~Kate's POV~
I looked at the small diamond ring on my finger—the ring Brad, my fiancé, had proposed with a week ago during a private dinner. Although it was a bit bigger than my ring finger, that didn't dull its beauty. I was still admiring it when I heard my door open.
"Do you want to burn a hole in that ring with your stare?"
"Hi, Mom," I said with a forced smile.
She humphed and walked toward me.
"Let me see," she said, grabbing my left hand. "He couldn't even get your ring size right. Are you sure you want to marry him?"
"It's the thought that counts. The ring is quite expensive. He loves me enough to almost break the bank for it—and yes, I want to marry him."
"Are you sure it's not fake?"
"Mum, to what do I owe the pleasure? You hardly ever come visiting." I changed the topic; I just wasn't in the mood today.
"I was passing through and thought I'd say a quick hi before traveling for my vacation."
"That's…"
"You're looking very skinny. Are you even eating?" she interrupted. "And your hair—when was the last time you went to the salon? You know Brad is surrounded by a lot of beautiful women. You need to amp up your looks so he stays glued to you forever. God knows most men fall at the feet of beautiful women."
"Are you saying I'm not as beautiful as the women surrounding him? I look like you, you know?"
She walked to my fridge and shrugged. "I wouldn't say exactly like me, darling. You, unfortunately, have your father's genes somewhere in there—and well, he's not much to look at."
"You slept with him, didn't you? And knowing you, you hate anything below average. Brad loves me for me. He tells me I'm beautiful every time."
"Men have sweet mouths," she muttered. "Anyway, have you picked a wedding date? When you go for your fitting, I must come along. Your fashion sense is kind of sad."
I'd had enough. My day was just starting, and I didn't need this. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration.
"Mom, I need to get to work. Aren't you traveling?"
"My flight is in four hours, and the airport isn't far from here."
"Well, I really need to go. Have a safe trip." I gestured toward her bag on the kitchen counter.
"Are you chasing me out of your home?" she asked, placing a hand dramatically on her chest.
"Of course not. I just don't want to be late. I promise to text you everything—you won't miss a thing." I picked up her bag and handed it to her. "You know I love you, right?"
"Well, I have other important engagements anyway. I'd better leave since my daughter obviously doesn't want me in her home." She got to the door, looked back, and added, "Don't forget—men are scum. Your father is a clear example of that."
"Brad is not my father, and not all men are like him. Bye, Mom."
"Keep telling yourself that, sweetheart. Denial looks cute on you."
I glowered as she waved and left.
My mother was really a lot. I turned toward the TV, about to switch it off, but stopped when the news flashed another scandal about billionaire heir Jack Reeves of the Reeves Empire.
"This guy again?" I muttered under my breath.
The reporter continued, "Jack Reeves, CEO of the Reeves Empire, was seen leaving a luxury suite with a married woman last night—"
"Unbelievable," I said. "Can't these men keep their pants on?"
It was men like him—and my father—that made my mother believe all men were scum.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a message:
Meet me at the Reeves Hotel, Room 502, at 8 p.m. I have a surprise for you.*m
I smiled, my mood instantly lifting. I couldn't wait to see what Brad had planned.
So excited. Can't wait! I love you.
I waited for a reply but didn't get one.
'Probably busy again,' I thought, sighing. "You better make up for this silence with roses and champagne, mister."
I took a shower and got ready for my job as a secretary. Running late—as usual—and living in New York didn't help.
"Taxi!" I yelled, waving frantically as one sped past. "Seriously?"
Rush hour traffic made it worse, and I arrived at work later than ever. I just hoped my boss wouldn't notice.
After work, I got ready for my special evening with Brad and said my goodbyes to my colleagues.
"You're looking fantastic, Miss Hunt," the company's security guard said as I walked past.
"Oh, thank you, James," I replied, blushing as I waved goodbye.
"Hot date?" he teased.
"Something like that," I grinned, clutching my purse.
Realizing I was already running late, I texted Brad to let him know.
By the time I arrived at the hotel, it was almost an hour past our meeting time.
"Room 502," I whispered, scanning the corridor. "Please let this be romantic, not awkward."
I hurried into the elevator and went straight to Room 502. The door was slightly ajar.
"Brad?" I called softly, pushing it open.
Then my blood ran cold.
Brad. Naked. Drenched in sweat even with the AC on. On top of a woman whose face I couldn't see—only her black hair sprawled across the pillows, her hands gripping the sheets and her toes curled. Their ragged breathing and the sound of their bodies moving in a heated rhythm filled the room. Her moans and Brad's grunts echoing as he thrust into her eagerly.
"Brad!" I screamed.
He froze.
Her moans died instantly as his head snapped toward me. His face morphed from pleasure to panic and pure guilt.
"Kate—wait, I—"
Then I saw her face. Becca John.
"You?" My voice trembled. "You told me she was just a friend!"
"Kate, what are you doing here? It's not what it looks like."
"Not what it looks like?" I hissed. "Then what should it look like, huh? You tripped and fell into her?"
Becca sat up lazily, wrapping the sheets around herself. "Oh please, Kate. Don't act so shocked. You must've known. The way he looks at me at the office—everyone does."
"Shut up, Becca!" Brad barked.
"No, Brad," I snapped. "Let her speak. Apparently, I've been dating a liar."
"Kate, I can explain. I swear it wasn't planned—"
"Wasn't planned?" I cut in, tears burning my eyes. "You planned a proposal, Brad. You planned a future with me. Was all of that fake too?"
Becca smirked. "I just thought it was time she knew. We've been at this for a very long time."
"You did this?" Brad's nostrils flared.
I let out a shaky laugh. "You two deserve each other."
I turned and ran, ignoring his voice calling after me.
"Kate! Please, wait!"
The elevator doors shut before he could reach me. My reflection stared back—mascara smudged, heart broken.
By the time I reached the lobby, I was sobbing uncontrollably.
As I wiped my tears, I collided with someone. I looked up, ready to apologize—and froze.
It was Jack Reeves in a hoodie, the billionaire heir and owner of the very hotel I was in. He gripped my arms to steady me.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.
"I—uh—I'm sorry. I wasn't looking—"
He studied my tear-streaked face. "You're crying."
"I'm fine. Really. I just… had the worst day of my life."
"Clearly," he said gently. "Do you need me to call someone?"
Before I could respond, Brad's voice thundered from behind.
"Kate!"
I froze. Jack's brows furrowed.
"So I mess up, and you go fall into another man's arms?" Brad spat, his tone laced with jealousy.
"What? How dare you, Brad Klein? You must be out of your damn mind!" I snapped, pulling away from Jack.
Jack stepped between us slightly. "Is this man bothering you?"
"He's my fiancé," I said bitterly. "Or he was five minutes ago."
Brad's face twisted. "Kate, please, just let me explain—"
I yanked off my ring and hurled it at him. "Here's your explanation, asshole!"
It hit his chest and clattered to the marble floor.
Turning back to Jack, I stammered, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Reeves," and bolted out of the hotel like hell was chasing me.
"Kate!" Brad called again. I was so out of it that I didn't see the garbage truck in time.
There was a sharp pain, a loud snap, and I was thrown off my feet.
The pain was unbearable. I couldn't move. Voices echoed in the distance—someone calling my name desperately.
"Call an ambulance!"
"Miss, can you hear me?"
I couldn't believe this was how my story would end—after finding my fiancé cheating on me. My last thought before everything went dark was that my mother was right.