Ashes of Betrayal

Chapter 3 The Walk of Shame

As the morning light streamed in through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, I slowly blinked my eyes open, my head throbbing with a dull ache. Confusion washed over me as I took in my surroundings, realizing with a sinking feeling that I didn't recognize the room at all. My heart raced as I glanced over to the bed beside me and saw a man lying there, naked and sound asleep. Panic set in as I struggled to recall the events of the previous night, my memories shrouded in a fog of alcohol-induced haze.

I recognized him as the man who had bought me drinks and gotten into the SUV with him, but beyond that, everything was a blur. My head was pounding with the remnants of a massive hangover, and I tried desperately not to make a noise as I gathered my clothes from around the room, careful not to disturb him. As I began to dress, a wave of soreness washed over me, a painful reminder of the night's activities. I winced with each movement, wishing desperately that I could remember what had happened. Though I knew it must have been good, the inability to recall left me with a sense of frustration and longing. Despite the ache in my body and the gnawing uncertainty in my mind, I managed to dress quietly, my heart heavy with regret and confusion. With one last glance at the sleeping stranger, I tiptoed out of the room.

As I stepped into the next room, the sight before me was surreal. Men scattered about, some passed out on the floor, others engrossed in PS5 games. The atmosphere was a mix of chaos and relaxation, a stark contrast to the confusion swirling inside me. I made my way toward the front door, desperate to escape the awkwardness of the situation, but I was quickly followed by one of the guys from the living room. My discomfort grew as I realized I needed Boris to let me out.

Just as I was about to reach the door, Boris appeared beside me, his presence both reassuring and mortifying. "Lilian, I will need to use my key card to let you out," he said, his tone professional yet tinged with understanding. With a sinking feeling, I followed him out of the living room and into the elevator, acutely aware of the eyes upon me. The embarrassment weighed heavily on me, my cheeks burning with shame as I silently cursed the events of the night before.

As Boris produced his key card, I couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude mixed with humiliation. "Thank you, Boris," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper, my face flushed with embarrassment. Stepping out into the lobby of the towering building, I hurriedly called for a cab, longing to escape the prying eyes of the strangers around me. Each glance felt like a judgment, amplifying my self-consciousness as I waited for the cab to arrive.

In that moment, I felt utterly exposed, my appearance a far cry from the confident woman I usually projected. It was a walk of shame like no other, leaving me with a sense of vulnerability and regret that lingered long after I had left the scene behind.

I hop into the cab, greeted by a flurry of text messages from Olga demanding details. "Girl, what happened? I need details," her messages plead. With a chuckle, I type out what little I can remember and hit send, knowing Olga will devour every word. Arriving home, my body aching and sore, I waste no time in slipping into a long, soothing soak in the tub. The hot water works its magic, easing the tension from my muscles as I let my mind drift. Just as I start to relax, my phone buzzes again with a message from Olga, promising exciting news. With a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, I reluctantly drag myself from the comfort of the bath and begin to dress.By the time I'm ready, Olga is already at the door.

I swing the door open to find Olga practically radiating with excitement, her energy contagious. "Lilian, I have great f*****g news!" she exclaims, her words buzzing with enthusiasm. My heart races with anticipation as she spills the beans. "You know that new casino, Russian Roulette, that opened a few months back? Well, I landed a job there, and guess what? I told them about you, and they need another drink girl. I got you the job!" Olga's announcement hits me like a bolt of lightning, and before I can even process it, I find myself jumping up to engulf her in a tight hug.

Olga knows how badly I need a job. With Sergei out of the picture, I'm determined to stand on my own two feet and earn my own money. I've grown tired of relying on him and even asking my parents for financial support. "Lilian, we start tomorrow," Olga continues, her voice brimming with excitement. "I'll pick you up at 4 pm so we can meet with management and learn the ropes. Sounds good?" Gratitude floods through me as I look at Olga, my best friend and partner in crime. She's always been there for me, and today is no exception. With a smile, I nod eagerly, ready to embark on this new chapter with her by my side.