Chapter 23

Who was she kidding?

She should have known better than to assume much from her husband. Of course, she could not expect him to love her or commit to their relationship.

Lucas was no saint. He was just like every warm-blooded male.

Besides, their marriage was nothing more than an arrangement.

Quickly, she exited the door, leaving the smoke-filled, booze-smelling club after her so-called husband jilted her for his ex-fiancée and left her to entertain their client.

After half an hour, she supposed she had enough of waiting for her husband to return, counting the seconds as they ticked by.

Moreover, she had seen what she came here to do. She had no more reason to stay.

"Maybe I can interest you in a dance?" Chase offered as he tried to stop her, but dancing was the last thing on her mind.

She only came to the club to see the place. But she was not in the mood to party, especially with Chase, a known player.

The last thing she wanted was another complicated association with a womanizer. Besides, she was married, even if it was just on paper.

She should not be seen cozying with another man, even if her husband did not seem to mind being seen with his ex. She was not about to do the same.

"No, thanks. I think I'm going to head back to the hotel." She politely refused. Then, she feigned a growing headache as an excuse. But she never had a clearer head than at that moment.

However, she wanted to be alone as she returned to the hotel. But once in her room, she could not think of anything but get back out in the open air.

She felt like the air in the room was suffocating. Perhaps it was the humidity or the different weather. Or it could be the alcohol in her system.

But whatever it was, she wanted some fresh air.

"I can use a quick deep in the pool." She thought as she looked outside her balcony to see the inviting blue water below.

It is absolutely what she needed to cool off.

She changed into a swimwear, covering it with a denim shorts and a loose shirt. Then, she grabbed a small bag with her essentials.

Once in the pool area, she saw a pathway that led to the beachfront. She had seen it before when roaming the area earlier. But she had no time to explore it yet.

"Why not?" She thought as curiosity urged her to investigate. She followed the narrow path that visibly needed much renovation.

She took note of the insufficient lighting covering the route to the beachfront. Luckily, the moon reflected enough light to brighten the walkway.

However, she also noticed several areas that needed improvement as she neared the hotel's boundaries. But overall, she saw the potential of the place.

"Would you like to order some drinks?" A hotel staff approached her as she sat on one of the lounge chairs facing the tranquil ocean.

She could hear the faint sounds of the waves as they crushed softly on the sand. She could also see the vast sky as it meets the water.

It was amazingly breathtaking, seeing the contrast of the stars as they littered above her head while the lights reflected on the moving ripples of tides.

"I'll have a martini." She did not see the harm of another glass. It was beyond office hours. She was also entitled to her free time to enjoy this peaceful night.

It was rare that she had such a luxury of time for herself. Living in the mansion had her constantly on her guard, not knowing when they would finally say it was time for her to go.

"I'll have a scotch." Another voice joined her as someone occupied the lounge chair next to her. To her surprise, it was him.

Her husband.

He sprawled on the chair, putting his hands behind his neck. Then, he looked up into the sky, seemingly lost in his thoughts.

Suddenly, she wondered what he was doing with her. He was supposed to be with his ex, rekindling their long-lost love affair.

"Lucas, aren't you supposed to be at the club?" She turned to him, staring into his handsome features.

She believed even in the dim light, she could still see why women flocked to him. His patrician nose, prominent cheekbone, and strong jawline indicated his aristocratic heritage.

She was not blind not to notice how attractive her husband was. Again, she recalled she had once thought he was her Prince Charming before she realized he was not.

"Why did you leave?" He casually asked without glancing in her direction as he stared at the stars. "Chase said you have a headache?" It was not a statement but more like a question.

"I don't think drinking and talking to myself in a crowded place is my cup of tea." She honestly answered, thinking how her husband abandoned her as he had gone missing in action.

She also remembered that Chase's eyes had started to wander on the dancefloor when she deliberately ignored his advances.

She knew it was just a matter of time when she would be on her own, looking pathetic as she drank by herself.

"And the headache was just a polite excuse to leave without offending our host." She explained as she accepted her freshly delivered drink.

She gently sipped the alcoholic drink, not particularly a fan of the aftertaste but still enjoying how the liquor left a hot trail in her throat, down to her stomach.

But at least the cool breeze from the ocean kept her refreshingly cool. Still, she thought of the pool as its inviting clear blue water appealed to her.

"So, your leaving had nothing to do with Naomie?" This time, his head turned to gaze at her.

Frankly, she was surprised by the question. However, she would lie if she denied that it did not cross her mind. However, she avoided entertaining the notion, thinking she did not have the right.

She believed Naomie was someone he loved. If she did not enter the picture and married him, they might be back together again by now.

Damn! Did she ruin his chance for happiness?

Did she stand in the way of true love? Well, if she did, she did not mean it.