The Promise of Tomorrow Chapter 2

That evening, Barb hosted a dinner to welcome Hera and to help me recover from the shock. The private room was filled with a few other impeccably dressed young women, and the conversation revolved around “mergers” and “valuations.” The atmosphere was tense. I shrank in my seat, trying to be invisible.

Hera sat at the head of the table, looking distracted, her long fingers constantly tapping her phone. I snuck a glance at her. Her voice sounded vaguely familiar, like my girlfriend’s, but mine was much softer, sweeter.

Thinking of her made me miss her.

I instinctively reached for my pocket. Empty. Where was my phone?

Barb called it for me. A familiar ringtone echoed from… Hera’s room next door.

I swallowed hard. “I think I left my phone in her room.”

We had just stepped out of the private room when we ran into Hera, who was returning from a call. Barb quickly explained. Hera’s icy gaze swept over me.

“Don’t think you can get my attention with such a pathetic excuse. I have a man.”

What kind of man would be into a woman this intense?

Blood rushed to my head. I forced down my anger and stepped forward with a sycophantic smile. “I’m so sorry, it was my mistake. Could you please just open the door? I’ll grab my phone and be right out of your way.”

She snorted but reluctantly swiped her card and leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

I hurried in and spotted my phone on the coffee table. As I picked it up, my eyes fell on her open laptop.

The chat window at the top of the screen had a familiar username. The last message was the “goodnight” GIF I’d sent last night.

My world tilted. I grabbed my phone and fled. The screen was lit up with dozens of missed calls and unread messages. The latest notification was from ‘My Darling Wife.’

On impulse, I answered.

“Hello, baby.”

At the exact same moment, an identical, anxious voice came from behind me.

“Baby, why did you finally answer? You scared me to death.”

I froze, my blood turning to ice.

The voice on the phone continued, “Sweetheart? Why aren’t you talking? Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

My mind was a complete blank. I stumbled back to my own room, my voice trembling. “No, it’s nothing. I’m just not feeling well. I’m going to sleep.”

“Where are you? I’m coming over.” The voice on the phone and the voice at the door synced up again.

“Don’t!” My heart was hammering against my ribs. “It’s nothing! Just jet lag! I’ll be fine after some sleep!”

I hung up before she could say another word and sent a quick “goodnight” GIF.

I was so screwed. This terrifying, aggressive woman who’d sent me flying was the same sweet, gentle girl who’d lulled me to sleep, patiently tutored me, and sent me money without a second thought? My perfect online girlfriend?!

My world was ending.