Chapter 91 91. Stop Wearing Revealing Outfits
The creep hit the floor hard. Blood splattered across the tiles, dark under the strobe lights. People screamed. The crowd broke apart in panicked waves as security rushed in.
The masked man turned toward me.
Only his eyes were visible, dark and unfamiliar. He was tall, lean, dressed in all black like he stepped out of the shadows on purpose. As he adjusted his cap, the neck of his shirt shifted and I caught a quick glimpse of a tattoo. Sorta geometric, like a broken circuit or shattered glass. And a silver necklace with a multi-sided pendant that spun once before dropping back against his chest.
He held my eyes for three slow breaths. Then he slipped into the crowd before security held onto him.
"Come on!" Maya yanked my arm. "Before they start asking questions."
My legs moved on instinct. Behind us, I heard security shouting orders and the creep groaning. Cold air slapped my face when we stepped outside. My hands shook. Adrenaline still rushed through my veins.
Zara, Jen, and Chris burst out behind us, wide-eyed and breathless.
"That was insane," Jen said. "Who was that?"
"I don't know." My voice sounded far away.
"Are you okay?" Chris touched my shoulder gently.
I nodded even though I wasn't sure.
Maya was already ordering a ride, muttering about leaving before anyone stopped us. We said quick goodbyes to the others-promising to meet again even though none of us knew if that would actually happen after tonight. Once they walked off, Maya turned to me.
"I'm sorry." Her voice was small. "About the property thing. That was messed up."
"Yeah. It was."
"I panicked. He was disgusting and I didn't know what else to say."
"I know." I squeezed her hand. "It's okay."
But it didn't sit right in my chest. Not even a little.
While we waited for our ride, the question kept circling in my mind:
Who was that man? Why help me and walk away without a word?
"It was probably one of Lucien's guys protecting you," Maya said, like she could read my thoughts. "I told you he's watching you."
I wanted to believe her, but something felt off.
As we walked toward the curb, I felt eyes on me again. I turned, scanning the street. Cars passed. People stumbled out of the club entrance. But I couldn't see anyone watching.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Maybe you're right. Lucien's bodyguards."
Our ride pulled up. We climbed into the back seat, and I finally let myself breathe. My phone buzzed in my purse. I pulled it out while Maya talked to the driver.
New email with Subject: "We'd Love to See You"
Huh?
"Dear Camila,
Lucien and I are thrilled to invite you to celebrate our engagement this Saturday at 8 PM at Villa Elara.
We know how much you meant to Lucien during his difficult time, and it would mean the world to us to have your support as we begin this new chapter together.
The dress code is black tie. We do hope you can make it.
Warmest regards,
Jessica Bloom
Future Mrs. Hayes."
My vision began to swim. She called herself "Future Mrs. Hayes" and said difficult time, like I was some crisis he survived. Some problem he solved and moved past.
"What's wrong?" Maya leaned over to read my screen. Her eyes widened. "Oh shit."
"Yeah."
"You're going, right?"
I stared at her. "What?!"
"You have to go. You can't let her think she scared you away."
"What the fuck are you saying?"
"I'm serious. You can't make her think she scared you. Show up, look amazing, and intimidate Jessica. It's a power move."
I couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth. Except... a tiny part of me did want to go.
A tiny part wanted to see him.
To hurt.
To heal.
To act unbroken.
But the rest of me was a mess. If he'd given up on me, why send someone to protect me? Why pull strings to stop the ankle monitor from beeping? Why-
I shut the thoughts off and stared out the window.
Back at the apartment, Maya headed straight for her bedroom. She had a morning shift in just a few hours. I sat on the couch with my phone, still in my club dress, reading the invitation over and over.
Lucien had been angry in that security footage. I saw how he almost wanted to hit her with his car.
Was I doing the right thing by not hearing him out? Maybe I should call him. Drop a text. See if he'd run to me immediately or if he'd ignore it and break my heart once and for all so I could finally move on.
My phone buzzed with a text.
Damon: "Hey! My friend Rosalind Park agreed to take your case. She's one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the state. Sending you her contact now."
Relief washed through me.
Me: "Surprised you're awake at this hour."
Three dots appeared immediately.
"Yeah, couldn't sleep. Why are you up? You okay?"
"My best friend dragged me clubbing. And, maybe I need advice about something."
"I'm all ears."
I was about to type out my question about the engagement party when another text came through an unknown short code.
"You looked beautiful tonight. That man had no right to touch you. Please be more careful around strangers. I'd advise you stop going out late at night and wearing outfits that show your sexy legs - R."
I froze, rereading the message.
"The fuck?"
Someone was, and is still watching me, and it wasn't Lucien's bodyguard.
Me to Damon: "Actually, can we meet to discuss this in person? Maybe tomorrow?"
Damon: "Of course. Lunch on me. 1 PM at Rossi's?"
Me: "Perfect. Thank you."
Damon: "Anytime. Get some sleep."
But I couldn't sleep. I sat in the dark living room, staring at the message.
This has to be R. That masked man, the geometric tattoo, the dodecahedron necklace, those dark, intense eyes... I met R.
When I woke up the next morning, Maya was already at work. I made coffee and opened my laptop, creating a to-do list:
One, call Rosalind Park and schedule a meeting.
Two, job applications (at least five).
Three, lunch with Damon at 1 PM.
Four, decide about Jessica's invitation.
I stared at number four and deleted it. Seconds later, I added it back.
Somewhere during my second cup of coffee, I did something stupid.
I unblocked Lucien's number.
Then I sat there, staring at my phone like an idiot, waiting for it to buzz. For him to text me, call or do something that proved he still cared.
Maybe he'd been trying to reach me all this time and couldn't because I'd blocked him.
The morning passed. I called Rosalind Park and left a message. I filled out three job applications, showered and changed into jeans and a sweater.
By the time I was ready to leave for lunch with Damon, it was 12:30 PM. Lucien still hadn't texted.
Of course he hadn't. He was probably busy choosing flowers, tasting cakes and all the things fiancés do. I grabbed my purse and headed for the door.
Maya had already returned from her early morning shift at the store.
"Heading out?" she asked without looking up from her phone.
"Lunch with Damon."
"Cool. Hey, about last night-"
"It's fine, Maya."
"No, not that." She kept her phone face down and looked at me. "About the engagement party, I think you should really go. I've been thinking about it all morning. You need closure. You need to see him and hear whatever bullshit excuse he has. Then you can decide if you want to move on or not."
I sank onto the couch, studying her face. Her words... maybe it was my paranoia, but they felt off, not genuine.
"Why do I keep getting the feeling that you're more on Lucien's side than mine?"