Gray Areas | Englot | GirlxGirl

40. Surprise!

POV CHARLOTTE

Oh god, the lengths I'm going to for this surprise are honestly ridiculous. It's not just about these gifts I painstakingly picked out for Engfa; it's the whole setup I've put together like some undercover mission.

All I asked Marima to do was casually get Engfa's hotel floor and room number from Nesa. Just the basics, nothing extra. I didn't want help orchestrating this surprise from anyone else-it's supposed to be something special, just from me to her.

And here I am, going as far as renting a room on the same floor, just to have a closer vantage point and a base of operations.

Honestly, a complete waste of money, because I know I'm not even going to use that room tonight. Or maybe I will. If things somehow go sideways-if Engfa decides to throw one of her classic dramatic fits and hurl my gifts back at me-I'll at least have a place to crash. A "just-in-case" backup plan.

So, here I stand, feeling equal parts anxious and ridiculous. I drop my suitcase in the room I won't use, take a few moments to compose myself in the mirror, adjust my hair and smooth out my dress. In one hand, I hold a massive bouquet I carefully selected, and in the other, a collection of beautifully wrapped gift bags. Every piece here was picked with so much thought, and I just hope she sees that.

"Please, just... no drama tonight," I whisper to myself, my voice barely above a breath. Eyes closed, I take a deep inhale, steadying my nerves for what's ahead. I finally exhale, open my door, and step into the hallway. Engfa's room is just six doors down, on the same side.

With each step, my heartbeat picks up, matching my anticipation-and nerves.

Here goes everything.

I make my way down the hall. My heart's pounding in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through me.

Finally, I stop at her door. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the jittery mess I've become, and lift my hand to knock, gently. I hold the bouquet high, hiding behind the vibrant flowers, hoping the first thing she sees is the sweet surprise I planned for her.

A few moments later, I hear the faint click of the lock, and my heart leaps. I smile, peeking out just enough to catch her reaction, ready to see that spark of love in her eyes.

But what I see is nothing like what I'd imagined. My heart plummets, and my smile fades as I lower the bouquet, frozen in place.

This isn't real-it can't be.

Standing there, smirking in the doorway, is Lana fucking Winslow.

Lana, of all people, opening the door to my girlfriend's room. The sight feels like icy shards piercing every inch of my skin, and a wave of anger surges through me so fast I can hardly contain it. My jaw clenches, fists tightening around the bouquet as I struggle to steady myself.

"Lana," I say, my voice barely more than a low, simmering growl as I try to hold back the fury boiling up inside me.

She leans against the doorframe, crossing her arms with that signature smirk plastered on her face.

"Oh, hey... didn't expect you to be in Zurich," she says casually, as if we're old friends.

"Who's there, Lana?"