Sab immediately pushes away the man as soon as she gained her balance but the man's gripped become tighter. She looked up with questioning eyes.
"What's your answer?" his deep eyes looking straight to hers trying to search on something as his face moves closer.
With an inch apart, Sab can't answer immediately. The man's proposal was too tempting. She has nothing to lose really and can even gain more. All her worries will be solved in a snap, but the problem is, the proposal is way too good. She felt something is off, but what could it be? She's the one who entered his car and insisted to live with him.
Though she grew up in simple home, she was happy. Their family lives within their means so people often look down on them because her parents never struggled to live up to societies standard. She remembered their warm smile as soon as they get home every time this happens saying wealth are truly great, but it can't make someone happy.
"When you grew-up, work harder than anyone else and be happy on what you have and what you will or have achieved. Always remember, taking the shorter route and greediness to get what you want will lead you to tribulation," her father smiling brightly as he said this. She was only 10 at that time and not totally understanding his words but these words kept echoing in her head when his father died not long after.
Therefore, no matter how hard life blows; she'll always stick with her principles. She believes that one day if she'll work harder and be persistent, she'll be able to give herself a better life than yesterday.
She then remembered the last night's incident; she might not be that lucky if she'll encounter the gangsters again. She even thought of worst scenario, making her disappear after exploiting her without a trace and no one will notice about it.
Unconsciously, her eyes closed, her head is spinning of this frightening possibility. She wanted to agree and end everything, but her voice just got stuck on her throat. However, she can't also bring herself to decline the offer. If this man decides to kick her out, she'll be dead meat soon.
Her best friend is lucky enough to have a supportive parent, if she asks for her help, what kind of friend would she be? She can't drag her best friend down.
Tom gripped on her waist loosen seeing the little girl shut her eyes but then the little girl wobbled as soon as he removed his arm, he has no choice but hold her again. The truth is, he slept so late last night planning on how to make use of this little girl to his advantage.
Seeing the John Henry Montero allowing this little girl get close to him, he already knew that something was not right. Until he learned what this guy is up to, he won't let this little girl disappear from his sight. Maybe, he could even use her against Henry. Who knows? Thinking of this possibility, his eyes glittered in split seconds and turned into seductive self while smiling brightly.
"I have no obligation to you. I will not definitely let you stay because you need it. I'm no charity. I'm a businessman, I can only agree if I can get anything good from it. You're so determined yesterday so I needed to think on how I can use you. Also, you promise to agree on anything as long as it's possible and reasonable in order to get access in my house" he paused.
Sab opened her eyes and looked up the man's pair deep light browned eyes. His handsome face and his beautiful perfect commercial smile can really make a woman crazy. Damn it! She can't think well and even forgets to breathe.
She calmed herself so she can think straight. In few seconds, there are two angel's pop-ups on her shoulder the white one saying "No, there will be another way. It might be difficult but surely worth in the end" and the black one saying "Agree to it and just think of the resolution if there will be complications of this decision later. Priority to resolve the problem now or an opportunity might not come again later."
"Are you backing on what you just said?" the man made a long face and his aura become dangerous. His tone become sounds impatient as well.
Sab lowered her head and pushed the man away from her body. What a cunning man, he is now using her own words. How can she not agree to it? She thought.
If this happens to other women, they will not let this opportunity slipped on their fingertips. Thinking of what she said a while ago and given her situations, the conditions was not impossible and unreasonable. His not asking to marry him for real.
She let out a deep sigh, as she concedes. She can't take back her own words, that will be a big insult on her personality. She may not have parents to guide her, but she always values her words, either written or verbal.
"Then, I also have conditions," she said, in almost like a whisper but the man still heard it clearly. The man smiled victoriously but because her head was lowered, Sab was unable to see this.
Sab understands and felt that she has no in position to demand on anything from the man but, both of them will get benefits with this fake relationship. As the saying goes, you will never know if you
can get it unless you ask.
"Speak!" Tom said after few minutes of silence.
Sab sat down on the couch and silently complaint inside hearing the man's reply. "Speak? What a bossy man! He also needs my help; can't he just agree to whatever I say?"
The man sat as well on the wooden table placed near the couch with arms crossed, facing the seriously looking little girl.
