LOVE VS. MONEY

WARNING: 18+!

Please be advised. Some of the content in this material is deemed for Young Adults ONLY! Strong language is used!

"You are the driver of your own life, don't let anyone steal your seat."

-Unknown

Chapter 1: Introductions

Int. Restaurant

I stroll in wearing a egg robin-blue sleeveless sweetheart mid calf-length dress. My mid-size gold hoops gleaming against the chandeliers. My hair is braided in some black havana twists, styled in a massive beehive coiffure with chunks of curly hair dangling around my face. Similar to Amy Winehouse chick. I have on my cinderella mules open-toed sandals , perfect with my french manicure nails and feet. I have on my white Versace shades covering my eyes. My matching white Versace bag hangs from my shoulder.

My name is Gorgeous Athena Jones. I'm in my mid-20s.' I'm 5'3," my skin is a dark caramel skin tone. I have dark cinnamon brown eyes, and coarse, thick hair. My figure is big boned, thick hourglass figure.

I reach the table and there goes Antony Goldmann. He's in his late 40s.' He is around '5'9." Shaved, thick, muscular man with a light-skinned complexion. His eyes are brown, surrounded by a ring of blue. He immediately rises up, coming forward to greet me. I smile as I take off my shades. I hold out my hand.

Gorgeous:Hi, it is very nice to meet you.

Antony: Hello, you must be Gorgeous.

Gorgeous: Yes, I am. You're Antony.

Antony: Please call me Tony.

Antony take my hand and kisses it,

Antony: May I say your pictures don't do you justice. You're even more gorgeous in person.

I let out a small giggle and smiled.

Gorgeous: Well, thank you. Let's sit.

We sit at the table. Antony keeps smiling at me.

Waiter brings an array of food to the table. Other waiter pour red wine & champagne into flutes for them.

Antony slides over a contract and a fancy gold-filigree pen.

Antony: So, let's discuss the terms of our arrangement. Each month you will receive a stipend of $5,000/month. You will also have a separate allowance of $5,000/month for shopping. This relationship is set to expire in 12 months time. All I ask is that you accompany me to my holiday retreats as well as be my arm candy to company parties. You are free to leave this arrangement once it expires.

Gorgeous: And if I leave before the year is over?

Antony: Then you will be penalized up to a maximum fine of $100,000.00 USD.

Gorgeous: And why do you want this arrangement again?

Antony: I've been unmarried for a long time. My company has a board of conservatives that won't allow me to regain ownership of the board unless I'm with someone. And actually, I need you to wear this ring.

Antony pulls out a 7 CT. Flawless yellow diamond ring. Gorgeous gasps, then looks at Antony in suspicion.

Gorgeous: So basically, you want us to fake being married?

Antony chuckles.

Antony: No, not married. Engaged.

Gorgeous: I don't know about all that. I actually believe in the sanctity of marriage.

Antony: And I completely respect that, however, to be honest you wouldn't have accepted to coming to this meeting if you didn't feel as if it would be beneficial to you.

Gorgeous sucks her teeth, she stands up affronted.

Gorgeous: What? You trying to call me an opportunist? Cause you got money you trying to talk down to me? I ain't got no problem turning this deal down.

Antony stands up.

Antony: Look, Gorgeous, my love. I meant no offense. I just see a equally beneficial transaction for the both of us. Look, whatever problems you have, I can solve it for you.

Antony takes out his GUCCI wallet, he slides a black card on the table to Gorgeous.

Antony: Look, this is my personal card. The pin is 7690. Whatever purchases you need to make on that card is no problem to me. You will still also receive your monthly stipend as promised. I just really need this deal. This company has been in my family for years and it's time that I regain the creative control and ownership under the Goldmann name.

Gorgeous eyed the card.

