One Last Test

The music faded, marking the conclusion of their dance. Rose wasn't ready to depart the dance floor just yet, not without receiving an answer to her question. However, the man had already left her away.

Mr. Caleb then guided her towards a grand staircase, and together, they ascended the steps. Proceeding along the corridor, they continued until they reached a pair of large doors that swung open to reveal an open-air garden. The garden was a beautiful sight to behold. The flowers were in full bloom, an assortment of different types and colors, and the petals seemed to be glowing from the moonlight. But that wasn't all. The view from where they stood was magnificent. The lights of the skyscraper and the lights of the city below were spread out in front of them like a brightly painted canvas.

The man walked towards the railing and leaned on it, facing her. She finally realized that the man was wearing a vintage, classic black suit. She had been so focused on his face until then that she didn't even notice his face until then that she didn't even notice his clothes. As she looked at him standing there, she couldn't help but gale at him. His clothes looked like they were made for him. His black jacket hugged his broad shoulders perfectly and showed off his well-built physique. He had the look of an immortal god who came down to Earth just to show these measly humans what perfection looked like.

When he removed his mask, he looked at her with those same probing eyes.

Rose lifted her hands and removed her mask as well.

She looked at him as she slowly put it down. The man was silent, but his eyes glued on her face, spoke a lot of words.

Bathed in moonlight, Rose moved closer to him. The silver accents on her dress glistened, her doe-like black eye shimmered, and her long, silky black hair swayed behind her slender and delicate figure.

The man's gaze remained fixed on her as if he were unable to worry his eyes away.

“Mr. Caleb, you still haven't answered my question.” Rose broke the silence

“I'll tell you once you pass the test.”

Rose blinked in surprise. She had assumed that she had managed to catch his attention, considering he hadn't shifted his gaze from her until now.

Speechless, she just stood there, unmoving, when a subtle curve formed at the corner of Mr. Caleb's lips. Then, he shifted, drawing nearer and inclining towards her. He lowered himself until his lips were almost touching her ear.

“Indeed, you've proven yourself well. You certainly exceeded my expectations,” he whispered. His breath touched her skin, electrocuting her nerves that she almost forgot to breathe. His voice seemed to have some sort of magic as it lingered in her ear.

The realization that she had been mistaken I'm assuming that she was still unattractive to him stirred Rose's stunned nerves. However, the smile that had been on the brink of her lips faded swiftly upon hearing his next words.

“But not yet, you still haven't passed the test,” he said.

“Uhm… what do you mean by that?”

“There's still one last test that you need to pass.”

“One last… test?”

He nodded firmly, his eyes searching hers carefully.

“Okay. Tell me what the test is all about, then.” She said, looking intent and determined. Her seemingly unwavering decisiveness made him narrow his eyes.

“Are you sure?” His deep voice echoes, sending shivers down her spine.

“Yes,” Rose responded full of confidence.

For a brief moment, the man remained silent, a quiet presence. In the next second, he gently tugged her toward an elevator, whisking her toward the hotel's highest floor. An air of silence enveloped them, and Rose felt her heart begin to race uncontrollably. They then stepped into a presidential suite. The walls were adorned with long, thick velvet curtains that shielded the windows, keeping all traces of light at bay. The expansive lounge area was adorned with exquisite furnishings–tables, chairs, and lounges of the finest quality. A bar occupied one corner, stocked with bottles of premium alcohol, while the bedroom occupied the end.

Me. Caleb came to a stop right in front of her, leaving the door closed behind her, the man finally pivoted around. A faint, incredulous smile played on his lips as their eyes met.

He extended his arms, bracing against the doorframe, effectively trapping her within. His gaze bore into hers, and he dangled the key card before her eyes. “I'll leave this here”, he stated, packing the key card on the table right beside the door. “You're free to go whenever you change your mind,” he added, a wicked smile gracing his features once more.

Rose resisted the urge to gulp, aware that he was at it again, clearly attempting to sway her decision. But oddly, what he was doing only fueled her determination further. Despite his efforts to dissuade her, his actions only seemed to elicit the opposite response from her.

So she didn't talk back this time. She was already here. No matter what challenges he put in front of her, from here on out, she would no longer change her mind.

Raising his hand, Mr. Caleb delicately caressed her cheeks with the back of his hairy fingers.

“Are you scared?” He whispered.

“No.”

Rose's incredibly quick response caused the man to chuckle. He cast a final glance at her before he sized her hand and led her towards the bedroom