The Devil's Good Girl
Chapter 166: Too late

Chapter 166: Too late

They said, not knowing anything was the sweetest life, but others also say, knowing the disappointing truth was better than wondering forever.

Aside from Vincent, Fil had already glimpsed Marianne’s truth and Marcus’s. She didn’t put too much thought into it. Or rather, she simply considered them as them, being smart for using their heads. But after seeing another side of Michael no one had ever seen before, Fil had to erase everything from scratch.

This time, basing everything on where it all began.

That night, she caught Marianne and Vincent.

But before Fil could delve deep into the matter, she gathered herself and returned to the event hall. She couldn’t stay in the fire exit longer, knowing Kim and Mr. Windsor were probably at the party.

When Fil returned to the main hall, she noticed that the guests were already cut in half. The remaining guests, however, didn’t seem having fun anymore. They were just gossiping.

Staff from the hotel and medics were also on the scene, tending to Marianne, who was sitting on the corner. Marianne was damped from head to toe, shivering despite the blanket wrapped around her. A few guests were also making sure she was fine.

’What the hell?’Fil froze while staring at Marianne. ’Marianne, she...’

Fil pressed her lips into a thin line, remembering that look on Marianne’s face earlier. Unlike the traumatized look she was showing everyone, Marianne had the opposite reaction when she pushed Valerie into the pool.

Fil gulped nervously, hearing her heart race in her ear.

’If I didn’t see what I see, I’d think she’s the victim or the hero,’ she told herself, having this sense of dread creeping up her spine. She slowly balled her hands into tight fists, holding her breath. ’How many... of those times in the past... was she actually a victim?’

If her memory served correctly, this wasn’t the first time Marianne was involved in an incident. There were a few times during their university days. Even during the early times of their career, Marianne was involved in a dangerous situation. And every time, Fil would rush to her and even stay with her for weeks just to make sure Marianne was fine.

"Gosh. I can’t believe Valerie would do that," said one of the guests from the distance. "Did she actually try to kill herself just because she embarrassed herself?"

"She put that upon herself, and now, everyone’s mood is affected."

"I feel sorry for Marianne. She has to see that."

"Thankfully, Marianne is there to save her. That girl doesn’t know how to swim."

"Can we just go to the other party?" Another girl suggested. "It’s no fun in here anymore."

Because the main hall was almost empty, Fil could hear the different conversations around. Just with that alone, she was able to grasp what went down while she was with Michael at the fire exit.

’I feel nauseous.’ Fil turned around as she felt like throwing up. But just as she turned around, Kim was standing behind her.

"There you are! I thought you..." Kim was smiling until she saw the pale look on Fil’s face. "Fil, are you okay?"

Fil’s lips quivered. "I feel sick."

Kim pressed her lips and held Fil’s arms. "I’ll take you to your room. Mr. Windsor already returned to his hotel."

The latter nodded, holding on to Kim, as she truly didn’t feel well. Kim didn’t ask anything and simply assisted Fil to her hotel room. Fil appreciated her for not asking questions because even Fil had no idea what was going on and who were these people she had been hating.

Little did Fil know, as Kim helped her away from the main hall, Marianne already caught sight of the two of them. Marianne clutched the blanket around her, staring at Fil and then at Kim.

*

*

*

"Are you sure you don’t need company?" Kim crossed her arms under her chest, staring at Fil when the latter sat down on the edge of the bed. "I can stay."

Fil pressed her lips and smiled. "Kim, thank you for today, but I’m okay."

"You’re welcome. Although I’ve always wanted to hang out with you, that damn piece of shit wouldn’t let me." She shrugged. "I booked the room next to yours, so if you need anything, just scream. I’ll hear you."

"But someone... is already staying in the next room, is there not?"

Kim smiled brightly. "Lucky me?"

"Haha." Fil let out an awkward laugh, her eyes shimmering with appreciation.

"Anyway, you look very tired. I’m going to my room now." Kim offered her a big grin. "Let me know if you change your mind, hmm? I can stay over."

Kim stared at Fil for a moment, rocking her head, and turned around. She walked slowly, in case Fil changed her mind. But even when she reached the door and looked back at her, Fil only smiled at her.

As the door closed behind Kim, Fil let out a deep exhale. She raised her feet to the bed, hugging her legs tightly. Silence dominated the room for minutes with Fil just staring at the floor. After a long time, she glanced at the purse on the bed. She reached for it and took out her phone, dialing Jackson to let him know she wouldn’t be able to go home.

Jackson didn’t answer.

Hence, Fil simply sent him a message to let him know. After that, she was about to toss away her phone but stopped.

"If Valerie was rushed to the hospital..." she pursed her lips, gripping her phone. Fil drew a deep breath and mustered her courage to ring Marcus. For sure, Vincent went to the hospital and since the two of them were together, Marcus tagged along.

"Hey there."

"Marcus?" she whispered as soon as she heard his voice. "I heard what happened. Is everything okay?"

"Yes," he said. "Good thing Marianne found her or else she would’ve drowned. I’m still in the hospital. How are you?"

Fil pressed her lips into a thin line. "I’m back in my room. I was just worried when I heard what happened."

"It’s okay." Marcus smiled, even though she couldn’t see him. "Everything’s settled now. She’s gonna be okay."

"Was Valerie... drunk?"

"Yeah. She probably tripped over the pool. That’s what we think."

"Is Michael there?"

Marcus arched a brow as he glanced at his phone. "Michael? No, he’s not. He’s probably in his suite, having a wild night. Why are you asking about him?"

"Nothing. I thought he would be there with you and Vincent," she lied, yet wondered if that lie was good enough. Scared that Marcus would ask more questions, she cleared her throat. "It’s a little embarrassing to say it, but if he’s there, I thought you could... leave? We haven’t had the time to talk even though we’re at the same party."

"Are you flirting with me?"

"Is this flirting with you?"

Marcus chuckled. "Do you want me to come back?"

"No." Fil sighed. "Vincent needs a friend, and I’m not so heartless to take that friend away from him. Anyway, I’ll rest now. Let me know if there’s anything I can help with. Also, you take care on your way back."

"Mhm." He smiled in satisfaction. "Good night."

"Good night."

With that being said, Fil immediately ended the call. She hugged her knees once again, clenching her teeth as hard as she could.

’Michael,’ she thought. ’If what you said is true, I think... it’s a little too late for me to leave now.’

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