Chapter 2: Marry me.
An hour ago...
Bella entered a luxury club with a tight grip on the file. The air was thick with the scent of expensive liquor, assaulting her senses and stirring her unease.
She was not very fond of a nightclub, and her nervousness was palpable in her demeanor. Despite her discomfort, she steeled herself and focused on the task at hand: deliver the file and depart swiftly.
The intimidating atmosphere tested her resolve as she entered the private chamber, intensifying her nerves.
A haze of cigar smoke hung in the air, momentarily obscuring the two figures seated at a plush leather booth. The stench of stale alcohol hit her like a punch, churning her stomach. Swallowing hard, she forced a professional smile and marched forward.
"Mr. Woods," she said. "Here is the file you requested." Her gaze flicked past the manager, landing on the impeccably dressed man beside him.
"Thank you, Bella. Since you’re here, why don’t you join us?" The manager gestured to the empty seat beside him. "Mr. Cooper would be delighted."
A tremor of unease ran through Bella.
"Thank you, but I really should be getting back to the office," she said politely.
"Miss Bella, you can finish the pending work later," Mr. Cooper interjected with a hint of amusement. "Join us. Consider it an order."
She darted a desperate look at her manager, hoping for an escape route. But Mr. Woods simply chuckled and patted the empty seat beside him. "Come on, Bella. Sit down."
Her instinct told her to run away, but she couldn’t offend the manager. This job was important. Reluctantly, she acquiesced, sinking into the sofa.