Married To My One Night Mistake

Cora’s Pov.

I stared at the departures board, my heart sinking as each and every flight flipped over to Cancelled. One after the other, like dominoes. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. I couldn't be stranded here in Alaska.

I knew it. I never should’ve accepted this trip. But when did I ever treat myself? Every dollar I’d ever earned had gone straight into law school or Dad’s medical bills. When I entered the writing competition hosted by that luxury beauty brand, Élan Skin & Co, I didn’t expect to win. Honestly, I’d forgotten all about it.

But I did win.

A winter escape at a posh resort tucked in the beauty of Alaska. I hadn’t planned on going, but then Marcus broke up with me and finals nearly broke me. I needed out. I needed something.

A change of scenery, a little vacation, and this trip was all paid for. Literally every expense including a little bit of funds to go shopping and a goodie bag with their finest product. Such a great weekend but now I couldn’t even get back home.

I rushed to the help desk, dragging my luggage behind me– I hope I don’t break a damn wheel. “Ma’am, there has to be an option, right? I desperately need to get home.”

“You and many others,” the woman said with a tired sigh.

I turned around, taking in the chaos, people crying, pacing, yelling into phones, or sitting frozen in quiet panic.

“Please,” I started, “my father is all alone. He’s sick–”

God, why didn’t I just stay home? Even if this weekend had been the most peaceful I’d felt in months.

“I’m so sorry,” the woman said gently, tapping away at her keyboard. “But with the storm, all flights are grounded for tonight.”

My eyes dropped to her nametag. Amber.

She gave me a sympathetic look. “We can hope for clear skies tomorrow. If things improve, the airlines will start rescheduling.”

“What am I supposed to do?” I breathed, rubbing my hand through my hair. “I have nowhere to go,” I whispered a little desperately.

Amber didn’t respond right away. She just nodded slowly, eyes softening as she looked at me and began typing again.

“Let me figure something out for you.”

“Okay…” I whispered, biting on my bottom lip while trying not to cry in front of the entire terminal.

“Oh dear,” she muttered under her breath.

My stomach twisted. “What?” I asked, eyes narrowing as I tried to read her screen.

“Everywhere’s booked,” she sighed, clearly frustrated too. “But there is a family-owned place on the outskirts. I can’t reach them, no answer, but the shuttle bus can drop you there. They might have a room.”

“Might,” I repeated with a shaky exhale. But it was better than sleeping on an airport bench where I’d freeze to death or have these children run all over. “Amber, thank you.”

“I’m praying the skies clear up tomorrow for you,” she said softly, offering a warm smile.

“Thank you for everything,” I murmured and gripped the handle of my suitcase.

There was nothing left to do but go. I boarded the shuttle, settling into a window seat and watching as we drove through the snow-covered streets. Stop after stop, the shuttle dropped off other travelers at packed hotels, each time leaving me behind with one less hope.

I whispered a quiet prayer that the little family-owned hotel would have a spare room. I could not spend the night outside in this storm.

When the shuttle finally pulled up, I stepped out, immediately hit by a slap of harsh icy wind that stole my breath. I rushed through the snow toward the entrance, dragging my suitcase behind me.

The hotel was rustic, warm, and inviting. The lights inside glowed a soft golden hue, and the scent of something sweet and woodsy greeted me the moment I opened the door. I instantly felt the warmth of the large fireplace.

Relief was just starting to sink in when someone ruined it and bumped into me from behind, almost knocking me over.

“Hey!” I spun around, but the man didn’t stop or even look back. No apology. Nothing.

What an asshole.

I picked up my pace and moved ahead of him, sliding into the lobby first and heading straight to the front desk.

“Hey, Kelly,” I said to the woman behind the counter. She looked up at me with a polite smile. Her green eyes sparkled with kindness, and the woman beside her had similar features, the same chocolate brown hair and gentle face and kind eyes. They looked almost like twins.

Family-owned hotel rang in my head. Of course, they’re probably sisters.

