The Arrangement

Chapter 4: Entangled Lives

After they managed to escape from Luke and his men, Paul pulled over in a quiet place to avoid attention. He turned to Anna with a firm voice, “Who are those men? Why are they after you? What did you do?”

Anna hesitated before answering, “It’s from the loan shark I borrowed money from.”

Paul’s eyes narrowed. “Loan sharks aren’t that violent. They normally ask for collateral or take it to get their money back. They don’t shoot at you.”

Anna’s voice trembled. “Yes, but Luke is different.”

Paul’s gaze intensified. “Who’s Luke?”

Anna took a deep breath before explaining. “He was a regular customer at the diner where I work. He had a crush on me and tried to hit on me, but I wasn’t interested. When I confided in him about my financial struggles, he offered to pay off my debt… but only if I became his girlfriend.”

Paul’s expression turned incredulous. “And you didn’t agree?”

Anna shook her head. “No, I didn’t. I’d heard rumors that he was a member of an underground syndicate, and I’d seen him and his men carrying guns. I didn’t want to get involved with someone like that.”

Paul’s eyes widened. “How much did he lend you?”

Anna hesitated before answering. “Two point five grand.”

Paul’s gaze pierced through her. “And how long has it been?”

Anna’s voice barely above a whisper. “Two years.”

Paul’s expression turned skeptical. “Two years? How could you not pay off two point five grand in two years?”

Anna’s eyes welled up with tears. “The interest rates have been crazy. That’s why I couldn’t pay it off.”

Paul’s gaze narrowed. “How much is the money now?”

Anna’s voice trembled. “It’s now seven point five grand.”

Paul’s eyes widened in shock. “Seven point five grand? What did you use the money for?”

Anna explained, “I needed it to write my final exams to become a graduate. But after that, I couldn’t get a good job to pay off the debt.”

Paul’s gaze pierced through her. “If you knew he was a gangster, why did you still borrow money from him?”

Anna’s eyes welled up with tears. “I was desperate… I had nowhere else to turn. I couldn’t go to the bank because I had no collateral to give them in return.”

As she spoke, Anna’s tears spilled over, and she began to sob. Paul’s expression softened, and he told her to calm down.

“Okay, okay… where do you want me to drop you off?” Paul asked gently.

Anna sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “I don’t know… I don’t have anywhere to go. He knows where I live, where I work… he knows everything about me.”

Paul’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe you can drop me off at a bus stop, then?” Anna suggested.

But Paul’s expression turned resolute. “No, that’s not safe. From what you’ve described, Luke is a dangerous man with connections. He’ll easily find you and hurt you.”

Anna’s eyes widened in fear. “Then where can I go? I have nowhere else to go.”

Paul’s expression softened. “You can come with me. I’ll keep you safe at my house until it’s safe for you to leave.”

Anna’s eyes welled up with tears again, but this time, they were tears of gratitude. “Thank you…” she whispered.

Paul just nodded, his expression serious. He started the car engine and drove off, heading towards his house.

Luke’s POV.

Luke’s face twisted in rage as he swept his arm across his office desk, sending papers and pens flying. “Who is that guy?” he thundered, his voice echoing off the walls. “Who dares to help my captive?”

One of his men hesitated before answering. “I don’t know, boss. We’re still trying to figure that out.”

Luke’s eyes narrowed. “Find out. I want to know everything about him.

One of his associate walked on with a smile and said. “Paul West, Boss that’s his name.”

Luke’s expression turned incredulous. “Paul West? Who is that?”

His associate hesitated again. “He’s a… a rich kid, boss. One of those snobby rich kids who think they can do whatever they want just because they have money.”

Luke’s face darkened. “So he thinks he can just waltz in here and mess with my business? Because he has money, he thinks he has the right to interfere in my affairs?”

His voice dropped to a menacing growl. “Find out everything about Paul West. Where he lives, where he works, what he does. I want to know everything.”

His associate nodded hastily. “Yes, boss. Right away.”

Luke’s eyes gleamed with a cold, calculated fury. “I’m going to make sure Paul West pays for interfering in my business. You can’t just walk into the lion’s den and expect to come out unscathed.”

Anna’s POV.

As we drove into the mansion, my eyes couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It was breathtakingly beautiful. I’d always heard from newspapers and online sources that Paul West was a billionaire, but I never imagined his house would be this stunning and massive.

The sprawling estate stretched out before us, with lush green gardens and a sparkling fountain that seemed to dance in the fading light. It made me feel like Cinderella entering a kingdom.

I couldn’t help but stare as we pulled up to the mansion’s grand entrance. The sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires was the only sound that broke the silence.

