We left the room and walked to his car in silence. We got in, still silent."What was that? What are you planning to do with me?" I asked, bewildered."For now, I'll take you to get some real food," he decided, starting the car, as cool as a cucumber.-The "real food" Lucius referred to was this glorious cheeseburger I was biting into. My hands were messy with all the sauces I had added. He was in the same state, focusing on the fries on our little table.We must have looked like quite the sight—dressed as if we'd just come from a black-tie event, yet sitting beside a street burger stand. There were few customers around, each minding their own business, so no one paid us much attention. Lucius had left his jacket in the car, and I had tied my hair up in a messy bun to keep it clean."I told you I'd bring you somewhere with real food," he boasted."Careful, a nutritionist might hear you and scold you," I replied, though I couldn't deny the burger was delicious. "They must've wan
Being a real estate agent for a project as grand as the New Century Project required qualities like eloquence, distinction, elegance, and sharpness. The truth was that I, Marianne Fairmount, only pretended that these traits were part of my identity while selling properties to make ends meet. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother maintaining a different personality in front of a client.But there was a stark difference between my "work self" and my "normal self." The former required concentration, rest, and assertiveness—things I felt I was struggling to muster during this tour of the partially constructed mall."When will the project be completed?" Ernest, one of the secretaries of the businessman who was a potential buyer, asked. His boss couldn't attend in person due to his schedule."We expect to finish by the end of the second quarter of the year. As you can see, we're currently ahead of schedule," I explained as we walked through the white-walled structure.Ernest took several photos a
"It's true that you can work under pressure. You don't disappoint, Marianne.""In the long run, you get used to meeting irrational expectations. It's the primary requirement for our client profile," I explained as we both got into the elevator. I pressed the button to go up."Irrational… I like that word," he said, stroking his chin.I glanced at him, narrowing my eyes. I couldn't lose my patience with my boss, owner, and supposed fiance. The doors opened quickly, and we stepped onto the second-to-last floor. I took the property keys out of my jacket, and we entered.The apartment was a dream. It had been decorated by a famous interior designer in the city, had plenty of space, and was up to the standard of a millionaire like Lucius. I recited its features aloud."Four bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. A spacious living and dining area with a privileged view of the sea," I explained. "The kitchen is any food lover's dream. All the appliances are new. It's been recently
I gathered my strength to hold back, but things weren't working out the way I wanted. There was no way Lucius could accompany me to see that apartment. No way at all."You can't come with me to see that apartment!" My voice came out louder and shriller than I wanted."Why not? I showed you mine. Or are you hiding something?" he joked."What's the point of you seeing the place where I'll be living? It's unnecessary," I said defensively.The elevator doors opened on the ground floor, and I started to step out. I had one foot out when I heard Lucius's voice, firm and resolute."Step out of this elevator, and there won't be a wedding."Fear filled every corner of me. I looked at him, terrified. He looked unperturbed, far from the playful Lucius I knew. I had managed to put him in a bad mood, perhaps on the defensive as well."Let's start with the rules of this agreement, Marianne. I don't like being contradicted when I know I'm right.""That's entirely subjective..." I dodged."Is
This city had a gentrification problem, which had skyrocketed just in the past year. In the year when I was oblivious to mortal issues because of my rich ex-fiance. I should never have gotten used to that comfort. Or dreamed of more than I could earn with my own hands. My mother was right: depend on a man, and your life would depend on something volatile and unstable."How many months' advance do you need?" I asked, resigned to my fate."Three months' deposit, and six months' rent in advance. Oh, and the curfew is 7 PM. The doors are double-locked after that.""Excuse me... what do you mean the doors are locked? Who locks them?""I do. I live in the next room."My mouth clamped shut in shock. I couldn't say anything in response to the woman's brazen expression. The only sound I heard was Lucius's suppressed laughter in the background. He was struggling not to burst out laughing. The woman gave him another reprimanding look."Sorry, I just remembered a joke," he excused himself, c
Never underestimate how fast a woman without a home could move. Within hours, she had filled out all the forms and gathered most of the documents she needed to apply for the mortgage. It would be enough for an average-priced, cozy, two-bedroom apartment near the city center. Nothing luxurious, but a great investment for the coming years.“Did you manage to save us months of work and sell the project?” Jenna asked, leaning against one of the walls of my cubicle at the company.“No. But they promised to get back to me for negotiations. It was a good first meeting,” I said, gathering the files I needed to print.“Well, that’s good news, but maybe not good enough to justify drinking two more cups of coffee,” she said, eyeing the empty cups on my desk skeptically. “Are you trying to give yourself a heart attack? Or are you aiming for a hospital stay to cash in on health insurance? I promise, I could be a better roommate.”I made a face to show that wasn’t the case and invited Jenna to c
“We can’t have more surprises with my marriage and your nephew being so close,” Amanda said, emphasizing the juiciest words so others would overhear. “On Saturday night, Andrew and I are hosting a welcome dinner at our apartment for your new partner. Mom and Dad will be there. Trust me, we’re all excited to learn more about your relationship and see if it will end in marriage. I mean, your hand is still empty.”With a pointed look at my bare fingers, that witch walked away. She left those who had overheard the conversation with questions about who on earth my new boyfriend was, whether it was true that he was one of our superiors, and confirming the rumor that she was pregnant with my ex’s child.“You think you can beat me, princess?” I ground my teeth, craving revenge.I got up and headed to Lucius’s office. I didn’t knock. I walked right in because I knew he was alone, not talking on a video call or anything.“I need a ring. The biggest, gaudiest engagement ring you can find,” I
Friday arrived, and with it, the night I had dreaded finally came. My panicked face was probably worth a portrait as I announced myself at the entrance of Lucius’s new building. They let me in quickly, and the elevator moved faster than I would have liked. In a few seconds, I was knocking on his door, and a few more seconds later, he opened it.“Look who’s here. I thought you wouldn’t come, considering you think I bite,” he greeted me with that shameless smile. The most shameless part was that he was wearing pajama pants, no shirt, and his hair was messier than ever.“Were you sleeping? Weren’t you supposed to have some appointment earlier?”“Did I? Well, I’m a nocturnal creature anyway. Come in,” he mocked, stepping aside to let me enter.I did, biting back my tongue and holding back aggressive comments. My boss had fully moved into his new apartment. He hadn’t changed its design since he’d arrived, but one thing had changed—the smell. It was a noticeable, masculine scent. His sce