“Hello, ma’am,” the woman at the desk greeted politely.

“Do you have any available rooms?” I asked, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.

“I need a room,” the man beside me cut in, his tone sharp and demanding. Without waiting his turn, he slapped a sleek black Amex onto the counter like that would get him anything– okay maybe it would.

I turned and gave him a glare. He was tall. Too tall. And of course, because the universe clearly hated me, he had to be gorgeous. Broad shoulders, strong jawline, dark lashes framing those intense eyes. Just perfect, I could tell because the women behind the counter looked star-struck by his looks too. He had a slight accent too, but I couldn’t pinpoint it.

“Uhm… There’s only one room available,” Kelly said carefully, her eyes flicking to the credit card before returning to mine.

“All the other hotels are fully booked,” I said quickly, shifting into the tone I reserved for when I was damn desperate and needed something badly. It was sweet and soft, shy and almost pathetic but not yet. It worked often enough, it even got me out of a parking ticket once.

“My flight was canceled. I have nowhere else to go,” I whispered, letting vulnerability leak into my voice slowly and I could see her sympathizing.

“I only need it for the night,” the man interjected, voice low and commanding like he owned the place.

“Sir, we can’t–” Kelly started, but her relative leaned in and pulled her aside. I heard everything, of course.

“They can share the room,” she whispered. “They both need it. It’s too cold to send anyone away tonight.”

I glanced over at him again just in time to catch his scoff. Seriously?

Kelly came back to us with an apologetic smile. “Would you two be okay with sharing a room?”

“Is that the only option?” he asked, clearly annoyed.

“Or you could leave,” I said sweetly, rolling my eyes. The audacity of this man to push his way to the front, throw money at the problem, and act like I was the inconvenience.

“We’ll take it,” he said before I could get another word in, sliding his card across the counter like it sealed the deal.

I reached for mine as well, but he pushed it gently aside. “I’ll pay in full.”

And just like that, it was settled. The room was ours. Kelly handed us the keycards and a brief direction.

I stood in the elevator, hands gripping the handle of my suitcase, eyes drifting to the man beside me. Now that I wasn’t trying to defend my dignity at the front desk, I could really look at him.

He had to be at least 6'4", and that frame of his was broad and lean, dressed in an effortlessly tailored designer suit that I was certain would cost me more than three month’s worth of mortgage. His hair was a rare, almost silvery shade of blonde, and his eyes… stormy gray. Cold. Sharp.

He looked foreign though. My gaze dipped to his full pink lips.

I’d seen him before. I knew I had. I just couldn’t place where. And if the universe had any mercy left in it, I’d never see him again after tonight because he was a damn asshole.

The soft chime of the elevator snapped me out of my thoughts.

He stepped out first then headed to the hotel room, not bothering to keep the door open for me. I sighed and followed him. The room was small but cozy, dressed in warm tones and soft lighting that made it feel more like a cabin than a hotel room.

Then I saw it. One bed.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

“I’ll be in the bathroom,” I muttered quickly and darted inside, locking the door behind me.

Panic rose in my chest as I braced both hands on the sink.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

What the hell was I supposed to do now?

I reached for my phone to text Kate, my best friend, then remembered the time. She was probably fast asleep. No help there and it’s not like she could teleport here.

I stared at my reflection, trying to collect myself. I took a deep breath and straightened my back. I took down the too-tight ponytail and ran my fingers through my auburn curls, taming them as best I could to make them look great.

Once I felt somewhat sane again, I stepped out of the bathroom. The guy stood by the window, hands in his pockets. His coat was taken off, suit jacket unbuttoned, and tie loose. That asshole looks good.

I began to worry if he was a murderer. He had all the access to me to–

No, that’s crazy.

He then turned around and looked at me. I sat down and tried to keep myself busy on my phone but I couldn’t. My eyes snapped to the bar, paid for too.

