Billionaire Enemy wants me

Chapter 3

IVAN SMITH

When that girl walked into my office, I had my back to her while on a call, but as soon as I turned around, I recognized her immediately. It was the same girl who had bumped into me, making me late for a meeting. Just remembering what happened filled me with anger; I hate anything that disrupts my control.

I didn't feel like wasting my time with this student interview, and seeing who it was only reinforced my decision. I tried to tell her to leave immediately without even letting her open her mouth, But what intrigued me was her audacity—calling me an i***t with that sharp tongue of hers and then slamming the door as if she owned the place.

My thoughts were interrupted by Carlos entering the office without knocking. I immediately tried to scold him.

"Don't you know how to knock anymore?" I snapped at him with a frown.

"Calm down, man. I came here in peace. What's all this anger about? Haven't you had lunch yet? That ugly face of yours must be hungry," he replied, his tone light.

"Funny as always... I wish you had the same willingness to work as you have to make jokes. I'll let you know right now; I don't have patience for you today," I responded impatiently.

"I did my job well; you can't complain. I just came here to bring the requested documents, and I also wanted to ask you something."

I knew he wouldn't come here to deliver papers; he could have sent his secretary for that.

"Could you tell me right away? I don't have much time."

"The interview you were going to give today with Stela, Andreza's friend—how did it go?"

I leaned back in my chair, looking at him. "I didn't give any interviews. Today is a very busy day, and you know very well that I don't have much time available. I dismissed her when she walked into this room."

"No, you didn't dismiss her. You kicked her out of your room without letting the girl explain herself. I already knew everything; I met her in the elevator. I want to know your excuse for lacking empathy with people."

"If you already knew, why ask stupid questions?"

"Look, Ivan, you know me well, and you know it's not like me to defend anyone, but you were unfair to Stela. Just so you know, the day she accidentally bumped into you, she had just received news that her grandfather was in the hospital. The girl left in desperation to meet him. She lives with her grandparents, as she is an orphan of both her father and mother."

"What would you like me to do now? Take pity on her and call her back here for the interview?"

"No, you don't have to do that because I've already helped with that. But an apology would be quite appropriate." He got up to leave the room but turned around before reaching the door. "There's one more thing I didn't understand in this story... What were you doing near the girls' university on foot? We all know you only travel by car with a driver and security."

"The car was stuck in traffic, and since the meeting location was nearby, I decided to get out and walk to avoid being late. It was useless, though, since I was late anyway, thanks to that stupid girl."

"You should be careful what you say about people. She's not at all what you think. Oh, and one more thing, this Saturday is my birthday, and you know Andreza. She insisted on having a party at our house, so see if you can make it. I think she can turn the house into a nightclub, and she still has Mom and Dad in on it. They miss you, and you know they consider you as their son, even though you act like you don't care. You can bring a companion to lighten up the mood during the party."

Carlos left, and I reflected on what he said about the girl. I’m not one to feel bad about my actions, but knowing I treated her poorly during a moment of distress makes me a little uneasy. I've been through a moment like that when I lost my father, and the feeling is not good at all. Maybe if I meet her again and I'm in a good mood, I’ll apologize. On the other hand, remembering how she treated me makes me see that she is not fragile at all and knows how to defend herself besides being very beautiful.

What am I thinking?

I have to stop thinking about this girl and focus on work. On top of that, I need to think of someone to accompany me to my cousin's birthday party. In fact, I even have someone in mind.

Caroline Davis.

We have a friendship with benefits. I am always available for her when she needs it, just as she is always more than willing when I need to satisfy my needs as a man. But it never went beyond that. She is the daughter of an influential businessman, Mr. Bernardo Davis. By her father's wishes, we would already be married, but I have always made it very clear that our relationship is nothing more than a friendship, and she is willing to continue that way, which is good for both of us.

I decided to take her to Carlos's party, and I'm sure she won't refuse the invitation.

***

Stela Gomes

I've had a full, tiring, and stressful week. I could have been sleeping in my comfortable, quiet bed under my fluffy duvet, but that's not what will happen. I'm here, at Andreza's house, in the middle of Saturday morning because she practically knocked me out of bed to help her prepare for her brother's birthday party.

"Let's go, Stela, let it go and help me decide where the DJ's table will be."

Wow, it's today that she kills Aunt Amelia from the heart! What was supposed to be a simple celebration has already become a big party, but knowing Carlos as I do, he will love it. These two siblings love a good party.

"Andreza, does your mother know that you will turn her house into a nightclub for a big party? Wasn't this supposed to be a simple celebration?"

"I can't organize anything simple. Everything I organize has to become an unforgettable event, and I'm sure my brother will love it. Mom and Dad will stay here for a maximum of an hour and then leave, so in order not to disturb them too much, I'm setting up the dance floor with the DJ table outside. We have more than enough space, including the pool area. I'm sure the party will end there. It's going to be unforgettable." She left, clapping her hands excitedly.

This friend of mine is really crazy.

The day flew by as I helped my friend with the party preparations. I have yet to see Carlos, and I'm sure he'll arrive only at the agreed-upon time to start the festivities.

"Andreza, there's no way I'm wearing this."

