Rosalind wrapped her body in a wide dry towel and sat on a chair near the mirror. The easiest decision was to accept Gabriel’s offer. She didn’t need to work hard anymore, even no need to work again. He even promised her to give a lesson to Jeremy, though she didn’t know what he would do.
Her mind pondered the option. It seemed Gabriel was sincere with his offer, but how long would it be? She heard Gabriel’s reputation as one of the wealthiest people in the capital. Many feared him because they heard he wouldn’t hesitate to do anything to get what he wanted. But many women also sought after him because of his wealth, power, and impressive look.
Gabriel’s skin was tan, although he was a Caucasian since his business was in transportation. Despite he had been successful, she heard he still worked outside, checking his business in so many places regularly. No one dared to mess with him. Since she knew Gabriel and his family were immigrants in her country, his success was even more impressive.
More women attracted to him because of his perfectly shaped body, sharp eyes, pointy nose, firm jaws, and kissable lips alone, but he ignored them all. There was gossip he rejected and humiliated some of the sexiest celebrities who wanted to lure him to have a one-night stand with them. Some said he was a gay.
Rosalind shook her head. After this morning, although she didn’t remember what happened last night, with all touches and kisses, she was sure Gabriel was a passionate man who loved women.
He could get any woman he wanted as easily as snapping fingers. But then, why did he offer her to be his lover? Gabriel didn’t need to pay anyone for having pleasures in his bed. Many even voluntarily offered themselves for that.
She knew it would complicate things. Despite Jeremy’s cheating on her, she was still his girlfriend. Before ending her relationship with him, it didn’t feel right to start a new relationship.
Rosalind took a deep breath. This one couldn’t be counted as a relationship. It was more of a transaction, a business. What else could she think? Since he offered her so many things in exchange for her willingness to be his.
There was a knock on the door. “Baby, are you okay?”
“I … I’m okay. I just need time to think.”
“You can think elsewhere, darling. I don’t want you to be cold in the bathroom.”
Rosalind let out a sigh. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Sure.”
Gabriel sounded like a nice and thoughtful man. Would it be foolish to turn down a rare offer like this? But then, she knew she couldn’t accept it since being his lover meant she would lose respect to herself. What could be worse than that?
After deciding, Rosalind fastened the towel around her body. Then she unlocked the door and faced Gabriel. He sat on a couch. This time, he already wore a white T-shirt and black shorts.
When Gabriel saw Rosalind, he reached out his hand in her direction. “Come here, darling.”
Rosalind strolled to approach Gabriel. Before she could sit, he wrapped his hands around her waist and brought her to sit on his lap. She tried to squeal and remove herself from his lap, but his grip on her waist was like steel that clamped her tiny waist.
“Let me go,” Rosalind hissed.
Gabriel stared at her. “Before I do that, I want to know your decision. What is your answer?”
“The answer is no.” She shook herself. “Though I found it was a tempting offer, I must decline.”
“Why? Do you think I’m too old for you?” Gabriel rubbed Rosalind’s waist.
Rosalind tilted her head a little. “How old are you? I didn’t think of your age at all.”
He chuckled and wrapped her waist tighter. “You are good for my ego, baby.” His thumb stroked the small of her back. “I’m 45 this year. How old are you, darling?”
“Twenty-three.”
Gabriel nodded. “Still so young, but strong. Since you didn’t find our age difference a problem, what then?”
“Being a mistress isn’t something I want. It will make me lose my pride and respect for myself.”
“Ah, prideful little thing aren’t you?” Gabriel chuckled again. “But if you accepted it easily, I would be disappointed.” He bent forward and kissed her lips in a long kiss. “I want you more, baby.”
“Gabe, it’s not a negotiation. I want to go home now. About last night ….” She looked elsewhere and let out a long sigh. “I take it as my mistake to get drunk. Despite it was my first time, I wouldn’t be your mistress because of that.”
Gabriel raised his eyebrow for a second, but then his expression was unreadable. His hand moved to her chest and tried to untie the towel knot there.
She shook her head and grabbed the towel tighter. “Gabe, I said no.”
“And I want to change your mind.” He kept holding the towel.
“With sex?” She widened her eyes.
He grinned. “Why not? You liked it. I know you do.”
“It’s a bad idea. I …” Rosalind let out a long sigh. “I haven’t ended things with Jeremy, and I can’t start something with anyone before everything’s clear.”
