Chapter 81
Sitting on the hammock chair with my legs crossed in an Indian sit, I flipped the book to another page but paused when my phone rang. Reaching for it, I checked the screen and frowned when I saw Margot's name flashing.
Letting out a sigh, I shut my book closed and answered the call. "Margot?" I asked, pressing my phone to my ear.
I winced as a blast of music greeted me. Pulling the phone away, I rubbed my ear before pressing it back. "Jesus, Margot, where the hell are you?"
"Sloane," Margot's voice came through the line. "Can we talk?"
"Where are you?" I asked, dropping my feet to the ground. I slipped on my sandals, grabbed my book, and headed back inside the mansion.
"I'm at Le Vieux Quai," she said. "Will you come, Sloane?"
Clicking my tongue, I entered the bedroom and glanced at the bedside clock. Aurora would arrive later today. "Just stay there, I'll come. Don't go anywhere, okay? I'm hanging up now—just wait for me."
I tossed my phone on the bed and went straight to the bathroom for a quick shower. When I finished, I stepped into the wardrobe to pull out some clothes. I styled my hair into a high bun, applied light makeup, then grabbed my handbag and phone.
As I headed out of the house, one of the housekeepers stopped in front of me and bowed. "Ms. Sloane," she began, making me pause. She handed me an envelope. "This seems important—it's for Ms. Aurora."
I looked at the envelope, noticing the red confidential mark on it. I took it from her. "I'll give it to her—she'll be back today," I said, opening my handbag and slipping it inside. "I'm heading out anyway," I added, excusing myself before heading to the garage.
Opening the car door, I slid inside and buckled my seatbelt before starting the ignition.
I drove out of the garage and made my way toward Fontvieille.
When I reached the parking lot of Le Vieux Quai, I pulled out my phone, sent Margot a message, and got out of the car.
The bar was already lively. Music blasted from inside, and laughter and chatter filled the air. I climbed the stairs and entered. At the far end of the counter, I spotted Margot, her head buried in her arms.
Heaving a sigh, I pressed a finger to the bridge of my nose and walked toward her. I patted her shoulder and leaned in. "Margot?"
She glanced sideways at me. "Sloane," she said with a faint smile, though her face was flushed and her eyes rimmed red. "Thank you for coming," she murmured, her words slightly slurred.
"Why the hell are you drinking alone?" I asked, glancing around. "Don't you realize how dangerous this is? Are you out of your mind?"
Margot just laughed, waving me off dismissively. "Don't nag, don't nag," she clicked her tongue, lifted her glass, and drained the rest of it.
"Let's get you home—enough drinking, okay?" I said, holding her arm. "Margot, let's go." But she just shook her head and waved to the bartender.
"What do you want to drink, Sloane? My treat," she said, smiling faintly.
Licking my lips, I pressed them into a thin line before sighing and sitting on the high stool beside her. "Margot, what the heck is going on?"
Margot just shrugged, swirling her freshly refilled glass before taking another sip. I watched her, resting my elbow on the counter and my chin on my palm.
"Are you mad at me?" Margot asked, her gaze fixed on her glass, her voice heavy with sadness. "For reacting that way?"
I tilted my head, reaching out to pat her head.
"Mad? No, not really, Margot. But I just wanted you to understand what you were asking from me.
What you were demanding from me." I sat up straighter as I crossed my arms over my chest, looking at her.
"You were important to me since you'd been my friend for so long that I treated you like my sister from different parents.
But I wanted you to know that I was also married, with a wife, with a daughter.
There were things that I couldn't just say to you in an instant, and I hoped you would try to compromise with those. "
She didn't respond. Instead, she gulped her liquor straight, making her cough hard, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. I reached out, patting and rubbing her back.
"I loved you, Sloane," she said, looking at me.
Despite the dim light and the neon disco lights around us, I could see how her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"Jesus Christ, I wish I could just be numb and remove this feeling I had for you.
