A wicked proposition

The day continued still, a very slow, and painstaking torture. Every customer interaction that is going on in the cafe, every sounds of spoons against mugs, felt so loud because of the weight of Alexander Steele's threat. Emily dug the expensive napkin from her apron pocket, a constant reminder of the hard situation she found herself in.

Finally her shift ended, she hurried out, the crisp autumn air offering little help. The short walk to her apartment was a moment of worry, Never had she felt such fear. Every bill of debt notice plastered on her door seemed to scream at her, a constant reminder of her financial situation.

Unlocking the thin door, she was greeted by the familiar warmth of her tiny apartment. The worn furniture and tiny carpet made her feel even more wretched than usual. How could she possibly afford to "pay back" Alexander Steele for something that was clearly an accident?

Exhaustion finally took hold and Emily collapsed on the couch, burying her face in a pillow. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a mix of grief because of Mark's betrayal and fear of the unknown future Alexander had thrust on her.

Sleep offered little help that night. She woke up at intervals all through the night. Her phone silent, no missed calls, no text messages. Yet the dread got to her, a constant presence in the back of her mind..

Halfway through her shift at the café, a sleek black car pulled up outside. Emily’s heart started beating against her ribs as a man in a sharp suit came out of the car. She knew it was from him, Her Nemesis. It wasn't Alexander, but someone with the same air of quiet authority. He walked into the café and approached her directly.

"Emily Grace?" he asked, his voice clipped but polite.

"Yes, that's me," she responded , her voice tight with apprehension, her heart beating very fast at this point.

"Mr. Steele has requested your presence at his office," the man informed her, handing her a business card with the Steele Enterprises logo written on it. "He expects you at 2 pm sharp, he also said I should tell you not to keep him waiting”.

A wave of dread washed over Emily and her blood went cold immediately right there on the spot. This was it. Her palms started turning sweaty once again , a familiar shiver running through her hands. An office meeting with a billionaire? This was not how she envisioned spending her Wednesday afternoon.

The fear of what could go wrong, the knowledge that plenty things could, was unbearable. As the intimidating man left, Maya rushed to Emily's side.

“Tell me, what did he say”? Maya pressed.

“He said the main Mr scary face wants to see me by 2pm on the dot!, what conversation could I possibly have with a billionaire”? Emily responded, her voice barely above a whisper

“Maybe he wants to teach you the ways of the rich, or probably how to use the cutlery”Maya reassured her.

They both fell into a series of laughter.

“But seriously tho, just stay calm, you would be fine eventually”,.she said, as she took a turn back to her post.

“I really hope so”Emily murmured.

The rest of the day passed by quickly in a blur. Serving coffee and pastries felt funny, the customers a blur of faces, Fear had a chokehold on her throughout the day.

At precisely 1:45 pm, Emily finished off her shift, her legs trembling very much as she walked out the door.

The journey to Steele Enterprises was a blur of towering buildings and bustling city streets filled with people that were just minding their businesses. Inside the imposing glass and steel building, a nice and pretty receptionist greeted her with a smile that seemed practiced.

"Mr. Steele's office is on the top floor," she informed Emily, her voice smooth and professional.

Emily entered a high-speed elevator, her stomach was growling with every floor that it climbed. When the doors finally opened, she saw a breathtaking view of the city sprawled out below.

Following a stern-faced assistant through a series of beautiful offices, Emily finally reached Alexander Steele's office . The mahogany door stared at her, heavy and imposing. Her hand trembled as she reached for the doorknob.

Taking a deep breath, Emily pushed the door open as gently as possible.

The office was a vision of masculine luxury. Leather armchairs was set on a plush carpet, and a panoramic window showed the city skyline that gave it a very beautiful look. Behind a massive oak desk sat Alexander Steele, looking even more imposing and scary than he had in the café.

He gestured to a chair in front of his desk. "Miss Grace," he greeted her, his voice lacking all warmth.

Emily sat down, her back straight, feeling like a mouse facing a lion. "Mr. Steele," She replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Let's cut to the chase," he began, his gaze not wavering. "Your little accident yesterday caused some… inconvenience."

"I apologize again, Mr. Steele. It was completely unintentional," Emily stammered.

"Apologies are not enough," he countered, leaning back in his chair. "My suit is ruined, and my time is valuable."

He took a folder from his desk and slid it across the polished surface. "This is the bill for the replacement suit and cleaning."

Emily opened the folder, dread pooling in her stomach. The amount listed was mind blowing – a sum that would take her years to pay off, if ever.

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the numbers on the page. "I can't afford this," Emily said out loud, her voice thick with emotion. "I barely make enough to live by."

Alexander looked at her for a long moment, she could not read his expression . Then, a flicker of something resembling amusement crossed his features.

"Don't worry, Miss Grace," he said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "I have a proposition for you."

Emily’s heart sped up once again . Could this be a way out? A chance to avoid drowning in debt? "What kind of proposition?" She asked.