Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 3 A Secret Revealed

“What is it? Why do you suddenly look so serious?” Holly asked.

Erin looked at her hesitantly for a few seconds before saying, “Eugene was interested in me when we were still in university, but the feeling wasn’t mutual.”

Holly laughed. “Oh, I know—he told me all about it on our wedding day. Anyway, we didn’t know each other then. Don’t let it bother you.”

“That’s not what I wanted to tell you.” Erin frowned.

Her expression made Holly a little nervous. “I hope you aren’t about to give me a heart attack. Don’t tell me there’s something going on between you and him—there’s no way I’ll be able to withstand a double betrayal.”

Erin shook her head with a sigh. “I went on a business trip three months ago to attend a designers’ forum, and we all had some drinks during dinner. You know how well I hold my liquor, so I was barely upright when we got back to the hotel. I ran into Eugene in the elevator; he was there for a business deal. He volunteered to help me back to my room, and I agreed without really thinking about it. When we were in my room, he…he tried to take advantage of me. I was scared out of my wits and wanted to call you, but I pressed the wrong button and recorded the whole thing instead.” Then, she located the recording and played it.

Holly’s eyes were steely, but she didn’t say anything, allowing the recording to tell her the ugly truth.

The recording started with Eugene’s voice. He said, “Erin, we were brought together by fate; I want you to become my woman tonight!”

Erin cried, “Let go of me, you bastard! Let go!”

Eugene murmured, “You’re gorgeous…”

go, or I’ll

let me

from me, or I’ll tell

a chaste virgin, Erin! It’s

with the sound of a door slamming shut. At this moment, Erin couldn’t help feeling anxious. She scrutinized Holly’s expression, trying to decipher how she felt

two cigarettes. Erin waited for her to say something. She was terrified that the

throughout this mess! I’ve had enough of Eugene’s scumbag ways, and he’s crossed the line by getting ideas about you. You should prepare to divorce Ian, and I’ll move out once I sign

threw her arms around Holly and cried,

the blame on you? I suppose this solidifies our

to Ian tonight, so wait for my update. I’ll get this divorce over

to affect my lifestyle. Once you

and said, “I don’t have anywhere to go, so can I go to your place for now? I have to wait till night falls

what’s mine is yours. How about this—I’ll spend the night outside with you, and we can stay

warmed by Holly’s unconditional support, and the prospect of divorce wasn’t that daunting

…

man seated in the president’s office on the top floor of the building was flicking through a document. It was a brief report on Erin’s

Wait, she was married?

at the clouds floating by, a trace

to work.” He turned to leave and opened the door to be greeted by the sight of a handsome

you,” the man

nodded. “You’re welcome, Mr. Dunn.”

curiosity as he plopped onto the leather sofa, swinging his Lamborghini’s keys around. He said teasingly, “I heard a certain someone stole one of Twilight’s customers last night. You made the