I tried, you know? I tried to stop, knowing that you would never look my way.
I tried, knowing that you would never love me the way you loved your wife. I couldn't compare to her."
"Margot.
.." I swallowed a lump as she laughed, but wiped her eyes harshly.
I stood up, holding her arms. "Let's just go home, okay?
You're drunk. And I don't want you regretting whatever you're saying once you're sober.
" I pulled out some cash from my wallet, placing it on the table as I called for the bartender.
Margot tried to pull away, but I held her firmly, pulling her to her feet. "Enough drinking already, okay? I'll bring you to the hotel instead," I said, wrapping her in my arms as I helped her walk out of the yacht.
The way she walked made me realize how much she had drunk. She almost fell on the floor, but luckily, I was able to hold her close to me. I grunted, tightening my grip on her arms as we headed to the parking lot.
I fumbled with the passenger door before managing to open it and helped her slide inside and settle.
I bent down, buckling the seatbelt on her seat before closing the door and moving to the driver's side.
Buckling my seatbelt, I started the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot.
Glancing at Margot, I let out an audible sigh, contemplating whether to bring her back to her place or just bring her to the hotel. Aurora might get jealous if she realized I had been in Margot's place; maybe the hotel would be more suitable.
I swerved on the road, turning around to head to the H?tel de Paris instead. Margot sat in the passenger seat, still silent, not saying anything. Her face was turned toward the window, clutching the seatbelt.
The moment we arrived at the hotel, a valet stood nearby and bowed when I stepped out of the car.
I handed him my key before heading to the passenger seat and helping Margot out.
She could stand straight, but I could still see her legs wobbling.
I let out a sigh and grabbed my handbag from the backseat before ushering Margot toward the entrance.
We headed to the reception area, and I held her firmly.
I was talking with the receptionist about the suite when Margot suddenly leaned her head on my shoulder.
I blinked, scoffing. "Sorry, she's drunk," I said, giving the receptionist a faint smile before she handed me the access card.
"Thanks," I murmured, nodding as I pulled Margot toward the elevator.
"Look, Margot, I might need to leave you alone inside the hotel room. Aurora is going home tonight," I said as we waited for the elevator to open.
Margot didn't say anything, just followed closely, still walking unsteadily.
I sighed and stepped out of the elevator, pulling her along.
I walked us to the door and tapped my access card.
The door unlocked, and I ushered us inside.
After closing the door, I helped Margot to the bedroom, letting her lie down.
She gripped my arms, looking at me. "Sorry," she mumbled. I almost stumbled forward when she pulled me, my head hitting her chest.
I groaned, pulling back. "Jesus, Margot," I hissed, rubbing my forehead.
Margot just stared at me but didn't say anything. I pushed her down, helping her remove her clothes, drenched in sweat. My hand paused when my phone chimed. I pulled it out and saw it was from Aurora.
Just touched down at home. I'll fetch you from your office. Let's have dinner together. I miss you.
The message read. I faintly smiled and typed a response: Not at the office. Can you fetch me from H?tel de Paris instead? Suite 415.
I sent my response and put my phone back, then turned my attention to Margot. "How are you feeling?" I asked, looking at how flushed her face was.
She looked at me, then at her clothes. She blinked, making me confused at how she was acting.
"Sloane," she called, her face flushing even more. "I..." she began, "I—hmmph," she clasped her hands over her mouth.
My first instinct was to rush toward her, but wrong move. My eyes widened as she vomited right onto my chest. I shut my eyes tightly, trying to calm myself.
"I... I'm sorry," Margot said, stammering. "I...I'll get—"
"No, sit down," I said as I opened my eyes and pointed at the bed. "I'll do it." I headed to the bathroom. I removed my blouse and saw that even my camisole was wet from her vomit.
"Damn," I whispered to myself as I tried to wash my blouse where the vomit was. "This won't help... maybe I should just call the concierge to buy me some clothes."
