The Gamble Of Love

Everyone was seated in the meeting room of the building known as SK Enterprises, located in the lavish area of Spain. A delightful young lady was introducing her newly launched products to Mr. Carlos, the owner of SK Enterprises, with Diego, a junior office worker, and Mr. Carlos’s assistant, standing beside him. The young lady was so confident and calm that everyone focused on her, including Mr. Carlos, who was typically arrogant. Yet, at that moment, the only thought in his mind was that investing in this company’s new product could be very profitable. While he was contemplating, Diego turned his laptop towards Mr. Carlos to show him something. Just as Mr. Carlos was about to look, his phone rang. He was going to disconnect the call but when he saw the number, he answered it, excusing himself from the people in the room. He got up from his chair and went to stand by the window. “Hey, man! I’m busy in a meeting, come into the meeting room,” he said to the caller and returned to the room. “Sorry for the inconvenience, everyone! My friend is leaving for France shortly, and he just called me to meet him. I’ll be back in just a minute,” he said. Diego nodded and replied. “No problem, sir. We’ll wait,” and turned the laptop back to himself. Carlos was about to open the door when someone entered the room. “Sorry to disturb you all, Carlos! I have to leave s…” The newcomer quickly glanced around the room, and his gaze landed on a face that left him stunned. The smile on his face began to fade. He looked at Carlos with a confused expression. Carlos chuckled and hugged him, though their conversation was left unfinished. The man, still staring at the young lady in the room, stood frozen, shocked. “Thank goodness you didn’t leave without meeting me, or I’d never forgive you this time,” Carlos said excitedly, hugging him. The man, however, was barely aware of Carlos’s words, his gaze fixed on the lady in the room. She bowed her head, her face showing signs of fear. Diego noticed her discomfort as her lips dried and her hands began to tremble. “Hey, Xavi! What’s wrong? Say something.” Carlos shook him lightly, breaking his trance. Xavi turned his cold gaze from the young lady to Carlos. “How could I leave without meeting you?” he said, forcing a slight smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Meet my partners. This is Miss Luna from ST Company, here with her assistant. They’re launching a new beauty product and are seeking investors, which is why they’re here today. Guys, this is my very good friend, Xavier Arès.” Xavier’s sharp eyes remained locked on Luna. Her assistant managed a small smile and greeted him. “What time is your flight, Xavi?” Carlos turned to Xavier, who tore his gaze away from Luna’s bowed head. “Probably in about half an hour,” he replied, checking his wristwatch. “Alright, then. Relax in my office, and I’ll join you after finalizing the deal,” Carlos suggested but Xavier pulled out a chair and sat opposite Miss Luna. “I’ll wait here, bro. You go on with your meeting,” he said, side-eyeing Luna, who became even more uncomfortable. “As you wish,” Carlos replied returning to his seat. “Well, shall we continue, Miss Luna?” he asked. Luna, who had been looking down, suddenly raised her head. She turned the laptop towards Carlos with trembling hands, her heart pounding as if it would burst. Xavier smirked, clearly entertained by her discomfort. “Perfect covers,” Carlos complimented. Luna’s assistant smiled, pleased with the praise, while Luna herself wished to leave as quickly as possible as she was sweating, her breathing becoming shallow. “I think your client isn’t feeling well, Carlos,” Xavier commented with a smirk, leaning back in his chair. Carlos noticed Luna’s distress. “Miss Luna, are you alright?” he paused for a minute as he stared at her. “Someone, please bring some water.” Everyone in the room, except Xavier, became concerned. Luna’s assistant quickly brought her a glass of water. She took a few sips, regaining some composure. “Are you okay now?” Carlos asked. “Yes, yes, I’m fine,” Luna replied in a low voice, avoiding Xavier’s gaze. “I’ve accepted your deal. Get the paperwork ready — my company is ready to invest with you!” Carlos declared. “The papers are ready, Sir. Miss Luna arranged them perfectly,” her assistant added. “That’s great! I can see you’re very professional and efficient. Let’s proceed,” Carlos said. Luna’s assistant handed him the file. As he prepared to sign the papers, he asked for a pen, glancing at Luna. She quickly retrieved one from her bag, handing it to him with trembling fingers. Just as he was about to sign, Xavier interjected. “Wait a minute!” Xavier stopped him. “We haven’t finalized the deal yet. Email us all the details about your products, and we’ll give you our answer in two or three days,” he said, staring directly at Luna with an unreadable expression. “But Xavier, we’ve reviewed everything. It’s an excellent deal,” Carlos began, but Xavier silenced him with a raised hand. “We’ll discuss it and let you know. You may leave now,” he said. Luna, in a confident tone despite her fear, replied. “Alright, Sir. Whatever you decide, please inform us.” She stood, gathered her files, and left, with her assistant following. “What was that, Xavi? I reviewed all the details; it was a fantastic deal,” Carlos asked, baffled. Xavier, lost in thought, barely reacted until Carlos tapped his shoulder. “I want to be your business partner?” Xavier asked. “What? Business partner? Are you serious?” Carlos was stunned. “Yes. I want to be your business partner,” Xavier said, his serious expression unwavering. “It would be an honor to have you as my partner, Xavier, but… aren’t you about to leave for France? After closing your business here, you’re now thinking of partnering with me?” Carlos looked at him in utter confusion. “I want to handle this ST Company deal personally. Just don’t interfere,” Xavier stated, clearly plotting something. Carlos stared at him, puzzled, hoping to uncover the reason behind his decision. “And what about your flight?” Carlos asked again. A mysterious smile spread across Xavier’s lips, the image of Luna’s trembling hands fresh in his mind. “Just understand, Carlos — whatever drove me to shift to France is also the reason for me to stay here,” he said, his eyes sparking with determination. To be continued…