Charlotte's heels wobbled on the floor as she made her way towards Sebastian, the sleek black stilettos Taylor had convinced her to wear now feeling like weapon of torture. She followed Sebastian's gaze, his eyes fixed on her with an unblinking stare, his jaw hanging slack.
"Mr. Grande, is everything okay?" Charlotte asked, concern flashing in her eyes. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Sebastian shook off the trance, his face flushing. "Ah, yes... please, sit." He hastily offered her a chair.
"Thank you," Charlotte murmured, surprised by his sudden courtesy.
Sebastian's eyes remained locked on her, his expression softening in admiration. "You're absolutely breathtaking," he said, his voice tinged with sincerity.
Charlotte's nervous sigh escaped, her cheeks flushing. "Thank you," she replied, her words barely above a whisper. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to thank him profusely but she didn't want to appear desperate even though that was already her situation.
"Mr. Sebastian, I—"
"Call me Sebastian, Orchid," he interrupted, his knowing smile hinting at familiarity.
"Orchid," Charlotte murmured, her brow furrowing slightly. The name irritated her, but she had to play along for the contract's sake.
Sebastian's keen eyes caught her subtle frown. "You don't like the name?" he asked.
Charlotte forced a bright smile. "No, it's fine. I'm just accustomed to Charlotte or Charlie among friends. This is a formal setting, after all."
Sebastian's gaze lingered before he interjected, "I'll call you Orchid, nonetheless."
Just then, his phone rang, shrill in the silence. Charlotte's eyes darted to the screen, where "Tulips" flashed with three heart emojis. Her gaze flicked back to Sebastian.
Sebastian's smile faltered as he disconnected the call. "What would you like to eat?" he asked hastily, attempting to divert Charlotte's attention.
"You can take the call," Charlotte said, her voice laced with forced politeness. "I don't mind."
Sebastian waved his hand dismissively. "It's not important."
Charlotte's gaze drifted away, her eyes flashing with annoyance. She had prayed for this contract, but why did it come with the added nuisance of a playboy like Sebastian?
"I highly recommend the rare medium-cooked steak," Sebastian continued, signaling the waiter. "It's exceptional."
"I'm not hungry," Charlotte lied, her patience wearing thin. "I ate before coming." Now she just wanted to discuss about the contract and the conditions attached to get it.
Sebastian's face fell, "Oh, well..."
But Charlotte's stomach had other plans, growling loudly in protest. Sebastian's lips curled into a broad smile.
"I guess your stomach says otherwise," he teased, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Charlotte's cheeks flushed scarlet as she hastily pressed a hand to her stomach, her gaze darting to the glass of water on the table.
Sebastian's chuckle was low and smooth. "I know you're eager to discuss the contract, but you have to eat, okay?" His voice was calm and soothing, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.
Charlotte's embarrassment deepened, her flush spreading to her neck. "Fine," she muttered, relinquishing her protest.
Sebastian signaled the waiter, his smile still in place. "We'll have two of your finest rare medium-cooked steaks, please."
The waiter nodded and left, leaving Charlotte to squirm under Sebastian's amused gaze.
"So... You agreed," Sebastian said, his hands clasping together in satisfaction.
"I thought you weren't going to accept my proposal," he continued, his smile widening. "I guess you really need this contract."
Charlotte's lips compressed into a thin line.
"Mr. Sebastian–"
"Call me Sebastian, Orc–" Sebastian interjected, his voice smooth.
"I prefer calling you Mr. Sebastian, Mr. Sebastian," Charlotte countered, her smile mirroring his.
Sebastian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he chuckled softly. She was bold.
"Alright, Orchid. Go on," he said, leaning back in his chair.
Charlotte cleared her throat. "I'm curious, Mr. Sebastian, why did you offer me this contract?" Her keen eyes locked onto his.
Sebastian leaned back, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "Well, Orchid, I want to go on a 100-day date with you."
Charlotte's grip on the armrest tightened.
"Why?" she asked, her voice calculated.
Sebastian's smile widened. "Let me ask you a question instead. Be sincere, it won't affect the offer,"
"Infact–" He signaled Taylor, who promptly appeared with a folder.
"Here's the contract," Sebastian said, handing Charlotte the pen.
Charlotte's eyes widened as she accepted the pen, her gaze dropping to the document. The words blurred together, but one phrase stood out: "Five Million Dollars."
As she scanned the pages, two waiters arrived with their food and an expensive bottle of champagne.
Sebastian's smile remained as he watched Charlotte's go through it. For some reasons, he felt joy anytime she is surprised or excited at something.
"Let's eat after you sign it, then we can continue our conversation. Our food's getting cold," he suggested.
Charlotte's gaze lifted from the pen, studying Sebastian's expression. Was this a trap?
She needed clarity.
"What?" Sebastian asked, sensing her unspoken question. "You want to ask me something?"
Charlotte's sigh was measured. "During the 100 Days date arrangement... I suppose I won't be... you know, having... uh..."
Her voice trailed off, replaced by a pointed look.
Sebastian's amusement grew. "You mean sleeping with me?"
Charlotte nodded subtly, her eyes issuing a silent warning.
Sebastian's laughter erupted, showcasing his flawless teeth. "Hahahaha, Orchid, you're so funny."
Charlotte stared at him without battling an eyelid.
Sebastian's smile faded, replaced by a serious tone. "You asked why I wanted to go on a date with you."
He leaned in, his eyes locked onto hers. "Do you like me?"
Charlotte's brows furrowed. "What?"
Sebastian repeated, his voice measured, "Do you find me likable? From first sight? Be sincere."
Charlotte hesitated, weighing her response. After a calculated pause, she replied, "No, I don't find you likable."
The air thickened with tension as they stared at each other, the silence stretching to a minute.
Sebastian broke the silence, his voice low and smooth. "Well, that's why we're going on this date – for you to like me... and even sleep with me."
A sly smile crept across his lips. "Who knows, you might be the one asking for it."