The hotel room was quiet, save for the soft clink of glass against wood as I poured myself another shot of whiskey. I could feel his eyes on me, he hadn’t stopped watching me since he had turned around.

“So,” I said, my voice sharp as the drink I tossed back. “This is the part where we pretend to be civil, right?”

He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, smirking like he knew everything in the world. He hadn’t said much since we got in here, just that same arrogant smirk like he was waiting for me to slip.

“I’m not pretending anything,” he said coolly. “You’re the one acting like sharing a room is a war crime.”

“It’s not the room,” I muttered, grabbing the bottle again. “It’s the company.”

His laugh was low, smooth. “You say that, but you haven’t stopped looking at my mouth since the elevator.”

Busted.

“I’m talking about the part where you acted like a complete asshole,” I rolled my eyes.

“What’s your name?”

“Karina.” I lied kinda– I just gave him my middle name.

“Lucas,” he replied sharply.

Lucas… He didn’t look like a Lucas. I wonder if he gave me his middle name too.

Lucas fixed himself a glass of whiskey too, sipping it as he kept his eyes on me. I rolled my eyes and continued to nurse my drink. One glass became two slowly and the silence was still thick in the room.

“So, only one bed,” he pointed out. My gaze went to the bed and then to him. “You must feel like a lucky woman?”

“If it was up to me you’d be sleeping out in the hall,” I rolled my eyes. “

“Don’t say such words when your eyes tell a different story. A needy story,” he whispered.

“I might’ve stared at you, but you’re doing far worse. It’s like you almost wish something could happen between us,” I whispered.

I shouldn’t have said that. Fuck, was two drinks or three already?

I wasn’t given much room to think.

“If you want me to fuck you, Karina,” He said as he stepped closer to me. “You only have to ask.”

My gaze dipped to his lips, breath hitched.

Then he kissed me. Hard.

His mouth crashed into mine like he’d been waiting all damn night. The last of his whiskey was given to me through the kiss. His tongue was sharp and demanding against mine, hands greedy to touch me. He held me like he owned me already– I wasn’t sure when but somehow I landed back against the wall. His thigh slid between mine, pressing right where I needed him.

He tasted like whiskey and kissed me like his life depended on it. I moaned into his mouth as his hands slid up under my shirt, rough palms against my skin, and my knees went weak. His mouth was merciless and precise.

We made quick work of the layers between us as he guided me back to the bed. He laid me down and came to hover above me. His fingers lingered on the waistband of my panties as he looked at me, waiting for me to tell him to stop.

But I didn’t want him to stop. I nodded instead.

“Lie back,” he said. “Let me taste you.”

I blinked. “What–”

Lucas didn’t wait for my response and kissed down my body. His lips trailed down my neck, over my breasts. He left a trail of kisses and bites in its wake. Finally, he got to my panties.

He settled between my thighs, keeping his gaze on me as he removed my panties and threw them aside. Then I felt his tongue flat against my clit.

Holy. Fuck.

I gasped at his sinful tongue. He was slow at first, lazy strokes that built up my anticipation. For a moment I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. He didn’t rush, he knew what he was doing, making me desperate for a release only he could give him.

I’d been gone down on before, but not like this.

Not like he was doing. He experimented, kept track of what I liked, and continued till he left me a moaning mess for him. I gripped the sheets, hips lifting to grind against him to chase my release. He didn’t seem to mind though.

He latched on to my clit, flicking his tongue till I lost it. My back arched, his name rolling off my tongue as I came for him.

“You taste so fucking good,” he groaned against me. He continued till he wrung out every last drop from me.

When he looked at me his lips glistened with my arousal and those stormy eyes laced with hunger.

My thighs were still shaking when he finally pulled away. He had a rather smug look on his face. He sat back and watched me as he dragged his tongue across his bottom lip, tasting me.

“You good?” he asked.

I could barely nod as he rendered me thoughtless. But I wanted more. Needed him.

“Lucas,” I breathed. Just his name, but it was enough.

He leaned over me and kissed me hard.

