Chapter Five

Maria's POV

“Five thousand dollars… We both know that you’re not worth it, but I’m that nice.”

The words replayed in my head, taunting my sanity.

It had to be a joke, except that his face was as hard as a rock.

I brushed the tears off my cheek. He should never have seen me break. “If this is your way of making jest of me again, the joke’s on you.”

Turning to flag down a taxi, he gripped my wrist and made me face him. His gaze, stern.

“Do you think I’d leave my abode,” he looked at his grand complex. “Just to play some shitty game.”

I shrugged. “Show me a more petty man.”

“Fine. Ten thousand, and that’s it.”

Now, it dawned on me that he meant every word he said. It all began to look fishy.

“Are you this desperate?”

Cocky, he adjusted his suit like he was not talking to a peasant like myself. “In or not? I’ve got work to do.”

“

I leaned closer, almost grazing our bodies. Chin tilted, I looked directly in his fierce gaze. “If I were your savior, I’d drag you by the balls into fucking hell, and watch you burn, Mr. Andrew Walker.”

Embarrassed, he looked away. “My mistake. There are thousands of most suitable ladies than you.”

“Good luck with that.” Getting into the back seat of the cab, I stuck my middle finger out as it drove off.

*** ***

“Are you out of your damn mind?”

Susan scolded me like mother hen. I came down here to sulk after the whole incident. I needed a shoulder, not to be on her bad book.

“What was I supposed to do?”

“Date him!” She blew out air, then she rushed to my side, and held my arm. “It was just for a freaking day, hun.” Calming down, she continued. “You got an eviction notice today, right?”

I nodded. It was the very reason I begged that bastard in the first place.

“Can’t you see that it’s a great deal?”

“Hold on,” I frowned, irritated. “In case you’ve forgotten, he’s…”

“Your sworn enemy, blah, blah.” She sighed. “How about you eat your cake and have it?” When I showed interest, she leaned closer. “Take your little revenge, torment him.” She shrugged.

Against my will, I began to think about the possibility.

“Viola! You’re a petty rich bitch.” She teased and pulled me up. “We need to get you ready…”

“I haven’t agreed…” She sealed my lips with her palm. “I don’t have good clothes.” I managed to argue.

Surprisingly, she rooted out her debit card. A while ago, she was penniless.

Letting her boss me around, she picked a black leather dress with a high slit, just so Andrew would drool. Next, she paid for good face beat, hair stylist, and a cab, as I was now standing in front of the wizard’s castle.

It’s been almost thirty minutes since Susan dropped me and zoomed off, yet, there was no sign of Andrew. Every passing minute, I got more embarrassed. The heels were hurting my feet, it felt like I planned my own death.

Tired, I turned to leave when his cocky baritone stopped me.

“This desperate?”

I paused, swallowing my pride. Susan was right, I needed the money.

His gentle steps got closer, and he was now beside me. “You’ve got poor taste, but it will serve.” He stuck out his hand like a gentleman.

“Says a man who was practically all over me.” I sighed and ignored his hand.

The walk to his car was short. He was already dressed in a fine black tuxedo that matched my dress. We rode in deadly silence until he broke it.

“We met last month in a business trip. You’re a classy and successful entrepreneur.”

“But I’m not.”

He shot me an angry stare, jaws clenched, he continued.

“My favorite color is grey. Food, pasta and lamb chops… do you need it written? It’s okay to be slow.”

I ignored his fired shots and bit my lower lip.

Eventually, we arrived at the place. It was a luxurious five-star hotel, with stunning ambience. Here, you’d be charged higher for even coming, than their tiny fancy menu.

Andrew’s partner was yet to show up. He ordered a bottle of whit wine, then adjusted towards me.

“Do you need any reminder?”

I nodded. “That I shouldn’t be here.”

A dash of rage flooded him, his muscles hardened, but he tried to stay in control. It was what I wanted, make a public jest of him.

“Mr. Walter’s.” A soothing voice caught our attentio.

We turned to look at the advanced man beside Andrew. They exchanged pleasantries and I managed a courteous wave.

“Sir Denmark, this is Maria, a very interesting lady, and Maria, Mr. Denmark.”

They got past the introduction and started talking business. Lost at some point, I ate, dragging a bit too hard on th steak, and creating a mess.

“Are you hurt?” Andrew pretended smoothly.

“Yes, honey.” I flashed him a knowing smile. “I’ve known you for ages, and you’re still the sweetest.” I strokes his face, and played with his well-groomed beards.

Mr. Denmark grinned, while Andrew faked a smile, trying so hard not to break. His eyes were freaking cold, passing a stern warning.

“Hmm…” Mr. Denmark focused on me. “That long? Why aren’t you both married?”

“It’s not…”

“… going to take any longer.” I grinned and wriggled my left hand, revealing my knuckle ring in placement of a ring.

“I like her.” He smiled at Andrew and dabbed his lips after eating.

Andrew managed a smile. He was cracking up like broken ice.

“Mr. Walker, how about we finalize the deal in our next meeting?” He stood up to leave and they shook hands. Taking my hand in a kiss, he walked away.

In silence, Andrew waited to pounce on me in fury.

“Start talking, Maria.” He groaned. “What in fuck’s sake was that?!”

Not intimidated, I squared my shoulders. “I only made our little scheme to speed up the process.”

The side of his lips twitched. He leaned closer, way too close that his breath stroked my face. Our nose almost kissed.

“Pray, Maria… If this gets messed up because of your madness, I’d break you, Maria…” His hand crushed as he desolation.

A rough tone gently coughed. We turned to see Mr. Denmark. His curious eyes darted from me to Andrew. Right beside him was a younger man. He was too familiar to be forgotten, the very one who swore to make make life a living hell.

Our eyes met before I could avert my gaze in pretense. He smirked.

‘What is he doing here?!’

“Sir, the car is fixed.” He spoke to Mr. Denmark.

Wait… He was acquainted to…

Oh. No… This is bad.