I wrung my blouse out and shook off the water. When I got out of the bathroom, I saw Margot sitting with her elbows on her knees as she tugged at her hair with both hands.
"Why don't you go take a bath so you can sober up a bit, Margot? I'll call the concierge to buy me some clothes," I suggested.
Margot looked at me and nodded before standing up and heading to the bathroom without a word. As the door closed behind her, I went to the intercom and called the concierge.
"Hi, this is Sloane Duvall from Suite 415.
Can you buy me a black long-sleeved silk shirt from Dior?
Charge it to my suite," I said, giving my size and the other details they needed.
I ended the call and looked down at my clothes.
I ran my fingers through my hair, shaking my head.
Not long after, Margot came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a robe. I subtly nodded at her. "How are you feeling?" I asked, studying her.
"Better, I guess," she shrugged. "I'm so sorry about that." She pointed at my camisole, which was still damp.
I shrugged, chuckling, waving off her apologies. "Things like that normally happen," I said, looking at her. "Anyway, I requested the concierge to buy me new clothes, so if they come, just get them, okay? I'll take a quick bath since I'm feeling a bit sticky."
Without waiting for her response, I stepped out of my heels and headed inside the bathroom. I took a quick bath just to remove the liquor and smoke smell from my body—and of course the vomit. My head tilted when I heard faint voices coming from outside.
I turned off the shower and wrapped a robe around my body, tying it as I stepped out of the bathroom. "Margot, is that the room service I—" My words were cut off when I stepped out of the bedroom and saw who was there.
Shit! I hissed inwardly as Aurora and I stared at each other. The way Aurora was looking at me... that was when I realized what she was thinking. My gaze dropped to my body, then to Margot.
My jaw dropped. "Ro?" I whispered, my hand flying to my chest as I waved frantically. "It's not what it looks like," I started to protest.
Aurora's reaction screamed pain, disappointment, and somehow betrayal. Of course, at this state she would definitely think something else. Of course she would.
"I thought I'd surprise you," she said, lifting the gift and bouquet in her hand. Something in her voice made my heart ache. "But it seems I'm the one surprised." She let out a laugh—bitter, not genuine—as she rubbed the back of her neck.
"Honey, it's not what it looks like—"
Margot chuckled, cutting me off. "Oh, come on now, Sloane. Your wife's a grown woman. I don't think she can handle what's really going on right now."
What the hell? What the hell was she doing?
"Margot," I snapped, sharp as a knife.
Aurora laughed, but her voice broke. Her eyes darted between me and Margot, wild with hurt. Then she turned fully to Margot.
"You," she pointed at her. "You knew I'd be here."
Margot tilted her head, raising a brow. "Coincidences happen, darling." She then looked at me, smiling like she enjoyed the chaos. "Or maybe, Sloane, your wife's jealous of me—like I'm some leech trying to steal you away from her."
I swallowed hard. I wanted to scream at Margot to stop provoking her. One look at Aurora told me she was past mad—she was hurt.
My hand reached for Aurora. "Ro, please. Just listen to me. Margot was—"
Aurora shoved my hand away. The sound of her voice gutted me. I wanted to cry and hold her, tell her nothing happened, but the way she looked at me muted me completely.
"Keep your reasons, Sol," she said, glaring down at me, pinning me to the spot.
"Do you think I'd believe you right now?
" She thrust the bouquet and the Cartier bag into my chest. "I came here to remind you that you're my wife.
But maybe... I'm the one who needed reminding. "
My vision blurred. My hands trembled. "Don't do this. Please," I pleaded. "Look at me. You know me better than anyone."
I took a step forward, but she stepped back—like I was something she didn't want touching her, like I was filth at her feet.
"Do I?" she whispered.
Her question broke me clean in half.
"Ro," my voice cracked as I tried not to cry.
She looked at me, but said nothing. Instead, she turned her back and walked out of the suite.
I ran after her, pulling the door open. "Ro!" I shouted—but she didn't spare me even a glance.
