Stealing Elliot

Rosette rubbed her face at the wrong time. She made a mistake-a huge one. She bet half a million on a gamble. She placed it on her friend, Priscilla, who had a horse race with her long-time rival. Because she loved her friend so much, she acted foolishly and gambled the money meant for their struggling company's investment.

Priscilla lost. All her money was gone.

You're so stupid, Rosè! She slapped herself as she slumped on the bench like a melting candle. Then, Priscilla approached her with a sorrowful look.

She shot her a sharp glare. "You disappointed me. Now, I've also lost my money. What shall I do?"

"I'm sorry..." was all her friend could say.

After that, she attended a concert of her favorite K-pop group to distract herself from her problems. But she didn't enjoy it at all. What would she tell her father?

She was just stepping outside when she bumped into a woman. She had to lift her head to see her face. The woman had long, wavy dark brown hair. Her chestnut eyes sparkled even in the dim light. Her cheeks were smooth and glowing, her nose elegantly shaped, fitting her small face, and her lips were small and red. Her skin was white and porcelain-like-clearly a foreigner. She had a slim, slender figure and wore a minimalist but classy outfit. Rosette didn't realize she was staring with her mouth slightly open. The woman just smiled.

Next thing she knew, she was at a milk tea shop with her. The woman had invited her for a snack after the tiring concert. "Don't worry, I'll pay," she had said.

"Rosette Valentino, yours?" she introduced herself after getting her milk tea. They sat at a corner of the café.

The woman smiled sweetly. "Juliette Mortez. Nice meeting you," she replied in a casual but friendly tone and extended her hand.

They shook hands. "Nice meeting you too," Rosette said with a smile.

"I noticed you at the concert earlier. You looked gloomy. I realized I'm not the only one depressed right now," Juliette said while sipping her matcha milk tea.

Rosette raised an eyebrow-she hadn't realized she was being observed. No wonder the woman invited her out.

Her eyes widened, but she began to feel at ease. Even though she had just met Juliette, it felt like reconnecting with a long-lost friend-she felt comfortable opening up.

"I lost my half-million pesos meant for our struggling company's investment," she confessed, her voice heavy with sadness. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"We're in the same boat," Juliette said with the same sadness, setting her milk tea on the table.

Rosette was intrigued. She raised an eyebrow. "Why? What happened to you?"

"My parents are arranging a marriage for me with a man I don't like. What's worse is he's my childhood friend. Actually, there are three of us who were close. And the one I like is the other friend. I feel doomed, you know?" she said softly, though the tension was evident as she clenched her fists.

Rosette covered her mouth, feeling sorrowful at her story. It took her a moment to respond.

"So... what are we going to do now, Juliette?" she asked, burying her face on the table, wallowing in her regret.

"I came up with a deal," Juliette said with enthusiasm, smiling at her even though her head was still down. Her face was glowing with light.

Rosette was curious and lifted her head.

"So, Rosette, are you ready for the opportunity of a lifetime?" Juliette leaned in with a sparkle in her eye.

Rosette raised an eyebrow. "Opportunity? Or a major setup? Because it feels a bit... shady, if I'm being honest."

"Let's just say it's a little of both. Don't worry, I'll pay you double," she said coolly, sipping her drink.

"What do you do for a living? You might be scamming me. And what exactly do I have to do?"

"Hey, c'mon. What do you think of me? I'm a supermodel. I'm hiding my identity right now, you know?"

Rosette inspected her outfit-it wasn't even that covered up. Just a normal outfit. But money was money, so why doubt it? She must really be rich. Unlike Rosette-a CEO with no money.

"Just steal my fiancé. Seduce him. Make him love you. And then... break his heart."

She nearly jumped from her seat. That was something she didn't know how to do. She never had a boyfriend-unless you count the one her father arranged with a friend's son. She had a fiancé now, but it was a loveless relationship-more like a business partnership.

She exhaled. It felt hot inside the café even though the air conditioner was blasting. There weren't many people now, since it was almost morning. Thankfully, the café was open 24/7.

"Hey Miss Juliette, you want me to make him fall in love and then hurt him? I'm not that cruel! A-and I already have a fiancé!" she nervously declined, wiping her neck for show.

Juliette set down her milk tea.

"You want money, right? Think about it. You help me, and I'll help you. A little seduction isn't too much to ask for the kind of cash I'm offering," she smirked and stared deeply, patiently waiting for her answer.

"You're okay with me seducing your fiancé?"

"I told you already, I don't like him. He ruined my life and crushed my hopes of being with the one I truly love. I want to destroy him! So do it!"

"What's your fiancé's name?"

"Elliot Jon Mallary."

Her ears rang upon hearing that name.

"The cold, ruthless, and arrogant billionaire CEO, according to rumors. A woman-hater..." she pointed a trembling finger. "You? You're going to marry that jerk? Oh, poor me. How can I possibly seduce him?"

She felt like melting in her seat. She glanced at her milk tea. The ice had melted, and water had pooled on the table. She had forgotten to drink it.

"I know you can do it! So what do you say-deal?" Juliette's tone was enticing.

She saw the promise of peso bills in Juliette's eyes. She badly needed the money, and she had no choice.

"Fine. Deal. What shall I do? How do I start?" she reluctantly agreed.

A smile curved on Juliette's lips. She moved beside her and hugged her.

"First, you need to hide your identity and become his secretary. It's perfect timing-his secretary is about to resign."

"Or did you convince her to leave so-"

"Fine. I orchestrated it. You're a God's gift to me. So, are you ready to seduce and break him?"

She shrugged. "And then what? I make him cry, get my money, and we both go our separate ways? That sounds harder than it seems," she complained, furrowing her brows.

Juliette scoffed. "Think of it as a little social experiment. Heartbreak will follow, and then I'll get my sweet revenge," she whispered.

She shook her head. "Wow! Hurting someone that easily. Fine. I'll do it."

"I'll transfer the money tomorrow. So give me your bank account number." Juliette winked. Rosette handed her business card and wrote down her account number.

Juliette eagerly returned to her seat and pulled out her phone.

"Just remember: this is all about breaking hearts," she reminded.

Rosette nodded slowly. "Right. I guess I better put on my best charm." She picked up her ube-flavored milk tea and took a sip.

Juliette clapped her hands in excitement. "Excellent! This is going to be fun. Just remember, darling, one man's heartbreak is another woman's victory."