Chapter 4 The devil 2

Chapter 4

I didn't know what got into me or the kind of courage that took over, but deep down, my silly heart whispered an idea. A crazy, impossible idea. And for some reason... it felt like this was my chance.

"Mr. Diago!" I called out loud.

He froze in his tracks.

It was like time had stopped. My breath caught. My heart hammered so violently I thought it would break through my ribs. But I'd already started, and I couldn't back out now.

I walked forward-head held high, hiding every drop of fear boiling inside me. He turned, slowly, just as I reached him.

There he was-dark suit, dark presence, and those eyes... as cold as death itself. I stood in front of him. Everything in me trembled, but my voice stayed firm.

"Mr. Diago... you said you don't fall in love. That you don't love, right?"

Silence.

Then I heard his voice again-deep, low, smooth like poison. "I suppose you heard right... Goldie."

Goldie. That was what he called me. My breath hitched, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"I have a deal for you," I said. "I want you to be my contract boyfriend."

His laugh echoed across the quiet night, deep and mocking.

"Hmm... You're as cute as a rabbit but really feisty, Goldie. You have no idea what you're asking for."

"I do," I said quickly.

He raised a brow, that deadly smirk returning. "Go home now. While I'm still in a good mood."

He turned to leave.

No.

No, I wasn't going to let this chance slip by. He was the kind of man I needed. Someone I could love with all of me, who would never love me back. A man cold enough not to break when I was gone.

"If you walk away now," I said boldly, "that means you're scared. Scared you'll fall madly in love with this cute little rabbit."

He stopped. My heart stopped with him.

Slowly, he turned again.

He walked back until he was just a breath away. I had to tilt my head up to look into his face.

His smile was terrifying. "The only one who loves... is the one who has a heart. And I don't. Now go home, Goldie. While the devil is still in a good mood."

And just like that, he turned and got into his car. It roared to life, and a moment later, he was gone.

I stood there in the quiet street. Alone again. My heart still racing from what had just happened.

What had I done?

I started walking quickly, hugging my bag to my chest. The earlier fear of the night still lingered around me like smoke, but something stronger than fear was buzzing inside me.

Excitement. Hope. Madness, maybe.

I got home and opened the door.

"Alora!"

My mum was the first to rush at me, hugging me tightly. "Oh dear, your phone was off! We were so worried!"

"I'm fine, Mum," I said softly.

My dad walked up, placing a warm hand on my head. "Where have you been? We called Kira. She didn't know either."

"I... something happened at the library," I lied. "We had to handle something. It just got a little too late. I'm sorry."

My grandma stood in the hallway, holding my little sister who was fast asleep in her arms. Her eyes searched me carefully.

"I'm fine," I reassured them. "Just really tired."

"Won't you eat first?" my mum asked, worry still written across her face.

"No, Mum. I just want to sleep. Please."

They nodded, slowly stepping aside.

I climbed up the stairs, got into my room, locked the door behind me, and leaned against it.

Silence.

I was home... but my mind wasn't.

I went to the bathroom and showered. The warm water hit my skin, but it didn't ease the wild storm in my heart. Tonight had been insane. Everything had changed, and nothing had changed.

Diago.

That name was going to live rent-free in my head for a long time.

I dressed and sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the wall, the scene replaying over and over again.

The way Cassandra had begged.

The way he had humiliated her.

The way he had spoken to me. The way I had spoken to him.

Was I crazy?

Maybe I was.

But there was a pull. A feeling I couldn't explain. He was dangerous. That much was obvious. But I couldn't stop thinking about him. About how cold he was... about how perfect he was for the one thing I wanted.

A man I could fall for, but who wouldn't care enough to be hurt when I left.

That was the plan, right?

I glanced at the small wooden drawer beside my bed. I pulled it open and brought out my diary.

Flipping through pages, I got to the one that held my list.

My wish list.

#1: Fall in love with someone who would never love me back.

I stared at it. Then slowly, I picked up my pen and wrote under it:

Maybe... I've found him.

But would he ever accept me?

I don't know.

The only thing I know is... I'm not backing down.

Not now.

Not when time is slipping away so fast.

I closed my diary, climbed under my blanket, and stared at the ceiling.

A smile crept to my lips.

Maybe I was insane.

But tonight... was the beginning of something I couldn't explain.

Tomorrow, I'll find a way to see him again.

Even if it kills me. But how would I my mind wonderd

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