The Wrong Room, the Right Man
Copyright© 2025 by The Ignored Sentinel
Chapter 2
Erotica Sex Story: Chapter 2 - On vacation with her husband, Asha returns drunk to her hotel, fumbles with the wrong keycard, and slips into a stranger’s room. What began as a mistake becomes the start of an unforeseen events.
Caution: This Erotica Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Ma/Fa Coercion Consensual Drunk/Drugged Reluctant Heterosexual Fiction Cheating Slut Wife MaleDom Light Bond Spanking Interracial Black Male White Female Indian Female Masturbation Oral Sex Safe Sex
As the morning light sliced through the curtains, Asha opened her eyelids, waking slowly. She felt disoriented. She sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest. She remembered the wild night with James. She didn’t know how to react. A thick sob lodged in her throat. Her body felt weak—sore hips and a strange ache deep inside. Disgust churned in her stomach. Disgust at her weakness. Disgust at her betrayal. Memories of pure, uncomplicated pleasure flooded her mind. A part of her, one she tried to suppress, whispered fiercely: you have nothing to regret. It was their first meeting. Maybe she would never see him again. A night like this would fade into memory.
She turned slowly, hoping not to wake James. But as she looked to her side, she was startled. It was Arjun, her husband, sound asleep next to her. Confusion washed over her. She looked around, with panic fluttering in her chest. This wasn’t James’s suite. The decor was different—warmer tones and different furniture. How did she get here? Where was James? The last thing she remembered was falling asleep in his bed after their intense encounter.
She slipped out of bed, legs shaky, covering herself with the white sheets. She needed to find their luggage. Moving quietly, she found their suitcases sitting neatly near the closet. She opened it, and her heart raced. A note was tucked under the strap. The handwriting was bold and unfamiliar.
“Thanks for last night. He doesn’t know. Enjoy the upgrade. -J”
She headed toward the toilet, obviously limping. In the bathroom mirror, she saw herself. Her hair was a mess; her breasts were painful from all the suction, squeezing, and tugging. Love bites covered her body, mostly her breasts. Her lipstick and mascara were streaked all over, and her eyes were red and swollen. The large rod had fucked her cunt, which was sore.
She went under the shower, hoping to clear away traces of James as well as the sticky sweat. As the cold water pounded her back, she sank down in a fetal position. Images of last night flashed in her mind. James’s dark hands gripped her hips. His body stretched her in ways she didn’t expect. Sounds tore from her throat. She had moaned his name louder than she ever had with Arjun. She had thrown away her vows for one night with a stranger. For lust. She buried her face in her knees. She cried her heart out until tears ran dry. She felt empty. After crying under the cold water for what felt like ages, she finally pulled herself from the shower. Legs trembling, she stumbled toward the bedroom. Dripping, she grabbed a towel. Her reflection in the fogged mirror was somewhat better. She could hide the bite marks with her clothes. She wrapped the towel tightly around herself.
Slowly, she walked into the bedroom. Arjun lay sprawled on his back, deep in sleep. He was oblivious. On the closet, a crumpled note caught her eye. “He doesn’t know.” Without a second thought, she tossed the note into the trash bin. Two hours later, Arjun woke up as sunlight hit his face. He squinted and rubbed his temples. Slowly, he blinked and focused on Asha, standing by the window. She was already dressed in jeans and a loose, high-sleeved t-shirt.
“Ugh ... my head,” he mumbled. “Morning,” he croaked, forcing a weak smile. “What a night, huh? Did you sleep okay?”
Asha turned, her heart racing. She forced her face into a neutral expression. “Fine,” she lied, her voice calm but unnatural. “Just tired.” She busied herself folding a stray blanket, avoiding his eyes.
“Yeah, me too,” Arjun sighed, pushing himself up gingerly. He winced and massaged his neck. “But wow, last night! It started rough with that spill, but then ... VIP treatment! I did some damage at blackjack later.” His eyes lit up, despite the hangover haze. “I won a couple hundred bucks! Could have been more, though.” He shook his head ruefully. “If only I’d had more chips to push that last bet ... Lady Luck was smiling, Asha. I could feel it.”
