CHAPTER 5 - Bargain

Why can't I go with you, Mika? Are you hiding something from me?" Jaden asked, his voice laced with jealousy. The emotion washed over him like a tidal wave, leaving no room for rational thought. He wasn't comfortable with Mika going to see Mr. Richard alone.

Mika rolled her eyes in irritation, her patience thinning. "You don't have to go with me, Jaden. Mr. Richard said he wants to see me so we can discuss business properly," she replied curtly, barely glancing in his direction.

Jaden stepped closer, his jaw tightening. "Mika, I'm your manager, not just your boyfriend. I should go with you. I want to be part of—"

"Part of what, Jaden?" Mika cut in sharply, her voice rising as anger flickered in her eyes. She squared her shoulders and faced him head-on. "You can't be part of this plan. After all, Mr. Richard didn't request your presence; he requested mine."

She snatched her bag from the chair and slung it over her shoulder, clearly signaling the end of the conversation.

"I'll let you know what the plan is all about when I return. And if you're needed there, I'll call you," she added coldly, her hand already on the door handle. She didn't wait for his response and slammed the door shut behind her.

Jaden stared at the closed door, emotions he couldn't quite identify creeping up on him. Was it anger? Was it worry? He couldn't tell, but deep down, he knew something wasn't right. Mr. Richard never did anything out of the kindness of his heart. There was always a price to pay, and Jaden couldn't shake the feeling that Mika was walking straight into a dangerous bargain.

He sank into his chair, running a hand through his hair as unease settled heavily in his chest. What kind of deal has she made with Mr. Richard? he wondered, his thoughts swirling with dark possibilities.

---

Mika stood outside Mr. Richard's office, her heart racing. She steadied her breathing and smoothed the front of her blouse, determined to appear composed. She wasn't about to let her nerves show, especially not in front of him.

She gave a light knock on the door before stepping inside, her heels clicking confidently against the polished floor. Her movements were poised and deliberate, exuding a quiet authority.

"Ah, Mika," Mr. Richard said, rising from his chair as she entered. His lips curled into a small smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. He gestured for her to sit, and she did so gracefully, crossing her legs and meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence.

"So," she began, cutting straight to the point. "You say you have a plan to give me what I want, right? All I have to do is…" She hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing, "...keep your bed warm?"

Her voice held a note of curiosity, though her face remained impassive. She wasn't one to back down, even when the stakes were high.

Mr. Richard's smile widened slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. He had expected this moment.

"Mika, Mika, Mika," he said, drawing out her name as he walked toward her. His tone was smooth, almost hypnotic. "You should know better. All you have to do is agree, and you'll see yourself rise higher than Emily Petals ever could."

The mention of Emily Petals made Mika stiffen. Emily was her fiercest rival in the entertainment industry, a star whose success Mika envied with every fiber of her being. The thought of surpassing Emily was intoxicating, almost irresistible.

Mr. Richard didn't miss the flicker of envy in her eyes. He leaned against his desk, studying her with the practiced precision of a predator sizing up its prey. "All you have to do is be mine," he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And the crown of the industry will be yours."

Mika tried to maintain her composure, but the weight of his words settled heavily on her. Could this really be worth it? she wondered. The idea of being the best, of having her name in lights and her face on every magazine cover, was almost too alluring to ignore.

Sensing her hesitation, Mr. Richard moved closer, his steps slow and deliberate. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch light but possessive.

"Mika, darling," he said, his voice low and coaxing, "you just have to trust me. The world is yours for the taking, but only if you're willing to play by my rules."

Mika swallowed hard, her resolve wavering. She had worked so hard to get where she was, but it never felt like enough. There was always someone like Emily Petals standing in her way, stealing the spotlight. If this was what it took to finally claim her place at the top, was it really such a high price to pay?

"So," she said finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "When do we start this plan of yours?"

Mr. Richard's eyes gleamed with triumph. He placed a finger against her lips, silencing her. "Shhh," he said softly, his tone dripping with feigned patience. "Don't be in such a hurry, dear. You haven't even agreed to my idea yet."

He smiled at her, a mischievous glint in his eye. Mika stared back at him, her mind racing. She knew she was standing at a crossroads, and the choice she made now would shape her future in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.

"I have nothing to lose, Mr. Richard," she said at last, her voice firm. "Let's get to business. I'll agree to… warm your bed. Just do what you said you would do."

The words felt foreign on her tongue, but she forced herself to say them. This was the price of ambition, she told herself.

Mr. Richard leaned in, his face inches from hers. He kissed her, his lips demanding and insistent. Mika didn't pull away, though her mind screamed at her to stop. His fingers trailed down her chest, and she froze, suddenly hyperaware of where this was heading.

"Wait," she said, placing a hand on his chest to stop him. "This is your office. Anyone could walk in at any time."

Mr. Richard chuckled, clearly amused by her concern. "Don't worry about that," he said smoothly. "No one will disturb us. Now, show me your inner beauty, Mika."

His words sent a shiver down her spine, though whether it was from fear or anticipation, she couldn't tell. She felt trapped, caught between her ambition and the price she had to pay for it.

As Mr. Richard's gaze bore into her, Mika's thoughts turned to Jaden. He had always been there for her, supporting her dreams even when she doubted herself. What would he think if he knew about this? she wondered. But she pushed the thought aside.

This is for my future, she told herself firmly. Jaden doesn't understand the sacrifices I have to make. No one does.

With that, she steeled herself and leaned into Mr. Richard's touch, determined to see her ambitions through, no matter the cost.