Ehemm.. She cleared her throat before speaking, her heart beats faster than normal. Her face burning from shyness, but she needs to thicken her skin.
Number one, I want my freedom still, I'm planning to continue working and earn money in my own.
Number two, we can't cross boundaries since this is a fake relationship. We should sleep continue sleeping in separate rooms. Physical contact is understandable if needed.
Number three, please return these, Sab pointed the shopping bags. These items are all branded, I am thankful for it, but these are too expensive. I can't accept them. Also, these are not my style. I won't be using them. I'll take care of my own stuff.
Aherm.. Her brain now stops functioning, she wants to add more conditions but can't think of any now...
"That's all for now!"
The man spoke;
"First, you'll work with me moving forward. You don't need to work elsewhere."
"Second, sleeping in separate rooms will expose our true relationship, that means "NO" but I will not force you on anything you don't like." Tom's face was cold blank, but his eyes glittered mischievously for a second.
"Third, you must keep everything. I don't want to lose face on anyone if they see you wearing cheap clothes. You need to fit in as Thomas Marcus Del Monte wife.
The little girl's small mouth twitched. She's very speechless. All her conditions were rejected, what kind of relationship is this? She has personality too, very independent, mostly decides on her own and not asking anyone's permission. This seems a slave contract.
"Just tell me if you have other conditions. We can discuss this again," Tom smiled brightly as he said this. Seeing the little girl unable to utter any words, he stands up and left after giving her instructions to prepare as well and be ready in an hour.
Sab gave a questioning look to Tom as they entered in a fully decorated salon. The smell was also nice, and it look lobby in a hotel than a salon. It was huge and very bright.
A woman wearing a very alluring dress but still looks sophisticated greeted them with open arms and warm smile. There were few people who follow her who are also well dress.
"Marcu.. I mean Mr. Del Monte, it's been awhile! Is she the one?" the woman was smiling from ear to ear as she greeted but her attention was with the little girl. Then she looks with the man beside seductively.
Veronica is one of the head make-up artists/stylists and she's known for being venomous. Though she's very professional at work, she always believes that if both parties are willing to, there's nothing to be discussed. With her face and body, most men wanted to try her and vice versa. She doesn't care if it's considered a premium meat like Thomas Marcus Del Monte.
Sab got fascinated with the place as soon as she steps in and did not notice the awkward and disdain look by the people from the salon specially the woman who greeted them.
S salon is not known in public, but they are very prominent to super rich people. All employees here are highly skilled and known on their crafts and received many awards locally and internationally. The main make-up artist/stylish is not someone can be hired because you have money, you need to influential in order to get them work for you.
Having this said, their service is exclusively only to highly prominent and influential customers. Even big celebrities can't have their service unless they relate to influential people.
Looking at the little girl from head to toe, though she's wearing a latest Chanel light yellow dress, the old dirty black sneakers doesn't match the outfit. Also, the long black hair was quite messy, and it seems was not dried and comb properly.
Aside from the dress she's wearing, they can tell already that this little girl is not the usual customers they have. However, since she was with Thomas Marcus Del Monte, they all must act politely and professional.
Tom was observing from the time they arrived and notice on how the employees look at the little girl in front, who's eyes shines, and mouth slightly opened in amusements. "This stupid little girl did not even pretend or hide her feelings. In his world, she'll be bullied easily," he thought.
Thinking of this, he was not happy about it. A dark cold aura extrudes his body and though he's smiling, the people around felt chilled on their spines. All of them came back to their senses and lowered their heads, feeling very uncomfortable inside.
Ignoring the seductive look of Veronica, he passed by and walked in front of the little girl. He put both hands on her shoulders and look at the small face of Sab.
"Wifey, are you still mad at me?" Tom ask in a slow motion, it's not loud but he made sure that everyone will hear it.
Everyone's lifted their heads with eyes opened at the same time and lowered their heads at the same time again. They all felt shy and scared. None of them guessed that this little girl could be the man's wife. Aside from her looks, she has no "Madam aura" that they usually get with their customers.
"Sab was shocked upon hearing the word "Wifey". They just agreed less than 2 hours ago but now it's already "ON".
