ONE

[FREAH MIREILLE]

As soon as I opened my eyes, I felt something heavy resting on my stomach. I looked down and saw a man’s hand lying there.

My eyes widened. All the sleepiness I had completely disappeared in that moment. I slowly turned my head and saw a man sleeping beside me in the bed. He looked young, probably close to my age. His face was calm, lips slightly parted, his dark lashes resting gently over his cheeks.

Then everything from last night came rushing back into my head—like a wave crashing all at once.

The bar.

The drinks.

The conversations.

The hotel room.

The things we did.

I quickly shut my eyes again and let out a quiet breath. What did I do? Why did I let it go that far?

I hadn’t planned on doing any of that. I wasn’t that kind of girl. But the alcohol, the moment, and maybe my loneliness all mixed together—and suddenly, I had made a choice I couldn’t take back.

Gently, I lifted his hand off me, careful not to wake him. I didn’t even remember his name. He had told me last night—I was sure—but now, it was just a blank in my mind.

I sat up slowly, trying not to make a sound. My clothes were scattered on the floor. I picked them up one by one and tiptoed to the bathroom.

Once I was inside, I quickly got dressed, checking myself in the mirror. My cheeks were still flushed, whether from last night or the embarrassment I felt now—I wasn’t sure.

After I smoothed down my hair and made sure I looked presentable, I quietly opened the bathroom door and stepped out. As I walked past the bed, I heard him make a soft sound, like a groan in his sleep. I froze, afraid he might wake up.

But he didn’t.

I let out a sigh of relief and grabbed my bag before leaving the room, closing the door behind me as softly as I could.

Once I was in the hallway, I hurried toward the elevator. My heart was beating fast. I didn’t want to face him. I didn’t want to explain myself. And honestly, I didn’t even know what I’d say if he woke up.

Just as I stepped into the elevator, my phone buzzed. It was my older sister calling me through a messaging app.

“Yes, Bi?” I answered, my voice a little shaky. I already knew what this call was about. I had a bad feeling.

“Freah, when are you coming back?” she asked in a sharp voice. “Aren’t you done with your little vacation? What if Dad finds out you ran away—and that I helped you?”

I sighed and pouted, even though she couldn’t see me.

“Bi, it’s only been two days. I haven’t even seen Meva yet.”

Meva was more than just our nanny. She was like a second mother to us growing up. After her husband passed away, she had to go back to the US to care for her son. I promised myself I’d visit her someday, and that day had finally come.

I also wanted to try finding our relatives here. The problem was—I didn’t know who or where they were.

I was very young the last time we visited the US, and I don’t remember anything about it. Mom told me stories, but we never visits, mostly because of Dad. He was strict and secretive about that part of our family. He either cut ties or kept in touch quietly. I don’t really know which is true.

I rarely go anywhere alone. Every time I travel, it's with family. My sister has a little more freedom, but me? Dad is twice as strict with me for some reason.

“Besides,” I continued, “Dad isn’t even in Italy right now. He’s away and won’t be back for a while. Please, Bi. Let me have this. I haven’t even gone around yet. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”

Honestly, I only managed to sneak out because of my siblings. They all helped me. I’m the baby in the family, so they spoil me a lot. They knew I needed this.

I miss Meva too much, and I really wanted to see her. When I asked Dad if I could visit, he immediately said no. But I still went anyway. I told her I’d take full responsibility if things went wrong.

“Fine, fine!” she said with a sigh. “But you better keep updating me. And take care, okay? I love you.”

I smiled at her tone. She always acts tough, but she has a soft heart—especially for us siblings.

“Thanks, Bi. I love you too. Send my regards to our brothers.”

I ended the call and stepped outside the hotel, waving down a cab. I needed to get back to the hotel near the airport—the one I originally checked into.

As I sat in the back seat of the cab, I stared out the window.

I still couldn’t believe it.

I gave my virginity to a stranger.

A complete stranger.

But even though I was drunk… I could still feel everything from last night. The way he touched me. The way he made me feel.

Was it a mistake?

Maybe.

But… I didn’t regret it.

When I got back to the hotel, the first thing I did was pack my things. Today was check-out day, and I had plans to travel to a town somewhere in Connecticut. I wasn’t exactly sure where it was, just that it was called New Haven. All I had was a handwritten address that Meva gave me. I figured I could just ask people along the way. How hard could it be, right?

After packing, I took a quick shower to freshen up. My body was tired, and I needed a few minutes to rest before leaving. I lay on the bed for a bit, staring at the ceiling, thinking about last night... and trying hard not to.

Eventually, I grabbed my bags and checked out of the hotel.

Once I was outside, I started asking around—random people on the street, vendors, even a guard at the store—hoping someone could point me in the right direction. Thankfully, most people were kind and tried to help, but… I still couldn’t figure out where I was supposed to go.

I think I just have zero sense of direction. Maybe even negative sense of direction.

I followed the directions the best I could, but somehow I ended up walking around for what felt like forever. My feet were aching in my shoes. I tried flagging down a cab, but every one of them was occupied. Most were coming from the airport, and nobody seemed to be heading my way.

Frustrated, I stopped on the sidewalk and looked up at the traffic light. It turned green for pedestrians, so I stepped off the curb and started crossing the street with the others.

Then, out of nowhere, a car sped toward the crosswalk—fast.

The light was clearly red for cars, but this driver seemed to think that didn’t apply to him. The screech of tires echoed through the air, and I froze for a split second, thinking this might be it. The car stopped just in time, only a few inches away from me.

My knees gave out, and I fell hard to the ground, the shock hitting me all at once. My palms scraped against the rough pavement, stinging badly. I wanted to cry—but instead, I cursed in my head. Hard.

The door of the car swung open, and the driver came rushing toward me.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked, his voice full of worry.

I looked up at him with fire in my eyes. If I had powers, he would’ve exploded on the spot. “Okay?! You almost killed me!” I snapped. “Do you even know how to drive? That light was red! RED!”

I was breathing fast, my hands burning, my heart pounding. I was just about to yell at him even more when I finally got a good look at his face.

And everything inside me froze.

No way.

No. Freaking. Way.

It was him.

The man I left in the hotel room earlier that morning. The same man who—well—was with me last night.