FLASHBACK: I walk down to the table in the living room. I just got off my 3rd job waitressing at Yogi's Bar. All the bills are spread on the table. I sigh, then start writing down my bills in my notebook. All the bills are marked in red titled "PAST DUE":

-Bill #1-: RENT: 850.00

-Bill #2- NANNY: $300.00

-Bill #3:- LIGHTS: $150.00

-Bill #4:- WATER $100.00

-Bill #5: DIAPERS & WIPES: $100.00

-Bill #6: AUNTIE BLOOD TRANSFUSION: $500.00

-Total: $2000.00 USD

I pull out my 3 checks and count the total.

Gorgeous: Damn.

Auntie Kiki stirs on the couch.

Auntie Kiki:What happened?

Gorgeous: I'm short $100.00 on all the bills.

Auntie Kiki: Damn, we can ask your Auntie Jocasta for some money. Gigi you need to get your hair done, and you need new clothes.

Gorgeous: Auntie, I ain't trying to be owing all these people money. It's going to put us in a bigger hole. Plus, Auntie Jocasta ain't like family all the way, that's your best friend, not family. I don't want her thinking we using her because you keep asking her for help.

Auntie Kiki chirps her teeth.

Auntie Kiki: You know damn well Jocasta don't care about no petty chump change plus, you like her daughter.

Gorgeous: Nah, auntie. I'm going to call Darius and see if he can't send me extra money this month.

Auntie Kiki: That negro? You know I don't like the fact that he doing that heavy drug-dealing shit out here in the streets like a damn corner boy. He moving too reckless. 12 gonna come and lock his ass up!

Gorgeous rolls her eyes.

Gorgeous: But auntie, at least he always present to help support his son and me. Plus, I don't hear you complaining when he be getting you them designer Gucci bags you like.

Auntie kiki cuts her eyes at me.

Auntie Kiki: Who you getting smart with, lil girl ?

Auntie starts coughing.

Auntie Kiki: Yeah, he ain't no deadbeat. I do give him that. Well, call him.

Gorgeous: Yeah, I'm going to. I'm honestly just tired of owing people so much money and I can't do anything for myself.

Auntie Kiki gets quiet and sniffles back tears.

Auntie Kiki: I'm sorry I got sick, Gigi.

Gorgeous: It's ok, auntie, I don't mind killing myself for you, you & Noah is all I got. I just wish I had a pile of money to just appear on my doorstep tomorrow morning.

END FLASHBACK

PRESENT:

Gorgeous eyed the card.

Gorgeous: I will have my lawyers inspect and revise over this document. When I approve it. I want it in writing, signed, and notarized.

Antony: Done.

Gorgeous: Also, I need it to be in writing that I will not be giving you any sexual favors in exchange.

Antony looks affronted.

Antony: Of course not, I will not impugn upon your honor in that manner. I would love for a friendship to blossom from this.

Gorgeous sizes up Antony.

Gorgeous: I will think about it and get back to you.

Antony smiles slowly.

Antony: Of course, cherie. Take your time and let me know.

Antony gestures to the table.

Antony: Let's eat, the food is getting cold.

Gorgeous takes a seat gracefully.

A montage of film passes. They eat dinner and Antony walks Gorgeous out of the restaurant.

Antony: May I offer you a lift home, ma'am?

Gorgeous smiles.

Gorgeous: No, thank you. I have my chauffeur coming now.

Valet pulls up with a black 2020 Range Rover pulls up and and a short stocky spanish man rushes down to open the door for me.

Antony gestures him.

Antony: No need, I got it for her.

Antony assists me into the car and closes the door after me. He knocks on my window. I roll it down.

Antony: It was nice meeting you. I trust to hear from you soon?

I smile.

Gorgeous: I will give you a response soon.

Antony: May I?

Antony gestures for my hand. I hand it.

Antony places the black card in my hand and folds my hand over it. He then kisses the back of my fingers.

Antony: A gesture in good faith.

I open my hand and smile.

Gorgeous: Have a good night.

Anthony smiles.

Antony: You do the same.

I nod for the driver to pull off.

My phone rings. Caller ID: Auntie Kiki

I flip open the phone.

