Chapter 2 the offer

Chapter 2

"Wow, Good course. If I'm going to jail, you're the first attorney I'll call." he said jokingly that I just smiled.

"Alright, but if no one calls from you, I'll lock you up myself." They went 'ohh' when I said that I just laughed.

As the evening wears on, I realize how late it's getting. We were already outside the bar and waited for Shena's friends to come home before I could go home, but because we were enjoying our conversation, I didn't realize the time.

"Isabella, it's getting really late. Why don't you come over to my place tonight? It's closer, and you won't have to worry about traveling home at this hour."

I hesitate, feeling grateful for the offer but also a bit unsure. Shena's condo can walk from here so we can walk to them. Since I don't have work in the morning either, I would like to sleep all day before looking for a job again.

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude." I said to her but she just ignored it.

"Nonsense! You're practically family. Come on, it'll be like a sleepover!" he said excitedly to me which made me smile.

I say goodbye to my co-worker inside the bar and head to Shena's condo which is just a short walk away. Once inside, we settled in, changing into comfortable clothes and reminiscing about old times. Shane jumped up next to where I was sitting on his bed.

"Remember our high school sleepovers? It's like we're reliving those days." She said while not looking at me and hugging her huge pillows.

"Definitely! Thanks for being so understanding, Shena. Today was quite a day." I genuinely uttered and began to place myself to lie on the bed.

"It's what friends do, bella. Speaking of friends, our former friend met someone, on a dating apps. Seems she is enjoying the money of her sugar daddy." I was interested in what he said. I also recently found out that there are rich people who offer to be their sugar baby, which I thought was just trending and for entertainment, but from what I see, many people have become sugar babies because of rich people.

But it didn't occur to me to look for something like that because I was just serving my own body. It's impossible that they won't ask for something in return, so I don't like people like that. I still have pride left and I don't want it to get dirty.

"Don't try things like that, Shena.. You might become insecure about him again," I threatened because it seemed like he was going to do something stupid again so he shared with me.

He just smiled sweetly at me.

"Of course not! What do you think of me, I look like money? Excuse me? I'm rich." he answered and rolled his eyes that I just winced. I know someone is thinking that it's not good when he's like this.

I sigh deeply and sleep sideways. "I will sleep now, we'll talk tomorrow. It's three o'clock."

"Okay, bess. Goodnight." I closed my eyes and fell asleep in less than a minute.

The shrill noise of my alarm clock jolted me awake. With a sleepy hand, I reached out and silenced it, then proceeded to stretch my limbs, easing the stiffness of sleep. I stood up on the bed with messy hair so I combed it with my hand.

I looked at my gaping friend who was still fast asleep. Maybe it didn't fall asleep right away and I don't want to wake it up either because it is still asleep. I was surprised to see my cellphone already outside my bag so I took it and opened it.

The name of an apps came to me. Matchmaker: Dating with a twist. I raised my eyebrows because I didn't remember downloading old apps on my cellphone and I don't like such things.

Out of curiosity, I clicked on the application and began to explore. It doesn't have a profile picture and it looks like it was just created but when I saw the message area there was something written there.

'phantompurse sent you a message'

"Hello! Your profile has a captivating charm that's quite irresistible. The way you talk about exploring trails and capturing special moments with your camera suggests a life filled with interesting stories. Would you like to share the story of your most recent adventure?"

There is no profile here, so why did he mention that account's profile picture?

A new message arrived so I went back to the message area and saw that the mystery person who chatted on our account was online and I don't know who did it.

'Good morning! I hope you're having a great start to your day. I sent you a message earlier, but it seems it got lost in the depths of the digital sea. Or perhaps it's a case of intriguing conversations requiring a little time to simmer? Either way, I'd love to hear about your latest hiking adventure or anything else you'd like to share.'

Why is it so ugly? is he ok But I won't lose anything if I replay it, right? I'm just curious too. I thought of a good reply to him because I don't know how to start replying to people like this.

'Good morning! Haha, I appreciate your creative message. Sorry for the delay, sometimes the digital currents do get a bit unpredictable. but sadly, I've never been on an adventure. I'm currently busy with something that makes my day so hectic and full. How about you? Any memorable adventures on your end?'

I immediately hit the send button and just bit my nails.

It looked quickly and I saw the type sign. Does it do nothing? How fast is it?

' Well, I once stumbled upon an abandoned cabin during a hike, hidden deep in the woods. It had an air of forgotten stories, and I couldn't help but wonder about the history behind it. You should be busy by now, I'm sorry for disturbing you'

I can type fast.

'No worries! I want to hear more adventures from you. You can tell me some if you are not busy yourself?'

- I'd love to. care to continue this conversation over a virtual cup of coffee sometime?

I guess I got a meme from his reply. He's smooth. What if in person? I immediately shook my head. Wait, why am I concerned about what he is like in person? And why am I so hooked? It's not me anymore.

I didn't replay it and exited forever. I want to delete it but I'm having second thoughts because I'm still intrigued by the mysterious chatter there. I don't think I'll lose anything if I leave it on my cellphone and my phone's storage isn't full yet.

I just shrugged my shoulders and went straight to the bathroom to wash my face. I'm going back to the apartment because I have some work to do before I start looking for work again.

