Fading Scars

Chapter 11- Confronting Echoes

The car came to a halt in front of a restaurant. My taxi paused at a red light, providing a fleeting moment to discern the occupants. It was Michael. His driver stepped out of the car, and to my shock, a statuesque blonde followed suit, accompanied by Michael. He hadn't wasted any time finding someone else. As we sped away when the light turned green, the streetlights and surroundings became a blur. Tears welled up in my eyes, distorting my vision. All I wished for was a crevice to open up, allowing me to escape into its depths.

In the whirlwind of emotions and feelings, I finally reached my dorm room. The dormitory was still half-full, given that the year-end festivities hadn't concluded, and most students were still away.

Climbing the stairs, I hoped to go unnoticed, concealing the turmoil within. My room, at the far end of the corridor, felt like an eternity away. When I reached the kitchen, someone intercepted me.

"Hey Val, back already?" It was Monica, an international student who remained on campus during short breaks.

"Hey Mon. How are you? Merry Christmas!" I greeted her, keeping the conversation brief. My mood that day wasn't conducive to extensive talks, hence the added mention of having a concert the next day and retreating to my room.

I hurried to the end of the corridor, avoiding further interactions. Upon entering my room, I shut the door, allowing my tears to flow freely. I cried uncontrollably, collapsing onto the bed without bothering to unpack. How could I perform at the concert tomorrow? Should I call the teacher and feign illness?

I drifted into an uneasy sleep, only to wake up in the late afternoon, around 7 pm, still believing it had been a nightmare. Another trauma added to my collection. He had decided my lack of experience, my virginity, wasn't worth it. Hurt and angry, I contemplated calling in sick for the concert.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. "Val? Are you okay?" It was Alana. Confused, I wondered how she knew, not realizing she was unaware of the encounter at the restaurant.

"Huh? Why do you ask?" I replied cautiously.

"Well...I am coming over now." Alana's visit was swift, arriving fifteen minutes later. As I opened the door, her expression mirrored my condition.

"Hey there. It seems like you already know."

"What are you talking about? I owe my condition to a Michael Reed who I saw going to a restaurant with a blonde."

"Oh. Then. It was that." Alana handed me her phone.

The article read: Billionaire Michael Reed Sparks Romance with Vogue Cover Star Claudia Dobrow!

In a dazzling collision of high society and fashion's glittering realm, the ever-enigmatic Michael Reed appears to have set his sights on none other than Russian model sensation Claudia Dobrow! Our sources have been buzzing with the scintillating whispers of a burgeoning romance between the billionaire tycoon and the Vogue cover star.

The coverage goes beyond mere speculation, incorporating vivid details and sensational images to fuel the public's fascination. The gossip columns feature a series of captivating photographs capturing Michael Reed and Claudia Dobrow in seemingly intimate moments. These images, snapped by paparazzi with a keen eye for detail, depict the pair at a fashionable restaurant, sharing smiles and engaging in conversation. The pictures were carefully chosen to enhance the narrative of a budding romance, with a touch of glamour and mystery.

And continued:

Claudia, a luminous presence on fashion runways across the globe, recently graced the cover of Vogue, solidifying her status as one of the industry's brightest stars. Now, it seems she's set her sights on a different kind of star—the enigmatic and wealthy Michael Reed.