THE OFFER

"Are you sure I'd sell myself for money?" I shot back, and my voice was stern and angry.

He crossed his arms and leaned against his sleek black car. He looked startled, but his blue eyes had a hint of anger in them. “You’re not trying to sell yourself. It’s a business arrangement.”

"Agreement for business?" I repeated, feeling shocked and confused. “You mean pretending to be your girlfriend?”

"Yes," he said in a steady voice. “For one year. You get financial security, and I get to keep my picture intact.”

My heart was beating fast as I crossed my arms tightly. Behind us, the crowded hall buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses. “You think I’m just some gold-digger who would jump at the chance?”

“No,” he said, moving closer, his gaze intense. “I think you’re an artist who deserves more than this.” He pointed toward the gallery.

His words sent a mix of feelings swirling inside me. Was he really giving me a way out? But I quickly pushed that thought away. “And what do you get out of it?”

“Control over my public image,” he said simply. “And a chance to have someone real by my side.”

“Real?” I scoffed. “You don’t even know me!”

“I know enough,” he answered, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “You’re talented. You have potential.”

I paused, torn between pride and desperation. My art business was struggling, and my bills were piling up. What if this was my chance?

“What if I say yes?” I asked carefully.

“Then we’ll make it work,” Nathaniel said, a hint of a smile breaking through his serious attitude.

But even as I considered it, doubt crept in. “I can’t just pretend to be someone I’m not.”

Nathaniel furrowed his brow, confusion written on his face. Why wouldn’t I see the chance he was offering? Did he really think I would accept such an arrangement?

“Why not?” he pressed gently. “This could change everything for you.”

“It’s not just about money,” I shot back, my voice shaking slightly. “I won’t lose myself in this… whatever it is you want.”

He studied me for a moment, trying to understand why I was so resistant. Did he really believe that taking his offer would mean losing myself?

Just then, Sam rushed over, her eyes wide with worry. “Evelyn! You can’t be serious!”

I turned to my friend, torn between joy and fear.

“Think about it!” Sam urged. “He’s a billionaire! This is dangerous!”

“I’ll be fine,” I replied firmly, looking back at Nathaniel. “I can handle myself.”

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow at my confidence, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of respect for him.

“You have one week to decide,” he said before turning away, leaving me standing there with my heart beating.

As Nathaniel walked back toward the hall, confusion gnawed at me. Why would I reject such an offer? Most people would jump at the chance for financial security someone like me who was suffering.

Inside the gallery, laughter and chatter surrounded me as guests admired the art on show. But my mind kept going back to Nathaniel and his offer.

Later that evening, as guests continued to mix around me, I caught glimpses of Nathaniel across the room. He was animated as he spoke with admirers beautiful women laughing at his jokes while he kept an air of confidence that drew people in like moths to a flame.

I shook my head slightly; I couldn’t let myself get sidetracked by him or his world.

“You’re staring,” Sam teased as she nudged me jokingly.

“I’m not,” I complained weakly but couldn’t hide the blush creeping up my cheeks.

“Right.” Sam rolled her eyes but smiled knowingly. “Just remember why you’re here.”

I sighed heavily and turned back to my artwork a series of vibrant landscapes that mirrored my dreams and struggles.

As the night wore on, Nathaniel approached my table again with an easy smile that made my heart skip a beat.

“Your work is impressive,” he said sincerely as he studied one of my paintings closely.

“Thank you,” I answered shyly.

“What inspires you?” he asked as he studied another piece.

“Life… pain… beauty in struggle,” I answered honestly.

He nodded slowly as if contemplating my words deeply. There was something captivating about how he interacted with art; it reminded me of my own passion but in a different context.

“That’s powerful,” he said quietly.

Our eyes locked for a moment longer than necessary before Sam stopped us with an exaggerated cough.

“Excuse me!” Sam chimed in jokingly as she stepped between us. “I need my best friend for a second.”

I shot her an angry look but followed her away from Nathaniel’s magnetic presence.

“What was that about?” Sam whispered hurriedly as we stepped aside.

“I was just talking,” I responded defensively.

“Talking? It looked like you were flirting!” Sam teased again but then grew serious. “Be careful with him.”

“I know,” I said quietly as I glanced back at Nathaniel again, who was now involved in conversation with another guest.

The evening continued with laughing and conversations flowing around us like wine from overflowing glasses. But all I could think about was Nathaniel’s offer and why it felt so difficult to accept it.

As we prepared to leave the gallery later that night, Sam pulled me away once more.

“You’re really considering this?” she asked quietly, concern etched on her face.

“I don’t know yet,” I revealed honestly. “But I can’t ignore how much I need this opportunity.”

Sam sighed heavily but nodded in understanding.

Just then, we heard raised voices coming from across the room—Nathaniel was arguing with another guy who looked furious.

“What’s going on?” Sam whispered hurriedly as we moved closer to see better.

“Who does he think he is?” the man shouted angrily at Nathaniel before storming out of the hall.

A knot formed in my gut as I watched Nathaniel stand there alone for a moment before running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“What was that about?” Sam asked wide-eyed as we approached him carefully.

Nathaniel turned to us with a weary look that surprised me; it was different from his usual confident attitude.

“It’s nothing,” he said dismissively but didn’t meet our eyes directly.

“It didn’t look like nothing,” I said softly, worry creeping into my voice despite myself.

“It doesn’t matter.” He shrugged slightly but then added more seriously, “I’m dealing with some business issues.”

I wanted to ask more but sensed that now wasn’t the time; instead, I chose to change the subject slightly again.

“Well… thank you for your offer tonight.”

Nathaniel looked at me closely again; this time there was something vulnerable in his gaze that made my heart race despite everything else swirling around us.

“You’re welcome.” He paused before adding softly, “I hope you consider it.”

Before I could react further or even think clearly about what I wanted to say next my phone buzzed loudly in my pocket breaking through our moment of connection entirely!

I pulled it out quickly only to see an unknown number flashing across the screen a name that sent chills down my spine instantly!

Just as I looked up at Nathaniel again with wide eyes filled with dread about who might be calling he suddenly stepped closer again and asked softly: “Is everything okay?”