Gorgeous: Auntie KIKI!

Aunt Kiki: Girl, how'd it go?

Gorgeous: Auntie, I'm about to pay for your 5 treatments.

Auntie Kiki starts coughing.

Auntie Kiki: How'd the hell you manage that? Those treatments are $5,000/piece. We still trying to pay off the first one.

Gorgeous: Auntie, this man is desperate. He wants-

Auntie Kiki: He what?

Gorgeous: I ain't going to talk this business out loud. I got to return this rental and drive back to the house. I'll talk to you when I get home, Auntie.

Auntie Kiki: Ok Gigi, just give me one small sip of tea girl, cause I been waiting all night for this.

Gorgeous: Can't, auntie.

Auntie Kiki sighs.

Auntie Kiki: Ok, well how did the designer stuff work out?

Gorgeous: Really good, auntie. I looked and smelled like money. Auntie Jocasta came in clutch!

Auntie Kiki: Cool. See you when you get home. Don't forget that thing on you.

Gorgeous: I won't, just in case he want to act stupid. Ok auntie, later.

I click up the phone.

I dig in my purse and clutch my .22 in my grip.

Gorgeous: Make sure I get dropped off where I need to go.

Driver: Of course, ma'am.

I sigh.

Chapter 2: VERSACE MANSION

" How many drinks will it take you to be with me? Girl, you look good and I got money but I don't want to waste my time."

-Miguel, "How Many Drinks?".

I dress carefully. I put on a fitted velvet black classic gown with a v-cut neck. My leg is showcased with a high split up my right thigh. Diamond teardrop earrings, a bold burgundy lipstick with strappy black heels. My hair is styled in a long waist-length French braid with wispy curly hairs hanging. I turn around in the mirror to showcase my v-cut back. I start to finish powdering my nose and face.

Gorgeous phone rings. Caller ID rings: Antony.

Antony: Are you ready, dear?

Gorgeous: Yes, be down in 5 minutes.

Antony: Good, I'm outside.

Gorgeous: I'm coming....

I finish powdering and throw some a small makeup bag to finish powdering grab my clutch purse and run down to the living room where my Auntie Kiki is sitting in her wheelchair. My 1 yr. old PENN a.k.a. POPPY is playing with his toys watching tv.

PENN giggles and comes up to play with me. I pick him up. He pinches my cheek.

PENN: PRETTY. PRETTY.

Auntie Kiki looks up. She coughs.

Auntie Kiki: Ok, bish! I see ya! You looking bomb. Turn around let me check the back. I turn around for her.

Auntie Kiki: Ok, bish your back is out too? Yes. I totally approve. Where y'all going?

Gorgeous: Antony has this gala dinner tonight at the Versace Mansion, complete with VIP, celebrities, and A-listers! It's for the million-dollar donors of his company, almost like a charity event. It's exclusive invite only!

Auntie Kiki: Ok girl, you definitely going to fuck that place up. Them white folks ain't going to know what hit them. Take lots of pictures and post on IG, I'm going to be watching.

Gorgeous laughs.

Gorgeous: Auntie, you so funny. Here is the card in case you get hungry and need to order something. What time Jocasta getting here?

Auntie Kiki: She should be here right about now.

Doorbell rings. Gorgeous opens it. Jocasta comes in. Jocasta is '5'11, slender, with streaked silver hair. She is in her late 40s.

Jocasta: Hunny! You looking goodt! Who is that handsome older fellow outside waiting for ya? He was asking for ya! He look Rich, Rich! Big Truck outside. The expensive kind. Girl, this your new BF or something? Where you met him at?

Jocasta starts fixing Gorgeous hair.

Gorgeous: We meet online, auntie. On one of them elite dating websites.

Jocasta: Website? Girl, what type of website that is? Wait... What the fuck!

Jocasta grabs Gorgeous hand to inspect the engagement ring.

Jocasta: Gigi, this cost big racks! You getting married or something? Who the fuck is this fool?

