Chapter 4 How Could She Love Someone Else?
1056 Words
Herbert's curiosity got the better of him. Just as he was about to ask Lester about the mysterious person, Fenn suddenly tapped him on the shoulder, his expression one of stunned disbelief.
"Herbert..." Fenn's voice trailed off as he nodded toward the first-floor lounge area.
Herbert followed his gaze, and in an instant, his eyes landed on Giselle.
If it weren't for the slight familiarity in her posture, he might not have recognized her.
Her golden waves, now cascading in soft, elegant curls, framed a face more striking than ever. Her emerald eyes seemed to shimmer against the crimson satin of her dress. A lace shawl draped over her shoulders, leaving just enough mystery, while the hem of her gown flirted with the line of her toned legs. Her Valentino heels tapped against the floor lazily, one foot dangling in a half-hearted rhythm.
Across from her sat a young man with sharp features—a boyish charm that was all too disarming. Whatever he'd said had clearly amused her.
She tilted her head back, laughing with a warmth and ease Herbert had never seen on her face.
*****
Fenn let out a whistle. "I swear, if that weren't Gigi, I'd be down there right now to show her the true power of my charm."
Lester swirled his drink, watching Herbert carefully. "You let her slip away looking like that? Herbert, you really don't know how to appreciate fine things, do you?"
"I've told you already," Herbert replied, forcing his gaze away. "I'm not into women who look this flashy." But no matter how hard he tried to focus on the conversation at hand, her image lingered. That smile—so vivid, so radiant—played on a loop in his mind.
His throat tightened involuntarily, his Adam's apple bobbing.
Why was he feeling this way? This strange combination of restlessness and... something else.
Annoyed by his own thoughts, Herbert tugged at his tie impatiently. "Fenn, call your girls. Let's have some real fun tonight."
Fenn smirked. "What happened to keeping it 'just drinks'? Don't tell me you're shaken. Should I go call Gigi back up here instead?"
Herbert shot him a glare. "We're done. She's free to see whoever she wants. Now quit stalling and call them already."
With a shrug, Fenn pulled out his phone. Within moments, the suite was bustling with new arrivals, their laughter filling the air.
Fenn called a woman over. She was stunning, but her figure was something else. She made her way over to Herbert, sitting close enough for their knees to brush. "Mr. Horne," she purred.
Herbert glanced at her briefly. "What's your name?"
She lowered her gaze. "Gisela."
For a moment, Herbert froze, his grip tightening on his glass.
"Really?" Lester chuckled under his breath as he moved further away, his amusement thinly veiled. "A substitute for the substitute?"
"Out!" Herbert snapped as he looked toward the first floor.
*****
His eyes darted back toward the lounge downstairs, but Giselle and her companion were nowhere to be seen.
Only her half-finished Long Island Iced Tea remained on the table.
"Wow, they're gone," Fenn remarked, catching the shift in Herbert's expression.
He leaned in conspiratorially. "Think they went to get a room? Oof, Herbert, maybe you weren't enough to keep her satisfied after all."
Herbert's temper flared. "Damn it!" he snapped, and without another word, he stormed out of the suite.
*****
Outside the pub, Giselle stood on the steps, letting the evening air cool her flushed cheeks. She toyed with the hem of her shawl as she took a deep breath, the alcohol still humming pleasantly in her veins.
Behind her, Roger approached, unscrewing a water bottle and holding it out to her.
"Thanks, Roger," Giselle said with a soft smile, accepting it.
Roger shifted awkwardly, his helmet tucked under his arm. "Honestly, I wasn't sure if I should bring you here. When you called out of the blue, I was surprised. Then it happened to be my friend's birthday, so..."
"It's fine," Giselle assured him. "I don't usually come to places like this, but tonight was... different. And with you here, I feel safe."
Roger smiled. "I'm really glad you're back, Giselle. Ms. Bones has missed you—though she'd never admit it. She's just upset because you left so abruptly, waiting for you to make things right. Don't be mad at her. I know she values you the most."
"I know," Giselle said, her voice tinged with regret. "I broke up with Herbert. Leaving dance for him was the worst decision I ever made. I regret not staying connected and not being there for Ms. Bones after her accident. I've kept up with my basic skills over the years, but... I'm not sure she'll ever forgive me."
Roger's face lit up with excitement. "Giselle, as long as you're willing to return, we'll practice together. After the duet performance next month, I'm sure Ms. Bones will agree to take you back as her student. She might sound harsh, but no one wants to see you back on stage more than she does."
"Roger, aren't you angry with me?" Giselle asked quietly.
"I am," Roger admitted, his gaze dimming slightly. "But I care about you more than I'm angry. Giselle, come back. Let's dance together—we can become the best!"
Unable to hold back, Roger gave Giselle a heartfelt hug.
Giselle smiled softly, gently patting his back. To her, Roger was a fellow dancer she admired, a peer she respected deeply, but nothing more.
Roger released her. "Giselle, wait here. I'll grab my bike and take you home. Get some rest tonight, and tomorrow we'll go see Ms. Bones together."
Giselle nodded, watching as Roger jogged off to fetch his motorcycle.
*****
Unbeknownst to them, the entire scene was being observed by a pair of sharp, brooding eyes.
Herbert strode out from the doorway and marched toward Giselle, his expression a storm of anger and disbelief. Without warning, he seized her by the waist.
"Giselle," he hissed, his gaze scanning her face as if searching for answers. "Who is that guy? An actor you hired? If you miss me, just admit it and come back. The three of us can make it work, can't we? What's the point of staging some cheap performance in front of me?"
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