CHAPTER 4

“Miss Simons.”

“How do you know my name?” I ask fiercely.

“I know you must have seen me one of these days and you must have been curious about my identity.”

I was terrified. I did not know what to do or say. The man continued, “I do not mean you any harm. I really just want to talk to you.”

“You did not answer me. Who are you and why have you been following me?” I said angrily.

“I can not give you all of the answers right now, but I promise to explain everything if you’d agree to meet with me tomorrow. I would like you to meet someone.”

“Why should I put my trust in you?” I don’t even know you, how do I know that this is not a lie that you use to abduct innocent people, for all I know you might be a kidnapper or one of those men who sells women for money”, I ask, trying to put on a tough face even though i was beyond terrified.

He smiled softly and said.

“I understand your concerns Miss Simons but consider this if I have ever had any intention to harm you, I would have probably done so, as you must have probably caught a glimpse of me once or twice around you during this past month, i have been monitoring you which I am sure you are well aware of and I am sorry if it made you apprehensive.”

“That still does not put my mind at ease but you know what, yes I will meet you but only on my terms, and if you try anything funny, I am calling the cops.” I say reluctantly. I can’t believe I’m actually considering this.

“That is fair. I simply want you to keep an open mind.”

“Alright.”

“Meet me tomorrow at 4pm sharp at this location.” He said, handing me a note he took out of his jacket.

“Who do I ask for when I get there?”

“Luke Orton. And I guess I’ll see you then Miss Simmons.” He said as he headed towards the door leaving me alone with my thoughts, I stood there for a long time contemplating on whether to go or not, I really had to know what this strange man wanted from me.

The next day, Time at the cafe just seemed to breeze andI just couldn’t take my mind off what Luke Orton had said. I can’t believe I was actually meeting up with this stranger. Orton.

The name echoed in my mind like an ominous warning. But his offer, whatever it was, intrigued me. If only I knew the reason behind it.

The thought of meeting someone I didn’t know, with no knowledge of his intentions, made my skin crawl. But the curiosity burning within me was overpowering that I just had to find out what he wanted, what he had to offer.

I excused myself early from the café and took a bus to the address. Alighting from the bus at the bus stop, I had to walk a few meters since the address was a little bit far from the bus stop.

Standing in front of the building and glancing up at it. I looked very much out of place.

As I walked into the sleek office building, I immediately felt out of place. The other occupants wore business suits while I stood there in my casual jeans and t-shirt. Everyone seemed so busy.

I sighed and shook off the feeling of self consciousness, reminding myself of the reason I was here.

Taking a deep breath, I approached the reception desk where a lady sat, the receptionist with a tag indicating her name. She looked so preoccupied by her computer.

“Excuse me, miss Sarah,” I said politely. “I am here to see Mr. Orton, I don't have an appointment but could you please let him know that Angel has arrived?”

Sarah glanced up from her screen, her eyes assessing me from head to toe. Her lips curled into a disdainful smirk.

“And what business do you have with him?” she asked, her tone dripping with condescension.

“I am here to discuss something personal with him. Could you please inform him that I am here?”

Sarah rolled her eyes and let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine, I will let him know, but don’t expect too much.”

I watched her pick up the phone and dial Mr Orton’s extension. As she spoke to him, she shot me another disdainful glance. I could not help but feel a pang of frustration at her rude behavior.

After a brief conversation, Sarah hung up the phone and muttered something under her breath before looking back at me.

“walk straight down and take a slight turn to your left. There should be an elevator there, take it to the fourth floor. His office is right in front.

“Thank you.” I say and follow the direction I was given.

If I thought the ground flour was busy, this was worse. I encounter various employees who give me curious glances, clearly noticing my unconventional appearance, not that I blame them. Despite feeling out of place, I was determined to find who I was here for.

Finally locating a door with his name plaque. I place a firm knock on the door and open it immediately after.

Luke Orton was comfortably seated behind a dark mahogany desk with a phone to his ear. He briefly looks up at me and points at the seat in front of him before giving his attention back to his call.

I take my seat and look at my surroundings. The lightning, colors of the walls and positioning of furniture was well done and made the space inviting. There wasn’t any personal touch from what I could see from Luke Orton.

.

He hung up and finally turned his attention to me.

“ Hello Angel, I really hope there was no issue with finding your way over here.”

“Bailey, my name is Bailey and my stage name is Angel and no none at all.” I said, rather annoyingly.

“Alright Bailey”. The person for which I set this meeting for has yet to arrive, he will be here in the next..”(glances at his wrist watch)”,ten minutes.

Can I get you anything while we wait for him to arrive?” He asks politely and I shake my head no.

We sat in an awkward silence for what felt like a long time. I was so relieved when he got alerted that whosoever we were going to meet had arrived.

As Mr Orton led the way to the mystery man's office, I could feel my heart pounding. Mr Orton pushed the door open and gestured for me to walk in first.

If I really thought Robin and Mr. Orton was intimidating, the man sitting was twice more intimidating than both combined. He eluded confidence without even trying.

He glanced up at the intrusion and dropped the pen he was using.

“Orton.” He says rounding his table before gesturing at the sofas In front of his desk. Luke and I sat beside each other while he sat opposite us. He looked my way and I froze subconsciously. Luke took that as his cue to begin.

“Boss, this is Angel, sorry Bailey, the woman I was telling you about. She is the perfect fit for the job, Boss.” Luke Orton introduced, his tone laced with an air of uncertainty.

The boss gave me a scrutinizing look before glancing back at Luke.

I raised an eyebrow, silently hoping Mr Orton would reveal more. But all I received was a tense smile from him. He was clearly holding something back.

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, The boss leaned forward, gesturing to Mr Orton to start talking as he stared at me.

“Bailey, we have a proposal for you,and it is a type of proposal that will require absolute discretion if you choose to accept, do you understand me?”

I shook my head no as I felt my heart skip a beat, what on earth was I getting myself into? I couldn’t help but look into the mystery man’s face and a mixture of fear and anxiety took over my body.

“ you will be largely compensated if you agree to do it. You would have a monthly pay of ten grand plus a roof over your head and you will also be catered for during your time with us.”

“Agree to what exactly?” I said, as I glanced at the mystery man whose gaze does not waver from mine.

“To be my wife.”