“Even after he has betrayed you?” Gabriel whistled. “Damn! He truly doesn’t deserve you. Your loyalty is misplaced, darling. You should be loyal to someone who is also faithful to you.”
“Gabe, please ….”
“Okay, then how long must I wait? I don’t mind waiting as long as I know the time frame.”
“Let me wear my clothes first. Then we can talk about it.”
“Go ahead. I’ll wait here.” Since Rosalind looked around to find her clothes, Gabriel said, “Your clothes are on the table next to the bed.”
So, Rosalind picked up her clothes and went to the bathroom to wear them. As he said, her clothes were on the table, folded neatly. There weren’t many creases. She put them on quickly and felt much better after wearing the clothes.
Later, Rosalind faced Gabriel in the bedroom. He wasn’t sitting on the couch, but on the bed. When he saw her, he grinned. “So?”
“So, what?” Rosalind asked.
“Will you end your relationship with Jeremy?”
Rosalind nodded. “Yes, for sure, though technically, it ended the moment he cheated on me.”
“Good! And after that?” He stared at her, hoping she would come to accept his offer right away because waiting longer wasn’t what he liked.
She took a deep breath and let out a sigh. “After that, I’ll continue with my life.”
Gabriel frowned because Rosalind didn’t give him the answer he wanted. “And what about my offer?”
Rosalind took a seat on the couch. After taking a deep breath, she stared at Gabriel. “Gabe, I told you. I didn’t want to be your mistress.”“Why not?”“We know nothing about each other.”Gabriel shook his head. “Wrong! I know enough to want you. Be mine, baby. You know, I don’t ask this to many women.” He creased his forehead while thinking. “You are the second woman I asked. So it’s a compliment.”“So I need to say thanks?” she said sarcastically since she didn’t like what he implied.Gabriel shrugged, not be offended at all with what she said. “I don’t expect your gratitude. I want you to be mine.”“Gabe, you can’t have everything you want.”“Really?” He raised his eyebrow. “I’ll make you mine in three days.”She shook her head and let out a long sigh. “The more you insist, the more I will refuse.”Gabriel laughed out loud until his head bent backward. “You only make things more interesting, darling. Are you playing hard to get? Is this a challenge?”“No! I don’t play any games and
With a flushed face, Rosalind shook her head. She clenched her hands and took a deep breath. “No, Gabe. Please don’t force me ….” Instantly, Gabriel stopped his advance though his breath was rasping. He touched his forehead to hers, closed his eyes, and sighed. “Woman, you truly know how to torture me.” “It’s not my intention ….” Rosalind closed her eyes too. “Please, let me wear my clothes again. If you won’t force me, we won’t have sex.” Gabriel finally let Rosalind go and wore his clothes too despite he was eager to seduce her again. However, he didn’t want to take her by force. It was something against his values. When he stared at her, she grasped her hands and gazed back at him. Brushing her hand on her trousers, Rosalind asked, “Can I go now?” “Not yet. Sit and I’ll tell you something.” Rosalind creased her forehead. “What is it?” “Sit first.” Touching her nape, she still stood there. “So?” “Patience isn’t your virtue, is it?” Gabriel teased her. He sat first on the co
Rosalind sobbed and dampened Gabriel’s T-shirt. He patted her back as if he were consoling a child. Later, she whimpered and buried her head into his chest. “I feel so stupid. How can I waste my life for five years?” Sobbing, she hugged Gabriel’s waist. “You aren’t stupid, darling. You are loyal and trustful, and my nephew knew it well.” Gabriel sighed. “I’m sorry for his stupidity. If only he could see what he had done. He threw away a diamond for a piece of trinket.”She shook her head. “Don’t say that. Monica may be a stripper, but her relationship with Jeremy is something else.”“Darling,” he let out a sigh, “even you still defend your enemy. Rose, you are too kind, sweetheart.” Gabriel kissed Rosalind’s forehead. “It’s why Jeremy could take advantage of you for five years.” He stroked her cheek gently. After a while, Rosalind finally stopped crying. She removed herself from Gabriel’s embrace and hugged herself. “I’m sorry …. I shouldn’t cry on your chest. Please remove your T-
Rosalind went to Jeremy’s apartment with no prior notice. She wanted to ensure she would get a closure that day. Five years had been too long, and she didn’t want to waste more of her time for someone who didn’t appreciate her. Jeremy didn’t open the door when she pressed the bell button. So, she called him. He picked the call at the third call.“Rosalind?”“I want to speak with you for a few minutes. I’m at the door of your apartment.”“It’s not a good time. Maybe an hour from now?”Taking a deep breath, Rosalind shook her head. “I won’t take a lot of your time. Five minutes at max.”“Okay, then. I’ll open the door. Wait for me.”Gulping, she prepared herself to stay calm and collected. But then, when she saw Jeremy, looking cheerful as if he had no problem in the world, anger and hatred filled her heart. How could he do this to her? “Rosalind? What do you want to talk about?” Jeremy asked.“Can we sit?” She gestured at the dark brown couch on the veranda.Jeremy scratched his head.
