The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 14: Strangers

Cadence's POV:

I woke up with a pounding headache. The room felt like it was spinning and I couldn't remember anything from last night. All I know is that Amaya and the others had brought me back home.

I sat up slowly, trying not to make the headache worse. My eyes scanned the room, looking for any clues as to what happened. I remember crying, sobbing uncontrollably, and feeling so sad and hurt inside. But why? What had triggered this sudden outburst of emotions? I try to wrack my brain, to recall any hints or clues, but it's all just... blank.

I groaned and rubbed my temples. My head was throbbing with pain, and the more I tried to remember, the more my brain felt like it was going to explode. All I could remember was drinking with my friends and celebrating, but after that, everything was a blur.

I stumble out of bed, my body feeling heavy and weak. My throat is dry and parched, signaling that I've probably been crying for hours. As I made my way out of my room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror. I looked terrible. My makeup was smudged, my hair was a mess, and my eyes were red and puffy from crying.

I attempted to fix my hair and quickly splashed some cold water on my face before I make my way to the kitchen, where I find a glass of water waiting for me on the counter, along with a bottle of aspirin. I reach for them, grateful for the small reprieve they offer.

"What happened last night?" I whispered to myself, rubbing my temple.

"You got drunk."

I jolted upright, my head pounding even more from the sudden movement. Startled by Emory's sudden presence. I hadn't even heard her come in.

"Emory?" I mumbled, blinking rapidly to ensure I wasn't still lost in some hazy dream. "You're here?"

She arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Of course I'm here. Where else would I be?"

I cautiously looked at her, wondering why she's here. She usually leaves early in the morning. Then I realized it, feeling a pang of guilt and embarrassment. I had a feeling she was the one who took care of me last night. I mean who else? Kieyw?

"I'm sorry," I said quietly. "I know I shouldn't have gotten that drunk."

Emory shrugged, her expression unreadable. "It's your life. Do what you want."

I nodded, feeling even more awkward now. "Just be more careful next time." She said, taking a sip of her water.

I kept quiet, the pounding in my head preventing me to move and answer Emory. A beat of silence followed and I stayed rooted in my spot, fighting the nausea. Bits and pieces of last night coming back to me.

"I guess I'll go take a shower," Emory said, breaking the silence. "I'm gross from my run."

Before she could walk away, I blurted out the question that has been on my mind since I woke up. "Emory, Did I do something last night?"

Emory froze at my question, the botle of water in her hand almost slipping out as she turned back and stared at me. Her eyes were filled with unease and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety.

I waited for her response, my heart pounding against my chest. But Emory just stared for a beat too long, before finally speaking up.

"No, Cadence," she said, her tone devoid of any emotion. "You didn't do anything. You just got drunk and I took care of you. That's it."

I knew she was lying. I now remember crying in front of her and saying things I shouldn't have. But why was she denying it? Was it because she was uncomfortable with my vulnerability? Or was it something else?