1 Heartless?

"Let's break up."

I stilled and put down the fork that I was holding to my plate. I took the napkin and wiped my mouth gently before lifting my head to stare in confusion at the man in front of me.

Brad wasn't the impulsive type. He was serious and clearly thought of it already before telling me. We've been together for at least a year now, though ours wasn't a normal relationship. All we ever did was go together to some social events or these stuffy dinner dates.

"Can I ask why?" I asked curiously without even a shred of emotion on my face.

He laughed bitterly in response, "I have fallen for you, Miranda."

Huh? I don't see the problem at all.

I tilted my head in confusion, "Wouldn't that be beneficial to our arrangement?"

Our relationship was based on mutual benefits. We were both heads of companies. Our every move affects thousands of people. Relationships ceased to function just for their personal gain. Everything was used to further the business, even our personal lives. If he likes me, it would only make our arrangement even more pleasant.

"You wouldn't be able to understand. You're heartless, Miranda. I don't think I would be able to stay by your side without expecting anything in return. Believe me, I tried."

I stared at him, his words unexpectedly stumped me.

He took in my silence and shook his head once before saying, "Did you ever feel anything for me throughout all the times we were together?"

His words registered in my mind but it didn't even cause any ripple in my heart.

"So what did you answer? Miranda? Hey!" The impatient shout jolted me out of my reverie.

I glanced at the driver seat where Elaine kept on sneaking glances at me while driving. She wore faded jeans paired with a simple white shirt and denim jacket. Her voluminous hair was just pulled back and casually tied. It was too informal compared to the black suits my regular driver wore. However, this was just a temp job to help her out and it was a decision I regretted by the day.

"Look at the road! Do you really have a driving license?" I retorted while reaching for the seat belt to strap myself on. I'll never let Elaine convince me again to let her drive around.

"So, what did you reply to him?" Elaine persisted after throwing me an eye roll through the rearview mirror.

"It was more of a business arrangement than a relationship. What did you expect me to say?" I finally said with my gaze outside the window.

"If the relationship wasn't broken off, then you would really enter a marriage of convenience?" Elaine gasped in surprise.

Sensing her adverse reaction, I immediately reminded her, "Focus on driving!"

"That was the plan right from the start. The company needed that kind of connection. Both parties benefit. What's not to like?" I continued with a shrug, looking at the buildings we passed by.

"Why would you live your life that way? Business is business. Why would you even throw in your personal life as well? Don't you feel anything about this? I guess there's nothing if you're that calm," Elaine ranted continuously.

It's not that I don't feel anything however it wasn't the kind of emotion Brad or Elaine expected. Since it was cancelled, I'll have to rethink another way to plug that loss. It was a headache. All I felt was regret that the plan fell through.

Am I really heartless?

I was lost in thought when I was suddenly thrown forward as the car crashed into something.

Again.

Fortunately, we both had our seatbelt on and we didn't slam heavily. After checking that Elaine was alright, I exited the back seat and assessed the damage. It was minor since what we hit was only a pole in front of the club.

I dialed my phone and spoke as soon it was picked up, "Send another car here at the club. Retrieved the car I'm currently using for repairs. Also, remember to bill Elaine for the damages."

Elaine, who finally went out of the driver seat, heard the last bit and immediately whined, "What? No! I don't have any money at all."

"Then stop going around with these part-time jobs and go back to your family," I commented indifferently.

I agreed on letting Elaine be the temporary driver while my regular one was on vacation but at this rate, she'd have all my cars sent for repairs at the rate she damaged them.

"No way! How about a promissory note?" Elaine frantically suggested as she followed me to the entrance of the club.

We were almost at the gate when I sensed a probing gaze in our direction. There was a nondescript car parked opposite the road with the window rolled down. The sun was bright and it was against the light however I could vaguely see a man inside. Our stares connected for a strange moment before I broke it off and went on with my business.

How weird.

I walked towards the pathway leading to the towering gates accompanied by brick walls lined with ivy that was high enough to block prying eyes from outside with Elaine in tow and approached one of the securities in charge.

"There's a parked car opposite the property. Can you check who that is?"

The security guard craned his neck to check the view then asked, "Where is it, Miss?"

I turned back to look and the car was gone during that few moments. "Never mind then."

"What's wrong?" Elaine asked, following the direction of my eyes.

"Nothing. I was just a bit curious for a second," It was such a bizarre feeling that I wondered who it was, however I'm due for a meeting so I cannot waste any more time.

"By the way, someone will pick up the car in front for me. Regarding the property damages, bill the lady behind me since she's the one who crashed into it." I informed the guard before I forgot to which he nodded in agreement.

"Oh come on, you know I'm broke right now," Elaine complained pitifully.

I ignored her pitiful act and flashed my identification to the guard. It was a small, almost transparent card that was shaped like a mini bookmark. Delicate gold lines shaped my name in cursive and the name "The Book Club" was elegantly embossed at the top.

The security tapped it on the sensor that was more like a tablet and my details pulled up at the screen which verified my membership. It was impossible to enter with a forged card due to the custom microchip inside the card.

The privacy of the club was of the utmost importance so stringent checks were carried out every time. The guests of the members were allowed to come in but their details were inspected thoroughly before they could enter the premises.

"Welcome back, Ms. North," the guard gestured at me to go forward. I stepped aside so he could verify Elaine next only to find her patting all her pockets repeatedly in search for her card.

"Did you lose it again?"

"No way. I don't have any more money to have another one made again," she frowned in annoyance. Elaine is scatterbrained most of the time so these situations aren't even a surprise anymore.

"You have lots. You just need to go home," I commented with raised eyebrows to drive my point.

"Here it is," Elaine muttered in relief and handed her card before she gave me a withering stare.

The guard's stone face morphed into a welcoming smile and let us pass after verifying Elaine's identity. The duality always threw me for a loop every time. I shook my head at the amusing thought while the gate opened up to the most exclusive club in the country.