Chapter2
1219 Words
CHAPTER TWO
I did not sleep much that night.
The ceiling above my small apartment felt unusually close, like it was pressing quietly against my thoughts.
The thin crack running across the white paint looked like a broken river under faint darkness.
My phone screen glowed softly beside my pillow every few minutes as I kept scrolling through online loan applications.
Interest rates and Repayment deadlines.
I needed money.
The gala had not been entertainment.
It was investment. Tomorrow was also investment.
I kept repeating it inside my chest like a quiet prayer.
‘You are investing in your future.’
At exactly 12:43 a.m., one loan platform approved my request.
The notification sound was sharp inside the silence of my room.
I sat up immediately, staring at the screen for a long time before closing my eyes briefly.
The amount wasn’t that huge. But it was enough. Enough to rent the SUV again.
Enough to maintain the illusion I was building around myself.
Debt was a weapon I was willing to carry. For now.
I stood up slowly from the bed and walked to the window beside my curtain.
The night wind touched my face gently, carrying distant sounds of moving vehicles and humans.
I pressed my fingers lightly against the glass.
“I will get this money back,” I whispered quietly.
The next day.
I stood in front of my mirror admiring myself. I had worn a black half shoulder gown. It was simple but elegant and louboutin heels.
The SUV I rented was already waiting outside my apartment.
The driver was someone I paid using the loan money.
If I was going to play this game, I had to look like I belonged inside it.
I stepped into the car slowly.
I adjusted the simple black dress I wore.
Nothing flashy.
But the cut followed my body cleanly, giving the impression of elegance without shouting for attention.
The car moved and I took a deep breath. I planned on charming Victoria more.
I have had eyes in their company for a long time and I was going to get it.
My fingers tightened slightly in my lap.
Royal Café Restaurant was quiet when I entered.
The smell of food mixed with expensive perfume floating from customers speaking in low voices.
Soft music played somewhere near the counter.
I chose a seat near the window.
And waited.
Victoria Kingsley was late.
I knew it was intentional. Powerful people enjoyed making others wait.
It was a silent reminder of hierarchy but I didn’t mind. She was the key to breaking out of poverty and I don’t mind if I wait for hours.
Ten minutes passed.
Then twenty. Then 40.
I did not touch my phone.
My back remained straight against the chair.
Finally, Victoria walked in.
The room seemed to recognize her presence.
People lowered their voices slightly without realizing it.
She moved with controlled elegance.
Silver silk outfit flowing gently when she walked.
Her hair was perfectly styled. If I hadn’t known her age, I would have mistaken her for a lady in her late thirties.
Her eyes were sharp and Observant.
Years of business calculations lived inside them.
She sat opposite me without asking permission.
“I’m sure you haven’t been waiting for too long” she said with a short smile.
“Not at all” I faked a smile. “I got here not quite long.”
A waiter approached us.
“Wine would do for now” She said and then turned to me.
“What about you?” She asked.
“Same thing” I said praying silently it won’t be too expensive Incase she decided not to settle the bill. The waiter nodded and walked away.
Victoria looked at me like she was studying me.
“Lara Benson,” she said quietly.
The way she used my real name made something tighten inside my chest.
But I did not react outwardly. Okay, I wasn’t expecting to be caught this soon.
Instead, I smiled faintly.
“I think you are mistaken,” I replied calmly.
“My name is Lara Beaumont.” I said with confidence.
My voice was soft.
Victoria’s gaze studied my face slowly.
Like someone checking whether I was telling the truth or selling a product.
“I knew something was off with you and my instincts are never wrong and I had someone follow you last night. You live in a small apartment in the southern side of the city,” she said.
My fingers moved slightly beside the table.
But my voice remained calm.
“Why would you follow me?” I said.
“I am not stupid,” she said.
“I do not tolerate deception and I hate it when people lie to me” she looked angry now. Like I wasted her time.
I didn’t flinch. I didn’t show fear.
“You work part-time in different places,” she continued.
Her voice lowered slightly.
“And I know your real name is Lara Benson.”
There was a heavy silence after that.
My breathing felt louder inside my chest.
The waiter returned with the wine and left.
I didn’t say anything, I poured the wine in the glass cup and took a sip knowing fully well she was watching me.
Then I spoke.
“Yes.”
My voice was quiet.
“I am Lara Benson.”
She did not look surprised.
She was waiting for confirmation.
“I am poor,” I continued.
The words felt strange but not painful.
“And I deceived you”
The admission hung between us.
Then I leaned slightly forward.
“But I am not a stupid woman.”
Her eyebrow moved slightly. She was still watching me. With no expression waiting for my next move.
“Explain.”
My voice was very calm.
“If I fall,” I said slowly, “your daughter falls with me.”
She still had that expressionless look.
“How would it look,” I continued, voice steady, “when tabloids report that your perfect daughter is pregnant out of wedlock… “ I paused. “with your rival’s son?” I made a fake gasp.
Victoria’s fingers stopped moving. And this time, it felt like I had the upper hand. She was taken aback. Completely.
“How did… you?” She stuttered.
“You see, I am a woman with dreams. I know what I want and I tend to get it. You already know who I am, perfect! and I also know you your daughter’s secret and if there is something, I know for sure you like protecting the name of your family and company”
“You are threatening me.”
“Yes,” I said.
“I am.” I added.
Then she asked, “What do you want? Money? That is what you poor people want”
I laughed dryly.
“Oh you got that wrong. I told you I am a woman with dreams. You should know I want more”
She looked angry now and looked like she wants to rip my hair off.
“What?” She asked.
I smiled and took another sip of the wine and slowly placing it back on the table, I said, “A position in Kingsley Holdings.”
- Writer
