Chapter 4 Your Next Lover
Elaine walked over to Stacy, her gaze falling on the child in her arms.
Shauna’s skin was as smooth and white as porcelain, like a little doll. Her chubby cheeks were a soft pink, and her big, round eyes were as dark and shiny as marbles, making her irresistibly cute.
A mist seemed to form in Elaine’s eyes as she reached out and gently touched the baby’s soft cheek. It felt as smooth as a freshly peeled egg, soft and tender under her fingertips.
This was his daughter, Shauna.
She paused for a moment, then gave a bitter smile.
He had a wife. He had a child. His daughter was named Shauna–the name that matched the daughter they had once imagined having together.
Stacy noticed Elaine’s discomfort, but with everything happening, she couldn’t focus on it. Her voice became urgent. “Cordell, Shauna has diarrhea.”
Cordell immediately stood up, walking quickly toward them. He glanced at the baby in Stacy’s arms before grabbing the car keys from the coffee table. “We’re going to the hospital.”
Elaine instinctively took a step forward to follow, but then stopped after just a couple of steps.
In his arms was his wife. His wife was holding their child. What was she supposed to do?
Watching them leave, Elaine bit her lip, clenching her hands by her sides. A faint, metallic taste lingered in her mouth.
*****
The Silver Oak Grand Hotel was the largest in Aleshire, grand and opulent. The corridors were lined with deep purple, embroidered carpets, and the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling looked like a blooming white flowers, beautiful and sparkling.
With a soft chime, the elevator doors opened, and Elaine stepped out.
She wore a white dress with beige high heels. Her face was calm and pale, with a quiet elegance, and her tall, slender figure stood out as she walked.
She made her way straight to the presidential suite. Before arriving, she had learned that Jackson Mason had a long–term suite here at the Silver Oak Grand Hotel, one he used for his affairs.
To put it simply, “affairs” meant a lot more than casual meetings.
As she raised her hand to knock on the door, it suddenly swung open from the inside. A woman, crying and hiding her face, rushed past her, disheveled, clutching her purse tightly as she left in a hurry.
Jackson changed lovers every three months. He had just broken up with his last one a few days ago, so this woman… had her attempts to seduce him failed?
Elaine pushed the half–open door the rest of the way open and stepped inside. Her heart skipped a beat with nervousness as she scanned the room. It was empty, except for the sound of water running from the bathroom.
She tossed her handbag onto the couch and waited. After a moment, the bathroom door opened.
She turned her head at the sound, and her gaze fell on the man’s strong, sculpted body. His handsome face was slightly flushed from the steam, and his wet, black hair clung to his forehead, with droplets of water glistening on his skin.
His chest, a smooth honey–tan, was flat and toned, and as the water from his hair dripped onto his chest, it followed a path down his body, slipping under the towel wrapped loosely around his waist.
This man–he was even more strikingly handsome than any celebrity.
When Jackson saw someone unexpectedly standing in the room, brows furrowed in irritation. “Get out.”
his
Elaine’s cheeks flushed slightly. She cleared her throat to hide her embarrassment.
288 Vouchers
He was simply too good–looking.
It felt as if God had been extra kind to him when creating him.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and then stated, “Mr. Mason, I’m here to apply for the position of your next lover.”