He glanced at her, expecting excitement. Asha nodded mechanically. She stared out the window at the sprawling Vegas strip below. Her mind replayed James’s touch and the raw sounds she had made.
“Mmhmm,” she murmured, her knuckles white as she gripped the blanket.
By afternoon, the penthouse suite felt too boring. Arjun’s hangover had subsided into a dull throb and given way to restless energy.
“Lunch?” he suggested brightly, pulling on a fresh shirt. “Let’s hit the buffet downstairs. Penthouse perks!”
Asha forced a smile, but her stomach churned. She chose a high-necked blouse, carefully hiding the bruises James had left. As they descended in the elevator, Arjun hummed tunelessly, completely oblivious. Asha watched the floor numbers flash, each ding echoing her guilt. The buffet looked like a sparkling oasis—ice sculptures towered beside trays of crab legs, prime rib, and shiny dim sum.
Arjun led Asha to a quiet booth by a big window overlooking the pool deck. He loaded his plate with roasted chicken and mashed potatoes, a proud smile on his face. Asha sat across from him. She chose a small salad and sparkling water.
“See? VIPs get the best seats!” Arjun said, a proud smile on his face.
Then, a deep voice from behind broke through. “Enjoying the stay?”
James Adebayo stood next to their booth. He wore a sharp charcoal suit and had a slight smile. His gaze lingered on Asha for a moment before shifting to Arjun. He was with a woman in her mid-20s. She had sleek blonde hair pulled back and was dressed in a crisp white shirt and a tight black pencil skirt. James’s hand rested casually around her waist. The woman eyed Asha with clear curiosity.
Arjun jumped up, nearly spilling his water. “Mr. Adebayo! Sir! Yes, absolutely! The suite is incredible!” He shook James’s hand enthusiastically. “Thank you again for your generosity yesterday. Truly!”
James waved his hand. “No need for that, Arjun. Just call me James.” He pointed to the blonde woman next to him. “This is my friend, Chloe. She handles VIP relations.”
Chloe smiled, her expression polished. Her eyes flicked to Asha, who looked stiff and uncomfortable. Arjun noticed Chloe’s sharp skirt and perfectly shaped brows.
Then, Arjun turned to face James. “Right, James! We’re loving it. Absolutely loving it.” He beamed, not noticing the tension radiating from his wife. “The room, the view ... everything’s perfect.”
Asha stared at Chloe and forced a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She felt James’s gaze on her, like a physical weight.
Chloe stepped forward, her voice crisp. “Mr. Johnson, the casino manager mentioned you played well with small bets last night.” She pointed toward the gaming floor. “As a thank you for your patronage, Mr. Adebayo would like to gift you $3,000 in chips.”
Arjun’s eyes widened. His hangover faded. “Three thousand? Seriously?” He clapped his hands, grinning. “That’s incredible! Thank you!”
Asha tightened her grip on her fork. She wanted to object. This felt like a payment for last night, and she hadn’t agreed to it. Her cheeks burned, but she forced a brittle smile. “There’s no need for that,” she murmured, staring at Chloe.
James’s calm face showed no sign of wrongdoing. Chloe’s smile remained steady.
“Nonsense,” Arjun said smoothly. He glanced at Asha’s irritable face before returning his focus to Chloe. “We shouldn’t refuse a gift from a generous man.”
Chloe pulled a thick envelope from her bag and handed it to Arjun, her smile polished. But then her attention shifted to Asha. It sharpened. “And Mrs. Asha? Mr. Adebayo arranged a complimentary spa package for you at our Serenity Retreat. A full afternoon of pampering—massage, facial, the works.”
She slid a smaller envelope across the table toward Asha. “To help you relax after your travels.”
Asha stared at the cream-colored envelope. Her fingers felt numb. It was like payment laid bare. “No—” she started. The refusal was sharp on her tongue. She couldn’t accept this. Not after last night.
