Chapter 5

Jamey

"Hey, dude, why do you hate her so much? She's sexy and pretty, and she knows her job... what more could you want in a secretary?"

My eyes actually roll on their own.

"Is that all that matters to you? No wonder you have such low standards. And it doesn't matter anyway, I'm going to fire her next week," I say, keeping my eyes on the road.

"WHAT?! You can't fire her, she's the best secretary you have ever had, plus, she just started. It's only been two weeks. Just admit it, you want her gone because you find her attractive, and you hate the fact that she's smart and confident, and she's the only woman who has been allowed to be close to you and not throw herself at you. She matches your stubborn nature. It's sexy," Omar's voice was beginning to irritate me for the 100th time today.

"I don't find her attractive, but she is stubborn, crazy, and daft. If I did want someone, I would want someone calm, quiet, and submissive." My mind goes to Debby. We never dated, we never even slept together. We have only ever met once and have been engaged for about a month and a half. She wasn't even an acquaintance, but somehow she was my fiancée. From the moment I met her, I knew she would be submissive to me, but she still had a dark side to her; I could feel it.

She was 25 or so and, in all honesty, mildly attractive. She was around the same height as Meadow but nowhere as beautiful as Meadow. I learnt from my father that she keeps herself on a strict diet, barely eats, and works out to burn the calories she manages to gain. She applies way too much wake-up and always wants validation and approval. The only phrase I could use to describe her was a pick me.

"Fine... If you're so sure about this, let's make a bet," He said with a smile too wide on his face.

"I don't make bets, it's immature and a waste of time," I said, trying to hide my curiosity.

"Okay then, if you're so afraid of losing, no problem, bro. You are sad and lonely, you."

See, I knew he was going for my ego because I never lose, even when I lose, I win.

"What is the bet about?" I ask for curiosity's sake.

"Meadow, of course. You can't fire her for the next six months, and you have to make her fall in love with you. If not, you lose."

I wasn't a good person, I knew that, but even I knew this was a little wrong.

"Are you a child? This is so stupid. I'm not playing, and I'm engaged to Debby, remember. And even if I do agree, what do you get in return? "I turn slightly, looking at his stupid side profile.

"The satisfaction of watching you lose will be enough for me. You don't love Debby, you don't even like her. So why not have a little fun before you're actually married? And just say you know Meadow is different and you're afraid of losing. I guess the girl has standards. She couldn't be with someone like you."

What did he mean by that? I didn't have the strength for this. I was going to be the bigger person. I let it go.

"I'll think about it," I say, parking in front of the house. It was a nice place, much smaller than mine. Omar liked to spend most of his money on women, which is why, being the president of Salvador Inc., he never had cash on him, but a part of me still told me he was spending his money on something else.

"Text me when you make up your mind, "he said, winking, walking away.

I drove home with the thought of the bet, the only thing I could think of. My place was cold and dark, just the way I liked it. I Basked in the dark, and thrived in the peace, not to mention the solitude. PERFECT. Aside from the housekeeper who came every morning to clean and cook, and Omar, who visited to steal my food, I never had visitors. I liked it that way. My way.

It was around 11 pm when I was done with my night ritual, which included a cold shower, skin care, a bowl of Caesar salad I made for myself, and some fruit juice. My Favorite.

Meadow is different, and you're afraid of losing. I guess the girl has standards. She couldn't be with someone like you.

Now he had done it; my ego was hit, bruised, and battered. Someone like me? Someone like me??!?! She would be lucky to even find someone close to me in her lifetime; she would be lucky to even have an ounce of my attention or affection. Oh, please, this would be too easy. When I get the satisfaction of winning the bet, I will fire her. WIN-WIN. It was a Perfect plan.

I reach for my phone on my nightstand and send a simple text to Omar.

Fine. It's on. 6months.

A reply came in immediately.

It's on.

That's all it would take to get rid of the daft beauty. A small smirk tugged the end of my lips.

She has no idea what is about to hit her….