Chapter 4

Chapter 4

{Welcoming Gold, A Friend}

Ava’s POV

I was home alone after Dalton left for work. I eventually grew tired of scrolling through adult sites, so I decided to find a movie instead. I stepped out of my room and headed to the kitchen to grab a cold bottle of water from the fridge.

I’ve always loved keeping the curtains drawn in my room; there’s something comforting about the dark. Besides, my eyes tend to water whenever I’m hit by sudden, bright light. I settled onto the sofa, remote in hand, flipping through channels for something to catch my interest. That’s when I stumbled upon a station dedicated to the lives of the ultra-wealthy: the Billionaire Lifestyle Channel.

Curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to see who the top-rated billionaires in the country were. I clicked "OK," and suddenly, a familiar face popped up on the screen. It was Lucky Darius, the famous adult film star, ranked as the fifth richest billionaire.

“So attractive and cool in reality,” I beamed, smiling at the screen as if I were right there in the studio. It was fascinating to see him on a mainstream news station. He’s actually Madam Nada’s secret crush, though she has no idea I know that. We’ve never talked deeply enough for her to realize I’ve caught on. The screen displayed his biography, though his love life was listed as "Private."

“What is it with these celebrities and their hidden love lives?” I muttered. “It’s not like they won't end up heartbroken anyway, regardless of how much they hide their girlfriends.”

The countdown continued, and the name for the fourth richest billionaire finally flashed across the screen.

“Dalton Keene?!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. I stared at the flat screen, half-expecting it to shatter from the shock.

“Dalton Keene... Madam Nada’s boyfriend is the number four billionaire? He’s freaking rich!” I gasped, my mind racing. I watched his biography intently, noting that his relationship status was also kept under wraps.

“No wonder these guys feel so free to chase after any girl they want,” I mused. “Regardless, my boss is dating the fourth richest man in the world.” I started dancing around the living room in a daze of excitement until the countdown for the third spot began.

A picture of Hailey Baldwin appeared, and I scoffed.

“Rumor has it she’s dating my celebrity crush. I can’t forgive her for that,” I mumbled to myself. I scanned her bio, feeling a sense of relief when it indicated she was actually an ex to my crush.

I was getting worked up over the TV's details, feeling a surge of adrenaline as the number one spot was finally announced.

“Martin Luther!” I screamed his name as if he could actually hear me. He was my ultimate crush, officially tagged as the #1 Richest Billionaire in the world.

“His wife is going to be so lucky,” I thought, feeling a pang of sadness that I wasn't the one by his side. If I could just see him once before I die, I’d be happy.

Who am I kidding? I thought. A commoner like me would probably just disgust him. Still, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of whoever his future wife might be. I pouted while reading his bio, thankful it didn't mention Hailey Baldwin.

A sudden knock at the door made me jump. I scrambled to switch off the TV.

“Madam Nada is back!” I thought frantically. I smoothed down my clothes and hurried to the door, but when I opened it, I found Gold standing there instead.

“Gold?” I asked, peeking behind her to see if Madam Nada was following.

“Why do you look so shocked to see me?” she asked, brushing past me to walk inside.

“I just thought you were Madam Nada,” I replied, closing the door.

“Did she go out?” Gold asked. I nodded. “Then why didn't you come over? You knew she wasn't around.” She stood with her hands on her hips.

“I was tired, honestly. I wasn't expecting you to drop by,” I said sincerely. We both took a seat in the single armchairs.

“So, what’s the plan? Should we go out?” she asked. I shook my head.

“I didn't tell Madam Nada I’d be leaving.”

“So text her,” Gold suggested, rolling her eyes. “Tell her you’re heading out with me.”

“I’ll call her first to see if she’s coming back. If she stays out, then I’ll go,” I decided, standing up to get her a bottle of water.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Gold countered. “What if she finds out you only called to ask to go out? What if she needs something from the house urgently? What will you say then?”

I thought about her words. Earning Madam Nada’s trust hadn't been easy, and I didn't want to jeopardize it by being caught in a lie. I decided to be upfront. Gold handed me my phone, and I dialed Nada’s number. She picked up on the third ring, and I could hear a lot of noise in the background.

“Are you coming home soon?” I asked. The connection was fuzzy, her voice breaking up.

“I’m not coming home tonight, Ava. I’ll send one of the girls over to pick up my breakfast,” she replied.

“Is it okay if I go out with Gold today?” I asked tentatively.

“Did you plan this beforehand?” she asked. I swallowed hard.

“No.”

“You’re free to go,” she said, her voice softening with maternal care. “But don't walk the streets alone, and don't stay out late.”

“Okay!” I chirped, my heart soaring. The call ended.

“Yes!” I screamed, breaking into a victory dance in the middle of the room.

“Go and get dressed,” Gold laughed, cutting my dance short. I didn't need to be told twice; I bolted for my room to get ready.