Chapter 5 Second Meeting

“Dear, you got a good offer with a substantial reward. Do you really want to refuse him?” Rachel handed a glass of orange juice to Clara who was sitting with her head propped up—tired, sleepy, and groggy too. The last two days she had not slept properly. She has to work, look after Anthony, and also do her college assignments even though she can't come to campus in the morning.

“Is he the man who used to be my client?”

“Yes, his name is Lucas Axton. He's still trying to find you." Rachel sat beside her, stroking Clara's pale face. "Looks like you need treatment at the salon. You want a shot of vitamin C?” she asked.

Clara nodded slowly. She didn't know what she needed, but she always followed whatever Rachel said.

“I will accept anyone other than a man who was once a client of mine. Haven't you accepted my terms, Ma'am? I don't want to work for a man I've slept with."

Rachel took a deep breath, “yes, it's up to you. I'm just trying to give you a job with a bigger payoff because I know you need the money." She smiled briefly.

Clara clenched her fists. She needed the money, but she wasn't going to allow herself to take on the same client twice. She is indeed a prostitute, but she has rules in the work she does.

“Can I take a week off? I have stopped coming to campus since a few days ago.” Clara muttered while looking sadly at the pile of documents she was about to send to her campus—some of the assignments she had been running late for.

"I give a schedule 4 times a week for you to work, but outside of that schedule, you are free. But this week you've worked hard enough, and I decided to give permission for you to take some time off. But remember that after that you have to go back to work to earn money. I will prepare the best offer for you so that you can earn more profit.” Rachel said with a sweet smile. “Alexo, get me my phone. I want to arrange Clara's schedule." She said to Alexo—a tall black man who had been her bodyguard for the past two years.

Clara took a deep breath as she waited for Rachel's schedule. She didn't know if she should be grateful or feel unlucky to have a boss like Rachel. She was good—very, very good. She always respected whatever decision she made, never forced her, and also never belittled her. Rachel is a woman who really understands the feelings of women who become prostitutes. Previously, Rachel herself had offered Clara to join because she felt sorry for her. At first, she refused, but in the end, she had no other choice. And here she is—sit down with Rachel to wait for her client's schedule.

"Wine?" Alexo offered while handing her a glass of wine.

Clara shook her head, "I don't drink."

Alexo laughed softly, "You have a lot of rules for yourself, but somehow you are the best here."

Clara didn't respond. She just sat quietly while waiting for the schedule from Rachel.

"Dear, you can go home. I'll send the schedule to your phone later. You are free from work this week, but don't forget that you have to work hard next week."

Clara nodded slowly. "Yes, Ma’am."

***

"I thought that you had left this campus," a middle-aged woman with glasses and blonde hair who sat opposite Clara gave a brief comment while snorting in annoyance. That woman is Anasya—her lecturer.

Clara lowered her head. "I'm so sorry. Recently I have—”

"Yes, honey. I know that you got into a lot of trouble. Louis has already told me everything. However, do I have to accept all these excuses for being late just because I feel sorry for you?” She took off her glasses then looked at Clara while shaking her head slowly, “everyone has problems. You must not feel that your life is the most problematic.”

"I'm not." Clara shook her head slowly.

"You missed a lot of material. Are you sure you can continue your studies?”

“I will try to improve my academic grades. I will also pursue my material through Louis' notes."

"You think that he got into college when you weren't?" Anasya said while rolling her eyes. "Today, our campus is holding a seminar with a mining entrepreneur who is quite famous. I want you to come to the seminar to fill in the grades for an international business course. Write down every important point and make it your presentation assignment next week.” Anasya said.

Clara blinked her eyes, "but today I have to accompany Anthony—"

"You want to pass over or not?" Anasya said with an annoyed look.

“Yes, yes. Of course, I want to graduate.”

"Then come to the seminar!"

***

Clara stepped hurriedly into the main building, which would be the seminar venue. She did not know who the speakers from the seminar this time were, but she decided to come according to orders from Anasya so she could fill in the grades of her course. Recently, she was often late in submitting assignments, and she had problems with several lecturers because of her late assignments.

“I have to attend an important seminar. Please take care of Anthony, Elena.” Clara said at her phone.

"Yeah, you don't need to worry. I will accompany him until you return to the hospital.” Elena answered calmly. "Oh, I just remembered that doctor Ben said he wanted to meet with you to discuss the matter of Anthony's heart surgery. What time are you coming home?"

Clara glanced at the watch on her left wrist, “I don't know. Maybe around 6 pm. Did doctor Benjamin stay up all night?”

"Does not seem. He has worked since morning. I think he will be home before 5 o'clock."

Clara nodded slowly. As soon as she entered the main room, she slowed down her step when she found an empty seat in the second row—right beside Louis. It seemed that he had deliberately left a seat for her.

"Hey," said Louis.

Clara smiled. She pointed at her cell phone to show Louis that she was calling someone.

“Okay, I'll call doctor Benjamin later to talk about it. Tell him that I can only see him tomorrow morning. However, if there is an emergency to discuss, I can meet him wherever he wants.”

"Yes, you don't worry. Doctor Ben doesn't seem to mind waiting for you at the hospital."

"No, no." Clara shook her head, “don't ask him to wait for me. I've troubled him too many times—”

"Attention everyone, because the seminar will start soon, I urge all students to turn off their cellphones so that the event takes place in a conducive manner."

The voice of an MC standing in the middle of the stage caught Clara's attention.

She exhaled slowly. "El, I'll call you back later. The seminar is about to start. I have to turn off the cell phone.”

"Yes, that's okay. Enjoy your seminar. I'll take care of Anthony."

"Thank you El." Clara said as she hung up the phone.

"What is it? Is Anthony all right?” Louis asked.

Clara nodded slowly, “yeah, he's fine. I'm just a bit worried about having to leave it on all day. Especially now that I'm trapped in this seminar.” Clara said as she shrugged her shoulders.

“You should also think about your studies, Cla. I'm sure Anthony will be fine. Besides, I'm sure you will enjoy this seminar. Especially after you know who will be the speaker.” Louis smiled mysteriously.

Clara frowned. "Who is it?"

Louis didn't want to answer. He looked straight at the stage and pretended to ignore her.

“Thank you because you are willing to obey every rule in our seminar. Today, I respectfully invite Mr. Lucas Mark Axton as a speaker at this seminar."

Somehow she felt familiar with the name of the speaker in the seminar.

Sounds of admiration and applause caught Clara's attention after the master of ceremonies announced the name of the speaker in their seminar.

Clara turned her head and stared at the stage.

Instantly she felt her heart stop beating as she stared at a handsome man like a Greek god who was standing in a black shirt with a dark gray suit that wrapped around his well-built body. His hazel eyes glared sharply, and his hard jawline further emphasized his charisma. His face is framed by a sharp nose, thin lips, and beautiful curly eyelashes.

Go to hell! Clara still clearly remembered his face.

That man… he was her client three days ago. Yes, he is. That's not wrong. He really is. And Cheryl swears that the man isn't over her either.

Lucas Mark Axton. Lucas Axton—a man she had kicked when she was running away to go to the hospital.

Clara immediately stood up. She grabbed her bag and was planning to exit the seminar room before a voice stopped her as she walked past the stage, as the exit was right beside the stage.

"Miss," said the hazel-eyed man.

From his smile, Clara could tell that he was a demon trapped in an angel's form.

Clara's body shook with fear. She bit his lower lip—waiting for the moment of punishment for her sin.

Oh gosh, that man will definitely reveal her identity. He would definitely embarrass her.