Auntie Kiki laughs.

Gorgeous: No auntie, it's not like that. I'm his date. We have an arrangement.

Jocasta: An arrangement? Of what kind?

Auntie Kiki cuts in.

Auntie Kiki: Jocasta, she ain't got time for all these questions, making statements, and assuming. My baby about to head down to the Versace mansion, she can't be late with your investigations. Plus, you know them white people be on time.

Doorbell rings again.

Gorgeous kisses Poppy on the cheek, sets him down, grabs her purse, turns to rush out the door.

Jocasta: Wait!

Jocasta takes out a perfume and dose Gorgeous down.

Jocasta: Now your ready.

Gorgeous rushes out the door.

EXT. Outside

Antony is outside holding a bouquet of sunflowers leaning on a silver 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Truck. He is dressed in a 3 piece suit with a cane. He slowly smiles as he sees Gorgeous approach him. He gives out a low whistle.

Gorgeous smiles.

Antony: Wow, you looking really beautiful, cherie! Dead-drop gorgeous!

Gorgeous: Yeah, I wanted to wear something eye-catching since you CEO of the company I need to come correct. All eyes will be on us.

Antony: Of course. Listen, if you want, this doesn't have to be an arrangement, we can actually date to get married.

Gorgeous starts laughing, she kisses his cheek.

Gorgeous: Tony, your a comedian. Thanks for the flowers. Let's go so we don't be late. Beautiful car, by the way. I love these crimson red leather seats.

Antony opens the door for Gorgeous and hands her the flowers.

Antony: All for you, my love.

The engine starts.

EXT. VERSACE MANSION:

The truck pulls up to the entrance where valet waits. Cameraman and paparazzi starts flashing strobe. Valet opens the door. Gorgeous steps out. Antony and Gorgeous walk the red carpet and takes pictures. Inside the mansion, they grab glasses of champagne and start to mingle with the other guests. They run into IVAN, one of the top shareholders of the company. He is a Caucasian man who is short and obese with a balding head.

Ivan: TONY! You made it! What a lovely night this is. And what an accompaniment! Who is this lovely vision that you have blessed us with tonight, Tony?

Gorgeous smiles.

Antony: This is Gorgeous Athena Jones, my fiancée.

Ivan whips his head sharply.

IVAN: Fiancée?!!

Gorgeous: Hello sir, it's lovely to meet you, how are you faring this evening?

Ivan composes himself.

Ivan: I'm well, dear. I must say you come as quite a shock, we didn't know Tony was dating, let alone engaged. Tony is very picky with his choices.

Antony chuckles.

Gorgeous: Actually, Tony and I are close friends. We met awhile back through a mutual friend and have been inseparable ever since.

Ivan: I see, well you must come this Sunday to the annual brunch I'm hosting at my estate. We need some COLOR among our guests. You would be a lovely addition. My wife and family would be honored to host the future Mrs. Goldmann at our home.

Gorgeous: Of course, we will be there.

Ivan: Good. Brunch starts at 1:00 pm sharp. Tony will take you. Have a lovely evening.

Ivan takes Gorgeous hand and kisses it. He inspects the diamond ring, holding her hand up to the light. He shakes his hand.

Ivan claps Antony on the back.

Ivan: Good choice, my boy. I know you didn't spare any expenses. Lovely choice.

Antony: I only spent $800,000 on it.

Gorgeous starts to choke a little while sipping her drink. She cuts her eyes at Antony.

Ivan laughs.

Ivan: Antony, we have much to discuss. You future here is bright.

Ivan walks away with majority of guests starring at the couple.

Gorgeous: Really, Tony? $800,000? I hope you put insurance on this bitch.

Antony: Of course, I did.

Gorgeous: And what the fuck he meant by "add some color?" Don't tell me I'm in cahoots with a bunch of racist motherfuckers.

Antony: Baby, language please. Only some of them are, not all. I'm not racist. I think your the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life.