I wanted to chase her, but I was technically naked under the robe. What would people think if they saw me like this?
"Goddamn it," I hissed, slamming the door shut. I turned back to Margot. "What was that?" I snapped. "Why would you provoke her like that?"
Margot tilted her head. "Why are you blaming me when it's your wife's fault for not trusting you? I have nothing to do with whatever she's thinking, Sloane."
I hated how she was acting—but I hated myself more. Because somehow... it was my fault. If only I hadn't come to Margot. If only I'd stayed home and waited for Aurora. Then maybe... maybe none of this would have happened. It was my fault.
?·???°???°???·?
Pacing back and forth, I bit my thumbnail as I tried to think of how to explain everything to Aurora properly. A knock on the door made me whirl around. I rushed forward and yanked it open. A hotel staff stood there, holding the paper bag.
"Thank you," I muttered, giving a quick nod before shutting the door and rushing to the bathroom.
I changed into the new clothes, barely thinking, barely breathing. Grabbing my handbag, I stormed out of the bathroom—only to feel Margot's hand catch my arm.
I turned to her, jaw clenching. I shoved her hand away. "I'm leaving."
"Do you really think your wife will listen to whatever explanation you have, Sloane?" she said, voice slow and sleepy from the liquor. "Didn't you see her reaction? She didn't trust you enough."
A scoff tore out of me. I narrowed my eyes. "Had you not added fuel to the fire, she would've listened. I don't understand what you were thinking when you said those things. But one thing's for sure—I'm not letting Aurora misunderstand anything."
"What's there to misunderstand?" Margot chuckled, shaking her head. "We both know what happened. I doubt Aurora would even—"
"Stop." The word came out sharp as glass. I twisted the knob and threw the door open. "Shut your fucking mouth before I actually lose it, Margot. Because I swear, if Aurora and I can't fix this misunderstanding because of you—"
Margot sighed and raised her hands in surrender.
I didn't wait for more. I rushed out, headed to the elevator, and everything after that blurred. I didn't know how I managed to drive, how I didn't crash—not with my mind spiraling with every possible worst-case scenario.
The next thing I knew, I was parked in our garage.
The house was dim, curtains drawn. My breath shook as I stepped out of the car and headed toward the porch. I scanned my access card; the lock chimed. I twisted the knob, pushed the door open, and entered the foyer.
I barely made it past the living room toward the bedroom hall when movement near the bar counter made me freeze.
My heart climbed into my throat.
I took a breath and walked toward her. "Ro," I called softly.
Aurora's glass paused mid-sip. She looked at me, then took a gulp without breaking eye contact.
My chest tightened. "Ro, please. Listen to me."
The sudden slam of the bottle on the counter made me flinch. Her eyes locked on mine—full of hurt, fury, and something far worse: disgust.
"How long has it been going on?" she asked, voice low and lethal.
I shook my head, a bitter laugh escaping me. I stepped closer. "Nothing's going on with us, Ro. Please—just listen."
"So what is it then, Sol?" she asked with a broken little laugh. Tears shimmered in her eyes, making my stomach twist. "Coincidence? You and Margot in the same suite, both of you in robes, all warm and cozy?" Her finger jabbed the air toward me.
My breathing stuttered. I rubbed my temples, trying to calm myself before I exploded. "If something happened between me and Margot, do you really think I'd text you to come pick me up? Can you please think rationally?"
Aurora laughed—sharp, wounded. "Rationally?" she echoed, brow lifting. "Are you really blaming me for being irrational right now, Sol? Are you serious?" She scoffed and grabbed the vodka bottle, taking a long, angry gulp straight from it.
I almost winced at how she drank from the bottle; I could feel the liquor burning my own throat just watching her. She slammed the bottle on the counter and looked at me.
"You're the one I saw. You're the one in a suite with someone else, wearing nothing but a robe. And you—" she stepped closer, "—you're a married woman, yet there you were, parading your body for someone else."
My anger got the best of me.
