*
*
Faith went to work the next day and also the day after that.
No one but Natalie knew about her break up with Dan, it wasn't even as though she had other friends anyway.
It was important for her that Sterling Hunter knew nothing about it, she only told him about her relationship less than a week ago and now she was back to single?
Would he think that she was an irresponsible person?
Why should his personal opinion even matter to her?
But it did.
The last three days had been quite lonely for Faith, it didn't help that Natalie seemed to be distant from her all of a sudden.
Faith couldn't help but miss her family. Her brother's college exams were around the corner, she didn't want to distract him in any way.
Faith also talked to her mother, the poor woman was always worried about the costs of her medications, feeding, and housing solely being on Faith. Faith had to assure her that the bonus she received from the company was more than enough to cover all the fees, that she would even have enough to spend on herself after all the monthly expenses.
Another day went past, it wasn't until Friday evening that Faith walked into her favorite restaurant, she didn't expect to bump into Dan as he was coming out.
He wasn't alone.
Faith was shocked to see Natalie with him, she had her arm around Dan's.
"Natalie, what's going on here?" Faith couldn't stop herself, a cold feeling settled in her heart when Natalie responded.
"What do you mean, it's a free world, why can't I be here? Oh, are you talking about Dan? Last I remember, you're the one who fought with him, not me. We are hanging out as friends, can't I do that now?"
Faith stared at her friend speechlessly, was it wrong that she felt betrayed?
"Are you upset? You have no right to be! Who exactly do you think you are? The world doesn't revolve around you!" Dan scoffed bitterly.
"Why are you even in such a cheap place? Your boss is a billionaire, didn't he give you enough allowance this week? Or are you here to hook up with other men to waste their time?"
Faith stared at Dan in disbelief, was this the man she had once dated? She had been so stupid to think she would be happy with him.
"Just go away, Faith, you're making Dan uncomfortable, he told me every despicable thing you did, you are so heartless! And yes, I've already moved out today, we treated you with all our heart, what did we gain from you?"
Without a world, Faith turned around and left them. She didn't have the desire to exchange any words with them.
Dan was right about one thing, she didn't have a right to be upset, after all he and Natalie had known each other for even longer than he knew her!
Was she jealous and hurt that Dan and Natalie might get together?
The answer was a big no!
What struck her heart with sadness was the fact that Natalie took Dan's side of the story even after hearing hers.
"No, I won't cry." Faith inhaled shakily. "They can do wherever they want, I don't care!" She spoke even louder but her heart still broke.
At this moment, she thought she could count on Natalie. It was her fault to have thought she could ever rely on someone. Dan had not bothered to listen to her explanation about the article, he had spat so many things about her.
Maybe true friendship and relationships didn't last after all.
It was weekend, at least she would be able to spend it all on herself.
She would treat herself to a good meal, and add some nice wine too. Maybe shop for a few clothes or even fix her nails!
Faith stopped a taxi and stopped in front of the bar.
It was the very place that started up the whole article about her and Sterling Hunter.
She walked inside with her purse and met the same man from that night who had introduced himself as the owner.
Rex was his name, she remembered clearly.
"Whoa! Sterling is not here if you came searching."
Why did he appear so surprised by her entrance?
"What's that supposed to mean? That I can't come here without having to pick up someone?!" She glared at him.
"I'm not saying that ___" He started but Faith yelled even louder.
"Then what? Do you think I don't have enough money to afford this place on my own? Are you looking down on me? Why are you men always like this? Why can't you just leave me alone! Why can't I explain myself?! What exactly is your problem?!"
Faith caught her breath, what was wrong with her? She was getting mad at an innocent person.
She chose a table and looked through the menu, for the first time in her life, she wasn't worried about the cost, she only wanted to treat herself nice, and it didn't matter that she might regret it tomorrow.
Faith was on her third glass of champagne when she started to feel giddy and light-headed.
She poured herself a fourth glass, drunkenly humming to herself, she started to raise it to her lips when it was suddenly snatched away from her. She looked up, prepared to attack the person who had dared to take her precious reliever, she didn't expect to see her boss.
She squinted her gaze at him.
"It's okay, y_you can have that" She slurred and started to reach for the bottle itself.
"That's enough!" Sterling snatched it from her as well.
"Did you forget office hours are over, Mr. Hunter? You can't control me! Give it back!" She started to stagger to her feet when Sterling suddenly let go of both the glass cup and bottle, allowing them to crash to pieces on the floor.
"Y_you broke it! It was so e_expensive!" Faith suddenly broke out in a sob, tears flowing freely down her eyes.
"You won't drink so recklessly, I don't allow I! What's wrong with you, Ms.Jameson?!"
"You don't allow it? Are you here to b_bully me too, w_why is everyone so mean to me? What I d_do or not is not your decision t_to make!" Faith hiccupped on a sob, her legs wobbled as she tried to walk away from him.
Sterling caught her arms tightly, steadying her movements and also keeping her trapped against him. Her movements were too slow as she tried to fight him off. He ended up wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace.
"You will be fine, Faith. I'm not here to bully you, I just don't want you to hurt yourself." His breath fanned her ears and she shivered.
"I__it's because of you! Everyone hates me because of you ___that article, No one wants me anymore!" She started to cry again, this time throwing her arms around him. His chest felt too comfortable, he felt so warm and smelled nice, Faith didn't want to leave.
"That's not true, I don't hate you and I want you! I want you so much Faith!" She watched his throat move. Her eyes slowly moved to his lips and she suddenly had the urge to touch him.
"D__Dan didn't want me, he didn't want anything to do with me__he thinks I'm a bad person___"
"He is a fool, he never deserved you! You are more than perfect" Sterling whispered and Faith smiled.
"Sometimes, I feel you're too good to be true__you care about me, don't you?"
"Yes." He didn't hesitate.
Faith didn't know where she got the courage to touch his face with both her palms, it had to be the drink.
"There's no one, I feel so lonely, you want me, don't you?"
She pressed herself closer to him, nuzzling her face against his chest, the materials of his clothes tickled her nostrils.
"I will always want you, Faith, you have me, I won't let you feel lonely."
His answer pleased her immensely, she felt loved, and it suddenly wasn't lonely at all. She closed her eyes and parted her lips.
"Then, kiss me___please don't refuse."