CALDERON'S DESIRE

THE OFFER

I clutch my purse as i walk through the crowded ball room looking for Tia. I could hear hums of whispered conversations, clinking of wine glasses and soft music blasting through the speakers. Every turn i make reavel tall frames of paintings, beautiful installations and sculptures.

“Tia,” I whispered, leaning closer as i see her adjusting one of my paintings. “I can’t believe my paintings are here. Look at this beauty, I made that.”

“I know girl. This is surreal.” She smiled at me. “Just try not to make a fool of yourself today or eye- f**k anyone with blue eyes.”

I laughed softly as my nerves betrayed me. “Everyone here looks so important.”

“You look great,” Tia said, giving me a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry about blending in. Just enjoy it.”

Taking a few short breaths i nodded as my gaze fall on the room again. My eyes falling on the man from earlier. Standing in a tailored suit, but i quickly look away. After all i have no idea who he is and it wasn’t my place to stare.

“Hey, do you want to grab a drink? Just something small to calm the nerves,” Tia suggested, nudging me gently.

“Yeah,” I replied, ‘I think i need a distraction.”

We walked through the crowd, taking in the beauty of all the painting around us. Each of them telling a different story. At the back of my mind i heard a voicing reminding me that tonight was just the beginning.

**********

Stepping out of the gala for some fresh air, my heels click against the polished marble floor as my chest tightens. My mind drift back to the blue eyed man i had seen earlier. I shook my head trying to get rid of the lingering tension.

Tia’s voice cut through my thoughts, warm and grounding.

“Hey girl, are you okay?” Her eyes finding mine.

Forcing a smile i turn to look at her. “I am okay, just have a lot on my mind.”

She nods even though she knows i am lying. “Don’t let anything ruin your mood, you’ve worked hard for this.”

‘You are right.” I say between laughter.

‘Now, come on.” Tia says as her hands loop through mine leading me back inside. “I have a few people for you to meet.”

“ You just got her. How did you meet a few people?” I ask as she pulls me.

“You need networking, and i have secured a few for you.” Tia whispered beside me, “You belong here, Mira. Don’t let anyone—past or present—tell you otherwise.”

I gave her a genuine smile this time as i let myself be pulled by her. She is right, i need to make good use of this opportunity. Tonight is about building a life for myself and i’d be damned if i don’t do so. Taking a deep breath, i pull my back as i follow Tia around, watching her introduce me to dignitaries.

**********

The room is filled with hums of music and conversations as i let my eyes wander when someone cleared his throat behind me causing me to turn my head slightly and offering a smile.

“We meet again” He calm voice say behind me.

His blue eyes shimmered like moonlit waves, soft enough to make you believe drowning might feel like flying. He was tall, i hadn’t noticed his height when he approached me earlier, standing perfectly in a tailored suit with with dark hair.

“Sir,” I said automatically, unsure what else to say.

I notice his smile. Measured and calculated. “I hope i am not been a bother.”

“Not really. Just searching for my friend.” I say carefully as my mind raced against itself. I have no idea who he is but he keeps popping up tonight, three times in a row.

“I have been looking at your pieces. You are very talented.” He says gesturing towards my artworks.

I felt heat creep up my neck. “Thank you,” I murmured.

I notice him slightly moving towards me and lowering his voice. “ I hope you don’t mind me asking, but have you ever considered working full time instead of gigs? Something solid.’

I blinked, caught off guard. “I… I mean, I do freelance work, but…”

“I have a tech company, it has high stakes and i need a creative like you. You can help with our designs. You seem organized, and i think you’d be perfect as my assistant.”

I stared at him, blinking. “Excuse me?”

“ You are good and i need your talent. I want to hire you, full time as my secretary.”

My stomach fluttered, not exactly from excitement, but from something deeper, the way he watched me, waiting for my response.

“I—I don’t know what to say,” I admitted, gripping the strap of my bag.

“Say yes,” he replied gently. “Or say no. But think about it. I don’t usually make offers like this lightly. You’d be close. I’d see your work. Your talent. And I think, if you’re willing, you could learn a lot here."

I swallowed, torn. It was a stable opportunity with high pay. “I… I’ll have to think about it,” I said cautiously.

“Of course,” he said smoothly, stepping back with a slight nod. “Enjoy the gala tonight. I’ll have my assistant follow up with the details if you decide you’re interested.”

With that, he turned and vanished into the crowd, leaving me staring after him, heart still racing, unsure if this was a coincidence or if my life was about to change forever.

For the rest of the gala, my thoughts kept drifting back to him. The man with the sharp jaw, steady blue eyes, and a presence that changed the air when he walked by.

**********

I walk towards the bar, finding Tia holding a glass of wine like it’s a shield. Her gaze landing on me.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” She teased.

“It seems i might have.” I muttered.

“Tell me.” She says nudging my shoulder.

“Someone walked up to me offering me a job.” I exhaled, staring down at the reflection of the lights dancing in my glass.

“Good job?”

“Too good to be true.”

“Ooh, mystery sugar daddy?”

“Tia—”

“I’m kidding,” she smirked. “Mostly. Who is he?”

“No idea.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “He offered you a job without telling you his name?”

“His name is Adrian Calderon,” I said, trying not to sound crazy. “And he talks like he makes decisions for a living.”

“He is the well known Adrian Calderon of Calderon Corp. Wealthy and single.” She says with a smirk. “You sure you don’t want to consider it?”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to be someone’s project. Like he is doing me a favor. Trying to turn me to a puppet.”

And that wasn’t far from the truth. Although the offer was tempting, I didn’t want to work under someone.