“Tell me you want it,” he said, hand sliding down my thigh, gripping tightly as he guided them around his waist. I could feel his hardened cock against me. He was as desperate as I was.

“I want it,” I said, keeping my eyes on him. “I want you.”

He let out a relief sigh. He got a condom so damn fast, it all happened so quickly. He tore it open, rolling it down his length. Then I felt him, the tip of his cock rubbing up and down my clit to tease me.

“Lucas,” I warned, sending him a sharp glare.

He smirked then impaled me at once. His eyes were locked on mine the whole time–hungry, waiting, intense. Then I felt him, all of him, and a moan came from me.

Lucas was big and filled me completely. It wasn’t just the length but the girth too. He stretched me completely till the point I could barely keep my sounds down.

“Fuck,” I whispered, nails digging into his shoulders. “You feel so–”

“Yeah?” he cut in. “You’re taking me so well, sweetheart. So tight for me.”

Sweetheart. I nearly melted the way he said it.

Lucas started to move slowly at first. He went deep, grinding into me with each stroke. Then he picked things up, moving faster and harder, making me feel all of him. Every inch of every stroke. His mouth was all over me, on my neck, my shoulder, biting down lightly on my collarbone as he rocked into me again and again.

I wrapped my legs around him, tilting my hips up to take him deeper, and he growled low in his throat.

“Fuck, Karina,” he whispered in my ear.

He then moved faster, the sweet release started to rebuild within me, my core coiling tighter and tighter. My hands clutching at his back, my breath hot in his ear.

“You’re gonna come for me again, aren’t you sweetheart?” he whispered, his thumb finding my clit.

I couldn’t answer him, only nodded. He then slammed his lips to mine in a bruising kiss. My orgasm shot through me as waves of euphoria clashed over me.

He fucked me through it. Then he cursed sharply, stilled deep inside me, and came with a groan, tipping his head back. Finally, he pulled away, and we both took deep breaths, limbs tangled. Lucas then leaned over and kissed my forehead briefly, arm sliding over me.

Lucas got up, I was too tired to pay attention. I felt him clean me up at some point followed by him landing back in bed, right next to me.

What a night…

Cora’s Pov.

I woke with a slight headache and a mouth so dry it felt like cotton. My eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. That’s when I felt it, warm skin, solid muscle, the weight of a heavy arm draped over my waist.

I froze. My heart started beating just a little too fast. And then it all came rushing back to my mind instantly.

The whiskey. The heated kiss. Lucas’s mouth was on me when he went down on me. The way he fucked me like no man ever had before.

And no one ever had.

There had only been Marcus. And Marcus... Well, Marcus had never done it like that. He was my first everything but never had I felt that way with him.

My face flushed with heat that had nothing to do with the warmth of the room. I shut my eyes tightly for a second, hoping I could pretend none of it happened. I then opened my eyes and I was still in the hotel room, still with Lucas right by my side.

I wasn’t a one-night stand kind of woman. That had never been me and never should’ve been either.

So how the hell had this happened?

Guilt curled in my stomach. Shame sat heavy on my chest. I wasn’t mad at him. I was mad at myself for letting go so easily. For slipping. For enjoying it.

How could I have let this happen?

I inhaled deeply and sat up slowly, carefully removing his arm from around my waist. My body still tingled from the memory of his touch, but I pushed it down hard. The blanket revealed my bare skin, marked with his kisses and the tight grip he had on me last night.

I glanced at Lucas. He was still asleep, lying on his stomach. The blanket had slipped down to his waist, revealing a sculpted back and broad shoulders. My eyes traced the curve of his spine, the cut of his muscles I hadn’t noticed last night in the dark– well that and with the whiskey.

His platinum blonde hair was slightly messy, and his profile was perfect. A sharp nose with dark strong brows. He looked devastatingly handsome, it was hard for me to believe I slept with him.

He was beautiful. That much, I couldn’t deny.

But that didn’t change anything. This should’ve never ever happened in the first place.

