CHAPTER 1:CHELSEA'S BIRTHDAY SUPRISE
I couldn't contain my excitement as I boarded the plane, holding my birthday cake on my lap. The past few months had been challenging for both me and my boyfriend, Jake. He had started a new job and I had to move to New York for an IT program that I had been eagerly waiting for. But today was different, it was my birthday and I was flying to London to surprise Jake.
The idea had raised eyebrows from my aunt in New York, but what did she know about true love? Jake and I had been inseparable since high school. He had asked me out during prom and we had been together ever since. Sure, our relationship had its ups and downs, but we had always worked through them. I couldn't imagine being with anyone else.
As the plane touched down in London, I took a cab to Jake's apartment. The familiar hallway brought back fond memories of the times we had spent together. I had a spare key to his apartment and thankfully, the lock hadn't been changed. I let myself in and placed the cake on the dining table before collapsing on the couch. It had been a long journey, but I was finally here.
I kicked off my shoes and decided to do a little cleaning. I wanted everything to be perfect for Jake's return. After I was done, I went to his room to rest a bit and wait for him to come home. As I lay there, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the look on Jake's face when he sees me. This was going to be the best birthday surprise ever.
THE WORSE BIRTHDAY EVER
CHELSEA P.O.V
I had spent all day anticipating Jake's return from work, preparing myself to look my best for him. My honeycomb-colored hair was perfectly arranged, and I even sprayed on some perfume. I wanted everything to be perfect.
At 9 PM, the time I knew Jake would be off work, I sat down on the dining chair, eagerly waiting for him to walk through the door. But then, I heard some noise in the hallway. I tried to ignore it, but it grew louder and closer to the door. I became worried and quickly got a bat just in case.
Suddenly, the unknown person tried fitting a key into the keyhole and banged the door open. I raised my bat and was ready to swing, but I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Jake.
He was passionately kissing my best friend, Nora.
I couldn't believe what was happening right in front of me. They were so lost in each other that they didn't even notice my presence in the room.
I was so stunned and disgusted that the bat fell from my hand. They both looked at me with shock when they finally realized that I was there. Tears flowed down my face as I rushed out of the room, unable to bear the sight anymore.
My head was spinning, and my body felt weak. Jake's voice followed me out, pleading and apologizing, saying that it wasn't intentional. But I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. I turned to look at him, and my eyes trailed down to the bulge in his trousers.
He called that unintentional?
I had no words for him as I walked out of the apartment, feeling completely broken.
It was the worst birthday ever.
CAN TODAY GET ANY WORSE..
CHELSEA P.O.V
The tears streamed down my face uncontrollably as I stepped into the waiting cab, seeking solace at the nearest hotel.
The jumbled mess of emotions inside me made it impossible to decipher how I truly felt. Was it anger, betrayal, disgust, or sadness? It was a chaotic mix, each emotion blending into the next, leaving me utterly confused.
I gazed out of the cab window, oblivious to the flurry of messages from my aunt, eagerly inquiring about the surprise. I felt foolish and used, my heart heavy with regret.
Upon reaching the hotel, I settled the cab fare and approached the receptionist, hoping to secure a room for the night.
"I'm sorry, miss, but we are fully booked," she informed me, her voice dripping with sympathy.
It was the Christmas holiday after all, and I couldn't expect anything less. I leaned against the counter, deflated, thinking that the day couldn't possibly get any worse. Tears welled up in my eyes as frustration consumed me.
"Are you okay, miss?" the receptionist asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. She handed me a tissue, and I thanked her before hastily grabbing the entire stack and making my way out.
I quickly checked my app for the nearest available hotel and found Shevron Hotel. Determined to find a place to rest, I hailed another cab and embarked on a journey to my new destination.
As I entered the opulent Shevron Hotel, the brightness of the lights nearly blinded me, and the warmth that enveloped the place offered respite from the cold world outside. I made my way to the receptionist and inquired about the cheapest room they had to offer.
"$700," she stated, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the absurdity of the price. This was, after all, one of the most extravagant hotels in London. Reluctantly, I paid with my credit card and was accompanied by a bellhop to room 230.
Unlocking the door with my card, I stepped into the spacious room, but I had no interest in exploring its grandeur.
My body and mind were exhausted, and all I wanted was to find solace in the comfort of the bed. Cuddled up on the mattress, I cried myself to sleep, my tears finally granting me a reprieve.
It was now midnight, and a throbbing headache greeted my awakening, a testament to the stress my body had endured. I stumbled towards the bathroom, desperately needing a soothing bath to wash away the weight of the day. Once refreshed, I dressed in the clothes I had hastily discarded earlier, my luggage left behind at Jake's house.
Picking up my phone, I noticed a flood of messages from my aunt Lily and my close friend Neriah, both eagerly awaiting news about the surprise. I imagined the excitement they anticipated, contrasting it with the shock that awaited them when they learned the truth. Tears welled up again, and I wiped them away with the back of my hand.
Suddenly, the sound of music drifted into my ears. It must be coming from the hotel bar, I surmised. An idea formed in my mind—perhaps I could find solace there, a momentary escape from my troubles. Determined to clear my head, I made my way towards the bar, navigating the hotel's corridors on my own