Whatever Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas

The room smelled like another woman. Isabella stood frozen at the doorway to her matrimonial bedroom, staring at the mess of a bed— tangled sheets, the forgotten lace bra lying on the floor was like a slap to her face. “Son of a b***h” she muttered through gritted teeth. Her clenched hands trembled, Not in shock– No She wasn't shocked about the fact that he cheated on her. NO! She had long known about Matthews's infidelity. He had been cheating for a long time. She couldn't remember when it all started, the late nights, the lipstick smudge on his collar, and his unapologetic attitude when she started calling him out on his behavior. Their sham of a marriage was already treading on thin ice it was barely holding up because of a promise she had to keep. Her mother's promise. She had stayed because of her and Matthew's mother. Both Matthews's mother and her mother were more than just best friends, they were Sisters. Before her mother died, she had made a promise to her best friend Matthew's mother that Isabella would marry Matthew and hold their marriage together no matter what. This request was made out of love by the mothers who wanted to see their children happy. Even when love turned into loneliness, she stayed. But this? This was something else entirely. Matthew had not just betrayed her– he had humiliated her by bringing his fling not just into their home, but into their bed, into the space where Isabella had once felt safe. And that was the moment something inside of her snapped. She didn't scream. Didn't cry. She just turned around, walked out, and booked the next flight to Vegas. Now she was here. Vegas smelled like sin and expensive regret. Especially the air at the Grand Mirage Casino. Which was thick with perfume, whiskey, and Greed. The flashing neon lights, the expensive champagne in her hand was crips, the bustling noise of coins and chips. This was what she wanted tonight– something to make her forget the weight pressing down on her chest. And then she met his eyes. Adrian Woods She had noticed him the moment he walked in with his entourage. It was hard not to notice him, The quiet authority he exudes the kind that makes people stop and stare. He wasn't like every other man in the casino throwing money and bragging trying to be seen. No; Adrian didn't need to try, he just was. And now he was watching her. His gaze slowly burned into her, watching her take a sip of champagne from her lips to her throat back to her eyes. She should have looked away. She should have turned her gaze back to her game, but she couldn't. Instead, she met his gaze and provocatively raised her glass to him. The small smile playing on his lips in acceptance did something to her stomach. That was all it took. He watched her play like she was the most interesting thing in the room. His eyes followed her every move with increasing interest. He wasn't paying attention to what his subordinates were saying anymore. He was more interested in her, so much so that his eyes never left her for a single second. And she was all for it, she had forgotten what it felt like to be wanted by someone. Her wedding ring felt like lead on her finger. A cold reminder that she was married. She stared at her ring and back at him whose eyes never left her, Contemplating her choice, She looked at him one last time and stood up to leave. “Ma’am” the dealer at her table called out to her “Under what name are we to transfer your winnings” She had won quite an amount at this game. “Transfer it under the name Isabella Hartman,” she said. “Do you have a membership card?” asked the dealer “Yes, I do” She proceeds to give him her membership card to cross-check. “Thank you, Ma’am,” the dealer said with a welcoming smile as he gave the card back to her. “Your chips will be changed into money and transferred to your account in the next 24 hours. Thanks for playing with us.” he bowed slightly. “You are welcome,” Isabella said. She looked at Adrian who was sipping from his champagne glass gracefully, one last time before making her way out of the casino to the elevator. While waiting for the elevator, Isabella's heart beat against her chest, she was nervously waiting. The elevator opened, – it was empty, she paused a little, sighed, and went in. Just when disappointment began creeping in and the doors closing. “Hold the doors please” Her heart beat faster against her chest. She pressed the button to keep the doors open. And He stepped into view– Adrian Woods. “Hello Mrs. Isabella,” he said with a smile as he made his way into the elevator.