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and checked my notifications. Flights had reopened luckily.

I didn’t hesitate. I booked the first one I could. It was longer than I'd like, with multiple layovers, but I didn’t care. I just needed to get home. I needed to leave all of this behind before he’d wake up.

I prayed he was as drunk as me, maybe more even so he could forget this ever happened, forget about me.

This weekend had been too much. I let myself relax, let myself feel something outside the weight of responsibility. But reality was waiting for me. Three jobs. Endless debt. A sick father– all of which I had to take care of.

There was no room in my life for mistakes like this. I wanted to be a lawyer one day and didn’t want my past haunting me out of the sacrifices I already made.

I got up quietly, rushing into the bathroom to wash off whatever was left of last night. I took the fastest shower of my life and got dressed. I picked the first thing out of my luggage that I could get my hand on. I was damn quick with it too. When I stepped out of the bedroom, I noticed Lucas stirred around and I quietly escaped.

I didn’t stop for breakfast–it was included in the stay, but I couldn’t risk seeing him if he’d wake up and get downstairs.

I called a cab and headed for the airport, my heart thudding. At the terminal, I scanned every face that entered– panicking and worried he’d somehow appear.

When I finally boarded the plane and took my seat, I let myself exhale. Lucas wouldn’t find me.

He didn’t know my last name or my real name to begin with. He didn’t know where I lived. That night had been a mistake and it would never be repeated again.

Lucas would forget about me. I’d forget about Lucas. Our paths would never, ever cross again.

The flight home had been tiring but I was glad to be back home. I took a cab to the apartment, hoping Kate wouldn’t be home but I spotted her car right next to my beat-up one. I sighed and stepped into the apartment.

The apartment smelled like tropical sunshine, coconut, and mango when I stepped inside. It was Kate and my favorite candle. Home sweet home, comforting. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a two-bedroom unit with creaky floors and mismatched kitchen tiles, but it was mine and Kate’s. Two childhood best friends.

Every school we attended together, even college, had different degrees. I was damn happy right where I was with my support by my side. In return, I was her support too. There was nothing we hadn’t gone through together.

I shut the door behind me and dropped my luggage with a heavy sigh, leaning against the wall for a moment before my legs gave out beneath me. Every muscle in my body ached from exhaustion and my mind from shame.

I hadn’t even texted Kate I was coming back. She knew about the canceled flights but not my return. I didn’t know how to explain the weekend that had unraveled like a steamy romantic movie we’d watch Friday nights and laugh about.

I never thought I’d be starring in a real-life one damn it. I was hoping to sneak into the apartment.

But of course, Kate heard the door the second it shut.

“Cora!?” She called out.

I winced. Too late.

She appeared in the hallway wearing one of her oversized sweaters with the shortest most comfortable pants ever. This was the only place we dressed like this, outside got the modest, more covered version of ourselves but inside the house? We wore the finest and shortest pieces.

She had her red hair piled into a messy bun, brown eyes focused on me as she looked at me from top to toe.

“Oh my God, you’re back early!” she exclaimed and threw her arms around me for a hug. “Wait, you're blushing. You’re blushing. Something happened. I knew it.”

“Nothing happened,” I groaned and tried to step past her.

“Liar. Tell me everything.” She dragged me toward the couch. I swear this girl could be stronger than the Hulk when it involved dragging someone for gossip. “I swear to God if you brought back one of those lumberjack Alaskan men–The apartment can’t fit one–”

“I didn’t bring anyone back,” I laughed, shaking my head at her.

“Hm. Ok…” She studied me closely and then gasped. “You got laid?!”

How the hell could she read me like that? Then her gaze went to my neck, an exposed hickey right there. Fuck, Lucas.

“Holy shit.” She gasped. “You did. You finally did. This is better than the stupid romance movie I watched last night. Tell me everything!”

I groaned, tugging a pillow into my lap.