She told me she had bought me a dress as a gift for tonight, but when I opened the package, I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Stop making faces, Stela. You're going to look magnificent in this dress. It will show off everything beautiful about your body. Besides, you didn't bring another outfit, so you'll have to wear this one and look great. Who knows, maybe you'll catch someone's eye.”

I should have already imagined this and brought a spare dress, but now I will have to wear this one, and may God give me the courage to leave this room in it.

My friend is getting ready in her room while I stay in the guest room. I took a shower and tried to relax a little, then dried my hair and did a simple hairstyle, leaving it a little loose, put on makeup, and finally, the dress.

Looking in the mirror, I'm amazed at what I see. I really look very pretty.

The black dress is short and sits mid-thigh. It has black lace details on top of a lighter fabric and a sweetheart neckline that shows my cleavage. It clings to my waist and flows loosely over the rest of my body. Because it's short, it shows off my legs and my back is bare, so my hairstyle and makeup match perfectly.

Soon, my friend entered the room. When she saw me, she started screaming and clapping, saying that I looked wonderful.

We went down the stairs, and Carlos was already waiting for us. Andreza told me she invited a guy she had her eye on, who is a friend of her brother's, so, at some point during the party, I'd probably be alone. I'm glad I'm sleeping here, so when that happens, I'll return to the room where I got ready.

"Wow, you look stunning, Stela! And Andreza, that friend of mine has already arrived. You can now run after him and let me take good care of Stela," Carlos said. I started laughing as my friend wasted no time and really went after that guy. "Come on, miss, a party awaits us. And don't worry, I haven't had anything to drink yet, so I won't try to kiss you." He offered his arm, and I accepted it, still laughing.

We headed to the party arm in arm. I’m dying of embarrassment at appearing like this with Carlos, who is introducing me to his friends. Knowing Carlos’s reputation, they'll think I’m just another girl he's with.

Soon, we met his parents at the party and stayed with them while Carlos finished greeting his friends. We kept talking, and when I asked them what they thought of the party, they said they were enjoying it and even felt younger in the company of so many young people.

Not long after, I saw Carlos approaching, accompanied by Ivan and a very beautiful woman. When I laid eyes on him, I felt something different—butterflies in my stomach and discomfort. The closer they got, the more this discomfort increased, and my heart beat wildly in my chest.

My God, am I feeling sick?

"Mom, Dad, look who honored us with their presence," Carlos jokes with his parents.

They looked very happy in the presence of their nephew.

"My dear nephew, thank you so much for coming. Sometimes, I think you don’t care about your family, much less us, since the rarest thing in this world is for you to show up at our house," Aunt Amelia said.

"Auntie, don’t exaggerate. You know I love you as if you were my parents, but I have a lot of work to do at the company and don’t have much free time. I promise I will try to visit more often."

"I hope so, boy. Don’t kill yourself working. Your room is still tidy, and waiting for you whenever you want to visit. The only person who uses it is Stela when she stays here."

I almost choke when Aunt Amelia mentions that I’m staying in Ivan’s room. It never crossed my mind that it was his room. That’s why it’s bigger and different from the other guest rooms.

"Don’t worry, Auntie, I’ll try to come more often, I promise. By the way, do you remember Caroline?"

"Yes, of course. Caroline Davis is the daughter of a close family friend and your close friend. If my memory serves me correctly, that’s how you introduced her to us at the company’s anniversary dinner," says Uncle James, my friend’s father.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Nice to see you again. The party is beautiful."

"Oh, my dear, thank you very much! It was supposed to be just an intimate gathering for our closest friends, but then Carlos had his sister help with the preparations, and it turned into a big party," Aunt Amelia commented, smiling at Caroline.

But one thing bothers me a lot—Ivan doesn’t take his eyes off me. He looks me up and down, and I’m already getting embarrassed to be in the middle of a family conversation. I have to get out of here as soon as possible.

"That’s why I asked her to help. Andreza has a talent for organizing parties," Carlos said.

I will take advantage of the moment and excuse myself for leaving.

"Speaking of Andreza, Aunt Amelia, I'll go after her. Excuse me."

"Oh, God, Stela, my dear, how rude of me! Let me introduce you to my nephew, Ivan. I don't think you two have met yet."

At that moment, my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest.

"Of course, they know each other, Amelia. I called Ivan and asked him to help Stela with a college assignment by giving her an interview."

"Yes, Aunt Amelia, we already know each other. Hello, Mr. Ivan, nice to see you again. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go find Andreza." I hurried away from them as fast as my legs could carry me in these high heels.

I entered the house and wanted to hide. I went upstairs and entered Ivan's room, where I was staying. It felt like fate was conspiring against me. I tried to distance myself from this arrogant man, yet oddly enough, I slept in his room every time I came here.

I walked into the bathroom, closed the door, and stared at myself in the mirror. I looked beautiful in this outfit and makeup. Did Ivan feel the same way? He didn't take his eyes off me; it looked like he was going to devour me with his eyes.

My heart was pounding, and I felt something strange in my chest. It was almost like I would be sick in front of everyone. My God, why was I feeling these things? I needed to get this man out of my thoughts. He was arrogant, cold, and treated people very badly. I had to stay away from him as much as I could.

I needed to leave this bathroom before Andreza missed me and started looking for me like crazy. I touched up my makeup, washed my hands, and left the bathroom. But I froze at the doorway when I stepped back into the room.