The aftermath of his night with Lotus still lingered in his mind. He could not brush off the fact that he was falling deeply in love with her and going against his code. He had not believed in love or attraction, but right from the time he slept with her at the hotel five years ago he had always known that their paths would cross again.


    He sat at his desk, engrossed in his work. The soft glow of the deskmp illuminated the room as he diligently reviewed the reports spread out before him. Just as he was about to sign off on a particrly important document, there was a sudden knock on his office door.


    “Come in,” Peter called, his voiceced with a hint of irritation at the interruption. He wasn’t expecting any visitor at this time, he ordered that no one should interrupt him.


    The door creaked open, and She stepped into the room. Peter couldn’t help but feel a pang of annoyance at the sight of her.


    “What do you want, She?” Peter asked, keeping his voice steady, still not removing his gaze from the document that he was handling.


    She sauntered further into the room, a wicked smile ying on her lips. “Oh, Peter, always the epitome of elegance,” she sneered. “I just thought you should know what a colossal mistake you’re making by marrying Lotus. You left me for someone like her? She might be a digger-”


    “Swallow those words back or you’d regret it. What no sense are you talking about? Don’t you have any dignity? Lotus is building a name for herself, she is doing things you would never do in your lifetime. Why don’t you get a life?”


    She crossed her arms, trying so hard to ignore the pang of hurt she felt at his words. “I don’t care about what she does or what she has achieved, all I know is that she didn’t good for you. You are making a big mistake and I am sure that one day you’d regret it.”


    Peter’s jaw tensed as he clenched his fists under the desk. She’sments were nothing new to him, yet they still managed to hit a nerve. He didn’t want to engage in her petty games, but he knew he couldn’t let her words against Lotus go away like nothing. He felt a burning desire in him to protect Lotus from henceforth, but was that going to be possible with all this obstructions?


    “I don’t have time for your petty talks, She,” Peter retorted, his voice dripping with disdain. He shut the document and fixed his eyes angrily on her.


    Sheughed haughtily, her eyes gleaming with malice. “You may brush me off now, but mark my words, Peter. You will never be happy with her and I would watch you run back to me.”


    With a dismissive wave of his hand, Peter gestured for She to leave. He watched as she exited the office, the heavy door closing behind her with a resounding thud. The room seemed to grow eerily quiet in her absence, and Peter couldn’t shake off the unease that settled within him.


    Before he could dwell on She’s words any further, Peter’s assistant, Lisa, poked her head through the door.


    “Sir, I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s somebody waiting for you downstairs,” Lisa informed him with a gentle tone.


    Peter furrowed his brow in confusion. He hadn’t been expecting any visitors, especially not at this hour. Curiosity piqued, he left his office and descended the stairs to the lobby.


    As he reached the bottom step, his eyes widened in surprise and disbelief. Standing before him was George, Lotus Ex. Peter had grown to despise George over time. And now that he knew what he did to Lotus back then just made his anger against him re.


    “What are you doing here, George?” Peter asked, his voiceced with hostility.


    George smirked, his eyes brimming with malicious amusement. “Is that a way to wee your visitor?” he taunted. “You youngdy sure do know how be so disrespectful.”


    “What do you want George? I’m quite sure you are sane enough to know that this is an establishment and not your usual club or bars you go to.” A smirk curled on his lips as he watched George nose re with anger.


    “I don’t want to be here either. But you are making a big mistake, Lotus is mine. I would get her back when I deem it fit, enjoy it while itsts.” Giving Peter no space to retort angrily, he walked out.


    It took ounce of his being to resist the urge to give George a punch he so desperately deserved.


    As he mmed the office door shut, Peter allowed himself a moment to calm down. The encounter had shaken him to his core, but he couldn’t let it consume him. If he wanted to make his rtionship with Lotus work, then he should better work on it and stop the sweet talks.


    —-


    The next few weeks flew by for lotus, she ignored all distraction and focused squarely on building herpany and making sure that all parameters she set for herself were met. Today was an award day in the states, where outstanding performances ofpanies would be acknowledged.


    How could she forget? Peter. He had be a driving force for her this days and she couldn’t help but feel at ease. There was always warmth that resonated in her anytime she thought of him.


    Lotus couldn’t contain her nerves as the awards ceremony was underway. She anxiously awaited the announcement for the best architecturalpany in the states.


    As the host finally called out herpany’s name, a surge of excitement rushed through her. She beamed with pride as she made her way to the stage, where her Peter joined her.


    The couple’s faces lit up with joy as they epted the well-deserved award.


    “I told you you deserve it honey.” He whispered hotly in her ear.


    “Oh really? Guess you had this one right.”


    “Won’t I get a reward for that?” He pouted slightly and she flicked his forehead yfully.


    “I would.”


    —–


    Later that evening, a grand ball party was in full swing to celebrate Lotus’ achievement. She found herself in the dressing room with Jenny and James. The youngsters were dressed impably, their innocent faces filled with excitement. Lotus added the finishing touches to her elegant white gown, carefully choosing her essories.


    As they stepped out into the ballroom, the atmosphere was aze with opulence and excitement. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on her. Jenny held her hands tight, obviously frightened by the number of the people that showed up.


    Suddenly, Lotus felt a cold liquid drip on the white garment.


