《A billionaire鈥檚 kiss》


 01

    NYC, the city for shy broadways, exclusive shops, expensive apartments and high flying business tycoons is where thend of opportunity lies. Or so people think so.


    To me it¡¯s the city for depression, unaffordable rent, unbearable traffic, screaming people, bustling roads and many more.


    And in this concrete jungle lies one of the most world famous multi national technologypanies, ATC. It¡¯s the samepany where I¡¯d been working for over four years, listening to the same morning chant as I was doing now.


    ¡°We are the face of thepany¡± Our VP set herself on top of a chair and shouted. ¡°We create the connection between the buyer and the seller. We promote the goods. Without us, the ATC is nothing¡±


    ¡°We are-¡± She raised her arms up ¡°the marketing department!¡±


    She gave out a war cry and everyone around her pped warily, already exhausted with this utter nonsense.


    ¡°Gosh the second hand embarrassment I feel everyday for her. I can¡¯t-¡± Lexi shook her head.


    ¡°This is nothing new. Our VP is crazy¡± Brian yawned and stretched his arms up, getting ready for another busy working day.


    ¡°Other departments call us weirdos because of her¡± Lexi sat on her chair and I sat on mine, in between Lexi and Brian.


    ¡°The finance calls us the money wasting department¡± Brian mistakenly said it out too loud that the VP heard it from across the room.


    She looked up and scowled. ¡°That¡¯s because they are the nerds department Mr. Scott. Don¡¯t you ever dare utter such unholy words in here. I¡¯ll report you to the chief¡± She threatened and Brian looked down in embarrassment.


    ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°I told you she has super hearing¡± Lexi hissed next to me. ¡°I swear she¡¯s not human. My money is on vampire¡±


    ¡°I heard werewolves have mates¡± n, who was sitting in front of us smirked. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m your mate sweetheart. We should fuck before the heates¡± n winked and I swear Lexi could¡¯ve erupted into a pool ofva if I hadn¡¯t wrapped my arm around her shoulder.


    ¡°Lexi rx, chief ising¡± I whispered seeing the chief walking out of the elevator.


    Our Chief/CMO is the head of the marketing department and the only reason we are still sane. He¡¯s a nice guy and most importantly the only person who can tell our dearest VP to shut the hell up. Not that he ever says because- duh! He¡¯s a nice guy.


    He¡¯s a man in his fifties and loves his family more than anything. His wife is also equally nice. She bakes us cookies, gives us gifts and even invites us to their anniversary parties every year.


    ¡°Good morning everyone¡± He came to a halt and gave us a big smile. ¡°I see y¡¯all already working very hard for the next campaign. Sorry if I disturbed you¡±


    ¡°Aww my heart is melting¡± Lexi kept a hand over her heart. ¡°Why did he have to be 30 years older than me? Or else I would¡¯ve married him¡±


    ¡°Love has no age¡± Brian whispered.


    ¡°Yes, but he is married¡± Lexiined.


    ¡°I never said he isn¡¯t¡± Brian said more angrily.


    Lexi leaned to the front and looked at Brian. ¡°Why are you all fired up? Don¡¯t tell me you like an older woman. Is she married?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like anyone-¡±


    ¡°Guy shut up¡± I hissed. ¡°Chief is talking¡±


    They shut their mouths and focused back on what the chief was saying.


    ¡°Today all the executives have a meeting with Mr. Kingston about the new product we¡¯re going tounch this summer¡± The smile in chief¡¯s lips fell. ¡°But unfortunately my secretary called in sick today¡±


    I stiffened and I could see everyone else exchanging frightened nces. We knew exactly what the chief was going to say and it was nothing pleasant.


    ¡°So I was hoping if any of you could apany me to the meeting¡±


    No way. Never in a billion years.


    Our CEO aka. Mr. Ian Kingston is the man you wish you¡¯ll never meet. He¡¯s the handsome 29 year old bachelor billionaire to everyone else except the ATC employees. To us he¡¯s the devil himself.


    He¡¯s the chairman¡¯s son and also one of the most leading business tycoons in the entire world. He started young and been sessful ever since. Not a single failure.


    The main difference he has from others in the Forbes list is that he is very silent. He only speaks to those who he thinks is important. The others, they¡¯re just trash. He hates when others make noises or talk or do something that is out of the subject.


    You¡¯ll only make a sound if he allows you to. If not he¡¯ll give you the death re. The good thing is, he never scolds or shouts. But he would definitely not miss to give the HR department a call and tell to fire you the very next day.


    So yeah he¡¯s very popr for firing people. Even breathing in front of him could get you fired.


    In the ATC the most riskiest and the dangerous job you could ever have is the secretary job. And it¡¯s not the job as Mr. Kingston¡¯s secretary, but the job as secretary of any of the executives.


    Mr. Kingston¡¯s secretary, Mr. Daniel Collins is his long time friend. So that position is out of the picture. But if you get a job as a secretary of an executive, you would have to constantly go to meetings with Mr. Kingston.


    And that ends up with getting fired. No wonder our chief¡¯s secretary called in sick. She was ditching the meeting.


    ¡°Anyone?¡±


    My mind came reeling back to chief¡¯s words.


    ¡°Anyone likes to volunteer?¡± He asked hopefully and I almost felt bad. Almost. No matter how nice the chief is, none of us would ever risk our jobs.


    ¡°Lexi, you go¡± Our VP called Lexi and Lexi looked at her in horror.


    ¡°Umm¡­ ouch¡± She bent forward clutching her stomach. ¡°I have periods ma¡¯am. Oww¡­ Oh my gosh I think I¡¯ll pass out¡± She fanned herself with her hand. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can go¡­ Oh my god the pain¡± She cried dramatically.


    The VP muttered a curse under her breath and nced at me. ¡°Hailey, you go then¡±


    It was my turn to look at her in horror.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I asked in shock.


    The VP kept her hands on her hips and frowned at me. ¡°Are you questioning me Evans?¡±


    ¡°No-i¡¯m not ma¡¯am. But um¡­¡±


    Another thing, I¡¯m bad at lying.


    ¡°Go then¡±


    I couldn¡¯t defy her order so I stood up, reluctantly.


    ¡°Hailey it¡¯s so nice that you cane with me¡± The chief smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s go before Mr. Kingston gets mad¡±


    I faked a smile and followed him to the elevator and up to the top floor. While we were going he exined to me what I was supposed to do. It was nothing hard. Just give him the right files at the right time and help him with setting up the presentation.


    But even though it was nothing hard I feared that I would trip and fall in front of Mr. Kingston. Or do something more clumsy. I tend to do clumsy things when I¡¯m anxious.


    The elevator bell dinged and we walked out to the most deadly zone of the entirepany. The CEO¡¯s floor. He has his own staff and they call themselves the elite staff or some bull shit.


    But we all knew they needed to be respected. They stay with Mr. Kingston the whole day and more likely to get fired. But they¡¯re trained and well selected to their positions. So they knew how to work with him without losing their jobs.


    1 point to them- more like 1000 points and a bow of respect for them-and a little licking of feet.


    We walked to the end of the hall where the meeting room is. One side of the room is aplete ss wall and I could see the little humans walking on the streets. How nice.


    The heads of other departments started filling in and they took a seat at the table. Their secretaries stayed standing behind their respective chiefs and I did the same. After everyone arrived I saw another figure, a much more handsome and young maning in.


    He looked up at the executives and my breath hitched in my throat.


    It was Ian Kingston. I had never seen him this close before. It was always far away at an event or far away in the parking lot where VIP cars parked.


    And up close he was gorgeous- drop dead gorgeous. He had ck hair with deep blue eyes, a prominent jaw curved gracefully among the strength of his neck. He was over 6 feet tall and had strong arms, a firm chest rippling through his ck suit.


    He strode to the front of the room and pulled back his chair. Our chief was sitting next to the head chair so at the moment I was standing right next to Ian Kingston.


    And seeing him up close I did the worst possible thing I could¡¯ve ever done.


    I huped.

 02

    Ian tilted his head up and looked at me. Our gazes locked. For a moment I felt breathless as I stared at those eyes of his, the colour of midwinter sky that swirled with a thousand hues of blue. They were cold but warm at the same time and I felt hypnotised, wanting to get myself lost in them.


    His face showed no rage,pletely nk just like everyone else had said. A man void of emotions.


    And then I did it again. I huped.


    I gasped and covered my mouth with my hand. Dear lord what have I done?


    He raised a brow and I could already see the impending results of my actions in his eyes. The call I would receive from the HR department. My resignation letter.


    ¡°Ian!¡± A high pitched voice came from the hallway and Ian wrenched his gaze away from mine.


    ¡°Darling you there?¡± A tall red haired woman in a white tight dress came to the door. ¡°Oh I didn¡¯t know you were in a meeting¡± She giggled.


    A look of utter annoyance crossed over Ian¡¯s face.


    ¡°By the way¡± She approached him. ¡°I bought two dresses but I don¡¯t know what to wear for dinner-¡±


    ¡°Take her away!¡± Ian barked loudly, angercing his voice.


    Everyone standing and sitting looked up at Ian in shock and it took me a moment to realise what he just did. He reacted!


    He never gets angry, never gets happy but now the woman¡¯s presence made him go mad. And his mad self is more scarier than the calm deadly self. And for once I thought the HR call is an act of mercy.


    I¡¯d be happy to get the call than be the receiving end of his anger.


    Several people came and dragged the woman away, who screamed and yelled, demanding to be released. After the door closed behind them, Ian sat on his seat and started the meeting.


    I helped our chief with the files and from time to time I noticed him giving me looks of sympathy. Guess it¡¯s confirmed then. I¡¯m going to get fired. There goes all my dreams down the drain.


    ATC is one of the most highest payingpanies in the states and it¡¯s an honour to get employed here. They only choose the best and I was a lucky one. But not now. A damn hup ruined it all.


    How can life be this unfair?


    The meeting went on for another hour and thankfully Ian didn¡¯t nce at me even once. He only spoke a little words and mostly listened to others¡¯ ideas.


    Maybe it was because he was interested in them or maybe he was too bored to even speak. And I had a feeling it was thetter.


    And can somebody please tell me why I¡¯m calling him Ian and not Mr. Kingston?


    Jeez woman first name basis huh?


    Probably because he wouldn¡¯t be my boss at the end of the day.


    And why is that? A damn hup caused it.


    I was already preparing mentally for the call. But it was hard to make up my mind to let go of this job. I have friends here and the sry is very high. I don¡¯t want to leave.


    After the meeting ended I went back to the marketing department with a dejected look on my face.


    ¡°Yoo what happened? Did you see the hottie?¡± Lexi came and nudged my elbow.


    I nodded. ¡°And I huped in front of the hottie¡±


    Brian let out augh. ¡°That¡¯s a good joke¡±


    I neither smiled norughed, just gave him the same sorrowful expression I¡¯d been wearing all the way down the elevator.


    Seeing my humourless face Brian leaned forward in his chair. ¡°You don¡¯t- you really didn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Hailey¡± Lexi said in rm. ¡°You really didn¡¯t hup, did you? Please tell me you didn¡¯t¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I did¡±


    ¡°What do you mean you huped?¡± Brian shrieked and stood up from his chair.


    ¡°It means I huped¡±


    ¡°In front of Mr. Kingston?¡± Lexi asked.


    ¡°Yep¡± I sighed again. Oh my poor life. Oh my pathetic life.


    ¡°Are you fucking kidding me?¡± Lexi smacked my head and I groaned in pain. ¡°Ouch. It hurts¡±


    ¡°Are you insane? Why did you do that?¡±


    ¡°He was so handsome¡± Iined as if that would make any sense.


    ¡°What the fuck does it have to do with that?¡± Brian yelled and our coordinator hushed us. We gave him a small apology and sat in our chairs, pretending to go back to work.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna get fired, you know?¡± Lexi whispered.


    ¡°I know, I know¡± I threw my hands up. ¡°I could literally feel the Prescott dream leaving my bones¡±


    ¡°That Prescott dream is bullshit¡± Brian whispered loudly. ¡°You can never buy an apartment at the Prescott¡¯s¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I? Try try one day you can fly¡±


    ¡°You dumb or what?¡± Lexi asked. ¡°Only millionaires and billionaires live at the Prescott¡¯s¡±


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯ve been saving up for four years¡± I argued back.


    ¡°Right¡± Lexi rolled her eyes. ¡°Four years. Save up for another ten years and still you won¡¯t be able to even buy a toilet paper from the Prescott¡¯s¡±


    ¡°Have some faith people¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°And where did that faith ended up? With you getting fired¡±


    I looked at both of them in disbelief. ¡°Jeez people, don¡¯t rub it on my face¡±


    Across the table, n, who heard less important parts of our conversation, leaned in and whispered. ¡°Did you know that Mr. Kingston lives in a penthouse at the Prescott¡¯s?¡±


    My eyes widened and I turned to Lexi. ¡°Really? He does?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± She shrugged. ¡°He lives in the most expensive one¡±


    ¡°Damn. I suddenly want to be chairman¡¯s daughter¡±


    ¡°Chairman is a douchebag. So is his wife¡± Brian made a retching sound and I narrowed my eyes at him.


    He shrugged and leaned back on his chair. ¡°Ahh work is so boring¡± Brian yawned and put on his headphones and selected a song in his phone.


    ¡°Mr. Scott!!¡± The VP bellowed from the door. ¡°Are you listening to music?¡±


    Brian straighted up and hastily removed his headphones. ¡°No ma¡¯am. I was umm¡­ video calling with the sales department¡±


    Everyone in the roomughed and the VP¡¯s nostrils red in anger. ¡°You take me for a fool Mr. Scott?¡±


    ¡°No ma¡¯am¡±


    ¡°Then get back to work! Calcte the budget for the next campaign and send it to me in one hour¡±


    ¡°One hour?¡± Brian¡¯s pupils dted.


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°But we haven¡¯t even discussed anything or-¡±


    ¡°Just do what I say!!!¡± She screamed and everyone¡¯s winced at the sound. Then she turned on her heels and stormed out of the room.


    ¡°What a witch¡± Brian cursed and went back to working.


    I wasn¡¯t in a mood to work knowing this was myst day but nevertheless I gave it a shot. Better do a majestic leaving right?


    I spent the day running from marketing to finance and then back again, doing the usual. At the end of the day it wasn¡¯t a majestic leaving but a typical and a sad one.


    I still didn¡¯t receive the call so I assumed I might get itter today or tomorrow morning. Nevertheless the result was the same. Me dropping to the position ¡®jobless¡¯.


    As I was packing my things Ashley, one of the employees here came running to us.


    ¡°Hey guys did you hear?¡± She panted heavily, her breathing ragged.


    ¡°Hear what?¡± Lexi asked.


    ¡°Mr. Kingston fired our chief¡¯s secretary¡±

 03

    Brian, Lexi and I looked at each other in shock.


    ¡°He mistook you for her¡± Lexi said in disbelief.


    ¡°Oh God no¡± I shook my head and slumped into my chair, feeling guilt creep inside me. ¡°Mr. Kingston doesn¡¯t know my name. He probably would¡¯ve told the HR to fire the chief¡¯s secretary¡±


    I ran my fingers through my hair. ¡°What do I do? I made the real secretary lose her job¡±


    ¡°Stay quiet¡± Lexi suggested.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Brian asked in an using tone. ¡°What if it was you? What if you got fired because of someone else¡¯s mistake?¡±


    ¡°That secretary-¡± Lexi stepped forward. ¡°purposely took the sick leave. It¡¯s not the first time she did it to ditch a meeting¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that. What if she¡¯s actually sick?¡±


    ¡°If you want proof, check her boyfriend¡¯s insta stories¡± Lexi spat angrily.


    ¡°Guys shut up!¡± I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself. ¡°I¡¯m going to turn in¡±


    ¡°What?¡± They both screamed at the same time.


    Brian came and sat next to me. ¡°You don¡¯t have to resign. Maybe¡­ talk it out with Mr. Kingston¡±


    ¡°Are you stupid Brian?¡± Lexi asked with her hands on her hips. ¡°Do you think Mr. Kingston will say oh thank you for making things right. Maybe I should take my words back and not fire you. A good employee like you deserve a second chance¡± She said dramatically.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what I meant¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re clearly stupid¡±


    ¡°Guys¡± I held up my hands. ¡°For once stop arguing¡± I looked at both of them and waited till they rx. ¡°I¡¯m going to call the chief first¡± I took my phone out and started dialling the Chief.


    He picked up in three rings. ¡°Hello¡±


    ¡°Hello Sir, it¡¯s me, Hailey¡±


    ¡°Oh Hailey, uh.. I guess you heard the news¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± I answered with guilt. ¡°I¡¯ll umm¡­ resign Sir¡± I said reluctantly. I didn¡¯t want to lose the job but it was the right thing to do.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything reckless now. We¡¯ll talk about this tomorrow. Come to my office at 8¡± Then he cut the call.


    I kept my phone down and looked at it in despair.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Lexi asked impatiently.


    ¡°He said toe to his office tomorrow¡± I leaned back in my chair and signed. ¡°How can Ie to work when I¡¯m supposed to be fired?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink. Go home and have a good rest¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to sleep at all¡±


    ¡­


    It was next morning and I knocked on the cheif¡¯s door.


    ¡°Come in¡± The chief called and I walked in.


    The first thing I noticeding here was that the secretary desk at the front of chief¡¯s office was empty. And it was all my fault. I made a big fat mistake and now I should do something before it gets any messier.


    ¡°Oh Hailey,e and sit please¡± Chief gestured to the sofa at the middle of the room.


    I sat on it and someone brought me a cup of coffee. ¡°Thank you-¡± I looked up and my eyes widened in shock. It was the chief¡¯s secretary.


    ¡°I- you how-¡± I stuttered.


    ¡°I came to pack my things¡± She gave me a small smile and I felt guilt bubbling inside me at a tremendous speed.


    ¡°Gosh I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to-i¡¯m sorry¡±


    I felt deeply embarrassed by my actions yesterday. Not for huping though. I mean- uhh you can¡¯t control it. me the stupid CEO for it. That arrogant narcissistic rude bastard. But I should have resigned the moment I heard the news. I should¡¯ve set things right.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve never liked working here anyways¡± She took a seat across from me and smiled. ¡°I mean the chief is good but being the chief¡¯s secretary means I have to constantly see the CEO and it¡¯s suffocating¡± She said in a pained tone.


    ¡°I always wanted to quit but I feared I wouldn¡¯t find a job with a sry like this again. But now that I¡¯m fired for something I didn¡¯t do, the chief felt guilty and rmended me to anotherpany. He knows their boss and they said they would take me in¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re- leaving?¡± I asked with uncertainty.


    She nodded. ¡°The sry over there is also good and the work environment is much less stressful. I¡¯ll go. You can keep your job here¡±


    I blinked. Wait what? Keep the job?


    I turned to the chief. ¡°Sir, wouldn¡¯t I be deceiving the CEO then?¡±


    ¡°He fires too many people. He won¡¯t even remember you. It¡¯ll be okay as long as you stay out of his way¡±


    ¡°But-¡± I straighted up. ¡°Why are you doing this? I mean, this is risky¡±


    The chief shrugged. ¡°Mr. Kingston is good in his work but I don¡¯t approve the way he handles his employees. Firing someone for a hup? That is absurd¡± He shook his head in disapproval.


    ¡°So umm¡­I can keep the job?¡± I felt a new surge of hope building within me. Is this really happening?Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Chief nodded and then his face turned all serious. ¡°But make sure not toe face to face with the CEO. No one has ever done this before and getting caught would put both of us in trouble¡±


    ¡°Okay chief¡± I stood up happily. ¡°And thank you¡±


    The chief dismissed me and I walked out of the room. My friends were already waiting outside the door, their ears glued to the walls.


    Seeing me they jumped up and sprinted towards me. ¡°What happened? What happened? Tell us quickly!¡±


    I told them the entire story and they gave me a bone crushing hug.


    ¡°Aww I¡¯m so proud¡± Lexi squealed. ¡°You pulled a trick no one has ever done. You decieved the CEO¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have if I didn¡¯t have any choice¡± I stated firmly.


    ¡°And-¡± I spun in a circle  ¡°I¡¯m back Prescott!!!¡± I chirped merrily and both Brian and Lexi groaned.


    ¡°Just give up¡±


    ¡°Never¡± I shook my head.


    Within a few seconds my friends gave up trying to convince me and we began walking down the hallway.


    ¡°CEO alert!¡± Lexi cried out and mmed us to the wall.


    ¡°What-¡± I turned and saw Ian and his secretary, Daniel striding forward in the hallway.


    We quickly turned around and faced the wall, hiding our faces from the devil and his side kick.


    ¡°Shit. What should I do?¡± I cried. ¡°Jump out of the window?¡±


    ¡°We are not so high up. You won¡¯t die if you jump¡±


    ¡°Are you serious-¡±


    ¡°They¡¯reing! They¡¯reing!¡± Lexi whisper yelled.


    I bit my lip feeling helpless, my palms sweating with anxiety.


    ¡°Tie your shoesces¡± Brian suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯m wearing heels¡±


    ¡°Then tie your heels!¡±


    ¡°What-¡± Brian pushed me down to the ground and I almost fell on my face.


    From the corner of my eyes I saw them nearing us. Ian had an irritated look on his face, he red at all the employees who made eye contact with him. And the employees? I bet they rather wished they were dead.


    Daniel on the other hand was doing the guard job. He was on alert, his eyes inspecting everyone, checking if anyone was a potential threat.


    And Lexi, she was giving the biggest smile of the century.


    One, she has a weakness for handsome men- even if they are rude as hell.


    Two, when she tries to hide something she gives the weirdest forced smiles.


    And now she was looking very very suspicious. Jeez Lexi!


    Daniel who noticed the smile frowned at her. Lexi tried her best to conceal her flushed face but she failed miserably. She was blushing so so hard.


    Thankfully Daniel didn¡¯t nce at me as he was too busy ring at Lexi. And only when they walked past us, did I feel like breathing again.


    ¡°Oh my god¡± I exhaled loudly and sat on the ground. ¡°That was so scary¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s so freaking handsome!¡± Lexi cried out and both Brian and I rolled our eyes.


    ¡°Hailey¡± Brian crouched down next to me. ¡°You should avoid the CEO from now on¡±


    ¡°Yep¡± Lexi knelt down. ¡°And we are-¡± she raised her hands up, imitating the VP ¡°the Kingston avoiding squad¡±


    Got it. Avoid the Kingston.


    But everything doesn¡¯t go as nned, does it?

 04

    ¡°He¡¯sing. Duck!¡± All three of us hid under the receptionist¡¯s desk as Mr. Kingston entered the building with his secretary by the side.


    Three days passed and so far no problems. For the past few days we had been tracking every movement of Ian Kingston. His time of arrival, time of leaving, where he goes for lunch, which department he usually visits, who he meet with etc.


    We made notes of everything so that I could use them to avoid meeting him in the future. I beganing half an hour earlier than him and left half an hour after him.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if he remembers me but better be safe than sorry.


    ¡°What are y¡¯all doing?¡± The receptionist frowned at us. ¡°Get out of my desk¡±


    ¡°Shh¡± Brian kept a finger to his lips and hushed her.


    The receptionist, who had a thin line of patience, stood up from her chair and looked down at us furiously. ¡°Either go to your floors or I¡¯ll call the security¡±


    Brian groaned and peeked over the desk at the lobby. ¡°He¡¯s gone. We can go now¡±


    We all came out of the desk and Lexi took her notebook out to write the new found information. ¡°So now we knows that no matter howte he sleeps, he always arrives on time¡±


    Oh yes we know everything. We knew he had ate dinner with Mr. Wills, the chairman of ENCOMst night. We knew at what time he came out of the restaurant, we knew at what time he went home.


    And yes, we became, Kingston¡¯s crazy stalkers.


    Not a proud title but very satisfying knowing I had a chance of ¡®not getting caught¡¯.


    We took the elevator and went back to our floor to find a glowering VP. ¡°Mr. Scott, Miss Evans and Miss Benson, you werete for the morning speech!¡±


    Oops.


    ¡°Next time youete, I¡¯ll report you to the chief¡± She threatened and stormed out of the room in fury.


    ¡°As if chief would listen to her¡± Brian muttered as we sat down.


    ¡°So¡± I turned to Lexi. ¡°Show me the notebook. What did you gather?¡±


    She gave it to me and I flipped through the pages. Lexi had somehow managed to get hold of Ian¡¯s schedule and it was a blessing. Now I could use it to avoid going to events where he would be present.


    I dragged my finger down the calendar inside the notebook and stopped at one date. ¡°What is this? Fiance announcing day?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Mr. Kingston is going to announce his fiance to the public at thepany anniversary party¡±


    ¡°He has a fiance?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°I mean how- when did it happen?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°Well everybody¡¯s talking about it but you obviously live under a rock, so you wouldn¡¯t know¡± She said mockingly and I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Anyways, weeks ago the story about Mr. Kingston having a fiance got leaked to the media. And the public went nuts. You know, he¡¯s the hot handsome bachelor billionaire that everyone wants to marry¡± She said with a slight frustrated tone.


    ¡°I mean Mr. Kingston is handsome. Like very. But Daniel-¡± She fanned herself. ¡°He¡¯s the hottest version of hot hot¡±


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Brian scowled.


    ¡°Back to the story Lexi¡± I said impatiently.


    ¡°Fine. So the media kept pestering the Kingston family asking who she is. And Mr. Kingston¡¯s mother said that her son would introduce her at thepany anniversary party¡±


    ¡°Damn. How can someone so scary like Ian has a fiance?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    ¡°I know right¡± Lexi sighed. ¡°Wait¡± She turned to me. ¡°Did you just call the CEO by his first name?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I shrugged. ¡°No one heard¡±


    ¡°I heard¡± n said across the table.


    ¡°Uhh¡± All three of us groaned at the same time.


    After studying the CEO¡¯s calendar we went back to working. And it was nearly lunch time when I got up to go to the washroom.


    I was washing my hands when a woman came crashing out of a stall, bawling her eyes out. She grabbed a bunch of tissues from her purse and wiped her face but the tears wouldn¡¯t stop falling.


    Her make up was smudged and her hair was a mess. At the moment she looked like a monster from hell that it took me almost a minute to recognise her.


    It was the same woman I saw at the executive¡¯s meeting. The woman with red hair. The woman who called Ian ¡®darling¡¯ yuck.


    She took her phone out and started dialling a number. As the other end picked up, she began crying to the phone. ¡°You promised me. You promised me I could marry him. You promised me!¡± She wept horrendously.


    ¡°But your son doesn¡¯t want to marry me. He hates me. He doesn¡¯t even look at me. He always tells me to fuck off¡± She took more tissues out and blew her nose.


    Whoever was on the other end said something that ticked her off because  suddenly she started screaming. ¡°NOOO I WANT TO MARRY IAN SOON. I CAN¡¯T WAIT!!! AAAHHH I HATE YOU¡±


    She screamed so loud that I staggered back to the wall, looking frightened. Jesus this woman scared the shit out of me. She¡¯s definitely from hell.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ming tomorrow also¡± She said, determined. ¡°I¡¯m not stopping. I¡¯lle to his office early in the morning. I¡¯ll have him soon¡± Then she cut the call and stormed out of the washroom, not caring who else listened to the call.


    Example  me.


    Wait.


    Did she say Ian?


    Oh my god. My eyes widened. She¡¯s the fiance. Shit, I gotta tell this to Lexi and Brian.


    I sprinted out of the washroom and ran to our desk, almost knocking Lexi out of her chair.


    ¡°What the hell Hailey? Calm down¡±


    ¡°No time to calm down. Listen¡± I told them the entire story and with each second their eyes kept getting bigger and bigger until I feared it would pop out of their sockets.


    ¡°This is so awesome¡± Lexi squealed. ¡°Brian let¡¯s arrive one hour earlier. Who knows, we might see her tomorrow¡±


    Brian nodded with a huge grin on his lips. ¡°Hailey, youing with us?¡±


    ¡°Hell no¡± I shook my head. ¡°I need my beauty sleep. I alreadye half an hour earlier to avoid the devil. That¡¯s my maximum capacity¡±


    ¡­


    I looked up at the towering building above me and stretched my arms up. ¡°Ahh I¡¯m so sleepy¡± I yawned and bent my hips to the sides, doing my morning exercise routine in front of the ATC entrance.


    The security frowned and I gave them the army salute. ¡°Good morning gentlemen¡±


    Their frown deepened and Iughed before walking inside.


    It was the next morning and I arrived here alone today since those two buggers came early to see a fiance. How nice.


    I took my phone out and gave them a call. ¡°Found her yet?¡±


    ¡°She lied¡± Lexi spat. ¡°She didn¡¯te. We searched the entire building. I mean if you fight for a man, at least do it right. She should¡¯ve held on to her words¡± Lexiined. ¡°I lost my sleep ahhh¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Good thing I didn¡¯te. I¡¯m at the lobby now. Wait for me at the elevator¡±


    ¡°Okay, your highness¡±


    I snorted and tucked the phone inside my handbag.


    As I walked to the elevator I saw it¡¯s doors closing. ¡°Wait¡± I ran.


    ¡°Wait for me¡± I ran and put my hand through, preventing the doors from closing.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    The doors began opening again and I looked up with a smile.


    But it quickly faded away.


    Because I was looking directly at Ian fucking Kingston.

 05

    His eyes studied me, his gaze lingering on my hazel eyes and then on my red lips. And slowly, I could see his face flicker with amusement as recognition dawned upon him.


    I gulped anxiously, tightening my fingers around the straps of my handbag. In that moment I knew I had ruined everything. Not just for me but also for the chief.


    Seeing my frightened face Ian cocked his head to the side, giving me a small lop sided smirk.


    Daniel stepped forward. ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Kingston fire you-¡± But Ian raised his hand, cutting him off.


    Still wearing that amused smirk on his lips, he stepped back, giving me space to walk in. But being unable to grasp his intentions clearly, I stayed glued there, staring back at him.


    Ian raised a questioning brow and I bit my lip in jitter. I didn¡¯t want to be the cause of his anger at the moment so hesitantly, I stepped inside and the elevator doors closed behind me.


    Now I stood face to face with the most handsome bachelor billionaire of NYC, Ian Kingston. He had that appearance of a one who sees right through your heart and would take your soul away without a word.


    And just like that, I couldn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t lift a single finger up. I stayed frozen on the spot, staring deep into his blue eyes.


    And then my breath hitched as he leaned down, his face only inches away from mine, his breath fanning against my soft cheeks. He pinned his hand to the wall beside me and my eyes widened in shock.


    What¡¯s happening?


    He wrenched his gaze away from mine to something on the side and then only did I realise he was pressing the elevator button to his floor.


    I blushed. My gosh did I really romanticize our positions when he just leaned down to press the button?


    Feeling embarassed I quickly turned around and raised my hand up to press the button to the marketing floor but Ian¡¯s hand came over mine and he did it for me.


    As he did, his fingers touched mine and I felt a shiver run up my spine. I quickly retrieved my hand and blushed in all possible shades of red.


    Shit.


    Muttering a curse under my breath, I moved to the side, far away from him. But I could still see him watching me and the way he was looking like I was some kind of amusing creature  Gosh! I could shrink into a thin particle of air.


    Daniel was scowling and I knew exactly why. I defied his boss, I tricked him. And now I fear the consequences.


    I knew I would lose the job, that¡¯s for sure. But the chief? What will he do to him? The chief has a family. He has children!


    The elevator bell dinged and it¡¯s doors opened. Standing on the other side were Lexi and Brian.


    ¡°Hey Hailey¡± Lexi grinned. ¡°I saw someone simr-¡± Her smile fell and her expression turned into utter horror. Brian¡¯s jaw fell to the floor and he looked at the man beside me inplete astonishment.


