Chapter 16 - Chapter 14

It was just another Monday evening for Gianna. Her mind was in turmoil as she entered her apartment, barely able to stand still. She made her way to her room and collapsed, utterly drained both physically and emotionally. She couldn't fathom why she had these confusing feelings for Callum. That kiss had to be a mistake; it couldn't possibly mean anything more.

Callum had stormed into her life like a whirlwind. She hadn't mustered the courage to confront him about that fateful night they met. Was she afraid he'd have a valid explanation? But deep down, she knew her resentment toward Callum Black wasn't in vain. He still found ways to intimidate her, exploiting her past, and for that, she held a grudge, regardless of the reasons.

Her eyes grew heavy, and a throbbing headache set in as she rose to take a shower before bedtime. It was only 11:30 PM, and they had been at the gathering for just over two hours, yet it had been a whirlwind of madness. She stepped into the shower, relishing the soothing warmth of the water, hoping it would wash away the events of the night.

As she finished her shower and settled in for the night, all Gianna could think about was the dread of encountering Callum again. It made her stomach churn.

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When morning finally arrived, getting out of bed felt like struggling through quicksand. Her body felt heavy, and the mild headache from the previous night had escalated into a fierce one. Squinting, she reached for some pain medication.

Summoning every ounce of strength, Gianna prepared herself for work and hailed a cab to get there. Stepping outside, she felt a slight chill in the air, wrapping her cardigan tightly around her. Her mind drifted back to the previous night when she had entered an SUV with Callum Black.

Perhaps it wasn't her wisest decision, but she doubted it would be her last.

Flagging down a taxi, she was fortunate that the driver noticed her and pulled over. Once inside the cab, Gianna took out her phone.

Gianna: Hey, sorry for not responding... What do you mean, my dance partner?

She intended to play it off as ignorance. Just as she was about to put her phone away, a text notification popped up. Her friend was quick to reply.

Amy: I don't buy it! You were dancing with Callum Black!! And Mads claims she saw you two getting intimate by the bathrooms... YOU have a lot of explaining to do.

Oh, no...

Gianna: It was a mistake.

Amy: Mistake my ass. I'm coming over tonight to discuss, and you better not lie to me. I want all the details!!

Gianna: I suppose I saw that coming. See you tonight.

Amy responded with a middle finger emoji, true to her expressive nature.

Arriving at her building, Gianna stepped out, thanked the driver, and paid him. She walked up to the front doors of her publishing company, relishing the warmth and relief from the biting cold outside. Winter was just beginning, and she already despised it.

Passing by Mia, she gave her a smile and headed to her desk, ready to start the day. At least today, she didn't have to worry about the evening program and could fully focus on her tasks without having to cut them short.