《Loved》


 Chapter 001

    ¡± For thest time Louisa, if I get up that stairs you¡¯re gonna appear down magically!!¡± This is the second threat this morning and yet she¡¯s still up.


    ¡± Coming mummy!¡± came her tiny voice in a rush.


    ¡± You¡¯ve been on your way for the past ten minutes, when is your train going to arrive!?¡± Taking thest sip of my coffee, I walked over to drop my dishes in the dishwasher.


    ¡± And it¡¯s arrived ¡± Were her first words as she made her entrance into the kitchen.


    She sucked in her upper lip and batted hershes at me like she usually does when she believes I¡¯m angry at her.


    Looking at her features, she reminds me of the reason why I changed her first name from June to Louisa, because she was a survivor.


    At the age of five she was a lot smaller in stature than her mates and that caused a lot of worry from me and everyone else who cared, including my boss. So I took her for a test but they confirmed nothing wrong with her, only the fact that she seems a little more fragile in immunity.


    I med it on her premature birth.


    Her cerulean blue eyes and jet ck hair reminds me of her very own movie hero, the forgotten warrior. Her lips slim but pink and her nose a little smallerpared to her facial symmetry, but that was what made her beautiful.


    ¡± I can¡¯t be doing this with you every single day Louie ¡± I mumbled as I got into a squat to adjust her skirt and tie of her uniform.


    ¡± I know, today will be thest. Trina used me of lying about my drawings. So i was looking for my notepad to show it to her ¡± She whined then ran to the living room to pick her school bag.


    She has an awkward interest in art, but for a five year old she¡¯s perfectly fine in drawings.


    ¡± Must you prove her wrong? You could just let her be¡± I followed her to the living room not before getting my car keys.


    ¡± Then I¡¯ll lose!¡± She shouted like a loss was a penalty. ¡± I never lose¡± She continued and ran out the front door to the car.


    That I know.


    I sighed in defeat. I can¡¯t even win an argument against my own daughter.


    I picked up my purse and walked out the door, then turning around to shut it and lock up.


    I approached the vehicle, with my eyes searching my purse to be sure i had everything I needed.


    Phone ?


    Credit card ?


    Emergency money ?


    Seeing all in position, I hopped in the car and fastened my seatbelt.


    Checking my rearview mirror was when I realized Louisa was in the backseat not her usual front.


    ¡± Louie honey,e sit here¡± Tapping on the passenger seat.


    ¡± No thanks. Our teacher told us front seat is for only big girls ¡± She shrugged and went ahead swinging her feet that still dangled from her chair when she sits with her back directly on the cushion.


    ¡± But you always sit here and nothings happened ¡±


    ¡± Yet¡±


    ¡°Yet? What do you mean yet?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t knoooooow¡± She shrugged again, using her hands for more emphasis.


    ¡± Fine, at least put your seatbelt on¡± Putting the key into the ignition and revving the engine.


    ¡± I¡¯m not in the front seat so I¡¯m not supposed to ¡±


    ¡± You put your seatbelt anywhere you are in the car so- wait! You were never taught anything about front seats were you? You just want to avoid using your seatbelt ¡± I red at the mirror that caught her features clearly exposing I was right.


    ¡± I have no idea what you mean mother ¡± She fake gasped and gave me a toothy grin.


    Two points for the baby, zero points for mom.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡°Jules, Mr McConnell asked to see you¡± A staff from the second floor came to inform me.


    But why would the boss want to see me? He literally has no appointments for today and all the minutes of past meetings have been delivered to his table early this morning.


    No calls either.


    Then this has to be important.


    I walked briskly to his office and as one of the three secretaries he has, I¡¯m entitled to his floor of his office so it makes it easier to get to him.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I ced three soft knocks on the door and waited for a response from within.


    ¡°Come in¡± His deep voice came out like a low rumble and I opened the door as slowly as i can and stepped in.


    ¡°Mr McConnell you-¡± He raised a hand to pause me midway as he continued in his conversation he was having with whosoever was on the other end of the phone he was answering.


    I took this as an opportunity to observe his features again. His middle age that is slightly tilting toward old age is showing not much effect on him.


    He is a good looking man with a well built physique and an admirable nature.


    The only thing that surprises me about him was his odd simrities with Louie, from the blue eyes, to their nose structure and I would have also said ck hair but i believe he dyes it that color.


    Sometimes he calls her his spawn and she calls him the big one. Trust me Louie makes friends in the strangest ways.


    ¡± Make the flight ticket avable tonight and yes two people ¡±


    Another pause by him to listen to the receiver.


    ¡± Call him and do that as soon as possible. Also inform him that she¡¯ll be arriving tomorrow,test nine PM ¡±


    The rest of the conversation went on with uhun¡¯s and yeah¡¯s.


    ¡± Thank you ¡± Then he dropped the cellphone. ¡± Miss Jules how are you and my little warrior Louisa?¡± He regarded his attention to me with a smile on his face.


    Well, that¡¯s a sign that this is a good thing.


    ¡± We¡¯re doing good Sir, thank you ¡±


    ¡± Amazing,e have a seat ¡± He gestures to the chair opposite his table and I ept the offer with a little thanks.


    ¡± You may probably be wondering why I called you in right?¡±


    ¡± Err, yes sir¡±


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s nothing big so you can stop fidgeting now¡± It was then I noticed my legs were jumping on their own ord so I fixed that problem.


    ¡± Now that you¡¯re calm¡± He starts and pushes a file to the end if the table so I can pick it up ¡± Here are a few documents I¡¯d like you to handover to an employee of mine whose overlooking my business in New York City ¡± And he reclined back into his chair.


    ¡± Okay? But how am I to get it to New York?¡± Bridgewaters is almost a five hour flight to New York.


    ¡± I¡¯m not done¡± I mouthed an oh in response.


    ¡± My little employee¡¯s secretary went on her honeymoon sh maternity leave, so she¡¯ll be gone for a while but he needs a secretary urgently. A meeting of shares would being up in a weeks time and I believe he needs someone reliable to help keep minutes and keep up a reasonable bargain because I will not find a loss very entertaining ¡± He arched a brow at me waiting for me to say something.


    I cleared my throat before speaking ¡± So you want me to find a secretary to rece his for the meantime ¡±


    He sighed and opened the first page of the file for me.


    I read it¡¯s content and then his exnation was getting only more confusing.


    ¡± Sir, this is my CV ¡± I wasn¡¯t clear on this.


    ¡± I¡¯m aware Miss Jules¡± He just nodded as a go ahead and I continued to read the rest of the documents in the file.


    History on the ces I¡¯ve worked, family background, current status, my work here and my references which including him signed.


    ¡± I¡¯m handing over my CV to your employee, this means I¡¯m going to be his secretary for the meantime?¡±


    He gave me a short nod and answered with more details ¡± I have a house big enough for three families of eight to live in, but rather your employee stays there alone, well if you leave out the workers. So i want you to live there with him, plus to keep an extra eye on him and bring me reports. He may be carrying out illicit deals under my nose and for all I know he¡¯s capable ¡±


    ¡± But why me? I mean you could always send Charlotte instead ¡± Charlotte was even from New York.


    ¡± It¡¯s established that you and I are not just co-workers but friends, see this as doing a friend a favor. And among my other employees you¡¯re the one I trust the most¡±


    ¡± But what of Louisa?¡± I am not leaving my ninja doll behind.


    ¡± I got a flight ticket for two, so your baby is secured with you ¡±


    ¡± What of her school? How long exactly would I be gone?¡±


    ¡± Months perhaps, and as for her education, enroll her into Dwight¡¯s academy, it¡¯s an institution we have shares with, show him this ¡± He opened his table drawer and brought out another sheet ¡± Show him this paper and your kid gets schooled for free¡±


    Well that was a relief. I could only pay the fees of Dwight¡¯s Academy if I abducted humans for ransom.


    ¡°What of when she gets back home, she¡¯ll be alone¡± Usually I got the bus to drop her off at Megan¡¯s grandma¡¯s house till I get off work and pick her up from there.


    ¡± Like I secretly mentioned before, they¡¯re workers all over the ce she can never be alone.¡±


    This offer is as difficult as moving a mountain to turn down.


    ¡± You¡¯ll get paid double for the extra effort ¡± He added like that was necessary.


    But surprisingly it was.


    I sighed and he took it as a yes.


    ¡± You¡¯ll be traveling tomorrow ¡°

 Chapter 002

    ¡± You shoulde see the fountain, it¡¯s like¡­.. Awesome!!¡± Iughed over the phone as I was packing up Louie and I¡¯s luggages.


    ¡± I see Cody, your exnation tells it all¡±


    Cody was Dn and Megan¡¯s baby cousin.


    Yeah, I called him Dn.


    I decided to because it began to feel odd regarding him with his second name that people hardly knew.


    Back to Cody.


    Cody was five or six years, I can¡¯t really remember, but all i know is he¡¯s rted to Megan¡¯s mom so now he¡¯s rted to them.


    After two months of moving to Bridgewaters, Megan¡¯s mom and Dn¡¯s dad sealed the deal and got married so they all went back to Los mos, leaving I and Megan¡¯s grandma.


    ¡± But you haven¡¯t seen it, did I mention the decorations? Its like they¡¯re celebrating something everyday!¡±


    Well at this point Megan called in and after talking for a while Cody decided it was nice to tell me about a visit to another cousin¡¯s house.


    ¡± Really? They must be rich ¡± Imented in as i bnced the phone between my shoulder and my cheek to fold a pair of Louisa¡¯s Polo¡¯s.


    ¡± I swear-¡± He started when i heard Megan¡¯s mom mumble at the background.


    ¡®You what!?¡¯


    ¡°I am being undeniably honest with you, they¡¯re loaded¡±


    Iughed at his choice of words after the correction but he¡¯s a kid either way.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡± Well Cody you gotta work hard to get money like that ¡± Knowing the kids fascination was a new inspiration.


    ¡± I will! Goodnight Aunt Jules! I need to sleep, you know boring school tomorrow ¡± He groaned at the end and I heard Megan¡¯s mom speak up again.


    ¡®You need to learn to love school!¡±


    Laughing again I bade him a good night and ended the call.


    Louie was all tucked up and crouched in a ball form as she slept nearly toward the end of the bed.


    I guess the excitement for a new town got the best of her. When I told her about it on our way home, the discussion went thus.


    ¡®Baby, there¡¯s something I need to tell you¡¯


    ¡®Okay?¡¯


    ¡®We¡¯re going to New York tomorrow¡¯


    *DRAMATIC PAUSE*


    ¡®muahahahaha¡¯


    Then she exined how she¡¯s gonna prove to a Veronica that she¡¯s a world tourist.


    And I was duly shocked.


    But it¡¯s rather time to go to bed, noticing the time was twelve fifteen. I hopped into bed to prepare for my afternoon flight tomorrow.


    (((((((((((((((   )))))))))))))))


    ¡± Mummy!!! They¡¯re here!!¡± Now it was time for her to wait for me.


    She grabbed her little trolley bag and the passenger bag as she ran out of the room down the stairs.


    Someone got enough sleep.


    I picked the remaining two boxes and went after her lead.


    I arrived at the bottom of the steps to receive a shock of the minute.


    ¡± Mummy!!¡± Louisa shouted and ran to hug my waist.


    ¡°Err¡­ Baby is something wrong? You saw me a minute ago?¡±


    ¡± Then I didn¡¯t see you for ten whole seconds ¡± She whined as her grip tightened.


    I heard footsteps approach our widely opened front door ¡®courtesy of Louisa¡¯and Collin the one in charge of Mr McConnell¡¯s transport business in Bridgewaters.


    When you work as his secretary you get to meet almost all his employees worldwide.


    He jogged into the living room panting like he needed more than a ss of water.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Miss Shawn, but I tried to put her in a seatbelt then she went all haywire on me and ran away ¡± Still trying to catch his breath.


    ¡± So uh- Louie¡­ You missed me for ten seconds huh?¡± I crossed my arms around my chest and red at her.


    She huffed and pouted then walked out voicing out her tiny mind.


    ¡± Fine, I¡¯ll be held by those barriers ¡±


    And she angrily stomped out of the room.


    _______________________________


    ¡°Attention passengers, our newill bending very soon. Please fasten your seatbelt¡± The voice boomed out of the speakers and woke me up from the little slumber I had fallen into.


    But Louie who clearly refused to stay in her seat that was paid for, insisted i carried her through the whole ride was currently on my chest snoring with her mouth slightly open.


    The nended smoothly and in no time we alighted the flight to get our luggage.


    From myst discussion I had with Mr McConnell when he called during our ride to the airport, he informed me that someone would be by the airport with a ck Range Rover to pick me up.


    Still carrying Louie in my arms and securing our boxes, I felt a light tap on my shoulder.


    ¡± Excuse me and sorry for the inconvenience, but are you Miss Shawn?¡± A guy not more than two years older than me asked when Imended his presence.


    ¡± Yes, yes I am. You must be the Mr Smith I¡¯m supposed to meet here right?¡± I collected myst box from the host and then gave him my full attention.


    ¡± Yes ma¡¯am, and it¡¯s just Smith¡± He smiled and extended his hand for a handshake.


    Adjusting Louie¡¯s position so she can be ced on one arm i shook back.


    ¡± Okay, and it¡¯s just Jules¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡± May I?¡± He asked offering to take the sleeping baby in my arms away. I made no hesitation to do so and it seems like he noticed it cause he chuckled.


    He pulled one of the trolleys and carried Louisa to the car while I took on the rest.


    He ced her on the backseat gently so as to not wake her beforeing to arrange the things I¡¯d ced in the trunk.


    I took the passenger seat as he entered to drive.


    ¡± Where are we going now?¡± Its was alreadyte outside and I was suspecting it should be some time past nine.


    Our flight was to leave by one PM but due to few adjustments made we left a few after three.


    ¡± Well, before you came inte, i called Mr McConnell about his n¡¯s ¡± He started the car and began moving.


    ¡± So what did he say?¡±


    ¡± His n¡¯s were when you arrive early, you¡¯d go to the office and meet your new employer. But it was runningte and I called him to know if n¡¯s had changed, but he said no. He told him to wait behind for you so your employer is still very much around and waiting for you ¡±


    I looked around to check for anything i can use to neaten up myself then I saw my bag.


    After dusting on little powder and re-applying my lipstick i turned to face Smith.


    ¡± How do I look?¡±


    He took his eyes off the steering wheel for a second to nce at me.


    After a short whistle and wiggling of his eyebrows he replied.


    ¡± Beautiful, your boss is gonna have a hard time keeping his hands to himself ¡±


    Smith wasn¡¯t so bad looking, just an average handsome guy though with a charming personality.


    Iughed at hisment and cross checked my image in the side view mirror, though the ce is dark as night I just needed to adjust the bangs of hair covering the scar at the root of my hairline so it won¡¯t be visible.


    ¡± You sound like you don¡¯t know who I¡¯m going to meet¡± I asked him out of curiosity.


    ¡± Honestly, I don¡¯t. I work for Mr McConnell yes, but as the manager of his transportation business here in New York and not Brooks and Shields Companies¡±


    Mr McConnell was a multimillionaire.


    A few secondster the car came to a stop at the front of a brightly illuminated building with a logo wide across the top.


    ¡± Here I go¡± I smiled at Smith.


    ¡± Good luck, I¡¯ll be here with your kid till you¡¯re out ¡±


    I mouthed a thanks and threw onest nce at the sleeping angel before walking out of the car.


    I walked into the reception area and saw a youngdy seated there.


    Probably waiting for me I guess.


    ¡± Hey, I¡¯m here to see your Boss. A Mr McConnell too i suppose ¡± Then I showed her the permission slip.


    ¡± Finally, we¡¯ve been waiting all day. I¡¯m rissa. Mr McConnell¡¯s son¡¯s office is on the sixth floor, the double doors straight ahead ¡±


    Well she seemed excited to see me.


    And I¡¯m just realising how dumb i was not to connect the two names and notice my new employer is his son.


    I nodded with a smile and went for the elevator.


    I arrived on the sixth which happens to be the final floor and saw the double doors straight ahead.


    I gave a knock the first time but no reply. Second, third and fourth.


    So I pushed down the handle and opened the door.


    And the sight I met with was not one i was expecting.


    The back of a stark naked red haired girl who was simply bouncing up and down the man she was straddling.


    Her hair in heavy waves blocked my view of who I assumed to be my boss but their moans and grunts were enough to tell me this wasn¡¯t something that¡¯ll get finished tonight.


    They weren¡¯t even aware that someone walked in on them.


    ¡± Fuck, just there, just there baby¡­ Ahhhh¡± Exact words which were vomited from the nude girls mouth and I had enough.


    I cleared my throat ¡± Uhm, Mr McConnell?¡±


    ¡± What do you want!?¡± This was the girls retard reaction to my presence, not even shock.


    Maybe she¡¯s used to getting walked in on her having sex at night with her boss in the office.


    The man she straddled justughed at her retort and pulled her lips down for a kiss.


    ¡± How may I- ¡± He started but his eyes widened by inches


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± he arranged his position so he could see me clearly but I was not at all who he expected to see.


    And I could say the same for myself because my mouth fell open in shock.


    Life is ying tricks on me, isn¡¯t it!?

 Chapter 003

    How did I not connect this before?


    I had met my parents employer when I was a little kid but ever since then, I bore too much hate to even think of seeing him again.


    Plus it¡¯s not like they¡¯ll let me meet their boss, they felt like I¡¯d spill the beans if granted opportunity.


    And after they resigned, what business did I have with him. He was well known and all but he was never around Los mos, he just had workers all over handling the job for him. He and his wife were just, I don¡¯t know¡­ Invincible?


    This exins why my parents seemed indifferent when I told them of my employment. Asking if I was happy with the job and not if it¡¯s profitable.


    But I¡¯m literally the dumbest thing I can think of.


    The striking resemnce to Louisa? Mr Brooks McConnell?


    I¡¯m so stupid!


    This bastard is here whoring up meanwhile I¡¯m to work for him?


    No way, I do not see that happening.


    ¡± I¡¯m presuming you guys know each other ¡± The naked girl who is now standing was the first to break the silence of our staring contest.


    Believe me when I say she¡¯s still nude.


    ¡± How can you be in the presence of a stranger with your privacies on ir?¡± I growled at her stupidity. This is part of the reasons men don¡¯t give women respect anymore.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t expecting unworthy interruptions ¡± She spat and went ahead to find her dress that was tossed somewhere on the floor.


    Unworthy?


    I have no words to say to her.


    All i can think of right now is ways to not kill my new boss because I¡¯ve literally spent years nning how to.


    ¡± Michelle, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow okay?¡± ¡®Mr McConnell¡¯ finally decided to grace us with his speech.


    The now dressed Michelle sent me a re indicating she wasn¡¯t happy with the change of ns.


    Oh, how much alikeness do we share!


    She whispered something so quietly into his ear that earns her a smirk, then she ces a five seconds kiss to his mouth.


    I had to be a witness to this horror movie.


    On her way out, she made it a point of duty to brush me by my shoulders before leaving.


    ¡± This arrangement must be re-arranged¡± Were his first words after she left mming the door on her way out.


    He picked up his phone and made a call.


    ****************************


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    This cannot be happening, she finally pops up after five years as my recement secretary. I don¡¯t see that happening.


    I picked up my phone to call my dad and the anger currently in me is threatening me to shout when he answers the phone call but I knew to do better than that.


    Three rings and still no re-


    ¡± Hello?¡±


    Finally!


    ¡± Hey dad, we need to talk ¡± Standing up from my seat and walking around it to lean against the table.


    ¡± Okay, about what? Wait!. Has the secretary recement arrived?¡±


    ¡± Yes and that¡¯s the problem ¡±


    There was an unnecessary pause over the phone, I for one felt the call had gone off so I pulled the phone out of my ear to check.


    The minutes were still counting.


    ¡± Dad?¡± Maybe he dropped the phone.


    ¡± Son?¡± Was all he replied.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t say anything ¡±


    ¡± So did you ¡±


    ¡°I said, I have a problem with your choice of secretary¡± She wasn¡¯t even looking at me anymore. Right now she had taken a seat at the corner of the room and was reading through some magazines.


    ¡± And that is?¡± Why is he sounding all odd?


    ¡± I can¡¯t work with her¡±


    ¡± And why is that?¡± All these simple yet interrogative questions.


    ¡± Because she¡¯s- I don¡¯t see any potential in her¡± Now that was enough to grab her attention and make her send a re in my direction.


    ¡± Now now don¡¯t judge a book by its cover ¡±


    ¡± Well you can always read the summary. And so far she¡¯s not useful ¡± If looks could kill, I wouldn¡¯t only be dead but i could have been buried like fifteen feet under by Iris.


    ¡± Mind you kid, that she¡¯s working with me and I do find her very lucrative ¡±


    ¡± Then take her back!¡± Maybe a little yelling won¡¯t cause any harm.


    ¡± That, I will not do ¡±


    ¡± Why exactly?¡±


    ¡± Because the meeting with Ying and Shang is very important, and I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve noticed but the Koreans can be very smart and mischievous ¡±


    That was true.


    But not enough.


    ¡± Miss Shawn has proven herself worthy enough when she represented in the Sbou meeting with the indians. I need such a brain in this situation cause yours doesn¡¯t seem sufficient enough. Plus I will not let you ridicule her this way, any report from her like this and your percentage ie drops to ten percent ¡±


    Ten!!


    That was a blow. Everywhere.


    ¡± Fine¡± He was making me agree to this.


    ¡± I¡¯m d you¡¯ve turned on your reasoning switch. She¡¯s here with her CV and other documents that qualifies her for the position ¡±


    ¡± But-¡±


    ¡°No but¡¯s son. And major information for you. She¡¯s gonna be living with you¡±


    If i had a ss of water I would have spat everything in my mouth and made sure to bend over the cup.


    ¡± What! Why!?, what about the hotels ¡±


    ¡± They¡¯re all booked¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a-¡± Were all i said before hearing the dial tone.


    Fucking nonsense!


    I threw my phone down on the table and turned to her, who seemed busy with her phone.


    ¡± Bring the CV¡± I returned to my sitting position on my chair, but Iris didn¡¯t make a move, that¡¯s if you don¡¯t count raising of an eyebrow.


    ¡± I said something ¡± I reminded her.


    ¡± And I don¡¯t think I heard right ¡± She folded her arms across her chest pushing her breasts slightly.


    There has really been a lot of changes on her.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡± Then what did you hear?¡± Mimicking her stance.


    ¡± Bring the CV?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s exactly what I said, so why are you still there?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m your secretary not your manservant ¡±


    ¡± What are you implying?¡±


    ¡± A please will suffice ¡±


    It took me a moment to wrap my head round what she just said.


    And when I did, I bursted intoughter.


    ¡± I, I should beg you?¡± I managed to blurt betweenughs.


    ¡± I was edging for courtesy or proper etiquette but as your Dad proudly said on the phone, your brain really isn¡¯t sufficient ¡±


    That stopped me.


    Did she just say that to me?


    ¡± But rather I¡¯ll overlook theck. Your Dad has shares with some hospitals though. Therapy shouldn¡¯t cost much¡±


    My mouth fell ajar as she walks to my desk and stands directly opposite me before dropping a file she had been holding on the table.


    ¡± Since when did you have such a snappy mouth?¡± I had to ask, so many things are going wrong.


    ¡± Things I¡¯ve done are of no concern to you Mr McConnell ¡°

 Chapter 004

    ¡± It says here you have eight years of working experience?¡± Hunter inquired raising his head from the paper he¡¯s spent five minutes observing.


    ¡± Well yes, it¡¯s clearly written there¡±


    He dropped the paper on the desk and ced his hands on the table to address me. With both palms sped together, he continues questioning.


    ¡± You were to graduate from the University only a year ago, based on the course you intended to pursue in high school. Entrepreneurship I believe?¡±


    ¡± Yes that¡¯s true and-¡±


    ¡± And it says here eight years?¡± He piped up to interrupt my ry.


    ¡°Well I left school four years ago.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t still add up¡± He perked


    ¡± Back in school, I used to work part-time at a restaurant ¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Thats refutable, So you never graduated?¡±


    Yeah, cause of you.


    ¡± Yes, but- ¡± I was exining and he cut me. Again.


    ¡± So pray tell, which industries were proud enough to hire a drop out?. Clearly my dad picked you out of pity¡± He leaned back on his chair waiting for an exnation.


    ¡± I took other sses afterwards. I went to typing school. Trained on massage therapy and a French school. If only your eyes weren¡¯t blind to positivity you could¡¯ve seen it on the pages you spent the whole day reading ¡±


    He looked at me for another seven seconds entirely before talking again.


    ¡± You should really watch your mouth there. I¡¯m your boss and I can hopefully get rid of you ¡± A devilish grin stered on his face.


    ¡± My paycheck doesn¡¯te from your pockets. So sadly, you¡¯re threatening the wrong girl ¡± I smiled back.


    The very wrong girl.


    ¡± Hmmm, you¡¯ve changed ¡±


    ¡°Particrly change is a constant phenomena¡±


    ¡± Who gave you that little sharp mouth of yours? Is it that red haired microphone?¡±


    He did not just call Meredith a microphone!


    ¡± That red hair has a name ¡± I red at him.


    ¡± And I should be bothered about that because?¡±


    What a shame? Life really doesn¡¯t terminate the right people.


    ¡± From my few seconds here, I¡¯ve discovered your respect for humanity never went on a rise¡±


    He leaned in close on the table so he was at least halfway across. ¡± I guess some people never change ¡±


    ¡± Good call, now if you¡¯d excuse me. I just came in from a long ride and you may not understand the meaning of human exhaustion ¡± I abruptly stood up and headed for the door.


    Turning the knob and he opened up again but I had my back to him.


    ¡± It also states here that you¡¯re a single mother.¡±


    I was wondering when he¡¯ll bring that up.


    I swallowed a lump in my mouth and responded ¡± And?¡±


    ¡± So you still went whoring around after all these years. What a perfect example you are to a kid¡± He released a firm chuckle.


    Wait , what!?


    He really still has no clue, does he?.


    Well good. It will most definitely remain that way.


    ¡± Are you done?¡± The words came out through gritted teeth.


    ¡± Keep that bastard under control. We¡¯ll be living together and I will not want her running around and catching me red handed in my naughty business, except unless you want me to train her in the ways of being a slut. She¡¯s always wee to watch then¡± I could hear the smirk on his lips but I will not say a word to him.


    I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath, before regaining my posture and walking out the office.


    ¡± Your mood seems different after the meeting. Your boss didn¡¯t ept you?¡± Smith asked as we were driving over to the so called house.


    ¡± He epted me, just not who I was expecting ¡± I sighed and turned to view the outside city through the window.


    New York was actually a lovely city. The environment seems sweet and all.


    Now it depends on the people.


    ¡± So in my guess, he¡¯s not hot¡±


    ¡± Goodness, Smith ¡± That got me to smile and punch his shoulder.


    Louisa is still sleeping in the backseat quietly and my mind can¡¯t help but wander to myst minutes with her own father when he called her a bastard.


    His own daughter.


    It¡¯s not his fault though, he¡¯s not aware.


    Ha! Like that changes anything. He said it himself, some people don¡¯t change.


    ¡°Jules!¡± Smith shouted in a way that I jerked back to reality and had to check if Louie was still asleep.


    ¡± You¡¯re zoning out, you sure you¡¯re alright?¡± Concernpletely clear in his voice.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m perfect don¡¯t worry yourself ¡± Even I tried to deceive myself.


    ¡± Okay then. We¡¯re here¡±


    We were driving passed a gate made ofplete bronze.


    I watched in awe as we drove deeper. The decorations and pathway were simply exquisite, like the flowery were imported.


    Our drive took us towards a fountain that leads directly to the front door.


    ¡± Excellent decor¡± Clearly Smith was impressed too.


    Mr McConnell simply outdid himself, this ce looks like heaven but sadly it¡¯s the devil who lives here.


    If I hadn¡¯t known better, I¡¯d say this looks exactly like the ce Cody was describing earlier today.


    Smith was already out and setting out luggages on the interlocked matting.


    As I went to join him a few people came out of the building and I assume them to be the workers.


    Two elderly men and three women.


    Well the shortest of them all seemed to be the most fascinated by my presence.


    ¡± My goodness are you his engaged?¡± She asked as she hurriedly runs down the entry step to meet me.


    ¡± No, no I¡¯m-¡±


    ¡± My my, you¡¯re beautiful!¡± Her hands fondling and touching everywhere.


    I repeat everywhere!


    What is with people and interrupting me today?


    ¡± Where is the ring, he proposed to you right?¡± She asked as she had practically finished assaulting me.


    Proposed?


    ¡± She wishes ¡± Everyone around came to a halt as Hunter came up from behind.


    Only now did we notice he had arrived.


    ¡± Hunter! Be nice ¡± One of the other women who maintained their position by the door spoke up.


    ¡± Nah, I don¡¯t think so¡± He turned to me and looked me square in the eyes and finished his hanging statement.


    ¡± Miss Shawn is my recement secretary and ording to my father, she¡¯ll be living here. Keep her in one of the guestrooms on the down floor ¡± And he walked straight into the house without sparing anyone a second nce.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry love. Come with us¡± Was what the woman in my front said to me and I looked to see everyone else smile in anticipation.


    At least some people are happy to see me.

 Chapter 005

    ¡± Louisa¡­. Baby wake up ¡± I cooed into the sleeping girls ear.


    ¡± No. Pillow. Soft¡±she moaned softly and adjusted her position to cuddle with a nearby pillow.


    I really do not have time for this.


    ¡± Okay, here we go ¡± I dragged her off the bed by her feet and shended with a thump on the ground with her bum.


    ¡± Ouchie¡± She huffed and rubbed her rear vigorously, while Iughed at her cuteness.


    ¡± Okay baby. Bath, breakfast and then proof to Veronica that you¡¯re a World tourist¡± I cheerfully bribed her, knowing that she will definitely fall for it.


    And she did.


    She jumped up on her two feet and began to race to the bathroom.


    ¡± To the bath mobil!¡± She screeched and disappeared behind the door.


    This girl would never cease to amaze me.


    _______________________________


    Right now, we¡¯re on our way to Dwight Academy, and one of the men I met yesterday is the one driving.


    Louisa is at the backseat singing ¡®the wheels on the bus go round and round ¡®


    While I¡¯m observing the road to make sure I can remember it for another day.


    ¡± Very active kid you got there¡±He said and caught my attention.


    Earlier he said his name Edward, and I¡¯m nning on how to not forget that.


    ¡± Tell me about it ¡± I rolled my eyes at Louisa who just gave me a toothy grin after hearing what Edward just said.


    ¡± What¡¯s her name?¡± He asked but eyes still on the road.


    ¡± I¡¯m Louisa or you can call me June¡± She answered and went back to her nursery rhyme.


    Edwardughed at her behavior. ¡± There¡¯s never a dull moment with her is there?¡±


    ¡± Sometimes i wish there was, she¡¯s got the energy of a million volts in one body¡± I groaned remembering all the nights she won¡¯t let me sleep just cause she¡¯s not tired.


    Heughed again before speaking up.


    ¡± How old is she, if I may ask?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s five¡± And I wait for him to call her smaller than her age.


    ¡± She looks four or a really tall three but with time she¡¯ll get taller ¡±


    ¡± I hope so too¡± I sighed and watched her tiny legs swing with joy as she sang another rhyme.


    ¡± I wonder how she feels being the little one in her ss¡±


    Now it was my time tough, I am a hundred percent sure that she can fight for herself. And that was the difference between us.


    Louisa fights for her survival.


    Meanwhile I avoid fights to survive.


    But that¡¯s a thing I could learn from the kid.


    ¡± She may be small, but won¡¯t be intimidated ¡± And Edward found this my statement amusing.


    ¡± It¡¯s clearly stated in her name though. Louisa means a fighter or survivor right?¡±


    I nodded in apprehension and he just smiled.


    A few more moments of silence pass between us before I opened up again.


    ¡± What time does the school end?¡±


    ¡± I believe two, or two thirty of sort. Any issue?¡±


    And I finish work by four.


    ¡± It can¡¯t be extended?¡±


    ¡± Well the school does have extracurricr activities everyday from two till three thirty¡±


    Perfect !


    ¡± Great, after school and I mean by three thirty, can you bring her over to the office? I wanted us to take a stroll round the city ¡±


    ¡± It will be my pleasure ¡±


    |||||||||||||||||||||||||


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I drive into the parking lot and crosscheck my hair in the side view mirror before getting out for the day.


    The chauffeur of thepanyes to collect my keys and put the car in a preferable position.


    With quick steps I stride into the reception area and I see most people are already at work.


    ¡°Morning Sir¡± The receptionist greets before handing me the usual attendance file.


    Meaning everyone turned up to work.


    ¡± Morning rissa, what of Miss Iris? Is she present?¡± I asked her as I signed at the bottom of the page.


    ¡± Sorry, who?¡±


    I¡¯m being asked who? Wasn¡¯t she here when that girl walked in yesterday?.


    ¡± Miss Iris? My recement secretary?¡±


    ¡± Oooooh!¡± Now realization clear on her features ¡± You mean Miss Jules, yes sir, she reported to work about thirty minutes ago ¡±


    I checked the time on my wristwatch and it¡¯s eight fourty two.


    ¡± Thank you ¡± I threw her a wink and took the elevator up.


    While answering the greetings of everyone I headed for the third door to my right and the nearest to my office.


    I opened the door and met her on a phone call.


    ¡± Okay, call back in an hours time and I¡¯ll get back to you. Alright.¡± Then she dropped the phone.


    ¡± You werete¡± Were my first words to her as I maintained my stand by the door.


    ¡± How so? I was here by eight ¡± Still sitting down she crossed her arms.


    ¡± I¡¯m talking to you, and I require you stand¡± I re in her direction expecting to get a response from her.


    ¡± And I¡¯m listening, discoveries require I sit¡± She said smugly with a shrug


    ¡± You¡¯re proving to be a lot difficult to handle ¡± I started making my way to her desk.


    ¡± Point of correction, I¡¯m not a thing that you should handle and second, I waste how?¡± She remains in her position, unflinching.


    Usually she would have began to quiver or turned blue but now she¡¯s just sitting there. Daring me to make the move.


    ¡± You¡¯re particrly putting on an attitude ¡± I stood directly in front of her now, the only thing separating us is her desk.


    She flipped her wavy hair backwards and bore a grin widely on her face.


    ¡± And I particrly don¡¯t care ¡±


    She is trying to get on my nerves and she is doing it perfectly.


    ¡± Wherever did you toss your respect over the years?¡± I put my hands in the pockets of my trousers.


    ¡± Oh, you mean fear? Yeah I threw it in a recycling van five years ago ¡± Her re spoke louder than her words did.


    She still hates me after all these years.


    Well it¡¯s a good thing one mutual feeling still existed between us for the times past.


    ¡± You¡¯ve got a fluffy mouth there, watch it ¡± I ced my hands on her table and leaned into her face.


    ¡± You¡¯re invading my breathing area, one. I waste, how? Two.¡±


    She didn¡¯t cower nor blink, rather she stared me back in the eyes and waited for her answer.


    Wherever she¡¯s been really toughened her up.


    ¡± You reported to work by eight this morning ¡± I leaned away and took a few steps backwards from the table.


    ¡± Yes, like every other normal employee in the world would do ¡± She rolled her eyes as if what I just said was ludicrous.


    ¡± But that¡¯s the issue, you¡¯re not any normal employee in the world, you work for me ¡± I returned my hands to my pocket and smiled at the thoughts formted in my head.


    ¡± So I work for the devil, big whoop¡±


    Now that was shocking. I was expecting something more like, so what time should I be reporting or I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll try to be earlier tomorrow.


    But she said her statement and went ahead looking for a file on her desk.


    ¡± You¡¯re to report here by seven thirty as my secretary ¡± I continued to talk because her behavior began to look like she had forgotten someone¡¯s standing here.


    ¡± So as your secretary, I¡¯m to report thirty minutes early ¡± She inquired as she raised her head to look back at me


    ¡± That¡¯s correct ¡± I nodded


    ¡± Then as my boss?¡± Was the next she asked while crossing her arms.


    The nerve of her.


    ¡± I¡¯m the boss, I turn up whenever I want ¡±


    ¡± Hmm, what an example you are for your employees ¡± Shemented and carried on her search for the file.


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna being to work by seven thirty every morning. Period!¡± I shouted and took a deep breath to calm myself.


    ¡± I never said I wasn¡¯t going to ¡± She never raised her eyes, while searching for the file she responded with the most calm demeanor I¡¯ve ever seen from her.


    ¡± Iris-¡± My tone about to warn her about frustrating me when she cut me short.


    ¡± Ying and Shang want to schedule a meeting for next Tuesday, should I ept or you¡¯ll like to speak to them yourself?¡± She finally looked at me and stretched out a file.


    ¡± What?¡± I really didn¡¯tprehend what just happened. She¡¯s talking business?


    ¡± You heard me right.¡± She said and dropped the file at the edge of the table then I picked it up to read.


    After a brief silence with my concentration on the paper she talked again.


    ¡± Oh¡­ and it¡¯s Jules¡±

 Chapter 006

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I was signing the documents for the Ying and Shang meeting when the door of my office creaked open.


    ¡± Brooks my man, how¡¯s ya doing ¡± Chance, a colleague and friend from high school walked into my office.


    ¡± I haven¡¯t set eyes on you for a week ¡± I dropped the pen I was holding and gave him my full attention.


    ¡± Of course you haven¡¯t, if not you¡¯ll be suffering from a Tuesday night hangover ¡± He grinned and took the seat in front of my table.


    Iughed at his idiocy and finally closed up the file before me.


    Seems like a chat after all.


    ¡± So tell me, how¡¯s everything? And by everything I mean Michelle¡± He rxed back and stretched out his legs on my table.


    ¡± Well, all is good¡± Was all I could say.


    ¡± Good? Alright spill, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡± Nothing, really. It¡¯s just that¡­ I n to postpone the proposal again. You know¡­. Till further notice ¡±


    ¡± Dude! What is wrong with you? You¡¯ve been postponing this proposal for eight months now. What is really happening? Are you no longer in love with her?¡± His brows creasing together.


    ¡± What!, no¡­ It¡¯s just that I feel my method of proposal might be a little too simple for her. She¡¯s kinda the shy type ¡± I exined hoping he will see my reasons.


    ¡± You¡¯re nning on buying a yacht, pink for that matter and nning her a surprise birthday party on the same thing to propose and you¡¯re calling it little?. What else do you wanna do? Invite Jesus to bring the wines he served at Galilee?¡±


    His point of joke at this point wasn¡¯t funny as I just showed my reaction with a re.


    ¡± Sorry, but I just believe you¡¯re overreact-¡± He stopped when there was a knock on the door.


    He turned to look at the door before dropping his feet from the table.


    ¡± Come in¡± And the fool answered for me.


    The door opened widely at an instant before Iris walked in. It was only then that I noticed what she was wearing.


    Her ck long sleeve button up shirt and ck pencil skirt hugged her body in ces that are meant to be illegal.


    With two buttons of the top opened her bosoms were peeking out in a taunting fashion.


    Her recently brown hair cascading round her fact would almost resemble a fringe.


    Honestly, these years added a lot of thick to her nature.


    She began strutting towards my table with a file inher right hand.


    ¡± This is temptation!¡± Chance muttered to me like he was struggling but I honestly couldn¡¯t agree more.


    ¡± Shut it you idiot¡± Yeah, I couldn¡¯t agree more doesn¡¯t mean I have to agree.


    She stopped beside Chance¡¯s seat and gave him a brief look of recognition.


    Of course she¡¯ll remember him.


    But the moment passes and she looks back my way.


    ¡± Case reports from Bellevue resorts ¡± She said officially and kept the file on the table.


    ¡± Okay, what about?¡± I asked back and picked the document from where she dropped them.


    ¡± ims about not been given theplete money bargained for. They¡¯ll be here tomorrow at ten for a brief discussion ¡±


    ¡± Why are you just informing me about this meeting ?¡±


    ¡± Well, at least I informed you ¡±


    ¡± After setting the schedule yourself ¡±


    ¡± It was either I gave them an early date or they show up here today orter on with spears and guns. Don¡¯t forget they own a historic and ssical tourism resort ¡± The way she¡¯s saying this, it¡¯s like she¡¯s an expert in weapon wielding.


    ¡± They¡¯ll do nothing of sort, they need me¡±


    ¡± They were unfortunately very angry and sounded violent. But if i may ask, did you really cut their benefit short?¡± She crossed her arms .


    That¡¯s a habit I see.


    ¡± Of course I did. Their bargain was abruptly uneptable ¡±


    ¡± So why ept it in the first ce?¡±


    ¡± Because the money we can gain from there is marvellous ¡±


    ¡± Hmmm, and your short sighted greed did not let you see that to profit from something there must be a loss at the beginning?¡±


    She¡¯s back with that annoying mouth of hers.


    ¡± You will not insult me!¡± She is breaking my stic limit.


    ¡± Precisely, I didn¡¯t insult you. I asked a simple question ¡±


    From my side vision I can see chance smirking at her, definitely impressed by her behavior.


    She¡¯s literally the first person I¡¯ve ever worked with to have such an attitude.


    I sighed and spoke on. ¡± The meeting is tomorrow?¡±


    ¡± Like I said, yes and by ten AM. Endeavor to be at work earlier because your previous secretary booked you appointments for nine o¡¯ clock and twelve thirty ¡±


    I¡¯m the one to tell who should be at work on time.


    ¡± You can¡¯t tell me when to be at the office ¡± I growled and put on a stern face.


    ¡± Alright then, don¡¯t turn in early and serve the opportunity of almost getting killed ¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve told you they can¡¯t do anything!¡± I mmed my hand on the table as my anger was getting loose.


    ¡± Whatever you believe, just bear this in mind that you need them more than they need you. And avoid such impact with your furniture again. You¡¯ll break them and I don¡¯t think they have an insurance ¡± She whipped her hair again and took her way out.


    ¡± Damn! She¡¯s hot and smart. Coolbination for a secretary ¡± Chance wiggled his brows.


    After taking a deep breath in, I sighed and regainedposure.


    ¡± That girl you¡¯re ogling over, yeah that¡¯s Iris¡± I picked the file and put them in my drawers then mmed the drawers shut


    Chuckling at my frustration he replied to myment. ¡± Iris? Who¡¯s iris? I don¡¯t remember any- oh shit you¡¯re lying ¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    d he remembers her too.


    ¡± I clearly wish I was. She was dad¡¯s recement secretary for me. Yay!¡± The sarcasm covering all my words.


    ¡± Whoa whoa whoa, rewind on the speech. Didn¡¯t you tell me back in school that you got her pregnant then the baby died?¡±


    ¡± Yes, and you¡¯re the only one I told at that so I¡¯m expecting total silence. At this stage she¡¯s already a risk to my rtionship with Michelle ¡±


    He nodded then took a few moments to think of words.


    ¡± She¡¯s got quite a mouth on her at the time ¡±


    ¡± Same I¡¯ve realized¡±


    He was still shocked at it all but honestly I had something else in mind.


    She¡¯s gonna have to get that hair in a bun cause it¡¯s whipping has gotten too much.


    Way too much.

 Chapter 007

    I was setting out a few things before the close of work by four when a call came into the office line.


    So much for being a secretary.


    But I answered the call anyway.


    ¡± Good Afternoon, Brooks and Shields Companies, how may I help you?¡±


    ¡± Jules?¡±


    ¡± Mr McConnell, it¡¯s nice to hear from you again ¡± I took a seat after rxing because it¡¯s not a business call.


    ¡± And from you too. How you doing?¡±


    ¡± Well, I¡¯m fine if I may say, what of you?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m good. The office is not as effective without you here but we¡¯re surviving ¡±


    ¡± I could alwayse back and you¡¯ll send someone else here instead ¡± I chirped with a little too much enthusiasm.


    There was a slight pause between us before he talked again.


    ¡± Someone seems eager to leave, any problem with your boss? I can always discipline him¡±


    If only you disciplined him five years earlier.


    ¡± No nothing at all, I just miss my old ce that¡¯s all¡± The lie falling from my lips like leaves in autumn.


    ¡± You¡¯ll like this ce better, believe me. You can make new friends and go get a view of the city.¡±


    Sorry, but I don¡¯t make friends with devil associates.


    I mean really?? Chance is here too?


    But a view of the city was already part of my ns so that doesn¡¯t sound bad at all.


    ¡± I did n on taking Louie out for a walk tonight ¡± I sighed


    ¡± Good for you, you¡¯re warming up to the city already. Speaking of which, how¡¯s my little fighter?¡±


    I smiled at his description of Louisa, but answered still.


    ¡± She¡¯s fine, just being her-¡± Well I wasn¡¯t able to finish because my door bursted open and exposed the little love of my life.


    ¡± Mummy!!!!¡± She screamed and ran toe give me a hug where I was seated.


    ¡± My my, speak of the devil ¡± Mr McConnell chuckled through the receiver ¡± I¡¯ll leave you to it, take care alright ¡±


    He ended the call after I mumbled a thank you.


    I kept the phone and decided to deal with the real issue here.


    ¡± Alright, Louie spill, why were you running?¡± I ced my hands on my waist and waited for her reply.


    ¡± Wellll-¡± She started but was cut off with rissa wobbling into the room, breathing like she has an asthma.


    ¡± I¡¯m¡± She swallowed ¡± I¡¯m so sorry miss Shawn, i tried stopping her but she wouldn¡¯t just give up. And Jesus Christ she¡¯s a runner ¡± She gripped her chest to steady her breathing.


    Now I know why she was running.


    Iughed at the scenario that just unfolded before me.


    ¡± No problems, I told her toe here. She was just following instructions ¡± I bent over to carry the little devil.


    ¡± How did she find here anyway?¡± She asked after restoring herposure.


    ¡± That¡¯s true, how did you find here?¡± I asked her nuzzling face in my neckThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Edward told me the directions ¡± She whispers into my ear so no one else could hear it.


    I smiled at her and kept her back on her two feet.


    ¡± No worries then¡± I turned back to rissa.


    ¡± No, there is a worry. Mr McConnell doesn¡¯t allow children into the office. It¡¯s against the rules ¡±


    Why am I not surprised? Well a devil can do it all.


    ¡± Fine, we¡¯re on our way out¡± I picked my bag and took hold of Louie¡¯s hand.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think so¡±


    Oh no¡­


    :::::


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Do these people not have any respect for the fact that my office is directly besides theirs?


    All the running and ruckus finally distract me from the dealpromise I was writing down for tomorrow¡¯s meeting.


    And they will not be going without seeing me.


    I dropped the pen and walked abruptly to the door and opened it.


    And guess the first thing I hear.


    ¡± Fine, we¡¯re on our way out ¡± And I believe that ising from Iris.


    I approach her office door and see rissa leaned by it.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think so ¡± Was my grand entrance.


    I wanted to just ask about the noise and disturbance but when Iris pushed a small person behind her, I had other questions in mind.


    ¡± rissa, you can take your leave now ¡± Knowing what is best for her, she left withoutin.


    I turned back to Iris and she was eyeing me waringly. So that piqued my interest even more.


    ¡± Who¡¯s behind you?¡± My voice calm and subtle but you can detect the rage hanging on it¡¯s edge.


    I strictly have a rule against kids in my building and yet here is one disrupting my business.


    She didn¡¯t answer my question and I had to repeat it again in case she had gone deaf for a minute there.


    Still no response from her, but that is not all i noticed.


    She was trembling. It was clear in her eyes that she was scared at the moment but why?


    She had the whole morning to be scared of me and she wasn¡¯t, till now.


    ¡± Iris, move ¡± A clear cutmand with no room for questions.


    But she didn¡¯t listen. Still stubborn headed whilst I was losing my patience.


    ¡± I said move!¡± My voice reverberating off the walls and I¡¯m very sure thest floor heard me.


    But that was what it took to make her take one step to the side.


    ¡°M-mummy?¡± A small girl that shouldn¡¯t be more than four was revealed and the tremble in her voice resembled that of her mom.


    The little girl looks so fragile, with her small frame and blue eyes. Although her body was trembling her blue eyes gave a clear indication that she hadn¡¯t given up yet.


    At least she¡¯s more interesting than her mom.


    ¡± I¡¯ll take it as you didn¡¯t know my rules about children in the office premises, so I¡¯ll pardon for today. Next time, I don¡¯t leave nuisances around my work ce ¡± Was thest thing I said before I walked out of the room and heard her sigh.

 Chapter 008

    ¡°Mummy?¡±


    Louisa pulled me out of my trance, where I was deep in thoughts about My Boss.


    We were standing by an ice cream van that was in front of the central park.


    ¡± Yes pumpkin?¡± I turned to give our orders of strawberry for her and cookie dough for me.


    ¡± Who was that man?¡±


    Who was that man?, sweetheart how am I going to begin my exnation?


    That man is my boss and the son of my former boss.


    That man was my bully back in high school and the reason my parents quit their jobs.


    That man was the guy who raped me and diminished my self esteem till I had nothing and I mean nothing left to hold on to.


    Most of all that man is your father.


    That egotistical, narcissistic, wicked, heartless, mean, wretched, evil, deranged thing,


    Is your father.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about him baby, he¡¯s just my boss¡±I paid for our sugary snack and handed hers over to her.


    ¡± Are you scared of him?¡± She almost whispered this question, but that didn¡¯t prevent the shock that spread on my face.


    Was I still scared of him? After all these years, running from him and his attacks; I thought I had ovee my fear of him, but I haven¡¯t. I just started to live normal again.


    But I am still scared of him. And she noticed.


    ¡± No baby, I¡¯m not why would you ask that?¡± I crouched down to her level to look her directly in the eye.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, the way he behaved and you- you didn¡¯t say anything ¡± Her eyes were avoiding mine and I know exactly why.


    After Hunter ordered me to move and I stepped away, she felt I had abandoned her to him, that I wouldn¡¯t fight for her.


    ¡± Baby, baby look at me¡± I cradled her face with my palms and set her eyes back to mine. ¡± I would never ever leave you to that man okay? I know that he is by far the worst person on this earth and I wouldn¡¯t want you anywhere near him. He is a very wicked man and it is very wrong for me to describe someone to you this way but when I do know it¡¯s for a good reason okay?¡± I wiped away a tear that had managed to drop from the corner of her eye.


    ¡± Wow, if this is how mother¡¯s describe people to their kids, I doubt if there would be such a thing as a social circle ¡± A voicees from behind Louisa and I rise instinctively, pushing her to hide at my back.


    ¡± Do I know you?¡± I asked this sudden deliciously, good looking man before me.


    ¡± Sadly, no. I would have been d to meet more beautiful faces like yours in my life ¡± The blonde young man in a sleeveless white top and blue jeans folded his arms across his chest.


    ¡± If you¡¯re trying to flirt, it¡¯s not working ¡± I rolled my eyes at him and now held Louisa by my side.


    ¡± Well it is, since it managed to change your mood from sad to getting pissed off ¡± He shrugged.


    ¡± Do you mind! Language!¡± I lifted my hand that held Louisa¡¯s.


    ¡± Sorry about that. You guys just looked down and not in the mood, I only came to get ice cream before I saw the atmosphere and tried to lighten it up. I¡¯m Mason by the way¡± He walked up to the ice cream cart that was still in it¡¯s position and acted like he didn¡¯t just say a word to us.


    ¡± I¡¯m uh-Jules¡± I said after him.


    ¡± If you¡¯re not saying your real name, there¡¯s no need to speak up ¡± He¡¯s now facing me with his arms leaning against the truck.


    ¡± It¡¯s real. Jules Shawn ¡±


    ¡± Aren¡¯t you the recement secretary for Hunter?¡± His brows raised up in question.


    ¡± Yes, yes I am. How did you know?¡±


    ¡± When you work for someone big, news get around quickly ¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll take that as something good?¡± I asked and he chuckled at me


    ¡± Well then, I pardon your descriptions to your offspring ¡± He smiled and I smiled back.


    ¡± Hey, Louisa meet someone. His name is Mason ¡± I tugged her forward and she walked up to him.


    ¡± Hello Mr. Mason ¡± Raising her head to look into his eyes despite his tall stature.


    ¡°Why, Hello there¡±


    And Louisa smiled.


    Maybe today wasn¡¯t so bad after all.


    €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Why would you make a deal and not keep your end of the bargain!?¡± I literally had to put a distance between my ears and the phone, most likely I may be deaf already.


    ¡± Dad, calm down-¡±


    ¡± Calm down? In case it hasn¡¯t urred to you, during my days of running Brooks and Shields we had a reputation of being loyal businessmen. And now out of your selfish act you¡¯re trying to destroy it while telling me to calm down?¡± I never knew he¡¯d get this angry for crying out loud.


    I paced around my bedroom till he was done venting what I believe was only half of his thoughts.


    ¡± Honestly, I didn¡¯t find them noble. That¡¯s why I did what I did ¡±


    I could hear him repeat his breathing in and out mechanisms to calm himself down.


    ¡± So what did they say?¡± He finally speaks.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t even have a chance to chat with them. They called through my secretary and she ims they were really not in a right mood so she fixed a meeting for tomorrow. I personally think they¡¯re just bluffing ¡± .


    I took a seat on the edge of my bed and waited for him.


    ¡± She did the right thing. She¡¯ll have to attend this meeting with you ¡±


    Like I was expecting. He¡¯ll definitely be on her side.


    ¡± Sure, I assumed you¡¯d want that anyway ¡±


    ¡± Is she nearby? Give her the phone I¡¯ll like to brief her on what to do¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s not here yet. What of Mom?¡± I haven¡¯t heard from Mom in two weeks. Maybe I could call tomorrow.


    ¡± She¡¯s still in mos, doing good though. Now what did you say about Jules?¡±


    ¡± Why does everyone keep calling her that, Her name is Iris. And you heard me, she left the office with her kid and hasn¡¯t arrived here yet¡± I stood up to check through the window and see if she¡¯s on her way or something.


    ¡± Do I presume you¡¯ve met her before? Tending to the fact you indeed insist on her name ¡±


    So that was all he got from my words. Clever.


    ¡± We attended the same high school before she left and back then she was referred to as Iris ¡± I notice a headlight approaching the house and I suspect she¡¯s the one.


    ¡± Any reason as to why she left?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, ask her¡±


    ¡°Well fine, but do call her. This is her first time in that city and she¡¯s prone to getting lost so do look after her. Goodnight hunter.¡± His care is beginning to mean something else to me but before I couldin the car came into view.


    And it looks eerily familiar.


    ¡± Yeah, night dad I¡¯ve heard all you said. And I think she¡¯s back ¡± I ended the call then walked away from the window and headed for downstairs to the bar as I took a seat and poured myself a bottle of Scotch.


    There were a lot of giggles andughter before the door was thrown open by a tiny person.


    Her expression was bright with a huge smile on her face, but all fades as she notices my presence in the living room.


    She used only a second to calcte before determining it was best to run in the direction of their room.


    A few secondster her Mom emerges from the door and I am the first thing she sights.


    Well I will agree I¡¯m not exactly your definition of good sights at first view.


    The revving of an engine is heard, that means the car is leaving.


    That also means the car doesn¡¯t belong to me.


    Shepletely ignored me and started walked straight into the kitchen.


    So much for showing courtesy to someone who¡¯s housing you.


    I took a sip of my drink and recollected on what Dad had said about her attending the meeting.


    Sure my previous secretary had attended meetings before but that was only to take minutes, not to contribute.


    And here I am, about to force mine to speak.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Where¡¯s Edward?¡± I didn¡¯t even know she was back from the kitchen.


    I turned around and gave her a quick nce.


    Really, Iris has changed a lot. She¡¯s added weight in definitely the right ces and is now sporting straight brown hair instead of her usual wavy ck.


    And it is only till now I noticed her pale white skin looked somewhat tanned.


    Wherever she¡¯s been was really good to her.


    ¡°And why are you looking for him?¡±


    ¡± I just need to talk to him¡± She folded hee arms across her moderately sized breasts.


    If not for the fact that I really dislike this girl I would have called her sexy.


    ¡± I am indeed his boss and I demand to know ¡± Still looking at her i took another sip.


    ¡± I need him to pick up Louisa and keep her at home since I can¡¯t let her stay with me at work ¡± Her tone simply showing irritation.


    So that¡¯s the little things name.


    I smirked at her attitude and spoke up ¡± Very well then, but first. Tomorrow is the meeting you booked and you¡¯re attending ¡±


    ¡± Err -duh I¡¯m the secretary. I¡¯m supposed to ¡± She stated obviously.


    ¡± Yes, but in this case you¡¯ll be contributing¡± I took another sip.


    ¡± Is that all?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ll have to pack your hair up in a ponytail or a bun. Whichever you prefer ¡±


    Her facial features changed from bored to fear, just because she¡¯s to hold up her hair?


    ¡± W-why?¡± Her voice now quaking.


    If this is the way to get her humble then I¡¯ll be using it more often.


    ¡± To look ready for business, what else?¡± I whirled around my seat to pour myself another ss.


    ¡± Only tomorrow?¡±


    ¡± No, when I refer to hold up I mean for the rest of your business stay with me, which is by chance temporary ¡±


    I still had my back to her and waited for her to say something but she didn¡¯t.


    I turned to see her again and she looked deep in thoughts.


    ¡± Edward is in his room ¡± I finally gave her the answer she came looking for.


    After a little nod she turned to leave.


    ¡± Iris?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s Jules ¡±


    ¡± Who dropped you off?¡±


    ¡± A friend ¡± And with that she left.

 Chapter 009

    I¡¯d gotten Louisa ready for school and sent her off with Edward.


    Now i was just in front of my mirror trying to create a messy bun of my hair to cover the scar on my hairline.


    And sadly it¡¯s not working. The mark is just insistent on being disyed.


    Okay, ponytail might work out.


    I untied the bun and passed ab through my hair over seven times to smoothen it out.


    Tying my hair with a fancy ruffle into a ponytail, I considered using a hair gel to style its edges and conceal the scar.


    But after almost fifteen minutes of efforts, it was still a stupid idea.


    ¡± Funny how the easiest things get you frustrated¡± I murmured to myself out of my slowly building anger.


    ¡± You really are a funnydy aren¡¯t you?¡± The french ent grasping my attention.


    I turned to see who just spoke and it was one of thedies who worked here. The tallest one at that.


    ¡± When did youe in?¡±


    ¡± Well, long enough to discover that you can¡¯t hide that scar on your forehead ¡± She answered and walked towards me with slow and sleek runway model steps.


    She was most definitely the tallest and nice figured amongst thedies who work here. And she was a prettydy at that.


    Not a captivating kind of beauty but just pretty in her own way. I presumed her to have worked as a model before considering her age wasn¡¯t so little.


    ¡± I¡¯m not trying to hide it ¡± I pouted and turned back to my mirror.


    Sheughed like I just cracked a joke before appearing behind me in the mirror.


    ¡± Yes, I¡¯d believe that the moment Hunter decides to get married ¡±


    Well you¡¯re in for a long wait.


    ¡± I¡¯m just, i don¡¯t want it to be seen that¡¯s all ¡± I said while trying to cover up the scar again with my hair.


    ¡± Tsk tsk tsk¡± She pulls my hand away from it¡¯s determined job at the moment ¡± The scar or not, there¡¯s no much difference to you ¡±


    Maybe to you, but to me I look like a suffering squabble.


    ¡± Is this because of Hunter?¡± She asked again with a smirk on her face.


    Because of Hunter? Does she know what had happened in the past between Hunter and I?


    ¡± What do you mean?¡± I asked her to be sure of where she stood.


    ¡± Is it because of Hunter? Are you trying to impress him?¡±Her smirk growing wider.


    Okay, we¡¯re definitely not on the same page.


    ¡± What!? No!¡± I was hiding the scar from Hunter not to impress him but to hide the fact that he had given me a mark in life I may never forget.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be shy love, Hunter is definitely one appealing to the eyes¡± She started as she took hold of my hair in one hand and removed the ruffle with another.


    ¡± Ha, i don¡¯t think so¡± I rolled my eyes and let her continue with whatever she was doing on my head.


    Sheughed again ¡± Don¡¯t deny it love. And are you trying to tell me all these struggle with your hair is for nothing?¡± She began brushing the hair with soft strokes.


    ¡± Well it¡¯s for something, to hide it from him¡±


    ¡± Because you don¡¯t want him to see you as ugly?¡±


    More like I don¡¯t want him to see what he put there.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care what he thinks of me¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the impression you¡¯re giving off. You see dear, if you want to get someone to like you, it¡¯s best you¡¯re yourself and nothing more or less¡± She was rolling my hair up into a bun.


    ¡± I¡¯m not interested in him¡±


    ¡± Sure you¡¯re not ¡°She took a brush and smothered some parts of the hair.


    I was done with this argument. She won¡¯t believe me, so be it.


    She picked up the styling gel and ran along the edges with her index finger, then brushed up the finishing touches.


    ¡± What do you think?¡± She asked when she was done.


    I wasn¡¯t a fan of overdoing things but I¡¯m d she didn¡¯t need me to tell her that before she decided to help. The scar was covered though notpletely but it was at least manageable.


    ¡°Thank you so much!¡± I squealed at the one minute miracle.


    ¡± Don¡¯t sweat it¡± She smiles and looks at me for a while longer ¡°Jules?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re a really beautifuldy. Don¡¯t let one scar make you think otherwise ¡±


    If only it was that easy.


    I pulled out a full grin in appreciation of herment.


    ¡± And though I¡¯m not married nor do I have a kid I still have instincts that tend to kick in every now and then. And it will be important if i told you that going for Hunter will only hit a dead end. If only I listened to these instincts earlier ¡± Wasn¡¯t she just the one telling me how to be myself for Hunter?


    ¡± I don¡¯t understand ¡± She needs to be clear on where she stands.


    ¡± I¡¯ve made some mistakes while working for Hunter and trust me when I¡¯m just looking out for a sister ¡±


    Hmm¡­ I see where this is heading.


    ¡± And by mistakes, you mean you¡¯ve had sex with him¡± Curiosity killed the cat.


    She sighed ¡± not something I¡¯m really proud of, but he made me believe we were heading somewhere. Everything was just building castles in the sand ¡±


    Was there a girl on earth who Hunter¡¯s rod hadn¡¯t prated?


    ¡± What made you think it was all false?¡± My questions never end.


    ¡± Of course being who he is moved on to his next patient. And I was long forgotten, like I never existed¡±


    That had got to hurt.


    ¡± Then why do you still live here with him? I mean he did hurt you ¡±


    ¡± I met him here, I¡¯m in control of all his staffs here plus it¡¯s his dad who employed me not him. If i leave it will be stupid of me. I did make my choices wrongly ¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s strong ¡± I smiled at her willpower.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Oh yes, especially when you¡¯re the one in charge of nning his uing wedding whichever date it is¡±


    Wait!


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± His wedding, been procrastinating it for almost a year now. That dude isn¡¯t ready to get settled for anything ¡±


    That was not the answer I was looking for.


    ¡± He¡¯s getting married? To-¡± I wasn¡¯t done when another voice joined our conversation.


    ¡± Save the girl gossip forter, you booked us a meeting. Remember?¡± Hunter walked in with a ss of water or colorless wine in his hand.


    ¡± Good morning Mr McConnell ¡± She greeted him with a warm smile.


    ¡± Morning udette, Iris?¡± So that¡¯s her name.


    ¡± It¡¯s Jules, and if you¡¯re waiting for my greetings it ain¡¯t gonna happen ¡± I picked up my purse and started to walk passed him but he gripped my hand halfway.


    ¡± I like your hair, a lot less whipping will be done ¡± He smirked and took a sip from his ss.


    So that¡¯s why he wanted my hair up.


    This Bastard!

 Chapter 010

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Mr McConnell?¡± Came a little voice with three light knocks on my office door.


    Could be Lily, my financial secretary. Since my recement secretary was meant to attend the meeting for other reasons than documenting, I decided to call in someone to take the minutes instead.


    ¡± Yese in¡± I called for her to open the door even though I know she will only open it slightly to deliver her message.


    Maybe having sex with her and ignoring her afterwards wasn¡¯t my best move, but she¡¯s alive so no issues.


    Like I said, she opened the door only slightly to deliver her message.


    ¡± The representatives from Bellevue Resorts are here already, should I refer them to the meeting room?¡± Her voice merely above a whisper and she ensured she wasn¡¯t making any eye contacts.


    ¡± Please do¡± I told her and she nods while shutting back the door.


    I gather the documents on ourst meeting and the contract for a new one before getting up and walking out the door.


    On my way down it urred to me that Iris may have not been informed about the meeting yet so I stop by her office.


    Since I technically own the ce I saw no need to knock.


    ¡± The meeting you fixed for me is waiting ¡±


    She was making adjustments to her hair that was already up in a bun, still trying to cover her face up and had a mirror ced on the desk.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be there ¡± She answers without even showing signs that her boss was in the room. ¡°And next time try to knock. Privacy invasion is very rude¡±


    The nerve of this girl.


    ¡± What exactly are you doing with your hair? It¡¯s already in a bun and no offense but you¡¯re effortlessly messing it up¡± I drop the files I had in my hand on her desk.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Well I¡¯m not particrlyfortable with my entire facials being on view¡± And she continues adjusting the front hairline.


    ¡± No one is here to admire you if that¡¯s what¡¯s bothering you. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re a sight to heed to in the first ce ¡±


    She pauses for a moment but then again she continues what she was doing on her hair and speaks.


    ¡± I literally live to please no one these days ¡±


    She was wasting my time and she knows I still have meetings afterwards. After an additional seven seconds of wait I gave up on patience.


    ¡± Iris put your hair in a straight bun now¡±


    She didn¡¯t listen and still tried whatever she was doing.


    I lost my patience five seconds ago and it was beginning to act out. I gripped her both hands and stared her into the eye.


    ¡± I. Said. Now¡± Laying emphasis on my every word, i watched her for a reaction. And I got one.


    ¡± But-¡± She was about to exin and my watch just told me no time for such.


    ¡± Now¡±


    When I saw the look of defeat in her eyes, I let her go and she went back to her hair.


    Loosening it from the twist behind, she pulls out a hairbrush from her purse and runs it through the hair over five times before taking hold of her hair to tie it up.


    ¡± Uhm¡­ Can you turn around?¡± She blurts out and I look at her in shock.


    She wants me to turn around so she can fix her hair? What is this, Romeo and Jules?


    ¡± No, and it¡¯s not like you¡¯re naked¡± I take the seat in front of her table and face her direction.


    ¡± Well adjusting anything in front of you with you staring at me like I¡¯ve got a snake nest on my head isn¡¯t quitefortable ¡± She states and I actually agree with her.


    I¡¯ve been staring at her since I walked in only because she¡¯s proven to be a potential time waster.


    ¡± Fine¡± I swirled the seat around and waited for her to finish.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Sev-


    ¡± I¡¯m done ¡±


    Atst!


    I swirl back to view her and it just hits me like I wasn¡¯t even in here before.


    Her face now on full view with nothing obstructing it is kinda a more suitable look for her. Her brown eyes and recently brown hair in closeparison to her tanned skin gives her a bronze color appearance and she has on a nude colored silk top.


    Like I said before, if I was dumb enough, I would have said she looked beautiful.


    But that was when I noticed it. I slim scar running across her hair line. The scar is only obvious if you¡¯re trying to look for it. And that made me realize I was staring at her without saying anything.


    ¡± Good ¡± I got up and walked out of the office with Iris following directly behind me.


    I know better than to ask her about the scar.


    After a few steps down the hallway we get to the elevator and I see Iris picked up the files I had dropped off on her desk.


    I can¡¯t believe I even forgot them.


    ¡± Did you go through our previous contracts with Bellevue resorts before this meeting?¡± I asked her as we stepped into the elevator.


    ¡± Yes¡± Was all she said and went to stand at the far end of the enclosed room.


    I really don¡¯t mind the action, so i pressed in for fourth floor and watched the doors close shut.


    We just stood there in silence, while the elevator moved at a smooth rate.


    ¡°Why did you dye your hair brown?¡± I asked her after the few seconds of awkward silence ticked by.


    ¡± Who are you getting married to?¡± Was her reply.


    And what the hell? How did she know about it? The questions don¡¯t even rte in any form whatsoever.


    ¡± That¡¯s not your business ¡± I replied and watched her for her own reply.


    ¡± Same here. Stop asking me questions that you know fully well I will not grant the grace of answering. It¡¯s none of your business ¡±


    As soon as she was done, the elevator opened and revealed the fourth floor with my ountancy department walking helter Skelter around the ce.


    I was glued to my spot due to her reply that I had no idea when she had stepped out.


    ¡± Well, we have a meeting to attend. Don¡¯t be a time waster¡± Then she skittled off swaying her hips from side to side and got to the double door at the end of the hall.


    She didn¡¯t open it, rather she turned around and waited for me. That was when I regained my steps.

 Chapter 011

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Good morning Mr Jaquish, Mr Harwood ¡± I greet the two men who I am familiar with and giving them a handshake which is obvious that they grudgingly epted.


    Well Dad was right.


    I sight Lily at the left end of the table and I acknowledge her with a nod.


    But the third man in the room was a strange appearance to this party. And from my apprehension he looks to be my age more so or a tad bit older.


    ¡± And may I ask who?¡± Referring to the gentleman who is currently undressing my secretary with his eyes.


    ¡± This is Mr Hayes, my nephew and the one to take over my business. So he is right to be here to know thepanies he is up for ¡± Mr Jaquish answers ring at me with hisst words.


    You¡¯re angry. Hint taken.


    ¡± Well then, nice to get to meet you Mr Hayes ¡± I extend my hand to him for a handshake also.


    He finally takes his eyes off Iris and pays me the slightest attention.


    ¡± I¡¯m not sure if I can say the same, but who is this lovelydy behind you?¡± His eyes going back to what it preferred interesting.


    ¡± That¡¯s my secretary, so may we get down to the main reason for being here¡± I take my seat at the head of the table and wait for Iris to take hers beside me but someone seems to not be ready for this meeting.


    ¡± May I know your name?¡± Mr Hayes asks Iris who was currently going to sit beside Mr Harwood which is almost at the opposite end of the rectangr table.


    ¡± Miss Shawn, but you can call me Jules¡± She offers him a bright smile and a handshake.


    Oh, so she can give answers freely to someone she just met.


    ¡± Jules. I like it. Call me Darlington ¡± He responds and nts a kiss to the back of her palm.


    Meanwhile Mr Jaquish and Harwood just watch in admiration.


    Is there really no one ready for this meeting?


    I clear my throat to get back their attention ¡± Shall we begin?¡± My focus on Mr Hayes and he is aware of it.


    ¡± Of course we shall, you can have a chair here love¡± He taps on the seat by his left hand for Iris.


    ¡± Her seat is here Mr Hayes, thank you for the suggestion ¡± I look to Iris with an expression that clearly says ¡®need I remind you this meeting is your fault¡¯


    And I believe she understands because she smiles ¡± Don¡¯t worry Mr McConnell, I¡¯ll be fine beside Darlington ¡±


    Then the bitch takes a seat beside Mr Hayes which makes her sandwiched between him and Mr Jaquish.


    I sent her an are you serious look but she ignored me anyway.


    ¡± So no need for time wasting ¡± Mr Harwood finallyes to his senses ¡± We all know why we¡¯re here, and need I say, I am not at all happy with the reason ¡±


    ¡± Yes Mr McConnell, you see there is a reason why a contract was made. To ensure all parties keep to their word, which you have remarkably failed to do ¡± Mr Hayes now deemed it fit to concentrate.


    ¡± Well, there¡¯s also something known as lucrative interest. If I see no profit from your side, why then invest?¡± I direct my question to the present Mr Hayes .


    ¡± Lucrative interestes in only when a contract hasn¡¯t been involved yet. Meaning you had to have thought about that before putting your signature on a paper ¡± Mr Jaquish counters.


    ¡± Since we began in our little trade all we¡¯ve recorded was losses¡± I continue. ¡± I don¡¯t think any businessman would love to be associated with losses¡±


    ¡± Need I remind you Mr McConnell that contracts are like marriage deeds, for better for worse till death do us part or rather in this case till it is of no use¡± Mr Hayes replies while dropping a file on the table and Iris picks it up.


    ¡± Well your business is of no use to me anymore so your argument is invalid ¡± Iris opens the file and starts reading it.


    ¡± Our deal says we have to be valid for at least ten years before we can consider it useless ¡± Hayes finishes off.


    I look to Iris to know if what he said was true since she is the one holding the contract.


    She lifts her head and catches my eyes on her, when I lift a brow that silently asks my question she nods in response.


    So that dude read the contract.


    ¡± Your business manual says when something is inactive it¡¯s noted a stale worth, which may I add is your business to mine¡± I pipe up and wait for a counter.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, that same business manual states the right to sue to court any business that dupes the other which you firmly did¡± Mr Harwood states.


    ¡± I did not dupe anyone ¡±


    ¡± How would you refer to a case where we deposited our share of money promised and you gave half at the beginning, proceedingly we kept on depositing our share but you never dropped a dime as our agreement had stated. This means you¡¯re gaining from us but we are losing much more than expected because of you ¡± Mr Jaquish exins.


    ¡± Plus, we thought we received the share. Because your firm sends a receipt every month to our office. Only till we checked the bnce before we found out something doesn¡¯t add up. So if I am to take this to the court, it will be considered as a deliberate fraud¡±


    Deliberate frauds can close down apany for good and my dad is going to kill me if such a thing happens.


    I can¡¯t let them sue me for all its worth.


    I look to Iris to know what she has to say but she only shes a wide grin and shakes her head in a negative reaction.


