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…”

me go, or I’ll

let me

Eugene! Get away from me, or

chaste virgin, Erin!

ended 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 about this. She’d kept this

them, Holly made her way through two cigarettes. Erin waited for her to say something. She was terrified that the recording would put an end

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

She threw her arms around

push the blame on you? I suppose this solidifies our friendship that

update. I’ll get this divorce over

so getting divorced isn’t going to affect my lifestyle. Once you move out, you can pick any

don’t have anywhere to go, so can

spend the night outside with you, and we

Let’s do just that!” Erin was warmed by Holly’s unconditional support, and the prospect of divorce wasn’t that daunting anymore—trying to keep a man who no longer loved her

…

commerce hub, a tall building stood out among the other buildings in the concrete jungle—it belonged to Frost Corporation, the largest corporation in Azores. At this moment, the 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 background, which indicated she was 25 this year and married. It also mentioned that she worked for a company called Eastside

Wait, she was married?

floating by, a trace of iciness flashing in

I’ll get back to work.” He turned to leave and

thank you,”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Dunn.” He shut the door

Lamborghini’s keys around. He said teasingly, “I heard a certain someone stole one of Twilight’s customers last