Page 67 of Viral Affair

“The laptop is on the yacht, but I doubt you’ll find anything. I have a feeling that some really powerful people are sabotaging the site to force me to sell, but I’ve spent a small fortune on it and I want to see this project through,” Rupert admitted, scratching his head.

This conversation eased my worries a little because I knew I could get what Vincent wanted from me. I formed a plan in my head, hoping that I could reach out to James and ask for his help—for Rupert’s sake. Rupert would never forgive me if I went behind his back, but I was willing to sacrifice our relationship if that meant I would get to protect him at all costs.

The next day, Rupert took me to the bar where we’d met, but right before that we had a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants on the beach. Everything was falling into place. I felt so incredibly happy that I’d listened to my mother and decided to take this trip. Rupert and I were making the most incredible memories as a real couple. If things went sideways, I would never forget how happy he made me feel.

We were leaving the club, and it was pretty late when my phone vibrated. I glanced at the screen, seeing that it was a private number. My stomach instantly sank because I was dreading the worst. What if it was Vincent? There was no way I could talk to him in front of Rupert.

“Aren’t you going to answer it?” Rupert asked, holding my hand as we walked, passing tourists on the main street.

“No, I don’t want to spoil my evening,” I replied.

Rupert kept staring at me, but if I took the call, I anticipated the worst-case scenario. Vincent would easily ruin everything.

Still, I answered. “Hello?”

“Veronica, hi… this is Katharina. I hope you’re having a great summer. I just wanted to reach out about that brand ambassador role you applied for a few months back,” the voice on the other end of the line said.

I stopped walking and glanced at Rupert in shock, silently telling him who it was.

“Hello, I’m great. How are you, Katharina?” I answered, in complete shock.

“Excellent. I’m going to cut to the chase. We would like to extend a formal offer to you as our brand ambassador. I do know it’s summer and I knew from your Instagram account that you’re away at the moment,” she stated.

My heart stopped. I moved my phone from my ear and stared at it for a second, thinking that this was a joke. I didn’t want to believe that this was happening for real. Rupert stopped, too, while I tried to figure out what the hell was going on.

“Hello, Veronica … are you still there?”

“Yes … I’m sorry, I’m in a bit of a shock. I just wasn’t expecting your phone call. I thought you’d picked someone else,” I said, telling myself to stay calm, but the oxygen wasn’t getting into my lungs.

We chatted a while longer about my social media presence.

“No, we are excited to take you on board. I will send everything via email, and once you come back we could schedule a meeting. I’m off to France for a few weeks. Au revoir,” she said, and then the line went dead.

My throat was dry, and for a long moment I still couldn’t freaking comprehend what had just happened. Had she really just offered me my dream job?

“What was that about?” Rupert asked.

And then I remembered he was standing next to me, witnessing it all. I smiled wide.

“I got it, the deal with that huge Russian beauty brand. She just said I will be their beauty ambassador. Oh my God, I can’t believe it!” I jumped up and down with excitement.

Rupert’s face broke into a smile, and he lifted me and spun me around.

“Fuck, baby, this is incredible news. We have to celebrate. I knew you were going to get it!” he shouted as he kept spinning me around.

My hands shook, and my thoughts raced. I still couldn’t believe that Katharina had offered me this incredible opportunity. I was so happy, so excited how at my life was going to change. I could finally quit working for Emperor.

“I’m still in shock. It looks like she’s been watching me on Instagram and said that we’ll have a meeting once I’m back. I can’t believe this,” I said, embracing Rupert and kissing him passionately. When I pulled back and he stared at me with his incredible blue eyes, I knew I was falling deeply in love with him. I could deny it as much as I wanted, but the truth was out there: my heart belonged to him.

“This means that now you’re officially mine forever and always, Veronica. Forget about the club and the clients,” he said, holding me close. “Come on, let’s go to celebrate in our hotel room. I will fuck you until dawn because you deserve it.”

I smiled at him, knowing that from now on, everything was going to be all right. Things were finally looking up for me, my life was changing, and Rupert had just confirmed that I was officially his girlfriend.

I brushed my fingers over his forehead, knowing that we were still in public, on a busy street. The town was riddled with tourists, and it was still scorching hot.

“I want to celebrate with you again tonight. This restaurant seems a little less busy,” he said, pulling me into a small but very cute restaurant where a large Greek man welcomed us with open arms.

I still couldn’t believe that this was my new reality.

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