“Not a chance!” Gabriel shook his head. “She ended her relationship with him just now.”“Oh!” Pietro said. “I wonder … Uh ….” He scratched his head because he was unsure to ask Gabriel.“Man, you can ask anything. You have followed me for twenty years. I don’t think of you as an outsider.”“Gee, thanks, boss.” Pietro grinned to hear it. After working with Gabriel for twenty years, he felt his boss wasn’t only a superior, but more like a family and a friend. Yet, he didn’t want to cross the line with Gabriel’s personal matter. After scratching his head again, he finally asked, “Will she be your new woman?”“Yes.”“Oh! It’s about time.”“Why did you say that?”Pietro shrugged and tilted his head. “Well, boss, you have been without a woman for too long. When I heard you brought a woman to your apartment last night, I thought it was just a fling.”“From who did you hear about it? Luca?” Gabriel asked. He clicked his tongue. “Pietro, you must know me better than that. I wouldn’t bring a fli
Rosalind stayed at home and ordered some fast food to comfort herself. The courier came after ten minutes and she gave him a tip. She knew how important the tip was for the delivery man because she was working in the restaurant where most of her income was from the tips. The fried chicken and french fries looked appetizing. They were still hot, and the staff packed some extra chilies and sauces as she asked. Then she made a simple vegetable salad with cucumber, carrot, cabbage, lettuce, and onion. She used the virgin olive oil as the dressing for the salad since the sauces from the chicken and fries already had high calories. After eating a piece of fries and a spoonful of salad, her mind suddenly showed Jeremy and Monica together. Monica’s shameless words repeated in her mind, and Rosalind stopped eating. She ran to the sink to wash her hands while her tears kept falling. Later, she ended up sitting on the floor, covering her face with both hands because she felt so miserable. Tha
There was something in Gabriel’s tone that convinced Rosalind to open the door. She didn’t want to let him in, but if she didn’t open the door, he might keep pestering her. So, she let out a heavy sigh, opened the door, and didn’t stare at Gabriel’s face, wishing he would go away soon. She sighed with sagged shoulders. “You see yourself, I’m not in a good mood.”He wrapped his arms around her waist. “That’s why I’m here, darling.” Gabriel escorted Rosalind inside and closed the door. He pulled her head to rest on his chest. “Rose, if you need anything, tell me. I’ll give it to you.”That’s when Rosalind couldn’t help herself. She sobbed and buried her face in his chest. So, he brought her to the couch and sat there while she sat on his lap, sobbing hard.He consoled her by murmuring some comforting words. “There, there. You will be okay, darling. I promise you. I’ll take care of you.”Rosalind sobbed harder, as it was the first time someone told her that. She always felt lonely, even
Gabriel didn’t show any expression after Rosalind’s refusal. His face was just the same as before. “That’s why you need the contract,” he said in the same calm tone as he had. “It will protect you. I’ll ask my lawyer to add a clause to assure you I’ll never take away our children from you.”She said nothing for a while. It was truly a too good to be true offer, but she didn’t think it was what she wanted. Yet, she was curious to know why he offered her. So, she asked, “Then tell me, why did you want me?”“Ah, yes, I haven’t told you about it.” He stopped for a while, then smiled. “You reminded me of myself.”Rosalind gaped, as it was something she didn’t expect. “How?”“You are hardworking and loyal like me. I wasn’t born with all the wealth, darling.” His stare was elsewhere as he pondered about the past. “Sometimes I had to eat the remaining food. After my father’s death, life was worse, and it pushed me to find a better life.”“I see.” Who would have thought Gabriel, the zillionair