Chapter 5 Spark of temptation

Chapter 5 - Diago's POV and the Spark of Temptation

Inside the grand, dark mansion lit only by golden chandeliers and moonlight pouring through stained glass, Diago stood silently by the terrace. A glass of champagne swirled lazily in his hand as he stared out into the distance. The silence of the mansion was loud, filled with unspoken thoughts and the quiet hum of expensive silence.

"Thomas," he said without turning. "If you have something to say, say it."

Thomas stood a few feet behind him, hands in his pockets, watching Diago with a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Nothing at all. Just thinking... about that girl."

Diago finally turned his head, his cold gaze pinning Thomas down. "What girl?"

"The one from last night. Goldie," Thomas said with a raised brow. "There's something about her, right? It's like... something sparked in you."

Diago scoffed. "And what gave you that idea?"

Thomas smirked. "Nothing concrete. Just observing. But I'm still curious-why didn't you accept her offer? Knowing you, you wouldn't think twice before agreeing, breaking her heart, and walking away."

"I don't owe you an explanation, Thomas."

"Of course you don't," Thomas said, shrugging. "But something in me is telling me that the devil might've felt something last night."

Diago laughed-a low, cold sound that didn't touch his eyes. "You're delusional."

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Maybe you did feel something. Maybe you didn't. So... prove me wrong, Diago. Accept that pure kitten's offer. Then I'll know I was imagining things."

Diago turned back to the terrace, drinking from his glass. The moonlight cast long shadows across his sharp, sculpted face. "I need my space now, Thomas. Go."

Thomas nodded, stepping away slowly. But before he reached the door, he paused. "Just tell me honestly... there's something about her, right?"

"I don't like repeating myself, Thomas."

"Fine, fine," Thomas said, hands up in surrender. "I'll go. But if you really are still the devil you claim to be, then accept her offer."

And with that, he walked out, leaving Diago in the eerie silence.

---

The next morning, Alora sat at the breakfast table with her family, her laughter blending with the clinking of cutlery. Her mother served pancakes, her father read the paper, and her little sister, Mia, rambled on about chocolate dreams.

"Chocolate is like happiness but in food form!" Mia declared proudly.

Alora laughed, ruffling her sister's hair. "You and your chocolate obsession."

After breakfast and a warm chat, Alora got dressed and headed to the library. She wore a simple dress, hair pulled back loosely, face glowing with her natural sweetness. But as she approached the entrance of the library, she froze.

There were two sleek, expensive cars parked right in front of the gates-black, polished, and radiating wealth and danger.

Confused and a little nervous, she slowed her steps just as one of the car doors opened.

A tall man stepped out-broad shoulders, perfectly tailored black suit, chiseled jawline, and piercing hazel eyes. His beauty was the kind that made time stop. His skin smooth like marble, expression unreadable but intense. It was Thomas.

"Hello, pretty. Remember me?" he asked, smiling charmingly.

Before Alora could respond, the other car door opened, and her breath caught in her throat.

He stepped out like a scene from a movie-tall, magnetic, every line of his face sculpted by the gods. His black shirt hugged his body just right, and his dark eyes locked onto her with a heat that made her heart stutter.

"Hi, kitten," he said.

Her throat went dry. "M-Mr. Diago?"

"Great," he said, amused, "You still remember me."

She nodded quickly, nerves all over the place. "Of course. I-what are you doing here?"

He looked her over slowly, like he was evaluating her. "I'm here for your offer. The one about being your contract boyfriend."

Her heart skipped. She barely found her voice. "Really?"

He smirked. "Let's talk."

They stepped aside while Thomas waited by the car.

"If you want to be my contract girlfriend, there are three rules," Diago said, his voice like velvet dipped in danger. "One-you stay in my house. Two-you do not interact with any other man in any way that makes me uncomfortable. And three... you are not allowed to fall in love with me."

Alora nodded eagerly. "I agree!"

But Diago held up a finger. "Think about it, kitten. Think properly before you jump. Once you're in, you're in. There's no exit until I say so."

He reached into his coat pocket and handed her a sleek black card.

"Call me tomorrow with your answer."

And with that, he turned and entered his car, Thomas following. The cars drove off, leaving Alora standing in front of the library, stunned.

A wide, dreamy smile slowly bloomed on her face.

"I got a chance," she whispered. "I actually got a chance."

---

That evening, after the library closed, Alora's phone buzzed. It was her best friend, Kira.

Kira: Babe! I'm spending the night at my house. Come over when you close. I made cupcakes!

Alora smiled and responded with a quick "Omw 💕"

By 6:30 PM, she arrived at Kira's place and was greeted with squeals, hugs, and the smell of warm vanilla.

"Tell me everything!" Kira insisted, pulling her onto the couch with a plate of cupcakes in her hand.

Alora blushed. "I... I think I have a boyfriend."

Kira's eyes went wide. "YOU WHAT?! My baby is growing up! Oh my God, tell me more!"

Alora laughed, cheeks red. "It just happened so fast. He's... older, really handsome. You should've seen him. I can't even believe he remembered me."

"Older and rich?" Kira asked, already fanning herself.

Alora nodded shyly.

"Finally!" Kira screamed. "You're always so good and sweet. I was waiting for this moment. I'm so proud of you!"

Alora hugged a pillow, heart racing with excitement. She left out the part about the contract. That was her little secret for now.

She had no idea what she was stepping into... but all she knew was, she was finally going to experience love-or something close to it-before her time ran out. Only God knows what he had installed for me tomorrow

And she was ready.