    I cleared my throat and walked out like nothing happened. But on the inside, I was in a turmoil. My god, what am going to do? Shit shit shit.


    And when I heard the elevator doors close behind me, I copsed to the floor.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Hailey!!!¡± Lexi screamed in panic. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡±


    ¡°I want to die¡± I sniffled and leaned my back on the cold hard floor. ¡°I can¡¯t-¡± I swallowed rest of the words, still not believing what happened seconds ago.


    ¡°Hailey¡± Brian said. ¡°How did it happen? I mean, why the hell did he arrive early?¡±


    ¡°I can cry right now¡± I said as I stared at the ceiling above me.


    ¡°Shit¡± Lexi folded her arms above her head and started pacing around. ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    Brian leaned on the wall and closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to have a panic attack¡±


    The other elevator opened and a group people came out. They gave me weird looks and some even walked over me.


    ¡°Look at me! I¡¯ve been stepped over¡± I cried. ¡°No one cares for me¡±


    ¡°Stop being so dramatic. What are we going to do now?¡±


    ¡°First cry then-¡± I breathed. ¡°hand over the resignation letter¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s so simple now that you got caught for deceiving the CEO?¡±


    ¡°I just huped¡± I whined.


    ¡°It¡¯s more than a hup now. Go and talk to the chief¡±


    I sat straight. ¡°I can¡¯t put him in more trouble¡±


    ¡°You already put him in more trouble¡± Lexi gave me a pointed look. ¡°Now up on your feet¡± She ordered and I warily stood up.


    I followed her to the chief¡¯s room and on our way there, we saw many people sitting on the chairs of either sides of the hallway.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked Lexi.


    ¡°Today is the interview to select a new secretary for the chief¡±


    ¡°Great¡± I sighed. ¡°If I get the chief fired then I¡¯m also gonna get the new secretary fired¡±


    ¡°Executives don¡¯t get fired that easily¡± Brian grumbled. ¡°But he¡¯ll be in great trouble. And you on the other hand-¡± He looked at me. ¡°will be wiped off the face of the earth¡±


    ¡°Aww thanks for the sweet words Brian¡± I said sarcastically.


    Lexi knocked on the chief¡¯s door.


    ¡°Come in¡±


    We walked inside and the chief looked up with a smile. ¡°What brings you children here?¡±


    ¡°Hailey got caught¡± Lexi said and I looked at her in disbelief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it so straight forward¡± I hissed.


    ¡°Shut up¡± Lexi hissed back.


    The chief pursed his lips into a thin line and signed heavily. ¡°Well we can¡¯t do anything now¡± He leaned back on his chair. ¡°We just have to wait for the consequences¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry chief¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right. You can¡¯t hide from him forever. Did he recognise you?¡±


    ¡°I think so¡± I shrugged. ¡°He smiled¡±


    ¡°He smiled?¡± Chief asked me in shock.


    I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Well I think it¡¯s a smirk but-¡±


    ¡°Jesus! You are in great trouble Hailey¡±


    ¡°How am I in trouble?¡± I asked in confusion. ¡°I mean I¡¯m already in trouble. But you know what I mean-¡±


    ¡°When Ian Kingston reacts to you that means you are in grave danger¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Right. I just have quickly hand over my resignation letter right?¡± I nodded to myself. ¡°Yeah that¡¯s it. Gotta go¡± I turned on my heel. ¡°and sorry chief¡±


    I sprinted out the door and raced to my desk. I quickly turned on myputer and began typing my resignation letter.


    With my work experience and my qualifications I might find another good job. Not as high paying as this but at least I wouldn¡¯t have to hide and feel guilty all the time


    ¡°Are you really quitting?¡± Lexi came and asked in shock.


    ¡°Do I have a choice? I don¡¯t want to get on the bad side of a freaking CEO. I¡¯ve heard enough stories to know how dangerous it can be. And-¡± I pounded on my chest. ¡°a hard working employee like me can get a job anywhere. I¡¯m not boasting but you know what I mean-¡±


    ¡°Hailey¡± Our VP called and I looked up.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡±


    She was staring weirdly at the telephone on top of her desk, almost uncertain of it¡¯s entire purpose. ¡°M-Mr. Kingston wants to speak to you personally¡±


    She nced up. ¡°What the hell did you do Hailey?¡±

 06

    I knocked on the door but no response. I knocked again.


    ¡°You can go inside¡± I turned as Daniel spoke next to me.


    ¡°Okay¡± I hesitantly opened the door and walked in.


    I was inside arge room with a leather couch in the middle and a coal ck bookcase lining the entire left hand wall. In it were rows and rows of books about business and on either sides of it were tworge nts protruding from it¡¯s marble pots.


    At the front was a silver table with aptop and a ss desk sign that read Ian¡¯s name and his position. Everything in here was neatly ced and for some reason I felt frightened. As I should be duh!


    I trailed my eyes upward and saw Ian Kingston, standing in front of the ss wall, staring at the city below him.


    I swallowed anxiously and slowly walked forward, stopping at the front of his desk.


    ¡°Hailey Evans, isn¡¯t it?¡± He asked with his cold steel voice.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Kingston¡± I wiped my mmy hands on my pants and tried my best to sound normal.


    ¡°It seems I have made a mistake¡± He said reluctantly. ¡°But you-¡± He turned. ¡°without correcting it, used it for your own benefit¡± His voice came out as an insult and I felt deeply offended.


    ¡°Sir I-¡±


    ¡°Did I tell you to speak Miss Evans?¡± He raised a brow and I mped my mouth shut.


    ¡°You made another person lose their job¡± He took several steps towards me. ¡°You were selfish, arrogant and inconsiderate. Am I right, Miss Evans?


    Hearing his insults, I took a sharp intake of breath to control myself from wing at his face.


    ¡°Mr. Kingston¡± I forced a smile to my lips. ¡°May I say a few words before you fire me?¡±


    He leaned against his table and folded his arms across his chest. ¡°Go on¡±


    ¡°You. Fucking. Asshole!¡± I bursted out and the corners of his lips twitched up into a smile.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°You egotistical self centered piece of shit! How dare you use me of being selfish, arrogant and inconsiderate?¡± I strode forward and jabbed my finger on his chest. ¡°You of all people¡±


    Without getting irked by my words his smile widened and that only made my blood boil faster.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who makes people lose  their jobs. You cause it. And you think you are a saint Ian Kingston?¡± I asked through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Egotistical and self centered are synonymous¡± He answered.


    I wrinkled my nose. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°They are synonyms¡±


    ¡°What does it have to do with anything?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no fun cussing in simr words¡± He smirked. ¡°Say something else¡±


    I blinked. Is he insane? ¡°Okay. Umm you-you¡± I stuttered, searching for words. ¡°Son of a bastard¡±


    Ianughed. ¡°You mean, son of a bitch?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to curse your mother¡±


    ¡°Oh you¡¯ll want to in the future¡±


    I frowned. What does that even mean?


    I shook it off and continued.


    ¡°Anyways, before you called I was halfway through writing my resignation letter. So I¡¯m not a selfish, arrogant and an inconsiderate person like you said. I¡¯m much much much better¡± I pointed out. ¡°And right now I have to go and finish it. So I¡¯ll leave¡± I turned around. ¡°Bye! See you in hell¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not done, Miss Evans¡±


    I spun around. ¡°What is it that you want?¡±


    He smirked. ¡°Oh Miss Evans I want a lot of things but right now I want you to stay¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked in confusion.


    He straighted up and tucked his hands inside his pockets. ¡°I¡¯m not firing you. You can keep your job¡±


    I furrowed my eyebrows. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Are you questioning me when you should be thankful?¡±


    Again I inhaled deeply and mentally counted to ten to calm myself. ¡°I mean why are you making an exception?¡±


    He pursed his lips, thinking hard. ¡°Well I don¡¯t want to make an exception just because you¡¯re pretty but for different reasons, I have to¡±


    Did he just call me pretty? I quickly ignored it and continued. ¡°I¡¯m feeling very very suspicious right now¡±


    ¡°You should¡±


    ¡°Mr. Kingston¡± I breathed. ¡°The speed at which my blood is boiling right now- I could go to a hospital¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re very funny Miss Evans¡± He stepped forward. ¡°But I still haven¡¯t forgotten what you did. You deceived me. You defied me¡± He leaned in until our noses were almost touching. I forgot to breath for a moment, my heart elerating. His gaze flickered over to my lips and then back to my eyes. A smirk slowly curled in his lips. ¡°And there will be consequences¡±


    My eyes widened and he smiled.¡±You¡¯re dismissed¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°That son of a bitch!¡± I cursed out as we walked through the parking lot.


    ¡°I thought you don¡¯t curse mothers¡± Lexi said in surprise.


    ¡°He said I¡¯ll want to in the future. So I¡¯m practicing¡±


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Brian cried out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know okay?¡± I threw my hands up. ¡°Nothing he said made sense¡±


    ¡°Well the good thing is you don¡¯t have to hide anymore¡± Lexi nudged my elbow. ¡°And you can keep your job¡±


    ¡°Plus¡± Brian jumped in. ¡°Mr. Kingston spoke to you. That means he considers you as important¡±


    ¡°I rather be trash than be important to him¡±


    ¡°But if you-¡±


    ¡°Miss Benson¡± We turned as someone called Lexi.


    It was Daniel Collins. He strode towards us and red at Lexi. ¡°Did you threaten one of our staff to give you the CEO¡¯s schedule?¡±


    Lexi¡¯s jaw dropped in shock. ¡°Threaten? Is that what she told you?¡±


    Daniel stayed silent, waiting impatiently for Lexi¡¯s answer.


    She scoffed. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. I asked her, well-¡± She paused. ¡°Not in a nice way but that doesn¡¯t equal to being threatened¡±


    ¡°So you did?¡± Daniel raised a brow. ¡°You asked for something that you¡¯re not supposed to have?¡±


    ¡°We asked it for survival¡± Lexi whined and I could see Daniel¡¯s face getting red with anger.


    ¡°Give it back¡± He demanded.


    Lexi muttered a curse under her breath and took her notebook out, in which she had clipped the schedule.


    Daniel grabbed it and flipped through the pages. He read the part that had  ¡®tips on how to avoid the Kingston¡¯ and I was positive I would die out of embarrassment if he goes and tell it to his boss.


    ¡°Miss Evans¡± I looked up as he called me.


    He was reading the paragraph where Lexi wrote, ¡®avoid going into any event where the CEO would be present¡¯.


    ¡°You must attend every event where your attendance is required¡± He stated firmly.


    ¡°What if I do not?¡± I asked in a challenging tone.


    ¡°If you do not-¡± He closed the book. ¡°there will be consequences¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, you too?¡± I threw my head back in annoyance. ¡°Uhh I already heard it from one guy. I don¡¯t need his minion repeating it¡±


    Daniel scowled at the word minion and I felt guilty for talking so thoughtlessly.


    ¡°Oh sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to offend¡± But my apology only deepened his scowl.


    He took a deep breath. ¡°Miss Evans, as I said you must attend every event where you attendance is required. And thepany anniversary party, it¡¯s a must that everyone attend¡± He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Including you¡± He paused and said in a more demanding tone. ¡°Specially you¡±


    Then he turned on his heels and walked back the way he came in.


    ¡°Specially me?¡± I frowned. ¡°Why is that? Does Ian Kingston want to show me his fiance and prove that he also can be human once in a while?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± Lexi shook her head. ¡°But I have a feeling something bad is going to happen¡±

 07

    I angled my skateboard to the ground and pushed off, skating towards the ATC with my earphones plugged into my ears.


    I gave my usual good morning salute to the security and rode inside the lobby.


    Hanging from the two tall pirs on either sides was arge banner that read ¡®Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ATC¡¯ oh yes I forgot to mention. Today is the big day.


    Not as the ¡®annivesary big day¡¯ but as the ¡®fiance big day¡¯.


    It¡¯s what everybody had been talking about for the past two weeks. Be it the press, the public or the employees  simply everyone. And me, I love gossip


    This fiance thing was such a big deal because no one, not even the paparazzi had ever seen the young handsome billionaire dating anyone in his entire life.


    So for that reason the amount of drama that had been happening here for the past few weeks is enough to change Ian Kingston¡¯s name into Ian Kardashian.


    As of example,st week we literally had the paparazzi breaking into ourpany like some thieves.


    And one even snapped a photo of me trying to gulp down a sandwich in the middle of a meeting. Ha not very cool when our VP saw the picture.


    ¡°ARE YOU FREAKING SKATING INSIDE THE OFFICE?¡± Someone screamed in my ear and I toppled over the skateboard, falling t on my butt.


    ¡°Ouch¡± I groaned and looked up to see our VP glowering down at me with her hands on her hips.


    ¡°What kind of indecency is this Evans? And-and¡± Her eyes fell on my sneakers and her nostrils red. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you wearing heels?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡± I racked my brain for an excuse. ¡°B-because today is not that much of a working day¡± I winced at how stupid it sounds.


    ¡°And why do you think like that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s thepany anniversary¡± I gave her a cheeky smile and her face twisted into an angry scowl.


    ¡°You, Evans-¡± She pointed a finger at me. ¡°I¡¯ll show you how much of a working day today can be¡± Then she turned on her heels and went on her way.


    I groaned and wearily got up. Witch I muttered a curse under my breath and dusted off my pants. Knowing our VP would break my skateboard if I take it to our floor, I hid it behind a nt pot in the lobby before going back to the marketing department.


    ¡­


    ¡°So¡± Lexi spun in her chair. ¡°I have two dresses but I can¡¯t select what to wear. What do you think? Blue or white¡±


    ¡°Blue?¡± I scrunched up my nose. ¡°Well send me a picture of it. Then I¡¯ll select¡±


    ¡°Okie dokie¡± She nodded. ¡°So what are you going to wear tonight?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± I kept my chin on my palm and pouted. ¡°I have to see¡±


    ¡°Brian, what are you going to wear?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna wear a red dress withces¡± Brian said sarcastically and I snorted, seeing Lexi¡¯s lips curl into a frown.


    ¡°Stupid Brian¡± Lexi stuck her tongue out and angrily went back to working.


    ¡°Hailey¡± The VP bellowed from across the room.


    What now? I mumbled and looked up. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡±


    ¡°Come here¡± She demanded.


    Reluctantly I walked over to her and she threw a file to my hand. ¡°Take this to Mr. Lambert. He needs it immediately¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lambert?¡± I almost yelled.


    ¡°Yes¡± The VP leaned back in her chair and narrowed her eyes at me. ¡°Is there any problem Evans?¡±


    ¡°H-he¡± I stuttered. ¡°He¡¯s one of the CEO¡¯s staff¡±


    ¡°So?¡± VP raised a brow. ¡°Are you defying my orders now?¡±Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I shook my head. ¡°No ma¡¯am sorry¡± I forced a smile to my lips. ¡°I¡¯ll go¡± fuck!


    Since ourst encounter two weeks ago I haven¡¯t seen Ian Kingston  which is a good thing.


    Neither he nor his minion decided to suddenly materialize to mention the ¡®consequences¡¯  which is also a good thing. So my life went pretty much back to normal, except for the hectic bustle in the ATC thanks to an anonymous fiance.


    But now I fear it¡¯s going to change. Will he show me the consequences he mentioned earlier? Oh God help me!


    With dread I took the elevator and went up to the CEO¡¯s floor. As I reached, I scanned the floor for Mr. Lambert but he was nowhere to be found.


    I plodded to one of the employees and asked. ¡°Excuse me. Where¡¯s Mr. Lambert?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in a meeting with the CEO¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± At the mention of CEO sweat started trickling down my forehead. ¡°Can you go and give this file to him? He needs it immediately¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not your assistant¡± She stated in an emotionless tone while tapping on her keyboard, not sparing a nce at me.


    Damn these ¡®elite¡¯ staff. I took a deep breath to calm my temper and crossed the hall to the meeting room.


    I cleared my throat several times, then wiped the sweat in my forehead before finally knocking on the door.


    Daniel opened it and immediately, my eyes traveled over his shoulder to Ian Kingston, who was sitting at the head of the table talking to Mr. Lambert and a few others.


    My grip on the file tightened and at that moment all I wanted to do was just disappear. I was doing such a good job in avoiding that arrogant stupid narcissistic bastard but now all was in vain.


    Mr. Lambert¡¯s eyes fell on me. ¡°Are you from the marketing?¡±


    As he asked, Ian turned and our eyes met. I stopped breathing. Seeing me, the corners of his lips curled into an amused smile and he leaned back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on me.


    And I had to be happy that I didn¡¯t drop dead instantly.


    ¡°Come in. Did you bring the proposal?¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± I wrenched my gaze away from Ian to Mr. Lambert. ¡°Oh yes the file. Yeah ummm¡­ I have it¡±


    Gathering up all the courage I could muster up I strode to the front of the table and gave the file to Mr. Lambert. And the entire time Ian watched me with that smirk of his.


    His eye traveled down my body to my breast to my hips and then to my legs, almost as if he was sizing me up.


    I frowned. Pervert


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry what?¡± Mr. Lambert asked.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked back in shock.


    ¡°You said something¡±


    Shit! I had said it out loud. Immediately my gaze fell on Ian and I could see him stifling hisughter, a hand over his mouth.


    ¡°Nothing¡± I forced a smile to my lips. ¡°I said nothing. Umm¡­ I¡¯ll go now¡±


    I quickly scrambled out of the meeting room and mmed myself on the wall with a hand over my heart.


    Oh my god! That was so embarrassing.


    ¡­


    ¡°Ten dors that she¡¯s a blond¡± n kept his money on the table.


    ¡°Ten dors that she¡¯s a brte¡±


    I grinned and leaned over the table to keep my money. ¡°100 dors that she¡¯s a red head¡±


    ¡°If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t do that¡± Liam, an employee of the HR gave me a pointed look.


    ¡°Oh please. I¡¯m good at guessing¡±


    Brian leaned in to whisper in my ear. ¡°This is cheating¡±


    ¡°Shh¡± I hushed him. ¡°It¡¯s not if no one knows¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going straight to hell¡± Lexi muttered next to me.


    We were at thepany cafeteria having our lunch. And one from the sales department decided to make bets on the appearance of the fiance and I realised it was my time to shine.


    We had joined several tables together and half thepany stood surrounding it to ce their bets.


    ¡°So the next one, make bets on her height¡±


    ¡°5, 5¡± One kept his money.


    ¡°5, 7¡± Another did the same.


    I was about to put mine when a delivery man came in, holding a package in his hand.


    ¡°Anyone name Hailey Evans?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s me¡± I raised a hand up.


    I signed the document he extended and took the package from him. But there wasn¡¯t any name of the sender in it. I asked the delivery man but he said he didn¡¯t know either.


    Weird.


    I ced the package on the table and everyone leaned in to get a good view of it. With the help of Lexi, I unwrapped the box and opened it¡¯s lid.


    From the inside I pulled out a beautiful floor length off shoulder ck dress that had a high slit traveling up to the thigh.


    ¡°Wow¡± Lexi gasped. ¡°That looks damn expensive¡±


    I narrowed my eyes in confusion. Who send it? I checked the box again and found a small note at the bottom, pinned to a red rose.


    I took the note out and read it,


    Wear it to the party tonight.


    Brian scowled. ¡°Hailey, you have some secret lover we don¡¯t know of?¡±


    ¡°I keep no secrets from you guys¡± I said while still staring at the note in shock.


    ¡°Maybe¡± Ashley leaned in from across the table. ¡°Someone in thepany who has a crush on you sent it¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I quirked an eyebrow in joy. ¡°That is so romantic¡± I giggled. ¡°Any idea who send it?¡±


    Ashley turned to rest of the table. ¡°Any of you guys send this?¡± She said pointing to the dress.


    And the guys shook their heads.


    ¡°We are too broke to pay for that¡± One shouted.


    ¡°Then who?¡±


    ¡°Hailey¡± Lexi nudged my arm in panic. ¡°Look up¡±


    In confusion I nced up and my breath hitched in shock.


    At the upper level, by the railing stood Ian Kingston, gazing down at me with a smirk ying on his lips.


    When our eyes met, he gave a devious smile and released his hands from the railing, walking away.


    What was that about?

 08

    ¡°This is absurd¡± I eximed in shock as I stared at the crowd of reporters gathered around the hotel where the function would be held.


    I nced at one reporter in front of us who was broadcasting the situation live.


    ¡°As you can see-¡± She turned and gestured to the hotel. ¡°we are outside the primrose hotel where the big event is happening. Today is the 35th anniversary of the ATC and mostly importantly-¡± She squealed. ¡°Today is the day Ian Kingston is going to introduce the love of his life to the world¡±


    ¡°You gotta be kidding me¡± Lexi snapped. ¡°They¡¯re here to see the fiance¡±


    ¡°Obviously¡± I sighed in frustration.


    ¡°I know you all have been eagerly waiting for this day¡± The reporter continued to speak. ¡°But you don¡¯t have to anymore because today is the day and we, SBS are going to do a live coverage tonight!¡±


    ¡°My gosh can we go inside?¡± Lexi asked. ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna have a headache seeing all these camera shes¡±


    We were standing near amp post watching the cameramen take endless photos of the celebrities and the business tycoons that were walking on the red carpet.


    ¡°We¡¯ll use that door¡± Brian jerked his chin towards a side entrance of the hotel.


    ¡°Good idea¡± I held my ck gown up and walked over the grass to the side entrance.


    We steered our way through rest of the employees who had decided to enter from this entrance and reached the banquet hall.


    And the banquet hall was marvelous. The ceiling of it was nearly twenty feet high and up there hung a massive chandelier that illuminated the entire hall with a shimmering gold. Vases of red roses were ced on top of short white columns adding a floral colour to the function.


    ¡°Wow¡± I thought Lexi wasmenting on the decorations but when I looked at her, I realised she was looking at all the men in tuxedo. ¡°Men look hot in tux¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get a drink¡± Brian marched towards one of the waiters and grabbed a champagne for himself.


    ¡°I need a drink too-¡±


    Someone tapped on the mic and we turned to find our VP standing on a dais. She smiled before starting to speak. ¡°Good eveningdies and gentlemen. Thank you all for being here with us today. We¡¯re very pleased to have all of you joining with us to proudly celebrate 35 years of ATC¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s giving the wee speech?¡± Lexi hissed next to me.


    ¡°Anyone need ear plugs?¡± n went around asking people.


    ¡°I need one¡± Brian raised a finger up and n gave it to him. Then he plugged it into his ears, tuning out VP¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Wow we really hate her, don¡¯t we?¡± I chuckled and shook my head in dismay.


    I scanned our surrounding and noticed many popr faces. Business tycoons, actors and actresses, politicians, our board of directors. All were talking in groups, standing around cocktail tables, wearing the most expensive clothes in all of New York.


    And at the far end of the hall I spotted Ian, talking to a group of people. His face was angled away from me but I could his longshes, his soft lips, his prominent jaw, the strength of his arms beneath that ck suit he wore. He was the perfect Adonis.


    And I found myself blushing hard. My god what¡¯s wrong with me? Perhaps I share the same weakness Lexi has for handsome men.


    ¡°He¡¯s here¡± Lexi squealed.


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked,ing out of my daze.


    ¡°Our crush¡± She pointed to a blond man across the room and it took me several seconds to recognise him. It was the 28 year old MD of Vanguard investment bank.


    All the thoughts I had about Ian Kingston vanished away instantly and my eyes rounded up on my long time crush, ke Smith.


    ¡°He¡¯s so freaking handsome¡± I breathed.


    ¡°I know right¡± Lexi was practically crying. ¡°Let¡¯s go and talk to him¡±


    ¡°What? No-¡±


    Lexi ignored my protest and started dragging me towards him but before we could reach there another woman jumped in. A red head.


    I gasped.


    ¡°ke Smith isn¡¯t it?¡± She kept a seductive hand on his forearm ¡°I¡¯m Melissa Taylor¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that bitch-¡± Lexi was about to go and fight Melissa but I grabbed her arm and pulled her back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s Ian¡¯s fiance¡±


    Lexi looked at me as if I said I could fly.


    ¡°W-what? That¡¯s her?¡± She asked, dumbfounded.


    ¡°Yeah¡± I nodded.


    ¡°Omg I¡¯m gonna go get Brian¡± She giggled like a maniac and sprinted towards Brian, leaving me stranded here.


    ¡°Right¡± I said to myself. ¡°I¡¯ll go and get food then¡±


    I walked over to the food table and examined everything that was rted to chocte. I finally settled in for a chocte truffle and was about to pick it up when I heard a familiar voice.


    ¡°You came Miss Evans¡± I whirled around and met Ian Kingston, leaning against a pir, his arms folded across his chest.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know I had a choice¡±


    He smirked. ¡°I read your notebook¡±


    My cheeks heated. Gosh, can this get more embarrassing? ¡°That¡¯s not mine¡± I blurted out and blushed hard seeing the amused look on his face.


    Before I could decide to throw Lexi under the bus I changed the subject. ¡°I saw your fiance¡± I said, nodding my head towards Melissa, who was flirting with ke.


    Ian followed my gaze. ¡°She¡¯s not my fiance¡±


    ¡°Uh¡± I narrowed my eyes. ¡°She is¡±


    Ian raised a questioning brow so I exined. ¡°I saw her at the executive¡¯s meeting and she called you darling¡± I exaggerated on the word and nced at him, expecting a reaction but he looked unfazed. ¡°Thenter on I heard her tell someone on the phone that she wants to marry you soon¡±


    Ian signed. ¡°She¡¯s not my fiance Miss Evans¡± He leaned in. ¡°And unlike you, I don¡¯t lie to people¡±


    I scoffed. Lame. ¡°So if she¡¯s not your fiance, then who¡¯s the real one?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see in few hours¡±


    I furrowed my brows in suspicion and in return, he gave me that smug look of his.


    ¡°Whatever¡± I grumbled. ¡°And you better not talk to me or people will think I¡¯m your fiance¡±


    Ian suddenly threw his head back andughed, his eyes glinting with bliss.


    ¡°I know right¡± I said in a monotonous tone. ¡°So funny¡±


    ¡°Not at all Miss Evans¡± He shook his head with a smile on his lips. ¡°Enjoy the party. See you in few hours¡±


    ¡°Why would I see you in few hours?¡±


    But he was already gone.


    ¡°What a jerk¡± I cursed and looked for my friends. I found them standing not far away from ke and Melissa, eavesdropping on their conversation with deep interest.


    I was about to run to them when n interrupted me.


    ¡°Is it my hallucination or did Ian Kingston reallyughed with you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk¡± I faked a smile. ¡°It must be a hallucination¡±


    n wrinkled his nose. ¡°It should be because Ian Kingston neverughs¡±


    Really? Damn.


    ¡°Right, nice info. Gotta go n¡±


    I went back to my friends and dragged them far away from Melissa and ke. Lexi always act weird around handsome men and I have a very limited capacity when ites to handling the second hand embarrassment. And tonight, none.


    After many speeches and boring presentations about the history of thepany, the dance floor came into life.


    The celebrities were the first to dance and then joined the business tycoons along with our board of directors and the executives. They did slow couple dances with their partners and if it wasn¡¯t for the cuteness of our chief and his wife I would have dropped dead the instant slow songs started.


    The DJ came and was about to hype the party up when Melissa took the mic and climbed on to the stage.


    ¡°Shit! It¡¯s happening¡± Lexi gasped.


    With utmost curiousity, I moved away from my friends and strode forward to get a more clear view of the drama that was about to happen. I was so interested in seeing Ian¡¯s face when Melissa announces herself as his fiance.


    Ha. I¡¯m gonna return that smug look of his back to him.


    ¡°Hello everyone¡± She smiled. ¡°I want to say something very important to you. It¡¯s what you all have been waiting impatiently to-¡± She suddenly stopped as her gaze fell on somewhere  or on someone.


    I turned to see who she was looking at and then saw Ian Kingston striding towards me.


    What¡¯s he doing here? Shouldn¡¯t he be on stage?


    He reached me and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.


    I gasped.


    Then he did thest thing I expected him to do.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He kissed me.

 09

    First I heard a chorus of gasps. Then the clicking sound of number of cameras.


    And I saw everything because my eyes were wide open as Ian Kingston moved his mouth against mine, rendering me breathless. His tongue darted out trying to part my lips and then only did reality came crashing down to me.


    Ian fucking Kingston is kissing me!!!


    I tried to bring up my fist to m against his chest but the space between us was too small to do that. I was pressed against him. As Ian found no sign of resistance he pulled me closer and deepened the kiss as more cameras clicked.


    Failing to break apart, I harshly bit his lip and he pulled back.


    ¡°What the hell-¡± I burst out but he cut me off.


    ¡°People¡± He put an arm around my shoulder and turned to the media. ¡°Meet my fiance, Hailey Evans¡±


    Loud cheers and apuses erupted from the crowd gathered around us. The guests started congratting and the press sticked their out mics, asking endless questions that I had a hard time understanding.


    I was too shocked to even do anything.


    I slowly turned to my friends and saw the entire marketing department looking at me in bewilderment.


    And the looks on my friends¡¯ faces, they were priceless.


    ¡°How long have you been dating him Miss Evans?¡± One reporter jumped in, blocking the view of my friends.


    ¡°Wha¡­¡± My jaw cked. I was too shocked to even speak.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been dating for three years¡± Ian answered and I looked at him in horror.


    ¡°How did you meet her?¡±


    ¡°I once met her at a club and thenter on found out that she¡¯s an employee of mine¡± He smiled and looked down at me in adoration. ¡°She¡¯s too pretty to go unnoticed. We talked and I guess-¡± He shrugged. ¡°Love blossomed¡±


    ¡°Mr. Kingston this is the first time you spoke to the press and the first time any of us have ever seen you smile. Is she that special?¡±


    ¡°Very¡± Ian smiled at me and then nced up at the press. ¡°My fiance is a bit shy in front of cameras. You may take a few photos and leave us¡±


    Few is an understatement because they took gazillion of photos to the point I almost went blind. Realising the press wasn¡¯t going away the security came and forcefully ushered them out.


    When they were gone I opened my mouth to speak but no sound came out. I opened my mouth again. ¡°Wh-at a-re¡± But my voice cracked.


    ¡°You need a drink?¡± Ian asked me with a smirk on his lips and anger started to boil inside me at a tremendous speed.


    ¡°What the fuck¡± I yelled. ¡°You fucking bastard¡± My eyes zed with a vicious fire, yearning to kill everything that I set my eyes upon, which in here was a CEO.


    ¡°You-¡± I charged forward. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you¡± I raised my hands up to w his face but he grabbed my wrists and pulled me closer.


    ¡°Calm down Hailey¡± He leaned in and whispered in my ear. ¡°Or I¡¯ll make sure you won¡¯t have a job for the rest of your life¡± Then he pulled back, giving me a sardonic smile.


    I gaped at him in shock. ¡°How-how dare you threaten me?¡±


    ¡°I told you there will be consequences¡±


    ¡°T-this is absurd¡± I stuttered. ¡°You already have a fiance¡± I whined and looked at Melissa over Ian¡¯s shoulder, who was now ring at me. ¡°Great. Now she looks like she wants to kill me¡±


    ¡°I told you she¡¯s not my fiance¡±


    ¡°Then who is she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the woman my mother chose for me¡±


    ¡°So she is your fiance¡±


    ¡°I choose my fiance, not my mother. And I chose you¡±


    ¡°Did you lose a nut in your brain-¡±


    Ian interrupted me before I could finish. ¡°Can we have this conversation elsewhere? Because people are looking¡±


    ¡°Let them look. Let them see you¡¯re deceiving them¡±


    Ianughed. ¡°I¡¯m not deceiving anyone. I merely introduced my fiance to them¡± Before I could argue he kept a finger to my lips. ¡°And if you do something to expose us, my threat will be very much active and that chief of yours, who helped you disobey me-¡± I gulped. Shit he knows the chief helped. ¡°he will also be in trouble and that¡¯ll be all your fault¡±


    ¡°Asshole¡± I cursed.


