Chapter 2 After the Fall

I ran.

I didn't even realize my heels were still on until I stumbled out of the hotel lobby, one shoe snapping at the heel as I reached the edge of the parking lot. My chest was heaving, my throat tight, and my vision blurred from tears I could no longer hold back.

The cold night air hit me like a slap. I gasped, clutching my chest, as the weight of what I'd just seen wrapped around my lungs like a noose.

Mark...

And my sister.

Together.

In a hotel bed.

Right in front of me.

A cruel laugh escaped my lips, followed by a choked sob. I bent over, hands on my knees, gasping for air as the full force of betrayal shattered through me like broken glass.

Everything we had... every memory, every kiss, every sacrifice... meant nothing now.

I fell to the pavement.

I didn't care who saw. I didn't care if people walked past and whispered. Let them.

Let them see the fool who believed in love.

"Miss... are you alright?"

A deep voice cut through my storm. Calm. Steady. Masculine.

I looked up, blinking through tears, and saw him. A man. Tall, commanding, dressed in a black tailored suit that looked like it belonged in a fashion magazine. He held an umbrella over my head even though the rain hadn't started-yet.

For a moment, I couldn't speak. His face was shadowed by the light behind him, but I caught a glimpse of sharp features and dark eyes that watched me-not with pity, but curiosity.

Like he wasn't just seeing me break-

He was trying to understand why.

"Do you need help?" he asked again.

I shook my head quickly, brushing away tears. "No. No, I'm fine. I just- I just need a moment."

He didn't leave. He crouched beside me slowly, offering me a neatly folded white handkerchief.

"You don't look fine."

Something about the way he said it-low, unshaken-stirred something inside me.

Still, I took the handkerchief with shaking hands and whispered, "Thank you."

He nodded once. "I've seen a lot of heartbreak, Miss. It doesn't end here. Just... remember that."

Before I could reply, he stood and walked away, disappearing into a sleek black car parked a few feet away. It pulled off seconds later.

I stared after it, confused and breathless, the echo of his words clinging to me long after he was gone.

---

By the time I got home, my dress was wrinkled, makeup smudged, and my soul... hollow.

I didn't even knock. I pushed the door open to the apartment I shared with my sister, storming in with fury boiling in my veins.

She was in the living room. Calm. Hair tied up. Wearing my robe.

"Look who's back," she said without looking up from her phone. "Did you get lost on the way to self-respect?"

My palm stung before I even realized I'd slapped her.

She gasped, staggering a little. Then, slowly, she looked up and smiled.

"Finally," she said, voice cool. "There she is."

"I trusted you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You're my sister. My own blood. How could you?"

She scoffed, wiping her cheek. "Mark never loved you. He only pitied you. Do you know how many times he came to me crying about how boring you are? How stiff? You were a charity case."

I blinked. "That's not true. Mark-"

"Mark wanted a woman who challenged him. Someone from his world. Not the little church mouse who couldn't even give him what he needed. Haven't you ever wandered why he refused to introduce you as his girlfriend or liked to be seen walking with you in public.

I stared at her, the pieces clicking into place.

No wonder he always deny anytime someone sees us together, claiming we were just friends and anytime I try to confront him, he always says he doesn't want to put my reputation at stake, that we will go public when he propose.

Looking at her now, I see the real her. She'd always been jealous. The way our parents fawned over her while treating me like a guest in my own home. The way she sneered at every outfit I wore, every book I read, every achievement I celebrated.

But this...

This was war.

"You planned it," I said slowly. "Didn't you?"

She didn't reply. Just smirked.

My voice rose. "Answer me!"

She shrugged. "Call it fate. Or maybe... maybe it's just karma."

"You're my sister," I whispered again. "My own sister."

She stood up, stepping toward me. "And you're weak. That's why he left you."

I could barely see through the tears welling in my eyes again, but I refused to let them fall.

"Get out," I said, voice tight.

Her brows lifted. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," I snapped. "Get out. You can go be with your stolen man, but not in this house. I'll pack your things if I have to."

I knew I will have to face the repercussions later from my parents, but I needed her to leave this instant or I will lose whatever hold of sanity I have, and bounce on her.

Her smirk faltered for a second.

I held my ground, jaw clenched. "Go."

She stared at me like she wanted to spit venom, but instead she turned on her heel and walked into her room.

I stood in the hallway, gripping the edge of the wall just to stay upright.

---

That night, I couldn't sleep.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them. The sheets. The smirk. The betrayal.

I finally gave up trying to rest. I sat on the couch, legs curled to my chest, wearing a hoodie that still smelled like lavender detergent and safety. I stared at the television, not watching. Just existing.

My phone buzzed.

I glanced at it, expecting a cruel text from Mark. But it wasn't.

Unknown Number:

Hope you're feeling stronger tonight. You left your handkerchief behind.

I stared at the message, my heart skipping.

The man from the hotel.

Before I could respond, another message followed.

Unknown Number:

Don't worry, I had it laundered. I'd like to return it. Are you free for a cup of coffee tomorrow morning?

A swirl of curiosity and unease ran through me. I hesitated, typing and deleting twice.

Then I finally sent:

Zara: You didn't even tell me your name.

Three dots appeared.

Then:

Unknown Number: You'll find out soon enough. Trust me, Zara. This is only the beginning.

My fingers froze.

How did he know my name?

I stared at the screen, a slow chill crawling down my spine.

Something told me I hadn't just met a stranger.

Something told me... he already knew exactly who I was.

---

To Be Continued...