Chapter 7: After the Fall

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tall figure.

I turned and locked eyes with Eric’s cold, handsome face. He looked as stunned as I felt, his mouth parted like he was about to say something but couldn’t find the words.

He noticed the tears on my cheeks and looked stunned. For the first time, his cool exterior cracked, and I saw a flicker of real emotion—surprise, concern, maybe even anger on my behalf.

He glanced over at Jason and must have seen everything. His jaw tightened, and for a second, I thought he might actually punch Jason.

“You…”

For once, his face showed something other than indifference.

I quickly wiped my tears away. My hands shook, but I forced myself to steady them. I didn’t want to be seen as weak—not by Jason, and not by Eric.

A reckless thought flashed through my mind. I couldn’t let Jason’s words be the last thing echoing in my head.

The next second, I grabbed his hand and pulled him into a nearby lounge. It was one of those hotel business rooms, dimly lit and filled with overstuffed chairs and the faint scent of stale coffee.

The door closed behind us.

I pressed Eric against the back of the door, standing on tiptoe to reach his shoulders. My breath came out in nervous gasps, but I held his gaze.

“Do me a favor, okay?”

“What?”

Eric looked a bit surprised. For the first time, he seemed unsure of himself, his usual calm shaken.

After a moment’s hesitation, I gathered my courage and kissed him.

Just like last time, Eric didn’t respond at first. He was still, caught off guard, his hands hanging awkwardly at his sides.

But just as I was about to pull away in embarrassment, he suddenly kissed me back. The force of it stunned me, stealing the air from my lungs.

Emboldened, I closed my eyes and kissed him with all my heart. I pressed closer, letting the pain and betrayal of the night melt into something reckless and real.

I don’t know how long it lasted. When I finally let go, I was panting for breath. My lipstick was probably smudged, my hair a mess, but for once I didn’t care.

Looking up, I boldly asked, “How does it feel to kiss me?”

Eric chuckled, a mischievous glint in his stunning eyes. His lips curved into a slow, crooked smile I’d never seen before.

“What exactly do you want to confirm from me?”

I nervously clenched my hands. I could still hear Jason’s voice, mocking me, calling me cold, boring—a block of wood.

“Like a block of wood? Did you find it boring?”

Jason’s words from earlier echoed in my mind like a curse.

“So, you’re using me to get back at Jason?”

My intentions were obvious, and Eric saw right through them. He tilted his head, his gaze sharp but not unkind.

I felt awkward and embarrassed. The rush of adrenaline faded, leaving me raw and exposed. My cheeks burned, but I couldn’t look away.

It was just a moment of impulse, but now that I’d calmed down, I realized how childish I’d been. I opened my mouth to apologize, but no words came out.

Just as I was about to pull away, an arm circled my waist.

“Then I… should get a reward too.”

Eric’s kiss descended again. This time, there was nothing cold or aloof about him. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of us tangled together under the dim hotel light, rewriting the story I thought I knew.

Somewhere in the distance, I heard the party’s laughter. But in that room, everything was about to change—for both of us.