Chapter 3 The game has just begun

Taylor

I woke up to silk sheets and city lights pouring in from a glass wall.

This wasn't my apartment. It wasn't even close.

I sat up quickly, heart pounding, clutching my chest. But then I realized... my clothes were still on. Nothing was out of place.

Wiping my dry eyes, I released a sigh and tried to piece together what had happened after Devon came. But my memories were in disarray. I couldn't remember anything.

What had really happened to me?

Then I saw it.

A note on the bedside table, placed next to a white envelope and a gold-trimmed business card.

"You passed out before I could explain. I didn't touch you. I never would. Where the hell have you been for the past four years?"

Beside it was a check for $100,000 and a number scribbled on the back.

Collateral damage, huh? Rage boiled over me. What did he think I was again? Was he too stupid to see I was satisfied with my life? For years I had lived peacefully without seeing his face, and now that he had come back, my peace had been disrupted in just a day.

I grabbed my phone and dialed the number.

He picked up on the second ring.

"You arrogant piece of trash," I spat before he could say a word. "What gives you the right to walk back into my life, throw money around like you're buying forgiveness? You're not my savior... you're the reason I had to be saved in the first place."

"Try this again with me and I will fucking kill you, piece of shit!"

He was silent. Not even a breath.

I didn't care. I hung up.

I would make him realize that coming back into my life was a dreadful mistake.

--

Work felt like walking through fire. I avoided Henry like he was contagious. I could still see the bruise Devon had left on his jaw. I wanted to scream it to the world, but instead, I kept my head down and pretended nothing had happened.

I stood outside the office, the cool air doing little to calm the storm inside me. Henry's voice called me in.

"Taylor, a word."

I followed him into the corridor. His black eye was still swollen, proof of what had happened.

"You've been avoiding me," he said, his voice low, accusing. "And now you're making noise in the office?"

I clenched my fists. "You tried to take advantage of me."

He chuckled darkly. "Is that what you're telling people now? You begged me to stay after the dinner, Taylor. You were drunk and all over me. If anything, I was the one trying to walk away."

My heart slammed. "That's a lie."

He stepped closer, his voice cold. "You think they'll believe you over me? One word, and your little promotion's gone. In fact... consider it suspended. Indefinitely. You're clearly not ready for the responsibility."

A few murmurs rippled from the hallway. People were listening and watching.

"You know I worked hard for this. Why are you taking it away from me? I deserve this!" I yelled at the top of my voice.

"Raise your tone at me again and I will throw you out of here!" he replied coldly.

I wanted to speak out more, degrade him, and make him regret ever trying to assault me, but I couldn't. I needed this money to pay him back. He had given me the ultimatum of two weeks to repay him. I needed to protect my family.

So, I stared at him, the rage in my chest bubbling up. "You coward."

The rest of the day was a blur. Everyone's eyes were on me, asking about what had happened yesterday between me, Henry, and Devon. I prayed that the day would move faster so I could get out of this shithole to my daughter, the only person giving my life purpose.

I was back to running around to get coffee for my boss.

Until I heard the tiny voice behind me.

"Mommy?"

I turned. My daughter stood by the door, clutching Lara's hand. Her hair was still wet from the rushed bath. Her shoes were mismatched. But she smiled like nothing else mattered.

Lara was my friend who worked in the same restaurant as me but during the daytime. Because of what had happened to me, she had decided to watch over her. She is a friend to die for. After the divorce, she had helped me rebuild my life. I loved her.

I knelt down. "What are you doing here?"

"I got worried," she whispered. "You didn't come home."

Lara apologized. "I'm sorry. She wouldn't listen to change her shoes or dry her hair. She wanted to see you so bad!"

A smile played on my lips, and I said, "I'm sorry, Ashley. I promise I'll get home early to read you more bedtime stories!"

"Yay!"

"My coffee, intern!" one of my bosses commanded.

I stood up, facing Lara. "Thank you for bringing her, but I'm quite busy..."

Then the screen in the lounge lit up.

It was the midday news, a segment on powerful CEOs returning to America.

My breath caught when I saw his name flash across the screen.

"Devon West!"

The man they called 'The Shark in the Philippines' was back in the U.S.

And my daughter... she stared at the screen in awe.

"Mommy," she said, tugging at my sleeve, "why can't I have a daddy like him?"

My heart cracked clean in two.

Then the final blow hit: the host announced a major collaboration between our company and Devon's.

And right on cue... he walked in.

Sleek suit. Dark gaze. And a smirk that saw right through me.

I could barely breathe.

People stood, whispering, clapping.

Suddenly, Ashleyran towards the screen again, smiling. " That's the man! He is the man! "

I turned to Lara. "Take her. Take her home. Now."

"But Tay..."

"Now."

She saw my face and didn't argue.

As the doors closed behind them, Devon looked at me like he already knew.

Hell had only just begun.