Chapter 34
Alice Mendes
I tried to reach Oliver all weekend, but no luck. Looks like I won't see him until Monday.
I woke up Saturday with a terrible headache, trying to get my bearings.
I looked around and realized I was home—on the living room sofa, to be exact.
I sighed in relief—and still dressed, which was even better.
I remembered Gabriel giving me a ride… after that, everything went dark.I glanced over and saw a glass of water, a pill, and a note that read: drink me and swallow me.
My chest tightened—he really took care of me.
I grabbed my phone and sent him a message thanking him and letting him know I was okay.
On Monday, I went back to the hotel. As soon as I got to my floor, the memories from Friday came flooding back. But I barely had time to think—Oliver rushed past me and ducked into his office without even saying good morning. I grabbed the tablet and followed him.
“Good morning, Oliver. I tried to reach you all weekend, but couldn't get through. Did something happen?” I asked point-blank.
“I should be the one asking that.” He leaned back in his chair, his voice firm. “I saw you leave the cocktail party with Gabriel, so I imagine Friday night was pretty great.”
I could hear the venom dripping from his words.
“What are you trying to insinuate, Oliver?” I shot back, crossing my arms. “I don't like that tone.”
“I followed you.” He stood up, his gaze cold.
“I waited outside your building for that pretty boy to leave after dropping you off.
But to my surprise, he didn't leave until hours later.
I tried calling you and you didn't answer. So what am I supposed to think, Alice? If it were the other way around, what would you think?” he said, raising his voice.
My stomach clenched. I knew accepting a ride from Gabriel was going to be trouble.
“Are you saying Gabriel and I slept together?” I countered, hurt.
“What do you think of me? That I'm like Andrea? Sorry to break it to you, Oliver, but no. He just dropped me off drunk at home and left.And if it were the other way around, I would trust you.” My voice came out shaky, thick with disappointment.
“And how do I know that's all it was?” He took a step forward. “How do I know he didn't touch you?”
“The only guarantee is you believing me, Oliver.” My voice rose, my heart pounding. “I'm not like your fiancée. I never would be. But I can see you'll never believe that. You'll never trust me. You'll always think I could be just like her.”
He stared at me coldly.“Exactly, Alice. I don't believe you. I've been through this before, and it's always the same story. You women always find a way to lie.”
This wasn't the voice of the man I knew. It was hard, bitter, full of pain.
“If there's no trust, there's nothing,” I said firmly, despite the lump in my throat. “It's better to end this here. Besides, you never claimed me publicly. And from what I hear, you're marrying Andrea soon. I wasn't born to be the other woman.” I turned and walked out, slamming the door behind me.
My heart pounded. I tried to make it to my desk, but a wave of nausea stopped me in my tracks.I ran to the bathroom and threw up—just bile.
I hadn't eaten breakfast, and I remembered the pill I'd forgotten to take.
It had to be nerves, or the hangover.“It can't be pregnancy,” I told myself.
“I drank too much, I got sick, that's all.”
Catarina walked in right after and found me sitting on the floor, crying. She rushed over to me.
“Girl! What happened?” She helped me up.
“Oliver and I broke up. He thinks I cheated on him with Gabriel.” The words came out between sobs.
“No!” she said, indignant. “Gabriel just took you home, put you on the sofa, and left. Let's go talk to him, explain everything.”
“It's better this way. He's going to marry Andrea in a few months. I'd just be a distraction, a mistake between them. But I don't know if I can stay here, seeing him every day,” I said, wiping away my tears.
She looked at me in surprise.“Don't tell me you're in love, Alice. With Oliver, of all people? Your boss? We talked about this, remember?”
“I know… but it just happened. I couldn't help it.He was caring, made me feel safe, and I let myself fall. But I'm going to forget him, I swear I will.”
“Okay, but what now? What are you going to do?” she asked, worried.
“I'm going to request a transfer. I need to get out of here—I can't see him anymore. But you can stay, Catarina. I know you and Alberto are hitting it off.”
“Alice, you're not thinking straight right now. Think it through first. And if Alberto really likes me, he'll follow me wherever I go. But I'll never abandon you.”
She hugs me, and I break down again. I feel comfort in my chest, but also the certainty of what I need to do. I can't wait for my head to cool, because if I wait… I'll back out. I'll go to HR. Today.It's time to start over.