Chapter 52 The Club?
That evening, Rebecca sat alone in the bedroom.
The room was quiet, except for the soft sound of the air conditioner humming in the background. The lights were dim, and only the bedside lamp was on, casting a warm glow across the bed. She had already taken her shower and changed into her nightwear. Her hair was slightly damp, and she had tied it loosely at the back.
Derek had still not returned.
She sat on the bed with her back against the headboard, her legs stretched out comfortably. Her phone was in her hand as she scrolled aimlessly through social media, but her mind was not really there. Every few minutes, she checked the time, then sighed and continued scrolling.
He should be home by now, she thought.
She didn’t know why the thought bothered her so much, but it did. It made her chest feel tight in a way she couldn’t explain.
After a while, she locked her phone and placed it beside her on the bed. She leaned her head back against the headboard and stared up at the ceiling, letting her thoughts drift.
Her mind returned to the events of the day walking into Derek’s office, the way people stared at her, the shock on his face when he saw her standing there. She remembered the meeting, the contract, and how naturally she had slipped into helping him. She remembered the look in his eyes, the way he had looked at her like she actually mattered.
Then her thoughts darkened as Liam’s face crossed her mind.
That part almost ruined her day.
Her phone suddenly rang, breaking her out of her thoughts.
She reached for it quickly, expecting to see Derek’s name. Instead, she smiled when she saw Amelia calling.
"Hey," she said, her voice still carrying a soft warmth from the events of the day.
"So?" Amelia’s voice came through excitedly. "How far did you go with surprising your husband?"
Rebecca chuckled softly as she adjusted herself on the bed. "You don’t even greet me anymore. That’s the first thing you ask?"
Amelia laughed. "Of course. I helped you plan it, remember? I need a full report."
She took a deep breath but she began to explain. "Well, I went to his office with the snacks like we planned. People kept staring at me. It was embarrassing."
"That means it worked," Amelia teased. "What about Derek?."
Rebecca shook her head with a small smile. "He was shocked. Like… really shocked. I think he didn’t even know how to react at first." She said as she thought back to his expression when she had walked in, the surprise on his face as if she was the last person he had been expecting.
"And?" Amelia urged. "Did he like it?"
"He did," Rebecca replied. "More than I expected. And something else happened too."
Amelia’s curiosity sharpened. "What?"
Rebecca briefly explained about the meeting, Mr. Collins, and how she ended up sitting in and helping Derek close the deal.
Amelia gasped after she was done explaining. "Rebecca! You’re already acting like his real wife."
Rebecca laughed. “Stop it. It just happened. I was there when he needed help, that’s all.”
"I’m serious," Amelia said. "That’s a big step."
Rebecca smiled but said nothing. She leaned back against the headboard, holding the phone loosely to her ear. “What about you? What are you doing tonight?”
Amelia hesitated, before replying, "I’m going to the club."
Rebecca raised an eyebrow even though Amelia couldn’t see her. "The club? For what exactly?"
"To look for a husband," Amelia said jokingly.
Rebecca burst out laughing. "In a club? Amelia, please. How do you expect to find a responsible husband in a club?"
There was a short silence then Amelia laughed too. "You’re right. Completely right."
"Exactly," Rebecca said, amused. "Most of them are there to drink, dance, and forget their responsibilities."
Amelia sighed dramatically. 'Fine. No husband hunting.
"Good decision," Rebecca teased.
"But," Amelia added, her voice dropping into a playful, mischievous tone, "I might just find someone to get me laid."
Rebecca nearly choked as she burst out in laughter. "Amelia!"
"What?" Amelia laughed. "It’s been ages, Rebecca. AGES."
"You're impossible," she said, trying to control her laughter.
"I’m serious," Amelia said. "A girl has needs."
Rebecca shook her head, smiling. "Just be careful."
"I will," Amelia replied. "I’m going to get ready now."
"Alright," Rebecca said. "Text me when you get there."
"I will," Amelia promised. "And later, you’ll tell me everything about Derek."
Rebecca smiled softly. "Okay."
They ended the call, both laughing.
After the call ended, Rebecca placed her phone back on the bed and slowly lay down, pulling the blanket up to her chest. The room fell silent again, quieter than before.
She turned her head toward the bedroom door, listening, hoping to hear footsteps.
She didn’t know when it happened, but somewhere along the way, she had started to care more than she wanted to admit.
And that scared her.