HARRIET'S POV
"Marco has a girlfriend?" I asked, stunned.
"He had," Sierra replied.
"Oh, they broke up, right? You see, your boss is a playboy who just hurts people's feelings," I concluded.
Sierra's voice took on a serious tone.
"Stop misinterpreting things, Harriet. Sylvia, Marco, and I grew up together in this estate. I remember Sylvia always being around Marco. They were very good friends and eventually fell in love. They had their wedding four years ago, but..."
Sierra's voice cracked as tears welled up in her eyes.
"But what?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.
Sierra composed herself before continuing. "The Garcías, our rival mafia gang, invaded the wedding and shot Sylvia to death, right in front of Marco."
Tears streamed down Sierra's face, and I felt my own eyes welling up with tears too, touched by the tragic story.
"So, you see, that's what happened," Sierra said, her voice filled with empathy. "Imagine losing your parents in a plane crash and the only girl you ever loved on your wedding day. Master has been through a lot."
I sat there, speechless, and gently wiped away the tears that had fallen on my face.
"Over the years, Marco has always been searching for girls with features similar to Sylvia's," Sierra spoke, her expression somber.
I sighed.
"That's why he picked you. Trust me on this, you have similar eyes to Sylvia." Sierra said and pointed at Sylvia's photo again.
I scoffed.
"That's ridiculous, Sierra. I know I'm just one of his play things. That guy wants to take my virginity and nothing else. He's going to use me and dump me. You know what, I wouldn't have agreed to sign that damn contract if not for my dad's life."
Sierra's expression turned serious. "No, Harriet, you're getting it all wrong. I strongly believe you're special to Marco."
"What are you saying? We all know that's not the truth, Sierra," I raised my voice.
Sierra's voice remained calm. "It is, Harriet. You haven't noticed one thing – he didn't number you like his other toys. Instead, he calls you by your name. You mean something to him."
I shook my head.
"Mean something to him? I don't think that's the case, Sierra. Even if you're telling the truth, it doesn't change anything. I'm here for a purpose, and nothing else. I need to bring everything to an end tonight."
I continued, determination in my voice. "I'm ready to give myself to him willingly, so I get the money and leave his life for good."
"Calm down, Harriet. I understand how you feel. But... I think the boss is leaving for Mexico and won't be back for two weeks," Sierra said.
My frustration grew.
"What? Two weeks? I need to get the money and pay for my dad's surgery. He's dying and needs the procedure done as soon as possible."
Sierra's face softened. "Girl, take it easy. I think I have a little solution to your problem."
I looked at Sierra curiously. "And what's the solution?"
She moved closer, a mischievous smile on her lips. "Why don't I call my husband and tell him you tried to run away?"
"He'll pass the message to Marco immediately. Knowing how my boss is, he'll be consumed by fury because you tried flouting the terms of the contract. He'll come back, trust me."
I stammered, curious. "And... what happens next?"
Sierra's smile grew. "Once he rushes back to prevent you from doing anything stupid again, you get close and seduce him. Gather the courage to play along, virgin girl."
"You mean I should seduce him and get intimate with him?" I asked to confirm.
Sierra nodded. "Exactly, baby girl. That way, you fulfill your end of the bargain, and you'll get the money right away."
I hesitated. "And do you think it's a good idea? Will it work out?"
Sierra's confidence reassured me.
"It will, honey. Just trust me; I know Marco very well. This plan is perfect. All I need is your cooperation. This is the least I can do to help you."
I took a deep breath. "Alright... I'm in. But I hope it works out."
Sierra smiled. "As I said, don't worry. Leave everything to me."
"Uhm… don't you think the jet has taken off already?" I pointed out.
Sierra smirked. "You don't know who Marco really is, do you? For him, flying back here is nothing. And besides, Mexico is just a short flight from the States. Just relax, okay."
She continued,"I'll get you a similar dress that Marco loved on Sylvia. Wearing it will make things easier for you, and you'll look perfect when he sees you."
Sierra stood up, walked across the room, and turned back to me. "I think I should make the call now."
"But wait, what about airplane mode?" I asked, pointing out another potential issue.
Sierra looked confused. "Airplane mode?"
"I mean, your husband's phone would be on airplane mode by now, wouldn't it?" I explained.
Sierra chuckled. "Let's just try calling, okay? Who knows, they might have already landed. It's a short flight, after all."
"I nodded slowly, my heart racing with anticipation.
She pulled out her cell phone from her back pocket and dialed her husband's number. "It's going through," she said, smiling.
I whispered to myself, "Oh God, please let this work."
**********************
MARCO'S POV
We were at the private jet terminal, waiting to board.
I relaxed in the private lounge, sipping a martini, while Edward stood by.
"I thought you said the jet was ready," I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, yes, that's what I was told. I don't know what happened," Edward replied, apologetically.
I scoffed, taking another sip. Just then, Edward's phone rang. "Oh, I need to take this, Don. It's Sierra," he said.
I turned away, uninterested.
"I'll take this real quick," he stammered, hurrying out to answer the call.
Edward knew very well that he couldn't answer personal calls in my presence. They just irritated my balls.
He returned abruptly, looking worried.
"Hey, what's going on?" I growled.
"Don, something just happened," Edward said, hesitantly.
"Tell me," I ordered, still calm.
"Miss Harriet tried to escape," he broke the news.
The drink almost choked me. I coughed, my anger rising.
"What did you just say?" I bellowed, slamming the glass on the counter.
Edward cringed. "You heard me right, Don. That's why Sierra called."
I fumed, my face burning with rage. "That girl thinks she's smart. She can't defy my rules, not while I'm still alive."
Edward tried to calm me down. "Calm down, Don. Everything is under control. She didn't succeed. The guards stopped her."
But I was still not convinced.
"I don't care! You're in charge of this meeting now. I'm going back to the estate to teach that girl a lesson."
"But Don, we have a trip and besides -" Edward tried to protest, but I cut him off.
"I said what I said, and I'm not changing my mind."
I snatched the car keys from him and stormed out.