Episode 94

Once again, she found herself deceived by her own illusions. Despite the glaring truth, she'd fabricated a fantasy of him caring for her. He hadn't cared when she'd been ill before; why would he now, simply because she was drunk?

She fought to suppress the humiliating sting, convincing herself this painful reminder was necessary. It was better this way—less messy, avoiding any uncomfortable encounters. Perhaps, given time, her feelings would fade entirely, leaving her free of lingering sentiment.

After Willow left, Sandra gathered her belongings and departed. Stepping outside, she saw a string of missed calls from Camille. Before she could return the call, her phone buzzed again—Camille.

“Sandra, are you okay? Yesterday, when the driver arrived, the Oasis Club staff said you left with someone else. I’ve been trying to find out who, but no one would tell me! I was about to call the police!”

Touched by her friend's concern, Sandra suppressed her frustration and replied wearily, “I ran into Elijah last night and, in my confusion, mistook him for a gigolo. He took me to Bayview Villa.”

Relieved that Sandra was safe, Camille's curiosity was piqued. “You thought he was a gigolo? Did anything… happen between you two?”

Sandra dismissed the idea quickly. “No, of course not. Nothing happened. I ended up throwing up all over his car. He just dropped me off and left.”

Still, the memory of their fleeting closeness lingered, unsettling her. Surely, a kiss that hadn't even happened didn't count, did it?

Feeling a little guilty herself, Camille cheerfully offered, “Why don’t we go shopping and have lunch today? No bars, I promise. Just a relaxing day for us. How about Evergreen Plaza?”

With no other plans, Sandra agreed. “Alright. See you at Evergreen Plaza soon.”

Unbeknownst to Sandra, Willow had been watching her. As Sandra left, Willow lingered by the window, picked up the phone, and reported deferentially, “I relayed everything exactly as instructed. She seemed quite upset and didn’t even verify with Mr. James. She just left, looking rather downcast.”