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“A briefcase full of cash?”

“Yup, like right out of a movie. That’s the case there, on the shelf behind you.”

I open the briefcase and search its pockets, but it’s empty. The briefcase is brand new, probably purchased only for the drop-off.

I sigh with frustration. How will I ever find my princess?

CHAPTER 7

Carina

My leaving the masquerade ball played on a loop in my head…

"No, wait!" he called out from behind me as I reached the door.

I didn't want to leave. But I didn't have any choice. The deal was that I would leave at midnight, and Reggie would drive me home. It didn’t matter how much I wanted to stay, without a job, and with my grandmother in the hospital I needed Alex’s money now more than ever.

I raced back down the hall with the numbered doors, and through the next doorway. I continued running down the hall, past the balconies, and to the wide staircase we walked up earlier.

I ran so fast down the staircase I was surprised I didn't fall. One shoe slipped off but I kept going until I reminded myself that none of what I was wearing belonged to me. Except for my panties, and I had already lost those.

I quickly stopped, turned around, and grabbed the shoe. For the first time, I looked back. My handsome prince was coming down the steps, trying to catch up to me.

No, he can’t catch up. If he does then I’ll never leave.

I took my other shoe off, and with the shoes in one hand, I bunched up the dress and lifted it with my other hand. I ran even faster through the crowd

The clock strikes 8 times.

Outside, the sidewalk felt rough on my feet. But I didn’t have time for that. I saw the car parked at the curb up ahead and ran towards it.

"Wait!" he called out. "At least tell me your name."

I turned and looked at my Prince. Sadness consumed me. It wasn’t meant to be. I had a night I would never forget and that needed to be good enough.

I took one final look at him before getting into the car, and pulling the door closed.

I roll over and look at the clock.

Might as well give up on sleep. Visiting hours at the hospital will be starting soon.

Grandma looks peaceful when I arrive. Her eyes are closed, and her breathing is steady. I sit in a chair next to her bed, hoping I don’t wake her.

Odessa peeks into the room and waves. She pulls up a chair next to me, leans over, and whispers. “How’s she doing?"

“She’s good. They’re supposed to transfer her to the rehab facility tomorrow,” I whisper back. “She’s been asleep since I got here.”

“Have you eaten today?" she asks. “I’m starving.”

"No, I’m not hungry. Plus I keep thinking about last night."

"You know that's one of the reasons why I'm here. Let's go down to the cafeteria, and I'll buy us some breakfast. You can tell me everything."

The cafeteria is empty except for a few people. We choose a table away from everyone, and as soon as I sit down I start giving her all the details of the place, and what happened.

"I know you probably think I'm an idiot,” I say. “And obviously I wasn’t myself, but there was something about him. Something that felt right, like I was supposed to be there last night and meet him. This wasn't just some crazy sexual experience, it meant something. At least it does to me."

"And you can't see him again?"

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