Last Deal

Arielle

For the first time in my life, I was taking a huge risk. The one that could either change me for good or destroy everything I had left. I stole one last glance at Tiffany and inhaled deeply, letting the breath sink into my chest.

I had dialed the number. My pulse throbbed beneath my fingertips as the line rang, but instead of connecting, it cut off completely.

I didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. “Try again,” Tiffany urged.

So I did. Her eyes locked with mine, and then.

He picked. “Hello.”

A shiver slid down my spine. “H–Hello. Hi.” My voice cracked. Tiffany moved closer, gently squeezing my hands because of my wound.

“Hello, who am I speaking with? This is Joel White, his manager. Mr. Darius is in a meeting.”

Relief hit me like cold water. “Oh, I’ll call later.”

Tiffany blinked at me, clueless.

“Please wait, may I get a name?”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll just call you later.” I tried to end the call as fast as I could.

“Alright. Hope to hear from you soon,” he said, his voice strangely soft.

I hung up quickly and rolled my eyes.

“What happened?” Tiffany leaned toward me.

“His manager picked up. Darius is in a meeting.”

“Oh. So are you going to call him back later?”

“Hell no. I can’t go through that again. Didn’t you see how nervous I was?”

“Ari, tell me you’ll call him back.” She crossed her arms.

“No". I said, short and final.

Then my phone rang again. The same number. I looked at Tiffany with wide, terrified eyes. “That serves you right,” she smirked.

I backed away from the phone. Like it might bite. “Tiffany, I can’t do this.”

She ignored me completely, grabbed the phone, kept it on speaker, and said boldly, “Hello?”

My jaw almost dropped. I didn’t know she could do that.

“Hello, Mr. Darius would like to speak with you now,” the manager said. Tiffany handed the phone to me. I shook my head, refusing.

“Ari, take the phone. Now’s your chance. Stop wasting time.” She nudged. I was still shaking my head when she pulled my chin and forced the phone toward my ear.

“Hello,” I breathed.

Silence followed. Thick and sharp.

Then. “Arielle, is that you?”

The sound of my name in his voice felt like a stab. His tone was cold. Tiffany smiled. Like she had won. I took the phone and placed it on the table. “Yes,” I managed.

“It’s good to hear from you,” he said. “So, have you given it a second thought? Are you ready?”

“Not yet. I just wanted to… renegotiate.” I swallowed.

He chuckled. “Another deal?”

“Yeah.”

He paused for a long moment. “Alright. I’ll come see you tomorrow at Sunny’s.”

“No, no, let’s pick somewhere else". I said quickly. My heart thudded loudly. I didn’t know why the idea of seeing him made me feel like I was walking into danger, yet I still needed him. Or rather, the money.

He could easily do something unpredictable. I needed to be careful. “Okay. Anywhere you want. Text the address and the time to this number. I’ll meet you there.”

“Alright. Thank you.” I hung up and collapsed onto the couch, exhaling hard.

“See? Was that so hard? He seems pretty chill. Maybe I misjudged him,” Tiffany said.

I snapped my gaze toward her. “Really?” I hissed. I didn’t know why I was suddenly angry at everything.

“You worry too much, Ari,” she said softly. “Everything’s going to be fine.”

Her voice was warm. Something in it made my stomach twist. Words of affirmation always hit deep, but hers suddenly felt… off. Her gaze lingered too long, and her smile didn’t move.

I stood up immediately, I wasn’t feeling comfortable with the smirk on her lips. “Good night, Tiffany,” I muttered and went to my room.

It was the next day. I lay wrapped in my pillow, forgetting I had responsibilities and a life to deal with. When I finally sat up, sunlight had already flooded the room.

I checked the time. I woke up late. Very late. I knocked on Tiffany’s door. No answer. I opened it and found the room spotless. She was already gone.

In the kitchen, she’d left a note and an envelope. Something she never did.

“Ari, I know this is weird, but I didn’t want to wake you. Inside the envelope is the money you asked for. I hope it’s enough to take care of your grandma. I hope she gets better. Love you, Tiffy.”

I smiled while reading it aloud.

