Case File 68

Case File Name:
You Win Some, You Lose Some.

♤Chapter Sixty-Eight♤

The next morning I got called into the office by Ivanna.

Which was odd considering it was Saturday, but I honestly didn't mind the distraction.

Especially after irritatingly crying myself to sleep last night.

Which was the last thing I wanted to do.

But once one tear fell, more came right after it.

And there I was a broken mess because of how truly fucked everything had gone last night.

But on the bright side, Dorian is finally off my back.

So I guess you win some, you lose some.

"Ivanna?" I called out as I walked through the empty office.

I didn't even bother to put a lot into my appearance—just my typical black work dress with my hair pulled up and my sunken face entirely bare.

I genuinely looked how I fucking felt.

My brows furrowed slightly, suddenly noticing the numerous roses all over my desk that had different notes tied to them all.

And almost immediately I shook my head, letting out a deep sigh when I realized who could be behind this.

She's the reason behind Ivanna calling me into the office.

I suddenly took a step forward with an annoying urge to read one of the many notes attached to the numerous roses.

How incredible you look in the mornings.

I furrowed my brows as I read the words written in her familiar handwriting—deciding to read another one.

Your smile even when it's not genuine.

"The things I love about you," I heard her familiar voice suddenly say from behind me.

I remained still for a moment, glancing around as I naturally began to count the roses—but it was nearly impossible to.

It looked like at least a hundred of them.

And part of me felt satisfied that she had taken so much of her time to do this.

But it still doesn't change what happened last night or what she's done in the past.

"Milena, just give me five minutes and let me talk," Tazmin said as soon as I backed away from the roses, "No heated arguments—just me explaining everything."

I only remained still in place contemplating the idea for a moment.

But before I got a chance to shut it down, Tazmin motioned past me to my office chair—silently telling me to sit.

"If I sit here for five fucking minutes will you truly leave me alone afterwards?" I said, reluctantly walking over to my chair.

"If that's what you want," Tazmin said as I sat down in my cushioned chair.

And laid eyes on her.

She was in a pair of baggy sweatpants with an oversized t-shirt and her blonde her pulled back into a lower bun out of her bare face.

Which wasn't as glowy as usual—instead she looked visibly tired.

Somehow she even looked more drained than me.

"I tried going to your place last night to talk about everything—"

"I'm not there anymore," I cut her short, already growing impatient to leave.

"Five minutes," Tazmin reminded me, basically telling me to stay quiet.

Which earned an eye roll and a reluctant nod from me.

"Everything with Adriana isn't real—I'm only engaged to her right now so she leaves you and everyone else alone," Tazmin started off, which was enough to surprise me slightly.

But I didn't show it.

"And I don't love her," Tazmin clarified, taking a step closer to my desk, "I just... things were getting so heated last night, and the things you were saying—"

Tazmin suddenly glanced away from me, letting out a long sigh as she shook her head.

"It doesn't matter now," she said mostly to herself, still unable to meet my green eyes, "The point is I don't love her—she's done nothing but try to control my fucking life."

I continued to remain silent, watching as Tazmin began pacing my office—almost like she was so overwhelmed with this that she couldn't stay still.

"And in St. Moritz, I tried to talk to you about it. I tried to tell you how boxed in Adriana had me," Tazmin said, now walking to the left of the office, "But you wouldn't listen—and I get why now. I understand, I just..." she trailed off,
halting her walking as she suddenly glanced over to me.

And the air between us grew silent for a brief moment.

Until Tazmin said—

"I really wish you would've talked to me Milena."

I continued to remain silent even if it felt nearly impossible to at this point.

I had so much to fucking say—starting with my parents.

"All I can possibly say to you right now is how sorry I am for your parents—you didn't deserve to lose them, and it's my fault, I'm entirely aware of that," Tazmin said, suddenly walking over towards me.

Which easily made me draw in a deep breath, especially when she stopped right beside my chair.

"But I never knew them personally and I never knew that I would know you," Tazmin whispered,
her dark eyes staring so deeply into mine, "I had just turned eighteen and this was all already new to me Milena."

I remained silent, clenching my jaw when I felt my chest grow tight with so many unnecessary emotions.

I really don't want to cry in front of her.

"At the end of the day, nothing excuses what I did," Tazmin said, leaning back on the desk in front of me, "But I just needed to explain it from my perspective because if I knew then what I know now Milena I swear I would've called off the hit on Dorian's people and lost the war for you."

I glanced down when Tazmin suddenly grabbed one of the roses to stare at for a moment.

Almost admiring the flower as a deep silence trickled in around us.

"I would do so much for you Mil—and I would do anything to make this up to you," Tazmin whispered.

I shook my head, but before I could say anything Tazmin suddenly got back down onto her knees, giving me the same sight as yesterday.

Which caused the same feeling to grow in my chest.

But I still felt the exact same as yesterday.

It's easier if we just cut our losses at this point and walk away.

