Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Cole checked his watch for the upteenth time. It was just minutes past Nine. He honestly didn't know whether to be worried or upset.

Forty-five minutes ago, he walked into the Chervyl Wine Bar, the place he and his girlfriend had set to meet.

Two days ago, Shantel called him and apologized for being insensitive the other time they spoke, and he accepted her half-hearted apology, as usual. What other choice did he have?

Except, it was different this time. After asking for forgiveness, she asked that they go on a date.

This was something they haven't done in almost a year, due to the fact that she was always away on one model gig or the other. According to her, she was going to be free throughout this week, so she wanted to spend that time with the love of her life.

Cole on the other hand, didn't mind a little spice in the bland relationship.

He accepted the offer immediately, and she told him she was going to take the next flight for Louisiana for the date. Instead of waiting at home, she decided she would come from the airport straight to the. restaurant.

Cole hadn't seen this part of Shantel in a while. Since she got a taste of money, she rarely gave him any attention. There were plenty of times where it seemed for Cole like he was the only one in the relationship.

Over time, he'd grown used to it. He didn't care anymore. A long time ago, he looked forward to her calls. Now, his body itched in irritation whenever his phone came alive with her name as the Caller ID, despite the fact that it was once in a Blue Moon.

He didn't know why Shantel changed all of a sudden, but he welcomed it with open arms.

He was looking forward to tonight, all day. From the time he left Liam's office to the time he reached his office, he kept thinking about what tonight would look like. About what she would look like. He hadn't seen her in a long time, but he knew she'd be a lot more beautiful than when he saw her last.

He'd spent his time to pick the best and most expensive suit he had in his closet, to look good for Shantel.

But by the passing minutes, his excitement was wearing away. With forty-five minutes spent on awaiting her arrival, he began to wonder if she was going to show up at all.

He checked his wristwatch again. Five more minutes had gone by, and he hasn't seen his date.

With a sigh of frustration, he whipped out his phone and rang Shantel's line. She didn't pick up. He called a few minutes and after getting the same unresponsive response, he gave up.

He sighed and began scrolling through his Instagram to while away time. He found his way through the stories section and began checking through.

He was about to stop when he stumbled on Porsche's story. Porsche was one of Shantel's friends and colleagues. According to her, they go way back.

In the ten-second clip, Porsche and some of her female friends were having the time of their lives in a party. They were all holding champagne bottles and screaming in excitement. Their location showed Barcelona, Spain.

Cole squinted in shock.

He replayed the story over and over again, just to be sure that his eyes were not playing tricks on him, but they weren't.

Shantel was one of the girls in the loud mix.

He replayed a few more times, just to be sure, and he got all the certainty he needed.

He checked the time.of posting, and saw that it was posted just minutes ago.

He didn't want to jump into conclusions, even though it was clear to him what was going on. He needed to confirm.

He left Instagram and resumed ringing Shantel's line. She didn't pick initially, but he didn't give up. He kept calling and calling until she finally picked up.

"Cole, you were really bussing my phone-"

"Where are you?" He questioned.

"Why are you asking? What's the problem?"

Cole couldn't believe she was asking him this question.

"Did you forget about the date we were supposed to have?"

"Oh, that! I thought I told you already - I must've forgotten. I won't be able to make it. I'm swarmed up at work. Right now, we're about to do some late night fashion shows in Australia. They need my help. I planned to come, but this was last minute and important. Please forgive me-"

"Where are you?"Cole inquired, trying to keep his temper in check. An alpha was not to be kept waiting and here was Shantel doing the most.

"But babe, I just answered you question-" she replied, trying to sound calm.

"You didn't. I want to know you are," he replied.

"I just told you I'm coordinating a fashion show in Australia," was her response.

"So why am I seeing you in a story your friend posted seven minutes ago, popping champagne in Barcelona?"

"Shit," was what Cole heard before she began talking to someone in the area.

She must've just realized that she'd fucked up.

"What... Which if my friend's story did you see? It must be a mistake-"

"Is this relationship even important to you?" Cole questioned.

"What?" She was stunned by his question. Of course he was.

"So you'd prefer to spend time with your friends than to show up for the date you set up yourself?"

"Cole, you don't have to put it that way-" she began to say.

"I felt it was too good to be true, and I was right. You were going to fuck up. You know, sometimes, I begin to wonder if you actually love me as you claim, or if you're just in this relationship for what you can get," Cole muttered and ended the call.

He couldn't explain the feeling of disappointment and rage he was feeling inside.

He called a waiter, paid for the wine he took, tipped him and stood up to leave.

He thought of going to the counter to have a shot of vodka before hitting the road and immediately he turned, he bumped into someone holding a glass of wine.

In an instant, he could feel his suit soaking wet.