Once in her sanctuary, she set her laptop on the study table and perched on the bed, sifting through her emails with the focus of a hawk. Just as she became engrossed in her work, a knock disrupted her concentration, and she called out instinctively, "Yes?"
"Can I come in?" Christian's voice, soft yet persistent, floated through the door.
"Christian? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at your office?"
"I'll go in a bit. Can I come in?"
"Of course, come in. Sorry, I was just... focused," she replied quickly, closing her laptop and placing it beside her as he settled at the foot of her bed.
"Are you coming back here?" he asked, the vulnerability in his question hanging in the air.
"Of course! My parents are best friends with yours now, so they'll come back here." Her smile was warm, but it faltered for a moment.
"I meant you," he clarified, his gaze searching hers.
"I'll come to visit when I have time; don't worry about it."
"Christian, it's almost 10 am. Aren't you supposed to be at your office?"
"Nah, don't fret. The others can manage without me."
"For normal matters, yes, but not for the meeting where they need your input and agreement."
"Oh, right!"
"Now go, before they turn feral," she laughed softly, gently ushering him out of her refuge. Their footsteps echoed as they made their way to the front door, and he hopped into his car, leaving her at the threshold, waving goodbye with a mix of emotions swirling within her.
Turning back, she locked her door, recommitting herself to her emails, determined to finish without interruption. A few minutes rolled by before a thought pierced through her focus—she needed to check in with the Creed's regarding their contract.
Grabbing her things, she left her room to find Jason's car, but not before announcing to her sister and Jason. "Guys! I'm going out, and Jason, can I borrow your car for a few hours? I'll be back before noon!" she called out, her voice carrying through the house.
"Okay!" came Jason's response.
A moment later, he appeared, sliding the keys into her outstretched hand before retreating once more. With purpose, she stepped out of the house, ready to take on the day.
She then leapt into the car, the engine roaring to life beneath her as she navigated through the urban landscape towards The Creed's house. Minutes later, she found herself in a dilapidated housing area, the atmosphere thick with the scent of dampness and neglect, a stark contrast to the brightness of her intentions.
With a resolute stride, she approached their front door and knocked firmly, the sound echoing through the oppressive silence. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Susan with young Sarah wrapped in her embrace like a protective shield.
"Hi, Susan," she said, her tone deceptively sweet.
"Why are you here?!" Susan's voice trembled, a mix of concern and suspicion.
"I'm here to ask you about our agreement," she replied, stepping over the threshold as if entering forbidden territory.
"Come in," Susan sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she led Karol into the dimly lit living room.
"So... have you decided yet?" Karol probed, feigning casualness.
"Yes, I did. But why are you doing all of this?" Susan's voice held a quiver of doubt, her eyes darting to Sarah who was struggling to inch closer to her, drawn by some unseen magnetism.
"Why? Because I see untapped potential in your sons, and I want them—that's all there is to it," she replied, her gaze unwavering as she assessed Sarah's inquisitive nature.
"Why us? There are other people with potential too," Susan questioned, an edge of wariness evident in her tone.
She brushed off Susan's concerns with an air of authority. "I don't care about others; my focus is on your sons. I intend to channel their talents into my company. If you've read the agreement, you know it's beneficial for both parties. I offer you my resources—help, and in return, you help me. It's as simple as that."
"But we are just ordinary people; why are you coming after us?" Susan's disbelief hung heavy in the air.
"You still misunderstand the agreement. Your sons are anything but ordinary; they possess gifts in need of supervision and nurturing. Without the right education and guidance, their brilliance will wither away. I want them in my company. It may seem like a sacrifice, but I can promise you freedom in return for your cooperation. I'll provide security, shelter, and sustenance. Don't make me dredge up your past, Susan; it wouldn't serve you well. And you two there—stop eavesdropping and join the conversation."
Ignoring the sharp glares from the brothers, she beckoned them into the room. Brian emerged first, his determination evident. "I'll do it," he proclaimed, thrusting the agreement towards her.
"Good boy," she praised with a smirk, accepting the document before setting it on the worn coffee table and handing Sarah over to Brian as if sealing an unspoken pact.
She settled into the frayed sofa, the others following suit, and Brian shifted closer, cradling Sarah as he queried, "When will I sign the one-year agreement?"
"I'll send it over later. Be ready for my call, and don't you dare miss it, or I will lose my patience," she warned, a playful glint in her eye.
YOU ARE READING
The One
FantastikA regular bedtime story that was being told as a small kid turns into recurrent dreams as an adult then dismisses them as childhood imaginings. But as she passes her 21st birthday suddenly her dreams of wolves become more vivid, more realistic, a dr...