Gorgeous sucks her teeth.

Gorgeous: Whatever, I'm hungry, let's head to the hor d'oeuvres section.

Antony: Whatever you wish, my darling.

They head to the hor d'oeuvres section and mingle with the guests. Several people comment on Gorgeous style and dress. Many compliment her ring and ask about engagement details.

Gorgeous: Darling, I'm headed to the break room.

Antony: Ok, you need me to accompany you?

Gorgeous: I'm fine. (Gorgeous kisses his cheek).

INT. BATHROOM

Gorgeous starts to powder her nose in the mirror. Women seem to be coming in. Gorgeous hides in one of the stalls.

Alexandra: I heard she is from Canada.

Extra 2: Really? Why'd that tramp come all the way down here to Florida and steal Antony?

Alexandra: Of course for the money. I heard she got expelled from University and worked at a strip club where she met Tony. You know he was wild last year, grieving over his dead wife. Poor Acosta, she was so accomplished and a rare flower. And of course, white. I don't know who that black hussy thinks she is, coming in here with that high split up her thigh. Clearly, she is a paid whore whom Tony is attached to at this time.

Extra 2: I agree with you, Alexandra. You should be Tony's wife. You know how crazy he was about you a while ago.

Alexandra: And I will have him! Come hell or high water. I will cut that bitch heart out if I have to!

Gorgeous steps out of the stall.

The women look at her with shock on their face.

Gorgeous washes her hands and looks directly at the women, making sure they see her diamond ring.

Gorgeous: You know ladies, there is an old quote that I've learned from my father that I think you should practice.

Extra 2: What is it?

Gorgeous: Beautiful women should be seen, not heard. Ignorant chickens are the ones always making the most chatter.

Alexandra: Who are you talking to?

Gorgeous: Actually, I would think you women would be sophisticated enough to not gossip, it is unbecoming. Your starting to look like chickens.

Gorgeous smirks then walks out.

She meets up with Antony who is waiting for her outside the bathroom. Antony studies her.

Antony: What's wrong baby? Anything amiss?

Gorgeous shakes her head.

Gorgeous: Nothing, I'm ready to leave. I've had enough of these people.

Antony: No problem, let's head out.

EXT. Gigi's house

Antony: I trust you had a good time.

Gorgeous: It was fun, I confronted your girlfriend, Alexandra.

Antony turns.

Antony: Alexandra? She said something to you ?

Gorgeous: She threatened me, but no biggie, I handled her.

Antony turns sharply.

Antony: Threatened you?

Gorgeous: Don't worry, I got bullets for her if she try me.

Antony: Ok, well prepare for this Sunday. It will be a intimate dinner with 40 people, the top elite. I suspect this is when they will make their announcement on who will be taking over the company. You made a great impression tonight. All eyes were on you and you acted with class and grace. Thank you.

Gorgeous: No problem, I'm just keeping up appearances.

Antony stares at Gorgeous.

Antony: I want this to be a reality though.

Antony traces his fingers over her lips.

Gorgeous: Hey, none of that. We have to stick to the contract. I will see you Sunday. Wire me my money, please.

Antony: Oh yes, let me send it now. Check your phone.

Gorgeous: You sent me $20K that's twice the amount we agreed on.

Antony: Consider a $10K bonus for your performance tonight. Feel free to use the black card whenever if the $20K isn't enough.

Gorgeous kisses Antony cheek.

Gorgeous: Thanks, I have to go check on Poppy.

Antony: Poppy? Who is that?

Gorgeous: My son.

Antony: You have a son?

Gorgeous: Yes, I do. His name is Penn, but we call him Poppy, he is 1 yr old.

Antony: I'd have to meet him sometime.

Gorgeous: We'll see. Good night.

Antony: Good night, gorgeous.

Chapter 3: White Lies

“The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching.” - Unknown

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Gorgeous steps out of the black 2020 Lamborghini truck wearing an all- white ensemble with a carnation pink parasol and sandals. Gorgeous walks toward the entrance of the mansion, directed by the concierges.