The envelope held way more than enough. Tiffany had always been a blessing, and I silently promised myself I’d repay her someday.

I put the note and money in my bag.

Problem solved. No need to meet Darius anymore.

I called Lilith, unreachable. So I dressed quickly and rushed to the nearest bank to deposit the money.

I didn’t even bother taking a shower. My mind was too loud to care. I was genuinely excited. My grandma could finally get proper treatment.

Freedom tasted good. I didn’t even call my boss. I wasn’t going to beg her for anything.

When I stepped out of the bank, waiting for my Uber, my phone buzzed. A message from Darius:

“City Center. 4 p.m.”

My eyes narrowed. I thought I was choosing the meeting place and time. Why was he suddenly scheduling things?

Was he desperate?

My Uber pulled up, and I got in. Tiffany’s words echoed in my head. *Go*

But my own voice felt louder. *Don’t*

I’d never been this indecisive. Men had never mattered to me. Pain had always replaced the space they were supposed to occupy.

But somehow, I gave up. I’d go.

When I arrived home, I spotted Emris Maxwell, one of the spoiled rich kids I helped with assignments. He stood outside Tessa’s apartment. He didn’t notice me.

He knocked three times, then a lady I’d never seen opened the door. She could probably be Tessa’s roommate. Bigger than him. They kissed and went inside.

And Emris had a girlfriend.

I wasn’t even surprised. These things rarely shocked me anymore. Blake had done the same.

I went inside, dropped my bag, showered, brushed, made toast and eggs. Lilith texted the account details, and I sent the money immediately.

One less burden.

By three, I was dressed. A simple look, hair in a bun, a bit of gloss, mascara, to shape my brows. I wasn’t dressing to impress. Just to look alive and presentable. Most of it was Tiffany’s.

I put on a long-sleeved top to hide the cut. I didn’t want questions.

The sky glowed as twilight approached. Leaves rustled softly under my feet as I walked.

A library. Of all places.

The warm light shimmered softly within. I walked in, scanned the room. No Darius. I satZ I waited and waited.

Eventually, disappointment pressed me into resting my head on the table.

Then. A knock on the table.

I looked up, and it was Darius. He smiled, a subtle, melting smile. I pretended not to feel anything. “Good day, Mr. Darius,” I said, straightening myself.

“I was waiting for you to text the address. Don’t tell me you changed your mind?” He sat across from me, calm and steady.

“Well, I’m here, aren’t I?” My voice cracked slightly.

“You look very beautiful.”

My chest tightened. A cold shiver crawled down my spine.

“Don’t take it as a compliment,” he added.

What an ass.

I kept my face straight. “Are you going to talk?” I asked quietly.

“You’re the one who called. You said you wanted to make a deal.” He inhaled slowly.

“It’s about what you said. You want me to marry you for three months, right?”

“Right.”

“Okay, let’s say I agree. What’s in it for me? I’m not going to be your fake wife for nothing.”

“Well, you damaged my car. I don’t think you deserve anything.”

“It’s not, we’re not going to work if you keep dragging the past into this. This is a new deal, and it’s important to you.” I tried to keep my voice steady.

He tilted his head, silent again. His silence irritated me more than his words. I mirrored his expression. Blank and unbothered.

Finally, he spoke. “What do you want?”

I almost smiled. “You’ll pay me weekly.”

He smirked but said nothing.

“And you’ll help with… anything that concerns me. Financially of course. After three months, we part ways and never see each other again.”

“You want to be paid weekly? And you want me to take care of your personal shit? Why?”

“The reason is best known to me, and I’m not trying to scam you. Once you agree, I’ll do whatever you want.” I didn't know where the idea came from.

He laughed, loud and amused.

“What’s funny?” I frowned.

“You think you can scam me? Do you even know who I am?” His gaze met mine, and something sharp sparked through me.

I held his stare, unblinking. I was still nervous

“I don’t care who you are. I’m here for myself. I only care about myself.” I leaned closer slightly. “So… deal?”

For once, I should take that risk. And like he said, I had nothing to lose.

And what Tiffany also said, opportunities like this don’t come twice.