The Melody of Love and Betrayal

She brought her phone out of her purse and stared at it for a while. She heaved a sigh. She was late for her blind date. It was 3.50pm and she hasn't gotten a taxi to take her to the hotel where she was to meet a business tycoon her best friend Lily, set her up with, by 4pm. As she stood on the corner of the dimly lit street, clutching her small purse and trying to smooth out her worn dress, Emily felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. She had never been on a blind date before, and the prospect of meeting a wealthy business tycoon made her stomach twist with anxiety.

The flickering streetlight above cast an eerie glow on her pale skin, highlighting the dark circles under her eyes. She has spent hours getting ready, trying to style her unruly hair and applying makeshift makeup to awaken her sleeping beauty. The taxi was late, and Sharon shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her eyes scanning the street for any sign of life. As she waited, her mind raced with thoughts of the mysterious man she was about to meet. What would he be like? Would he be kind and understanding, or cold and dismissive? She has read too many books about how billionaires are sometimes cold and rude to their employees and she's not ready to be faced with that. She has been evasive when her friend had set them up, not wanting to reveal too much about her humble circumstances.

The sound of tires screeching on the pavement broke the silence, and Sharon's heart skipped a beat as a sleek black limo pulled up beside her. The man in it was a stunning young man whose confidence radiated with charm. He was so stunning that she was captivated by his appearance and didn't hear him call her name.

"Sharon?", he called out again. His deep velvety voice was like a soothing melody, gentle and reassuring.

"yes, yes I'm Sharon. Sorry", she responded

He smiled. " come in". The back door of the limo opened. She took a peep into it. It was like heaven. She has never seen a car so elaborate her whole life.

"um sir?"

"Declan", he pointed with a smile

"oh Mr Declan, sorry I Can't enter the car of a stranger. Your face isn't familiar at all". She clutched her purse

He let out a soft laugh. " I am the stranger you're supposed to meet at Oriental hotel"

"what?, no you're not" she said in disbelief. There's no way he would have known she was waiting there

"yes I am"

"how did you know I was here?"

"well, my first rule is never come late to a meeting. My time is very precious, so I make the most out of it. I have been waiting for over thirty minutes, as there was no sign of you, I decided to come look for you. And using the address Lily gave me, this happens to be the closest bus stop from your house. So I figured you might as well be here."

"Okay, and how did you know I was the one?, I mean there are other ladies standing here as well"

"this is you, isn't it?", he showed her a picture of herself in his phone. How did he get that? , she covered her mouth in shock and disbelief

"are you stalking me?"

"what? Of course not"

"how did you get that?", she folded her arms and gave a straight look

He sighed, "don't I have the right to see who I was going on a date with?"

"it was supposed to be a blind date"

"okay, I am very inquisitive. So I asked Lily for your photo. Like I said, my time is precious to me. I wanted to know if it's worth going to or not"

"I see you're a researcher huh?"

"I'm just inquisitive"

She let out a sigh and stared inside the car

"I'm not going to hurt you, please get in", he said softly

"fine". As she stepped into the limo, her eyes widened in awe. She gazed at the luxurious interior, her fingers tracing the soft leather seats. A gasp escaped her lips as she sank into the lush comfort, feeling like royalty. "so what else did she tell you about me?", she asked as he drove away

"you talk a lot"

"she told you that?", she asked with her eyes wide opened.

"no, just kidding", he laughed. He looked at her from his rear view mirror. She was exactly as Lily had described her, Gorgeous. Her beauty shone like a beacon with sparkling eyes that could light a room. Her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, framing her heart-shaped face and highlighting her flawless skin. Her full lips curled up in a perpetual smile, giving her an approachable and kind-hearted aura

"So you're a student also "

"yes"

"you attend same college with Lily?"

"no, I school here in Manchester, at Royal Northern College of Music, Lily schools in Cambridge. She will return after the break"

"she told me you both school there"

"she did?". Sharon asked with a puzzled look

"yes. But don't worry, she probably lied to make me come here"

"I guess"

"are you cold?", he asked

"no, I'm fine", she lied. She was too embarrassed to tell him she was cold

"you're literally shivering and your dress isn't helping either". He said with concern. He looked at her from his rear view mirror again

" are we almost there?", she asked, avoiding eye contact

"two blocks away", he replied as he turned the AC down

"thank goodness" she muttered under her breath

They got to the hotel and he came out to open the door for her, then handed the keys to the security. They both entered the hotel and went straight to the front desk.

"hello sir, how may I help you?", the receptionist asked with a smile

"oh yes, I made a reservation for two in room 406 please"

"one sec, let me check", she went through the reservation list on her computer."Mr Wallace?"

