Love's Redemption

"There haven't been many, mainly because dating is about finding a like-minded partner," he said. I almost wanted to laugh.

Like-minded?

He just wanted to find someone who made money the same way he did to increase his profits.

They said finding a job was tough these days, but if you used your brain, there were plenty of ways to make money without much investment. This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

"So, miss, have you decided whether to rent me as your boyfriend or to try dating me?" the man asked again.

I pressed my lips together and did not speak. He elegantly sipped his coffee. "A smart woman would choose to date. That way, you don't have to pay, and if it doesn't work out, you can just break up."

"If everyone does that, wouldn't you be at a loss?" I stirred my coffee.

"Not everyone gets this chance. I have standards too, and I choose based on the other person's conditions," he replied.

I got it. He was interested in me and thought I was good enough to give this cost-free trial.

"Do you offer any VIP discounts on the services you mentioned?" Honestly, his prices weren't low.

Holding hands alone cost over a hundred. If I rented him to go to the Gildon estate, I'd have to act like that in front of Chris.

"No." He added, "No bargaining."

I nodded. "I understand your terms. I need some time to think it over. You can keep taking other orders in the meantime. If someone else suits you better, feel free to decline my offer."

As I said this, it hit me that this wasn't a date. It was a business negotiation.

He looked at me seriously. "I genuinely want to work with you."

"Your conditions meet my standards too, but I want to see a few more candidates and choose the best one," I said. I was adopting a seasoned business negotiator's stance.

"Alright, I'll wait for your good news," he said before raising his hand to call the waiter. "Bill please, including this lady's," he said politely.

I declined. "No need. We can split it."

He didn't insist. He just pulled out his phone to scan the code, nodded, and smiled as he left.

I stayed in the café for a while longer before leaving too.

Lisa was working the night shift today, so I couldn't go to her place. I grabbed a bite to eat outside, wandered the night market, bought some interesting trinkets, and by the time I got home, it was already eleven o'clock.

Maybe it was about to rain, but it felt particularly gloomy tonight. I felt a chill as soon as I got out of the car and instinctively hunched my shoulders. That was when I felt someone watching me.

I quickly looked around but saw nothing.

I chalked it up to my imagination, but the unease quickened my steps home. I hurried upstairs.

Just as I reached the second floor, I sensed someone following me. And today, of all days, the hallway lights were out.

My scalp tingled with fear, and I hurried up the stairs. To make matters worse, I was wearing high heels, which made it hard to walk quickly.

The footsteps behind me grew closer as if the person was about to catch me.

I clutched my bag tightly and gripped my car key in my hand. If someone tried to hurt me, I'd stab their eyes out.

When I thought of that, I stopped climbing. If the person followed me to my door, it would be even more dangerous later.

When I stopped, the footsteps behind me stopped too.

I took a deep breath and asked shakily, "Who's there?"