    ¡°Good¡± Ian smiled. ¡°Now that we¡¯re settled, you can go and have fun¡± He gave me a dissmissive wave and walked back to his group.


    I stayed on my spot, shivering with violent anger.


    ¡°What the hell just happened Hailey?¡± Lexi approached me, almost running in her six inch heels.


    ¡°That bastard kissed me!¡±


    ¡°That part-¡± Brian gave me a pointed look. ¡°We saw¡±


    ¡°Why did he call you his fiance?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but what I do know is that I want to throw every table in this room at him¡± I said through gritted teeth, ring at Ian. ¡°I want dip his head in the sink and fill it with water. I want to push him off this god damn building¡±


    ¡°I think there¡¯s another girl who wishes to do the same to you¡± Brian jerked his head towards the stage and I whirled around to see Melissa, shivering with anger so violent that I feared she would break apart.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything¡± Iined. ¡°He kissed me¡±


    ¡°Maybe she thinks you seduced him¡±


    ¡°S-seduce?¡± I scoffed in disbelief. ¡°Why would anyone seduce that thing?¡± I said pointing in Ian¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Well he¡¯s handsome and rich-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point¡± I whined.


    ¡°I know but-¡±


    ¡°Shut up¡± I groaned, gripping my head. ¡°Aren¡¯t you two supposed to be helping me get out of this?¡±


    ¡°You can tell the truth to the press¡± Lexi suggested.


    ¡°Yes but Ian said if I do that he¡¯ll make sure I never have a job for the rest of my life¡±


    That shut them up. ¡°What?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°Hailey, you should take it serious. That¡¯s a valid threat¡± Lexi gave me a pointed look. ¡°Ian Kingston has enough connections to do that¡±


    Brian nodded. ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to say bye to your Prescott dream forever¡±


    Ouch. That hits harder.


    ¡°So what am I supposed to do now?¡± I looked at both of them. ¡°How am I supposed to get out of this?¡±


    ¡°Well¡± Lexi pursed her lips, thinking hard. ¡°Normally in books where the FL is forced to be a fiance or a wife, the guy gives a time limit¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Brian asked in puzzlement.


    ¡°It means the guy only needs the girl to y the role for a few months or maybe even-¡± Lexi wrinkled her nose. ¡°one year¡±


    I bit my lip thinking hard. I already knew what Lexi was talking about. She and I were both book lovers and we had read these types of books numerous times.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Brian trailed off. ¡°Hailey just needs to go and ask him how long she¡¯s supposed to keep doing this?¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°But-¡± I nced at Lexi. ¡°In those books the guy pays the girl to y the role. I¡¯m not getting paid here¡± Iined. ¡°Tell him to pay me¡±


    ¡°Why do you need him to pay you? You already have a big fat amount in your bank ount¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯ve been saving up for Prescott¡¯s¡± I argued back.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. You can¡¯t ask money from the same person who threatened you¡±


    I threw my head back and groaned. ¡°Why me? Me of all people? ording to books it¡¯s supposed to be a secretary or a broke girl he finds in a cafe, not a crazy girl from the marketing department¡±


    ¡°Be happy it didn¡¯t happen ording to books or else you¡¯ll fall in love with him at the end¡±


    ¡°Pfft¡± I beganughing. ¡°That¡¯s a good joke¡± I clutched my stomach andughed again. ¡°Ahh I can¡¯t- that¡¯s so funny¡± I threw my head back andughed till my eyes filled with tears. ¡°Me falling in love with that thing?¡± I pointed in Ian¡¯s direction and toppled withughter.


    ¡°Pfft haha I can¡¯t-¡± I smacked Brian whileughing. ¡°Call an ambnce. I think I¡¯m going to pass out¡±


    Lexi rolled her eyes. ¡°Hailey, take this serious. Now go and ask Mr. Kingston how long you have to pretend to be his fiance. That¡¯s the only way out unless you want a CEO as an enemy¡±


    I took a deep breath and nodded. ¡°Fine fine. I¡¯ll go and ask. He better say it in days¡±


    I turned on my heels and marched in Ian¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Oi¡± I called him but he didn¡¯t turn.


    ¡°Oi you¡± Ian took a nce and almost did a double take realising I was calling him.


    He excused his friends and strode towards me. ¡°Why are you calling me Oi?¡±


    ¡°What else am I supposed to use?¡±


    ¡°My name duh¡± He gave me a pointed look.


    ¡°Sorry I forgot it momentarily¡± I said in a mock tone and Ian narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Why did you call me?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I want to know about this fake fiance thing¡±


    ¡°First of all, you¡¯re not my ¡®fake¡¯ fiance¡±


    I blinked. He¡¯s weird. ¡°Okay then how long am I supposed to keep doing this?¡±


    Ian raised a brow in confusion and I narrowed my eyes, waiting impatiently for his answer.


    Then realisation flickered in his eyes.


    He smirked and leaned down, his warm breath fanning against my cheek.


    ¡°Till death do us apart Hailey¡±

 10

    ¡°Hailey open the door. Hailey¡±


    I groaned and rolled in my bed, pulling my pillow closer.


    ¡°Hailey open the door¡±


    More loud knocks came from the door and I groaned again. ¡°Uhh go away¡±


    ¡°Haileye out now!!!¡± Myndy screamed from the other side and I woke up looking startled.


    ¡°What?¡± I whined.


    ¡°Come out¡±


    I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and pulled the covers away. ¡°So annoying¡± I grumbled and stood up, putting on my fluffy pink slippers.


    I groggily walked over to the door and opened it. ¡°What?¡±


    She stood on the other side with an avacodo face pack on her face and hands on her hips. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve been up to these days but you better not bring me any trouble¡±


    I wrinkled my nose. ¡°What did I do to you?¡±


    ¡°Look out the window¡± She jerked her chin towards my window.


    Yawning again I sauntered to the window and looked down. And my eyes almost popped out of my sockets.


    Flocking the entrance of the house was the press. Holding cameras and mics, waiting till  till I COME!


    ¡°What the hell-¡±


    ¡°Did you murder someone?¡±


    I snapped my head at thendy. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Did youmit some crime? Or why else would the press be interested in a mediocre girl like you?¡±


    I sniffled. ¡°Okay now I¡¯m low key offended¡±


    ¡°Whatever¡± She waved a dissmissive hand. ¡°Take care of this or the next thing I¡¯ll do is throw you out of my house¡± She said as she walked away.


    I looked back at the group of reporters gathered at the front step of the house. And only one thing came to my mind. Ian fucking Kingston, you are dead!


    With every intention of killing him I checked the clock on my desk to go to work and almost killed myself seeing it.


    I was alreadyte and had only 15 minutes to get ready.


    I dashed to the bathroom and did the quickest possible shower ever. Then changing into pants and a white shirt I swiftly brushed my hair and stormed down the staircase with my heels on my hands.


    Then I did a mistake. I forgot the reporters and opened the damn front door.


    Shit.


    ¡°Miss Evans can you tell us more about your rtionship?¡±


    ¡°What is the exact date you met him?¡±


    ¡°When did he propose to you?¡¯


    The reporters started striding in through the front door, bombarding me with countless question.


    ¡°Miss Evans how is it like to date-¡±


    ¡°Oh my god! Leave me alone¡± I began waving my heels like a weapon, trying to scare them away but they kepting in.


    ¡°Marta!!! I screamed from the top of my lungs to myndlord. ¡°Open the back door!!!¡±


    ¡°Youe and open it. I¡¯m not your servant¡±


    ¡°Oh for God¡¯s sake¡± I grumbled and ran to the kitchen. Seeing the press follow me I quickly grabbed the door knob and tried to open it but the door was locked.


    In panic, my eyes surveyed the room and found a small open window to the right.


    I scurried over and squeezed through, losing ten pounds on my way out. Then Inded face t on the cement ground and the pain that traveled through my bones  fantastic haha jokes on me.


    I wearily stood up, rubble stinging on the palms of my hands.


    ¡°She¡¯s over there. She¡¯s over there¡± A reported shouted, pointing to me and I snapped my head at him in horror.


    The other reporters scrambled out of the house and started running towards me, holding their cameras out.


    ¡°You little bitches¡± I cursed and ran the other way barefoot, holding my heels and my handbag for my life.


    I ran straight to the bus stop and jumped on to a bus, scaring every passenger in it. Feeling breathless and out of will power to move a single muscle I crashed on to a corner seat, panting heavily.


    By the time I reached the ATC I wasn¡¯t any better. Leaves still stuck out of my hair, my face red after falling t on the cement, my feet and my hands soar, my pants creased, my blouse ruined. The only difference was, I had my heels on.


    When I entered the building, everyone gasped.


    It was either because of my appearance or the fact that I was the boss¡¯s fiance.


    Nevertheless I didn¡¯t care. I had a CEO to murder.


    I strode forward in fury. ¡°Move move move!¡± I bellowed to a group of people blocking my path and they scattered away, giving me horrified nces.


    Everyone else in the lobby stared at me with their mouths hanging wide open, their eyes trailing from the top of my hair to the bottom of my heels.


    The elevator doors opened and inside stood a skinny guy with sses.


    ¡°You¡± I pointed to him and he gave me the same shocked look. ¡°Out!


    Hastily, he scampered away and I stepped inside.


    As I reached the CEO¡¯s floor, I stomped over to Ian¡¯s office and swung the door open.


    Ian was sitting on his chair, his elbows resting on the armrest and his chin propped on his folded hands. He was staring intently at something on his desk, his mind lost in thoughts.


    When he heard the door open, he looked up and a small smile appeared on his lips. ¡°I was waiting for you¡±


    ¡°I bet you did¡± I strode forward and mmed my hands on his table. ¡°Do you know what happened to me this morning? Do you know how disastrous my life became after what you did? Do you even care about it at all?¡± My nostrils red in anger as I hissed through gritted teeth.


    Ian stood from his chair and gave me a once over, his lips twitching up into an amused grin. ¡°You have leaves in your hair¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a new hairstyle¡± I said in a humourless tone and Ian let out a softugh.


    ¡°I have a gift for you¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Thest thing I want is a gift from you. And-¡± I scowled. ¡°Did you not hear what I said earlier? My life is ruined thanks to you¡±


    And of course Ian ignored me and turned to take something from his desk. ¡°Here¡±


    He opened a small dark blue box and I had a mini heart attack seeing what was in it.


    Inside was a beautiful blue sapphire ring with small diamonds surrounding the stone.


    ¡°What is that?¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Ian raised his brows. ¡°Uhh¡­ a ring¡±


    I red at him. ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot. But why are you showing me that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not showing you. I¡¯m giving you¡± He grabbed my left hand and carefully put the ring on my finger.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I tried pulling my hand back but he held it tightly.


    ¡°We¡¯re engaged and this is the ring¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not engaged¡± I eximed in shock. ¡°I¡¯m gonna remove this¡±


    Suddenly Ian wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer, until our chests were pressed together.


    I nced up and a shiver ran up my spine, realising how close we were. His face was only inches away from mine and I could see how wless he was. His deep blue eyes, his perfect jawline, his soft lips. He had all the beauty a man could possess.


    He kept his fingers under my chin and tilted my face up. ¡°Do not dare remove it fiance¡± He smirked and leaned into whisper in my ear. ¡°or there will be consequences¡±


    You stupid, arrogant, narcissistic assho-


    ¡°Mr. Kingston¡± Daniel knocked on the door and Ian sighed with frustration.


    He nced up. ¡°What is it Daniel?¡±


    Daniel opened the door and walked in with a frightened look on his face. ¡°Umm.. i-uh¡± He stuttered.


    Ian narrowed his eyes in suspicion. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Hey darling¡± Melissa bounced in with a big smile on her face.


    Ian¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. ¡°What is she doing here?¡± He spat in fury.


    Melissa giggled. ¡°I¡¯m your new PA¡±

 11

    ¡°You¡¯re fired¡± Ian said with icecing his tone.


    Melissa leaned on one foot and folded her arms across her chest. ¡°You can¡¯t fire me¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Ian narrowed his eyes and looked at Daniel for answers. And Daniel was literally sweating. ¡°Umm¡­¡± He pulled on his cor. ¡°Chairman sent her¡±


    Suddenly, Ian mmed his fist on the table making me jump back in shock. ¡°Say it again¡± He spat, his nostrils ring in anger.


    All the colour drained out of Daniel¡¯s face and he looked down in guilt. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I couldn¡¯t stop her¡±


    Melissa smirked and her eyes traveled to me.


    ¡°So this is her¡± She approached me and plucked a leaf out of my hair. ¡°The bitch who seduced my fiance¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re mistaken. It did not happen that way. But I can give you advices on how to get him back-


    ¡°Whatever trick your pulling on him-¡± She stepped forward. ¡°It¡¯s not gonna work for that long. I¡¯m here and I will take him back¡±


    ¡°Oh please¡± I grinned. ¡°He¡¯s all yours¡± I tittered and nced at Ian, expecting to see him scowling at me but his eyes were fixed on Melissa, filled with hatred and malice.


    Melissa red at me and turned to the door. ¡°All right, bring it in¡±


    Four men walked in, dragging a table and a chair with them.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Daniel asked in shock.


    Melissa shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m moving my table here¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his side, turning his knuckles white. He grimaced and muttered a curse under his breath before storming out of the room in fury.


    ¡°You can¡¯t move in here¡± Daniel snapped. ¡°In ATC, Pas don¡¯t stay inside the CEO¡¯s office. Move your table out¡±


    ¡°Then her?¡± Melissa pointed to me. ¡°She gets to stay inside and whore?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I scrunched up my nose. ¡°I¡¯m a hard working employee in the marketing department, which by the way is 20 floors down. So I¡¯m not staying here and I definitely don¡¯t whore¡± I turned around. ¡°Bye. Go get your man back. Then go to hell¡± I strode out and popped my head back from the door. ¡°And don¡¯t forget to take him with you¡±


    ¡­


    It was near lunch- no it was lunch time but our VP was not letting us go.


    ¡°Do not dare move from your seat. You understand me?¡± She stood in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips and bellowed. ¡°Our deadline is tomorrow. None of you can go home without finishing your work. And no lunch today¡±


    Somebody give me money to file aw suit. Well I got severalw suits to file-


    She mmed a file on her desk and everyone winced at the sound. ¡°I¡¯m telling this specially for the ones who camete today¡±


    Shit. I bent my head low pretending I wasn¡¯t here.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are engaged to or who you are married to. In here it¡¯s my rule and only I rule. It doesn¡¯t matter if you have any personal connections to the boss or not. You do what I say¡±


    My god. I couldn¡¯t even look at the VP. I had my head bent so low that I thought my keyboard would swallow me up.


    ¡°Actually ma¡¯am¡± n raised a finger up. ¡°It¡¯s not just the boss but actually your boss¡¯s boss¡±


    You die today n.


    ¡°Mr. Brown¡± VP clenched her fists at her sides. ¡°Just shut up and do your work!¡±


    Then at the worst moment my phone began ringing. My eyes widened in horror and I quickly cut the call seeing it was an unknown caller ID.


    ¡°Whose phone was that?¡± VP scanned the room, ring at everyone.


    Then my phone began ringing again. Fuck! I quickly cut it and turned it off.


    ¡°I heard it again¡± VP¡¯s eyes slowly trained on us. ¡°Which of one of you is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s n¡± Brian said quickly.


    ¡°WHAT?¡± n screamed like a banshee. ¡°It¡¯s not mine! I don¡¯t like you anymore Brian¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never liked you in the first ce¡± Brian retorted.


    n¡¯s face reddened and he crumpled a piece of paper from his table and threw it at Brian.


    Seeing it, steam blew out of VP¡¯s ears in fury and as she was about to scream at them, the telephone on her desk rang. She muttered a curse under her breath and stomped over to take it.


    As she answered, I watched her face twist from shock to awe to then grimace. She said something to the phone and looked up, directly at me with that ugly scowl of hers.


    ¡°Hailey it¡¯s for you¡±


    I frowned. Me?


    Hesitantly, I walked over to her table and took the phone from her.


    ¡°Hello¡±


    ¡°Have lunch with me¡± Ian¡¯s voice came and my eyes widened.


    ¡°No thank you¡± I quickly kept the phone down and smiled at the VP who was breathing down my neck.


    The phone rang again.


    Shit. Reluctantly I answered it.


    ¡°Come downstairs now¡± He demanded.


    Sweat trickled down my forehead seeing the VP listening closely to our conversation. ¡°I can¡¯t-¡± I muttered. ¡°Our VP is not letting us go¡± That would shut him up.


    ¡°Give her the phone¡±


    I paled. ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Give it¡±


    I looked at the VP and she had her arms folded across her chest as she stood, ring at me.


    I gulped. ¡°It¡¯s umm¡­ it¡¯s for you¡± I extended her the phone and she took it from me with a frown.


    She ced it against her ear and slowly I saw her entire face turning red with anger. She shot me a murderous re and answered the phone with a small ¡®yes sir¡¯ and kept it down. I swallowed anxiously.


    She nced at me. ¡°You can go¡± She spat.


    After excusing myself I took my handbag and went to the lobby.


    And there stood Ian, leaning against the receptionist desk, checking his watch.


    I strode over to him. ¡°You¡¯re making me lose my job¡±


    He straighted up and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m the boss here Hailey¡±


    I scowled. ¡°Haha very funny. So where¡¯s your new PA?¡± I grinned knowing it makes him mad.


    And it did. ¡°Don¡¯t ruin my mood¡±


    ¡°What are you goning to do with her?¡± I asked as I followed him to the parking lot.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna make her life a living hell¡±


    ¡°Like you did with mine?¡±


    Ian turned and narrowed his eyes. ¡°Your life is not a hell¡±


    ¡°Ha¡± I scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t begin. I literally had the paparazzi chasing me today and it¡¯s all your fault. You are selfish, arrogant and inconsiderate. You are the most-¡± Rest of my words slid back down my throat as we stopped in front of a sleek ck car.


    ¡°That yours?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± He nodded and pressed a button in his car key.


    Then it¡¯s doors began opening upwards. Damn. ¡°Get in¡±


    I was in too awe to even continue with my scolding. So I did as he told.


    He drove to a restaurant and my jaw dropped realising which one it was.


    It was Ferlino house. One of the most expensive restaurants in all of New York. Only the riches here but it had always been my dream to eat from here, to try the heavenly taste in my mouth at least once.


    Then I frowned and looked at Ian. ¡°You¡¯re paying right?¡±


    Ian bit his lip to suppress his grin. ¡°Of course I¡¯m paying¡±


    Good good.


    We got out and I followed him inside, my eyes wandering all over the ce as I looked at everything in amazement.


    ¡°Is this your first time?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°Why? I checked your bank ount. You have enough money to afford here¡±


    I came to an abrupt halt. ¡°Omg people gotta stop talking about my bank ount¡± Then I turned to Ian. ¡°Why are you checking by bank ount?¡± I narrowed my eyes. ¡°That¡¯s illegal and for your question, I¡¯m saving up¡±


    We took a seat at a corner table near the window and the waiter came and gave us the menus. ¡°For what?¡±


    I almost had a heart attack seeing the prices. ¡°I¡¯m saving to buy an apartment at the Prescott¡¯s¡± I flipped through the pages but there was nothing cheap.


    Ian leaned back in his chair and folded his arms with a smile on his lips. ¡°I live in the Prescott¡¯s¡±


    ¡°I know¡± They even charge for water. What?


    ¡°In a penthouse¡±


    ¡°I heard¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the most expensive one¡±


    I threw my hands up. ¡°Oh my God! I didn¡¯t know I came here to listen you boast¡±


    Ian smirked and stared at me, his eyes glinting with newfound joy.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m getting very suspicious¡±


    ¡°You should be¡±


    ¡°Not this again¡± I groaned. ¡°So how do I get out of this?¡± I said, showing the ring in my finger. Why the hell do I still wear it? Stupid Hailey.


    ¡°You can¡¯t get out¡±


    I breathed. ¡°There has to be a way¡±


    But he shook his head with a smile on his lips.


    Breath Hailey breath.


    I leaned in. ¡°I¡¯m gonna get out. You just wait and watch¡±


    Ian smirked and leaned in. ¡°Try. I¡¯ll wait¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± I nodded. ¡°Somehow I¡¯ll make you release me. When you do, you will take this ring off my finger yourself¡±


    A lop sided grin curved up his lips. ¡°Good luck with that.


    ¡­


    It was evening and I got down from the bus to go back to my apartment or whatever that was.


    I put the key in the door and opened it, sighing heavily in exhaustion.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Marta asked from the couch.


    ¡°Uhh¡± I frowned. ¡°I live here¡±


    ¡°Not anymore¡±


    My eyebrows furrowed. ¡°What does that mean? I rent your upper floor¡±


    ¡°Well¡± Marta stood up and pushed me out the door. ¡°Someone bought it and took all your belongings away¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I yelled in shock. ¡°Why did you sell it? And why the hell did you allow a stranger to take my stuff?¡± By now I was screaming.


    ¡°I¡¯m not deaf girl. Don¡¯t scream¡± She huffed angrily. ¡°And here¡± She took an envelope out and handed it to me. ¡°This is for you¡±


    I grabbed it and hastily ripped it open. It said,e home fiance.


    I took a deep breath and crumpled the paper in red hot boiling anger.


    Ian fucking Kingston, You are dead!

 12

    I got out from Lexi¡¯s car and pulled on my skirt. ¡°This is so ufortable¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing fine¡± Lexi dragged me out of the parking and Brian stood at the entrance waiting for us.


    When he saw me, his eyes widened. ¡°Wow! When you said short, I didn¡¯t expect it to be this short¡±


    I pulled on my clothes again. ¡°What do you expect me to do? My clothes got kidnapped. I have no choice but to wear Lexi¡¯s for today¡±


    Lexi was a lot shorter than me so her clothes don¡¯t exactly fit me. The skirt I wore today was too short and the shirt was too tight. And all of this happened thanks to Ian stupid Kingston.


    Even though he invited me to live in his luxurious Prescott penthouse I would never ever live with him. If he gave it to me as a present I might reconsider but never, not ever will I live with him. So being downgraded to status homeless, I crashed into Lexi¡¯sst night like I got robbed  which I actually did.


    ¡°So you¡¯re gonna buy new clothes today?¡± Brian asked and I sighed heavily.


    Spending money was never my favourite thing.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just clothes he stole. He even got myptop, my books, my penholder and many more. But yeah¡± I pouted. ¡°I have to buy an entire wardrobe today¡± I slumped my shoulders in defeat.


    I knew asking Ian was never an option. He would never give them back. I had to find an alternative. Like, smacking him with a cement bag or pushing him off a cliff.


    ¡°What about your other things?¡±


    I sniffled in sorrow. ¡°Let¡¯s just think that¡¯s a tomorrow¡¯s problem¡±


    ¡°So how long are you gonna stay with Lexi?¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Till I find a cheap ce¡±


    After sharing my miserable life story with Brian we walked inside the ATC. As we did, someone suddenly whistled from the lobby.


    I turned to it¡¯s direction and saw Oliver, an employee from another department, leaning against a pir with his friends.


    ¡°Never knew you were so hot Hailey¡± Oliver smirked, his eyes checking me from head to toe. His friends gave me the same lust full gaze and I felt anger and difort at the same time.


    I pulled my handbag in front of me to cover myself and red at them. ¡°Go choke on your tiny dicks assholes!¡± I spat angrily and strode forward.


    Lexi gave them the middle finger and Brian red at them before getting on to the crowded elevator with me.


    Inside, I could feel even the older guys checking me out, their gazes lingering on my butt and then on my breast. I wanted to w their eyes out but their positions in thepany were higher than mine. I waspletely powerless. If only I could meet them outside ATC I would  hit hit double smack punch and kick where the sun doesn¡¯t shine.


    When the elevator opened I stomped out and grabbed a tissue from my bag, wiping the sweat in my forehead.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wear this¡± I groaned. ¡°Everyone is looking at me. And to be honest-¡± I looked down at my clothes. ¡°This is not very work appropriate either. The VP will kill me¡±


    ¡°Just wait till evening¡± Lexi ced her handbag on her desk and sat down. ¡°We¡¯ll buy new ones¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± I exhaled in dejection and copsed into my chair.


    Across the room, VP spotted me and she lowered her sses to get a good look at my clothes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna say anything Evans. You already give me too much blood pressure¡± She ced her hand on her chest and took a deep breath, calming her temper. Then narrowed her eyes. ¡°But don¡¯t you dare think being the CEO¡¯s fiance could get you out of this¡±


    Ha being his fiance is what got me in the first ce.


    Afters others filled in, the VP gave her terrible morning speech and we started working. But I couldn¡¯t stop yawning. I had a lot of murderous thoughtsst night and those kept me awake.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get coffee¡± I wearily stood up, yawning again and sauntered to our breaking room.


    As I was making my coffee two hands came from behind me, one circling around my waist and the other on the counter.


    I gasped.


    ¡°What are you wearing Miss Evans?¡± Ian¡¯s husky voice came, whispering in my ear. His lips grazed my ear lobe and I stilled in his arms. ¡°I like it¡± He leaned closer, his nose nuzzling in my hair. ¡°If you wear it elsewhere, not here¡± Then quickly recovering from my paralysed state I turned around and smacked him in the forehead.


    ¡°Shoo you evil¡±


    He took several steps back, hand on his forehead. ¡°That hurts¡±


    ¡°Good¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my unasked question¡±


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°Why did you steal my things thief?¡±


    Ian scoffed in disbelief. ¡°I didn¡¯t steal. I merely moved them to my house¡±


    I gave out a humourlessugh. ¡°So now you expect to me live with you?¡± I asked in a mock tone.


    ¡°Yes it¡¯s natural. We¡¯re engaged¡±


    ¡°We. Are. Not. Engaged¡± I punctuated the words to make things more clear to his tiny brain. ¡°And I would never live with you. I¡¯m going to find a new ce¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± He folded his arms.


    ¡°Why what?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m offering you a chance to live in your dream house. Why are you pushing it away?¡±


    ¡°Because Ian stupid Kingston-¡± Ian smiled at that. ¡°My dream includes not just ¡®live¡¯ but also ¡®buy¡¯. It¡¯s buy and live. So you¡¯re not really fulfilling my dream¡±


    He cocked his head to the side and gave me a lop sided grin. ¡°You keep amusing me everyday Miss Evans. Now answer my question¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? You stole my clothes and I had to wear my friend¡¯s ones¡±


    Ian stared at me for a while with a conflicted look and then sighed. He took a bag from the table and extended it to me. ¡°Here. Take this¡±


    In confusion, I peeked in and saw my clothes in it, my grey pencil skirt and a light blue shirt.


    ¡°Change if you want to. You looked ufortable in that video¡±


    ¡°What video?¡± I nced up.


    Ian raised his brows. ¡°You still haven¡¯t seen it?¡±


    ¡°Seen what?¡± My forehead creased.


    ¡°Check thepany group chat¡± He tucked his hands inside his pockets and frowned. ¡°Daniel showed it to me¡±


    Puzzled, I took my phone out and checked the group chat. And my jaw dropped was an understatement.


    Oliver had posted a picture of me at the entrance and then a video of me ufortably pulling on my clothes with the hashtag CEO¡¯s hot chick.


    Many had replied with different emojis and Melissa even wrote the word ¡®Slut¡¯.


    ¡°How dare he?¡± I shook my head in dismay ¡°I¡¯ll kill him¡±


    ¡°Is that your favourite phrase Miss Evans?¡±


    ¡°Not funny¡± I scowled at him.


    ¡°I know¡± Ian¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°And don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of him¡±


    ¡°What are you gonna do? Fire him?¡±


    Ian smirked sardonically. ¡°I do worse things when I¡¯m angered Miss Evans. Oliver will pay for it¡± Then he strode towards me, pinning me to the counter, his hands on either sides of me. ¡°And you-¡± He leaned in. ¡°won¡¯t get your stuff back unless youe and live with me¡±


    I tried pushing him away but he didn¡¯t move a muscle. ¡°Why do you want me to live with you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good for the press and-¡± His expression hardened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. ¡°It keeps my family away¡±


    Before I could argue, he turned and walked away, leaving me to curse at him.


    Idiot.


    I got back to my desk and the VP red at me. ¡°I¡¯ll just pretend that the CEO didn¡¯t walk in here¡± She pursed her lips and nodded. ¡°Doctors told me not to get angry too much and I¡¯m doing a very good job¡± She smiled to herself proudly.


    ¡°And yes, this¡± She took a file out. ¡°Why don¡¯t I see anyone filling their names for the event in California?¡±


    Suddenly everyone looked down as if they didn¡¯t hear her. The event in California, which includes stressful trade shows, conferences, incentive programs and workshopssts for four days and no one wants to go because it includes working in the weekend.


    And specially, they pay you no extra money for participation. So for that reason I¡¯m out.


    ¡°James¡± VP looked at a guy in his early 30s. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you going?¡±


    ¡°My wife gave birth recently. I can¡¯t leave her for five days¡±


    ¡°You, Richard. What about you?¡± VP asked the next guy.


    ¡°I have ser practice with my son¡±


    Many gave excuses like that and the VP had a hard time keeping her words to the doctor.


    ¡°Oh my blood pressure¡± She pounded her heart and looked at us ¡°You, the unmarried lot¡± She pointed to five of us. ¡°You go!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± n asked. ¡°I don¡¯t want to¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t disobey me Mr. Brown¡± She glowered. ¡°Or else you¡¯ll feel the wrath of this great VP¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s buy these pink pj¡¯s and oh these tops¡± Lexi said excitedly, pointing to several clothes.


    But I kept scowling.


    After work, we came to a store to buy clothes for me but I couldn¡¯t make myself to, knowing my clothes are very much alive even though they got kidnapped.


    And it¡¯s not just clothes. He stole my everything. Stupid Kingston.


    ¡°So this one or this one?¡± Lexi showed me two tops. ¡°Tell quickly, we have an entire wardrobe to buy¡±


    ¡°We are not buying an entire wardrobe¡± I stated firmly, finallying into a decision.


    ¡°Then what? You¡¯re gonna walk naked everyday?¡±


    ¡°No¡± I raised my chin up with determination. ¡°I¡¯m gonna get my stuff back¡±


    ¡°How?¡± Lexi asked. ¡°You can¡¯t just sneak into the Prescott¡¯s¡±


    ¡°Actually you can¡± Brian furrowed his brows.


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Last night I slept with a girl who works part time in a cleaning agency that also cleans the apartments at the Prescott¡¯s¡±


    Wheels began turning in my head at the new found information.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°She said that they send one of their staff every Friday evening to clean Mr. Kingston¡¯s penthouse¡±


    A grin curled up my lips as a devious idea popped into my mind.


    This is going to be lit.


    ¡°Hailey, why are you grinning like a mad woman?¡±


    I straighted up. ¡°Let¡¯s buy clothes only tost till Friday.


    ¡°Why?¡± Lexi raised a brow.


    I smirked. ¡°Because we¡¯re going to break into the Kingston¡¯sir¡±

 13

    ¡°Everything ready?¡± Lexi asked me as she fixed my uniform, a grey tunic with chest pockets and matching pants.


    ¡°Yes. The trolley, the broom, the bags, everything¡¯s ready¡± I said pointing to each item.


    It was Friday evening and we stood outside the Prescott¡¯s with a fake ID and a fake Prescott pass in my hand.


    Brian has connections to everything and everyone so it wasn¡¯t really hard to obtain them. Sometimes it makes me wonder whether he¡¯s in part of some gang. But for now it became useful. He even convinced the girl he slept with to give me the Friday shift and we made sure her job or the cleaning agency wouldn¡¯t be in any trouble because of my actions. We have a n B and C for that  which includes kind of feigning an attack, Brian¡¯s ideas not mine.