Before I knew it, I slapped her. Hard. I was shocked at how my body responded to her words; my hand throbbed as I curled it into a fist. When Aurora looked at me, all I could see in her eyes was hatred—like the love we shared had shattered the moment all of this began.
Her jaw clenched as she raised her hand toward me. I knew she was going to hit me, so I closed my eyes, waiting for the slap—but nothing touched me.
When I opened my eyes, Aurora was slapping her own cheeks repeatedly, tears streaming freely down her face.
I gasped and reached for her. "Ro!" I hissed. "Aurora! Stop!" I shouted, unable to stop my own tears from blurring my vision.
She shoved me hard, and I almost stumbled. She kept slapping herself, and even in the dim light, I could see how flushed her cheeks had become.
"Why? Why would you choose her?" she cried, striking herself again. "Am I not enough?"
"Ro, stop it." I grabbed her wrists, gripping them tight. My chest ached at the sight of her.
She tore herself free, turned to the counter, and hurled the vodka bottle at the wall. It shattered instantly.
"Ro!" I hissed when she started punching the wall—hard enough that I could hear her knuckles connecting with it. "Aurora, stop! Please," I pleaded, sobbing as I wrapped my arms around her from behind, trying to pull her away, trying to keep her from hurting herself.
I felt her body stiffen. Her arms slowly dropped to her sides as I rested my cheek against her back, still clinging to her.
"Why her, Sol?" she asked, peeling my hands off her as she stepped away. When she turned to look at me, she felt like a stranger.
It was as if, in a single moment, I had lost the woman I loved—and someone else had taken her place.
"Ro, you need to understand..." I tried to steady myself, but my voice was broken, shaking. I slammed my fist lightly against my chest, trying to quiet the agony clawing at me.
"Understand what? Understand that you needed someone to fuck you while I was gone? Is that it?" she snapped.
"For fuck's sake, Aurora!" I yelled. "Nothing happened!" My voice cracked as my tears fell harder. I didn't do anything wrong—why wouldn't she listen to me?
I reached for her again, but she stepped back. Then she stepped back again, stopping me cold.
"Don't touch me," she warned. "You disgust me."
Blinking through my tears, I let out a bitter laugh and lowered my head. Out of all people—why would she think of me this way?
"Ro," I whispered, giving up on reaching for her. "Out of everyone, you know me better than anyone else."
"Do I really know you better than anyone else, Sol?
" she asked. Her words pulled my eyes back to her.
"Because..." she gasped, voice breaking.
"Because the moment you stepped back into my life, all you talked about was revenge.
From the embezzlement to... to this—what is this, if not revenge? "
Her laugh cracked into sobs. "What is this, Sol? Did you choose Margot to be your sidepiece?"
My mouth opened to protest, but she didn't allow me to. She raised her hand at me, then wiped her face.
"Right, maybe I'm wrong," she said. "You told me before that if you ever dated someone else while we were married, you'd give them all your time. So... is this it? Margot? Are you dating her? Am I the sidepiece now?"
"That's not—" My words faltered before they even formed. I shut my eyes, exhaling sharply, then opened them again. "Can you even hear yourself, Ro? We have a daughter together!"
Was she really accusing me of having an affair?
"Exactly!" she snapped, pointing at me. "We have a daughter who's a teenager, and yet her mother is here parading around like she's single—like she isn't married at all!"
I understood her hurt, but did she really need to tear me down like this?
"Oh, gosh..." I groaned, dragging my palm down my face. I took a step closer, hands lifted in surrender. "Ro, please. Can you stop being unreasonable for one second and try to understand my side?"
"Oh, I understand perfectly," she pressed. "Margot likes you. She wants you. And yet you keep going to her, acting like it's nothing, while I'm already insecure enough that you hid her identity—just because she's intersex!"
Something inside me snapped. Why did she have to be so close-minded?
"That!" I exclaimed, pointing back at her. "That's the problem with you, Ro! How many times do I have to tell you? I only see Margot as a sister. Nothing more!"
