Chapter 2 The Celebration.

They want to meet with us because the CEO wants our company to be their exclusive advertising agent for life!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "Can you believe it?"

Jas jumped up from her seat, her eyes shining with excitement. "That's amazing, Cain! Congratulations!" She threw her arms around him, and they shared a warm embrace.

Cal watched them, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She was happy for Cain and Jas, but a part of her couldn't help but feel left out. She was the reason created Spark had landed themselves this gig, Would she ever be a part of their inner circle, or would she always be on the outside looking in?

"I can't believe it!" Cain exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "We're going to be the exclusive advertising agent for Ryder Industries!"

As they embraced, their lips met in a passionate kiss, their happiness and excitement visible. But amidst the celebration, a pang of jealousy struck Cal, watching from the sidelines. She felt a stinging sensation in her eyes, her heart aching with longing. Why couldn't she be the one in Jasmyn's place, receiving Cain's affection?

The sound of the chair scraping against the floor broke the spell, as Cal hastily stood up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Excuse me."

Cain and Jas pulled away, their faces etched with concern, but Cal didn't linger. She fled to the safety of the washroom, where tears she had been holding back finally flowed freely. The sobs racked her body, her heart heavy with unrequited love.

As she cried, Cal realized she couldn't continue like this, hiding her feelings from the world. She needed to confront her emotions and face Cain, even if it meant risking her job. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, but she knew it was time to take a chance.

Just then Cal's tears finally broke free, cascading down her face like a torrent. She collapsed against the sink, her body shuddering with anguish. The silence was shattered only by the sound of her sobs, echoing off the cold tiles.

Meanwhile, Cain had slipped away from Jas's embrace and made his way to the washroom. But instead of entering the men's room, he pushed open the door to the ladies' washroom, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Cal's crumpled form.

Cain's heart raced as he approached her, his footsteps silent on the marble floor. Cal's eyes, red and swollen from crying, locked onto his, blazing with a mix of pain and accusation. But Cain's expression remained impassive, his face a mask of stone.

"Cal, please..." he whispered, his voice low and urgent.

But Cal's tears only fell harder, her body trembling with emotion. Cain's eyes never left hers, his gaze piercing the veil of her tears. He reached out a hand, his fingers brushing against her cheek, and Cal's eyes flashed with a spark of anger.

"Don't touch me!" she spat, her voice barely audible.

Cain's hand froze, his eyes narrowing. "Cal, I-"

But Cal's words cut him off, her voice rising to a hysterical pitch. "You did this, Cain! You broke me!"

The air was charged with tension, the silence between them thick with unspoken secrets. Ryde

Cain's eyes seemed to bore into Cal's soul, his gaze burning with an intensity that left her breathless. And in that moment, Cal knew she was trapped in a web of deceit, with Cain at its center, pulling the strings.

Cali's eyes blazed with anger and hurt as she confronted him. "Why are you still here, Cain? Can't you see I'm trying to fall apart? Did I disturb you and your girlfriend in between your make-out session?" Her voice dripped with venom.

Cain's expression remained cold, but his eyes flickered with a hint of guilt. He stepped closer, his grip on her arms tightening. "What's with the attitude, Cal? You think you can jeopardize our relationship in front of Jasmine? She's already suspicious."

Cal struggled to break free, but Cain's hold was unyielding. "You're hurting me, Cain!" she hissed.

"Listen carefully, Calister Jackson," he whispered, his voice menacing. "You mean nothing to me. That night was a mistake, a mere blip on my radar. I've forgotten it, and you should too. For your own good." And don't forget I paid you, only to be my pretend girlfriend. You were paid for every services you rendered, so stay within your limit.

Cal's eyes flashed with defiance. "You may have forgotten, Cain, but I remember everything."

Cain's smile was cold and calculating. "We'll see about that, Cali. You're playing with fire, and you'll get burned." Stay away from me and my business, he immediately stormed off.

Cals life took a dramatic turn when she agreed to be a pretend girlfriend to the wealthy and enigmatic Mr. Cain Hutton. The contract was simple: pretend to be his girlfriend for six months, and he would pay her a billion dollars. But things didn't go as planned. Mr. Cain Hutton abruptly ended the contract, leaving Cal with only ten million dollars.

Heartbroken and confused, Cal turned to her long-time friend, Sofia, who introduced her to the mysterious and wealthy Mr. Ethan Claire. Sofia had warned Cal that Mr. Claire wasn't as easygoing as he seemed, but Cam was desperate for a fresh start.

As Cal prepared to meet Mr. Claire, she couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would she find success and happiness, or would she fall into another trap? With her mother's health and well-being depending on her, Cal was willing to take a chance.

But as she delved deeper into the world of Mr. Claire, Cal realized that nothing was as it seemed. Secrets and lies surrounded her, and she began to question everyone's motives, including her own. Would she be able to navigate this treacherous landscape and emerge victorious, or would she become a pawn in a game she couldn't control?

"Cal, I'm glad you're interested in meeting Mr. Claire," Sofia said over the phone. "But I have to warn you, he's not what he seems. He's charming and wealthy, but he has a dark side."

"I understand," Cal replied, her mind racing with possibilities. "But I'm willing to take that risk. I need this opportunity, Sofia. My mother's health is depending on it."

"I know, Cal. That's why I'm helping you. But promise me you'll be careful. Mr. Claire is not a man to be trifled with."

Cal nodded, even though Sofia couldn't see her. "I promise, Sofia. I'll be careful."

The next day, Cal met Claire at a luxurious mansion on the outskirts of the city. He was tall, dark, and handsome, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her.

Cal's heart raced as she stepped into the luxurious office. She had never felt so nervous in her life. Mr. Claire, the billionaire business tycoon, gazed at her with an intensity that made her skin crawl.

"Good morning, sir," Cal greeted, trying to hide her tremble.

Mr Claire's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Miss Jackson, I've heard a lot about you. But I want to hear it from your own lips. Tell me, what makes you think you're qualified for this job?"

Cal took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Well, sir, I have a degree in marketing from Greenville College, and I worked as a creative designer at The Creative Spark Agency. I'm confident my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this position."

Ethan Claire raised an eyebrow, his eyes piercing. "You worked for Cain Hutton? What happened there?"

Cal hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say we had creative differences, sir."

Ethan Claire's gaze seemed to bore into her soul. "I see. Well, Cal, I'm not looking for someone who's afraid to take risks. I need someone who's bold, fearless, and willing to push boundaries. Can you be that person?"

Cal's heart skipped a beat. She knew she had to be honest, but she also knew she needed this job. "I...I think so, sir. I'm willing to learn and adapt."

Ethan Claire's expression remained unreadable, but his voice dripped with sarcasm. "I hope so, Cal. For your sake, I hope so."

The tension in the room was roused, and Cal knew she had to think fast. Would she be able to convince Ethan Claire of her worth,