Three

As Jasmine entered the apartment, her attention turned to her roommate Maria.

"When did you come back?" she inquired.

"Just now," Maria replied, still swaying her hips to the rhythm of the song playing.

Jasmine couldn't help but express her frustration. "I've told you countless times not to dance like this to this particular song. It's the reason my manager hasn't hired you yet. You need to learn the right dance moves for the song," she said, sounding somewhat innocent in her remark.

Maria rolled her eyes and retorted, "Can't you correct people politely? Do you always have to show off your skills?"

"That's just how I am, and you know it. Anyway, I apologize if it bothered you. But you should practice hard today because there's another opportunity for you at my club," Jasmine replied.

Maria's eyes widened with curiosity. "Did another dancer leave your club?" she asked.

"Yes, but it's not about someone leaving. I'm the one leaving the club because I got a job with the Vivex group of companies," Jasmine exclaimed, brimming with excitement.

Even though it might be temporary, she was thrilled about the offer. Ever since she graduated, she had been searching for a company where she could utilize her intellect, and this opportunity was a dream come true for her.

“Okay” Maria's gaze turned downcast as she spoke, and she continued dancing. Suddenly, she missed a step and fell to the ground.

Jasmine quickly rushed to her aid, asking, "Are you okay?" But Maria brushed off her hand and gave her a resentful look.

"I'm fine," Maria replied, struggling to stand up on her own. She limped over to her bed and slumped down.

Jasmine continued to show concern. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked once more.

"Yeah, don't worry about me. So, when do you start your new job?" Maria asked, her voice filled with bitterness.

"Tomorrow."

Maria's response came with a tinge of envy. "So soon..." she muttered begrudgingly.

Alright," Jasmine replied softly, feeling accustomed to Maria's jealousy. She didn't bother asking any further questions because she knew it would dampen her mood to hear about her new job.

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Donovan drove into the company compound and parked his SUV in the designated area. He got out of the car, grabbed his suitcase, and walked towards the main building.

Inside, Andre greeted him warmly. Andre was casually lounging on the couch, sipping vodka, with his legs stretched out on the table. He leaned back, engrossed in watching a football match on TV.

"How did you get into my room?" Donovan interrupted their greetings and glared at him.

"You forget that I know where you hide your spare key," Andre replied, but Donovan didn't give him a second glance.

"My mistake. I'll have to stop leaving my spare key at home, or I'll find another hiding spot where you can't find it," Donovan said, running his hand through his hair. He preferred to be alone and didn't appreciate having others around.

He headed up the stairs to his room to freshen up. After a while, he came back down and found Andre in the same position, shouting and screaming while still watching the football game.

Without saying a word, Donovan turned off the TV, and Andre let out a scream.

"What's the meaning of this? My team is the one playing, and we're already winning," Andre stood up and became angry.

"I've told you to stop watching football games in my house. I don't like noise, and you know this," Donovan responded firmly.

"Why are you like this? Why is everything so dull and lifeless?" Andre fired back.

"Am I complaining? Anyway, you need to stop whatever plans you have with that dancer of yours."

Which dancer?" Andre pretended not to understand, as if he didn't know what Donovan was referring to. But before he could react, Donovan gave him a knock on the head.

"Ouch," Andre groaned in pain.

"You will understand which dancer I'm talking about now," Donovan said, still with a stern expression. He looked serious as if he were ready for a battle.

"Why are you always like this, brother Donovan?" Andre said in a playful tone. He loved to joke, even though none of his jokes had ever managed to break through Donovan's tough exterior.

"Enough of your jokes. Tell your dancer friend to focus on her work if she wants to keep her job in my company," Donovan said in a threatening tone.

"You can't threaten her. Did she force you to hire her? You hired her because you have feelings for her. I saw the way you looked at her last night... Tell me the truth, do you love her? If you're scared to ask her out, I can help you. Do you want me to?" Andre said, looking at Donovan with a pouting expression.

"You're out of your mind, buddy. How could I be interested in someone like her? A slut" Donovan pushed Andre away and slumped on the couch. He picked up the remote and turned on the TV again.

"She's not a slut, buddy. She's a dancer," Andre insisted.

Yes, a cheap dancer," Donovan said through clenched teeth.

"Do you mean you wouldn't date a girl like her?" Andre questioned.

"I can't and I won't," Donovan replied firmly.

"Why? Isn't she beautiful?" Andre probed further.

"She is beautiful, it's just that she..." Donovan trailed off.

"Don't worry, since you said she's beautiful, that means she has a chance with me. I can't wait to ask her out," Andre said, observing Donovan's reaction.

"What? You have plenty of women flocking around you, you can't add her to the list," Donovan retorted, his eyes showing a hint of jealousy, although he would rather not admit it.

"I might not ask her out if you want her," Andre responded, smirking.

"I don't want her, but still, you can't ask her out," Donovan replied in a disgruntled tone. He gave Andre a piercing stare, grabbing his hand and pinning it under his arm.

"Say that you won't ask her out," Donovan demanded, causing Andre to burst into laughter. He looked at Donovan's face as if seeing a new side of him.

"What's gotten into you?" Donovan asked, curious about his friend's intense focus on him. He awaited a response from Andre.

"When was the last time you played with me in this manner? I think the dancer had a gigantic effect on you," Andre said, his voice filled with amusement. Donovan's grip loosened, and he stood up abruptly, his gaze fixed on his room.

"No, it's impossible," Donovan muttered as he walked towards his room, leaving Andre behind. His mind was in turmoil, and he couldn't shake off the thoughts that the dancer had stirred within him.