章 9: STAY FOR THE NIGHT 2
Charlotte's eyes darted away, escaping Sebastian's piercing stare. She pulled the blanket up to her face, hiding her embarrassment.
She couldn't believe she'd just asked the man she distrusted to stay with her till she fell asleep. If fate had been kinder, she'd be snuggled up with her trusty teddy bear, Darla, instead.
Sebastian's whisper wrapped around her, laced with gentle teasing. "So, you can't sleep without someone watching over you? Do you need a bedtime story, Orchid?"
His eyes sparkled in amusement, while Charlotte's cheeks burned hotter.
"Please, don't tease me, Mr. Sebastian," she pleaded, her voice laced with frustration.
She sat up, her expression fiery. "If you hadn't dragged me to that damn club, I wouldn't have had that damn panic attack and ended up here."
Sebastian's grin faded, replaced by a defensive tone. "You're the one who agreed to the 100-day dating contract, Orchid. And speaking of panic attacks, you still haven't told me what triggered yours."
Charlotte settled back, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not ready to share my secrets with someone I barely know."
Sebastian chuckled, relaxing onto the couch. "Phew. Here I thought it was something I did."
Charlotte sprang back up, her expression resolute. "Mr. Sebastian."
"Orchid?" Sebastian replied, his voice laced with amusement.
"I think we need to add more rules to our agreement," Charlotte stated, her lips pursed.
Sebastian immediately crossed his legs, amused. "By all means, proceed."
Charlotte held up her index finger. "Firstly, our arrangement must remain confidential."
Sebastian's brow arched. "You've already shared it with your friend, haven't you? Natalie, wasn't it?"
Charlotte hesitated, "Uh, yeah...I guess it'll be between the four of us."
She raised another finger, but Sebastian interrupted.
"There is one more person?" he asked, his eyes wide.
Charlotte's uneasy smile faltered. "Yes, let me finish."
But before Charlotte could continue, Sebastian added, "I'll need to inform my buddy Raymond, my work partner. He'll find out anyway."
Charlotte's frustration bubbled over. "Can I finish. Please?"
Sebastian chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Of course, Orchid. I'm all ears."
"No clubs or bars, take me anywhere else for our dates," Charlotte specified.
Sebastian nodded, his expression serious. "Noted."
"Additionally, our office interactions remain strictly professional," Charlotte continued. "No blurring of business and pleasure."
"I'll try my best." Sebastian said, rubbing his lower lips subtly.
Charlotte settled back, her gaze piercing. "That's all for now." The emphasis on "for now" was made cleared by Charlotte.
Sebastian's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Now it's my turn. But first, may I ask..." He paused, his tone measured. "Do you like my brother?"
His question hung in the air, unanswered. He waited, expecting a response, but silence filled the room.
After some minutes, he lifted his gaze to Charlotte, only to find her serene face bathed in the soft light.
He rose from his seat and approached the bed, discovering she had drifted off to sleep.
A wry smile twisted his lips. "Figures," he whispered, shaking his head. "She falls asleep now."
Sebastian quietly switched off the lamp and slipped out of the room, leaving Charlotte to her peaceful sleep.
****
Charlotte woke to the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Beside it lay a note:
"Enjoy your coffee, if you're a fan. Wishing you a wonderful day. Taylor will be in touch.
Love,
Mr. Sebastian"
(P.S: you will be seeing a lot of me today) Door code: Yesterday Date.
Charlotte sipped the coffee, a scoff escaping her lips. "I'm at a loss for words," she murmured, perplexed by Sebastian's sudden thoughtfulness.
Sebastian's actions blurred the lines between genuine interest and strategic manipulation. Her mind wandered back to their dinner conversation, where he'd casually mentioned the deal being a game to prove her wrong.
His words echoed in her mind, "You don't hate me, Orchid." Charlotte's doubts resurfaced, and she wondered if she was merely a pawn in his game.
"Only 100 days," She reminded herself, standing up determination. "I'll play along, see this through."
****
***
Charlotte rushed home after Taylor's urgent call, informing her to attend their first meeting with the Corporate Events Department at their company.
As she entered, Rachel looked up from her breakfast, curiosity etched on her face.
"Hey, Rach," Charlotte said, trying to sound casual.
"You weren't home last night," Rachel pointed out, her brow furrowed. "What happened?"
Charlotte sidestepped the question. "Something unexpected came up. The company's team called about a meeting. I texted you earlier."
Rachel's curiosity remained, but she swiftly finished her breakfast. "Is the meeting at their headquarters?" she asked.
Charlotte scanned the room. "Where's Natalie? We should get going."
"She didn't spend the night either," Rachel said, her brow furrowed. "I got a hospital call last night and rushed out. When I returned, she was gone, and her phone was unreachable."
Charlotte's concern spiked. "Is she okay?"
She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Natalie's number.
"Where the hell are you?" Charlotte asked, relief washing over her as Natalie answered.
"Hey, girl! I'm right outside," Natalie replied, her voice laced with fatigue.
As Charlotte spoke, Natalie walked into the house, looking disheveled.
"Sorry, guys. I'm dying from this hangover," Natalie apologized, rubbing her temple.
Charlotte's gaze locked onto Natalie's, concern mingling with urgency. "We're running late. Can you come with us?"
Natalie's eyes drifted shut, her face scrunched in pain. "Charlie, I don't think I can..." she trailed off, apologetic.
"I'm sorry," Natalie added, her voice laced with regret, as she opened her eyes to meet Charlotte's.
"Don't worry, rest," Charlotte reassured, her expression softening. "We'll catch up later."
With a mental note to query Natalie about her condition later, Charlotte headed into her room.
*****
"Last night was wild. She freaked out at the club." Sebastian shared his story in his office, shaking his head in amusement.
Raymond lifted his head from the table, his gaze unenthused. "Spare me the details about your new flower, Sebastian. My head is pounding."
"Did you sleep with her?" He asked, his tone detached.
Sebastian grinned mischievously. "Not yet. She's proving to be a challenge."
His chuckle faded as he turned to Raymond. "You still haven't filled me in on last night's club escapades."
Raymond hesitated, "I don't remember... something—"
Just then Sebastian's desk secretary's sultry voice cut in, "Your meeting is about to start, sir."
Sebastian stood, flirtatiously addressing the secretary. "Tulips, I got your call last night, Sorry I was tied up."
The secretary smiled faintly, "No problem, Boss."
Raymond's confusion deepened. "What meeting?"
"My Dad put me in charge of the gala event. We're meeting with our hired events firm." Sebastian explained.
Raymond's eyes narrowed. "CBI Events, right? Jessica's company? We always use them."
Sebastian chuckled, then turned to his secretary. "Tulips, please inform them I'll be right there."
She nodded and exited, leaving the two men alone.
Sebastian's expression turned sly. "Jessica's not handling the party this time."
Raymond's eyes widened in surprise "You're replacing Jessica – your brother's girlfriend?"
Sebastian nodded, a hint of mischief in his gaze.
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