I find myself fully immersed in my studies within the confines of my apartment. With exams looming just days away, I'm fervently poring over my books, notes, and online resources. I also coordinated my job search with local hiring agencies in the area.

I will shake my head from exhaustion. It's been two days since I was fired from my job but it seems like I've been hanging out in the apartment for months.

I looked at the round clock on the wall near my study area. It was five o'clock in the afternoon, so I decided to go out first to buy dinner at the cafeteria that was close to us.

I looked at the mailbox just in front of our gate. Maybe another letter has arrived for Mother Nelya. Mom receives an unknown letter but she doesn't know where it came from. Mom also doesn't have children and she lives alone, so if a letter comes, she just thinks it's from her friend or siblings.

When I was in front of it, it was barely open and my forehead was scratched. I would not have touched it otherwise I would have seen the name of the recipient. I wondered, who would send me? Mother calls my cell phone when she says hello.

I took it and read it carefully. It has my name on it, but I don't know where it came from.

I turned it back and found a beautifully designed envelope with an elegant script that read "Exclusive Invitation."

I opened the envelope, revealing an invitation to an upscale event hosted by the matchmaking service. My eyes widen in disbelief as I read the content of the invitation. I can't believe that I, a struggling college student, has been invited to such an extravagant event.

As I read the details of the event and the potential benefits of attending, my shock gives way to skepticism. I can't understand why they would select me for such an exclusive opportunity. I think about the costs, both financially and time-wise, and wonder if this might be some kind of scam.

Only my best friend can think about anything like this. Shena is rich and if put in the situation she should receive this and not me.

Intrigued and bewildered, I called my best friend, hoping to find some clarity about this unexpected invitation. When my friend picks up, I can't help feeling a bit annoyed at this but more than anything, I'm surprised.

"Hey, did you sign me up for some matchmaking thing?" I ask, My tone is a blend of disbelief and incredulity.

He didn't immediately answer my question so I felt annoyed. "Oh, you got the invitation! Yeah, I thought it might be a fun opportunity for you. You deserve some excitement in your life."

I took back. "You signed me up for this? Seriously? You know I don't have time for things like this. I have bills to pay and exams to study for!" I couldn't help but raise my voice. I don't have time for this and one more thing, I don't have anything to wear for that event. Maybe I'm just shy.

My bestfriend chuckles, "Come on, Bella! Just give it a chance. It might be a nice break from all the stress. Who knows, you might even meet someone interesting."

My frustration turns into a sigh of exasperation. I realize that Shena had good intentions, but I can't help feeling overwhelmed by the idea of ​​adding another thing to my already chaotic life. Yet, a small part of me is also curious about what this event could bring.

As I hung up the phone, I glanced at the invitation again, torn between my responsibilities and the possibility of something new and exciting. I can't deny that I'm curious about our event.

I looked at the big mirror inside Shena's Condo. I wear a deep navy blue cocktail dress that falls just above my knees. The dress boasts a simple and classic silhouette, hugging my figure gently without being overly revealing. The neckline is a modest V-neck that adds a touch of femininity without being too plunging.

The dress has a design of small lace accents that embellish the sides and sleeves. The lace is a subtle contrast against the rich navy fabric, giving the dress a sense of texture and depth.

I paired the dress with simple yet sophisticated nude heels. With my hair cascading in loose waves over my shoulders and a natural makeup look that highlights my features.

"Beautiful! No need to put heavy make up bes. You're still beautiful," Shena complimented me.

I'm only now wearing these clothes because I don't even participate in events or parties at school, so I can say it's my first time doing it and I'm very nervous.

Why did I decide to attend? Maybe it's okay if not, but Shena is still forcing me. I took a massive heavy sigh because of the nervousness I feel now. I'm the only one going because the invitation is just for me so Shena can't go.

Shena peeked out the window of her Condo and immediately turned in my direction. "Bes, you're here to pick me up. Come on!" He pulled me gently and took my purse that was placed on top of the chair.

"Why do you seem more excited than me, Shena? Can you go by yourself?" I asked that he didn't even look at me as we walked down the building.

"No! That's yours.. Besides, there's no need for me to attend. You need that more," he said. We entered the elevator since Shena's Condo was on the third floor.

"It's okay for me not to attend, eh. What am I going to do, eh. It's my first time at this kind of thing and I haven't been with anyone yet."

Shena turned to me while holding my shoulder. "Bes, we have an opportunity, okay? You know, this will be your first step. Isn't it? Besides, I know you'll have friends there even without me. There's no one you won't approach." He convinced me that I just winced but sighed in the end.

When the elevator rang, we immediately got out of there and went straight outside. We approached a very fancy car that you know is really expensive and there was also a man in his mid 40's standing in front of it.

"Hello brother, is Isabella Hayes the one you are going to pick up?" He took the invitation from my bag and showed it to the man. He bent down and opened the car door for me to enter.

"Take care bes, I know you can do it. Okay? Call me when you get home," Shena finally promised before closing the car door.

I was nervous sitting inside the car so I just rubbed my palm to calm myself down. I don't know why I agreed to this but I'm here and there's no turning back.

To Be Continued....