“It was one night. I had whiskey, we were stranded, it just... happened. I didn’t plan it. It doesn’t mean anything.”

Kate tilted her head like she was trying to read between my words. “Was he hot?”

“Yes.” I sighed.

“Hotter than that ugly, piece of shit ex of yours?”

“Oh definitely,” I laughed.

I wasn’t with Marcus for looks, I was with him because he was smart and kind– or at least used to be.

Kate squealed from excitement. “Thank you. Finally. I’ve been praying for your rebound. It only took you getting snowed in to get laid by a hot guy.”

I laughed and shook my head. Kate truly was a one-of-a-kind woman.

“Well, I’m glad someone’s proud,” I murmured, standing up and heading to the kitchen.

“Why do you sound like someone just canceled Christmas?” She asked worriedly, following behind me.

I filled the kettle and turned around. “Because I don’t have time for random men. I have three jobs, an overloaded semester, and a father who might forget my name one of these days. I shouldn’t be... slipping.”

“You’re not slipping, Cora. You’re human,” she said gently. “Besides, I went by the place and your father is doing great.”

Of course, she went. She was a great friend.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Later that night I still went by my dad’s nursing home. This was the most expensive bill I had to pay. But it was the best for him. They took great care of him.

There were still so many renovations to do at the house he gifted me, but once those were done I wouldn’t have rent to pay anymore. When I stepped into his room, he was awake, sitting by the window with a blanket over his lap as he read a book.

“Hey, Dad,” I whispered, setting down the food I brought and walking over to kiss his temple.

“Cora?” he said, surprised.

“Yeah,” I said softly, taking his hand.

“Law school still kicking your ass?” he asked teasingly.

“Every day.” I smiled. “But I’m still standing.”

He chuckled lightly. “That’s my girl.”

We didn’t talk long, he was tired but we had a meal together and then he drifted off to sleep. I tucked him in and thanked the nurse Eunice for everything. She always let me stay a little longer and that’s probably because she herself was also a law student.

When I returned home there was no time to waste. I sat down on the floor of my room, cross-legged with my laptop open and notebooks scattered around. The first thing on my to-do list was writing the chapters for my ghostwriting gig. It was some spicy romance novel set in a vacation setting. I was given the choice to pick whatever and I wrote about Alaska.

I had already scheduled all the posts for social media for the local cafe shop that I did marketing for. That was my second job and they paid surprisingly well. Better than the Etsy shop lady whose book I was keeping.

I did all this, three jobs, a full course load with debts up to my nose.

I surprised myself sometimes with how I survived. But I had to become a lawyer, I had to take care of my father. I could not fail now and I would not. In a few months, all this would pay off. I’d graduate from the top law school in the country, I’d get an internship at a great law firm and they’ll offer me a full-time job. I can feel it.

Grayson’s point of view.

I woke to the faint trace of vanilla on my skin. For a second, I kept my eyes shut and enjoyed the warmth under the covers and the hazy memory of the night before. Damn that whiskey.

I took a sharp breath recalling her soft skin. Her moans. Her name- Karina and the way she said my name, I almost wished I had given her my first name rather than my middle name. I smiled and reached out to the side only to find the space empty and cold. I frowned.

What the fuck?

I frowned and sat up slowly, eyes scanning the room. The covers were rumpled, the sheets still cold where she should’ve been. I held the blanket to my body and took a deep breath. I scanned the room, trying to find a trace of her.

No shoes by the door. No jacket on the chair. No soft hum from the bathroom. I threw the blanket off my body and swung my legs off the bed. I ran my fingers through my hair and then rubbed the back of my neck to soothe the slight ache.

Had I dreamt it?

Dreamed about a woman who gave me such a perfect night? No, right? I never dreamed like that before. It felt so surreal–the way she’d unraveled under me, the way her body had fit against mine. It was insane how natural it had felt to touch her, kiss her, breathe her in.

All too perfect, perhaps I did dream it… Then my eyes landed on it. The pair of black lace panties, lying abandoned near the foot of the bed.