Arjun jumped in, his hand firmly on her wrist above the tablecloth. “Asha, please,” he hissed, leaning in. His smile was tight, eyes pleading. “Don’t spoil it.” His grip was firm, holding her steady. “It’s a gift. Be gracious.”
He turned back to James and Chloe, forcing a wider grin. “She’s just overwhelmed by your generosity, James! Truly, thank you.”
Chloe leaned closer to Asha. The scent of expensive perfume wafted in. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Don’t worry,” Chloe murmured, her tone oddly intimate. It felt both reassuring and invasive. “If you feel uncomfortable alone ... I’ll join you after you finish your lunch.”
Chloe pulled back slightly, her cool blue eyes locking onto Asha’s. There was a silent understanding there. It sent a fresh wave of panic through Asha’s chest.
James nodded briefly, yet his face was hard to read. “Enjoy.”
He guided Chloe to a large booth by the window, with his hand placed low on her back. They settled into the soft leather seats. Asha, sitting directly across from them, had a clear view of James’s strong shoulders and Chloe’s sleek blonde hair. Arjun sat with his back to them. To see James and Chloe, he’d have to twist in his seat.
Once James and Chloe were out of earshot, Arjun leaned in. His fork clanged against his plate. “Why are you acting like this?” he whispered, irritation tight in his voice. “They’re being nice! Really nice! Free chips, a penthouse, spa treatments ... and you...” He wanted her to understand. Instead, he found only her stiff expression. “What’s wrong with you? This is Vegas! This is luck!”
Asha looked at Arjun’s excited face. His eyes flicked greedily toward the chips Chloe had given him. Her grip tightened on her fork. Inside, she wanted to confess. She wanted to say—’He didn’t give us this because of luck. He gave it to you because I spent the night in his bed.’
But the words stayed stuck. She took a shaky breath. “I’m not—” she started, her voice thin and strained. It barely cut through the noise around them. “I’m not comfortable accepting gifts like this.” She looked at his confused gaze. “It feels ... transactional.”
Arjun’s brows furrowed with disbelief. “Come on?” he scoffed, leaning in. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Are you serious? This is generosity, Asha!” His eyes moved over her tense shoulders and clenched jaw. “Or are you just uncomfortable because you’re not used to luxury?” A sharp chide slipped into his tone. With a dismissive smirk on his lips. “Act like you belong, for once,” he added.
Asha’s anger flared. A hot flush crept up her neck. Her nails dug into her palm beneath the tablecloth. He shrugged off her unease. He thought it was just reserved discomfort. But the guilt twisted in her gut. Arguing here felt impossible. She swallowed her bitter retort. Her voice came out flat and cold. “Okay, Arjun,” she murmured, staring past him. “I will not object to his gifts.”
Arjun smiled. “That’s good,” he said, relief washing over him. He shoved the spa voucher toward Asha.
She played with the fork in her salad. No appetite. Instead, her gaze drifted across to James and Chloe. Chloe leaned into him, her blonde hair brushing against him. She pointed at something on a tablet. James chuckled, a low sound Asha felt in her chest. His large hand moved up Chloe’s spine, fingers pressing against her blouse. He pulled her closer. Chloe didn’t pull away. A sharp pang hit Asha. Jealousy? It felt ridiculous. Yet, seeing James with Chloe—so casually intimate—after their intense night together felt like a betrayal.
Arjun shoveled roast beef into his mouth, completely unaware of the tension. He groaned, rubbing his temples. “My head’s still pounding,” he mumbled around mashed potatoes. “All that booze last night ... bad idea.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I think I’ll head back up after this,” he said, stifling a yawn. “Need a nap. Forget the tables for now. I’ll hit them tonight when I’m fresh.”