    And technically I¡¯m not going there to steal from Ian. I¡¯m just merely getting my stuff back.


    We knew that Ian wouldn¡¯t being home tillte evening because he has an important meeting rted to the event tomorrow. The event is taking ce targeting our new productunch this summer so he would be he busy tonight. And I would be safe.


    ¡°Okay¡± Brian checked his watch. ¡°Go now¡±


    I took a deep breath and pulled the trolley inside. I showed my ID and the pass to the security and put a cap over my head to avoid running into any of our executives who might be living here. Better be safe than sorry.


    And I wasn¡¯t a very unpopr face now, thanks to idiot Kingston. But no one would recognise me in a cleaning uniform unless Ie really close to them.


    But if I got caught by the security I¡¯ll just reveal my golden card as Ian¡¯s fiance so as to avoid jail time for breaking in. That¡¯s the n Z. But then they would warn Ian before I could even grab my stuff. So I had to be careful.


    I took the elevator and reached the top most floor where Ian Kingston lives. The security below unlocked his door through remote control after I gave them my pass so the door just needed a little push to open.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    And when I did, I almost fainted.


    Inside was a ring chandelier hanging from the ceiling above and ced on either sides of the living room werefortable sofas. Facing the ck piano was a fabulous kitchen and next to it was the spiral staircase leading upstairs.


    And the view  fantastic!


    Did I really say no to live in here? Hailey keep you head straight. Get your stuff and go.


    But-


    Go!


    I fought with my inner self which still remembers the word self respect. But me  I¡¯ll fall in love with anything that is luxurious. Human nature people, can¡¯t help it.


    In awe, I sprinted upstairs and looked around,pletely astonished by the beauty of the penthouse. The furniture, the view, the structure everything is just so perfect.


    Reeling myself back to reality I went to one of the rooms and opened it, hoping my stuff would be in it. But there was nothing inside except for the expensive furniture, so I assumed it was a guest room.


    I went to the room next to it but it was also the same  expensive furniture and no Hailey¡¯s belongings. Then I found another door at the corner and tried opening it but it was locked. Ha.


    Across the upper floor there were two doors adjacent to each other. I opened one and found myself dragged into a world of ck and white.


    I was inside arge room with a view that captured the whole of New York. ck curtains hung at either sides of the ss wall and in the middle of the room was a white king size bed with ck sheets draped across it. Every wall was painted in ck and on the ceiling hung a simr ring chandelier but glowing with a white light.


    Suspecting my belongings were here, I opened the sliding doors of the walk in wardrobe and found rows and rows of suit jackets and shirts hanging from bars. There were countless shoes and countless ties in the lower see-through drawers, ced neatly without a single speck of dust anywhere.


    Everything was mourous.


    I smiled to myself. This is what I aspire to be. Rich and powerful.


    Then I quickly shook my head realising how stupid I sound.


    I strode back out the door and closed it firmly before going to the other room. As I opened it¡¯s door the first thing I noticed was myptop and my penholder. My babies!


    I sprinted inside and started opening every drawer. Inside were my files and my notebooks. Next to the table was a walnut bookcase with my stories books stacked in it. And then there was the closet with my clothes in it. I noticed there were few extra things too. Like gorgeous handbags, expensive dresses and radiant heels.


    Did Ian really buy these for me? Jeez man, you¡¯re making it really hard for me. Hailey focus!!! You don¡¯t fall for the rich. You work hard and be the rich.


    Then my eyes fell on the room. It had three white walls with one ss wall covered by beige curtains and in the middle was arge wooden bed over a soft rug that would sooth the soles of my feet. Now I really wish I could kick Ian out and live here.


    Swallowing up all my ridiculous thoughts I brought several garbage bags up and started filling my stuff in.


    I took them back to the trolley and was about to go up to close the room¡¯s door when I heard numbers being pressed on the keypad outside.


    Then the main door opened and my heart began hammering in my chest as fear pulsed through me, crippling my insides with terror.


    Ian appeared through the door and my face paled.


    What¡¯s he doing here???


    Panic surged through me and I quickly lowered my cap, covering my eyes. Then I took the broom from the trolley and started sweeping hastily.


    Ian removed his coat and loosened his tie before copsing into the couch looking exhausted. He spared me one unconcerned nce and closed his eyes with a hand over his forehead.


    Realising this was my time to run away I quickly pushed the trolley towards the direction of the door.


    ¡°There¡¯s dust in here¡±


    I came to an abrupt halt, panic surging through me, sweat trickling down my forehead. Slowly, I turned my head towards Ian, hiding my face under the cap.


    Ian jerked his chin towards the small table by the ss wall and then closed his eyes again.


    I stood paralysed for moment and then confirming he wasn¡¯t going to open them again, I released all the breath I had been holding. Gathering up all my courage I strode over to the table and started sweeping the dust under it.


    Quickly, quickly, quickly Hailey.


    ¡°I know that ring¡±


    All the colour drained out of my face.


    Instantly my gaze fell on the ring in my finger and terror caused through me, paralysing every inch of my body. How the hell did I forget to take it off???


    I heard him stand up and walk towards me, his each step tormenting me with fear.


    ¡°I know that ring because-¡± He came to a halt next to me.


    ¡°I gave it¡±


    Then he pulled on my cap, letting locks of dark brown hair fall down my shoulders.


    ¡°Hello fiance¡±

 14

    Instinctively the first thing that came to my mind was  Run!


    I pushed him away and tried running past him but he grabbed my arm and hauled me back, mming me against the ss wall.


    ¡°You¡¯re not running away fiance¡± He whispered in my ear, his lips grazing my ear lobe. He pinned one arm on the wall beside me while keeping the other locked on my wrist, trapping me in as he pressed his body against mine. He leaned down and nuzzled his nose in my hair. ¡°Hailey¡± He murmured in a husky tone, his eyes fluttering close as he inhaled my scent. ¡°You smell so good¡± He purred.


    ¡°R-release me¡± I stuttered, my voice almost a whisper.


    He stayed like that for a moment andnded a small kiss on my ear lobe before pulling away.


    Then he grasped my hand. ¡°Come. I¡¯m too exhausted. Let¡¯s cook together¡±


    ¡°What-¡± But he started dragging me to the kitchen.


    Ian came to a halt in front of the kitchen cab and opened it, taking a spaghetti out. ¡°Let¡¯s settle for this today¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°That¡¯s it what?¡±


    ¡°You are not gonna say anything about me breaking in?¡±


    ¡°Well-¡± Ian turned on the stove. ¡°I¡¯m impressed that you have many talents but very mad at the security here. How can I ask you to live here when anyone can just break in?¡± Ian poured water into the pot.


    My eyes widened as hope began to bloom within me. ¡°So you don¡¯t want me to live here anymore?¡±


    Ian waited in silence till the water boiled and then put the spaghetti into it.


    ¡°No I want you to live here, that¡¯s not gonna change. But I have aint to file and ask Mr. Prescott to fire some people. And-¡± Ian pointed to a slotted spoon. ¡°pass me that spoon please¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t fire the security!¡± I eximed as I passed him the spoon. ¡°They didn¡¯t do anything. It¡¯s¡­ uhh it¡¯s not their fault that people who do illegal things are getting good at it¡± Really Hailey?


    ¡°What a poor excuse¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°Ian¡± I said more louder to get his attention. ¡°You can¡¯t fire them. I¡¯m the one who did wrong. I broke in. Punish me if you want to¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your house too¡± He stirred the spaghetti. ¡°So it¡¯s not technically breaking in¡±


    I rolled my eyes heavenward. ¡°Listen. This is not my house and you can¡¯t fire the security¡±


    ¡°This is your house and I will fire the security. Now please fetch me the sauce from there¡± He pointed to the fridge.


    A muscle in my jaw twitched. I stayed there, ring at him, my fists clenching at my sides. Ian smirked while stirring the spaghetti and I lost it. ¡°Uhh you¡¯re so annoying¡± I opened the fridge and took the sauce out. ¡°Here¡¯s your stupid sauce¡± I gave it to him and huffed angrily.


    Ian chuckled. ¡°You get angry very easily¡±


    ¡°Happy realisation¡±


    ¡°Come and help me cook¡±


    ¡°No thank you¡±


    ¡°Juste¡±


    ¡°You realise that has a double meaning right?¡±


    ¡°I know and I¡¯ll say that to you in that way someday¡±


    I scoffed in disbelief, keeping a hand over my heart ¡°My God this guy¡¯s crazy¡±


    ¡°Juste¡±


    ¡°Stop saying that¡± I screamed and Ian couldn¡¯t stopughing.


    I stomped over to him angrily. ¡°Give that to me¡± I grabbed the spoon in fury and helped him cook the spaghetti. The entire time Ian kept ncing at me and every time I gave a him a death re in return.


    After we finished cooking, Ian served the spaghetti into two dishes andid them on the dining table. He pulled a chair for me but I ignored it and sat on the one beside it. Ian rolled his eyes and took a seat across from me.


    As I was about to dig into my food, my phone rang.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I answered it.


    ¡°Why the hell aren¡¯t youing down? We¡¯ve been waiting here forever¡± Lexi¡¯s voice barked through the phone.


    Shit.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I nced at Ian who was staring at me with a knowing smile on his lips. Stupid Kingston. ¡°I¡¯m having dinner with Ian¡±


    The other end was silent. 1, 2, 3 ¡°Ahhhhhhhh¡± Lexi screamed and I had to take the phone away from my ear.


    ¡°How the hell did you get caught?¡± She yelled.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter¡± I said while eyeing Ian who looked very interested in our conversation. ¡°Bye see you¡± I cut the call and set my phone down.


    Ian twirled the spaghetti in his spoon. ¡°I assume those are your partners in crime. What are their names again? Ahh yes, Lexi and Brian isn¡¯t it?¡±


    I scowled and dug into my food. Why the hell am I having dinner with him? Stupid Hailey.


    ¡°So-¡± He broke our one second peaceful silence. ¡°How do you find the house?¡±


    ¡°Typical¡± liar


    Ian gave a lop sided grin. ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°You know ss walls, king size beds, locked rooms. Just the same¡± I waved a dismissive hand and continued with the eating.


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Locked rooms? I see you did your fair share of inspection¡± He grinned and leaned back on his seat, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°So, aren¡¯t you curious to know what¡¯s in there?¡±


    ¡°Nah I read too many billionaire books to know what¡¯s in there¡±


    Ian raised an amused brow. ¡°So what¡¯s in there?¡±


    ¡°You know furniture of your past lover or their photos, something like that¡± I said in a bored tone and nced down to continue with my eating but then my head jerked up as another example came into my mind. ¡°Or maybe even a red room¡± I mumbled in shock.


    Ian let out augh. ¡°Neither¡±


    ¡°Then what?¡± I narrowed my eyes.


    ¡°You want to see?¡±


    The corners of my lips twitched up into Cheshire grin ¡°Omg you¡¯re gonna show me? Cool cool cool¡± I pped excitedly. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Curiousity kills the cat¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right. Cat has nine lives¡±


    Ian chuckled and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s going to be a hell of a ride¡±


    ¡°What is?¡±


    ¡°My life¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re gonna be there¡± He smirked and before I could smash his head into pieces he stood up from his chair and came over to me, grabbing my arm and pulling me up.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± He dragged me upstairs to the locked room and took a key from his pocket before unlocking the door. He then turned the knob and opened the door.


    And I gasped.


    (Picture at the beginning)


    Inside was a glowing pool elevated to a certain height that had the sky painted above it. From one side of the ceiling flowed water into a separated part of the pool like tiny sparkles giving an ethereal appearance to the entire ce. Pool benches were ced on two sides of the room while the rest had ss walls overlooking the city below.


    ¡°You like it?¡±


    In awe, I stepped inside the room and spun around. ¡°Am I in heaven?¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°No but this is my heaven¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I nced at him.


    He folded his hands behind his back and sighed, sagging his shoulders. ¡°This is the ce where Ie to rx. This is where Ie up with my strategic ns, my tactics, my tricks. Simply everything¡±


    ¡°So basically, you grow brains when you jump into the pool?¡± I asked in puzzlement and then frowned. ¡°Maybe you should do it again¡±


    ¡°Very funny Miss Evans¡±


    I grinned and nced back at the pool in awe. I could stare at it all day long if I want to but unfortunately I have no intention of staying here thanks to the evil presence who owns this ce.


    But a few minutes won¡¯t hurt.


    So I walked over to a pool bench and sat on it, my eyes fixated on the ceiling painted resembling the sky.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡± I murmured as my eyes captured everything into memory. ¡°But¡± I turned to him. ¡°FYI, even though you showed me this, I still hate you¡±


    Ian came and sat next to me. ¡°Noted¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re not gonna fire the security¡±


    ¡°Not happening¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so annoying¡±


    ¡°I realised¡±


    I threw my head back and groaned in irritation. ¡°You¡¯re crazy¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡±


    I counted to ten in my head to stop myself from wing at his face and then looked at him. ¡°Tell me¡± I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you pick anyone else to y your fiance role?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong Miss Evans. This is not a role¡± He gave me a smug look. ¡°You¡¯re stuck with me forever¡±


    I took a deep breath and fanned myself to calm my temper. ¡°Why do I even bother talking to you? Maybe I should jump into the pool and grow some brains¡± I mumbled and leaned back on the bench, scowling in frustration.


    Ian chuckled and leaned next to me.


    I gave him a side re and nced up at the ceiling, having the urge to get myself lost in the stars but instead my eyes began slowly fluttering close, day¡¯s exhaustion finally taking me over.


    Then I felt a small kiss on my head before darkness invaded me.

 15

    I woke up startled, the rm ringing on the night stand. Groaning loudly, I took the rm and threw it across the room, breaking it into pieces.


    Then went back to sleeping in my soft bed. Soft? When did I have a soft bed? In puzzlement I jerked my eyes wide open and looked around, frowning at my unfamiliar surrounding.


    Did I get kidnappedst night?


    Slowly, I pulled the covers away and stood on my feet, stretching my toes on the cold tile. Then I jumped up in shock as a knock sounded on the door.


    ¡°Get ready. We¡¯re leaving in 30 minutes¡±


    I blinked. Who¡¯s that? The voice was very familiar but I couldn¡¯t put a name to it. So I strode to the door and opened it.


    On the other side stood Ian Kingston, dressed in a ck suit, tapping on his phone.


    I gasped. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Ian nced up and frowned. ¡°I live here¡±


    ¡°What-¡± I looked around, noticing there was absolutely nothing that could resemble Lexi¡¯s apartment. Fuck!


    ¡°I¡¯m still in your house?¡±


    Ian nodded.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You slept on the pool bench and I didn¡¯t want to wake you up¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. You should have woken me-¡± I stopped and narrowed my eyes. ¡°If I slept on the pool bench howe I¡¯m here?¡± I said gesturing to the bed.


    Ian smiled. ¡°I carried you sweetheart. Now get ready. We¡¯re gonna bete¡±


    ¡°For what?¡± I shrieked.


    ¡°For the workshop. Our flight is at 4¡± He tapped on his watch. ¡°and also pack your clothes from that garbage bag¡± He pointed to the bag at the corner of the room, in which I had stuffed my clothes earlier.


    ¡°Hurry up¡±


    ¡°Wait-¡± But he was gone.


    Still in confusion, I managed to take a shower in a jaw dropping luxurious bathroom and got dressed into ck pants and a light pink chiffon top.


    I packed my clothes into a suitcase that I found inside the walk in wardrobe and a man in ck suit came and took it downstairs, asking me to follow him.


    I did as he told and wearily reached the Prescott¡¯s parking lot, which had the most expensive cars in all of New York. My eyes were still trying to flutter close as I was too sleepily to get a good grasp of my surroundings so I paid a little less attention to things that doesn¡¯t concern me. Like the cars here  which I would die to see under normal circumstances.


    The man loaded my luggage to the trunk and asked me to get in the car.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kidnap me¡± I yawned.


    ¡°Miss Evans please get in the car¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to cover my eyes. I don¡¯t remember roads¡± I yawned again.


    ¡°Miss Evans-¡±


    ¡°Hailey. Get in the car¡± I spun around as I heard a deep voice behind me. It was Ian Kingston, striding towards the car with Daniel beside him.


    He walked past me and opened the car door. ¡°Get in¡±


    I scowled. ¡°Stop ordering me¡±


    ¡°Get in please¡±


    ¡°Asshole¡± I muttered and stomped over to the car, climbing onto the backseat. Ian closed the door and walked around, getting into the car from the other side.


    After Daniel sat on the passenger seat the man in ck suit  who was also the driver drove us out of the parking.


    ¡°So¡± I nced at Ian but he was tapping on his phone. Right. ¡°When¡¯s this gonna stop?¡±


    ¡°When we reach the airport¡±


    My brows creased, not understanding what he meant and when I did, I rolled my eyes. ¡°Not the car. My gosh!¡± I groaned. ¡°I meant us¡±


    ¡°I already gave you the answer numerous times¡± He said while still tapping on his phone.


    ¡°Why?¡± I turned to him, leaning my back against the car door. ¡°Why me? Can¡¯t you pay someone to be your fiance?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to pay someone for the rest of my life¡±


    Today¡¯s reminder; Search the telephone numbers of mental institutions, ASAP.


    ¡°Why is it ¡¯till death do us apart¡¯ instead of just 6 months or 1 year?¡±


    Ian tucked his phone inside his coat pocket and nced at me with a really look. ¡°You should stop reading those types of books Hailey¡±


    ¡°Answer me¡±


    Ian stared at me for a while and then signed. ¡°Fine¡± He said in defeat and leaned back in his seat to afortable position with his hands folded across his chest. ¡°Well it¡¯s ¡®death do us apart¡¯ because my parents aren¡¯t going to stop forcing me to marry Melissa in just 6 months or 1 year. So I needed a permanent solution¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s me?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    I threw my hands up. ¡°Why me?¡± You could have chosen someone you love to do this¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t do love¡±


    I rolled my eyes heavenward. ¡°Why does every fictional type men say that?¡± I shook my head in dismay. ¡°Fine. Then tell me this¡± I turned serious. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you choose one of your ex girlfriends who you like to  you know, reconcile with?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any ex girlfriends Hailey¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°That is absurd. You must have dated at least once¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°What do you mean no? Who¡¯s your first kiss?¡±


    ¡°You¡±


    ¡°You should have asked her to-¡± I suddenly came to an abrupt stop and nced up at Ian. ¡°Wait¡± My brows knitted. ¡°Did you just say that I¡¯m your first kiss?¡± I asked incredulously.


    ¡°Yes¡± Ian rolled his eyes, not liking the direction where this conversation was headed to.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± I asked with my mouth hanging wide open.


    ¡°If I¡¯m your first kiss-¡± I was still in shock. ¡°does that mean you¡¯re a virgin?¡±


    ¡°Are you mocking me, Miss Evans?¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡± I  shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m just uhh just-¡± I searched for words. ¡°astonished¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Ian raised a brow.


    ¡°You¡¯re 29 and also handsome and rich¡±


    At that, Ian¡¯s lips curled into a smile. ¡°Thanks for thepliment anyways-¡± Asshole. ¡°What about you Miss Evans? You¡¯re 26 and haven¡¯t had a boyfriend since college¡±


    My jaw went ck. ¡°How do you know that? And that-that¡¯s because I¡¯ve been saving up. I don¡¯t have money to waste on dates¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Just like you I also have a reason¡±


    ¡°Which is, if I may ask?¡±


    ¡°I hate people¡± Ian stated firmly.


    I blinked. ¡°That¡¯s it? You don¡¯t date because you hate people?¡±


    Ian sighed and looked straight ahead. ¡°I find everyone who¡¯s interested in having a rtionship with me as clingy, bothersome people. And thest thing I need is a distraction from my work¡±


    I wrinkled my nose ¡°So how¡¯s me being your fiance won¡¯t be a distraction to you?¡±


    Ian pursed his lips and pondered for a while. ¡°That day I caught you at the elevator, I checked your work records. You never take a leave, you never miss a chance to work overtime, you try to get every bonus as possible. You¡¯re a workaholic just like me¡± Ian turned his head and winked yfully. ¡°Who says only opposites attract?¡± He grinned and I lost it.


    Calm down Hailey calm down.


    ¡°Wow¡± I took a deep breath, still trying to control my temper. ¡°So my unhealthy work routine is what got you interested in making me your fiance?¡±


    Ian nodded. ¡°That is one. But I also like your arrogance, stubbornness, your hot temper and specially the joy in punishing you for deceiving me¡±


    I threw my head back and groaned. ¡°For God¡¯s sake, I just huped. Stop saying I deceived you¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°Well that led you to deceiving me¡±


    ¡°Please go jump into your pool and grow some brains¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°See, you¡¯re perfect for me¡±


    Calm down Hailey calm down.


    We stayed silent for the rest of the ride but I caught him looking at me several times with an amused smile carved on his lips.


    When we came to a stop, Ian looked out the window. ¡°We¡¯re here¡±


    I looked around and noticed we were at the JFK airport parking. To the far left I saw several people gathered, pulling their luggages into a line.


    I squinted my eyes to get a clear look and realised they were from ourpany. Thank God, I¡¯m finally free from this monster.


    I sprinted out of the car and waved at my friends, who stood by Lexi¡¯s car. They waved back at me and as I was about to run to them Ian stopped me.


    ¡°I have a private jet. You cane with me if you want¡±


    I forced a smile into my lips. ¡°Nice offer but I¡¯m going with my friends¡±


    He nodded and came closer. ¡°Fine, you can go with them. But I need this¡± Then he cupped my face in his hands and bent down, pressing his soft lips against mine, moving them in a swift passion that rendered me breathless as I stood frozen in shock.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Then he pulled back and smirked.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s my second kiss¡±

 16

    I watched Ian Kingston walk into the airport, a sly smile ying on his lips.


    Bastard


    I took a deep breath and turned around to see my friends giving me awkward smiles while the rest of thepany glowered.


    I flushed in embarrassment and slowly jogged towards them, pretending like nothing happened.


    ¡°Miss Evans, where¡¯s your luggage?¡± VP asked me as I approached them.


    ¡°Oh Ian has them¡­.¡± I trailed off realising I just call the boss by his name.


    ¡°Miss Evans¡± VP exaggerated on myst name and kept her hands on her hips. ¡°Today might be a Saturday but that doesn¡¯t mean you aren¡¯t here for work. You may address the higher ups properly, no matter what personal connections you have with them¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡±


    VP shot me oncest re and strode inside the airport. But before I could follow her with the rest, someone harshly grabbed my arm and pulled me back.


    ¡°You whore¡±


    I turned to see Melissa scowling at me.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    She took a step forward. ¡°You well knew he¡¯s my fiance but still you slept with him and seduced him¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Sorry what?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend like you don¡¯t know. You ruined my life. You took everything from me. But-¡± She hissed. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna sit and watch. I will take him back before this trip is over¡±


    ¡°First, this is not a trip-¡±


    ¡°Shut up¡± She screamed. ¡°Don¡¯t give excuses. He. Is. Mine. Periodt¡± Then she stormed inside, bumping into me on her way.


    Are you freaking serious woman? Men are not worth fighting for. Dogs and choctes are.


    ¡°Keep him. I never wanted him anyways¡± I scoffed and followed her inside.


    After getting our tickets we boarded the flight and flew to California, spending half the journey checking out hot guys and the rest sleeping.


    When wended, the first thing we noticed were the palms and the sun, the bright sun, and the first thing we did was flinch like vampires.


    ¡°Y¡¯all never seen the sun? Get on the bus now! Move move¡± The VP bellowed to the five of us, embarrassing us in front of other departments.


    ¡°Why is she a VP? She could have passed for a school teacher¡± Brian grumbled as we climbed on to the bus.


    The bus took us a few miles away from San Francisco to a beachfront hotel that was built on top of a cliff, surrounded by mountains and greenery.


    The view of the vast sea is spectacr, glistening under the bright sun with waves roaring and rolling, carrying the salt taste to the tip of my tongue. And the area breaths of everything that isn¡¯t New York. Calm and serene. Just like how I always wanted.


    Lexi and Brian dragged their luggages to the lobby and asked for their room numbers from the receptionist. When I asked for mine the receptionist¡¯s eyes bulged out of their sockets and she stood up straight, looking frightened.


    ¡°Good Morning Mrs. Kingston¡±


    ¡°WHAT?¡± I screamed.


    The receptionist winced, looking baffled. ¡°Umm¡­ anything wrong Mrs. Kingston?¡±


    ¡°Stop calling me that. I¡¯m his fiance not his wife¡±


    Lexi¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Did you just acknowledge that you¡¯re his fiance?¡±


    I snapped my head at her. ¡°What? Noo that¡¯s not what I meant. I still hate him and always will¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± Brian narrowed his brows. ¡°Because when he kissed you today it didn¡¯t seem like you were making any effort to push him away¡±


    I scoffed in disbelief. ¡°How can you even say that? I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re my friends. And yes I am sure. I still hate him¡±


    Then I turned back to the receptionist. ¡°Can I please have my room number and the key?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure¡± She nodded happily and gave me the key card.


    I checked mine and my friends but we were nowhere near. Then I checked with rest of the marketing employees and nope, I was in a separate floor with a red key card while they all have white ones.


    I went to our VP and asked why I was separated.


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not my doing. Why would I book you an expensive room?¡±


    My brows creased in confusion. ¡°What expensive room¡­¡± I trailed off as realisation dawned upon. ¡°Is it¡­ Is it Mr. Kingston¡¯s doing?¡±


    ¡°No shit Sherlock¡± Someone from the general management shouted.


    Suddenly a strong smell of perfume wafted through the air, invading my nostrils. I spun around, following the smell and then saw Melissa, leaning against the receptionist¡¯s desk.


    ¡°You need to take this call¡± She smirked and extended her phone to the receptionist, who hesitantly took it with a confused look on her face.


    Then as whoever on the other line spoke, her gaze immediately fell on me. Her face paled and terror overtook her as the other end continued to speak. She gave me onest guilty look and cut the call.


    What the hell is going on?


    ¡°Hey¡± Lexi nudged my arm. ¡°Did you see that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s she up to?¡± Brian scowled at Melissa.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know but I don¡¯t think she has good intentions¡±


    Lexi scoffed. ¡°Good intentions? I doubt she even knows those words. She already slept with 3 ATC employees. Can you believe it?¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Are you serious? I mean, how can she get her man back if she keeps sleeping with other people?¡±


    ¡°Pfft do you honestly think she needs Ian? She needs his money not him¡±


    I shook my head in dismay. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I shipped them. Maybe Ian should sign up for tinder and find himself another woman¡±


    ¡°You two!¡± VP bellowed to Lexi and Brian. ¡°Go and keep you luggages in your rooms and you-¡± Her eyes trained on me. ¡°Luggage-less Evans, follow me¡±


    I sighed in exasperation and did as she told.


    She took me to meet the employees of ENCOM, a softwarepany and our partners, who arrived just a few minutes after us.


    Apparently she¡¯s best buddies with their marketing department and their VP was a high school friend of hers. So you can guess how that went.


    After a day of third wheeling the VP romance I walked along the wide pool surrounded by palm trees, it¡¯s leaves swaying as the salty wind blew across the sea.


    We didn¡¯t have much work today as it was the first day and everybody was jetgged but I neither saw Ian nor my friends after morning. Someone in the sales told me that the CEO had gone to a meeting in San Francisco and haven¡¯t arrived to the hotel yet.


    My friends were assigned other tasks as to prepare for the trade show tomorrow so I couldn¡¯t meet them either. Most of the employees even got a resting time in the afternoon while I had to follow the VP like a puppy.


    As I was pacing, I saw a man standing across the pool, hiding behind a palm tree with a camera in hand. He was talking to someone but couldn¡¯t see who it was as the person was covered by the trunk of the tree.


    Curiously, I moved several steps forward and squinted my eyes to get a closer look.


    Then I spotted a red head, Melissa talking to the man with the camera or- my eyes widened, the paparazzi!!!


    What¡¯s she doing with them?


    After observing them for a long time I realised it wasn¡¯t my business to meddle in.


    So I went on my way.


    But at the back of my mind, I couldn¡¯t help feeling something bad is going to happen.


    ¡­


    The tter of knives and forks filled the dinning hall as employees of ATC and ENCOM ate dinner together.


    ¡°You saw Melissa again?¡± I asked Lexi as she dug into her steak.


    ¡°Nope but I heard a very interesting news¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°You know¡± She swallowed her food and leaned in. ¡°Since Mr. Kingston can¡¯t fire Melissa  because she came in through chairman¡¯s connection and shit, he appointed her as Daniel¡¯s PA¡±


    I choked on my food. ¡°You gotta be kidding me. I can¡¯t believe we missed that¡±


    ¡°I know right. We had been too busy nning a ¡®break-in¡¯ to notice what was going on around us¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Brian nodded in agreement and gave me a pointed look. ¡°The n which Hailey failed to aplish by the way.


    I scowled. ¡°Haha very funny¡± I huffed angrily and chewed on my food, ring at Brain throughout the meal.


    After dinner was done, I took my key card and went searching for my room. A hotel staff even apanied me there thinking I was a VIP guest since I had a red key card  or maybe it was because he recognised me from TV. You know, from the fiance drama thing.


    He told me my room was next to Ian Kingston and that my luggage was already brought in.


    And to be honest I wasn¡¯t a least bit surprised to hear that. I had already guessed that my room would be next to the stupid Kingston since he tends to do those crazy stuff.


    I should definitely contact the mental hospital.


    I slid the key card to my door and was about to open it, when I spotted Melissa approaching from the opposite direction, wearing lingerie with her red heels clicking on the ground.


    I stood shocked for a moment, seeing her half naked state, then quickly recovering I hid behind the tall nt pot beside my door and watched her movements out of curiosity.


    Melissa casually slid a key card into Ian¡¯s door, opening it and then walked in.


    From behind I saw the man with the camera following her, waiting till she gives him some signal.


    A second didn¡¯t pass when she gestured for him toe. He sneaked into the room and I could hear the sound of a shower from inside.


    Ian might probably be in the shower without having any idea that Melissa and her paparazzi friend were sneaking into his room.


    I pondered for a while thinking if I should inform him but then decided against it.


    It¡¯s none of my business.


    Is it really not?


    Shaking my head, I hesitantly opened my door and walked in, still conflicted whether I made the right choice or not.


    Should I tell Ian?


    Sighing heavily I turned the lights on.


    Then a gasp escaped my lips.


    Because sleeping on my bed was Ian fucking Kingston.

 17

    Ian was soundly sleeping on my bed, one arm folded under his head and the other resting on top of the duvet. His face looked drained and exhausted, his lips paled. At the moment he seemed less like a CEO and more like just Ian in his white t-shirt and shorts.


    Seeing him like this, I couldn¡¯t make myself to wake him up. I knew I should but deep down I wanted him to rest and have a goodnight¡¯s sleep.


    You really hit your head Hailey.


    And even though I wake him up it¡¯s not like I can ask him to go back to his room where there¡¯s a conniving half naked woman inside. I¡¯ll talk to him in the morning. Just for today he can stay.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ncing once again at his sleeping state I walked around the bed and found my luggage sitting next to the nightstand. I grabbed it and pulled my nightdress out of it. As I was about to go into the bathroom I spotted another suit case at the corner of the room.


    Frowning, I strode over and lowered the suitcase, slowly opening it  careful not to make any noise and on the inside I found shirts, ties, pants, suit jackets- Ian¡¯s clothes.


    I rolled my eyes heavenward. No way. Not happening. I agreed to let him sleep here for just one night, not anymore. I definitely have to talk to him about this tomorrow morning, as soon as he wakes up.


    Nodding with determination I put the suit case back into ce and strode to the bathroom to take a shower. But I couldn¡¯t help thinking if Ian knew what Melissa was nning.


