CHAPTER 2: A deal with a stranger

AUDREY

Richard's breath sagged in his throat as he squinted his brows. He slid his hands gently into his pockets as he straightened up.

“What?” He whispered, lips curving to his left side as he chortled, “Are you serious?”

“I'm very serious,” I replied sharply, taking a step closer to him.

“Look, Miss Audrey,” Richard sighed, leaning back again, “I know you must be going through a lot, and I get that, but this is a lot to ask from a stranger.”

“Well, you're right,” I forced a smile, “but think of this as a business deal instead.”

Richard smirked, stroking his beard again. A single ray of hope glowed in my heart when I saw him look up. He was intrigued and I didn't want the opportunity to slip away.

“Money is not a problem, if that's what you're worried about,” I added, "My dad's a billionaire.”

"Yeah, I can see that," Richard exhaled, glaring at the coffered ceiling and marble walls before turning to me. “How much are we talking about, exactly?”

“Five million… just for the evening,” I replied, folding my arms as my lips curved slightly upward. For an ordinary delivery man, five million was generational wealth—I doubt if he'd be able to resist.

Richard's eyes flung wide instantly. He began to mutter the words to himself before raising his head to me.

“Five million?” he gasped, removing his cap as he began to scratch his scalp. “Hold on… did you just say, five million dollars?”

“Yes.” I smiled a little confidently, “I can even make it ten million if you want—”

“No, no, no, absolutely not,” Richard exclaimed, "That's a lot of money! I don't even earn up to fifty thousand in a year. Are you sure about this, Miss Audrey?”

My shoulders sagged as I breathed deeply and held his right hand, caressing it gently with my thumbs,

“You have no idea what I'm going through Richard. I really need you to help me tonight and I'll pay you, please.”

Richard closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. His hazel eyes locked with mine with so much intensity that for a moment, I thought he could read my mind.

"Well, I need to pay my bills and settle my debts, so… I guess.” he smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

My shoulder dropped with a sigh, as a glimmer of warmth fought its way against the sadness.“Thank you,” I whimpered, stretching my arm for a handshake.

“Don't mention,” He replied, returning the handshake, "we're just doing business.”

Then, I called for Vickie, the only maid I trusted. Richard whispered in my ear as I called her.

“So, uhh… did your fiancé like, cheat on you or something?”

“I don't wanna talk about him,” I huffed, just as Vickie was approaching us, “I’m slightly better now and I don't want anything to ruin my mood until today is over.”

“You called, ma'am.” Vickie bowed the moment she reached us.

Without any delay, I explained to Vickie everything that happened but I didn't mention anything about Claire.

“Please Vickie, take him to Kevin's room so he can freshen up for the dinner party, and also show him the clothes I bought for Kevin. I want him to wear it.” I said hurriedly as my eyes struck my watch.

“What are you doing, Audrey?” Richard muttered behind me, puzzled, “I thought this was supposed to be between us?”

“Don't worry, we can trust her,” I assured him as he followed Vickie. “Hurry, my dad will be here any minute.”

As soon as Richard left, I ran to the bathroom, for the second time. My fists tightened around the edge of the marble sink as my knuckles trembled.

I blinked once before closing my eyes, and in the next moment, all I could see was the sleek marble floor of the St. Elvis ferry that night.

The pendant light danced effortlessly, its beam pouring like champagne in a glass as Kevin proposed to me.

Love blinded me so much that I believed the feeling would last forever but now, all those memories—all shattered like glass on concrete.

Tears blurred my vision again, and soon, they rushed down my cheeks like a waterfall. But then, I wiped the tears and breathed deeply.

“Enough, Audrey!” I muttered to myself, “You can't keep crying all the time. You can do this.”

I dragged another breath, shoulders raised as I pressed my hands on my stomach, forcing the jagged air out of my lungs.

I'll make it through this; I have to.

At exactly 8:35 pm, the doorbell rang—my dad had returned. He was accompanied by six of his business partners who had flown in from China, as well as multiple security guards. He was one of the richest and most influential people in the country.

Richard finished freshening up just in time. He was wearing the black tuxedo and bow tie I had bought for Kevin.

My heart jumped out of my chest the moment I saw him. His striking physique became more obvious, and his manly figure made him appear more attractive.

“How do I look?” Richard smiled the moment he saw me waiting.

“Oh…” I stuttered, almost hypnotised by his looks, “You look, really good, Richard.”

“Well, look what we have here!” Claire snorted, waving me off as she ambled from behind, “So the handsome pizza guy was your boyfriend all along!”

Richard smiled as Claire walked past but I didn't. My mood turned sour in a flash, but then, I steadied my breath and lifted my chin. I won't let her destroy my life more than she already has.

At the table, my dad and his colleagues drank and laughed the whole time, talking about the most random topics.

I turned to Richard, thinking he was going to be nervous, sitting at the same table with some powerful billionaires, but he wasn't tense. He stared at them the whole time as they spoke and sometimes, joined in their laughter.

“Gentlemen,” My dad said turning to me, “I believe you've met my lovely daughters, Audrey and Claire,”

Then he turned to Richard, who was sitting next to me, and tightened his jaw, “And you're the man my daughter is engaged to?”

“Yes sir,” Richard replied, with a shallow, almost unnoticeable bow.

“What's your name, boy?” he asked.

“Richard,” he replied, “Richard Howard,”

“I'm Dominic Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Global and these are some of my business partners.” My dad stated, his voice thick and intimidating, “I know you must have heard about me. Cold-hearted. Evil. Menacing.”

“Of course, I've heard about you, sir,” Richard smiled, “but I don't believe you're evil or cold-hearted. I just think you're a principled man."

Richard swiftly gave me the side eye as he said this. I forced a smile before turning to my dad.

My dad's eyes went ajar as he let out a faint smirk, a gentle nod followed shortly.

“Really,” He murmured, turning to his colleagues beside him before turning back at us. “How old are you, boy?”

“I'll be twenty-five next Thursday, sir,” Richard said.

“Where are your parents?”

“Deceased.”

“What do you do?”

“I work at a pizza parlor in Brooklyn, sir.”

"Hmm," I heard Claire snort in a mocking tone as she whispered to herself, "What a couple of losers!"

I frowned, balling my fist hard, but then, Richard touched me on my hand. I sighed and unclenched my fist, realising that he heard her too.

My dad then dropped his spoon and smiled at Richard. “I can see you're very confident,” he said.

Richard smiled back, and so did I, but then, my dad's smile faded into a cold smirk.

“I like people who are confident and smart,” My dad snarled, clicking his fingers as he leaned forward,

“Now let's say, I make you the COO of my company and soon after, you realise that I'm corrupt and the company is falling apart because of me, What would be your first move?”