Asha nodded, not really hearing what Arjun said. Her focus was on James and Chloe. James leaned back, looking relaxed but in control. Chloe was closer now, her hand resting on his forearm as she spoke. She was animated, and James listened, a faint smile on his face. Suddenly, James looked towards Asha. Chloe noticed, and she turned to look at Asha with an all-knowing smile. James just kept staring at Asha, a silent challenge in his eyes. Asha snapped her attention back to her husband, her cheeks flushed.
Arjun pushed his empty plate away, sighing with satisfaction. “Ready?” he asked, clueless about the tension. “Yes,” she mumbled, grabbing her purse and the spa voucher like it was dirty.
They stood up. Arjun stretched and groaned about his stiff back. Asha risked another glance at James. Chloe was whispering something urgent in his ear, her lips brushing his skin. Then, she began walking towards Asha and Arjun. James’s face was unreadable, but his eyes tracked Chloe as she moved away.
Arjun said, “I’m going back to the room,” yawning and rubbing his temples. “Will you join me at the casino tonight?” he asked. “You won’t make a difference,” he added before she could respond, with a tone dripping with sarcasm as he turned away to the elevators.
Asha’s heart sank. She clutched the spa voucher in her hand. “No. I won’t,” she muttered, watching Arjun walk out. Frustrated, she crumpled the cream envelope and shoved it into her pocket.
Suddenly, Chloe appeared before Asha, smiling brightly. “Ready? The spa awaits.” Her voice was smooth and professional.
Asha hesitated but looked at James, still seated across the room. He nodded, just barely. Chloe touched Asha’s elbow. “Come. Forget everything else for a few hours.”
Asha followed, her legs feeling stiff. Chloe led her through a heavy door into a quiet corridor. Soft music played, and the smell of eucalyptus filled the air. “James arranged the signature package,” Chloe explained. “It includes a couples massage.”
Asha stopped. “Couples?” Panic tightened her throat.
Chloe turned, her smile widening. “Yes. You and me.”
“But before that...” Chloe winked, her gaze dropping to Asha’s pelvis. “We need to clean something below.” She gestured toward a private steam room, tucked away from the main area. “James prefers ... things tidy.”
Asha froze, realizing that James had shared everything with Chloe. Her cheeks burned. She felt exposed. But Chloe’s expression was pleasant.
As they walked into the door of the private spa, she added. “It’s quick. I promise. And painless.”
Asha hesitated but nodded. Inside, the air was thick and hot. Chloe spoke to the girl at the desk. Moments later, they were guided into a private room. Soft towels were laid out on a padded bench.
The technician, a quiet woman in her 20s in scrubs, entered with a small kit. “You can change in the booth,” she said gently.
Asha slipped into a booth attached to the room and returned wrapped in a towel. The thick terrycloth robe hung loosely as she walked barefoot toward the bench. Chloe waited near a padded bench, dressed already in a white robe. Her blonde hair was pinned up, exposing her neck.
“Lie back,” the technician instructed.
Asha obeyed. The warm leather pressed against her skin as she reclined. The technician moved with efficiency, removing the towel below her waist and spreading Asha’s legs. Asha squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for what came next. The technician tested the wax on her wrist. It was warm, not too hot.
“Deep breath,” she said softly.
Asha felt exposed. The technician’s fingers glided over her skin, covering her pubic mound with the warm wax. Asha clenched her jaw. The sting was sharp.
In the corner, Chloe stood with her arms crossed. “Looks like it’s your first time,” she joked. “Don’t worry. Soon, you’ll be smooth as silk.”
Then, the technician ripped the first strip away. Asha gasped. Her hips jerked. Chloe chuckled quietly.
“Easy,” the technician said. She pressed down on Asha’s thigh. “Hold still.”
Asha focused on the ceiling tiles. Each one was identical. Each one was perfectly boring. She counted them: one, two, three ... The rips came faster now. Efficient. The technician finished quickly, wiping Asha clean with a warm cloth.
“All done,” the technician announced.
Asha sat up fast, dropping the towel to cover herself.
Chloe stepped forward, offering a plush white robe. “Here,” she said, her tone gentle. “Put this on. Now, the massage.”