    She has nothing to add? I thought Dad said she will be useful in the meeting? She literally just heard a sue to court and she¡¯s willing to say nothing?


    ¡± Excuse me for a moment, Iris may we speak outside?¡± I get up and walk out the door to wait for her. Counting numbers in my head so I can cool my uing temper.


    ¡± My name in official gatherings or wherever is Jules¡±


    I have bigger issues.


    ¡± Why the hell are you not saying anything?¡±


    ¡± Because it¡¯s nice watching your ass getshed. You stepped on very wrong toes Mr ¡± She poked my chest and it looks like she¡¯s trying her best not tough.


    ¡± This is funny to you? They¡¯re threatening to sue us here¡± I p her finger away from my chest.


    ¡± I¡¯m aware¡± She shrugged.


    God help me, if I¡¯m going to jail there is no harm in adding murder to my charges.


    ¡± You¡¯re aware? And you¡¯re going to do nothing about it!?¡± My brain is calcting the best way to kill this girl without leaving prints.


    ¡± Well, Darlington looks like he could give me a job though ¡±


    My re was probably formingsers behind my eyes and I can¡¯t wait for them to shoot out.


    ¡± They can¡¯t send you to jail ¡± She adds


    Iughed at her stupidity.


    ¡± Oh yeah, how so?¡± Sarcasm wrapped all over my words.


    ¡± Well if you read the contract you signed you¡¯d know how ¡± She turned sharp on her heels and started heading towards the door but I gripped her hands to stop her.


    ¡± You are staying by my side¡± My voice low but serious.


    ¡± Really? Why? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a sight to behold or something ¡±


    Ha, funny.


    ¡± I¡¯m aware, but it seems like Mr Hayes-¡±


    ¡± Darlington ¡±


    ¡± Mr Hayes is brainwashing you of your mortal reasoning. So by my side. Pronto ¡± I let go of her hand and walk back to the hall.


    ¡± Where¡¯s my princess?¡± Mr Hayes just learned to get on my nerves.


    ¡± I¡¯m here.¡± Iris enters and goes to her former seating position.


    I assumed she was going to ignore my order and return back to where she was but she just picks up the files she left there and walks to take the seat by my side.


    All this while the entire room remained silent for her.


    ¡± Mr Jaquish I¡¯m sorry but you can¡¯t sue my boss to court ¡± And she began.


    ¡± Why is that?¡± Mr Jaquish answers with much more interest than curiosity in his tone.


    ¡± Because in the deal you signed with Mr McConnell, it states that you were to give a sum of seven fifty thousand dors right?¡±


    All men in the room nod in agreement.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡± But following from Bank statements to office records, the only amount to be deposited was four hundred thousand ¡± She reads down the papers in her hand again.


    ¡± Yes, we stopped depositing when we realized he was just fooling us¡± Mr Harwood joined the debate.


    ¡± Hmm¡­ I see and when was that? Because yourst deposite was recorded two months before thest receipt was sent to your office ¡± Did she really look into that?


    ¡± Receipts that were false-¡± Mr Harwood urged to continue but Iris had more in mind.


    ¡± When you had your first meeting, you deposited only two hundred thousand, meanwhile Mr McConnell deposited half the price promised¡± She interrupted


    ¡± Yes¡± Mr Jaquish who now thinks silence is the best spoke.


    ¡± But on your agreement he was to drop only two fifty thousand on the first, but hence he dropped more the receipts were only sent in recognition of the time it was meant to be deposited ¡± Iris argued on


    That wasn¡¯t my n but it seems to be a better cover up.


    ¡± And we were following up the rule too¡± Mr Harwood interjected.


    ¡± No, you stopped once you realized there was no increase in your bnces. You are not after him because he did not fulfill his part of the deal. You¡¯re after him because you nned on duping him of his money too but it didn¡¯t work out¡± She analysed and I was really shocked at what she could pull out.


    ¡± That¡¯s not our n¡± Mr Harwood speaks again.


    ¡± But that is what it will look like when the court gets to hear of it¡± Mr Hayes who was now watching iris, intrigued by her character stated.


    ¡± Thank you Darlington ¡± She flirtatiously remarked at the young man who was eyeing her like she¡¯s a prized bull.


    ¡± Fine, we would not take it to the court ¡± Mr Jaquish says as he adjusted the cor of his shirt.


    ¡± I was hoping so. And we apologize for any inconvenience caused so far, we promise to keep to our end of the deal from now onwards if you keep to yours¡± She packed up the files in her hand and stacks them on atop the other.


    ¡± We will. Thank you for the meeting miss Jules, I hope to see you another time¡± Mr Hayes says as he rises from his chair alongside the other gentlemen to end the meeting.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think so. Thank you for attending the meeting ¡± I rise and give a handshake in her ce.


    The young man eyed me waringly before walking out the room with his associates.


    I look to see Iris still seated by my side.


    ¡± So Dad was right huh?¡± I tell her and she just rolls her eyes at me before standing up and leaving the hall too.


    I smirk at her in response and turn my attention to Lily who is still by the end.


    ¡± Hand over the minutes to her when you¡¯re done ¡±


    She just gives me a nod and I leave the room.

 Chapter 012

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I was just returning from my fourth and final meeting of the day.


    Believe me when I say I am beyond exhausted. The rest of the meetings went by without strain and Iris was documenting as a secretary should.


    Dare I say it, but she is efficient.


    Walking into my office floor with Iris slightly farther back, the elevator door just sealed shut and I turned to look at her.


    Her bun was in a slight mess but it was still suitable. She was taking slow strides and obviously too engrossed in the file of thest meeting to notice my actions.


    Speaking of actions, I needed to understand why she acted the way she did earlier today in the meeting with Bellevue.


    ¡± Iris?¡±


    ¡± Jules¡± She corrected without sparing me a look.


    ¡± Why are you so insistent on this Jules anyway?¡± Is it someone that gave her the name to change her identity or what?


    ¡± Jules is my name and why are you so insistent on calling me Iris ?¡± She finally did me the honours of looking at me.


    ¡± I liked Iris better ¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve told you, I live to please no one ¡± She quickened her steps and walked into her office.


    Too bad I owned this building so I followed her in.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, your office is the next door ¡± She states with irony in her words.


    ¡± Really? I didn¡¯t notice ¡± I rolled my eyes at her and stood my spot.


    ¡± That I realized ¡± She responded and headed over to the cab on the left to ce the files she had in her hands.


    ¡± You know, when you call me Mr McConnell, some would think you ord me with respect ¡± I folded my arms across my chest.


    ¡± Key word, think ¡± She walked over to her desk and took her seat.


    ¡± But then you finish your speech and ruin the whole presumptions ¡±


    She pulls out a drawer beneath her and drops it on the table.


    ¡± I try my best to limit my speeches¡± She shows off a full teeth grin and points to the file she just dropped. ¡± Appointments fixed by your previous secretary, apparently you have a business dinner to attend this Saturday ¡±


    That¡¯s right, the business dinner with Michelle¡¯s Dad. That man isn¡¯t still aware of my intentions with his daughter and I don¡¯t think I want him to be aware soon, so it won¡¯t look like I¡¯m after her because of the money.


    Though the profit is a bonus.


    Michelle knows of this too, so we¡¯re trying to go under radar.


    That means I¡¯ll need a date to this g event.


    And since I¡¯m only willing to go so as to discuss the business deal with her Dad, who would be better to go with if not a negotiator.


    ¡± I remember that. Howrge is your memory span?¡± I asked her as I picked the file.


    ¡± Excuse me?¡± Her brows draw in confusion as she stares at me like I¡¯d gone insane.


    ¡± For how long can you remember things?¡± I asked in a simpler expression.


    ¡± From past events, I¡¯d say I remember for life ¡± Her eyes narrowed to two ring slits.


    But I honestly don¡¯t care what she¡¯s reminiscing about at this time.


    ¡± Good, then you¡¯re escorting me to the g on Saturday ¡± I opened the file and read through the appointments booked.


    Only a meeting tomorrow with the owner of Cadbury hotels.


    This meeting is going to be worth it.


    Then the event on Saturday.


    ¡± Why do you need me to attend a g, with you may I add?¡± I was still reading the file when I give her my reply.


    ¡± Don¡¯t tter yourself, you¡¯re not going as my date but as my secretary. I¡¯m going to be making business deals that day and you say your memory is good ¡±


    Her huff clearly tells me she doesn¡¯t find mypany quite entertaining, but I don¡¯t care.


    ¡°Go with someone else¡± She leans back in her chair.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to waste time on the obvious. Even if I do choose someone else to go with me, which I¡¯ll duly prefer but once my Dad gets information on this which he definitely will it¡¯s just going to be a useless effort to pick any other when he¡¯s still gonna decide on you ¡± I state the obvious to her, in case she¡¯s too blind to see it.


    ¡± Whatever. What¡¯s the color code?¡± She asks as she picks up her purse and takes a stand.


    At first I was surprised she agreed without much of an argument.


    Then the fact she was leaving sent another rm.


    ¡± ck and white and where are you going?¡± She was patting her shirt to smooth out the material over her chest area.


    Does she do this on purpose?.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, in case your wristwatch has stopped it¡¯s operation my time is ticking a few minutes to five. Work ended almost an hour ago¡±


    ¡± What of the other documents and files to presume?¡± I eyed her dubiously. There is no way I¡¯ll be staying longer than I should when I have a secretary.


    ¡± I¡¯ve finished off Bellevue, JW insurance and Getway corp. All that¡¯s left is Fusion mobile whose meeting was just concluded. I let lily slip in the documents you need to sign on your desk. What else am I to wait behind doing? I assume your evening stays required more privacy ¡± I believe herst statement was referring to the night she walked in on Michelle and I.


    That was an objection overruled.


    I was actually expecting Michelle over tonight, so yeah.. She should go home.


    ¡± Fine. Tell Guillermo about the g on Saturday. He should get my suit ready¡± She nodded and walked out the door.


    I followed her out before she shut and locked it up.


    Her steps were making clicking sounds on the tiles because of her heels.


    I never even noticed she had heels on. She never added height in five years.


    That¡¯s unfortunate.


    When I was sure she was out I took a turn and walked into my office.


    I never even got to ask her what exactly took me into her office. Her actions with the Bellevue representatives.


    Seems like that¡¯s for another day


    Now¡­ to call Michelle.


    $$$$$$$$$$$¡é$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


    I was just arriving home from the office and the time should be a few minutes to midnight.


    Michelle can be a case sometimes.


    I smirked to myself after that thought and drove up to the front door.


    Edward was the first sight to greet me as soon as I arrived and I¡¯m not surprised that he isn¡¯t asleep.


    He¡¯s been working with me for a year now and honestly he¡¯s as dedicated as can be.


    I got down from the vehicle and walked up the entrance steps.


    ¡± You know you really didn¡¯t need to be awake to wait for me¡± I handed him the keys with a smile on my face.


    ¡± Yes, but I choose to ¡± He patted my left shoulder and walked towards the car to drive it into the garage.


    Before he entered I called out to him.


    ¡± Do you know if Iris informed Guillermo about my suit?¡±


    He thought for a while then gave me a reply.


    ¡± You mean miss Jules?¡±


    Again with the Jules.


    ¡± Yeah ¡±


    ¡± I haven¡¯t seen much of her this evening. I¡¯ll probably ask Guillermo tomorrow to confirm that ¡±


    I nodded in understanding and he got into the car while I walked up to the house.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The front door was already open considering Edward just came out of the building, so I went in with no stress.


    I looked around the living area and it seems lifeless so possibly everyone has gone to bed.


    I felt a little bit hungry but it will be a mistake to my health if I had a meal by this hour, so I decided on an apple from the refrigerator in the kitchen.


    After grabbing the apple, I made my way upstairs while scrolling through Newsfeed on my phone.


    I could have sworn I heard footsteps but that could also be me imagining things.


    I walked into my room and I realised that I wasn¡¯t hearing things. Someone was in my room.


    A little someone at that.


    What exactly could Iris¡¯s spawn be doing in my bedroom at this ungodly hour.


    So help me God, but these people have a way of tempting you to do things you¡¯re not supposed to.


    She was going through my sketchbook with so much awe and amazement in her eyes.


    It¡¯s like she was happy seeing my sketches. I knew I could use a pencil but not as talent worthy as she seems to be taking it.


    Maybe if i had a little more practice.


    That¡¯s not the issue here.


    Why is she in my room?


    ¡± Haven¡¯t you been taught that it¡¯s very rude to snoop around people¡¯s business?¡± I was still by the doorside.


    Her expression changed to that of a deer caught in headlights. She immediately closed the book and threw it on the bed before jumping off like it just caught fire.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. My mom was asleep because she was tired and I wasn¡¯t tired so I decided to take a look around then I found this room and I saw some drawings then I-¡± She started bbing and if i didn¡¯t put it to a stop it¡¯s gonna have no end.


    ¡± In general summary, you¡¯re poking your nose into what¡¯s not your business ¡± I started walking towards her and she began taking steps backwards and trembled in fear.


    ¡°N-no I, I wasn¡¯t¡±


    ¡± Is this your room?¡± I continue my steps forward and she continued hers back.


    ¡± N-no¡±


    ¡± So why did you sneak up here?¡±She had hit the edge of the bed and her body began a vigorous shiver, by the look in her eyes she was already tearing up.


    ¡± I¡­. I-¡±


    ¡± You what!?¡±


    She released tiny sobs and brought up her hands to wipe her tears and cover her whimpers.


    ¡± I¡¯m s-sorry¡± Her tears were on a full tow and surprisingly it affected me a little bit.


    Keyword, little.


    ¡± Go to your room ¡±


    She didn¡¯t need to be told twice before running off.


    I released a sigh and sat down on my bed.


    Maybe I can¡¯t be mean to kid¡¯s.


    Is that a bad thing?

 Chapter 013

    ¡± Louie honey, you¡¯ve been quiet all morning are you okay?¡±


    It¡¯s the truth. Louisa was always very cheerful and jumpy in the morning, so to my assumptions she was a morning person.


    But sadly not today.


    And I¡¯m beginning to get worried.


    ¡± Maybe she¡¯s sick or something ¡± Cheryn who was the shortest and most plumpdy who came to greet me with a hug on my first day suggested.


    ¡± Are you sick? Any belly pains?¡± I asked her to confirm Cheryn¡¯s suspicion but she just shook her head in a negative response.


    ¡± Louie? Should I make your banana smoothie?¡± Cheryn asked her but she just shook her head in a no again.


    Louisa is declining her favorite snack.


    Something is definitely wrong.


    ¡± Okay, should I cook something else?¡± Cheryn was in charge of cooking around here, so trying to win Louie over with a meal wasn¡¯t surprising.


    What surprised me was she still declined.


    Cheryn was a mother of two kids who were boys, they lived in Louisiana and they¡¯re all grown up. One has a job in Louisiana while the other is in college. She lost her husband slightly over a year ago so she may understand the perks of single parenting a little.


    ¡± You should talk to her¡± Cheryn whispers to me then goes back to preparing another meal after dropping a te of pancakes for us.


    I nodded to her and turned my attention back to Louisa.


    ¡± Baby, tell me what¡¯s wrong. I can help you ¡± I cooed in her ear while rubbing her back in a circr motion.


    What scared the crap out of me was when I noticed her eyes glistening.


    She¡¯s about to cry.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Louie doesn¡¯t cry.


    ¡± Baby please say something ¡± I ced my forehead on hers to reassure her that I¡¯m still here.


    She sniffed before nodding and mouthing an okay.


    I stayed put and braced myself for what she was about to say.


    ¡± I¡­ I¡­ I was-¡±


    ¡± Good morning Mr Hunter ¡± Cheryn¡¯s voice rang across the kitchen and I turned to see Hunter entering the kitchen with a scowl on his face.


    Clearly someone didn¡¯t have enough sleep.


    I looked back to Louisa for her to continue with what she wanted to say but she wasn¡¯t looking at me anymore.


    Her demeanor changed like she was looking at a viper.


    Fear was written all over her face and goosebumps spread across her entire skin.


    I followed her eyes to know what she was looking at and then it hit me.


    She was looking at Hunter.


    She¡¯s scared of Hunter!!


    What the fuck did he do to her.


    ¡± Louie, did he touch you?¡± Venom very clear in my speech.


    I swear if he touched her, I will most definitely have him choked on his dick before signing for an arrest.


    ¡± No, no he.. He didn¡¯t ¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re stammering. What did he do to you?¡± I whispered in her ear.


    ¡± It was my fault ¡± She looked to the ground and what I saw broke my heart.


    I saw a fragile girl, a timid little angel. She wasn¡¯t my fighter at this point. She was just my baby.


    I pulled her in for a hug and kissed her hair.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry honey ¡±


    We maintained that position for a while, but I had something else in mind.


    Mr McConnell and I are going to have a chat.


    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I arrived at work by Ten am.


    Yeah not so early but I couldn¡¯t cheat my sleep.


    After signing the attendance booklet that closed it up for the day, I went to my office.


    I took a seat and expected to have at least five minutes to gather my scattered thoughts before having to deal with work.


    But someone had other ns.


    She barged into my office and mmed the door behind her like she owned the ce.


    And for your info. I own this ce.


    ¡± May I ask why this uncanny attitude, or are you going to give me a reason yourself?¡± I was in no mood for her games.


    ¡± What a way to show up on time to work ¡± She folds her hands across her chest again and it pushes her breasts up slightly.


    She really has to stop doing that.


    ¡°Is that your reason for barging into my office?¡±


    ¡± What did you do to Louisa?¡±


    That¡¯s what this is about? Last night?.


    ¡± I did nothing to her ¡± The answer is as simple as that so I shrugged.


    ¡± That¡¯s a lie, this morning she looked at you like you were some kind of beast¡±


    ¡± Well then, I think that¡¯s an attribute she got from her mother ¡±


    ¡± She cried ¡±


    ¡± Kids always cry¡±


    ¡± Louie doesn¡¯t cry ¡±


    ¡± Then we can both agree that she¡¯s a strange kid¡±


    She dropped her hands and sighed in defeat.


    ¡± Hunter please, I¡¯m serious. What did you do to her? She¡¯s been acting all down and sad since morning and, and I don¡¯t like it. It¡¯s unlike her. She even cried. Just please.. Tell me what you did to her. I just want to know ¡±


    Apparently this kid means a lot to her to make her beg me twice in one sentence.


    She really cares about this baby girl and that has me wondering who her dad is.


    I mean, the man clearly abandoned them but yet she still loves his child.


    I looked at her and her crestfallen face. Her child¡¯s reaction really brings out another side to her.


    And that same girl almost made me feel sad for scolding herst night.


    ¡± When I got back home, I saw her in my room ¡± I started.


    Her eyes widened at first and I just hope her mind isn¡¯t thinking what I think it is.


    ¡± Now, before you go there. No I didn¡¯t harass her. Pedophile isn¡¯t my thing, but I asked her why she was in there and she told me it¡¯s cause you were sleeping and she was bored and bullshit stuff I really didn¡¯t care to listen to. So I scolded her on snooping around then poof¡­ She started crying ¡± At least that¡¯s all that happened from what I know.


    ¡± Did you, you know. Hit her perhaps?¡±


    That question was a low blow.


    I know I hit her back when we were in high school but I don¡¯t do that anymore.


    And I certainly do not hit children.


    ¡± No. I didn¡¯t ¡±


    She nodded and turned around to leave.


    ¡± Is that all?¡± I asked her. I was actually looking forward to a little bickering.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry she was in your room ¡±


    If your eyes could literally leave it¡¯s sockets after a shock, then mine would have been rolling like pool balls all over the floor.


    Iris just apologized to me. Not something I thought I would have ever heard again.


    ¡± I actually bear nothing in mind to that, but I wanted to ask¡±


    She turned around and lifted her brows as she waited for my question.


    Now she¡¯s here I can seize the opportunity to ask her the question before she leaves.


    ¡± What you did yesterday with Bellevue. Why did you act that way?¡±


    ¡± What way?¡±


    ¡± You know, act all silent till thest minute ¡±


    She shrugged and exined herself.


    ¡± The best way to make someone lose is to let them think their winning. They¡¯ll exhaust all their points and to an extent expose their weakness. All you have to do is be patient then counter all their points and use their weakness against them¡±


    Smart move, but that¡¯s not enough exnation.


    ¡± How did you know their weakness?¡± We were elusive only on our business.


    ¡± When they threatened to take you to court, they proved that they saw the court as a higher authority than they had, And they expected you to be afraid of the court just like they were. So telling them that the court could sue them for something else is enough for them to withdraw their ns¡±


    Wow. Dad was right, she really does see things I can¡¯t.


    Then there¡¯s another question.


    ¡± Nice brains. But was flirting with that Hayes guy part of the n?¡±


    ¡°Flirting?¡± She fake gasped ¡± Mr McConnell I was only being friendly with an associate¡±


    Fucking lies!


    ¡± Save that bullshit act for a guy who¡¯s still a virgin ¡±


    And her reaction shocked me, because she chuckled.


    I can swear that this was the first time in my entire life I had heard Irisugh.


    And the sound wasn¡¯t repulsive.


    ¡± You have a meeting with the owner of Cadbury hotels in an hour Mr McConnell, try not to bete for this one ¡±


    She walked out of the office and I saw she still had her hair in a bun. Wearing ck female suit pants that was fitted to her body in so many illegal ces and a loose fitting sky blue chiffon top, she looked sort of okay for a chance.


    When she was out I justughed to myself.


    She had really changed.

 Chapter 014

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Mr McConnell it¡¯s time for the meeting ¡± Iris calls outside my door and I grunt in annoyance.


    Would it kill to have just a day of nothing ?


    I walked out of the door and see her standing outside with a bunch of papers in her hands.


    She was also putting on sses, I can¡¯t remember whenst I saw her with those.


    ¡± I never knew you still used your sses ¡± I asked her as we made our way to the elevator.


    ¡± Are we back to you asking questions that I wouldn¡¯t answer?¡±She steps into the elevator and goes to her extreme end again.


    All this distance keeping is beginning to make me feel like a monster.


    After pressing the floor number into the control I stood back and waited for it to close.


    ¡± You know I wouldn¡¯t hit you anymore. I¡¯m past that, so all this gap is for nothing ¡± I look to her who is looking through all the papers in her grip.


    ¡± Better safe than sorry ¡± Was her only response and we went back to silence.


    She didn¡¯t even spare me a nce.


    As soon as the door opens up again she was out in a sprint and walked passed many people on the way who either exchanged greetings with her or checked her out.


    That¡¯s a very unusual sight I¡¯m seeing more of these days.


    I followed after her and got almost the same reaction from the staff.


    Only thing was the female checking out was more.


    Now that is what I¡¯m used to.


    We approach the conference room and walked in. Shockingly nobody else is in here except us both.


    ¡± Where is who ever we¡¯re supposed to be meeting?¡± I asked her because I really hope he doesn¡¯t n to waste my time.


    ¡± They said he¡¯s on his way up¡± Came her curt reply as she took a seat by my left hand.


    I sat at the head of the table and true to her words, the door opened revealing the man I was expecting.


    Mason Reid.


    Mason is Michelle¡¯s brother and the first one at that, who was in charge of majority of his fathers franchise.


    ¡± Hunter! My man. It¡¯s good to see you again ¡± We do a brief handshake and a bro hug before he turned to Iris.


    ¡± Well I wasn¡¯t expecting to see this prettydy anytime soon ¡± He shed her a wide smile before taking her hand for a shake thatsted longer than normal.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice to see you again ¡± She smiles back at him and the odd handshake doesn¡¯t bother her at all.


    Well I¡¯m concerned.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± You guys know each other?¡± I asked since they seemed to forget I was in their midst.


    ¡± Yeah, we met few days ago. Gave her a lift home afterwards. May I say that was one of my best evenings in new York ¡± Here they go with flirting again.


    She was practically enjoying this by the look on her face.


    And did he say a lift home?


    So he¡¯s the friend.


    ¡± Okay, now that all formalities are done, let¡¯s get down to business shall we?¡± .


    And we all took our seats with Mason at my right hand.


    ¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã


    Two hourster our meeting is concluded and I have never been happier to end a meeting as I am today.


    Why?


    Because I spent most of the time calling up Mason¡¯s attention from Iris. He seemed so engrossed and interested in her like she was made out of gold.


    Bleh.


    ¡± Well Mr Reid, it was nice speaking with you. I hope to meet another day¡± I said as I stood up to indicate our end of meeting.


    ¡± I hope so too¡± Was his reply and he looked at Iris admirably meanwhile she blushed.


    This mushy scene would make me give up my lunch pretty soon.


    Walking out of the room, I left them to themselves as I took my ride back to sixth floor.


    After stepping out of the elevator, I stood by my secretary¡¯s door waiting for her toe up.


    She spent a whole fifteen minutes before I heard the elevators ping.


    She was taking slow steps with a smile on her face as she arrived at her door.


    ¡± So he¡¯s the friend?¡± I asked her as she walked into her office without acknowledging me.


    It¡¯s high time she learnt that a door will not stop me.


    It never had and it never will.


    ¡± I asked a question ¡± I said as I walked into the room


    ¡± Another one I won¡¯t grant a reply ¡± She threw herself onto her seat and ced her head on the desk.


    ¡± Was this also part of your strategy? Flirting with Mason till he brings up a fair bargain?¡± I crossed my arms.


    ¡± Possibly ¡± She lifted her head and shrugged.


    ¡± Keep lying. One day you¡¯ll learn how to ¡±


    ¡± If I¡¯m not mistaken Mr McConnell, but you actually sound jealous ¡±


    I was taken aback. I? Jealous??


    Iughed out loud like I never had before and it took me a while to recover my breath.


    ¡± I can never be jealous of you sweetheart. I¡¯m only trying to protect my friends from getting involved with a spigot like you ¡±


    Or also trying to avoid you ruining my ns with Mr Reid.


    Her face showed a slight sign of hurt but as usual i really don¡¯t care.


    ¡± Okay, fine¡±


    ¡± Fine¡± I repeated after her.


    ¡± So why are you still here then? He¡¯s gone.¡± She asked after a short silence befell.


    Why exactly was I still in here? I wanted to ask her about Mason so I could know their rtionship before she ruins ns for me and Michelle.


    But she doesn¡¯t have interest in spilling so I might ask other questions.


    ¡± Did you inform Guillermo about the suit?¡± That was the only hanging thing left in my head.


    ¡± Uhun. He said it¡¯s taken care of ¡± She got and went to the cab where she stocked files.


    ¡± Okay, what of your own attire?¡± She better not n on embarrassing me by showing up in rags.


    ¡± I¡¯ve asked udette and Jennifer out for help with that ¡± She was scanning through files one after the other like she¡¯s looking for something.


    Either that or she¡¯s willingly avoiding eye contact with me.


    I nodded in approval of the help she¡¯s getting from the twodies at home.


    But now that I think of it, Mason must be in attendance to this meeting.


    I¡¯m beginning to reconsider this entire idea.

 Chapter 015

    It¡¯s finally Saturday and Louie seems to have stepped out of her Trance of fear.


    And I couldn¡¯t be happier.


    She was arguing with Jennifer, a slim sized elderlydy who helped me pick out my gown about what type of earrings suit my dress.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± A really really long dangly one, don¡¯t you think so mummy?¡±


    Jenniferughed at her persistence and grabbed her with both hands.


    ¡± I think your momma should be better off with a stud or a pearl, don¡¯t you think udette?¡±


    ¡± Of course I agree but that little ninja in your arms might bite our head off if we do otherwise ¡± udette who was adding finishing touches to my make up said before she peeked behind me to know if Louisa heard her.


    And she did.


    ¡± If mummy doesn¡¯t wear my earrings then I am not going to school on Monday ¡± Loiusa huffed and folded her arms.


    That made Jennifer and udetteugh, if I didn¡¯t know loiusa I would haveughed too. But I know her better than anyone.


    If she says she ain¡¯t going, the roof has got toe down before she changes her mind.


    ¡± With this kind of girl in my life, I don¡¯t need a television ¡± udetteughed as she touched a little bronzer over my nose bridge.


    ¡± Seriously, She¡¯s met with my daughters just once and I can see the effects ¡± Jennifer chipped in.


    Jennifer had twin girls who are two years older than Louisa, they came over with their Dad to see their mom on Thursday, I wasn¡¯t around at the moment but I heard Louie was and it was a day they may never forget.


    ¡°Pink or nude¡± udette asked me, holding out two bottles of gloss lipstick.


    ¡± Which do you think is better? My clothing is all white after all ¡± Literally everything was white. Down to my shoes and essories.


    ¡± Nude it is then¡± She flinged the pink onto the bed and opened the nude gloss.


    ¡± Mummy, do you think I¡¯m getting fat?¡± Louisa¡¯s question surprised me.


    She¡¯s never asked that before and I wonder why she¡¯s bothered.


    ¡± No?.. Why do you ask ?¡± I spoke which earned me a shush from udette who was about to apply my lipstick.


    ¡± There¡¯s this girl in our ss, she said ck hair is boring because she¡¯s a blonde, then she told me I¡¯m fat¡±


    This isn¡¯t all to the story. I personally believe there is more.


    ¡± Then?¡± Jennifer asks her for the rest of the tale because no one would believe that¡¯s the end of a story with Louie.


    ¡± Well¡­ I may have given her a haircut ¡±


    udette who was focused on my makeup before burst outughing and gave her a high five.


    ¡± That¡¯s my fire princess ¡± She managed to blurt out in between herughs.


    ¡± Fire princess? She¡¯s an entire fire nation¡± Jennifer added.


    Okay, so I may haveughed too. But isn¡¯t it wrong for a parent to encourage their child on this?


    ¡± I need to borrow this warlord for a week. My kids need this training ¡± Jennifer patted louisa on the head as udette came back for my lips.


    ¡± Jenny please help me with the studs ¡± She told Jennifer then continued smearing the gloss over my lip.


    ¡± Smack your lips¡±


    And I did as I was told, before she went to my hair. She brushed it a few times before taking two hair pins and a few clips.


    ¡± ude, the studs are missing ¡± Jennifer shouted from the other side of the room where they had dropped their essory box.


    ¡± What the- Louisa?¡± She grumbled and I made a slight turn to check on what she¡¯s doing.


    She was suddenly interested in the outlines of our pillow design, if that¡¯s not a hint that she hid those studs I don¡¯t know what is.


    ¡± This girl. Jenny bring the dangling ones¡±udette grumbled and Louisa jumped up from the bed with a victorious yes.


    No one ever wins with her.


    udette sprayed my hair a few times and when she was releasing the rolls she made the hair came out with waves at the tip.


    Remind me to ask herter on if she¡¯s a fashion designer.


    Jennifer appeared with the dangling silver earrings and a in loop bracelet by our side.


    After she was done with the hair, she used a few clips to hold some parts up and cover the scar I will not be so pleased to disy.


    I was handed the earrings and bracelet to put on and after I was done Jennifer handed me a mirror.


    ¡± You go quick and bring me a suitor tonight ¡± She joked as I collected the hand mirror.


    What I saw amazed even myself. udette really knows what to do.


    ¡± What are you waiting for? Chop chop, don¡¯t keep Hunter waiting ¡±


    I¡¯d prefer to.


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Yes dad, I¡¯m taking Iris with me¡± How predictable.


    I was done dressing over ten minutes ago but Guillermo clearly stopped me from going to knock on thedies door.


    Something about manners.


    So I was waiting in the living room with a ss of wine in hand.


    I stood in front of the wall mirror by the bar and had a look at my suit once more.


    A white suit with ck on some edges, sewn with the finest materials.


    I can always trust Guillermo on this one.


    ¡± Oh really? I can see Miss Jules wisdom is beginning to rub off on you¡±


    I almost choked on my drink.


    ¡± Smooth move dad, smooth ¡± And I heard him chuckle at the receivers end.


    ¡± What are you going to tell Mr Reid when you get there? It¡¯s not like you can just walk up and be like, sir i love your business and I will love to have shares in it¡±


    Now it was my turn tough. Trust Dad to make ideas seem foolish no matter how genuine they look.


    ¡± No dad. I would just suggest an idea on the proposal. Mr Reid is smart enough to know where I¡¯m headed¡± I took another sip from my ss.


    ¡± That¡¯s true. Hey kid do me a favor and take some pics tonight. Send them to your mama will ya? She¡¯s been too busytely and you can cheer her up before she leaves for Omaha on Sunday ¡± I heard clicking sounds from the heel of a shoeing from down the hallway.


    And I couldn¡¯t be more grateful that she was quicker than I expected.


    ¡± Sunday? That¡¯s tomorrow ¡± I took another sip and emptied my ss with it.


    ¡± Yeah, she¡¯s got to go visit your sister in college. Just send her the photos okay? I¡¯m sureLovelyn would love them too¡± He¡¯s just beating about the bush to tell me he wants to see me in a tuxedo also.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯ll try ¡± I turned around to see who wasing towards here and the moment I did everything dad was saying on the phone fell on deaf ears.


    Iris was dressed in a white gown that ended mid thigh and had encrusts for the neck. It was sleeveless and showed much more skin than she would have on a normal day.


    The gown made her boobs prominent and her thighs thicker than when Ist saw them.


    Her figure could not even be overlooked under that dress which she paired with really long earrings that practically touched her shoulders.


    Long earrings always had a way to make someone look hotter than usual and it was clearly doing its work on Iris too.


    Her hair framed her face and though I preferred the bun, this suited the asion just perfectly.


    ¡± Hunter? Hunter are you there?¡± My dad¡¯s voice called me through the phone and it made me realize I was gawking.


    Stupid, stupid Hunter.


    ¡± Sure.. Err.. Dad? I¡¯ll¡­ Yeah we¡¯ll talkter¡± I ended the call and I couldn¡¯t even say much anymore to my dad as she walked up to me in slow and frustrating strides.


    She¡¯s doing this on purpose!


    ¡± Shall we?¡± She asked chirpily because she knows that she just rendered me speechless.


    Rather, I am struggling over here to not wrap my arms around her.


    Damn male hormones!!


    ¡± I¡¯ll be in the car¡± Was thest thing she said and I watched her ass walk out the doorway.


    Not knowing better be damned.


    Iris looks Amazing.

 Chapter 016

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Our ride to Peachvine Marques where the dinner will be hosted was a pretty long and frustrating one.


    I had to make Edward drive us to the event ande back after four hours to pick us up because I really didn¡¯t trust myself not to stop this vehicle by the roadside and try something stupid.


    She¡¯s calling for trouble on her own, how can she wear this and expect me not to strain.


    I¡¯m a full grown bloody man for fuck sake and she¡¯s a girl with everything.


    Fuck hate. The hate didn¡¯t stop me thest time, I¡¯m only praying it stops me now.


    Fuck hormones.


    Fuck women.


    Fuck this stupid G.


    Fuck everything.


    I¡¯m seated at the opposite end of the Mercedes Benz C300 I chose for the event and I loosened my bow tie to get a little cooler.


    A few minutes ago, Edward said he had the air conditioner running but I don¡¯t believe him.


    ¡± Mr McConnell?¡± Iris called out with a sultry voice and I will myself not to look at her.


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± This space between us, isn¡¯t it too much? Or are you gonna hit me?¡±


    Oh I can hit you in ways you¡¯ll never dream.


    She mocked me with my own words.


    I¡¯m starting detest her cleverness.


    ¡± Shut up Iris and keep the distance. I prefer the gap anyways ¡± Not because I¡¯m ufortable doesn¡¯t mean I should let her know she¡¯s affecting me.


    Let¡¯s get this evening overwith and get her out of that dress.


    The faster the better.


    And I mean for her to go to her normal clothes not what y¡¯all dirty minded folks are thinking.


    ¡± I¡¯ll keep it then ¡± I could hear the smirk in her voice as she made that statement.


    ¡± We¡¯re here¡± Edward announced as he pulls up to the building.


    ck and white decor had filled the entire entry. From glow lights to design fabrics. Everything was stunning.


    ¡± Wow ¡± I heard Iris whisper as a chauffeur opened her door for her, he left it open as she stepped out.


    I was about to follow her when Edward startedughing.


    ¡± What¡¯s so funny?¡± My frustration didn¡¯t need confusion as a partner.


    ¡± Hunter, your desire is obvious ¡± Edward said as hisughter had calmed down.


    I looked down to check on myself.


    No matter how attracted I was to Iris¡¯s recent appearance she wasn¡¯t even able to get me hard.


    And I get boners by just having a glimpse of Michelle.


    ¡°What do you mean obvious? I can¡¯t see anything¡±


    ¡± The way you steered clear of her like she was some me or something ¡± He began chuckling again and I joined him


    ¡± Better safe than sorry Ed¡±


    He nodded at me and I can see his smile from the rearview mirror.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be back by midnight ¡± He said and I nodded to him, finally stepping out of the car.


    Iris was still standing there waiting for me but her back was to me. I walked up to her side and said only three words that meant magic at that moment.


    ¡± Let¡¯s do this ¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Iris P. O. V.


    We walked into the building side by side and were greeted by a host standing by the door.


    A lovely female who I would have found a little more lovely if she paid slight attention to her species and not ogle over Hunter.


    I¡¯ve honestly been witnessing all this ogle nonsense over this guy by my left.


    And till today, it¡¯s still gross.


    Hunter was really enjoying the attention and who am I to interrupt his eye raping session?


    So I walked away from there into the hall, they could decide to use the backroom if they want.


    This was nothingpared to the outsides of this building.


    It was amazing in its own delights.


    Every quartered inch had a chandelier of various types and colors. Ranging from ck to white.


    I¡¯d say they took fifty shades of grey too seriously.


    But the effects were amazing.


    A giant disco ball stood directly in the middle of this high building.


    If not I was on earth, I¡¯d say the ball is the size of earth.


    To the left was a table of exquisite wines that I can only afford if i donated my two kidneys, donated Louisa¡¯s liver and sold of Megan¡¯s grandma for money rituals.


    And I¡¯m talking about buying just a ss.


    Whoever is hosting this party uses five dor bills for toilet paper.


    I mean, it¡¯s really useless to him.


    And to the right a round table ofsugary treats. The types and numbers of cakes here I couldn¡¯t count. But I¡¯m banking on leaving here with a diabetes type one.


    The music being yed wasn¡¯t the usual ssics of Mozart and Beethoven, it was simple blues in almost hushed tones that could give you a skin massage by just listening to it.


    If heaven is described to be better than this, I¡¯m surely not missing it.


    ¡± Really? You could have just waited for like five extra minutes ¡± Hunter¡¯s voice came behind me and he sounds pissed off.


    Not my problem.


    ¡± Just to be told ¡®excuse us Jules, we¡¯ll be right back¡¯ nuh-uh.. I don¡¯t think so. I saved you the stress¡± I turned to view him.


    To be sincere when I first set my eyes on Hunter this evening, he basically took my breath away.


    He has always been good looking in the eyes of everyone, even the days he hit me I still acknowledged that fact.


    But now he¡¯s grown older, there¡¯s this sleek manliness aura to his presence that makes him more attractive.


    His hair was gelled backwards with a single strand sticking out that fell directly below his right eye. His suit was Italian made white and ck and he had a model body to make the suit appear even more perfect.


    I could have been rendered speechless on my first view of him tonight but his reaction when he saw me was priceless and it took an army of self control not tough in his face.


    ¡± Firstly, I would never have called you Jules and second, I have intentions of seeing someone else tonight ¡± He smirked and walked towards me.


    ¡± Let¡¯s meet people, the host would be here any minute ¡± He spared me a brief look from head to toe before taking steps further into the room.


    A waiter stopped by us with a tray almost emptied of the sses of wine and he handed Hunter one and handed mine over with a smile on his face.


    I smiled back and Hunter took a grip of my wrist to drag me away.


    I swatted his hand off before turning to him.


    ¡± What¡¯s your problem?¡±


    ¡± Is flirting with a waiter part of your technique too?¡± He still had a mind towards the meeting with Bellevue. That¡¯s interesting.


    ¡± I suppose it could ¡± I took a sip of my wine and he rolled his eyes before trying to take my wrist again. But I didn¡¯t let him.


    ¡± I¡¯d prefer no body contact tonight thank you very much ¡±


    ¡± And risk the person I allegedly brought here as a date flirting with every man in the room? I don¡¯t know about you but I want this deal with Mr Reid ¡± He took my palm in his and I pulled it out again.


    ¡± Do I look like a female Hunter to you? I can control my libido ¡± I took another sip from my ss and searched the hall for other familiar faces.


    He groaned beside me but not loud enough for others to hear ¡± I seriously wonder how my dad kept you for more than a month ¡±


    I turned to him and gave him my most charming smile I¡¯ve ever produced.


    ¡± Oh, I had no problems with your Dad whatsoever ¡± .


    He was about to reply when an average heighted red haireddy ced light taps on his shoulder.


    He turned around and his face brightened up like he just saw a reflection of God.


    ¡± Michelle ¡±


    ¡± Hey you ¡± She replied and threw her arms around him before trying to pull his face down to hers for a kiss I suppose.


    Now that I got a look at her face, i recall it¡¯s the girl I walked in on him with on my first night in New York.


    ¡± Michelle we¡¯re in public ¡± Hunter groaned against her mouth as their faces were only inches apart.


    ¡± My dad¡¯s not here yet¡± She answered flirtatiously and I think that was all Hunter needed to be won over.


    He pressed his lips to hers and they began a make out session directly in front of his supposed date.


    And I¡¯m the one who could ruin his deal.


    Michelle¡¯s hands slipped to the front of his trousers and she stylishly used her hand to cup his crotch.


    Talking about getting a room.


    He took hold of her hand and broke the kiss while she smiled up at him sweetly.


    After clearing his throat he spoke ¡± Maybe some other time ¡± And she nodded apprehensively to his suggestion.


    It was only then that she saw someone by his side.


    ¡± You ¡± Came her warm greetings with a scowl on her face.


    ¡± Ahh¡­ The naked one. Never hoped to see you so soon ¡± The least I could do was to return her kind gesture, so I lifted my ss to her and took another sip.


    ¡± What is she doing here?¡± She asked Hunter who was ring at me for my greetings.


    Well she started it.


    ¡± Sadly, she¡¯s the recement secretary my dad got for me ¡±


    ¡± That doesn¡¯t still exin why this lowlife is here¡± She crossed her arms over her chest and red at the guy she just made out with no more than two minutes ago.


    I would have said Michelle was a prettydy but it¡¯s a shame I don¡¯t like her well enough to waste myplements.


    ¡± I need to talk to your Dad about the business deal and I need someone to keep records. Also bringing a date over would eliminate any suspicions of the two of us¡±


    Yeah, because 99% of men and women in this building are blind to the make out that just took ce.


    His voice sounds almost like he was begging her.


    Michelle said nothing more, she just stormed out of our midst with her nose up in the air.


    I would have called it cute but you know why.


    Hunter sighed and took a sip from his ss, then the gathering at the entrance drew our attention.


    In walked a man of valor and beauty that you would be having doubts about his marital status if not for the woman on his right hand.


    The man is a pure blonde but his wife is a red hair.


    The two of them wore blinding smiles matched up with a tremendous attire.


    In summary, they look glorious.


    ¡± Mr Reid is here¡± Hunter mumbled by my side.


    But I think I discovered that already.

 Chapter 017

    Mr Reid was a true iconic figure, you could even tell just from his movement.


    But that wasn¡¯t the only thing that caught my eye. Mason walked into the building directly behind his parents looking too edible for my health.


    His long blonde hair was held back into a smooth and shiny bun, meanwhile his matte ck tuxedo gave him an exotic appearance.


    I could definitely feel his presence from my position and I¡¯m very sure every singledy in this room can feel it too.


    Am i drooling? I think I am.


    ¡± No going over to Mason tonight¡± Hunter ordered like he was my dad.


    ¡± And why is that? I can¡¯t converse with a friend just because of some stupid deal?¡± I ced one hand on my hip and the other still firmly held my ss cup.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what your definition of friend is, but it¡¯s clear that our dictionaries are different¡± He responded in annoyance and took his steps towards Mr Reid.


    I stayed back for the meantime before showing myself to this oh so important Mr Reid, but I could use a snack as I wait.


    I walked over to the table of sugar as my mind tagged it, and picked up a swiss roll to start with. I collected another ss of wine from a waitress who just passed by and had my own share of dessert.


    I watched Hunter and The Reids couple smile at each other like they have been acquinted for quite some time.


    Well judging from his rtionship with Michelle, I guess they really do go a long way.


    I swallowed thest piece of my swiss roll before downing my wine.


    ¡± Somebody looks incredibly stunning tonight ¡± I jumped at the familiarity of the voice.


    Look at who I¡¯m meant to be avoiding.


    Well there was no rule against him looking for me though.


    ¡± Hey¡± I turned and offered my hand for a shake with a tint of red staining my cheeks.


    From up close he looked far more lovely a sight to behold and with the smile on his face I can guess my blush is obvious.


    ¡± Hey to you too¡± He ced a light feathery kiss on my knuckles before holding my hand in his.


    ¡± You haven¡¯t adhered to mypliment yet ¡± He says while looking me straight in the eye.


    Compliment? Whatp- oh.


    ¡± Uhm.. Sorry about that. Thank you. You look awesome by the way ¡± I regard his features again.


    I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get tired of looking at him.


    A brief chuckle that does something odd to my panties escape his lips ¡± I was hoping to see you tonight, so I did my best¡± And he sent me a wink.


    I¡¯m not meant to feel this way but this volcano of butterflies just erupted in my stomach and my blood is having a boil espionage.


    ¡± You were hoping to see me?¡± I asked and he gave a half nod. ¡± How did you know I¡¯ll be here?¡±


    He swallowed a deep breath and huffed it out before turning to the direction his Dad just walked in through.


    We spot his Mom, Dad, Hunter and The naked one in a cheery discussion with smiles all over their expressions.


    ¡± Hunter told me of his business proposal he intends to show to my dad so I invited him to this event which I saw would be the perfect opportunity ¡± Hunter looks in my direction and catches the sight of Mason.


    If his re could speak, it will obviously be saying.


    You can never listen to a goddamn instruction.


    With our eyes still on him Mason smirks and continues talking.


    ¡± I knew he will definitely not go with Michelle because my dad will see it as a plot to deceive him. So if he¡¯s gonna be bringing up a business proposal n to a g, who else is best to be brought if not your very own secretary ¡± Mason tears his eyes from the circle and looks to me.


    But I still watch them as Hunter points to my direction and they all find my eye.


    They had smiles on their faces. Well all of them except Michelle.


    Whoa? Back to Mason¡¯s speech.


    I now gave the gentleman before me my attention, but he was already watching me like a movie.


    ¡± What makes you think he had intentions of bringing the- Michelle. The Michelle ¡± The scandal I would produce if I call his sister the naked one before him.


    At first he raised a brow in confusion to my question but paid no interest in asking about it. Rather he answers.


    ¡± It¡¯s the same way I know he¡¯s nning on marrying her soon after this is dealt with. Its the same intuition that made me realise they¡¯re fucking behind their parents back. How naughty of them¡± A smirk graced his lips as he lifts my palm that is still in his grasp to inspect my nails.


    ¡± I may be the annoying older brother but I¡¯m definitely not the dumb one¡±


    I¡¯m just figuring out she¡¯s the intended bimbo for marriage.


    I may be short sighted in so many ways.


    Like the same part of me that still doubts Hunter¡¯s willingness to amitment.


    ¡± Your date is headed this way¡± Mason jerks his head to the crowd and true, Hunter ising our way.


    ¡± Well, my evening just got soiled¡± Sighing in contempt ¡± Thank you Mr Reid¡± I smiled in appreciation of hispany.


    After a shortugh he looks at me like he¡¯s seeing me for the first time tonight.


    Using his free hand, he reaches for the back of my neck and pulls me closer to himself to nt asting kiss on my forehead.


    ¡± Thank you Jules. And it¡¯s Mason to you ¡± His voicees out a little airy as he pulls away.


    I tried to, but not many of us have the talent to hide your blushing side.


    His retreating figure only makes me anticipate for when next I will see him.


    ¡± Like I said, our dictionaries are very different. Yours seem to be extremely unique, if I may add¡±


    Vo! Hunter arrives.


    I roll my eyes at hisment and searched the table of sugar for something else I could treat myself with.


    ¡± What happened to my instruction? You know, the stay away from Mason you bluntly ignored ¡±


    I wasn¡¯t looking at him, but I can feel the vapor radiate off his body.


    And the vapor isn¡¯t cold.


    ¡± I listened to you. point of correction¡±I decided on a vani cupcake.


    ¡± Oh I¡¯m sorry, wasn¡¯t it Mason who just left here? Or did Mr Reid also mistake his own son?¡±


    I was about to engulf my snack when hunter gripped my forearm and stops me midway.


    ¡± You said I shouldn¡¯t go looking for Mason which I didn¡¯t. But there was no rule against him looking for me which he did ¡± I snatched my arm from his hold and took a bite from the cupcake.


    Totally worth the wait.


    Hunter just looks kinda like a fish out of water, clearly wasn¡¯t expecting my analysis of the situation.


    ¡± Munch up, Mr Reid wants to meet my date¡± He eyes my features probably to make sure I was suitable tomunicate with the high and mighty.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Well he better hold up cause one single cake ain¡¯t gonna be enough ¡± .


    ***************************


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Well he better hold up cause one single cake ain¡¯t gonna be enough ¡±


    Was she kidding me? She has to literally be joking at this hour.


    But if she were joking she wouldn¡¯t be reaching out for another.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m done listening to you¡± I took hold of her arm and pulled her towards Mr Reid¡¯s direction.


    She mumbles something under her breath and I really didn¡¯t hear it but I believe it was something between the lines of like you¡¯ve ever listened to me before.


    On approaching Mr Reid I let go of her hand and she seized the opportunity to smoothen out her clothing and hair before walking up to him.


    ¡°Good evening Sir, madam¡± She greeted the two of them with courtesy in her voice as I walked to her side and snaked my arm around her slim waist.


    At first she tries to pry my hand away but dropped the effort when Mrs Reid looks our way.


    ¡± My my, are you beautiful ¡± Was the first expression she gives Iris before walking up to us.


    Iris clearly isn¡¯t used topliments because a tinge of pink begins to stain her cheeks.


    ¡± Thank you, and you look stunning ¡± She extends her hand to Mrs Reid who in turn wraps it with her two palms.


    ¡± Well I try. Thank you by the way. Hunter is she the lucky one? You know you¡¯re getting old right?¡± It takes courage not tough at her statement but dly I have enough courage as it seems.


    ¡± Time will tell ¡± I smile to cover up the chuckle that just managed to escape.


    ¡± What is time telling?¡± Mr Reid walks into our circle and eyes Iris from top to bottom with a little too much emphasis on the middle where my hand rested on her ¡± She¡¯s the date?¡± He finally asks me.


    ¡± Yes. Yes she is. Mr and Mrs Reid meet my date miss-¡±


    ¡± Jules¡± Iris cuts in because she knows I¡¯ll definitely introduce her as iris.


    ¡± Well you look lovely miss Jules ¡°Anotherpliment for tonight and she¡¯s still not gotten used to it.


    ¡± I say the exact same thing for you only that you look better ¡± She gives her hand for a handshake to him which he dly returns.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice meeting you. You¡¯ve got quite an ambitious man with you there¡± Mr Reid states as he narrows his eyes on me.


    Sad news, she don¡¯t got me.


    ¡± Mhmmm. Aren¡¯t I lucky¡± And I¡¯m d right now that no one here has gotten to spend enough time with this girl if not her sarcasm could be detected from three miles away.


    ¡± Oh you are. Did you know about his ns?¡± He presses her further and I know where this is headed.


    ¡± Which one? Cause I¡¯m aware he¡¯s got so many. Unless we¡¯re narrowing on our circle ¡±


    ¡± Yes we are. And what do you think about it?¡±


    ¡± About joining him in shares? I¡¯d say it¡¯s a rather fantastic idea. Not only do you have a cover but also a portable insurance scheme before you. There¡¯s absolutely nothing to lose ¡± She¡¯s doing good for now.


    ¡± But you do know involving him also means him taking twenty five percent profit ¡±


    ¡± Mr Reid you and I both know that the loss of twenty five is worth it by the time you need a recovery. If I were you I¡¯d agree to a fourty so I¡¯ll know I¡¯m fully taken care of ¡±


    ¡± How am I sure this isn¡¯t a ripoff?¡±


    ¡± Me, you may not trust but judging on the rtionship between the both of you, it will be a shame that trust is evicted¡± She shrugged like that statement she just made wasn¡¯t walking the wire.


    ¡± Hmmm. I¡¯ll think about it. Honey let¡¯s go round up for the dinner ¡± His wife passes us a lovely smile that quietly says ¡®don¡¯t worry. He¡¯ll give in¡¯


    The two walk away to interact with other guests and it doesn¡¯t take a second for Iris to throw my hand off her.


    ¡± I specifically mentioned no contact tonight¡±She red at me like she listens to anything I say.


    ¡± Shut it. And for the first time in my life I think I¡¯m proud of you. Not sure yet, still thinking¡± The little thought that almost didn¡¯t feel like apliment still got her blushing reaction but she tried to y it off like she didn¡¯t care although her color betrayed her.


    ¡± Whatever. They¡¯re calling people for the dinner¡± I look behind her to see people heading for a room at the back.


    ¡± Alright then. Shall we?¡± I extend my hand for her to take it but she just gave me a look like I had an extra eye and walked ahead without me.


    I should be angry with this actbut I¡¯m a little too busy being proud of her performance tonight to get annoyed so rather than fume up I justughed.


    Though her reaction was predictable.


    I took my pace behind her and entered the room with an extreemely long rectangr table which was empty except for the wine that was handed to people at the door of the room.


    Everyone was seated around the table with Mr and Mrs Reid at the head. I collected a ss of wine from the waitress by the door and walked into the room.


    Iris took a seat in the middle of the left side of the table and I took the empty seat by her left.


    It took a few minutes for everyone to get settled, but once we did Mr Reid called for our attention my softly striking his ss with a table fork.


    ¡± I would like to make a toast. To a wonderful evening with friends and family. And tomemorate a new era to my business ¡±


    New era to his business? Does that mean..


    Mr Reid seems to be looking for someone on the table, a few seconds of search and silence then his eyesnd on me.


    With a smile on his face he raises his ss ¡°cheers¡± Not breaking eye contact.


    That means he agreed to it.


    What else could make me a happier man this evening?


    ¡± Cheers!¡± Everyone in the hall chorused and almost immediately the waiters and waitressese in with different rounds of dinner and dessert.


    My mind was still processing the sess of my n when iris leans into my ear.


    ¡± Are you so acquinted with touchingdies that it has be reflex?¡±


    Huh? What in the world does she mean?


    I nce down to my hand to understand what she¡¯s referring to but to my surprise she isn¡¯t speaking Japanese.


    My hand isfortably resting on her right thigh which is now slightly exposed because she¡¯s seated.


    A little part of me wants to leave it there to guage her reaction but the smarter part of me just tells me not to dare her in front of so many people.


    I peel my hand off her skin and ce it on the table.


    For all I know this girl is crazy.

 Chapter 018

    It¡¯s a Tuesday morning and I¡¯m counting one week with my life as my bullies secretary.


    It feels like a month.


    The time is a few minutes past nine and I haven¡¯t seen a sign of my boss.


    Well you actually didn¡¯t look.


    True.


    But we have a fixed meeting with Ying and Shang in less than an hour so I expect him to be around somewhere.


    I was by the cab locating contract booklets and a notepad that would be necessary for the meeting when my door was effortlessly opened.


    And there¡¯s only one person who would step into my office without knocking.


    ¡± You ready for the meeting?¡± Hunter asks as he takes a seat on my chair that¡¯s behind the desk.


    Still locating the files I need I gave him an answer.


    ¡± As you can see, I¡¯m preparing.¡±


    Aha! found them.


    ¡± You know Iris, anytime I think back to Saturday I¡¯m still surprised that the man agreed¡±


    He will never give up on calling me Iris would he?


    And he¡¯s been saying how shocked he is that Mr Reidpletely epted his deal without stress or strain.


    ¡± If you had so much doubts about him epting in the first ce why did you bother presenting it to him?¡±


    Spinning on my feet, I see him seated cross legged on my meant to be official chair.


    ¡± What¡¯s the use of being a businessman if you don¡¯t take risks?¡± He shrugged and swirled around on the seat.


    His happy mood is literally the strangest thing I have ever seen.


    ¡± From the way you¡¯re acting, it¡¯s like your probability of getting this deal was a ny nine to one percent chances¡± I stepped towards the table and ced the papers with me on it.


    ¡± Do you know what it means for Mr Reid to say yes? It¡¯s a miracle!¡±


    So he does believe not all things can go his way.


    ¡± Yeah, yeah and you better don¡¯t mess this up cause that man is putting a ton of trust in you. And I feel trust is his major headache in partnerships ¡± I flopped down on the cushion that is towards the opposite end of the room.


    ¡± How could I possibly betray his trust?¡±


    ¡± Oh I don¡¯t know, maybe by shagging and nning to get married to his daughter only to have a family member on your side¡± My honest shrug is meant to tell him more than I¡¯m letting on if he¡¯s been attentive to the person he¡¯s working with.


    ¡± How did you know? And for Christ sake that isn¡¯t the reason Michelle and I are in a rtionship ¡± So he does pay attention.


    ¡± That¡¯s what it will look like when he gets to know ¡±


    ¡± How did you know about this?¡±


    ¡± The fact that you and Michelle were smutting? I think I was an eye witness on one asion ¡± Is he really asking me such a useless question?


    ¡± I mean about the marriage. How did you know?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve been hearing all along, I¡¯m not deaf you know.¡±


    ¡± But you asked me and I didn¡¯t give you an answer. Plus the only person who knows the girl I intend on getting married to is Chance. So how did you find out?¡± His tone bing analytical.


    ¡± I put two and two together. The girl you are having sex with during the period of rumors about your proposed marriage looked like the girl you¡¯re gonna give a wedding ring to ¡±


    ¡± So. You¡­ Iris Shawn, believes that I cannot cheat even a few days to my wedding ¡±


    Dammit, he knows I see him as a nitwit.


    ¡± Fine. Mason told me ¡±


    ¡± What!?¡± Every color drained from his face leaving a guy who wasn¡¯t expecting the answer he received.


    ¡± You heard me. Mason knows and considering his rtionship with his father I don¡¯t know how much longer this would be a secret¡±


    He ran his hands down his face and blew out a little air.


    ¡± Look, we¡¯ll handle this after the meeting ¡± Next he gets off the chair and marches out of the room with a rigid stance.


    My question is what am I handling?


    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª-


    ¡± We¡¯ll like to put it on a seventy-thirty percent share¡± Mr Sangh, the representative from Ying and Shang finalised.


    Honestly I¡¯ve been zoned out through out this entire meeting and this is all I heard so far.


    The fact that Mason is aware of Michelle and I is quite disturbing, especially when you know he¡¯s the heir to the business you¡¯re in pursuit of.


    I always knew he yed quiet for a reason. He had known all along and just one night with Iris all information was spilled.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Imagine a week with his dad.


    ¡± Mr McConnell? What do you think?¡± Professor Xiao, the graduate of Oxford University with a bachelor degree in medicine.


    I wonder what he¡¯s doing here.


    I give a look to every single person seated here, all five men waiting for me to respond to what I¡¯m not sure they were talking about.


    Dad was truly correct when he said I¡¯d screw up this meeting.


    I nced to my left and Iris was seated with her pen and paper quietly like a secretary should. No interruptions, just taking down information.


    But I need more than that at this hour.


    She was staring at me like I had gone mad with one brow lifted and her lips slightly ajar, she waited for my words to Ying and Shang¡¯s associates.


    ¡± I see. Uhmm.. Iris, what do you think?¡± She is the only one present in ourpany with hundred percent attention to detail.


    ¡± You¡¯re asking your secretary?¡± Mr Yangon asked and the irritation in his voice couldn¡¯t be hidden either.


    I never liked him personally.


    ¡± Yes. Yes I am. Any issues?¡± If judging by the look on his face, I¡¯d say he ords his secretary with very little respect.


    ¡± Sir, our secretary Mr Heoung has been present since the beginning of this meeting, and we never asked him to contribute anything ¡± Mr Yangon continues.


    ¡± You decided to sideline yours but I insist on giving mine a chance. Iris?¡±


    Iris was fully convinced at this point that I am definitely insane. She only spoke on events in which my dad asked her to, but he also said she will be useful in this meeting and I¡¯m sure the usefulness ain¡¯t just writing down.


    She cleared her throat and faced our audience squarely, her expression of uncertainty was gone and now she boomed the aura of confidence and had that ¡®you¡¯re going down¡¯ look in her eyes.


    I smiled inwardly at what I assumed to be the oue of this.


    ¡± Mr Hyung-mi, you spoke on the advantages of this proposal?¡±


    The man in question shared uncertain looks with his other colleagues and only gave a reply after he had received nods of go ahead.


    ¡± Yes, which benefit do you want me to exin again?¡± He started mauling through an envelope in search of something.


    ¡± Nooo. Your benefits were good. I admire your products ¡± They seemed happy with her statement and a smile managed to crawl onto each of their faces.


    I hold theughter that threatens to escape from me when she continues with the part I was expecting.


    The ¡®but¡¯ part.


    ¡± But. Gentlemen, Ying and Shang is apany that produces toys for children. And as we all know, children tend to get bored and tired of things easily, they can¡¯t focus on one thing for long but these children are the only sources of ie to yourpany. So here¡¯s my question, after your poprity fades, which of course must definitely happen, your ie would drop to a minimal level. How do you intend to give us our profit? Still by the thirty percent? Because at that point it bes penniless¡±


    I never reasoned it that way, even though my attention span was incredibly short this was a fact I would never had thought of.


    And to the Ying and Shangpany members, this was a question they weren¡¯t aiming for even in their afterlife.


    ¡± Pardon me uh¡­ Miss?¡± Professor Xiao spoke


    ¡± Jules¡± She sent him a smile that means ¡® don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t bite¡¯


    But to me that smile meant ¡® go on, keep trying to deceive us¡¯


    ¡± Miss Jules, I assure you that our products won¡¯t fade out. We¡¯ll keep producing new things to pique their interest if that¡¯s all it takes ¡± Mr Xiao definitely doesn¡¯t know who he is currently conversing with.


    ¡± Okay. Fine, you keep rejuvenating but put for instance a production error or mishap. Agreeing to this deal with you also means we be inclined to assist you in such situations and the money for such assistance will definitely cost us more than a thirty percent gain.¡±


    Everyone went dead silent, including their secretary had stopped recording.


    Iris had the entire floor to herself .


    She observed the men in suits and one kimono before her then carried on.


    ¡°Now I¡¯m not here to point that the money allocated to us is little despite the fact it is, I¡¯m here to make you see that you only informed us of the profits and benefits of working with you. But as a good businessman you should know how to make analysis on your pro¡¯s and con¡¯s, which you duly failed to deliver on this meeting ¡± She sat back into her chair and folded her arms across her chest.


    I¡¯ve confirmed it¡¯s a habit.


    ¡± Until you give us a valid exnation on what sort of agreement we are venturing into, I don¡¯t think I approve of my boss signing anything ¡±


    That was the end. And she really left every soul in the room tongue tied.


    Every soul except mine though.


    ¡± Well Ying and Shang associates, we can call this meeting a day and reschedule for another one the day you feel ready ¡± I couldn¡¯t hide my smile. I stood to my feet to signal them on their departure.


    Dad says the Koreans were mischievous, then I think Iris has a Korean heritage.


    The men grudgingly got up, obviously feeling ashamed of their defeat. I exchanged handshakes with all of them, whereas only their secretary was inquired to acknowledge Iris for her job well done.


    All five men filed out of the office and professor Xiao¡¯s kimono looked just as frustrated as he is.


    Better luck next time.


    ¡± So that¡¯s yourtest n? After zoning out for an entire meeting you call me to make the deals?¡± She stood with both hands on her hips and narrowed eyes.


    If only she wasn¡¯t putting on heels, her forehead is basically below my nose, but now the heels make our eye levels almost equal.


    I smirked at her statement and walked away, leaving her alone in the conference room.


    I knew I was proud of her this afternoon but I¡¯m not going to say it.

 Chapter 019

    Monday morning.. Meaning another week is almost gone and Hunter¡¯s honeymoon-ing secretary is still living her best life.


    Edward just took Louisa to school and I¡¯m tidying up after her before heading out to work myself.


    After I picked up one of Louie¡¯s clothes from the floor, the ringing of my cellphone interrupted my activity.


    I had a little thought in mind that heavens should let it be that Mr Brooks had changed his mind and is retracting me back to Bridgewaters.


    I approached the phone on the nightstand and checked the caller.


    After seeing who it was, I literally got angry at myself. Then I answered the call.


    ¡± Meredith I am so, so, so sorry I haven¡¯t been keeping in touch. It¡¯s just¡­.. there are so many things happening right now and I don¡¯t even know how to exin them to anyone ¡± Maybe she will buy my pleas. I¡¯ve really been a terrible friend.


    ¡± Uhunn¡­ I hear you. Keep ¡¯eming ¡± I could feel her eye roll through the phone and it got meughing.


    ¡± How have you been?¡± I finally asked after myughter had died down.


    ¡± Well I¡¯ve been alive, since you clearly didn¡¯t want to check up on me. Sigh, sigh, more sighs¡± This girl never changes.


    And that thought brings a smile on my face.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been making promises to myself to contact you but like I said, there are so many things going on in my life right now ¡± I sighed and took a seat on my bed.


    ¡± Oh yeah, things like what?¡±


    ¡± You heard from Megan that I got transferred to work for another employee till his secretary returns?¡± This story is going to be longer if she hasn¡¯t heard.


    ¡± Yeah I did¡±


    ¡± Well, the man I¡¯m working for is Mr Brooks son¡±


    ¡± Still not seeing the problem. Is he harsh?¡±


    ¡± Meredith¡­. Mr Brooks son is Hunter¡±


    There was a really strange silence on the phone and I thought there¡¯s a connection failure somewhere.


    ¡± Hello?¡± I called into the phone.


    ¡± Is it just me, or did you say Mr Brooks son is Hunter?¡± Her voice bing more serious than the yful tone of earlier.


    ¡± I did¡±


    ¡± What the actual fuck!? Brooks is Mr Brooks name right? not his surname.¡± I was really d Louisa had gone to school so as not to hear all the swearing that will proceed from my lovely friend¡¯s mouth.


    ¡± Yeah, it¡¯s his name ¡±


    ¡± But Hunter¡¯s surname is Brooks not something else¡±


    ¡± Hunter¡¯s surname is McConnell, just like Mr Brooks but I don¡¯t understand why he preferred the Brooks in school anyway ¡±


    ¡± Of course there¡¯d be a fame if you¡¯re recognized by your parents name ¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    As odd as it may. That was true.


    ¡± Well, tada¡­ He¡¯s my boss¡±


    ¡± How in the world did we not see this? He¡¯s not touching you anymore is he? Cause I swear to God if he is I¡¯ll use my heels to squash his balls into a two dimensional shape ¡±


    Trust Meredith to be the violent one.


    ¡± No, he isn¡¯t. And I doubt he¡¯d ever try that anytime ever ¡± I was sure about that. If not for anything but for the fact that I believe I can stand up for myself.


    ¡± Does he know?¡± Her voice goes down to a whisper, like she¡¯s trying to hide in a closet.


    ¡± Know what?¡±


    ¡± You know, about Louisa ¡± Ohh¡­ That know.


    ¡± Nah, he¡¯s still pretty oblivious ¡±


    She released a chuckle into the receiver and choked a little on her own air.


    ¡± I¡¯ve always known that kid to be dumb¡±


    Now two of us are literallyughing hard.


    ¡± So.. Where¡¯s the princess staying in New York. And by princess I mean my Louisa, you¡¯re a pauper ¡±


    What the!? Meredith!!


    She is really my dose for a happy morning.


    ¡± You¡¯d never guess where ¡± Really.. I¡¯d like to see her try.


    ¡± Hotel D¡¯Angelo?¡± She had to start with the multimillion amodations that are impossible to get.


    ¡± You¡¯re a spider¡± I honestly do not know what to say to her.


    She bursts outughing and from her voice she¡¯s clutching her stomach not to explode.


    ¡± Seriously? A spider? Is Louisa there or are you just trying to be nice?¡± Her throat sounds dry as she tried to speak between her chuckles.


    ¡± Ha ha¡­ I¡¯ll get back at you ¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I know. Now let me guess again. Errr¡­.. Times Square?¡±


    That¡¯s it.


    Remind me immediately after this call to order this girl a psychiatrist.


    ¡± That¡¯s not even a housing area!¡±


    ¡± Well you said I should guess where you¡¯re staying, you never stated it was a building so you could be living in a tent for all I know ¡±


    Ahh!! Someone get me an insult meter.


    ¡± I live in a building you dumbo¡± I huffed into the phone.


    ¡± Well then I give up ¡±


    ¡± You only made two guesses ¡±


    ¡± Never call my efforts only!¡±


    This girl would be the death of me.


    ¡± Fine I¡¯ll tell you ¡± I started to pick on the fraying material of the bedspread.


    ¡± I thought you¡¯ll never ask¡±


    Did she- you know what.. never mind.


    ¡± I¡¯m living with Hunter¡±


    And Meredith being the queen of dramatic pauses, held a period again.


    This time I know she¡¯s on the line. Her breathing is too heavy to miss.


    ¡± Say that again ¡±


    ¡± You heard me¡±


    ¡± Hunter offered you a home? Someone¡¯s changed¡±


    ¡± What!? No.. His dad told me to stay here because the house is big enough and truly it is. I hardly see him around here¡±


    ¡± Are you guys alone? Cause that¡¯s dangerous ¡±


    ¡± No, we¡¯re not. There are two guys and three otherdies ¡±


    ¡± Hunter¡¯s doing men too? Ugh.. That pig!¡±


    What is she- oh!!


    Iughed into the phone at her corrupt mindset.


    ¡± Meredith you bitch, they¡¯re his workers. His dad pays them. And they¡¯re somewhat older ¡±


    Well except for udette who eventually found herself in his sheets.


    ¡± Well that¡¯s a relief ¡± She whistles.


    ¡± You¡¯re a pig¡±


    ¡± And you Iris, you¡¯re my sty¡±


    Eww..


    ¡± So, staying with Hunter and all. Any interesting events going on?¡±.


    Events? Yeah.. The g.


    ¡± Sure, there is this G we attended two Saturdays ago¡±


    ¡± You guys went as dates?¡±


    ¡± Gross¡­ No¡­ I went as his secretary. He went for a business deal ¡±


    ¡± Okay, carry on ¡±


    ¡± The event was damn shy! I mean I saw more lights than I have ever seen since I was born. And don¡¯t let me get started on the cakes, it-¡± Meredith cut me right when I was about to describe my sugary adventure.


    ¡± Wait! That sounds like a ton of money. Who hosted it? Let me know if I can find myself a rich bachelor ¡± I chuckled at her childishness.


    Meredith the heart breaker.


    ¡± Like you¡¯ll still date him after you find out he hates pandas¡±


    ¡± What! It was just one guy. And who the fuck hates pandas? He wasn¡¯t worth it ¡± Her love for the fuzzy ck and white creatures was onto another level.


    ¡± Well too sad, the man is married ¡±


    ¡± Ouch.. That hurt¡±


    ¡± Yeah, keep the broken pieces of your heart in your desk drawer. It¡¯s a Mr Reid, really tall, blonde haired and tanned skinned man and his wife is so beautiful, she¡¯s a red hair just like you ¡± I was out of words to describe the couple.


    ¡± Uhm.. Did you say his name is Mr Reid?¡± Her voice lowered ago.


    ¡± Yeah, Mr Reid. I recall pretty well¡±


    ¡± Oh. Okay ¡± Now she sounds sad. Is it really the heartbreak thing?


    ¡± Meredith, I was joking about the broken hearts thing¡±


    She released a weakugh that didn¡¯tst for five seconds.


    ¡± I know. It¡¯s just¡­ I think the Mr Reid you just described is my father ¡±


    Everything in my world just fell.


    Her father? The one that abandoned her?


    They¡¯re this well to do and yet they don¡¯t want their daughter back?


    ¡± Jesus, Meredith I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t know ¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, how are they doing by the way?¡± Her voice is sounding distant.


    She¡¯s about to cry.


    ¡± You mean you don¡¯t talk to any of them at all?¡± That can¡¯t possibly be true.


    ¡± I do talk to my brothers, Mason and Michael. But I¡¯ve never heard from the rest¡±


    Mason. Mason is Meredith¡¯s brother.


    But she said one of her brothers is confined to a wheelchair after the event of one night.


    If Mason is fine then I think it¡¯s the Michael.


    Now herees the worst part.


    Michelle is her sister.


    This means Hunter knew.


    That guy is a dog!


    ¡± Wow.. Meredith I¡¯m so sorry. Look let¡¯s talk about something else. Megan was telling me about some California dude you met?¡± I needed a diversion.


    ¡± Oh.. Yes! His name is Jackson. Gosh you need to see him, he¡¯s like a walking sex god-¡±


    And she went ahead gushing about Jackson.


    I love this girl.

 Chapter 020

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I was just stepping into the office when the caretaker just walked out. She¡¯s ady above forties but looks a lot more aged that that.


    I should really tell Dad to hire younger people.


    Almost sitting on my chair when my door was thrown open and mmed shut in seconds.


    Then I was up on my feet again.


    ¡± Did you know?¡± Came Iris¡¯s seethed words.


    No good morning or your files are ready?


    The courage she uses will be the death of her.


