I shot upright, blinded by the harsh sunlight. Pain instantly throbbed in my head, and I groaned. How much did I drink last night? My head was pounding like crazy.
Frowning, I noticed my clothes had changed. I scanned the room, my heart racing as panic set in. This room… wasn't familiar. Shit. Where was I? What happened last night? My throat went dry as I reached for my phone.
Twenty-eight missed calls. Fifteen messages—from my cousin. Shit. I tugged at my hair. What did I do last night, Gianna? Who was I with?
I tried calling her, but she didn't pick up. I had no idea where I was or how I could get home. I paced the room over and over, calling Gael repeatedly.
"Pick up!" I shouted, panic rising.
Then I heard footsteps approaching. Shit. What now?
I bolted to another door. The bathroom. Slamming it shut and locking it, I grabbed a toothbrush. The tip was slightly pointed. Just in case… I thought, ready to defend myself.
The shadow of a man appeared at the door. He was about to open it when suddenly, his phone rang.
"Hello? Fine. I'll be there in a minute," he said.
Wait… that voice. I froze, toothbrush still in hand. Then the footsteps receded, and the door clicked shut.
Exhaling shakily, I left the bathroom. My clothes… gone. No choice—I had to leave the room with just my phone.
The hallway stretched before me, a high staircase leading downward. Empty. Silent.
"Good morning," a voice said behind me.
"Ah—!" I almost jumped out of my skin. An older woman stood there in a slightly dirty apron.
"Are you hungry, Ms. Gianna?" she asked, smiling.
She… knew me? Where was I?
"Uh… where am I?" I stammered.
She smiled. "Come, ma'am, breakfast is ready." She led the way.
"Oh, Sir L asked me to tell you he can't join you for breakfast today. He has something to take care of at work," she added casually.
"Sir… L? I don't even know where I am! Help me, please—"
Then I noticed my outfit again. She laughed. Laughing at what?
"Where's my clothes?" I demanded.
"I washed them, ma'am… now, sit. You must eat first. Sir L will scold me if you leave hungry," she said cheerfully.
"But, ma'am—"
"I'll take care of your clothes later. Just eat," she insisted.
Shit, Gianna. How did I even get here?
I didn't want to eat, but my stomach growled relentlessly. Fine. I grabbed some food.
Biting into my meal, memories hit me—Francis, the house, last night. I looked around and choked. Where… am I?
"Are you done, ma'am?" the woman asked.
"Um… whose house is this?" I asked nervously.
"Sir L's, ma'am," she said, smiling.
"What's his full name?" I asked, heart racing.
She seemed confused. "Sir… Francis Locan—"
I leapt to my feet.
Shit! I'm at Francis' house?!
What the hell am I doing here? Memories of last night flooded back. I stumbled backward, covering my mouth. Shit! Oh my God… we kissed! Tangina, Gianna!
I bolted for the door.
"Wait, ma'am Gianna!" the woman called.
"Where's my outfit?" I demanded.
"Just a moment! I'll get it!" she replied, rushing off.
I called Gael immediately. Still no answer. What the hell was she doing?!
Here comes the woman, carrying my clothes in a small bag.
"I have to go," I said, grabbing them.
"Just a moment, ma'am Gianna!"
"Sorry, I have to leave! Thank you!" I shouted, practically running out.
Back at my apartment, I changed quickly, still in shock. I stared at my reflection, reliving last night. Shit. I touched my lips.
Why did you kiss him, Gianna? Ugh! Why, self?! I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. What face could I even show him now? Damn it!
I stomped around, tugging at my hair in frustration.
Am I going crazy, Gianna?
The worst part—I didn't remember most of what I said. All I remembered… was the kiss. And nothing else.
Wait… did anything else happen?
"Ahhh!" I pulled at my hair again. "Nothing! Nothing happened! Absolutely nothing!"
"Are you going crazy?"
I turned to see the bedroom door open. Jasmin, one of my housemates, walked in.
"You just got home, and you're losing it? What happened?" she asked, plopping down on the bed.
I fixed myself. "Nothing."
"Sure… who are you kidding? I know that look. Trouble with your boyfriend?"
"Uh… I don't have a boyfriend," I said, annoyed.
She stood, rifling through my clothes. "Then why's he sending food here all the time? Sugar daddy?" she teased.
"That's not… he's not my boyfriend!" I snapped.
"Okay, okay," she grinned. "Anyway, can I borrow this? I have somewhere to go."
She left with my clothes, and I sat on the bed, fuming.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
Then my phone rang. Hesitating, I saw who it was. Of course, it was him.
I answered, but didn't say a word.
"You don't need to come in today… just take a rest. We'll talk tomorrow," he said, then hung up.
We'll talk tomorrow? Shit. What the hell does that mean?!