Chapter 4: A Dangerous Gamble
988 Words
Agatha had seen Luca Carter on television, an individual so distant from her life that she couldn't envision ever meeting him. He was the type. Everyone looked up to him as the epitome of wealth and power. And yet, he was across from her in her cramped living room.
He was even more striking in person. He was tall and commanding, and his perfectly tailored suit made him look even more impressive. Even from a distance, his sleek movements and piercing eyes could quicken her heartbeat.
She was sweating, her palms damp, and her cheeks red. She tried to sit still, but her heart pounded in her chest.
How could you not feel flustered with someone like Luca Carter staring directly at you?
His voice was calm and controlled in the air. “As for last night,” she said, “I would take responsibility. You have two options. Accept this five million dollar check or move into Glamshade Estate and become my woman.”
Agatha froze.
She whispered, ‘Last night?’ She didn’t know what he was talking about, but the words ‘become my woman’ echoed in her ears, and she couldn’t speak.
Her mind raced. This wasn’t just any man—Luca Carter, billionaire CEO of Carter LLC. To become his ‘woman’ would mean he'd provide her with luxury beyond imagination, a lifestyle of wealth that so many people can only dream of.
Her thoughts spun out of control, and she swallowed hard.
Luca misinterpreted her silence. He softened his tone. “I found your resume on the hotel room floor.” I tracked you down that way. There’s no need to be afraid. Take your time to decide.”
Agatha’s stomach churned. The resume. It had been Cassie's. The pieces fell into place quickly. After her company dinner, Cassie must have dropped it. Luca had mistaken Agatha for Cassie, a fact that made Agatha's heart flutter.
But she didn’t correct him.
“I was scared, too,” she said, her hands trembling and clenching tightly.
Luca nodded, his face blank. He replied, “Understandable. You have three days to decide. This card has my assistant’s contact information. When you’ve decided, call.”
He tossed a slick business card on the table, stood, and left with a purpose.
She nodded weakly as he stepped toward the door, Agatha’s breath catching. “Thank you, Mr. Carter,” she said, her voice shaking.
As a cab arrived at the curb, Luca abruptly left, saying nothing.
---
Cassie Jones stepped out of the cab with her bag hanging close to her. Cassie looked forward to telling Agatha about her promotion and taking her to dinner. She called, 'Agatha!' as she walked into the flat. Did you see my message? “I wanted to celebrate tonight; now that’s fine with me.”
She froze when she realized Agatha was sitting on the couch, staring blankly at the floor.
Cassie walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, What’s wrong? That job didn’t hear from you? Don’t worry. I’ve got some positive news. “Dinner’s on me!” I’m officially an employee now.
Agatha blinked and stood quickly, trying to smile. She said, her voice tight, “No need to go out.” “I bought some groceries. Let’s eat at home.”
She tilted her head in surprise. “Really? You always want a fancy meal. Are you feeling okay?”
Agatha replied quickly, “I’m fine. I just thought it would be enjoyable to eat here. And on top of that, we can adequately celebrate when Freddie returns from his business trip.”
Cassie nodded, hesitating. “Okay, if you're sure, I'll help you in the kitchen,” she said.
Cassie kept feeling like something wasn’t quite right as the two of them prepared dinner. Cassie noticed Agatha was unusually quiet and didn't react to anything Cassie said about her promotion or anything that had happened at work.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Cassie asked again. “You seem distracted.”
Agatha snapped, though her tone softened quickly. “I said I’m fine.” “I didn’t mean to snap, sorry.” It’s just… “I’ve been thinking about moving out,” she said.
With a knife in her hand in mid-air, Cassie froze. “Moving out? Why would you do that? Where would you go?”
Cassie avoided Agatha’s gaze, and Agatha shrugged. “Freddie's been asking me to move in with him.” He tells me he can take care of me. It makes sense, doesn’t it?”
Frowning over the impromptu flair, she stared at her friend. “You don’t have a job yet, but..." What happens if things don't work out? You’ve lived nowhere without me. We’ve always had each other.”
Agatha met her gaze firmly. “Are you trying to stop me from being happy?”
Cassie shook her head quickly; the words stung. “No, of course not. “I’ll support you if it’s what you want.”
A guilty feeling wound inside her stomach, but Agatha forced a smile.
---
That night, after dinner, Cassie cleaned up while Agatha sat in her room alone, staring at the business card Luca had left. She held it in her hands, thoughts whirling as she panicked and mistook greed for sanity.
She couldn’t allow Luca to realize the truth. Everything would crumble if Luca discovered Cassie was the woman from the previous night.
Agatha felt like, for the first time in her life, she got out of the life of struggle she’d always known. It was too tempting not to ignore the idea of living in luxury and not worrying about rent or bills.
She did her best not to think about the guilt of lying to Luca and Cassie, but there wasn’t anything she could keep her thoughts from. She knew she had to decide now.
- Writer