No. She was real. She’d been here and now she was gone. Karina left without saying anything at all.

A sharp pang twisted in my chest, it wasn’t from hurt or anything. Not even anger, just confusion and disappointment. I’d never been the one left behind before. It wasn’t ego. It was just... the truth. I just never expected to be left behind by someone like her– not after the amazing night we had.

My one-night stands have always been planned meticulously, never this spontaneous. Karina hadn’t even left a note. No scribbles thank you. No playful message on the mirror. Nothing. It’s like she wanted to forget me.

There was no cheating involved I assumed, there was no ring on her finger.

I dressed quickly, pulling on a charcoal sweater and black slacks. I still had that damn throbbing headache– but I had to go see if she was downstairs. I ran a hand through my hair, waiting patiently in the elevator.

I didn’t even get her last name.

I headed downstairs, my eyes scanning the lobby like maybe she’d be waiting there. Like maybe this was a game, some spontaneous adventure where she wanted me to chase her because I had been rude.

But she wasn’t there.

I approached the front desk, offering a calm, professional smile. The same ladies from last night were there and smiled at me. One checked me out openly.

“Hi, I’m looking for the woman who was staying with me last night. She left early any chance she left a message?”

Wow, I sounded so pathetic.

The young woman behind the counter glanced up. “I’m sorry, sir. The reservation was under your name only. We can’t provide any information either and she didn’t leave behind anything, not even her name.”

Of course.

“Any chance there are cameras here?” I wondered, sliding my black Amex card to them.

“I’m incredibly sorry, we’re known for secrecy and don’t have cameras for that reason,” one explained.

Of course. I wouldn’t be able to even find a photo of Karina. I nodded, thanked the ladies politely, then walked out of the hotel. I briefly looked around.

I searched for her. Ridiculous as it was. I walked the perimeter of the hotel. There was no trace. I was set to leave with a private jet but checked at the airport just in case. I scanned every face I came across hoping I'd see her again. I wanted to see those striking auburn curls, those deep eyes again but didn’t.

But she was gone.

No phone number. No name. Just Karina and that name could’ve been fake for all I knew.

It should’ve been easy to forget her. It was after all only a one-night stand. A product of whiskey and circumstance.

I told myself to let it go. I tried to let it go, but I couldn’t. Something about her stayed with me. The way she looked at me. It was like she didn’t know who I was. Like I wasn’t a headline or a Forbes list mention or a rich heir.

My grandfather was a self-made billionaire and paired with having the largest and best law firm that easily put me in the spotlight but not for her.

She didn’t know. She hadn’t even cared.

It was rare. She hadn’t wanted anything from me. She hadn’t even wanted me. Not in the way others usually did. She was open, rude, and herself to me.

I loved that– loved being treated normally and not feared all because of my last name.

For months, I went about life. I flew back to the city, returned to my corner office at Roth & Kline, and slipped back into the role of the golden grandson who was damn good at his job and never once made a mistake.

Everything was back to normal but from time to time I caught myself thinking of her. Of Karina. And I’d curse myself for not asking her last name. For not waking up just five minutes earlier.

Today was a random Tuesday afternoon.

I was reviewing the list of incoming interns. I didn’t usually bother with the files. HR handled most of the intake, but this year they were assigning two to each senior partner, and I’d been asked to pick early and I didn’t want to be left with the terrible one– even if our selection was highly selective.

I opened the folder, skimming the top sheet briefly. Everyone graduated from top places and had many other internships too. I then landed on a person’s file, she stood out the most and I finally went to read the name.

And then I saw it.

Cora Karina Madden.

I froze. Karina? Could it be her? This was the first time I’ve seen the name in months.

But no…No, it couldn’t be. There was no way in hell that Karina was walking into my firm as an intern.

I slammed the folder shut.

I had to forget her. Alaska Karina would never be seen again. She was a fantasy, a mistake no less.

Whoever this intern was, was not my Karina.