The Meeting

Andrew hands landed on something soft, and his subconscious guided them to form a gentle circle, as if cradling a delicate object. The sensation brought him a strange sense of satisfaction, and he pinched it.

That's when he turned and he saw her - a woman with a veil, lying close to him. The veil obscured her face.

“Ah……”

Maliya Coker was startled awake by the pinch and realized she was naked. She screamed and pushed Andrew away. She quickly used the blanket to wrap herself.

“Oh…no…. What….just….happened,” Maliya mumbled, her eyes darting everywhere nervously.

She couldn't recognize where she was, her eyes darted to Andrew and back to her body. Tears began to flow freely from her eyes she can't believe she had been raped.

She glared at him with disgust, her anger and humiliation simmering just below the surface. Every fiber of her being yearned to lash out, to scratch his face and inflict some measure of pain on him.

But she knew she couldn't. He was stronger, and he had just raped her. A chilling reminder of his capacity for harm. The thought sent a shiver down her spine - if he could overpower her once, what else was he capable of?

The fear that gripped her was paralyzing.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, trying to approach her, but she shifted away.

"Don't…..” She sniffed. “Don't…. come…. close…. please," she begged. "Please don't rape me again." she sobbed.

Andrew’s eyes widened in shock. "What? How? I didn't rape you!" he protested.

“You….did," Maliya said, her voice trembling. "How can you explain this situation?” She asked, looking at her naked body.

Andrew shook his head, trying to clear the confusion.

“You don't remember anything from last night?”

“I….I…. don't understand, what do you mean?” she said, swallowing hard.

"You were the one who took the initiative last night," he defended himself.

“Uhh…..” Maliya's words trailed off as memories of the previous night's events flooded her mind.

She recalled being drugged by several men, and then a figure saving her from the midst of chaos.

Andrew had brought her to the hotel room, intending to leave, but she had taken the initiative, gripping him and throwing herself at him.

"Damn it!" she exclaimed, slamming her hand against her forehead in frustration. Her gaze darted to Andrew and instantly she felt ashamed.

Andrew shifted uncomfortably, sensing her discomfort.

Meanwhile, Maliya felt awkward, realizing she had not only thrown herself at him but also created a scene, falsely accusing him of rape.

She was scared that this man would take legal action and accused her of defamation of character.

“Lord don't let this happen,” she whispered, if this matter escalates she would be dead, her family would kill her for not only having one night stand to the family's name but also disgracing the family's name.

“I….I…am sorry for the accusation,” she apologized, rubbing her hands together, her heart beating fast.

"I'll take responsibility," Andrew said.

“Uhh?”

Andrew cleared his throat, a proud smile spreading across his face. "I will take responsibility," he repeated.

"Do you know who I am?" Maliya asked weakly, standing up.

"It doesn't matter," Andrew replied with pride. “I want you to know that I will take full responsibility for all that has happened.”

“Please don't, don't do it. Let's all this just end here, please don't take it out of this room,” she begged nervously.

Andrew was surprised, he couldn't help but wonder why she was nervous.

She sat down, trying to think of a way to clear up the mess. Her wedding to Harry, the son of the powerful Jefferson family, was just a week away.

The Jefferson family was among the top four families, and they were all about power and prestige. No one crossed their path without consequences. And the Coker's had been eagerly anticipating the union.

She had never been enthusiastic about the arranged marriage, but in her family, her opinions were rarely considered. Her family had always held the reins, dictating every aspect of her life.

By agreeing to the marriage, she had hoped to finally gain their acceptance and approval. But now, with the shocking events that had unfolded, she felt like she was losing control all over again.

How could she tell them she was no longer a virgin, and that she had lost it to a total stranger? They will humiliate her, at worst disown her.And she doesn't have anywhere to go. The mere thought filled her with dread, and she began to cry again.

Andrew was taken aback when Sophia began crying again. He moved to comfort her, holding her hand and pulling her closer.

As he reached out to wipe her tears, he accidentally pulled off her veil. Maliya gasped, and Andrew was shocked to see her face, scarred and disfigured.

Despite her imperfections, he sensed that she must have been a stunning beauty before her injury.

Maliya quickly pushed Andrew away, covering her face in haste, believing he must despise her appearance. Andrew wanted to comfort her, but she moved backward, her eyes downcast, and walked to the door.

"Please, you need to leave now. I wouldn't want people to see us leaving together." she said in a low tone.

“Are you good?” He asked.

"Let's pretend nothing happened and not say a word about it. Please don't say a word about it,’’ she begged hoping he would comply. If he doesn't comply then she's dead.

“You have my word,” Andrew responded.

He walked towards the door, pausing to look at Maliya, but she turned away, avoiding his gaze. He let out a sigh and left, and Maliya slammed the door behind him.

Andrew wondered why she was timid. But he just shoved her aside, he was the least of his problem.

Andrew got into the car and Pete greeted him, "Dragon Marshall, I think I've got some information."

Andrew nodded, lighting a cigarette, and gestured for Pete to continue.

Pete cleared his throat and reached into the back seat, retrieving an envelope. He handed it to Andrew, who stared at it for a moment before placing it on his lap.

"Spill it," Andrew said, taking a drag on his cigarette.

"I have found the woman who saved your life," Pete announced, and Andrew’s eyes snapped to attention. He dropped his cigarette and faced Pete, his voice urgent.

"Who?"

Pete replied, "Maliya Coker!”