Chapter Four

Heaven__

I wrapped my arms around myself behind the door, trying to steady my breathing, but my mind raced faster than my heartbeat—images of Daniel's lips on mine filled my mind, the promise of his touch unraveling me completely.

Part of me wants to run back into his arms, to let him pull me close with the warmth of his body. But the other part—the scared, uncertain part—screamed that this was too fast, too reckless, and too risky. Losing my virginity in the backseat of his car to a guy I'd only known for a couple of hours? It felt like jumping off a cliff without looking back.

Faye went clubbing with her course-mates, probably laughing without a care in the world.

Meanwhile, I'm here, totally torn about Daniel.

I finally texted Faye: I need to tell you something. Like… now.

She called me immediately.

“Heaven,” she said, breathless, club music thumping faintly in the background. “You sound like you either committed a crime or fell in love. Which one?”

“Neither. Both. I don’t know,” I groaned, pacing in the room. “Remember that guy that bumped into me at the airport. Well his name is Daniel. As in Daniel Reddington. We kissed like some minutes ago.”

“You mean you kissed the cute guy that make you angry at the airport and we are talking about Daniel Reddington of Reddington skyline company?” she asked.

“Yes. But let me finish.”

That made her quiet.

I told her everything. The car. The way his arms felt around me. The moment I kissed him and how I made him hard for me. The fear that hit me out of nowhere. And how I left.

When I finished, there was a long pause.

“Wow,” Faye finally said. “Okay. Wow. I have a lot of questions to ask but we will talk when I get home tomorrow evening.”

“Okay.” I sank onto my bed. We ended the call.

Part of me still wants him,and that scares me. The night became a restless one, minutes ticking into hours as I replayed every moment with Daniel till I dozed off.

  It was just 8am on Saturday; I’d just clocked in when Daniel walked in with another lady, sitting at the table I am assigned to. My stomach tightened.

“Good morning, welcome to Mosaic Cuisine.”Forcing professionalism into my voice.

“I’m Heaven, your server for today.” Trying to avoid his gaze.

“Hi Heaven, We are here for a meeting, which should start in a few minutes' time, but while we wait for everything to be sorted out, can we get a cup of coffee, please?” She spoke politely.

“Your coffee will be ready soon, ma. What about you, sir?” Still avoiding his gaze.

“I’m fine.” Daniel said. His tone firm and unreadable.

I went to get her coffee, I returned with the coffee, and place it carefully in front of her.

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“You’re welcome ma,” I said, then excused myself.

Went to attend to other customers. Moments later I noticed them standing to head upstairs. That was when I saw it— the lady’s dress was stained.  I walked up to them and whispered into her ear to let her know. She looked shocked and confused.

She gasped softly. “Oh my goodness, thank you for telling me. Where is the restroom?”

The lady hurried toward the restroom; Daniel glanced at his watch, then toward the staircase that led to the meeting rooms upstairs. Irritation showing across his face.

Minutes passed by.

I was clearing a nearby table when the restroom door opened again. The lady stepped out, her face tight with frustration. She tugged lightly at the stained fabric, but it was useless—the mark had spread, dark and unmistakable.

I walked up to her. “What can I do to help you, ma?”

“I can’t go in like this,” she said under her breath looking more frustrated. This meeting is with international partners.”

Daniel turned sharply. “We’re already late.”

“I don’t have time to go home and change. she said, lowering her voice. “And we can’t cancel.”

“I… I might be able to help; I’m a business administration student. It’s about the Crystal Heights Project, isn’t it?”

Daniel’s expression changed. “How do you know that?”

“The folders you’re carrying,” I replied calmly.

“Blue tabs mean external investment. Crystal Heights is the only project scheduled this quarter.”

The lady studied me carefully. “You’re confident and smart. I like that.”

“You’ll go in my place; I’ll brief you quickly. You won’t speak unless asked; just present the figures and answer what you know. Daniel will for the rest.”

“I’m just a server,” I spoke up.

“Don’t worry about that; we will sort it out, I will talk to your boss.”

“Oh wow, he even knows my boss’s boss’s boss.” I thought to myself. “Yes, ma’am,” I said quietly.

The door to the conference room opened, and two men in their mid-forties and a woman in her early thirties came in. We exchanged greetings, and everyone took their seats.

As the meeting wrapped up, Daniel stood, his expression stern. I stood up to leave, before I got to the door his voice stopped me.

“Heaven, Thank you.” I turned back, my heart skipping a beat. Why wouldn’t he talk about last night?  There were a thousand things I wanted to say—but none of them left my mouth.

“For… the report,” he added after a pause, going through some documents on the table. His voice was steady, but his jaw tightened.

“Of course,” I replied quietly. “I’m glad I could help.” His eyes finally met mine for a moment. It felt like he had more to say just like me—like he wants to ask, or even apologize for last night. Instead, he simply nodded.

“Have a good day, Heaven.”

“You too, Daniel,” I said, though it felt like a lie. I walked out the door.

***

A few days later, after class, I saw a message from Daniel: Hi. I have a proposal for you. Meet me at Savanna’s Café at 2 p.m.

I arrived on time. He was already seated, a cup of coffee in front of him.

“Hi,” I greeted, trying to sound nonchalant sliding into the seat across from him.

“I’ll get straight to the point.” He said.

I raised an eyebrow. “That seems to be your thing.”

“I have a proposal for you,” he said without preamble. “Let’s get married. I’ll sponsor your living expenses—and anything you want, no strings attached, other than the ones that benefit us both.”

“Are you drunk?” I asked, completely confused. “What are you talking about? First, you summon me here with no greeting, and now you want me to marry you? What is this all about?”

“I want to sign an international deal, and I have to be married to get it,” he replied calmly. “I think you could use a helping hand too.”

“And you think I’m just going to jump at that?” I snapped. “You think I’d marry someone I barely know just for a sponsorship deal? What’s next? A prenup? You’re crazier than I thought.”

“But you could kiss a guy you barely know,” he shot back.

"That was different," I retorted, my voice wavering. "A kiss isn't a lifetime commitment it doesn’t work that way.”

"Different? Is that why you're breathing so hard right now, Heaven? Why your pupils are dilating like you're already imagining my cock buried deep inside your already wet pussy?"

“Just admit it. You’ve been think about me since the day we kissed. How I’d pin you in my bed and fuck you hard till you can’t take it anymore and I'll make you come so hard you'll forget your own name.”

That was it.

Anger surged through me. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped him.

The cafe fell silent.

“Get someone else to be your fake wife,” I spat, and stormed out.