Antony: this way, dear.

We walk into the garden where a vast table is placed with 60 seats aligning each other. Name tags are put in front of the plates, designating the seats. Champagne, fruits, and delicate food cover the table top. We were seated at the head of the table.

Antony: Here are our seats, darling.

We sit down and wait while the guests trickle in. Alexandra sits 3 seats away, while glaring down at me. Ivan pops open a champagne and proposes a toast.

IVAN: We are here to celebrate the future Mr. and Mrs. Goldmann. Tony has found a bride and must I say she is as lovely as an angel fallen from heaven! As a matter of fact, I might want her for myself.

Guests chuckle.

Gorgeous rolls her eyes.

Ivan: He couldn't have picked better, which is why I'm pleased to announce that Antony Goldmann is now the majority shareholder of the company with a 70% stake. He now controls all the assets of the Goldmann empire with assets totaling over $1.1 billion. He has my full support. Tony, please give a speech.

Guests burst into applause. Tony stands up and pulls me alongside him.

Antony: Thank you, Ivan for this generous offer. I would like to thank the board, my family. Most of all, my lovely bride, Gorgeous. My accomplishments mean nothing without you brightening up my life and my environment, with every step that I take.

Antony kisses me. I stay frozen in shock. He wraps my arms around his neck and I kiss back. The guests cheer. We wrap up and head into the main gardens for light chatter.

INT. GARDEN.

Gorgeous walks into the garden and sees a figure taking pictures of a snow-white barn owl enclosed within a gigantic golden cage. She approached the photographer and studies the bird in awe.

Rolle: The owl is said to show wisdom, but also to predict death.

Gorgeous turns to him.

Gorgeous: Tell me more.

Rolle: It- wait, you look familiar. Gorgeous? It's me Rolle, from high school.

Gorgeous: Oh my god. YOu do look like Rolle. Rolle?

Rolle smiles. We hug each other in a tight embrace.

Rolle: Let me get your information.

Gorgeous: I have to go, but call me, let me look for my ride.

Alexandra and Rolle walks into the clearing. They see Rolle's arm around me and Alexandra kisses Antony. He pulls her closer.

Gorgeous: Antony! What are you doing?

Gorgeous runs away crying, Rolle follows her.

Rolle : Let me take you home. You stay at the same place right?

Gorgeous: Yeah, let's go. I'm sick of this place.

Chapter 4: Mixed Emotions

Have you ever loved somebody so much it made you cry? Have you ever?

-Brandy

Gorgeous sits on her bed, crying. Her phone keeps ringing. She turns it off and put it on silent.

Auntie Kiki walks into the room with her cane.

Auntie Kiki: Gigi, what's wrong?

Gorgeous: He humiliated me! Alexandra kissed him in the gardens and he didn't back off. After I called his name, he came chasing after me. I had Rolle take me home.

Auntie Kiki gasps.

Auntie Kiki: Rolle? Your highschool sweetheart?

Gorgeous: Yes, he took me away from there and we went to get ice cream like old times. I remembered how happy I was with him. We talked and laughed about old times. We are supposed to hang out later on tonight.

Auntie Kiki: I love Rolle, tell him to come by. Be careful though, you don't want to get involved in a confrontation between 2 men.

Gorgeous: Fuck him, he embarrassed and now he blowing up my phone.

POPPY runs into the room.

POPPY: DOOR! DOOR!

Doorbell rings. Kiki checks the cameras on her phone.

Auntie Kiki: It's Tony. You want to talk to him?

Gorgeous: No, send him away. Give him this.

Gorgeous hands her the engagement ring.

Aunt Kiki: No, you do it. I'll leave you to answer the door. You can't avoid him forever. You should look him in the eye and hear his truth. Things are not always as they seem.

Auntie Kiki walks out of the room. Doorbell keeps ringing.

THE END

Stay tuned for Part 2!