    ¡± Iris are you really going mad? I¡¯m just walking into the office and that¡¯s the first thing you say to me? It¡¯s not like that question has a logical base ¡± My arms iling around in contempt.


    ¡± Fine, let me rephrase ¡±


    So no apologies from her. Point taken.


    ¡± Did you know Mr Reid and Meredith were rted?¡±


    So that¡¯s what this is all about?


    The red hair?


    ¡± Did I know Mr Reid and your red haired friend were rted? Yes I do. Mr Reid is her father,e sue me ¡± I slumped into the chair.


    Of course I had known, you can¡¯t work with Mason and miss out on how much he misses the littlest and cutest red hair he had ever seen.


    ¡± You knew? Yet you made me go for that event!?¡± She shouted like that was a bother.


    ¡± First of all, do not raise your voice at me. And secondly what does the event have to do with it?¡±


    ¡± Well listen ¡± She took strides till she was directly in front of my table.


    ¡± Meredith is my friend ¡±


    ¡± And she¡¯s not mine¡± I shrugged


    ¡± Of course she¡¯s not and she¡¯ll never be. Judging by your personality I¡¯d be surprised if you had any at all¡± She was most definitely primal at the hour.


    ¡± Then I¡¯ll like to surprise you ¡±


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± She asked almost breathing fire.


    ¡± It¡¯s none of your business ¡±


    ¡± We¡¯re talking about one of my closest friends here!¡±


    ¡± Like I said, that was none of your business and it isn¡¯t mine either ¡±


    Her breathing shallowed and she stared at me like I spoke Martian.


    ¡± Huh?¡±


    So i was right. She is confused.


    ¡± Mr Reid and his family is his business not mine. If anyone was to inform you about that it should be him or someone from the Reid family not me. Telling you about it is equivalent to spreading info about a man I want to work with, info which I may add that I¡¯m not sure of¡± I exined hoping her stubborn skull will open and ept knowledge.


    ¡± That¡¯s a lie. You know fully well that they sent her away from the family. So you¡¯re sure of it¡± Her skull is really thick.


    ¡± But neither you nor I are sure of the reasons she was sent away¡± I added


    ¡± I am. She told me ¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± And how sure are you that it¡¯s the truth ¡±


    She halted for a second. Maybe she felt it was impossible for a friend to lie to her. But sorry iris, you¡¯ve got to learn.


    ¡± Meredith would never lie to me¡± She finally released after seconds of thoughts.


    ¡± How sure are you?¡± I raised a brow at her naivety.


    Meredith may have told her the truth, but she has to be open for the worst.


    ¡± What do you know?¡± She ces her hands on her hips.


    ¡± I do know that after two years of knowing Mr Reid and his family, he is a good man. So anything on the contrary should have a geniune reason¡±


    She was about to speak again when my door was thrown open a second time today.


    Remind me to question my securityter on.


    And guess who just walked into my office?


    If you said Michelle.. You¡¯re wrong. But it¡¯s still the Reid blood.


    Help me everyone to wee Mason Reid into the show.


    Talking about bad timing.


    ¡± Yeah I¡¯m not knocking ¡± He said as he walked in but a smile tears across his lips when he sets his eyes on Iris.


    ¡± Heyy ¡± He breathes out and starts to walk in her direction, but the girl before me is in no mood for pleasantries.


    ¡± Fine!¡± Iris mutters and only when I look in her direction do I realize she¡¯s referring to our conversation.


    She turns on her heels and marches out of the room, making sure to avoid contact with Mason on the way.


    She opened and mmed the door shut on her exit meanwhile Mason looks like a rejected frosting.


    And his face being priceless made me to burst intoughter.


    ¡± What happened?¡± He asked but his eyes still trained on the door my secretary exited like she¡¯ll walk back in very soon.


    I still found the scene hrious so I continued in myughter.


    This is the exact definition of an epic day.


    ¡± Would you stopughing and answer me before I choke you on your air conditioning cable ¡± Now he looks to me and his eyes were narrowed.


    After calming myself down I released the biggest sigh of my life before speaking.


    ¡± To begin with, she¡¯s mad at you ¡°I said smirking.


    ¡± No shit Sherlock. Any reason as to why?¡± He hasn¡¯t still taken a seat since he entered.


    ¡± She may have found out about the missing ¡®M¡¯ in your family ¡±


    ¡± The missing wha- shit! You bastard! What did you tell her?¡± He growled like he was a predator.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t. Your friend there is also friends with your sister. So can you guess how she found out now?¡± I intertwined my fingers and watched him unravel a non mystery.


    Without another nce he was out of my office and my assumption is to Iris.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­..


    Iris P. O. V


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Hunter knew¡­ He knew but he still let me go to that event like Meredith¡¯s feelings don¡¯t matter.


    I picked up a receipt that was delivered to my table this morning before Hunter arrived


    It was from Dwight¡¯s Academy. A receipt of confirmation for shares deposit.


    I opened myptop to record the information when my door was opened quick yet delicately.


    ¡± Jules I can exin ¡± Mason walked in but I¡¯m happy he knows my mood and maintained a distance between us by remaining by the door.


    ¡± I don¡¯t have time f-¡±


    ¡± I was never in support of it ¡± He cuts me off.


    It was a family agreement?


    ¡± I don¡¯t understand?¡± I asked him and my interest in discussing the topic brings him a step closer to my table.


    ¡± When they abandoned her I was truly against it. Michael and I ¡±


    Michael, her other brother.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you do something?¡± I asked him. Actions speak louder than words you know.


    ¡± I tried everything, including Michael but they were hell bent on their decision so we had to let it go ¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s bullshit. If you loved her you will fight till the end¡±


    ¡± Of course I love her. I¡¯m the only one who keeps in direct contact with her. Ask her if you don¡¯t believe me ¡±


    She did mention it though.


    I stayed silent for a while honestly not knowing what to really do or say or feel about this.


    ¡± Michael has people secretly watching her that she doesn¡¯t know of. At least we know she¡¯s safe¡±


    They¡¯ve been guarding her secretly?


    ¡± That¡¯s¡­.. I don¡¯t know ¡± I huffed and shut theptop close.


    ¡± It looks very bad but I¡¯m trying, our parents don¡¯t really show emotions and all that but I know they miss her too and are being too proud to admit it ¡± He goes on exining.


    ¡± What of your sisters?¡± He was leaving a part out.


    He reaches to scratch the back of his head then answers.


    ¡± Mary is married so we really don¡¯t hear much from her¡±


    There¡¯s another sister that I want to hear of.


    ¡± Michelle?¡± I fold my arm across my chest and wait.


    After a sigh ¡± She doesn¡¯t really care and I think that¡¯s why our parents are still adamant on bringing her back. To them Michelle¡¯s opinion matter¡±


    Is there a reason why I shouldn¡¯t hate this girl already?


    ¡± Well that¡¯s good to know ¡± I said and opened theptop again.


    ¡± Jules I¡¯m sorry ¡±


    His presence here is distracting in ways I do not want. I meane on, he¡¯s begging me.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡± I had no idea you knew Meredith. If I did I would have said something to you ¡±


    I got up and walked to the cab where I keep recorded files and pull the booklet for Dwight.


    ¡± What exactly would you have said? Hey, you know Meredith my abandoned sister right? I don¡¯t hate her¡± I stated in a durh tone.


    He walks up to me by the cab and takes hold of one hand which I don¡¯t fight against.


    ¡± I would have made it clear to you that whenever you wanna talk about it I¡¯d be willing to exin it to you ¡± He took hold of my second hand and looked me into the eye.


    ¡± Jules I¡¯m not a bad guy.¡±


    He¡¯s not and I know.


    I can¡¯t believe I was angry at him.


    I released a sigh and my shoulders that I never realized were tensed somewhat rxed.


    ¡± But I do admit that I need to keep up with her of recent ¡± He adds as he rests his forehead on mine.


    ¡± She asked if you all are okay¡± I told him but honestly my eyes were just on his lips.


    A sad chuckle escapes his mouth before he licks his lips ¡± And what did you tell her?¡±


    ¡± I said you¡¯re all fine¡± My voice was hitched and airy. This contact is not good for me.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think I¡¯m fine Jules, I¡¯m not fine¡±


    He really does miss her if i judge from his voice.


    I slide my hands out from his and wrap them around him in an embrace.


    He said nothing else but returned my hug and ced a light kiss on the bridge of my nose.

 Chapter 021

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Then I told her how big her nose is!¡± The voice of Iris¡¯s daughter preceeds their presence into the house.


    ¡± I thought you said her nose is tiny?¡± Iris asked as her form surfaces from the door.


    She¡¯s carrying the little girl in her right hand over the corresponding hip while her other hand is holding a bag of what I believe is groceries.


    ¡± So you get my point then¡± Louisa states and her current expression almost resembles a smirk.


    That¡¯s new for a kid.


    Iris stood still by the door and after a moment bursts outughing.


    I guess she just understood what the girl said.


    They still haven¡¯t noticed that I¡¯m in the room with them.


    ¡± Goodness me Louie! That¡¯s harsh¡± She managed to say between a chokingughter.


    ¡± Then next time she shouldn¡¯t call me little ¡± The little girl huffed and folded her arms.


    At least one trait is highly visible between mother and daughter.


    Iris shook her head in an ¡®SMH¡¯ manner and continues moving after shutting the door behind her, ensuring it¡¯s locked.


    It was only after they were done did she notice me.


    ¡± Louie go to the room ¡± She keeps her child on her two feet the girl tters her way down the hall.


    Leaving me and her mom.


    And her mom being who she is red at me then walked straight passed me into the kitchen.


    Courtesy should really be buried someday.


    She emerges from the kitchen with two apples, one I presume is for Louisa and she¡¯s about to head for her room.


    But not so fast.


    I jump up quickly from my position and obstruct her path. She tries swerving in other directions but she found it a waste.


    So she settles on ring straight into my eyes and crossing her arms.


    I mimic her action as a simple way of saying she better hear me out or it¡¯s her loss.


    ¡± Move¡± She says even before I have the chance to get a good stance.


    ¡± Seriously?, the least you owe me is a little good evening for living in my home ¡± I retort at her childish character.


    ¡± Your dad¡¯s home ¡±


    Smooth.


    ¡± You can¡¯t actually be angry at me about the Mr Reid issue. It wasn¡¯t my ce to tell and you obviously forgave Mason who¡¯s far more guilty than I am ¡±


    ¡± And who says I forgave Mason?¡± Her brow quirks upward.


    She¡¯s trying to y dumb and dumber right?


    ¡± Don¡¯t fake ignorance with me, you left your office door open ¡± I saw it all.


    Though a majority I found disturbing.


    ¡± So you were spying ?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s my building ¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s my personal workce ¡±


    ¡± If you wanted privacy do the world a favor and shut your door then¡±


    ¡± And since when has a closed door been a barrier for you?¡±


    True talk.


    But this isn¡¯t my problem.


    ¡± Whatever, my point is you and Mason can never happen ¡± I told her squarely.


    She just rolls her eyes and tries to bypass me again but I¡¯m quicker than she expected.


    ¡± Who are you to tell me what can happen in my life?¡± Resting her both arms on her hips.


    ¡± I¡¯m not telling you what can happen, I¡¯m telling you what should happen ¡± And if she can just keep shut I¡¯ll be done with my exnation.


    ¡± You disgust me ¡±


    ¡± It not like that started today, now shut up and listen. I¡¯m keeping my rtionship with Michelle lowkey because of her Dad, but I can¡¯t have you and Mason brewing something else. This one rtionship is already enough secrets for Mr Reid and I want this deal. So you better get yourself together and drop this before it grows ¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t control me¡± Her both brows lifting like she¡¯s saying a word for the wise.


    ¡± Yes, I don¡¯t. But my dad does and my dad also wants this deal. Fortunately he is aware of my rtionship with one of the Reid¡¯s daughter and is still skeptical about it, imagine what he¡¯ll do to you if we lose this opportunity because you¡¯re letting feelings get in the way.¡±


    She said nothing, but I did find a look across her features.


    Disappointment and something else.


    Something else I can¡¯t ce a finger on.


    When I finished my statement I realized I had gone a few steps forward.


    I didn¡¯t even know I was backing her up.


    Since she wasn¡¯t going to say a word, I stepped out of her way and she scrambled out of the living room.


    ¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G¨G


    Iris P. O. V.


    I can¡¯t believe what just happened !


    Did I actually be scared as he was approaching me?? Or was it a tinge of disappointment about my rtionship with Mason?


    I wasn¡¯t looking forward to anything more with him, but thanks captain obvious for making it clear.


    After walking into the room, I meet Louie finishing up a drawing she started yesterday.


    ¡± Are you almost done with it?¡± I ask her and give her an apple in my hand.


    She was drawing a sunset. Just the sky with birds above a little hut, but what still puts me in awe is the way she shades.


    It¡¯s not perfect but from the way she knows where to cross the pencil, I couldn¡¯t be more proud.


    ¡± Almost. Just a few tiny lines¡± She collected the fruit without taking her eyes off the work and munched into it.


    ¡± Be quick honey, it¡¯s almost your bedtime ¡± I nt a kiss on her temple and enter the bathroom to have a shower.


    Twenty minutester and I¡¯m out, to see Louisa sleeping on her artwork with her hand holding the apple to her mouth.


    She¡¯s really worn out.


    I sighed and took away the apple before securing the art. Or else I¡¯ll pay for itter.


    After wearing her a sweater, bed socks and a beanie, I tuck her under the nket.


    Nights these days are chilly.


    A ping from my phone indicating a message delivery calls my attention.


    Checking the ID I see its Dn.


    A sudden smile breaks across my face that my cheeks begin to hurt.


    It¡¯s been long since we had a nice conversation and I miss it.


    Dn and I dated for two years after I left Los mos as a long distance with him always dropping by every two weeks.


    Louisa even thought he was her Dad and that broke me then.


    But things didn¡¯t really work out between us so we decided to end it on friendly terms and that was what resulted in me calling him his generally well known name and not one specific for me.


    I open the message he sent just a minute ago to reply his conversation.


    Iris?


    Are you awake?


    I chuckled at his message before sending a response.


    Yeah, but you should be


    asleep.


    Before I could keep the phone it pinged again.


    Seems like a night chat.


    She¡¯s awake!!


    How are you ?


    Baby I¡¯ve missed you.


    Hope you missed me too ?


    Anotherughter from me. I actually did miss him.


    No I didn¡¯t.


    But I¡¯m okay,


    What about you?


    New York and Los mos have a two hours time difference. It¡¯s a few minutes past eleven so I¡¯m thinking it should be nine over there.


    ?


    I¡¯m not okay.


    You just hurt me.


    Grow up Einstein


    ??


    ??


    You sound okay too.


    What¡¯s cooking?


    Anything new?


    Oh there are lot¡¯s. Just wait till you hear them.


    Well, there are so many


    things going on.


    Things like what?


    Gossip me Mama.


    I don¡¯t stay awake


    at night for nothing.


    Let me start with the


    little ones.


    ??


    I¡¯m waiting.


    My boss sent me to


    New York to work for


    an employee of his.


    Well that doesn¡¯t seem


    so bad.. Is your new


    boss mean?


    I don¡¯t know the right


    answer to that.


    What do you mean?


    He¡¯s not trying anything


    funny right?


    It¡¯s Hunter.


    My new boss is Hunter.


    There was aplete two minutes of no messaging before my phone pinged again.


    ¡­.


    Repeat that.


    I mean it.


    How did you not see


    iting?


    I¡¯m sorry for being


    blind, but when I left Los


    mos Hunter was bearing


    Brooks as a surname and


    not McConnell.


    And your boss didn¡¯t


    tell you who you¡¯re


    gonna work for?


    He only mentioned


    A Mr McConnell.


    Don¡¯t me me.


    For fuck sake!


    Is he touching you!?


    No. He¡¯s not.


    We hardly speak to each other.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Good!


    What of Louisa?


    She¡¯s good.


    He¡¯s pretty blind.


    ??


    That I can attest to.


    Iris I want to tell you


    something.


    Go on.


    What is it?


    I¡¯ll say it tomorrow.


    Good night buttercup.


    I still miss you ?


    ?


    Fine.


    Goodnight Dn.


    And I don¡¯t still miss you.


    ??


    You really insist on Dn.


    Alright then.


    ? don¡¯t be harsh ??


    ?


    Okay, I might miss you.


    ?


    ??


    My greetings to my baby.


    Tell Louie I still love her.


    And I love you too.


    Sure would, she¡¯ll like that.


    ? I¡¯ll tell your girlfriend you¡¯re cheating.


    ?


    Iris night night!


    ?


    Bye.


    Dream of me.


    ?


    My Girlfriend won¡¯t like that ?


    ?


    That was thest message before I put off the lights and fell asleep.


    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I was climbing up the stairs to my room when a notification sound from my phone in my back pocket halted me.


    It was from Dn.


    The betraying cousin of mine.


    I heard Iris is working for you.


    We need to talk.


    P. S. touch her and you¡¯re dead.


    So he gets to call her Iris. Hrious.


    Like I want to be associated with that girl.


    I slip the phone back into my pocket and continue my journey to bed.

 Chapter 022

    I was just standing up from bed when a calles into my phone.


    Surprisingly it¡¯s Dn again.


    I know he said he¡¯ll tell me something today but this early?, it¡¯s five thirty in the morning.


    Sweeping my cover to the sides and checking if Louie is still asleep are thest things I do before answering the dial.


    ¡± Isn¡¯t it like three AM over there?¡± My voice groggy and dry.


    That¡¯s the effect of a good sleep.


    ¡± Yeah yeah I know, but I couldn¡¯t sleep ¡±


    Now that has honestly got me worried. The only time Dn ever had a difficulty with sleeping was when his Dad was diagnosed with diabetes.


    It took a while to make him understand that diabetes and cancer are two different diseases entirely.


    ¡± What¡¯s up? Sleepless nights are not in favors for you ¡±


    ¡± Remember when I said that I wanted to tell you something?¡± His voice sounds unsure like he¡¯s having a change of mind about saying it.


    ¡± Sure I do, just say it. I don¡¯t bite and you know that ¡± My response elicits a chuckle from him.


    ¡± Of course I know that. But first have you heard from Meredith?¡±


    He¡¯s switching topics? Something is wrong here.


    ¡± Sure, we spoke just yesterday. Kinda a funny story ¡±


    ¡± Really? About what then?¡±


    ¡± I went for an event. Real expensive and ssy but guess who the host was¡±


    ¡± Uhmm¡­ Meredith?¡±


    Iughed at his horrible guess but immediately p my hand to my mouth to avoid waking Louie.


    ¡± Ha ha¡­ Laugh all you want ¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry but your guess was crazy ¡±


    ¡± Tell me who then. The suspense is killing me!¡± Dn had always been one to pay interest in stories.


    ¡± It was her Dad. In fact it was her whole family ¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re joking ¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not, that¡¯s why I said it was a funny discussion. I was telling her about the event and describing the hosts to her, The Reid family and all and she was like I think you just described my dad¡±


    ¡± Whoa!¡±


    ¡± Whoa indeed, I was shocked myself ¡±


    ¡± How¡¯s she doing now? I know this news isn¡¯t the best to her ¡± Concern nowcing his speech.


    ¡± She wasn¡¯t okay then but when I got her to talk about her new guy she became all mushy ¡± I chuckled as I remembered her change of tone.


    ¡± She¡¯s got another guy? What if this one doesn¡¯t like pandas too?¡± He asked buy the humor in his voice couldn¡¯t stay hidden.


    ¡± Then sayonara huncho¡± We bothughed and there was a silence on the receiver.


    He said nothing, just a very long pause that begins to make me fidget about what he¡¯s about to say.


    ¡± Dn?¡±


    ¡± Iris. I know Hunter¡± He starts and that throws me off guard.


    He knows Hunter? Who doesn¡¯t?


    ¡± We all know Hunter Dy-¡±


    ¡± No, not like that. I¡¯ve known him since I was a kid. He¡¯s my cousin ¡±


    I felt a shadow of nothingness fall on me. Hunter is his cousin? This means he could have gotten to Hunter whenever I needed the assistance but he never did.


    He just watched me burn and came back to console me.


    Just like my parents did before.


    ¡± Iris?¡±


    ¡± Why? Why didn¡¯t you do anything? You just left me to suffer but you¡¯d be the first toe cheer me up. Why did you do it?¡± I honestly feel my eyes getting hurt by the stings of tears threatening to escape.


    ¡± I did everything. I warned him, threatened him, heck I even told on him to his Dad who in turn warned him about it though his father had little doubts that his son could be a pest to someone¡¯s life. I tried everything but you of all people should know how stubborn he can be ¡±


    That¡¯s true. Hunter never listened to anyone. No one at all.


    I was clearly surprised when he started taking instructions from his Dad.


    Maybe time did have a little change on him.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you mention that you were rted to him¡± Surely I should have known.


    ¡± For so many reasons, firstly you and Megan hated him. If I mentioned that he was my cousin only who knows what would have be of my dad¡¯s rtionship with Megan¡¯s mom and I know my dad really loves her, I couldn¡¯t sabotage that¡±


    So I wasn¡¯t the only one in darkness for a while.


    ¡± Does Megan know now?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, she found out after you moved to Bridgewaters on one of her visits¡±


    So she knew and also kept me in the dark.


    ¡± I told Megan not to tell you because I promised to do it myself. I¡¯m just so sorry it took a very long time to say it but it¡¯s not my fault ¡±


    ¡± So who¡¯s fault?¡±.


    ¡± Iris if i had told you that I was rted to Hunter you would have hated me without giving me a chance ¡±


    He was right. I would have hated him the exact same way I hated his parents without even knowing them.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    If I had known Mr McConnell was his dad I wouldn¡¯t have agreed to this job.


    Maybe he was right to keep me in the dark.


    At least I don¡¯t regret ever meeting or knowing him.


    ¡± Iris I¡¯m sorry ¡± He called out into the phone during my one minute pondering.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay¡±


    ¡± You.. You¡¯re not mad at me?¡± Surprised right?


    ¡± Not really. It was actually beneficial in a little way. I got to know a dumb dumb like you ¡±


    Heughed so hard at the other end that I could imagine his eyes crinkling up at the sides with his pearly white teeth on disy.


    I would have actually loved if we did work out together but life has a different n for us.


    ¡± Thank you ¡±


    ¡± What are you thanking me for? I should be thanking you for telling me the truth ¡±


    ¡± Fine, so thank me then¡±


    ¡± Ugh.. I¡¯ll pass¡±


    He chuckles again before clearing his throat.


    ¡± I¡¯ming down to New York soon to pay my lil¡¯ old cousin a visit. Maybe I can stop by your ce ¡°.


    Oh he is in for a surprise.


    ¡°When you arrive at Hunter¡¯s, call me¡±


    ¡± Is someone trying to murder my cousin?¡±


    ¡± Perhaps ¡°I snapped back, receiving a chuckle from the other end.


    ¡± I¡¯m so d I got this off my chest. I can sleep again!¡± He cheered into the phone and Iughed once more at his childishness.


    ¡± You need it. Now I need to get ready for work and prepare Louie for school ¡± I patted my little girls back as she slept peacefully.


    ¡± Oh, that¡¯s right. But remember if he tries any shit, hit my number. He¡¯s old enough to go to prison now¡± His voice was drop dead serious.


    Iughed again.


    ¡± Bye Dy.¡±


    ¡± Bye Iris and thanks again ¡±


    Then i heard the beep from the receiver.

 Chapter 023

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    It¡¯s been three whole days since I received the text from Dn and still no call.


    Whatever he wants to talk about doesn¡¯t seem serious then.


    I was about to pick up my cell and callIris informing her of my arrival to work when she walked right in without consent.


    ¡± You have to learn to be a little more punctual these days. I can¡¯t have my tables overflowing with your duty¡± She groaned and mmed a pile of papers, documents and leaflets on my desk.


    I really didn¡¯t know how to react. My normal staff wouldn¡¯t even dare to walk into my office without permission talk less of dumping my work on my desk without a good morning.


    I honestly could never get used to this Iris.


    ¡± Good morning to you too¡± I told her as I gently ced the phone in my hand down.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t greet you Mr McConnell ¡± She said as a matter of fact.


    I see she takes notice of her misconduct.


    She proceeds to speak.


    ¡± Ying and Shang have set another date of interest for them which is in two weeks. Glitter and m designer sent in their receipt of payments yesterday, apparently they paid in advance. Stanes University sent an invite for their graduation ceremony this Saturday. The CEO of MaBillz also sent an invite for his daughter¡¯s wedding. The-¡± And she went on rambling and rambling.


    With a notepad in her arm where I think she wrote down all the information she was to deliver to me this morning, she stood upright before my table and her mouth was tuttering non-stop.


    But I couldn¡¯t care less about what she was saying. I actually took my time to run a nce down her attire.


    She still had her hair up in a bun.


    At least one rule she listens to.


    She was putting on a in ck gown. No pleats, no designs nor frays.


    It was just in.


    And that was the problem.


    The gown hugged her body in ways inappropriate to a man¡¯s sight. It wasn¡¯t tight, but from view it looks stic.


    Almost knitted.


    I leaned back in my chair with my left index caressing my chin and followed the edges and curves of her figure with my eyes and to say I was pleased is an understatement.


    I¡¯m a guy with hormones. Don¡¯t me me.


    She adjusted her stance and one hip swayed to the side just enough for me to catch a glimpse of the slit at the other end that cut mid thigh.


    And I saw myself follow the slit to it¡¯s ends and back.


    If she were seated how high will the slit go?


    I couldn¡¯t ask her to take a seat, we both know she¡¯ll deny my request so I enjoyed my view from here.


    My eyes trailed from her slightly exposed thigh, to the curve of her hips. I¡¯d say she¡¯s almost thick in that area.


    That little thought brought a twitch below.


    My eyes kept on roaming till I had gotten to the swell of her breasts.


    They were round and perky and that made me wonder if she¡¯s among those that use the padded underwears.


    She¡¯s far too innocent for that.


    I smirked at my reasoning and looked back to her face. She didn¡¯t even notice my five minutes of experiments on her.


    Her eyes still fixated on the note and her plump lips moving in a sequence that was a little too cute for just speech.


    She had nothing except pink gloss coating her lips. No make up on. But she still looked appealing to anyone who had eyes for good looks.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    My eyes still settle on her face. Her brows creased together with every attention it can muster. And I look to her forehead.


    That scar on her hairline.


    It¡¯s been itching me to ask about it but I¡¯m very sure I¡¯m the cause. Plus it will be another ¡®none of my business¡¯ questions.


    Her brown hair tied into a neat bun which I suggest is the handwork of udette. The reasons she dyed her hair brown is unknown to me but it¡¯s not my business anyway.


    At least she¡¯s confident in herself and not trying to hide the scar.


    When my attention was back to my room, I called out to her.


    ¡± Iris?¡±. She was talking way too much and saying too many things I really don¡¯t want toprehend at the moment.


    Shutting her up won¡¯t do much, but throwing her off guard will.


    ¡± Jules. And Mr McConnell I¡¯m not done yet. Alicson Shipping port is sending a business deal, but I really don¡¯t trust the genuineness of their im. I¡¯ve gone through it. Seller and Getta online sight is sending a-¡±


    ¡± You look nice ¡± I cut her shut with thepliment.


    I¡¯ve noticed she doesn¡¯t go well withpliments no matter how many times it¡¯s said. This was a true story testimony from Mr Reid¡¯s g. Each time someoneplimented her, she blushed.


    ¡± E-excuse me?¡± She finally stopped with the details.


    ¡± I said you look nice¡± I repeated, throwing myself forward and sped my palms together on my desk.


    ¡± Mr McConnell this is no time for jokes. You have a very busy-¡± She was trying to act hard but her facade is failing with that pink tinge on her cheeks. So i had to interrupt her again.


    ¡± I only said you looked nice. Everywhere.¡± I smirked when the pink on her face turns red and is crawling down her neck.


    ¡± Okay. So back to business ¡± She clears her throat and tries to locate where she was interrupted with the ballpoint pen between her fingers.


    ¡± Okay. Mr Jermaine is asking for a loan for a new hotel sight in Kansas City and Tenec? transport are also seeking coteral. A certain Mr Davey called to see you this afternoon, should I allow it?¡± Her gaze lifts from the book to me, but my gaze has been trained on her ever since.


    She blushed harder when she notices I wasn¡¯t going to reply her question without soaking her with my eyes.


    She clears her throat again. ¡± Uhm.. Mr McConnell?¡±


    ¡± You never acknowledged mypliment¡± I said and stood from my sitting position making her take two steps back.


    Her eyes wide and prepared to take any sudden action such that when I walked in front of my desk, leaned against it a few feet from her and stretched out my arm. She jumped by at least a mile.


    I chuckled at her antsy and ufortable mood before saying my request.


    ¡± You may hand the notepad to me now. I¡¯ll check off everything I¡¯ve looked into and give you a feedback ¡±


    Still jumpy, she stretches the book to me from a distance. Like my air contained rash poison.


    And I had a cunny n in mind.


    As soon as the book hit my palm before she could retreat, I gripped her wrist with my free hand. Not so tight, but at least enough to hold her.


    She yelped at contact and tried tugging away.


    It only made meugh some more.


    ¡± I like shy Iris better. She talks less¡± I whispered but it¡¯s loud enough for her to hear.


    After having my fill of tease and fun, I let go of her hand. She whipped around in a swift motion and soonest was out of my door.


    I couldn¡¯t help but bark a long loudughter as soon as the door was shut.


    I should really do this more often.


    A little y hurts no one.

 Chapter 024

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡± Okay, wedding invitation¡­. ept ¡± I murmured to myself and checked it in the positive side of the list.


    Maybe I could get tips from here on my own wedding ns.


    About to read the next line when my phone chimed with my ringtone.


    My eyes still scanning over the paper when I picked the cellphone and answered the call.


    ¡± Hello?¡±


    ¡± My baby!! It¡¯s been so, so long ¡±


    Mom.


    I can¡¯t express how I¡¯m feeling at the moment, it¡¯s been almost one whole month since I heard from her.


    Okay maybe just three weeks, but I¡¯mining.


    ¡± Mom¡­ Wow, how have you been?¡± I closed the book in front of me.


    ¡± I¡¯m good my baby, I¡¯m good. What about you?¡± She asked and her voice is sounding awfully too cheerful.


    She¡¯s about to ask something.


    ¡± I¡¯m alright too. I heard you went to see Love. How¡¯s she doing by the way?¡± I asked of my little sister.


    Thest time we spoke to each other she was kinda pissed at me when I told her I was too busy toe visit her.


    I¡¯m sure Mom must have heard about it.


    ¡°She¡¯s well. But I have something bigger to discuss¡± She was almost squealing.


    My mom might be a mother to two grownups but she still has that high school cheerleader spirit.


    ¡± Ask away ¡± I stood up from my chair and went to the window that had an open view of the tops of New York City.


    Themercial area is flooded with skyscrapers or extremely wide buildings. It almost looked like we werepeting for the best office.


    ¡± I got your photos from the g. My my you look amazing in a tux, why don¡¯t you wear them often?¡± Her pride in my looks evident from her sound.


    ¡± I don¡¯t attend G¡¯s often ¡± I chuckled into the cell at her request.


    ¡± You don¡¯t need a g. Wear them to your office or something ¡±


    That desperate?


    ¡± I¡¯ll think about it, but no promises¡± My fingers toil with the blinds of the window, rolling it around my pinkie meanwhile sheughs at the other end


    ¡± Your Dad wouldn¡¯t stop saying how his genes are so good and much nonsense. I honestly don¡¯t know how I got to marry a man so cocky ¡± A sigh was heard and I was the one tough this time around.


    I knew Dad was dying to see me in a tuxedo but was rearing the pride of a peacock to ask.


    Hmmm. Something we both share inmon.


    ¡± Hey, if you never got married to him I wouldn¡¯t have been born. You love me¡± I was practically grinning from ear to ear.


    That¡¯s the thing about chats with my parents, my mom jokes and makes youugh, my dad makes you look like an idiot and still makes youugh.


    They were amazing.


    ¡± That¡¯s the only constion I¡¯m holding on to sugarplum. You and your angry bird sister. ¡± She always gave nicknames to me everytime she calls and unlike most guys, I was never embarrassed about it even if she called me that in public. I liked it, it made me feel like she¡¯s the closest person to me on this earth and shockingly she is.


    Iughed at her description of Lovelyn.


    ¡± But hey, I¡¯m your favorite right?¡± I whispered like i was on a death mission, and truly I am. If Love hears about this we¡¯re doomed for a week.


    ¡± Bear in mind that I gave no answer to that¡± She whispered back to me.


    The both of usughed at our five seconds game and my mom speaks up.


    ¡± This isn¡¯t my major reason to call, I¡¯m on this line because of a picture you sent to me of two girls with yourself ¡±


    Someone had randomly been taking photos at the event and at the end I met the man for a soft copy of all the photos he took.


    They were really good. But the one mom is referring to is when Michelle walked up to me in the party with Iris by my side.


    ¡± Yeah, what about it?¡± I sat against my table and dusted off a speck of brown shade on my knee.


    ¡± What do you mean what about it!?, you idiot tell me which one is Michelle, you know I¡¯ve been dying to see the girl who stole my son¡¯s heart. Please tell me it¡¯s the dark haired one with the white gown. Damn boy she looks gorgeous. Though a bit on the short side but she isn¡¯t too small i guess ¡± The naughtiness in hersts words were bloody obvious!


    But I¡¯m about to disappoint her hopes of who Michelle is.


    ¡± Mom, Michelle is the girl with the red hair ¡±


    She halted for a while and I was begging the gods so she wouldn¡¯t be disappointed in my choice.


    ¡± She looks good too¡± I sighed with relief and released a breath I didn¡¯t remember holding.


    ¡± But who¡¯s the dark hair?¡± She asked, clearly trying to understand why she was by my side.


    ¡± Mom that¡¯s my recement secretary ¡±


    ¡± Secretary? Why go with your secretary to a G?¡± I forgot that i never mentioned this n to her.


    ¡± I forgot to tell you. Mr Reid doesn¡¯t know about Michelle and I ¡± I bit my bottom lip and waited for it.


    ¡± You forgot such information? How old are you? Eighty?¡± She was clearly annoyed.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Mom ¡±


    ¡± You better be. But did you make your intentions known that night?¡±


    ¡± No, I didn¡¯t ¡± She¡¯s gonna burst a truck load right now.


    ¡± No!?, why? And why go with your secretary? You could have just hung around Michelle to give him the hint¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s the thing. I don¡¯t want him to catch any hint¡±.


    ¡± Son, I never taught you gibberish so speak to me in thenguage I would understand!¡±From the person she is, her temper is only counting seconds.


    ¡± I went to the g for a business deal with Mr Reid that¡¯s why I carried my secretary along. I don¡¯t want Mr Reid to know about Michelle and I so he won¡¯t assume I¡¯m trying to bribe my way into the business. Another reason why my secretary sufficed ¡± I was sure not to let a hint of my intentions with Michelle slip by.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The only people currently aware are Chance, Mason and sadly Iris. But they can keep a secret.


    ¡± Hmm¡­ That¡¯s understandable. What¡¯s your secretary¡¯s name?¡± Her soothing voice enough to keep me calm.


    ¡± Miss Shawn. Iris Shawn ¡± The moment those words escape my lips, I remember the days I usually called Iris by herst name.


    Not my most pleasant memories ofte.


    ¡± Well, she¡¯s pretty ¡± A little recognition in her voice.


    ¡± Take good care of yourself okay? I need to speak a little with your father ¡±


    ¡± Okay Mom. I love you ¡±


    ¡± Love you more cupcake ¡±


    That was all before the beep.


    I nced down at my screen and the time says two O¡¯clock sharp.


    I have lunch with Michelle.


    I close up everything before me temporarily and took Iris¡¯s notepad along with me.


    On my way out I walked straight into her office with the same disrespect she disys to me.


    Her demeanor watchful as I stride to her table.


    I was a little proud at myself for the effect our encounter had on her.


    She was a lot better to work with when she was sealed shut.


    I dropped off her notepad with a simple instruction.


    ¡± Document the one¡¯s I¡¯ve attended to. I¡¯ll be right back ¡±


    She only gives a nod and I turn to walk out.


    A little prouder than when I stepped in.

 Chapter 025

    ¡± But aunt Megan told me if they try to diss, show ¡¯em the fist¡± Louie scrunched up her right hand into a fist and pped it against her free palm.


    Megan is corrupting my angel.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    We were seated with crisscrossed legs on the bed opposite each other as she narrated how she almost sent her fist into the cutest boy in her ss¡¯s nose.


    ¡± No. No way ¡± I started unclenching her fist ¡± Violence is bad¡±


    ¡± Aunt Megan doesn¡¯t lie¡± She pouted. Most often I wished she could have chosen someone else to be her role model.


    Oprah.


    Will Smith.


    Even Me!


    But she chose Megan. A mobile revenge stick.


    ¡± Aunt Megan didn¡¯t lie. She just told you a very active retort, a little too active for a kid¡± I stood up from the bed and walked towards the bathroom to take a quick convenience.


    ¡± Next time he wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m lying about who drew my artwork ¡±


    Well, today the so called cutest boy in her ss may I add whom she once admired but now detests doubted that Louie was the mind behind her drawings.


    I couldn¡¯t me him. For a kid she¡¯s a little too good.


    I mean at her age I couldn¡¯t draw a straight line properly, but she draws her animals and sky pretty well.


    ¡± Don¡¯t me him sweetie, your art is too good for him to believe.¡± I flushed the toilet and stepped out, back into the bedroom.


    ¡± But you believe them¡± She huffs and flops down t on the bed with her wavy hair forming a halo around her.


    ¡± Because I see you draw them almost everyday. These children just met you, don¡¯t be so harsh on them ¡± I sit close to her on the bed and begin to pet her frayed hair.


    ¡± Okay, so you weren¡¯t here when I drew this one. Let me show you ¡°.


    She sits up and with scurrying steps, she was off the bed to get her little pink backpack.


    ¡± So, here. It¡¯s on thest page¡± She pulls out a random book and hands it over to me.


    I smiled at her eagerness to show me and dly took the book from her tiny hands. As she said, on thest page so I opened it.


    And I almost doubted she was the artist.


    ¡± Soooo¡­. What do you think?¡± She was grinning with her entire sixteen tiny teeth on disy.


    This waspletely different from what she normally drew. I was expecting a sky, or a puppy and a bird or an image of one of the million teddy bears she had in her head.


    But I definitely wasn¡¯t expecting a flower vase with different types of flowers and nts in it.


    She even shaded!


    Louisa doesn¡¯t know how to shade an image properly for a professional but this was the highest above her standards that she had ever done.


    The flower vase had patterns of a sky which I believe is night because of the darkness degree of the shade and the moon at the edge.


    I hadn¡¯t even seen the background.


    It was a picture frame, of a little fruit bowl with what I assume is oranges and a banana.


    Not professional but amazing!!


    ¡± You- you don¡¯t like it?¡± Louie¡¯s sad voice pulls me back to earth and I see she looks almost disappointed.


    ¡± What!? Like it? Baby I love it!! It¡¯s amazing!¡± A smile of happiness spreads across her face .


    ¡± Thank you ¡± She was really happy that I loved it, but this is unlike any of her works.


    This is different.


    ¡± You¡¯re wee baby but quick question. Where did youe up with this idea?¡±


    It¡¯s unusual.


    ¡± Uhm¡­ About that.¡± She scratched the back of her head and I almost begged God for her answer to be legal.


    ¡± One night I walked into your boss¡¯s room and saw a drawing book. All the drawings were amazing but I had three favorites, the flowers, the fruit bowl and the sky. So i put them all in on since I couldn¡¯t decide which one I liked most¡±


    Hunter draws!??


    That exins the talent in Louisa.


    And that should be the night he caught her in his room.


    ¡± Wow Louisa, this is awesome. How did you learn to finish up your shades?¡± I asked, this was too much toprehend.


    ¡± I did the tiny lines with a pencil I found in the living room ¡±


    I was still admiring the work and realising the more reasons why the poor boy doubted her.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be sure to frame this, nowe get ready for bed¡± I put the book down and patted the space by my side.


    ¡± Will you read me a story?¡±


    ¡± Of course I will ¡± I smiled at her cuteness.


    ¡± Yay!! First I¡¯m thirsty ¡± Then she ran out of the room with a tter of footsteps.


    I just chuckled to myself.


    ¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    Coming out from the shower and I discovered I¡¯m actually hungrier than I thought.


    So I put on a pair of boxers with a sleeveless white shirt and took my phone to the kitchen.


    A tter of cups and spoons makes me assume that Cheryn is still up.


    When I passed by the living room, I checked by the clock to confirm what time exactly it was and it¡¯s ten PM.


    Not exactlyte.


    I entered the kitchen and someone little was trying to reach for the highest shelf in the refrigerator.


    Louisa, I think is her name, was on the kitchen stool and still on her tip toes to try and get something in there.


    This kid is really small, how old is she again ?


    ¡± You could have just called your mom to help you ¡± I said by the entrance to the kitchen.


    She screeched when she heard my voice, clearly not expecting me and jumped down from the stool.


    In seconds she shut the door to the fridge and turned to look at me.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m sorry ¡± She sounds like someone just scolded her and was waiting for an apology.


    Which had me wondering why her reaction.


    I sighed and walked towards the refrigerator that was previously opened, and she cautiously took at least six steps back away from me.


    ¡± What did you want ?¡± I opened the left side of it¡¯s double door and scanned the first ne for what she could actually be looking for.


    ¡± Uhm, water¡± She whispered, but I¡¯m d it was loud enough to be heard.


    I pulled out a big sized bottle and gave it to her.


    At least she wouldn¡¯t need toe here again tonight.


    ¡± Here¡± She stretches out her arms and because of her small size had to hug the bottle to her frame.


    ¡± T-thank you ¡± She whispered again and ran out of the kitchen.


    I scanned the fridge and saw some left over pizza I can help myself with.


    Transferring it to a t ceramic te, I put it in the microwave to warm up.


    It was during my wait that a call came into my cellphone.


    Dn..


    ¡± So you finally decided it¡¯s today your important message needed to be sent across?¡±


    ¡± Put a sock in it Hunter, I have more important things to handle than you ¡± His words sounded harsh but luckily I know he never means it.


    ¡± Like what if I may ask?¡± I took a seat on the counter and watched the microwave count down.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be in New York next week and I¡¯ming to visit ¡±


    ¡± Visit? Me? Or-?¡±


    ¡± Shut up. It¡¯s you dimwit ¡±


    ¡± So does this mean Dn misses me or¡­?¡± I loved teasing him.


    ¡± It means I have work to do and I decided to make sure I have no nieces or nephews yet¡±


    ¡± Smooth ¡±


    ¡± Whatever. Prepare for me. That¡¯s all¡± He snaps into the phone.


    ¡± What? No goodnight?¡± A smile dancing on my lips.


    ¡± Get out of my cellphone ¡± .


    Iughed at his response and ended the phone call.


    At the same time the microwave went off with a bell ding.

 Chapter 026

    ¡°That stupid, unintelligible, idiotic son of a fracking mother of a dog!!¡±


    I just stepped out of Hunter¡¯s office after a brief discussion we had.


    He wants to get to a man¡¯s head and overrule his business but rather than talk it out like a normal business man with a fraction of brain would do, he set me up on a date with him!


    Without my damn consent!!


    I should go out with him to liase as a woman because he believes women were Mr Luigi¡¯s weak spot.


    Now, currently I¡¯m in my office venting out my anger on an innocent pile of files which I just shoved into the cab.


    Apparently these files too had a death wish as a few came scattering over the floor.


    ¡± Screw this job, screw that man!.. fuck.. screw New York!!¡± I was busy muttering to my slightly deranged self and squatting to pick up the files that I hadn¡¯t noticed someone was leaning by my door.


    ¡± If I was to swear about the rate percentage of your knowledge on colourful words, I would have gone for a three percent over a hundred¡±


    I peeped and caught a sight of Mason in a ck and grey pieced suit.


    His smile evident on his face as he watched me and I blushed at being caught.


    ¡± How long have you been standing there?¡± My voice came out squeaky. I stood from my crouched position after gathering up the files.


    ¡± Long enough to know that Hunter got on your wrong side earlier. I was about going in to meet him when you stormed out and left your office door ajar¡± he takes graceful steps to where I was and gently pries the papers from my threatening hold.


    I hadn¡¯t even realized that I was squeezing the life out of them.


    ¡± Sorry you had to see that ¡± In my process of ranting, my bun hade stray in a few ways and I seized the opportunity to arrange the lost strands.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think I feel remorse about hearing you refer to someone as a son of a fracking mother of a dog¡± He smiled and slides the documents collected from me into the cab.


    I bit my lip to suppress aughter that almost escaped and I¡¯m pretty sure my attempts were obvious.


    Mason chuckled at my act and uses his thumb to retract my bottom lip from the brace it was in.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± I think watching you banter to yourself is cute¡± His eyes still trained on my lips and his palm straddling my right cheek. If it was possible, I definitely blushed harder.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have any appointments with him today. Or do you? I may have forgotten¡± My current brain condition is not one for remembrance.


    Heughed again and I had the blessed opportunity of having a good look at him.


    Mason should definitely be between the ages of twenty eight to thirty, but it¡¯s like his body stopped growing at the age of twenty three.


    Talk about aging gracefully.


    His blue eyes and blonde hair were his catching features, but the way his right brow lifted whenever he asked a question was bing one of my favorite pictures.


    His full pink lips spread apart to expose a set of perfectly arranged, white teeth.


    He was taller than me by aplete head and I really liked it. It gave me that aura of someone who can be your support and protection.


    His leanly built body was a lot more tempting presently in his suit and I am suddenly having a crave to go in for a hug.


    That wouldn¡¯t hurt right?


    ¡± No, I don¡¯t have an appointment with Hunter, but do I also need an appointment to see you?¡± He smirked and dropped his warm hand from my face.


    I miss it already.


    He¡¯s here to see me?


    BITCH MODE ACTIVATED¡­..


    ¡± well since you asked, yes you do¡± I whipped around and stylishly took a seat on my desk.


    ¡± Seriously?¡± His brows lifted again.


    He should really ask questions more often.


    ¡± Do I look like I¡¯m joking?¡± I cross my arms and try to put on a fake menace look meanwhile deep down I have a bad case of butterfly zoo-nosis.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t informed ¡± He took four light steps and was directly in my front with no stress.


    Curse tall people.


    ¡± Now you know, and I¡¯m a very busydy. So if you¡¯d kindly try againter and be sure to book an appointment then¡± I was managing this font perfectly but I began to doubt it when he ced his hands on my both sides and leaned into my face.


    ¡± I have to book an appointment even if I just came to ask you out on a date with me?¡± His gaze drops to my lips for aplete second before matching my eyes.


    A date!?


    No.. This is bad. Hunter warned against it.


    And since when have you been someone to listen to Hunter?


    Good point, but Mr Brooks?


    Will never find out.


    Since when do I have such a coercive mind?


    Since the moment your brain shut down due to his proximity.


    So it¡¯s settled, my brain isn¡¯t functioning then.


    ¡± You want to take me on a date?¡± My voice airy and soft. And for some reason, I like it.


    ¡± Yeah, if you want ¡± He shrugged and looked at my face expectantly.


    If I want. And I really do want to.


    Hunter gets to go out with Michelle and because of that I can¡¯t go out with Mason?


    What¡¯s the word I¡¯m looking for again?


    Screw that son of a fracking mother of a dog!


    Okay that¡¯s more than a word.


    ¡± Sure, I¡¯d love to ¡± I smiled at him and his expression mirrored mine.


    ¡± After knowing you for a while, I feel defeated that I actually do not have your phone number ¡± His voice dropped to a tone that should be illegal enough to send a juvenile to prison.


    ¡± You never asked ¡± The words almost didn¡¯te out from my lips but I¡¯m still strong.


    ¡± Can I ask now?¡± That brow again.


    ¡± If you want ¡± I shrugged and we bothughed at my imitation of him.


    ¡± Jules, can you do me the honours of giving me your contact info?¡± He extends his smartphone to me.


    Iughed once more before collecting the silver device and pressing my digits into it.


    ¡± Here¡± I bite my lower lip again and hand him back his phone.


    He takes it back but doesn¡¯t take his eyes off me. If someone¡¯s eyes could set your body on fire, I would be in ashes.


    ¡± You would really want to stop biting your lip around me ¡± He softly released my lip again.


    ¡± Why?¡±


    Am I really asking why? Do I want to know?


    He didn¡¯t give me answers with words, he only began to lean into my face and I think I understand where this is headed.


    I leaned in too and our noses were touching.


    Just a little more distance and¡­


    ¡± I don¡¯t think so¡±


    That beast!


    Mason and I pull away to see Hunter by my open office door.


    I really need to remember to always shut the door.


    Then again a door has never stopped him.


    ¡± I will respect it Mason if you limited your stay around my secretary for her efficiency ¡± Hunter practically red at me even though his words were for Mason.


    Mason cleared his throat and spoke up.


    ¡± Efficiency? I see. Anything else?¡± He crossed his biceps over his chest.


    ¡± Yes. I¡¯d also like for you to leave ¡± Hunter spat almost angrily but Mason being who he is decided to let it be.


    Not without sending me a wink though.


    Then he walks out leaving only Hunter and I.


    I angrily get off my table and get seated on my chair.


    ¡± You don¡¯t learn do you?¡± He technically growled at me.


    But I didn¡¯t want to reply, I was already too angry at him to say anything rationally.


    Sensing my decision to shun, he mmed my door shut and I heard marching steps retreat.

 Chapter 027

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    Simple instruction!


    Stay away from Mason!


    She couldn¡¯t adhere to the simplest instruction I¡¯ve ever given her in this life!


    I will not stay put and watch every n I¡¯ve perfectlyid for a year go down the drain.


    What did she not understand? My rtionship is on a low key and I don¡¯t want another secret on the spur.


    Didn¡¯t I ask nicely enough?


    ¡± Uhm, Mr McConnell?¡±


    Fuck! Lily is still here.


    ¡± Sorry about that, go on ¡± I snap back to reality where lily exists and give her a little attention.


    I honestly needed my concentration on this.


    But it¡¯s not going to be possible whenever I remember how she would have willingly destroyed a good plot byying her lips on the second born of Reid¡¯s.


    Even if she was going to destroy my n by kissing him, a little respect should be orded and it should not be done under my fuckin roof!


    ¡± Mr McConnell!¡±


    Dammit! Lily.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, sorry. Carry on ¡±


    For the first time since I met Lily, this is the first time she¡¯s actually getting frustrated with me.


    Well, first time aside the time I teased her before we-


    Not the point!


    She even looks exasperated.


    ¡± I think I¡¯ll just drop the ledger for you to go through it when you¡¯re.. errr- done¡± She pushes the book towards me and stood up swiftly.


    Then with a nod, she was out.


    I took deep breaths steadily and squeezed my eyes shut to suppress the numbing anger, but nothing is working.


    ¡± Okay Hunter, breathe in and out. Cool breaths. cool, calm, steady breaths¡± I motivated myself and to my surprise it actually worked.


    After calming down, I decided to call my father.


    If I¡¯m gonna run thispany, I need my sanity.


    And Iris is against that.


    After what I assume was the final ring before the beep, my dad answers.


    ¡± Strange ¡±


    Strange? That¡¯s the first thing he can say to me


    ¡± Hello to you too Dad ¡± I scoffed into the phone at his behavior.


    ¡± It¡¯s still strange ¡°.


    What is up with everyone and getting on my nerves.


    ¡± Dad I need to talk to you ¡± My voice deadpan serious.


    ¡± If you¡¯ve not made a fifty million profit and calling me to celebrate, then I don¡¯t wanna hear it.¡±


    He has got to be kidding me.


    ¡± Then you¡¯re in for a shock, no overblown profits ¡±


    ¡± Goodbye son¡±


    Was he really going to end the call on me without hearing me out?


    ¡± Dad it¡¯s about Iris ¡±


    ¡± What about her?¡±


    So now he¡¯s interested?


    ¡± Dad, I can¡¯t work with her¡±


    ¡± Like I said, goodnight son¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s having an affair with Mr Reid¡¯s son¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    Good, his interest is finally on a full tow.


    ¡± You heard me¡±


    ¡± How?, why?, what did you do?¡±


    Wait what!?


    It¡¯s now my fault?


    What is going on in the world? Someone should open apocalypse book twenty and add into the signs of end time.


    Making hunter McConnell go mad.


    ¡± What do you mean what did I do?¡±


    ¡± Why is she having an affair with him?¡±


    This is incredulous.


    ¡± What the actual fuck Dad, how am I supposed to know?¡±


    ¡± Language!¡±


    ¡± Fine! What makes you think I know her stupid yet selfish reasons?¡±


    He sighed into the phone, probably realising the stupidity of this conversation.


    ¡± Which of the Reid¡¯s?¡±


    ¡± Mason ¡±


    ¡± What are you going to do about it?¡±


    ¡± Me? I called you for an answer ¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Leave them be ¡±


    Is it just me, or are you also hearing words that rhyme with heave hem bee?Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Sorry, I didn¡¯t quite catch you ¡± I need a repeat of his reply, and possibly a gun to shoot myself.


    ¡± What else do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡± I will not give an answer to that question, but Dad I want-no¡­ need you to see the risk we¡¯re taking. Mr Reid doesn¡¯t know about his daughter and I, only imagine his reaction when he gets to find out about his son and my secretary ¡± I hope this is enough analysis to juggle that memory up.


    ¡± This is not a good situation ¡°. He sighed like he was tired.


    ¡± You think I don¡¯t know that?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll talk to Iris ¡±


    ¡± Good ¡±


    ¡± But in the mean time, leave her alone¡± His warning tone clear as day.


    ¡± I¡¯m not the one who¡¯s frustrating the other ¡± I scoffed.


    ¡± I believe that ¡±


    Really Dad ? Sarcasm?


    ¡± Whatever, just talk to her early before they get too deep ¡±


    ¡± Alright. Now I¡¯m busy and you get back to work ¡±


    His little act to put me off made me smile.


    At least he managed to uproot the anger.


    I ended the phone call and slid my ck smartphone to the other end of the table.


    I went through the first two pages of the ledger when my door was thrown open.


    Remember that anger? Yeah that one I uprooted?


    It¡¯s back.


    Iris marched to my table, threw a pile of documents at me and flipped around to march out.


    This is an insult!


    ¡± If you step out that door, you¡¯ll regret it ¡± I growled at her angry figure threatening to leave the room.


    She whirled to meet my gaze and pped her two hands on her slim waist.


    ¡± Really? You¡¯re threatening me now?¡±


    ¡± How dare you barge into my office!?, have you no respect?¡±


    ¡± Respect is reciprocal nitwit ¡± She wasn¡¯t wavering.


    She was as angry as I was.


    ¡± That¡¯s why you threw my files at me, in my own office ¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve held on to them for too long ¡±


    ¡± Have you forgotten you live under my roof?¡±


    ¡± Your dad¡¯s roof ¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t test me!¡±


    ¡± Or else what!?, you¡¯ll hit me?¡±


    She said it again.


    Me hitting her. Doesn¡¯t she know people grow past some things?


    This girl is the absolute meaning of frustration.


    ¡± Get out!¡± I bellowed and I even felt my table vibrate under me.


    ¡± I was on my way out already ¡± But my tone didn¡¯t faze her one bit.


    She turned around and continued with her swift steps, making sure to jam the door on her way out.


    I¡¯m getting tired.

 Chapter 028

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After a long and unsurprisingly annoying day of work, I arrive home a few to seven.


    Edwardes to drive my vehicle to the garage but I stop him before he can ask.


    ¡± No need. I¡¯ll be dropping off Iris and bringing her back soon enough ¡±


    He responded with a bow and walks stealthily behind me as we approached my front door that was left slightly open.


    Courtesy of Edward.


    When I step inside the first picture to greet me is Cheryn carrying Louisa on herp and giggling feveriously about what I do not understand.


    ¡± But what if she sees me?¡± The little girl asked and that makes me know she hasn¡¯t taken note of my presence.


    ¡± Should I promise you?¡± Cheryn smiled brightly eliciting a happy chuckle from the kid.


    ¡± Pinky swear ¡± This came from the small one as she stretches out her obviously too tiny finger to seal the deal.


    But Cheryn quickly sees me and acknowledges my presence.


    ¡± Good evening Mr McConnell ¡±


    Those words were a stop sign to Louisa because as soon as she heard me reply to Cheryn, she hurriedly jumped off herp and was about to bail down the hall.


    ¡± Louisa stop!¡± I called her back, almost like a warning.


    And she screeched to a halt before she could escape, but she didn¡¯t dare turn to look at me.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    With her back in my direction, I asked her what I needed.


    ¡± Where is your mother?¡±


    I was expecting a tiny voice of response but rather a more mature voice gives me an answer.


    ¡± I¡¯m here¡± Iris emerges from the hallway and like a maic juju, her kid was behind her in seconds for covering.


    My eyes trailed up from the kid to her mother and it took the graces from heaven for lips to remain closed.


    God! That gown should be banned from stock.


    A casual evening dress that would have looked simple on anyone, but some curves and edges on Iris gave it a whole new definition.


    The leopard print on one side and the ck and white pattern on the other made it an elegant attire that extended to just below her knee.


    Her make up was light, the only highlights standing out were her eyeliner and pink glossy lips.


    She let her hair down and it fell out in waves all over her face, framing it to have a nice splendor.


    This look was far too much for just a business discussion.


    ¡± What are you wearing?¡± I asked eyeing her waringly from top to bottom.


    ¡± It¡¯s a signature look from the brand, none of your business ¡±


    I heard Cheryn snicker aughter and Edward behind me pretended to clear his throat in order cover his.


    I hadpletely forgotten they were still here.


    ¡± I said you should go discuss with Mr Luigi, not seduce. I¡¯m pretty sure those words don¡¯t rhyme ¡±


    But what exactly is seductive about her dressing? I can¡¯t pin point anything out but I do not just approve of such.


    I don¡¯t want Mr Luigi thinking my secretary is a whore.


    On a second thought¡­ Hmmm.


    ¡± You said the way to Luigi¡¯s heart is ady right? So I decided to look good for him¡± She shrugged, making her earrings to create a nging sound.


    ¡± Go change ¡±


    It¡¯s simple. I have a reputation to build for my business.


    ¡± Huh?¡± She folded her arms on her chest and this dress is doing nothing to help cover the sight.


    ¡± You heard me¡± I pushed one hand into my pocket and the other had a grip on my phone.


    Iris used her eyes to scan the living room before looking back to me and I think she¡¯s trying to send a message.


    She wants ourpany to leave.


    Since when did she bother about her words in front of others?


    Actually¡­ She has never actually exchanged words with me in front of people.


    Well done.


    ¡± Cheryn, Edward please excuse us. And take Louisa with you ¡±


    Within a few seconds of waiting, they were walking out and Cheryn passed Iris a silent ¡® you look gorgeous¡¯ment.


    ¡± I¡¯m surprised you know her name¡± Were her first words when we finally got the privacy.


    ¡± Who? Cheryn or your spawn?¡±


    She red at me but I couldn¡¯t be fazed.


    ¡± Don¡¯t change the topic. Go change ¡±


    ¡± Hunter I am not changing ¡±


    She called me Hunter? What? No Mr McConnell today?


    ¡± And why is that?¡±


    ¡± Because you don¡¯t control me ¡°.


    ¡± I believe you going for this dinner is a proof that I do ¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m only doing this for your father ¡±


    ¡± Oh.. So you consider him now?¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s always been the reason I¡¯ve been tolerating your nonsense!¡± She shouted


    My nonsense!?


    ¡± So you¡¯re trying to tell me, the moment you and Mason Reid were ready to suck on each other¡¯s faces it was for my dad!?¡±


    ¡± What in the world is your problem!?¡±


    ¡± My problem is you don¡¯t want to use your head in this case and I¡¯m not going to lose a very valuable deal because of a nimrat like you ¡±


    Her eyes twitched. And I can hear her breathing bing deep and long.


    ¡± There¡¯s nothing going on between Mason and I. We are just friendly ¡±


    ¡± And I repeat. Our dictionaries are extremely different ¡±


    She¡¯s not done ratting out her mind, but I don¡¯t have time for her bullshit.


    ¡± Go change. I cannot let Mr Luigi see a worker of mine as a prostitute. I¡¯m not so keen of your profession¡±


    ¡± Jesus Christ! What is wrong with this dress?¡±


    Everything.


    ¡± Nothing. It just spells fuck me and not I need your money ¡±


    ¡± Of course you¡¯d know a cloth that screams fuck me, you¡¯re the brand owner ¡±


    ¡± And a few years ago you patronized my business ¡± I smirked. She¡¯s not the only one with snarkyebacks.


    ¡± I hate you ¡± She growled, her skin was turning basically red.


    New theory. Blood actually boils.


    ¡± I¡¯ve always known. Now go change ¡±


    She scoffed and picked a clutch from the sofa Cheryn had once upied.


    ¡± If you don¡¯t mind. Mr Luigi is waiting. Send for Edward ¡± She was going to the kitchen to probably look for Edward.


    ¡± I¡¯m taking you ¡°.


    ¡± Thanks but I¡¯ll pass¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not offering, it¡¯s amand ¡±


    ¡± I still choose to pass up¡±


    ¡± Do not provoke me Iris!¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s Jules¡±.


    ¡± Shut the fuck up about Jules and go freaking change!¡±


    ¡± You either take me like this or forget dinner¡±


    Why did that sound like a sexual innuendo?


    I have spent way too much time around Michelle.


    ¡± Fine, get in the bloody car¡±


    She pushed her nose up in the air and walked passed me, ensuring she scoffed when she got to my side.


    When will murder serve a less penalty on earth?

 Chapter 029

    Iris P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I marched with a huff of annoyance towards Hunter¡¯s white car that was parked on the west side of the restaurant.


    The date wasn¡¯t even aplete ten minutes!


    Well, five since it took quite a while to locate the vehicle.


    Hunter was leaning against the driver¡¯s door and answering a phone call but I¡¯m very sure I saw his eyeballs expand by four inches when he saw me approaching.


    I hurriedly walked to the passenger seat and mmed the door shut.


    ¡± Baby, I¡¯ll call you back ¡± He said to whoever was on the phone and I believe it¡¯s Michelle.


    Mr Luigi is definitely the second most frustrating man I have ever met.


    No one beats Hunter in first ce.


    ¡± This is the shortest date I have evere across ¡± Hunter said as he sat behind the wheel.


    ¡± Whatever. Just drive ¡± I need to get a life long shower, scrubbing my body with stones.


    ¡± Just drive?¡± Hunter raised a brow ¡± You¡¯re not gonna tell me what you guys concluded on?¡±


    Do I look like someone who came to a conclusion few minutes ago?


    ¡± As you can see I¡¯m not in the mood, so drive ¡±


    ¡± If I waited for you to be in the mood anytime we speak, then we¡¯ll never have a conversation ¡±


    As true as that is, my current behavior is due to his unending stupidity.


    ¡± Hunter if we don¡¯t leave here now, you will be having a very long conversation with the police ¡±


    It¡¯s true. And despite the fact Mr Luigi is a well known personality, he deserves everything he got.


    Hunter didn¡¯t question me anymore and I¡¯m d he was familiar with my capability to invite the cops.


    He reversed out of the driveway and took a steady speed to our destination.


    A few minutes of silence stretched out between us in the car as we were on the highway.


    The road was almost as quiet as the environment within. Only a few vehicles whooshing by with a greater speed than the limit, with their heamp providing temporary extra light source.


    Street lights illuminated the road creating a division from it¡¯s source and the dark starless sky.


    Hunter just gripped the steering wheel in a very tight brace and was focused on the road, even though he looks like he wants nothing more than to speak up.


    Which he did.


    ¡± Iris. Spill.¡± Two simple words that may evoke worse responses than he thinks.


    ¡± We didn¡¯te to a conclusion ¡± I turned to admire my sultry reflection on the side view mirror.


    This scene brought back a feeling of nostalgia.


    The exact stage happened some years ago with Dn.


    Except this is different¡­ Too different.


    I miss him.


    ¡± I kinda figured when we chose to run away from the police ¡± I don¡¯t need to see him to picture him grinding his teeth together.


    I can actually hear it.


    ¡± Then what else do you want to know?¡± I moved my eyes to him.


    He is still in his ck suit from earlier and his hair hade dispersed in different directions from frequent running of hands through it and the wearing out of his gel.


    His stubble was bing very obvious but it did nothing to dampen his looks.


    In fact it made him look better.


    Each time I look at him I remember the days people left me to suffer under his fate, and that certain pang always hit me when I consider his good looks to be a reason I was abandoned.


    I had always admitted it before that he was good looking and I have no idea why it actually hurts me more now.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    I pretend to be okay every day and help the guy who made me bleed times without number in the past.


    But let me be honest with you.


    It has never hurt me this much until this point.


    Maybe my evening triggered it?


    A dry chuckle that clearly seemed to make me feel two times more stupid than normal escaped him.


    ¡°What else do I want to know?, I don¡¯t know maybe a reason why the cops would show up in the first ce? ¡± He was angry and his tone was amplifying it.


    I didn¡¯t try to answer as my words were caught up in my throat.


    I had this stinging feeling in my eye and I am familiar with what is about to happen.


    I¡¯m gonna cry.


    I can¡¯t remember whenst I cried but I know I can¡¯t cry in front of him.


    What is wrong with me?


    ¡± Iris answer me!¡± He barked again and the stingy feeling apanied an itch in my throat and a load in my chest.


    I squeezed myself to the door and shut my eyes tight to push the feeling away.


    ¡± IRIS!!¡±


    I snapped.


    ¡± He touched me!¡±


    And the tears came down.


    Maybe that¡¯s why everything hurt so much.


    Thest person to ever touch me in that manner was Hunter.


    And I went through the horror again trying to help him.


    I couldn¡¯t help it as the salty liquid ran down a straight line on my face, the pain in my chest causing a tighter constriction and if I¡¯m not careful I may begin to hyperventte.


    But then again, that only happens if I panic.


    And I can¡¯t panic because the car has suddenly gone below the sound of supersonic hearing.


    Hunter was oddly quiet.


    Now he decides to say nothing? Where was this attitude when I told him to drive?


    ¡± You can¡¯t speak anymore!?¡± I shouted.


    I don¡¯t deserve to get hurt like this. I deserve more.. Much more than a pained heart and a broken soul.


    Suddenly he chose to remain silent after hearing what happened?


    I hate you Hunter!


    Hate! Hate!! Hate!!!.


    I huffed and squeezed myself together again, leaning my head against the open window.


    I wiped my face with my left palm and sniffed the outside air, but the tears came running again. So I brustled through my clutch and brought out my pocket tissue to wipe my face along with it.


    Not only was I crying but I¡¯m granting him the satisfaction of crying in front of him.


    ¡± I warned you ¡±


    It took me a while to register that sentence.


    He warned me?


    ¡± Huh?¡± I turned to be sure it¡¯s me he was referring to but I couldn¡¯t decide, when I looked to him he was still focused on the road.


    My face possibly looks horrible with my mascara running down my cheeks and puffy red eyes but I couldn¡¯t care less.


    It¡¯s not important to him.


    ¡± I warned you about the dress and earlier on I told you Mr Luigi had a thing for women but you wouldn¡¯t listen ¡±


    ¡± What about if you hadn¡¯t set this up?¡± My pain is slowly turning to anger as he is trying to put the me on me.


    But he was silent again. No snarkyeback, no jests, no apologies.


    Just silence.


    I just stared at him in wonder.


    How can someone be so heartless?


    Just¡­ How?


    I probably did for a whole thirty seconds with ring eyes because he finally turns to look at me since our car ride began.


    The looksted for merely two seconds before he speaks again.


    ¡± What happened?¡±


    Oh, now he wants to know?


    I scoffed and restored my cradling position.


    ¡± Iris?¡±


    ¡± Jules¡±


    He sighed and loosened his grip on the wheel as we took a left turn.


    This ride is taking longer than usual.


    ¡± Tell me what happened ¡±


    ¡± What do you care?¡±


    ¡± Just tell me.¡±


    It was amand but shockingly it wasn¡¯t a usual Hunter¡¯smand. It just sounds like he¡¯s asking a question for a conversation.


    ¡± Fine¡± I started and spared him a nce to which he nodded and I continued.


    ¡± When I got in Luigi was already seated. We exchanged little greetings before I had my seat. And the table he got us was a side by side seater. Not your usual opposite position ¡± I paused to see if he was even listening and I guess he is.


    If that smirk on his lips isn¡¯t a sign of how proud he is with Luigi, I don¡¯t know what is.


    Turning back to the road, I continued with my tale.


    ¡± The waitress took our orders but before she could return with them.. It¡­ His¡­ He was everywhere. With his hands. So I left before we could discuss anything ¡±


    ¡± What did you do?¡± His voice sounds like he¡¯s swallowing downughter.


    I don¡¯t find this funny.


    ¡± You heard me, I left¡± I red at him. He was still paying full attention to the road but his smile was growing.


    ¡± Iris before then. What did you do before you left?¡±


    He¡¯s on the verge ofughter as he bit his lower lip.


    What did I do?


    Well¡­¡­..


    ¡± I may have poured the entire bottle of wine on him¡± I huffed and folded my arms across my chest.


    He deserves worse.


    But Hunter surprised me. He actuallyughed at my story.


    My tears were long forgotten and a new profound anger was developing.


    ¡± What¡¯s funny!?¡±


    ¡± Why did you skip that part when you know fully well that its what I actually wanted to hear?¡± He was still smiling and believe me it was contagious.


    But I¡¯m still angry at him setting this up.


    ¡± It¡¯s my story not yours¡±


    That made him chuckle but afterwards he remained silent.


    The silence didn¡¯tst long before my phone started to ring.


    I pulled out the phone and nced at the caller but immediately put it back down.


    When I had gotten home from work to prepare for the dinner, Mason sent me a text just to make sure I could save his too.


    And I did.


    So guess who¡¯s calling.


    I deliberately chose not to answer the call because I had no energy nor tolerance for an earful from Hunter tonight.


    And the phone rang again.


    And again.


    ¡± Won¡¯t you answer it?¡± Hunter asked while stopping at a red light.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to ¡± My fury had reduced to an ordinary temper and I only chose to admire the street lights nearby.


    After the third ring a text message came in.


    The least I can do is at least read it.


    I read it and it was from Mason.


    Hey, I¡¯ve been calling.


    Hope you¡¯re okay?


    I wanted to ask if you were free this Saturday? You know.. For a date.


    Call me when you get this.


    A little smile made it¡¯s way to my face after I read it and I hadpletely forgotten about Hunter¡¯s presence till he spoke.


    ¡± I know it was Mason ¡± His voice firm as he began to drive at the go of the traffic light.

 Chapter 030

    Iris P. O. V.


    The moment we arrived at Hunter¡¯s house, I was already groggy with a sleepy soul.


    But the house never stops leaving me in awe.


    Everything is just so perfect, I really don¡¯t want to calcte the money spent on it.


    Hunter parked up front and almost immediately, Edward emerged from the house to carry out his regr job.


    I hopped out as soon as the car came to a halt and stylishly ran indoors.


    Shower then sleep.


    Those were the mantras I chanted to myself as I made my way to the room.


    I was expecting Louisa to be asleep but who am I kidding? It¡¯s just slightly to ten and I met my happy baby scribbling on Cheryn¡¯s face who had fallen asleep beside her, probably while she tried to get the kid to shut her eyes.


    ¡± Mummy!¡± Her movement was quick. From crawling on the bed, to jumping off it, to running into my arms.


    But that¡¯s just another thing that makes me love her more.


    ¡± Mummy, you were gone for sooo long ¡± She whined as she gripped my knees and her head rested on my thigh.


    Yeah, long but not long enough for Hunter¡¯s taste.


    ¡± I know baby. I promise to not go away for so long anymore ¡± I lifted her up and bnced her on my left hip.


    She just gave me a light squeeze and pushed her head into my neck to inhale my scent.


    Call it strange, yeah I know. But I believe it¡¯s part of her little ways of adapting to people or showing concern.


    I diverted my attention back to Cheryn and remembered why I had in mind to scold her.


    ¡± Why are you drawing on Aunt Cheryn¡¯s face?¡± I mumbled into her ear that was few inches from my mouth.


    She raised her head and spun to check on the victim.


    ¡± It¡¯s not drawing. Aunt Cheryn called it uh¡­ She said it¡¯s uh¡­.¡± She shut her eyes to wrack that big brain in such a tiny head for the answer.


    ¡± Yes! Make up!¡± She wriggled in my arms and I let her down so she could run back to the bed.


    ¡± Make up?¡± I questioned as I took of my shoes to approach the bed.


    ¡± Yeah. You forgot so many color pencils on the bed when you had to go and I wanted to use it for my drawings but Aunt Cheryn said they are for the face and not paper, so I asked her if I could try them and she says ¡®sure go ahead¡¯ so I did¡± She shrugged and I barked outughter at her imitation of Cheryn¡¯s soprano pitched voice when she said sure go ahead.


    ¡± Was Aunt Cheryn awake when this happened?¡± Because that could be the only exnation as to why she would let Louisa make her up.


    Poordy must have been too tired to handle the kid.


    ¡± She answered me, so yes¡± Louie peered back at Cheryn with a wide smile on her face that made me curious to see her handwork.


    So, you know when Louie said Aunt Cheryn told her the eye/lip liners I left on the bed were for drawing on the face?


    The kid took the word drawing, very seriously.


    There were triangles, circles and squares all over her chubby cheeks.


