Chapter 0004

I swallowed before saying my wish while Lucas waited.

“I want my contract with your company to be extended and my status as an intern to be upgraded to a permanent employee.” I stared at Lucas with my heart pounding like a wild horse galloping. I could even hear the sound of my heartbeat.

Lucas smiled, reached for his wine glass, and took a sip, his gaze never leaving me.

“That’s easy. I’ll grant your request in the near future. Is there anything else? You still have two chances.” Lucas swirled his glass gently so that the wine inside the glass swirled and mixed.

“No, I won’t ask for anything other than that before the results come out.” I reached for my wine glass and took a sip. This wine was delicious and flavorful. I often drank wine, as Daniel had taken me to a fancy restaurant with such dishes. Still, I’d been turning him down more often lately because I didn’t want to be the subject of gossip from his friends at the hospital.

Lucas ordered our dinner, letting me choose the menu for myself. I chose seafood as my main course.

We didn’t talk much and just ate in an awkward silence. Lucas occasionally asked me about general things in my life, my parents, and my work at his company. However, when Lucas asked about my personal life with men, I did not answer in detail and openly.

“You don’t need to know that, Mr. Cassano, but one thing’s for sure, I’m not like you who likes to change partners.” I looked at Lucas from behind my eyelashes.

Lucas smiled, and I could see my words offended him.

“I know. You’re a virgin, Natalia. Should I feel lucky about that?” I didn’t expect Lucas to reply with such a sharp, piercing question.

I clutched my spoon and fork, angry but didn’t want to get carried away. I knew Lucas was provoking me on purpose.

“Aren’t you used to it, Mr. Cassano? You see women only as something that can be replaced and used at any time. If you could grant my next request with certainty, I would say right now.” I tried to look unfazed by Lucas’s question.

“What do you want next?”

I smiled at Lucas’s enthusiasm for granting my request. I smiled scornfully.

“I hope I don’t get pregnant with your child and that our business is done as agreed. I guess a million dollars and letting me become a full-time employee of your company is a small thing for you, Mr. Cassano, although it’s not worth the price of my virginity which seems to be nothing new to you.” Although this was an uncomfortable topic, I didn’t want to appear to be the one being controlled here.

Lucas’s face looked tense; I guess my words offended him.

“I’ve never lost a bet, Natalia. Don’t make me angrier and want you more because you’ll regret it.” Lucas sounded furious, but I liked it when I had the upper hand. I don’t like it when men like him always feel like they are above women like me, making them superior.

I shrugged and acted to provoke him.

“That’s none of my business. It’s not just you who wants the advantage, Mr. Cassano, but me as well. Don’t even think, victory will always be on your side.” I finished my main meal, which was grilled shrimp with mashed potatoes. There were also salmon steaks and oysters.

I signed our contract and became the omega in the flock. I did not know my position nor intended to take Alpha’s place and pay attention to Luna in the pack. Besides, I had a lot of competition. Abigail Jayden is a woman of high class, a socialite, and a top model. She had many fans and secret admirers among the men.

I dared not compare myself to her, who only wanted to take advantage of the man who had been with her leading Davidson’s pack.

Lucas drove me to my apartment. He exited the car and looked at the buildings next door, including my apartment building.

“If the results come back and you’re pregnant, you’ll have to move from this place to mine.” Lucas turned to me when he said that. I furrowed my brow.

“Why? I’m comfortable here.” I refused; I wasn’t thinking of living with any man, even if he was my boyfriend.

“You will be under my supervision, Natalia, as you should be. Especially since you’ll be carrying my child.” Hearing Lucas say that felt strange to my ears. I didn’t even know this man yet, and we had already decided to have a child; we weren’t planning to get married.

What kind of relationship is this? You are out of your mind, Natalia!

My common sense snapped at me as I felt guilty about my decision, but what was the point of regret? I’m halfway there now. Maybe I can pray that I don’t get pregnant and still make a profit here.

“Let’s just wait for the results in a week; before that, there are no new rules.” I warned Lucas politely; it was too early to guess the situation. I walked away, leaving Lucas watching me enter until I climbed the stairs to my apartment room.

**

I’m trying to concentrate on finishing my work right now. I’m the only one who still chooses to stay at the office to work overtime; it’s about eight o’clock at night, and I want to go home immediately. My head is spinning, and I don’t feel well.

Overtime for two days is not good, let alone when I’m sleep-deprived. I must submit a new proposal to assess whether my contract and status will be extended and upgraded. Although I had already asked Lucas for it, unlike a sycophant, I wanted to get it correctly.

I walked toward the bus stop that wasn’t far from the building where I worked, but I felt so dizzy that it impaired my vision. I almost collapsed if it wasn’t for someone supporting me.

“Natalia!? Are you okay?” It was Lucas’ voice; I couldn’t answer because the dizziness was so painful, and my body felt weak. My eyes couldn’t see Lucas’ face.

Lucas picked me up, and we got into his car. Lucas’s hand was so warm on my skin when he touched my face. I leaned against him because of my weakened condition.

Lucas picked me up again and took me somewhere. I could only close my eyes, with my consciousness almost gone. The sounds around me began to sound like a hum. I’ve never felt like this. My back touched something, and my body was no longer in Lucas’s grasp. My consciousness was completely gone.