Page 15 of A Win-Win Situation

No way. My already awful night takes a turn for the worse.

As I turn around, I see her—Melina, my ex-girlfriend—stumbling toward me with a drink in her hand, looking as beautiful as always. But the beauty can’t mask the toxicity that is Melina.

I brace myself for the worst as she slurs, "I thought it was you. How've you been, baby?"

I force a tight-lipped smile, trying to hide my discomfort. "I'm good, Melina. How about you?" I ask, trying to keep theconversation polite. She plops herself down on my lap, spilling her drink in the process.

"I miss you," she slurs, and I can’t help but feel a mix of disgust and pity. As fate would have it, Leora and her friends stroll by at that exact moment, and I catch her friend throwing me a disgusted side eye.

Lord, give me strength.

Leaning in closer to me, Melina continues, "Why did we ever break up?"

I push her away gently, trying not to cause a scene.

"I'm not interested in rehashing the past."

"But I still love you," she protests, taking a sip from her drink while spilling some on me. "Can't we give it another try?"

I sigh, feeling uncomfortable and frustrated. "No, Melina. It's not going to happen. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go clean this mess up."

With that, I get up from the couch, move her off to the side, and make my way to the bathroom to clean the spilled drink off my shirt, again.

I sit at my desk,scrolling through the endless list of candidates for the role of marketing manager. I've been at it for hours, but no one feels right. So far, I’ve met with five candidates, but there's no passion in their eyes. No spark. I need someone who’s ready to stand up for what they believe in, someone who doesn’t roll over as soon as I say no. I need some push and pull.

I feel my eyes start to glaze over at the dull content, and I quickly close the computer. As I lean back in my chair, I can't help but think about Leora again. No one has ever thrown a drink in my face. While I'm still pissed, I can’t help but admitthat I like the fire in her. It intrigues me. I’ve never met a woman like her before.

My phone buzzes. I look to find a message from Julien.

Julien

The guys and I are planning on going out for some drinks, you joining?

Me

Send me the details and I’ll meet you later.

When I check the time,I realize that I've been at it for far too long. Grabbing my jacket, I head to the office elevator. The office is located on the top floor, which gives us an incredible view of the city and the sea.

As I’m about to exit the hotel, I see three girls walking toward the hotel bar. Among them, one stands out, her sweet voice hanging in the air. I could recognize it anywhere—Leora.

I should probably mind my own business and meet up with the guys at the bar Julien texted me about. What I shouldn’t do is follow them, but my legs are already moving on instinct, and I curse myself for it.

I don’t know why I just can’t leave it alone. A part of me is pissed because she ruined my night, while another part is even more pissed because she’s occupied my headspace for the past few days. I don’t have time for it and Iespeciallydon’t have time forher.

Yet, here I am, wasting my time following them.

As I step inside, the familiar sound of chatter and clinking glasses washes over me. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and art deco fixtures, giving the space a timeless, sophisticated feel. My eyes wander over to the bar, and I find her in a few seconds. Leora is perched on a stool, surrounded byher two friends, her laughter ringing out above the noise. I don't think she would be laughing if I went up toherand threw a drink in her face.

I think about doing it for a second too long before I find a seating area close by that’s hidden from their line of sight. I order a whiskey and sit back, trying to listen in on their conversation without being obvious. I find myself trying to catch a glimpse of her and watch as the soft glow of the warm lighting illuminates her face, making her look ethereal.

Why does she have to be so damn beautiful?

It’s annoying.

It has to be a test. God must have put her here to test my patience.

"Oh my god. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many gorgeous men in the same place, and the way theydanced." Leora takes a sip of her drink while she fans her face with her other hand.

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