CHAPTER 3
1294 Words
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I groaned softly as I blinked my eyes open, the throbbing pain in my head making me wince. The sunlight streaming through the curtains was too bright, and I squinted against it, trying to piece together where I was. The room was unfamiliar, a stark contrast to my own tastefully decorated apartment.
I shifted slightly, feeling the ache of a night spent in an awkward position. As I moved, I realized with a jolt that I wasn’t alone. My eyes widened in horror and The weight of an arm draped over my waist made my heart race.
Turning my head slowly, I witnessed a man lying next to me , his face partially hidden beneath the blankets.
“s**t,”
I muttered under her breath, the events of the previous night flooding back in hazy fragments. The bar, the drinks, the intense encounter , the make-out- But how had I ended up here? I cursed myself silently for letting things get so out of hand.
Carefully, I lifted the man’s arm and slipped out of bed, doing my best not to wake him. My head pounded with each movement, the hangover making every sound and sensation feel amplified. I noticed the man’s stiff bare back and gulped the lump formed in my throat. What the f**k did i do ?
I glanced around the room, spotting her shoes and clutch discarded near the door.
My dress was wrinkled, hanging off one shoulder, a stark reminder of the previous night’s passion. I knew nothing happened but how the f**k did I end up naked?
I ran a hand through my tousled hair, trying to make myself somewhat presentable. The man stirred slightly, and I froze, holding my breath until he settled back into a deep sleep.
Without another glance, I tiptoed to the door, my bare feet making no sound on the plush carpet. I grabbed my shoes and clutch, then hesitated for a moment, a pang of regret hitting me. But the need to escape was stronger.
I quickly changed into my dress and quietly slipped out of the bedroom and into a spacious living area. It all felt too luxurious. The apartment was as stylish as the bedroom, filled with sleek furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. It was clear that whoever he was, he lived a life of luxury.
I didn’t waste any more time. I found the front door and slipped out into the hallway, breathing a sigh of relief once I was outside. My heart was still racing, and I felt a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. How had I let myself end up in this situation?
If dad found out about it , I would be f*****g aware of the consequences. My dad was not going to like it.
As I hurried down the corridor, I vowed to myself that this was the last time I would let a night out end like this. I had too much at stake, too much to lose. I needed to regain control, both of my life and my decisions.
Stepping out onto the street, I took a deep breath of the cool morning air. I glanced around, orienting myself and flagging down a cab. As I climbed into the back seat, I gave the driver my address and leaned back, closing my eyes.
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I stopped inside my home and a sigh escaped my lips. I was relieved to find no one home. My heart beat relaxed as a proud smile on my lips.
I dropped my purse and heels on the floor , stepped out of them and spun around. Yes , I was alone. Finally-
I turned around and all of a sudden my eyes fell on a figure standing on top of the staircase.
My heart sank as my smile slowly fell.
I saw him.
My .
Dad .
His expression stern and tired.
My heart sank in the pit of my stomach. I hadn’t expected him to be here, especially not after such a long night out.
“ Eleanor,”
He said, his voice a mix of worry and frustration and i knew this was over for me.
“Where have you been? Do you have any idea what time it is?”
“Dad, I—”
I began, but he cut me off, not letting me give any excuse.
“ Staying out all night, not answering your phone – this is unacceptable. I can’t believe you would be so irresponsible.”
Hearing his words, my temper flared.
“I was with friends. I’m an adult, you know. I don’t need to check in with you every hour.”
My father’s eyes flashed with anger.
“You might be an adult, but you still live under my roof. And as long as you do, you’ll follow my rules. You didn’t even think to call or text. I was worried sick.”
I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms defensively. So now he realized he had a daughter. “Worried? Or just trying to control me like always?”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like that,”
he snapped back at me making me scoff.
“You have no idea what it’s like to stay up all night wondering if your daughter is safe.”
“I told you, I was with friends. Nothing happened.”
“That’s not the point, Eleanor . This city can be dangerous, especially at night, and I don’t need any scandals. From now on, I’ve arranged for a bodyguard to stay with you. He’ll be here shortly.”
I knew he was worried about his reputation in the industry, but my jaw dropped as i took in his last sentence. “A bodyguard? Are you serious? This is ridiculous!”
“I’m very serious. I want you to be safe, and if that means hiring a bodyguard, then so be it.”
“You can’t just dictate my life like this,”
I said, my voice rising.
“I have my own life, my own decisions to make.”
“Then start making better ones!”
he retorted.
“Staying out all night, not communicating – that’s not responsible behavior.”
I clenched her fists, trying to keep my voice steady.
“I don’t need a babysitter. I can take care of myself.”
“You clearly can’t.”
He said, his tone softening slightly.
“I’m doing this because I care about you, Eleanor . I can’t bear the thought of something happening to you.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
“ Now you realize that you have a daughter ? “
“ Eleanor- “
“This is too much. A bodyguard? It’s over the top.”
“Maybe it is,”
he admitted.
“But until you can show me that you can be responsible and take care of yourself, this is how it’s going to be.”
I shook my head, my anger giving way to a feeling of helplessness. After all, he was the one with more power and control, and now he was throwing a bodyguard on me who was going to control me just like he did, but i had something else planned for mine.
“Fine. Whatever. Do what you want.”
I turned and stomped down the hallway to my bedroom. I slammed the door behind me, throwing myself onto the bed. My thoughts churned with frustration as I tried to process the night’s events and my father’s unexpected presence.
“ I will f*****g see you myself, Mr. Bodyguard “
- Writer