"Nothing more?" she echoed, stepping closer—too close—forcing me to swallow hard. "Nothing more, yet you were showering with her, sharing a suite with her, while I was left outside!"
Did she really think that way? Damn it, Ro.
Frustration surged through me.
I hissed under my breath, then grabbed her collar, yanked her down, and crashed my mouth against hers—harsh, desperate, hurting.
I bit her lower lip, nibbling until I tasted blood.
She groaned as I pulled away, tears still streaming down my face.
It hurt. God, it hurt hearing her say those things.
I sniffed, staring at her through my tears.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Ro?
" I asked. She stared back, breath unsteady.
I wiped my cheeks, laughing bitterly. "I carried your child for nine months.
I raised her. I took care of her alone. And yet you look at me like I'm filth—as if I'm not even your wife. "
She looked at me slowly, then pointed toward the empty hallway. "Leave," she said—firm, final. "Leave me alone."
My grip on her collar faltered. "Ro..." I whispered, loosening my hold and lowering my head.
"I said leave!" she snapped, her voice breaking.
I stayed still, silent. I shut my eyes because it hurt—God, it hurt—to hear her push me away like I meant nothing to her.
When I finally looked at her again, I forced a faint smile, swallowing back every emotion clawing up my throat. "Alright," I whispered, even though I wanted to stay and fix everything right then and there.
With trembling hands, I reached out, cupping her face gently. My thumbs brushed away the tears on her cheeks. "Alright. I'll leave for now. But please... please call me once you've cooled down."
Maybe space was necessary. Maybe cooling off was what we needed. So fine—I would give her that.
"Ro," I called softly when she didn't reply. "Please. Send me anything once you've calmed down, and I'll explain everything that happened. Please?"
Aurora grabbed my hand—then shoved it away. "Leave. Now." Her eyes were empty, hollowed out. "I don't want to see you. Get the hell out of this house."
I looked at her, studying her face. A laugh escaped me as I nodded. "Okay," I said, taking a step back before turning away from her. I made my way out, but before I could even step out of the foyer, I heard her faint scream—followed by the sharp shattering of glass.
My eyes shut as I crouched down, covering my mouth to muffle my sobs. I didn't do anything wrong, Ro...
With my mind a mess and nowhere else to go, I somehow ended up in front of my brother's house. I hitched my breath, cupping my face before pressing the doorbell once. I waited, but no one opened the door. I pressed it again—twice this time.
When it finally opened, Soeren raised a brow at me, blinking. "Sis?"
I swallowed hard, looking at him, then past him, spotting Millie standing behind him with a confused expression.
"Hey..." My voice cracked. I cleared my throat and forced a small smile, even though my lips trembled, and tears were already spilling again.
"S-sorry, but can I crash here for a while? I don't really want to stay—"
My words faltered when Soeren pulled me inside without another thought. He closed the door and wrapped his arms around me, rubbing my back. My sobs tore through me as I clutched his shirt, burying my face in his chest.
"She's mad... she's mad at me," I choked out. "I didn't do anything wrong... but... but..." I couldn't finish.
Soeren guided me to the couch. I didn't know what to feel anymore; all I could see were Aurora's eyes—cold, hurt, disbelieving. My brother didn't say anything. He just held me as I hid my face against him.
"You're trembling, sis," he murmured, rubbing my back.
Millie returned from the kitchen with a cup. "Here, drink some tea to calm yourself," she said gently, sitting beside me.
"Sorry for coming like this," I mumbled as I sat up, hugging my knees and resting my chin on them. I stared blankly at the wall.
Millie handed me the cup. My hands trembled too much to steady it, so she cupped her hands around mine and helped me lift it to my lips.
I let out a long sigh as the warm liquid touched my tongue. Then I laughed—bitterly, hollow. "She thought I was having an affair with Margot. I don't blame her—it was my fault—but it still hurts. It hurts seeing her in pain because of me."