    I suppressed my giggle and went to get a tissue from the bathroom.


    Louisa follows with barely audible steps but stands by the bathroom door.


    ¡± Soo.. What do you think about my makeup?¡± She grinned like a Cheshire Cat with an incredibly bubbly attitude.


    I¡¯m too worn out to deal with this but if I can¡¯t handle her, who will?


    ¡± It needs a little more practice but you¡¯re good¡± I replied as I picked the tissue and took her by her hand back to the bedside.


    ¡± Mr Gulimo said he ordered cupcakes! Can I have one?¡± That¡¯s the only possible way for her to pronounce Guillermo without eventually biting herself.


    She peered up at me from her longshes and cerulean blue eyes. Bearing an extra wide smile.


    How are her cheeks not torn up from all the smiling?


    ¡± Louie, it¡¯ste ¡± I sighed as I climbed onto the bed to wipe off Cheryn¡¯s ¡®makeup¡¯


    ¡± Oh, okay ¡±


    She agreed!


    Louisa never agrees, how do you expect me to be firm towards her if she always says yes to me?


    ¡± I don¡¯t know how you did it, but I¡¯m permitting just one ¡± I looked at through narrowed eyes.


    ¡± You¡¯re per.. Perm.. Uhm¡±


    I forgot. Big Words.


    She tries to produce the word permitting so she can understand my instruction, but has no such luck.


    ¡± Go ahead and take one ¡± I state in the simplest way I can think of.


    ¡± Thank you!!!¡± She screeches and bolts out of the room.


    I chuckled at her before remembering I had someone to call.


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡± Mr Gulimo!!¡± The sound of Louisa¡¯s voice filling the entire hallway as she came nearer.


    I was by the counter eating a cupcake from the box I saw in the refrigerator, while so many thoughts were running around my head.


    I¡¯m definitely expecting Mr Luigi¡¯s call but then what?


    I can¡¯t apologize to him. Heck, my dad will behead me if I did.


    And I can¡¯t shun his calls.


    Judging from his childish personality, he¡¯s probably going to barge into my office someday or possibly hold a grudge.


    I¡¯m hoping for thetter.


    ¡± Mr Guli-¡± The small girl halts before me as she notices my presence in the kitchen.


    Her blue eyes be darker as the aura around her simply smelled of fear.


    I¡¯m not on who likes causing little kids to tremble, but louisa¡¯s reaction to my presence only moves me the least.


    I eyed her from head to toe like a wild animal scanning his prey, and her features wereing into focus.


    Blue eyes, olive skin and ck hair.


    These were the first things you would unknowingly catch on her body even if you don¡¯t want to.


    Come to think of it, you¡¯d never believe Iris and this girl were rted if not for the hair and facial build up.


    And her mom is currently sporting a ck hair.


    Every other thing present on this kid looked somewhat different from her mom, but because of their closeness you can tell the rtionship.


    The little girl began backing up to run back the same way she came in, but she smacked into someone.


    ¡± Oww, sowie-¡± She finally looks up to see who she walked into ¡± Mr Gulimo ¡±


    Honest truth? The kid¡¯s cute.


    Guillermoughed and ran his hands through her almost waist length hair before replying.


    ¡± No worries kiddo. You summoned me your highness?¡± He faked a bow in her direction and earned himself a giggle.


    ¡± Oh yes, I require a cupcake please ¡±


    I almostughed at her amateur British ent, but I¡¯ve learned a thing or two about self control.


    But Guillermo didn¡¯t hesitate with his own chuckle and response.


    ¡± What did the queen say?¡±


    The queen? I¡¯m having this feeling he¡¯s referring to Iris.


    ¡± She per¡­ Uhm.. Perm¡­ Er- she allows just one ¡±


    Someone tell me it isn¡¯t permitted she tried to say.


    ¡± Fine, just one it is. Come on lets get it ¡±


    Guillermo made his way to the fridge but the girl stood outside without moving a step.


    Possibly because she¡¯s aware and standing in the room.


    Her little eyes were fixated on me and I matched her stare.


    When my right hand man noticed she wasn¡¯t behind him, he picked the cake and walked back to where she was standing.


    ¡± Here you go¡±


    After opening her tiny hands and collecting the cake, she passed him a weak smile then ran off.


    ¡± Should I presume you dislike the kid or her mother?¡± His back was in my direction while he watched the child run off as he asked the question.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about ¡± I scoffed and went to get a ss of water from the fridge.


    But first, to retrieve the ss from the cupboard.


    ¡± Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve been blind to your irritations around miss Jules and unnecessary strictness towards her kid. So who¡¯s your problem? The child or her mother?¡± He turned to watch my movements.


    Smart man.


    ¡± I still don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about ¡± I selected a small ss and headed for the refrigerator.


    ¡± You don¡¯t love children in particr but I¡¯m very sure you don¡¯t hate them ¡± One hand inserted into his right pocket as the other swung freely when he stepped towards the counter.


    ¡± Your assumptions are baseless ¡± I poured myself a cup of water and gulped it down in seconds.


    ¡± Considering your insistence of our visitors name being Iris, I believe there¡¯s a history we¡¯ve not known¡± .


    Guillermo was a smart man, but he was also one to go snooping into things that aren¡¯t his business.


    I decided not to answer his question and returned the ss cup to the shelf.


    ¡± Hunter, I may be old but that makes me only wiser. I¡¯d find out either way or the other ¡±


    I walked up to the counter till we were directly opposite each other and picked up my wallet I had ced at the side.


    ¡± Fine. If you insist. Your ¡®Jules¡¯ and I went through the same high school and let¡¯s say we weren¡¯t really the best of friends ¡±


    He kept silent and I¡¯m sure he¡¯s thinking thoroughly for more exnation into the story.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Which he¡¯ll not be hearing from me.


    I snatched up my wallet I had dropped during course of my answering and began walking out.


    ¡± Goodnight Guillermo ¡±


    Nearly out the door when his voice came out again.


    ¡± So one could say you guys were rivals?¡±


    More like Bully and victim.


    ¡± Yeah, sure. If you put it that way ¡± With a rigid stance


    I was off to bed.

 Chapter 031

    Enjoy?¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡± Someone seems too busy¡±


    That sultry voice grabbed my attention in less than a second.


    She was leaning against the slightly opened door in a simple ck polo and blue jeans.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯ve never been happier to see ck and blue in my life.


    ¡± Michelle ¡± It sounded more like a satisfactory statement than a surprise.


    After everything I¡¯ve been going through, seeing Michelle on a Monday morning is by far the best constion I could ever get.


    ¡± You sound like you were expecting me?¡± She chuckled and took extremely slow and frustrating strides towards me.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t expecting you, you¡¯re just what I need right now. Come here¡± Believe it or not, I¡¯m desperate.


    She chuckled again and responded by sitting on myp in a straddling position.


    ¡± Having a rough day?¡± She asked as she sped her fingers around my jaw and uses her thumb to caress my growing stubble.


    This had a soothing effect that I can never exin.


    ¡± I¡¯ve had a rough week ¡± I groaned and rested my head on her sulent chest just to feel her up close.


    She said nothing as she embraced me in a soft hug and held me firmly in my position, running her hands through my hair.


    I sighed before looking into her eyes once more.


    ¡± How did you know exactly what I needed?¡±


    She smiles gently and ces a light kiss on my lips.


    ¡± I haven¡¯t seen you in a while too, and I need that ¡±


    I felt my heart grip at her words and I pulled her in for a deeper kiss.


    Savouring her mouth in every way as I nted my hands on her hip to pull her closer.


    She pushed her tongue into my mouth eliciting an excited groan from me. I moved one hand to her hair to press her tight against me, if at all there was any space to close up.


    She moaned in approval and began grinding on my member that wasing to life because of ourpromising positions.


    Our make out session was slowly growing and getting hotter as the seconds flew by before she broke the kiss.


    Her swollen plump lips and her flushed cheeks were images I¡¯ve learned to fall in love with.


    She peered at me from under hershes and took a few seconds to regain her breath.


    ¡± I need you ¡± She whined and ces her forehead on mine and I felt that.


    It¡¯s been a while since we just enjoyed each other¡¯spany because of little majors here and there but now I miss that.


    ¡± I need you too.¡± I pecked her lips ¡± I¡¯ll tell you what, this Friday night just you and I ¡±


    She grinned at my suggestion andes down for anothersting kiss.


    Which was cut short by someone walking in.


    ¡± Mr McConnell the-ohh¡± Iris stopped in her tracks after realising what she just walked into.


    I¡¯m very sure it took an army of calmness for Michelle to bite back what she intends to say but the way she looked at me spoke enough volumes.


    ¡® I hate your secretary ¡®


    I chuckled at her scrunched brow before using my thumb to release them from its frown.


    ¡± I¡¯m at work, but I promise youter¡± I pulled her down and whispered in her ear.


    She just looked at me with uncertainty in her eyes then red at Iris who was standing ufortably by the exit.


    Michelle leaned forward for a really deep kiss and I believe she¡¯s just marking territory.


    After a few seconds, she was off myp and making her way out.


    She made sure to brush Iris on the way.


    ¡± Uhm.. sorry about that¡± Iris mumbled and adjusted her sses on the bridge of her nose.


    Whoa! Hold up! sses?


    Thest time I ever saw Iris in sses was the year she disappeared. And even then it was an on and off use.


    I always believed she wore contacts more often, just a guess really. I broke her sses quite a number of times in the past so she found the contacts more useful.


    ¡± You¡¯re wearing sses.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question, just a simple statement.


    ¡± Yes Mr McConnell. It is on my face¡± her fake attempt to reply me came with a bored tone.


    ¡± Why are you wearing them?¡±


    I honestly know she wouldn¡¯t answer but there is no harm in trying.


    ¡± Yeah. L¨¤ Cheri¨º magazine sent in a request to make you their cover for next month, should I ept?¡±


    She¡¯s not gonna answer. I expected it though.


    ¡± Sure, what day did they set?¡±


    I checked my watch and saw it was time for another meeting with Glitter and m designer on a new perfume scent.


    After closing up all open books before me, I tried to smoothen out my suit as I stood from my chair.


    ¡± You agreed?¡± She asked and clear shock spread on her face.


    ¡± Yes. You think I shouldn¡¯t?¡± I walked to her side and peered into the notepad she had in her hand.


    Considering our position isn¡¯t one she¡¯sfortable with, so she moved two steps to the side.


    ¡± Uhm- are they paying?¡±


    So that¡¯s why she¡¯s surprised? She believes I can¡¯t do something for another person for free?


    True to a level.


    ¡± Yes they are¡±


    She only nodded before changing the subject.


    ¡± It¡¯s time for the meeting with Glitter and m designer.¡± She turned to me with a smile on her face.


    This fucking smile has been on her face since Saturday and it¡¯s unnerving.


    I mean, what could possibly make Iris smile at me?


    ¡± Let¡¯s go¡± we walked to the elevator and as usual we stood eight hundred kilometers away from each other.


    As the elevator closed shut, Iris phone beeped to a message.


    She immediately took it out and viewed.


    And if it is even capable of happening, her smile grew.


    I watched as her facial features carved into something of admiration or sort.


    Her smile was blinding as her cheeks and tips of her ear began to taint with the color pink.


    That only happens when she¡¯s ufortable or shy.


    Then it hit me.


    Whatever made Iris happy on Saturday is the cause of the current joy.


    And here is a bigger discovery. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a what.


    I believe it¡¯s a who.


    And I have full confidence that I know who that specific who is.


    Dad told me to let them be, but these kids are being in careless about it.


    How in the world would Mason Reid take a girl out for dinner? Within two days the whole world will be drilling with information.


    And that whole world includes The Reid¡¯s father.


    I never took Michelle out on public dates, we will normally just meet up at my house or somewhere extremely inconspicuous.


    That¡¯s why I¡¯m nning to propose on her birthday with the yacht, so all the questions that maye up from suspicion will be answered.


    But then again I¡¯m not nning on doing the proposal that day anymore so I¡¯m looking for a hidden yet mboyant way to celebrate her birthday.


    All these and many more, I am enduring and some people want to ruin it for me?


    I don¡¯t think so.

 Chapter 032

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡± Guillermo please tell Edward not to worry, I¡¯ve done the parking for him¡± I say as I walked into the living room and shrug off my suit jacket.


    ¡± No problem, wee back¡± Guillermo replies and takes my jacket from me.


    I answer with a nod and flop myself down on the sofa, whilst putting on the television and searching for my worthy entertainment.


    ¡± Ah, you¡¯re home¡±


    I look to my left to sight Edward descending the stairs in a graceful manner.


    He had his hand full of papers and colour pencils which I¡¯m definitely sure aren¡¯t mine.


    ¡± Err- Edward, is there an architectural crisis going on in your bedroom?¡±


    Hisughter boomed on the down floor as he clutches his stomach to steady himself.


    ¡± Oh goodness no. These are for Louisa¡± he lifts his arm in the air like it will open a spiritual portal that will enable me see it¡¯s contents.


    ¡± Hmm, well carry on¡± I nudged my chin to him as he walked straight into the kitchen, leaving me to concentrate on the show in the television.


    A few minutester, soft footsteps approach and I don¡¯t need to look to see who¡¯sing.


    I became aware of when she entered the living room because she gasped, definitely not expecting me here.


    I bit back my smirk and waited for her to retreat as usual and she did.


    Only thing is she came back after only going few steps.


    ¡± You don¡¯t like me¡± was the first thing the little girl said and to be honest, my shock didn¡¯te from the question but from the fact that she¡¯s actually talking to me.


    Looks like she had been inspired to face her fears.


    ¡± Go to bed kid¡± I don¡¯t look at her as I replied, rather I change the channel once more and rpse in my chair.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you like me? Everybody likes me¡± she continues to speak and I¡¯m beginning to see traces of her mother¡¯s knowledge in her.


    Number one, unnecessary courage.


    ¡± Then I¡¯m the one to teach you that in life, not everyone is going to like you¡±


    The station I decide on is a movie I think, but I¡¯m already far from it¡¯s starting point so I just try to pay attention and grasp the concept.


    And that was interrupted by a ck figure underneath my line of sight.


    I slowly lowered my eyes to see why she felt it was ideal to interrupt me tonight but the sight I met with slightly cracked me.


    Louisa was looking me straight in the eye like she had done something wrong, her eyes were holding back a stream of tears that was very visible and her pouted lips quivering almost in fear.


    ¡± Whatever I did, I¡¯m sorry¡±


    Then I felt a cord strike my heart.


    She¡¯s apologising? How? Why?


    This is one thing Iris would never do in her life considering what we¡¯ve been through in the past, but her kid is here apologising like it¡¯s the easiest words toe across.


    ¡± My mummy told me that if you did something wrong to someone you should say sorry. So I¡¯m sorry¡± she continues


    A tear slipped from her left eye and on reflex, my finger came up to wipe it away.


    She flinched at first when I touched her and I felt another tug.


    It was true that I wasn¡¯t a fan of children, but I didn¡¯t necessarily hate them.


    In fact, I n to have kids someday.


    The only thing I detest is their nagging and endless tears but I do love everything else about them, even their clinginess.


    But there is this particr dislike I feel towards this little girl in front of me and I don¡¯t know why.


    Maybe because of her Mom?


    ¡± I won¡¯t hurt you. I promise¡± I cooed to her and now she let the tears flow out endlessly.


    She broke into a full soundless sob and I have never felt my heart so heavy before.


    Thest time she cried a little was when I scolded her for being in my bedroom without my consent.


    That was entirely wrong for anyone, be yea an adult or a child.


    But I guess the way I scolded her wasn¡¯t the best.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry¡± she managed to say in between her sobs and I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    I pulled her into a hug and she didn¡¯t fight it, she just rested her head on my chest and continued crying.


    I patted her hair and whispered into her ear ¡± I don¡¯t hate you, okay?¡±


    ¡± Okay¡± her reply came out muffled but it was loud enough to be heard.


    We stayed in that position for a while with meforting the crying angel.


    The time is eleven fifty seven and Louisa had fallen asleep in my arms.


    I held her closely to my chest as she slept and released tiny sighs in her sleep.


    The movie wasing to an end when two voices decided to join me.


    ¡± So it¡¯s the mother he doesn¡¯t like¡±


    ¡± Hmm, I always felt it had something to do with the kid¡±


    Guillermo and Edward say respectively as thetter takes a seat by my side.


    ¡± Why are you guys still up?¡± I asked them as the credits for the movie began scrolling.


    ¡± You know regr gossip and eavesdropping¡±


    What did I do to deserve these sort of workers?


    ¡± You heard our conversation didn¡¯t you?¡± Referring to my little chat with Iris¡¯s kid.


    ¡± Of course we did, and we also learned that you don¡¯t hate the girl ¡± Edward started before he was interrupted


    ¡± And also I don¡¯t believe you hate her mother. You guys bickering seems more like unsettled matters than hate¡± Guillermo finishes up.


    Sure.. unsettled matters of the past.


    ¡± And judging from things we¡¯ve seen, heard and known, you have nothing against her parents¡± it was still Guillermo.


    They went as far to analyze her parents?


    ¡± What are you two hinting at?¡± I asked simply tired of them beating about the bush.


    ¡± What we¡¯re saying is, do you have anything against Louisa¡¯s father?¡±


    I chuckled softly so I won¡¯t wake the sleeping baby in my arms before replying.


    ¡± I don¡¯t even know the guy¡±


    ¡± And why should we believe that?¡± Edward asks


    ¡± Because I know nothing about him. I don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s a goddamn human or not¡±


    ¡± So why did he leave his family?¡± Guillermo asks the strangest question so far.


    ¡± How do you expect me to know that?. Look, if you wanna know anything about him ask her Mom and not me¡± I get up from my seat and ce a hand on Louisa¡¯s back to bnce her against me.


    It¡¯s time for me to head to bed.


    ¡± But Iris never talks about the man¡± Edward adds.


    I scoffed knowing fully well she wouldn¡¯t want to tell them about a guy who knocked her up from sleeping around.


    ¡± Then if she says nothing about it, it¡¯s her choice. I in particr know nothing to tell you. Goodnight guys, see you tomorrow¡± I finalize and walk down the hall to hand Louisa over to her Mom.


    On a sincere note, this is the first time since Iris moved in here that I¡¯m actually walking down this direction.


    I get to their door and knock softly, three times.


    Yeah, I¡¯m knocking. This is a bedroom and not an office.


    No response came and I knock again.


    After waiting for two minutes and no one opened the door, I decided to go in myself.


    The bedroom lights were off and that only made me assume that Louisa walked out again when her Mom was asleep.


    She really has to stop that.


    I walked up to the bed that is a few feet away and catch a glimpse of Iris¡¯s sleeping form.


    She was putting on only the long sleeve button up cor shirt she wore to work this morning and ace panties.


    Someone¡¯s been sexy-ing up their wardrobe.


    Believe me when I say I tried to look away but it was almost impossible.


    Her round ass was faced in the direction opposite to the door, which is away from me. But it¡¯s plump figure could not be hidden.


    Her shirt had ridden up her stomach to disy a slim waist and a really t belly.


    And it may be the darkness of the room but I think I caught sight of a scar below her belly button.


    Movements from outside pull me out of my thoughts to avoid getting caught staring at a slightly naked Iris.


    Oh, what tales would Guillermo and Edward find.


    I move over to the other side of the bed and gentlyy Louisa down.


    Like the moments I caught with my Aunt a few years ago where she would stay by the baby¡¯s side with her hand on it¡¯s back till she was sure he was asleep, I mimicked the same thing.


    Whilst squatting, I softly ran my hand through Louisa¡¯s hair as she released a sigh of content.


    She opened her eyes only by a fraction and I had this feeling she might be scared of my presence. Not remembering what happened tonight.


    So I pulled a smile on my face and used my thumb to release her creasing brows.


    Then she smiled back at me and rolled over to feel her Mom, who in turn did the same.


    Iris snuggled up her baby and the little girl went back into her slumber with a smile on her face.


    Rising from my crouched position, I watched the two as they slept.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Iris let out a sigh which was almost simr to Louisa¡¯s, only breathier.


    I quickly looked round for the nket and noticed it had fallen off at Iris¡¯s feet.


    I picked it up and ced it over the mother and child then I walked out of the room


    I really don¡¯t have any issues with Louisa¡¯s dad. But I just have interest in knowing who he is.

 Chapter 033

    Iris¡¯s P. O. V


    I decided to follow Edward as he dropped off Louisa at school so he could also drop me off at work.


    Tomorrow makes it aplete month since I started working with Hunter and I never stopped sending spiritual messages to his official secretary begging her to cease vacating.


    We were driving down a two way highway at moderate speed as the road seemed a little crowded.


    The car was silent mostly but it did nothing to hide the way Edward had been throwing me side nces here and there.


    For the past week Edward and Guillermo have been acting strange around me and I can¡¯t seem to ce a finger on why.


    The silence between us grew to a level of awkwardness and if he isn¡¯t ready to speak up, I will.


    ¡± Fine weather we¡¯ve been having recently¡±


    Really it is. Just the cool spring weather with moderate sunshine.


    ¡± Yeah, it¡¯s been clear blue skies for a while¡± he replied as he peeked at the sky through his window.


    ¡± I feel the rain is gonnae inte this year¡± I said while taking a sniff of the outer air.


    ¡± Yeah, it is¡± was his curt response.


    ¡± Yeah¡±


    ¡± Yeah¡± and that was how we ended the conversation.


    Things just moved from awkward to chaotic silence.


    A few minutes go by and the only sound between us was the trees brushing against each other and vehicle engines.


    Driving over a bridge was when I got tired of the situation.


    ¡± Edward?¡±


    ¡± Yes Jules?¡±


    ¡± Did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡± What? No. Not at all¡± he was actually surprised with my question.


    ¡± Then why have you and Guillermo been acting strangetely?¡±


    He sighed before talking ¡± We¡¯ve just been on the edge of recent¡±


    ¡± And you guys are channeling your behavior to me? Or does it involve me?¡±


    ¡± Sort of. In a way. Look I¡¯m sorry for my recent changes in character¡±


    ¡± Tell me about it. Please¡±


    He didn¡¯t reply and I actually gave up on trying to pry for answers.


    I looked out the window and was staring at the statue in the center of a round about turn which we were approaching.


    Then Edward finally said something.


    ¡± I know Hunter is Louisa¡¯s dad¡±


    And then I wished I never asked him to talk.


    I felt like a bucket of ice water was dumped down my shirt.


    It could only be a suspicion to him so to brush off any acts that would make it seem obvious that I was surprised, Iughed at his statement.


    ¡± What makes you think that?¡± I asked him in betweenughter.


    ¡± You mean aside from the fact that Louisa and Hunter share a strange resemnce in both features and personalities?¡±


    I reject any personality resemnce between my baby and that monster.


    ¡± Their looks aremon genes¡± I tried to argue.


    ¡± Fine then what of other simrities? Like their interest in art? Or the preference for the color ck? Or the strange attraction towards cupcakes with only blue sprinkles?.¡±


    He is really observant to have noticed all these, because even I never noticed the sprinkles.


    ¡± Art is a general talent and Louie doesn¡¯t like ck that much¡± that¡¯s a lie, Louie¡¯s favorite color is actually ck.


    ¡± Deny it all Miss Jules, but I picked up my suspicion from the very first day you guys stepped into the house. Hunter is never strict with visitors and he seems to disy some sort of dislike towards you. Whenever you¡¯re asked about Louisa¡¯s father you avoid it and I believe you and Hunter have known each other previously because of his insistence on your name being Iris, but he also ims ignorant about everything¡±


    I kept quiet just to let him finish his speech on analysis.


    Is there a use to still lying about it?


    ¡± By the time Guillermo and I put two and two together, we found out quite soon¡±.


    They must have really been on a verge of breakdown because of the thoughts they harbored in mind.


    There really is no use lying because if not they may go ahead to ask Hunter about it and he may pick hints.


    ¡± Please don¡¯t tell anyone about this¡± I request as a plea. This is pretty much a risky secret.


    ¡± Guillermo, I can hold but I am not too sure about the women. If they are aware or not is still a question to me but I believe they do know but choose to say nothing¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    That¡¯s not who I¡¯m referring to.


    ¡± Don¡¯t tell Hunter too¡±


    ¡± Why not? He¡¯s been hiding this for so long and now he treats you guys like outcasts? I¡¯m definitely go-¡± I cut him short with a simple exnation.


    ¡± He doesn¡¯t know¡±


    Immediately, the car jerked to a halt and I dashed forward but thank goodness I had my seat belt on.


    If only Louisa was here to witness this.


    A car honked from behind clearly because of our abrupt pause and reckless driving but Edward quickly recovered.


    ¡± How?¡± He was obviously confused.


    ¡± It¡¯s a very long story¡± I whispered and transferred my gaze to the vehicle floor.


    ¡± Was it an affair?¡±


    I scoffed internally. Affair indeed.


    ¡°Not really but Something like that¡± I whispered.


    ¡± Something like that doesn¡¯t justify an answer¡±


    ¡± When the time is right, I promise you¡¯ll know¡±


    He put his lip in a grim line and finalised our discussion.


    ¡± I promise not to say anything but I¡¯ve got to be honest with you, the truth is particrly obvious. A little too obvious in fact.¡±


    ¡± I know¡± I sighed in frustration.


    I don¡¯t know how much longer my stay is going to stylishly expose the truth.


    ¡± But on a sincere note, Hunter is incredibly blind¡±


    His words evokedughter from the both of us and we continue our drive in silence.


    But at least this wasfortable.


    ¡±¡±¡±¡±¡±¡±¡¯


    I just got back to the house from work and was walking up the pavement.


    My heels making clicking sounds that was starting to irritate my own ears so I pulled them off and held it in my right hand.


    Hunter left work early today, saying something like he has someone to take care of and I have a hunch that the someone Is Michelle.


    That girl is honestly a glitch to his job.


    So I left work by some time to six and already made my way home.


    I rang the doorbell and waited for a few seconds before I heard the lock go off.


    When the door was opened, I was met with a face I certainly wasn¡¯t expecting.


    ¡± Dn?¡±

 Chapter 034

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± You know you could have just gotten here yourself and informed me when you did?¡± I angrily say to Dn as wee down from the car and sight Edward approaching.


    He literally just arrived in New York and the dumbo had to give me a call toe get him.


    Then he officially became a Google map in the car because he directed me all the way from the airport to my house.


    General point of summary, He just wasted my time.


    ¡± And forfeit pissing you off? Not in a million years¡± he scoffed and pulled out his luggage from the trunk.


    ¡± Good to know¡± I red at him and collected one of his two boxes from his hands.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice to at least set eyes on the good cousin for one¡± Edward says as he got to where we were, definitely to get a reaction out of me.


    And he did cause I rolled my eyes.


    ¡± Eddy!!¡± Dn eximed and grabbed the elderly man in a tight hug.


    ¡± It¡¯s been forever Dn. How¡¯s life treating you?¡± Edward asks as they release from each other¡¯s hold.


    ¡± Well, life still kept this frog of a cousin alive so on a scale of one to ten, I¡¯ll say unfair¡± Dn replied as he threw one hand over my shoulder in a side hug.


    Yeah, Dn is touchy.


    ¡± Talk all you want McConnell, you still love me¡± I rolled my shoulders to let his arm drop.


    ¡± Now if you wanna convince yourself, I give you the permission to use my name and not my family name. That¡¯s just too much hope of convincing¡±


    Edwardughed at Dn¡¯s retort and stretched out his hand to collect the car keys which I handed to him so he could drive the car off.


    ¡± Soooo. You ain¡¯t returning to work? ¡± He asked as we climbed up the entry steps to the house.


    ¡± Nope. I¡¯m officially closed¡± I opened the front door and udette, Jenny and Cheryn were all waiting with wide smiles on their faces.


    Don¡¯t ask me why. Just bear in mind that a lot of people love my idiot cousin.


    ¡± Hey people¡± Dn hollered as they all came to give him little hugs.


    ¡± Wee back Dn, hope you¡¯ll be with us for a while?¡± udette asks as she collected his box from him.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Possibly to take it to his room.


    He¡¯s been here quite a number of times so we¡¯ve saved up a room just for him.


    ¡± A while seems too short¡± he winked at her then walked to the right and flopped down on a sofa.


    Jennifer collects the box I have with me and I think Cheryn went back to the kitchen.


    ¡± Okay, back to why you are not returning to work. Isn¡¯t it too early for you to close up?¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t close up, I have a secretary to carry on with some duties after I leave¡± I walked to the bar and picked a bottle of Scotch with two little ss cups and head back to the living area.


    And it took me a full minute to realize I shouldn¡¯t have made a statement with my secretary around Dn.


    ¡± And by secretary you mean Iris¡±


    I knew it.


    ¡± Yes¡± I poured a shot for him and handed him his ss before serving myself.


    ¡± So what I¡¯m hearing is you¡¯re overworking your secretary?¡± He leans back in watches me with a certain ze in his eyes.


    ¡± No I don¡¯t, today is just an exception¡± sipping my drink when someone rings the doorbell.


    My cousin and I stare at each other for what is only seconds before he sighs and stands to get the door.


    He may be a visitor here but he is clearly a member of this house.


    So he can answer the damn door.


    He unlocked the door that I can¡¯t even remember locking and I tilt my head a little to see who it is.


    And it¡¯s Iris.


    She held her red heels, (I think Michelle calls them pumps), in one hand and her face is the exact reaction you will get from buying a two year old a private jet .


    Entirely surprised.


    ¡± Dn?¡± She called out at first like she wants to be sure she isn¡¯t hallucinating.


    Dn turns around and gives me a quick intense look before returning his eyes back to the girl before him.


    The look was a simple question.


    What is she doing at your house?


    ¡± Iris, you¡¯ve-¡± he wasn¡¯t able to finish when the youngdy jumped on him and wrapped her entire limbs around him for a grip.


    ¡± Oh my God. I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s you¡± she whispered before she buried her face in his neck.


    Heughed at her behavior but wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s you either. I mean what are you doing here?¡± He quietly murmured thest question to her but I still caught the wave.


    ¡± I live here¡± she chirpily replied and wiggled out of his hold.


    ¡± You what?¡± Hmm¡­ He wasn¡¯t finding this amusing.


    ¡± Mr McConnell gave me the amodation¡± she continues.


    ¡± He what?¡± Dn asked again.


    ¡± Everyone seems okay with it¡± she shrugged like she¡¯s living under the same roof with her best friend.


    ¡± They what!?¡± Then Dn whipped around to re at me.


    ¡± Call my dad. I was against it¡± I raised my arms in surrender.


    Iris pulled Dn down to her mouth level and whispered something into his ear but I heard nothing.


    Then he and Iris beganughing.


    When I call him the betraying cousin, you should know I have reasons.


    ¡± Where¡¯s my cupcake?¡± Dn asks referring to Iris and that little act just reminded me of my mom.


    Speaking of which, I haven¡¯t heard from her in a while.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go get her from school myself, she had a presentation at school today so they¡¯ll close in a few minutes¡± she smiled cheekily at him.


    ¡± Presentation? Weren¡¯t you supposed to be there?¡± He asks as he smooths down her hair with a look of admiration in his eyes.


    ¡± Nah. It¡¯s just intra ss, not a parent invite thing¡± she shrugged a shoulder and smiled again.


    Dn somewhat found her words amusing as he chuckled once more.


    ¡± Well you better go bring her in, I miss her¡± he States and gives Iris a lightsting kiss in her left cheek.


    ¡± Will do¡± she was still smiling and bolted down the hallway without even acknowledging my presence.


    But that isn¡¯t what I have in mind.


    Dn and Iris?


    Hmmm¡­

 Chapter 035

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡°Dude, it¡¯s almost nine pm, where¡¯s your secretary? She isn¡¯t picking my calls¡± Dn whined as he walked into my room only wearing a very loose fitting singlet and a pair of joggers.


    ¡± Do I look like someone who cares¡± I was sitting on the couch by the window and overviewing the area.


    We could really use somewn mowing.


    ¡± Then call her. She might not answer me but her boss might be an exception¡±


    Iughed tremendously at his thoughts or suggestion or whatever he just vomited from his mouth.


    I may have an idea on where Iris is or should I say who she¡¯s with and if I¡¯m right then she will never answer my call.


    ¡± I have better things to do with my phone¡± I replied after myughter had subsided as Dn rested beside me.


    ¡± Yeah right¡± he rolled his eyes and leaned fully into the chair before taking in a deep breath and exhaling.


    If this reaction is because of Iris¡¯s whereabouts, then he worries too much.


    Speaking of worries..


    ¡± Does she always stay out this long¡± Dn continues, interrupting me before I could start speaking.


    He closed his eyes and my idiot cousin looked peaceful while trying to rest.


    ¡± Of recent¡± I shrugged, even though I know he couldn¡¯t see me.


    His chest was rising and falling indicating he¡¯s taking slow and steady breaths, but if you weren¡¯t here a few seconds ago you¡¯d assume he¡¯s sleeping.


    I¡¯m basically dying inside to ask Dn if he¡¯s Louisa¡¯s Dad, but oddly I have a doubt.


    I mean, Dn¡¯s eyes are green but then again his dad¡¯s eye¡¯s are blue.


    The olive skin.


    The close rtionship with Iris.


    I¡¯ve gotta know if my cousin has been smutting.


    A temporary silence ensued between us then I broke it.


    ¡± Dn?¡±


    ¡± Mhmmm¡± his eyes were still sealed shut.


    ¡± So, Iris¡¯s kid¡±


    And then he said nothing.


    I also think my eyes are deceiving me because his chest stopped moving for a second then continued.


    I¡¯ve struck a chord.


    ¡± Dn?¡± I called out again.


    ¡± Yes?¡± he opened his eyes and looked straight at me.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t say anything¡±


    ¡± Well you didn¡¯t ask anything. You only said Iris¡¯s kid¡± he arched a brow.


    ¡± Fine. About Iris¡¯s daughter¡±


    ¡± Yes? What about her?¡±


    This fool knows what I¡¯m hinting at but is still ying dumb.


    ¡± Come on, you know what I¡¯m asking¡± I crossed my arms and gave him an ¡® are you serious ¡® look.


    ¡± No Hunter. I studied medical sciences not ancestral witchcraft and mind reading. So me no understand you inglis¡± he tried to keep a serious face but I could see his smile through his facade like seeing through a ss.


    ¡± Idiot. Who¡¯s her father?¡± I came out in.


    Dn smirked and responded after maintaining a silence of three seconds.


    ¡± Why are you asking me?¡±


    Shut it with the innocence presentation.


    ¡± Well because you seem very close to my secretary, so I was guessing you¡¯d know¡±


    Or are responsible.


    He chuckled like what I just told him is theparison between bourbon and vodka.


    ¡± Why do you care?¡±


    I care?


    ¡± I don¡¯t. Just asking to know who decided to knock up such a person. Not surprised to his abandoning her though¡± I peered out the window again and waited for him to speak.


    ¡± Uhun.. you can always ask her. Of course you were the master of retrieving answers from her back in the day¡± his look became using and I know what he¡¯s referring to.


    ¡± Well sadly she¡¯s changed¡± I muttered.


    Dn fake gasped using his hand for a little more emphasis.


    ¡± You don¡¯t mean it!? After five years!!?¡±


    Idiot!


    ¡± Ha ha Dn. Very funny¡±


    ¡± Since you can¡¯t ask her then I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to wait till the information gets to you. It¡¯s not in my ce to tell¡±


    Thosest words just made me realize Karma is a bitch.


    ¡± Whatever, I-¡± I was stopped by a car pulling into our driveway.


    Dn was already in front of me once he heard the sound of an engine.


    The familiar car makes me want to call Dad immediately and beg him to do something.


    We watch as Iris and Mason step out of the car with a sleeping Louisa in her mother¡¯s arms.


    ¡± Who¡¯s that?¡± Confusion clear in Dn¡¯s voice.


    ¡± That my brother, is Mason. Mason Reid¡± I spat through gritted teeth.


    ¡± Mason Reid? Like Meredith¡¯s family? The same one Michelle is from?¡±


    ¡± Yes. And the exact same one whom I¡¯m hiding my rtionship with his sister from his Dad¡±


    ¡± Why would you do that?¡±


    ¡± Because I¡¯m trying to make a fucking profitable business deal with him and I don¡¯t want him to think I¡¯m using his daughter as leverage¡±


    ¡± Hmm.. I see your point¡±


    He sees my point?


    Hallelujah, Dn has restored factory settings on his brain!


    ¡± Thank goodness someone understands me. So you¡¯ll also understand that Iris and Mason being a thing is a very huge risk¡±


    ¡± I see that too¡±


    Why is he beginning to sound like a philosopher?


    ¡± So that means I¡¯m justified in going down there and sending Mason off with a warning¡±


    ¡± Nope. I¡¯ll have to stop you there¡±


    Stupidity back in summit.


    ¡± Why is that?¡±


    ¡± Take a look¡± he pointed to the ground floor where the two love birds were.


    The two were talking to each other with Iris¡¯s back to us and Mason in clear view.


    Louisa was no where to be seen at the moment.


    ¡± What am I supposed to be looking at?¡± I replied snarkily and red at him.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡± Look closely dimwit¡±


    I sighed and looked again, trying to find what he needed me to see.


    Then he continued.


    ¡± I know you can¡¯t see her face clearly, but one thing is obvious¡±


    ¡± And what is it?¡±


    ¡± Iris is happy and I don¡¯t know about you but I do know her happiness means more to me than your business¡±


    ¡± Well you are the betraying cousin for a reason¡±


    He chuckled at my retort and spoke again.


    ¡± I want her to be happy and if Mason is doing that, then I¡¯m not bothered¡±.


    No one is reasoning with me.


    ¡± What about my business deal?¡±


    ¡± Have you talked to your dad about the situation?¡±


    Well Yes, and look where it got me.


    ¡± Yes¡±


    ¡± And what did he say?¡±


    ¡± Something lousy¡± I almost pouted.


    Almost.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be such a cry baby¡± he started and poked my left cheek ¡± what did he say?¡±


    ¡± He said I should leave them be till he talks to her¡±


    ¡± Do you think he¡¯s spoken to her?¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at his stupid question.


    ¡± What does it look like?¡±


    ¡± Your dad could have given her a go ahead¡±.


    He didn¡¯t.


    He wouldn¡¯t.


    He can¡¯t!


    ¡± I doubt it¡±


    ¡± If someone was to separate you and Michelle for a business deal, would you be okay with it?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t give him an answer to that because deep down I had a feeling that if the deal could profit Michelle and I, then what is the harm in being away from her temporarily?


    ¡± Whilst you think, I need to go check up on a lovely girl named Louisa¡± he winked at me and headed for the door.


    I returned my gaze just in time to see Mason give Iris a kiss.


    Not on the cheek.


    Not on the forehead.


    But on the lips.


    And then I realized, my n is sitting on the tiniest thread ever created.

 Chapter 036

    Iris P. O. V.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe three idiots and an elder are under the same roof!¡±


    Guess who¡¯s on the phone?


    If you called Megan then you¡¯re correct.


    ¡± Look I know you love your brother and hate Hunter but there¡¯s no need for name calling¡± I chuckled into the receiver.


    She called in the office at around eleven am and this is some minutes to one in the afternoon.


    We really have a lot to cover and discuss.


    ¡± Don¡¯t give yourself credits, when I said elder? I meant Louisa¡±


    That was a pang to the chest.


    ¡± Ouch! Megan!¡±


    ¡± Oh shush mush.. I¡¯m still angry with you. It¡¯s really annoying that I got to hear of this Mason Reid through Dn¡±


    I feel bad that she had to hear it from him too, but it¡¯s already bad enough that he is Meredith¡¯s brother.


    In a way, I feel like I¡¯m betraying her trust.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, but you know. Meredith and all other factors¡±


    ¡± I got to find out he¡¯s Meredith¡¯s brother from Dn too. What is wrong with the world!?¡±


    She actually sounds frustrated but her reaction is funny.


    ¡± We¡¯re sorry¡±


    ¡± Speak on thy behalf¡±


    I can almost see her pouting.


    ¡± Alright. I¡¯m sorry¡±.


    ¡± Good. But you¡¯re not forgiven¡±


    This is actually serious.


    ¡± I¡¯ll make it up to you¡±


    She started to say something but I didn¡¯t hear her cause Hunter just walked into my office.


    ¡± Err- Meg? Code ck¡± I used our signal for whenever an urgencyes up and we need to end our conversation abruptly.


    She groaned and ended the call as a sign that we aren¡¯t done here.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been waiting for the file for hour¡¯s! What is wrong with you?¡±


    File? What file?


    You were supposed to hand him the documents of La Cherie magazine to sign off before Megan called..


    Oh shit!


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry about that¡± I jumped up from my chair and ran over to the cab.


    ¡± Just get me the goddamn files¡±


    Hunter has been unnecessarily angry with me all through the week.


    I mean, it¡¯s usual for him to be angry at me but this is beyond the normal.


    Dropping the files in front of him, he signed them like there¡¯s fire in the ink and hurriedly turned to march out.


    ¡± Uhm¡­ Mr McConnell?¡± I called out to his retreating figure.


    ¡± What?¡±


    What¡¯s with theshing?


    ¡± We have a meeting with Dorado exports in thirty minutes¡±


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you inform me earlier?¡± He was still in a position like he¡¯s about to leave the door.


    ¡± I¡­ I uh- uhm..¡±


    ¡± You what!?¡±


    I actually jumped at his tone.


    ¡± I forgot¡± I whispered and gazed to the floor with a feeling that I hadn¡¯t felt in a long while.


    Fear.


    He only sighed and walked out. He said nothing, did nothing and his behavior almost said nothing except it was revealing one thing.


    He¡¯s angry.


    ===================


    ¡± So if we work with three ply two, we might make more progress¡±


    The Dorado exports officials are clearly here to bite more than what they can chew.


    How can they be offering us a fifteen percent gain to increase withter notes?


    That¡¯s going to ount for a loss in three sequencial years.


    Hunter stayed quiet all through the meeting and said absolutely nothing.


    At this point when they were done, I looked to him with my side eye as a silent sign to grab his attention but he never spared me a nce.


    In fact, through out the entire meeting he never looked my way once.


    Why in the world is he so pissed.


    ¡± Are these the only points you have?¡± Hunter questions the men currently present.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    The man who looked like the oldest that I assumed to be their leader nodded twice before speaking.


    ¡± Yes Mr McConnell. That is all¡±


    I looked to Hunter again so he could let me speak up, but today he is not interested in my opinion.


    This is the first and shockingly the only meeting we¡¯ve had this week and he is simply acting like I¡¯m not even here.


    ¡± Fine. I¡¯ll schedule another appointment for us to discuss more¡±


    He just agreed!?


    I whipped my head to the right only to be sure it¡¯s truly Hunter McConnell who¡¯s seated by my side.


    And my eyes didn¡¯t deceive me.


    ¡± Thank you Mr McConnell, we hope to hear from you again¡± the gentlemen got up with smiles on their faces as they walked out, proud that they had seeded in deceiving us.


    Hunter was about to walk out when I called to him.


    ¡± Mr McConnell sir?¡±


    He only whirled around and raised a brow as I waited for thest person to leave the hall before walking up to the door and shutting it close.


    ¡± Did you just agree to that!?¡± I almost yelled at him.


    ¡± No, I shifted the meeting till further notice. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me¡±


    He tried to side step me but I¡¯m not letting that happen.


    ¡± What has been up with youtely? Seriously, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and now Friday and you¡¯ve been giving me a sassy pants attitude. What¡¯s up?¡± I folded my arms across my chest and I watched as his eyes follow my movement.


    ¡± Miss Jules, I don¡¯t have time for this¡±


    He called me Jules?


    Why does that feel strange?


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna tell me what I did wrong¡± I stood my ground


    ¡± Why would you presume you offended me?¡±


    ¡± Because you¡¯ve been acting weirdtely and even in this meeting you didn¡¯t look my way once¡±


    And you just freaking called me Jules.


    ¡± My aim of meetings isn¡¯t to check out people¡¯s faces¡± he retorted.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t even ask my opinion¡± I felt it was necessary here.


    ¡± Miss Jules the job of a secretary is to record minutes in a meeting and not contribute to one, if you¡¯re having troubles assimting that then I¡¯ll have Lily handle it for me¡±


    Did he just say that?


    I have this awkward feeling that I have just been demoted.


    I drop my hands in defeat.


    ¡± Are you being serious?¡± I asked with a wavering voice.


    ¡± I¡¯m not one to usually joke¡± it was his turn to cross his arms and he did.


    I¡¯m very sure my face looks crestfallen, but I have no idea what I did to offend him so bad.


    I just stared at him with words stuck at the back of my throat but they aren¡¯t pushing toe out, in fact they are happy there.


    ¡± Anything else?¡± He asked me after a few seconds of silence.


    I shook my head ¡± No. I mean yes. The photo shoot is next week Tuesday¡±


    He only gave me a nod and started to walk out.


    But this time I didn¡¯t stop him.


    He stopped himself.


    ¡± And Miss Jules?¡±


    I turned to see him by the door with his back to me.


    ¡± Yes?¡±


    ¡± From now you¡¯ll take the seat at the extreme end during meetings, the one Lily sits in. It¡¯s the chair for our secretary¡¯s¡±


    And then he walked out, leaving me with a hanging mouth.


    What did I do?

 Chapter 037

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    ¡± I¡¯ll send in some to Charlotteter in the day tomorrow¡± Guillermo said as he stepped out of the living room, to which I only nodded.


    My eyes were on the television screen but my brain is only reying the meeting I had with Dorado exports.


    What exactly do those men take me for? A fool?


    I even scheduled us another meeting and yet they had no hints that their ns were as useless as dust.


    Another Saturday night and I¡¯m enjoying a solo movie with a humble ss of whiskey.


    Then my phone chimed.


    Dad.


    I answered the call and waited for him to say something into the receiver.


    I¡¯m actually pissed off at him.


    ¡± Hunter?¡±


    ¡± Yes Dad?¡±


    ¡± Why the silence on the phone?¡±


    I took a sip of my drink before responding.


    ¡± Because I¡¯m actually unhappy with you¡±


    ¡± What? Why?¡±


    I rolled my eyes at his fake act.


    ¡± Dad, you promised to talk to Iris about Mason Reid. But how did things turn out?¡±


    ¡± If by Iris you mean Miss Jules then no, I haven¡¯t spoken to her about that.¡±


    I groaned so loudly into the phone that it could have sounded like awork interruption.


    ¡± You said I should leave them be right? Well let me inform you on the current happenings in New York. I believe Iris and Mason are dating¡±


    They¡¯re currently out on a date now.


    ¡± How do you know that?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯d leave you to wait for the papers¡± if no one wants to be analytical then I wouldn¡¯t be the one to reason.


    ¡± What¡¯s going to happen next?¡±


    ¡± Nothing, I¡¯ve left them to do whatever they want. They can date, fuck and even get married, I don¡¯t bloody care but I sure as hell would make it known to Iris that a perfect n I took time to create just went down the drain because of her god-damned heart and she bing my damn secretary!¡±.


    ¡± Hunter! You may be angry but that is no reason to corrupt my eardrums¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Fuck your eardrums.


    ¡± Whatever¡±


    Some seconds of silence dragged on before I exhaled a heavy breath.


    ¡± Dad this deal meant a lot to me but everything is just ruined¡± I dropped the ss I held in my hand and used the free hand to massage my temple.


    ¡± I know. And I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡± There¡¯s no need apologising, it¡¯s already done¡± I sighed.


    ¡± Should I still say something to her?¡±


    ¡± No Dad, they¡¯re already far gone. At this point all we can give them is our blessings¡±


    He chuckled on the phone at my words then continued.


    ¡± This is the most positive I¡¯ve ever heard from you¡± he said with a glint ofughter in his voice which only made me tough even though all I want to do right now is scream.


    ¡± Some situations require odd reactions¡±


    ¡± Good night son. And I hope you¡¯re not taking whiskey by this hour?¡±


    What the..?


    ¡± How do you know?¡± I honestly wanted tough at this situation but I just got caught red handed.


    ¡± You have a very odd way of calming your anger. Now put that thing away¡±


    So Iughed¡­ Not a big deal.


    Surprisingly, I needed just two people to get me in a positive mood.


    Dn and Dad, but it seems Dn¡¯s gone to bed although he did make this afternoon a little fun.


    ¡± I will. Goodnight Dad¡±


    ¡± Night son¡±


    Then the receiver went dead.


    I got up from my chair to return the bottle of whiskey back to the bar and took a carton of fruit juice from the fridge in the kitchen.


    What can I say? I can be obedient sometimes.


    When I had sat back down, I began hearing tiny footsteps and there¡¯s only one person with such movements.


    I looked to the right and saw Louisa in a kiddies night gown, with a little teddy bear in her right hand.


    ¡± Aren¡¯t you supposed to be in bed?¡± I asked her as she walked up to me.


    ¡± I was sleeping, then I woke up and I was alone in the room so I can¡¯t sleep again¡± she said with a tiny groggy voice as she rubbed her eyes with her free hand and stood in front of me.


    ¡± You wanna watch some TV?¡± I asked her as her eyes were almost half mast closed.


    She¡¯s still sleepy but won¡¯t just sleep alone.


    She shook her head in a no and brought out her two hands to me.


    At first I was confused but I realized soon enough.


    She wanted me to carry her.


    So I lifted her by her arms and craddled her to my chest before she released a sigh and within seconds, she was out like a light.


    After watching a movie, I decided to go through the news and nothing out of the ordinary was on.


    Weather, politics and business profits and loss.


    ¡± Jesus Christ what did you do to her!?¡±


    Then Dn¡¯s voice came from the stairs.


    He looks livid, like I had spikes for teeth and horns for an ear.


    ¡± What is wrong with you? Why are you shouting!?¡±


    He ran down the steps and rushed to where I was seated, using his eyes to scan the sleeping baby in my arms.


    ¡± Did you sedate her?¡±


    What in the actual fuck!?


    ¡± How would I sedate a kid?¡±


    ¡± Then why is she sleeping in your arms?¡±


    He actually looked confused and it made meugh at him.


    ¡± She said she couldn¡¯t sleep so she came to sleep here¡±


    ¡± She what!?¡±


    ¡± Dn quiet down, you¡¯ll wake her up¡±


    His eyes were still as wide as disco balls before he said something.


    ¡± Since when did you start craddling kids?¡±


    To be honest, three weeks ago.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡±


    Then he red with a yful smirk on his face.


    ¡± You have mommy instincts in you¡±


    Dn!


    ¡± Tomorrow morning, thank Louisa for sleeping in my arms because I would have broken your nose two seconds ago¡±


    He found my threat quite amusing and walked straight into the kitchen.


    Time to go lie this baby down before her mama gets home.


    We don¡¯t want that now, do we?

 Chapter 038

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    Today has been truly another frustrating day in my life and I am honestly having an internal brain drain between my stomach and my head.


    Chance stopped by the office and I sincerely don¡¯t know how, but he convinced me to a night out with him.


    Now I¡¯m at the bar in a club drowning my self in various types of liquor.


    On a Monday night.


    I have a feeling deep down, that I will regret thister.


    ¡± So what do you intend to do about Jules and Mason?¡±


    Everyone keeps asking what I intend to do like I can do anything, they¡¯re far too gone to bring back.


    And he calls her Jules too? Wow.


    ¡± What do you think?¡± I gulped down another ss with it¡¯s vor stinging my throat as it went down.


    I gestured to the bartender for another refill.


    ¡± Walk up to Mason? Try another end for this approach¡± he said suggestively and I couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡± You¡¯re saying I should try to control Mason¡¯s heart after he¡¯s in deep?, I couldn¡¯t even stop Iris from falling for him and she was directly under my nose¡±


    I saw thising and I clearly told Iris to back off, but she didn¡¯t.


    ¡± You are not just going to sit back and watch right?¡± Chance actually looks worried about the whole situation at hand, it¡¯s a shame I can¡¯t do a thing.


    ¡± Chance look, I¡¯ve tried my very best. I did all I could but it got me nowhere. Right now, I resign. I have a lot more things to do with my life than terminate her rtionship¡± as much as it pained me to say it, it is the truth.


    ¡± What? Dude you¡¯ve worked far too long and hard just to give up now¡± our sses were handed back to us, full once again.


    ¡± I¡¯ve made my choice¡± I swallow down my drink and request for another.


    ¡± No you have not. Bro, I think it¡¯s high time you spilled the juice to them, Tell ¡¯em the major reason why they can¡¯t work. At least for now¡± Chance kept up his argument.


    Iughed again and a lot louder this time.


    I think these drinks are beginning to get to me because I never would have reacted so loudly on a normal day.


    ¡± Hate to break it to you buddy, but they fucking know¡± I shugged another shot and signalled for more.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡± Okay, I swear I didn¡¯t tell anyone¡± he defended evoking anotherughing response from me.


    ¡± I know you didn¡¯t. Mason did¡±


    ¡± Mason?¡± He¡¯s only more confused than ever.


    ¡± Mason knew all along. So if that couldn¡¯t stop them what will?¡±


    The music booming in the background fill my ears and I want nothing more than to forget everything just for tonight.


    I should be on my tenth or eleventh shot and a drowsy feeling whirls in my head.


    After a while, I had assumed Chance had dropped the topic but he speaks on it again.


    ¡± Are you sure this isn¡¯t to spite you?¡±


    ¡± Huh?¡± Did I hear him say spite?


    ¡± Really, look at it. Mason knows your intents with his sister but you¡¯re clearly hiding it from his Dad for a business deal, then he goes after your secretary and making no effort to hide it despite the risks¡±


    He had a point, a very big and useful point but it wasn¡¯t true.


    I¡¯ve watched them from afar, it looks realistic so far as I could tell.


    That¡¯s why I¡¯m angry with her.


    Despite everything I did she still went ahead and ruined my ns.


    Being full blown happy while I try to piece together my remains.


    ¡± As much as I want to believe you, it¡¯s not true Chance. I¡¯ve seen them together¡±


    He only nodded in affirmation knowing there¡¯s nothing else to say.


    ¡± Alright. So¡­¡± He swung an arm around my shoulder and directed my body to look over at a spot. ¡± That chic in a blue crop has been sending lingering gazes this way¡± and he wiggled his brows at me.


    I chuckled, d that he had changed the subject and threw his arm off me.


    ¡± Dude, I have eyes for only Michelle¡±


    Heughed back as we began our night of fun.


    While I wasted myself, he kept sober to flirt with anything in a skirt.


    ======================


    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    It was only a few minutes after midnight when my phone woke me up from my sleep.


    The caller ID says Hunter, and I can¡¯t understand why Hunter will be calling me at this hour from his bedroom.


    Wait? Did he evene homest night?


    ¡± Hello?¡± Was the first thing I said after answering the call.


    ¡± Hello, Jules? Is that you? ¡±


    This isn¡¯t Hunter but the voice is awfully familiar.


    ¡± Err-Yes? Please who-¡± he didn¡¯t let meplete before interrupting.


    ¡± Oh good. It¡¯s Chance and I need your help¡±


    Chance? With Hunter¡¯s phone? Needing my help by twelve eleven am?


    ¡± How may I help you?¡±


    ¡± Jules, Hunter is currently too drunk to drive and I need you toe get him¡±


    Drunk?


    ¡± He¡¯s drunk?¡±


    ¡± Yes he is and can youe quick? Please?¡±


    ¡± Why call me? Hunter and I aren¡¯t really in the best of terms at the moment¡±


    He¡¯s still with the attitude ofst week by being unnecessarily angry with me.


    ¡± It¡¯s not like you guys have good terms with each other¡± he mumbled.


    ¡± Fair point. So call someone else¡±


    ¡± No. You¡¯re the only person who cane take him home right now¡±


    ¡± What about you?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m catching a cab home. We used his car¡±


    ¡± What of Michelle?¡±


    ¡± Based on the information you already know, calling Michelle out at this hour toe get Hunter is too suspicious¡±


    He almost spat those words at me, so I believe Hunter let out a few things to him.


    ¡± What about Dn?¡± I asked again.


    ¡± He¡¯s not going toe¡± he replied bluntly like it¡¯s in obvious.


    ¡± How do you know? He¡¯s here currently¡±


    ¡± Is the Dn we are referring to the same as Hunter¡¯s cousin?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡±


    ¡± Then he won¡¯t turn up. Jules please¡±


    ¡± Whatever, where¡¯s the ce?¡±


    ¡± Thanks love. Gerrit street, Louiton avenue. Sal Paulo¡¯s club¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll be there¡± It almost didn¡¯te out from my lip but it did.


    ¡± Hurry¡±


    I groaned into the receiver before muttering a fine and closing up our call.


    I needed Edward to drive me to the venue cause I needed an escort to such a ce at this hour.


    This is going to be a long night.

 Chapter 039

    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡± If I had a say in this, I¡¯d like to wonder why you were called?¡± Edward said after a yawn.


    We were already driving down to the address Chance had given over the phone.


    The road was too quiet and except for a few bodies moving in corners and Shadow¡¯s whom I presume to be notorious teenagers, nothing else was found.


    The half Moon illuminated the road as well as the street lights and our car moved somewhat slowly with me in the passenger seat.


    ¡± Huh?¡±


    ¡± I mean it¡¯s midnight and that alley is notorious for all things not positive, so why would Chance call up ady specifically you at this time toe get Hunter?¡± He exined further but his voice was extremely hoarse.


    ¡± Maybe cause I was the nearest contact he could reach?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t believe that. Mr Chance is very good friend of Hunter that we all know of, he could have called me with Hunter¡¯s phone or better still with his phone because I¡¯m pretty sure Chance has my number¡±


    Now I just became scared.


    I never analyzed it this way before.


    Yeah, I was startled that of all people to call at this hour it was me despite Hunter and I not being on right terms.


    But this throws a whole new light to the situation.


    ¡± You don¡¯t think they¡¯re gonna hurt me right?¡±


    They can¡¯t. Mr McConnell would have their heads if my parents don¡¯t do it first.


    ¡± Mr Chance I¡¯m sure won¡¯t touch you but I¡¯ll advise to stay away from Hunter. A drunk Hunter in the presence of whom he¡¯s angry at isn¡¯t a good fit¡±


    How does he know he¡¯s angry with me? Is it that obvious?


    I gulped and remained silent all through the rest of our ride.


    We got to the club in a few minutes and the Sal Paulo building seemed lifeless.


    All lights surrounding it were put out and the ce looked closed down for the night.


    I just elevated from scared to terrified.


    ¡± Err- Edward?¡±


    ¡± Hold on a minute. This is a two four seven operating business so there must be a genuine reason as to why it¡¯s closed. Let me call Chance¡±


    Edward pulled out his phone from the holdingpartment and after a few taps on the screen, he held it up to his ear.


    ¡± Hello¡­. Yes¡­¡­¡­. We¡¯re outside¡­¡­. But the ce is closed¡­¡­¡­ Uhun¡­¡­ okay, we¡¯ll wait¡± went his brief conversation on the phone.


    ¡± What did he say?¡±


    ¡± He¡¯sing out now¡±


    ¡± That doesn¡¯t exin why the ce is locked¡±


    ¡± He said they paid the owner to shut down because of an emergency¡± He turned off the car and stepped out.


    Within seconds, I followed suit.


    Chance stepped out of the building after a minute and walked up to us.


    ¡± Edward thanks foring with¡± he acknowledged and Edward in return only gave a firm nod.


    ¡± Why¡¯s the ce closed up?¡± My curiosity getting the better of me.


    ¡± After Hunter got drunk he kinda became ¡­ Uh¡­. violent, so I paid the owner to wrap up for the night and say nothing¡± he exined and gestured with his hands for us to follow him back into the building.


    I looked to Edward for confirmation and he nodded in agreement, so the three of us walked into the isted club with me inching towards Edward.


    When we walked in, the ce was an utter mess.


    A few ss tables were broken, spilled drinks everywhere, sofas and stools were turned over whilst the windows looked shattered.


    You could barely almost sight a bare floor to step on.


    Then we heard him. Hunter¡¯s voice from another room within the building.


    ¡® why? Why!? Just to avoid falling in love with him but she had to. Everything is just lost. All lost¡¯


    He sounded like he was sobbing and I felt a sting in my chest.


    All this just because I may have ruined a deal for him?


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Edward asked clearly bothered about the situation of things.


    ¡± Third floor. I think he¡¯s throwing up in a toilet¡± Chance pointed to the stairs and Edward rushed in the direction.


    ¡± What actually happened?¡± I asked, this view looks like a mortalbat war took ce in here.


    ¡± Like I said, Hunter got a little violent after he got drunk. I made the manager order everyone to leave. Including himself and say nothing¡±


    The perks of being rich.


    I nodded and continue to examine the area and one thing caught my eye.


    Blood.


    Blood was streaked across a table and it wasn¡¯t little.


    ¡± Did he hurt himself?¡± I asked and moved closer to the crimson stained ss.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡± Yes. But he¡¯s all bandaged up¡± Chance replied.


    Hunter was screaming again and I think it¡¯s cause he¡¯s seen Edward.


    Please don¡¯t tell my father. Please Edward don¡¯t tell him.


    I cringed at his words. They actually seem pained and under panic.


    What exactly could this deal have meant to him?


    I looked to Chance only to find him staring at me with examining eyes.


    ¡± Chance why was I called here?¡± If it was only to get Hunter, Edward was right he could have just called him himself.


    ¡± I needed someone who will actuallye and not go on about how irresponsible we are¡± he shrugged and walked up to the bar table that is the only clear surface in the room.


    ¡± That¡¯s not true. You wouldn¡¯t care if you were told to be irresponsible. You¡¯ve been told that quite a couple of times¡± I folded my arms and walked up to his side.


    Chance chuckled and moved his eyes to scan my face.


    ¡± He was right when he said you¡¯re good at analysing situations¡±


    Is the ¡®he¡¯ Hunter?


    Then he confirmed my suspicion. ¡± Yes, I did have other reasons but looking at you now I¡¯m having second thoughts about it¡±.


    ¡± So mying here will be a waste?¡±


    ¡°Probably¡± he shrugged.


    ¡± I¡¯m not leaving here till you spill¡± I red at him and he matches my look.


    ¡± Edward will make you¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s not here yet¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not saying¡±


    ¡± Chance, don¡¯t test my patience. I promise you it isn¡¯t long¡±


    Heughed at my threat and raised his both hands in surrender.


    ¡± Fine. Since you asked¡±


    I hummed and waited for him.


    ¡± Have you ever wondered why this deal meant a lot to Hunter?¡±


    I internally rolled my eyes.


    He¡¯s actually going to try and convince me to stay away from Mason too?


    I¡¯d like to see him try.


    ¡± Yes. Like literally every day since the dealed was epted¡±


    ¡± Well, let me start from the beginning. Jules, Hunter is in debt¡±


    Debt? His ounting information looks perfect to me.


    ¡± What do you mean by debt? I¡¯m his secretary in case you¡¯ve forgotten¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fully aware of your position, but by debt I mean drug debts¡±


    Drug? Did he just say drug debts?


    ¡± Hunter did drugs?¡±


    Hunter was literally your bad boy in high school but I had no fucking idea he did drugs. Those couldnd him in jail.


    ¡± Don¡¯t act all confused, you of all people should know that Hunter wasn¡¯t really the best in his past¡±


    That I agree.


    ¡± Yes, but I never knew he did drugs¡±


    ¡± He also dealt them, under one particr guy named Soldo¡±


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Here¡¯s the full story. Years ago Hunter not only took drugs but also dealt them. He marketed for Soldo to well known politicians and public figures for millions. Due to his parents iconic personality he had ess to those people and the goods were delivered easy. One day his Dad caught him with satchels of pot worth at least a billion, then his Dad destroyed the drugs and threatened him with his future career, saying he wouldn¡¯t have a hand in his business in future. Threatened to send him to a Rehabilitation home but Hunter promised to stop and his father let it go¡±


    All the hairs on my skin stood erect as the room dropped below zero degrees to me.


    ¡± But you know what they say, once an addict always an addict. Hunter had be addicted to the drugs and found it difficult to stop taking them though he stopped dealing. He started using his allowances to buy his drugs from elsewhere because he had actually lost money from the pot his dad destroyed so he could never go back to Soldo.¡±


    Chance rubbed his head and I can see this story isn¡¯t one he loved to tell, but he continued still.


    ¡± Some months ago, Hunter received a package. Wanna know what was inside? Pictures¡­ Lots and lots of photos of Hunter smoking weed, sniffing cocaine and many others. All these photos were taken after Hunter¡¯s Dad had warned him to stay away from the habit and the person dropped a letter off, saying he¡¯s got more where those photos came from and will leak them to his dad and the authorities unless he paid back the billions he had lost because of him with an eight hundred and fifty million dormission¡±


    ¡± How do you know they were taken after the warning?¡± I stopped his story to digest the hidden notes.


    ¡± There was this art club Mr McConnell sent Hunter to, so he could train his talent and abandon the habit for drugs after he had found out. Hunter used the site to his advantage because his Dad will never suspect foul y in the extra curricr he sent Hunter to. So all the photos were taken there. His dad will definitely know it was after his warning¡±


    I was still confused.


    ¡± So how does Mr Reid fit into this?¡± I asked Chance who already looked exhausted.


    ¡± Mr Reid used to be a feared drug dealer in the day, but with time he quit but still has influence over some crooks in the business¡±


    ¡± So why go into a business deal with Reid? Why not just ask him for help? They do seem particrly fond of him¡± my questions are only to calm down my scared mind.


    ¡± Approaching Mr Reid on his past life, he may not likely answer, but once Hunter starts to work with him, Reid would want to keep a good name and his partner being used of illegal deeds is most likely to create traces to him and he wouldn¡¯t want that seeing it¡¯s also a secret for him. So he¡¯ll obviously pull some strings in the tyrant world and do whatever he can to silence them while Hunter pays off the debt¡± these exnations keep opening doors for more questions.


    ¡± How sure are you that Mr Reid was truly a dealer in the past?¡±


    ¡± Once you get in that circle, you¡¯ll get to know everyone around you. Those you should beware of and never dare to cross. Mr Reid was one of those¡±


    ¡± Why can¡¯t Hunter just pay them their debts in bits? He has enough money to do so.¡±


    ¡± Is it amusing that you¡¯re his secretary and never noticed Hunter¡¯s ount is jointed with thepany¡¯s ount?¡±


    ¡± Huh?¡±


    What is really happening in the world?


    ¡± Even though Hunter¡¯s Dad held his son by his words, he couldn¡¯t be too careful. So back then he reduced Hunter¡¯s allowances to half even if it didn¡¯t stop him, it limited what he could afford. And now that Hunter has the business, Mr McConnell connected Hunter and thepany¡¯s ount together, so he could monitor Hunter¡¯s money usage. If over a billion should go missing his Dad may secretly go digging and find out¡±


    That exins what his Dad said before I arrived here.


    ¡± And keep an eye on him, he may be carrying out illicit deals under my nose and for all I know he¡¯s capable¡±


    His Dad still has a doubtful side.


    ¡± But how does he intend to pay back?¡± Knowing he can¡¯t use his own ount.


    ¡± One of the perks of working with Mr Reid is the fact that the money belong to both Reid and Hunter, meaning the money can¡¯t get to thepany¡¯s ount . Hunter and Reid would open a new joint ount for it¡¯s cause. If Reid agrees to help, he will have no problem with Hunter using their money¡±


    I was dumb. This was the reason behind Hunter¡¯s recent behavior.


    He had a perfect n and I just screwed it up effortlessly.


    I heard grunting sounds and I turned to see Edward carrying a passed out Hunter down the steps.


    He slung one of Hunter¡¯s arms around his neck and used his other arm to firmly hold his body in ce.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what drinks you guys had that made Hunter hallucinate and lose his mind but I don¡¯t want that happening again. Miss Jules I¡¯ll be in the car¡±


    Edward dragged Hunter out of the building with obvious anger towards the both men very clear in his eyes and I felt more guilty than I ever had in my life.


    Hunter wasn¡¯t someone I should help, but I¡¯m not someone to revenge.


    ¡± Does Edward know?¡± I whispered to Chance with my voice almost cracked as I watched them leave the scene.


    ¡± No. No one does. I¡¯m even lucky he told me. And here¡¯s the funny part¡±


    There¡¯s more?


    ¡± If Hunter tries to get any authorities involved, they¡¯re gonna kill him. They stated their ns very clearly on the note they sent to him¡±


    ¡± If Hunter reports to the authorities won¡¯t he be in trouble too?¡±. He was a dealer in the past too.


    ¡± Yes, but confessing to a past indulgence is only going to cost him a fine. But if those guys leak this to the authorities he¡¯s up for at least ten years in jail¡± Chance stood up from his seat and dusted his shirt.


    ¡± But it¡¯s all in the past¡±


    ¡± These guys can manipte anything. Right now Hunter isn¡¯t safe. Jules he needs this deal and I know he¡¯s going to kill me for telling you this story but I had to so you¡¯d see what it¡¯s causing for him. Hunter is my friend and he only wants your distance from Mason temporarily, once this is done you guys can go ahead¡±


    ¡± Then why was he so calm, I mean he¡¯s literally on a death seal¡± why didn¡¯t he try something bigger than what he¡¯s been trying.


    ¡± It¡¯s like he¡¯s epted fate. He knew one day everything will be out. He said he¡¯s been trying to get you away from Mason but you never listened, so he made two options. Take it to the police and get killed or let them do whatever they want and lose his job, his money, his freedom for at least ten years if not more and lose his dad¡¯s trust. He¡¯s done trying to save himself¡±


    If there was a dagger in my heart before, it just twisted.


    Hunter was willing to lose everything just to let me be.


    ¡± Why would he do that?¡± I questioned.


    ¡± Do what?¡±


    ¡± Lose everything just to let me and Mason be¡±


    Chance chuckled at my words and spoke softly.


    ¡± Hunter has been my friend for years and if there¡¯s one thing I know, it¡¯s Hunter actually has a heart despite how hard that may be to believe for you. But I assume everything he did, he¡¯s doing or he¡¯s willing to do all have a reason. You should ask him why¡±


    Yeah like he¡¯s ever going to give me an answer.


    ¡± Jules, I should get going. And I want you to think about what I just told you. I¡¯m not telling you anything, but I¡¯m giving you a floor to make your choice¡±


    Is there even a choice to make?


    ¡± How are you gonna get home?¡± I asked him as he started walking away.


    ¡± I¡¯ll order up a cab or call my driver. Don¡¯t worry about it¡±


    ¡± You can use his car and return itter. He won¡¯t mind right?¡±


    ¡± Hmmm¡­ Sounds like a great idea. Thanks.¡±


    ¡± Yeah.. goodnight Chance.¡±


    Heughed and I raised a brow in confusion.


    ¡± That¡¯s the second time you¡¯ve called my name since I¡¯ve known you.¡± He nced round with a smirk on his lips. ¡± This ce is gonna cost a lot to fix huh?¡± His smirk still evident before he looks at me for thest time.


    ¡± Good night Jules¡±


    And he walked out, afterwards I followed and everyone drove home.

 Chapter 040

    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    It¡¯s seven forty two am, and I¡¯ve already been up for the past one hour or so.


    It¡¯s not like I had enough sleep either. Or rather I couldn¡¯t sleep.


    I just finished waving Louisa a goodbye as Edward drove her off to school. His eye bags a simple exnation of hisck of sleep.


    I walked into the kitchen and met Cheryn and Guillermo having breakfast and chatting away happily.


    I had already seen them earlier today when Louie had to eat breakfast, but there has been no difference in my mood from the time I saw them thirty minutes ago and now.


    ¡± Guillermo have you seen Hunter this morning?¡± I asked, feeling very apologetic for interrupting the twos discussion but I had to.


    Hunter had a photo shoot today by nine and I don¡¯t want us to bete.


    ¡± Sadly no. I believe he¡¯s still asleep¡± Guillermo answered and I nodded.


    I¡¯m also very sure he¡¯s suffering from a Monday night hangover.


    ¡± Is everything okay sweetie? You¡¯ve been moody all morning. Was something wrong when you went to get Hunterst night?¡± Cheryn asked with a motherly soft tone.


    ¡± Asides from being drunk? Nothing more¡±


    Yeah, and also finding out he¡¯s being haunted by demon¡¯s he¡¯d abandoned.


    ¡± Well then. I think he should still be in bed¡± Cheryn finalised and I whisper a thank you before grabbing a ss of water and shuffling through the emergency cupboard for aspirin or ibuprofen.


    With the two in one hand, I walked up the stairs to his bedroom.


    I¡¯ve never been in there before, but at least udette had given me a tour when I newly arrived.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I stood in front of his door for at least two minutes before summoning enough courage to knock.


    After three knocks and two minutes of waiting, I began to feel very wrong by standing at his door.


    I was the cause that drove him to drinking yesterday..


    Well, maybe part of the cause.


    But the point is I¡¯m part of it and now he has a terrible headache to deal with.


    At least I¡¯m only offering help.


    I knocked again and after waiting and getting no response, I entered myself.


    His room was technically all ck.


    From his curtain drapes, to his center rugs, to sofas and even bedsheets.


    The only thing white in here is the walls.


    On noticing the walls, I saw drawings. So many distinctive drawings either in frames or pinned freely to the wall.


    Exactly where Louisa got her talent¡¯s.


    Hunter was a perfection with a pencil, these are the kind of art they sell for millions at auctions and yet here they are being used as wall decor in Hunter¡¯s bedroom.


    A big frame above the head of his bed caught my eye. It¡¯s was a coloured pencil drawing of his Dad.


    I felt my heart twitch. Hunter looked up to his father so much that his greatest fear at the moment is his Dad finding out he disappointed him.


