The Billionaire’s Temptation

Chapter 5

_5:30 PM THE COCKTAIL CLUB_

_Emilia's POV_

I pushed open the door to The Cocktail Club, the familiar sounds and smells enveloping me like a warm hug. After a long day at the hospital, I was ready to unwind and forget my troubles.

As I made my way to the bar, I noticed a group of men eyeing me from across the room. They looked like regulars, and I wondered what their stories were.

"Hey, Emilia! How was your day?"my coworker, Rachel, greeted me with a smile.

I took a deep breath, letting the stress of the day melt away.

"It was long, but I'm glad to be here now."I replied.

Rachel nodded sympathetically. "I know the feeling. Well, let's get started and make some drinks!"

As we worked, the men from across the room caught my attention again. They were laughing and joking, but one of them kept staring at me. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

As the night wore on, the men's laughter and chatter grew louder. I tried to focus on my work, but the one man's gaze kept making me uncomfortable. He was sitting at the end of the bar, his eyes were fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

"Rachel, can I ask you something?" I said, trying to distract myself.

"Sure, what's up?" Rachel replied, expertly mixing a cocktail.

"That guy at the end of the bar,He's been staring at me all night. Do you know him?"I nodded discreetly in his direction.

Rachel followed my gaze and frowned. "Oh, that's Ryan. He's a regular here. Thinks he owns the place."

"Thinks he owns the place?"I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, he's got a reputation for being a bit of a sleaze. Always hitting on the female bartenders."Rachel leaned in closer.

My discomfort turned to unease.

"Great," I muttered under my breath.

Just then, Ryan beckoned me over with a crooked finger.

"Hey, sweetheart. Come here and pour me a drink."

My instincts screamed at me to stay away, but I didn't want to be rude. I reluctantly made my way over to him, my heart was racing with anticipation.

As I approached Ryan, he flashed me a charming smile.

"Hey, beautiful. What's your name?"

"Emilia," I replied, trying to sound friendly but distant.

"Emilia, gorgeous name for a gorgeous girl," Ryan said, his eyes roaming over me. "What's your favorite drink to make?"

"Uh, I like making margaritas."I forced a smile.

"Great choice! Make me one, Emilia. And don't be stingy with the tequila," Ryan said, winking at me.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling uneasy, but then started making his drink. As I worked, Ryan kept chatting me up, asking me questions about my interests and hobbies. I tried to stay polite, but my instincts were screaming at me to get away from him.

Just as I finished his drink, Ryan's hand brushed against mine.

“Thanks, Emilia. You're a real sweetheart."

"Excuse me, Ryan. I need to go help other customers." I pulled my hand back, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

"Oh, come on, Emilia. Don't be like that. I'm just trying to be friendly." Ryan's smile turned into a smirk.

"I appreciate that, but really, I need to go."I forced a laugh.

Ryan's grip on my waist tightened, his fingers digging into my skin like vice grips. I tried to push him away, but he held fast.

"How much for a night, Emilia?" he whispered.

"Let me go, Ryan," I said, my voice was firm but shaky.

"You will fit well for the night, Emilia." Ryan's breath was hot on my ear.

I tried to push him away again, but he held tight. His hand roamed down to grab my butt. And I slapped him, hard.

Ryan flinched, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Where is the boss of this place? I'm going to make sure you pay for that, you stupid b***h!"Ryan bellowed.

Mr. Daniels appeared, with a stern expression on his face.

"What's going on here?" he asked.

"This waitress has she's been flirting with me all night, and then she slapped me for no reason. I demand you fire her!" Ryan's eyes narrowed.

I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. "That's not true, Mr. Daniels. He's been harassing me all night."

"Ryan, I think it's time for you to leave. . We can't have our staffs being harassed by our customers." Mr. Daniels' expression turned cold.

Ryan's face turned red with anger. "If this is how it is, I'm never coming back to this dump again! And I'll make sure to tell all my friends to avoid this place like the plague!"

