Chapter 14 Are You Following Me?
The bold print “Grand Dance Gala” caught my eye. Almost without thinking, I bent down and picked it up. My spirits instantly lifted when I saw the phrase “one million dollar prize.” I eagerly read on.
It turned out to be a major dance competition sponsored by a group of international hotels. The winner, chosen by audience vote, would take home a million dollars.
I was sold. If I could win that prize, it would cover almost half of my father’s gambling debt.
I checked the sign–up deadline–midnight tonight. My heart jumped; it was already past eight in the evening. After a quick glance at the address, I felt a wave of relief. It was close by.
I followed the directions to a luxurious hotel. Stepping into the polished lobby, my eyes landed on a familiar silhouette. Charles. Seriously, was he following me or something? I ran into him everywhere,
He was walking toward the elevators with a woman by his side. She was slender, with long, straight hair cascading down her back. Even from behind, she had that pure vibe.
So this was why he said he wasn’t coming home tonight. He was checking into a hotel with his precious beloved. A bitter, aching feeling twisted inside my chest.
I forced myself to shake it off and took a deep breath. Now wasn’t the time for heartache. I had to focus on what really mattered: getting that money.
The receptionist politely informed me that sign–ups were being held in the second–floor conference room,
I found the door and knocked. A vaguely familiar male voice called out, “Come in.”
I paused, trying to place it, but came up blank.
When I opened the door, a cloud of thick smoke hit me. Inside, a group of men were playing pool in what looked less like a conference room and more like an upscale lounge.
The space was hazy and smelled of expensive alcohol and cigars. High–end gaming equipment was scattered around. I double–checked the placard on the door. It definitely said “Conference Room.” Was I in the right place?
A good–looking man leaning against the pool table looked up and gave me a once–over. His shirt was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a toned chest, and his grin was anything but innocent.
He noticed me and whistled softly. “Well, well… if it isn’t Anna Thompson?”
I studied him closely, and it clicked. It was Lucas Carter, one of Charles’s friends. I’d seen them out for a drink together before.
It had shocked me at the time. How could someone as reserved as Charles be friends with a guy like that?
Now it finally made sense: maybe Charles’s whole straight–laced persona was just an act. Underneath it all, he was probably just as flashy, reckless, and cruel as the rest of them.
I took a step back. “Sorry, I think I have the wrong room.”
Lucas chuckled, “If you’re here to sign up for the Grand Dance Gala, you’re exactly where you need to be. But if you’re looking for Charles, then yeah, wrong place.”
I hesitated. “Right here? I’m looking for whoever’s running the show. The person doing the interviews?”
“You’re looking at them,” he said, gesturing toward the guys behind him, who all grinned like this was some inside joke.
Taking in their spoiled, playboy vibes, I couldn’t help but feel deeply skeptical.
Lucas crossed his arms and grinned. “This hotel is mine. The Grand Dance Gala? Just something my buddies and I put together to kill time, and maybe meet a few beautiful women while we’re at it.”
He winked. “That’s why we’re handling sign–ups ourselves. Can’t leave it to some boring HR people. They’ve got no eye for this kind of thing. Don’t you agree, darling Anna?”
Darling Anna? Ugh. This guy was such a player.
Still, I put on my sweetest smile and asked, “So… do I qualify?”
Lucas stroked his chin, looking me over with an exaggerated once–over before nodding slowly. “Figure’s great, face is definitely easy on the eyes, but…”
“But what?” I pressed.
Successfully unlocked!
He let out an overly dramatic sigh. “But I’m just worried Charles might come after me if I let you in.”
I kept my expression neutral. “Charles and I are done. I’m not his concern anymore.”
1/2
Chapter 14 Are You Following Me?
“Really?” Lucas pulled out his phone, tapping the screen thoughtfully. “I don’t know… When Charles gets mad, he’s kind of terrifying.”
I didn’t doubt that. But this was a dance competition, not some secret meetup with Ethan. I didn’t think he’d get angry.
Besides, he was clearly wrapped up with his “first love,” Cheryl now. Why would he care what I did?
The image of that million–dollar prize flashed in my mind. My father’s debt loomed over me. I had to do this.
“Look,” I said firmly, “even if there was something between us, which there isn’t, he doesn’t get to tell me what to do.”
Lucas dragged out an “Ooh…” with a sly grin. “Alright, you said it. If he comes at me, you’ve got my back, yeah?”
I nodded earnestly. He was definitely overthinking it. Charles coming at him? Why would Charles even care?
After a bit more convincing, Lucas finally agreed to sign me up. The gala started at 7 tomorrow night. He told me to go home and get ready.
I dragged myself home, completely exhausted. I didn’t even bother to shower and just collapsed onto the bed, sprawled out like a starfish.
After the bankruptcy, I quickly learned how privileged my old life was. Now, money was always on my mind.
I needed to get a job and start saving, fast. If Charles ever walked out, I’d have nothing to fall back on.
I was lost in my thoughts when suddenly, the bathroom door opened.
I jolted upright and saw Charles walking out in his bathrobe.
I stared at him, totally shocked. “You… I–I thought you went to a hotel with your love?”
He smirked, looking like he was in a pretty good mood.
That put me a little more at ease. Seemed like the anger from earlier was gone. His first love Cheryl’s charm was still strong. Just a little time with her and he’d already cheered up.
Charles came over, lifted my chin, and asked with a smile, “Did you follow me?”
“As if! I just happened to see you, and that’s all.”
“Oh really?” He leaned in and kissed me. “You know, following me isn’t a big deal. You can just admit it.”
The guy was hard to read. One minute he was insecure; the next he was so overconfident it was almost funny. I could never figure him out.
He was looking at me with this intense gaze, like he wanted to devour me right then and there.
But all I could think about was him and his first love at the hotel. I pulled back, avoiding his kiss, and mumbled that I was
tired.
His expression instantly darkened. “What, just because you saw Ethan tonight, I can’t touch you now?”
I was speechless.
Then his phone rang, “Lucas” flashing brightly on the screen.
2/2
