The CEO private chef

e was still on my

t miss it. The paper was white and the words w

read it again this morning hoping t

he apartment was so small I could see everything. One bed, one tab

going from office to office with my CV. I sent applications t

y landlord. I knew it w

cked

I said, trying

Her voice was sharp. S

need more time

t for two months. If you don't have something by Friday,

d. Just thre

y is final." She

ause my legs could not carry me. I put my head in my hands and cried qu

ity. My mother was in the hospital in my hometown and I was

or almost an hour. Then

d from the diner wh

You have not

ight lose my apa

Sorry. A

Not

n typing again. I felt she wanted

rson who can help. He is very rich and discreet. No relationship. Just one night. He will

tened. My first reaction was disgust.

ice on the door. To the empty fridge

t. Pride does not keep

, "Is h

clean, respectful. He stays in the best hotel. You w

s. My heart was

keep hi

Immedi

king. This was not who I was. But desperation mak

he address

thouse. Go at eight. Tell reception you are

d most expensive. Only billionaires stayed th

t hours un

all soap. I washed my hair. I fixed my only good dress. Simple bl

rd a taxi. Forty minutes on foot. Streets were busy, brigh

ding was glass and gold lights. Expensive car

hoes old. My bag o

d notice. So I breathed

lean I saw my reflection. The receptionist was beautiful in

you?" Polite

penthouse meeti

ed and picked up a phone. Whispe

ft elevator. H

it made my s

made of mirrors. I saw myself everywhere. Scared g

mbers went up. Ten, twenty,

private hallway. One

side. Faint expensive

ked li

" a deep

e door and

-to-ceiling windows showing city lights. Dining table,

ith his back to

shoulders. Power came from him even from

rned

how to

his eyes stopped me. Light blue, cold like ice, looking right at me. He did not sm

under that look

ce was low, deep, commanding. A voic

ded.

e closer he came, the more nervous I became. He

front of me. So cl

us," he said.

whispered

ers, long, warm, lightly touched my cheek. The touch w

re here?" His eyes

wed hard

one thing. Tonight you are under my c

going back. My old life, the eviction notice, the empty fridge, all felt far. Only this room, this m