The Encounter
1040 Words
Clara couldn't sleep.
She spent the night tossing and turning in bed, her mind refusing to rest, as the previous event kept replaying in her mind.
And him, the man she had foolishly thought might actually like her.
By morning, a headache had already occurred; she sat on the edge of her bed with a warm coffee while thinking of what to do next. She had worked hard to get that job, harder than most people and everything was lost. Her mind kept telling her maybe she should have kept quiet just like everyone else.
At her age, she had imagined life would be better, living the dream, being comfortable and happy.
Clara is in her late twenties; only she knew how challenging the journey had been.
Then her phone buzzed, which made her frown “This early morning”, she said before picking it reluctantly.
“Unknown Number”.For a moment, she considered ignoring it.
“Hello?” she answered quietly.
“Miss Clara Bennett?”
The woman’s voice on the other end sounded calm and professional.
“Yes.”
“My name is Vanessa . I’m calling on behalf of DeLuca investment firm . “
The name sounded so familiar to her, but she kept listening.
“We received your recommendation from Sterling International,” Vanessa continued. “Mr. DeLuca is currently looking for a private translator for an important overseas business
negotiation in Spain.”
“Spain”!! She heard right.
“We reviewed your qualifications and would like to meet with you today.”
For a few seconds, Clara couldn't say anything...Everything was confusing .
“I… I was fired yesterday ” she admitted.
“Yes,” I know. We got a recommendation letter before that.
Most employers would avoid controversy.
So why did these people still want her? She asked herself.
Vanessa spoke again.
“A car will pick you up in an hour if you accept the interview.”
This was probably just another rich businessman with impossible expectations
But the opportunity alone was enough to make Clara ignore the strange feeling in her stomach.
“I’ll be ready,” she replied without hesitation. Even though the offer came out of nowhere, she wasn't ready for the opportunity to pass her by.
As the call ended, Clara stared at her reflection in the mirror for a long moment.
Dark hair fell loosely around her shoulders, but despite everything, she still looked beautiful.
And somehow that annoyed her.
An hour later, a sleek black luxury car stopped outside her apartment building.
The drive through Manhattan remained quiet.
The deeper they traveled into the wealthy side of the city, the more nervous Clara became.The car stopped before massive black gates.
The front doors opened and a tall woman with blonde hair greeted her immediately.
“Miss Bennett,” the woman said politely. “I’m Vanessa.”
Clara stepped out slowly.
The mansion felt even colder up close.
Vanessa led her inside while several staff members quietly lowered their heads respectfully as Clara passed.
“Mr. DeLuca is waiting,” Vanessa informed her.
The deeper they walked into the mansion, the tighter Clara’s chest became.
She suddenly felt underdressed despite wearing one of her nicest outfits—a fitted black dress paired with elegant heels and gold jewelry.
When they finally stopped before large double doors, Vanessa turned toward her, smiled and opened the door.
The man standing near the massive windows looked so hot that she imagined him. He was tall, easily over six feet, with broad shoulders hidden beneath a perfectly tailored suit. The sunlight spilled across his face, highlighting his sharp features. His gray-blue eyes lifted from the documents in his hand and settled on her.
For a second, she forgot why she was there.
“Damn!!!”
The words slipped through her mind silently, barely more than a breath.
Damien DeLuca, he never expected him.
Everyone in new York knew him., Born into one of the wealthiest family in town, Damien shocked the business world when he walked away from his father's empire and built his own company at thirty two he's always powerful and successful.
Now he's standing in front of her.
Damien slowly turned toward her.You’re late.”
Clara blinked in surprise before checking the time quickly.
“No, I’m not.”
Vanessa looked surprised beside her.
But Damien…Damien looked amused, very slightly so. Most people became nervous around him immediately. But Clara Bennett looked directly into his eyes without trembling. The fearlessness impressed him.
Damien slowly placed his whiskey glass down before walking toward her. The closer he got, the more Clara realized how intense his presence truly was.
When he stopped before her, Clara had lifted her head slightly upward to maintain eye contact.
"You speak four languages?"
"Five, actually," Clara replied. "English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese."
He nodded, and for the first time since she entered the office, Clara thought she saw a hint of approval in his expression. Without another word, he pressed a button on his desk; Vanessa stepped into the office carrying a folder.
"The contract," Damien said.
Vanessa handed the folder to Clara, who opened it and carefully scanned through the pages. The salary alone nearly made her eyes widen. In addition to the impressive pay, the contract covered accommodation, travel expenses, bonuses, and several other benefits.
As she continued reading, her attention stopped on a particular clause. For the next four days before their departure to Spain, she would be required to stay at Damien DeLuca's residence for preparation, briefing sessions, and business training.
Most people would have hesitated before signing such an agreement, especially one that involved living under the same roof as a billionaire they had just met. Clara, however, knew opportunities like this did not come twice. She needed a fresh start, and she wasn't about to let fear stand in her way.
Picking up the pen, she signed it.
Damien watched reluctantly.
"You didn't even negotiate."
Clara closed the folder and lifted her chin. "The offer is fair."
For a brief moment, the corner of Damien's mouth twitched, almost forming a smile.
For the first time in years, Damien had broken one of his rules.
- Writer