    A groan from the bed brought my attention back to my environment.


    Hunter¡¯s figure was hidden underneath his nket as he turned around and faced the other direction.


    I walked up to the edge of his bed where I could see his face and tried waking him up.


    ¡± Hunter?¡± I called out but he made no attempt to awaken.


    ¡± Hunter wake up¡±


    Still nothing.


    With my free hand I tapped lightly on his shoulder twice.


    ¡± Hunter¡­ Hunter wake up¡±


    Then I finally got a reaction. He hummed and slowly flipped the opposite way.


    ¡± Hunter¡± I said his name again.


    Unsurprisingly, he groaned and answered me.


    ¡± Arrrgh¡­. What is it?¡±


    Jesus Christ his voice!


    I was actually stunned for a few seconds by his husky early morning voice but I had other important things to focus on.


    ¡± Hunter wake up you have a photo shoot today¡±


    I think the information startled him because he whipped so fast to catch who¡¯s speaking and immediately regretted it.


    ¡± Oww!¡± He yelled and used his right hand to hold his head, then he opened his eyes. ¡± Jules? What the fuck are you doing in here?¡±


    Would it surprise you that the only thing I feel that was important in his statement is the fact he called me Jules?


    ¡± I came to wake you up¡±


    ¡± Why!?¡±


    Okay, so no doubts. He¡¯s still very, very angry with me.


    ¡± You have a photo shoot by nine and it¡¯s almost eight¡± I exined and his blue but red clouded eyes widened with realization.


    ¡± Fuck!¡± Was his only word and he threw his nket off himself and jumped up from the bed.


    And I swear, I would never be prepared for a sight like this.


    Hunter was naked and except for his pair of boxers he had on, everything else was on disy.


    He had a perfectly toned body with well defined abs that glistened with his sweat.


    His body was righteously carved in every corner, even to his calves.


    Following his chest down to his waist where his shorts hung extremely low I caught the outline of a tattoo.


    I could only see the curves that held resemnce to a wolf¡¯s head and I thought back to the days he was called the alpha male for being our school team¡¯s captain.


    Maybe, that could be the inspiration.


    But still, I don¡¯t think anyone ever knew Hunter did have a tattoo.


    Oh wait, I forgot he¡¯s had a fertile journey of stripping with thedies.


    ¡± Jules, I said you can leave now¡±


    Oh my goodness, I¡¯m so stupid!


    I was busy staring at his body to even acknowledge he was speaking to me.


    I felt a blush creep up my cheeks as I looked up, expecting to see a smirking Hunter but no.


    In fact he looks more pissed than when I woke him.


    Right. He¡¯s still angry.


    ¡± I uh¡­ I brought you some aspirin¡± I mumbled the first words that came into my brain after massaging his half naked body with my eyes.


    ¡± Did I ask for it?¡± He folded his arms across his chest causing his muscles to bulge.


    ¡± I-I, I was only trying to help. You know. Because of you might have a hangover¡± why was I suddenly feeling so guilty by doing so.


    ¡± Like I said before, did I ask?¡± He lifted one brow up and I felt defeated.


    I actually didn¡¯t want to argue with him.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.. I¡¯ll just-¡± I started but he didn¡¯t let me finish.


    ¡± Leave them on the table¡± he said and marched into his bathroom, mming the door behind him.


    I flinched with the sound but turned to keep the water and drug on the table beside the bed.


    As I ced them gently on the table, I saw another framed photo on the furniture.


    It was of a middle ageddy and a girl who should be at least in her teenage years.


    They both had the brightest smiles I have ever seen on their faces.


    Judging by the picture above his head, I¡¯d assume the elderlydy to be his Mom, but the girl?


    I never knew he also has a sister.

 Chapter 041

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, I¡¯m so d you could make it. The crew were beginning to worry you wouldn¡¯t¡±


    I met Mr Borolea, the owner of La Cheri¨¦ magazines on the ground floor as I walked into the lobby at half past nine.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for the dy Borolea. I encountered a minor problem¡±


    Minor problem also known as a tremendous headache.


    But it¡¯s subsided though.


    ¡± No worries. You¡¯re here now and that¡¯s all that matters¡± he extended his hand to me for a shake and that was when he noticed Iris beside me.


    ¡± And who may this lovelydy be?¡± His smile transformed from pleased to flirtatious in seconds.


    ¡± My secretary¡± I simply replied and she looked at me with almost a pout on her lips and scrunched up brows.


    ¡± Miss Jules¡± Iris introduced herself now knowing that I wouldn¡¯t do it for her.


    ¡± Nice to meet you Jules. Call me Lander¡± they too exchange shakes while I stood by the side and waited patiently.


    ¡± Hunter, what do you think about us giving your secretary a photo shoot of her own?¡± Borolea is simply looking for a charm string with her and I internallyughed at his obliviousness to her rtionship status.


    I rolled my eyes at his direction¡± if you wanna do a photo shoot with her, ask her. She¡¯s proven very confident in making decisions for herself¡±


    Iris caught the hidden meaning to my words without dy and avoided eye contact with me.


    She even knows how to pretend to look guilty.


    ¡± Well Miss Jules, it will be my pleasure to use you as my cover one day¡±


    Due to the fact that Iris isn¡¯t really ustomed with Borolea, she wasn¡¯t able to pick up on his obvious sexual innuendo.


    Borolea was a good looking man in his mid thirties, but his sex addiction is a national problem.


    ¡± No thanks. Maybe some other time¡± My secretary nodded to him and moved to my side, but I was in no mood to stand by her.


    Since they didn¡¯t look ready, I marched to the elevator making the other two follow after me.


    Iris¡¯s heels clicking on the tiles ground loud enough for the entire floor to hear as she tried to increase her speed to catch up with me.


    As the elevator opened and I stepped in, Borolea following next and standing by my right, then Iris got in to stay by my left.


    I moved to the other end of the lift and punched the third floor.


    I¡¯ve been here before, I escorted Chance here on his photo shoot five months ago, so I¡¯m well aware of some ces in the building.


    I maintain my position at the other end just to stay far away from Iris and she realizes because she in turn moved to the other side.


    Making us far but not far enough from each other.


    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    When we arrive at the floor for the shoot, Lander was the first to leave, but before I could count seconds Hunter was out too.


    Now he¡¯s even avoiding breathing the same air as me.


    Maybe waking him up this morning was actually a bad idea.


    I sighed and followed them to the direction they led and when we got there, the ce was a splendor.


    The prepared background for the photoshoot was all white, kind of a contrast to what he¡¯s used to.


    I checked on Hunter to know his reaction about the chosen color background and I was right.


    He didn¡¯t like it because he was literally cringing by just mere looking at it. One can almost assume him to be a vampire.


    ¡± Err- Mr Lander?¡± I called the attention of the man behind the work.


    ¡± Yes love?¡±


    ¡± Is there any other color you could use for the background? I¡¯m not too particr about the white¡±


    Hunter narrowed his eyes at me into two barely visible slits, but that didn¡¯t stop Mr Lander from speaking.


    ¡± Sure we can, do you want that Hunter?¡±


    ¡± No.. the white is okay¡±


    Did he just reject the change because I suggested it?


    ¡± Oh. Good. Hunter please go into that room and get dressed in the first thing you see on the rack ande back out so we can start the process. We¡¯ve got too many to try¡± Mr Lander said and Hunter just walked straight to the room .


    ¡± Many to try?¡± I repeated his statement as a question.


    ¡± Yes. He¡¯s got like seventeen brands to try on¡±


    ¡± But isn¡¯t it only the cover?¡±


    ¡± Sure it is, but if you¡¯re our cover we dedicate the whole middle page to your photos¡±


    I nod after understanding and walk up to the crew who were adjusting the lighting or setting up one thing or the other.


    After a short while, Hunter emerged from the room he walked into, wearing sweatpants and a short sleeved white FILA polo that was fitted to his form perfectly.


    He stepped out gracefully, like modelling was his true calling and the crew quickly turned to him.


    The make up artists sat him down on a nearby stool and attacked his face while others took hold of his hair.


    Some of the female crew who were to organize the stage were either gaping or fawning over Hunter and he dly sent a wink their way.


    Meanwhile he made sure not to look my way twice in one minute.


    After the make up, not like much difference was made to his face, he climbed up the tform and the photographers joined with their camera¡¯s.


    The photo shoot started with the French/ Italian photographers pointing and calling out various styles of poses to be done.


    But this very one was the most outstanding.


    He was asked to raise one end of his shirt, while staring straight into the camera and biting his lip.


    He did exactly just that and if his look isn¡¯t the definition of sexy then Oxford need a new dictionary.


    When he struck the pose, some girls were even dumb enough to gasp so loudly while some guys whistled.


    Hunter was clearly not trying to smirk on camera but he couldn¡¯t help his ego.


    A photographer went closer to him to adjust his stance and lower the waist band of the sweatpants to go almost dangerously low.


    Then the tattoo came into full view.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    It was a wolf, scratch that.. a cub that looked like it was trying to howl.


    The cub was actually looked like it was standing on water but the wolf¡¯s body was literally on fire.


    I just noticed the tiny and faint mes that surrounded the little creatures body and for some reason


    I felt sad.


    For the wolf though.


    It looks like it was in pain, standing on water but yet it¡¯s burning.


    No one seemed to care about any other thing aside from how the tattoo just added to his sex appeal.


    ________________________________


    We had finished the photoshoot and it was already seven PM at night.


    Yes Hunter tried on all seventeen brands and each had at least fifty photos from each photographer.


    ¡± I¡¯m honestly confused on which to choose for the cover, these are all amazing¡± Mr Lander said and earned a chuckle from Hunter.


    We were all seated and watching the pictures go in a slideshow from a projector.


    ¡± Don¡¯tugh young man, choose something¡± Lander scolded.


    He was actually frustrated, all the pictures looked too good to choose from.


    ¡± You¡¯re the professional, make your pick¡± Hunter still wasughing.


    ¡± Fine, we¡¯ll let thedies choose. Jules? Please tell me which one your boss looks extremely ravishing in¡±


    Hunter scoffed and got up from his chair and walked back into the dressing room, probably to change back to his official clothes and package the ones given to him as a token.


    ¡± Why not let the others choose, I¡¯ll be right back¡±


    Mr Lander nodded and I followed after Hunter. I knocked on the door and heard a gentlee in from the other side.


    He may think it¡¯s one of the crew.


    I walked in to meet him shirtless for the second time today but still couldn¡¯t stop myself from turning pink.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± His lips holding a scowl.


    ¡± I wanted to congratte you. The photos aren¡¯t bad¡±


    ¡± Alright, you¡¯ve congratted me now leave¡±


    ¡± How¡¯s your head?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer me, rather continued to fold up clothes here and there.


    ¡± Mind if I help you?¡± He paused and raised a brow as he looked at me.


    Me offering to help him isn¡¯t something I would normally do.


    Or something I¡¯ve ever done.


    ¡± No, you can leave¡±


    ¡± What picture would you want them to pick?¡± I tried again.


    ¡± Anyone of their choice¡± he didn¡¯t look at me as he answered.


    ¡± Oh.. okay¡± it¡¯s beginning to feel awkward.


    ¡± I-Jules, why did you ask Borolea about the background today?¡±


    I almost thought he¡¯d call me Iris.


    ¡± Because I know you prefer ck¡±


    ¡± Next time don¡¯t speak for me¡±


    Ouch!


    ¡± Uh- okay¡­ Sorry about that¡±.


    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m still trying, Chance this is all your fault!


    ¡± I never knew you had a tattoo¡± changing the subject.


    ¡± Well now you know¡±


    ¡± Well-¡±


    ¡± Jules?¡± He cut me again today.


    ¡± Yes?¡±


    ¡± Just leave¡±


    I felt a weight in my chest and I¡¯m very sure it¡¯s from the embarrassment and something else.


    I turned around and walked out of the dressing room with tears stinging my eyes.


    I honestly don¡¯t know, but I believe that something else is hurting me more than the embarrassment.

 Chapter 042

    Hunter¡¯s P. O. V


    I was about leaving the office when Mason walked in.


    I have never felt sote in my life. If only I had gotten ready five minutes earlier.


    ¡± Hunter. Hey how have you been?¡± Mason greeted with a smile on his face and I tried to mimick his gesture, but my facial muscles refused.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been alright I guess. And as much as I would love to stay and chat, I know you aren¡¯t here to see me¡±


    He scratched behind his head, meaning I had caught him.


    ¡± Err- I¡¯m actually here to see both of you¡±


    Both of us? That¡¯s a recent activity.


    ¡± Okay?, Wanna have a seat?¡± I gesture back to the room.


    ¡± Oh no. It¡¯s brief¡±


    That exins why I¡¯m involved.


    I nodded as a sign for him to carry on.


    ¡± My Dad invited you over for dinner next week Saturday, he said to discuss about the deal¡±


    Okay, maybe it was profitable dying a little.


    ¡± Thanks for the news, but where does my secretary fit into this?¡±


    If I could go alone it¡¯s duly preferred.


    ¡± My Dad said you can bring a plus one, so I assumed you¡¯d bring her. You know, because she was who my Dad met¡±


    Yes, and also because you guys want to go do rat y behind doors.


    ¡± Did your dad say I can or I should bring a plus one?¡± I asked him so it¡¯ll hint at I¡¯d rather not bring her.


    ¡± He said can, but you¡¯ll need your secretary there right?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯d prefer a private meeting¡±


    Not like I n on saying snything yet.


    ¡± Oh¡­ Well it¡¯s your choice¡±


    Hmmph¡­ Like you guys give me much choices to make.


    ¡± I¡¯ll see what I can do¡±


    His face brightened up after my slightly positive statement and I decided to walk away to where I was headed.


    ¡± Hunter?¡± He calls out once more.


    What does he want this time? To make her show up in a bikini?


    ¡± Yes?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry if dating your secretary is causing risk for your business, we promise to go under radar till you decide otherwise¡±


    I expected many things, but not an apology.


    ¡± I¡¯ve heard you¡± I told him and walked out to the meeting room.


    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡± I highly disagree with you Mr Debonair¡± Hunter said with enough will power to discourage the men before us but they didn¡¯t seem ready to back down.


    We were currently in a meeting with the representatives of an uingpany known as DeBonAir Fashion.


    I must say, they do have a very big courage to seek for assistance from a huge industry such as Brooks and Shields.


    And as the secretary, I sat at the extreme left end of the table recording everything that took ce.


    This is the most quiet I have ever been in a meeting.


    And it¡¯s really irking me.


    Hunter never looked my way once through out and I suddenly felt very ufortable with his reactions towards me.


    It¡¯s not like I¡¯m seeking his attention or something, but this is highly different from the usual.


    At this point I¡¯d appreciate it if he even sent me a re.


    ¡± Mr McConnell I¡¯d beg to differ. The business code states thatpanies like yours are meant to help littlepanies grow¡± Mr Debonair interjected.


    Hunter is declining to offer assistance to their business and they don¡¯t seem to happy about it.


    I actually think they should be given a chance, but my opinion doesn¡¯t matter anymore.


    ¡± That same business code also advices growingpanies to invest with growing enterprises. And as we all know, Brooks and Shields is not growing¡±


    ¡± They advised, not stated apulsory action¡± Me Debonair was very persistent.


    ¡± Well I¡¯m advising you now, go find anotherpany¡± Hunter was on the verge of exploding as his words came out seethed.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, I know this is yourpany and you have the right to make your choices but please give us a chance¡±


    Please give it to them.


    ¡± Give you a chance then what? What am I to gain from you guys? Eight hundred dors a month? I¡¯m not ready to count losses by helping a lone Star¡±


    That was particrly harsh but true.


    In recent activity, Hunter has beenshing out on everyone around. Including the quiet Lily.


    The poor girl only came to deliver the receipts I had sent for her to cross check to his table and forgot one of the leaflets in her office.


    And Hunter whipped her with his words like she hadmitted a fraud of several millions.


    Down at the coffee machine this morning everyone was talking about how he¡¯d changed and is somewhat bing uneasy to work with.


    Some of the youngerdies even attributed histest behavior to my working with him.


    And in a way, I believed them.


    He hasn¡¯t given me a fair share of his anger that I feel he believes I deserve.


    In fact, he hasn¡¯t spoken to me at all.


    When I say silence, I mean not even a reply to my good mornings. If I happen to drop off something in his office while he¡¯s around, he¡¯d either pretend not to acknowledge my presence or give me a simple nod.


    Three days after the photo shoot and his cold shoulder keeps getting colder.


    ¡± I¡¯m only giving you this deal Mr Debonair because I like your die hard attitude¡±


    Wait what!?


    ¡± That¡¯s the only thing that keeps a business man going¡±


    They both had smile¡¯s on their faces meanwhile I was too shocked to recover.


    Hunter agreed?


    My eyes went round the room andnded on the secretary of Debonair.


    She was already watching me with her innocent grey eyes across the table, whilst trying so hard not tough at me.


    I can tell she noticed my realisation of things a little toote.


    She slid a paper to me and I opened it to see a little note on the discussion.


    I mouthed a thanks to her before scribbling down a summary.


    At least a way to save my head.


    ¡± I hope to see you more often Mr McConnell¡± Debonair stood and extended his hand towards Hunter for a shake.


    ¡± That, you will¡± came Hunter¡¯s grim reply as he stood and matched the handshake.


    I quickly squeezed up the paper and stood to greet them a goodbye.


    As soon as they closed the door, Hunter spoke to me for the first time in three days.


    ¡± What did his secretary give to you?¡±


    So he noticed the exchange.


    His eyes were still trained on the door they exited even when he spoke.


    ¡± Uhm.. a little note on the meeting. I zoned out for a few seconds¡±


    That was when he turned to look at me.


    Also another thing he¡¯s done for the first time in a while.


    ¡± If your job is bing inappropriate for you just say it. I can have Lily do it more efficiently¡±


    Now he¡¯s nning to rece me?


    ¡± No. I¡¯m sorry¡±


    He doesn¡¯t answer. Almost walking out the door but stops a few feet away from it.


    ¡± The Reid¡¯s are inviting us for dinner next Saturday¡±


    The Reid¡¯s?


    Before I could ask any more questions he was out the door.


    And I had that something feeling again.


    Only worse this time.

 Chapter 043

    ¡± I saw he was loved out of pity,


    The worst kind of love there is.


    To keep a hold on someone,


    Because you think they¡¯re weak ¡±


    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    Nine pm and I heard the front door of the house open.


    I was in the kitchen blending some fruits to make a smoothie when Dn walked in.


    ¡± Hey babe. Where¡¯s Louisa?¡± He came up to me and kissed my forehead.


    ¡± She slept early, I think her dance ss was too stressful today¡±


    He chuckled at my response and moved straight to the refrigerator to grab an ice cream bowl.


    ¡± Dn? Don¡¯t even think about running, you promised¡± Hunter¡¯s voice preceeds his presence before he appeared.


    We maintain eye contact for less than a second before he looks to his cousin.


    ¡± Chill out dude, I promised and I don¡¯t fail¡± Dn said as he shoved an overfull spoon of ice cream into his mouth.


    Hunter only scoffed and walked out.


    And as usual, ignoring my presence.


    It took every muscle to hide how much this affected me.


    ¡± Iris is there something going on that I don¡¯t know of?¡± Dn asked with a voice of confusion.


    ¡± What? No.. why do you ask?¡± My voice trembled though I suspect it isn¡¯t obvious.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡± So is it normal for you and Hunter to not talk for days? Or you guys just choose to talk when I¡¯m not there¡±


    Iughed at his statement and poured myself a ss of my blended mix.


    Normal indeed.


    ¡± There¡¯s simply nothing to say¡± I sipped my banana and strawberry smoothie and savoured it¡¯s lingering taste on my tongue.


    ¡± Iris in case you haven¡¯t noticed, you¡¯re almost tearing up. Your voice is even wavering¡±


    Only when he said it did I feel a tear drop ride down my face.


    I really don¡¯t know what is wrong with me! Even the day Hunter does nothing he still manages to hurt me badly.


    ¡± Dn I don¡¯t know¡± I keep my ss back on the surface and use my both hands to cover my face.


    I feel stupid.


    ¡± Just talk to me, what exactly is wrong?¡± His voice now behind me and he proves it by cing a hand on my shoulder.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know Dn! I really don¡¯t know, I¡¯m just.. it¡¯s just¡­ Arrgh, I have no idea what is wrong with me¡± I pull at my hair in frustration and more tears slip.


    ¡± When did this all start?¡±


    From the moment I discovered something I never expected to.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡±


    ¡± Iris you¡¯re confusing me¡± he scrunched up his brows and stared at my face.


    ¡± I think I just need to sleep¡± I wiped my eyes and try to smile but failed woefully.


    ¡± I¡¯m gonna kill Hunter. I swear-¡±


    ¡± Hunter did nothing¡±


    For the first time.


    ¡± Huh?¡±


    ¡± Dy, goodnight¡± I hugged him briefly before leaving the kitchen with my barely touched smoothie.


    ¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã


    3:34am


    And I haven¡¯t had an ounce of sleep.


    I¡¯ve been tossing and turning about restlessly, taken over five sses of milk, peed more than eight times, adjusted Louie¡¯s position into every possible way but yet I feel like there¡¯s something I¡¯m missing. And I think I know what it is.


    I need to clear my head.


    To do that I¡¯d need to talk to someone, but who?


    My parents will freak out if they figure out I¡¯m living with Hunter.


    Megan and Meredith will think I¡¯m crazy.


    Mason is out of the picture.


    Dn is just too close to Hunter to discuss this with.


    That leaves only one option and I think I know who to call.


    I grab my phone and sit up on my bed before dialing the number.


    It took three rings before it was answered.


    ¡± Hello? Iris?¡±


    ¡± Mrs Phoebe I¡¯m so sorry for disturbing you¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay hun, are you alright?¡± She yawned while saying thatst part.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. I can¡¯t sleep¡±


    ¡± I would have asked why you can¡¯t sleep but your voice tells me something is bothering you¡±


    ¡± Yes, and I want to let it is out so I can sleep¡± I sighed, finally getting a relief that I can catch some rest.


    ¡± alright. Go on¡±


    Then I told her everything.


    And by everything, I mean every single thing. Including Hunter¡¯s secret.


    I know it¡¯s wrong but I need someone who will give me rational and fair advice.


    Mrs Phoebe loves Me, yes. But she also loves Hunter because he¡¯s like a nephew to her, so if anyone is to give me a positive advice on everything it should be her or Dn but we all know why I won¡¯t involve him.


    Plus I can actually trust his mom to not say a word.


    ¡± Wow. This is not what I was expecting¡± her firstment to my story.


    I chewed on my fingers and waited for her to continue.


    ¡± What about you?¡±


    Huh?


    ¡± What about me?¡±


    ¡± Iris there¡¯s a part you¡¯re leaving out, I can feel it. If you want total solution you have to give the entire problem¡±


    That was my theory when I started narrating the story but I felt it wasn¡¯t important to make mention.


    ¡± I really don¡¯t know how to put it¡± Iined cause it was true.


    ¡± Use English dear¡±


    Gee.. thanks.


    ¡± Arrgh.. Mrs Phoebe!¡±


    Sheughed and I found itforting at least.


    ¡± Fine. These days Hunter and I don¡¯t talk anymore. He doesn¡¯t even look my way¡±


    ¡± Even at work?¡±


    ¡± Especially at work. Normally, I do have some kind of upper hand in his office. Now I¡¯m just like everyone else¡±


    ¡± So before, he paid you more attention?¡±


    ¡± I guess you could put it like that¡±


    ¡± Have you tried talking to him?¡±


    ¡± Yeah.. many times. But he never responds. He even called me inefficient today¡±


    ¡± Wow, that¡¯s got to be harsh¡±


    ¡± It is. It really hurts. More than I think it should¡±


    ¡± Wait! Repeat that¡±


    ¡± It hurts Mrs Phoebe. So bad. I cried tonight cause of it¡±


    ¡± Cause he isn¡¯t giving you attention?¡±


    ¡± No¡­ But yes. I know that¡¯s not the reason but I¡¯m sure there is a little part of it that is¡±


    ¡± If I don¡¯t know better, I¡¯d say you¡¯re starting to like him¡±


    My breath hitched.


    Like him?


    ¡± No¡­ No.. I don¡¯t believe you on this¡±


    She chuckled and this time it was lessforting.


    ¡± Honestly, what¡¯s not to like in him?¡±


    ¡± Err- the fact that he¡¯s a beast¡±


    ¡± Was a beast¡±


    ¡± Doesn¡¯t change the fact that he¡¯s evil¡±


    ¡± Dear from what I hear, Hunter isn¡¯t evil anymore¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not true, maybe you didn¡¯t hear me right¡±


    ¡± Okay¡±


    ¡°Mrs Phoebe?¡±


    ¡± Yes?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re kidding me right? I can¡¯t like Hunter.¡±


    ¡± Actually yeah. You can¡¯t and you don¡¯t. All you¡¯re feeling now is pity¡±


    Pity? That¡¯s odd.


    ¡± How?¡±


    ¡± Analyze it this way, Hunter was someone who¡¯s hurt you in ways we can¡¯t even begin to mention and now a chance to save his life is in your hands¡±


    ¡± Uhun?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s where your pityes in. Your subconscious is feeling pity towards Hunter because it knows that in the end, you¡¯d prefer Mason to saving Hunter¡±


    ¡± What!? How can you say that?¡±


    ¡± But you didn¡¯t deny it¡±


    ¡± I never epted either¡±


    ¡± Iris don¡¯t pretend with me. You¡¯re given a chance to terminate the one person who made you regret life once and live with a guy who makes you happy and is going to make a perfect father for Louisa. Your heart had already made the choice before you thought about it. Your heart aches when he pushes you away because you¡¯re trying to get close, trying to be his friend. And do you know why you¡¯re doing that?¡±


    ¡± No?¡±


    ¡± Because deep down, you feel he¡¯s living hisst moments on Earth and that good nature in you is trying to get close to him for that reason. Tell me the truth Iris, if you were asked to make the decision now, pick Mason or get rid of Hunter which would you choose?¡±


    I said nothing cause I knew she had a point.


    ¡± So I¡¯m right¡±


    ¡± What can I do?¡±


    ¡± You already know what to do but you don¡¯t want to do it¡±


    ¡± I really want to help Hunter too, but he¡¯s giving me more reasons not to by pushing me out¡±


    ¡± Did he ever let you in?¡± She chuckled at her statement but the silent answer to this is actually a yes.


    We never became what you could ssify as friends but our interaction had gotten different till now.


    ¡± I¡¯m scared¡± I whispered in the receiver.


    ¡± Sweetie don¡¯t be¡±


    ¡± What if he dies cause of me?¡± I hated him doesn¡¯t mean I have the heart to watch him lose his life.


    ¡± You can change that you know¡±


    ¡± Are you advising me to leave Mason?¡±


    ¡± I never said anything. I will never make a decision for you but I¡¯d rather give you choices¡±


    ¡± Your choices are confusing¡±


    ¡± Confusing? They¡¯re the only choices you ever had¡±


    I bit my bottom lip before continuing


    ¡± I want to help Hunter, it¡¯s the right thing to do¡±


    ¡± Then help him¡±


    ¡± How? He wouldn¡¯t even let us breathe the same air¡±


    ¡± Then keep trying. I¡¯ve known Hunter from when he was a kid and what I¡¯ve learned is when he needs help he¡¯ll never admit it or allow himself to be assisted. Keep trying and he¡¯ll pop¡±


    That¡¯s the problem.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to keep trying¡±


    She sighed at the other end and I heard shuffling.


    ¡± Iris, please listen to me. Like I said, I¡¯ve known Hunter for a very long time and he¡¯s almost like a son to me. Hunter is not a bad kid, at least in the way I saw him. But the moment you told me all the things he did to you it took me a while to believe it was possible. Everyone knew he had a thing fordies but we could swear on one thing, that Hunter would never hit a girl. Heck, back in their school day, Hunter beat up guys for talking trash to his sister that¡¯s why they put them both in separate schools. So when I heard he hit you and even raped you I was shocked and I felt something was wrong but this drugs issue exins it all¡±


    ¡± Mrs Phoebe he caused me pain¡± I whimper.


    ¡± I know Iris, but I also know you¡¯re big enough to understand that this choice you¡¯re about to make will have a grave effect on everything¡±


    ¡± I doubt so¡±


    ¡± Doubt everything, but you may never forgive yourself for indirectly murdering Louisa¡¯s biological father whom she always wanted to know.¡±


    ¡± He doesn¡¯t want me to help¡±


    ¡± He will never ask you for your help and you know it¡±


    ¡± Well it¡¯s his loss, he¡¯s basically losing his mind¡±


    ¡± Iris please help him. Hunter really isn¡¯t a bad kid and if he dies a whole lot of people will feel his loss¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s too freaking stubborn!¡±


    ¡± Then put your own stubbornness on array. If he pushes you bounce back. Make him see that you¡¯re willing to help him live just because you want to be with Mason with a clear conscience. He¡¯ll understand it¡¯s a mutual understanding between you both and get through with his ns fast so you can be with who you really like¡±


    ¡± Do you think it will work?¡±


    ¡± It should under one condition¡±


    ¡± Which is?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t do it out of pity. Pity will only make him feel like a dead man and he¡¯ll end up pushing you to be with Mason and risk his own life. Do it cause you want to show him that you are bigger than revenge. Do it cause you want to show him that he didn¡¯t break you in the past, that you¡¯re strong enough to work with him for your own good¡±


    And I smiled.


    ¡± Thanks Mrs Phoebe¡±


    ¡± No worries love. Goodnight¡±


    ¡± Goodnight¡±


    And then, I went to bed like a baby.


    A¡ÌN.


    So this is the first time I¡¯m writing an author¡¯s note in this novel at the end of the chapter but I really want to say something.


    Sometimes, we do things out of pity and it¡¯s very wrong.


    We love out of pity


    Help out of pity


    Give out of pity


    And even befriend people out of pity.


    THIS IS VERY WRONG!


    You shouldn¡¯t do things because you pity people, you¡¯ll only make them feel worse than they already are.


    Don¡¯t love someone out of pity. The person is professing an undying love for you and you feel nothing but because you don¡¯t want to break the person¡¯s heart you pretend to like the person.


    It¡¯s not right!


    Loving someone out of pity will only make you see the person as inferior and weak.


    Learn to do things without pity.


    I think this is my Christmas message to everyone..


    Merry Christmas to you all¡­ I love you ??????


    I was really feeling sleepy while I wrote this chapter, but I had to update today. I apologise if it seems shabby and I promise to edit and make amends tomorrow.


    It¡¯s 12:47am over here right now, what about where you are?


    Thanks for reading..


    Love,


    Rose


    Poem above written by me three years ago ??

 Chapter 044

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Good morning Mr Hunter¡± Cheryn was the first to acknowledge my presence as I walked into the kitchen.


    ¡± Morning Hunter¡± next was Edward, he greeted as he side steps me to leave.


    I nodded to the both and carefully took my steps into the area.


    But they weren¡¯t the only ones here.


    Iris and her kid were seated at the opposite side of the counter. And Iris made no efforts to even try looking in my direction.


    Thank goodness she¡¯s given up.


    I took my stand on the other end of the table piece, across from the family duo and opened up a te kept aside for me.


    As soon as I sat, Iris rushed up to grab something from the refrigerator.


    My eyes stealthily following her movements as she stood and walked.


    She was dressed in a figure hugging suit pants and a button up sleeved shirt.


    Her derriere swaying slowly and I cursed myself for actually finding it fascinating.


    Hmmm.. I¡¯ve actually always found every females figure fascinating.


    I was busy watching her that I never noticed someone was calling me till a bottle cork hit me on the chest.


    ¡°Pshhht¡± the little voice called for me and I take it that she doesn¡¯t want her Mom to see.


    I lifted a brow to show her that she has my attention.


    ¡± Good morning¡±she said in a very hushed manner that will almost bepared to only mouthing the words.


    At least the kid didn¡¯t pick respect from her mother.


    I winked at her with a smile on my face and she giggled.


    Our interaction ended as soon as her mom returned with a juice box.


    She gave the both of us odd looks, clearly suspecting something but I just picked at my pancakes not looking up anymore.


    I was actually d for the little distraction but once it was over my mind wandered once more.


    Ever sincest night, I¡¯ve been thinking of a way to connect with soldo to get an extension on the deadline he¡¯s given.


    I never told Chance of the deadline cause he¡¯d secretly go and involve the police but I¡¯m sure I¡¯d be dead before they can do a thing.


    Soldo had sent a letter, but it gave away nothing. Not even a vast location of where he is. I¡¯d just wake up and see a message on my doorstep.


    And I know it isn¡¯t him who¡¯s delivering them. He¡¯s got spies. Which means I¡¯m basically being watched closer than I think.


    After a fucking twelve years.


    Yeah, I started drugs early. Probably around nine or ten years. Back then it felt good.


    God, remembering those days make me cringe.


    I nced round for a ss of water to ease the burning sensation in my chest when I caught Iris staring at me.


    Not the admiration kind of stare, rather the questioning type. The kind that looks like she¡¯s trying to read your soul.


    Even after she knew I caught her staring she doesn¡¯t turn away. She keeps on scrutinizing my every bit.


    Iris was never one to try threading my path, she always preferred being ssified with anything that doesn¡¯t involve me.


    Now I¡¯m giving her the space she all so wanted and it looks like she¡¯s pissed off. Like I¡¯m still the bad guy for giving her what she wants.


    Her space. I gave her.


    Mason. Same


    Respect and individual decisions. I still gave.


    So she should stop making me feel like a fucking predator.


    I lifted a brow at her cause she was still studying me. And her response didn¡¯te quickly.


    It took her at least ten seconds to break the eye contact.


    Now it was my turn to scrutinize.


    ¡± Louie let¡¯s go¡± she cooed to her kid as she helped her down from the stool.


    After adjusting the girl¡¯s uniform and strapping on her backpack, she took Louisa¡¯s hand in hers and started her leave.


    But turned back just at the door to say ¡± Good morning Mr McConnell¡±


    She didn¡¯t wait for a reply as she walked out.


    I only watched her leave. As usual, I have no interest in replying her greetings.


    I was still staring when someone cleared their throat to bring me back.


    Cheryn was still here.


    Iughed at the momentary disy and Cheryn actually joined me too.


    Iris is truly an enigma.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Iris p. o. v.


    ¡± Why would you call me here?¡± Mason asked as he approached where I was standing.


    We were at the beach, I had thought over Mrs Phoebe¡¯s advice and I needed to talk to him.


    The beach was the first ce he took me to when we hung out. No music, no flowers.


    Just the two of us standing by the shore, holding hands and getting to know more about each other.


    And I think that was the day I epted him into my life without him even asking me to date him.


    I had never been so willing to let anyone into my life but him. He was so in and free hearted. His spirit was just so warm and lively that it cuddled up my own soul.


    I came to the beach a few hours ago after Louisa was back from school, to ensure I could entrust her in udette¡¯s care before leaving.


    No.. I¡¯m not like all those cliche. series where theye down to the water side to think cause the sound of waves and ocean breezecalms their mind.


    I only came here cause this is the most private ce I believe I could stay on my own without being disturbed.


    I only wanted to breathe an air that isn¡¯t full of drama. The actual fresh air and I did.


    After staying here for three hours and enjoying a cone of ice cream with crackerster on, I called Mason toe join me.


    I¡¯m pretty sure the time should be around a few minutes to ten at night but let me surprise you. I wasn¡¯t alone.


    The beach had a few couples, possibly only four but at least I wasn¡¯t alone.


    I called Mason not more than eight minutes ago and he¡¯s already here.


    ¡± Hey¡± I looked up at him and tapped the sand beside me so he could join me sitting.


    ¡± Uhmm.. okay¡± he said confusedly and sat.


    I chuckled at his behavior before resting my head on his shoulder and watching the waves and tides p against each other under the moonlight.


    ¡± Jules? Are you okay?¡±


    Was I okay?


    Honestly, no. Life has got a way to make you feel bad when you want to feel good.


    I thought the end of Hunter would be the beginning of my happiness but no, it will be the beginning of my unending sorrow because he means too much to those who mean the world to me.


    Especially Louisa.


    She may not know he¡¯s her father but I¡¯m sure she will never forgive me if she finds out I rid her of the opportunity to know him.


    I¡¯m doing this for everyone. Not only myself.


    ¡± Mason?¡± I called out.


    ¡± Yes?¡±


    ¡± You know I care about you right? Like a lot¡± I intertwined our fingers and used my thumb to trace circles on the back of his thumb.


    ¡± Yeah, I do¡± he sighed.


    ¡± So you know that I will never willingly do anything to hurt you¡±


    ¡± Uhun¡±


    ¡± But do you trust me on that?¡±


    ¡± Jules where are you heading with this?¡±


    ¡± Do you trust me?¡± I lifted my head from his shoulder to look him in his light blue orbs.


    He ran his left hand down his face and sighed, before nodding in response to my question.


    ¡± Then I think we should really pull apart for Hunter¡¯s sake of the deal¡±


    ¡± What!? I¡¯ve already told him we¡¯re going under radar¡±


    ¡± Mason going under radar won¡¯t help. You¡¯re a stalked personality in the business world, in one way or the other we¡¯ll get caught¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s why you want to end things?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not ending anything. It¡¯s just for this deal to pass up and we can be together again¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re letting a business deale between us?¡±


    ¡± No. I¡¯m making a temporarypromise for a business deal. And I want you to do the same¡±


    ¡± What if I don¡¯t want to?¡±


    ¡± Do you trust me?¡±


    He looked me in the eyes, I could see hurt hidden underneath the confusion and it ached my heart terribly.


    ¡± Yes, yes I do¡±


    ¡± Then understand when I say it¡¯s for our own good. We¡¯ll still talk to each other on phone. Anytime you feel like just hit me up¡±


    ¡± Jules-¡±


    ¡± Mason please¡±


    ¡°Arrgh¡­ Fine¡±


    A smile danced on my lips as I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him down for a kiss.


    It was slow and simple, not much movements or exploring.


    It was a kiss that easily said.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯m doing this just for you.

 Chapter 045

    No personality today, just a song.


    Good years by Zayn Malik.


    Try listening to it while reading the second part¡­


    Another update¡­


    WARNING ?????? ¡ª VERY LONG CHAPTER ??


    Enjoy ???¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    New york city?


    No.


    I cross out another possible address of Soldo from my ideas.


    The office was closed by now because the time, I assume is between five and six and I¡¯m seated in my office with an almost empty bottle of whiskey.


    I¡¯m having a dinner with Mr Reid tomorrow and I have no intentions of telling him what is going on yet but the fact that I¡¯m at the greatest standstill in life is pricking at my soul.


    I bring my focus back to what I have at hand.


    Los Angeles.


    When I heardst about him, that was his location and Soldo isn¡¯t one to stay in a position for long.


    What about Los Gatos?


    I heard of another drug pin brewing up there. He may have gone to stake his ims.


    But then there¡¯s Slovakia.


    Casanca.


    Buenos Aires


    Even Rio de Janiero.


    Chances search also had suspicions on Madrid.


    This is hopeless!


    I threw down my pen and jumped out of my chair in annoyance.


    By this time, I had taken off my suit jacket and rolled up my sleeves.


    The environment became too hot a while ago due to my extreme brain exercise that I had to undo the top three buttons of my dress shirt.


    I sighed and took a deep breath before taking up the paper that I had scribbled down some pointers.


    He could have chosen to hide in the most expected ce, back at Los mos but the police were reported to have raided the den four years ago, he couldn¡¯t have gone back.


    But soldo is a man of the unexpected. Cole was a former member to the circle just like I was and he did mention seeing Soldo in Port Harcourt the day he went to visit his grandma in Nigeria.


    Then again this was two years ago, before all this threat and bull shit.


    Soldo could be on fucking Mars nning on how to nt weed in Jupiter.


    ¡± Aaaaah! This is hopeless!!¡±


    In my anger, I grabbed the ss bottle containing less than a quarter of whiskey and threw it against the opposite wall.


    I watched as it shattered to pieces and fell in shreds to the floor.


    Just like my life.


    Everything, just everything is going to be gone soon.


    I was given an ultimatum of five months to live. Five freaking months.


    But that was when the letter was sent.


    The five months end next month.


    I¡¯m just a walking dead. I already know that I wouldn¡¯t make it. So why am I even trying?


    I should just give up on trying to get to him to negotiate, I should give up on sealing this deal with Mr Reid.


    And I would. You know what? I¡¯m done!.


    I¡¯m done trying to protect myself. I expected this day surprisingly, so why am I extending the inevitable?


    I run my hands from my face to my hair and released a groan when I realized how sweaty my forehead is.


    I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn¡¯t notice someone gently open the door.


    ¡± Mr McConnell?¡±


    Iris?


    Her soft voice cooed into the room but she¡¯s thest person I want to see right now.


    I even thought she had gone home.


    ¡± Mr McConnell?¡± She called again, still staying behind the door. Waiting for me to Grant her permission to enter.


    I really don¡¯t understand hertest good secretary attitude but I¡¯m not buying her bullshit.


    ¡± Miss Jules, what do you want?¡± I stood with my arms on my waist and waited for her to walk in.


    ¡± Oh.. err- good evening. I just wanted to inform you that I¡¯ll take my leave now¡± she said as she entered but her statement didn¡¯t stop her eyes from widening in shock when she saw the broken bottle.


    She¡¯s here to inform me that she¡¯ll take her leave?


    This is the third time this week, what is with the behavior?


    ¡± Jules for heaven¡¯s sake, since when has it been of interest to tell me when you want to go?¡±


    She bit on her bottom lip and shyly looked to the ground.


    ¡± I-I just wanted to let you know¡± her words were barely audible.


    ¡± Well now I know. You can leave¡± I grunted and walked around my table to the opposite wall, trying to pick up the pieces of ss that I can.


    But Iris never left, she just stood there. Doing nothing but I have a feeling that she wants to say something.


    ¡± Why are you still here?¡± I crouched to start clearing up the ss shards.


    ¡± Is everything okay? Can I help?¡± It sounded like she wasn¡¯t sure of the question she just asked.


    But it more so sounds like she¡¯s not referring to the ss pieces before me.


    She¡¯s been acting all nice and friendly ever since that night that I was brought in home drunk.


    I mean, seriously? She brought me a pain reliever?


    I know I had said things that day which were¡­. I don¡¯t know.. absurd, but they were random words.


    I¡¯m not your typical kind of drunk. I may act all crazy and do stupid shit when I¡¯m high but I remember every single that happened once I¡¯m back to normal. Though not in detail.


    It¡¯s weird and strange but I kinda like it.


    And thest thing I remember that day was telling Chance the true story, throwing a fit that sent everyone home. I also remember Chance calling Iris toe get me despite my protests, then seeing Edwa-


    Wait!


    Chance called Iris toe get me but I never saw Iris. Only Edward came to the bathroom to soothe me.


    And then I heard people talking downstairs. I asked Edward who they were and he simply told me Chance was on a phone call. Edward probably said that cause he knew I wasn¡¯t in best of terms with Iris.


    But then again he lied!


    Chance was talking with Iris and after that day Iris¡¯s behavior towards me changed.


    If my analysis right now proves to be correct, I¡¯m going to behead Mr Milton.


    ¡± Mr McConnell? Are you okay?¡± Her voice was nearer, indicating she was closer to me than before.


    That¡¯s thest proof I need.


    Chance freaking told her.


    ¡± Iris what did Chance tell you?¡±


    I heard her breath cease. I was fucking right.


    ¡± Uhm.. nothing. Why do you ask?¡±


    Oh Iris, this is the worst time to try and y smart with me.


    I stood up from my crouched position and turned predatively to my right.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to ask you again and this time, try not to test me. What- did- Chance- tell- you?¡± Laying emphasis on every goddamn word.


    My patience is wearing out.


    ¡± He didn¡¯t-¡± I never let her finish because I know she¡¯s going to lie again.


    ¡± STOP WITH THE STUPID LIES AND TELL ME THE TRUTH! WHAT DID CHANCE TELL YOU!!?¡± I snapped.


    She flinched and jumped a step back then avoided my eyes by looking down.


    ¡± He- He¡­ I know about the debt¡±


    God, Chance!!


    ¡± He freaking told you!? The day I finally decided to tell him the truth, he promised to be silent but freaking told you!?¡±. I was climbing thedder of anger. I should be on the step of furious.


    ¡± Don¡¯t me him. I¡¯m d he did!¡± She courageously said while looking me in the eye this time.


    A very dry chuckle escaped me when all I want to do right now is break every bloody thing in this office.


    ¡± You¡¯re d he did? Why? Because you finally got to see the guy who bullied you back in your school days miserable?¡± My words came out bitterly and I prayed she read it that way.


    ¡± I have a feeling that you didn¡¯t hit me cause you wanted to¡±


    What!??


    ¡± Watch your mouth Jules, I¡¯m not in a state to guarantee you safety¡±


    ¡± What is so bad in him telling me your true reasons behind your deal with Mr Reid?¡±


    ¡± Because you weren¡¯t supposed to know!¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m your fucking secretary!¡±


    ¡± Do you think I care!?¡±


    ¡± The deal is affecting my rtionship with Mason!¡±


    ¡± The deal is doing nothing to your affair. I never disturbed you guys again, did I!?¡±


    We were in a shout marathon and none of us seems tired yet.


    ¡± Hunter those guys are going to kill you if you do nothing!¡±


    She called me Hunter?


    ¡± Isn¡¯t that what you wanted? To be rid of me? Well it¡¯s going to happen pretty soon.¡±


    ¡± It was what I wanted before I knew you did things you didn¡¯t want to!¡±


    I actuallyughed. Iughed so hard that I clutched my stomach because it hurt.


    I took menacing steps towards her and she backed away.


    Good girl.


    ¡± I hit you back then because I wanted to-¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s a l-¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t! Don¡¯t interrupt me!¡±


    More steps and she was almost against the wall.


    ¡± I hit you cause it made me happy. Your scars were my pride. I loved watching you break into pieces bit by bit because my soul demanded it. And I¡¯ll do it all over again if you don¡¯t leave right now!¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not t-true¡±


    I know that quiver. It was one that I bathed in years ago. The look on her face rpsed back to an expression I never thought I could get from Iris ever again.


    She was scared.


    ¡± Iris I said LEAVE!¡± My emphasis on thest part was too loud to have been overlooked.


    ¡± I want to help you!¡± Her eyes were glistening but even though her body was trembling, her eyes were showing that she isn¡¯t backing down.


    ¡± Help me by getting the hell out!¡± My steps towards her increased pace and she returns the motion by moving away faster.


    ¡± I¡¯m not going any fucking where!¡±


    ¡± JULES FOR THE DAMN FUCKING LAST TIME IN THE WHOLE CARNATION¡± I had her cornered.


    She had hit the wall and I used my two arms to cage her in. I looked in her eyes to convey my message with every vigor in me.


    ¡± LEAVE!!!!¡± she jumped away to no use and used her two arms to cover her face.


    Her body was shivering and she had a stream of tears running down her face.


    This was the Iris I wanted to see years ago. This was the way I wanted Iris to tremble whenever she thought of me.


    But right now. I don¡¯t know if I wanted this.


    She slowly dropped her arms from her face and gazed at me when she realized I wasn¡¯t seething with anger anymore.


    A few seconds passed of her looking at me with a tear streaked face.


    Then she said something I wasn¡¯t expecting.


    ¡± N-No!¡± Her voice wavered but her eyes still held hurt.


    Hurt and determination.


    My angry furrowed brows loosened and turned to one of confusion.


    She¡¯s still refusing to leave? Even after this?


    I just watched her entire face for something, just something to prove to me that she¡¯s lying. That she doesn¡¯t mean what she just said.


    But then she gave me an answer.


    She slowly wrapped her arms around me and ced her head on my chest as she sobbed so lightly.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m not l-leaving¡± her muffled voice reached my ear and I was still in the greatest shock of my life.


    She held on to my shirt so tightly and was chanting words to herself.


    I won¡¯t leave. I need peace for once.


    If she really needed peace, why is she trying to keep me alive?


    I¡¯m the cause of her troubles yet she wants me here. Despite all I did to her? She¡¯s willing to save me?


    I feel the tears building up in my eyes but I won¡¯t let them out.


    ¡± Why?¡± I asked her. Now it¡¯s time for my own voice to quiver.


    I just need to know why.


    She raised her head from my chest and found my eyes.


    Her red tear stung eyes were conveying messages that I could not understand, but I could clearly read one thing.


    She¡¯s still hurt by the things I¡¯ve done to her.


    I felt my very dark soul crack in sorrow. I had broken this girl when she did nothing to me.


    ¡± B-Because no one d-deserves to suffer¡±


    Then my cracked soul shattered.


    She never deserved to suffer. Iris had a golden heart but I dimmed it for nothing.


    I didn¡¯t want to but I couldn¡¯t just help it. I wasn¡¯t in control of myself and I destroyed a pure soul.


    I pulled away from her and took a few steps backwards. I could feel the tears threatening to burst out.


    ¡± Hunt-¡± her tiny voice called to me with confusion evident on her face.


    ¡± Just leave¡± I said in a calm tone and tried to turn away but she spoke again.


    ¡± Hunter don¡¯t tell me to leave.. I won¡¯t-¡±


    ¡± Iris please. Please leave. Please¡± I begged and the unexpected happened.


    I started crying in front of her but that didn¡¯t help her waterworks as she cried and ran out the door.


    __________________________


    You can listen to the song from this part. Or rather imagine the song here. ?


    Iris p. o. v.


    I had been crying since I got back home and I got everyone very worried but I asked to be left alone.


    So whoever is knocking on my door should better be someone with another stack of tissues.


    I sniffed and stood up from the bed with a light headache and stuffy nose to answer the door and there Jenny stood without a box of tissues.


    ¡± Jules, I think Mr Hunter wants to see you¡±


    ¡± You think?¡±


    She sighed and carried on. ¡± He just came home and the first thing he asked is where¡¯s Iris¡±


    I looked to the clock and it was half past eleven. God I hope Louisa¡¯s at sleep.


    ¡± Why can¡¯t hee look for me?¡± I wasn¡¯t going to try anymore. I give up on him.


    ¡± Uhm- he really isn¡¯t in the best condition¡±


    I raised a brow in confusion.


    ¡± Please just go see him¡± she pleaded with me and I sighed before walking out of my room and up the stairs but she didn¡¯t follow me.


    I got to his door and met it wide open so I stepped in and met Hunter sprawled out on the bed.


    ¡± Arrgh.. where¡¯s Iriiiiis?¡± His words slurred


    He¡¯s drunk again?


    ¡± I¡¯m h-here¡± I answered and stood far away from him as possible.


    ¡°Oh¡± he said andughed ¡± Iris you¡¯re not supposed to be here. You¡¯re meant to hate me¡±


    A hup following his speech.


    I didn¡¯t answer him, cause I felt he wanted to say a lot.


    ¡± Iris I¡¯ve hit you, I¡¯ve hurt you, I raped you then I told you to terminate the baby. I-Iris you should hate me¡±


    His words came out pained and almost unclear like he was holding back tears.


    ¡± You were that cute and smart new girl that took everyone¡¯s attention away from the rich kid back when you enrolled in our school, I think that was the reason I started picking on you. Cause you stole my spotlight¡± he chuckled dryly and continued.


    ¡± Spotlight¡± he scoffed ¡± like I had any. I was just illuminated with my parents own light. But then I picked on you cause back then, I felt like it was the only way to revenge for it¡±


    More hups.


    ¡± I wanted to stop. I knew I needed to stop but I couldn¡¯t. In fifth grade, I got involved in something that scarred me for life¡± moreughter ¡± you know. Chance already told you¡±


    At first I found it hard to believe he dealt with drugs but he started from fifth grade?


    ¡± It made me feel on top of the fucking world Iris. I felt like king. It made me feel that I got my respect from people by hitting you¡±


    What?


    ¡± It made me believe that the more pain I caused to you, the more people could see I was capable of doing and that was the only way I could be in control. So I did it. And it felt so damn good. It felt better than right¡±


    I felt a tear drop from my eyes again as I listened to a confession I long wanted to hear.


    ¡± I fed on your tears, basked in your whimpers,vished your pain. It was like every scar you had on your body soothed an ache I needed gone. And when I see you healing, I¡¯d rece them or put new ones cause I felt I needed it. Like a god needs loyal subjects, I needed you to tremble whenever you called my name. It made me feel amazing¡± he was crying again.


    From where I stood, I saw liquid ride down the side of his face.


    ¡± But I only broke you¡± he sobbed. ¡± I only destroyed your innocent soul. And if that wasn¡¯t enough, I raped you. I remember that night very well. I was the test monkey for Soldo¡¯stest crackbo, to know if it can get people high enough. Oh! And it worked, it got me so high that I felt I was walking on my head. I knew it¡¯s heavy effect when I raped you and walked away without looking back. I felt his drug was a sess but I couldn¡¯t get a chance to market it for him cause my dad caught me with seventy billion dors worth of it¡±


    He used a hand that was poorly coordinated to wipe his face but only managed to clean only a little bit of his tears.


    ¡± He destroyed it and put me under close watch, but I still had my ways. Now I¡¯ve finally been caught. I¡¯ve been given an ultimatum and you expect me to let you help me? Iris, I may have been heartless but I will never let you do something stupid¡±


    Then I spoke.


    ¡± It¡¯s not stupid¡±


    ¡± Argue all you want. It is stupid. Not only did I do all those things to you but when you told me you were pregnant I told you to abort it. To get rid of it but you didn¡¯t and after some months I heard you lost the baby. At first I was shocked that you had even kept it¡±


    He started to sob at this point and I cried as well.


    ¡± My mom used to tell me that when her sister lost her baby, she¡¯d see him in her dreams. She¡¯d carry him and y with him. She¡¯d make himugh and tell him how much she loved him. Do you see the baby?¡±


    My heart clenched because I did. Infact I saw him more often in my recent dreams.


    When I didn¡¯t give a reply, he continued.


    ¡± If you ever do, tell him or her that I¡¯m sorry. That I was so stupid to ever do what I did. Tell ¡¯em that they should forgive me so I may have peace in the afterlife¡±


    ¡± Hunter you aren¡¯t dying!¡± I screamed at him.


    Heughed again but it only pained my heart.


    ¡± Why shouldn¡¯t I? What else am I living for? Iris I ruined your chance to finish schooling. You never went to a university, then fate brings you my way once more for what else if not to see how I wasted my life in the past¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t waste your life¡± I didn¡¯t know when I started pacing to the bed slowly.


    ¡± I only pray to God that I didn¡¯t. I have nothing else to live for. I¡¯d rather be anywhere but here, I swear anywhere else. All I can do right now is cry cause I¡¯m helpless. My dad will find out and disown me, collect thepany then I¡¯ll rot in jail. I¡¯m already a dead man¡±


    ¡± We¡¯ll find a way¡± I tried to calm him but I needed to believe my own words.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you get it? I don¡¯t want to find a way Iris. All I need right now is for you to forgive me so I can die a happy man. But first, It¡¯s been killing me for years to know, was my kid a boy or a girl?¡±


    ¡± A boy¡± I bit my bottom lip to swallow my tears but they are insistent on flowing.


    ¡± Goddd!!!¡­. I killed my own son!. I¡¯m a beast!!¡± He broke down finally into a full blown cry.


    ¡± Iris I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so fucking sorry!. If I was given an opportunity to make it up to you I will do it over and over again. I¡¯m sorry for the days I hit you, I¡¯m sorry for the days I made your beautiful eyes she¡¯d tears, I¡¯m sorry for the times I put marks on your beautiful skin . Even after all the wounds you were still beautiful. You¡¯re still beautiful both inside and out. Don¡¯t believe anything I ever told you, Don¡¯t let anyone make you think less of your self like I did. Iris you¡¯re gold and if given the chance to apologise to you for the rest of my life I¡¯ll take it, but believe me when I say I don¡¯t have much time. But please just please, I¡¯m begging you to ept my apologies. Iris I¡¯m sorry¡±


    That¡¯s it.


    That¡¯s what I waited for so many years to hear.


    To hear him acknowledge his sins and apologize.


    But I never wanted it toe out like a dying wish.


    ¡± Iris do you forgive me?¡± He was still crying and so am I.


    I ran to the bed to embrace him in a warm hug. I think I needed it more than he did.


    I sat on his bed and held his head to my chest as the both of us sobbed away.


    ¡± Iris I¡¯m so sorry. I swear I am¡± he gripped me tighter and cried into my heart.


    ¡± I forgive you¡± I managed to blurt out.


    ¡± Thank you Iris. Thank you so much¡±


    And all I remember was staying in that position till we slept off and I swear this is the first time in a forever that I¡¯m sleeping without a load in my heart.


    Finally.

 Chapter 046

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    I woke up to a familiar scent and feeling around me.


    Rolling over and opening my eyes, I realized that I was in my bedroom and I don¡¯t recalling back here.


    The sky looked dim outside so I was either up early or reallyte.


    I hurriedly jerk to my right, to check for Louisa and she wasn¡¯t there.


    I threw myself up to see the time on bedside clock and it says four minutes after five in the evening.


    I slept till evening!?


    This has got to be the longest sleep I¡¯ve ever had in my life.


    Before I could start to panic about Louisa and school, I remembered today was Saturday.


    I slowly got out of bed and walked to the bathroom to brush my teeth but I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.


    My eyes looked three shades brighter and It seems like I lost a few wrinkles.


    Iughed at my analysis before changing into a in white shirt and ck leggings cause I still had on the clothes I wore to work yesterday.


    Running a brush through my hair to make myself more presentable, I made my way out of the room.


    I almost bumped into a running udette on my way out.


    ¡± Goodness me! Sorry love, I was just rushing to carry out an errand. Speaking of which, I haven¡¯t seen you all day¡± she ced her hands on my shoulders to talk to me.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m saying this, but I was sleeping¡± I smiled as I said it.


    ¡± Hmm and does this tiredness have something to do with the descendant of McConnell?¡± She wriggled her brows with a mischief all over her eyes.


    I don¡¯t understand?


    How will he be responsible for my tiredness? I¡¯ve always been a fan of sleeping so why wouldst night be different? I only slept off in-


    Jesus!


    ¡± Nooooo!!!!! No! No! No! No! No!. Nothing happenedst night, I swear!¡±


    ¡± Mhmmm, I hear ya¡± she smirked.


    ¡± udette I¡¯m serious¡± I groaned out loud.


    ¡± No need to pretend love, I know he¡¯s that good your blush says it all. Though I never knew he was good enough to knock you out till evening¡± she extended her hands to untangle some locks of my hair.


    I¡¯m blushing!?


    ¡± Holy Spirit!, udette please where¡¯s my baby?¡± This conversation is over.


    ¡± By baby you mean Hunter?¡±


    ¡± udette!!¡±


    Then she burst intoughter.


    ¡± Sorry, I¡¯m sorry. I know nothing happened but teasing you was worth it. Louisa is at the backyard¡± she cleared her throat because her voice had be hoarse from all theughing.


    I muttered a thanks and almost ran to go meet my baby.


    The sound of hers and Dn¡¯sughter got to my ears before I could even get a glimpse of the two.


    I walked out to the terrace that leads to the backyard and sight Louisa, Dn and Hunter.


    They were ying with water guns and all three looked direly soaked.


    Hunter had a white shirt on, and the fact he wore nothing underneath was not helping human eyesight.


    Dn was wearing a blue vest and I was actually d he did.


    Louie doesn¡¯t need to know the definition of good looking men till she gets to fourteen.


    ¡± Booooooom!! You¡¯re dead again!¡± Louisa shouted as she shot Hunter with her gun. She was still dressed in her pajamas.


    I¡¯m a bad Mommy.


    Hunter in turn pretended to get shot and dropped to his knees on the floor.


    ¡± I surrender your highness¡± he said as he raised to arms in surrender.


    ¡± Well I haven¡¯t killed you yet¡± Dn shot at Hunter with so much st and energy that the fake impact knocked him down.


    Louisa exploded into a fit of giggles as she ran in another direction with Dn hot on her heels.


    Hunter stood up from his fallen position with a smile on his face before dusting off his jeans and started walking towards the terrace.


    He grabbed a towel from the stair railing and climbed up the three little steps in my direction.


    ¡± Well you¡¯re a sleeper¡± he said as he came on to the same level with me whilst wiping himself.


    ¡± I never knew I had it in me¡± I shrugged and he just smirked.


    He turned back to observe the two who were still ying and surprisingly Dn was giving Louisa a bath with his water gun.


    ¡± Very active kid you¡¯ve got there¡± heplemented as he watched her shout in victory once she was able to fire back at Dn.


    ¡± Very active cousin you¡¯ve got there¡± I yfully smiled at the two who were still ying.


    ¡± Oh, when I meant kid I was actually referring to Dn. Louisa is a Lady¡±


    I burst intoughter, but something really surprised me.


    He didn¡¯t call her my kid or my child.


    He called her by her name.


    It feels really awkward talking with him like this. I¡¯m mostly used to either cowering away or being strictly business.


    This felt very strange but I liked it in a way. It feels like the past is really now the past.


    We stood in more moments of silence while watching Louie grab Dn¡¯s feet and tried to trip him over.


    The sun was already setting and casting a pink and orange mirage effect in the sky. The light breeze was almost damp but it had a cooling feel that slightly brushed my hair backwards.


    The atmosphere smelled of tulips and roses, then I scoured the area and saw the mini Rose bushes at the far extreme of the space. They decorated the end of the open area like it was the demarcation to indicate the end of thepound.


    The interlocked red and silver tiles were slightly decorated with band openings for little grasses to grow within.


    The backyard almost looked like a tourist attraction.


    I gently inhaled the sweet fresh air with my eyes closed to relinquish in this moment of peace.


    I only hope itsts.


    Just the sound of someone exhaling loudly reminded me that Hunter was still by my side.


    My eyes were still closed and I spiked up another topic to discuss.


    ¡± So are we going to pretend likest night never happened?¡±


    I heard him sigh before he answered. ¡± As much as I¡¯d like to say yes, I know you¡¯d disagree¡±


    I opened my eyes just in time to see him go back into the house.


    He walks straight into the kitchen and I was surprised that no one was currently in here.


    I followed him softly from behind and only stopped when he had entered the area.


    ¡± We should forget about it?¡± I arched a brow.


    Is he regretting apologising?


    ¡± I never said we should¡± he raised his arms in surrender for the second time today.


    He¡¯s spending time with Louisa I see.


    ¡± But, you meant what you saidst night right?¡± He may have just spoken out of drunkenness.


    He released a short breathyugh.


    ¡± The fact I said forget it doesn¡¯t mean I regret what happened. I just assumed most of the story was really more hurtful aside from my apology¡±


    ¡± You remember all you said?¡± He was drunk wasn¡¯t he?


    ¡± Most of it¡± he said proudly with a stupid smirk on his face.


    ¡± I wanna remember it. At least while I still can¡± it was a reminder of the day I felt loosed.


    ¡± Are you sure?¡±


    I nodded a reply and he only smiled softly.


    Louisa¡¯sughter filled the entire room again and I swear this could be the start of my own good year¡¯s.


    Hunter turned and looked through the window to observe her movements and I don¡¯t think he noticed he was smiling to himself.


    ¡± Go bring her in soon, if not she¡¯ll catch a cold¡±


    I smiled at his advice and walked up to him.


    At first he was confused as to why I was approaching him but when I wrapped my arms around him in a hug he chuckled against me.


    I rested my head on his chest and hugged him tighter. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s odd, but I have this strange feeling that he might actually not be real. Just maybe another phantom of my imagination that¡¯s trying to console me for what the real Hunter will never do.


    ¡± Iris I¡¯m not a teddy bear¡± heined but it doesn¡¯t sound annoyed.


    ¡± You called me Iris¡± I almost stupidly smiled at the mention of it.


    ¡± Fine, Miss Jules I¡¯m not a teddy bear¡±


    We bothughed at his exmation but he ended up returning my hug by wrapping his arms around me.


    ¡± Thank you Hunter¡± I mumbled into his shirt and erupting anotherughter from him.


    ¡± Why are you thanking me?¡±


    I wanted to say a lot of things.


    For giving me a chance to be free.


    For granting me the peace I deserved.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    For finally letting me live with a free heart.


    For giving me the best kid ever, even though you may not know that.


    But I¡¯d rather not say any.


    ¡± Nothing, just.. thank you¡±


    We stayed in that position for a while, no words. Just silence till he spoke again.


    ¡± Iris?¡± He called out quietly.


    ¡°Hmm¡±


    ¡± Who¡¯s Louisa¡¯s dad?¡± He sounds like he wasn¡¯t sure if he¡¯s picking a touchy subject.


    I chose to ignore the question by releasing myself from our embrace.


    ¡± Are the Reid¡¯s still having their dinner tonight?¡±


    He looked confused at first but decided not to push it.


    ¡± Yeah, eight pm¡±


    I nodded with a smile and went off to go prepare.


    But first, to bring the two children inside.

 Chapter 047

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    Edward was just driving out of the arrival area while Hunter and I climbed up a flight of stairs to the Reid¡¯s residence.


    ¡± Are you sure I shouldn¡¯t change? I feel so casual¡± I whined but honestly I do.


    I was wearing a leopard print gown that ended mid thigh and is off shoulder with long sleeves, but I¡¯m stepping into the house where multimillionaires will be feeding.


    I only hope Michelle will not mistake me for their kitchen rag.


    ¡± Miss Jules for thest time, you look amazing¡± Hunter groaned and I don¡¯t me him. This has got to be the twelfth time I¡¯ve asked.


    But still I pouted at his name referral.


    ¡± You said Jules¡± I plushed my lips in his direction.


    ¡± Yes, because I¡¯ve been telling Iris she looks awesome but I haven¡¯t told Jules yet¡± he whisper snapped.


    That may be true.


    ¡± So I look okay?¡± I just wanted to be hundred percent sure.


    ¡± Arrrrgh!! I am not answering that¡± He marched towards the door and pressed the doorbell.


    A ding dong was heard and not up to fifteen seconds a plump short man opened the door.


    ¡± Wee Mr McConnell¡± the petite Butler gave a curt nod before excusing us and opening the door wide enough for us to go through.


    Hunter gestured with his hand for me to go first .


    Who would¡¯ve guessed that chivalry was still existent.


    I walked into the open room and my mouth fell agape.


    Their house isrger from within.


    The roof should be at least twenty extra feet above my head and golden chandeliers graced every corner with superb lighting.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    This ce was just an open hall but there were two doors on each wall from us.


    ¡± Youing or not?¡± Hunter¡¯s voice brings my wandered mind back to the reason for being here.


    He was biting down a smirk mockingly at my awe. I only sent him a re and followed closely behind.


    He stepped towards the first door on the right wall and gently pulled it open.


    Hisck of confusion made me realize he¡¯s frequented this building more often than not.


    Holding the door open for me as I walked in then he followed suit.


    Mrs Reid was the first person who caught my eye as she whizzed around the dining table with a maid following her every movements.


    They were setting tes all round like she was preparing to meet the president.


    Is this how rich people eat meals?


    The dining hall was an exquisite room with high ss decor. The room giving off an eighty¡¯s vibe due to it¡¯s magnificent lighting.


    Chairs and tables resembled the artistic carved interior work by the world finest sculptors and the wood looks like it was grown on a certified amazon.


    I can see the Reid¡¯s derive a sweet delight from the use of chandeliers as they did not fail to make use of it in the room before me.


    ¡°Mrs Reid?¡± Hunter calls out to thedy bustling with an unhidden excitement.


    At first she seemed shocked and steered her head to the right in confusion to find who had called her, but no longer than a second she turned the opposite direction and met our eyes.


    ¡± My goodness! Hunter darling you look stunning¡± she pped her hands together and took hurried strides in our direction.


    Hunter in turn walked forward to wee her embrace.


    ¡± So do you Ma¡¯am. Where¡¯s everyone?¡± He asked after the short hug.


    ¡± They¡¯re all around somewhere. I¡¯ve met thisdy before haven¡¯t I? Jules, am I right?¡± Mrs Reid asked as she approached me to hand my own share of the embrace.


    ¡± Yes it is. Nice to see you again Mrs Reid¡± I politely responded and smiled.


    After pulling away from me she scrutinized me with her eyes and a smile formed on her lips before she turns back to the maid whom she abandoned by the table.


    ¡± Linda, please do inform everyone that Hunter is here with his date¡± her voice chirpy as she took Hunter by his hand and they walked side by side to where the maid once stood.


    I nced round the room awkwardly, not knowing what to do till Mrs Reid speaks up again.


    ¡± Jules sweetie, do have a seat please¡±


    I nodded and moved to have a seat by the table, but before I could Mason appeared in the hallway whilst pushing someone on a wheelchair.


    As soon as our eyes made contact, I couldn¡¯t ignore the flutter and joy that resonated through me and I believe he felt it too cause he smiled broadly.


    ¡± Jules I believe you¡¯ve met my son Mason previously, well here¡¯s my other love, Michael. Michael meet Jules, Hunter¡¯s date¡±


    As they drew nearer I noticed Mason¡¯s cringe when I was referred to as Hunter¡¯s date but I wouldn¡¯t me him, I also cringed at the first reference.


    ¡± Nice to meet you Jules. I¡¯ve heard so much about you¡± Michael said when he was at a closer range, so he extended his hand for a shake.


    ¡± Oh really? I hope it¡¯s all positive¡± I leaned down to return his shake with a smile and sent a brief look at Mason.


    ¡± With my source, I doubt it will ever be bad¡± Michael¡¯s reply made everyone presentugh. Including Hunter, and I think I sighted a few maids who were lurking around the cornerugh too.


    ¡± Well then, I¡¯m grateful to your source¡± restoring my posture, I was able to look Mason in the eye.


    ¡± Michael, bro it¡¯s been a while¡± Hunter called from the other side of the table, still standing and having a conversation with Mrs Reid.


    ¡± I know dude. You ditched me!¡± Everyone gotughing once again till another voice interfered.


    ¡± Hunter, I¡¯m d you epted¡± Mason acknowledged with a smile.


    ¡± Have I ever declined?¡± Came Hunter¡¯s response.


    ¡± Seriously dude, has he?¡± Michael¡¯s question directed to his brother Mason but it was able to extract a chuckle from both I and Mason.


    I took it as an opportunity to regard the second gentleman before me.


    ¡± Mr Mason¡±


    ¡± Miss Jules¡± he responded with a smile that appears to be growing by the second.


    But I couldn¡¯t blow our cover, not with all these people under this roof.


    I was about to go ahead with my formalities when the clicking of heels attracted everyone¡¯s attention to the stairs.


    Michelle appeared, looking as graceful as ever. Wearing a peach gown with her straight hair in a tight bun, her simple attire looked so expensive.


    ¡± Evening everyone¡± she sent her greetings with a smile and eye movement that probably lingered longer than expected to Hunter.


    Mason being the betrayal he is, started coughing out of the blue and I understood why.


    I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s only me, or is someone else noticing Hunter¡¯s blush?


    ¡± Mason, you alright?¡± His mom questioned in concern.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m all good just a little slip¡± he responded and I bit my lower lip hard enough to swallow myughter.


    She nodded in understanding and returned to her conversation with Hunter and now Michelle joined the group.


    ¡± So, you¡¯re Hunter¡¯s secretary?¡± Michael asked me as Mason is still standing behind him with a grip on the handles of his wheelchair.


    ¡± Yes I am¡±


    ¡± How does working with him feel? Cause for all I know, he¡¯s a douchebag¡± Michael¡¯s smirk was entirely yful and even despite his facade, I could see the love he really possess for the McConnell son.


    It really seems to me that Michael is the easy going and most cheery person to talk to in this family.


    Wait!?


    There¡¯s a sister missing.


    An as if on cue. Mr Reid appeared from the same door Mason and Michael emerged from with ady by his side.


    Thatdy is who I presume to be the first child of the Reid family.


    Her elegance is beyond stunning and her physique is more chic than many teens.


    I think I remember Meredith saying something between the lines of her sister having two kids.


    Thisdy doesn¡¯t look like someone who¡¯s exchanged wedding vows yet.


    ¡± Hunter, so d you could make it¡± Mr Reid says with a hint of appreciation in his voice.


    ¡± It is an honor Mr Reid. Mary, how¡¯s the family¡± Hunter walked up to the man of the house for a handshake too.


    The eldest sister who was asked a question only nodded her reply and started scanning the area like she was spotting out impurities.


    Maybe she¡¯s not the talkative type.


    ¡± Shall we then?¡± Mrs Reid asks everybody impatiently.


    ¡± Of course, everyone do have a seat¡± Mr Reid addresses and I take the seat directly by my side.


    ¡± Good. Hunter darling please help me with the condiments on the kitchen counter¡± Mrs Reid kindly requested and Hunter didn¡¯t dy before leaving.


    ¡± I¡¯ll help¡± Michelle jumped from her seat and followed Hunter into the next room.


    Well our condiments may be dyed a while.


    ¡± Tell me more about Meredith¡± it was then I saw Michael was situated by my side and I couldn¡¯t be happier with the choice.


    ¡± Meredith huh?¡±


    That¡¯s how I spent my night chatting away.


    Third person pov


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Little conversations here and there were enough to distract the surprising note of whatever was going on.


    But I¡¯ve never been one to be blind.


    Whatever was going on.. though I know not about it, was hanging so thick in the air that I could even taste it.


    It wasn¡¯t tension, No. No one looked frightened or at unease one bit.


    It wasn¡¯t hatred. All eye coordinations were outright, meaning no one had ugly thoughts against the other.


    It wasn¡¯t absolute cheer either. For the fact that people kept to their own circles of discussion.


    So what is it?


