Following day, I woke up with a severe headache and an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I remembered everything that happened last night in Eva's party. From me getting drunk, Ryder being oddly friendly— to the amazing fight between Leo and Ryder. Leo had beat the shit out of him. When I was woozy he was the one who brought me home. I wondered why he did that. Why he cared for me when he'd been fucking his old shagmate for all this time?

I didn't have any idea what the hell was going on in my life. First, he acted so sweet and caring like a Prince Charming and then he got back to his original mode. Banging Erica behind my back. And now, again, he was caring towards me. Why he was so complicated?

I flung off the sheets and noticed a red stain. Bloody hell.

I showered leisurely and put on my favourite red pajamas with a reindeer print over it.

Once I stepped out of the bathroom I disposed the previous dirty sheets and replaced them with the new one. I groaned as cramping pain started in my lower abdomen. It normally happens during every cycle. Fortunately, my cycle lasts for 3-4 days.

As I slipped between the sheets, a soft knock approached me. Luke's head popped in followed by his whole body.

"Hey. You okay?" He asked. Concern laced in his voice. He never liked the idea of me drinking.

I nodded slowly, "A bit woozy."

He gave me a nod and continued, "I'm going out with Tessa. Remember I told you about her the other day?" I hmm'ed and he continued further, "She wants me to take her to Opera so I might be late tonight. You need anything before I leave?"

"No. I'm good." I assured him. It's good that one of us is happy in love life. "Enjoy your date, brother. I'm happy for you."

He grinned before leaving, "Thanks, sis."

I pulled the sheets over my face and snuggled deep into the pillow. Who needs a boyfriend when you've a warm and cozy pillow?

I was about to fall asleep when my phone began ringing. I groaned and picked up the call.

"Oh sweetie, Your dad showed me the newspaper this morning. We got so worried about you, baby. How are you doing?" Mom sounded so worried.

I sat up straight and rubbed my head. News like this spread like a wind in this world. "Umm..yeah, mom. I'm fine. Don't worry about me. It was just a normal fight. Nobody got hurt." I tried to keep my tone in control even if I was on a verge of breaking. I couldn't let her witness the another heartbreak of my life. I'd tell her soon but not now. Though my mom was very diplomatic. I remembered how She handled my breakup with Ryder. Mom and dad accepted him and He became a part of our family. Yet, Mom consoled me that I'd find my Prince Charming soon. I'd find love again. And when I really found the love of my life, she was so happy and excited to welcome him in the family. That's why, If I tell her that Leo ditched me as well she'd be crestfallen. She's my mom and she wants to see me happy.

"Oh..." Mom said. "That's a good thing. Your dad and I are so worried about your love life, Sweetie. Specially your dad. He keeps asking me about Leo. You know you're his princess. He doesn't want you to get hurt again. Oh....he still has your grandma's stick to beat that son of a bachelor. He hates Ryder for being a jerk to you."

I sighed. They still hate Ryder for what he did to me. Off course they'd never forget it. So do I. But I also couldn't deny the fact that he fought with Leo for me. Ryder was the only one who was there for me when I needed someone to give me a shoulder to cry on.

"For now, Forget about the boys mom. Tell me how are you doing?"

"Oh, I'd been on beach with molly, Hannah, savita, Ashley and Rachel this Sunday." She giggled, "I wore the sexy green bikini that we'd bought from walmart last year."

"Wow, mom. Did you kill any guy?" I chuckled with her. Talking with mom had pacified the storm inside me.

"Oh, honey. You won't believe. There was this guy who complimented me. I was flushed. You should've seen molly, Hannah, savita, Ashley and Rachel's face."

We'd talked further more about ordinary things—our bakery, dad's health, and obviously Luke's new girlfriend when mom asked, "You're bringing Leo with you on thanksgiving, right?"

"No, Mom. He's a busy man. He doesn't have time for a day that comes every year." I managed to lie. It would be better if they won't meet Leo anymore. I didn't want them to grow a soft spot for him. It'd only make them hard to believe that he's an asshole.

"Oh..." she sounded disappointed. "I hoped he'd join us. It's kind of family thing you know. Luke's girlfriend Tessa will be there too."

"I'm afraid he won't be able to make it, Mom."

"It's okay, sweetie. You're coming, and that's enough for us. Your dad and I miss you so much."

"I miss you too, mom."

I hung up the call and was going to put the phone on bedside table when it rang again.

His name flashed on the screen and I swallowed a knot in my throat.

***

Depressed, hopeless, anguished—That what I'd been feeling since the day Jane mistaken me with Erica. Erica was a complete bitch. It was all a part of her evil plan.

I was daunted by Jane's current condition. She was clearly heartbroken. So was I. Seeing her like this—distressed, broken and drunk, a desperate sadness enveloped me. I'd been willing to tell her the truth. Tell her that she's the only woman I got eyes for. I'd been yearning to unveil everything to her.

But a little part of me made me pessimistic about the prospects. What if she'd see me as a coward after hearing my confession? She might quit the Job. I couldn't tell her about my past. Not now. This wasn't appropriate time for that. I didn't want her to leave me. But soon I'd tell everything to her. Someday she'd understand.

As I passed her office, I noticed the door was locked. She wasn't at work yet. She might've been feeling woozy after last night. The alcohol she had consumed the other night might've been showing the worst aftermath.

"She's at home today - she's having a day off." Eva acknowledged from her desk noticing my persistent gaze at Jane's door. "Thanks to you. You've managed to play with her poor heart." I twitched my lips and sauntered to her. She was being judgmental today.

"I know. And I'll do everything to get her back." I locked her gaze with mine as every word that came out of my mouth held sheer sincerity.

She nodded, "I hope you do. Fix it before you ruin everything."

I promised her that I'd fix everything even if I had to risk this relationship. Surely, there was no way she'd accept me after hearing my my past. I was furtive initially but not anymore. She had every right to know about me.

I went to my office and called her. She picked up on third ring.

"Mr Vincenzo, You need anything? I've made sure Eva will assist you today before taking a day off."

She was still on her PA mode. Damn Erica. She had managed to create a wall between us.

"How are you feeling?" I asked softly.

"That's not a question you should ask, Mr Vincenzo. On your record, you're not my boyfriend anymore. Our deal ended when I caught Mrs Hans performing Fellatio on you." She said with bitterness in her tone.

"The last time I checked it was you who performed an amazing fellatio on me." I countered with a smirk. There was a pregnant silence before I continued, "She never sucked my cock. I'd never let her or anyone do that except you. It was all Erica's plan. She used her trump card when I was vulnerable. She made it seemed like we're having oral sex."

"You're lying." She said after hearing me.

"I'm not, I swear. I can explain you from the beginning. Believe me, baby. I swear to my dead parents. This is the truth."

"Hmm...." She sounded like she was contemplating about something. "Tell me everything when I'm at work tomorrow."

I heaved a sigh of relief, "Thank you, baby. Thank you so much. You're very kind."

"Hmm...and with everything......I mean everything."

I knew what she'd meant. She wanted me to acquaint her with my past.

"Sure, Baby."