    Really? Nah. He can¡¯t be that wise. He¡¯s Ian stupid Kingston for a reason.


    After changing into my nightdress, I took a pillow from the bed and ced it on the couch by the window. Thankfully it wasfortable or else I would¡¯ve thrown a bucket of cold water on Ian¡¯s face and chased him out of the bed.


    It¡¯s your lucky day Kingston.


    I turned to Ian and narrowed my eyes. ¡°Just for today Kingston. Just for today. Next morning you better have a good excuse¡± I blew a strand of hair out of my face and plopped on to the couch, pulling a sheet over me.


    How sad. I got a luxurious hotel room only to sleep on it¡¯s couch. My pathetic life.


    ¡­


    I woke up to a loud knock on the door.


    ¡°Hailey open the door!¡± Lexi¡¯s voice came bellowing from the other side.


    Groggily, I sat up and checked the time from my phone. It was seven in the morning.


    ¡°Hailey, open it¡± Then it was Brian knocking.


    ¡°I¡¯ming¡± I grumbled sleepily and ran my fingers through my hair, tidying it. Then stood up and strode towards the door.


    Before I could even fully open it, my friends came barging in. ¡°Ahhhh show us your luxury room!!!¡± Lexi squealed and sprinted inside. Brian also pushed past me, catching me off guard.


    Then both of them came to an abrupt halt. ¡°Omg Hailey¡± Lexi gasped. ¡°you slept with someone?¡±


    Perplexed, I frowned and turned to her. ¡°What?¡± I followed her gaze to the bed and found someone sleeping on it.


    What the-


    I blinked in confusion trying to figure out what was going on and thenst night¡¯s memories came flooding in.


    Shit.


    Lexi moved around the bed to see who it was and before I could even make a move to stop her she pulled the covers back.


    Both of them gasped.


    On the bed was Ian, still sleeping, his face buried in the soft pillow. Sensing the covers were off he groaned and pulled it back up, turning to the other side.


    Sweat trickled down my face, terror overtaking me.


    Achingly slowly Lexi nced at me. ¡°You slept with Ian Kingston?¡± She asked in a slow, deadly tone.


    Brian gave me the same using look and I felt like Imited the most horrible crime ever.


    ¡°N-no I didn¡¯t¡± I shook my head pathetically.


    ¡°Then why the fuck is he here?¡± Lexi suddenly yelled and that ticked me off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scream¡± I scolded. ¡°He¡¯s still sleeping¡±


    Both Lexi¡¯s and Brian¡¯s mouth fell open and I gasped realising what I just said.


    ¡°Did you just hear yourself?¡±


    I took a step back in shock, my hand over my heart. ¡°Don¡¯t even start¡± I shook my head in dismay.


    ¡°So you slept with him or not?¡± Brian raised a brow and I snapped at him.


    ¡°Of course not and-¡± I grabbed their arms and dragged both of them out of the room. ¡°Why on earth would I sleep with him? He was here before I even came to the room¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Lexi wrinkled her nose. ¡°Why did he sleep here though?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± I shrugged. ¡°I have the same question-¡± I furrowed my brows. ¡°which I¡¯m going to ask now. Bye¡± I shut the door in their face before they could pester me with more questions.


    Then I strode straight to the window and opened the curtains, letting sunlight fall in.


    ¡°Rise and shine¡±


    As the light fell on Ian¡¯s face, he groaned and covered his face with his hand.


    ¡°Wakey wakey it¡¯s seven in the morning¡±


    He groaned again and pulled the covers over his head, snuggling back to the pillow.


    Are you kidding me? I exhaled in frustration and stomped over, pulling the covers back. ¡°I said good morning in two different ways. Now wake up!¡± Imanded.


    Ian slowly opened his eyes. ¡°What?¡± He mumbled in his sleepy raspy voice  which by the way is very very hot. Focus Hailey focus.


    ¡°Now pray tell why you¡¯re sleeping in my room?¡±


    He sighed and closed his eyes again. ¡°I paid for it¡±


    ¡°That-¡± My forehead creased. ¡°is true¡± I admitted reluctantly. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean you can sleep in the room you booked for me¡±


    ¡°I can and I will¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°No you can¡¯t. It¡¯s not right to sleep in the same room with your employee. Your room is just next door. Why didn¡¯t you go there?¡±


    He let out a frustrated groan and sat up on the bed, his back leaning against the headboard. ¡°First, you¡¯re not just my employee. You¡¯re my fiance¡± I opened my mouth to argue but he held a finger up, stopping me. ¡°Second, I can¡¯t go to my room when there¡¯s a scheming bitch inside¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Wait. You knew?¡±


    ¡°Of course I knew. I have a spy in my parents¡¯ house. My mother wanted to threaten me into marrying Melissa with that scheme yesterday¡± Ian snorted. ¡°So pathetic of her¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Your mother did this?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± He yawned. ¡°Now let me go back to sleep. I set my rm at 7. 15 and I don¡¯t wake up before my rm. Good night¡± He flopped back into the bed and pulled the covers over his head.


    I scoffed in disbelief. Stupid Kingston.


    ¡­


    I sprinted down the stairs in a hurry, looking over my shoulder several times to see if someone saw me. I got dressed before Ian and left the room as soon as possible so that no one would see using out of the same room. It would be he lot of embarrassing if someone did. And that¡¯s thest thing I wanted.


    I reached the dining hall and spotted our marketing team seated near the tall windows facing the ocean.


    I walked over to them and greeted the VP with a cheeky smile, who in return scowled at me. Then as I was about to pull a chair, someone else did it for me.


    I nced up in confusion and my eyes widened in horror seeing it was Ian Kingston.


    He gave me a small smile and pulled a chair next to mine. Then he sat down on it, shocking everyone else at the table.


    I gaped at him. Why the hell is he sitting here?


    Lexi and Brian both exchanged nces and I could see everyone else doing the same. And the VP  she was giving Ian the brightest smile ever.


    ¡°Mr. Kingston, we are pleased to have you at our table. It¡¯s a nice morning, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Ian didn¡¯t reply and looked up at me, waiting till I sit down.


    I forced a smile on to my lips and sat down next to him, feeling the daggers of our VP on my neck. The tension at the table was so high that I thought I would melt into butter.


    ¡°So Mr. Kingston¡± VP started with a smile. ¡°Are you attending the trade show today?¡±


    But Ian ignored her and kept staring at me, his eyes twinkling in awe.


    I¡¯m dead.


    Realising Ian¡¯s attention was solely on me, VP shot me a deadly re. I gulped anxiously and shifted in my seat, eager to get out of here.


    Thankfully before I could melt into butter waiters and waitresses of the hotel walked in, cing food on each table.


    As they were done I took my fork to dig into my pancakes but one of the hotel staff approached us. ¡°Mr and Mrs. Kingston¡± I paled. ¡°Since you slept in the same room should we cancel the other room?¡±


    I paled and paled, turning to aplete sheet of white. I could see the hideous res everyone was giving me. And the look on VP¡¯s face  I bet she¡¯d volunteer to go to hell if that means she gets to kill me.


    ¡°Sure that¡¯s a good idea¡±


    And I bet I¡¯d volunteer too if that means I get to kill Ian fucking Kingston.


    Then as the man left Ian started eating his pancakes like nothing happened.


    Calm down Hailey calm down. Let¡¯s be civil okay? No need to stab someone with a fork.


    After a torturous breakfast I strode to the lobby to retrieve some of our stuff prepared for the trade show.


    I reached the front table and was about to lift one of the boxes when someone unfamiliar circled their arms around my waist from behind.


    I gasped.


    ¡°Heard they call you Mrs. Kingston¡±


    Immediately I spun around,ing face to face with a man in a white tank and a leather jacket, his dirty blonde hair touseled, his lips twitched up as he smiled down at me.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked incredulously.


    He grinned. ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it does¡± I kept both of my palms on his chest and pushed him away, trying to get out of his grip but he didn¡¯t move a muscle. ¡°Get off me¡± I demanded but his grin only widened.


    ¡°I won¡¯t if you don¡¯t behave darling¡± He wrapped his other arm around my waist and tightened his hold on me, sparing me no space to struggle.


    ¡°What kind of sick bastard are you?¡± I pounded my fists against his chest in fury.


    He chuckled. ¡°Just a rich one darling¡±


    I scoffed in disbelief and twisted in his arm, trying to get away but the man wouldn¡¯t even budge.


    I saw several employees from ATC and ENCOM passing by. But they didn¡¯t do anything. They just whispered behind their hands about the fact that I was in the arms of another man. And that only ticked me off.


    Then miraculously, through the corner of my eye I spotted Ian, approaching the lobby, tapping on his phone. And never had I ever felt this relieved to see him.


    ¡°Ian!¡± I shouted at the top of my lungs and felt the blond man stiffen against me. Then immediately, he released me and backed away.


    Ian nced up from his phone and I leaped into a run, my feet desperately taking me to him.


    As I hastily reached him, Ian gave me a confused look and put his arm over my shoulder, holding me steady.


    ¡°Why are you running-¡±


    ¡°Ian¡± The blond man appeared before us. ¡°Long time no see¡±


    ¡°Isaac¡± Ian looked surprised and so was I. Ian knows this pervert? ¡°I didn¡¯t know you woulde¡±


    ¡°How can I not?¡± Isaac grinned. ¡°I¡¯m part of the ENCOM too¡±


    Ian nodded. ¡°It¡¯s good to have you here. Then Ian nced down at me. ¡°Hailey, meet Isaac Wills, ENCOM chairman¡¯s grandson¡± My eyes widened in shock. ¡°And Isaac, this is my fiance, Hailey Evans¡± He introduced us but thest thing I needed was to be introduced to a pervert.


    ¡°Yes we met¡± Isaac smirked. ¡°Didn¡¯t we darling?¡±


    At that moment I didn¡¯t know what surprised me more. Was it the fact that Isaac fearlessly called me darling or the fact that Ian suddenly stilled?


    ¡°Why are you calling her that?¡± Ian growled, his chest thundering in rage.


    ¡°What?¡± Isaac chuckled. ¡°I call that to every prettydy¡±


    ¡°Not to her¡±


    Isaac stared at Ian for a while and then threw his head back,ughing loudly. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. I always call-¡±


    ¡°Not to her¡± Ian hissed, his eyes turning to slits in fury.


    ¡°Woow man¡± Isaac held up his hands in surrender and took a step back. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you get possessive over women¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw tightened and he gritted his teeth. ¡°Just woman¡± He corrected.


    Shocked that he admitted it, I nced up at Ian and saw how furious he was. Not wanting to anger him anymore I nced back down, refraining myself from arguing with him.


    ¡°Fine¡± Isaac chuckled nervously. ¡°You can keep your woman. And by the way, we have a yacht party this afternoon. Wanna join?¡±


    ¡°I have work to do¡± Ian answered, his temper slowly cooling down.


    ¡°Oh c¡¯mon, are you really saying no to your old friend?¡± Isaac threw his hands up. ¡°Even Mason ising. I heard you wanted to talk to him about some new project. Why don¡¯t you take this chance to do it? Saves you the trouble of flying back to California


    Ian stared nkly at him, pondering on the thought for a while. ¡°Fine. I¡¯lle¡±


    Isaac grinned. ¡°Good. Bring your fiance too¡±


    My eyes shot up in horror. ¡°No I can¡¯t. I have to go to the trade show¡±


    ¡°Oh please¡± Isaac rolled his eyes. ¡°Your trade showsts for three days. Go for tomorrow¡¯s one¡± He turned to Ian. ¡°Tell her man¡±


    Ian red at him, not liking to be told what to do and then slowly he nced down at me. ¡°I¡¯ll inform your seniors. Juste for today¡±


    Before I could even open my mouth to argue Ian turned to Isaac. ¡°We¡¯lle¡±


    ¡°Good¡± Issac smiled. ¡°See you in a few hours¡±


    ¡­


    The bright sun was glistening down on my floral white dress as I sat on a seat on the luxurious yacht, sailing across the Pacific. Sea gulls flew across the sky, the ocean buzzing with it¡¯s dormant strength as waves roared and rolled, crashing against the cliffs towering above us.


    Several girls in bikinis were sitting across from me, drinking sses of champagne and giggling as Isaac Wills flirted with them, his hands wrapped around their shoulders.


    I rolled my eyes in exasperation and looked towards Ian, who was sitting far away from me, at a table with Mason Lambert.


    ¡°So Hailey¡± I turned as Isaac called me. ¡°How did you managed to make Ian fall for you? He¡¯s usually the monk type¡±


    I forced a smile into my lips. ¡°Maybe you should ask that from him¡±


    Isaac¡¯s lips curled up into a lop sided grin and he leaned forward. ¡°I¡¯m very sad that I couldn¡¯t get to you earlier. You¡¯re too pretty to waste¡±


    His gaze fell on my body and he wetted his bottom lip as his eyes lingered on my breast. Feeling uneasy, I cleared my throat and shifted in my seat.


    I looked towards Ian again but he was too immersed in his conversation with Mason. I sighed.


    ¡°Wanna join?¡± I nced up as one of the girls called me.


    I raised my brows in confusion and without saying anything further the girls started removing their bikinis.


    When they stripped into nakedness in broad daylight, I looked from one to the other in bewilderment.


    ¡°We¡¯re going swimming. Youing?¡±


    ¡°Uh no¡± I shook my head awkwardly.


    ¡°C¡¯mon have some fun¡± Isaac wiggled his eyebrows and I frowned in disgust.


    ¡°Sorry but I don¡¯t want to¡±


    Isaac let out augh and pped one of the girl¡¯s butt, signalling them to jump off the ship. And they did, one by one.


    I watched them ssh into the water and pop their head back up,ughing hysterically. Then I felt someone grab me by my wrist, pulling me to my feet.


    ¡°What-¡±


    ¡°Jump¡± Isaac dragged me to the railing and I struggled against his arms, trying to yank my hand back.


    ¡°No please no¡± But he didn¡¯t listen and lifted me into his arms. ¡°I can¡¯t swim please don¡¯t¡± He ignored my pleading and threw me off the ship.


    I sshed into the water, my weight dragging me down. In panic I fling my arms about and thrashed violently, trying toe above but I was failing. Cold water filled my lungs and blood pounded behind my eyes. I gasped for breath, struggling to keep my head above water but the currents were pulling me back.


    I pushed with my arms and legs but I could find no leverage, for all I knew I was dragging myself further down. My breaths were agonizingly painful and terribly short.


    Then through my faint vision I saw someone else jump from the ship and swim towards me. The water swirled and I went under again but this time a strong hand grabbed me and pulled me above.


    I was dragged towards the yacht and pulled upward onto the lower deck. Vigorously I retched the salt water out of my lungs and desperately gasped for air, clutching on to my throat. I felt the same hand that grabbed me, pat my back soothingly. ¡°Thank god, you¡¯re all right¡± Ian murmmed softly, his breathsing out as pants.


    After my breathing became steady Ian nced up, violent anger raging in his eyes, turning them into a dark shade of blue. ¡°WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING ISAAC? He barked furiously. ¡°SHE SAID SHE CAN¡¯T SWIM!¡±


    ¡°Hey man I¡¯m sorry. I thought she was lying-¡±


    ¡°Shut up Isaac¡± Someone else said.


    Then I felt Ian wrap a towel around me and pull me closer to his chest. ¡°Turn the yacht around now!¡± He demanded.


    ¡°What? We haven¡¯t even started the party-¡±


    ¡°I said turn this around now¡± Ian hissed through gritted teeth, a muscle twitching in his jaw.


    I closed my eyes and leaned into his chest, clutching his cor. ¡°Ian¡± I faintly whispered, feeling drained and exhausted.


    ¡°Shh. You¡¯re safe now¡± He mumbled into my hair and pressed a soft kiss on my head before lifting me into his arms. Then he took me to a bedroom inside the yacht andid me down on the couch.


    He grabbed a towel from a rack and sat down next to me, drying my hair with it.


    ¡°I can do it¡± I tried to take the towel from him but he held it high, out of my reach.


    ¡°Just turn around and let me do it¡±


    I sighed and did as he told. After using the towel he took a hair dryer out of a drawer and began drying my hair again.


    ¡°I can do that too¡±


    ¡°Just stay there¡±


    ¡°Your hair is wet too¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll dry itter¡±


    From the side I stole a nce at Ian and saw how upset he was. His mouth was set into a hard line, his brows drawn together, his eyes intently focused on drying my hair but his mind lost elsewhere.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± He tucked a loose strand behind my ear and set the dryer down.


    ¡°You look upset¡±


    ¡°You almost drowned¡±


    ¡°I almost drowned. Not you¡± I said to cheer up the mood but my attempt failed as Ian frowned at me.


    ¡°And that¡¯s not a reason for me to get upset?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡±


    Ian sighed. ¡°I do care about what¡¯s mine Hailey¡±


    My brows creased. ¡°What do you mean what¡¯s yours-¡± I paused. ¡°Do you mean me?¡± I asked pointing to myself in shock.


    ¡°Mmm¡± He smiled. ¡°You¡¯re mine¡±


    Then he cupped my face in his hands, tilting my face upwards and pressed his lips on mine, moving them softly at first and then with swift gradation of intensity that rendered me speechless. Before I coulde out of my daze he pulled back and leaned his forehead against mine.


    ¡°Only mine¡±


    .

 18

    I sat on the chair, frantically tapping my foot against the ground, my fingers steepled together in front of my lips as I rested my elbows on top of the table. ¡°I think I¡¯ve gone insane. I mean-¡± I shook my head in dismay. ¡°How can I think it¡¯s hot?¡±


    I turned to my friends who were busy swallowing their cinnamon rolls. ¡°Are you even listening?¡±


    Lexi gulped down another one and nodded. ¡°So you like when he said you belonged to him?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I gaped. ¡°No¡±


    Lexi¡¯s brow creased. ¡°But you just said you find it hot¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°That was my wolf speaking. Not me. How can I find it hot?¡±


    Lexi rolled her eyes heavenward. ¡°She¡¯s really gone mad¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°Wolf?¡± Brian raised a brow.


    ¡°Oh she loves werewolf stories¡± Lexi exined and went back to eating her breakfast.


    ¡°That bastard¡± I abruptly mmed my fists against the table and my friends jumped back in shock.


    ¡°How dare he call me his? Me? His?¡± I gave out a humourlessugh. ¡°That is absurd. He should be sent to a mental hospital¡±


    ¡°You should go with him¡± Lexi pointed out but one re from me shut her up.


    ¡°How can he im me? I already belong to many men¡± I help up my fingers, counting them. ¡°Damon Salvatore, us Mikaelson, Dean Winchester, Ferhat An and-¡± I pursed my lips thinking hard but failed to remember the other name. ¡°Who¡¯s that ¡®are you lost baby girl¡¯ guy?¡±


    ¡°Massimo¡± Brian answered.


    ¡°Yes that guy¡± I nodded. ¡°He¡¯s hot¡± Then I slumped back in my chair, dragging my body down until only my head was visible above the table. ¡°But Ian is hot too. They way he said it, it was also hot¡±


    ¡°So you like it or not?¡±


    I came back up. ¡°If my crush ke said that-¡± I said dreamily. ¡°I would be flying over the hills by now. But this is Ian Kingston. He¡¯s not my type¡±


    Lexi wrinkled her nose. ¡°But you just said Ian Kingston is hot¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my wolf speaking!¡±


    ¡°Okay that¡¯s it¡± Lexi set down her utensils. ¡°I¡¯m calling an ambnce¡±


    It was the next morning and we were having breakfast at the dinning hall. But I still couldn¡¯t stop talking about yesterday¡¯s events. After Ian called me his, we came back to the hotel and he vanished into thin air  haven¡¯t seen him since. Thankfully he didn¡¯t grace me with his presencest night to my room or else I wouldn¡¯t have been so patient in controlling my fists.


    I knew he saved me and I¡¯m forever grateful for that but he can¡¯t say that I¡¯m his.


    But the way he said it, it was soo hot. Okay, shut up!


    Melissa on the other hand  as I heard, had been crying the whole of yesterday. Someone said that she had been forced to go back to New York, but who knows, she might have found a way to stick around.


    ¡°He even kissed you right?¡± Brian asked as he chewed on his food. ¡°Did you kiss back?¡±


    My eyes lightened up at that. ¡°Oh my God! I think I have some brains left¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not very sure about that-¡±


    I interrupted Brian. ¡°I¡¯ve never kissed him back. Never, not even once¡± Iughed wickedly. ¡°I¡¯m awesome¡±


    But I like his kisses.


    Wait what?


    No no no. I just like kissing rich guys! That¡¯s it.


    At that thought I gasped and jerked forward in my chair.


    ¡°Guys¡± I said in rm. ¡°I think I¡¯m turning into a gold digger¡± I gasped again, covering my mouth with my hand.


    Lexi rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Omg I¡¯m a gold digger¡± I said in disbelief.


    ¡°Well you might be¡± Brian nodded thoughtfully. ¡°You love money¡±


    ¡°Not exactly¡± Lexi interjected. ¡°Gold diggers waste others money but Hailey here will take all of Mr. Kingston¡¯s money, stack them in a safe and keep it there until she reincarnates into a self who actually spends money¡±


    ¡°I do spend money¡± I said in an offended tone.


    ¡°Nope¡± Both of them answered simultaneously and I scoffed.


    ¡°Wait and watch how I¡¯m gonna flex my money when I buy the Prescott apartment¡± I raised my chin up and flipped my hair. ¡°And you two are not invited¡± I huffed.


    ¡°Fine, do as you please, your majesty¡± Lexi gave me a bow and I scowled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that you should dream-¡±


    ¡°Daniel¡± Lexi suddenly gasped, looking at someone over my shoulder.


    I turned and found Ian¡¯s secretary standing right behind me. He scowled at Lexi and then nced down at me.


    ¡°Miss Evans, Mr. Kingston said that he¡¯ll be picking you up after the trade show¡±


    My brows creased. ¡°Tell him I¡¯m very much capable of climbing thepany bus after the expo¡±


    Daniel opened his mouth to speak and then shut it. He did it once again before sighing in frustration. ¡°I¡¯ll ry the message Miss Evans¡±


    He gave me a short nod and turned to walk away but Lexi stopped him.


    ¡°Daniel, have breakfast with us¡±


    Daniel took a deep breath and turned to Lexi. ¡°Miss Benson I¡¯ve been meaning to tell you something¡±


    Lexi raised a brow. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I. Am. Not. Into. You¡±


    My jaw fell. Lexi gasped. ¡°Excuse me-¡±


    ¡°And Miss Benson, please refrain from calling me by my first name. You may call me Mr. Collins. Thank you¡± Then he turned on his heel and marched away, disappearing out of the dinning hall.


    ¡°That piece of shit¡± Lexi took a knife and pointed it in Daniel¡¯s direction. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill him¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Evans!¡± VP¡¯s voice echoed through the hall. ¡°Let¡¯s go¡±


    I spun in my chair. ¡°Go where?¡±


    ¡°To the workshop¡±


    ¡°What workshop?¡± I asked dumbfounded.


    VP kept her hands on her hips and grimaced. ¡°The workshop we have to do for college students. Did you forget it already?¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t sign up for it-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care Evans. You already ditched yesterday¡¯s work. Today you have to go to both workshop and the trade show. Now get up¡±


    I rolled my eyes and sighed. ¡°Fine¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m mentally drained and devastated¡± Iined as I gathered the surveys given by our customers service branches in San Francisco.


    ¡°Me too. I¡¯m on the verge of a breakdown¡± Lexi sniffled, her eyes clouding with tears. ¡°Why is he so mean? I can¡¯t believe I fell for his cute face¡±


    ¡°Shut up guys¡± Brian muttered. ¡°Our problemster. Focus on the expo¡±


    I sighed and slumped my shoulders, my gaze falling on our sales employees who were promoting our products to the customers inside the booth. VP was too busy demonstrating the advantages of ourtestptop model to a group of teenagers, who apparently was making fun of her.


    ¡°That¡¯s karma¡± Lexi said nudging her chin in VP¡¯s direction. ¡°She dragged you through hell today. College students sucks¡±


    ¡°Much better than high schoolers¡±


    ¡°I have to agree¡± Brian nodded firmly.


    ¡°Really?¡± I raised a brow at him. ¡°Why? You were the high school jock. School was where you shined¡± I trained my eyes back ahead. ¡°And you didn¡¯t even notice me¡± I muttered, loud enough for him to hear me.


    ¡°I-¡± Brian hesitated. ¡°I did notice you. It¡¯s just there were too many girls flocking around me¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Oh please stop! You didn¡¯t notice me because you ignored every girl who wasn¡¯t in the cheerleading squad.


    ¡°I feel very offended now¡±


    I opened my mouth to argue but my phone suddenly rang. I took it out of my pocket and groaned loudly, seeing the caller ID.


    ¡°It¡¯s the fucking Kingston¡± I sighed and answered it. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Come outside¡±


    ¡°No¡± I protested.


    ¡°Juste outside¡± Then he hung up.


    ¡°Wow¡± I pulled the phone away from my ear and gaped at it incredulously ¡°He really knows how to piss me off¡±


    I tucked the phone back inside my pocket. ¡°I have to go. The Kardashian is calling me¡± I turned and marched out of the convention centre, looking for the Kingston.


    As soon as I stepped outside, I saw him, leaning against his car, his hands inside his pockets and the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up.


    In his exposed white shirt and ck tie, he looked  delicious. Hailey shut up!!!


    ¡°Why did you call me?¡±


    Ian nced up and his lips curled into a small smile seeing me. ¡°We¡¯re going somewhere¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± I frowned.


    Ian straightened up and his hand reached out, tucking a loose strand behind my ear.


    ¡°To meet the she devil¡±

 19

    ¡°Your mom?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be disrespecting the devil if I call her the she devil¡±


    ¡°Then who?¡± I raised a brow.


    ¡°Someone worse¡± Ian opened the car door for me to get in. ¡°At least for me¡±


    As I climbed on to the passenger seat, he closed the door and walked around the car, climbing in from the other side.


    ¡°What do you mean for you?¡± I asked as I put on my seat belt.


    Ian started the engine and rotated the steering wheel with one hand, pulling the car out of the convention center. ¡°It means the person who we are going to meet hates me more than anything in this entire world¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll be good friends with that person¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my worst fear¡± Ian muttered and stretched his arm to my side, opening the glovepartment in front of me. He then took his shades out and put them on as we got to the road.


    ¡°It¡¯s a four hour ride. Sleep if you want to¡±


    I gaped at him. ¡°Four hours? It¡¯ll bete when wee back!¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± Ian nodded, his gaze still fixed on the road.


    ¡°Why are you taking me? You could have gone alone¡± I asked in a frustrated tone but Ian ignored my question and continued to drive, pretending not to hear me.


    ¡°Wait¡± I narrowed my eyes and turned to face him with a dead serious gaze. ¡°Are you taking me because you¡¯re afraid to meet that person alone?¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    At that Ian¡¯s face hardened, his grip on the steering wheel tightening till his knuckles turned white.


    My eyes widened. ¡°A-are you serious?¡± I asked in disbelief and when he didn¡¯t respond, a loudugh escaped my lips, ¡°Oh my god! You¡¯re really scared¡± I was shocked at my own words. ¡°I didn¡¯t know there¡¯s a person who could make our big boy tremble in his pants¡± I chuckled and yfully smacked his arm.


    Ian scowled but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Omg! I can¡¯t wait to meet that person. I¡¯m so excited¡± I pped in anticipation.


    ¡°Just sleep¡± Ian grunted in irritation.


    ¡°Okie dokie¡± I grinned sheepishly and leaned back on the seat, closing my eyes shut.


    ¡°By the way, don¡¯t you dare kidnap me¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Hailey¡± I felt a tender touch on my cheek, knuckles brushing against my skin. ¡°Hailey wake up¡± A soft thumb trailed along my jawline and I sighed contently, leaning into the warm touch.


    Someone let out a soft melodicugh and I sleepily fluttered my eyes open, curious to know whose voice was that.


    As I opened them, I saw Ian Kingston, leaning towards me with a small smile spread across his lips. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived¡±


    He gave me onest stroke on the cheek and pulled back, climbing out of the car. Still in a daze, I blinked several times, trying to figure out where I was and what misfortune brought me here but before I could do that, Ian opened my door from outside.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡± Ian grabbed my arm and carefully pulled me out of the car, keeping his other hand on the car roof so that I would¡¯t hit my head on my way out.


    As Inded on my two feet, I tilted my head up and looked around, scanning our surrounding.


    We were standing outside a small stone front house with a neatly cutwn and a granite driveway. Several bright light bulbs were illuminating the front porch defeating the darkness of the night sky looming above us. The street had an eerie silence, not even a dog making any sound. Only the trees swayed, the leaves rustling as a soft wind blew past us.


    ¡°This is too beautiful to be a she devil¡¯sir¡± I pointed out. ¡°To be honest I expected you to take me to a cave and chain me to a rock, then suck my blood until I drain and die¡±


    Ian let out a heavy sigh at my words and shook his head in dismay. Then he turned back to his car and opened the backseat door, pulling something out of it. Curiously, I stood on my tip toes and leaned over his shoulder to get a good view of what he was doing. Is he pulling out chains?


    But instead Ian pulled out a red rose bouquet in which the petals had already withered away. He examined the dry petals and huffed angrily, throwing the bouquet back to the car.


    ¡°Wow you came here to confess your love to the she devil?¡±


    Ian shot me a re. ¡°I don¡¯t confess love to family members¡±


    ¡°F-family?¡± I asked incredulously. ¡°So you really took me to meet your mom?¡± I gasped. ¡°Omg I¡¯ve been deceived. That¡¯s it¡± I threw my hands up. ¡°I¡¯m walking back to the hotel¡±


    I turned on my heel to go for a twenty hour walk but Ian grabbed my arm and started pulling me to the front porch.


    ¡°I can¡¯t meet your mom!¡±


    ¡°We came here to meet my sister inw¡±


    I came to an abrupt halt. ¡°Sister inw? As in the wife of your brother who-¡± fuck. I bit my lip and slowly turned my face away from him, feeling ashamed for almost saying it out loud. Shit shit shit. Why did I have to mention it? Stupid Hailey.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to look away. It¡¯s alright¡±


    I slowly nced at him, giving him an apologetic look and he smiled. ¡°Yes, we came to meet the wife of my brother who-¡± Ian signed. itted suicide¡± He said thest part in a low tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for mentioning it¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. My brother was a douchebag¡±


    My jaw fell open. ¡°Can we um¡­ respect the dead please?¡±


    ¡°If he deserved it, then I would. Now-¡± He nudged his chin towards the door. ¡°press the bell¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes you¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you do it?¡±


    ¡°Just do it¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± I rolled my eyes and strode to the door, pressing the bell on to it¡¯s left. After a few seconds the door opened and a young woman with blond hair came into view.


    ¡°Hi! How can I help you?¡± She asked giving me a small smile.


    ¡°Hi, Uhh¡­umm-I¡± I stuttered and then quickly turned my body sideways, giving a good view of Ian who was standing behind me  more like hiding behind me.


    The moment the woman saw Ian, her face twisted into a scowl and she shut the door in our face.


    I blinked. ¡°Uhh¡­now what do we do?¡±


    ¡°Press the bell¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Again?¡±


    ¡°Yes again¡±


    I muttered a curse under my breath and pressed the bell again.


    This time the door flew open and the women came charging forward with a broom in hand.


    ¡°GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!¡± She swayed the broom, side to side and I ducked, not wanting get hit on the head.


    ¡°Alice calm down¡± Ian said in rm. ¡°Let¡¯s sit and talk¡±


    ¡°I have nothing to talk with you. Get out!¡± She raised the broom to hit Ian but his hand reached out right on time, grasping it¡¯s wooden stick firmly.


