3

Julia

I believe an organic design for such a sophisticated structure would look great. I think, while sliding the mouse across the 4D drawing. Hmm, a balustrade would add more dynamism and elegance to the balconies too. I decide, dragging a line to close the drawing better.

... I heard about a compatible donor on their way to this hospital.

My work is interrupted by a thought, and I take a deep breath.

... It's a very expensive surgery, and Alex’s health plan doesn’t cover it.

Fifty thousand. Where am I going to get that much money?

"Júlia, have you finished the sketches I asked for?"

"Oh... what?" I wake up startled.

"What’s wrong with you?" Bia asks, examining me more closely.

"It’s nothing." I shake my head.

"I need the sketches, Júlia."

"Oh, sure. They’re ready." I stand up and walk to the other desk to grab what she asked for.

— "You’re awfully quiet today. Are you sure everything is okay?"

— "I am. Thanks for asking!" — She takes what she needs and heads back to her desk. At that moment, I prepare to get back to work when I see him walk into the hallway, followed by his partner and assistant.

David Bennett, the owner of Bennett Designer S/A. Should I talk to him? Of course not. You read the contract before joining this company. It clearly said that newcomers can’t ask for advances, let alone loans. Especially not one as high as this.

My God, I’m so anxious!

I pray and force myself to return to my desk. However, I can’t focus on the project.

… You have three days.

I need that bonus. I need to focus, or I won’t get into this important project. During lunch, I take the chance to make some calls. Distant relatives and a few friends. They’re all I have to rely on at this moment, but they can’t help much. And the most I could manage barely covers a month of medication.

"Mel?" — I speak as soon as she answers. "Is he awake?"

"Hey, friend. Guess what? He’s awake and in a great mood."

I smile.

"Let me talk to him?"

"Okay." Mel hums, and the next second, I hear the sound of his childish voice, which makes my whole world bloom.

"Mom?"

Holding back tears is the hardest part. He needs to feel my strength so I don’t falter. So, I force my voice to come out strong and gentle at the same time while we talk about funny things. Hearing his laugh is like a balm for my soul, which is living in pure panic. It’s a comfort, and I think I can’t live without him. I need to swallow my pride and talk to my boss. And even if he says no, I need to find a way to convince him to lend me the money. I’m willing to become a slave to Bennett Designer if I have to.

"I love you, mom!"

"I love you too, son!"

***

Some hours later...

"Anne, is Mr. Bennett still at the office?" I ask directly to his secretary, who gives me a speculative look.

"Yes, he just finished a meeting. Is there a problem?"

"Could I speak to him for just... a moment?"

"Hmm, I need to check with him, Júlia. Please wait a minute." She asks, and I wait anxiously. "Alright, he will see you."

"Thank you!" I whisper with a nervous smile and walk directly to his office door. I knock a few times on the wood, and then I hear his command.

"Come in!"

At first, I am absorbed by the imposing nature of his office. Modern design furniture, neutral colors, and transparent glass walls reveal a dark night sky full of stars, with the city lights seemingly competing with the tiny stars’ modest glow. And right behind this picture is David Bennett, a CEO with rigid, always serious features, staring at me with an icy, unreadable gaze, as impenetrable as the pyramids of Egypt.

"Miss Ricci, please have a seat!" He asks with his deep, cold voice. "My secretary told me you want to talk to me. Is it about the project?"

"Oh, no. Actually, it's something... personal." The man assesses me for a few seconds.

"Personal?" I nod affirmatively.

"Before I speak, I’d like you to know that I tried everything, but... I don’t..." I clear my throat, searching for courage. "Mr. Bennett, I need a certain amount of money to resolve a family emergency..."

"Miss Ricci, I wonder if you read your contract before signing it?" He interrupts me calmly, but sharply.

"Yes, I read it. But as I said, it’s an emergency."

"And how much is this emergency?"

I swallow hard.

"Fifty thousand, sir." Bennett raises an eyebrow.

"I’m sorry, but the company can’t lend such a large amount to someone who barely..."

"Mr. Bennett, I’ll do anything!" I try not to sound desperate. "You can deduct it directly from my salary if you want. Or assign me more work. I’ll do overtime to pay the amount if needed. I... I really have no one else to turn to," I insist, interrupting him. And I think he didn’t like my interruption because the man stiffens his jaw.

"I’m sorry, Miss Ricci, but rules are rules!"

I take a deep breath, unsure of what to do. But I decide not to press further.

"Of course." I sigh, standing up from the chair, but I look him in the eye. "I’m sorry to have bothered you, Mr. Bennett!" I turn my back to leave his office.

"Miss Ricci?" My boss calls me, and hopeful, I turn to face him again.

"I said the company couldn’t make this loan. But I can help you with your... emergency."

Hopeful, I approach his desk again.

"Sit down, Miss Ricci!" Bennett gestures to the chair. His cold gaze still fixed on mine. "I have a proposal for you."

Interested, I settle into the chair, waiting for him to continue.

"I’ll give you the fifty thousand however you wish. In cash or check, it doesn’t matter. But in exchange, I want you to spend a night with me."

I gasp, feeling my throat tighten with a knot that forms instantly.

But what is he saying?

“Excuse me, Mr. Bennett, but I think I didn't understand you correctly!” I feel my voice tremble slightly.

“Well, I believe you understood me perfectly, Miss Ricci. But I have no problem repeating it. I want you for one night in my bed, and in return, you'll get what you so desperately desire.”

I feel a burning heat starting at the soles of my feet, rising swiftly through my legs, making my blood boil throughout my body. Furious, I stand up abruptly, slamming my hands down on his desk, staring firmly into his eyes.

“How dare you?!” I can't hold back my furious outburst. “Who do you think I am?!”

“A beautiful and sexy woman.” Bennett remains completely unfazed by my reaction. “And I'm not doing anything wrong. You need that money. I have the money you need, but nothing in this life comes for free, Miss Ricci.” He looks at me sternly. “Now, how about you go home and think carefully about my proposal? There's no rush, Miss Ricci.” Cold as ice, he points toward the exit.

Trembling and fuming with anger, I step away from his desk without replying to his stinging words. However, before leaving his office, I cast one last rigid glance at him.