Stella & The Playboy

Stella & The Letter

Chapter 35

Betrayal.

The Webster dictionary defines it as a violation of a person's trust or confidence, of a moral standard, etc. 

But it felt so much worse than that.

I had been at this hotel in Philadelphia for about three days and that's all I could think about. It was all I felt. He lied to me and that stupid witch rubbed it in my face. My phone was off, I had gotten tired of him trying to contact me. Even after blocking him, he found a way. He was persistent, I'll give him that.

He was constantly begging for a chance to explain, a one-on-one conversation with me. I didn't want to hear anything he had to say. The fact of the matter was that he lied right to my face.

I spent my time in the hotel trying to distract myself. And when I couldn't I just cried and ordered room service. But I was getting tired of being alone and decided it was time to leave. To let the sun touch my skin again.

I got out of the California king-sized bed tiredly, before walking over to the curtains. I opened it slightly, wincing as the sun etched into my dark hotel room.

The room was quite messy, with stacked food plates in a corner, an overflowing trash can, and a messy bed. I had little energy to tidy up and kept a do not disturb sign on my door to keep the maid away. I sigh as I rub my eyes, it was time to get out of here.

I picked the dirty clothes off the ground before tossing them in my bag. I got into the shower to clean up. I dressed out of my pajamas and into some shorts and an oversized t-shirt.

When all my things were put away I threw on my sunglasses before heading to the lobby to check out. "Hope you enjoyed your stay, Ms. Harris." The desk attendant said with a kind smile.

"Thanks." I mumble as I hand in my keycard.

Philadelphia was about two hours away from Manhattan and it was going to be a long drive back. But the drive helped me think when I came to the hotel.

I got into my car after putting away my bag and began my drive back to the city. I wasn't eager to return to Manhattan, especially if the man-hunt for me was still going on. I still couldn't believe my ears.

I slept with Julius.

Her stupid words echoed in my head constantly. I swear if I ever see her again it won't be pretty. And for him to have lied to me about it, it still stung. I turned up the radio to ignore my thoughts as I drove down the freeway back to New York.

As I began seeing familiar buildings and street signs, I began to panic. I didn't want to go to my parents' house. Back to my bedroom where Josie showed up to ruin my life. The front steps where he gave me that stupid diamond bracelet in an attempt to make peace.

I hate him.

I made a sharp turn away from my neighborhood and rerouted my route. I was going to go somewhere where I had no memories with Julius. Somewhere where I know I'll be welcomed with open arms.

I arrive at Sheila's apartment building after 10 minutes and park the car. I sigh before grabbing my duffle bag and heading to her door. I knock softly, hoping she was home at this time.

"Coming!" I hear her cheerful voice say from the other side of the door. The door opens and there sits a half-dressed Sheila clutching a man's button-up against her chest.

She gasps when she sees me, "Stella! I have called you like 100 times." She scolds as she hugs me.

I smile sadly, "I know, I'm sorry. I just needed some space from everything."