    ¡°Alice stop it¡± He grabbed the broom and threw it to the ground. ¡°We drove for four hours to get here. We can¡¯t go back¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you go back?¡± Alice barked angrily.


    ¡°Because-¡± Ian hesitated, searching for an excuse and then his gaze fell down on me. ¡°My fiance is hungry¡± He blurted out.


    That bastard-


    ¡°Fiance?¡± Alice nced at me, giving me a confused look. ¡°She¡¯s your fiance?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    Her brows creased. ¡°Please tell me for what reason did you fall in love with an asshole like him?¡±


    ¡°Yesss I knew it¡± I squealed and jumped onto my feet, grinning happily. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Hailey Evans¡± I winked. ¡°And I think we¡¯re gonna be best friends¡±


    Her eyes widened in amusement. ¡°Why do you think like that?¡±


    ¡°Simple. You hate him. I hate him. And that makes us best friends¡±


    Alice suddenly spluttered withughter, her eyes tearing up. ¡°Where did you find her Ian? She¡¯s the only person I like in your family¡±


    ¡°We are not family-¡± One death re from Ian shut me up.


    ¡°So¡­ Hailey¡± Alice cleared her throat,posing herself back. ¡°You got engaged to the person you hate?¡±


    I opened my mouth to answer but Ian pinched my back. ¡°Ouch¡± I whined.


    ¡°Couples fight¡± Ian answered with a straight face, his tone cold and serious. ¡°And she doesn¡¯t hate me. She¡¯s just mad at me for a little while¡±


    Alice scowled at Ian before turning her gaze back to me. ¡°I hope you¡¯re mad at him for a very long time because honey, you deserve better¡±


    I gave out dryugh. ¡°Thanks for the advice¡±


    Alice nodded and smiled. ¡°Come in. I don¡¯t want to starve you even though I like to do that to him very much¡± She shot Ian onest re and walked inside.


    ¡°Thank you¡± Before I could follow her inside I felt Ian¡¯s hand gently rubbing the spot where he pinched me.


    I scowled. ¡°Shoo you evil!¡± I swatted his hand away and strode inside.


    Alice was at the dinning table, cing cutlery on the table. ¡°I was just about to have dinner. You can join me. I don¡¯t have much so will you be okay with just mac and cheese?¡±


    ¡°Yeah definitely¡± I pulled a chair and sat on it. Ian took a seat next to me.


    ¡°So tell me¡± She kept three tes on the table. ¡°How did you get paired up with this guy?¡± She nudged her chin towards Ian, giving him a disgusted look.


    ¡°I work in hispany¡± I didn¡¯t go into details as I had been strictly warned by Ian not to tell anyone our story. Earlier I was too ecstatic to think twice before talking and the price I paid was a pinch to my back.


    ¡°Ohhhpany love. Shame, you could have found a better person¡±


    ¡°Ha¡± I started to chuckle but Ian shot me a warning re. Uh fine.


    ¡°I fell for his looks¡± I said casually and Alice let out a softugh.


    ¡°I really really like you Hailey. You can ditch Ian and visit me anytime you want¡±


    ¡°Oh thank you¡± I blushed profusely.


    Alice chuckled seeing my reddish face and pulled a chair across from me to sit down.


    ¡°Let¡¯s dig in shall we?¡± Alice asked with a smile and I nodded, taking my fork to start eating.


    But before the food could even reach my mouth, Ian decided to ruin the mood.


    ¡°Alice¡±


    Alice groaned and kept her utensils down. ¡°What?¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°You cane back to New York anytime you want. I can provide for you. You don¡¯t have to live in this-¡± He looked around in disgust. ¡°hut¡±


    Oh boy.


    Alice scoffed in disbelief. ¡°I don¡¯t want money from anyone whose responsible for my husband¡¯s death. I¡¯m fine the way I am. Please leave immediately after you finish dinner¡± Then she turned to me with an apologetic look. ¡°Sorry Hailey¡±


    ¡°Alice-¡±


    ¡°Just shut up Ian¡± Alice snapped. ¡°I won¡¯t be even talking to you if it wasn¡¯t for your fiance. Please leave quickly. I might have been your friend a long time ago but not anymore. I hate you just as much as I hate the rest of your family¡±


    A muscle in Ian¡¯s jaw twitched, his expression hardening as he tried to control his anger.


    Akwardly I continued to eat, pretending not to sense the tension building up at the dinning table.


    As I gulped down thest of my food Ian stood up and grabbed my arm, pulling me up with him. ¡°We¡¯ll leave¡±


    Then without another word he turned on his heel and stormed out the door, dragging me with him. He marched straight to the car and tossed me into the passenger seat like a sack of potatoes.


    Ouch my butt.


    After he got in, he started the engine and pulled the car out of the driveway, his hand gripping the steering wheel tightly in fury.


    We drove in silence for a while before Ian¡¯s gaze turned to me. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked dumbfounded.


    ¡°I threw you like a sack of potatoes. Are you alright?¡±


    A sheepish grin crept up my lips. ¡°Oh I¡¯m alright. Thankfully no broken bones¡± I patted my arm. ¡°Still intact or else you¡¯d be paying my hospital bill¡±


    Ian smiled and turned his gaze back to the road. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re here Hailey¡±


    ¡°I know right. I¡¯m precious¡± I nodded in pride and Ian¡¯s lips tugged up.


    For another hour we drove in silence through the wide forest stretching along the sides of the road. No vehicles passed by and the only light visible was the car¡¯s headlights.


    The sky was pitch ck but I could neither see the moon nor the stars as the clouds grew heavier and darker.


    First it was a pitter patter and then puddles of water came falling down to the windscreen, blocking our view of the road ahead. Ian muttered a curse under his breath and turned on the wiper.


    But the rain grew heavier and heavier until the air became too thick for us to see.


    ¡°You know what happens in books when it rains?¡± I jumped in to lighten the mood.


    ¡°What?¡± Ian asked as he tried to focus on the road.


    ¡°The car suddenly stops¡± I grinned.


    Then not a second passed after I said it, the car actually came to a sudden stop.


    ¡°What the hell-¡± Ian tried turning on the engine but it failed.


    ¡°Oh my god¡± I gasped. ¡°I jinxed it!¡±

 20

    ¡°Get out¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Get out and push the car¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Me?¡± I asked incredulously.


    ¡°Yes you¡±


    I blinked rapidly, staring at him as if he had grown two heads. Seeing my frozen state, Ian raised his brows. ¡°Now¡±


    I stayed put and scowled.


    ¡°Please¡± He smiled.


    ¡°You bastard¡± I cursed and furiously got out from the car.


    Heavy rain came pouring down on me, drenching my clothes and my hair. Puddles of water hit my skin like irked drops of silver, soaking me wet from top to bottom. I put a hand over my head and quickened my pace to the back of the car, careful enough not to slip and fall in my heels.


    As I was about to remove my heels to start pushing the car, the wind whipped up into a frenzy, dragging me across the car trunk cover.


    I quickly got my grip back and removed my heels, standing on barefoot.


    ¡°Push¡± Ian¡¯s voice barked and that only angered me more.


    ¡°Shut up¡± I shouted and began pushing the car as he ignited the engine.


    The clouds raced across the sky, thrumming with charged energy. The streaming shrouds of clouds coiled and writhed and then an unearthly caterwauling filled the air.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I hastily put back on my heels and stormed to the front of the car, pounding on Ian¡¯s window with my fists.


    Ian rolled down the window and then flinched as the wind carried the water inside. Asshole.


    ¡°You do it¡± I shouted, my voice muffled by the heavy rain.


    ¡°Just do it again¡±


    ¡°No¡± I shouted angrily. ¡°You push and I¡¯ll start the engine¡±


    Ian pursed his lips, contemting on the idea for a while, then groaned and got out. As he did rain poured down on him, drenching him wet, droplets of water dripping down his longshes. He muttered a curse under his breath and strode to the back of the car.


    As he started pushing I quickly climbed into the drivers seat and started the engine.


    But the car wouldn¡¯t start.


    ¡°Again¡± I shouted to Ian and ignited the engine but failed again.


    After the third try Ian came and opened my door. ¡°Come¡±


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s find somewhere to sleep¡±


    My forehead creased. ¡°What nonsense are you uttering?¡±


    ¡°Just get out¡± Ian grabbed my arm and pulled me out. Then he bent in and took his wallet and phone before closing the door.


    ¡°How are we going to find somece to sleep in middle of nowhere?¡±


    ¡°I checked in Google maps. There¡¯s a motel nearby¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Just follow me¡± Ian locked the car and walked straight ahead.


    Asshole!


    I ran after him and we walked in the rain for a good two miles before seeing a small two story building with words Motel shing in neon colours.


    ¡°Two miles is not nearby¡± I grumbled.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t walk two miles¡±


    ¡°We did¡±


    ¡°No we didn¡¯t. You¡¯re just assuming because you¡¯re exhausted¡±


    I scowled at him and huffed angrily before racing to the motel. I heard Ian heave a sigh before following me inside.


    I ran straight to the counter and leaned against it.


    ¡°We need rooms. As in plural, rooms¡± I said loud and clear. ¡°Don¡¯t say you only have one room. I know you have many¡± I shed a smile.


    The woman behind the counter stared at me with a frown. ¡°Yes youngdy we have rooms. As in plural, rooms. But-¡±


    ¡°Oh good good. Can I have the keys? This guy here will pay¡± I pointed to Ian, who was standing next to me, his neck craned up as he observed the mold growth on the ceiling.


    ¡°But-¡± The woman repeated in a more louder tone, exaggerating on the word. ¡°It¡¯s not good for a youngdy like you to stay in a single room¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Look at my other customers¡± The woman nudged her chin towards the group of people standing at the bottom of the staircase.


    They were bulky men with tattooes and piercings. Most of them were smoking and the others were heavily drunk, swaying to both sides in bleary. They wereughing loudly, showing all their missing teeth. Hands covered in leather gloves, gold chains around their necks.


    ¡°It¡¯s safe for you to stay with the man you just came in with instead of finding those men barging into your room knowing you¡¯re alone¡±


    ¡°But-¡± I opened my mouth to argue but Ian shot me a warning look.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take one room¡± Ian said and took his wallet out to pay.


    After the payment was done the woman gave us two towels and the key to our room. Then Ian held my hand and started dragging me towards the staircase, his grip tightening with every step he took. As we approached, the men spotted me and started catcalling.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this beauty?¡± A drunk man licked his lips.


    ¡°Come with us¡± Another whistled.


    Ian pulled me closer possessively and scowled at the men, his eyes zing with fury. He strode straight up the staircase and I had to run to catch up with him.


    We found our room at the end of the hall and Ian unlocked it, opening the door to a small room with just a bed and a towel rack. The cream coloured walls were cracked, drops of water dripping down in the left corner from a leakage, the windows barely had any curtains and one ss of the window was shattered, blowing the rain in.


    I sauntered inside but Ian stood still at the threshold, looking at the room in disgust.


    ¡°Come in¡± I called.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m going to spend a night here¡± Ian let out frustrated sigh and walked in, closing the door behind him.


    I tossed him a towel and started drying my hair with the other. ¡°What are we gonna wear? Our clothes are wet¡±


    ¡°You can wear my shirt. Only my waistcoat and suit jacket are wet¡±


    I blinked. What did he say?


    ¡°Uhh-¡± I hesitated, feeling awkward. ¡°Your shirt?¡±


    ¡°Any problem?¡± Ian asked as he ruffled his wet hair.


    ¡°Yes¡± I eximed. ¡°How can I wear your shirt?¡±


    Ian nced down at me. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to catch cold by sleeping in your wet clothes. So my shirt is the best option¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wear something¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    ¡°My boxers¡±


    ¡°Uh-i-¡± I stuttered and Ian raised his brows questioningly.


    ¡°Any problem?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be almost naked in front of me¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna catch cold either. So I¡¯m fine with being almost naked¡±


    I scoffed. Who asked if he¡¯s fine? But he gotta point though. ¡°Fine¡± I raised my chin and took a deep breath. ¡°You wear boxers¡±


    Ian nodded and began taking off his ck suit jacket and waistcoat, revealing a white shirt underneath. His strong muscles strained against the fabric at his forearms and biceps, his broad shoulders and firm chest hardening his appearance making it impossible for me to wrench my gaze away.


    He was the definition of handsome. My gosh. I think I¡¯m going to pass out.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pass out¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I nced at him.


    ¡°You said it out loud¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°I did? My gosh, I¡¯m feeling embarrassed for myself¡±


    ¡°I know right. I felt the second hand embarrassment¡±


    I shot him a re and Ian chuckled. He unfastened the buttons of his shirt exposing his toned body. His muscles rippled as shrugged off the shirt, veins of his arms bulging at the movement. A drop of water trickled down his neck to his chest, slowly moving down to the naval and then disappearing inside his pants. Damn.


    Wtf Hailey!!! Control yourself woman.


    I quickly wrenched my gaze away and cleared my throat, feeling a blush creep up my face. ¡°It¡¯s will be cold for you on the floor. I¡¯ll give you a sheet¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s sleeping on the floor?¡± Ian asked as he tossed me his shirt.


    ¡°You, obviously¡±


    Ian scoffed in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna sleep on the floor¡±


    ¡°Then where am I gonna sleep?¡± I asked incredulously.


    ¡°On the bed¡±


    I gasped in shock. ¡°With you?¡±


    ¡°Yes with me¡±


    ¡°No¡± I whined.


    ¡°Fine. Then you can sleep on the floor with the insects. See-¡± Ian pointed to the foot of the towel rack. ¡°There¡¯s a cockroach there. You can join it if you want to¡±


    I blinked dumbfounded, staring at the cockroach. I think I like Ian better than insects.


    Do I?


    ¡°Go to the bathroom and get dressed. I¡¯m changing here¡± He began unbuckling his belt.


    ¡°Ahhhh stop!¡± I screamed and quickly closed my eyes. ¡°Wait till I go to the bathroom. Don¡¯t you dare drop your pants¡±


    I sprinted towards the bathroom in a hurry, stumbling on my steps several times and I heard Ian¡¯s soft chuckle fill the room before I closed the door behind me.


    I changed out of my wet clothes into Ian¡¯s white shirt, which surprisingly fell down to my thighs, covering my butt. I was 5¡¯8 so didn¡¯t think it was possible but Ian was a good six inches taller than me and it worked for the better at the moment.


    After changing, I slowly walked out into the dark room that had it¡¯s lights turned off, thunder roaring across the sky, rain drumming against the window. Streaks of lighting illuminated the sky and it assisted me in the dark as I tip toed my way to the bed.


    Ian was sleeping on the other side of the bed, facing the wall, his shoulders rising and falling as he breathed. I bit my lips anxiously and slowly slid under the covers, turning away from him.


    Please be morning quickly.


    Then I felt a strong arm circle around my waist, pulling me against a warm chest.


    I gasped.


    ¡°Stay still¡± Ian¡¯s husky voice whispered in my ear, his lips grazing my ear lobe.


    ¡°W-what are you doing?¡± I stuttered.


    Ian nuzzled his head in the crook of my neck, inhaling my scent. ¡°It¡¯s cold¡± He murmured against my skin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t use that as an excuse-¡± I paused as I felt Ian trail soft kisses down my neck. He sucked on the tender skin and my eyes slowly fluttered close at the sensation he managed to build inside me. Involuntarily I angled my neck, giving him more ess. I felt him smile against my skin. ¡°I would love to but this time I¡¯m genuinely cold¡±


    At that, my eyes shot open realising what was going on. Before I could curse him Iannded a soft kiss on my cheek. ¡°Goodnight fiance¡± He whispered in a husky tone and nuzzled his head in my neck before closing his eyes.

 21

    Sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, falling directly on my face. I groaned sleepily and snuggled closer into the pillow, pulling the sheets up to cover my face. But the sudden coldness I felt that hadn¡¯t been therest night forced me to open my eyes.


    The first thing I spotted was a crack on ceiling, traveling down the wall to the door. Then thin curtains and a cream wallpaper. In confusion I sat up straight and looked around, noticing everything around me was unfamiliar.


    I pulled the covers away to stand up on my feet but then gasped loudly seeing the cloth on my body. It was a man¡¯s shirt. It was Ian¡¯s shirt!


    Suddenly all of yesterday¡¯s memories came reeling back to me and my gaze instantly fell on to the bed beside me. But it was empty. No sign of Ian. I threw the pillow away to see if his wallet or phone was under but no. Both of them were gone.


    Then another gasp escaped my lips as realisation dawned upon me.


    He left me. That asshole left me in the middle of nowhere.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I mmed my fist against the bed and was about to scream when the door flew open.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake¡± Ian walked in, wearing a brown trenchcoat over a ck turtle neck sweater. He had ck shoes on with a coffee in one hand and a bag in the other. This was the most casual I¡¯d ever seen him and he was looking drop dead gorgeous. Perfection. He hot. Too hot. Damn hot. Definition of handsome-


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I nced up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare. This isn¡¯t my best choice of clothing and I¡¯m already embarrassed¡±


    My jaw fell open. ¡°Are you serious? You look-¡± shut up Hailey shut up. You don¡¯t need to boost his ego. ¡°I mean-¡± I cleared my throat. ¡°Why did you leave me?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t leave you¡± He approached the bed and sat on it. ¡°I went to get these¡± He gestured to the cup of coffee and the bag.


    ¡°What¡¯s in there?¡± I asked, jerking my chin towards the bag.


    ¡°Clothes for you¡± Ian handed me the bag and I opened it. Inside were a pair of white pants and v neck long sleeve ck top.


    ¡°Not my best choice of clothes either¡±


    I smiled. ¡°I love it¡±


    ¡°Thank God¡± Ian exhaled in relief and I chuckled.


    ¡°Where did you get them?¡±


    ¡°I asked Daniel to bring them¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°He¡¯s here?¡±


    Ian nodded. ¡°Our escort is ready. Get dressed. I¡¯ll wait outside¡± Ian stood up and walked out the door, closing it after him.


    Changing out of Ian¡¯s shirt I got dressed into the new clothes he brought. I raked my fingers through my hair and tidied  myself before walking out. Ian stood waiting, leaning against the wall, drinking his coffee.


    ¡°Here, your shirt¡± I extended the bag to him.


    ¡°Keep it¡± He straightened up and began walking down the stairs.


    ¡°What would I do with your shirt?¡±


    ¡°Wear it when you miss me¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re insane to the point that-¡± I came to an abrupt halt seeing three ck cars parked in the driveway with Daniel standing in front of the middle one.


    ¡°Are those all here to escort us?¡±


    Ian nodded.


    ¡°Why three cars?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a VIP¡±


    I rolled my eyes heavenward. ¡°Why did I even bother asking¡± I muttered as I followed him to the middle car.


    ¡°Good morning sir¡± Daniel opened the backseat door and without responding to him Ian climbed into the car.


    Awkwardly, I smiled. ¡°Hi¡± But Daniel obviously didn¡¯t greet me back. He just opened the door wider, urging me to climb in.


    How rude.


    As I got in Daniel closed the door and climbed on to the passenger seat. ¡°Sir, are we going to the hotel?¡±


    Ian scrolled through his phone. ¡°No, straight to the airport¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I snapped my head at him. ¡°Why aren¡¯t we going to the hotel? I have a workshop¡±


    ¡°Others in the marketing will take care of it¡± Ian said while tapping on his phone.


    ¡°No. I have to go. Our VP will kill me¡± I said in horror.


    ¡°No, she won¡¯t. You¡¯re the CEO¡¯s fiance¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why she¡¯s going to kill me¡± I yelled but Ian casually leaned back on the seat, his eyes still fixed to his phone.


    ¡°Sleep¡±


    ¡°I already slept¡± I hissed angrily.


    ¡°Then sleep again¡±


    ¡°I hate you¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°My God¡± I gasped, staring at the ck private jet that was muchrger than the size I¡¯ve seen in movies. It was long and had streaks of silver around the jet engine and on it¡¯s wings.


    ¡°This is beautiful¡± I whispered in awe. ¡°Anything in your life that is not ck?¡±


    ¡°The trenchcoat I¡¯m currently wearing¡±


    ¡°I figured¡± I nodded and sprinted towards the steps of the private jet.


    Hastily I climbed it up and gasped again seeing the interior of it. ¡°Omg I love this¡± I squealed in joy and Ian chuckled as he climbed up the steps.


    I strolled inside and sat down on afortable chair by the window. Ian came inside and removed his trench coat before taking a seat across from me.


    Two flight attendants came and greeted us  greeted Ian actually. Then left after informing me to buckle up as the flight took off. I saw them ncing at me more than once but I cared less. I was too excited to be inside a private jet.


    ¡°So how much is this?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ian raised a brow.


    ¡°The jet¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Are you nning on buying one?¡±


    ¡°Oh c¡¯mon you know it¡¯s impossible for a poor soul like me¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Well¡± Ian leaned forward with a teasing smirk ying on his lips. ¡°I¡¯ll write this under your name if you marry me¡±


    I gasped dramatically, keeping a hand over my heart. ¡°Say that one more time and I¡¯ll actually marry you¡±


    Ian threw his head back andughed, his eyes tearing up. ¡°You¡¯re a different breed Hailey¡±


    ¡°Aww thank you¡± I batted my eyshes and leaned back on the seat, my eyes wandering around the jet.


    ¡°Sleep, it¡¯s a long flight¡±


    I shot him a re. ¡°Why do you always want me to sleep?¡± I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no catch. I just don¡¯t want you to get exhausted¡±


    ¡°Oh shut up¡± I groaned. ¡°Why say such cheesy things? I¡¯m cringing so hard¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°How is it cringy? Isn¡¯t it romantic?¡±


    I gaped at him. ¡°What? No, it¡¯s not romantic. And what do you know about romance? You¡¯ve never even kissed before¡±


    ¡°Ouch. That hurts¡±


    I stole a nce at him from sideways to see if he was really hurt by my words but he was grinning.


    ¡°What? Checking on me to see if I was hurt?¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± I coughed. ¡°Of course not¡± I unbuckled and stood up. ¡°Where¡¯s the bedroom?¡± I asked to save myself from this conversation.


    Ian pointed towards a direction and I followed it. ¡°Bye. Wake me up when the jet is about tond¡±


    ¡­


    We arrived in NYC after a 6 hour long flight and now I was inside Ian¡¯s car as he drove me to Lexi¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°Here here¡± I pointed to a road. ¡°Turn the car. We can go to Lexi¡¯s apartment from here¡±


    ¡°We are not going to Lexi¡¯s apartment¡± Ian stepped on the gas and elerated the car, taking us further away from Lexi¡¯s.


    ¡°Then where are we going?¡±


    ¡°To my penthouse¡±


    My jaw fell open. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s our home¡±


    I scoffed in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m gonna jump off the car if you don¡¯t stop¡±


    Ian¡¯s lips curled into a lop sided smile. ¡°Feel free to jump. I¡¯m not stopping you¡±


    Attempting to suppress my anger, I set my jaw and turned away from him, my arms folded across my chest. ¡°I hate you¡± I mumbled.


    Ian drove us to the Prescott¡¯s and we took the elevator to his penthouse. As we reached there Ian opened the door and reluctantly I followed him inside. I sauntered over to the couch and sat on it, putting one leg over the other, trying to look intimidating.


    ¡°You can¡¯t force me to live here¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not forcing you¡± He sat across from me.


    ¡°You are¡±


    Ian sighed. ¡°Then what do you want me to do to make you live here?¡±


    My eyes widened at his question. Is he really asking me that? Omg progress!


    I cleared my throat and sat straight but on the inside, I was jumping up and down in joy. ¡°Tell me a way out of this engagement¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way out¡±


    ¡°There has to be. And if you don¡¯t say it, I won¡¯t live here¡±


    Ian sighed and chewed on his bottom lip, pondering for a while.


    Yes yes he¡¯s thinking. That¡¯s a good sign. You finally won Hailey.


    ¡°Fine¡± He nodded. ¡°There¡¯s a way out¡±


    Yesss!!!


    ¡°What is it?¡± I leaned forward in excitement, impatient to hear his next words.


    And then Ian fucking Kingston smirked.


    ¡°Make me fall in love with another woman¡±

 22

    ¡°W-what?¡± I stuttered in shock. ¡°B-but you said you don¡¯t do love¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡± Ian casually shrugged.


    ¡°So you¡¯re giving me an impossible task?¡± I shot up to my feet in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s cheating¡±


    Ian folded his arms across his chest and raised a brow at me. ¡°This is not a game to cheat. You asked for a way out and this is the way out¡±


    I opened my mouth to argue but then closed it back again as anger thrummed through my veins, fury raging in my eyes. Ian fucking Kingston tricked me. He gave me false hope. Now, I should not surrender to him. If this was the way out then I will take it.


    I took a deep breath and calmed myself. ¡°Fine¡± I said in an unwavering tone, looking directly into his eyes. ¡°Challenge epted. I will make you fall in love with another woman. Give me six months¡±


    Ian smiled, amusement glinting in his eyes. ¡°Fine, but-¡± He stood up and took a step towards me. ¡°If I were to fall in love with a woman¡± He tilted my chin up with his finger. ¡°That would be you¡±


    My eyes widened and Ian¡¯s lips twisted into a smirk. ¡°So good luck with your challenge¡±


    Then he turned on his heel and walked away leaving me short of breath.


    ¡°Oh my god¡± I gasped for air and slowly sat down on the couch, barely able to move my limbs. ¡°Is he crazy?¡± I fanned myself with my hand, feeling suddenly sweaty. ¡°That was-¡± I shook my head in dismay. ¡°I gotta call Lexi¡±


    I took my phone out of my pocket and dialled her number.


    ¡°Hello¡± She answered.


    ¡°Lexi where are you?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re still in San Francisco, on our way to the airport¡±


    ¡°When will you be here?¡±


    ¡°At about 6¡±


    ¡°Good¡± I nodded. ¡°I have to go somewhere tonight. Come with me¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    I inhaled sharply, bracing myself for my next words. ¡°To find Ian Kingston a bride¡±


    The other end went silent. Then after a several seconds came Lexi¡¯s confused tone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what? I think I heard you wrong¡±


    ¡°No, you heard it right. Ian told me he would let me go if I make him fall in love with another woman. So that¡¯s what I¡¯m going to do. I¡¯m going to find him another woman. That¡¯s my only way out of this engagement¡±


    Lexi was silent again. ¡°So¡­¡± She said after a pause. ¡°How exactly are you going to do that?¡±


    ¡°Club¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going clubbing tonight. I¡¯ve seen many couples who meet each other for the first time inside clubs. So that¡¯s the first ce we¡¯re gonna search a bride for Ian¡±


    ¡°Wow¡± Lexi breathed. ¡°This is a lot to take in but I¡¯m in. So is Brian whose ear is glued to my phone at the moment¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Meet y¡¯all at 10¡± I cut the call and tucked my phone back inside my pocket as I walked up the staircase.


    I knocked on Ian¡¯s door and heard his footsteps approaching the door. When he threw it open, I sucked in my breath.


    Ian Kingston was standing before me shirtless, his belt hanging from his loose pants, his zip half undone. I could see the brand of his white boxers as it was partly visible underneath his ck pants.


    ¡°Oh my god¡± I quickly covered my eyes with my hand. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± I scolded. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have covered yourself before opening the door?¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Ian sighed. ¡°Last night you slept in my arms while I was half naked. I see no point in covering now¡±


    ¡°T-that¡± I coughed, blushing furiously as I remembered the events ofst night, his kisses on my neck. Fuck. ¡°was different¡± I blurted helplessly. ¡°So cover yourself the next time¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± I heard him draw his zip back. ¡°Why did you call me?¡±


    ¡°Get dressed at 10. We¡¯re going clubbing¡±


    ¡­


    Ian manoeuvred the car around the club as I scanned the long queue in front of the entrance. ¡°My God, we¡¯ll never get in¡± I rolled the window down and sticked my head out. ¡°Where¡¯s Lexi and Brian? They should be here by now¡±


    My eyes traveled along the front of the crowd to the back and only then did I notice them, standing at the far end of the queue.


    ¡°There there!¡± I jumped up in my seat, pointing to my friends. ¡°Park the car. Let¡¯s go and wait in line with them¡±


    Ian drove the car to the car park and parked it on a spot where there was no beer cans or underwear lying around. Then he got out and nced at the club with a disgusted look on his face.


    ¡°You never came to a club before?¡± I asked as I climbed out of the car.


    ¡°It¡¯s filthy¡± He answered in distaste, his eyes trained on the condom lying a few feet away from us.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go now¡± I grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the back of the queue.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ian came to a halt.


    ¡°What?¡± I turned to him.


    ¡°Why are we going to the back?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± I wrinkled my nose. ¡°Because that¡¯s where we¡¯re supposed to go?¡± I said more like a question.


    ¡°You remember I¡¯m a VIP right?¡± He cocked a brow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t show off¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Come¡± He dragged me in the opposite direction and approached the bouncer. Ian leaned in and said something to the big man who in return gave a nod and turned side ways, giving up space to walk in.


    ¡°What about my friends?¡± I craned my neck to see them but they were hidden behind the mass crowd before them.


    ¡°I told these men to let them in too. They wille. We¡¯ll go inside first¡±


    I nodded and followed Ian as he pushed open therge double doors to the club.


    When the doors opened I was hit with loud music, banging from the speakers fixed to the walls. The floor was filled with people who were grinding against each other, dancing like there was no tomorrow. Dry ice smoke swirled in an array of blue rising chills in my skin, the sharp smell of drinks wafting towards us tainting the stagnant air.


    ¡°I already hate this¡± Ian grumbled as we strode inside.


    We steered our way through the crowd and reached the bar. I leaned against the counter. ¡°Let¡¯s wait here till Lexi and Briane¡±


    Ian nodded and sat on a stool. ¡°You need a drink?¡±


    ¡°Nope, thank you¡±


    Not a second passed, I saw my friends burst through the double doors, looking like they ran a marathon. Their eyes scanned the crowd inside, searching for me and I jumped up, waving my hand. Noticing me, they waved back happily and sprinted towards us.


    ¡°Hey girl you look sexy!!!¡± Lexi shouted, pointing to my ck bodycon dress. She turned to Ian and gasped. ¡°Damn you look ho-¡± She swallowed back her words remembering who Ian is. ¡°Sorry sir¡± she bowed respectfully, her palms sweating in fear. ¡°My bad. I won¡¯t ever speak to you impolitely again. Sorry¡±


    Sweat trickled down her forehead and she nced up at me, giving me a help me look.


    ¡°Chill¡± I waved my hand dismissively. ¡°If he fires you, I¡¯ll throw him off a building¡±


    Ian narrowed his eyes at me and I grinned sheepishly. ¡°Anyways let¡¯s get started¡± I rubbed my hands excitedly.


    ¡°Start what?¡± Ian raised a brow.


    My friends gave me a warning look and my eyes widened realising I just almost exposed our n


    Fuck.


    ¡°The journey to the bathroom¡± I lied.


    ¡°The what?¡± Ian¡¯s forehead creased and I saw my friends looking at me as if I¡¯d grown two heads.


    ¡°Lexi, Brian and I need to go to the bathroom¡± I exined and quickly moved to my friends side, grabbing them by their arms. ¡°Wait here. We¡¯ll get back to you soon¡±


    Then I turned on my heel, dragging my friends along with me as I started marching in the opposite direction.


    ¡°But Brian is a man. He can¡¯t go-¡± Ian¡¯s confused voice was muffled by the loud music sting through the speakers.


    Pushing through the crowd, we reached the other end of the club and stood on a spot where we could clearly see Ian.


    ¡°What now?¡± Brian asked.


    ¡°Just wait¡± I stood on my tip toes, trying to get a clear view of Ian. ¡°Girls wille to him¡±


    ¡°How do you know?¡± Brian asked in puzzlement.


