Chapter 2: A Seductive Kiss

I'm at a loss for words as I stare at Petal's wicked face.

I'm not sure what he wants from me.

"Hey, woman!" he says suddenly, jerking me out of my thought, "kiss my feet now before I make a mockery of you!"

I didn't tell you about Petal’s arrogance and downgrading.

If you're not up to his level, he may embarrass you.

If I fail to do what he desires me to do, he will definitely humiliate me. And it could even cost me my job. I know what it took me before I could get my hands on the job. And even though it does not pay much, I still get to go home with some amount of money. 

That's worth it, What should I do? 

I gasp and think about my life. My life really isn't great. I don't have a good story to write home about. What will it do if I add another harmful story to it. 

I have no hope for the future. There's nothing that can come up again.

I knelt down in front of him, feeling inferior to the wealthy man. 

His shoes likely shine brighter than my entire being. I hesitantly bow my head, preparing to humble myself further. But just as I'm about to touch his leg, he suddenly pulls it away, leaving me bewildered and frightened.

I look up at him, wondering if he's had a change of heart. Is he going to humiliate me and cost me my job?

I don't want that. I plead with him, desperate to keep my job.

"Please, Sir Petal, have mercy on me. I'll do anything you ask, just don't take away my livelihood. I'll obey your every command and follow your instructions diligently."

He squats down beside me, a hint of amusement in his voice as he repeats my words, "Sir Petal?" His chuckle confuses me, and I wonder what he finds so funny about my desperate plea.

I remain silent, observing him as he speaks. He asks for my name, and I whisper "Alexandra" before quickly looking away.

He compliments my name, accent, and appearance, but then makes a condescending remark about my humble background, implying it's a curse. He pulls out a hand sanitizer and tosses it at me, saying he can "cleanse" me if I obey him. I glare at him, annoyed and confused by his strange offer.

What? I was irritated as I looked up at him. What does he mean by what he said?

I rise to my feet, my eyes still fixed on him in anger. He gazes at me with a smile, his tone infuriatingly nonchalant as he proposes a shocking offer: "Warm my bed, and I'll give you a million dollars." It sounds like a ridiculous joke, and I wonder if he's lost his mind.

His casual demeanor only adds to my outrage and disbelief.

He repeats his offer, his arrogance palpable as he emphasizes the transformative power of a million dollars.

I react with disgust, trying to storm off, but he grasps me again, pulling me closer. My heart races, and I feel like I'm suffocating. Time seems to stand still as I'm trapped in his grasp, my senses overwhelmed by his proximity.

I jolt back to reality, shocked at what just happened. "What the hell, Petal! You just kissed me!" I push him away, trying to process the sudden invasion of my personal space. His warm breath still lingers on my lips, and I can't help but notice the sweet, strawberry flavor of his kiss.

I'm stunned, wondering if I've lost my mind or if he's gone crazy. Just moments ago, he was meticulous about germs, and now he's kissing me without warning? It doesn't add up!

He wears a confident smile, his arm cocked on his hip as he gazes at me, daring me to deny the obvious. "Go ahead, say you didn't love every second of that kiss," he taunts.

I remain silent, my eyes fixed on him, reminded of his notorious reputation as a womanizer. How could I have forgotten that Petal is a serial flirt, always chasing his next conquest?

I'm speechless, unable to muster a response. If I wanted to harm him, I would have already done so. But I don't want to escalate the situation or dwell on it further.

I just want to extricate myself from this awkward predicament before it gets even more uncomfortable. I try to walk away again, but he suddenly grabs me, holding me back.

Fine!

That's the final limits! I've had enough of his arrogance! I can't take it anymore! In a swift motion, I raise my hand and slap him across the face.

He winces, shock etched on his features, as he cups his reddening cheek with his palm. "Did you just slap me?" he asks, his tone laced with disbelief and indignation.

I fix him with a fierce glare, my voice rising in anger. "If you try to stop me again, I'll slap you again! I mean it!" I'm seething with rage, my patience worn thin. I just want to be myself, Alexandra, without some entitled rich guy trying to control my life.

I don't care about the consequences, even if it means losing my job. I'm beyond caring at this point.

"You'll regret this, Alexandra," he snarls, his eyes gleaming with malice. "I'll fire you on the spot for daring to slap me. I'll make your life a living nightmare, and you'll beg for mercy." He sneers, his smile twisted and cruel, before turning and walking away.

I sigh, fighting back the tears that prick at the corners of my eyes.

Whose fault is it that I'm in this mess? I wonder, feeling a mix of anger, fear, and frustration. I'm exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I can't even have a moment's peace without worrying about Petal's threats and antics. 

The stress is overwhelming, and I'm at my breaking point. Unable to hold back my tears any longer, I rush back to the restroom, seeking a temporary escape from the chaos and a place to release my pent-up emotions.

I'm at a breaking point, utterly disillusioned with life. I can't seem to stem the tears, and my frustration and despair are overwhelming. Petal's threats and arrogant behavior are suffocating me. I'm fed up with his constant attempts to control and manipulate me. 

My name is Alexandra "Lexi" Thompson, and in just a few weeks, I'll be turning twenty-eight. Yet, here I am,

feeling utterly lost and miserable, wondering how my life has come to this.