POV
HANNAH
:
The alarm beeped, and I groaned, burying my head under the sheets. I desperately wanted a few more minutes of rest, but I couldn't.
Later this evening, there would be an important business dinner and I couldn't screw it up.
With a loud yawn, I forced myself to sit up. A small smile appeared as I looked at the photo with my family.
The manager had promised me a big bonus only if I could make that business partnership happen this evening. With that, I could come up with the money for my dear brother's surgery.
A sense of excitement crept in and I hurried to the bathroom to get dressed for my work today.
My name is Hannah, and I work as a clerk in a prestigious five-star hotel. While it wasn't my dream job, I loved it and managed well, thanks to the good pay.
I arrived at the office a bit late, but it didn't bother me much. I had a brief conversation with the manager, who emphasized the importance of the meeting again.
In the evening, the client we were supposed to meet had just arrived at the airport. The executives and I went to pick him up.
As described, Mr. Ryan looked like an elegant gentleman with an air of sophistication. If only the time his eyes lingered on me could be a bit shorter.
Even though those old days had gone, I still couldn't get used to being the center of attention. In high school, I was bullied badly. It took me a lot of effort to overcome those shadows. I moved to a new city and started a new life. I didn't want to ruin it.
We settled down and began the meeting, but I felt increasingly restless. Mr. Ryan kept prying into my personal life. I did my best not to annoy him and risk canceling the business meeting.
"So... can you drink, Hannah?" Mr. Ryan asked, and a sudden urge to decline the offer washed over me. I raised my hand and pushed the drink away slightly, but the look in his eyes made it clear that declining wouldn't be a good idea.
"I thought your company was eager for this collaboration, but now it seems..."
Receiving a warning look from the manager, I reluctantly grabbed the cup and downed the drink. It seemed to work, as he smiled and emptied his own cup.
"Impressive. I suppose you'll have another since you're a good drinker," he said, and I immediately regretted finishing the entire cup.
"Uhmm... I have to drive back home tonight, so I'd rather not drink," I tried to reply politely. His expression changed again, but this time I didn't care. I just wanted the meeting to end quickly. I was sensing some conspiracy.
"Oh, come on, Hannah, don't be a bore. Just have a drink, it won't be a big problem," Manager Zara suddenly spoke.
"I honestly don't think I should," I asserted, making her give me a hard glare.
"Don't forget what I told you this morning if you still want your bonus," Manager Zara hissed in my ears to warn me. My heart was clenched as I remembered how poorly Liam was lying on the hospital bed.
I grabbed the cup and downed its contents.
"Can I go now?" I asked, and Mr. Ryan smiled awkwardly.
"Sure, you can," he replied, and I stood up, collecting my bag from the chair.
Suddenly, my vision blurred, and everything seemed to zigzag. I rubbed my eyes in an attempt to clear my vision, but it didn't help. What the hell was in that drink?
My legs grew weak, making it difficult to move, and my head began to throb. I held my head in my hands, struggling to maintain my balance. I staggered and fell back into the chair.
Mr. Ryan didn't seem concerned; he simply smiled like a lunatic. That's when I realized he must have spiked the drink.
Regardless of the problem, I needed to get out of there.
Summoning all the courage I had, I managed to stand up and slowly dragged my feet toward the door. However, a strong hand grabbed my wrist—it was Mr. Ryan.
"Where are you rushing off to? Stay here and let Daddy treat you like a princess," he sneered, his hands gripping my waist.
Summoning all my strength, I kicked him in the groin, causing him to fall to the floor in pain. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly opened the door and walked away, not caring about the direction.
I stumbled upon a door, which I assumed to be the security room, and bumped into someone on my way. My head collided with his chest, which felt unusually hard against my forehead.
"Are you... a rock? Why are you so hard?" I stammered, a belch escaping my mouth.
"Are you...Hannah Clifford?"
How did this stranger know my name? And the voice...sounded familiar too?
When I looked up to see his face, my eyesight was distorted, making it impossible to recognize the man before me. He seemed familiar, but I couldn't recollect where I had seen him before.
With a mixture of confusion and curiosity, I followed him willingly into the room.
The last thing I remember was being thrown onto the bed.