"Now, now, Mr. Ryan, let's not be hasty. I'll give you a full refund, and I'll even offer you a free drink on your next visit..."Mr. Daniels looked nervous.

But Ryan was having none of it. "You think a free drink will make up for this? You're just trying to cover your own ass! I'm out of here! You're just trying to cover your own ass! I'm out of here!"

With that, Ryan stormed off, leaving me shaken and humiliated. Mr. Daniels turned to me.

"I can't have an employee who keeps chasing my customers away. I'm afraid I have to let you go, Emilia."he said with a cold voice.

I felt a chill run down my spine as I pleaded with him, "Please, Mr. Daniels, don't say that! I need this job! I'll do anything to keep it!"

"I'm sorry, Emilia. But that's the way it is. You've had warnings before, and this is the final straw."But Mr. Daniels just shrugged, with an unyielding expression.

"Please, Mr. Daniels, have mercy! I'll do anything! Just don't fire me!"I knelt down, begging him.

But he just countered.

"I'm afraid you need to leave before I call security. Here's your pay for the shift." He handed me a small envelope with my wages.

I cried uncontrollably as I took the envelope, my heart breaking. Mr. Daniels walked away, leaving me in a heap on the floor.

As I slowly stood up, all eyes were on me, and I felt like I was on display. I quickly changed out of my uniform and left the bar in tears.

Rachel, my colleague, tried to comfort me, but there was nothing she could do.

"I'm so sorry, Emilia. This is so unfair."

I just shook my head and kept walking, venting my anger on an empty can on the road by kicking it hard. I couldn't believe this was happening to me.

_AVA'S HOME_

Ava stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out her red dress. Her mom, Sophia, walked into the room, a warm smile on her face.

"Hey sweetie, you look stunning!" Sophia said, adjusting Ava's hair. "I'm so proud of you, you know that?"

Ava blushed, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Thanks, Mom. I'm just really happy for Julian. He's worked so hard on this project."

Sophia nodded, her eyes sparkling with memories. "Julian is a promising young man. Look at all he's done for us. He's made sure your brother attends the best school, and he's even helped you become one of the top models in all of New York."

"I know, Mom, and I'm grateful for that every single day," Ava replied, her voice filled with sincerity.

Ava smiled, feeling grateful for her mom's support. But as she turned to leave, she noticed a text on her phone from an unknown number: _I'm watching you_.

A shiver ran down her spine. Who could be sending her creepy messages? She tried to brush it off, but the feeling lingered.

"Mom, can I ask you something?" Ava said, turning back to Sophia.

"Of course, sweetie. What's on your mind?"

"Do you think Julian is really the right guy for me?" Ava asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sophia's expression turned thoughtful. "I think Julian is a great person, but ultimately, the decision is yours. Just make sure you're happy, okay?"

Ava nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She knew her mom would always be there to support her, no matter what.

Just then, her younger brother Max walked in.

"Hey, sis! I think Julian's car is outside!" he called out.

Ava grabbed her purse.

"Say hello to Julian for me!" Sophia called out as Ava nodded and hurried of

f. As Ava stepped out onto the porch, Julian was already there, waiting for her with a bouquet of flowers.

"Hey, babe! You look amazing!"Julian exclaimed, his smile warm and genuine.

Ava felt a flutter in her chest as Julian pulled her into a gentle hug.

"Thanks, Julian. You don't look so bad yourself," she replied.

As they pulled away from the hug, Julian's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense.

"I'm really glad we're doing this, Ava. I feel like we're finally getting back on track."

"Me too, Julian. Me too."Ava nodded, her heart racing with excitement.

"Shall we?" Julian muttered, his eyes sparkling with excitement, as he offered his arm.

Ava nodded, her smile matching his, and together they got into his car. As he pulled over and drove them away, Ava felt a sense of joy and anticipation wash over her. She knew that this night was going to be special.