Chapter 1 Betrayal

• Astrid pushed open the door, her eyes scanning the room. The sight that greeted her made her heart sink. Her sister, Mira, was tangled in her fiancé George's arms, their faces inches apart. Astrid's anger simmered, then boiled over. "Astrid, I—"
• Mira started to speak, but Astrid cut her off, her voice barely above a whisper. "No." She turned on her heel and stormed out, the door creaking shut behind her.
• In the hallway, Astrid's legs trembled beneath her. Betrayal seared her chest like a branding iron. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to process the scene she'd just witnessed. Her face burned with anger and hurt.
• As she stood frozen, she strained to listen, her ears pressed against the door. George's soothing tone drifted through the wood, reassuring Mira. "Don't worry, I'll handle it." Astrid's mind reeled at the casual way he spoke, the gentle way he kissed Mira's forehead. A cold fury crept over Astrid, replacing her shock. What did he think she was? A plaything to be managed?
• Astrid's eyes scanned the crowded banquet hall, searching for Mr. Thompson's familiar face. The music and laughter swirled around her, but she tuned it out, her focus fixed on finding him. Finally, she spotted him standing by the bar, a glass of champagne in hand.
• She made her way through the crowd, her heels clicking on the polished floor. As she approached Mr. Thompson, she caught his eye and smiled, trying to appear nonchalant. "Mr. Thompson, may I have a word with you?" she asked, her voice low and urgent.
• He raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and set his glass down. " What's this about?"
• Astrid glanced around the room, ensuring they were out of earshot. "It's private," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Follow me."
• She led him out of the banquet hall, the music and laughter fading into the background as they walked down the deserted hallway. When they reached his room, Astrid hesitated, her heart racing with anticipation.
• Mr. Thompson swiped his card and pushed open the door. "After you," he said, his voice polite.
• Astrid stepped inside, her eyes locking onto his as she turned to face him. Without a word, she reached out and pulled him into a kiss. Mr. Thompson's response was immediate; he pulled away, his hand strangling her neck. He hates women who try to seduce him just to elevate their status.
• "What's going on?" he asked, his voice firm. "What's the meaning of this?"
• Astrid's smile was calculated, her voice low and husky. "Mira cheated on you with my fiancé, George. And I think it's time we got our revenge."
• Mr. Thompson's gaze lingered on hers as he released her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he thought she wanted money or she wanted to bear his child so she'll attain a higher status but no. She wanted revenge on her sister, which was amusing. Then, he spoke, his voice detached. " I don't like Mira, so what do I get out of this revenge?"
• Astrid's smile never wavered. "You'll get paid," she said, her voice dripping with calculation as her hands circled his neck.
• The silence that followed was palpable. Mr. Thompson's eyes sparkled with interest, a slow smile spreading across his face. "How much do you want?" She asked, her voice low and suggestive.
• Astrid's smile matched his, a silent understanding passing between them. "Let's talk about that later," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
• Moments later...
• Mira swiped her card and opened the door, expecting the room to be empty. Instead, she was met with a scene that made her heart skip a beat. Astrid was wrapped in Mr. Thompson's arms, their bodies entwined on the bed. Mira's eyes widened in shock as she took in the intimate pose.
• A loud scream escaped her lips, shattering the calm atmosphere. Astrid's eyes snapped open, and she smiled slyly as she met Mira's gaze. Without breaking eye contact, Astrid dropped a kiss on Mr. Thompson's bare chest, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
• Mira's face burned with anger. "How dare you?" she spat, her voice trembling with rage.
• Astrid sat up, a triumphant smile still plastered on her face. "You started it first," she replied, her voice dripping with malice.
• Mr. Thompson rubbed his temples, tired of their bickering. "Enough," he said, his voice firm. "Go home and argue, don't bother me."
• Mira's anger boiled over, and she turned on her heel, storming out of the room. The door slammed shut behind her, leaving Astrid and Mr. Thompson alone.
• As the door closed, Astrid lay back on the bed, a smug smile still on her face. Mr. Thompson stood up, his movements abrupt, and began to get dressed. "Are you satisfied with the outcome?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
• Astrid's smile spread across her face, a triumphant glint in her eye. "I am," she said, her voice confident.
• Mr. Thompson's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You owe me, Astrid," he said, his voice low and even. "Five million."
• Astrid's eyes widened in shock, her smile faltering as she processed the sum. She felt a jolt of surprise, her mind racing to catch up. "What?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's too much."
• Mr. Thompson shrugged, his shoulders barely moving. "Any problem?" he asked, his voice detached.
• Astrid's mouth dropped open as she stared at him, her mind reeling with the enormity of the sum. "Five million for one night?" she repeated, her voice incredulous.
• Mr. Thompson nodded, his face unyielding. "Yes," he said, his voice firm. "I'm not cheap. You should have known that before you dragged me here."
• Astrid's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with calculations. She felt a sense of unease creeping in, her confidence wavering. "There's no price tag on you," she said, trying to sound calm.
• Mr. Thompson smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "How do you want to pay?" he asked, his voice dripping with amusement. "Cash or..."
• Astrid's face paled as she realized the enormity of the sum. She felt a wave of panic wash over her, her heart racing with anxiety. "I don't have up to half of the money," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
• Mr. Thompson shrugged again, his expression unyielding. "You can take a loan," he suggested, his voice matter-of-fact.
• Astrid's eyes widened in horror as she thought about the implications. "How would I pay back?" she asked, her voice trembling.
• Mr. Thompson's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "That's up to you," he said, his voice dripping with malice.
• Astrid's mind reeled as she tried to comprehend the situation. Her thoughts swirled in confusion, her eyes fixed on Mr. Thompson's intense gaze. "Who would pay five million for one night?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
• Mr. Thompson's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing. "I would," he said, his voice low and even. "Depending on the product and the outcome."
• Astrid's mouth hung open in shock, her mind struggling to process the enormity of the sum. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath caught in her throat. "Let's take it like it never happened," she stammered, her voice shaking.
• Andrew spoke up, his voice calm and collected. "I'm a businessman, and businessmen care about profits. I'm not interested in losing five million."
• Mr. Thompson didn't say a word, his silence more unnerving than any words could be. Astrid's face fell as she realized the gravity of her situation. She felt a wave of panic wash over her, her heart racing with anxiety.
• "How do I pay you back?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Mr. Thompson's face was straight, his eyes glinting with a hint of challenge.
• "Well, since you don't have money," he said, his voice dripping with amusement, "then you can be my mistress."
• Astrid stood firm, her voice steady. "No way. I'll find a way to pay you." Mr. Thompson's expression remained unyielding, his eyes boring into hers.
• "I'm not waiting for long," he said, his voice firm. "If today runs out and you can't raise the money, then you're mine."
• Astrid's eyes pleaded for mercy, her voice trembling. "Give me a month. Just a little more time." But Mr. Thompson was firm, his face unyielding.
• "We've agreed on today," he said, his voice final. He picked up his coat, his movements deliberate, and left Astrid alone.
• Astrid returned home, her heart heavy with worry. As she entered the sitting room, she was met with her father's angry glare. His eyes narrowed, his face twisted in disgust.