Chapter 42

42 Curiosity

“Lea! Does that mean you’ve done ‘that’ with him?!” Aluna asked hysterically.

“I-it was ... originally by accident ...” Kalea replied quietly.

“Huh? An accident? What do you mean?”

Kalea recounts the beginning of Arthur, who comes in heavily drunk and not fully conscious. Aluna couldn’t speak, she immediately hugged Kalea tightly.

“Your trauma with alcohol must be getting worse, huh,” Aluna said while gently stroking Kalea’s back. She was the one who really knew the real condition of Kalea’s family, how much her best friend hated the drink. Kalea’s face became sad, she returned Aluna’s hug. Enjoy the touch of a friend who is so caring.

“Does Arthur know? Did you tell him the reason for accepting the contract?” Aluna asked as she let go of the hug. Kale shook her head slowly.

“I just said I needed money. He wasn’t too curious about what the money was used for,” Kalea replied.

“Okay then. But Lea, if you intend to terminate the contract, let me know,” Aluna said, frowning slightly annoyed because at the beginning Kalea didn’t tell the girl’s condition and kept it a secret from Aluna. Kale smiled bitterly and nodded.

It was time for them to have lunch, Aluna helped Kalea cook various kinds of food. Meanwhile, Arthur is still busy with his work, occasionally contacting clients or employees. After the food was finished, Kalea invited Arthur to eat first. The three of them eat together at the same table. No one spoke, they were busy eating their own food.

.....

Aluna occasionally stole glances at the man, she didn’t expect to meet CEO Arthur Jefferson, who she often saw in magazines. She couldn’t lie if she was fascinated by Arthur, because the man was much more handsome than the one in the photo and the one being talked about. She still didn’t understand how Zeline knew someone as important as Arthur. Even introduced him to Kalea. What made Arthur make a contract with her best friend? What are the advantages of Kalea?

Aluna’s thoughts were broken when Arthur finished eating and returned to his work space. The last Aluna finished, she also helped Kalea wash the dishes even though Kalea had forbidden her.

“Luna, let me do it. You’re a guest, I can’t possibly keep you helping here,” Kalea said, feeling bad.

“That’s fine. Wouldn’t it be faster to do it together?” Aluna said, smiling sweetly. Kalea surrendered, her best friend was very stubborn. Even though Aluna had never done household chores in her life because there was already a maid at the girl’s house.

“Where are you going?” Kalea asked Arthur, the man seemed to want to come out. Suddenly, Aluna stopped her dishwashing activities and turned to Arthur and Kalea.

“I have a little business. I’ll sleep here tonight,” Arthur replied, as he patted the top of Kalea’s head. Aluna’s eyes were rounded when Arthur kissed Kalea’s lips briefly. Kalea was surprised because Arthur didn’t see the time and place at all.

While Arthur just smiled noisily, he turned to Aluna. “Then I’ll go first. Nice to meet you, Luna,” the man said with a friendly face.

“Ni-nice to meet you....”

“I’ll go first,” Arthur said while caressing Kalea’s cheek and then exited the penthouse.

Kalea was still frozen, she felt like cursing Arthur for kissing her in front of Aluna.

“Wow, Arthur kissed you! I was really shocked to see it!” Aluna exclaimed hysterically.

“I’m in shock too ...” Kalea said, holding back her annoyance. Although she was happy and relieved that Arthur decided to go.

“Lea!” Aluna called while holding Kalea’s shoulders.

“W-what?”

“I really didn’t expect my best friend who was never close to any man to have such a handsome and rich man like Arthur!” Aluna said that it was the girl who was so excited. “You’ve never even dressed up before, and your style of dress is very old-fashioned. But now it’s completely different,” she continued, chuckling in admiration.

“That’s also because of the contract ... I don’t have any special feelings for him,” said Kalea.

“Really? Doesn’t your heart flutter when he kisses you? Have you never been fascinated by Arthur? Even though he’s much older than us,” Aluna asked very curiously.

Kalea found it difficult to answer, actually the answer to Aluna’s question was yes. However, she thought it was just a fleeting feeling and that Kalea didn’t love him.

“Sure, right? Don’t be a hypocrite, Lea! I can’t imagine how handsome Arthur was when he was young like us,” Aluna said, starting to fantasize.

“You like Arthur that much, don’t you?” Kalea asked.

“Who doesn’t like him? I’ve never seen a man as handsome as him!” Aluna replied. “But don’t worry, I’m not going to take Arthur away from you, really.”

“Actually I’m more worried about you, Luna. Arthur is really a womanizer, that’s why I said not to take Arthur’s sweet treatment seriously,” Kalea replied seriously.

Aluna laughed crisply, she patted her best friend’s shoulder. “Ahaha, is that so? Okay, I’ll remember!”

