Unforgiven, Unbroken

2.

As the first light of dawn crept into the room, Eileen slowly sat up, her gaze drifting over to Evan's sleeping form. She hadn't expected to feel so....connected to him. The night together had been intense, and for a moment, she'd forgotten about everything else.

Eileen slipped out of bed, gathering her clothes. She dressed quietly, her eyes lingering on Evan's face. She didn't know his story, but she knew she couldn't stay.

As she reached for the door, Evan's voice stopped her. "Don't go," he said, his eyes opening, locking onto hers.

Eileen turned, a smile on her lips. "I have to," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evan sat up, his eyes never wandering off of her. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice low.

Eileen's smile faltered. "Just someone who needed a night like this," she replied, turning to leave.

Evan's words echoed in her mind as she stepped into the morning light.

Evan was stunned for the first time in his life, that he could be treated this casual. He picked up his phone and made a phone call. "I spent a night with a lady, search for her!"

*****Eileen Rowland's POV*****

Eileen walked out of the hotel, the cool morning air a welcome freshness from the intensity of the night. "Taxi?" she hailed, her mind reeling with thoughts of Evan and the night they'd shared.

As she rode home, her phone buzzed with messages from Bridget. She ignored them, her thoughts still with Evan. 'Who was he, really? And why did I feel so drawn to him?' she thought.

When she arrived at her apartment, Eileen found Bridget waiting for her. "Where were you?" she asked, her voice tight.

Eileen raised an eyebrow. "How is that your concern? The nerve to show your damn face here."

Bridget's eyes narrowed. "Why are you like this, Eileen? I was just looking out for you. You got the wrong idea, you know how much I cherish our friendship."

Eileen scoffed inwardly, smile etched on her face, 'she is not done pretending' thought Eileen, she walked closer towards Bridget. "I don't care much about your f*****g games, Bridget. But in million years, I will be one step ahead of you. If you want my life, my position in Peabody, why don't you go ahead and f*****g die!" Eileen pushed her softly by the shoulder, showing Bridget her position.

Bridget's eyes flashed with anger, but she controlled her temper, her voice dropping into a menacing tone. "You'd do well to remember your place, Eileen," she said, her voice laced with warning.

Eileen laughed, the sound ringing through the sitting room. "My place?" she repeated, her voice dripping with disdain. "You mean being a fool for friendship of manipulations and dirty games? No, Bridget, I'm done with that."

Bridget took a step closer, her face inches from Eileen's. "We are friends, Eileen. We are meant to stick together."

Eileen clapped her hands together in mockery. "Are you still referring to this, as friendship?" she gestured with her hand in disbelief. "Read my lips, I am done been your friend."

"You'll regret this, Eileen," Bridget spat, her voice venomous. "You will regret underestimating me."

Eileen smiled, a cold, calculated smile. "I'm shaking in my boots," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Bridget's face twisted with rage, but she controlled herself, turning on her heels and storming out. Eileen watched her go, a sense of triumph rising within her.

******Peabody Modeling House*****

Eileen pulled up to the entrance of Peabody Modeling House, noticing De'marcus's car parked outside.She watched as Bridget emerged from the Passenger seat, smoothing out her dress. Eileen's eyes narrowed, a spark of anger igniting within her. She recalled how Bridget had been overly friendly with her husband in her previous life. 'So they started way sooner,' she thought.

Eileen stepped out of her car, her heels clicking on the pavement. Bridget caught her eye, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Morning, Eileen. You're looking...seasoned."

Eileen's anger simmered just below the surface. "Seasoned?" she repeated, her voice icy. "You mean like an underrated senior model?"

Bridget's smile grew wider. "Well, someone has to acknowledge your experience, right?"

Eileen's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she kept her composure. "Let's just get to the meeting, shall we?"

De'marcus joined them, oblivious to the tension. "Ladies, shall we? We have a lot to discuss."

The meeting began, Eileen Rowland, a senior model, sat confidently, her posture exuding professionalism. Bridget Max, an assistant model, sat across from her, her eyes filled with envy.

De'marcus Mann, the chief director, stood at the front of the room. "Alright, let's get started. We're working with a big clothing line, and we need to make this photoshoot count."

Eileen spoke up, her voice smooth. "I'm happy to take the lead shots. I've worked with this brand before, and I know what they're looking for."

Bridget's voice was laced with venom. "Why does she always get the most shots? It's not fair. I'm just as good as she is."

De'marcus raised an eyebrow. "We'll decide who's best suited for the shots based on their portfolio and experience. Eileen's worked with top brands, and her track record speaks for itself."

Bridget's face twisted in anger. "That's not fair. I've been working just as hard as she has."

Eileen smiled sweetly. "Hard work doesn't always translate to results, Bridget. Maybe you should focus on improving your skills instead of complaining."

De'marcus smiled, his eyes fixed on Bridget. "You know what, Bridget? I think you're right. You've been working hard, and it's time you get some recognition. Let's give you a chance to shine in this photoshoot."

Eileen's eyes narrowed. "But De'marcus, I've worked with this brand before. I'm the obvious choice for the lead shots."

De'marcus waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry, Eileen. Bridget deserves a chance. Let's give her the opportunity to showcase her talent."

