(POV - Ludmila Benson)
This week went by so fast. I barely had time to prepare myself — physically and mentally — for our affair tomorrow night.
No. Affair sounded nasty. Let's called it a business transaction.
I did try to expand my research on Sebastian, but there was barely any information about him on the internet. I only found some blurry images of him and a few articles regarding Barclays Banks.
He didn't have any social media, but I wasn't surprised. That man didn't look like a person who would post his life on social media. I couldn't even imagine him taking a selfie.
But still, it's bizarre because a high profile person like Sebastian Moran usually had their professional information recorded on the internet, whether it's a page on Wikipedia or at least a Linkedin account.
Sebastian Moran had neither.
It was frustrating not knowing about your enemy. But I was sure he's not married, at least I didn't see any ring on his finger. So it's fair game.
It's not an affair.
But I couldn't take him down if I didn't know anything about him.
"Oh well, one step at a time. At least I get Kovach," I mumbled to myself, staring at my reflection on my bedroom mirror.
The emerald green satin slip dress hugged the curves of my body perfectly. It reached my ankles but the high slit exposed my freshly waxed and smooth legs. My gold strapped sandals peeked from underneath my flowy yet alluring cocktail dress.
I did my best with my natural look makeup but I had to tame my wild hair by pinning it up in a simple bun. My neck and back were all exposed because of the low cut on the back of this cocktail dress, but it's better than to let my wild hair down.
I looked fantastic right now.
But I scowled at this different version of me.
My situation with Sebastian almost made me forgot about this day. A day that I dreaded the most.
Every year I had to attend the Gala Dinner held by Morgan&Company, a famous Management consulting firm founded by Phillip Morgan... my biological father.
I'd like to call him 'the sperm donor' though, rather than 'father'.
I grew up without parents, going from one boarding school to another almost the entirety of my teenage years. The only person that's close to the description of a parent for me was Arthur Benson. I even had his last name on my birth certificate.
He was Phillip Morgan's personal assistant slash butler. Dear old Arthur mostly handled frivolous matters in Phillip Morgan's private life, like managing his household to arranging events and trips for his family... and also, taking care of me. Phillip's illegitimate daughter.
I never knew my mother except for an old picture Arthur gave me for my seventeenth birthday. I didn't try to ask him about my dead mother either.
Phillip paid for my education and living expenses, but Arthur was the one who handled me directly. I even thought he was my real father because his name was on my birth certificate until Phillip introduced himself to me when I was twelve.
I was kept hidden from Phillip's family until I was fifteen and after that, all hell broke loose.
In short, I was not welcomed. And I got the memo.
I tried to cut our relationship when I graduated high school. But Phillip insisted to pay for my college education too after he knew I got accepted to Wharton Business School.
I ended up choosing English Literature at Columbia University just to piss him off.
It was childish, but I didn't regret it.
I tried to cut him off of my life again after college, but for some reasons he refused me. I still remembered the pure hatred I feel that day. He was barely in my life yet he wouldn't let me move on with my life in peace.
But in the end, we made a compromise. I had to show my face at least once a year until I could pay every penny I used for my tuitions and living expenses, plus the interest.
Phillip let me choose to meet either at his family Christmas dinner or his company anniversary party.
And obviously, I'd rather be hit by a bus than to come to his family event. Once was enough. That's why I had to attend this party no matter what.
He probably thought I wouldn't be able to save five hundred grand in this lifetime, that's why he agreed. But I already made up my mind, I would die trying than to let him own my life.
That's why I needed Sebastian's help.
If I could bring down Bill Kovach, I could get my promotion faster. And as the senior reporter I could get a loan of up to two hundred grand, with my current savings I would be able to pay half of the money I owed to Phillip Morgan.
Sure I would be broke instantly, but at least it would put a dent on his ego.
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves then plaster a flat smile on my face. "You can do this, Ludy."
***
The event was held in Phillip Morgan's monstrous mansion in Presidio Heights.
It was a private party where he gathered his rich and powerful buddies, from politicians to the executives of important companies.
But I knew this party was only a disguise for Phillip to gain some allies for his company. Morgan&Company main operation was to give advice on strategic management to corporations, governments, and other organizations. So he needed to maintain his relationships with the right people.
My stomach started churning nervously when my cab was getting closer to the Presidio Heights area.
My plan was the same as every other year. I would get inside, greet him, and went home after a glass of champagne. Easy in easy out. I just hoped I wouldn't meet his family on my way in and out.
I paid for my cab and walked into a tall black gate where cars keep coming in and out.
With a heavy sigh, I stared at the magnificent mansion in front of me. The place I hated the most in this whole world.
***
I arrived earlier than other invited guests. The entryway of this mansion was bustling with waiters and caterers, crates of foods and drinks were being delivered into the kitchen.
The party usually would be held in this mansion's massive garden that overlooked the beautiful scenery of the Bay Area.
An attendant took my H&M coat and I wandered to the hallway to find Arthur. He's the only person I knew in this place.
As if on cue, Arthur Benson's no-nonsense face appeared from the top of the grand staircase of this mansion. I smiled widely at him while he descending the stairs, his eyes gaze at me warmly.
At sixty years old, Arthur still looked pretty much the same as the man who picked me up from boarding school and let me stayed at his mother's house for the holiday. Only his hair changed, with a few gray streaks here and there.
"Ludmila, you look great."
"I know," I replied warmly before hugging him tightly. I miss him. He always smelled like sweet tobacco mixed with a hint of black coffee.
Arthur stiffened a moment. Skinship was the only thing he's uncomfortable with, but he patted my back a few times to return my affection.
I pulled myself from him and inspect his sharp grey suit. "You look great too."
"I usually am," he answered cheekily before stepping away from me. "Let's go. Mr. Morgan is waiting for you at his study."
My smile faded instantly, I nod grimly at him while trying to keep my smile but failed. "Well, let's get this over with, shall we?"