CHAPTER 01_ Dinner with me

Chapter 01_DINNER WITH ME

I strolled across the sidewalk, my feet barely touching the ground as my heart beamed with excitement. 

It's my nineteenth birthday today, and the world seems to be unfolding its arms, embracing me with open possibilities.

The news I had just received still resonated in my mind, like a sweet melody_ a scholarship for my outstanding academic performance. All the late nights, early mornings, and endless cups of coffee finally paid off.

For the first time in my life, I felt the weight of my academic struggles finally lifting. I envisioned a bright future ahead of me. My dreams were within reach now.

My excitement grew with each step. I turned onto my street. I couldn’t wait to share the news with Eva, my best friend and confidant. She called me earlier, she's probably waiting for me at home.

I met Eva first at Eclipse, one of the biggest secluded clubs in the city where I worked part-time. Our friendship blossomed from that fateful night, and we became inseparable. She was like the sister I never had.

As I got closer, the aroma of the freshly baked cake wafted from my apartment. Immediately, my phone rang, an unknown number flashed on the screen. I hesitated, curiosity getting the best of me. 

I answered and the words I heard forced me to go blank.

Just before I could process what the caller had said, a sleek, black Bugatti La voiture Noire pulled up. Its gleaming exterior mirrored the afternoon sun.

 A liveried chauffeur stepped out, opening the door with a discreet smile. "Miss Quinn, Mr. Bryan requests your presence," he said, his voice low and polished.

My mind reeled. Another day with B. Bryan – the CEO of the Aurora Triad, a diversified conglomerate comprising the Aurora Aviation Group, Aurora properties and Aurora Capitals.

What could he want with me today? I sighed, Definitely not today. A shiver ran down my spine as I hesitated, unsure if I should get in.

The chauffeur's expectant gaze brought me back to reality. “Shall we, Miss Quinn?”

I took a deep breath and slid into the luxurious interior.

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Soon enough, I found myself sitting in Bryan's office, waiting for him to arrive. I fidgeted with my hands. The lavish decor, its expensive artwork and breathtaking views seemed to mock me.

His secretary knocked. "Ms Quinn, Mr Bryan is still in a meeting". "He’ll be with you shortly."

With that, she exited, leaving me alone to my thoughts. I quickly answered my phone, it wouldn’t stop ringing. It was Eva.

"Eva?" I answered, trying to sound casual despite my growing unease.

"Where are you?" She asked, concern etched in her voice. "I've been waiting for you to come home so we can celebrate your birthday."

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. 

"I, uh, I won’t be able to meet up, Eva."

"A classmate's leaving for an exchange abroad and the whole class is seeing him off so…” before I could finish up, she cut me off mid-sentence. Her tone, laced with skepticism.

"Quinn, whose friend of yours can afford to drive a Bugatti? I saw you getting picked up by that luxury car!" Who is it?” She inquired and I went silent.

“It’s Jasper, right?” She asked, still I said nothing.

She took a deep breath over the phone, trying to stay calm. “Is it Bryan?”

My heart sank. She knew me very well.

"It's Bryan," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But he only invited me for a meal. You don’t have to worry”, I tried reassuring her.

Eva pressed on, “If it’s just a meal, why then would he give you $100,000?” She inquired.

My grip on my phone tightened. Shit! How did she find out? I thought I hid the check perfectly well.

“Do you really understand what that means?” She pressed on.

“Eva, there are only two people our boss fears, and they are Jasper and Bryan. I reminded her “If I refused Bryan today, the consequences would be dire and, you know,”

 "Let's leave Eclipse then. We can find another job." Eva suggested.

I sighed, weighing our options. "Leaving now would be nearly impossible, especially since I need to focus on my studies. I just got a scholarship, and you have your own dreams to chase in this city as well. We can’t just walk away."

After a brief silence, Eva warned, her voice barely above a whisper, "Bryan won't spare you Quinn, all he wants is to humiliate you."

“I know Eva, but I have no choice, for now.”

I quickly hung up the phone, when I heard sounds just as someone knocked on the door.

The door swung open and Bryan stepped in. 

 His commanding presence filled the room. His intense gaze landed on me, sending shivers down my spine.

His tailored suit accentuated his powerful build, exuding an aura of confidence. Every step he took was calculated to intimidate.

Bryan” I acknowledged, trying to sound calm despite my racing heart.

“I see you’re ready, shall we?” He urged, his deep voice radiating, low yet smooth.