One Night Stand with My Rival

Chapter 3

Benita groaned as sunlight streamed through her bedroom window, piercing through the haze of her pounding headache.

She rolled over, expecting to see Adrian still there, but the bed was empty.

Her eyes drifted to the faint indentation on the pillow beside her. The subtle scent of his cologne lingered, teasing her senses.

“Figures,” she muttered, sitting up and raking a hand through her hair. “It was just a one-night thing.”

But why did his absence sting more than it should?

She sighed, glancing at the time. Her eyes widened in panic. “Oh, crap! I’m late!”

Benita jumped out of bed and dashed into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over her. The events of the night before replayed in vivid detail—the wine, the laughter, the kiss that had turned into so much more.

“No time for that now,” she told herself, shaking off the memory. “Focus on work.”

Minutes later, she was dressed in a navy blazer and matching skirt. She grabbed a hot chocolate from the kitchen, hoping it would help with her lingering hangover. Her phone buzzed on the counter just as she took a sip.

“Hello?”

“Benita, it’s Mr. Andrews,” her boss said, his tone brisk. “Plans have changed. You need to head to AJ Corporations immediately to pitch your proposal. The meeting has been moved up to today.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Today? I thought we had another week!”

“There’s no time for excuses,” he snapped. “Another firm is presenting as well, so bring your A-game. This partnership is crucial for us.”

Benita inhaled deeply, steadying herself. “Understood, sir. I’ll be ready.”

“Good. See you there.”

As the call ended, Benita felt a wave of nerves but squared her shoulders.

The AJ Corporations building towered before her, its glass facade gleaming under the sunlight. Benita adjusted her blazer, clutching her laptop and presentation materials tightly as she walked through the revolving doors.

“Good morning. I’m Benita Charles, here for the partnership presentation,” she said to the receptionist, keeping her tone professional despite the butterflies in her stomach.

The receptionist offered a polite smile. “Welcome, Ms. Charles. Please wait a moment.”

After a short wait, an assistant arrived to escort her. They walked through sleek hallways filled with minimalist decor.

Benita’s heels clicked rhythmically against the polished floor, each step grounding her a little more.

“You’ve got this,” she murmured under her breath.

The assistant stopped outside a large boardroom. “The other representative is already inside. Good luck.”

Benita nodded, her nerves sharpening as she pushed open the double doors.

The room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city skyline. Seated around the long conference table were executives in sharp suits, their eyes assessing her as she entered.

Benita smiled politely, when she saw her boss, her confidence flickering for just a moment.

She turned her focus to the presentation area, but then her eyes landed on someone at the far end of the table—a man who made her breath catch in her throat.

He was seated comfortably, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, his hair perfectly styled. He looked every bit the confident professional, but his presence sent a jolt through her.

His piercing gaze met hers, and for a moment, the air seemed to thicken. His expression was unreadable, but the faint arch of his brow told her he recognized her instantly.

And the reality dawned upon her.

The man she had a night stand with just yesterday was her rival.