She pointed to the next room, where soft lighting glowed. “I specifically requested our best therapist for us.”
Asha slipped into the robe. Chloe’s fingers brushed her shoulder. “Let go of everything else,” she murmured, and led her to the next room.
Inside the massage room, soft yellow light filled the space. Two padded tables stood side by side. Chloe let her robe fall away. Underneath, she wore a sleek black bikini top and matching shorts. She climbed onto the nearest table, face down.
She looked at Asha. “Drop the robe and lie face down,” she said.
Asha hesitated. Her fingers trembled on the robe’s sash. She looked at Chloe’s bare back. Then, her gaze shifted to the door.
Chloe sighed softly. “Don’t make this awkward,” she said.
Asha untied her robe. It slipped off, pooling at her feet. She climbed naked onto the cool leather table. The air felt chilly against her skin. She settled down, resting her cheek on the padded cradle. Her eyes closed. Footsteps approached. Two therapists entered. One was a short East Asian woman with cropped hair. The other was a taller Latina with thick braids.
Chloe spoke softly. “You can talk freely, Asha. They don’t understand English.” Her voice was calm and reassuring. “Just relax.”
The masseurs began. Warm oil flowed onto Asha’s back. Strong hands pressed into her shoulders. Asha gasped softly. The knots melted away.
Chloe sighed beside her. “Good, right? I love when he insists on the best.” Her tone was light and friendly.
Asha didn’t know what to say.
Chloe chuckled. “Your husband seems ... cheerful.”
Asha hesitated. “He likes Vegas.”
Chloe hummed in response. The masseur’s hands worked lower on Asha’s spine.
Chloe continued, “Don’t worry about last night.”
Asha froze, almost raising her head to watch Chloe.
Chloe’s voice remained warm. “He told me. He enjoyed your company.”
The therapist kneaded Asha’s lower back. Asha tried to relax.
“Is that why he’s giving us these gifts?” Asha whispered, her voice muffled against the leather. “Because of ... last night?” She felt Chloe shift beside her.
The therapist rubbed oil along Asha’s spine.
“No,” Chloe answered simply. “Not at all.” She paused. Her own therapist worked on her shoulders. “To be honest, I actually don’t know.”
Asha frowned as she leaned against the cradle. The therapist’s hands glided over her hips. The room was quiet, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Asha felt the therapist knead her calf muscles. Rest and relaxation washed over her. The therapists worked in harmony. Their motions were smooth. Comfort flowed into Asha’s muscles. Both the ladies remained silent for what felt like ages. Only the gentle sounds of oil and hands on skin broke the stillness. After an hour, the therapists stepped back without a word.
Chloe sat up gracefully. She reached for her robe, her skin glowing softly. Asha moved slowly, stiff from lying still. Her mind buzzed with thoughts. She wrapped the robe tightly around herself. Chloe slid off her table.
“Feeling better?” she asked, a bright smile on her face as she tied her robe.
Asha just nodded. The therapists bowed slightly and exited the room.
“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Chloe began, shifting her weight. “But I think your husband is an idiot.”
Asha’s breath caught in her throat. She didn’t respond.
Chloe chuckled, motioning toward the adjoining shower room. “Let’s freshen up?”
The door opened to reveal gleaming tiles and fluffy towels piled high. Steam curled invitingly in the air. Asha was hesitant, thinking over Chloe’s question.
Chloe walked into the shower area. “Come on,” she called over her shoulder. “Don’t dawdle.”
The shower spray hissed—warm and strong. Asha stood beneath it, letting the water wash away the massage oil. Next to her, Chloe scrubbed her blonde hair, focused and quiet. Chloe hummed softly, while Asha fixed her eyes on the wall, cleaning her arms in a mindless flow. Chloe finished rinsing off quickly. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself like a turban.
“Makeup!” she announced, stepping onto the bathmat.
Asha turned off the water, still dripping.
Chloe tossed her a towel. “Dry fast. The artist hates waiting.”
