100 Days to Seduce Mr. Grande

Charlotte's heels wobbled on the floor as she made her way towards Sebastian, the sleek black stilettos Taylor had convinced her to wear now feeling like weapon of torture. She followed Sebastian's gaze, his eyes fixed on her with an unblinking stare while his jaw hung slackened.

"Mr. Grande, is everything okay?" She asked, concern flashing in her eyes. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Shaking his head to leave his daze, he said. "Ah, yes... please, sit." He hastily offered her a chair as he hid his slightly flushed face.

"Thank you," Charlotte murmured, surprised by his sudden courtesy.

Sebastian kept his eyes on her, admiring her beauty "You're absolutely breathtaking," he complimented.

Charlotte breathed nervously, her cheeks started to burn. "Thank you," she whispered softly. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to thank him profusely but she didn't want to appear desperate even though that was already her situation.

"Mr. Sebastian, I—" she started but he interrupted.

"Call me Sebastian, Orchid," He flashed a smile, hinting at forged familiarity.

"Orchid," she murmured, her brow furrowing slightly. The name irritated her, but she had to play along for the contract's sake.

Sebastian's keen eyes caught her subtle frown. "You don't like the name?" he asked, leaning closer.

"No, it's fine. I'm just accustomed to Charlotte or Charlie among friends." She replied, straining her smile, "This is a formal setting, after all, isn't it?"

Sebastian gazed at her for a while before saying, "I'll call you Orchid, nonetheless."

Just then, his phone rang and Charlotte's eyes instinctively darted to the screen, where "Tulips" flashed with three heart emojis. Her gaze flicked back to Sebastian with an undetectable expression.

Sebastian's smile stopped short as he disconnected the call. "What would you like to eat?" he asked hastily, attempting to divert her attention.

"You can take the call," Charlotte said, shrugging casually in forced politeness. "I don't mind."

But Sebastian waved his hand dismissively, saying, "It's not important."

Charlotte's gaze drifted away, her eyes flashing with annoyance. She had prayed for this contract, but why did it come with the added nuisance of a playboy like Sebastian?

"I highly recommend the rare medium-cooked steak," Sebastian continued, signaling the waiter. "It's exceptional."

"I'm not hungry," Charlotte lied, her patience wearing thin. "I ate before coming." Now she just wanted to discuss about the contract and the conditions attached to get it.

Sebastian's face fell, "Oh, well..."

But Charlotte's stomach had other plans, growling loudly in protest and Sebastian's lips curled into a broad smile. "I guess your stomach says otherwise," he teased with a slight twitch on his lips. 

Charlotte's cheeks flushed scarlet as she hastily pressed a hand to her stomach, her gaze darting to the glass of water on the table.

Sebastian chuckled, "I know you're eager to discuss the contract, but you have to eat, okay?" His voice was calm and soothing, but his eyes sparkled with intrigue by just watching her. 

Charlotte's embarrassment deepened, her flush spreading to her neck. "Fine," she muttered, letting go of her protest.

And Sebastian signaled the waiter, his smile still in place. "We'll have two of your finest rare medium-cooked steaks, please."

The waiter nodded and left, leaving Charlotte to squirm under Sebastian's amused gaze.

"So... You agreed," Sebastian said, his hands clasping together in satisfaction.

"I thought you weren't going to accept my proposal," he continued, his smile widening. "I guess you really need this contract."

Charlotte's lips compressed into a thin line.

"Mr. Sebastian–"

"Call me Sebastian, Orc–" Sebastian interjected effortlessly, only to be cut off by her.

"I prefer calling you Mr. Sebastian, Mr. Sebastian," Charlotte countered mirroring his smile.

Sebastian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he let out a soft chuckle. She was bold, he observed.

"Alright, Orchid. Go on," he mused, leaning back in his chair.

Charlotte cleared her throat. "I'm curious, Mr. Sebastian, why did you offer me this contract?"

Sebastian crossed his legs, as a flicker of smile left his lips, "Well, Orchid, I want to go on a 100-day date with you."

Charlotte gripped the arm of her chair tightly, "Why?" she asked with a guarded tone.

Sebastian's smile widened. "Let me ask you a question instead. Be sincere, it won't affect the offer,"

"Infact–" He signaled Taylor, who promptly appeared with a folder, "Here's the contract," He handed Charlotte a pen.

Charlotte's eyes widened as she accepted the pen, her gaze dropping to the document. The words blurred together, but one phrase stood out: "Five Million Dollars."

As she scanned the pages, two waiters arrived with their food and an expensive bottle of champagne.

Sebastian's smile remained as he watched Charlotte go through it. For some reasons, he felt joy anytime she is surprised or excited at something.

"Let's eat after you sign it, then we can continue our conversation. Our food's getting cold," he suggested. 

Charlotte's gaze lifted from the pen, studying Sebastian's expression. Was this a trap? She needed clarity.

"What?" Sebastian asked, sensing her unspoken question. "You want to ask me something?"

Charlotte sighed steadily as she asked, "During the 100 Days date arrangement... I suppose I won't be... you know, having... uh..." Her voice trailed off, replaced by a pointed look.

"

You mean sleeping with me?" Sebastian helped her out as he tilted his head feeling amused.

Charlotte nodded subtly, her eyes issuing a silent warning.

"Hahahaha, Orchid, you're so funny," Sebastian's laughter erupted, showcasing his flawless teeth, but Charlotte stared at him without battling an eyelid.

Seeing this, his smile dropped, replaced by a serious tone. "You asked earlier, why I wanted to go on a date with you." he leaned in, making sure to lock gaze with her, "Do you like me?"

Charlotte's brows furrowed. "What?"

Herepeated, his voice carefully chosen, "Did you find me likable? From first sight?"

Charlotte hesitated, weighing her response. After a calculated pause, she replied, "No, I didn't find you likable."

Suddenly the atmosphere was tense as they stared at each other, the silence stretching to a minute.

Then Sebastian broke the silence with a velvety tone, "Well, that's why we're going on this date – for you to like me... and even sleep with me."

"Who knows, you might be the one asking for it." he added, with a sly smile.