4. Try Me!

~Vivian POV~

I turned around and faced him. "Sir, are you following me?"

He smiled and said, "What do you think?"

"Are you heading to the restroom?" I asked.

"Not really, I just want to give you this," he grabbed my right hand and put a card in my palm.

The contact between our skins created a spark which surprised me.

I stared at the card in my hand. "What's this?" I asked.

"My calling card. My offer still stands. If one day you need my help or you need a job, call me right away. I will pick you up and give you the life you truly deserve," he said meaningfully.

The frown on my face deepened, confused about what he meant. "Have we met before, sir?"

A mysterious smile appeared on his face. "That's my line, have we met before?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I can't remember you from my past. I honestly can't..."

"Maybe... because you were only interested in men in power in the past and I'm nobody before," he said, smirking, amused by the surprised reaction he saw flashing on my face.

"Huh? What do you mean? What do you know about my troubled past?" I asked anxiously. I hate it that I can't connect his face among the faces of the men I have entangled with in the past.

"Ah, forget about it. I know a bit of your past history, not the entire story though, so if there is one person in this world that truly understands where you come from, and accepts your flaws and secrets, it's gonna be me. I have wide connections. I did some digging into your past because I was intrigued by the beauty behind the scar. Just so you know, I learned a few things about yourself and the reason why you are currently in hiding. So come to me. I can give you protection and security. I can give you whatever you want in life," he said, his face serious.

Damn! This guy was not only mysterious but also capable. He knew something about me in just a short time. How much did he know?

"What is it exactly that you want from me? If I accept your offer, what do you want in return?" I asked, curious how he's going to use me just like those men in my past.

"Nothing," he replied.

I raise a brow. I'm not believing his lies. "Really? You will not ask me for anything in return? Not even my body for sex? No romantic entanglements whatsoever?" I asked, looking deeply into his eyes, trying to read his soul. I saw his eyes gleam for a few seconds, but it ended before I could decipher the meaning behind it.

"Yes, no sex, no romantic entanglement between you and me," he said reassuringly. "Why is it hard for you to believe that not all men will use you and degrade you?"

I blink twice. Stunned by his claim. Really? He won't use me for sex? Interesting!

If I told him that the men I had in my past used me for their personal gain, would he believe me?

I rolled my eyes. "Men are all the same. They all want one thing from women, from me..." my voice trailed off.

He smirked. "I know what you mean. I assure you I'm not like those men. My intention is pure and sincere."

I was about to ask him something but I saw people coming towards us. I want to avoid gossip. I don't want others to think that I'm flirting with the brother of our employer. "People are coming..." I quickly ended my conversation with him and walked towards the women's restroom.

I heard his footsteps heading for the men's restroom.

I went inside the women's restroom and entered an empty cubicle. I stared at the calling card in my hand.

How much does Steve know about my past?

He surely didn't know about Alex?

Shall I take advantage of his offer and change the course of my destiny?

My mother told me that my beauty would become my downfall. But what if I use my beauty wisely this time?

Would I be able to stop my bad luck and take full control of my life once and for all?

I put the card in my purse and exited the restroom. Right at this moment, I couldn't get Steve out of my mind. He deeply intrigued me.

What was he trying to achieve by helping me? What was his hidden agenda?

I walked out of the restroom and returned to our table. Debra was still dancing on the dance floor. I glanced at Steve. He was chatting merrily with his family.

I closed my eyes and my memory drifted down memory lane. I was always the center of attraction at every event because of my irresistible beauty. It all ended when things got out of control, resulting in me hiding and becoming a cleaning lady in a city far away from my previous world.

Ah, I can't help but reminisce about the good and the bad times.

Debra was back at the table, sweating from too much dancing.

"When are we going home?" I asked, looking forward to sleeping on my bed.

"When the party ends," Debra answered. "Why don't you shake your booty on the dance floor?" she asked.

"Nah, I'm not in the mood," I respond with a shrug, fixing my gaze on the abstract painting on the wall.

But when the music suddenly changed from lively to sweet romantic music, I didn't expect Steve to come to our table and ask me for a dance.