In the vanity room, bright bulbs surrounded a large mirror. Two chairs faced it. Chloe sat first, flipping her wet hair back.
A makeup artist approached. She had sharp eyes and silver hair pinned tight. “Natural?” she asked briskly.
Chloe nodded. “But make the eyes smoky. I like drama.” She leaned back as the artist started priming her skin.
Asha perched stiffly in the next chair. Another artist, younger and quieter, smiled at her. “What look?” she murmured.
Asha hesitated. “Just ... normal?”
The artist tilted Asha’s chin. “Your skin tone is perfect for gold accents.” She opened a palette. “May I?”
Chloe glanced at Asha’s reflection. “Go bold,” she suggested casually. “Try winged liner.” Her own artist blended shadow along her crease. “I think it’s sexy.”
Asha’s fingers tightened on the armrest. Her artist dabbed highlighter on her cheekbones. “Winged liner,” Asha agreed softly.
The artist nodded and picked up a thin brush.
“Make the lips red,” Chloe said to her artist. She turned to Asha. “But maybe too much for you?”
Asha watched the brush trace her lash line—steady and precise. “Red is fine,” she whispered. Her artist smiled and reached for a tube. The makeup session wrapped up. Chloe looked at herself first. Her smoky eyes and red lips looked great. Asha followed. She barely recognized her reflection. Gold eyelids, sharp black wings, and a deep crimson mouth stared back at her.
Chloe smiled and nodded. “Perfect.”
They stepped out together, back to their booths. Asha felt awkward in her borrowed robe. Chloe led the way through the quiet spa corridors. In the private booth. Asha glanced at her smooth, bare legs. The wax had worked well.
Chloe spoke over the booth so Asha could hear. “Better, right?” she blurted out.
Asha nodded. “Yes,” she murmured.
They stepped out of the spa, dressed just like when they entered the spa. Chloe wore her crisp white shirt and a tight black pencil skirt. Her blonde hair was pinned up neatly. Asha, on the other hand, was back in her jeans and a high-necked blouse. Her hair was smoothed into its usual ponytail. Asha felt her makeup was still dramatic. The sharp eyeliner and deep crimson lips Chloe insisted on clashed with her modest outfit.
Chloe glanced at her watch. “There’s something else,” she said, her tone now clipped and efficient.
“What?” Asha’s voice caught in her throat. The lipstick felt heavy on her lips.
Chloe smiled and pulled out a sleek black credit card. “Let’s go shopping.”
“Is it one of James’s gifts?” Asha asked cautiously. Her fingers traced the edge of her purse strap. She tried to keep her voice light.
Chloe slid the card back into her pocket. “No, girl,” she replied smoothly, turning toward the lobby elevators. “It’s on me.” Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she walked, not waiting for Asha’s reaction. She pressed the elevator button with a manicured finger. “James spoils his favorites, but I spoil my friends.”
The doors slid open silently. Chloe stepped inside, holding them open with one hand. “Coming?”
Asha was nervous. The word “favorites” echoed uncomfortably in her mind. Was she one of James’s favorites? Or Chloe’s friend? The line between them felt blurry.
But Chloe’s warm smile was inviting. The promise of distraction was too tempting. Asha followed Chloe into the elevator. The scent of Chloe’s expensive floral perfume filled the small space.
“Friends?” Asha asked softly, testing the word.
Chloe just winked as the doors closed. “Yeah, now and forever.”
They entered the hotel’s exclusive boutique. It was filled with silk and sequins. Chloe was focused. She pulled Asha toward the daring dresses, ignoring the conservative blouses.
Chloe held up a slinky black slip dress. “Forget the high necklines. You look good in this.” She tossed the dress at Asha and grabbed a crimson lace bodysuit from a mannequin.
Asha held the black silk, her thumb sliding over the slippery fabric. “It’s ... too much,” she said, glancing at the bodysuit’s plunging neckline.
Chloe laughed. “Too much? Honey, in Vegas, this is Sunday brunch attire.” She pushed the crimson lace into Asha’s arms. “Try them. Both.” Her tone left no room for debate.
