The Invitation

CHAPTER 5

I couldn't shake off the feeling of that man from yesterday's party as I stared at the paper in my hands. I stood, looking at myself in the mirror. He had slipped it into my hand before leaving.

When I looked at it was an address, a place I could meet him. On the paper it was written that he would send someone to pick me up.

I knew I couldn't trust strangers, but there was something about this man that I couldn't shrug off. An aura of mystery and intrigue that had me feeling unsettled yet undeniably drawn in.

Sarah walked up from behind me, spotting the paper in my hands. "You still thinking about him?" She asked with a sly smirk.

I chuckled to myself, both amused and exasperated by her relentless prodding about my apparent "admirer" from last night. "Don't get your hopes up too high."

"Why wouldn't I?" She shot back impishly. "He seems pretty interested in you. And he looked pretty rich too." She punctuated her point by taking a dramatic sip of coffee.

Sarah, though perpetually single, worked two jobs because she wanted a stable, independent life in the future. She was the literal CEO of "men aren't worth it" and a true diehard feminist and entrepreneur.

But even with that fierce self-reliant nature, she never failed to see things from my own perspective rather than trying to impose her opinions about men onto me.

Instead, Sarah let me be myself and supported me no matter what, making me feel so safe and understood around her.

"Does he have a name?" She questioned, nodding her chin toward the mysterious paper. 

I glanced down at it again, noticing some embossed initials in the bottom corner. "It just says 'EST' here. But I can't..."

Sarah suddenly inhaled sharply, causing the coffee in her mug to spill onto the floor due to her surprise. "Sorry, can you repeat that?" Urgently, she inquired as she moved beside me.

"It reads as 'EST'..." I double-checked, but she interrupted me before grabbing the paper aggressively.

"Estefan Salvatore?!" After closely inspecting the insignia, she let out a nearly deafening scream. "Oh my goodness, Kaitlyn. Are you joking right now?

"I must confess, you're starting to make me feel a bit uneasy," I said, surprised by her sudden outburst. "What is happening? Who is this man?"

"The more...the..." Sarah stumbled over her words, visibly agitated as she quickly tapped away on her phone. "I'm sorry, I'm still trying to understand this. What would a multi-billionaire, potentially the wealthiest person in the world, be doing at a random club trying to meet women?"

Her words made my eyes widen like saucers, unable to grasp her implications. "Sorry, can you repeat that?" Once more, I inquired, my voice getting higher.

Instead of elaborating, Sarah just showed me her phone screen so I could see it myself. Looking back at me was a face I definitely recognized from the news or tabloid headlines, the man I encountered at the club the previous night.

Underneath the image was an extensive biography outlining that Estefan Salvatore was the incredibly rich inheritor of a large global company, with a fortune valued in the billions of dollars. He was famous for his charming playboy image and extravagant lifestyle, as well as his strong business skills.

I was completely shocked, as if all the air had been knocked out of me.

Could it be possible that the unknown, puzzling stranger who had openly flirted and made advances towards me was actually one of the wealthiest, most influential individuals on the planet?

How did that happen?

Sarah's teasing voice snapped me out of my daze, saying, "You struck gold, baby girl. I am thrilled for you!"

She burst into gleeful laughter once more, imagining absurd romantic situations unfolding between me and the billionaire Estefan Salvatore. At the same time, I was still confused, attempting to comprehend this unbelievable situation.

What could a man of such immense riches, influence, and capability, who can have anything or anyone he wants, possibly desire from a person like me?

The swirling thoughts kept running through my head in a confusing mix until Sarah's voice brought me back to reality.

"Can you tell me the content of the note?" Curiously, she inquired. "At what location and time does this Mr. charming want to take you for your initial date?"

Once more, I glanced briefly at the address and details on the paper.

I read the message slowly, scarcely able to believe.

"He will be sending a car to pick me up and take me to his exclusive penthouse suite at the Castillon Hotel tomorrow at 8pm."

"Also known as one of the most luxurious and priciest hotel residences in the whole city?" Sarah let out a soft whistle. "Wow, woman. Mr. Moneybags means business, doesn't he?

Once more, my mind was in turmoil as a multitude of new questions inundated my thoughts. Was this actually happening?

What were Estefan’s actual motives behind this excessively extravagant invitation? How much did he anticipate things progressing during this initial encounter?

Should I bother attending or should I withdraw before things go wrong with someone of his status and reputation?

The more I pondered, the more I questioned if I was possibly diving into a situation beyond my capabilities.

But, the excitement of daring curiosity would once again spark within me, driving me to solve this captivating puzzle, regardless of its seemingly unrealistic or dangerous nature. I was hooked on the thrill and vitality that this mysterious billionaire reignited in me after a period of feeling numb.

My breath trembled as I glanced at Sarah, the words spilling out of my mouth uncontrollably.

"I...I think I should go." I pressed my lips together while she folded her arms.

"Get yourself a seat then."