CHAPTER 3: YOU'RE NEEDED
1056 Words
Jacob was just finishing his morning coffee when a sharp knock echoed through his small apartment. Still groggy from the chaotic events of the previous night, he set his mug down with a sigh.
As he opened the door, his stomach sank, his eyes bulged. Standing on the front porch, dressed in a designer outfit that screamed money and a neckline which was outrageously low— was Cindy-the blind date from hell.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone calm but firm.
Cindy smiled sweetly, brushing past him without waiting for an
invitation.
"Good morning to you too, Jacob. I was in the area and thought I'd check on you." She cooed, batting her lashes. The action alone made Jacob furious.
"Check on me?" Jacob echoed, folding his arms, disbelief stretching his voice.
"Well" Cindy said, spinning around to face him, "I figured you might regret how you acted last night. So, I'm giving you a chance to make it up to me."
Wow. Jacob thought to himself, nodding.
Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Make it up to you?"
"Of course." She perched herself on the edge of his couch, smoothing her dress. "You were incredibly rude, but I'm willing to overlook it. All you have to do is show me you're serious about pursuing someone of my class."
Jacob felt his jaw tighten, everything looked so ridiculous. "And how exactly would I do that?"
"Oh, it's simple" she said, waving a manicured hand. "Start by buying me something nice-maybe a car. A luxury one. A Bugatti Veyron, maybe. Then we'll discuss jewelry and vacations." She smiled and quickly raised a manicured finger. " I love Seychelles, we should go there."
Jacob couldn't help but laugh, though there was no humor in it." Seychelles? "
He stared down at her like a foolish six-year-old.
"Cindy, I don't know you and you don't know me either, but I can't be one of those men."
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't be so quick to dismiss me, Jacob. Men like you don't get women like me.
Without putting in some effort. Let's face it, you're not exactly a catch. A gynecology nurse?
Really?"
Jacob's hands curled into fists at his sides, but he kept his voice calm. "You need to leave."
"Leave?" Cindy stood, her voice rising. "You should be grateful I'm even here! Do you think anyone else would bother with you? I'm offering you a chance to improve your pathetic life."
Before Jacob could respond, there was another knock at the door.
With a deep breath to steady himself, he opened it. His eyes widened in surprise.
Standing in the hallway was Celine, impeccably dressed as always.
Beside her was her assistant, holding a tray laden with what appeared to be expensive gifts-an ornate watch, a sleek pen set, and a bottle of rare vintage wine.
"Good morning, Jacob"' Celine said, her voice as smooth as silk.
Cindy appeared behind him, her irritation evident. "Who's she?" Ignoring the question, Celine
Stepped inside, her assistant following close behind.
Her eyes took in the small apartment with the simple furnishings. It came hard on Cindy before it settled on Jacob.
"I've come to see you," Celine said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Jacob blinked. "You have?"
"Yes," Celine replied. She gestured toward the gifts her assistant carried. "Consider these a token of gratitude for what you did last night."
"What he did last night?" Cindy cut in, her voice sharp. "And who exactly are you to him?"
Celine turned to face her, her expression calm but unyielding.
"I'm someone who recognizes Jacob's worth-a quality you seem to lack."
Cindy's cheeks flushed. "Excuse me?"
Cindy bristled. "You think you can just waltz in here and—"
"I'm not thinking" Celine interrupted, her voice like steel." I'm acting. Now, unless you have
business here, I suggest you leave."
"I'm not moving an inch." Cindy said." I'm Cindy, his—"
"I see you got a thing for women whose names begin with the letter C." Celine said, humor dancing in her eyes.
The room fell silent. Jacob watched, half in awe, as Cindy struggled to find a retort. Finally, with a huff, she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Celine turned back to Jacob, her composure unshaken. "Now that she's gone, shall we talk?"
Jacob shook his head, still processing what had just happened. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did," Celine said simply. She motioned for her assistant to set
the tray on the coffee table. "I can't stand to see people like her try to belittle someone as capable as you."
Jacob frowned. "You barely know me."
"True" Celine admitted, taking a seat. "But I've learned enough to know that you're someone worth
knowing."
Jacob sat across from her, his
curiosity piqued. "What do you want from me, Celine?"
She smiled, leaning forward slightly. "I'll be blunt. I believe you're the solution to a problem I'm facing."
"And what problem is that?"
"My grandfather insists I marry in order to secure my inheritance,"Celine said, her tone matter-of-fact.
"And I've decided that you're the most suitable candidate."
Jacob stared at her stunned. "You want me to marry you?"
His eyes bulged, whatever spell that had been cast on him should better be reversed. When he thought he had seen it all, here was a woman offering... marriage.
"Yes, Celine said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Why me?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Because you're honest, hardworking, and, most importantly, you don't seem to care about my wealth or status,"
Celine replied. "You're exactly the kind of person I need to avoid the vultures circling my family."
Jacob leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "This is insane."
"Perhaps," Celine said with a small shrug. "But it's also practical.
Think about it, Jacob. You could protect me from an arranged marriage, and I could offer you a
new start"
"I don't need a new start, Jacob said firmly.
"No," Celine agreed. "But you deserve one."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Finally, Jacob sighed. "I'll think
about it."
Celine smiled. "That's all l ask."
As she stood to leave, Jacob couldn't help but wonder what he had just gotten himself into.
- Writer