    “How dare you do that to my mommy?!” James yelled.


    Lotus looked up to meet the piercing and hateful gaze of She, who angled her head sightly, taunting Lotus.


    James pulled his hands from his mom’s, he tugged at Shelia’s clothes and in a swift move, She pped him, a red fingerprint on his face. James broke down, crying.


    Lotus saw red, her ears red with anger. She kept Jenny with Natasha who was boiling by her side, everyone watched with full attention.


    “How dare youy your hands on my son?” Her voice was low but calcted and icy.


    She took a step backward, the smirk never leaving her face. “What son? Your bastard son? What-”


    Lotus didn’t let her finish, her hands connected with She’s face, pushing her to the floor. Lotus angrily grabbed her by the hair, raising her head up to face hers. She could take anything but not attacks on her children.


    “I dare you to say that again Shelia and I promise you won’t leave here with your two legs.” Lotus threatened.


    Gasps rang through the crowd, everyone watched as the one rejected daughter of the Kent held Shelia down, the medias were on their toes, trying to get the juicy news and pass some things to the inte.


    “Lotus, you would pay for this.” She yelled, but paused after staring at Lotus smeared dress.


    Lotus smirked knowingly, she had prepared for cases like this.


    Removing her stained white gown, she revealed a striking red gown that clung to her curves, leaving the crowd stunned. A murmur of surprise and admiration rippled through the room, followed by a round of apuse and cheers.


    Feeling both empowered and vindicated, Lotus seized the opportunity to further assert her presence. With an impish smile, she reached forward and yanked off She’s wig, exposing her messy hair and embarrassing her in front of the crowd. The onlookers erupted withughter and astonishment, thoroughly enjoying the unexpected turn of events.


    “Woah, Mom! You totally showed her who’s boss!” Jenny eximed, her eyes wide with admiration.


    James nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, Mom! You’re like a superhero!”


    Lotus chuckled, deeply moved by her children’s unwavering support. “Thank you, my darlings. Sometimes we have to take matters into our own hands, but always remember to stand up for what’s right.”


    Natasha, who had been silently observing from a distance, approached Lotus. “Now that is the lotus I want to see.” Natasha, smiled proudly.


    “Thank you, Natasha. I couldn’t let her ruin this special night for me,” Lotus replied with gratitude. “Now, let’s get back out there and enjoy the rest of the celebration.”


    As Lotus reentered the ballroom, now adorned in her stunning red gown, she nces around the crowd for him, he promised to show up at the ball but now he was no where to be found.


    Picking up her phone, she dialed Stanley who picked on the first ring. “Check if things are okay with my husband”.


    A small blush tinted her cheek as she said those words.


    —–


    Peter satfortably in the dimly lit corner of the hall where the ball was going on, a ss of whiskey sped loosely in his hand. They all watched the saga between She and Lotus, Peter wanted to burst in that minute but Natasha had signalled him not to. There he knew that Lotus could handle the situation.


    Andrew turned to Peter, a knowing smile ying on his lips. “You’re a lucky man, Peter. You know that? You’ve got yourself a good wife.”


    Peter nced at Andrew, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Oh, really? Thanks for the reminder, my friend. Just what I needed tonight.” He took a contemtive sip from his ss, briefly relishing the smooth burn of the liquid against his tongue.


    As if on cue, nature called, and Peter excused himself from the table, weaving through the crowd towards the restroom. Oblivious to the machinations of fate, he returned a few momentster, eager to get done with his drink and see Lotus.


    Cradling the ss to his lips, he tipped it slightly, allowing the amber liquid to meet his tongue. A sharp, unfamiliar taste hit his pte, causing his brow to furrow in confusion. Panic set in as realization dawned upon him – his drink had been spiked. It was toote; he had already finished it.


    His vision blurred, his unsteady legs barely supporting his intoxicated body as he stumbled towards the restroom once again, his mind racing toprehend the situation. The world spun around him, morphing into a hazy spectacle.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    With great effort, Peter managed to push open the restroom door, greeted by a dimly lit room and the sound of running water. Through his alcohol-induced haze, he squinted at the figure standing in front of the mirror – a sensual silhouette adorned with flowing locks. He assumed it was Lotus, his senses distorted.


    “Lotus,” Peter slurred, his words flowing together. “You’vee to rescue me, haven’t you?”


    The woman turned, revealing herself to be She. She had fixed herself up after her failed n with Lotus, it was time to focus on her n B. A hint of amusement danced on her lips. “Rescue you? I had no idea you needed saving, Peter.”


    Peter blinked, his gaze focusing on her. “She? What… What are you doing here?”


    She sauntered towards him, her movements oozing confidence. She traced her fingers along his chest, her touch igniting a flicker of desire within him. “I could ask you the same question. Why are you here, Peter?”


    Peter’s mind raced, his voice trembling. “I… I thought you were Lotus. I didn’t mean-”


    She’sughter cut through the tension, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “It’s funny how simr we can appear in dim lighting, isn’t it, Peter? But perhaps fate hears my call.”


    Staggering under the weight of his intoxication, Peter found himself unable to resist She’s advances. She kissed him deeply her, the tip on his wine made him hornier than ever he found himself leaning in for more.


    Just as the heated moment was going on, the door flung open startling the duo.