    I¡¯ve been analysing everyone here for the past hour and I couldn¡¯t draw rational conclusions.


    But I did make presumptions from the presented obvious.


    Jules.


    That girl is the hidden center of attention and she doesn¡¯t even realize that.


    Every now and then someone spares her either a brief look or asting one.


    Lingering gazes from Michelle and Mason keep building my suspicions to a hike, but nothing can be culled out of it.


    Except they had been acquainted with Jules previously, there had to be a reason why she¡¯s pulling eyes effortlessly.


    Even from me. And I¡¯m not someone to do that.


    Everybody¡¯s opinion about her seems to differ, judging by the time and manner of observing her.


    Yes, that¡¯s what is going on. Everybody¡¯s observing her.


    But why?


    I personally took interest in the so called secretary that had managed to appear by Hunter¡¯s side twice. Something no girl had done.


    I also detected a hint in the mainstream whenever she¡¯s called Jules.


    A dim light flickers through her eyes. It¡¯s not like the name hurts her or brings out a hidden joy.


    It looks like that isn¡¯t her real name or a name she¡¯s ustomed to.


    I¡¯ve watched her for a while and I can¡¯t tell if her intentions of hiding her true name is for good or evil, but I do see something.


    Jules looks like a girl who is building herself up. Beneath that facade she looks like a girl who was broken and is only just recovering.


    She looks like a prized piece of ceramic. An extremely delicate gold. A beautiful work of art made from the finest ss.


    But what happens when such work is thrown down one too many times?


    It gets broken. Terribly broken.


    Now herees the hard part. When you want to fix something that is as good as dead.


    That¡¯s all I see in thisdy named Jules. I¡¯ve seen it before, but today looks different. It almost looks like she¡¯s taken a big step towards healing.


    Probably, gathering little information about her isn¡¯t the best idea. But I need to know about everyone in Meredith¡¯s life.


    If no one cares about that lovely red head, I do.


    Although, It seems like I¡¯m not the only one who noticed or can see what is buried deep in thedy¡¯s heart while she ate.


    The way Mason looks at her, like he¡¯s admiring a million dor jewelry.


    The way his eyes took all of her in, almost as if he knew her scars, he wanted to hold her tight and clean all her wounds not minding the amount of blood that stained him.


    Every time he looked at her, there was always a smile that appeared on his face. A smile that went deep into his heart and I don¡¯t think he even noticed the silent effect she was having on him.


    If I didn¡¯t know better, I would have argued this thought but I wouldn¡¯t. Mason Reid was smitten with the one we referred to as Jules.


    I smirked in their direction and brought my ss of wine to my lips for another gulp.


    But then, I could read the emotion in every other person¡¯s eyes like crystal, especially Michelle¡¯s which seems to bepetition.


    Like I said previously, there is a but. Hunter is that but.


    Hunter had made more looks to her this evening than anyone had, but no one seemed to notice.


    He was trapped in a discussion that he looked somewhat interested in, but it was like his mind needed to be somewhere else.


    He looked over to Jules once more and the look in his eyes raw and deep.


    Before we assume it¡¯s love. It is not!.


    Even I thought that could be the emotion existing within that man¡¯s chest, I realized it was not.


    It took me time to read but Iter had it figured out.


    It¡¯s a look of pain.


    It¡¯s a look of regret, hurt, infliction, torment but yet admiration.


    You see why I¡¯m confused?


    How could you feel two contrasting things towards someone at once?


    I understood love and hate because there¡¯s a very thin line between them.


    He¡¯s is regret and admiration.


    His admiration glowed anytime he saw her smile, whenever she adjusted her hair or each time she nearly choked out ofughter.


    But once the admiring is done, it is reced by a full nket of regrets. That¡¯s what I don¡¯t understand.


    He¡¯s acting like she¡¯s so near to him yet very far away. Like she¡¯s within his reach but he¡¯s scared to reach out.


    Each time his eyes fell in sadness he blinked it away, maybe to remind himself that he¡¯s exaggerating.


    I took another gulp of wine and squinted my eyes at the young man that became my new interest.


    His focus was back on thedy beside him who never noticed his iling mind.


    His smile towards her was actually oddly genuine, such that it had an infectious glint which thedy reciprocated.


    So this may be who Hunter¡¯s in love with. How fascinating?


    The only problem was, he didn¡¯t notice how much more of his attention thedy across him drew than the one at his side.

 Chapter 048

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Yes you nitwit, I¡¯ll inform her¡± I groaned into the receiver.


    ¡± You better, I¡¯m bored already. I miss her so much¡± Dn moaned and I scoffed at his cry baby instincts.


    He left for Saint mos very early this morning and it¡¯s just four pm in the evening. He¡¯s not even been gone a day.


    ¡± Tell her yourself then, you idiot¡±my feet were sprawled out on my desk as I reclined in my chair.


    There was a slow influx of work today so it wasn¡¯t as tedious as usual and I¡¯m grateful for it. Work hours are almost done with.


    The dinner at Reid¡¯s went on sessfully and three dayster I¡¯m anticipating my next n.


    I could possibly tell him all about it now.


    ¡± She ain¡¯t picking up you dumbass¡± Dn retorted.


    So much for asking me to do something for him nicely.


    ¡± Has it urred that maybe she doesn¡¯t want to speak with you?¡± I smirked at my response because I knew fully well what was happening.


    Dn nned his return and didn¡¯t inform Iris of the date, ording to him he didn¡¯t know how to break it to her.


    So when Iris woke up this morning and saw Dn with two briefcases and a ticket, let¡¯s just say she realized silence is the best answer to a Dn.


    ¡± You¡¯re an idiot¡± he spat and I could feel his irritation growing at my mockery, but if I don¡¯t do it, who will?


    ¡± Tell me something I don¡¯t know¡± my smirk practically increasing.


    ¡± For once in my life Hunter be a useful donut and do something good for me¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not possible, I¡¯ve already done something good for you in sixth grade when I gave you my lunch during our visit to Uncle Tucker¡± I sacrificed the most amazing peanut butter sandwich for this goat.


    ¡± Jesus! You remember that?¡±


    ¡± What kind of a cousin would I be to forget?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Err- I don¡¯t know, a good one¡±


    ¡± Nope, I¡¯ll be a dumb one¡±


    More groans from my lovely cousin over the phone.


    ¡± You should really save that noise for the bedroom, except you¡¯re into me now and I don¡¯t dig that¡± who knew teasing could be so much fun.


    ¡± Eww!!!! You know what? Forget it. I¡¯ll call her when I can. Goodbye!¡± He ends the call before I had a chance to respond.


    Iughed out so loudly that anyone nearby would assume I¡¯ve gone crazy.


    Today has just been delightful.


    I began saving and closing up documents on myptop when a soft knock on my door pulled my attention.


    ¡± Come in¡± my gaze lingering in the direction of the iing person.


    ¡± Mr McConnell? It¡¯s me¡±


    ¡± rissa? You¡¯re still around? What¡¯s going on?¡± She usually leaves thirty minutes before closing hours except on instruction, due to the far location of her home from this ce.


    ¡± Uhm, yes sir. I mean, I have something for you¡± she slowly stepped into the room whilst scratching behind her head like she was nervous.


    ¡± rissa?¡± She was actually getting me worried by the way she¡¯s acting.


    ¡± Err- Mr McConnell, something happened¡± she took two steps forward and pulled out a little package that I just noticed she held behind her.


    ¡± Go on¡± I folded my arms across my chest and leaned back for her exnation.


    ¡± I went to powder my nose before heading home and I came back and met this on my desk¡± she lifted the box but still held it at a distance from herself whileing closer.


    ¡± So? Who¡¯s it from?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s what I don¡¯t know. We checked every corner of the package but we saw no information about the sender. It was only directed to you¡±


    ¡± No one saw who dropped it?¡± I asked because this story was sending my thoughts to an extreme overdrive.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, even the security cameras didn¡¯t capture the person. It went nk between the seconds¡±


    ¡± Do you have any idea on what¡¯s inside?¡±


    ¡± We used a garget detector in case of bomb threats, and it¡¯s clean. But there¡¯s something the duster found¡± she dropped it before me and took few steps back.


    ¡± What¡¯s is it?¡±


    ¡± Gunpowder¡±


    Gunpowder!?


    This has soldo all over it.


    ¡± Thanks. You can go home now¡± I dismissed her and started to open the package.


    ¡± Mr McConnell are you sure you wanna open that? In here? Right now?¡± She was really riled up about the mystery package but I know soldo to the point that I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t try to burn the Brooks and Shields building to the ground.


    ¡± Go home rissa¡±


    ¡± Uhmm.. Miss Jules is thest one in. Except you that is¡±


    ¡± Okay, close up the register. I¡¯ll collect it tomorrow¡±


    She nodded and left me alone with the odd gift.


    I gently sniffed the wrapped up box and indeed it was gunpowder.


    That only heightened my current fear.


    ¡± Okay Hunter, open it slowly¡± I coaxed myself with some words of encouragement and finally took the step.


    Unfolding the sealed ends little by little and holding back my breath, the task seemed a lot harder than I thought it would in my head.


    After a few unfolds, the wrap was released and a slim rectangr box with the cursive writing of the letter S came to view.


    I released my first breath and held another for the next task that presented itself.


    It took me fifteen seconds to develop the will power. And when I did, I opened the package to face whatever was inside.


    It wasn¡¯t threats or the limb of my loved ones.


    It wasn¡¯t even a gun.


    It was a photo.. infact photos.


    Photos I never wanted to be seen.


    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I was closing up the windows when quick movements by my door caught my eye.


    ¡± Hey, what¡¯s up?¡± I asked with a smile on my face.


    The look on his rather, wasn¡¯t entirely one that disyed a jolly mood and like I predicted, he wasn¡¯t in a good mood.


    I concluded by the way he threw a wad of pictures towards me and theynded at my feet.


    He immediately stomped out without giving me a second nce.


    Are we at this again? What the hell have I done this time?


    I looked to my feet and saw the reason for his actions.


    The first picture to greet me was a photo of Mason and I on the beach. Where we just stood side by side.


    I crouched to pick up the rest and view them.


    Every photo sent a recoiling feeling into the pit of my stomach.


    There was a photo for every time I had been with Mason, even down to ourst moment when we kissed.


    Someone¡¯s been watching us.


    This is bad. If these photos get leaked to Mr Reid, Hunter¡¯s deal is done.


    I ran out of my office to figure out how Hunter got these but I arrived just in time to see him in the closing elevator.


    As fast as I could, I ran in the direction of the stairs. Skipping it two by two, I was approaching faster than I should on heels.


    By the time I had arrived at thest flight, I waspletely worn out and breathless.


    But I still made my sprint for the parking lot.


    Hunter was just inserting his keys into his car door when I got there.


    ¡± Hunter how did you get these?¡± I asked in between every breath I managed to take.


    ¡± Wow!, You¡¯re really something aren¡¯t you?¡± He whirled around to face me squarely.


    Huh?


    ¡± What??¡± My confusion should be streaked across my face right now.


    ¡± Someone¡¯s got photos of you and the Reid¡¯s son in variouspromising positions and your question is how I got them? It¡¯s like you¡¯re missing the point here Miss Jules¡±


    He¡¯s back to calling me Jules!?


    ¡± Please do enlighten me on the point¡± I crossed my arms and waited for his exnation.


    ¡± Hmm.. well let me see. Oh here¡¯s a thought to ponder. Someone¡¯s finally got a leverage over my deal with Mr Reid!¡± He shouted and threw his arms in the air.


    ¡± You¡¯re talking like it¡¯s my fault!¡± I screamed back.


    ¡± Of course it is!. If you had simply listened to my instruction from the start the effect of your stubbornness would have never surfaced!¡±


    ¡± I had no idea of the reasons then!¡± I was totally oblivious. You can not possibly me me.


    ¡± You¡¯ve never had any ideas from the start Jules!¡±


    ¡± You never told me!¡± I threw my hands up in frustration. He wasn¡¯t even analysing from my point of view.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know about you, but being hunted down by a drug Lord because of a debt isn¡¯t something you should be proud of¡± he lifted one brow as he stated his obvious.


    ¡± Well I¡¯m sorry. If I had known better I would have done better¡± this isn¡¯t my fault in anyway.


    ¡± Like you would have cared¡± he rolled his eyes at me and turned back to his car.


    ¡± Don¡¯t me me for this!¡±


    He whipped around so fast that I had no time to give him room. We were clearly almost eye to eye.


    ¡± I don¡¯t me you for this. No. I me myself. For believing I ever had a way of escaping this. You made me believe it could still work for me but you used your own hands to destroy it¡± he pointed a finger at me. Never breaking eye contact.


    ¡± You¡¯re acting like I took those photos. Need I remind you that they aren¡¯t selfies rather stolen shots¡±


    ¡± Save that exnation for the gods Jules¡±


    ¡± You know what? I¡¯m not going to stand here and watch you think like a block head. If you wanna take out the anger of your failed n on me, fine! But I will not stay here and watch you treat me as a fool¡± I marched back into the building to gather up my things and leave.


    What an insolent presumption.


    There¡¯s no way I would have let those photos get taken if I knew it would.


    He doesn¡¯t even want to think about how to attend to this, rather he¡¯s taking it out on me.


    In fact? I don¡¯t care. Let him do whatever it is he wants.


    I got to the entrance of the building and was about to open the door.


    I could have said I made a sessful exit from the heated argument if not for the sound of a gunshot that froze me in my tracks.

 Chapter 049

    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    I was frozen.


    A cold shiver ran down my spine that made me wonder if the blue flickers in my vision were actual works of imagination or a dramatic change in weather.


    It seemed like time started to slow down. What should be seconds had be minutes.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do. If you¡¯re shot, you should at least feel the pain. But I feel nothing except for the cold feet I¡¯ve developed.


    I can feel tiny trickles of liquid gliding down my back. Then again it could be my own sweat.


    ¡± Aarrrrgh!¡± A loud groan of pain reached my ears and only when I discovered it wasn¡¯t from my own lips did I ept that I wasn¡¯t shot.


    That can only mean-


    I turned around so fast to see Hunter kneeling on the floor whilst gripping his chest.


    Or is it his shoulder?


    My feet tookmands before my brain could and ran towards him to assist.


    He moaned loudly and raised his palm from the ce he held it. Disying a blood soaked suit and stained hands.


    ¡± Jesus! Hunter. How? What? Are you okay?¡±


    Okay, maybe that isn¡¯t the right question to ask him at this hour.


    ¡± Fucking hell! Iris get me to a hospital!¡± Even in pain he still has the reflex of giving out orders.


    I nced round and over my shoulder to know if I can spot anyone suspicious who might be responsible for this. But oddly there¡¯s no one around.


    The entire avenue looked empty. I don¡¯t even think there were eye witnesses to this event.


    Parts of the issue in being around amercial area. Timing is their everything and most of his employees had gone home.


    ¡± Iris! I will bleed to death if you don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡± Hunter I don¡¯t know how to administer first aid¡± I needed to say it now so we can understand our situation.


    ¡± Heavenly father of Poseidon! You acquired over five skills after leaving school and saving lives wasn¡¯t a necessity?¡± Regardless of the fact he was acting all mean, his eyes held an indellible amount of fear that could not be hidden.


    He¡¯s scared for his life, but I can¡¯t do a thing.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. It never crossed my mind as urgent at the time¡± I bit my lower lip in confusion.


    He might lose half his blood before we get to the hospital.


    ¡± Fine. Just drive me to the nearest hospital, quick. I¡¯m beginning to feel light-headed¡± he calmed down and absorbed the circumstances around us.


    I nodded apprehensively then assisted him in standing up and getting into the back seat before I scurried to the front after picking his keys from the ground and driving off at a punishable speed.


    +++++++++++++++++++++


    ¡± Thank you Miss Jules. We¡¯ll be sure to get it to him¡± the male nurse smiled as he withdrew the needle which was inserted into my arm.


    As evaluated, Hunter lost a lot of blood on our arrival to the hospital and he needed a transfusion.


    Luckily I¡¯m a universal donor so I was able to donate.


    (For those who may not understand, a universal donor is the blood group ¡®O¡¯. They can give blood to all other blood groups but can¡¯t receive).


    I nodded as he handed me a multivitamin tablet and pointed to a bowl of fruits.


    ¡± Be sure to eat the carrots and greens. You¡¯ll get blood faster that way¡± were hisst words before leaving me alone in the room.


    Hunter was taken in for a surgery to remove the bullet five minutes ago and I only hope he didn¡¯t pass out before they started.


    He already seemed frail enough.


    I sighted the carrot in the fruit bowl and started from there while I waited.


    My thoughts began to wander like it usually would.


    So many questions filled my head as I nibbled down the rabbits favorite, but none had answer¡¯s.


    Can I even inform his Dad about this? I should probably wait till I¡¯ve got his permission first.


    Who had shot him? I do have a suspicion that whoever delivered those photos was responsible but then it could be someone else.


    And had that bullet intended to kill him? Because that was a close shot to the heart. A shoulder bullet cannot be shunned as a threat.


    Then there¡¯s the drug Lord after his life.


    I¡¯ve read enough reports and Mafia novels to know that these men keep to their words. So if So-whatever his name is promised to kill Hunter only if he involved the authorities then he¡¯s sorta clean here.


    A headache is brewing in my forehead and I squeeze my eyes shut to ignore the dull pinch.


    Maybe a little nap will help.


    ___________________________


    ¡± Miss?¡± A tiny voice pulled me out of my empty dream that into reality.


    I blinked multiple times to focus my vision properly before I noticed the blonde haired nurse nudging my shoulder.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Miss?¡± She calls again.


    ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re the one who brought Me McConnell in earlier on right?¡± She seemed unsure of who I was and I presume she wasn¡¯t around when I rushed in.


    ¡± Yes. Miss Jules.¡±


    She smiled in confirmation and stood straight.


    ¡± The doctor would like to see you¡±


    I nodded and wiped my eyes before following her out, so she could lead me to the doctor.


    I was still dazed from my slumber so I couldn¡¯t really determine where we were heading.


    All I know is I¡¯m following ady dressed up in white.


    ¡± He¡¯s in here¡± she stood in front of thebelled door, still maintaining the smile.


    I muttered a thank you before stepping in.


    This procedure bringing up memories that weren¡¯t favorable back then.


    ¡± Sir?¡± I called out after two knocks and opening the door.


    ¡± Miss Jules?¡± He responds to my entrance and smiles upon seeing me.


    ¡°You wanted to see me?¡± I approached his table. Not without noticing the multiple awards that hung on every corner of the wall.


    ¡± Yes. Have a seat.¡±


    An instruction I took no time in obeying.


    ¡± Mr McConnell.¡± He continued ¡± we¡¯re lucky the bullet injury was just a flesh wound but it did affect a little part of a tendon holding the shoulder in the vicle. The surgery and transfusion went perfectly fine¡±


    Good news so far.


    ¡± But he¡¯ll have to stay here till tomorrow so we can monitor his reaction. After this he¡¯s going to need a physiotherapist for a few weeks, that was a major tendon. We can¡¯t take risks by idly waiting for his arm to heal¡± he concluded and I¡¯m d the information received wasn¡¯t bad at all.


    Now to see things for myself.


    ¡± Thank you doctor. Can I see him?¡± I stood up because my eye had caught a glimpse of the outdoors through the window and it was pitch ck except for the building lighting.


    ¡± Of course. He¡¯s been awake for some minutes now¡±


    I smiled but then realized that I was lost in the building.


    ¡± Uhmm.. can you describe how to get there?¡±


    He chuckled knowing that my ability to get lost in such a little organization was amusing.


    I think the sleepiness is still evident in my eyes.


    ¡± Two turns to your right. Go up the two step. Room seven¡±


    I smiled again. Hopefully for thest time and walked away.


    I followed his directions and it led me straight to a private room with a wrapped up Hunter lying alone in bed.


    The sound of the creaking door makes him to turn towards me.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± Was his first warm greetings.


    He couldn¡¯t even forget after a life threatening situation.


    ¡± Err- Are you o- okay?¡± My nervousness surfacing, making me rub the back of my head in reflex.


    ¡± Yes¡±


    ¡± Should I call your father?¡±


    ¡± Already done that¡±


    Oh!


    ¡± You told him it was a gunshot?¡±


    ¡± An ident¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡± What should I tell others when asked?¡±


    ¡± Why would they ask you?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m the closest at the moment¡±


    ¡± Tell them it was an ident¡±


    ¡± Do you think it was Soldo?¡±


    My question attracted no reply and a feeling in my chest is making me feel like a part of this is my fault.


    ¡± Goodnight then¡± I walked away with guilt in my chest but he stopped me before leaving.


    ¡± Use the car to get home. It¡¯ste¡±


    At least he cared.

 Chapter 050

    Iris¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Well getting through a night of trying to exin how Hunter had an ident that affected his right shoulder in a car that is stillpletely intact wasn¡¯t as easy as it sounded.


    And arriving home at past midnight wasn¡¯t a good picture to it all.


    Surprisingly, Louisa was also bothered about him. idents seem to gory for her age so I went with he¡¯s not feeling too good.


    Now I have settled his household, his employees were a lot harder to convince. Especially rissa, I honestly don¡¯t know why she¡¯s so adamant that it wasn¡¯t an ident.


    So in general, it was a frustrating day. But at least it¡¯s done with.


    Now, Edward and I are on our way to pick up Hunter from the hospital. I¡¯ve never been more nervous in my life.


    Not even for my driving lessons.


    ¡± Miss Jules are you okay? You¡¯ve been fidgeting since we began this journey¡± his grip on the steering wheel tightening.


    My behavior isn¡¯t helping him one bit cause he feels the ident was a lot serious than I presented it to be.


    ¡± Jules if there¡¯s something I should be expecting I¡¯d rather you tell me now¡± he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the road but I could feel the tension from even a mile away.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Edward. Hunter¡¯s fine, I¡¯m the one I¡¯m not sure of¡±


    Edward squeezed his brows in confusion but that didn¡¯t stop him from speaking.


    ¡± What is wrong?¡±


    ¡± Hunter and I aren¡¯t really on the best of terms¡± if that¡¯s the way to put it.


    ¡± So why does that bother you now? Even your kid knows that things aren¡¯t really rosy between you two¡±


    ¡± Yeah. I guess situations cause the feel. But he¡¯s perfectly fine. That is, except for the injury of course¡± I remarked and I feel that ended the conversation.


    We rode in silence to the hospital and wasted no time in marching up to his room.


    As soon as we got to his door, Edward flung it open like it was on fire but soon calmed down at the sight he was seeing.


    A nurse was tying back his bandage to his shoulder with a flirty smile on her lips and Hunter in turn reciprocated.


    I think that¡¯s enough sign for Edward to believe Hunter is both physically and mentally alright.


    ¡± See you some other time?¡± The nurse muttered to Hunter as she was done wrapping him up. I don¡¯t think they see Edward and I as in interruption.


    ¡± I hope so¡± he winked at her in response and she picked up her tray, still smiling while she walked out.


    ¡± Edward! How are you?¡± Hunter greeted immediately the nurse left us alone.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, I should be asking you that.¡± Edward said almost angrily at Hunter.


    ¡± Well I¡¯m fine if that¡¯s what you¡¯re bothered about¡±


    ¡± Hunter what are we going to tell your father?¡± Edward was actually more concerned about this than the victim.


    ¡± I¡¯ve already informed him¡± Hunter shrugged


    That stunned the elderly man for a while, but he regained hisposure as soon as he lost it.


    ¡± Good. Then let¡¯s get home¡± he walked over to Hunter¡¯s bedside and assisted in getting him up, but once Hunter was on his two feet he needed no further help.


    ¡± You healed quick¡± Edward acknowledged, also shocked at his easy coordination for someone who had an ident.


    Hunter onlyughed and continued moving towards the door, where I had stood since I came in.


    By the time he got to the door, he only gave me a one over look before walking past me like I was invincible.


    My sigh was the only thing that gave my frustration away.


    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    I wasn¡¯t feeling much pain at the moment except a sting from beneath the bandage. Although the numbing drug may have a hand in it.


    Edward just arrived at thepound as we passed through the gates with the security crew acknowledging my return.


    The ride home had been awfully quiet, except for times when Edward would chip in and ask questions regarding my ident, no one else had spoken.


    Iris had taken the passenger seat leaving me alone at the back and I couldn¡¯t be more grateful.


    She hadn¡¯t been the one who shot me nor led the shooter my way. Heck! I saw thising long ago, but realising Iris had fucked up my ns and getting shot on the exact same day isn¡¯t the bestbo I could get.


    So let¡¯s say my anger is being unjustly transferred, even though I do think she needs to know I¡¯m no where near happy with what has been discovered.


    Iris would lean back in her seat asionally and stare out the window. Only who knows what ravaged her thoughts when she wasn¡¯t speaking. I think it¡¯s another habit I¡¯ve noticed from her.


    Once in a while, I¡¯d catch her stealing nces at me which she¡¯ll quickly avert to a fail. But I do see that she¡¯s sorry.


    Yet! She¡¯s not getting off the hook so easily.


    We came to a halt in front of the stairway leading up to the door and I wasted no time in hurrying out.


    I needed some sleep. And I mean a clean sleep. I feel so disgusted by all the hands that touched me at the hospital and not given me the moment to shower.


    At the foot of the step there was an envelope. It looks light so I assume it¡¯s a letter. What spikes me off is that, normally I¡¯ll get postcards from my mailbox but seeing it at my doorstep was a signal.


    This was the exact same way Soldo sent hisst trick.


    Can¡¯t I be given a second of rest?


    I tried to pry open the envelope but my ringing cellphone interrupted.


    I checked the contact and saw it was my dad, so I carried on walking till I got indoors with the envelope held tight in my palms.


    Iris walked in immediately after I did and found her way to the kitchen while I answered the call.


    ¡± Hey Dad¡± I heard him breathe a sigh of relief as I spoke.


    ¡± Don¡¯t pick my call after the seventh ring next time! Do you want to give me a heartattack?¡±


    My confusion had never known such bounds until this point.


    ¡± Some times I don¡¯t answer at all¡±


    ¡± Well those days weren¡¯t hours after you got out of a surgery¡±


    Oh now I get his fear.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine Dad. Really¡± I chuckled into the phone.


    ¡± Stopughing. What did the doctor say?¡±


    ¡± Nothing much. He said it¡¯s a flesh wound and I¡¯ll require a physiotherapist to help heal quickly¡±


    ¡± Lovely. You have a physiotherapist at your convenience¡± he actually sounded cheery with the news.


    ¡± No, I haven¡¯t ordered one yet¡± the hospital gave me a catalogue of business organizations where I could get essible and affordable assistance but I haven¡¯t gone through it.


    ¡± Order? Why order when Miss Jules holds a training degree in physiotherapy?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    He¡¯s kidding me right?


    ¡± How do you know that?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s on her CV. She¡¯s even got referrals. Didn¡¯t you read it?¡±


    I did but it wasn¡¯t important to me as at when due.


    ¡± She can¡¯t be my physiotherapist¡± my brain scanning to find the easiest way to hire one as soon as possible.


    ¡± And why?¡±


    ¡± Because she¡¯s my secretary who lives under my roof. If anything it¡¯ll look like you¡¯re forcing her on me¡±


    It¡¯s the truth. She¡¯s already involved in my life a little too much than she should.


    ¡± But she¡¯ll be the most convenient. I don¡¯t want you making someone go home by midnight cause you had to have your therapy after work¡±


    ¡± Then-¡±


    ¡± And no more people under MY roof¡± he interrupted my speech before it began, with emphasis on the ¡®my¡¯ word.


    How did he know what I was gonna suggest.


    ¡± Then I¡¯ll go to the offices and get the therapy there¡± anything to get me out of dad¡¯s n.


    ¡± And get yourself involved in another midnight car ident when no one can be awake to see you and save you? I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡± Who said anything about midnight?¡± I could adjust my schedule to nine pm.


    ¡± The sun wouldn¡¯t be up¡± he smugly stated.


    ¡± Who knew¡± I scoffed.


    ¡± Give this phone to Jules. She¡¯s helping you pronto. We¡¯re done.¡±


    I groaned and walked into the kitchen to find Iris eating a bowl of soup.


    ¡± My dad¡± I hand her the phone and walked out without waiting for her reaction but I was able to hear her ¡®hello¡¯


    Now I was in the living room alone, I opened the envelope and retrieved the letter.


    I took my time to read it word by word. And each word pouring more acid to my veins.


    When I was done, I read it again.


    And again.


    And again.


    No words changed. Nothing disappeared from the page. I had not imagined anything too.


    I had read it correctly.


    Now I know where everything stands.


    My blood drained from my face and my mind went nk. I couldn¡¯t even hear Iris when she had been calling my name till she tapped my shoulder.


    ¡± Hunter? Are you okay?¡±


    My dazed self regained consciousness and I squeezed the paper in my hand.


    ¡± Yes¡± that was all I said to her.

 Chapter 051

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    A week after Hunter got back from the hospital.


    Two months since I started working as his secretary. It feels like a lifetime.


    I was on my way back from work and decided to stop by a pastry shop to get some cupcakes for the house.


    Believe me when I say, they never run out of them.


    I have a feeling that they always stack it up for Louie and I¡¯m very grateful for that. The least I could do was buy another with my cash.


    I hailed a cab that took me directly to the huge gates of the mansion then paid the man off before furthering.


    The Security team at the gate readily let me through having been ustomed to my face and I sent them a smile as I walked through.


    It¡¯s entirely sad that I really don¡¯t know them all cause they seem nice enough, I¡¯m only familiar with their names and we¡¯re usually on formal notice as the secretary to their boss.


    I swapped my arms contents, the one carrying my briefcase with the other carrying the cupcakes. My briefcase was unusually heavy today because I was bringing most of Hunter¡¯s work home.


    Every file, invitation, receipt and cheques were brought up to his bedroom, where he and Guillermo were readily attending to the previously delivered.


    Ever since Hunter got back from the hospital, he¡¯s been acting on the edge. I¡¯m not referring to the both of us not speaking. That has persisted over the days, even when his father asked for my help as his physiotherapist. He¡¯d rather pay off a guy fifty thousand a session.


    But what I¡¯m talking about is his general behavior and conduct. Like he feels insecure about something.


    I still have a hunch that his ¡®ident¡¯ had everything to do with his previous drug boss and his current character is confirming it.


    But who am I to speak? It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll get an answer even if I tried.


    I sighed at the current situation of things. Not only has Hunter been on edge but I also.


    I¡¯ve been ignoring Mason¡¯s calls since the photographs, who knows what else could be done? They could have mobbed our cellphone lines for all I know.


    The most surprising thing I realized right now is that Hunter finding out about Louisa¡¯s rtionship to him, is the least of my worries.


    To think that it was what worked me up the most at the start. There weren¡¯t actually any underground drug tales and forbidden rtionships then either.


    The way my life changed within two months is very funny to be honest. I¡¯ve had the most drama of my life within two months more than the past four years.


    I got to the step leading indoors but a letter caught my eye.


    Isn¡¯t it meant to be delivered to the mailbox? I¡¯m pretty sure one of the security officials deliver these daily, Thomas I recall.


    So a letter by the doorstep was off. I remember seeing Hunter pick an envelope of resemnce to this the day he returned from the hospital and after reading it his expression went cold.


    Hmm.. maybe I could go through it just in case.


    I picked the slim rectangr brown envelope and softly ripped it off it¡¯s glued edges.


    Indeed it was another letter and I opened the paper with unnecessary eagerness biting at my skin.


    But the first words was enough topare to a bucket full of ice pouring down my back.


    This one¡¯s for you. IRIS.


    Who in this vicinity officially knows me as Iris? Those who do would never send me a post card except my parents but they refer to me as Teddy.


    I stopped my over thinking and continued to read to decipher who sent it.


    Hunter¡¯s ying games with us, And this is a fair warning. My skills are unlimited but his time is.


    Signed.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    $oldo¡Á¡Á


    Soldo!?


    Soldo!!?


    What in the world did I do to Soldo!?


    Hunter¡¯s time is limited? How?


    I need to talk with my boss.


    I ran inside and not paying attention to anything else, I ran upstairs.


    After a knock on his door, I didn¡¯t wait for a response before going in.


    I almost regretted my actions.


    Keyword: almost.


    Because Hunter was actually shirtless and heading for the door but seeing me open it without a consent actually shocked him.


    ¡± Oh doe in, no need to waste your time knocking¡± his sarcasm was not needed at this hour.


    I handed him the letter in my hand and at first he looked skeptical but still read it.


    Two seconds of reading the paper but no reaction.


    Three.


    Four..


    Fi-


    His eyes widened and he continues to read the hardcopy of a horror movie.


    All he needed was ten seconds but I¡¯m sure he read that paper over twelve times.


    ¡± Where did you see this?¡± Was the first thing he asked me after snapping out of his daze.


    ¡± By the step. What does he mean by limited?¡±


    ¡± Nothing. Forget it. Do you have some more files?¡± He avoided the topic and reached for my briefcase which I withdrew.


    I just realized I left my cupcakes outside.


    ¡± Don¡¯t avoid it. What does he mean? And why am I involved? Is this simr to thest one you saw?¡±


    He looked shocked again like he wasn¡¯t expecting anyone to have noticed anything.


    ¡± Jules hand me the files. I¡¯ve got work to do¡±


    I was about to speak again when Guillermo emerged from the door at the other end of the room that leads to the balcony.


    ¡± Miss Jules, how are you doing?¡± The chirpy elderly man asked and I sighed knowing Hunter had won this.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine Guillermo. Thank you¡±


    The man nodded at my reply and stood still at his spot like he was waiting for Hunter.


    ¡± Am I doing your treatment for you today or is heing?¡± I asked Hunter bearing in mind that his father had pleaded with me to persuade him.


    ¡± He¡¯ll being.¡± He said and I know it was the end of our discussion.


    I gave him the briefcase, sent Guillermo a nod and walked away.


    ____________________________


    Hunters p. o. v.


    It wasn¡¯t up to a second after Iris left Guillermo spoke up.


    ¡± Why are you being so harsh to her? She¡¯s only trying to help¡± he scolded but maintained his position.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want her help¡± I grumbled and walked to my bed to open up the briefcase and gather what¡¯s mine.


    ¡± I really don¡¯t know what rtionship you guys had when acquainted in the past, but she¡¯s willing to let it go and you¡¯re not¡±


    I scoffed at his speech and Guillermo scoffed in mockery.


    ¡± Honestly if I were Jules, I would have given up on you long ago¡±


    I was still selecting my necessary documents when I responded.


    ¡± And what makes you think she hasn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s because it¡¯s obvious. Look what she does for you!¡±


    ¡± My secretary would have done that too¡±


    ¡± Jules cares more¡±


    ¡± I see¡± I closed the briefcase and moved to my drawer to grab a stapler.


    ¡± Remember that night you came home on your own drunk? I don¡¯t know what happened between you both, but Jules cried so bad that day. She even had Louisa excuse her¡±


    ¡± What makes you think it¡¯s cause of me?¡± I found the stapler and started to shuffle for pins.


    I do remember seeing her cry, but I didn¡¯t think it was before the time I saw her.


    ¡± When you demanded to see her immediately you got home gave it away¡±


    ¡± That doesn¡¯t exin a thing¡±


    ¡± Hunter, Jules cares for you, are you so blind to see?¡±


    ¡± She doesn¡¯t and she shouldn¡¯t Guillermo¡±


    ¡± What is with the childish rivalry? Why not grow up? Aren¡¯t you bigger than the past?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s the problem!¡± I took a deep breath.


    ¡± You can¡¯t let go?¡± Guillermo asked looking confused.


    ¡± No. I¡¯m bigger than my past Guillermo but sometimes your past can be bigger than you¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not-¡± the man started but I stopped him.


    ¡± You¡¯re aware that Jules and I had met before but did you even know what our rtionship was?¡±


    Guillermo kept silent for me to exin.


    ¡± Guillermo, I was the reason Jules cried. I was the reason for her scars. I was the reason for her burns and pains. I was the reason she hateding to school. I was the reason she hated waking up to see the next day. I was the reason she was lonely. I was the reason people detested her. I was the reason Jules never finished school¡±


    I halted and caught my breath slowly as Guillermo watched me with a strange emotion in his eyes.


    ¡± I was her bully Guillermo. Not her enemy. Not her rival. If Jules even dared topete with me then, I¡¯d possibly kill her. I caused her so much hurt and pain. That was my rtionship with her. And to top it all off, I was the one who raped her and got her pregnant. I was also the same person who caused the death of the kid. Guillermo I was a beast!¡±


    ¡± Death?¡± He questions my words.


    ¡± Yes. He died¡± remembering when Iris had told me it was a boy.


    ¡± Hunter, why did you-¡± Guillermo actually looked disappointed in me. Could I me him? I¡¯m disappointed inmyself too.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡± I huffed and ran my hand through my hair.


    Or maybe I do know.


    ¡± This is-¡± I interrupt him again.


    ¡± Terrible? Horrible? Disastrous?, I know and that¡¯s it. There¡¯s no fucking way I¡¯d let that girl help me. After everything I¡¯ve done to her you think I¡¯d let her help me? I never had a heart then, but I do now and I will never let her do it¡±


    ¡± She wants to let go¡±


    ¡± She can. But I can¡¯t. Guillermo all I did then was make her cry. I was her worst nightmare. Year¡¯s passed and now all she¡¯s giving back to me are smiles and assistance. If guilt doesn¡¯t kill me, I¡¯ll do it myself¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ll do no such thing! Have you apologized to her?¡±


    ¡± Of course I have. I had to.¡±


    ¡± So why were you so mean to her when all you wanted was for her to be happy. Just not with you¡±


    ¡± When I saw Jules, I saw a girl who had forgiven me and was willing to work with me. I couldn¡¯t let her forgive me, so I was giving her a reason to hate me¡±


    ¡± Hunter listen to me. If Jules has let it go then you should let yourself go too¡±


    ¡± It wouldn¡¯t be easy¡±


    ¡± I know. It won¡¯t but try. Let her help you. If you know you wanna make her happy then let her help you. You need to grow Hunter. She has¡±


    I let his words drive deep into my soul.


    Maybe it¡¯s the truth. I can¡¯t forgive myself.


    I need to grow.

 Chapter 052

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    It¡¯s my first day back at work and a week after my ¡®ident¡¯ .


    As soon as I had my seat to begin, I see a missed phone call from lovelyn.


    And that surprised me.


    Since when has my sister been one to call?


    I called her back as soon as I could, silently wishing I had enough minutes to spare.


    ¡± Hey ¡± I said once she answered.


    ¡± Honestly, I don¡¯t know why we¡¯re still rted¡±


    Yup, a heartwarming greeting from a sister I haven¡¯t seen in almost a year.


    ¡± You should really learn to be more exnatory. For someone who¡¯s studying Massmunication, you suck at it¡± I jested and rxed into my chair with a smirk on my face.


    ¡± And for someone who should be dead, I thought you¡¯d learn to appreciate things more. Guess I can only hope¡±


    And that¡¯s the sister I love.


    ¡± You called, which is strange. What do you need?¡± I¡¯m not in a position to whilst away time.


    ¡± Dad told me you had an ident. I mean who does that!? How could you get involved in an ident without informing me?¡± She half shouted into the cellphone and I had to restrain myself fromughing.


    Lovelyn and I may not be the closest of siblings, but I¡¯m very sure the love exists.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Next time I¡¯ll be sure to tweet, hashtag ident loading on your timeline before crashing¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re an idiot. What happened? I¡¯m not buying the car ident and shoulder injury¡± I can already imagine her rolling her eyes and acknowledging herself for being smart.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think I have anything else to say then. If you don¡¯t believe it¡¯s actually your issue¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve watched enough discovery channels to know that car injuries give fractures and or concussions, but the responses from Dad sound like you are far from damaged¡±


    ¡± So you want me to get damaged¡±


    ¡± As much as I want to say yes, I¡¯ll save it forter. You went in for a surgery and got discharged the next day. From a car ident. In a car that went perfectly unharmed. I ain¡¯t believing this fairy tale¡±


    I¡¯m hating that I have to agree that she is smarter than she paints herself to be.


    ¡± The ident didn¡¯t take ce in the car, I used it as a cover up so dad wouldn¡¯t panic¡± I took this as an opportunity to ransack my brain for lies.


    ¡± And you telling me the truth now are you still believing Dad wouldn¡¯t find out?¡±


    She Devil!


    ¡± Don¡¯t even dare!¡±


    ¡± Huh? Carry on¡± she replied in anticipation.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± That¡¯s it¡± I shrugged and used my free hand to swipe the table just to make sure it¡¯s clean enough before resting my arms.


    ¡± So what caused the ident?¡±


    ¡± Huh?¡±


    ¡± Hunter Brooks McConnell, don¡¯t y dumb with me!¡±


    So she can givemands too. How delightful.


    ¡± What am I exining?¡±


    ¡± What caused your bloody ident!?¡±


    ¡± There wasn¡¯t much blood if you ask me¡±


    ¡± Well I didn¡¯t ask you!¡±


    ¡± I think you did, when you said what caus-¡± she paused my sentence with a scream at the other end of the receiver.


    ¡± I hate you! You should have died!!¡±


    Drama queen.


    ¡± Unfortunately I didn¡¯t¡± being annoying can be a cruise sometimes.


    ¡± What the fuck is wrong with you!? I just wanted to make sure that you are okay.¡±


    Well, when she puts it like that¡­


    ¡± Fine. I¡¯m sorry. I was hit by someone. It gave me a serious bruising that needed stitches. That¡¯s it¡± I smoothly lied to satisfy her arrogant mind.


    ¡± Hit you? Why?¡±


    ¡± A little fight at a bar. Nothing to stress about¡±.


    Damn I¡¯m good!


    ¡± Is that why you don¡¯t want Dad to figure out? Cause it was at a bar?¡±


    That could work too.


    ¡± Yeah. So please don¡¯t let him know¡±


    ¡± Fine¡± she sighed and a smile of victory lines my lips.


    Remind me to celebrate this over a bottle of wine.


    ¡± So.. tell me about Xavier. Mom says he¡¯s hot¡±


    Xavier is the first boyfriend lovelyn has ever had and she actually made a choice that got momma proud.


    ¡± Shut up! I¡¯m not telling you! So much for keeping a secret with Mom. Who else knows about him? Dad? Uncle Tucker? Grandma Julie?¡±


    ¡± Grandma Julie is dead¡±.


    ¡± My point exactly¡±


    Iughed at her priceless reaction and lifted my wrist to check the time.


    ¡± Love, we¡¯ll talkter alright? Hope he¡¯s good to you?¡± I will have no one treating my sister anything less than the gold she is.


    ¡± Yeah yeah¡±


    ¡± Good, take care of yourself¡±


    ¡± Sure, don¡¯t stress too much¡±


    ¡± I wouldn¡¯t¡± came myst reply as I ended the call.


    Now to get back to work.


    +++++¡À+++¡À+++++¡À++++++


    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    I sat by the bar in the living room and waited for Hunter to return. It was currently past nine pm.


    We haven¡¯t still spoken about the letter given to him and I need to know if I¡¯m in trouble or not.


    I mean, soldo sending me a letter?


    How did he know I was gonna be the one to pick it first?


    Clear answer. He¡¯s watching me.


    My uneasiness just multiplies anytime that realization befalls me.


    We¡¯ve been watched for so long and I had not a hint.


    Even the day Hunter was shot. We were being watched then without a clue.


    I feel like I¡¯m in a temple run game, where those monster¡¯s are just watching and waiting for you to fall so they¡¯ll grab you.


    My thoughts were interrupted by the door opening and my sight following the sound caught Hunter walking in with a tired look on his face.


    He looks really stressed, maybe I should leave the questions forter.


    My rational inner mind suggested but the uncaring devil in me needed answers now.


    ¡± Hunter?¡± My calling of his name made him to realize he wasn¡¯t alone in the room as his shock gave it away.


    ¡± Yes?¡± His reply was Curt and uninterested.


    ¡± We need to talk¡± if I don¡¯t push him, I¡¯ll never know.


    ¡± I need to rest¡± he groaned and started heading for the stairs.


    ¡± Hunter please answer my questions about that letter. Am I safe?¡±


    That seemed to halt him halfway with his back in my direction.


    ¡± You are¡± his stance was rigid like he wasn¡¯t giving me theplete answer.


    ¡± Then what about you? What did he mean by limited?¡±


    ¡± Jules why did you read that letter?¡±


    ¡± In case you¡¯ve forgotten, it was directed to me¡±


    ¡± If you never opened it, you wouldn¡¯t know¡±


    ¡± So I¡¯d remain in the dark? I don¡¯t think so¡±


    ¡± At this time you don¡¯t go about opening every envelope you see which you are not sure of who it was directed to. Ever heard of letter bombs?¡± If I didn¡¯t have a good sense of hearing I would have said there¡¯s a tinge of care in his words.


    ¡± Well now I¡¯ve read it and I can¡¯t unread. So exin¡±


    ¡± I believe I¡¯ve done so. You¡¯re safe¡±


    ¡± What about you?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s for me to know¡±


    ¡± Hunter?¡±


    ¡± Jules I repeat. I need to sleep.¡±


    I sighed in defeat and let it go for tonight.


    I¡¯ll still pry for moreter on.


    ¡± Okay. What about your therapy? Should Ie do it?¡± I moved on to the next topic which his father had begged me to keep trying.


    ¡± I¡¯m justing from the physiotherapist¡±


    ¡± Why pay for people when I can willingly do it for free? Huh? Hunter why is all this happening? I thought we¡¯ve put everything back in the past?¡±


    It actually hurt to see us returning to the enemies we used to be when we¡¯ve reconciled past differences.


    ¡± Jules goodnight¡±


    He¡¯s avoiding this question too.


    Now I really have no words, I¡¯m so close to giving up on him.


    Cause I don¡¯t think I can hold on much longer.

 Chapter 053

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    Thursday night and Hunter isn¡¯t back from work yet.


    It¡¯s actually been three days since I confronted him about the letter and ever since the motivation to bring it up again had just vanished.


    I softly tucked Louisa into bed and gathered her drawing supplies from her side to keep it on the night stand.


    It was alreadyte at night and what had kept me up was proof reading a contract BellStone had sent to us.


    If I¡¯m to presume it should be eleven pm or there about and when I picked up my cellphone to be sure, I was nearly correct.


    10:47pm


    A yawn escaped me before I could realize and that only made me aware of how exhausted I¡¯ve been of recent.


    It even feels like I don¡¯t get enough sleep.


    I checked on Louie and used my hand to sweep away stray bangs of her hair that had crowded her face.


    After making sure she was allfortable, I ced a soft peck on her cheek in which she responded to with a sigh that attracted a light chuckle from me.


    I used my eyes to run over her features and I may have realized why Hunter can¡¯t detect his own blood.


    She may have a spitting resemnce to him, but then there¡¯s just this ¡®it¡¯ that covers it all up.


    My mom used to say it¡¯s my aura that causes it. It takes two to train a kid, but when it¡¯s only done by one the kid takes after everything they have.


    And that was how she exined it, still confusing but good enough for an exnation.


    Taking a final look at her is when I notice an injury on her pinky. It looks like a paper cut and it didn¡¯t go so deep which I¡¯m grateful for.


    It only had a red surface. So I reached for the night stand and retrieved a little jar of petroleum jelly to apply over the scratch.


    Satisfied with my first aid, I stood up to go brush my teeth.


    It was a short trip to the bathroom and back to the bedroom. Just in time to see a phonecall from Mr McConnell.


    That is, Hunter¡¯s Dad.


    I wiped my palms on my pajama shorts before answering the call.


    ¡± Hello?¡± He was the first to speak and his voice sounded extremely tired.


    Well it should be, it¡¯s almost midnight.


    Well it could be different over there.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, good evening¡± having a seat on the edge of my bed.


    ¡± Jules, it¡¯s so nice to hear from you again. How have you been?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve been well, what about you? How¡¯s the business treating you?¡± My eyes scanning my thighs and seeing some bed lines from the way I was seated previously.


    ¡± I honestly can¡¯t wait for you to get back here. They¡¯re all good but it seems like I¡¯ve just gotten so used to you that their techniques now seem foreign¡±


    That actually got an ¡® aww ¡® from me but I didn¡¯t say it out loud.


    ¡± What about Hunter¡¯s previous secretary? When do you think she¡¯ll return?¡± She¡¯s taking way too much time on a honeymoon and maternity.


    ¡± I believe a month now if not less and she¡¯ll be back. We just wanted to make sure the kid gets through colustrum stagepletely¡±


    They can actually be that considerate? When I used to work with Mr McConnell, Grace was one of my early partners and she said in her previous office her maternity leave was a week or she¡¯ll get fired.


    ¡± That¡¯s really considerate Mr McConnell.¡±


    ¡± Jules it¡¯s called being humane. Enough about me, how¡¯s your kid?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s good too, already gone to bed¡±


    He chuckled into the receiver.


    ¡± What about Hunter? Any thing new?¡±


    ¡± Aside from the fact that he¡¯s refused to let me touch him then no. It¡¯s all good¡±


    ¡± Speaking of that. Hunter missed his therapy today and I don¡¯t want him to go a day without it¡± his voice almost pleading because he knows I¡¯m not interested in what he¡¯s about to suggest.


    ¡± So you want me to do it for him?¡±


    ¡± Please. He¡¯s on his way home¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay sir. I¡¯ll do that. Anything else?¡±


    ¡± No Jules, you¡¯ve done more than enough. Thank you again for taking him to the hospital¡± his gratitude could not be missed.


    ¡± It was literally the least I could do. Goodnight Mr McConnell¡±


    ¡± Goodnight dear¡±


    That was how our phone conversation ended and with a sigh I took to my feet and began threading to the living room.


    Surprisingly I wasn¡¯t the only one awake.


    ¡± Jules? Why are you still up? ¡± Edward asked as he was seated on the couch watching TV.


    ¡± I could ask you the same¡±


    ¡± Well I¡¯m waiting for Hunter to return. It¡¯s usual for me¡± the elderly man smiled at his statement.


    ¡± And I¡¯m doing same¡± I matched his grin and took a seat directly opposite him.


    Edwards confusion could cause an entire nation burst intoughter.


    ¡± That¡¯s odd¡± he watched me like he was trying to figure out if I was intoxicated.


    ¡± Mr McConnell said he missed his therapy so I should help with it¡±


    ¡± Oh, that exins¡±


    I chuckled and afortable silence ensued between us as we watched a reality television show disy across the screen.


    ¡± Jules?¡± Edward called me after five minutes.


    ¡± Yes?¡±


    ¡± Hunter told me something about losing a kid. Did you lose his child?¡±


    Hunter told him? How much more does Hunter talk about this?


    ¡± I did lose one. Louisa was a twin¡±


    He stayed silent for a while.


    ¡± Hunter regrets it. You know right?¡±


    ¡± I guess I do¡± I shrugged


    ¡± A boy was it?¡±


    I nodded in agreement and he smiled once again.


    ¡± You know it¡¯s all happened for a reason?¡±


    ¡± I do¡± I sighed andid down in the sofa to getfortable.


    I guess I got toofortable cause thest I remember was slightly dozing off.


    ///////////////||||\\\\\\\\\\\\\


    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    As soon as I parked up front Edward stepped out and I quietly thanked him and expressed my gratitude before walking in.


    And seeing iris on the couch wasn¡¯t what I was entirely expecting.


    I didn¡¯t realize I was frozen in shock till Edward came back in and ced a hand on my shoulder.


    ¡± Your dad informed her that you missed your therapy so she waited for you¡±


    She waited? Why would she wait when she knows fully well that I¡¯ll still turn her offer down.


    What is wrong with Iris!?


    ¡± Thank you Edward, goodnight¡± I acknowledged him and he sent me a brief nod before walking away.


    I took iris¡¯s sleeping figure in by sight once again then released a sigh as I concluded on what to do.


    I carried her up from the chair in a bridal position and tightened my grip to prevent her from slipping.


    She released a little sigh and her eye lids fluttered open.


    ¡± H-hunter?¡± Her groggy voice called out sleepily and I answered.


    ¡± Hmm?¡±


    But she only sighed once again and drifted off to sleep.


    Her door was slightly open when I got there and I used my feet to kick it open.


    To another surprise, Louisa was wide awake and her eyes widened even more on seeing her mother in my arms.


    ¡± Hey kid¡± I smiled at the girl who was stillying down in bed.


    ¡± Hello¡± came her tiny voice.


    I softly dropped her mom on the bed and shifted my gaze to her.


    ¡± You should be asleep¡±


    ¡± I just woke up¡± she squeezed her brows together and pouted her lips.


    ¡± Try sleeping again alright?¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡± But now mommy is sleeping I¡¯ll be alone¡± she may have sounded afraid of the dark.


    ¡± Should I leave the lights on?¡±


    ¡± Can you stay with me?¡±


    I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not possible.


    ¡± Sadly, no.¡±


    Her blue eyes clearly disying her disappointment and little tears.


    ¡± Okay¡± it was almost a whisper and I felt bad leaving this kid all alone.


    ¡± You can stay with me if you want¡±


    She jerked up from herying position and a broad smile on her lips.


    ¡± Yes! Thank you!¡± She shouted in excitement and scurried over her mother and stretched out her arms to me.


    Iughed at the little act and picked the little girl up before walking out the door.


    I have a visitor then.

 Chapter 054

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v


    ¡°Wakey wakey¡± a tiny voice whispers into my ears and it echoed straight in my mind till I felt it was a part of my dreams.


    ¡± Upty Doo.. the sun is shining¡± she whispers again and then I agree it wasn¡¯t actually a dream but a full blown realistic voice.


    ¡± Rise and shiiiiiiiiiiiine¡±


    I groaned and turned around so I wasying on my back. Slowly and grudgingly opening my eyes till I met with bright blue ones that shined like a midnight star.


    ¡± You¡¯re up early¡± I chuckled and sat up straight and ran my hand through her hair to smoothen out it¡¯s roughness from her nights rest.


    ¡± Mommy would soon wake up and she¡¯ll not see me in bed¡± the small girl pouted but her eyes held more mischief than she was letting on.


    ¡± So¡­. Do you want to go back to the room?¡± I asked with a smirk and she responded with a smirk also which literally surprised me.


    I¡¯d say this girl and I were alike in so many ways evil.


    ¡± I wanna y hide and seek with momma¡± her voice dropped to a minimum and I was beginning to wonder if her night stay in my presence rubbed off some cunning nature under her skin.


    Hide and seek indeed.


    ¡± Fine, what¡¯s the time?¡± I stretched out to my bedside table and took my watch.


    ¡± Five twenty two. Let¡¯s sleep a little longer don¡¯t you think¡± I continued as I ced the watch back safely.


    With a short giggle, she cuddled up to my chest again and squeezed her eyes shut.


    I personally know she wouldn¡¯t be able to get some more sleep because of the n she has in store.


    ********************


    As I had assumed, we got no sleep at all.


    She was still resting on my chest with her eyes glowing and a heavy smile on her lips.


    So rather, the little girl and I spent the little time we had talking about how she wants to be when she grows up.


    She¡¯s seriously the most ambitious kid I¡¯ve ever seen.


    ¡± Then I¡¯ll put on some heels like the ones mommy wears. They¡¯ll all be ck. With a ck T-shirt, a ck trouser, then I¡¯ll wear rings on three fingers. Here here and here¡± she dly said as she pointed out the tiny phnges that she¡¯d ce the ring on.


    Iughed at her loveliness. I was really a douchebag by not liking this girl from the start. She¡¯s so adorable.


    ¡± With time Louie. You wouldn¡¯t even know when you¡¯ll begin to live it¡± I patted her flowing hair gently as I let out some contributions but mostly listened.


    It¡¯s actually the truth. Some years ago I used to be that high school boy who ruled thend with a lot of drugs, women and money.


    Now I¡¯m someone who¡¯s trying to stay alive from what I created in the past.


    How time flies.


    ¡°I wanna be an artist just like you¡± she looked up at me and smiled widely.


    It got meughing again and I had to ask ¡± who says I¡¯m an artist?¡±


    ¡± Durh¡­ See your walls! They¡¯re amaaaaaaziiiiiing!!¡± She drew out and I¡¯ve never had such aughing fit before in my life.


    ¡± I¡¯m not an artist sweetie, I¡¯m a business man¡±


    ¡± Business man?¡± Her brows creased ¡± what kind of business?¡±


    ¡± Hmm.. how do I exin this? Do you know Brooks and Shields?¡±


    ¡± Brooks and Sheeds?¡±


    ¡± No love. Shields.¡±


    ¡± Of course I know it! That thing is written on all mommy¡¯s books and she tells me any book with Brooks and uhmm¡­ Shields I shouldn¡¯t use them for my drawings¡± she huffed.


    I really couldn¡¯t stop myself fromughing once again.


    ¡± Well that¡¯s my business. I own Brooks and Shields¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She gasped and jumped into a sitting position.


    ¡± You¡¯re the reason I can¡¯t draw on more books¡± then she literally red at me.


    I chuckled and followed her position by sitting up too. Then I picked her up and ced her in myp.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡± I whispered when I leaned into her ear.


    ¡± Fine¡± her arms came crossed and she pouted and me.


    ¡± Boop¡± I softly pinched her nose bridge to initiate a little y so she¡¯d get out of her amusing foul mood.


    And it worked because sheughed.


    ¡°Mr Hunter what¡¯s your favorite color?¡± She grabbed two of my fingers and twisted them into a cross.


    ¡± Hmm.. I think ck. What about you?¡± I asked back.


    ¡± Mine too!¡±


    I chuckled again and raised my two arms not far from her face to receive a double high five.


    ¡± Okay, okay. What about your favorite food?¡± She asked when she ced her small palms in my respectivelyrger ones.


    ¡± I don¡¯t have any. But blue cupcakes are delicious¡±


    ¡± Aaaaaahhhh!!!! You stole my food!¡± Sheughed so hard at that, she had to clutch her belly to avoid throwing up.


    ¡± I like banana smoothies or milkshakes or any banana drink¡± she continues with a smile still etched on her lips.


    ¡± Aww.. I don¡¯t really like bananas¡± they¡¯ve never been one of my favorites.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. We can still be friends if you don¡¯t. Boop¡± she repeated my actions by gently pinching the bridge of my nose and Iughed at it.


    ¡± Louisa how old are you?¡± I began straightening up her hair as I looked up to the clock in my room.


    It¡¯s high time she got ready for school. Six fifteen.


    ¡± I¡¯m five! One two three four five¡± she indicated whilst counting her fingers.


    Five? She looks so small.


    I think she¡¯s lying about that.


    ¡± Your mommy told you that you¡¯re five?¡± I wanted to confirm


    ¡± Yes she did¡± with a wide grin stered on her face.


    Maybe that¡¯s why Iris is hiding her father. Possibly a high school fling.


    ¡± Okay. Now we have to-¡± a knock interrupted our discussion but it was followed by iris¡¯s terrified voice talking to someone.


    ¡± Come in¡± I called out and Louisa couldn¡¯t keep her growing smile at Bay.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry for disturbing you Hunter but have you seen Louisa I¡¯ve be-¡± her eyes literally became asrge as saucers when she sighted the girl she was looking for on myp.


    Iris was still in her pyjama shirt and shorts and her hair was as disheveled as it could ever be.


    I could only imagine what thoughts had crossed her mind on Louisa¡¯s where abouts.


    Edward stood directly behind her as the door was opened and his expression too was priceless.


    ¡± Mommy!! You¡¯ve found me!¡± Louisa shouted then scurried off the bed to go hug her mother.


    ¡± F-found you?¡± If I could tell by the way her face looked ghostly, I would say she believes we¡¯re all from Candy Land.


    ¡± Yeah.. she was ying hide and seek and decided to hide in here¡± I shrugged.


    ¡± Uh.. I see. Uhm¡­ Okay, well. Thanks.¡± She picked up the little girl and carried her out of the room.


    I decided it was also time to get ready for work.


    So I got up from the bed and walked straight into the bathroom.


    Surprisingly, I miss the little girl already and she just left.

 Chapter 055

    The little girl came down from the white Mercedes.


    Her smile wide as she tightened her grip on her backpack and inhaled the fresh air.


    She had enjoyed nights of sleep in her mother¡¯s arms, where sometimes she was told bedtime stories or sang some of her favorite tunes and luby.


    Butst night had been entirely different. There had been no need for lubies or stories. She had slept so softly and she feltpletely refreshed.


    She couldn¡¯t miss the little affection she feltst night when he had returned from the bathroom after a quick shower and she pretended to be asleep.


    He gently covered her small bodice and gave a light kiss to her temple.


    She actually for once felt what her peers had described as the love of a father.


    That was when her dream walls shattered and she had to face reality.


    He wasn¡¯t her father and what she had felt or experienced was a one time thing that she¡¯s sure her mother would never allow to repeat itself.


    ¡± Goodbye Mr Edward! ¡± She called out to the man who had been dropping her off since she moved here.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Bye Louisa. Take good care of yourself¡± his usual words before he left her to the fate of school and he sent her a wave which she had no issues reciprocating.


    She stood in the parking lot and watched him pull out of the driveway. She wasn¡¯t even aware that she had been staring at his direction in which he had left and was day dreaming aboutst night till someone demanded her attention.


    ¡± Louisa?¡±


    The little girl jerked at the surprising intrusion and flushed red at being caught day dreaming.


    It wasn¡¯t strange for her to day dream. Infact it was a normal habit she had developed over the years.


    It was nothing short of her imagining how her father would look like or how he would shower her with love and protect her with his life.


    She would think of what his favorite games and food may be and even wandered off to the assumption that he liked art just as she did.


    But now that she had a glimpse of that yesterday, she wasn¡¯t sure if she could stop her mind and heart from what it yearned.


    She gave a sigh before turning to see who had interrupted her thoughts.


    ¡± Gracie!!¡± Her slight disappointment immediately transforms into enthusiasm for another day at school on seeing her little friend she had made.


    ¡± You keep saying that man is not your dad but you act different. Is he your uncle?¡± Her friend asked with a smile.


    An uncle? Yeah Edward could be seen as that.


    ¡± Yeah he is. Uncle Edward¡± Louie replied and her smile unfading.


    Gracie had always picked interest in Louisa¡¯s life ever since their first encounter, she felt like Louisa was heaven sent to Dwight¡¯s Academy.


    Dwight¡¯s Academy was a school of rich and merry, no one knew how it was to face a hard life, including Louisa. Infact Gracie saw Louisa as royalty with the way she was dropped off at school with variety of cars each day.


    But that wasn¡¯t the case for Gracie.


    Gracie was sweet, adorable and thest out of four kids the only issue she felt she had was that she wasn¡¯t an elite.


    She was on a schrship here because her mother works as a librarian at the school. Her ie was good but not still good enough to provide everything she wanted, so she focused solely on things she needed.


    Before Louisa hade to Dwight¡¯s Academy, Gracie was always jeered at for her financial ss by her ssmates but Louisa came in and stood for her.


    As little as they were, everyone could tell that Louisa was not someone to mess with. Hence Gracie saw her as her savior and loved her ever since.


    The bell went off signalling the start of another academic day and Louisa knew it was time to get serious again.


    She put aside every lingering thought of her night with Mr Hunter and suggested to her friend.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go¡±


    Gracie in turn held her bag closer before initiating a race on who could get to sses first.


    Louie cheerfully followed and couldn¡¯t help but remember the Saturday she had spent ying police and water guns with Mr Hunter and Uncle Dee.


    She chuckled to herself once she realized she was losing focus again and knew she had a long day ahead.


    *******************


    School was over and she sat by the bench as usual to wait for Edward.


    Believe me when I say that climbing onto that bench proved a lot more work than it should but she was able to get onto it none the less.


    She had always wondered why she was short and sometimes her mind assumed that maybe her biological father was a very short man and probably that was the reason her mother had hidden her from him.


    Even if her father were to win an award for the world¡¯s shortest man, she knew she would still love him like no other, the day she¡¯d finally get to meet him.


    She watched as the school garden was slowly getting less packed with pupils but maintained her position as she was instructed so it wouldn¡¯t be a stress locating her when it was time to go home.


    Her legs were swinging cheerfully as she hummed softly to a tune Cheryn had taught her some days ago when she returned from school.


    Her mouth immediately watered as she thought of the blueberry vored cupcake she would have as a snack once she got home.


    She then remembered Mr Hunter telling her that the blue berries were his personal favorite too. She made a mental note to save some for him.


    Still humming and swinging her legs, she saw Hailey walk up to her.


    ¡± Hello. Can I sit with you?¡±


    Louisa grinned and patted by her side in a very weing way and the girl felt d she wasn¡¯t rejected.


    Hailey had lost her father only two weeks ago to a car ident and ever since she had been a walking shadow. Silent and only talking at extreme cases.


    ¡± How are you?¡± Louisa tried to start a conversation with the girl but the girl clearly looked uninterested and simply gave a nod to her question.


    Louisa felt very bad for her, she knew what it feels like not having a father figure in your life but she could only imagine how it felt to have one and then lose him.


    Her mind went back to when her mom had told her that Mr Hunter was sick and she felt bad that she had never asked him about it.


    She hoped she would remember to bring it up when she sees him tonight.


    Sheughed at herself when she noticed she was already anticipating another night with him.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Hailey asked confused to why the girl is giggling to herself.


    Louisa only gave a nod with a very wide grin and Hailey smiled back.


    ¡± Your name is Louisa?¡± Hailey started and Louisa felt shocked that the girl was actually talking to her.


    They had never been in a conversation before but she had heard about Hailey. It was news that even the seniors in the school had heard.


    ¡± Yes, and you¡¯re Hailey¡±


    The girl smiled at her chirpy nature and was happy that at least there was someone who isn¡¯t looking at her like she is no longer human.


    ¡± My mom¡¯s name is Louisa¡± Haileymented so she could continue the discussion.


    ¡± I like your mommy then¡±


    The two girlsughed but it was interrupted by anotherpany.


    ¡± Seriously? You like her mommy? What are you trying to do? Make her cry?¡± Steph and her two friends appeared from the blues.


    ¡± What do you mean? And mind your business!¡± Louisa spat back but Hailey had already kept shut.


    ¡± Why are you calling her parents? Isn¡¯t it bad enough that her dad is dead?¡± ire, Steph¡¯s friend pitched in.


    ¡± I¡¯m not doing anything to her. And even though her dad is dead she still has her mommy to take care of her¡± Louisa stood her ground and wasn¡¯t ready to step down.


    ¡± Just like you- oh wait! Your dad is that old man. Sorry, I thought he was dead already¡± Steph mocked and Louisa felt her heart shatter at the words.


    ¡± Edward is not my daddy. He¡¯s my uncle¡± she tried to remain strong but she knew it may notst if she continued.


    ¡± Then you don¡¯t have a daddy?¡± Their mocking goes on followed by a round ofughter from all three. Hailey only had a look ofpassion in her eyes.


    As much as she wanted to say they¡¯re wrong, she knew it was the truth but she¡¯ll never let them win.


    ¡± I have a daddy!¡±


    ¡± Where is he?¡± Steph¡¯s two arms crossed in front of her and she narrowed her eyes at the little Louie.


    ¡± He¡¯s¡­ He¡¯s.. somewhere?¡± Louisa was even trying to convince herself but it was harder than she thought.


    ¡± Somewhere? That was what Ivy said when her father ran away. So your daddy doesn¡¯t want you too? Why am I not surprised¡±


    Tears stung Louisa¡¯s eyes at the thought.


    Maybe that¡¯s why she had never met her father. Maybe it¡¯s because he never wanted her or anything to do with her.


    She hadn¡¯t analysed it the way Steph had put it, but hearing it from someone¡¯s lips smacked the reality into her fast developing brain.


    Still, Louisa wouldn¡¯t let them see that they had gotten to her. She was known to be a fighter and she wouldn¡¯t give up so easily.


    No matter what it takes..


    ¡± That¡¯s not true! My daddy loves me!¡± She tried to keep a strongposure.


    ¡± I see, that means he¡¯s poor since he doesn¡¯t want to show his face in public¡± Steph was a fighter too and she knew just the buttons to press.


    ¡± He¡¯s not poor! Infact he¡¯s very very rich! With lot¡¯s of cars and money!¡± She defended


    ¡± Oh really? So what¡¯s his name? My daddy knows everyone in this town with lot¡¯s of cars and money¡± Steph jeered again to expose the lie she was seeing underneath.


    ¡± His n-name?¡± Louisa¡¯s heart began beating at an incredibly fast pace as she saw that her lies were going to end her in more troubles.


    ¡± Yes. Or you¡¯ve forgotten your father¡¯s name?¡± Steph snickered and her little friends followed behind her.


    ¡± No! His name is.. his name is uh- Hunter. Yes! His name is Hunter!¡± She was happy at the name that jumped unto her lips on reflex.


    ¡± Hunter? Where does he work?¡± Steph¡¯s interrogation going to another level.


    ¡± Brooks and Shields¡± Louisa grinned at her impressive lie and was happy with herself that spending her night with him paid off.


    ¡± Brooks and Shields?¡± Steph asked, recognising the name as thepany her father works for.


    Louie nodded in her direction and maintained her smile.


    Then a thought hit Steph. Everyone knows the surname to the owner of Brooks and Shields was McConnell but Louisa bears Shawn.


    To her the game was only beginning.


    ¡± I don¡¯t believe you¡± Steph smirked and Louisa¡¯s face fell.


    ¡± What!? I¡¯m not lying!¡± Louie defended but Steph was done with the argument.


    ¡± Fine. If he¡¯s your daddy then he will not have any problems dropping you off tomorrow right?¡±


    Louisa¡¯s world¡¯s met with dire mes.


    And she was pretty sure her face disyed it because Stephughed out loud.


    ¡± Well then. See you and your ¡®daddy¡¯ tomorrow¡± Steph said whilst making air quotations on the word daddy.


    The trio walked away and Louisa sat on the bench wondering why she had attempted such a lie.


    ¡± I¡¯ll like to meet your daddy too. I mean if you want. but my mommy is here. Bye¡± Hailey tried to cheer her up with a smile and she waved as she walked towards a blue Toyota parked at a short distance.


    ¡± I¡¯ll like to meet him too¡± Louisa whispered to herself.


    And it was only when she was alone did she let the tears of her broken heart drop.

 Chapter 056

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v


    Starting up work today wasn¡¯t as simple as I prayed it would be.


    I had already attended four unproductive meetings and figured out I haven¡¯t had anything for lunch.


    So much for staying healthy.


    The time was four pm and I guess it was time to at least have something to eat.


    After putting myptop on sleep, I picked my cellphone, car keys and wallet to be sure I was good to go.


    As soon as I walked out the door, I met face to face with Iris who held a single file in her hand.


    ¡± Are you going home?¡± She asked in a little confusion and I wasn¡¯t surprised.


    I wasn¡¯t someone to leave the office so early.


    ¡± What do you have for me?¡± I changed the topic back to in business and she took the hint that I was in no mood for a discussion.


    ¡± It¡¯s an invitation from Mr Reid. About an event he¡¯s hosting in a week¡±


    An event? I haven¡¯t heard anything about an event in the past few days.


    Maybe I really need to connect with the media once again.


    ¡± Thank you. Anything else?¡± The earlier she finishes her job the earlier she gets home.


    ¡± Yes. La Ch¨¦rie magazine sent us some copies before it¡¯s publication next month¡±


    Oh.. Ipletely forgot about that photoshoot. Feels like years ago.


    ¡± Okay. Drop off a copy on my desk and keep the other in the cab¡±


    ¡± Uhm.. there are five copies¡± she scratched behind her neck as she mentioned that.


    ¡± I don¡¯t see how that seems to affect my instruction. Do you want a copy?¡±


    Her facial expression turned ghostly and she flushed a deep shade of pink.


    So she wants one.


    ¡± No. I was only asking for your f-father¡±


    Sure you were.


    ¡± Fine. Drop one on my desk, send one to my father and keep the rest in the cab. Are we clear now?¡±


    She nodded in agreement and briskly walked back to her office.


    Whilst I continued my journey to the elevator and down the building where I met with rissa.


    After collecting the spare keys to the building as usual, so I could lock up after leavingter on at night, I walked to my car in the parking lot and began to drive to the nearest restaurant I could remember.


    Immediately after I parked, I made sure to lock my car and went in for my lunch.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    So lunch took longer than expected because I had answered some business calls in between.


    Now the time was currently disying a few minutes to six and by the time I¡¯ll reach the office it¡¯ll already be past six.


    I groaned internally at the way my time was surprisingly consumed but I still put up a smile when the waiter approached me.


    ¡± That¡¯ll be fifteen forty nine¡± the young man smiled back and handed me the receipt.


    ¡°Keep the change¡± I said once I handed him a wad of cash.


    ¡± Thanks. That girl over there says I should give you this¡± he slipped a thin paper over me and pointed to a brte standing far back.


    ¡± Tell her I said she¡¯s pretty¡± I winked at the guy and stood to my feet.


    Enough of the y for tonight.


    Within seconds I was out of the building.


    The cool breeze dancing across my face and the night had already befallen the city.


    Street lights and illumination from buildings were the only things making the environment as clear as day.


    I never knew when a smile reached my lips at the view and I took subtle strides to my car.


    Just to be weed by a parking ticket.


    A parking ticket in a parking lot?


    Now that¡¯s new.


    I picked the ticket from my wipers to know what I had been fined for.


    But it wasn¡¯t a ticket.


    It was a note.


    Hope you haven¡¯t forgotten me already?


    Countdown clock is ticking.


    Tick Tock Tick Tock.


    Your lovely friend


    $oldo¡­


    Can¡¯t I have peace for just aplete month? Week?