Just as I was about to ask Paul more about his home, he interrupted my thoughts. “Anna, Anna, I’ve been talking to you. Why haven’t you been hearing me?”

I snapped back to reality, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. “Oh, sorry. I’m just lost in thought.”

Paul’s expression softened slightly. “We’re here.”

I nodded, still taking in the grandeur of the mansion.

Open the and come out he added getting his things out of the back sit without even looking at me.

Oh, such a gentleman, I whispered within me rolling my eyes, as I stepped out of the car.

Paul turned to one of his staff, a stern-looking woman with a kind smile.

Sarah, please show Anna to her room. She needs to rest. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

With that, he turned and walked away without even saying goodbye. I watched him go, feeling a little taken aback by his abrupt departure.

Sarah smiled warmly and gestured for me to follow her. “Right this way, Anna. Let’s get you settled in.”

As I followed Sarah to my room, I couldn’t help but feel like I was walking into an exclusive hotel suite. The room was stunning, with plush carpets, elegant furnishings, and a massive bed that looked like a cloud.

Sarah smiled as she saw my reaction. “I’m glad you like it. You should find everything you need in here. If you need anything, just press the button by the bed.”

I nodded, still taking in the luxurious surroundings. As soon as she left, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling like I was sinking into a cloud. It was the most comfortable bed I’d ever lain on.

Just as I was starting to relax, my phone buzzed. I hesitated for a moment before answering, hoping it wasn’t Luke.

But to my relief, it was my Gayuanan, “Anna, where are you? I’ve been worried sick about you,” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “I’m okay. I’m just at a friend’s place right now. Don’t worry about me.”

Her voice turned skeptical. “A friend’s place? Which friend? You’re not answering my calls, and you didn’t go back home after work today. What’s going on, Anna?”

I took a deep breath, trying to come up with a convincing excuse. “Look, Gayuanan, I’ll explain everything later, okay? Just tell the manager that I’ll be out for a couple of weeks, maybe three. Make up some excuse for me, please?”

Gayuanan’s voice softened. “Okay, Anna. But you owe me an explanation when you get back. Take care of yourself, okay?”

I smiled, “Thanks, I will. Bye.”

As I hung up the phone, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. At least Gayuanan was looking out for me. Now, all I had to do was figure out how to get out of this mess with Luke.

Paul’s POV.

Paul undressed, recalling the mess his day had been. First, Sophia rejected his marriage proposal. Then, he got entangled with Anna and her troubles with Luke’s syndicate. What a messed-up day.

His thoughts were interrupted by a conference call from Alex and Ben. He picked up, and Alex’s booming voice filled the line. “Bro, here's the man of the hour! We’ve been trying to reach you all day.”

Ben chimed in, “Yeah, didn’t the madam, or rather, the future Mrs. West, not let you pick up your call?” Both Alex and Ben burst out laughing.

Alex continued, “So, no more partying, no more drinks, no more women. I hate to be in your shoes, bro.” They laughed again.

Paul remained silent, and Alex’s laughter paused for a moment before he said, “Bro, you’re awfully quiet. Are you already whipped?” Ben chuckled, and Alex joined in, teasing Paul with more jokes.

As they laughed, Alex asked, “So bro, when is the wedding going to be? Next week, next month, next year? Let us know on time so we can plan your epic bachelor party – your last night of freedom!”

Ben added, “Yeah, we’re going to make it a night to remember!”

Paul’s response was met with silence. “There is no wedding.”

Their confusion was palpable. “What do you mean there’s no wedding?” Alex asked.

Paul’s ego kicked in. “That NOBODY refused my marriage proposal. I am Paul West , a f*****g billionaire. How dare she refuse me after everything I have done for her. Her career boosted all because of me and she dares to say No to me . Who the hell does she think she is ?

Their reactions were explosive. “What? How could she? Did you do the orchestra, buy her favorite flowers, tell her some pretty words just like she likes it?” Ben asked.

Paul’s irritation grew. “Yes, I did everything, even more than I usually do. But she still refused.”

Alex’s voice turned serious. “Bro, what are you going to do now?”

Ben chimed in, “Yeah, are you going to get another ex-girlfriend involved? What about Rose? That girl was crazy about I’m sure she’ll do anything you ask in a heartbeat”.

Paul’s response was adamant. “No more exes. The last thing I want is to be humiliated again. I’ll find someone else. After all, there are plenty of women who would be lucky to marry me. Don’t worry about it; I’ll find someone.”

He concluded the call. ”Let’s talk in the morning. I’ve had a messed-up day, and I need to clear my head.”

As he ended the call, Paul couldn’t shake off the feeling of rejection and humiliation. Sophia’s refusal had hit him harder than he expected.