All I'm going to do is continue to push her away after this—and she'll have Adriana to deal with after the fact.

It's just too messy.

"Just name anything—numerous things and I'll do it right now, Milena," Tazmin said, reaching for my hands.

Until I instinctively pulled them away.

"Nothing," I said, clenching my jaw when my chest grew tighter—it genuinely felt like I was pouring rubbing alcohol onto an open wound, "I want nothing to fucking do with you Tazmin."

And surprisingly, her neutral expression didn't fade—

Almost like she expected this outcome.

"And you..." Tazmin suddenly trailed off, glancing away from me for a moment, "You hate me?" she asked, her voice barely audible as she glanced back to me.

And immediately I could pinpoint how broken my words from last night left her.

I could even see the subtle glossiness in her dark
eyes, but I convinced myself I was imagining it.

Because I had never witnessed her cry before.

"Yeah," I forced out the lie, suddenly standing from my chair before I could witness the damage I had left her behind with.

But I irritatingly couldn't miss the way she ran her hands over her face, drawing in a deep breath that showed she was desperately trying to keep herself together.

And for some reason the idea that my words hurt her somehow made half of me feel better—because she could feel the hurt she previously caused me.

But the other half of me felt even worse than before—hating the idea of her crying or even leaving her behind in my office with hundreds of
roses and love notes to clean up.

It felt harder to walk away compared to last night.

And each step that I took away from her nearly ripped my heart out of my chest.

But it's better off this way.

It's too late to save this all and if she marries Adriana everyone's safe.

Except for her.

I quickly shook my head at the thought, starting up my Mercedes and driving out of the parking garage.

♤

Later that night I somehow got roped into a hotel opening with Gia.

But mostly to try out a brand-new hotel room for free.

And a free section in the club along with endless drinks.

It felt just like what I needed after everything that had happened with me and Tazmin.

Even if hanging out with her sister would only make me think of her more.

But I also promised Gia that we would still be friends even when this is said and done.

I let out a deep sigh adjusting my short white dress as I stepped out of the Uber with my red Chanel purse on my arm.

Considering it's Christmas Eve tomorrow, this event will be centered around the holiday that I've had to endure for the entire month.

Call me a Grinch but Christmas music is actually driving me insane.

I narrowed my eyes at the large Christmas tree that sat in the middle of the busy lobby—suddenly contemplating how festive they were taking this event.

It literally smells like Christmas in here.

Hopefully, there won't be Christmas music playing in the club too...

I suddenly glanced down at my phone when it buzzed with a text from Gia, which had the details of the room we were staying in.

And as soon as I located the elevators I began walking over toward them, rolling my small suitcase by my side.

Room 2003 was what Gia had specified—so as soon as I was on the elevator I clicked the twentieth floor and anxiously awaited to arrive.

I don't know why but I felt nervous to see Gia after leaving St. Moritz so abruptly.

She didn't care at the moment, but what if she was just pretending for my sake?

I quickly shook my head as I approached the black hotel door—hesitantly raising my hand to knock on it.

And almost immediately, the door was pulled open and there stood Gia.

Her wavy blonde hair was down with a matte makeup look on her face and a short dress clinging to her body.

"Lena!" Gia nearly squealed, pulling me into the hotel room as I dragged my suitcase in behind me.

"Well hello to you too," I sarcastically said as I entered the hotel room.

Which was so fucking nice—the marble floors shined and the french-embroidered windows held the most incredible view of downtown Miami.

"Champagne already?" I asked as I glanced over to Gia who was pouring us both glasses, "You're worse than me," I joked.

Gia shook her head as she topped the flutes off, "We're celebrating tonight," she explained, handing me one of the glasses, "I'm not going to be that bitch's sister-in-law!"

I tilted my head with furrowed brows, "What do you mean?" I said, even if I knew what she fucking meant.

It was clear that—

"Taz called off the engagement!" Gia nearly squealed with a wide grin, "I know you probably don't want to talk about my sister—but this has to be one of the greatest moments of my year."

I smiled slightly at Gia who genuinely looked so fucking happy, "Then we'll celebrate," I determined, clinking my glass with hers.

Which made Gia's smile grow wider as we took a sip of the bubbly liquid and began our night.

But through my forced smile, I couldn't help but think about Tazmin.

And if this decision would cost her everything.

Even her free will.

A part of me wanted to talk to her—to know why she did this.

But then the other part of me recalled our conversation from earlier.

How I left her in that office on the verge of a breakdown.

I told her I hated her and stuck to that.

So now I need to continue to stick to the lie I told.

Even if it's brewing past emotional pain and more towards physical pain.

But she's responsible for my parent's deaths, regardless of the details.

So I hate her—I should hate her.

"One more shot?" I called over the music as I sat next to Gia in our section.

Luckily, the club didn't play Christmas music, but I think if it did—I would still dance to it.

That's how drunk I am right now.

"Two more shots," Gia countered my offer as she poured the tequila into the shot glasses.

