CHAPTER TWO: Marry me, Tiffany

Zac’s POV

It was just past noon, but the throbbing headache from three consecutive all-nighters still weighed on me. I sat at my neatly organized desk, staring blankly at the city skyline visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The silence was broken by the sudden ring of my phone.

It was Martini, an old business partner my late father trusted.

“Hey Martini, what’s up?” I answered, trying to mask the exhaustion in my voice.

“Zac, I need you at The Red Room tonight. I’ve managed to sway the investors for Project Rainbow. Are you game?”

“The Red Room… a strip club?” I frowned, disbelief creeping into my tone. “You know that’s not my style, Martini.”

“I know, but this is the only chance we’ve got with Mr. Suarez and Lorenzo.” His voice grew firm. “We need to move this project forward.”

“Can’t we find a more conventional setting?” I rubbed my temples, feeling the frustration mounting.

“I know it’s not ideal for you.” His tone softened but remained resolute. “But the stakes are high.”

Partnering with my late father’s colleagues would give me an edge over my uncle. If this is what it takes, then I’m all in for it.

“What time are we meeting?”

“10 PM is fine,”he confirmed.

I hung up, staring at the phone screen for a moment before turning back to my unfinished work.

Hours after, the door swung open, and my best friend Angelo walked in with his usual grin plastered across his face.

“Hey Zac! You know working overtime won’t change Grandpa’s mind about the Chairmanship.” He raised an eyebrow, glancing at my disheveled appearance.

“It’s not about impressing him; it’s about taking control,” I replied, tilting my head slightly to meet his gaze.

“Your eye bags are saying otherwise, actually. Uhm… why not allow your uncle handle the position until next year?” He suggested.

“Whose side are you on again, Angelo?” I snapped.

“Yours… obviously. But if you want to act fast, marry Bella and get it over with.”

“You know me, Angelo…I’m a principled man." I sneered. "My Uncle knows I'm not interested in Bella, yet he thinks arranging a marriage with her will make me back off?"

“You were only a child then. How can you be so sure that wasn’t your father’s signature?” Angelo leaned forward, scratching his head slightly.

“My father would never go this low: but I guess I’ll have to deal with that myself.”

“So… are you ready to leave now ?” He let out a deep sigh, changing the topic.

“Yeah, but I need you to pick up those files at my condo and meet me in Manhattan. Catch!” I tossed a key toward him.

“No way, Zac. It’s high time you hired a personal assistant. I also have my own company to run, remember?”

“C’mon, what are friends for?” I smirked, though the weight of my responsibilities hung heavy. “I’ll make it up to you.”

Angelo reluctantly agreed, and we both left the company building.

***********************************************

The meeting was a success, but I stayed seated in the VVIP booth, sharply dressed in a black suit, leaning back on the couch. The flashing lights, the loud music, and the chaos of the club felt irritating—until I saw Martini walking toward me.

“Congratulations, Zac. Lorenzo’s already gone?”

“Not really, he…” My words caught in my throat as I watched an alluring figure stride towards the stage.

The lights blurred, the music faded, and everything around me disappeared except her—a mesmerizing presence, drawing me in like a magnet, urging me to close the distance between us.

“Who’s that girl?” I swallowed hard.

“Oh, her? That’s Tiffany. Quite the enigma, isn’t she?”

My heart raced, a pull in my chest that went beyond just physical attraction.

What is it about her that’s so captivating?

“Nobody knows much about her,” Martini continued, taking a swig of his vodka. “But she’s in high demand tonight, and that’s what matters.”

This is ridiculous. I came here for business, not to get distracted by a stripper… Or should I have my men contact her after the show?

“You seem distracted, Zac,” Martini observed, pulling me from my thoughts.

“C’mon, Martini… Actually, I need to get going.” I glanced at my watch, irritation creeping into my tone.

“Please, hold on.” Martini held up a hand and, reaching for his small control phone, dialed one of his men. “Get Tiffany ready,” he instructed. “Take her to Lorenzo’s suite.”

My heart skipped, tension rushing through me like a time bomb. It felt like I was being robbed of my prize.

“Martini, I want Tiffany in my suite as well,” I commanded, my expression hardening.

I needed to unravel the mystery behind this sudden obsession before my emotions got the better of me.

“Did I hear you correctly, Zac? Or are my ears playing tricks on me?” Martini’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Absolutely.”

“Zac, this isn’t a business transaction. You’re making a personal request,” he said, his face faltering.

“You know me, Martini. I don’t take no for an answer.”

“Actually, Lorenzo is expecting her tonight. You can pick someone else.”

“How about I shut this place down by tomorrow?” I leaned in, my voice low and steady. “The last time I checked, this land belongs to me. Now do we have an understanding?”

“Alright, I’ll do what you ask, but this is going to be a tough conversation with Lorenzo.” His voice trembled with unease.

I downed the last of my drink, tossing the cup aside. “Good night, Martini,” I said, rising to leave.

“I hope this ends well for us,” Martini muttered, adjusting his tie as I made my exit.

*******************

A short drive later, I stood at the entrance to my suite, pausing momentarily as I took a sight of the beautiful woman standing by the window. The warm lights bathed her shimmering dress, casting a glow that danced across the room’s walls. Her back was exposed, showcasing her small waist and curvy body.

Admiration and curiosity stirred in my chest, but I kept my composure as I approached her slowly, taking a steady stride.

“You must be Tiffany,” I said softly, clearing my throat to get her attention.

She barely moved: Her expression, tinged with disappointment, her eyes darting around the room restlessly, as though searching for something—anything—behind my shadows.

“Are you alright?” I asked,concern creeping into my voice.

Her gaze finally met mine, and beneath the pink wig and tacky makeup, I caught a glimpse of innocence—raw and unexpected.

“Rest assured, you’re in a safe space.” I stepped closer, closing the distance. .

“Who are you?” Her voice laced with suspicion, her steps retreating as if searching for an escape.

“You don’t seem excited to see me,” I slipped off my jacket , my movements causing her to step back further until her back was pressed against the wall.

“You’re not Lorenzo… this must be a mistake.” Her breath hitched as she fumbled for the exit. “I have other obligations…I can’t stay here.”

Does she not realize who I am? Does she not recognize me? Many women would kill for a chance like this—why Lorenzo? Does she prefer older men?

“Not so fast, Tiffany.” I reached for her waist, pulling her gently toward me, my chest pressing against hers. “You don’t seem to belong here.”

“Neither do you!” She grabbed my neck with sudden strength, making me lose my grip. Her voice was sharp. “You don’t look like you’re here for the show either.”

Why is she so fierce? I like her.

“Well that makes the two of us,” I smirked, gently pulling her hands off my neck.

“I don’t have time for this, Mister,” she muttered, backing away quickly. “Staying here is costing me a lot more.”

“Hold on… I’ll pay double what you charge.” I followed her from behind, urgency creeping into my tone.

“Not interested.” She scoffed, her steps quickening toward the door.

What else would convince a mere stripper to stay?

“Then marry me, Tiffany!” The words flew out before I could think, leaving me stunned at my own audacity.