Page 73 of Cloud Storm

I look at what I’m wearing, suddenly feeling so stupid, so small, like a foreigner in hostile lands. There is another woman after all. And it’s me. There, in front of my eyes is the living proof of that.

Why did I trust his word?

I’m so, so fucking stupid.

Tears sting my eyes and a knot forms in my throat, cutting off the air I was breathing.

I have to get out of here before they see me and my humiliation grows even bigger.

His woman is here and has come to claim the place that belongs to her.

Dammit.

I hate her. I hate myself and I hate him too.

From: Arthur

To: California Girl

Date: October 09, 2019 20:50

Subject: An important question

Have you ever been this happy?

Chapter 17

I want to run out of here.

This is embarrassing, humiliating, and ridiculous.

If only my damn legs would listen to what my brain wants. But no, here I stand like an idiot, paralyzed contemplating the great spectacle.

Finally, the girl—no, she’s a woman, a very polished one—lets go of Lancelot’s neck and he proceeds to greet his visitors.

“What a surprise,” he says after kissing her hand. “I didn’t expect you here today.”

“What did you expect me to do?” the blonde asks. “You’ve had us very worried, where the fuck were you?”

He has the nerve to appear ashamed at her scolding and even appears to shrink before the petite woman. What’s happening here? Lancelot doesn’t normally bow to anyone.

I’m ready to take flight when his voice stops me.

“I was sick.”

The visitors raise their eyebrows in shock.

“Don’t make those faces, I’m fine now and it’s all thanks to her.”

My mouth gapes open as three pairs of eyes are focused on me, catching me with my defenses down.

The newcomers look me up and down, evaluating me, judging me. I’m used to it, I had no choice on the streets, it’s the only way to survive. However, here it’s different and I’m not prepared for such scrutiny.

“Don’t just stand there, introduce us.” One of the guys breaks the awkward silence.

I think I’ve seen him before. Let me think about it for a minute or two.

Of course. He’s the hottie who came with Lancelot the day he moved in.

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