Chapter 3 ONE NIGHT STAND

Betse woke up in the lavish bedroom next to Kini Belmont, the billionaire host of the charity event. She blinked, last night's events came flooding back into her consciousness.

Reality crashed over her like a tidal wave, and guilt clawed at her insides. She covered her mouth with her hands in shock. What had she done? She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Kini, and dressed hurriedly.

As she made her way towards the door, a voice, soft yet filled with authority, stopped her in her tracks. "Leaving so soon, Miss Walters?"

She turned, her eyes meeting Kini's intense gaze. She stammered, "I have to go. I have work, and I shouldn't have stayed this long."

Kini looked firmly at her, his expression unreadable. "I had a great night, thanks to you. Join me for breakfast before you leave."

Before she could give a response, he walked out of the room and called out, "Give me five and everything will be set."

***

"I hope you're enjoying the breakfast, Betse?"

She blushed. What she had been dreaming for her whole life was finally her reality plus the bonus content of dining alone with Kini Belmont in the Belmont Mansion.

"Sure, thank you. The food is quite good," she remarked, as she took another bite of food.

"You can't expect a billionaire's food to be anything less."

Betse chuckled, "Well, being a billionaire doesn't exempt you from being served low quality meals, does it?"

"Around here, we employ the best chefs in the world."

"Mmm, as expected."

"But I prepared this myself." He bragged.

Betse was surprised, "Really? You're quite the chef. I don't expect billionaires to cook for themselves"

"Being a billionaire doesn't mean I can't cook. Besides, a man has to have some hidden talents."

Betse served an infectious laugh. "Hidden talents, huh? What else are you hiding, Mr. Belmont?"

Kini feigned a look of innocence, his hand pressed to his chest in mock shock. "Oh, a gentleman never reveals all his secrets, Betse. That's what keeps the mystery alive."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Mystery, huh? I thought you billionaires were all about flaunting your wealth and charm."

"Charm, maybe. But as for wealth, I prefer to let my actions speak louder than my bank account."

Emily tilted her head, her curiosity took over. "That's surprisingly humble of you, Mr. Belmont. Not what I expected from a man who probably owns half the city."

Kini smiled with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Well, I do have my moments of humility. But it doesn't last so best enjoy it while you can."

Kini couldn't resist a playful comment. "You know, Betse, I have to say, having breakfast with someone as charming and beautiful as you is quite the treat."

Betse mock-gasped, her hand flying to her chest in mock surprise. "Flattery, Mr. Belmont? I thought you were all about mystery and hidden talents."

Kini winked, his confidence shining through. "Well, there's no harm in appreciating beauty when it's right in front of you."

She laughed again, "You're certainly not lacking in the confidence department, are you?"

Kini leaned back, his expression smug. "When you look like this, confidence comes naturally," he said, gesturing to himself with a grin.

Betse shook her head, her laughter bubbling up once more. "You certainly have a high opinion of yourself, Kini."

He raised an eyebrow, his tone playful. "Can you blame me? I mean, have you seen these jawlines?" He struck a pose, his hand dramatically framing his face.

Betse burst into laughter and Kini joined in. Just as the breakfast session was over, they moved to the sitting room. Everywhere was awkwardly quiet unlike last night. No guards or help were present. Not like Betse seemed to notice during breakfast or now. Her attention to that was unknown, she didn't concern herself with the situation. For her, she was happy, she got to do this alone with Kini. That was her major concern and happiness.

"I have something for you."

"Huh?"

He stood up, grabbed an envelope, and gave it to her. "This is for you."

Looking confused, "what do you mean?" Betse was grateful, knowing that fighting her way in no matter the circumstances was not in vain.

She looked at the content, "whoa! I was not expecting this."

"I'm not sure about that. But I'm paying you off"

"I'm lost," not the goodbye she was expecting.

"I mean, it was just a one night stand. No need to harness feelings."

"Did we actually...?" Her eyes widened.

"Yes! What were you expecting? Wasn't that your desire all along?"

"I refuse to be insulted."

"You already insulted yourself, the minute you walked into my event, uninvited."

"Then why did you save me?" She needed answers.

"I didn't save you, I saved my event"

Betse was perplexed. Was this really the Kini Belmont she met last night and over breakfast? What changed?

She was also flustered by the cash. It was a whopping sum of money. She needed money, her family needed money. She didn't know what to do. Walk away with the money and jeopardize her reputation or refuse the money and save her image?

Her pride was stronger than her needs. "Keep your money, I'm not a slut." She handed over the envelope to Kini.

"I never said you were." Kini held her hands with the envelope.

He moved closer to her, she kept adjusting till she reclined on the wall. He leaned closer to her, his right palms on the wall while his eyes were plastered on hers. The envelope fell down but Kini's gaze didn't shift. She looked somewhat like a frightened cute cat. Everything around them seemed to pause and time was moving slow.

He whispered, "Forgive me, I will never call you such." He gently pushed the hairs lingering on her face right behind her ears. "I can sense something deeper in you. Why were you here in the first place?"

Betse's heart raced, she looked away, "I can't. I can't tell you," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Kini reached out, his fingers gently tilting her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I don't know what game you're playing, but I'm willing to find out. There's more to you than meets the eye, Betse Walter. And I intend to uncover every layer."

He pulled away, "one more thing," he pulled a card out from his pocket. "This is for you, I sent your clothes over to the best dry cleaning service."

He gave her the card, "reach out to them and get your dress. It's all been paid more."

It was as if Kini's actions seized her voice. She was unable to utter any words.

He picked up the envelope, "You'll need this. Keep it"