"yes please", he responded

"okay. Here's your key. Have a wonderful night", she smiled

"thank you", he collected the key and started walking towards the elevator. Sharon followed him wondering if what she heard was right

"we're spending the night here? Together?"

"yes", he opened the elevator, "after you miss". She stood there feet frozen. How can she spend the night with a stranger she just met?

" I don't remember agreeing to stay for a night". The door closed. It was just the two of them inside the elevator and her beating was beating so loud and fast, she feared he might hear it

"don't you want to know me better?" he faced her. Her heart skipped a beat. He came closer to her, she moved back away from him. He came closer to her the more until they could feel each other's breath

"I... I wan.. want to", she answered trembling

"then this shouldn't be a problem", he whispered. She looked at his face. His chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and chiseled jawline left her breathless. His dark hair was perfectly styled and his bright smile illuminated everywhere. She was captivated by his effortless elegance

"okay", she bowed her head

He moved away from her just as the door opened. She was scared, really really scared. She didn't see all these coming. She thought of Lily and silently cursed. That woman will be her end

"don't you have a chauffeur?"

"sorry?"

"why don't you have a chauffeur"

"I do have one. I gave him the evening off", he opened the door. She entered the room and was dumbstruck by the beauty of it. Everything about this night has just been screaming expensive. Truly money is power

"do you want anything?", he asked as he took his jacket off and loosened his tie

"yes. I want to know why you decided to have a blind date in an hotel room". She sat and crossed her legs

"where should we have met? In my office?"

"well not there, maybe in a restaurant"

"the only place I go after my office is here", he removed his tie and started unbuttoning his shirt." Except if you would have preferred meeting me in my house"

"what are you doing?", she stood up abruptly after seeing him take off his shirt. As he removed his shirt, his perfectly built physique was revealed, giving her shivers down her spine. Sculpted muscles rippled beneath his skin, a testament to his strength. Broad shoulders, defined abs and a powerful chest that made her heart race. His body was a masterpiece, honed to perfection, leaving her utterly captivated and weak in the knees

"taking off my shirt"

"why?",She grabbed her purse

"does it make you uncomfortable?"

"I'll leave if you don't put it back on", she threatened.

"okay okay slow down miss", he wore his shirt

"good", she said shakily

"it's alright. Don't be scared I won't harm you", he tried to calm her down

"taking your shirt off harms me " she replied as she sat down

"okay, I'm sorry". He rubbed his hair." Tell me about yourself"

She looked at him, he raised his brows. This is the part she wanted to skip, she was scared if he found out she was from a poor background and work two jobs, he would be irritated and leave like the others did. But she knew she can't escape the reality. she needed someone who would love her for her, and help her become a better person. So she has to reveal this part of her. It would their choice to make whether to stay or leave

"my name is Sharon..."

Sharon woke up the next morning to find out he had left. She raised the blanket and heaved a sigh as she saw her clothes was still on her. She was safe at least. She got up and went to the bathroom, her head aching a little. What happened last night? Did they do anything? Did he find out she was a virgin and angrily left? What kind of man was he? Why would he leave without saying anything? He couldn't even wait for her to wake up?, her head was aching from the wine she drank the previous night. She washed her face and brushed her teeth, maybe this is a sigh he isn't right for her.

She went back to the room and sat on the bed. How many women has he been with? She took her phone and tried calling Lily but the service was down

"great!, a big expensive hotel with very poor service and bad customers", she snarled. She picked her purse and left the room. When she got to the front desk, she asked the lady the time he left

" Mr Wallace left last night ma'am"

"what?". She was shocked

"Mr Wallace.."

" I heard you damn right!", she tucked her hair to her ear

"is everything alright ma'am?", the lady asked

"No!", Sharon yelled and started walking away

"won't you wait for breakfast ma'am?", the lady called after her, but there was no response. Sharon walked out of the hotel. Anger was far from what Sharon was feeling. She was boiling. She took out her phone and tried calling Lily again.

" lily!" she screamed as soon as the call connected

"hey hey, easy my lady", Lily said on the other side

" where in the heavens are you?"

"Erst"

"Erst? But we agreed to go there together"

"what's the fuss about? You probably already had better wine there"

"I didn't have any wine!" Sharon shouted

"calm down. What happened?", Lily asked

"I'm coming over", Sharon disconnected the call. She was just about to call a ride when a young man in a black tuxedo, approached her

" good morning Ms. Sharon", he greeted her with a smile, revealing a perfectly white polished set of teeth

"um, good morning?", she replied with a confused look

"I'm here to drop you at your house"?, he said, still smiling

"sorry, who are you?"

"oh, pardon me, I'm John, Mr Wallace told me to drop you at your house", he replied. Just then, her phone beeped, a message dropped in. it was him. Talk of the devil.

