Contracted To The Ruthless CEO

CHAPTER 3

LAUREL

I couldn’t decipher the expression on Annie’s face “You’re doing what?” She asked in a high-pitched tone “I know you need money, but this..”

“I know but Lester..he’s..he needs treatment” I choked, she slumped on the couch, running her fingers through her hair.

“Have you heard what people say about him?” She asked as though I was oblivious “They even say he’s a murderer”

“But his money is helping me Annie, do you have a better idea? Cause I don’t..”

“It’s alright..I understand” she pulled me in for a hug “With everything that’s happened you were pressured. I’m just scared for your safety..” I pulled away from her, concern etched on her face.

“I know, so am I” I forced a smile on my lips “And I’ll be fine, I’ve got tough skin” I assured her “So help me choose what I can wear” I pulled out a black dress sprawled on the bed.

“Not rich people appropriate” she drawled.

“But it’s one of my best dresses” but just then, a light knock came to the door.

I placed the dress back and headed for the door “Who is it?” I called out from inside.

“Delivery for miss..Laurel Campbell” the man on the other side of the door replied loudly. I opened the door to see a man in a dark suit standing outside with boxes.

“I didn’t order these”

“No, Mr Calister sent them and asked that we take you there” he said calmly, handing the boxes to Annie and me as we shared quizzical glances.

“I can’t wear this..” I complained, noticing how the slit ran up my left thigh, the silk clung tight to my skin it made me feel bare even when I wasn’t, the bodice hugged every curve with a sweetheart neckline that made parts of my chest line visible, thankfully they were covered, my girls that is. But the back was bare and the straps were so thin, I could feel they would hardly hold up my breasts.

How could he even know what size I would wear? And those shoes, they were also my size.

“I guess he did lots of research” Annie chuckled “Now, this is rich people worthy, you look beyond gorgeous” She smiled, and “it matches your makeup, come on now, you wouldn’t want to be late. It’s almost..7:30”

Alarmed, I took off the shoes and headed down the stairs “I have to be there quickly” I rushed to the car, waving her goodbye as I settled into the black Chevy.

Don’t sweat it, it’ll be like every other party..I think.

The moment the car stopped, I took in a deep breath as the driver opened the car door, helping me out of the car. The scenery from outside was already enough to make me quiver in my shoes but I knew how prepared I needed to be, for Lester, for the money.

“You can do this” I mumbled under my breath, clutching onto the silver purse as I made my way into the building, letting the bright lights from the chandelier and all corners of the room hit me so hard that I could feel the weight of such grandeur.

Just as I walked in with unsteady feet, I felt my phone buzz from the purse. It was a text message from an unknown number.

“Be there in minutes.." Ugh,” I let out an exasperated sigh. How on earth am I supposed to fit it in or what am I going to do here?

He told me not to be late, yet he’s running an hour late already? Talk about some professionalism

“Champagne ma’am?” A waiter asked with a tray in her hand.

“Thank you” I mumbled, taking a glass and having it up to my lips for a sip.

“Well, well, well. Look who’s upgraded” a hoarse voice came from behind me, making me almost choke on my drink.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, staring at me with those shitty hazel colored eyes of his. I would’ve thrown this glass on his head but instead, I clutched my fist and swallowed hard.

“Oh look, it’s the loser who stole my money and dumped me after years of my effort” I replied, staring holes into his head, at least now I had heels that could let me see that stupid forehead where ideas stemmed from.

“Don’t blame me for your money problems Laurel. You never should’ve let me know about your savings, you know how I am with money” he sounded so apologetic it made me sick to my stomach “But then again, you also didn’t seem like you would use it..”

“My brother is sick, of course that’s what the money’s for” My voice came off as strangled, I didn’t want to yell, this wasn’t the best time or place “I don’t even want to talk to you” I turned to leave when he grabbed my arm.

“But I’m not done talking to you..” I threw my palm across his face.

“Don’t you dare touch me” I warned

“Babe..babe you okay?” A lady dressed in black rushed towards him, placing her palm on his face, I could tell from her voice and reaction that she was his new lifeline, his girlfriend.

“This wench just hit me. She asked for a dance and I refused” he lied, pushing his jaw with his finger.

“Well, I’m not surprised about how great a liar you are” I folded my arms staring at him suck up to her.

“Who even let you into this place. I don’t invite whores and scum like you to these types of things!” She retorted.

“Yet, you’re with a man w***e” I shot back.

At this, her face reddened with rage “Security, send her out, I don’t know who extended the invitation to this i***t”

“Who dares to call my fiancé an i***t?” A low baritone called from behind. At this, they all froze, her included, I guess the CEO of Cal Inc is quite influential enough to make everyone pause like they were on a timer.

“Mr Cal..lister” she stuttered “You’re here..I’m just here to set things straight. This gold digger tried to hog my boyfriend for herself” she spat.

“You’re the one hogging a gold digger” I chipped in.

“Watch your tongue Laurel” Tristen warned “Or else I’ll..”

“Or you’ll what young man?” Daemon asked and then he slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me towards him and although my body shivered at his touch, this was part of the contract.

“I really thought you could’ve done better” he said to me with a mocking tone “You surely didn’t have taste, that is, before me”

As much as I wanted to slam both their heads into the wall, I smiled at him a bit and leaned towards his neck “Don’t ever hold me without my permission” I whispered before turning back to Tristen.

“Oh..so because you’ve gotten a guy, you think you’re all that?” Tristen scoffed “I’ll show you that you’re nothing.” Just then, his girlfriend held him back flashing an awkward smile at him.

“Mr Calister, I didn’t know you had a fiancé and one that’s a gold digger”

“It’s my gold, why bother” he answered, looking back to me “And I got this on the way here, sorry I’m late” he searched my eyes with much sincerity, people around us would think we were the best couple in the universe.

“What is it?” I asked and then he pulled out a box, taking out a Diamond necklace and putting it around my neck and leaning closer to my neck.

“This is one of my most prized possessions, make yourself worthy of it”

In front of the large crowd, he had done the ultimate move of romance and even though I hated to admit it, this man was beyond what met the eye.

I placed my fingers on his chest, tracing his suit with my black-painted nails, and glanced towards Tristen and his woman “I’ll make sure I’m worth every karat” I mumbled loud enough for them to hear before planting a kiss on his cheek with a smile.

Take that Tristen, you’re not the only one who can move on so easily