"I'm sorry, okay?" Tom uttered sweetly with smile on his face. Seeing the little girl's reaction, he wanted to burst out laughing but he controlled himself. He then pulled Sab to his chest and peck on her red lips.
Then he walked towards Veronica who seems shock. "I'll pick my wife after 4 hours. I want you to pamper my wife 100%," he was smiling from ear to ear as he said this while holding Sab's waist.
"I'll definitely do that, Mr. Del Monte! She's definitely in good hands." Veronica is looking and smiling at the man seductively as well as she answered. She's not buying the husband and wife story. Moreover, she doesn't care if this little girl is really the wife.
She's Veronica, if this girl cannot protect her man, it's not her problem then. For her, if both parties are willing, there's nothing to talk about then.
She knows herself and capability. With her face and physical appearance, she's confident that no straight man can refuse someone like her caliber.
She believes that this man ignores her a while ago because he didn't notice her, so she tried to charm him again and this time, it's was more obvious. She even touches the pendant of her necklace intentionally near her cleavage. Normal man will fall for this and will check on her closely after.
However, Tom seems not to notice Veronica's look. His attention was still with little girl who seems angry, her little mouth was pouted, and her eye browse knitted but she's not saying anything.
Sab was not happy with Tom. She felt this man is trying to tease him all the time or may be trying to test her patience. They were in the car and he did not mention anything. At least he should have mentioned it to her so she wouldn't be this surprise.
They are not in crucial situation, but they kissed again. Why? He looked at the man fiercely. Was she being taken advantage?
However, if she goes around and tell people that she felt being taken advantage, they might find it very funny or labelled her crazy woman. How can a good-looking man like Tom would take advantage of her? Why???
But the one she's most angry is because of Veronica. This man already told everyone that she's the wife, but she dared to look at his fake husband seductively in front of her face. Too bad, she's so beautiful and look well educated but she has no good moral.
Though she never had a real relationship experience, she hated woman like her. She stumped her feet and shifted her stance in front of the man. Her lips still pouted since she's very angry.
"Don't leave me here. I'll go with you," she angrily demanded but her face flashed red as soon as she said this. Both her arms ended up hugging the well build physic of Tom, she supposed to retract it immediately but thinking that Veronica is looking at them, she sneered inside and decided to just play along.
Tom notice the unusual behavior of Sab, she normally quiet and composed. Though she gets angry at times but after a while, she'll revert to usual self again. The hugging part seems accidental but seeing her not moving doesn't seem right.
His eyes notice Veronica unhappy reaction and knows exactly why this little girl acting different than usual. He hates clingy women and jealous woman, but he felt little happy thinking that his little wife might be jealous.
Tom hold the little girl's face and look at her intently. "Don't worry, you're my only wife and no one will dare to harm you," his voice was calm, but firm and it made her calm down somehow.
"OMG! Did I just believe his words? This guy, he should have switch career from businessman to an actor. I almost believe it," she thought.
Tom gave another peck on her red lips before leaving. He did not even glance at Veronica, but his dark cold aura made Veronica's smile vanished.
Tom words may sound endearing, but it sounds like a threat to her. A cold chill run down on her spines. She was very excited a while ago knowing that the man will visit their salon. Though they said he was with a woman, she didn't care at all because she's very confident of herself.
Some people within the industry already warned her not to get involved with someone like Thomas Marcus Del Monte and be professional if she wants to stay in the industry for a long time. However, this beautiful man already got her attention the first time she saw him at a party.
Besides his face, the man is tall and have great physic. He is also very powerful and promising in the business world. Who would not try to charm a man like him?
She underestimates the man and overrated herself. But looking at the little girl, she looks very normal. Though the man smile looks very inviting, she had not seen the man been closed with any women at the party. Was it because of this little girl?
Nonetheless, she feared till the last bones in her body since she failed to seduce the man of her dreams. Thinking that she might lose everything because of her ignorance, her face become very serious.
She refused to believe everything about the man, but she can't be totally stupid. She must work her best to please this little girl so she can save her face later.
Veronica forced herself to smile and guided the little girl to seat in front of the mirror. After looking closely and for a long-time, this little girl doesn't seem bad at all.
Her face is already beautiful even without make-up. Just a little old fashioned but not as ordinary as she thought. She then gave an instruction on each of assistant on what she wants to do.
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