Chloe’s POV
I hummed as I made my way to Louis’ office.
He’d been working overtime lately and skipping dinner. Since my meeting finished early, I decided to head down to the kitchen and order dinner for both of us.
The hotel employee wheeled out a small cart with my order and I waved away her offer to help. A smile graced my lips at the thought of surprising him in his office.
I had been so busy finalizing the interior design of Grands Boulevards, Garros Group’s flagship hotel in Ville de Lumière that I had neglected my boyfriend.
We had barely seen each other despite working and living in the same building.
The elevator dinged and I pushed the food cart out in front of me. Tonight I–
My hand paused on the doorknob.
What was that?
My brows wrinkled as I noticed the odd sounds coming from the room.
I leaned my ear against the ornately carved door.
I paled when I recognized the sounds filtering through.
“Ah! No… Slow down, Louis… Oh, you beast. Slow down! Oh...”
“I know you like it rough, Esme! Take it!”
I was rooted to the spot, my hand froze on the knob.
I knew those voices!
“I love you, Louis! Oh...”
“I love you too, Esme!”
The exchange was like a bolt of lightning through my heart.
Subconsciously, my hand twisted the knob and I slammed the door open.
The door opened with a loud bang.
“Who?! Ah, it’s you.” Louis’ flushed face smirked when he saw me.
“How could you?” I said, my voice vow and raw.
The adulterous duo calmly separated and got dressed. Esme didn’t even bother putting her own clothes on. Instead, she stared at me while she grabbed Louis’ shirt and slipped her arms through the sleeves. Louis didn’t stop her and merely put his pants on.
Esme draped herself against Louis’ chest and tilted her head at me, “Shocked, Chloe? Don’t tell me you had never suspected a thing all those nights Louis “worked late”?”
I felt the room tilting as I clenched my hands, digging my nails into my palms. I stared into Louis’ eyes and felt a wave of fresh pain assault my heart. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, Louis opened his mouth.
“Let’s break up, Chloe. I can’t pretend anymore,” Louis stared at me like he was looking at a stranger.
Pretend?
Nausea rose in my throat and I swallowed hard.
“How could you do this to me? You said you loved me.”
Esme scoffed and said in derision, “And you believed him? Who would love a nobody like you? If it weren't for Louis and his family, you’d still be in that backwater town in the middle of nowhere!”
Red filled my vision and I rushed at her to slap her face.
Louis reacted. Blocking my approach, he pushed me away roughly. I fell back and landed on the floor with a loud thud.
“Keep your filthy hands off her!” He snapped viciously.
Louis looked at me in disgust, “I’ve paid back my debt to your father. Now that Esme is pregnant, it’s time to stop pretending. Don’t worry, I’ll be generous with my compensation.”
A burst of energy shot through me. I stood up and slapped Louis hard. Esme screeched and yanked at my hair. The sharp pain brought tears to my eyes.
“B*tch!” Louis yelled as he wrapped a hand around my throat. He squeezed while I clawed at his hand, choking for air. Just when I thought I was going to die, he shoved me away. Disoriented, I fell again, my forehead colliding with the corner of the table.
“What is going on?” A cold voice could be heard from the doorway.
In a daze, I looked up and watched as the man seated in a wheelchair took in Louis and Esme’s disheveled look before landing on me.
I shivered at the cold rage in his eyes. I pushed myself upright and felt a warm trickle flow down my face. I touched the liquid then stared blankly at my bloody fingers.
“Brother, I–”
“Shut up.”
The words were said quietly yet so commandingly, Louis’ mouth snapped shut.
“Timeo, help her up.”
I snapped to awareness and held out a hand to stop him. I said tightly, “No need.”
I stood up and locked my knees to keep them from shaking. I looked at Louis and spat out, “You can shove your compensation up where the sun doesn’t shine.”
Then I turned and left the room with whatever shred of dignity I still had left.
I ignored the wheelchair-bound man and his assistant as they left the room behind me. I got into the elevator and stared blankly at the panel.
Suddenly the floor rushed up at me and everything went dark.