Eileen wasn't mad, this was the pattern in her previous life. Both cheaters boycotted her in every aspect of life, they took her job, her life and her womb. They reduced her to ruble then discarded of her like a used baggage. This time around, it would be different.

Eileen watched as Bridget's face lit up with a triumphant smile, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she gazed at Eileen. Eileen's expression on the other hand was calm and unreadable.

The meeting was soon dismissed, but De'marcus had asked to meet Eileen in his office.

Seconds later, Eileen walked into De'marcus's office, her expression neutral. Seeing the face of this cheater and betrayer from her past life was like a torment to her new beginning. She comported herself. De'marcus leaned back in his chair, a calm demeanor. "Eileen, I wanted to talk to you about the rumors going around about us....about you and me staying in a hotel together."

Eileen's eyes locked onto his, a hint of amusement dancing in them. "Oh?, you mean the rumor started by Bridget Max?"

De'marcus quickly cleared his false cough that was stuck in his throat. "Yes, I know it's just misinformation. I want you to know I'm not angry with you, especially about...the incident."

Eileen's smile grew, her voice laced with skepticism. "The incident? You mean the slap?"

De'marcus nodded. "Yes, that. I understand why you reacted that way. But I assure you, I'm not holding any grudges."

Eileen's gaze never wavered. "I see. And you're sure it was just misinformation?"

De'marcus's confidence was unwavering. "Absolutely, I think we both know how much rumors spread in this industry."

Eileen's smile never faltered, she knew De'marcus too well to fall a victim in her second life. She knew the truth...that De'marcus and Bridget were playing a game, and she was just a pawn. She played along, her voice light. "Yes. Rumors can be quite....damaging."

De'marcus leaned forward, a gleam of warmth in his voice. "Eileen, I'd like to make things right between us. How about dinner tonight? We can discuss the photoshoot and clear the air."

Eileen's response was immediate. "I don't think that's necessary."

De'marcus's expression turned firm, his voice taking on a subtle authority. "I'd like you to join me, Eileen. As your boss, I'm asking you to make it."

Eileen's eyes met his, a spark of resistance flashing in them. She knew better than to push back against her boss's request, especially when phrased as an order. "Very well, sir. What time?"

De' marcus's smile was vibrant. "I'll pick you up at 7. we'll go somewhere nice."

Eileen nodded, her expression neutral. "I'll be ready, sir."

With a nod, De'marcus dismissed her. "You can go now, Eileen. I'll see you tonight."

Eileen turned and left the office, 'If she was right, today should be the day her womb was damaged'. Since she didn't end up in their first trap, she thought this should have passed, but the patterns were still oddly the same. 'What did De'marcus really want from her? And What did he have planned for tonight's dinner?', she thought to herself as she walked back to her office.

*****The Dinner Date****

De'marcus and Eileen arrived at the Grand Hyatt Diner. Place meant for elite and socialite.

Eileen looked around, she felt the deja vu. It was the same spot from her previous life.

They eventually sat down for dinner, the conversation flowing easily about the upcoming photoshoot.

"I'm excited about the theme we're going for," De'marcus said, his eyes lighting up. "I think it'll be a great showcase for your talent, Eileen."

Eileen smiled, her professionalism taking over. "Thank you. I'm looking forward to it. What's the plan for the shoot?"

As they discussed the details over meal, De'marcus occasionally interjected with light hearted remarks, which raised an alarm for Eileen. De'marcus never jokes around only if he was scheming something. When the wine arrived, De'marcus raised his glass. "To a great team and a successful project ahead!"

Eileen's eyes widened as she recognized the wine....her favorite Dè Blanc red wine. Something felt off, and she couldn't shake the feeling.

Suddenly, her mind flashed back to a similar dinner date with De'marcus after their forced humiliating marriage in her past life.....

(Eileen Rowland's flashback)

Eileen sat across from De'marcus, feeling shy and timid. "You don't have to do that, today is your day," said De'marcus. Eileen thought back then, that she could give everything to this man who literally saved her from shame.

Not until he poured her a glass of Dè Blanc red wine, and let herself savored the taste.

But as the night wore on, Eileen began feeling unwell. she was rushed to a nearby clinic. The next day, she received the devastating news....the wine had been poisoned, and she'd lost her womb due to the toxicity.

Eileen's eyes snapped back to the present, her hand clinched tightly around her glass in anger, history was repeating itself. Her hand trembled slightly as she raised the glass to her lips, thousands of questions racing on her mind. 'Why was she suffering the same fate all over again? Why did De'marcus and Bridget hate her so much.' De'marcus gaze piercing through her. Suddenly, her phone rang, shattering the tension. She glanced at the screen...Mother.

"Eileen, it's mom. Your dad had a heart attack. I need you to come to Rowland's villa now," her mother's voice was frantic.

Eileen's face contorted in worry as she dropped the glass, wine splashing everywhere. "I'll be right there, mom."

De'marcus's expression shifted to concern, but his eyes betrayed a hint of annoyance. "Eileen, what's wrong?, is everything okay?"

Eileen rushed to gather her belongings. "My father...I have to go."

De'marcus stood up, his voice smooth. "Of course, go take Care of family. I'll handle everything here."

As Eileen hastily departed, De'marcus's gaze lingered on the splashed wine. Just then his phone rang. "How did it go?" asked the caller from the other end.

"It fell through" echoed De'marcus coldly.