    I ripped the paper to shreds and angrily hopped into my car.


    I drove straight to the office to close up for the day. This chatty message from Soldo doesn¡¯t really put you in the right attitude to work.


    Once arriving at the office, I unlocked the doors with the spares I had and stepped in.


    But my phone chimed in a message tune and I pull it out to view.


    I know you¡¯ve heard of the event. But I need to see you urgently.


    Tomorrow morning by seven.


    At The Four Seasons.


    It was from Mr Reid and I took no time in replying.


    I¡¯ll be there.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    I was back at home and I wouldn¡¯t want to say that I was eavesdropping but that¡¯s exactly what I was doing.


    Iris was talking to Jenny in the kitchen. Telling her something about Louisa being all moody since she got home from work.


    ¡± I tried to talk to her, but she just shook her head and mumured a single nothing¡± Jennyined.


    ¡± And it¡¯s not usual. I swear I¡¯m more worried than I look¡± Iris gave a sigh.


    ¡± Let her sleep on it. She might feel free to share tomorrow¡± Jennyforted.


    ¡± I hope so. Goodnight Jenny, tell Cheryn I said goodnight too¡±


    Thedies parted ways and Iris walked out of the kitchen and she didn¡¯t look the slightest surprised seeing me in the living room.


    But she kept walking anyway and within seconds I heard her door jam shut.


    Now that I¡¯m alone, I finally had a chance to think on my own and it was not a shock that my thoughts went straight to what was wrong with Louisa.


    The little girl seemed happy when she left for school this morning.


    Perhaps I could ask her about that tomorrow.


    Meanwhile, I took interest in the news that came up on the television.


    ______________________________


    A stifled yawn escaped my lips at eleven pm and I took it as a note to get some sleep.


    But when I started hearing familiar footsteps, I stilled for a while.


    The movements suddenly stopped and I turned towards the hallway and saw Louisa standing in the shadows cast by the steps.


    ¡± Hey Louie. Come here¡± I spread my arms wide open to indicate that I was willing to talk if she wanted to.


    She walked slowly and almost like she was avoiding stepping on fire across the carpet.


    When her face came into view, some strings tugged at my heart.


    She had been crying.


    ¡± Hey love. What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked her once she walked into me and I wrapped my arms around her.


    She gripped my shirt tightly and buried her face in my chest as she started sobbing again.


    I was feeling very uneasy with her actions and I really wanted to make her stop.


    ¡± Hey, stop crying. Talk to me¡± I ran my hand through her hair as her grip tightened.


    ¡± I did s-something wrong¡± she mumbled.


    ¡± What did you do?¡± My curiosity was highly piqued.


    ¡± I.. I lied¡±


    She lied?


    That¡¯s why she¡¯s so sober?


    Her mother really instilled manners in her.


    ¡± What did you lie about?¡±My lips lower to ce a soft peck on the side of her head.


    ¡± I.. I uhm¡­.¡±


    ¡± You can tell me¡±


    She immediately pulled away from me and threw her eyes to the ground.


    ¡± Someone said my daddy doesn¡¯t want me but I told her he did. I told her that my daddy is very rich and has lots of cars but she didn¡¯t believe me. She asked me who my daddy was¡± she was fondling with her fingers and I watched her intently.


    ¡± And what did you say?¡±


    ¡± I said it¡¯s ¡­. You¡± she whispered thest part so lowly that it took me seconds to grab it.


    She said I¡¯m her daddy?


    I wish.


    ¡± And she didn¡¯t believe you?¡± I questioned again.


    ¡± Yes. And she told me that my daddy should drop me off at school tomorrow¡± her voice held a hint of rejection and I already felt bad.


    Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with Mr Reid so I wouldn¡¯t be able to drop her off.


    ¡± Louisa I¡¯m sorry but I can¡¯t make it tomorrow¡± I had to swallow saliva to numb the aching in my chest.


    But she didn¡¯t seem so fazed. It was almost like she was expecting my rejection before hand.


    Maybe that was the actual reason she had been crying.


    ¡± Oh.. okay. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Were all she said and she sounded at the brink of tears once again.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Then I tried to think of a way to cheer her up.


    Any way at all.


    ¡± Hey, are you staying the night with me?¡± I faked up a smile but she didn¡¯t return it.


    ¡± No. Don¡¯t worry¡± she shook her head and started to walk away.


    ¡°G-goodnight¡± were herst words and I swear I saw another tear drop from the side of her face.


    Louie I¡¯m sorry.

 Chapter 057

    General p. o. v.


    She hadn¡¯t eaten at all as the unease filled her stomach, leaving her mother quite anxious but mostly sad.


    Honestly, Louisa couldn¡¯t ignore the jabs of hurt and pain from advertising on her face when she saw Mr Hunter prepare and leave for work early this morning.


    At some point of trying to eat breakfast, her eyes pricked with tears on the embarrassment she would face when she goes to school with Edward driving her once again.


    Immediately, her food was discarded because Cheryn noticed it wasn¡¯t going to be touched.


    Her mother sat across her and slowly yet sadly ate her cereal while she watched Louisa with fear in her eyes.


    To be truthful, she had never seen her active and brave daughter so downcast and broken to the point of seeing it clearly through her glistening eyeballs.


    She couldn¡¯t help but think of worst scenario cases which could have led up to that.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Louisa too observed her mother but had unusually nothing to say to her.


    Even if she wanted to speak her mind was only going to ask one question.


    Why did my daddy leave me?


    And that¡¯s why she never asked, because she felt the answer she would receive would be far worse than anything she was about to face in school.


    Not long after, she was hurdled up in the passenger seat of a red Audi with Edward taking position to drive.


    ¡± Baby please talk to me soon okay?¡± Her mother cooed into her ear through the opened car window and kissed her softly on her forehead.


    Louisa only responded with a nod and braced herself for one of the worst days of her life.


    Edward revved the car engine and bade a hearty goodbye to Iris then ensured to get Louisa to school safely, like he normally did before they took off.


    Before today, Edwards gesture made her feel special. It made her feel like she was loved and her safety mattered to everyone.


    But now that she looks at it from another perspective, it¡¯s a biting fact that her father had never for once called to know if she was safe.


    At a point in her life she assumed he was dead and her mother didn¡¯t want to tell her but she could remember a night months ago when her mother assumed her to be asleep and said a few words that gave her a second thought about his whereabouts.


    I can¡¯t believe your father¡¯s pretending like he¡¯s the best person to ever exist.


    Her mother had been ying with her hair and she felt her mother¡¯s gaze on her the night she said those words.


    They were watching the news that night and then a party came up.


    Louisa was actually interested from the beginning but the fact that she had no idea about who was who and there was no ssh of color, only purple in every corner detached the little girls interest.


    As sheid her head on her mother¡¯sp and tried falling asleep was when her mother whispered those words.


    She wasn¡¯t supposed to hear them.


    But she did.


    Louisa only knew then that her daddy was alive and was at the party and probably their parents weren¡¯t on best of terms.


    But she never knew who he was.


    Even if her parents had had a disagreement, she has known her mother to be ady of forgiving nature so she couldn¡¯t have held anger for so long.


    The car ride to the school suddenly became longer than usual and Louisa turned to look out the window.


    ¡± Sweetheart you look so down. Are you okay?¡± Edwards concerned voice reached her ears.


    She wanted to reply with a yes, but her voice failed her so she opted for a nod instead.


    She didn¡¯t care if he saw her response or not as she was still regarding the outside world but it seems like he got the message that she wasn¡¯t willing to engage in a conversation.


    She willed herself to stay strong when she gets to school and no matter what was said, she would carry her shoulder high.


    But her words of encouragement to herself did nothing because she found herself crying once more.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Hunter was on the highway to the four seasons and he had never felt so bothered in his life.


    Surprisingly it wasn¡¯t anticipation for the meeting that was killing him but rather something so little.


    A little girl who needed his help and he let her down.


    It wasn¡¯t his fault. If he was told earlier he might have been able to solve both issues easier but he wasn¡¯t informed on time.


    Hunter was a very calcted man and he makes his ns strategically so he could aplish all he had, so when Louisa piped up something that hadn¡¯t been in his schedule, he couldn¡¯t just see himself fitting it in.


    He ran his hand through his hair and immediately regretted it because gel stained his five fingers and palm.


    He groaned out loud in frustration and tried using his left hand to control his steering while his stained hand went for the pigeonhole to search for any stray serviettes.


    To his luck, there were and he wiped his fingers clean.


    That only served as a distraction for a few seconds before his thoughts drifted back to Louisa.


    Louisa.


    The look of defeat in her eyes when she saw him leave this morning was haunting him to this moment.


    He didn¡¯t intend to hurt the girl or leave her stranded.


    He only hoped she would understand and forgive him.


    Infact he hoped he could forgive himself.


    He had gotten fond of the little girl and seeing her cry was a sight he never wanted to see again.


    He was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn¡¯t noticed a car so dangerously close to him but he swerved away quite quickly and just in time to save his head.


    He sighed and blinked twice before ncing at the clock.


    6:49am


    He still had time to make it for the meeting. His conscience wasting no time in judging him.


    You could have dropped her off thene for the meeting.


    It wasn¡¯t possible. Time wasn¡¯t on his side and he wasn¡¯t a fan ofteing either.


    He tried to brush every thought of guilt in his head with excuses but with each excuse came up another reason.


    He started to imagine Louisa gettingughed at in school because she lied about who her father was when she had never set eyes on him.


    He imagined the fingers pointing, all sixteen sets of teeth from children bared, all those who might go to the extent of shoving her and calling her name¡¯s because of her falsification.


    And Louisa would be crying.


    He couldn¡¯t take his mind anymore.


    Within the next couple of seconds he picked up his phone and knew exactly who he wanted to call.

 Chapter 058

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    I took a deep breath and couldn¡¯t help but smile while I hopped out of the vehicle.


    I took in the environment with keen interest and Iughed at myself for what I have surprisingly be.


    Who would have thought that when I would be asked to choose between business and a kid, I would¡¯ve chosen the kid?


    When I called Mr Reid a few minutes before changing my direction, he was okay with my change of ns but said we needed to discuss during his uing event.


    I¡¯ve never been happier with procrastination in my life.


    I tightened my grip on the little gift I got Louisa from a breakfast store and checked the time once more.


    Seven thirteen.


    I¡¯ve still got forty seven minutes before her first ss bell goes off.


    Maybe I could drop by and see the principal, Mr Alexander to acknowledge his payment.


    The surrounding was almost half packed with kids and teenager¡¯s conversing before it was time to begin.


    I scanned the area for Louisa¡¯s petite frame but didn¡¯t see it.


    My brows scrunched in slight confusion before I decided to walk into the school building.


    I was taking my time to walk up so I can continue my survey for Louisa around the area.


    Some teenage girls were sending me looks that should be restricted to only their age grade.


    But I sent them smiles none the less.


    Agreeing that Louisa wasn¡¯t in thewn, I finally got to the door of the hallway and stepped in.


    The sight before me was enough to make my blood boil with anger.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The good news is that I found Louie.


    The bad news is that she was surrounded by a group of people who where pointing andughing at her.


    I am so d I ditched that meeting.


    Louisa was backed up against a locker with her book held tightly against her chest.


    She was so small in the midst of those who had formed a crowd around her that I wondered if they were actually her ssmates.


    I could barely see her head from the circle.


    But I did notice one thing.


    She was still crying.


    ¡± I thought you said your daddy loved you?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s such a liar¡±


    ¡± She had to use such a big name to lie¡±


    And so many other jeers wereing from all around her and upon in tears, she still argued with them.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t lie! My daddy loves me¡± her face was streaked with tears as it rolled down her face like a river.


    My heart broke to pieces as she tried to look strong but her walls had crumbled.


    ¡± Oh yeah? Then where is he?¡± Someone shouted from the crowd and everyone else responded withughter.


    ¡± Leave her alone!¡±


    ¡± Yeah, leave her alone!¡±


    Two girls hollered above the other voices but no one listened to them.


    I¡¯m sote.


    And I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m still standing here and doing nothing.


    Weren¡¯t there teachers in this school?


    ¡± Can you all give me a reason why my daughter is crying?¡± My voice boomed across the hallway and I was weed with a dead silence.


    I literally heard a pin drop in a distance.


    Louisa¡¯s tear soaked face and puffy eyes met with mine from the crowd and I didn¡¯t realize when I was running towards her.


    As soon as I got to her front, I crouched down so I could be able to look her in the eye.


    She was still shocked at my appearance because following my rejection she hadn¡¯t been expecting me.


    ¡°Baby I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t make it earlier. I¡¯m so sorry¡± I muttered to her but it was loud enough for the entire surrounding to hear.


    Using my thumb, I tried as much as I could to wipe away the tears from her beautiful face and in all, the hallway was still quiet.


    She broke into a smile that was apanied with a sob and jumped into my arms for a hug.


    I hugged her back tightly and I could hear her silent sobs on my chest but it wasn¡¯t audible.


    That attracted a lot of a¡¯s from the crowd that had gathered.


    I ced a soft kiss on Louisa¡¯s temple and held onto her a little longer.


    The crowd had grown and we were now a live show in the middle of the hallway.


    ¡± I think this should have already been obvious but I¡¯m gonna make it clear. This little angel is my only daughter and as such you shall never hurt her or speak to her in any way that will make me hunt you down. I promise you, if she does the slightest ofins your parents will hear it¡±


    That was enough to make them wary of their actions towards Louie and that¡¯s exactly what I wanted.


    ¡± You all can go now¡± I finalised and the crowd, slowly dispersed.


    Not everyone though.


    ¡± Uh- Mr Hunter?¡± A little girl with blonde hair called my attention.


    ¡± Yes?¡± By this point Louie was done crying. She had wiped away her tears and looked up to the child who had summoned me with a smirk on her face.


    That¡¯s my girl.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for calling your daughter a liar¡± the girl apologized.


    ¡± Well I¡¯ve forgiven you but I¡¯m not the one you used¡±


    And with Louie¡¯s puffed eyes, she stood straight and crossed her arms in anticipation of the apology.


    ¡± Louisa, I-I¡¯m sorry¡±


    Louisa in turned ¡®humphed¡¯ and threw her nose in the air before muttering a ¡® thank you very much¡¯


    Iughed at her attitude and kissed her temple with a smile on my lips.


    The girl walked away looking sorry with two others trailing behind, bearing the same look in their eyes.


    Leaving only two girls with us.


    ¡± Daddy meet my friends. Gracie and Hailey¡± Louisa said introducing her friends with a broad smile.


    I chuckled softly at her giddiness.


    ¡± Your names rhyme. I¡¯m Louisa¡¯s Dad¡± I gave a wide grin which the girls recriprocated.


    ¡± Hey¡±


    ¡± Hello¡±


    The girls greeted back.


    I stood to my feet and realized I was still holding the gift I got Louisa in my grasp.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t eat much this morning, so I got you a little something¡± I handed her the takeaway bag in my hand and she collected it. Her smile still prominent.


    ¡± Eeeeeeeeeeekk!! Thank you!¡± She squealed and hugged my legs to which Iughed.


    I knew getting her a blueberry cupcake and banana smoothie would help atone for my sins.


    ¡± Hey, can you show me your principal¡¯s office? I need to speak with him¡± I asked Louie as I patted down her hair.


    She nodded apprehensively and began heading down to hallway.


    ¡± Louie I¡¯m sorry I disappointed you¡± I had to apologise to get it off my chest.


    She stopped and whirled around to look at me.


    God please never let this smile leave her lips.


    ¡± Promise me one thing?¡± She quietly asked and I extended my pinky to her in assurance to keep my word.


    ¡± I promise, but what is it?¡±


    ¡± Promise me you¡¯ll always be my daddy?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t promise that.


    I shouldn¡¯t promise that.


    My mind was warning me against it knowing well that Iris would have my head.


    But when have I ever been one to listen?


    ¡± I promise¡± I made the promise to the little girl and a huge part of me was willing to keep it.


    I really don¡¯t care what her mother thinks.

 Chapter 059

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡°Hello? Mom?¡± I spoke into the receiver with a subtle voice.


    ¡± Baby! I haven¡¯t heard from you in months. How are you?¡± My mother¡¯s voice chirpily rings through the phone.


    I let out augh and run my hands through my hair, feeling a little bad that I hadn¡¯t bothered calling them all this while and not also returning their calls.


    It really isn¡¯t much of my fault. No one wants to tell their parents that they are living under the same roof with the same guy who raped you years ago.


    Though it¡¯s partly their fault by not telling me that my current boss was their former boss.


    ¡± I¡¯m good but mad at you¡± I pouted


    ¡± Uh-what did we do?¡± Her voice sounding unsure about the situation.


    ¡± Well for starters, I should have known that I was working for The Mr McConnell¡± my words carrying an undertone of annoyance but I really didn¡¯t hold it against them.


    ¡± Oh¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡± And I¡¯m sorry too¡± I responded feeling in a good mood to confess.


    ¡± Sorry?¡±


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡± Sorry for what?¡± My mom¡¯s confusion couldn¡¯t be missed by her words.


    ¡± I have a confession¡±


    ¡± Okay.. uhm.. I¡¯m listening¡±


    Maybe I shouldn¡¯t go ahead with it. I mean she really doesn¡¯t need to know.


    Plus I never even told her about the transfer in the first ce.


    What in the world made me hide all these from her all this while? I justpiled my sins to table before her.


    Maybe I should procrastinate a little longer.


    Two more months won¡¯t hurt.


    Two months seems too much, probably three weeks?


    But what if something else happens before then? Like Soldo doing a house attack and the mediae by to broadcast it on TV.


    My mom and dad wouldn¡¯t find me standing beside a dead or possibly alive Hunter with a scared Louisa in my arms on the news quite amusing.


    I¡¯m starting to over think here.


    ¡± Iris honey?¡± I didn¡¯t realize I had cked out on our conversation till she called me back to reality.


    ¡± Oh.. uh.. sorry about that silence¡± I quickly slide the apology.


    ¡± No worries love but I¡¯m still bothered about you¡± her concern is making it difficult to keep a secret.


    Here goes nothing¡­


    ¡± I¡¯m living with Hunter¡± I say and go quiet while waiting for her response.


    Two seconds..


    Five..


    Twelve..


    Twenty..


    Thirty..


    Nothing.. she said absolutely nothing.


    ¡± Mom? You there?¡±


    ¡± Oh yes honey, I think the connection broke off a while there. I didn¡¯t quite catch what you said¡±


    ¡± What did you hear?¡±


    ¡± It was very funny.. really. I heard something sort of ¡® I¡¯m living with Hunter ¡® hrious right?¡± Sheughed so loudly that I overheard dad in the background asking her what¡¯s wrong.


    ¡® something went wrong with the receiver and I heard iris say something like she¡¯s living with Hunter¡¯ my Mom replies to my dad without taking the phone off her ear and my Dad¡¯s barkingughter reaches my ears shortly.


    ¡± Oh.. the things technology does these days¡± she sighed and cleared her throat a little to clear up her hoarse voice. ¡± So what were you saying honey?¡± She continues.


    ¡± What you heard was true. I am staying with Hunter¡± I bit my lip, not eager to hear her reaction.


    ¡± You¡¯re staying with Hunter? What!? When did this happen? Why!? And why am I just knowing!!?¡± My mom floods my ear with questions and like I expected, she was angry about it.


    ¡± It wasn¡¯t my fault¡± I try to defend.


    ¡± Except if you¡¯re acting the remix of Alice in wondend as Iris in Hunter¡¯s den, then I need a viable, well detailed, believable exnation¡±


    I sighed and proceeded to tell her about the transfer and me not knowing the rtionship between the two men involved to the amodation arrangements.


    ¡± Wow. This is kinda my fault isn¡¯t it?¡± She finally said after everything.


    ¡± Not really, no. I would have just liked it if I knew he was Hunter¡¯s Dad. I may have gotten a sign then¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry love. I really am¡± she apologizes for the second time tonight and I feel relieved to get everything off my chest at least.


    ¡± I know you are. I¡¯m sorry for not telling you earlier¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. What about Louisa? Does he know?¡±


    Iughed at her question and I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll wear her notable look of confusion.


    ¡± I¡¯m pleased to announce that he¡¯s still pretty oblivious¡±


    ¡± I thought he¡¯d know by now. How long have you been there? It¡¯s almost two months or more¡±


    ¡± Well he has not a clue¡± I was happier about this than I should be.


    ¡± Are you sure? I feel he should have known. Hunter looks like a very perceptive kid, he may know and is just waiting for you to speak or the right time to strike you with it¡±


    I never saw it that way. But mom may be right.


    It wasn¡¯t so hard for Edward and Guillermo to find out. So what if Hunter already knows but is ying dumbo with me?


    ¡± I can¡¯t say Mom, but he hasn¡¯t given a hint that he¡¯s aware¡±


    ¡± Okay then. I hope he¡¯s treating you well? Because if not we could always look for a job over here for you when you quit¡±


    Iughed again at her words but her knowledge of Hunter is what¡¯s currently driving her imagination.


    ¡± He¡¯s treating me well. And I¡¯m not lying¡±


    ¡± Are you sure? You¡¯re living with Hunter McConnell right? I recall both of us being in the haters fan club just early this year¡±


    ¡± Uhun.. but he apologized¡± I smiled remembering the day he actually apologized for everything and asked for my forgiveness but the smile disappears when I remember that we aren¡¯t literally on best of terms.


    To a level, I do feel guilty for hiding Louisa from him, and the truth is I ain¡¯t ready. Neither is he nor Louie.


    ¡± He what!? Details now!¡± She demanded and Iughed once again.


    It¡¯s going to be a long day.


    I tell her everything by the way. Intentionally skipping anything that has to do with Soldo.


    _____________________________


    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    The close of another work day and I haven¡¯t felt happier.


    Possibly because most of my anticipation ising from the fact that I¡¯ll get to see Louie again once I get home.


    Mental note to grab a banana smoothie.


    I¡¯ve felt proud of myself in many ways than one, and it¡¯s not just because I have a huge ego.


    But today I feel prouder than ever, regarding my actions for Louisa.


    I did something good for a kid. I never saw myself as someone with suchpassion.


    Another mental note to remind my dad that I¡¯ll make it to heaven.


    Maybe I¡¯m thinking a bit too far.


    I chuckled to myself and I¡¯m sure anyone seeing me at this point will conclude that I¡¯m damn crazy.


    With a smile on my face, I shut down myptop and insert it into the drawer before heading out.


    I wasn¡¯t able to get far because Michelle stepped right in.


    Her peach coloured gown with a dangerously low neckline is absolutely not right if I want to leave this office soon.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡± Michelle?¡± My question is of absolute shock because it¡¯s seven pm at night and she¡¯s never around here at this hour unless I called her in.


    ¡± You seem sad to see me¡± she says as she ces her arms on her slim waist and res at me.


    ¡± Sad? No.. I¡¯m just surprised. I was about heading out¡±


    ¡± Surprised? Once upon a time this used to be the hours we spend together. Now I¡¯m here and you¡¯re surprised?¡±


    Is this really the discussion she¡¯s bringing up now?


    ¡± Michelle look, it¡¯s been a very tiring day and I¡¯m exhausted. We can have this discussion some other t-¡± I was unable to finish because she cut in.


    ¡± Some other time? Since when have you been one to brush off sex?¡±


    ¡± Michelle..¡± my toneing off as a warning that I was in no mood for any melodrama.


    ¡± Don¡¯t Michelle me! When was thest time you even touched me!?¡±


    ¡± Michelle you¡¯re fucking shouting, the entire area can hear you¡±


    ¡± Coming from someone who loves me screaming his name¡±


    ¡± That is entirely different¡± I groaned.


    ¡± You know.. ever since that new girl whizzed into this office it¡¯s almost like I don¡¯t know you anymore. She¡¯s the reason isn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡± What?¡± Someone give me the bane of wisdom right now.


    ¡± Don¡¯t act all confused, you know what I mean. You¡¯re fucking her aren¡¯t you?¡±


    What the?


    ¡± What has Iris got to do with this?¡±


    ¡± Iris? I thought her name was Jules? You¡¯re on a pet name rtionship now?¡±


    ¡± We¡¯ve known each other long before she began working here and she went by Iris then¡±


    ¡± So she was your thing then? You know? The same thing I became. Your fucking whore!¡±


    ¡°Michelle!!¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t you bloody Michelle me! Where else have you fucked her? Against the wall? On your desk? Or did you find her office more convenient?¡±


    This girl is giving me images I really shouldn¡¯t be imagining.


    Only who knows what will happen if she finds out Iris lives with me.


    ¡± Michelle stop with the graphic imaging. There¡¯s nothing going on¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s a lie! A bloody damn lie!¡± Tears clouding her eyes as she clenches her fists at her sides.


    ¡± What makes you think so? In case you haven¡¯t noticed I made it clear to the girl that you¡¯re mine. Heck I¡¯ve made out with you in front of her before, why are you being so judgemental?¡±


    ¡± Fine. Then give me a reason why you¡¯ve drifted away from me¡±


    Because I need a deal from your father to retain my blood.


    ¡± You wouldn¡¯t understand Michy¡± my voice barely a whisper.


    ¡± Make me¡± her tonees down by ten grades and she looks to me with a little hope in her eyes.


    After a few seconds of watching me and knowing that I wouldn¡¯t speak, she finally says something.


    ¡± You know what? Don¡¯t tell me! Go ahead and tell Iris! I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll understand!¡± She yells and before I couldprehend what happened.


    She was out the door.

 Chapter 060

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Louisa if I walk into that kitchen and see even your shadow, you¡¯ll be going to school with a bald head!¡±


    ¡± Eeeeeeeeeeekk!!¡±


    I didn¡¯t need to turn around to see her running down the hallway, her footsteps were tiny but loud enough.


    That¡¯s what she gets for sneaking around with Jenny to steal cupcakes from the refrigerator.


    Her bedtime was an hour ago!


    Jenny¡¯sughter preceded her presence in the living room where I was watching some TV.


    ¡± And we wonder where she gets her violence from¡± she chuckles again and I turn to view her leaning against the wall near to the kitchen door.


    ¡± I honestly wonder the same thing¡± I reply with a huff and throw myself back down to continue with my entertainment.


    ¡± You are hrious¡± sheughed lightly a little longer before speaking up ¡± goodnight Jules¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re going to bed already?¡± I regard her with my sight again.


    ¡± Yeah, and you should too¡± she walks up to me and embraces me in a brief hug.


    ¡± You¡¯re right¡± I answered.


    But immediately, my phone rings out, causing Jenny to chuckle once more and send me a final wave before leaving.


    I reach into my pocket and the name across the screen causes uncertainty for a moment.


    Mason.


    I can¡¯t believe I was actually considering not answering his call.


    I did anyway.


    ¡± Hey¡± Mason¡¯s voice sounds airy as he says the first words.


    ¡± You seem out of breath¡± I chuckle and realized how much I actually missed his voice.


    ¡± Yeah, just got home from the gym¡±


    ¡± Gym? At ten pm? What are you? Batman in training?¡± I teased and it sent him reeling inughter.


    ¡± Jules I miss you¡±


    His words caused silence to encroach our conversation.


    I miss him too, so much and heaven¡¯s know that I¡¯m hurting him with all this distance and nonsense that I¡¯m carrying out for someone who doesn¡¯t even care !!


    I took a breath or two before responding.


    ¡± Me too¡±


    He released a sigh that almost sounded like relief.


    ¡± For a second there, I thought you didn¡¯t miss me too¡± he chuckled lightly but the hurt under his words were as dominant over every other.


    ¡± You know why I¡¯m doing this right? Just for the deal. Only for the deal¡±


    ¡± Yeah I know, I can¡¯t wait for it to be over. I need you more than anything right now¡±


    ¡± Even more than you need a shower?¡± A smirk forming on my lips.


    ¡± Okay maybe not. But after the shower, yes¡±


    Iughed at his failure in romance.


    ¡± So tell me about your day¡±


    And Mason being who he is, made no hesitation in exining all details about his day, down to the moment he mistakenly got ck coffee instead of sweetened for himself.


    I silently listened to his words with a smile on my lips.


    I really do miss him.


    ¡± So enough of me, what about you?¡± He asked when he was done.


    What has really been going on in my life?


    Well a whole lot if you ask me, I mean there¡¯s Hunter who got shot and is mad at me for no reason whatsoever, then there¡¯s Soldo who¡¯s sending a lot of letters recently, then there¡¯s the photos-


    The photos!


    Am I considering telling him about it? maybe it¡¯ll make him see more reasons why I don¡¯t think it¡¯s safe for us to get back together.


    But how am I going to tell him we¡¯re being spied on?


    ¡± Jules?¡± He calls out for me again.


    ¡± Uh.. Mason, there¡¯s something-¡± I started but was cut off by the sound of a vehicle driving into the pathway.


    ¡± Yeah? What¡¯s up?¡± He asks for the continuation of my statement.


    ¡± I¡¯ll tell youter, something just came up¡±


    ¡± Oh, alright. Goodnight Jules¡±


    ¡± Night Mason¡±


    As soon as we ended the call, Hunter walks in with a scowl on his face and creases in his brows.


    He regards me with only a lifted brow and continues to walk away.


    The stiffness of his shoulder and the way he rolls it makes it pretty obvious that he missed his therapy tonight also.


    ¡± Good evening to you too Mr McConnell¡± I huff and cross my arms with a bottled up attitude.


    ¡± I don¡¯t recall greeting you¡± his voice was firm and downright annoyed but of recent, I¡¯ve learnt not to care.


    ¡± Sadly I was taught manners¡±


    He scoffs before muttering an ¡®indeed¡¯ .


    ¡± Did you have your therapy session?¡± My arms still crossed as I watch him head for the stairs.


    ¡± Jules leave me alone¡± he groans and continues moving.


    Not today.


    ¡± No. Your arm looks as stiff as a rock and it¡¯s only a matter of days before it bes immobile¡±


    ¡± Well I feel fine¡± he spits out and begins climbing the steps.


    ¡± You¡¯re too stubborn for your own good! At least let me help you!¡±


    No response from him and I find myself pursuing him up the stairs just in time to stop his door with my feet from shutting.


    ¡± Jesus! Iris did you take some Novocaine shots this evening? Why are you bloody damn adamant on annoying me!?¡± He yells once I stepped into his bedroom.


    Again, the dark shades of this room is something that would take your eyes days to do some adjusting.


    ¡± I¡¯m annoying you?, You¡¯re the one who apologises to me for everything then you pick up a fight with me for nothing!¡±


    ¡± Well I see you¡¯ve acknowledged that we¡¯re not meant to be speaking!¡±


    This shouting fest is going to be something usual for us.


    ¡± What is wrong with you!? Do I look like the crook who shot you!?¡±


    ¡± Iris get out!¡± He points to the door and turns his back to me as he takes off his wrist watch.


    ¡± No!¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m going to do something we¡¯ll both regret if you don¡¯t leave!¡±


    ¡± You won¡¯t hurt me!¡±


    His stance bes rigid at my words and he halts in taking off his suit jacket.


    A few seconds of silence pass between us with only the sound of us controlling our temper by taking long deep breaths.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± He finally says but his back is still all I can see.


    ¡± Did you get your therapy tonight?¡± My words now calm like we were having a normal conversation, although my deep breathing could still be heard.


    ¡± No¡± came his simply yet frustrated reply.


    ¡± Then let me help you¡±


    ¡°N-¡±


    ¡± Put away your dumb ego for once and let me-¡±


    ¡± Fine!¡± He hollered and whirled around to look me straight into my eyes from a distance.


    ¡± Huh?¡±


    ¡± You wanna touch me so much? Then fine! Go ahead!¡± All of a sudden he shrugs off his suit jacket and dress shirt, leaving him in his button down and pants.


    ¡± Uh.. I n-never thought you¡¯d agree¡± my words cracked at his sudden change in manner.


    ¡± Oh really? Then why bother arguing with me?¡± He begins unbuttoning his shirt and throws it off.


    ¡± Because.. uhm.. because..¡±


    Really Iris? It¡¯s now you stutter?


    ¡± Because what!? If you¡¯ve got nothing to say then leave¡±he pulls off his vest leaving a bare chested Hunter and Iris in an enclosed room.


    For some reason that makes me hotter than human temperature.


    ¡± Sorry.. err.. where do we start?¡± I ask and try to avert my eyes from his naked torso.


    ¡± Oh I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m not the therapist here¡± his eyes narrow to slits as he folds his arms across his chest.


    Eyes be tamed!


    ¡± Fine! Sit down on the bed¡± I had to shut my eyes to release that instruction because looking at him may betray me.


    No movement or sounds were heard and I opened my eyes to see what¡¯s going on.


    Hunter still stood across me with one brow raised and arms still folded.


    ¡± What?¡± He shouldn¡¯t look at me when I¡¯m trying to grasp concentration.


    ¡± Why are your eyes shut? My previous therapist ensures her eyes are wide open before anything¡±


    Trust Hunter to get a female to massage him.


    ¡± Just go sit down¡±


    He shrugs and goes to sit at the edge of his bed, giving me minimum of three seconds to catch my breath.


    ¡± The ointment is in the cupboard in the bathroom¡± he tells me and I give him a nod before going to retrieve it and returning.


    I stood at least four feet from him with the ointment in my right arm, thinking of how to actually massage his shoulder without making any body contact.


    ¡± If you¡¯re going to use telekenesis then forget it!¡± He blurts out seemingly tired of my time wasting.


    *(Telekenesis is a magic key word meaning the transportation of something from one ce to another)*


    ¡± I¡¯m not using telekenesis!¡± I shout back.


    ¡± Then you¡¯ve got some extensible digits thinking you can get to me from way over there¡± he rolls his eyes and uses his arms to bnce himself and lean back on the bed.


    ¡± I¡¯m¡­ stop!¡± I really don¡¯t know what he should stop but he¡¯s making me nervous and I don¡¯t need it.


    He only shrugged in response to my demand, looks up to the ceiling and sealed his eyes shut.


    I watch as he slowly breaths in and out, honestly not minding my presence around him.


    After much analysis and conflict, I finally decide to move towards him and get this over with.


    In four hesitant strides, I was before him and I sucked in a shallow sigh before cing my knees on both sides of his thigh like I was straddling him but making sure to raise my weight up to avoid unnecessary contact.


    He wasn¡¯t expecting my movement so quick, so when the bed dipped at his sides, he snapped his eyes open and failed to hide his shock at my position.


    I¡¯m beginning to regret putting on my nightwear shorts and a tank top tonight, because the way his eyes scan from the top of my head down to my thighs ( rather shamelessly) is causing a thermal reaction that¡¯s turning my white skin red.


    I cleared my throat to avert our minds from the rather ufortable distraction and squeezed out some of the ointment into my palms.


    Reaching out and making the first stroke on his shoulder to smear the peppermint scented anodyne.


    Hunter¡¯s eyes were still roaming my body whilst I started rubbing the wounded area in a circr pattern.


    Not rude at all!


    From the curve of his bicep to the bone of his scap, I gently rubbed the cream in as I was taught back during my sses.


    After about three minutes of rubbing in to ensure all surrounding areas had a touch of the soothing ointment, I used my thumb to softly press the left side of the wound that was blotched purple because the red side shows the part still needs to do some healing.


    He winces at the contact which causes me to cease any movements for a few seconds and after watching him rx, I repeat the action but he winces again.


    ¡± When was thest time you saw a physiotherapist?¡± I asked as I continue massaging despite his pinch of pain that makes him to squeeze his eyes shut.


    ¡± That¡¯s not your-¡± he tries to say but I was having none of it.


    ¡± Shut up and tell me¡± I demand and my statement may have shocked him because his eyes open again and he lifts a brow at me.


    ¡± Or else what?¡± He asks like I threatened him and I¡¯m d he feels like I did cause I looked him straight into the eye.


    ¡± Ahhhh!! What the fuck Iris!?¡± He screams when I applied more pressure than usual to his shoulder.


    ¡± So?¡± I demand again and he stares at me for a while before doing what I wasn¡¯t expecting.


    Heughed.


    He was actuallyughing at the situation of things and not at me like I feared he would.


    It¡¯s been a while since we were actually breathing the same air without anger or frustration between us.


    Hisughter was something I wasn¡¯t looking forward to but I¡¯m d he did. And as usual, it¡¯s contagious nature had meughing too but I bite my lower lip to stop it.


    ¡± It¡¯s been a week¡± he finally answered after hisughter died down.


    A week?


    ¡± That¡¯s not true, on Wednesday you said you were justing back from the therapist¡± I question further while I continue to massage the injured area.


    ¡± And you believe I didn¡¯t lie to you because?¡±


    ¡± I forgot you could do that¡± Imented with another chuckle threatening to escape but Hunter beat me to it.


    Unfortunately this time around, I joined in too.


    After theughter had died down again, I pick up the ointment tube and reapply some around the wound once more.


    ¡± What got you so riled up this evening?¡± I bring up another conversation.


    ¡± Huh?¡± He asks in response.


    ¡± Tonight, you seemed pissed off at me¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m always pissed off at you¡±


    ¡± True, but tonight was rather an extreme circumstance¡±


    He took some seconds before sighing and speaking up.


    ¡± It¡¯s Michelle¡±


    Michelle?


    ¡± What about Michelle?¡±


    ¡± Well, she¡¯s been doing some thinking of recent and it¡¯s breeding negative thoughts in her mind¡±


    ¡± Negative thoughts like?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯d prefer not to say¡±


    ¡± Oh ¡±


    At least he¡¯s still opening up a bit.


    I bring my arms down to his chest to massage the area towards the ribcage.


    ¡± Have you tried eliminating those thoughts?¡± I ask up.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡± I tried, but sadly I¡¯m not one to force ady into doing or believing things she doesn¡¯t want to¡±


    ¡± Why do I find that hard to believe?¡± I ask with a smirk on my face that earned a chuckle from him.


    ¡± Iris you¡¯re an idiot¡± his amusing tone extracting another shortughter from me, while I kept on with the therapy.


    Iris?.. yay.


    ¡± Are you still mad at me?¡± If I don¡¯t ask anything tonight at least let me ask this.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡± he really sounds unsure of himself.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡± Why are you apologising?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡± my responsees with a shrug and a smile on my face as I finalize the massage with few strokes on the shoulder de.


    ¡± Done!¡± I eximed, feeling a little proud of myself.


    Then I temporarily forgot that I was still hovering myself above Hunter¡¯s thighs when I flopped down on him with a little much force making him groan.


    It was then that I felt he was.. he was uhm¡­


    In the mood.


    I tried to move a little further down from his hardened area but I only ended up squirming and Hunter hissed so loudly before grabbing me by my waist to get me to stay still.


    ¡± Iris stop!¡± His words were strained and his eyes shut.


    I swear I was eighty shades redder than the actual color red by the way my body was heating.


    ¡± Now slowly get up without unnecessary movements, got it?¡± He asked with his eyes still closed.


    I nodded but I¡¯m sure he didn¡¯t see it.


    Once his arms were off my waist, I slowly stood up to my feet sessfully and it was only when he felt my weight was gone did he open his eyes.


    ¡± Uhm.. sorry. Thanks. Goodnight!¡± My jumbled thoughts weren¡¯t able to form a correct sentence as I sprinted out of his bedroom.


    Did I really just thank him for giving him a hard on?


    My embarrassment only doubled when I heard himughing behind me once I shut the door.


    Funny thing is, I found myselfughing too.

 Chapter 061

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± Yeah, tell Lily that she should set the readings. We¡¯ll be meeting in a few¡± I was giving out instructions when Chance walked in.


    ¡± And inform Ir-Miss Jules to get ready too. Thanks¡±


    I wasn¡¯t given the opportunity to keep the office line down before Chance began to hit me with his question.


    ¡± So when was I going to hear that you had an ident from you and not your hot receptionist two weeks after?¡±


    People have really got to stop sharing info about me without my consent.


    ¡± Well I guess I don¡¯t need to tell you anymore¡± I said with enough sly in my words.


    ¡± What¡¯s up with you?¡± He says after taking a seat across me.


    ¡± Oh I don¡¯t know, probably has something to do with the fact that I told you a secret and you telling Jules two hourster¡±


    ¡± Oh.. that¡±


    ¡± Yes that¡± I scoffed as I rose to my feet and adjusted the suit cuffs at my wrist.


    ¡± Dude I¡¯m sorry okay? She needed to know what she¡¯s getting herself into. Honestly, she was gonna get you killed!¡±


    ¡± Chance a secret. Is a secret¡± I smothered down my suit jacket and disyed a fake smile.


    ¡± Are you really angry I told her?¡± A smirk slowly forming on his lips.


    I arched a brow at his change in demeanor.


    ¡± Yes I¡¯m angry. No one was supposed to know not even you¡±


    ¡± Oh? Well are you mad?¡±


    Chance is gonna leave here with a ck eye soon.


    ¡± What is your problem?¡± I walked around my table to his side with a hand in my pocket.


    ¡± My problem? Nah.. I think you should be asking my reason¡± his smirk just grew by an inch.


    How was that even possible?


    ¡± Your reason for what? Asking me such stupid questions?¡±


    ¡± Exactly¡± a grin stretched on his face as he wasfortably seated.


    ¡± Wipe that smile off your face before I do it for you!. Why are you asking me idiotic questions?¡± This morning isn¡¯t the best time to get me confused.


    He seriously chuckled and that only got my confusion from a level two to a level ten.


    ¡± I¡¯m asking cause the Hunter I know would have kicked me out the second I got here if he was truly angry¡± he continued whilst rubbing his stubble.


    ¡± You¡¯re a waste of time¡± I began marching out of the office but he called me to a stop.


    ¡± Look bro, I¡¯m sorry alright? It¡¯s just that I can¡¯t sit back and watch you die. If at all you should die, I thought we would die together after we get caught banging all the girls of the Czech republic¡±


    What the?


    I actuallyughed. Damn he¡¯s right, I ain¡¯t mad.


    I turned around to find him standing with amusement in his eyes.


    ¡± You, are a man whore¡± myughter still threatening to escape.


    ¡± But you love me¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡± No I don¡¯t¡±


    He takes moderate steps to where I stood before patting my shoulder twice and speaking.


    ¡± You do¡±


    Iughed again and brushed his arms off me.


    ¡± Now you can leave. I have a meeting to attend¡±


    ¡± Okay, but really. Why didn¡¯t you push me out if you were really angry?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve learnt not to kill people at first sight. Not that I wasn¡¯t tempted¡±


    ¡± Oh? And may I know who is responsible for this lesson? Though I have a hunch¡± his smirk was brewing again.


    ¡± Stupidity is never too far from you is it?¡± I red with unbelief.


    ¡± Hey.. I never named anyone, you just assumed¡±


    Yeah, only assumption with a bright smile on your face.


    ¡± Take your airhead fifty miles away from me¡±


    ¡± I will. Soon though. What about Mr Reid? Any news?¡±


    ¡± He texted to meet on Friday but we didn¡¯t¡±


    ¡± Why? He changed his mind?¡±


    ¡± Nah, I kinda needed a raincheck on events so I called to reschedule¡±


    ¡± And he agreed?¡±


    ¡± Yup. He said we¡¯ll talk at his uing party¡±


    ¡± That seems fair. What about Michelle?¡±


    Honestly, her name made me chuckle cause I remember ourst conversation before she started avoiding me.


    ¡± Michelle doesn¡¯t want to see me right now¡± I sighed.


    ¡± Then what¡¯s so funny? I¡¯m talking about Michelle Reid. You know, the one you love?¡± His brows arched as he awaited my reply.


    ¡± What¡¯s funny is thest conversation we had. She used me of fucking Jules¡±


    Then Chance asked the unusual.


    ¡± Are you?¡±


    I really can¡¯t believe my ears. Did he just ask if I am?


    ¡± Bloody hell Chance, why do you even need to ask that?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. You¡¯ve lived with the girl for almost three months and you¡¯re literally not the most faithful person¡±


    ¡± Chance for heaven¡¯s sake. That girl has a kid. I¡¯m not into married women¡±


    ¡± What makes you think she¡¯s married? She never made mention¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s got a little girl. That¡¯s enough boundary for me¡±


    ¡± Okay, okay. But you¡¯ve got to clear Michelle on this. It ain¡¯t pretty¡±


    ¡± Yeah.. I was thinking about speaking to her at the event¡±


    Chance only nodded and wanted to say something else when my phone¡¯s ringing stopped him.


    It was Dad.


    I sent an apologetic look to Chance who in turn smiled and mouthed a ¡® you still owe me an exnation for your ident. be careful¡¯before leaving with a pat on my shoulder.


    So I was able to pick up the call.


    ¡± Hey Dad. Good morning¡±I nced at my watch then stepping out of my office to fetch Iris for the meeting.


    ¡± Morning son. How¡¯s your shoulder?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s good. Very good actually¡±


    And that¡¯s the truth. Iris honestly knows how to carry out an effective therapy.


    I mean, my previous therapist spends most of the time flirting with me so I quit going, but Iris has been administering the treatment since Friday and I¡¯ve felt a relief by today being Monday.


    Even though she¡¯s been avoiding every form of body contact ever since she thanked me for getting hard for her.


    Now that¡¯s a moment I wish I had on tape.


    I chuckled on the phone before dad responded.


    ¡± Your therapist? And what¡¯s funny?¡±


    What¡¯s with everyone and asking me that?


    ¡± Nope. Miss Jules actually and nothing is, just remembered something¡±


    ¡± Miss Jules? You let her touch you?¡± He seemed really surprised.


    Iughed at his shock and arrived at iris¡¯s office door, opening it gently before I spoke again.


    ¡± Yeah. She wasn¡¯t so bad after all¡± lifting my eyes, I see Iris typing something on herptop but she raised her head once she noticed another presence in the room and red at the intruder.


    I only showed her my watch on my wrist as a signal to which she understood easily and started packing up.


    ¡± Oh, so you¡¯ll let her now?¡± Dad was still wary of my actions.


    I like that, it kinda makes me unpredictable.


    Sometimes.


    ¡± Yeah.. possibly¡± I replied when Iris started approaching the door.


    I walked out now that I was sure she was following me and walked to the elevator.


    ¡± Good. What are you up to now?¡± He asks through the phone.


    Iris falls in step with me and we walked into the elevator simultaneously as she presses the floor number.


    ¡± Having a meeting with Nourmount industries. On my way there currently¡±


    ¡± Is miss Jules with you?¡±


    He had to ask.


    ¡± Yup. Right here¡±


    The doors to the elevator open and we walk out, taking purposeful strides down the hall.


    I sent nods and waves to employees who greeted me down the hall while Iris silently responded with good morning¡¯s and dad went ahead highlighting necessary questions that I should ask the manager of Nourmount.


    Iris opens the door and holds it open for me to step in, whereas the other party involved were currently seated.


    On our arrival they stood to their feet and I exchange handshakes with the two men present. The second, I assume to be the secretary.


    ¡± You ready for the meeting?¡± My dad finally says as he finalised his opinions.


    ¡± Yes Dad. I¡¯ll keep you informed¡±


    ¡± Good. Take care son¡± I hear the beep before I was able to give my own reply.


    After safely securing my phone in my back pocket I turn to the audience before me.


    ¡± Sorry gentlemen for keeping you waiting¡± the two men dismissed the slip up making me speak again.


    ¡± Shall we begin?¡± With nods of affirmation, everyone started to take their seats and Iris went to sit at the extreme end with the other secretary.


    ¡± Uhm.. miss Jules? You¡¯ll be seating by my side¡± I called her attention and at first she was not sure if I meant what I had said but when I pat the seat beside me, a smile crosses her features and she walks up to take the seat.


    ¡± Mr Mukesh, Mr Nathan. This is my secretary miss Jules¡±

 Chapter 062

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡± It¡¯s our problem freeeee¡­ Philosophyyyy¡­ HAKUNA MATATAAA!!¡±


    ¡± Someone should remind Jules never to leave her kid with Cheryn anymore¡±


    udette and I burst intoughter at Jenny¡¯sin because of Louisa and Cheryn¡¯s newly profound joy.


    I wouldn¡¯t me her, they¡¯ve been singing Lion King soundtracks ever since they came in here.


    Don¡¯t get me started on their imitation of the monkey in the beginning.


    ¡± Don¡¯t listen to her Louie, she¡¯s just jealous¡± Cheryn patted Louisa¡¯s head and smirked at Jenny.


    ¡± Nuh-uh¡­ Mommy said jealousy is very very bad¡± Louie scolded and folded her arms to send a disappointed look to Jenny.


    ¡± Testify angel¡± udette barked inughter as she applied ayer of concealer underneath my eyes.


    I was currently getting ready for Mr Reid¡¯s event tonight and I¡¯m surprised Hunter wanted me toe in the first ce.


    ¡± Louisa maybe you should take a little rest, you¡¯ve used up every ounce of energy in your body to sing¡± I quietly tried to advise.


    ¡± Noooooooooo!! Aunt Cheryn are you tired?¡± Louie screeched and I literally saw Jenny bury her head with a pillow to muffle the sounds of her groaning.


    ¡± No honey. Let¡¯s continue!¡± Cheryn said with a little too much enthusiasm that sent a bolt of energy through Louie.


    ¡± Yay! In Upendiiiii! Where the passion fruit grows sweet¡±


    And Louisa carried on.


    ¡± I know a pharmacist who could sell you a sedative. Jules you need it¡± Jenny says and attracted a chuckle from me.


    ¡± Tsk tsk.. noughing¡± udette scolded before she started to draw a winged liner on my lids.


    ¡± Aunt udette, do you know Simba?¡±


    ¡± Oh yes Louie. He¡¯s from Africa. In fact, he lives in the zoo near my brother¡¯s home¡±udette smoothly lied and from my angle, I can see the awe in Louisa¡¯s expression.


    ¡± That is awesome!! Mommy can I go live with Aunt udette¡¯s brother? Pretty please?¡±


    Louie¡¯s plea sent everyoneughing, including me but udette scolded me once again.


    ¡± Okay, Louie honey let¡¯s go get some cupcakes¡± Cheryn suggested and Louisa wasted no time in jumping on her so she would be carried out.


    ¡± To the infinity and beyond¡± were thest words of Louie as they went down to hallway.


    Everyone chuckled, excluding me though. I¡¯ve had enough tsk¡¯s for tonight.


    ¡± I should go too. I need a Tylenol for the migraine those two miscreants caused¡± Jenny followed suit, leaving only udette and I.


    ¡± What color of suit is Hunter wearing?¡± udette asks, finally breaking the silence after a few seconds.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Didn¡¯t really bother to ask¡± I shrugged and she hummed to my reply.


    ¡± I picked out a ck for you. I had a feeling he¡¯d like it¡± she sent me a mischievous smile and I couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯d personally prefer white or yellow. I¡¯m not looking forward to impressing him¡±


    ¡± Uhun.. I hear you¡± came her only reply as she tinted my cheeks with a little blush.


    ¡± udette what are you thinking?¡±


    ¡± Oh me? Nothing. Nothing. at. all¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She still has the smile.


    And to be honest, watching her try to pretend she ain¡¯t smiling is amusing.


    ¡± Okay. Suit yourself¡± I shrugged once again and let her finish up with my make up.


    It took a total of fifteen minutes before she was done and she assisted me in packing my hair into a neat ponytail.


    ¡± C¡¯est fini¡± she gleed ¡± he wouldn¡¯t want to keep his hands to himself tonight¡± then she winked.


    ¡± I will prefer if he does¡± I rolled my eyes at her and went to view myself in the mirror.


    udette was truly a pro. The quicker I change from my present towel to the gown she got, the better I¡¯ll look.


    ¡± Jules stop with the pretense, I¡¯m not blind. No one is¡±


    Huh?


    ¡± What exactly are you referring to when you say blind?¡± I quickly turned to her direction.


    ¡± Okay, exin this. Your current spending of time alone with him in his room? Oh and I forgot to add, especially at night?¡± She was smirking.


    She¡¯s smirking.


    Smirking is never good!.


    ¡± I have a good reason before you jump into conclusions. I¡¯m currently his massage therapist so you wouldn¡¯t me me. He¡¯s mostly around at night¡±


    ¡± And his room is very convenient? He¡¯s got a gym room that has been untouched for a while now¡±


    ¡± Well it¡¯s what he prefers¡±


    ¡± Of course you should know what he prefers¡±


    She¡¯s still smirking!!


    ¡± udette.. I¡¯m serious, nothing is going on¡±


    ¡± Alright, then exin Louisa. She¡¯s his kid and I know¡± she folds her arms across her chest and gave me a winning smile.


    Meanwhile, my face should look blood white.


    ¡± What?¡±


    That¡¯s all I can ask. What else would you say in a situation like this?


    ¡± I¡¯m not blind Jules, neither is Cheryn or Jenny. We know.¡±


    ¡± How did you-¡±


    ¡± I had a hunch from the start. We all did, including Edward and Guillermo. The two men would never say a thing but they couldn¡¯t hide their suspicion, sometime after they felt unnerved about it. Just for me to eavesdrop on one of their conversations and find out that my suspicions were right¡±


    ¡± udette you wouldn¡¯t understand¡±


    ¡± I heard everything and I mean everything. I learned that he used to hit you and Louie was a result of rape which is terrible so I understand why you don¡¯t talk about it much. But what I¡¯m not quite getting right is Hunter. Sometimes he acts like he doesn¡¯t know¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t¡±


    ¡± What do you mean by he doesn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡± He thinks she¡¯s dead¡±


    ¡± What? Why would he?¡±


    ¡± Louie was a twin, her brother died and he got to hear about it. He never just knew that she was a twin¡±


    ¡± And he doesn¡¯t still have a clue?¡±


    ¡± Yes, so please don¡¯t tell him¡±


    ¡± I promise I won¡¯t but I swear he is dumb¡±


    We bothughed at her deration before she came up to give me a hug.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry love, but you¡¯ve got a huge heart even living with him¡±


    I chuckled once again.


    ¡± He¡¯s apologized. We¡¯re okay, I think¡±


    ¡± I know you are¡± she patted my head with a smile on her face.


    ¡± Not like that.. I mean.. you know what I mean¡±


    Sheughed out loud then took deep breaths to steady herself.


    ¡± I know. I only yed that little game at the beginning so you¡¯ll pop about Louie¡±


    ¡± You criminal!¡¯ I fake gasped and sheughed again


    ¡± You know that kid needs a dad at some point in her life right?¡±


    I nodded at her with a sad sigh.


    I really know.


    ¡± How did you even end up here? You know, with Hunter.¡± She speaks up again.


    ¡± His dad transferred me and gave me the amodation. That was before I knew who his son was¡± I shrugged, everything did feel strange.


    ¡± Wow.. Mr McConnell has never been one to keep his son and ady under the same roof¡±


    ¡± Well he trusts me then¡± I grinned and both of us chuckle once more.


    ¡± Get dressed sweetie, he¡¯ll soone in here to drag you himself¡± udette advised and walked out of the room leaving me by myself.


    I walked up to the mirror to observe my features again.


    udette did a good job covering up my scar, it¡¯s almost invincible.


    I tried pouting and making a few faces at the mirror just to get a glimpse of myself at all angles.


    After a few minutes, Iughed at my childish behavior and decided to change.


    I took hold of the edge of my towel and as soon as I was about letting it drop, my door was swung open.


    Revealing a shocked Hunter.


    I quickly tightened my grip on my towel and prayed that clumsiness wouldn¡¯t make it slip.


    It was pretty obvious how he was trying to avoid his eyes from roaming.


    ¡± Uhm.. sorry.. hurry up. I¡¯ll be by the bar¡± he hurriedly said and shut the door within seconds.


    I was actually meant to feel awkward because of what just happened.


    But Hunter¡¯s face was entirely priceless.


    I had no idea when I burst outughing.

 Chapter 063

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    So Hunter has been deathly quiet.


    And I have been biting my lips to avoidughing at his nervousness.


    Edward was driving us to the venue and it seemed like forever to Hunter.


    ¡± Edward, how much longer do we have toplete this journey?¡± Hunter finally asked after ncing at his watch in every five minutes interval for the past fifteen minutes.


    ¡± Am I hearing a modified adult version of¡¯ are we there yet?¡¯ ¡± Edward mocked and I lost it.


    Iughed out so loudly that I was gasping for air.


    But when I want to stop, a quick look at Hunter¡¯s face sends me reeling inughter once more.


    ¡± Stop¡­.. Stop¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡± I managed to blurt in between myughter.


    ¡± Iris you¡¯re insane¡± I heard Hunter¡¯s voice but it seems to beced with amusement.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡­ I tried¡± I was still chuckling but it died down soon enough.


    Immediately, Edward pulled into a parking lot filled to it¡¯s brim with exotic cars and limousines.


    Why drive a limousine to a simple night event?


    Rich people.. I¡¯d never understand them.


    ¡± Edward you can take the car home, we¡¯ll be back by midnight¡± he ced his arm on the elderly man¡¯s shoulder before hopping out of the car.


    I sent Edward a little wave before stepping out too.


    Hunter and I stood side by side in the windy and dark night, watching as Edward leaves the venue before carrying on.


    ¡± You look nice¡± I grinned up at Hunter in a simple ck dress shirt and pants.


    ¡± I shouldpliment you or?¡± He asked with a sheepish smile on his lips.


    ¡± You¡¯re unbelievable!¡± Marching away with a huff only for him to grab my wrist.


    ¡± I¡¯m beginning to think you like me ttering you. If I¡¯m not mistaken¡± his smile turned into a smirk.


    And a smirk is never good!


    ¡± Let me go¡± I red at him but rather than intimidate, it amused him.


    ¡± You look amazing Jules¡± he pulls me close by my wrist and ces a hand on the small of my back.


    I know I was expecting apliment but that doesn¡¯t stop me from flushing a tad bit red when I am.


    ¡± Remember, most people here are business associates of the Reid¡¯s so you may have met a few¡± Hunter begins to inform me as we started walking towards the entrance.


    ¡± Oh, I think that¡¯s okay?¡±


    ¡± Yeah it is, hence try as much as possible to limit what you say to them. Most people here are media hungry and fame thirsty, they¡¯d do anything to have a say in everything, so try as much as possible to avoid going into your private life and business. You¡¯re free to discuss deals of respective businesses with their partners but never inform anyone of deals made with otherpanies. Got it?¡±


    I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my forehead and my nerves building up at the instruction.


    ¡± What if I mistakenly slip up or something?¡±


    ¡± Firstly you wouldn¡¯t and secondly even if you do, they¡¯ll pry for a formidable exnation. They¡¯re honestly not low-key about what they want¡±


    I nodded but it did nothing to soothe my tension. I was literally beginning to have a fever and fidget.


    Hunterughed once we reached the bottom of the stairs leading to where the party lies.


    ¡± Iris you¡¯ll do just fine, you don¡¯t need to be sick. You¡¯ll learn to like it¡±


    I only muttered an ¡® I hope¡¯ in response to his words because most of my energy and concentration was put into not tripping over in my heels.


    Once we were at the doors, a chauffeur opened it up for us and yet again, Mr Reid outdid himself with the interior decor.


    Purple and gold littered all angles and corners of the extremelyrge halls. Ribbons, table linen and curtains looked so brushed up like they were made from heaven and sent as a delivery unto Earth.


    Heck, even the serviettes were tinted in purple and gold.


    I didn¡¯t realize my mouth was open in awe till Hunter ced a ss cup to my lips.


    ¡± I think my major worry right now is you looking like a lost puppy whilst staring at the decorations like a bunny¡± his amused voice mocking me but his eyes were taking in the environment just like I was.


    ¡± Puppies and rabbits have nothing inmon¡± I whined and collected the ss from him containing a sparkling gold looking wine.


    ¡± I know, that¡¯s why I called you a bunny¡± he smirked at me.


    ¡± There¡¯s no difference¡±


    ¡± Uhun¡± he takes a sip of his drink before regarding me again.


    ¡± There¡¯s the snack table over there¡± he points out the table at the extreme end ¡± I know that would be the only useful thing in this room to you. I¡¯m gonna go find Michelle¡± he grabs my hand and ces a kiss to my wrist.


    ¡± Don¡¯t get in trouble¡± he finally says and wanders off.


    So I took delight in the snack table.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    It¡¯s a few past eleven and I haven¡¯t set eyes on Hunter since he left to go find Michelle.


    They must be having a serious discussion.


    But anyway, I¡¯ve met with so many of our associates and some their wives or spouses.


    It really wasn¡¯t that hard. Hunter really does know how to create tension where there¡¯s no need.


    Or was that me?


    Either way, I¡¯m standing by the snack table and surveying for Hunter in the room and sadly his shadow can¡¯t even be spotted.


    I really want to leave now.


    I picked another cupcake to stuff myself in the meantime but someone calls me by my name and I was really shocked at first because I¡¯m known to most people as miss Shawn but when I saw who did, I became a little calm.


    ¡± Mr Hayes, it¡¯s been a while¡± I smiled and extended my hand for a handshake.


    ¡± True words Jules, I wish it wouldn¡¯t be so. How have you been?¡± Returning my shake but not letting go of my hand.


    ¡± I¡¯m alright as always and you?¡±


    ¡± Still good I believe. What are you doing here all by yourself?¡± He moves his hand to my elbow and pulls me closer.


    ¡± I¡¯m actually here with Mr McConnell¡± I try to pry his hand away but his grip is firm.


    ¡± Oh.. I¡¯ve never been a fan of that man. How¡¯s working with him?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s good. Fine really. Nothing really special to say¡±


    ¡± You know, if you work for me you¡¯d be twice as happy¡± he leans into my ear to whisper his words.


    ¡± And what makes you think so?¡± I lift a brow and still try to break free but it isn¡¯t working.


    ¡± Well¡­¡± His lips brush against my cheek and that was all the boost I needed.


    ¡± Okay, that¡¯s enough. Let go of me Mr Hayes. It was nice seeing you¡± I pull out my arm with every fiber of energy in me and excused myself.


    I kept walking away till I found the bathroom stall.


    Going in, I find it empty and silently thank God for the privacy.


    I use a few seconds to stare at my reflection in the mirror when the door was thrown open.


    And Mr Hayes walked in.


    ¡± This is the girl¡¯s bathroom¡± I warned but instead he bolted the door making us the only people in here.


    ¡± I know¡± then he charged for me.


    ¡± What are you doing!!¡± I ran for the other end of the room but he came after me and took a grip on my right arm.


    ¡°HELP!!!!¡± I screamed and tried scratching and tugging my arm away but he easily overpowered me and grabbed my second arm and pinned them both above my head.


    I thrashed in his grip and kicked him in the groin. He only yelped but tightened his hold and pressed himself to me.


    ¡± You feel soft¡± he mocked me an began tracing my jawline with sloppy kisses.


    ¡± Please leave me alone! Help!! Somebody please!!¡± I screamed at the top of my lungs and tried everything.


    Kicking, pushing, thrashing but nothing worked.


    His hand went underneath my dress and this moment felt like a relive of the past.


    I had no idea when I started crying.


    ¡± Mr Hayes please! Help!! Someone please help me!¡±


    He used his hand to cover my mouth and muffle my screaming but I wasn¡¯t ready to give up yet.


    I bit his palm and attracted a his from him.


    ¡± Bitch!¡± Came his menacing words and raising his arm to hit me, but before he could the door bursted open.


    Mr Hayes let go of me immediately he sighted Hunter at the entrance.


    ¡± You just broke the lock on the door¡± Mr Hayes smirked but Hunter had a death expression on his face.


    In two quick movements he was before Mr Hayes andnded two punches to his face but wasn¡¯t given enough time to finish up what he started when some waiters ran in to stop what was causing the noise.


    I crouched myself at the corner of the wall still trembling what just happened and watched as two men dragged Mr Hayes with a bleeding nose out of the bathroom.


    After they had gone Hunter came up to me and handed me his arm to stand up which I epted.


    As soon as I was on my feet he pulled me into a hug and held me tightly against his chest.


    I couldn¡¯t be more grateful for the contact right now.


    I squeezed him tight and let my tears fall freely, while he stood there saying nothing but rubbing my back in a circr motion.


    ¡± How.. how did you find me?¡± My voice came out squeaky.


    ¡± A colleague of mine told me of what happened at the snack table and when I asked where you were he mentioned youing towards this direction and Hayes following you¡±


    I clutched unto his shirt till my eyes gave out every ounce of tears they had in store and he let me cry unto him.


    It was only then did I realize that my make up is probably smeared all over his shirt.


    I withdrew from his hold to check his shirt, hopefully not much damage was done.


    Sadly the stains were obvious.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, let me get that¡± I sniffed and pulled away from him to get a tissue.


    ¡± Is it the shirt? Just forget about it, I¡¯ll soon be leaving just need to find Mr Reid¡± he shrugged and put his arms in his pocket.


    He actually looked indifferent towards what just happened and he never said anything regarding it. Not even a sorry.


    But why do I even need the apology? It¡¯s not like he did anything.


    ¡± Thank you¡± I whispered but it was loud enough for him to hear.


    He arched a brow at me and nodded in acknowledgement of my gratitude.


    ¡± Soooo¡­. Is this the moment where I me you for getting yourself in trouble?¡± He smugly asked.


    Did he just say that!?


    ¡± Ugh!! You¡¯re disgusting!¡± I tried to push passed him so I can leave this building filled with filthy and rich people but he grabbed my upper arm and dragged me straight into his chest before hugging me tight.


    And he wasughing.


    ¡± What¡¯s funny!?¡± My temper isn¡¯t something that should be tested at this hour.


    ¡± I¡¯m kidding. Hayes is a douche okay?¡±


    He finally speaks..


    ¡± Yes. Hayes is¡±


    He chuckled at my reply and patted down my hair.


    ¡± Call Edward toe take you home¡±


    ¡± What about you? You¡¯re still meeting with Mr Reid right?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡± Yeah, but you need to go get a bath. You smell like an extra scented cologne¡± he mocked amusedly and used his fingers to squeeze his nose shut.


    Iughed at his stupidity and pped his across the chest where he faked a painful reaction.


    ¡± Shooo Iris, go away¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡± Fine, but you¡¯ll walk me to the door. I look like a zombie¡± I whined.


    ¡± And if I refuse?¡± He questioned with a smirk but my re was enough to make him agree.


    ¡± You know what? I think I¡¯ll escort you¡± he said and handed me his arm which Iced mine through.


    And to be truthful, I did smell like an extra scented cologne.

 Chapter 064

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡± Mr McConnell?¡± A plumpdy calls as soon as she steps out of the room.


    ¡± Yes?¡± I stood to my feet.


    ¡± Mr Reid would see you now. He¡¯s out the balcony¡± she smiles briefly before walking away.


    The event was currently taking ce downstairs and after searching for Mr Reid for over an hour I decided to give him a call.


    He detailed that he was on the second floor, room fifty two C in the hallway.


    I just realized this building was also a luxury guest inn.


    ¡± Thank goodness¡± I smiled to myself in apprehension of speaking with Mr Reid and proceeded to locate his room.


    I¡¯ve been harboring thoughts about revealing my intentions to Mr Reid and it¡¯s high time that I did.


    Everything else is currently a secondary discussion. Once he¡¯s done saying what he has in store, I¡¯lly mine.


    After a short distance, the doores in view. I took a deep breath then knocked thrice before opening the door and going in.


    The room was eventually set to the Reid style. Candle lit only with a lot of polished wooden furniture, a chandelier and lot¡¯s of bronze structures.


    I took another deep breath and did a little sign of the cross as I walked across the room to the balcony not so far away.


    The balcony had a clear illuminated view of the New York night sky, with stars scattered across the dark nket above the windy night causing a bustle of trees.


    The crisp air blew across my face and I scanned the area for any sign of Mr Reid, spotting a shadow at the extreme end, overviewing the city with a cigar in between his lips.


    ¡± Lovely view isn¡¯t it son?¡± He spoke up without turning to regard my presence.


    ¡± It is indeed. Evening Mr Reid¡±


    He only nods in response but continues to take in the city before him.


    He huffs out smoke from his lips after a while and talks again.


    ¡± I remember when I was a kid, my mom would always tell me that no matter what level you attain in life, someone is always going to be able to control you¡±


    I diligently listened, not wanting to interrupt his story.


    ¡± But I hated it. I hated limitations. I hated being controlled. So then came a moment in life where I had all that control, where no one dared to get on my bad side, where my name brought order to any disruption. But then..¡± he paused and softlyughed. Using his hand to extract his cigar stick to release another puff of smoke.


    ¡± Then what?¡± I asked in curiosity.


    ¡± Then.. I fell in love. I fell in love with the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Then I realized what my mother said was very true. The girl I fell in love with was the only person who had control over me even when she had no idea. She made me different. She changed my concept of life, she made me happier without raising a finger. I stopped craving control, I stopped craving the power. I just wanted her. And when I had her, I abandoned everything else. I began a new life and I¡¯ve never been happier. But I made a vow to myself, I swore to never get her involved with the life I lived before and to do that I had to avoid anything linking me to it. Even if it was family¡±


    Why am I being told this?


    ¡± Okay?¡±


    He chuckled at my evident confusion.


    ¡± You don¡¯t understand my reason for telling you this story do you?¡±


    ¡± Truthfully? No¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m telling you this because Hunter, you¡¯re like a son to me but it seems like I¡¯m gonna have to cut you off¡±


    I felt my heart rate elerate at his words.


    Cut me off? What happened?


    ¡± W-why?¡± My words stuttering because I couldn¡¯t believe my ears.


    ¡± Why? You weren¡¯t listening to my story were you?¡±


    ¡± Mr Reid, if I offended you in any-¡± I started but he cut me through.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t offend me. But you¡¯re linking me to what could endanger my family¡±


    ¡± How? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡± I received a package sometime ago, at first I didn¡¯t believe it but due to connections I did some underground digging and found out it¡¯s true¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t understand Mr Reid¡±


    ¡± You were involved in drugs sometime ago and now in a terrible debt. From the information on the letter I received in the package, you¡¯re seeking a business deal with me so you can have a leverage because of my influence but I¡¯m sad to inform you that I will not get involved with whatever you got yourself into¡±


    ¡± Mr Reid how did you-¡±


    ¡± I may have left the business, but I do have loyal alliances in every corner but when my family¡¯s safety is threatened once I pledge allegiance to you, I think I¡¯d rather restrain¡±


    ¡± Mr Reid my life is threatened here. Please I swear.. no harm woulde to your family¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t even assure your own self of safety talk less my family. Don¡¯t make promises that you can¡¯t keep¡±


    ¡± But-¡±


    ¡± No Hunter, I¡¯ve made my decision and this deal is off¡±


    This was it.


    Myst hope just crumpled before me.


    Have you ever felt that hollow go deep in your chest and it aches so badly?


    I think I just felt the worst degree of it.


    Suddenly the picturesque didn¡¯t look so beautiful anymore. In fact it looked surreal, like such beauty can¡¯t even exist.


    Just like my life, nothing beautiful can ever be real.


    ¡± Thank you Mr Reid¡± I muttered and began to retreat.


    I can¡¯t believe my eyes were stinging with tears and a lump in my throat was formed. I had to clear it up so I could see better.


    ¡± I¡¯ll still think about it Hunter¡± he whispered but I couldn¡¯t care less.


    I couldn¡¯t care about anything right now.


    I walked out of the room with a shattered heart and began navigating my way through the halls.


    Suddenly the hallway seemed too long and endless.


    With my aching chest and pounding head I moved slowly, edging towards the walls for a dizziness that had no source wasing up.


    It¡¯s okay.


    It¡¯s okay¡­


    That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been chanting to myself since I left Mr Reid but I couldn¡¯t even believe it myself.


    I stood still when I realized that I had no ride home.


    Slowly running my hands through my hair and sending a silent apology to Edward for stressing him, I pulled out my phone to call him.


    ¡± Hunter?¡± Edward answered after the second ring, seemingly surprised that I had called him already.


    ¡± Edward, have you gotten home?¡± I really don¡¯t know why I¡¯m having ragged breaths.


    ¡± Yes, I just arrived. Any problems?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for the stress but can youe pick me up once you¡¯re done?¡±


    ¡± Definitely, I¡¯ll be on my way¡± he replied and I believe I heard iris¡¯s voice in the background asking what¡¯s wrong, but I ended the phone call before I could hear more.


    My back to the wall as I slide down to sit and wait for Edwards arrival.


    My heart is having palpitations and that cannot be healthy at all, so I focused on steadying my breathing.


    A twinge of headache had formed and any more stress would lead to a full blown migraine, so I shut my eyes and sat patiently on the floor.


    But someone else had other ns.


    ¡± After iming to be the big guy, someone looks weak¡±


    That voice.


    I used an eye to peep at the person who said that and I wasn¡¯t at all surprised to find Hayes.


    I¡¯ve always known he was stupid from the start.


    ¡± You can keep walking or you can keep being an idiot. I don¡¯t care¡± I close my eyes once again and roll my neck backwards.


    ¡± I really don¡¯t like any of those options¡± he seethed.


    ¡± Your business¡± I sighed


    ¡± What¡¯s with you and your secretary?¡± His angry tone louder than any other.


    So that¡¯s why he¡¯s here.


    ¡± Hayes, nothing. Now please leave. I¡¯m not in the mood for bullshit¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not going anywhere. If nothing is going on between you two, then what¡¯s your problem with she and other men?¡±


    ¡± If by other men you mean you and by problem you mean issues I have against you raping my secretary then I think I have nothing to exin to you¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve never liked you. I offered her a more credible job than you can ever give¡±


    I groaned and stood to my feet.


    He had seeded in raising the pressure of my brain ache.


    Without giving him any recognition, I began walking away.


    But then Hayes is stupid.


