The Arrangement

Chapter 2: The ultimatum

Anna’s POV.

Anna trudged into the apartment, exhausted from another long day at Bistro Bliss. Gayuanan was already in her room, and Anna couldn’t wait to collapse onto her own bed. As she entered her room, her eyes landed on a red envelope on her bed. A note lay carefully beside her pillow, and her heart sank as she recognized the handwriting – Luke’s.

Luke, the owner of the loan shack, was a notorious figure in the city’s underworld. He was a ruthless syndicate leader with powerful connections, feared by those who owed him money. Anna had borrowed from him in a desperate moment, and now she was paying the price.

Anna’s hands trembled as she opened the note. The words danced on the page, but one sentence stood out: “If I don’t see the money, there will be consequences.”

Anna’s eyes blazed with anger and fear. She quickly dialed Luke’s number, her heart racing with anticipation.

“Didn’t I tell you I’d pay you back, you bastard?” Anna spat, trying to keep her voice steady.

Luke’s voice was calm and menacing on the other end of the line. “Oh, really now? Bastard, is that how you talk to someone you owe money to? You’re in no position to make demands, Anna.”

Anna’s anger faltered, replaced by fear. “I’ll pay you back, Luke. I just need a little more time.”

Luke’s laughter sent chills down Anna’s spine. “You’ve had enough time, Anna. You have three days to pay me back my money. If I don’t see it, I’ll make sure you regret it. I know where you live, I know where you work. Don’t think you can hide from me.”

The line went dead, and Anna was left staring at her phone in horror.

Just then, Gayuanan walked into the room, concern etched on her face. “Hey, have you heated up the food? I’m hungry.”

Anna forced a smile, trying to play it cool. “Oh, I’m sorry. Just a minute.”

Gayuanan noticed Anna’s pale face and trembling hands. “What’s up? What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Anna shook her head, trying to reassure her friend. “No, no, nothing. I’m just tired from work.”

Anna fixed a smile on her face and headed to the kitchen to warm up their leftovers. As she stood at the stove, her hands still trembling, she wondered how she would pay Luke back in just three days.

Paul’s POV.

Paul West lay sprawled on his bed, the brunette from the club still asleep beside him. His head pounded, a reminder of the previous night's excesses.

Just as he drifted off into a drunken haze, his butler, Jude, quietly entered the room. “Sir, Mr. Thomas, the lawyer, is here to see you.”

Paul groggily opened one eye, then the other. “Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?” he shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

Jude hesitated. “I didn’t want to disturb you, sir.”

Paul cut him off. “Ah, just stop. Tell Mr. Thomas I’m coming.”

Jude nodded and exited the room.

Paul stumbled out of bed, still trying to shake off the remnants of his hangover. He quickly dressed and made his way to the living room, where Mr. Thomas waited.

“Ah, Paul, good morning,” Mr. Thomas said, his expression somber.

Paul barely acknowledged the greeting, still focused on his pounding headache. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Why are you here ? Is it something about my inheritance?”

Mr. Thomas cleared his throat. “You need to provide proof that you’ve met your father’s conditions.”

Paul’s eyes narrowed, his interest piqued. “What conditions?”

Mr. Thomas pulled out a document and began to read: “My son, Paul Robert Thompson, shall inherit my entire estate, provided he has officially completed his master’s degree or obtained a college degree, or is happily married.”

Paul’s face darkened, his mind reeling with the implications. “But I dropped out of college after my grandma died,” he protested.

Mr. Thomas tried to calm him down. “I understand, Paul.”

Paul cut him off. “How can I not get my inheritance? I’m the sole heir!”

Mr. Thomas hesitated before speaking. “Actually, Paul, you can still meet the third condition – marriage.”

Paul’s eyes narrowed. “Marriage? But I’m not ready for marriage.”

Mr. Thomas smiled. “Well, everybody knows about your long-time relationship with your super model girlfriend, Sophia. You’ve been dating for eight years, and in the public eye, you’re the dream couple. Who wouldn’t want to marry a billionaire?”

Paul struggled to maintain a fake smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Mr. Thomas continued. “Just pop the question to her. I’m sure she’ll agree.”

Paul’s smile faltered, but he managed to keep it in place. “Yeah, you’re right. I am a billionaire.”

Mr. Thomas patted him on the shoulder. “Get back to me with your marriage documents, and we can start the transfer of your father’s inheritance.”

As Mr. Thomas exited the room, Paul sank into the chair, thinking about how he could win back Sophia after their recent breakup.

The brunette from the club walked into the room, a bright smile on her face. “Hi, darling.”

Paul pushed her away. “Can’t you see I’m busy? Get out.”

The brunette’s face fell, and she quickly gathered her things and walked away, looking shocked.

Paul exclaimed, “Oh, how will I get this inheritance?”