Craving The Billionaire's Love

Ava Smith woke up to the sound of silence. It was a Saturday. No alarm blaring, no rush to get to work. She stretched and yawned, then swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet touching the worn carpet. Ava walked to the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, in search of breakfast. She opened the fridge, revealing a near-empty shelf. A half-empty jar of jam, a wilted lettuce, and a carton of expired milk stared back at her. The cupboards didn't look any better; stale cereal, outdated crackers, and a bag of flour. She sighed, settling for toast with jam. Not her favorite, but it would do for just this morning. After all, what choice does she have? As she waited for the toast to pop up, her thoughts drifted back to two years ago, after the unfortunate demise of her parents in a car accident returning from a fundraising function. According to reports, their car skidded off the wet road and the driver lost control and rammed into a tree. Thoughts spiraling about her financial struggles. Rent was overdue, and her savings were decreasing rapidly. How would she make ends meet? The toast popped up, breaking her thoughts. Just as Ava took a bite of her toast, a knock was heard on the door. Ava knew who it was already...her best friend, Maya. Only she cares to visit. "Ava girl! "Open up!" Maya's cheerful voice shouted from outside. Ava smiled, welcoming the distraction. She opened the door to find Maya holding a grocery bag and wearing a bright smile. "Hey, bestie! ""I brought breakfast", Maya said, waving the bag. Ava's eyes widened as Maya revealed a spread of fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee. "Thank goodness! My fridge is practically empty" Aria admitted. "You're God sent May. What will I ever do without you?", Ava said, sounding like a seven-year-old after seeing her favorite aunt. Maya shook her head. "Actually, you couldn't have done anything without me", she replied, smiling mischievously. "But girl, when was the last time you went shopping?", Maya asked Ava shrugged. "What does it matter? You know how it is." "Sit down and let's discuss" Maya said, suddenly looking serious and they sat down. "Now what?" "I've found a job for you, but I'm not sure you'll like it." "What kind of job?", Ava inquired. Maya took a deep breath. "It's...a dancing job at a club" Ava raised an eyebrow. "Hmm...Dancing? What kind of dancing?" There was a pause. After what felt like an eternity, Maya finally dropped the bombshell. "Strip dancing, Ava." Ava eyes widened in shock, looking like saucers. "Maya, are you out of your goddamn mind?", Ava yelled, sounding hysterical. "How would you suggest something like that to me?", Ava asked, looking for answers. "Hear me out, Ava. This job pays incredibly well. You'll make more in one night than you do in a week, teaching. You can finally pay off your debts and start anew." she said and Ava shook her head firmly. "No way, Maya. I'm a teacher, not a stripper. I've got standards and those standards are what makes me, me.", Ava deadpanned, not willing to budge. Maya sighed, looking defeated. "I knew you'd react like this. But think about it, Ava. This is a chance; a one time opportunity. You can't afford to throw it away. And you definitely can't keep on struggling financially.", she said pleadingly. "I appreciate your concern, May, but I'll find another way. This isn't for me." "Okay, I understand. But promise me you'll reconsider if things get desperate?" Ava hesitated before nodding. "I'll think about it, May. But I doubt it'll come to that." "You can never be so sure. Anyways, I'm glad we've cleared the air, right Ava?" Maya said, and with a pointed glance at her watch, standing up, she added. "That's actually why I stopped by...to tell you about the job opportunity. Now that we've discussed it, I have other places to be." Ava walked her to the door. "Thanks for thinking of me, May. I appreciate it." Maya smiled and hugged her. "Anytime, girl. Take care, and think about what I said." With that, Maya left, leaving Aria to think of her financial struggles and the tempting but distasteful job offer. She closed the door and leaned against it, her thoughts swirling. She had been fending for herself since her parents died. Her father was Nicholas Smith; CEO of Fashion Fizz and her mother Vanessa Smith, also a stakeholder, met their early demise in that car accident, resulting in the bankruptcy of the family business leaving nothing for Ava Smith after her graduation from Oxford University. The uncertainty surrounding her parents' fate still lingered. Was it really a natural accident or were they framed? No additional detail was released as to what might have really happened on the night of the accident. Apart from their car skidded off the road and crashed into a tree, nothing else. There is still more that meets the eye here and Ava wishes to know the truth. But, who will she go to? The Police had closed the case already. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her present struggles. The teaching job she landed a few months ago was her lifeline. It barely covered her expenses, but it was something. Make do with whats available and make the available to become the desirable. And that's what she's gonna do. There's a saying that a bird in hand is worth more than two birds in the bush, isn't that how it was said? As she stood there, lost in thought, a knock on the door once again jolted her back to reality. Who could it be? Maya had just left, and she sure as hell wasn't expecting anyone else. "May, is that you again?", she called out. No response. She peeped through the peephole and saw a man standing outside in a black suit and sunglasses, looking important and she became confused, wondering who he could be. "Can I help you?" she asked when she opened the door. "Miss, I'm sorry to intrude into your quiet time but I'm here to deliver a message from Mr. Damien Silver, CEO of Silver's Corporation," he replied. "My name is Roland. And I'm a personal assistant to Mr. Silver. In case you were just wondering", he said, with an amused little smile. Ava's eyes widened in surprise. Damien Silver? The billionaire mogul? What could he want from her? "Mr. Silver requests your presence at his office as a matter of urgency. He'd like to discuss a matter of mutual interest which involves the both of you." the man continued. Ava's mind raced with thoughts, she had seen Damien Silver on the news, read about his business deals, and admired his philanthropic efforts. Apart from the fact that he is the richest man in the whole country and feared by many. Have a striking appearance which tells one he can get whatever he wants, when he wants, without any stress. Plus, any woman too. Rumors has it that he is a playboy. But why wou ld he want to meet with her? What mutual interest is there which involves them both? And of all women available, why her?