    So he pushed me, literally I wasn¡¯t expecting something so childish from him. Hence I slipped and went crashing onto a side ornamental table with a flower vase, shattering everything.


    All I can think of now is my head andnding with it wasn¡¯t a good idea.


    Using my hand to touch a throbbing spot, I felt something wet on it.


    I retrieved my hand to see it smeared with blood.


    ¡± Hayes today is a lucky day for you, if not I¡¯d have killed you¡± I gritted out with enough intensity to see him tremble.


    A groan escaped my lips as I stood to my feet and walked away from him.


    ************************


    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    The door was thrown open and Hunter walked in with a bruise on his temple.


    ¡± Are- Are you okay?¡± I stood from the chair where I had waited for him toe home since Edward left in a hurry to go get him.


    He only nodded to my question and kept walking to the stairs.


    I quietly followed too, everyone else had gone to bed so arguing with him at this hour to spill isn¡¯t entirely the best.


    And it seems he knows I followed because when he got to his room, he opened the door and left it open Instead of jamming it shut like he normally would.


    My feeling of eeriness just doubled up at his strange behavior.


    He wasn¡¯t like this before I left, what could have gone wrong? His only mission left was to find Mr Reid.


    That doesn¡¯t sound too good right now.


    He went straight into the bathroom to which I followed also but stood by the door and hejerked open his drawer.


    His hand went straight to a bottle of Tylenol, where he took out two pills and swallowed without water.


    He went back to shuffling the drawers impatiently for another thing but not seeming to find it.


    I think he may be looking for a first aid bandage.


    ¡± let me help. Maybe you should go change¡± I suggested and without any arguments, he walked out of the bathroom while I stepped in.


    After a few seconds of careful skimming, I found some cotton wool, a bandage and a bottle of menthted spirit.


    That should be good enough.


    As soon as I set it down on the table, Hunteres back into the bathroom with only sweatpants on.


    I repeat. Only sweatpants on.


    But the shadowy, sad look on his face is enough to distract me from his body and focus on treating the wound on his forehead.


    He tried to reach for the cotton wool but I grab it before he could.


    ¡± I wanna help¡± I almost whisper and he just nods in eptance.


    May this spirit of non argument forever be with you. Amen.


    I tried to hop onto the sink so I could be a bit taller while sitting but I figured that might be an awkward position then decided against it.


    But I leaned against it though.


    Hunter stood less than two feet away from me but didn¡¯t make a single eye contact which is putting me on the edge that I may have offended him again.


    Picking a ball of the wool, I applied a little of the spirit on it and reached for his forehead.


    He ced his hands on my both sides of the sink and squeezed his eyes shut.


    He¡¯s even keeping away his perverted personality.


    I pressed the wound gently at first and he winces but steadies himself again.


    After cleaning around it, I use the bandage to cover it up.


    He released a sigh and finally opened his eyes to look at me.


    And I saw a hollow soul.


    Hunter looks farther than what it seems. His eyes were even watering and his blue eyes looked darker.


    ¡± Hunter, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Searching his eyes for a clue to the answer but it was only hollow.


    A painful, sad hollow.


    I stared at his face, waiting for a reply. For an answer to my question but he gave nothing.


    It was only a ghost smile that appeared on his lips before he shook his head in a no response.


    My eyes darted between his eyes and his lips, and I felt something deep inside of me.


    I don¡¯t know what exactly it is, but it¡¯s so quiet almost non-existent. It almost feels like I feel sorry for him, for all he¡¯s been through, for everything he¡¯s scared for.


    And that¡¯s ironical, because I¡¯m the one who¡¯s been on the receiving end more often than not.


    Before I could register what was fully happening. I saw it.


    A tear slipped down his right eye and that was when the true Hunter came to reality.


    Hunter is a mean, sometimes heartless, extremely stubborn, infuriating and aggravating man.


    But Hunter is also a human, a human who can be loved and hated. A human who can feel pain, a human who can get disappointed, a human who can be sad, a human who can feel lonely, a human who¡¯s made mistakes in his past and is trying to grow passed it. He¡¯s really trying.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Hunter¡¯s a human who can still cry.


    My thumb reached up before I could reason against it and gently wiped the stray tear from this broken man before me.


    He didn¡¯t push me away, rather his eyes looked a lot more grateful for the gesture and I used my palm to cup his face.


    A small smile surfaced on my lips tofort him and he mimicked the exact thing.


    Slowly, I leaned forward and ced a soft kiss on his left cheek and he in turn chuckled.


    ¡± Iris it¡¯ste. Go to bed okay?¡± His gentle voice brushed my ears as he whispered them.


    I withdrew my arms and still smiling, I bade him a good night.


    Heughed again but replied my greeting with a thank you before I almost swiftly, walked out of his bedroom.

 Chapter 065

    Third person p. o. v.


    It was a few minutes to three am but she hadn¡¯t winked a slumber, she looked to her side to ensure her baby was tucked in safe and sound.


    She sighed softly and turned to her side to try catching some sleep.


    After a few minutes of squeezing her eyes to no avail, she had to figure out what was wrong with her.


    No..


    She knew exactly what¡¯s wrong. Ever since Hunter hade home looking so sad and crestfallen, she hadn¡¯t felt sofortable.


    Her little thought told her that it had something to do with Mr Reid and the deal, probably Mr Reid hadn¡¯t agreed with the terms.


    If that were to be the case then Hunter is really doomed, he can¡¯t get any backing or financial support to pay off the debts.


    He was left to the fate of some drug Lord¡¯s somewhere around the world.


    But then again, that may not be the reason.


    He did say something about going to see Michelle at the start of the night, probably she has something to do with his recent mood.


    She had never seen Hunter get so worked up about a girl before. Sure she was beautiful and had a figure most girls would kill for but was that all Hunter wanted in a woman? Her looks?


    Left to her, she never saw anything fascinating in Michelle. Heck!, In a way she almost disliked to red haired sibling to one of her closest friends.


    Still Michelle may be innocent, she thought.


    What if he had received another letter from Soldo?


    Oh my¡­


    She couldn¡¯t even think of all the possibilities that could be contained in the piece of paper.


    What if it was a threat to his life?


    Thest letter he received did mention a countdown.


    What if? What if?


    She couldn¡¯t take it anymore, her curiosity was going to give her a heart attack before six am.


    She checked on Louisa once again and slid out of bed with her pillow held against her chest.


    Why did she carry a pillow?


    Even she wasn¡¯t so sure.


    She walked out of her bedroom and slowly, direly slowly, shut the door to avoid making much noise at this ungodly hour.


    Walking up the hallway with her bare feet, she took menacingly gentle steps for her fear of someone detecting her.


    By the time she got to the bottom of the steps, she began to feel like this was a stupid idea.


    Immediately, she whirled around to retreat but then another ¡®what if ¡® hit her .


    Her curiosity was a stronger drive than her sense of reasoning and it was enough fuel pump to march her up the stairs.


    The white lights that lined the stairway were suddenly too bright as she felt it made her more visible.


    But not long after, she arrived at his dark wooden door and contemted running back to thefort of her bed and Louie, then again her inquisitiveness may be the arrow to her death.


    Taking a deep breath, she knocked thrice on the door. Loudly yet softly. It was only till now that she knew the direct use of oxymoronic expressions.


    After a while, no response came from within and she felt stupid that she hadn¡¯t considered he may have fallen asleep.


    She knew it was a stupid idea.


    As soon as she was leaving, a creaking sound was heard.


    She turned around almost too quickly and met with Hunter¡¯s confused blue orbs.


    He was still dressed in the exact same way she had left him few hours ago.


    Maybe she wasn¡¯t the only one having difficulty in getting some rest.


    ¡± Iris you alright?¡± He asked when he saw her almost scared expression.


    ¡± Uh.. yeah.. I was.. I just¡± he watched her as she started, looking for the right words to exin her reason for appearing at his door step.


    She released a sigh and looked to the floor at her feet.


    ¡± I couldn¡¯t sleep¡± she finally whispered.


    He watched her as she waited for his rejection, normally he would have rejected anyone at this houring to wake him from his sleep but he also had trouble sleeping and couldn¡¯t be more grateful for herpany.


    ¡± Do you want toe in?¡± The soft voice reached her ears and she raised her eyes to see him smiling softly.


    A fervent nod and few smilester, he allowed her into his bedroom.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if she would be okay with the darkness of his room, at this time all sources of lights were put out because he wanted to try lulling himself to sleep in a dark environment but his mind kept wandering.


    The only thing illuminating his bedroom were the natural glow of the moon and the stray rays from the lights outside the building.


    He walked to his bed and took a seat at the horizontal edge with his elbows leaning on his knees.


    He turned to see Iris step into the room and shut the door behind her but she leaned on the door and clutched her pillow a little tighter.


    Iris couldn¡¯t still get ustomed to the shades his room bore in great contrast to her purple breadspread and almost golden cushions in her own condo.


    A smirknded on Hunter¡¯s lips as he watched her, unmoving and her gaze going to everything in the room except him.


    ¡± You wereing to see me and you brought a shield. I¡¯m amused¡± he teased her tight hold on her pillow and his smirk still prominent.


    Irisughed nervously then dropped the fluffy headrest unto one hand and held it in a grip.


    ¡± So?¡± Hunter asked, looking forward for her to start the conversation and take his mind off so many heart bothering things tonight.


    ¡± I.. uh.. I just wanted to make sure you¡¯re okay¡± Iris stuttered and his gaze went unwavering from her slender physique standing by the door.


    ¡± You did that already when you helped me out. Thanks for that by the way¡±


    ¡± Right¡± she responded and nodded. Bouncing on the balls of her feet and still ncing at everywhere and everything except him.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡± Iris?¡± He called out to her, because he knew it was nothing short of her curiosity that brought her to him.


    ¡± Huh?¡±


    ¡± You want to know what happened, don¡¯t you?¡±


    He watched as she bit her lips and it made her look a lot sexier due to every silhouette.


    He was beginning to prefer if she had worn her shorts and tank top to the knee length silk gown she had presently.


    ¡± Is it that obvious?¡± She questioned with a sly smile and it caused him to erupt in a silentughter.


    ¡± Kinda is, but I won¡¯t tell¡± he responded and sent her a wink that caused her own smile to expand.


    She suddenly felt morefortable around him and took a few steps to where he was seated then sat at quite a distance from him.


    ¡± And the shield is gone¡± he jested and she used the pillow in her hold to smack him on the head.


    It only resulted in a fit ofughter between the two and it took them a while to settle down.


    ¡± Are you gonna tell me?¡± Iris asked. Truly her curiosity got the better of her.


    She just wanted to make sure that he will be okay.


    ¡± Tell you what?¡± Hunter feigned ignorance and earned himself another smack with the pillow.


    ¡± Okay.. okay.. what do you want to know?¡± He asked, seeming willing to tell her anything.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Start from what got you in a bad mood. Is it Michelle?¡±


    ¡± Michelle?¡± Hunter questioned.


    ¡± Yeah. You said you wanted to go find her earlier tonight¡±


    ¡± Hmm¡­ that¡¯s true. Well I didn¡¯t find her. She didn¡¯te to the event¡±


    ¡± Oh. But you guys had a problem previously?¡±


    Hunterughed at her question once he remembered the actual reason for Michelle¡¯s behavior is seated right beside him.


    ¡± Yeah. Some insecurities¡± he summarised, not having quite the thought to tell her in detail.


    ¡± Are you gonna go in detail? I might be able to help¡±


    ¡± You don¡¯t want to know. Trust me¡± Hunter chuckled and flicked off a speck of invincible dirt off his sweatpants.


    ¡± Then what caused the bruise?¡± Iris asked, nudging her chin in the direction of his forehead.


    Hunter touched the bandage with an index and shrugged like he hadn¡¯t lost an inch of blood from the spot.


    ¡± Nothing big. I ran into Hayes afterwards and let¡¯s say he wasn¡¯t happy to see me¡±


    Hayes..


    Mr Hayes, yet another man to prove to her how disgusting some men can be.


    ¡± How do you mean? He hit you?¡±


    Hunterughed at her question. Truly her voice held nothing short of concern but he wasn¡¯t looking for someone to go soft on him tonight. He had already gone soft on himself.


    ¡± Hayes doesn¡¯t stand a chance against me. Something happened and I got bruised, just stay away from that man no matter the deal he promised you¡±


    ¡± Did you think I¡¯ll ept his offer?¡± She questioned to know his level of trust in her.


    ¡± I think you¡¯re smarter than that even though you are indeed dumb¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± She was about to smack him with a pillow again but he was able to dodge the hit.


    Another round ofughter and the both were d they had chosen each other forpany.


    ¡± What about Mr Reid?¡± Iris¡¯s main thoughts surfaced.


    Since almost all options are crossed out, this should be a leading factor.


    Hunter sighed but still held on to his smile even though he was breaking in every angle inside.


    ¡± He rejected my offer but it¡¯s cool. Now you can go ahead with Mason at least¡±


    ¡± Cool? Why did he reject it?¡± She was pretty sure that her face looked blood drained.


    ¡± He said I¡¯ll be endangering his family and he can¡¯t risk that¡±


    ¡± What are you going to do now?¡±


    ¡± Nothing really. I can¡¯t do anything. At least I tried right?¡± He stretched his smile to be even wider but Iris saw through his bold man facade.


    ¡± Why are you acting like it isn¡¯t bothering you?¡±


    ¡± Cause it isn¡¯t¡± he shrugged again.


    ¡± That¡¯s not true Hunter. I can see it clearly¡±


    ¡± Fine, but what do you expect me to do? I¡¯m done crying and trying. It¡¯s high time I let things take it¡¯s course. The jigs up¡± his smile had faltered and his expression became emotionless.


    ¡± That¡¯s a lie. We can still-¡±


    ¡± Iris stop! I¡¯m not going to try again. This time I¡¯m really done and except a miracle happens, it really is over¡±


    Iris felt a pain in her chest and it constricted her breathing. She observed him to find a crack in his n where he still has a little hope for himself but nothing is seen.


    It¡¯s just dark all over.


    ¡± At least now you can be with Mason. No matter what happens Iris, you should know he loves you. I can see it. But most especially thank you for staying by a rogue idiot like me even in days I wasn¡¯t favorable, you pressed me on just for my own good and I¡¯ve never been more grateful¡±


    He took her wrist that wasn¡¯t holding the pillow and kissed directly below her pulse.


    In a brief moment, they said nothing to each other. Just looking into their eyes and realizing that each hade a long way in their own way.


    Right now Iris wasn¡¯t sure she¡¯d be happy with Mason if it had toe this way. She wanted to know that no matter what happens, Louisa¡¯s biological father would be kept safe and alive.


    But now that his only n had failed, she hadn¡¯t felt more scared about this till now.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want you to die¡± she whispered. Her eyes glistening and the moonlight reflecting upon it.


    He wanted to tell her he wouldn¡¯t, but he was told only just this evening that he shouldn¡¯t make promises that he can¡¯t keep.


    Scooting closer her, he wrapped his two arms around her figure andnded a gentle,sting kiss on her forehead.


    When he pulled back and stared into her brown eyes, he wanted to take all of her in. He wanted to etch the picture of this beautifuldy at the back of his mind.


    She was indeed gold in the midst of y and that was why his tale had to end this way.


    Nothing beautiful can ever exist in his life. He was tired of keeping her from happiness, he wanted her to experience that joy others had experienced.


    That joy he had deprived her. He wanted to be a good friend and let her go. This may be hisst opportunity to sow a good seed in life.


    He fondled with the tip of her hair and watched as she also watched him.


    He had never seen anyone with a heart so deep and forgiving in his entire life. That she could even allow him to get so close to her after all he had done.


    ¡± Iris I¡¯m still very sorry¡±


    He needn¡¯t exin himself. Iris knew exactly what he was apologising for. By the way he had been looking at her with regret drawn all over his face.


    She didn¡¯t know when she had lost it. She threw her pillow to a far edge of the room and ced her lips on his.


    ¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á WARNING ¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á


    If you are notfortable with mature content, please do skip to the next indication. You wouldn¡¯t miss out on anything.


    Iris wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him closer to deepen the kiss.


    He too, took no time in responding, his lips slowly moulding into hers in a gentle and warm caress.


    He kissed her softly as his hand went to the back of her neck to get a morefortable position.


    Iris rose from where she had been seated and crossed over to straddle Hunter beside her.


    He left her lips and trailed a line of slow, menacing kisses along her jawline, down to her chest. Purposefully lingering at the swell of her breasts to leave a bite mark there.


    A moan left her lips and she shut her eyes in pleasure. Only when did hee up to her neck once more did she capture his lips in another kiss.


    Instinctively, she pressed down on his growing arousal. Slowly grinding to create a friction between her core and his hardened member.


    Another moan escaped her apanied by a hiss from Hunter, but that was only a momentary pause in their make out as they find each other¡¯s lips once again.


    His hands lose their control at his side and began slowly trailing up her thigh till itnds on her derriere and he gives it a tight squeeze.


    Iris could feel herself getting hotter with the contact they were making, she in turn grabs his head and deepened the kiss. Trying to get him to add more passion into the kiss.


    Hunter had no problem in increasing his pace. One of his hands secure a hold on her hip while the other teasingly moves under her gown, where he discovers she had her panties on.


    Slowly, his hands locate her swollen nerve through herce underwear and applies a little pressure on it.


    Iris gasped in response and her back arched towards him. He could feel her hardened nipples rub against his bare chest. The feeling turning him on the more.


    His lips move from hers to her neck, where he took delight in sucking and biting while he applied pressure to her aching knob below.


    He heard another moan and he began to rub her needy nerve in a circr motion, causing her to grip unto him tighter like she would lose bnce.


    He continued to assault her, slowly till she used her own force to increase his pace.


    But he only smiled against the skin on her neck and pinched her down there, causing her to gasp again and squeeze her eyes tighter.


    Before she could savour the feeling of what he had done, she felt two fingers enter into her core.


    ¡°Ohhh¡­ Fuck¡± she moaned out at the sweet pration and rested her head on his shoulder because the pleasure was easily sapping her energy.


    ¡± Damn you¡¯re so wet¡± Hunter groaned. She was tighter than he could have imagined and the fact that she waspletely wet for him was driving his member mad with need of being inside of her.


    His fingers began thrusting into her, in and out. Making sure to touch every part inside of her to detect her sweet spot.


    His thumb still paying attention to her external need, he added another finger.


    ¡± Ahhhh!¡± She almost screamed. It was a mixture of pleasure and pain. She hadn¡¯t been touched like this in two years and he was opening her up once again.


    His thrusting pace increased and she was practically panting, unable to breathe in enough oxygen.


    Her moans and gasps filled the room as she reached her high, a feeling building up at the pit of her belly. He noticed she was clenching tighter around him so his speed quickened.


    ¡± I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m..¡± she tried to say something but no words were being emitted.


    She couldn¡¯t even form a coherent sentence in her brain.


    ¡± Cum for me¡± he cooed into her ear and at that instant she fell apart.


    She rode out her high with a loud moan and she felt she was seeing a bright light illuminte her blinded vision.


    She was trying to focus on her breathing when Hunter pulled her night dress over her head, leaving her bare to him except her underwear.


    He took one of her erect nipples into his mouth and wistfully sucked on it.


    She felt a shiver go down her spine at the action and an inaudible moan slipped through her lips.


    Immediately, Hunter rose from his position and turned around. With her thighs wrapped securely around his waist, he used his knees to walk onto the bed andy Iris down before him.


    Her subconscious soon reminded her of the scars she had all over her body. She soon felt ugly and that he¡¯d feel repulsed too.


    Rather he didn¡¯t.


    His eyes ran up and down her figure like it was a box of treasure thaty before him.


    He muttered something to himself and she didn¡¯t quite hear him but she believed she heard something like beautiful.


    She wasn¡¯t sure if at all that was what he said, but she found herself blushing.


    Hunter leaned down and imed her lips once more but this time around it was more passionate.


    Out of frustration, her tore her underwear off her body and threw it somewhere hoping it would locate her pillow too.


    The cold midnight wind met with her wet core and sent a shiver up her spine. Hunter let go of her lips and went to assault her nipples once again.


    She felt the teasing was already enough. The tiger in her motivated her to use a hand in holding the waistband of his sweatpants while the other cupped his already hard groin.


    He hissed loudly and his eyes met hers once again. He was silently asking her a question.


    If she wanted to continue.


    He didn¡¯t look like he wanted to stop but he wasn¡¯t willing to make a mistake that she would regret more than he.


    She too didn¡¯t use her words, only pulled at his clothing as an indication to take it off.


    Hunter pulled away from her and reached for the drawer of the bedside table.


    Iris pouted at the loss of heat because of their body contact and suddenly felt stupid for wanting to go on.


    Maybe he didn¡¯t find her as appealing as other women he¡¯d slept with.


    She wanted to speak, to tell him that she wanted to be back in her room but when she saw what he retrieved from the drawer, her face blushed brighter.


    A condom.


    She couldn¡¯t believe that she had almost forgotten about it.


    Hunter released a chuckle once he caught her expression and she flushed the more, if it was even possible.


    Directly before her, Hunter pulled off the only garment separating them and tore the wrap open with his teeth before putting it on.


    She fought against a shocked reaction when she caught the size of him. The girth and length almost got her worried if he could fit in her.


    After he was done wrapping up, he situated himself between her legs then ced his both hands at either sides of her head and leaned in to kiss her lips again.


    She pulled his head closer to initiate a little tongue and in the course of the action, he thrusted into her.


    Her first reaction was pain, but it took only a few seconds for it to convert into a heart clenching pleasure.


    His thrusted in again, then withdrew then went in again.


    The both of them had be moaning messes. Their hands ran all over each other like they couldn¡¯t get enough.


    He maintained a steady and average speed rhythm as he thrusted in and out of her throbbing hole. Her fingers wed at his back as her back kept arching.


    She couldn¡¯t control her sounds even if she wanted to. He was making her feel like she was above the clouds and also she was he.


    ¡± Soo¡­ Fucking¡­ Tight..¡± Hunter grunted between thrusts and pants. He was doubting how long he couldst with the way her insides felt so good.


    He kept thrusting till he hit a soft spot that evoked a scream from her and he chuckled knowing fully well anyone who doesn¡¯t sleep like the dead would have heard her.


    ¡± Fuck.. Hunter I¡¯m seeing the stars¡± she moaned out and honestly she was. She felt another orgasming soon and she tried to hold on to the sheets around her.


    ¡± See the entire gxy for me sweetheart¡± he growled out and he felt his own highing too.


    More thrusts, sweat and pantster they were almost there.


    ¡± Cum with me¡± Hunter groaned into her ear and his thrusts began slowing down.


    He emptied all his seed inside of the sheath while she mped down on him in her own release.


    They had never experienced anything like this before in their lives and that is something with regards to Hunter¡¯s records.


    After they had stopped, they stilled to catch their breaths.


    He looked into her eyes and saw the clouds of lust had overshadowed her deep brown ones.


    He wanted to ce a soft kiss on her lips and call it a night, but her moan when his lips met hers caused him to harden again.


    And as they kissed, he slid into her once again to relive the moment they had just experienced over and over and over again.


    **** SCENE OVER ****


    And that¡¯s how they spent their night discovering each other¡¯s bodies with the sounds of flesh and their moans filling the room. Using only the moon to illuminate their paths.

 Chapter 066

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I¡¯ve always learnt to detest Monday morning¡¯s but today¡¯s adrenaline rush and anticipation almost killed me.


    Right now it¡¯s a few minutes passed six pm and I have never been happier with an early close of work.


    Why?


    Well here¡¯s why. On my way to the office this morning Mr Reid gave me a phone call saying he had important information for me.


    And the rest seems like history.


    Currently I was in my car, driving down to the restaurant he¡¯d chosen for the meeting and my heart is pounding so loudly in my ears.


    Okay, I know I said I¡¯d given up on everything but for some reason I still feel the need to save my life.


    Survival instincts right?


    Why the hell is the journey taking so long?


    I had to turn up the radio to listen to anything at all that could help distract myself from the agonizing curiosity.


    Good eveningdies and gentlemen out there, while you curiously wait for it, here¡¯s a jam to soothe your spirit.


    The broadcaster said and I have never seen any station so convenient.


    The soft vibe of all I want by Kodaline began seeping through the speakers and I saw myself singing along with it.


    In a short while, I was in front of the restaurant in which I was supposed to meet with Mr Reid.


    Thank you radio..


    It took longer than usual to find a parking spot but I eventually found one anyways.


    I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever locked up my car so fast. It should really be an extreme sport.


    Soon I was at the entrance and I was practically panting almost loudly.


    The receptionist took note of my presence and I think recognized me immediately.


    ¡± Good evening sir. Mr Reid said you¡¯ll be meeting with him?¡±


    I slowly nodded and a smile fell on her lips.


    ¡± Please, right this way¡± she gestured and I trailed behind.


    We wove through the blue and white themed restaurant and every table on the ground floor was upied.


    Men ttering their sses and making toasts to people who seemed to be on a date, to those who were here for business meetings and those who just came for a night out. Everyone was busy doing one thing or two making the building somewhat lively.


    I focused my gaze back on thedy before me and couldn¡¯t fail to notice the effort she¡¯s putting into swaying her hips.


    If I wasn¡¯t so upied I might have appreciated that.


    Wait!.. focus Hunter!


    She took the stairs up and we got to the second floor, which was a lot less noisy than the first.


    And it wasn¡¯tdled with people. Probably because it was mostly reserved by VIPs.


    ¡± Mr Reid is seated right there and if you need anything at all please do inform me¡± the receptionist said and passed me a wink before walking away.


    I honestly couldn¡¯t stop a chuckle that surfaced because of her actions.


    So the hips thing was meant for me.


    A smirk made it¡¯s way to my lips as I started walking towards the direction she pointed out and true to her words, Mr Reid was seated there sipping on a ss of wine.


    After checking myself to ensure that I was presentable enough, I approached him.


    ¡± Mr Reid. Good evening¡± I said joining him on the table.


    ¡± Hunter, so d you could make it¡± he responded with a smile before gesturing to a waiter to get us some more wine.


    ¡± I¡¯m d too. How¡¯s the family¡±


    ¡± Ahh, they¡¯re doing just fine and your¡¯s?¡±


    ¡± All the same sir¡±


    Immediately, the waiter came with a bottle of wine and uncorked it before stepping away.


    ¡± You must be wondering why I called you¡± he started whilst pouring out two sses of colourless wine.


    ¡± If I wasn¡¯t, I¡¯d be bothered¡±


    For some reason my response triggered hisughter.


    ¡± Have a drink¡± he offered me the second ss and took the first but I wasn¡¯t drinking yet till I heard everything.


    ¡± Thank you¡± I collected the flute from him and watched him take a long sip.


    ¡± I¡¯ve figured out a way to help you¡±


    He¡­.


    I¡¯m dreaming right?


    ¡± I thought you said you didn¡¯t want to get involved?¡± I asked to be sure he wasn¡¯t tricking me.


    ¡± Yes, but I changed my mind¡±


    ¡± Okay. So how?¡±


    ¡± Here¡¯s how¡± he began. ¡± The circles know one thing about me, which is to stay away from my family and loved ones but once you¡¯re out of the circle my shield is useless¡±


    I nodded inprehension as he took another sip of his wine.


    ¡± Good. And that¡¯s where youe in Hunter. For me to help you, you must at least be family and that¡¯s what I want to do¡±


    ¡± And how do you intend to do that?¡±


    He took his time in refilling his ss and sticking it right in front of my face with a smirk on his lips.


    ¡± How do you feel about marrying my daughter Michelle?¡±


    __________________________


    Iris¡¯s p. o. v


    ¡± Aunt Cheryn told me that the stars are our ancestors watching over us¡± Louie stated, pointing at the sky as we started gazed from the backyard.


    The starry night sky was so bright and beautiful and I wanted Louisa to experience a beauty of nature so I carried her in my arms outside.


    But she clearly has a lot of information about the stars already.


    ¡± Aunt Cheryn?¡± I asked.


    ¡± Yes¡­ Or was it The Lion King again?. Oh no worries, it¡¯s the Lion King¡±


    A sudden chuckle from behind us caught our attention and we turned to see it was Hunter.


    I honestly don¡¯t know why, but being in his presence alone these days makes me flush.


    ¡± You¡¯ve got one hell of a kid there Iris¡± he said and began walking towards us.


    It was hard not to see his smile and happy mood as he came closer.


    Only God knows how visible my blush is.


    I dropped Louie on her two feet and checked the wristwatch on my arm.


    ¡± Eight fifteen, that¡¯s a new record¡± I teased and crossed my arms.


    ¡± Are you stalking me miss Jules?¡± He yfully red and mimicked my stance.


    ¡± Don¡¯t tter yourself hun¡±


    Heughed and turned to ruffle Louisa¡¯s hair who was currently pouting at him.


    ¡± Hey kiddo, you okay?¡± He softly asked her.


    ¡± No. Mommy said she was gonna take me out and then she takes me here¡±


    ¡± I told you outside, not out¡± I corrected.


    She only huffed and pouted again making Hunterugh once more.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, what do you think about going out tomorrow?¡± He soothes and her eyes expand by at least three inches.


    ¡± Yaaaay!! I¡¯ll go tell Jenny?¡± She squealed and ran away, leaving the two of usughing at her retreat.


    Soon after theughter died down, Hunter turned to the sky and was watching it like something was gonna happen.


    ¡± Beautiful night isn¡¯t it?¡± He surprisingly states.


    ¡± Did you just admit the skies are beautiful? Someone get me a champagne to celebrate¡±


    He chuckled and continued his star gaze as he spoke.


    ¡± I met with Mr Reid tonight¡±


    ¡± That should exin the good mood. What did he say?¡±


    He took a deep sigh and smiled at the heavens and I know fully well whatever that happened was entirely good news.


    ¡± He said he wants to help me with Soldo¡±


    I seriously squealed.. finally some aid!!


    ¡± Oh my goodness.. yes!!!!!!¡± Jumping and throwing a happy dance with imaginary music was my first reaction and who cares about adulthood.


    ¡± Calm down yippy¡± he chuckled and used both hands to steady me. ¡± He gave a condition though¡±


    Condition?Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡± And that is?¡±


    ¡± He offered me to be a part of his family¡± his smile was seemingly expanding.


    ¡± How so?¡±


    ¡± He offered that I marry Michelle¡±


    I swear I felt something twist in the bottom of my belly.


    Marry?


    ¡± And what did you s-say?¡±


    ¡± What did I say? Are you really asking me that? Of course I said yes, what kinda person would I be to pass it up¡±


    I¡¯m not supposed to feel this way, I¡¯m meant to be happy for him. I¡¯m meant to congratte him on his sess for the deal.


    But I¡¯m not.


    Rather I feel something break in my chest and something tugging at my stomach.


    I searched his eyes to confirm if he was pulling my legs, but when his eyes changed from delight to confusion because of my sudden change in demeanor I realized he was saying the truth.


    He¡¯s finally getting married to Michelle.


    The one girl he truly loves.


    Of course he¡¯d say yes to such an agreement. It¡¯s a win win bargain for him.


    I forced up a smile before speaking again.


    ¡± Congrattions Hunter. I¡¯m happy for you¡± I said and blinked thrice to control the tears stinging my eyes.


    ¡± You don¡¯t look like it¡± he replied as his eyes scanned all over my face.


    I released a fake chuckle that I hope he¡¯ll believe.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing. Uhm.. excuse me, it¡¯s almost Louisa¡¯s bed time¡± I gave an excuse because I wanted to leave.


    If I stay a few more seconds in his front, I may cry.


    I started walking away but he called out my name, halting my movement.


    ¡± Mr Reid wants everything done quickly. He fixed the wedding for this Saturday and I¡¯ll have to propose to Michelle tomorrow so she¡¯ll have enough time get ready¡±


    ¡± And?¡± I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath.


    ¡± I want you and udette to n to proposal party, just tell me the cost¡±


    I muttered an okay which I¡¯m not sure he heard and walked away.


    Not without a tear slipping.

 Chapter 067

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After a while of thinking and consideration, udette and I decided to make the proposal party a small one.


    I personally wanted it smaller than that, possibly just two people and a ring but udette does know how to throw a fit.


    So we chose his office as the venue and invited a few people asides from his employees.


    Edward, Guillermo, udette, Mrs Reid and her children ( well except Meredith and of course Michelle ) and some business partners he was particrly fond of.


    Mrs Reid took it as a point of duty to invite some of Meredith¡¯s friends.


    That also, I saw no use for.


    Nine o¡¯clock pm sharp.


    It¡¯s time for Michelle to walk into her surprise.


    ¡± Hurry! Cut the lights, Mr Reid is here ¡±


    Here was our n.


    We¡¯d decorate the office reception to throw a small party while Mr Reid tries to convince Michelle intoing here.


    When they arrive, we shut the lights and wait for Michelle to step in. After which we¡¯ll jump and yell surprise before Hunter proposes.


    It was all udette¡¯s idea and not mine, so I did mention to give her the credit. Not like he even cared.


    Someone killed the lights and the room was suddenly shadowed in darkness as the silent ttering settled down.


    Currently Chance and rissa were by my sides and we were diligently waiting for the expected guests to make an entrance.


    The revving of a car engine was heard and everyone was certain that it had to be them.


    In the darkness, I could make out Hunter¡¯s frame moving ahead of the crowd with a little box in his hand.


    He was so tensed that his stance was rigid and you could clearly see his shoulders rising and falling as he took breaths.


    ¡± Daddy are you sure he¡¯s still at work? All the lights are out.¡± It was Michelle¡¯s muffled voice from outside that was an indication of her nearness.


    ¡± Yes darling, just go in¡± Mr Reid encouraged in response.


    ¡± Daddy you love me right? So you wouldn¡¯t murder me right?¡±


    Mr Reid onlyughed at her question and their figures became visible through the automatic ss doors.


    As soon as they stepped on the mat, the door slid open, revealing the forms of Mr Reid with his hand on Michelle¡¯s lower back who looked like she was about to say something before we cut her in.


    Immediately, some one turned on the lights and Michelle blinked multiple times to adjust her eyes.


    ¡± SURPRISE!!¡± everyone shouted, including me and the expression on Michelle¡¯s face was actually that of shock.


    Hunter took a few steps forward till he was directly before Michelle and Mr Reid, meanwhile Michelle¡¯s eyes followed his every movement as he approached her. Her eyes filled with a certain kind of affection I couldn¡¯t ce.


    But when Hunter got down on one knee, she looked like she was about to pass out.


    Hunter lifted the tiny box up with both hands and began speaking.


    ¡± Michelle. We¡¯ve known each other for a long while and I swear I¡¯ve never been d to meet anyone as much as I have. I want your face to be the one that I wake up to, I want yourugh to be the only thing that keeps me at ease, I want to watch you grow old and tell stories to your grandchildren. I want us to conquer the world together. So would you do me the honors and be the wife to an idiot like me?¡± He concluded and opened the box to reveal a diamond that sparkled even from my point of view.


    A¡¯s were heard from every corner of the room and I swear I saw Mrs Reid wipe a tear from her eyes.


    It was only Chance who smirked at the scenario and muttered ¡® pussy whipped ¡® underneath his breath.


    Michelle took a few seconds to stare at him in awe.


    ¡± You¡¯re.. you¡¯re serious?¡± She stuttered and a little demon deep within my heart was expecting a rejection due to the fact that they haven¡¯t been in good terms previously.


    A rejection would be a very nice way for karma to pay Hunter back in his own coin.


    He nodded at her question signaling he was indeed serious and so quickly, Michelle fell into his arms and squeezed him tight before yelling a very loud yes.


    The excitement began buzzing through out the entire room and an apuse was given.


    Hunter stood to his feet and ced a long kiss on Michelle¡¯s lips and she returned it whole heartedly.


    I hadn¡¯t realized that I was staring at the engaged couple making out till Chance pushed a ss of wine into my sight.


    ¡± Thanks¡± I silently said and epted the ss from him. He only quaked a brow at my behavior but turned around and began making an announcement.


    ¡± Cheers to a new beginning¡± he shouted and everyone else shouted their cheers in reply and clicked their sses together.


    It was only now that I got a look around my environment to see that everyone had a ss in their hold.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Everybody bore smiles on their lips and began exchanging conversations.


    My line of sight returned back to thetest couple ahead who were giggling andughing in each other¡¯s hold.


    I¡¯ve never seen such a smile on Hunter¡¯s lips before. So genuine and heart felt. Not one of pretense or teasing. It came directly from his heart.


    This is what I wanted for him right? For Mr Reid to help so he could be free and I¡¯ll end up with Mason.


    But why does it feel so wrong? Why am I having a choked feeling deep inside?


    Someone turned on the mini stereo in the room locked away by R. City began sting through.


    If I got locked away,


    And we lost it all today,


    Tell me honestly.


    Would you still love me the same?


    If I showed you my ws,


    And if I couldn¡¯t be strong,


    Could you promise me.


    Would you still love me the same?


    I shouldn¡¯t feel like crying when I saw Hunter twirl Michelle and they began dancing to the music.


    I shouldn¡¯t feel like running out of the room because everything is suffocating and choking my senses.


    I shouldn¡¯t feel this way.


    But guess what?


    I do.


    I have no idea what is wrong with me. This was exactly what I wanted. This was the exact reason why I agreed to work with Hunter. Why does it now feel so foreign?.


    ¡± Someone doesn¡¯t look happy for the couple¡±


    I turned the see Chance standing behind me as he sipped his wine.


    ¡± What do you mean? I¡¯m happy for them, I really am¡± I stered a fake smile on my lips as I spoke.


    ¡± Next time you wanna lie, make sure your eyes aren¡¯t watering¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s tears of joy¡± I lied. Again.


    ¡± I know¡± he sarcastically responded and took his eyes to the couple who were making out once again.


    ¡± It actually surprised me that you were able to stay under the same roof with that nipoop. That idiot and I couldn¡¯t stay in my apartment for a week before I kicked him back to his mansion¡± he took another sip of his wine but didn¡¯t stop admiring the two lovers.


    ¡± We hardly see each other so there¡¯s no big effect¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not what I¡¯m referring to¡± he turned back to me and ran his eyes all over my face. ¡± I¡¯m talking about the fact that after everything he did to you, you could still work for him, talk to him, heck even live with him. Jules you¡¯re not real¡±


    ¡± What do you mean not real?¡±


    ¡± I mean, you¡¯re the girl with the biggest heart that I have ever seen and I know I haven¡¯t said this before, but I¡¯m sorry. For what I¡¯ve done to you in the past and for Hunter¡¯s too¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I hold nothing against you¡± I finally had a sip from my ss.


    ¡± That¡¯s why I said you¡¯re not real. A normal human would hold so many things against me and not even attend this engagement party. After all he¡¯s done to you, you still wanna see him happy. Believe it or not Jules, you¡¯re a good woman¡± he smirked at hisst words and Iughed.


    At least something to take my mind off the irky feeling.


    ¡± Well then, thank you¡± I smiled and he yfully ruffled my hair.


    ¡± Hey!¡± I whined but he only leaned in to whisper something into my ear.


    ¡± Someone¡¯s waiting for you, maybe we¡¯ll talk some other time¡± he said and pointed behind me.


    So I looked around and saw Mason walking up to me with a smile on his face.


    Chance disappeared immediately and left Mason and I by ourselves.


    I¡¯m actually grateful for that.


    ¡± Hey¡± he greeted.


    ¡± Hi¡±

 Chapter 068

    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    It¡¯s tomorrow.


    Finally, the wedding is tomorrow and I¡¯ve been feeling jiggly since morning.


    If jiggly is indeed a word.


    I¡¯ve gotten a suit picked out with the help of Guillermo and Michelle says she¡¯s already got her gown too.


    The venue was being set up by udette and Jenny while Cheryn took charge of the caterers.


    Edward handling the convoys and my family and friends are flying in today.


    I¡¯m honestly feeling like a girl who¡¯s about to have her first kiss.


    Fucking excited!.


    Nothing can honestly dampen my mood right now.


    I¡¯m on my way home and a little early from work cause I promised Louisa that I¡¯d take her out and that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m gonna do.


    Because I seriously doubt if Michelle would allow me to hang out with someone else¡¯s kid.


    Scratch that, hang out with Iris¡¯s kid.


    I drove in through the gates and pass a smile to the young men who stood on guard before furthering.


    Driving down the pathway till I got to the entrance of my house and seeing Edward on a phone call by the doorstep.


    I parked at the foot of the stairs cause I would be needing the car soon and hopped out.


    Walking up the step, I catch a bit of Edward¡¯s conversation on the phone with whoever just in time for me to send him a nod of acknowledgement.


    ¡± Yes, the limousine would bebeled for the bride and the groom¡¯s decorations should be centered on mainly ck¡± he instructs and sets out his hand for me to pass him the car keys.


    But I shook my head in response and he nodded in understanding then carried on with his discussion.


    I stepped into the building and used my eyes to roam around the living room in hopes of sighting the little damsel that was my reason for being home at this moment.


    When I didn¡¯t see nor hear her tiny footsteps and voice I decided to call out to her.


    ¡± Louisa?¡±


    But no replies nor reactions were heard. Infact her name echoed through the building making me suspect that Edward was all alone at home with the girl.


    ¡± Louisa?¡± I called again but Edward replied me instead.


    ¡± The girl should be in her bedroom¡±


    ¡± In her bedroom? Is she okay?¡± Louisa wasn¡¯t one who actually liked to stay alone.


    ¡± I don¡¯t really know, she wasining of drowsiness when I picked her from school so I made her drink some milk and go have a nap¡±


    That exins.


    ¡± Oh, alright. Thank you¡± I smiled at him and began heading for iris¡¯s bedroom.


    I¡¯ve been smiling a lot of recent.. hehehe


    I approach the door to their bedroom and met it wide open.


    But that wasn¡¯t the only thing I saw.


    I also saw a sight I was never expecting.


    Louisa passed out on the floor seemingly lying in her own vomit.


    ¡± Jesus!¡±


    I didn¡¯t know when I screamed out in shock and ran towards her still body.


    ¡± Louisa? Louie wake up!¡± I hollered as I tried shaking her to consciousness all to no avail.


    I picked her body up and she fell limp in her arms.


    Her body temperature was actually my greatest fear at this point.


    Iris can¡¯t lose two kids in a lifetime.


    ¡± Edward!! Edward help!¡± I yelled as I carried Louie in my arms and ran out the room.


    In a few seconds Edward appeared with fear stricken all over his face.


    ¡± Hunter what¡¯s- My goodness!¡± He eximed when he saw the situation of things.


    ¡± Her body is going cold so we have no time. I mistakenly dropped my keys on the floor. Hurry!¡± I spoke in one breath and began making a race for the car.


    Edward too was as fast as can be because he was already by my side once I got to the vehicle.


    In no time we were in and we¡¯re driving out of thepound.


    I ced two fingers on her pulse to be sure that she was only just unconscious.


    Her heartbeats were slow and heavy and the fear in my chest heightened.


    ¡± Edward faster!¡± I demanded, making the elderly man step on the pedals with more effort.


    Soon enough, we were at a hospital that was just around the corner, while Edward was trying to slow the car down so he could find a parking spot, I jumped out and ran to the entrance.


    A few nurses saw my distressed expression with a numb baby in my arms, so they rushed out to meet me with a stretcher.


    One of them took Louisa away from me and ced her on the mobile bed while shouting ¡® ER ¡® to the others who trailed behind in swift motions.


    Only one of them took hold of my arm.


    ¡± Sir, Please you¡¯re gonna have to fill out some files¡±


    I nodded and followed her steps. Now Edward had parked the car and was also following behind with his phone on his ear.


    She led us both into a little room and urged us to take a seat while I filled out the documents.


    ¡± Miss Jules isn¡¯t answering her phone calls¡± heined and dialled her number again.


    ¡± Keep trying, she¡¯ll definitely pick up¡± I responded and continued to write down whatever information I could.


    After a short time, I was done and I ran my hands down my face in frustration as I took a deep sigh.


    ¡± How long had she gone to take the nap before I arrived?¡± I asked to give myself an assurance that the case may not be so critical.


    ¡± Nothing more than three minutes, as soon as she left I made the phone call¡±


    I nodded and prayed silently that Louisa would be okay.


    After agonizingly waiting for at least fifteen minutes, the doctor came in and he didn¡¯t look tensed up at all.


    That was a slight relief.


    ¡± Good evening, please is she alright?¡± I hurriedly asked.


    ¡± Well, in a way. I want to know what happened right before she was brought in¡± the young man answered and leaned against the table.


    ¡± She hadined that she was feeling dizzy not up to an hour ago so I gave her some milk and advised she take a nap. Just a few minutester we found her unconscious in her own vomit¡± Edward replied and the doctor nodded in understanding.


    ¡± How old is she?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s five¡± I answer that one, remembering the day she had told me.


    The man took a deep breath and exhaled before speaking again.


    ¡± Alright then. We suspect anaemia to be the cause of her dizziness because the girl doesn¡¯t have much blood and she may have passed out due to choking on her vomit. The two conditions don¡¯t make it easy for oxygen to ess the brain¡± he detailed and I saw the issue wasn¡¯t entirely serious.


    Thank God.


    ¡± But is she going to be okay?¡± Edward asked.


    ¡± Yes she will. And she may need transfusion ¡±


    Luckily, her mom is a universal.


    But she isn¡¯t here.


    Damn Iris pick up your cellphone!


    ¡± What¡¯s her blood group?¡± I asked, hoping I could help.


    ¡± The test results show that she¡¯s a B ¡±


    Perfect.


    ¡± I could help with that. I¡¯m a-¡± I began but Edward cut me in.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea, why not wait for her mother toe do the donation¡±


    Is he going crazy?


    ¡± As you can see, her mother isn¡¯t present¡±


    ¡± And we need the blood soon so we can run thepatibility test in time¡± the doctor added after me.


    ¡± I still think-¡± Edward began but I wasn¡¯t having any of it.


    ¡± Are you a B?¡± I asked, maybe he wants to make the donation himself.


    ¡± No but-¡±


    ¡± Then don¡¯tin¡± I cut in and turned to the doctor ¡± let¡¯s go¡±


    He led the way to theboratory.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­..


    Well guess what..


    It¡¯s almost midnight.


    Then guess what again¡­


    Louisa is finally awake, Thank God.


    Then finally. Guess what¡­.


    Iris fucking used me of causing whatever happened to Louisa.


    Seriously, I tried exining how it all went down to her but she simply yelled ¡± that¡¯s all you¡¯re ever good at. Hurting little things¡±


    I honestly didn¡¯t understand what she meant by that but if she¡¯s referring to the past then that was damn low.


    Presently, I was leaning against the wall and a couple of feet away from the bed where Iris wanted.


    So in summary, I was standing pretty close to the door.


    Iris held her little girl in her arms as she slept with the transfusion needle still inserted in the back of her palm.


    She got in just in time to give her own blood instead of mine, but I had already donated by the time she arrived so I told them to just ce it in a blood bank instead.


    To be truthful, Iris looked like she was about to lose her mind when she heard I was gonna give my blood.


    Her expression was more of ¡®that poisonous venom underneath your skin?¡¯


    I felt highly insulted but I chose not toin. Miss Jules had put on quite an attitude of recent thinking I didn¡¯t sense it but the rift in her atmosphere was very clear.


    Edward took permission to go do ast minute check up on everything prepared for the wedding so he was no longer with us.


    I shuffled a bit when I heard the door open and I looked up to see the doctor step in with a firm look on his face.


    ¡± Miss Jules¡± he greeted and sent her a nod ¡± once this transfusion is done she can go home but she shouldn¡¯t stress for at least three days¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Iris nodded in understanding and it was then I noticed how almost tight her grip was on Louisa like the girl was dying. Only when I looked at her face did I see she had actually been crying and I didn¡¯t notice.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, I need to discuss the bills with you¡± the doctor called and pulled my attention back to him.


    ¡± Don¡¯t tell him anything, I¡¯ll pay it¡± iris¡¯s cracked voice protested and I muttered a ¡®bullshit¡¯ under my breath.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am, but it¡¯s his name that¡¯s on the sponsors file¡± he gently responded and motions for me to follow him.


    I cast one more nce at Iris and she only threw her face away from me.


    Wow.. childish much?


    I shook my head and sighed before following the doctor up to his office.


    He walked into a moderately sizedpact room that was almost filled up with neatly arranged and organized books and files.


    ¡± Have a seat¡± he says and gestures to the seat at the opposite end of his desk.


    I gently seat down and unavoidably use my eyes to scan round the entire room.


    ¡± Mr McConnell, we would like to thank you for your blood donation to the bank. We would be forever grateful¡± he started and I waved him off.


    ¡± It¡¯s alright, what about the bills¡±


    He sighs and slides some papers already set aside on his desk which I willingly pick up.


    The first paper contained the cost of oxygen use and bedspace.


    A total of one hundred and twenty dors.


    The next was the cost of treatment,boratory tests, drugs and transfusion.


    Another total of two hundred dors.


    The third was a DNA results sheet of Miss Louisa Shawn and Mr Hunter McConnell.


    Showing a total of ny seven point three two percent.


    Wait what!?


    ¡± What¡¯s this?¡± If this is a sick joke, I¡¯m in no mood for it.


    ¡± Sir, when they were running apatibility test between miss Louisa and her mother, the technician mixed up your blood with her mother¡¯s and I apologise for the inefficiency but in the process, we discovered something else. Infact, it¡¯s your blood that had just been transfused¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not possible¡±


    My kid is dead.


    ¡± To be honest, after the technician ran the test, he assumed it was truly her mother¡¯s. Till he began filling out the results sheet and realized her mother is an O positive and he ran thepatibility test on a B positive¡±


    I was entirely speechless.


    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve been so stupid and blind.


    She¡¯s really five years.


    That feeling of familiarity whenever I looked at her. I always thought it¡¯s because of our simr eyes and hair color.


    Little did I know that she¡¯s mine.


    Fucking hell!!


    ¡± Mr Hunter, we decided that you shouldn¡¯t pay the bills because of your donation¡± the doctor says again, throwing a nket over my thoughts.


    ¡± No, I¡¯ll send a friend of mine toe pay tomorrow. Thank you¡± I replied and left his office.


    As I walked back to Louisa¡¯s room, I couldn¡¯t help the anger and embarrassment brewing in me.


    What was I actually going to say to Iris?


    I fucking found out that I¡¯m Louisa¡¯s Dad?


    I can¡¯t even picture my own self saying that.


    Once I arrived at the room and stepped in, Iris and Louisa were still in the same position they had been when I had left.


    A sudden pang of guilt and pain of being lied to hit me.


    Then I decided to say just one thing.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go¡± and marched out before anyone could react.


    Remember when I said nothing could dampen my mood earlier?


    Well guess what¡­


    Something just managed to.

 Chapter 069

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡± Mommy am I going to be okay?¡± Louisa asks as I tuck her in.


    We had finally arrived home after a brief, suspiciously quiet, tiring drive.


    Seriously, the silence made the journey longer than it should.


    ¡± Yes baby but the doctor said for you to be okay, all you have to do is sleep, eat, draw and sleep some more¡± I answered with a smile.


    ¡± Yaaaay¡± she cheered but it ached my heart when I heard how weak it sounded.


    ¡± Go to sleep cupcake¡± I whispered and ced a soft kiss on her forehead.


    ¡± Mmmmm¡± she moaned softly and slowly shut her eyes in an attempt to fall asleep.


    I noticed her little winks and sighs and unknowingly, a chuckle escaped my lips and I began using my thumb to trace her plump cheek outline.


    ¡± Mommy, what about daddy?¡±


    Huh!?


    The surprising question came nothing short of shock and it¡¯s like she realized the awkwardness of her question because she jerked up into a sitting position.


    It¡¯s been at least two years since she asked me about her father, what exactly rtes this situation to him?


    ¡± I mean, Mr Hunter. What about Mr Hunter?¡± She corrected a little toote.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡± Did you just call him daddy?¡± I narrowed my eyes at her.


    ¡± N-no¡± she blurted out too quickly.


    ¡± You¡¯re lying¡±


    ¡± It was a mistake!¡±


    ¡± Since when do you make such mistakes?¡±


    When she didn¡¯t answer but began tearing up, I realized this may be deeper than I thought.


    I ced my hands on her shoulder and looked her into the eye.


    ¡± Honey just talk to me okay? Did he force you to call him daddy?¡±


    I swear to God if I find out that he forced her to do this, I¡¯m gonna castrate that bastard!


    But then again, does he know that Louisa is actually his kid?


    Mom may have been right when she said he may know but is still pretending to be oblivious.


    My goodness, how long has he known!?


    Louisa shakes her head in a ¡®no¡¯ response and confusion etches itself across my face.


    ¡± No? Then why did you call him daddy? Who told you he¡¯s your daddy?¡±


    ¡± N-no one¡±


    This isn¡¯t getting funny.


    ¡± I told him to be my daddy and he said yes¡± she continued.


    I really couldn¡¯t express my shock with any more facial expressions.


    I was dumbstruck.


    ¡± You.. you asked him to? Why?¡±


    She started to fiddle with her fingers as she responded.


    ¡± Some girls wereughing at me in school that I don¡¯t have a daddy but I told them I do and I said it¡¯s Mr Hunter then they said I was lying, that if it¡¯s true he should drop me at school the next day but he couldn¡¯t so they startedughing at me and calling me a liar but then he came and called me his daughter in front of everyone, so I asked him to be my d-daddy¡± she narrated and I gave myself two pats on the back for bad parenting.


    This happened directly under my nose and I had no clue.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± I finally mustered enough energy to say.


    ¡± I thought you will be angry with me¡± she looked up at me with tears in her eyes and I actually understood how she had felt that day.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay hun. Go to bed alright?¡± I nudged her to lie down once again and smoothened out her hair.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry mommy¡± she silently said.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Louie was finally asleep and it was time to face Hunter about this.


    I marched out of the room and was about to go up the stairs when I noticed the lights of the living room still on.


    Instinctively, I went to switch it off but instead I met with Hunter who was having a drink by the bar.


    When he saw me, his eyes only ran down my features once-over and went ahead to pretend like I wasn¡¯t there.


    It was now or never.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care whatever got you mad at me but I have a few things to say to you. Louisa asked you to be her father and you epted? Who the hell do you think you are?¡±


    He didn¡¯t even turn to regard me, he just continued to sip on his wine.


    ¡± I¡¯m talking to you!¡± I yelled at his ignorant behavior but he didn¡¯t still move a muscle.


    Then I walked up to his side and snatched the bottle of wine before him.


    ¡± Iris leave me a-¡± he began but I quickly cut him in.


    ¡± No. Answer me!¡± I demanded yet he didn¡¯t seem fazed.


    He wanted to take another sip from his ss that still contained wine but I ripped that away too.


    ¡± Iris I swear-¡±


    ¡± Answer me!¡±


    ¡± Leave me the hell a-¡±


    ¡± Fucking answer me!!¡± I yelled at the top of my voice.


    ¡± Fine. But did I lie though?¡±


    He finally responds and it gives a hint that he may have known.


    But I wasn¡¯t spilling yet.


    ¡± What do you mean by did you lie though?¡± My toneing down as I asked.


    He doesn¡¯t say anything, rather he puts his hands to his pocket and pulls out a sheet of paper then tosses it at me.


    I drop his wine and ss back on the table before picking the paper and unfolding it.


    I saw a fucking DNA test result.


    When in the world was this also done?


    Am I also as ignorant in this house!?


    ¡± What the hell is this!?¡± I questioned and read the tests over and over again.


    Ny seven point three two percent.


    Couldn¡¯t the device have gone wrong and produced a result with half value?


    ¡± That, is supposed to be thepatibility test between you and your daughter, but the technician made a mistake and ran it between us instead. They do apologise for their inefficiency. Even though I¡¯ve never been happier with a mistake¡±


    I couldn¡¯t utter a word. He figured out today, clearly meaning he had no idea when Louisa started calling him Dad.


    Despite all my efforts to avoid Hunter and Louie¡¯s blood from being recognized, he still found out.


    He found out at the hospital.


    That exins his silence.


    ¡± Oh you¡¯re dumb now? I thought you had a few things to say? Well in that case listen to me cause I also have a few things to say¡± he sneered and used his fingers to make air quotations at the word few.


    I lift my gaze from the paper to listen to him and he began.


    ¡± Five years Iris! Five fucking years of guilt! I apologized didn¡¯t I? I cried. I begged for your forgiveness and you imed you had forgiven me, yet you hid my own child under my nose¡± he started and to be truthful, he looked more hurt than angry.


    When he saw that I wasn¡¯t going to say anything, he continued.


    ¡± Were you ever going to tell me? If they hadn¡¯t made this mistake would I have ever known? My kid had been alive all these years and I was busy mourning no one. I even told you to say hi to him for me in your dreams. Dreams of lies!¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t lie, you did lose a kid¡± I butted in


    ¡± Oh yeah? Well-¡±


    ¡± Louisa was a twin!¡± I shouted at him and he actually paused for a moment.


    He took some seconds to look at me to be sure if I¡¯m lying or not.


    ¡± A twin?¡±


    ¡± Yes. Her twin brother¡±


    His eyes narrowed to slits and he ran his hand through his hair.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me!?¡± He barked and I flinched at the impact.


    Why didn¡¯t I tell him?


    It¡¯s not like he cared from the start.


    Even till now it¡¯s not like he still cares when he¡¯s still getting married tomorrow.


    Heck.. today.


    I couldn¡¯t give my daughter a demon as a father no matter how much I hated her.


    There was actually no use letting him know.


    ¡± Now that you know, what difference does it make?¡± I asked as I watched him for an answer.


    He halted in his tracks and stared at me like the question caught him off guard.


    ¡± You know what. You¡¯re right. It actually makes no difference. I need to stop wasting my time on this and go catch some sleep for my wedding tomorrow¡±


    Thinking, analysing and epting it is one thing.


    Hearing him dere it out loud is another.


    A hurt feeling melted into my bones when I saw the carefree expression in his eyes when he made that statement.


    He doesn¡¯t really care about anything else.


    ¡± Good¡± I muttered and whipped around to march away but his words stopped me again.


    ¡± Ensure to give Louisa her drugs so she can be strong enough. She¡¯s gonna be our flower girl tomorrow¡±


    Ouch!

 Chapter 070

    Iris¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The tunes for Unconditionally by Katy Perry was being yed so softly by the DJ and it¡¯s lull filled the entire hall.


    The room was slightly beginning to get filled up by business associates, family members and even the press.


    Clicks from cameras and chatters from people engaged in discussions were prominent in the enclosed space, filling the area with excitement and buzz.


    I stood at the entrance and surveyed the ck and blue themed hall in awe and gloom. udette has really got a top notch style.


    I had already handed Louie to Jenny so she could prepare to be the ¡®flower girl¡¯ and now I regret it cause I have nopany.


    I engaged in a little chat with Guillermo a few minutes ago before I entered the hall but he had to leave so he can go get the priest.


    No sign of the bride and groom yet, but the real question is why exactly am I even here?


    I had double thoughts about my presence herest night and till now I¡¯m still rethinking every decision I made.


    When have I ever made any decision that eventually turned out positive?


    The same way I made the biggest mistake of my life and had sex with Hunter.


    Nearly a week to his wedding.


    Despite everything, despite all the warnings my brain gave me. Despite all he had done to me.


    I was stupid enough to give him my body again. This time willingly.


    Then he brushed it off like he didn¡¯t spend an entire night with me in the same bed.


    After the morning that we woke up naked side by side with each other, he pretended like nothing ever happened and avoided body contact like I¡¯m a moving me.


    At first I thought he didn¡¯t wanna make things awkward so he never brought it up but then hees home to inform me he¡¯s getting married in a few days.


    Then I realized that he wasn¡¯t pretending. That night really meant nothing more to him than a one night stand.


    He really does know how to hurt every piece of me without lifting a finger.


    To be truthful, I me myself. For being so stupid.


    The music isn¡¯t helping my emotions right now because I can positively see my vision getting clouded with moisture.


    ¡± My my, the decor is amazing but no need to shed your tears of joy before the wedding¡± an elderly sopranic voice teased followed by a littleughter.


    I whirled around toe face to face with a very beautiful yet unfamiliar face and a face I never expected to seein my life anymore.


    ¡± T- Tucker??¡± I stuttered after I regained my senses from the shock.


    At first he stared at me with unrecognition in his eyes and waringly eyed my form from head to toe like he was trying to detect if he had seen such a person before.


    But then his eyesnded on my face and after three seconds of counting his eyes widened in realization.


    ¡± Holy cow!! Iris!!??¡± His country ent had no dent over the years, heck nothing had changed in him at all.


    He still kept his stubble the exact same way and his belly all but decreased.


    Don¡¯t get me started on his fashion, his trends didn¡¯t falter on bit for he was wearing a blue and white striped trousers with a ck dress shirt and suspenders.


    Good ole Tucker.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s you. What are you doing here?¡± I eximed and ran into his arms to give him a tight hug.


    ¡± What am I doing here? I am the uncle to the groom. I should be asking you nikita and what the hell happened to you? Your hair, your skin, your body. I swear it took a lot of brain work to crack that it was you¡± he responded and pulled out of the embrace.


    Did I just hear-?


    ¡± Did you say uncle?¡± I questioned the surprising information.


    ¡± Yeah. Hunter is one of me favorite nephews. Don¡¯t avoid my question¡±


    Favorite nephews?


    Is there anyone I know that isn¡¯t connected to Hunter in a way?


    Huh? Who else?


    ¡± Oh, Yeah. Just a little make over¡± I casually said with a broad smile.


    Heughed so loudly that caused eyes to turn in our direction.


    ¡± Well your make over suits you but I prefer your old hair. Keep the rest¡± he winked and drew thedy beside him who was now chatting away with another woman closer.


    ¡± Tom Uriel Carrington McConnell! That is no way to get a woman¡¯s attention¡± thedy scolded and gave him a little smack on his belly.


    ¡± But it got yours¡± he chuckled out and kissed her on the cheek. ¡± Iris meet my beautiful wife, my beautiful wife meet a beautiful Iris¡±


    ¡± I try to make him more polite but he deliberately chose not to. I¡¯m Annabelle by the way. It¡¯s nice to meet you Iris.¡± She smiled and pulled me in for a hug which I had no problem returning.


    ¡± Nice to meet you too. You look beautiful ma¡¯am¡±


    ¡± Oh you look better. It¡¯s finally good to put a face to the Iris my husband did find worthy talking about. You¡¯re a gooddy sweetie¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡± I appreciated and she only nodded before hugging her husband so closely.


    ¡± Alright Iris, we¡¯ll see yater okay? And I mean it. We¡¯ve got a lot to talk about, starting from the way you moved without notice¡± Tucker narrowed his eyes at me but broke into a smile afterwards.


    ¡± I promise to exin¡± just a little bit.


    ¡± Good¡± he nodded and took his wife by the hand as they walked away to address another couple.


    I stood in my position, watching the way the two hugged or held hands subconsciously, like it was part of them.


    I wanna be loved that way.


    I sighed and smiled before turning around but I mmed into someone.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry.. I-¡±


    ¡± Iris?¡± The voice interrupted me


    I know that voice.


    I looked to see the face of who I crashed into.


    ¡± Mrs Phoebe!!¡± I squealed and flung my arms around her waist.


    She chuckled and hugged me back. ¡± My my, sweetheart you¡¯ve grown!¡± Shemented and held me at arms length so she could assess my attire.


    ¡± Do a spin for me darling¡± she said and I twirled in response that resulted in both of usughing.


    ¡± What a lovely dress and a beautifuldy to go with it¡± an external voice piped into ourughing fit as she approached us with a teenage girl by her side.


    I looked to Mrs Phoebe for confirmation on who these two may be because if I am not mistaken, they look eerily familiar.


    ¡± Aunt Phoebe!! ¡± The girl squealed and ran to catch Mrs Phoebe in an embrace.


    Aunt Phoebe?


    This means-


    ¡± Iris, meet Mrs McConnell and her daughter Love. The mother and sister to our happy groom¡±


    Happy groom.


    That word did strike a chord in me but I refuse to let it show.


    At least now I know why they looked familiar, they were the people in the drawings on Hunter¡¯s bedside table.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice to meet you Mrs McConnell. Love.¡± I tried to sound cheerful but I failed woefully.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice to meet you too hunny. I¡¯ve heard so much about you from my husband. In due time, we do need to have a little chat¡± Mrs McConnell said, then added a wink as we shook hands.


    Another talk?


    ¡± Hey, you¡¯re my brother¡¯s secretary right?¡± Love asked as she extended her own hand for a shake.


    ¡± Yeah¡± I replied as I shook back.


    ¡± Cool. He can be an airhead sometimes, don¡¯t hesitate to smack him¡± shemented and I barked outughing.


    All four of us actually found what she had just said amusing till Mrs McConnell spoke up.


    ¡± Please don¡¯t. He isn¡¯t the best with temper¡±


    ¡± I promise not to¡± Iplied with a smile on my face then she turned to Love once again.


    ¡± Come on darling, let¡¯s go find the Reid¡¯s¡± she said and the two began to head in another direction.


    ¡± I¡¯ll need to find the Reid¡¯s too but your expression at the mention of Hunter is funny. You¡¯re not telling me something. Talkter?¡± She cooed and didn¡¯t give me a chance to respond before walking away.


    It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll hide it from her anyway.


    Suddenly, the music is tuned low and everyone around begins locating their seats so I do same.


    I quickly decide to move to the set of chairs on the left hand side of the room.


    Picking the third to thest row as my position, I sit on the second chair from the right.


    People start to fill up the seats all around but the chairs to my left and right are still empty.


    After looking around one more time, a clenching feeling grips my chest.


    I honestly can¡¯t believe the wedding is actually taking ce.


    I take a deep breath and remind myself that the only reason why I¡¯m even seated here is cause Louie is here somewhere cause if not, I¡¯d have been halfway back to Bridgewaters by now.


    Someone flopped down on the seat to my right and I turned to say hello but she beat me to it.


    ¡± Bitch!!¡±She nearly shouted with a bright smile on her face.


    It was Megan.


    ¡± You¡¯re? How? Oh my gosh I¡¯m so happy to see you¡± I eximed as we hugged.


    But what¡¯s Megan doing here?


    ¡± Me too babe. Turns out Dn¡¯s Dad is Hunter¡¯s direct uncle so I couldn¡¯t miss his nephews wedding. aah!¡± She exins and finishes off by sticking out her tongue.


    ¡± Then that¡¯s so far the best thing that has ever happened to me¡± I hugged her again and suddenly don¡¯t regreting to the wedding so much.


    ¡± Shhhh.. it¡¯s starting¡± she pushes me away and turns to the entrance where the groom and his best man were walking in through.


    Hunter had picked out a ck suit with navy blue designs at the edges which fitted his body almost too perfectly. His material made of the finest of cotton that it appeared silky from my angle. He had shaved his growing stubble just a little bit and gelled his long hair backwards.


    Walking in with all the allure a man could ever possess, a smile so bright on his face that it defeated all the lights in the room as he walked down that aisle.


    His best man, who unsurprisingly was Dn also moved with so much grace.


    Dn had chosen a blue suit in replica to Hunter¡¯s very own design. He also had a smile on his lips, but his expression was more of a ¡® I can¡¯t believe this is really happening ¡® kinda look.


    Of a true fact, this family possessed good looking genes.


    The two walked down the aisle to the makeshift alter where the priest currently stood.


    Megan nudged my knee with a confused look in her eyes.


    ¡± What?¡± I asked once she got my attention.


    ¡± I¡¯m the one who should ask you that, you look like you¡¯re about to cry. I¡¯ve been staring at you for the past few minutes and you never even noticed¡±


    Using the tip of my index finger, I touch underneath my right eye and indeed feel the tears.


    ¡°Are you okay? Did Hunter do something?¡± She asked again with concern.


    It wouldn¡¯t be so bad to let it out right? Maybe it will stop hurting as much.


    ¡± Megan, Hunter and I-¡±


    ¡± Is this seat taken?¡± An all too familiar male voice interrupted my tale and Megan muttered ater to me.


    I nodded and turned to the voice. Indeed it was familiar.


    ¡± Mr McConnell! Oh no, it¡¯s not¡± I gestured at the chair to my left.


    ¡± Miss Jules? Wow, I almost didn¡¯t recognize you. You look stunning my dear¡± he says as he takes the seat.


    ¡± Thank you sir. You look good too¡±


    ¡± I try. How have you been?¡± He pats my shoulder as he asked.


    ¡± I¡¯m okay, everything is going well. What about the office?¡±.


    ¡± All good too if I should say. What about Hunter?¡±


    He¡¯s asking me that?


    ¡± What about him?¡±


    ¡± How¡¯s everything with him? Is it okay?¡±


    When he asked that, I didn¡¯t fail to look back to Hunter who stood on the stage.


    How¡¯s everything with Hunter?


    What¡¯s the best adjective to describe it.


    Everything is horrible. And horrible is putting it lightly.


    Your son is the most infuriating person I have ever met in my life.


    Your son is a cocky, incorrigible, selfish bastard who cares about no one but himself.


    Your son has driven me mad with his moodswings like a pregnant woman.


    Your son has hurt me more times in life than the number of times that I breathe in oxygen.


    Yet¡­


    Your same son made me fall for him.


    That¡¯s why it hurts so bad. That¡¯s why everything is choking me up.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I¡¯ve fallen for Hunter.


    I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s love yet and I definitely hope against it, but there¡¯s indeed something.


    After all he¡¯s done, after it all, my stupid heart still fell for that miserable excuse for a man after all.


    I always knew I had a thing for hurting myself.


    Of everything and everyone in this life, I fell for the one person I couldn¡¯t have.


    The one person I shouldn¡¯t even want.


    ¡± Miss Jules are you okay?¡± Mr McConnell drew my attention back to him but I believe my eyes are holding tears because the expression on his face when his eyes met mine was nothing short of confusion.


    I was about to respond when the pianist began ying the tunes of the old fashioned herees the bride.


    In reflex, everyone turned to the door and then she walked in, arm in arm with her father.


    Michelle in her splendor and goddess-like beauty entered into the room with her veil over her face.


    Even with her facial concealed, no one could doubt the beauty underneath the material was more than those who followed behind with their faces exposed.


    But then, that wasn¡¯t exactly what caused the tears I¡¯ve been holding back to slip.


    It was seeing Louie walking happily before Michelle while she threw her flowers that did.


    Louisa looked so excited as she tossed the flowers in the air, a wide smile on her face as she began searching the crowd for someone as she walked by.


    She searched and searched till her eyesnded on mine.


    Then with a wider smile, she sent me a wave.


    I felt my lungs give out and my eyes get heavier at the gesture.


    She¡¯s the flower girl to her own father¡¯s wedding.


    With a teary face, I waved back at her as she continued moving then I turned back to Mr McConnell.


    ¡± Sir I¡¯m so sorry about this, but I would wish to resign from my job¡±


    My statement caught him off guard and it took him seconds before he could respond.


    ¡± If you wish to no longer be my son¡¯s secretary, you can return to working with me¡±


    ¡± No. I want to resign entirely from the Brooks and Shields Enterprise. I want to move back home¡±


    And I mean it. I¡¯m going back to Saint mos.


    ¡± Jules, can we talk before you-¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ve made my decision sir. Please excuse me¡± I concluded and stood to my feet.


    The air in the room suddenly became too heavy to breathe in, so I began heading outside.


    As I walked out, I didn¡¯t fail to notice the way Megan looked at me. But that wasn¡¯t the only eye I felt watching me till I stepped out of the room.


    _____________________________


    Hunter¡¯s p. o. v.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª:


    I watched as Michelle walked down with her train of bridesmaids following behind.


    Even with her shielded face, I could still see that smile beneath.


    The exact replica of the smile I was wearing.


    Her gown hugged her figure so perfectly that I made a mental note to thank the store that sold it to us afterwards.


    Then, something else caught my eye.


    The little girl who walked in front and threw flowers like she had no care in the world.


    And that little girl is my daughter.


    My heart constricted a bit when I wondered if she¡¯ll ever get to know me as her father.


    With the way things are with Iris at the moment, I doubt so.


    A smile resurfaced on my lips again as I watched louisa throw a bunch of flowers in the air, but then she got slightly distracted.


    Momentarily, she began searching the crowd for someone.


    Her eyes scanned the entire right area but it seems she didn¡¯t find whom she was searching for, so she turned to the left.


    In a few seconds, the confusion on her face washed away and was reced by a lovely smile as she waved at someone.


    My eyes followed the direction in which she waved and then I saw her.


    Iris looking as stunning as ever in a navy blue gown and her hair in such a way that it cascaded down her face.


    She was covering the scar again. I always preferred her hair up.


    She sent Louisa a wave in return and watched the girl walk down for a few seconds before she turned to someone on her left.


    My Dad.


    I think she said something that caught him off guard because from here I can sight his shock.


    I can only wonder what she had just told him.


    In the next minute, Iris stood from her seat and began walking towards the door.


    She¡¯s leaving?


    Before I could process that thought, a man from thest row with a blue face cap stood up almost immediately after Iris did.


    Who wears a face cap indoors?


    The man¡¯s structure seems very familiar and I joggle my memory to remember which of my rtives had such a sense of fashion.


    The man followed Iris directly behind till she stepped out the door.


    He on the other hand paused for a moment at the entrance and adjusted his cap.


    It was only then did I notice the tattoo on his bicep that he didn¡¯t try to hide with his polo shirt and jeans.


    Wait! I know that tattoo.


    As if hearing my thoughts, the man slowly turned in my direction and lifted his hat so I could see his face clearly.


    And after sending me a smirk, he dashed out of the hall.


    Soldo!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª ~ ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THE END.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!