Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
This is really happening like I dreamed it or saw it. What the hell?
An annoyed expression covered Horace’s face as he climbed out of the limo.
Shi got to my side, while Ryan stomped past me.
Everything is happening the same way. I’m not fucking imagining this.
Bernard left the limo and held his hand out for Claire. “I don’t see why we can’t say that word among our friends. They know I’m not racist.”
That’s what he said before.
Claire jabbed her finger at his chest. “Enough. I said I don’t like the joke and even if I did, the damn word is disgusting.”
“But—”
“No buts. Just get me something to drink, honey.” Claire marched away from him and stopped next to me. She kept her voice low as she asked, “Why did I marry him again, Maya?”
I stared at her in shock.
She blinked. “Maya, are you okay?”
I dropped my hand from my neck. “Did I fall asleep in the limo?”
“No.” she chuckled. “It was such a short ride.”
“Are you sure?”
“If you fell asleep, I would have rudely woken you up.”
“But, not just a little doze for a few minutes—”
“When could you have fallen asleep? I was asking you about Ethan the whole time.”
I gazed over my shoulder.
Bernard walked on toward the Manor and called back. “I’ll get that drink for you, sweetie.”
“Yes. Yes.” Claire waved him away.
I fully faced the property in a complete daze.
Ethan shows up next. If he does, then I’m stomping off to the limo and asking the driver to take me home.
Claire stepped next to me. “Ravenswood Manor is beautiful. Isn’t it?”
I frowned, remembering that she had already said that before.
Excitement rode Shi’s voice. “Before getting dressed, I read all about Ravenswood Manor. There’re three gardens on the property and a large pool, but most amazing of all is the huge maze in the back.”
Damn it. This is really happening again. Everything.
Then, I spotted Ethan strolling out of the front of the Manor and heading our way. Same chiseled handsome face. Same confidence oozing from him. Same designer suit.
Oh my God.
I trembled and stepped back. “This is. . .really. . .going down.”
Claire chuckled. “Maybe, we can sneak off to the maze and have a smoke.”
“I’m getting the hell out of here.” I rushed back to the limo, stepping into the puddle and splashing water on my gown. “Hey! Hey!”
“Maya?” Claire called back. “What’s wrong?”
“I’ve got to go.” I hurried away in my heels. “Hell to the no. Hey! You! Driver!”
He was just getting back into the vehicle. “Ma’am, did you leave something?”
“Yes!” I hurried to the door. “I mean no. Just take me home.”
“Home?”
“Yes! Please! Now!” I opened the door myself and rushed with climbing in. Once my butt hit the seat, I slammed the door shut.
I’ll fix this situation and take my behind home. Hell no.
Ethan, Claire, and Shi quickly walked toward the limo.
“No. No. No.” I locked my door. “I’m out of here.”
The driver got into the front of the limo. “You want to go home, Ms. Johnson?”
“Yes! Please! Hurry!” I waved my hands in the air. “I’m not dying tonight!”
“O-kay, Ms. Johnson.” He started the limo.
Claire tapped at the window. “Maya, what are you doing?”
“Get back.” I gestured for her to edge away. “I’m out of here. And don’t drink the champagne! It will kill you!”
Ethan stood next to her with a curious expression on his face.
He must think I’m crazy now.
“Maya, stop this.” Claire let out a nervous chuckle and glanced at Ethan. “I swear she’s usually not like this. And I know the champagne is just fine.”
“Don’t drink it!” I shook my head.
Ethan opened his mouth, but no words came out.
There goes the journey we were going to have.
I turned back to the driver. “Come on. Let’s go. Please!”
“Yes, ma’am.” The driver slowly drove us away.
I gazed back at Ethan.
Now he wore a confused expression.
No diamond rose for me.
Claire had her mask off and phone against her ear.
My purse vibrated.
Nope. I’m not answering until I get home.
The driver slowly took us away.
I sighed in relief.
Thank you, God.
Clearly, the angels or something had delivered a vision to me, and I was not going to ignore it. If I was supposed to die by champagne in a mansion this evening, then I would go right home and only sip tea.
Hell no.
I leaned back in the seat.
My nerves slowly calmed.
“I’m alive.” I bobbed my head. “I’m alive and safe.”
The driver glanced at me from the rear-view mirror.
Stop talking out loud. He might take me to the mental hospital.
I gave him an awkward wave. “I’m okay back here. Don’t worry.”
He put his focus on the road and drove us along.
I spotted an elegant fountain, with a brass statue surrounded by water. Then, the sight shifted to an outstretched manicured lawn.
I let out a long breath and smiled.
What a great night to be alive.