CHAPTER FOUR- The Invitation

Sophia’s POV

As we reached the gate of my house, his car slowed to a stop, parking smoothly in front of the entrance. He had insisted on driving me home. “Thank you for today Damian,” I said as I pushed the door and stepped down from the car, “ At least you’ve gotten a little information, Miss journalist,” He said in a mocking way with smirk on his face, then he continued “I will be having a little celebration today at my mansion, and I’m inviting you over” He said sweeping his gaze over me, with his right hand placed on the steering, I swallowed hard not knowing what to say, His mansion? My heart raced faster, “ I’m not sure yet, I will check my schedules for this evening,” I said tilting my head like I had plans for the evening, “ Alright Elena, I will send someone to come and get you,” he said switching the ignition key and he stole a cold glace at me, “See you by 8pm,” He said and zoomed off, I froze, my stomach tightened, I watched his car get to estate gate, until it was out of sight, then I turned and pushed the gate slightly, it was a short blue gate, then I walked in. I got to the door and inserted the key into the knob, it was Open, my heart raced faster, who is inside the house? I questioned in my heart, my best friend said she wasn’t coming back anytime soon since she left the country, I quickly pushed the door and I saw my best friend sitting on the couch, sipping a drink, the bitch had pranked me, she gave sharp glance and quickly rushed to where I stood and hugged so tight, “ I miss you so much,” She screamed aloud, I frowned for a mere second and our giggles filled the air, We laughed so hard, giving ourselves a slight push Claire was a drama Queen, very funny, and too confident, she was an opposite of me, “Claire why the hell did you prank me, I thought you said you were not coming back into the country anytime soon,” I asked immediately, throwing my bag on the couch, I quickly folded my arms across my chest I stood there staring at her for answers, she pouted, her lips protruding and her mouth downwards, “ Soph you were involved in a gunfire outbreak so I had to come back” She said giving me a small smile that turned into a frown, “ You had your job to face and you came back to see me?” I asked, giving her a surprising look, Then I continued “what do you think the head of journalism department will say about this?” I asked glaring at her, within me I was happy she came back, we could team up for ideas on investigating Damian, “ Seriously? Soph aren’t you happy I’m back?” she said giving me a frowning face, her brows furrowed, I wondered how she was able to leave her job, I walked closer to her, Then I chuckled and dragged her to follow me into the room, “I’m happy you’re back,” I said screaming as we ran like toddlers on the stairs, Laughing like we had some wine.

“ Soph I’m sorry about your gunfire accident, I had to talk to my colleague to help me do the broadcasting job next week, so I can come see you,” Claire said, her voice coming out soft and low, we were both inside the room unpacking her bags, I felt every word, she meant everything she said, she has been my partner and best friend since our school days, in journalism school, I quickly sat beside her on the bed, I placed my elbow on my laps, supporting myself, “ You know it has not been easy for me, investigating Damian is tough and everything about him seems too dark to search ,” I said in husk tone, my voice already shaky, I continued, “ He is not like others, he’s tough and arrogant,” I said this time in a lamenting tone, the pain of this investigation was a lot, the tears in my eyes rolled my down my cheek, Claire gave an emotional stare, her eyes were pale, she drew me to herself and placed my head on her shoulders, this time I sobbed out like I needed to pour out the pain, “It’s Okay Soph, I’m here now,” She said patting my shoulder, her voice coming softer than ever. “I also wanted to tell you, Damian dropped me some minutes ago and he invited me for a little celebration at his mansion, but I objected,” She sneered and raised my head from her shoulder, “Why? Soph this a chance for you to do your job, you have to do everything to get the job,” She said already sounding angry, I glared at her, “Damian’s Mansion ?” I said my voice coming out colder than usual, she shifted closer to where I sat and placed her hand on my shoulder, “Soph, what’s your fear this time?” she said giving me pitiful stare, the next second my phone rang out, I quickly lowered my head to see who was calling, I bit my lower lip, “ it’s Hillary,” I said looking at Claire, she gave me nod to pick up the call, “ Hello, Hillary,” I said, putting the phone on loud speaker, “Damian is having a party tonight, you have to be there,” He said and ended the call before I could utter a word

His voice was Arctic, cold and detached, sending shivers down my spine. I glanced at Claire, who returned a pointed stare, her soft whisper imploring me to accept the invitation. “ You have to go,” she said and I swallowed hard.

I dropped the phone, stood up and paced around his room, I’m going to be meeting him in his house this time, “ You have to cheer up, I will get you a nice dress to put on,” She said, with her facial expression readable, showing every bit of excitement, I scoffed and shook my head, “ You have to use this night to either win the fish or you fall into the sea, You’re going to Damian’s mansion tonight,” she said, giving a cold stare, then she stood up, “ Elena get ready,”

She uttered while she walked away, her words sent a chill down my spine. “ Elena?”

I sneered. Damian’s Mansion tonight? I muttered under my breath. I picked up my phone and dialed Damian’s number, he picked on the second ring, “ Hello Damian, I’m coming,” I said, my voice shaky, he chuckled slightly, “Be ready by 8pm Elena,” He said and ended the call, I checked the time it was seven twenty pm already, I started searching my wardrobe, “Soph you’re searching already, hold on let me get a particular dress for you,” She said as she hurriedly walked to where I stood, I mimicked her, then I laughed out loud.

At 8pm I walked out of the gate, the black BMW M3, was packed already, with it’s head light shining so bright towards the estate gate, then a young man, stepped out, tall and dark in his crisp black suit and shades, and walked over to open the car door with a smooth, effortless charm. “Thank you,” I said and stole a glance at him as I entered into the back seat and he closed the door without saying a word and he rushed back and sat in the driver’s seat, then he turned on the engine and drove off.