Chapter 7: Who I am

Kelly's POV

I didn't have much time to dwell on whether Matthew had gone to meet with Selena or not; I had my brother's debt to deal with, and today was the deadline.

"Brother, where are you now?" I called out as I walked into the checkroom. The room was filled with ladies' clothing on display. I randomly picked a set and, upon checking the brand information, realized it was something I usually couldn't afford.

But I couldn't care less since I didn't have a change of clothes.

I considered going to my apartment later, after addressing the debt, to pack up my belongings and bring them here. I understood what Matthew had implied by bringing me here and what being his mistress entailed.

Changing into my suit, I checked myself out in the mirror. My slender legs looked sexy. As a dancer, I've kept my body in great shape. Should I be thanking Matthew for admiring my body? I smiled to myself, wondering how long this would last.

I arrived at the café half an hour early as promised and casually took a seat by the window. I ordered a cup of my favorite coffee and savored some personal time.

"You're right on time," a man said as he sat across from me, nonchalantly picking up my coffee cup and taking a sip. His flippant movements irked me, and I couldn't help but frown. "That's basic courtesy; you wouldn't want me to be late. Let's cut to the chase."

"Okay, is the money ready?" The man crossed his legs, his demeanor casual yet threatening.

I took out my cell phone and showed him the message on it. "Money in hand, deal in hand."

He pulled out the IOU from his suit pocket, placed it in front of me, gave me a look, then set it on the desktop and weighed it down with a coffee cup. "It's up to you."

I transferred the hundred thousand dollars via my phone.

"Good, you're a person of integrity," the man said, his satisfaction evident as he received the notification.

"I want you to stay away from my brother," I demanded as he started to leave.

The man just smiled and left without a word.

I held the IOU in my hand and slowly, deliberately tore it to pieces. I could feel the curious stares from other café patrons, but I was unfazed. After destroying the IOU, my mood significantly improved.

I asked the waiter to refill my coffee; I wouldn't have to work at the theater starting today, meaning I had plenty of time on my hands.

I didn't want to wander the streets aimlessly, and even though Matthew had given me an unlimited credit card, I wasn't in the mood for a shopping spree.

"Kelly, what a coincidence to see you here. Didn't you have the theater today?" a familiar voice said.

"What a coincidence, Jacob. Have a seat... Waiter, another cup of coffee, please."

Jacob and I met a year ago. That day, as I anxiously waited for a cab, he stopped his car and offered me a ride. At first, I thought he might be a trafficker, but he assured me he was heading to the theater too. To allay my fears, he rolled down all the windows, and we shivered in the cold air all the way there. When we arrived, we laughed at the absurdity of it all.

Gradually, we started seeing each other at the theater, sometimes sharing coffee or a meal.

"If you're free today, I know a new restaurant that's just opened. They say the steaks are excellent," Jacob suggested, his voice sexy and inviting, like beautiful music on a warm afternoon.

"Dinner might not be convenient, I'm sorry. Aren't you busy these days, Mr. Jacob?" I asked, knowing he was an MP and that elections were approaching.

"I just finished a meeting and saw you through the window. I've missed you these past two days," he confessed.

"Mr. Jacob..." I interjected, "You know we're from two different worlds. You should find someone better than me."

Not to mention that I was now Mr. Matthew's mistress, albeit the unseen kind.

"No, Kelly, to me, you are the best. You're beautiful, and you dance so gracefully. I was mesmerized the first time I saw you..." Jacob persisted, saying he could wait until I agreed to be his girlfriend.

How could I commit to a future with him when my own was so uncertain?

"I resigned from the theater," I revealed. Although the manager wanted to keep me, I had made up my mind.

Jacob looked taken aback. "Are you facing some kind of trouble? Is it your brother... as I suspected?"

He was perceptive, knowing my family and my brother's situation.

But when the trouble arose, I couldn't believe I hadn't thought to ask Jacob for help first. That realization confirmed that my feelings for him were not romantic.

"It's not just my brother; I have other family matters to attend to."

"Can I still ask you out? Just as friends," he proposed.

I shook my head. "I don't know yet, but I guess it would be okay."

Matthew wouldn't want me to overstep, but he might allow me to have dinner with a friend. He was often too busy to monitor me closely, especially since he had other women.

Feeling a sudden pang of anxiety as Jacob held my hand, I quickly withdrew it and took a sip of my coffee.

We chatted for three hours, and I enjoyed the conversation. Jacob was knowledgeable and shared insights that were new to me.

"It's getting late; I should head back," I said, declining his offer to drive me home and instead hailing a cab.

When I arrived at my apartment, it was empty; my brother hadn't returned. I began packing my clothes when my cell phone rang. It was Matthew.

"Where are you?" His voice was loud, catching me off guard.

Scrambling for an explanation, I replied, "I'm at home."

"Which home? Have you forgotten what you are?" he pressed.

"I'm just grabbing a few clothes; I'll be right back," I assured him.

Hanging up, I hurriedly finished packing and rushed to Matthew's apartment.