Contemplating

Veronica made her way back home, her thoughts consumed with the events of the evening. Fabian had surprised her with the news that he had found her a new job in a big newspaper company. It was an opportunity she couldn't pass up, but at the same time, she couldn't help feeling a little conflicted.

As she lay in bed, Veronica tried to convince herself that she didn't feel anything special for Fabian. But deep down, she knew it wasn't true. There was something about him that drew her in, something she couldn't quite put her finger on, and the more time he spent with her--the more comfortable she got around him.

It was frightening that she wanted to trust him and accept his feelings since he was a good person.

At the same time, she couldn't stop thinking about Jason's offer involving that masked party. It was a quadrennial event held by the richest family in Augsburg. Rumor had it that their estate had a museum with fine pieces of art and only guests were allowed to take pictures.

Even the press wasn't invited to an occasion like that and they often auctioned some items during the event.

Now that she was about to work as a journalist, wasn't it best to see everything for herself and even take pictures if possible?

"Shit! I don't have a phone", she sighed putting an arm on her forehead as she stared at the ceiling. The bedroom was illuminated by her LED lights whose colors changed at intervals.

She continued to weigh the pros and cons in her mind, trying to figure out what was the best course of action. On one hand, it would be a chance to get closer to paying off her debt to him. And he made it sound like he saved her life twice when he almost killed her the first time!

She grimaced, cursing his very existence.

But since everyone would be wearing a mask at the party, there was nothing wrong with attending it, right? One of her major worries was having her identity exposed.

She was a nobody compared to every other person who'd be present there.

After knowing his name some days back, she'd used her laptop to search for his identity since he came off as some sort of big shot.

The Timberlake family seemed to have been one of the founding families in the city of Augsburg. They weren't lacking in wealth, connections, or even beauty and ranked as the third richest family in the country worth billions. The head of the family seemed to have died in his office from a heart attack a few months back and she'd recalled hearing some gossip like that from the office as well.

Jason Timberlake who was his first son succeeded him but there were rumors about him being more incompetent than his father since the company's worth has been dropping steadily and he'd been letting go of staff over small mistakes--according to the media that is.

Everything about the Timberlake family was literally on the internet, but there was nothing about them being part of the mafia.

In fact, the first information that popped up when she'd imputed his name was a list of the most eligible bachelors in the city.

"Pfff...who'd want to marry someone that numb to emotions and unreadable?", she rolled her eyes before shutting them to think. She'd wanted to go through his Instagram profile on her laptop but it was a private account.

Recalling that particular activity made her feel like a stalker and her arm dropped beside her before she turned to lie on her side.

Despite her reservations, Veronica ultimately decided to accept Jason's offer.

She woke up the next day, feeling a little apprehensive about what was to come. It had just dawned on her that she had clothes for only going to the office and taking a jog.

"I really need a life!", she cursed going through her wardrobe lined with different shades of black and white suit alongside cargo pants and a few tees.

A dress would be more suitable for the occasion and although the phone he gave her sold for a good price, she wasn't ready to use the last money she had to look good for people that lived every single day in lavish.

That would be madness!

There was a knock at the door while she was still contemplating her next move and she rushed to get it. "I'm coming". It was likely to be Fabian coming to check up on her, and she flung the door open to see Jason.

Her smile dropped which made him wonder if she was always so annoyed to see him.

"What are you doing here? Didn't you say it was in the evening?", her tone went dry.

Jason looked down at the petite woman, "I did. But you'll need a dress".

'Is he a mind reader or something?'. She was dumbfounded by his perfect timing

Veronica looked at Jason, still trying to process what he had just said. "A dress?" she repeated, confused.

"Yes, a dress for the party tonight", he replied shortly.

"Why? I don't want to owe you any more than I already do", her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And I haven't even taken a shower yet".

Jason shrugged, "I can wait."

Veronica hesitated, but he walked past her and slumped down on the couch, crossing his legs like he owned the place.

She made her way to the bathroom, feeling embarrassed about how unkempt her house was as she'd thrown clothes around looking for what to wear all morning. The worst of the mess was in her room.

As she turned on the shower, she couldn't help but wonder why Jason was being so insistent on buying her a dress. Was it because he didn't want her to embarrass him or did he just need an opportunity to see her?

"That's crazy", she chuckled at her own thoughts.

When she came out of the bathroom, she found Jason standing beside her work table, looking at a picture frame on her bedside table. Her annoyance returned immediately.

"What are you doing in my room?" she demanded.

Jason looked up, barely startled. "Is this your family?".

Veronica felt a pang in her chest, 'What's wrong with this guy?", she stared blankly at him as he dropped the photo frame and continued reading her story manuscript. He also let himself out of her room without any signs of guilt.

Honestly, he was one of the strangest people she'd ever met. Regardless, he still seemed so childlike.