Obsession After the Drop

I let out a snicker and nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry. They are all untouched.” … Caught in the temptation of hot hunks and wealth, Cassie pulled together a million bucks in just three days. With the funds hitting my account, I graciously pulled up the social media profiles of the three boyfriends and asked Cassie which one she’d like to begin with. After much consideration, Cassie chose to unlock Camden Forest, a young scientific prodigy. “I’ll go with him. He’s like the boy-next-door type, very approachable. I should get him wrapped around my finger in no time.” I smiled at her comment before cutting to the chase. “Camden Forest, age 27. He holds four PhDs from the world’s most elite universities. He’s employed at a top research institute, with a senior-level role and full government perks. “I got to know him through a forum for exotic plants. Beyond science, plants are pretty much his hobby. That was pretty much my way in.“I’m the type who can’t even keep a cact

“I’ve spent my life among plants, but you’re the first rose I’ve ever tried to nurture beyond the soil.“No matter what you look like, you’re my one and only, the one-of-a-kind presence in my life.” … I’d be lying to say I didn’t have butterflies for a second. The next day, Mrs. Gwena from the orphanage suffered a heart attack. The only cardiologist I knew of was out of town. Camden was my only link to the medical field. Clinging to the last shred of hope, I texted Camden. Fresh off an important plant genome sequencing experiment, he responded immediately despite the fatigue in his voice, “I’m acquainted with Dr. Lambert at the Central Hospital. I’ll put you in touch.” I clutched my phone outside the emergency room until the wee hours of the morning. Yet, there wasn’t a word from Dr. Lambert. In between, I sent dozens of messages, asking for an update. Camden simply texted back, “There’s an issue with my experiment data. That’s my priority right now. Just hang tight.” By

“But it seems I’ve given you the wrong idea. “I noticed something was off from the very first day the switch occurred, but I wasn’t ready to lose that last link to you, so I kept the conversation going. “I know I messed up for not explaining things to you sooner. I hurt you, and that’s why you walked away. “I wanted to see you in person to apologize.” The disappointment and hurt from back then still lingered. Camden’s words stirred a faint ache in a wound I thought had healed. With downcast eyes, I shied away from his intense gaze. “An apology isn’t necessary. Your time is better spent elsewhere than on me, Mr. Forest.” With that, I rose to my feet and strutted out. Camden sat there for a long time, his dejected eyes fixating on my silhouette. “Hold it right there, Poppy!” Outside the café, Cassie caught up to me and yanked me back. “Camden knew from the start that I wasn’t you, so it’s not my fault that the deal fell through. You owe me a replacement!“I-I shou

“You took my money, and yet, here you are, throwing yourself at Trevor. Do you think you can just walk all over me?” I staggered, dumbfounded by the absurdity of it all as she yanked me. “You got it all wrong. The school invited me to be here as a distinguished alumna, not for anything else.” “Have I?” Cassie scoffed. “You are alone with him in the waiting room. He’s practically inches away from your face, and I’m supposed to take it as a misunderstanding? Do you take me for an idiot?” … Furrowing his brows, Trevor came forward and pulled Cassie away. His tone was icy. “Please show some restraint, miss.” Cassie turned to Trevor, her eyes welling up. “Don’t fall for her lies, Trevor. She charged me a million dollars to step in and date you online in her place. “Yet, she won’t leave you alone. She’s a scammer.” Trevor was taken aback. “Is what she’s saying true?” It was in my best interest to deny that fact, but before I could get a word out, Trevor cut me off.

“Cut the act.” Marc took a step forward, closing the distance between us. “Cassie doesn’t even come close to you. She didn’t catch the contract loopholes I often miss, and she nearly cost us our core tech patent.“The firm would be history by now if I hadn’t spotted the mistake in time.” He paused, his voice turning dead serious. “Come back, and I’ll triple your pay. I’ll throw in a 5% stake in the business as well. “Just name your price.” I frowned. “Get a grip, Marc. I’m not into you.” “That’s fine. I’ll just have to win you over.” He was unfazed. “Time is the one thing I have plenty of.” Then came another knock on the door. With my chest tightening, I opened the door and was stunned. There were Camden and Trevor right outside my door. …Camden’s eyes darkened with a mix of emotions when he saw Marc by my side. “Poppy, are you avoiding me because of him? “I know I messed up, but I’ve cleared the air with you. What does it take for you to forgive me?” Trevor