I trudged into the kitchen, dropping my purse onto the counter. "Two fucking days, and I'm still alive," I muttered to myself, trying to sound braver than I felt. "I don't need him."
I began unpacking the groceries I had bought from the market; the routine task provided a fleeting distraction from the ache in my chest. Eggs, milk, bread, and a huge bowl of ice cream – the essentials. I was the kind who ate a lot more when I was nervous or worried, but I guessed this heartbreak I was suffering from was way harsher than any worry.
So, I did what any typical girl who had passed through a severe heartbreak like mine would do: get a huge bowl of ice cream, some chips, and treats, then watch sad Korean movies all day until my eyes dried out of tears.
After putting away the last of the groceries, I placed the ice cream straight into the freezer and began making treats. Following a long cooking session, I glanced at the clock: 5:47 PM. Almost time for my favorite TV show; maybe it would take my mind off things. I headed to my bedroom to change into comfy clothes, ready to indulge in some mindless entertainment.
That's when I saw it – a white envelope on my bed. At first, I looked past it and kept walking, but it was like my brain rebooted, and I turned back to it immediately.
"I didn't remember leaving any envelope on the bed or even having one." My hands trembled slightly as I sat down, carefully opening the envelope.
"Hey Bell,"
The words blurred together as I read:
"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be writing this, but I couldn't leave without saying goodbye. I know what I did was wrong, and I can only imagine how you must feel about the whole situation. I know you might think me cruel or heartless for doing this, Bella, but you also have to be considerate.
"Considerate?" I thought, tears filling my eyes. Now this was spoiling my day.
"I'm just a man, driven by my own desires and needs... I crave a fresh start, a new chapter in my life... and we both know our relationship was never more than a fleeting indulgence, a pleasure-driven fantasy."
"Really, a fantasy?" I asked aloud.
As I read Ryan's words, my vision blurred, and tears streamed down my face, falling on the paper in my grasp. The audacity, the nerve! "Considerate?" I screamed inwardly.
How dare he! I felt like I'd been punched in the gut all over again. The pain, anger, and betrayal – it all came flooding back.
"A fleeting indulgence?" I whispered, my voice shaking. "That's what our relationship meant to you?" For a moment, I thought Ryan's words would make me cry, but instead, they fueled my anger more than hurt.
I put the letter back in the envelope, took it to the kitchen, and lit it on fire, watching as the flames consumed his words. It brought me a twisted sense of satisfaction.
As I gazed out the window, a mix of emotions swirled inside me: anger, sadness, and relief. I couldn't pinpoint which emotion dominated. "Why did I ever think he loved me?" I whispered lost in my thoughts until the burning smell of pasta got my attention as I rushed to turn off the gas cooker.
Ryan's letter had ripped off the Band-Aid, exposing the raw wound. I'm loosing it for a guy who doesn't even give a shit about me. My earlier coping mechanisms – ice cream and making treats – now seemed trivial. Temporary distractions from the hurt. The TV show I'd looked forward to seemed pointless; escapism wouldn't work.
I now craved something to make a change effectively…I craved substance, not distraction. A job, perhaps, to keep my mind busy. Running the farm alone was exhausting, and I needed something more than toiling for profit.
I quickly got my laptop, opened and began searching for job opportunities. I didn't think of that all these while because i didn't have the qualifications of a graduate being my father wasn't able to sponsor my education even with how hard he tried.
Minutes turned into hours, and hours into more long hours. Just as I was about to give up, frustrated and on the verge of depression, an unusual ad caught my eye:
"Unique Opportunity: One-Night Companion"
Curiosity piqued, I clicked the link.
Job Description:
"Seeking a sophisticated, charming individual for a one-night engagement? Then don't kiss this !!
Responsibilities:
• Attend a high-profile event as a companion
• Engage in conversation and networking
• Discretion assured
Requirements:
• Beauty
• Poise, confidence, and charm
• Ability to think on your feet
• Non-disclosure agreement required
Compensation:
• $100,000 for one night's work ( if chosen )
A hundred thousand dollars ??!! I screamed and covered my mouth with my hands immediately.
My mind raced: What kind of job is this? Who would pay so much for a companion? But the more I read, the more intrigued I became.
A chance to wear designer gowns and attend exclusive events? I had never experienced anything like that before. And the money...? I hesitated, then decided to inquire. "Who is the client?" I asked in my message.
The response came quickly: "Discretion guaranteed. Client's identity revealed upon contract signing." My heart racing, I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. But curiosity got the better of me.
"I'm in," I typed. "Send over the contract."
The response came swiftly: "Contract attached. Review, sign, and return." I scanned the document, my lawyer-esque skills on high alert, scrutinizing the non-disclosure agreement and confidentiality clauses. Everything seemed legit.
With a deep breath, I electronically signed the contract.
A confirmation email arrived instantly:
"Welcome, Bella. Details of the engagement will follow. Client meeting scheduled for tomorrow, 7 PM.
Location: The Grand Hotel, Suite 1001"
My heart skipped a beat. The Grand Hotel was the epitome of luxury, catering to the city's elite. Only multi-billionaires could afford its opulent suites. And I, Bella, had the chance to spend a night there?
"Wow, what is happening right now?" I asked myself, still in disbelief.
The contract didn't require any credentials I didn't have – no cover letter, no diploma. All I needed was beauty, and I was confident in that aspect. I got up and admired my reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall my face was pale and the sacks below my eyes were a testament to my sleepless nights but I could still see my beauty under all those stress. . My giggles echoed through the room as I rushed back to my laptop on the kitchen counter.
I dove deeper into research, trying to uncover details about the event and the mysterious client. But despite my efforts, I found nothing. It seemed this was a one-time opportunity, posted just hours before I stumbled upon it. The coincidence sent shivers down my spine. A hundred thousand dollars was a lot of money even my parents couldn't make from the farm when they were alive.
This could be my chance. Tomorrow, I'd face the enigmatic client, but for now, I had a more pressing concern – finding the perfect dress.