They ended up spending time together until the evening, engrossed in talking about many things.

“By the way, Lea. How did Zeline know Arthur?” Aluna asked, because she was already very curious.

“I don’t know either. But Zeline has a lot of acquaintances with important people, maybe from there?” Kalea replied, still a little doubtful. Alana just nodded her head in understanding.

“But Lea, if only I knew you were in need of money, you could work at my house because we still need a servant. Even though it won’t be as good as living with Arthur,” Aluna said. Her eyes were fixed on the high ceiling of the room.

“Actually, I prefer it that way, Luna. But I have already entered the world of sugar dating,” Kalea replied with a bitter smile.

Aluna looked at her friend concerned, she stroked Kalea’s shoulder gently. “This may be the way, I can’t do anything about it either.

***

During semester break, Aluna often visits and invites Kalea to hang out. Either in the penthouse or going outside. Kalea began to get used to looking beautiful in front of Aluna, as a result, their beauty radiated and attracted the attention of many people. Kalea looks like a model because of her long legs and sexy body shape, while Aluna with a small and cute body, makes it seem as if men want to take care of her.

On the other hand, Arthur was happy and relieved that Kalea didn’t just lock herself in her room and act like a normal girl. Maybe, Kalea should have told Aluna from the start. And Arthur thought that Aluna was a kind and cheerful girl.

Kalea was looking at the photos when she and Aluna took a selfie at the cafe. A sweet smile continued to grace the girl’s face and made Arthur chuckle softly. He walked over to Kale. “Have fun hanging out with Luna?” Arthur asked while peeking at Kalea’s cellphone screen. “Oh, I want the photo.”

“Y-you startled me!” Kalea suddenly hugged her cellphone so Arthur wouldn’t see the photo. She didn’t realize that the man was near her.

“I want that picture,” Arthur asked again.

“F-for what?”

“Of course I’ll keep it, what else?” Arthur replied, raising an eyebrow. Kalea shook her head quickly, she didn’t want to give the photo to Arthur because she was too embarrassed.

“Hmm, then let’s take a photo together,” Arthur finished as he pulled out his cell phone towards the camera feature.

“You and me?” Kalea asked.

“Of course, closer to here,” Arthur replied, his arms wrapped around Kalea’s shoulders to bring her body closer to him.

“Wh-why all of a sudden?!” Kalea’s protest made Arthur sigh and look at the girl a little annoyed.

“If you talk too much, I’ll gag your mouth with mine right now,” Arthur threatened, because Kalea refused too much and protested. Kalea didn’t argue anymore, she looked at Arthur’s cellphone camera. “Smart girl,” Arthur said.

Both of them smiled, though Kalea felt that her smile was a little stiff.

Click!

When Arthur saw the result, he smiled with satisfaction. “Nice.”

“I look unnatural,” Kalea said.

“No, you’re pretty.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Kalea returned to playing with her cellphone while Arthur was still engrossed in the photo. “Why are you still seeing it?” Kalea asked because she was a little uncomfortable.

“Because this is our first time taking a photo,” Arthur replied with a sweet smile and looked back at the photo. Ah, Kalea just realized. They never once had a moment to capture. After all, she didn’t think it was important because Kalea was always aware of the kind of relationship she had with the man.

“By the way, Lea. How much more time do you have off?” Arthur asked.

“Eh? Two more weeks,” Kalea replied.

“One week is enough for a vacation outside?”

Kalea frowned, not understanding. “What do you mean?”

“You and Aluna can plan a vacation somewhere, I’ll prepare it,” Arthur replied so casually.

“Huh?! No, no, there’s no need, Arthur. I don’t-” Kalea couldn’t continue her words because Arthur suddenly kissed her lips.

“I don’t like getting rejected all the time, you should know that,” Arthur cut in, his gaze so serious and intimidating. “Accept it, I just wanted to make you happy and enjoy time with your best friend,” continued Arthur.

Kalea’s heart was slightly touched, Arthur really cared about her and always tried to make Kalea comfortable and happy. Perhaps, Arthur only thought of her as a younger sister, the man seemed to really enjoy spoiling a woman.

“Arthur, do you like spoiled women?” Kalea asked suddenly.

“Huh? No.”

Kalea seemed to have been hit by an arrow after hearing Arthur’s answer. “Then why are you spoiling me so much?”

Arthur was silent for a moment, in thought. “Except for you.”

“Huh?”

“Because you always refuse and feel you don’t deserve anything I want to give. But I just wanna make you happy more,” Arthur replied. “You always made me curious, Lea.” The man with moles under his eyes is now looking at Kalea seriously. Their gazes met, while Kalea didn’t expect Arthur’s answer.

She didn’t expect it at all. Arthur was just curious, what would the man do after his curiosity had run out? Will she be thrown out?