phone in his hands - I'd probably forgotten it. I stormed to the bar, my vision getting obscured by unshed tears and fury. The bartender looked up as I approached, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"

"Give me your most expensive champagne," I demanded, my voice shaking. "Put it on the guy in the suit's tab," I added, nodding in the direction where Blake was still wrapped around Selene.

The bartender raised an eyebrow but complied, handing me the bottle still looking confused. I took it, my hands shaking with anger, and walked back to where Blake and Selene were now whispering to each other, oblivious to my presence.

Without a word, I popped the cork, the champagne foaming and pouring out. With a flood of fulfillment and satisfaction, I stepped forward and doused them both in the expensive liquid. The shock on their faces was priceless, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Selena's makeup ran in streams down her cheeks, and Blake's shirt gripped his chest, drenched through.

"What the hell?" Blake spluttered, finally noticing me. His eyes widened in recognition, and he stepped back, his face withering.

I didn't wait to hear an explanation. "Enjoy your night," I said, my voice dripping with venom. "The drink is on you." I turned on my heel and walked away, feeling a wound feeling of win as I left them to deal with the mess.

Outside the club, I wiped the tears from my eyes and tried to steady my breathing. The cool night air stung my cheeks, mingling with the heat of my anger. I couldn't even process what just happened but I knew I had to leave this place ASAP.

Just as I was about to hail a cab, the stranger from earlier appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. His presence was making me very uncomfortable and uneasy, a reminder of the unresolved tension from inside the club.

I felt embarrassed, I had shunned him earlier and went on to get cheated on by my husband in front of him.

"You forgot your phone," he said, holding it out to me. I glanced at the phone in his hand, realizing that in my haste, I had forgotten to collect it.

"Thank you," I muttered, taking the phone from him. "I should get going." I couldn't look him in the eye.

"Thank you," I whispered and took the phone from him. "I should get going." I quietly avoided eye contact with the man.

"You look like you've had a rough night," he said, his voice softer now, almost concerned. "You sure you're alright?"

I was about to lose my temper, I wanted to let him know to stop interfering but seeing the genuine look in his eyes, I could not speak.

"Come on, let me give you a ride," he offered, pointing to a sleek black Cadillac Escalade parked nearby. "You shouldn't be alone right now."

For a split second I was in awe, the car confirmed my earlier predictions. I wavered, the admonition ringers in my mind conflicting with the staggering need to leave. Contrary to what I might think is best, I nodded again and followed him to the car.

As we got to the car, the man opened the door for me. I stepped into the passenger seat, grateful for the short moment of peace. The interior of the car was exceptionally clean and had the scent of new leather and expensive cologne.

He slid into the driver's seat and started the engine, the low purr of the car consoling in the silence.

"Where to?" he asked, looking at me.

I hesitated for a moment, as I suddenly did not want to go home alone to an empty house that held recollections of Blake and me. "Just drive," I eventually sighed, "Anywhere but here"

He nodded and pulled out of the parking lot, the city lights blurring past us. We drove in silence for a while, the tension slowly easing from my shoulders. Finally, he spoke again. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I shook my head. "No, not really."

He nodded, respecting my need for silence. As we passed through the city, the heaviness of the night's occasions settled intensely on my shoulders. I gazed through the window, watching the city lights obscure into streaks of color. The man didn't speak, giving me the space I needed to process everything.

We arrived at a luxurious hotel, and he led me to the door of a quiet, faintly lit suite. "You can stay here tonight," he said, his voice gentle. "Get some rest."

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you helping me?"

He hesitated, his expression unreadable. "Let's just say I know what it's like to need an escape," he said finally. "And I can tell you need one tonight."

I felt a lump form in my throat, the weight of his words hitting me hard. I nodded, unable to find the words to express my appreciation.

"Alright I'll be off then," he expresses, strolling off.

"Would you mind staying a drink?" I blurted out, causing him to stop on his heels.