They wandered deeper into the boutique. Racks of vibrant swimwear and bikinis. Chloe stopped suddenly. She looked Asha over, assessing her.
“God, look at you,” she said, circling Asha. “You have a wonderful structure. Solid. Perfect proportions.” Chloe’s fingers brushed Asha’s waist. “Thirty-six, twenty-four, thirty-six?” she guessed confidently.
Asha felt heat rise to her cheeks and nodded, speechless.
Chloe grinned and picked a small electric blue bikini off the rack. “This will showcase that.” She held it against Asha’s torso. “The top will lift those beauties,” she said, tapping Asha’s chest, “and the bottoms? They’ll hug those hips just right.”
Asha stared at the tiny triangles. “Chloe, I ... I can’t wear this.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “It’s indecent.”
Chloe smirked, her smile sharp. “Honey, you won’t be showing it to everyone.” She leaned in, her perfume sharp and floral. “Just when you feel like it.”
At the counter, their arms were full of Chloe’s picks: a black slip dress, a crimson bodysuit, an electric blue bikini, and more. Asha hadn’t even seen Chloe choose some of these items. The saleswoman rang them up quickly. Asha watched the total rise—$500, $800, $1,200. Her stomach tightened with every beep. Chloe slid her sleek black credit card across the counter. No hesitation. The machine chirped approval. The woman bagged the clothes. Asha blinked, shocked. The final bill flashed: $2,347. Chloe smiled, tucking the card away like she’d just bought lunch.
It was early evening; they stepped out of the boutique and went outside to a café. Under a potted palm tree, they sat. Asha clutched her shopping bag. Chloe ordered two orange shakes.
“Chloe,” she said softly, her voice shaky, “please be honest...” She hesitated, eyeing the expensive bag. “You’re doing this for James, right?” The crimson lipstick felt sticky as she spoke. “The shopping, the spa ... it’s all because of him?”
Chloe didn’t answer right away. Instead, she smiled—a slow, knowing smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Does it matter?” she finally murmured, her tone light but careful. “The clothes are yours. The spa was relaxing. Just enjoy it.”
Asha frowned. “But why?” she pressed. “Why all this? For me? Because James told you to?”
Chloe sighed; a hint of weariness crossed her features before she masked it with a practiced smile. She leaned in. “Look, honey,” she said, her voice dropping, losing its polished tone. “I was on the streets when James found me. Freezing, hungry, scared.” She met Asha’s startled gaze. “He took care of me. Like he does for many girls who hit rock bottom in this city. He offered me a clean bed and food.” She paused. “Some girls took his offer: cash to start over, a job reference, and a ticket home. They walked away clean.” Chloe shrugged, a casual gesture that didn’t match the intensity in her eyes. “But I wanted to stay close to him. Close to this.” She gestured around the opulent casino floor. “The safety. The power. The life.”
Asha locked her eyes onto Chloe, sharp and intense. “But? I’m not on the pavement. I have a husband, Chloe.” She shook her head, confusion written all over her face. “James doesn’t need to rescue me. He doesn’t need to buy me clothes or spa days. Why do this? It looks like he is buying me.”
Chloe chuckled softly. She swirled her straw in the orange shake. “Yes, you have a husband gambling away whatever cash he has left.” Her voice dropped to a low murmur. “He’s betting pennies while James builds empires. Do you think Arjun really sees you? Really sees what you need?” Chloe leaned in, her eyes intense. “I don’t know what James sees in you.” She pointed at the shopping bag resting against Asha’s leg. “It’s definitely not a payment. I know that.” Chloe took a slow sip, her gaze steady. “If you want to know the answer, you have to ask him yourself.”
Asha slumped back against the chair. Chloe’s words hit her hard. Arjun hadn’t cared last night. James did. He was gambling while she stumbled into James’s suite. He gambled pennies, while James had a fortune. The truth settled cold and heavy in her gut.