"Can I have this dance with you?" he asked.

Debra giggled. "Go girl!" she said, urging me to dance with him.

I'm aware that people are watching us. It doesn't look good if I said no to the brother of the birthday boy. I have no choice but to go to the dance floor with Steve.

He puts his hands around my waist and I put my hands on his shoulders.

Ironically, only the two of us are dancing in the middle of the dancefloor. Where is everybody?

I suddenly felt uncomfortable, especially that all eyes were on us.

He noticed my discomfort and whispered in my ears. "Stop worrying about what people think. Let's just enjoy the music," he whispered.

I'm aware of his hot breath brushing my ear, like a lover's whisper, stirring something inside me.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw everyone start talking, probably gossiping about us. They wondered why such a hot guy like Steve would choose a mere cleaning lady to dance with. "There's no shortage of pretty single ladies in the office. Why would you choose to dance with me?" I asked, eager to hear his answer.

He smiled and said, "Does it matter? I just want to dance with you. I don't care what others say behind our backs. In fact, you should thank me. I just elevated your status in my brother's company. From now on no one will ever look down on you."

"You are crazy," I said, looking deeply into his eyes.

"That makes the two of us, dear Vivian," he said, grinning broadly. "That makes the two of us," he added with a wink as if we were partners in crime.

The music ends and another mellow music begins.

Still no one dares join us on the dance floor. The sweet music went on and on until it finally ended and was replaced by techno music. Steve led me back to our table.

"Thanks for the lovely dance, Vivian. More to come." Steve spoke loudly for everyone to hear. He took his leave without waiting for my response.

And the gossip never ended that night to my shock and discomfort.

Debra squealed in delight. "How lovely! You look great together on the dancefloor. You look like lovers!"

"Shut up! People might hear you," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Don't mind them, they are just jealous because you caught the attention of a good looking CEO. This is your night girl, so own it!" Debra said, amused, as she continued blabbering.

I breathed deeply.

Indeed, this night was full of surprises.

"When does this party end?" I asked. I wanted to go home now and sleep.

Debra replied, "In an hour." She stood up. "I want to eat again. I'm feeling hungry after dancing," she grinned.

I watched Debra saunter to the buffet table and fill her plate with delicious food. I smiled, shaking my head. My friend wants to go on a diet but every time she sees an endless array of free food she can't stop eating.

I looked at the two slices of velvet cake on my plate. I might as well finish it before the party ends.

Time flew quickly and the party was about to end. The birthday boy, Harold, thanked everyone for attending his birthday party.

After he finished his speech, everyone was scrambling to go home.

Steve suddenly appeared in front of us and said, "Girls, I will give you a ride home."

"Thank you so much for offering us a ride, Sir Steve. We appreciate it very much!" Debra said cheerily.

I glared at my friend, but Debra was already moving towards the entrance.

"Shall we go now?" Steve asked.

"OK." I can't say no because Debra already said yes.

In the parking lot, we got into Steve's car. He slid into the driver's seat and started the engine after Debra gave him the address of our apartment.

After a short ride home, Debra quickly exited the vehicle so Steve and I could talk to each other in private.

"Thank you for the ride, sir," I said, unbuckling my seatbelt.

"You're welcome. Don't call me sir anymore. Just call me Steve from now on," he responded with a smile.

I took a deep breath. "Listen to me, sir. For your own good, stay away from me. I'm a cursed beauty."

Steve smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Is that so? No worries, I'm ready for the challenge. Try me," he said in a tone filled with determination.

I groaned in dismay, hating his unwavering guts. He reminded me so much of Alex.

"From now on stay away from me!" I said firmly, locking eyes with him.

I got out of the car and entered the house. Through the window, I watched Steve's car move away.

I breathed in relief. I went to my room, donned my pajamas and climbed onto the bed after I finished brushing my teeth.

That night, I had trouble sleeping because of Steve. Could he be the next Alex in my life?

After a lot of tossing and turning, I drifted into a deep sleep, dreaming about Alex.