Although, with how much she was swaying—half of the bottle spilled on the table.

"Merry Christmas Eve!" I called out over the music, noticing the time on my phone displayed that it was almost one in the morning.

"Merry Christmas Eve Lena!" Gia repeated back to me as she handed me the two shot glasses.

Which we clinked together moments later—throwing the burning liquid back.

And after chasing the alcohol with some juice, Gia and I were walking off from our section to the dance floor.

Or more like stumbling—we couldn't even begin to dance if we tried.

Everything felt like it was spinning and my body felt so fucking heavy.

And I'm starting to feel nauseous.

This might just be worse than my college years.

"What are you..." Gia trailed off as she glanced down at my phone, swaying side to side with me as we stumbled barefoot through the empty lobby that lingered with staff.

I don't know when or how my heels came off—or even where they went.

Which meant I would be breaking in another pair of Louboutins.

And that's worse than the price tag they come with.

"Just one call," I forced out, my words sticking together so fucking badly.

Gia gasped slightly as soon as she registered the contact, "You're gonna regret that," she said, lazily shaking her head at me as we suddenly leaned into the nearest wall—nearly collapsing on each other in the process.

"Hello?"

My brows quickly shot up as Gia and I exchanged shocked glances.

"You really called—"

"Shhh!" I cut Gia short as we leaned away from the wall, "Let's pretend that it was an accident," I whispered to Gia.

"Milena I can hear you talking," I heard her familiar voice say.

Which somehow made my smile grow, "Tazmin I'm stealing Gia from you," I finally said, leaning further into Gia as she clicked the elevator button.

"I've always wanted to be an only child," Tazmin said, which earned a dramatic gasp from Gia.

"That was really mean Taz, you know I love you so much—" Gia suddenly looked over to me, "I love Taz—and you said you love Taz—"

"And Nadia!" I suddenly said as one of the elevators dinged open, "I want to call Nadi right now Gi."

Gia nodded almost a few times in a row, "We can wish her a Merry Christmas Eve and—"

"Don't call Nadia right now," I heard Tazmin say, which made me suddenly recall she's still on the phone.

"But I miss her," I said, suddenly feeling my eyes burn with tears, "I miss Nadia and I love her so so much," I said, leaning into Gia when she wrapped her arms around me.

"No-no don't cry," Gia said, patting my back a few times.

"How much have you had to drink?" I heard Tazmin ask as I hugged Gia tighter, letting out a wavered sigh when everything around me began spinning even more.

"We're totally sober Taz," Gia said as she reached forward to click our floor on the elevator.

"Are you going to be good tonight?" Tazmin said as I furrowed my brows, hating the feeling of the elevator shooting up so quickly.

"Very good," I said, scrunching my eyes closed as I fought back the dizziness growing around me, "Now you go live your single life before Adriana comes by with the FBI and—"

"How the fuck are you this drunk right now?" Tazmin suddenly cut me short as the elevator dinged open.

Which immediately made me feel relieved—I don't think I would've lasted another minute on that elevator.

"Tazmin we have to go," I suddenly said as Gia and I stumbled down the hallway together.

Suddenly, I don't remember which room was ours.

"Okay but drink water, sleep on your side, and—"

"Good night Taz," Gia suddenly cut her short as she stopped at one of the identical black doors, "And Merry Christmas Eve sissy!"

I laughed at Gia, watching as she pressed the red end call button before reaching into her Chanel purse.

Which she rummaged through for a few seconds that felt like the longest minutes of my life.

Until she suddenly revealed the room key that she used to unlock the door not even a second later.

"The bed," I mumbled, not even thinking about taking off my makeup or brushing my teeth.

I just needed to lay down for a minute.

"Bed," Gia mumbled in agreement as we veered over to the large bed.

Which looked so fucking perfect with the white bedspread and fluffy pillows.

It was nearly calling my name.

"Snow angels!" Gia said as she fell back onto the bed starfish style.

And all I could do was laugh as I watched Gia spread her arms in and out like some maniac.

A soft gasp fell from my lips as soon as Gia pulled me down onto the bed with her—which left me laying on top of her entirely.

I couldn't even begin to find the strength to stand back up—the most I could do was lay up from her body.

And as I stared down at her for a moment—taking in her brown eyes and sharp jawline that resembled Tazmin's, the air suddenly stilled around us.

There was no longer a carefree mood around us.

Especially when I leaned back down closer to her.

And Gia let me.

Until our lips were pressed together, falling into a drunken kiss that I knew we would definitely both regret later.

But Gia didn't pull back—and neither did I.

Especially when she reached for the straps of my dress, sliding them off my shoulders as I angled my legs up further to straddle her.

We were both breathless, nearly trying to capture air between each sloppy kiss that we shared.

And it's like I could hear myself screaming at me to stop, but I was so wrapped up in the heat of the moment that I couldn't.

I couldn't stop kissing Tazmin's sister.