    ¡°Jeez Brian¡± Lexi rolled her eyes. ¡°Look at that man¡± She gestured to Ian. ¡°He¡¯s far more handsome than anyone here¡±


    Brian scowled at that and folded his arms across his chest, showing that he was displeased with that statement.


    ¡°Guys look! A girl is approaching Ian¡± I said in delight.


    A tall strawberry blond haired girl with an hourss body, sat on the stool next to Ian. She gave him a seductive smile and turned to the bartender, ordering a drink. The bartender poured a liquid to a ss and gave to it the girl but she pushed it towards Ian.


    Ian red at the ss and turned away.


    Are you serious? That¡¯s free drinks!


    With a sly smirk on her lips she leaned in and whispered something to his ear. In return he shot her a disgusted nce and shifted ufortably in his seat, his gaze turning to the crowd, searching for me.


    ¡°I think she¡¯s a prostitute¡± Lexi blurted.


    ¡°Please¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Stop judging people¡±


    ¡°But look¡± She pointed to Ian. ¡°Your man looks ufortable¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not my man¡± I muttered under my breath and turned to Ian¡¯s direction and saw that Lexi¡¯s was right. Ian was ufortable.


    ¡°This is not gonna work¡± Lexi shook her head. ¡°We have to pay someone to y innocent¡± Then she extended her hand. ¡°Give your purse¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°My purse?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Who else¡¯s?¡±


    I stared at her for an agonizing moment and then groaned and handed over my purse to her.


    She fished out two hundred dors from it and I had to hold on to the wall to keep myself from fainting.


    Lexi then grabbed the arm of a dark haired girl, who was walking towards the dance floor. She turned our way. ¡°Will you talk to a guy for two hundred dors?¡± Lexi asked out of nowhere and Brian and I exchanged horrified nces.


    ¡°Which guy?¡±


    Lexi smiled. ¡°That one¡± Lexi pointed to Ian and the girl followed her direction.


    Seeing him her eyes widened in delight. ¡°I don¡¯t need money to talk to him. He¡¯s handsome¡±


    ¡°Exactly. But I¡¯m paying you to y innocent¡±


    She turned a confused brow at us. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Like, don¡¯t ask him to sleep with you or don¡¯t try to flirt. Just talk casually about the music or environment or some shit like that¡± Lexi waved her hand in the air.


    The girl shrugged. ¡°I can do that for two hundred dors¡±


    ¡°Good¡± Lexi smiled. ¡°But can you call my number and keep your phone with you so that we can eavesdrop on your conversation?¡±


    The girl nodded and took her phone out. Both of them exchanged numbers and she called Lexi¡¯s phone before walking towards Ian.


    ¡°We might not hear a lot because it¡¯s loud down there in the dance floor. But let¡¯s try¡± Lexi plugged her ear phones to her phone and handed me one end.


    We saw the girl approach Ian and sit on the same spot where thest girl sat. ¡°Hi. The music is too loud isn¡¯t it?¡± She said casually with an innocent smile on her lips.


    Ian ignored her.


    ¡°Looks like you had a bad day. Same with me. Work is exhausting¡± She let out a heavy sigh. ¡°Did youe here to rx?¡±


    Ian ignored her again.


    ¡°Want me to buy you a drink? I can be a good drinking buddy¡± She yfully nudged Ian on the elbow and he turned a darkened gaze on her.


    ¡°I have a fiance. Please go away¡± He spat angrily and turned back away.


    I plucked the ear phone out of my ear and closed my eyes, groaning in frustration. ¡°I can¡¯t¡± I shook my head. ¡°Why¡¯s he like that?¡±


    Lexi sniffled. ¡°He¡¯s loyal. So cute¡±


    ¡°Shut up¡± I nced at her in horror. ¡°I¡¯m in pain, can¡¯t you see?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± She trailed off and gave me a sheepish smile. ¡°Anyways what are you gonna do now? This club thing is not working¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I have a n B¡±


    She raised a brow. ¡°Which is?¡±


    A devious smirk curled up my lips. ¡°I¡¯m gonna stop ying the main character¡±

 23

    I hummed softly and poured maple syrup over the pancakes. Then kept blueberries on one side of the te decoratively and on top of theyers of pancakes, two half cut strawberries.


    I smiled to myself in pride and brought the tes to the kitchen counter, neatly cing the sses of milk next to it.


    I heard footsteps descending down the stairs and I nced up with a wide smile on my lips.


    ¡°Good morning¡± I greeted merrily.


    Ian¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± He approached the kitchen counter and sat on a stool, eyeing the pancakes with suspicion.


    ¡°I made you breakfast¡±


    ¡°I see that¡± Ian stared at the pancakes for a moment, then turned to me with narrowed eyes. ¡°What do you want?


    ¡°What?¡± Iughed. ¡°Why do you think I want something?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re being nice to me¡±


    ¡°Please. I¡¯m always nice to you¡±


    Ian folded his arms across his chest and rasied a challenging brow, not believing a word I said.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll tell you¡± I sat on a stool next to him and brought the te closer to him. ¡°But please do eat this first¡± I grinned.


    ¡°Please do tell me first¡± He retorted and I sighed heavily, giving up my efforts in buttering him up.


    ¡°Fine¡± I straightened up and took a  deep breath, bracing myself for my next words. ¡°Please give me one million dors¡± I blurted out.


    Ian¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°For what reason? Last I checked you¡¯re not in any debt either¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not for me. It¡¯s for your future wife¡±


    Ian¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°My what?¡±


    ¡°Wife¡±


    Ian blinked. ¡°You mean you?¡±


    I let out a groan in frustration. ¡°Oh my god do you have amnesia? Don¡¯t you remember what you said yesterday? You said to make you fall in love with another woman¡±


    Flicker of realisation crossed over his eyes. ¡°Ah that¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say it¡¯s a joke¡± I said in a threatening tone.


    Ian chuckled. ¡°I won¡¯t because it¡¯s already an impossible task. I won¡¯t fall for another woman no matter what  you do. Your club attemptst night failed too, remember?¡±


    ¡°Failures is what brings you closer to sess¡± I said as a matter of fact and Ian chuckled.


    ¡°Fine. Now tell me. Why do you need one million to find me a bride?¡±


    ¡°You see¡± I cleared my throat to sound more serious. ¡°In books the guy always pays the girl if he wants her to y the role as his fiance or wife¡± I gave him a pointed look. ¡°Which by the way you forgot to do¡± Ian smiled at that. ¡°So anyways now I¡¯m gonna y Cupid and pay some girl to ¡®y pretend¡¯ or something like that. But in the end you two will end up falling for each other and happily ever after¡± I pped merrily.


    Ian bit his lip to suppress his grin. ¡°Done?¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    I smiled sheepishly. ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± Ian nodded, an amused smile curling up his lips. ¡°Continue then¡±


    ¡°So¡± I sat straight. ¡°In the end the girl won¡¯t take your one million because she got a bigger price. But you always have to keep in mind that there was a sweet awesome beautiful Cupid who yed a big part in your happily ever after. And inpensation-¡± I batted my eyshes. ¡°It would be very nice if you could give that poor creature the one million for it¡¯s hard work¡±


    Ian burst outughing. ¡°No¡± He shook his head.


    I blinked. ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°No¡± He repeated as he continued tough.


    My jaw fell open. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna give the Cupid one million dors?¡±


    ¡°Of course not¡±


    I sighed heavily. ¡°It¡¯s alright Hailey. He¡¯s not the only fish in the sea¡± I mumbled and shot a re at Ian. ¡°Now stopughing¡±


    Ian cleared his throat and straightened up, finallyposing himself. But I could still see a grin itching to curl up in his lips.


    ¡°So you think paying a girl will work?¡± Ian asked.


    ¡°It works in books¡±


    ¡°Those are books for a reason¡± He gave me a pointed look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯ll work¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°Oh I¡¯m not worried¡± Then his hands reached out and cradled my hips, pulling me towards him. I gasped, our faces only inches apart, his deep blue eyes boring into mine. ¡°I want you to fail¡± He whispered softly. ¡°And I will make sure you fail so that in the end you will be mine¡± My eyes widened at that. ¡°And I told you Hailey¡± He leaned forward, trailing his soft lips along my nose. ¡°You¡¯re the first woman in my life¡± He paused, giving a long lingering kiss on the bridge of my nose. ¡°And you will also be myst¡±


    My breath hitched, my heart beating frantically as the heat of the moment caught me off guard. I quickly pushed him away and stood up, blushing furiously.


    ¡°E-eat your p-pancakes¡± I stuttered, looking anywhere but at him. ¡°I have to go to work¡± I quickly turned around.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you¡± Ian said in an amused tone and I could picture a smirk on his face. ¡°We¡¯re going to the same ce¡±


    ¡°No need¡± I said in a rush. ¡°Lexi ising¡±


    Then I strode straight to the door and grabbed the door handle but before I could open it, Ian interrupted me.


    ¡°I have one request before I give you the million dors¡±


    I craned my neck and looked at him over my shoulder. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Take Daniel with you in your bridal search¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Where is he?¡± I asked as I strode through the CEO¡¯s floor with Lexi beside me.


    ¡°Why are you taking me? I don¡¯t want to see that asshole¡± Lexiined.


    ¡°Did you think I wanted toe here?¡± I asked her incredulously. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see that asshole either¡±


    Lexi scoffed. ¡°You live with your asshole¡± She pointed an using finger at me. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see my asshole¡±


    I raised a brow in confusion. ¡°Wait, aren¡¯t we talking about Ian?¡±


    Lexi rolled her eyes heavenward and groaned. ¡°Of course not. Why would I call my boss¡¯s boss¡¯s boss an asshole? I¡¯m talking about his side kick¡±


    I clicked my tongue. ¡°Ahh that guy¡±


    ¡°Yes that guy¡± Lexi grumbled.


    It was the end of the day but employees of the CEO¡¯s floor were still working. They were usually the busiest people here so I doubt Daniel woulde. And I was hoping he wouldn¡¯te because then I could drag Lexi with me in the bridal search. She knows more about book cliches than me.


    ¡°Shit, there he is¡± Lexi suddenly darted behind me, her hands gripping my shoulders as she hid. I followed her gaze and spotted Daniel, brooding in the corner with a cup of coffee in hand.


    ¡°Daniel¡± I called him and he turned his head in my direction. Seeing me, he set the coffee cup down and approached me.


    ¡°Miss Evans¡± He gave a curt nod. ¡°I was waiting for you¡± Then his gaze went over my shoulder to Lexi.


    His face twisted into a scowl. ¡°Only those whose presence is requested are allowed toe to this floor¡±


    I choked on my own spit and I could feel Lexi shaking with anger behind me, her hands vibrating on my shoulder.


    ¡°You motherfucker!¡± She snarled grabbing attention of everyone in the floor.


    ¡°Miss Benson you are not allowed to use such words-¡±


    ¡°Fuck you. I¡¯m leaving¡± She stomped her foot on the ground and turned away, striding towards the elevator in fury.


    I looked back and forth between Lexi and Daniel. ¡°Uhh-¡± I smiled awkwardly. ¡°Let¡¯s get going shall we?¡±


    Daniel wrenched his gaze away from Lexi and nced at me. ¡°Alright Miss Evans¡± He gave a nod and followed me to the elevator that was next to the one Lexi just took.


    We reached the ground floor and I strode to the parking.


    ¡°Miss Evans, may I know where we¡¯re going?¡±


    I turned to him and grinned. ¡°We¡¯re going to a ce where all cliches start¡±


    Daniel¡¯s brow creased. ¡°Where¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°The cafe¡±

 24

    ¡°We already went to many cafes Miss Evans¡± Daniel said as he slowed the car.


    ¡°Just be patient Daniel. We¡¯ll find the right person soon¡± I scanned the side of the road, searching for more cafes. This was the third day of our mission and we found none that would match a book description.


    There were plenty waitresses that would want one million dors  hell even I would love to have it. But all of the young waitresses we found either had a boyfriend or they were college part timers.


    ¡°Stop here¡±


    Daniel pulled the car to the side and parked it in front of a cafe. I quickly jumped out and sprinted inside in a hurry. I heard Daniel let out a heavy sigh before following me inside.


    Inside customers were crowding the cafe, the room buzzing with chatter. tter of utensils rung in my ear, the sweet aroma of food invading my nostrils. Three waitress were serving the tables. One blond haired and the other two brtes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± I grabbed Daniel by the hem of his suit jacket and dragged him to a table near the counter.


    I took a seat and impatiently tapped my fingers on the table, waiting till one of the waitresses approach us.


    And it was the blond one. ¡°What would you like to order?¡± She asked politely.


    ¡°Umm¡± I smiled. ¡°Can we orderter?¡±


    ¡°Sure¡± She nodded and went on her way.


    Daniel¡¯s narrowed eyes followed her until her figure disappeared behind the kitchen doors. ¡°Are we gonna check on her?¡± He asked, returning his gaze back to me.


    ¡°Nah. She¡¯s blond¡±


    Daniel raised a confused brow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being blond?¡±


    ¡°Well¡± I leaned back in my chair and sighed. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with being blond but it¡¯s a stereotype in books. Blond girls are always portrayed as the bitches of the story. I mean it¡¯s kind of sad because there are really nice blond people but I¡¯m gonna stick to the books. So I can¡¯t have her y the main character¡±


    ¡°But-¡± Daniel opened his mouth to say something but I shushed him as the other two waitresses walked past us to the counter.


    One of them sighed, setting down her tray on the counter. ¡°I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m gonna pay my rent this month¡±


    Yes yes yes.


    ¡°Even loan sharks are hunting me¡± She slumped her shoulders in exhaustion, her eyes showing weariness. ¡°How am I supposed to pay back my dad¡¯s gambling debt like this?¡±


    Yes!


    The other girl frowned. ¡°Your dad is an asshole¡±


    Yessss! The feisty best friend.


    ¡°Why did he leave it all to you and die?¡± She shook her head in dismay. ¡°Sometimes I just wanna-¡± She took a fork from a tray and stabbed it on a half eaten burger, her nostrils ring in anger. ¡°So now what are you gonna do? You can live with me if you want¡±


    The other girl gave her a faint smile. ¡°I can¡¯t live with your forever Tess¡±


    ¡°Well¡± Tess shrugged. ¡°I just wanted to help you¡±


    ¡°Thank you Tess. But I have to find another job soon¡±


    Tess scoffed. ¡°You already do three jobs Emma. You can¡¯t keep living like this. At least get a boyfriend¡±


    Yes she¡¯s single!


    Emma chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t think a guy would want to date a 23 year old who didn¡¯t even graduate from high school¡±


    Hurray!


    ¡°But you can¡¯t-¡± Tess was interrupted as one of the tables called for a waitress.


    Emma gave her friend onest nce. ¡°This is my life Tess¡± Then she took a deep breath and forced a smile onto her lips before approaching the customers.


    I turned back to Daniel with a wide grin on my face. ¡°That¡¯s our girl¡± I pointed to Emma. ¡°That¡¯s Ian¡¯s future wife¡±


    Daniel rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Mrs. Emma Kingston¡± I pped my hands excitedly.


    ¡°Or Mrs. Hailey Kingston¡± Daniel muttered and I shot him a re.


    ¡°Say that one more time and I¡¯ll stich your lips¡± I huffed angrily and turned back to stare at Ian¡¯s future wife.


    She was smiling to her customers, talking with the children,ughing to their jokes but in her eyes I could see all the pain she was holding in. And in my case, perfect.


    I could picture Ian taking care of Emma, supporting her, providing for her then marrying her and having children.


    I smiled at that thought. He better give me that million dors because he just won a lottery thanks to me.


    I loved these types of stories. I don¡¯t know what others say but for me these types of romance novels are beautiful. Always loved reading them but now I get to see one for real.


    I sighed dreamily thinking about them.


    ¡°Excuse me miss¡±


    I nced up and saw the blond girl towering over me.


    ¡°Are you ready to order?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I could¡¯t say the same thing again. ¡°We came here to see Emma¡±


    The girl raised a brow and she looked at Emma then back at me. ¡°You didn¡¯te here to order?¡±


    I shook my head and the girl¡¯s face twisted into a scowl. ¡°Then get out of here¡±


    I gasped in shock. ¡°Oh my god! I think I was wrong¡± I turned to Daniel. ¡°Blondes are bitches¡±


    Daniel rolled his eyes and grabbed the menu off the table. ¡°We¡¯ll order¡± He then ordered both of us hamburgers and the girl wrote it down before walking back to the kitchen.


    Till our food arrive I watched Emma. She was hardworking and dedicated. No matter how exhausting her work can be she endures it and keeps a smile on her face. She stands up for herself when customers are rude and that made me wonder  what if I employed her?


    I straightened up as an idea popped into my mind. ¡°Daniel, what if we hire her as a maid?¡±


    ¡°To where?¡±


    ¡°Ian¡¯s house¡±


    Daniel eyes widened and he shook his head. ¡°No, you can¡¯t. You didn¡¯t ask for Mr. Kingston¡¯s permission¡±


    ¡°I will ask itter¡±


    ¡°Ask it now¡±


    ¡°Later¡±


    ¡°Now!¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Are you serious?¡± Daniel didn¡¯t answer and kept ring at me until I took my phone out and dialled Ian.


    He picked up in three ring. ¡°I¡¯m in a meeting. Tell quickly¡±


    ¡°Uhh¡­ Can I hire a maid?¡±


    ¡°Do as you please¡± Then he hung up.


    I pulled my phone away from my ear and stared at it, blinking rapidly. Is that permission? Yeah it is.


    I returned my gaze back to Daniel with a grin of my face. ¡°He gave permission¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Now¡± I mmed my hands on the table and stood up. ¡°I¡¯m gonna make a move. Follow me if you want to witness this great moment¡±


    I sauntered to the front of the cafe and leaned against the counter, grinning widely.


    Tess raised a brow. ¡°You like to order anything?¡±


    ¡°No. But-¡± I curled a loose strand of my hair. ¡°Can I talk to your friend please?¡±


    ¡°Emma?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    Tess narrowed her eyes. ¡°Uhh¡­She¡¯s straight by the way¡±


    I blinked. ¡°WHAT?¡± I heard Daniel make a choking sound behind me. ¡°No that¡¯s not-¡± are you serious right now? ¡°Can I talk to her please?¡± I repeated more urgently.


    Tess hesitantly nodded and called Emma. Emma came back from the tables and set her tray down before approaching us with an innocent smile on her face. ¡°What can I do for you?¡±


    I smiled awkwardly, already thinking this was a bad idea. ¡°Hi umm¡­ I¡¯m Hailey Evans¡± I fished out my ATC ID badge from my purse and showed it to Emma. ¡°I work in the marketing department at ATC. And this is-¡± I gestured to Daniel. ¡°Daniel Collins. He¡¯s our CEO¡¯S secretary¡±


    Daniel gave his business card to her and she observed them intently before giving back to us.


    ¡°I mean this can sound rude and kind of privacy invading, sorry about that¡± I bit my lip anxiously. Hailey say it! ¡°But earlier I heard you talk about some kind of gambling debt¡±


    Emma¡¯s eyes widened and she took a step back in fear.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t go. Let me exin first¡± I said hastily. When Emma calmed down I took a deep breath and continued. ¡°I know you have a lot going on but what if I told you that you have a way to earn money easily?¡±


    Emma shook her head in horror. ¡°No. I won¡¯t sell my body¡±


    ¡°No no no that¡¯s not what I meant¡± Uhh why the hell is this so hard? Guys in books do it easily. ¡°I meant as a maid¡±


    ¡°A maid?¡± Emma asked in puzzlement.


    ¡°Yes, uh¡­a temporary one¡±


    ¡°H-how much will I get p-paid?¡± She blushed asking the question.


    I gulped anxiously, knowing she¡¯s gonna have a heart attack to my answer. ¡°One million dors for six months¡±


    Emma gasped covering her mouth with her hand, her face showing pure shock. ¡°Why would you give one million for a maid¡¯s job? That¡¯s absurd!¡± Then she narrowed her eyes at me in suspicion. ¡°There¡¯s something else, isn¡¯t there?¡±


    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, bracing myself for my next words.


    ¡°You need to break a man¡¯s heart¡±


    ¡°WHAT?¡± She suddenly yelled.


    ¡°Calm down. No need to panic¡± I said while panicking myself. What if she says no? ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to seduce a man and or sleep with anyone. You just need to do what I say and I guarantee-¡± I kept a hand over my heart as a promising gesture. ¡°I won¡¯t force you to do anything you don¡¯t like. Everything I ask you to do will not cross any of your boundaries¡±


    Emma looked puzzled.


    ¡°All you have to do is be the maid of that man¡¯s house and I will take care of the rest. I will buy you new clothes and pay your monthly rent for the next six months with my sry. Then if you manage to break the house owner¡¯s heart within those six months, you¡¯ll be going home with one million dors. How about that?¡±


    Except, there won¡¯t be any heartbreaks and they¡¯ll eventually fall in love with each other for real and get a happily ever after. It¡¯s a win win situation for me and them.


    And I need to win this challenge. I have to get out of this engagement. I can¡¯t be with someone I¡¯m not into. And I¡¯m not into Ian.


    Really?


    Yes!


    ¡°Who¡¯s that m-man?¡± Emma asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Ian Kingston. He¡¯s the CEO of ATC¡±


    Emma¡¯s jaw fell. ¡°A CEO?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Umm-¡± She bit her lip anxiously. ¡°May I know, who asked you to hire a maid to break his heart?¡±


    ¡°No one¡±


    ¡°So you did all this?¡±


    I nodded again.


    ¡°W-who are you to h-him?¡± She asked nervously and I gave her the most awkward smile ever.


    ¡°His fiance¡±


    Emma¡¯s eyes bulged out of her sockets. ¡°WHAT?¡± She yelled in shock. ¡°Why do you want me to break your fiance¡¯s heart?¡±


    I grinned inwardly. Time to turn on all my acting skills!R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I took a handful of tissues out of my pocket and sniffled. ¡°I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m gonna say this but-¡± My voice broke, eyes filling with fake tears. ¡°Ian-¡± I blinked back my tears dramatically but they kept falling just like I wanted to. ¡°He-¡± I gulped and wiped a tear from my cheek. ¡°He cheated on me¡±


    Emma gasped and Daniel looked at me as if I¡¯d grown two heads.


    So sorry Ian. This is the only way to win your challenge. When she agrees to this, I¡¯ll tell her what a good person you are. Sort of good or maybe¡­ Very good. Shut up Hailey!


    ¡°S-so that¡¯s why you want me to break his heart? To make him feel the same thing you did?¡±


    I sniffled. ¡°Yes¡±


    Pity crossed over her face and her hand reached out to console me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡± I looked at her with blood shot eyes, tears staining my cheeks.


    ¡°So will you do it?¡±


    Emma bit her lip and then nodded.


    Yesssss!


    I grinned like a mad woman. ¡°Come to the Prescott¡¯s, tomorrow at seven¡±

 25

    I tightened the coat around myself and waited for Emma at the entrance of the Prescott¡¯s at seven in the morning. ¡°It¡¯s so cold¡± I muttered, my lips trembling.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am you can stay inside the lobby¡± One of the security suggested.


    ¡°No thank you. I¡¯ll wait a little more¡± I smiled and turned my gaze back to the road.


    Then I saw a five feet figure getting out of a taxi and approaching the entrance in a floral top and blue pants.


    ¡°Emma¡± I happily called and she waved at me.


    ¡°Good morning Hailey¡±


    ¡°Good morning Emma. Let¡¯s get you registered shall we?¡± She nodded and we walked towards a table at the end of the lobby.


    After my little break-in, the security in here had been tightened. Ian had asked for the security guards to be fired but Mr. Prescott who¡¯s a good man unlike Ian, had transferred them to another Prescott¡¯s apartmentplex. The new guards we have now looked more like robots than humans. And it has been madepulsory to hand over a copy of all your documents starting from your birth certificate to your bank details. Then if the documents are proved to be legitimate the security will make you go through a finger print scan and a face recognition before entering you to the system. I know, they went extra thanks to me.


    ¡°There¡¯s not enough money in your bank ount¡± The woman behind the desk said to Emma. ¡°So we will have to search you every evening before you left to see if you stole anything¡±


    I scowled. ¡°Do you have to go that far?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the protocol Miss Evans¡±


    ¡°Fine fine whatever. Now register her quickly¡±


    The woman shot me a re but did as I told. After it was done we took the elevator and reached Ian¡¯s penthouse.


    I opened it¡¯s door and Emma suddenly gasped.


    ¡°This is where I¡¯ll be working?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± I nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful¡± She ran straight to the ss window and stared at the city below in awe. ¡°Is the view better at night?¡±


    ¡°Yeah much better¡± I smiled. It was a Saturday and neither Ian nor I will be going to work. So today was the perfect day for them to get to know each other.


    Emma opened her mouth to ask another question but suddenly turned around as she heard footsteps descending down the staircase.


    Ian came down barefoot in a ck hoodie and ck sweatpants, his phone dangling in his hands. Seeing Emma his pace slowed, a frown curling in his lips.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Emma¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I-I¡¯m Emma Nelson. The n-new housemaid¡± She stuttered and anxiously looked down.


    Ian¡¯s narrowed gaze fell on me but my eyes were fixed on his outfit. I mean, which billionaire gives the first impression in a hoodie and sweats? I scoffed. I should have told him to wear a suit. Ahh my first chapter ruined!


    ¡°Care to exin?¡± Ian asked pulling me out of my daze.


    ¡°What?¡±


    He folded his arms across his chest and raised a brow.


    ¡°Oh the housemaid, ah yes. I asked you yesterday and you told me to do as I please¡±


    Ian opened his mouth to argue but then closed it back, remembering what he said yesterday. His jaw tightened, his expression hardening and he shot me a re before striding towards the couch and sitting on it.


    ¡°Umm¡± Emma cleared her throat. ¡°Shall I make some breakfast?¡±


    I wrenched my gaze away from Ian and looked at Emma. ¡°Oh yeah sure. Some scrambled eggs with beacon perhaps and one cup of ck coffee for him¡± I pointed in Ian¡¯s direction and she stole a nervous nce at him.


    He really frightened her, didn¡¯t he?


    ¡°Yeah sure¡± Emma beamed and hurried to the kitchen.


    I sautered to the couch and sat next to Ian who was brooding at the moment.  ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°You never told me you would hire the woman you¡¯re searching for me as our housemaid¡±


    ¡°I came up with it yesterday and isn¡¯t it the perfect n for both of you to have a good bonding time?¡±


    Ian scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t want any bonding time with that vile creature¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call your future wife like that¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call my future wife like that¡± He gave me a pointed look.


    I rolled my eyes. Not this again.


    ¡°I want her out¡± Ian demanded arrogantly, folding his arms across his chest.


    ¡°No please¡± I whined. ¡°Give her a chance¡±


    ¡°Why would I give her a chance? I told you, there will be no woman in my life besides you¡±


    I threw my head back and groaned. ¡°I can¡¯t with this man¡±


    ¡°Mr. Kingston¡± I nced up as Emma spoke, standing a few feet away from us, holding a tray with a cup of coffee on it. ¡°I brought your coffee¡±


    Ian frowned and kept silent so I spoke instead of him. ¡°Thank you Emma. Can you give it to him?¡±


    Emma anxiously nodded and walked towards us but as she neared Ian, she stumbled on her steps and copsed to the ground, the tray falling and the coffee spilling all over Ian¡¯s clothes.


    I gasped, my hands covering my mouth.


    Ian jerked forward and looked down at his drenched clothes in anger, the hot coffee burning his skin. Emma started whimpering and she quickly scurried over to Ian and slipped her hand inside his hoodie, touching his stomach.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing?¡± He pushed her away.


    ¡°Y-your skin is burnt¡±


    ¡°I will take care of that!¡± He barked angrily, rage coursing through his veins. ¡°Clean this mess¡± He ordered and strode up the staircase to his room, mming the door shut with a loud thud.


    I winced at the sound and I gave Emma a look of pity as she cried, sitting on the floor but I was most worried about Ian. Is he okay?


    I quickly sprinted up the staircase to my room and pulled out the first aid box. I took out an ointment and hurried over to Ian¡¯s room, throwing the door open.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I barged in.


    Ian stood in front of the dressing table shirtless, examining the red spot on the lower part of his stomach.


    ¡°Here. Apply this¡± I approached him and extended the ointment but he didn¡¯t take it.


    I sighed and scooped up some from the ointment and applied it on his stomach, rubbing on it gently with the palm of my hand.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± I asked in worry but no response came.


    I tilted my head to ask him again but instead found Ian staring down at me with a small smile ying on his lips, his eyes glinting with adoration.


    His hand reached out and gently stroked my cheek. ¡°You worry about me but still want me to be with another woman?¡±


    My breath hitched and I quickly pulled back, blinking rapidly. ¡°W-what?¡± I stammered. ¡°W-why would I worry about you?¡± Iughed drily. ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°Really?¡± Then he took a step forward and I hastily stepped back. ¡°But I don¡¯t think so¡± He strode forward until my back hit the wall, trapped in between his broad chest and the thick wall.


    He leaned down, his warm breath fanning against my cheek causing tingling sensation in my tender skin. He tucked a loose strand behind my ear and slowly trailed his fingers down my neck to my corbone, his gaze following. My skin burned at his touch, my face reddening. He gently brushed his knuckles across my corbone inching a little lower my neckline and I swallowed, feeling my heart pound in both trepidation and pleasure.


    His gaze lingered for a moment before he brought them back to my face.  Seeing my flushed state, the corners of his mouth tugged up. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against my earlobe. ¡°Why do you keep lying fiance?¡± He whispered in his husky voice. ¡°Your face tells all¡± He circled his arm around my waist and mmed me against his chest. My breath hitched. ¡°And so does your heartbeat¡± He smirked.


    I was burning by now, intimidated by our close presence.


    ¡°What if I tell you that you can keep your housemaid even after the stunt she pulled?¡± Ian gently grasped my ear lobe with his teeth and my heart raced.  ¡°But it¡¯ll be under one condition¡± He flicked his tongue over my ear and my eyes fluttered shut at the sensation he managed to build inside me. ¡°Would you agree?¡± He asked in his husky tone.


    I had gone numb against him and if it wasn¡¯t for his arm around my waist I would¡¯ve copsed to the ground. Gathering up all my strength I spoke. ¡°W-what condition?¡±


    I could feel Ian¡¯s smile against my skin.


    ¡°Sleep in my room¡±

 26

    ¡°Save me¡± I whisper yelled to my phone, ncing over my shoulder to see if anyone was entering my room.


    Lexi groaned on the other end. ¡°Let me sleep¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s eleven in the morning. Get out of bed and help me¡±


    Lexi whined. ¡°Just lock your door and stay in your room¡±


    ¡°No, if I stay here Ian won¡¯t interact with Emma. He already tried to lure me into his bedroom but I won¡¯t fall for that. He needs to fall in love with Emma ASAP. Now get your ass out of bed and meet me at the Prescott¡¯s in 30 minutes. Bring Brian too¡± Then I hung up.


    I casted a cautious nce back at the door and tip toed my way there, slowly opening the door. I popped my head out, scanning my surrounding but no one was there.


    Ian¡¯s door was closed, no sounding from inside. He probably went back to sleeping after I ran out of his room like a chicken on fire, shouting the word NO at the top of my lungs.


    Downstairs was quite too. No sign of Emma. And Emma was not my enemy at the moment so I have no reason to hide from her. So I slowly stepped out of my room and carefully closed the door behind me before scurrying downstairs.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Emma was seated on the couch, staring at the vast city below her. She heaved a sigh in discontent but I have no time to console her. I need to get out of here.


    Carefully I plodded my way through living room and was about to reach the door when my foot collided with a nt pot. Pain shot through my fingers and I let out a low groan in agony.