She entered the car which was different from the limo he brought yesterday. How many cars does this man has? She wondered. She told him to drop her off at the restaurant where she was going to meet Lily. She was starving. All this time during the ride she kept reading the text message he sent her, which says "I'M SORRY I LEFT. I HAD TO ATTEND TO BUSINESS. I'LL HAVE MY DRIVER PICK YOU UP IN THE MORNING".

"So he's busy with work even at night. What is he? A security?", he scoffed

"ma?

"nothing. It's a beautiful morning in London isn't it?"

"indeed"

Sharon highlighted from the car and thanked John as he drove off. Her eyes glazed over as she reminisced about the day she stumbled upon Erst in Manchester. She had been exploring the city, lost in thought, when the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting coffee wafted through the air, drawing her in like a magnet. Following the scent, she turned a corner and spotted a discreet sign bearing the restaurant's name. Curiosity piqued, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. The warm, industrial-chic interior enveloped her, and the friendly staff welcomed her with a smile. As she perused the menu, her eyes widened at the innovative dishes and locally sourced ingredients. The first bite was like a symphony of flavors, a culinary epiphany that left her wanting more. From that moment on, Erst became her go-to haven in Manchester, a place where she could indulge in gastronomic delights and let her worries melt away. The memory of that discovery still lingered, a sensory experience that lingered like a warm embrace. Just then, she spot a familiar face staring at her through the restaurant window. She frowned and started walking hurriedly.

"Lily", she called as she approached her. Lily was the only person that knows her too well aside her parent. Lily had just relocated from the US to the Uk in high school, and her American accent and striking red hair made her stand out in the sea of unfamiliar faces. Sharon, drawn to her warmth and infectious laughter, introduced herself and they quickly discovered a shared love for animals and adventure. As they bonded over their passion for cats and exploring new places, a connection was forged. They spent lunch breaks together, sharing stories and secrets, and soon became inseparable. Lily's bold and spontaneous nature complemented Sharon's more reserved and introspective personality, creating a harmonious balance. They supported each other through thick and thin, celebrating each other's triumphs and offering a shoulder to cry on during tough times. Their friendship blossomed, a beautiful blend of laughter, trust, and unconditional support that would last a lifetime. And they became inseparable ever since

"uhh, looks like someone had a great night", Lily giggled

"stop it", Sharon sat tiredly on the chair, "I'm not even happy with you"

"that's what I get for introducing my rich friend to you right?", Lily said as she took a fork full of salad

"shut up. You knew he would tell me to spend the night there didn't you?"

"Shar..", Lily tries to explain

"answer me!", Sharon snapped

"yes"

"why didn't you tell me?"

" He didn't want to at first, but I.. "

"wait, wait, you suggested this?"

"yes. Because I wanted you to have a great time. You never do anything aside music and work"

"you're horrible"

"you're welcome", lily replied as she took a sip of her wine, "now tell me about last night", she glowed with curiosity

"he left me", Sharon sighed

"what?"

"Declan Wallace, your supposed billionaire friend left me"

"why?"

"how am I supposed to know?"

"did he find out?"

"no, I didn't tell him. Or is there another way to find out aside penetration?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe he tried to kiss you and you pulled out. That might make him suspect", Lily took another bite of her salad

"did you order for me?", Sharon asked eyeing the salad

"no, you haven't had breakfast?"

"I haven't. Why are you having this heavy breakfast?. Is it a typical American thingy?"

"duh", Lily laughed "here, take my food, I'm okay"

"we aren't in high school. Order for me", Sharon said as she took a fork full of the salad given to her "this tastes good"

"I know, now tell me what happened. Don't try to change the subject", lily said pushing the glass to her. Sharon laughed at how inquisitive her friend still is. Some people never change

"well.."

"well?", lily asked eagerly

"first off, why did you lie to him? You told him I attend Cambridge "

"I did that to save your ass, he wouldn't have come if I didn't tell him we were room mates. That's how he is"

"that's funny because I would never attend Cambridge, it's not my style"

"okay I know, enough of that. Tell me the real thing"

" he took off his shirt but I freaked out"

"what?", lily stood up in shock

"calm down, you're drawing attention to yourself", Sharon laughed

"what do you mean you freaked out?" she sat

"I told him I would leave if he doesn't put the shirt back on"

"Sharon, this guy is a billionaire"

"thanks for reminding me". Sharon took the last fork of salad and drank her wine, then she beckoned on the waitress

"he's going back to new York soon. You don't have much time"

"I don't care if he's going back to New Zealand", Sharon replied. "how did you know this guy?"

" why? What happened?", lily asked

"just curious. He seems really rich. I'm surprised you have such friends"

"well, that's a talk for another day", lily said as she paid the bill "let's go".