Odessa's eyes widened as a sleek, black car pulled up to her doorstep. The driver, dressed in a crisp uniform, stepped out and approached her. "Miss Odessa, I'm here to pick you up for your graduation ceremony. Mister Zaynix sent me."
Odessa's first instinct was to refuse, but the driver's next words caught her off guard. "Mister Zaynix said you don't have an option, Miss."
With a hint of reluctance, Odessa entered the car. As she arrived at the venue, she was greeted by whispers and admiring glances. "She looks like a goddess," someone whispered. "Stunning," another voice echoed. "Absolutely radiant," a third person chimed in.
Odessa's cheeks flushed as she made her way through the crowd. Suddenly, her friend Kaius appeared by her side, a mask covering his face. "You look mesmerizing, Odessa," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Odessa smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her friend. "Thanks, Kaius. You don't look so bad yourself." She glanced at his mask and raised an eyebrow. "Why do you always wear that thing, anyway?"
Kaius chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe I just like to keep things interesting," he said, his voice laced with amusement.
Odessa playfully rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself, Kaius."
As they took their seats, Odessa couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. What lay ahead for her, now that she'd graduated? And what did Zaynix have planned for her, exactly? She glanced at Kaius, who was watching her with an unreadable expression. Maybe he'd be able to offer some insight. But for now, she just smiled and turned her attention to the ceremony.
The sun shone brightly on the prestigious university's graduation day, casting a warm glow over the sea of expectant faces. Odessa, a talented and ambitious upcoming actress, beamed with pride as she waited for the ceremony to begin. But her expression quickly turned sour as the doors swung open and Zaynix, one of the youngest billionaires in the world, strode in.
Odessa's eyes narrowed, and she shot Zaynix a glare. She couldn't believe he had the audacity to show up here, especially after the contract he had offered her. A contract that would bind her to him in marriage, a prospect she had no intention of entertaining.
The audience erupted into applause as Zaynix made his way to the stage, flashing a charming smile. But Odessa was not impressed. She crossed her arms, her eyes fixed on Zaynix with a mixture of anger and determination.
As the graduation ceremony commenced, each student presented their accomplishments. Odessa's friend Astrid also presented her work, and Odessa couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for her friend's talent.
When it was Odessa's turn to present, she confidently took the stage, showcasing her acting skills and passion for her craft. The audience applauded warmly, and Odessa felt a sense of validation and excitement for her future in the entertainment industry.
After receiving her diploma, Odessa posed for a photo with the principal and Zaynix, trying to keep her cool despite her growing unease. As the ceremony concluded, Odessa's friend Kaius approached her, and they chatted about their plans for the future. Kaius asked her where she was headed next, and Odessa smiled mischievously. "Wherever the wind takes me," she replied.
Kaius chuckled, and they shared a laugh. As they parted ways, Kaius scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to Odessa. "Until Fortune Favors Our Reunion," it read. Odessa smiled, feeling a sense of connection with her friend. She scribbled a reply beneath his message: "Sisters in spirit, till we meet again."
As she turned to leave, she caught Zaynix's eye, and her expression hardened. She knew she would have to deal with him soon, and she was ready.
As the graduation ceremony drew to a close, Odessa's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face. That's when she saw him – Zaynix, standing tall and confident, his eyes locked onto hers. He strode towards her, a bouquet of flowers in hand, and Odessa's heart skipped a beat.
"Congratulations, Odessa," Zaynix said, his voice low and smooth. "You look stunning today." He handed her the bouquet, and Odessa's senses were filled with the sweet scent of flowers.
"Thank you, Zaynix," Odessa replied, her voice calm despite the flutter in her chest. "They're beautiful."
Zaynix smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you like them. Have you made a decision about the contract?"
Odessa nodded, her mind racing with the conditions she'd set for herself. "Yes, I have. But I expect no harm should befall Aiden."
Zaynix's expression was unreadable for a moment, and then he nodded. "He's in good hands, Odessa. You shouldn't worry, be at midnight eclipse bar by 9pm sharp and don't be late"
"What for" Odessa asked
"To finalize the contract darling" Zaynix said
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Odessa feeling both excited and apprehensive. As she watched him disappear into the crowd, she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was her best friend, Astrid.
"Hey, girl! Congrats on graduating!" Astrid exclaimed, hugging Odessa tightly. "What's going on? You look like you're in a daze."
Odessa smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Just dealing with some stuff, Ash. But I'm good."
Astrid nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Definitely. I'll come over tonight, and we can dish about everything."
Odessa grinned, feeling grateful for her friend's support. "Sounds like a plan but unfortunately I won't be able to go out with you tonight, how about some other time"
"Sure, but is everything okay" Astrid asked
"Yes Ash, just need rest after all today has been a hectic day"
"If you say so, next time I won't give you a chance to reject" Astrid said with a smile and Odessa smiled back
With a final hug, the two friends parted ways, and Odessa made her way home, her mind racing with thoughts of the night ahead. She was ready for whatever lay in store, armed with her wits and her determination.