Chapter 4
908 Words
The room looked messy. The curtains were open, allowing the morning sunlight to pour into the room.
Matilda slowly sat up, only to notice clothes scattered across the floor. Her heart skipped a beat.
She lay back down, her breathing becoming unsteady.
What the hell...?
The memories from the previous night came flooding back.
Meeting Bernard.
Drinking far more than she should have.
Her mother's call ruining her mood.
Their conversations.
The kiss.
Everything that followed.
Her eyes widened in horror.
"Oh my God..."
She quickly pulled the duvet tighter around herself before looking down at her body.
"I'm naked..."
Her hands trembled as she hurriedly picked up her clothes and dressed as quickly as she could.
A wave of guilt washed over her.
How could this happen?
Why would I sleep with a man I only met yesterday?
She closed her eyes tightly.
She remembered that Bernard had tried to stop her at first, but eventually gave in.
Still, that didn't make her feel any better.
I just had a one-night stand with a complete stranger.
How am I supposed to face him now?
Panic settled deep inside her.
I have to leave before he comes out.
She grabbed her handbag and was about to leave when the bathroom door opened.
Bernard stepped out.
The moment their eyes met, the memories of the previous night flashed through her mind again, making her look away almost immediately.
Unlike her, Bernard remained calm, though the guilt in his eyes was impossible to hide.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
Matilda let out a bitter laugh.
"Okay?" she repeated. "How can I possibly be okay after everything that happened?"
She struggled to hold back her tears.
"I had so much going through my mind yesterday. Just because I wasn't in the right state doesn't mean I should have slept with someone I met only yesterday."
Her voice cracked.
"I feel so ashamed of myself."
Bernard remained silent for a moment before speaking softly.
"I know an apology can't change what happened, but if I could take away your regret, I would."
She looked at him.
"I should have stopped everything completely," he continued. "It wasn't entirely your fault either. I take responsibility for what happened, and I'm truly sorry."
His voice was calm and sincere.
For a brief moment, Matilda could see the remorse on his face.
But she couldn't bring herself to process any of it.
Without saying another word, she turned around and walked out of the room.
Bernard stood motionless, his eyes fixed on the closed door. The room suddenly felt emptier than it had a few seconds ago.
He ran a hand through his hair and let out a long sigh.
"I messed up," he murmured.
He replayed everything that had happened the previous night. He remembered trying to stop her when she was drunk, but he had eventually given in. The more he thought about it, the heavier the guilt in his chest became.
"She must hate me now."
He picked up his phone, realizing he didn't even know her full name or how to contact her.
A bitter smile crossed his lips.
"What are the chances of ever seeing her again?"
Unable to shake the feeling, he hurried out of the room and searched the hotel lobby, but she was already gone.
...
On her way home, Matilda kept trying to calm herself.
"It's okay," she whispered repeatedly.
"You made a mistake."
"It's not the end of the world."
Even though she kept saying the words, they did little to comfort her.
One thought remained in her mind.
I hope I never see him again.
When she got home, Elena was already waiting for her.
The moment she saw Matilda's face, worry filled her eyes.
"What happened?" Elena asked as she rushed over. "I've been trying to reach you since last night. Your phone wasn't going through. Are you okay?"
Matilda lowered her head.
"I just want to go to my room."
Without asking any more questions, Elena gently supported her upstairs.
Once they entered the room, Elena closed the door behind them.
"Talk to me," she said softly. "You're worrying me."
Matilda remained silent for a few seconds before speaking in a trembling voice.
"I had a one-night stand."
Elena's eyes widened.
"What?"
She sat beside her.
"What happened?"
Slowly, Matilda told her everything—from the business party to meeting Bernard, drinking too much, the argument with her mother, and everything that followed.
When she finished, Elena gently held her hand.
"Matilda," she said softly, "it's not the end of the world."
She wiped away Matilda's tears.
"From everything you've told me, the man doesn't sound like a bad person. He apologized, took responsibility, and even tried to comfort you."
Matilda looked down.
"I still left without saying anything."
"You were overwhelmed," Elena replied. "Anyone in your position would have been."
After a brief silence, Elena smiled.
"So..."
Matilda looked at her.
"He was handsome, wasn't he?"
Matilda immediately looked away.
Elena laughed.
"I knew it."
"I never said that."
"You didn't have to."
Despite herself, Matilda couldn't help smiling.
Elena nudged her playfully.
"You should've seen the way you described him."
Matilda laughed quietly for the first time since waking up.
The weight on her chest felt a little lighter.
Maybe talking about it was exactly what she needed.
Still...
She silently hoped she would never cross paths with Bernard again.
- Writer