    Emma¡¯s head spun towards me and her eyes widened in alert. ¡°Are you alright Hailey?¡± She asked in a not so quiet tone.


    ¡°Shh¡± I shushed her, keeping a finger on my lips. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m going somewhere. I¡¯ll be back in a few hours. Make lunch for Ian¡± Before she could pester me with anymore questions I waved her a goodbye and opened the door, quickly slipping through it.


    I heaved a huge breath in relief as I closed the door behind me. I¡¯m finally out of the red zone.


    I took the elevator downstairs and waited outside the Prescott¡¯s for my friends. When I glimpsed Lexi¡¯s car approaching a wide smile broke in my face.


    I ran towards them. ¡°Mi amigos-¡±


    ¡°Going somewhere?¡±


    I suddenly came to an abrupt halt and spun around to find Ian walking towards me, his hands tucked inside his pockets, a smirk curling in his lips. He had changed into ck pants and a ck leather jacket over a grey hoodie with white shoes.


    ¡°Damn¡± Lexi gasped next to me, her window rolled down. Both she and Brian were gaping at Ian and I wasn¡¯t surprised. They¡¯d never seen him this casual and neither had I until days ago.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Ian asked as he reached me.


    ¡°S-s-shopping¡± I stuttered and stumbled a few steps back, blushing furiously as I remembered ourst encounter.


    Ian cocked a brow seeing my red face, a teasing smile ying on his lips. ¡°I see¡± He nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s get going¡±


    It took me a moment toprehend his words. ¡°W-what?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯re going shopping? Then let¡¯s go¡±


    ¡°B-but I¡­. I-¡± I searched for words. ¡°I shop for at least 6 hours¡± I said, emphasizing on the words ¡®at least¡¯.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± Ian shrugged. ¡°I can endure 6 hours¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear the word at least?¡±


    ¡°I heard it well but I¡¯m stilling¡±  Then he grabbed my arm and started dragging me to the car park.


    ¡°Tell your friends to go. We¡¯lle along¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I can endure 6 hours¡± I mocked Ian as he stood leaning against the wall, his arms folded across his chest and eyes closed as he groaned in frustration.


    ¡°It¡¯s only been 3 hours and you¡¯re alreadyining¡± I said as I picked a red round-neck top.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. Take it¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You haven¡¯t even opened your eyes to see if it¡¯s beautiful or not. I take my time in shopping. You¡¯re the one who decided to tag along. Now pay the price¡±


    Ian groaned and looked towards Brian who was akwardly standing next to him.


    ¡°How do you do this?¡± He asked him.


    ¡°Umm¡± Brian was practically sweating. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing this for four years. I¡¯m used to it now¡±


    Ian gave him a look of sympathy. ¡°Remind me to give you a raise¡±


    Brian face brightened at that, a huge grin curling up in his lips.


    I rolled my eyes again and went back to selecting tops. After I was done with picking a few, I turned to Ian. ¡°Let¡¯s buy you some colourful clothing. You only wear white, grey and ck¡±


    Ian shook his head. ¡°No need¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m paying¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go¡± Ian straightened up and marched towards the men¡¯s section while I stood gaping at him.


    ¡°Is-is he serious?¡± I asked my friends in disbelief and they were trying hard not tough. ¡°Wow, why is everyone so hell bent on spending my money?¡± I shook my head in dismay and followed Ian.


    We reached the men¡¯s section and Ian pointed to a bomber jacket. ¡°That¡¯s nice. Let¡¯s buy it¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ck so no¡±


    ¡°Then the one next to it¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s grey. Also no¡±


    Ian shot me a re and strode towards a different section. He picked a blue denim jacket.


    ¡°This one?¡±


    I took the jacket from him and turned it over. ¡°It¡¯s good¡­.¡± I trailed off seeing the price. The store we were in wasn¡¯t a cheap one but there¡¯s a wide price range. So when Ie here I always buy clothes that are both stylish and affordable. But Ian here doesn¡¯t seem to be sharing the same idea as me.


    ¡°Why are you checking the price? You told me you would buy me colourful clothing¡±


    I nced up at him and found him looking down at me with a smirk. This asshole-


    I took a deep breath. ¡°Fine let¡¯s buy it¡± I said with much reluctancy. My eyes fell on a dark green t-shirt. ¡°That one too. It looks good¡±


    ¡°Nah that looks cheap. I like that red over there¡±


    He selected a few others that would empty my pockets but I remained silent. I would buy him this.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done go to the fitting room and try them on¡± I suggested.


    Ian nodded. ¡°Come with me¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What? Are you asking me toe with you to the fitting room?¡±


    Ian shrugged. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± I repeated his question. ¡°You¡¯re not a child¡±


    ¡°Do I have to be a child to ask you that? Why can¡¯t youe with me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a woman¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my woman¡±


    ¡°Wow you¡¯re really crazy. Go see a doctor-¡±


    ¡°Juste with me¡± Ignoring my protests Ian dragged me to the fitting room and closed the curtains behind us.


    He took off his leather jacket and then pulled the hoodie over his head. Instantly, all my anger faded away seeing his perfectly sculptured body. I sighed. Why am I like this?


    ¡°You can stare at my body all you want if youe to sleep in my room. Now, pass me that check shirt please¡±


    I scowled and threw him the shirt.


    Ian checked it out and nodded in approval before going to the other clothes. ¡°You know¡± He said as tried on the denim jacket. ¡°I told the security at Prescott¡¯s to kick your housemaid out-¡± He checked his watch. ¡°In 3 minutes¡±


    ¡°WHAT?¡± I yelled.


    He removed the jacket and took the beige overcoat from my hand. ¡°This will look good with my ck turtle neck¡± He muttered and nced up at me. ¡°You have 3 minutes to say yes to my offer¡±


    ¡°What offer?¡± I asked in horror.


    ¡°Sleep in my room¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± I asked as anger boiled in my blood.


    ¡°No I¡¯m not. Your job is to make me fall in love with another woman but mine is to keep you with me. So I¡¯m just doing my job¡± He winked. ¡°Now don¡¯t me me for being one step ahead of you¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Say yes quickly. The clock is ticking¡±


    I closed my eyes and groaned in frustration. ¡°Fine fine¡± I can¡¯t believe this is happening. ¡°I¡¯ll sleep in your room¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°Wise decision¡± Then he took out his phone and called the security, informing them to not kick out Emma.


    When he tucked the phone back inside his pocket I shot him a re. ¡°But no touching¡± I warned.


    Ian sighed. ¡°Fine¡±


    ¡°Good. Now let¡¯s get out here. I have more things to buy¡±


    We went on shopping for almost half a day getting noisyints from Ian. Lexi and I still had a lot to buy but we decided to call it a day because of Ian. Brian and Lexi were still scared of him so they kept a good distance from Ian as much as they could, which left Ian and I alone most of the time. Today was supposed to be a Ian and Emma day but it ended up as Ian and Hailey day.


    How annoying.


    As we were done we went to the counter and I took my card out to pay but Ian beat me to it.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked him incredulously.


    ¡°Paying for the stuff¡±


    ¡°I told you I¡¯ll pay¡±


    ¡°I have more money than you¡± Ian gave me a pointed look.


    I frowned. ¡°So what? I can still pay¡±


    Ian smiled and gently brushed his knuckles against my cheek. ¡°Just let me pay this. I¡¯m the one who bought the most expensive clothes. Spend your money on something else¡± Then he turned towards Brian and Lexi. ¡°I¡¯ll pay for both of you too¡±


    As he said it their lips curled up into a huge grin that I would still remember in my afterlife. Then they shamelessly nodded and gave me a wink.


    I let out a sigh and shook my head in dismay.


    ¡­


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    I smiled and knelt down before the bed with a measuring tape in my hand. ¡°Dividing the bed¡±


    Ian scoffed. ¡°Is that necessary?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Very very necessary¡±


    I measured the length of the bed and marked it¡¯s middle. Then Iid pillows along it¡¯s center line building a Great Wall of Ian¡¯s bed.


    ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± Ian asked in an annoyed tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s a barrier. I built it so that you won¡¯t even identally touch me¡±


    ¡°Are you serious right now?¡±


    ¡°Very serious¡± I shed him a smile.


    Ian took a deep breath, calming himself. ¡°Fine but why didn¡¯t you move your stuff to my room?¡±


    ¡°If Emma sees my stuff in your room she¡¯ll think we¡¯re sleeping together¡±


    ¡°But we are sleeping together¡±


    ¡°We are sleeping together on a divided bed¡± I exaggerated on the word. ¡°But I don¡¯t think Emma will believe that so it¡¯s best if she doesn¡¯t know that I¡¯m sleeping in your room¡±


    ¡°Why are you going into such length? What if we¡¯re meant to be? You know like soulmates¡±


    I straightened up and kept a hand over my heart. ¡°I, Hailey Evans of marketing moon pack, reject you Ian Kingston as my mate¡±


    Ian wrinkled his nose. ¡°What nonsense is that?¡±


    ¡°See, if you don¡¯t feel any pain after I rejected you, then that means we¡¯re not soulmates¡±


    ¡°You should really join me to see the doctor¡±


    I shot him a re and jumped on to my side of the bed. ¡°Wow¡± I closed my eyes and let out a content sigh. ¡°Your bed is sofortable¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be morefortable if you remove the pillows¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Not happening¡±


    Ian let out a frustrated sigh and slipped under the covers. ¡°Fine. But if you touch me first, there won¡¯t be pillows anymore¡±


    I turned to him ¡°That¡¯s another reason why I ced the pillows. To keep myself from identally touching you¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Ian¡¯s lips twisted into a sardonic smirk. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that¡±


    I frowned. What¡¯s he up to?


    Then heid down his head on the pillow and closed his eyes. ¡°Goodnight. May nightmares haunt you¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Asshole¡±

 27

    Ian¡¯s Pov


    Shey sleeping on my chest, her heart beating against mine. Her intoxicatingvender smell wafted up my nostrils as she snuggled closer to me, wrapping one arm around my waist and burying her head in my neck.


    A small smile curled up my lips seeing her like this, the fiery queen in a calm state. Not an everyday picture you get to see but I liked her both ways because I adored her, every single part of her.


    Yesterday night after she fell asleep I removed the bothersome pillows that divided the bed. And when I woke up Hailey had rolled on to my side with her body lying on top of me.


    In that moment I knew I wanted my everyday to be like this, her in my embrace. Smiling at the thought, Inded a soft kiss on her forehead and tucked a loose strand behind her ear, clearing her beautiful face of any obstacle.


    Then suddenly she stirred in her sleep.


    Knowing that she would get furious seeing our sleeping posture I quickly closed my eyes back, pretending to be in a deep sleep.


    I felt her keep a hand on my chest and lift herself off of me. ¡°Oh my god! What the-¡± Her voice came in a mortified tone and I struggled to keep my grin hidden.


    ¡°Ahhhhhhhh¡± She screamed and my eyes sprang open. Seeing me open my eyes she screamed again and quickly rolled on to her side of the bed.


    ¡°Please let this be a dream, let this be a dream¡± She prayed and I bit my lip to stifle myughter.


    ¡°Were you sleeping on top of me?¡± I asked in a fake using tone as I pulled myself into a sitting position.


    She snapped. ¡°No I wasn¡¯t¡±


    ¡°You were. You even kicked the pillows away¡± I pointed to the pillows which were lying on the floor.


    ¡°That¡± Her stunned eyes stared at the pillows. ¡°wasn¡¯t me¡±


    ¡°It has to be you. You are the one who rolled to my side. So much for no touching¡± I gave her an using look and her lips formed into a pout, trying to recall any ofst night¡¯s memories.


    But all I wanted at that moment was to kiss her pout, pull her back into my arms and go to sleep.


    ¡°No I didn¡¯t throw them away¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°You did. And if I wanted to throw the pillows away and touch you, shouldn¡¯t I be in your part of the bed?¡±


    She sniffled. ¡°True¡±


    ¡°So¡± I smirked. ¡°You broke the deal. No more pillows from now on¡±


    At that she shot me re. ¡°I know you did something, you scheming Kingston¡± She sat upright on the bed and raised her chin up, trying to look intimidating. ¡°And this will be thest time I lose to you¡±


    I smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that¡±


    She set her jaw and huffed angrily before dramatically getting out of bed and striding towards the bathroom.


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Everything in my life has changed for the better after meeting her. I smile more often, Iugh more often, I get angry far less. And so I knew I made the right choice when I made her mine.


    A knock sounded on the door and my head turned, my brows furrowing in confusion. Then remembering there was another woman inside my house, I groaned and got out.


    I threw the door open and a meekly woman stood outside, cowering in fear.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°B-breakfast is ready¡± She stammered.


    ¡°Fine¡± I started closing the door back but the woman stayed still on her spot, biting her lips anxiously.


    I sighed in annoyance. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°H-hailey isn¡¯t in her room¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s sleeping in my room¡±


    Her head shot up. ¡°She-she¡¯s sleeping in your room?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I already answer that?¡± I snapped in irritation and mmed the door shut in her face, my mood already soured after seeing her.


    After taking a shower, I descended down the stairs to see Hailey chattering with the other woman. Seeing me, Hailey jumped out of her stool and sprinted towards me then circled her arm around mine and dragged me to the kitchen counter.


    The other woman, who I dare not speak the name of, blushed upon my arrival.


    Hailey grinned and lifted herself to a stool. ¡°So I realised you two haven¡¯t been properly introduced-¡±


    ¡°Forget it¡± I said startling them both. ¡°I have somewhere to be¡± I turned to Hailey and tapped her nose. ¡°And your attendance ispulsory¡±


    Hailey scowled. ¡°I¡¯m noting¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a request¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t own me¡±


    ¡°Fine, then you¡¯re missing the chance to ride in my helicopter¡±


    Hailey abruptly stood up and cleared her throat. ¡°Where¡¯s my handbag? Ah yes!¡± She grinned. ¡°upstairs¡± Then she ran off to our room, leaving me smiling after her.


    I felt the disturbing stare of the other woman and I quickly shot her a re and strode out the door. Hailey joined me in the elevator and I pressed the button to the rooftop.


    Hailey gasped as we stepped out.


    My men were standing in two straight lines on either sides to wee us and the helicopter with the letter k imprinted on it was parked on the helipad, it¡¯s rotator des spinning, blowing the wind in all directions.


    ¡°Omg chaebol vibes!¡± Hailey shouted.


    ¡°The what-¡± Before I could even finish asking her she was running towards the helicopter with her hands flying in the air.


    She threw her handbag inside like a javelin and without any of my men¡¯s help she climbed into the helicopter and gave a fist bump to the stunned pilot¡¯s shoulder before taking a seat and putting on her headsets with a wide grin stered on her face.


    I stood staring at her in shock for a moment and then burst outughing. My men all gave me mortified nces but I couldn¡¯t help it. Iughed till my eyes teared up.


    She is one of a kind.


    After quicklyposing myself back I climbed into the helicopter and put on my headset as the pilot took off.


    Hailey¡¯s eyes stayed fixed to the ground below as we flew over the city, excitement clear in her face.


    ¡°So tell me¡± Hailey nced up and batted her eyesshes. ¡°Will you write this under my name if I marry you?¡±


    I bit my lip to suppress my grin. ¡°No, I love my helicopters¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame but you could give it as a token of-¡± She suddenly stopped and looked at me with wide eyes. ¡°Wait, did you just say that in plural?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Omg that is so cool¡± She squealed in excitement. ¡°Let¡¯s exchange souls¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re rude¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re crazy¡±


    Hailey scowled and narrowed her eyes at me. ¡°Now tell me, where are we going?¡±


    ¡°To y golf¡±


    Her brows knitted. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Prescott asked me to y golf with him today¡±


    ¡°Mr. Prescott? As in Prescott Prescott?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    Her eyes lit up. ¡°So cool! Do you think he¡¯ll fall for my charms and give me an apartment for free?¡±


    ¡°Keep dreaming¡±


    ¡­


    I lowered my cap, covering my eyes from the bright sun as I strolled through the golf course with Mr. Prescott beside me.


    ¡°I heard you¡¯re nning to acquire TMC¡±


    I nodded. ¡°That¡¯s my n so far¡±


    Mr. Prescott smiled and gave me a pat on the shoulder. ¡°I like you Ian. You¡¯re far more ambitious than your father¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Not the person I liked to bepared with¡±


    Mr. Prescott came to a halt and closed his eyes, tilting his face up to the sun. ¡°Everyone has problems with their family Ian but always remember, blood is thicker than water¡±


    ¡°I beg to differ¡±


    ¡°Your brother said the same thing¡±


    I tensed at the mention of my brother, my expression hardening. ¡°Then he was right¡±


    Mr. Prescott turned to me and noticed that I was ufortable with where our conversation was headed to. He let out a heavy sigh and nced over my shoulder.


    ¡°Your fiance seems very energetic today¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    In confusion, I spun around and found Hailey swinging the golf club like a baseball bat.


    A grin curled up my lips. ¡°Indeed she is¡± I turned back to Mr. Prescott. ¡°If you excuse me-¡±


    He waved a dismissive hand. ¡°No need to ask. Go to her¡±


    I gave him a curt nod and walked towards Hailey with my hands folded behind my back. ¡°I brought you here to y golf not baseball¡±


    ¡°You shut up. I know what I¡¯m doing¡± She bent her knees and swinged the club again but the ball didn¡¯t move an inch.


    ¡°Oh really? Then how many balls did you strike into the holes?¡±


    ¡°Jeez, why you gotta be so dirty minded?¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Nice way to dodge the question¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡±


    ¡°Let me teach you¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°No need. I know how to-¡± Before she could finish her sentence I circled my arms around her waist from behind and pulled her against me. Her cheeks flushed red. Adorable.


    ¡°First¡± I whispered in her ear. ¡°Square your feet¡± I moved my leg in between hers and parted her feet. ¡°Then align your shoulders and-¡± My hands slowly trailed along her arms and sped the club over her hands. ¡°Grip the club correctly¡±


    I brushed my lips against her soft cheek and Hailey gasped, her eyes fluttering close at my touch. She leaned onto my chest and I lowered my head, pressing kisses on her neck, leaving small bites along my way. As I found her soft spot a moan escaped her lips and my cock instantly hardened. Fuck.


    ¡°Then what?¡± She asked, her breathingboured.


    I nuzzled my head in her neck. ¡°I forgot¡± I murmured.


    ¡°You¡¯re a very bad teacher, you know¡±


    I smiled. ¡°I know¡±


    ¡°Now on the count of three¡± She took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m gonna stomp on your foot and curse you out loud for making me feel like a homewrecker¡±


    A softugh vibrated in my chest. ¡°That¡¯s pointless because you¡¯re the only woman in my life¡± I pressed a long lingering kiss on the nape of her neck.


    ¡°And you¡¯re the only woman I want¡±

 28

    ¡°Why did you tell her we¡¯re sleeping in the same room?¡± I asked in frustration as I packed my clothes into a bag.


    Ian shrugged. ¡°Why would I lie?¡±


    ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t want to be a homewrecker¡±


    ¡°And I told you, there has to be another woman in my life for you to be a homewrecker¡±


    I scowled. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying¡±


    Ian smiled and nudged his chin towards my bag. ¡°Give that to me¡± His hands reached for it but I swatted them away.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll take these into your room¡±


    After packing everything I dragged the bag into his room and opened the door to his walk in closet. The left side of it was filled with all of Ian¡¯s clothes and the right side was emptied by Ian for me.


    Since Emma knew everything I decided to move my things here so that I wouldn¡¯t have to run back and forth between the two rooms while getting dressed for work. Much easier this way but on the bad side, Emma would think of me as an obstacle for her purpose.


    Ahhh so annoying!


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you¡± Ian suggested from the door.


    ¡°No need¡± I waved a dissmissive hand. ¡°I can manage. You go and get dressed for work¡±


    ¡°Okay then¡± Ian gave a nod and went to the bathroom.


    I hung my long dresses and my work clothes in the steel bar, my colourful zers contrasting starkly against Ian¡¯s all ck suit jackets on the other side. I ced my heels and my shoes on the lower shelves and opened a drawer to put my underwear but instead found something rectangr inside.


    Frowning in puzzlement I took it out. It was a framed photo, a photo of two teenage boys smiling with their arms around each others shoulders.


    My gaze first went to the boy with blue eyes and dark hair. I stared at him with narrowed eyes for a moment, thinking the boy looked familiar then gasped realising he was Ian.


    He looked a few years younger than the other boy, who had brown eyes instead of blue but shared the same hair colour with Ian. Noticing their resemnce I realised the other boy was Nathan Kingston, our former CEO and Ian¡¯s older brother.


    He died six years ago, two years before I joined thepany but I¡¯ve read a lot about him. His cheating scandal was the biggest scandal of the country years back and there was no newspaper, magazine or TV channel that didn¡¯t talk about it. He repeatedly cheated on his wife with his ex girlfriend in one year into their marriage and thenmitted suicide out of grief when his parents sent his mistress abroad.


    The country called him a douchebag and I don¡¯t me Ian for thinking the same. After the scandal, ATC stocks fell damaging thepany and Ian had to work his ass off to build it back. Because of his brother¡¯s reputation Ian had to prove himself many times and perhaps that made him iste himself from any sort of rtionships, turning him into the devil of ATC.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    I turned around and found Ian fiddling with his tie in front of the dressing table, a frown curling his lips as he tried to tie it properly. Realising he didn¡¯t see me holding the photo, I quickly hid it behind my back.


    ¡°Oh umm¡­ nothing. I just uh¡­ finished¡± I quickly turned around and carefully put the photo back in without making a sound. As a book reader I knew it was never a good idea to invade someone¡¯s privacy. The consequences can be harsh.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Okay thene and help me with this tie¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been tying your tie for years now. Can¡¯t you do it by yourself?¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Wow, are you serious right now?¡± I folded my arms across my chest. ¡°I don¡¯t want to¡±


    ¡°Come and help me¡±


    ¡°Are you ordering me?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°Who the hell are you to order me?¡±


    ¡°Your boss¡¯s boss¡¯s boss¡±


    My lip¡¯s twisted into an annoyed scowl and Ian smirked. Asshole.


    ¡°Fine¡± I huffed angrily and strode over to him. I reached for his knot and tied it back again  all the time Ian staring at me with his deep blue eyes and for a moment I felt breathless under his gaze.


    ¡°Done¡± I patted his suit. ¡°Now will you excuse me, my ride is here¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Nope. Lexi is already here¡±


    ¡°I told her to go¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I frowned. ¡°Why did you tell her to go?¡±


    ¡°Because I want you to go with me¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°What nonsense is that? Go see a doctor¡± I spun around to walk out the door but Ian grabbed my arm and pulled me back.


    ¡°Stop being stubborn, let¡¯s go together¡± He sped my hand in his and dragged me out of the room.


    We reached the parking lot and Ian unlocked the car doors. He opened the door to the passenger seat for me to get in but some heavenly call told me to stop and look up.


    And I did.


    And there, walking out of the elevator with a dazling aurora was the most handsomest man on Earth.


    The one and only ke Smith.


    ¡°Oh my god¡± I gasped. ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡±


    Ian craned his neck and followed my gaze. ¡°ke? He lives here¡±


    My head shot up in utter shock. ¡°Why the hell are you telling this to me now?¡± I yelled. ¡°If you told me earlier I would havee to live with you willingly!¡±


    Ian¡¯s brows furrowed in confusion. ¡°What¡¯s ke living here have to do with that?¡±


    I kept a hand over my chest, clenching my heart, my lips trembling as my emotions overwhelmed me, bringing tears into my eyes. ¡°I love him¡± I said in a dramatic emotional tone.


    ¡°What?¡± Ian snapped. ¡°Since when?¡±


    ¡°Three years¡±


    Ian gaped. ¡°You¡¯ve been in a rtionship with him for three years?¡±


    I wiped a tear from my eye. ¡°It¡¯s one sided but yes¡±


    ¡°Miss Hailey Isabe Evans!¡± Ian burst out. ¡°Being engaged to me requires being faithful to me¡±


    ¡°Hello mister¡± I snapped my fingers before his eyes. ¡°I have to be engaged to you first to be faithful to you¡±


    ¡°So that means you¡¯re gonna have other men?¡± Ian asked incredulously.


    ¡°Of course¡±


    Ian scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair in irritation. ¡°But-¡± He shook his head in dismay and nced back at me. ¡°I searched about you before announcing you as my fiance but none of the reports said you¡¯re in a rtionship. There¡¯s not even a single photo of you with him¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Have you not been listening to what I said earlier?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ian asked in frustration.


    ¡°I said one sided. It¡¯s one sided love!¡±


    Ian¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°So that means you¡¯re not in a rtionship?¡±


    ¡°No, of course not. I just have a crush on ke¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw fell open. ¡°So I got worked up for nothing???¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡±


    ¡°What-¡± Ian looked lost. ¡°Don¡¯t do that to me ever again!¡± He warned and furiously stomped over to his side of the car and climbed in.


    I chuckled and got in. ¡°Homeboy is jealous¡±


    ¡°I have every right to be¡± He grumbled and started the engine, pulling us out of the parking.


    ¡­


    ¡°Hello Emma, I kept money under the Vase. Take it and buy yourself a dress. Don¡¯t go to a cheap ce. Spend all the money and buy something elegant. I¡¯ll text you the address of the restaurant. Be there at 8¡± Then I cut the call.


    ¡°Oh my god¡± Lexi gasped. ¡°Are you really our Hailey?¡±


    I rolled my eyes.


    Brian shook his head in dismay. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I heard the words spend all the moneye out of her mouth¡±


    ¡°Is it your money or Mr. Kingston¡¯s money? It has to be Mr. Kingston-¡±


    I mmed my fists against the table. ¡°It is my money¡±


    ¡°Wow. We should have videod this moment¡±


    ¡°Shut up guys¡± I whined and stood up. ¡°It¡¯s lunch break now. I¡¯m going to see Ian¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that. Convincing him to go on a date with Emma is impossible as much as you buying a Prescott apartment¡±


    ¡°I hate you both¡± I hissed and stomped to the elevator.


    I reached Ian¡¯s floor and stepped out. The staff of his were still working even though it was lunch, their gazes fixed on theirputers. Inhuman.


    I slowly tip toed my way to Ian¡¯s room and noticed that the PA¡¯s table at the front was empty. Rumours say Ian fired Melissa but at the moment that was none of my concern.


    I only got six months and the only move I made was hire Emma as our housemaid. Other than that I did nothing. I don¡¯t know if I can ever make Ian fall in love with another woman but I have to try. I won¡¯t give up.


    Bracing myself, I knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in¡±


    I slowly opened the door and walked in.


    Ian was sitting at his table with a stack of files surrounding him. His coat was hanging behind his chair, his tie loosened and his gaze intently focused on hisptop screen.


    He didn¡¯t look up until I reached his table.


    ¡°Hi¡±


    Ian nced up. ¡°Oh hi¡± He smiled. ¡°What are you doing here-¡± He shook his head. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re always wee here but it¡¯s just you nevere here¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m a marketing employee. I can¡¯t just casuallye here¡±


    Ian smiled and leaned back in his chair. ¡°You have another excuse to visit me¡±


    ¡°Yes, which I used now¡± I flipped my hair and Ian chuckled.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m d that you came to see me but something tells me that you¡¯re not here to see how I¡¯m doing¡±


    I opened my mouth to protest but then closed it back again. ¡°That part is true, sorry about that but I¡¯ll definitelye hereter to check on you¡±


    Ian smiled at me, his eyes glinting with adoration. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Now tell me what do you want?¡±


    I took a deep breath. ¡°Can you go on a da-¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know what I was gonna say¡±


    ¡°You were gonna say date. Date with that creature¡±


    ¡°What creature?¡± I asked in confusion and then I rolled my eyes heavenward realising he was talking about Emma. Hailey breath in, breath out. ¡°How do you know I was gonna ask you to go on a date?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t take a Sherlock to guess it¡± Ian shrugged. ¡°You want me to fall for that woman and a date is obviously in your mind. Again to remind you, the answer is no¡±


    My jaw set and I mentally cursed him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I came here prepared for your rejection¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Ian raised an amused brow. ¡°Then what¡¯s your n B to convince me?¡±


    I sighed in frustration, already regretting my other n. ¡°Gosh I¡¯m so embarrassed right now¡± I muttered.


    Ian narrowed his eyes and stood up from his chair, taking slow cautious steps towards me. ¡°What are you embarrassed of?¡±


    ¡°Well the thing is¡± I exined. ¡°You always bargain with me. You made me stay in your house in exchange for an impossible way out¡± I exaggerated on the word. ¡°You did the same when I hired Emma as a maid. So I¡¯m gonna do the same now¡±


    Gosh I can¡¯t handle this.


    A smirk curled in his lips. ¡°What can you possibly have that can convince me to go on a date with that woman?¡±


    I exhaled. ¡°Something I never reciprocated¡±


    Ian raised a confused brow. ¡°Which is?¡±


    Then I stood on my tip toes and pressed my lips against his.

 29

    Ian was stunned for a moment, then he closed his eyes and cupped my face in his hands, kissing me back. His lips moved against mine in a heart clenching passion, his lips so gentle but yet move with a fervent desire that had me numb against him. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me to his chest, letting our wild hearts beat against each other. My hands moved up to tangle in the dark strands of his hair and he moaned against my lips as I raked my fingers through his soft curls, pulling at the bottom tendrils.


    Ian suddenly lifted me off the ground and ced me on his table, gently biting my lip before moving downwards, trailing soft kisses over my jaw and my throat. He pressed his lips along my neck and I let out a moan as he nibbled on my soft spot. I arched my back, pressing closer to him as I ran my fingers through his hair, then down to his broad shoulders, gently giving them a squeeze.


    Ian¡¯s lips reached back to mine, capturing them in a passionate kiss. He kissed me with a deep desire and longing that had me wanting to forget everything just to be in his arms. My heart raced, butterflies erupted in my stomach until I was lost in my own bliss.


    Then he slowly pulled back allowing us to breath. I panted heavily for air and Ian leaned his forehead against mine, his hands on either side of me. ¡°Do you still want me to be with another woman after this Hailey?¡±


    I stiffened. I wanted to say yes but at the same time I didn¡¯t want to. I couldn¡¯t manage to. What¡¯s wrong with me?


    ¡°Answer me Hailey¡± Hended a soft kiss on my nose. ¡°Do you want me to?¡±


    I bit my lip anxiously and looked down, struggling to answer it. Why? Why can¡¯t I say yes? What¡¯s happening to me?


    Ian let out a defeated sigh. ¡°At what time should I be there?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­at 8. I-i¡¯ll text you the address¡± I stammered.


    ¡°Okay¡± Ian pulled back and gave me a small smile. ¡°Now do you want me to help you get down?¡±


    I stared at him in confusion and he nudged his chin towards the table with a teasing smile on his lips.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry¡± I quickly jumped down from the table. ¡°Umm¡­I¡¯ll get going then¡± I awkwardly turned around and scurried out the door.


    I went running straight to the cafeteria and copsed onto a chair next to my friends.


    ¡°Why are you all red?¡± Lexi asked me as she chewed on her burger.


    I let out a heavy sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Everything is just so¡­. Confusing¡±


    ¡°Did he say yes to the date?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Wow, how did you manage to do that?¡±


    A blush crept up my cheeks as I recalled the feel of his soft lips on me. The hunger in his eyes, the desire in his kiss and the way our wild hearts misbehaved. Pull yourself together Hailey! ¡°That¡¯s top secret¡±


    ¡°Pfft. Whatever¡±


    My phone suddenly rang and I took it out of my pocket to check the caller ID and it was an unknown foreign number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I answered.


    ¡°HOW DARE YOU BLOCK OUR NUMBERS?¡±


    My phone suddenly slipped from my hand and fell to the ground.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± A woman screamed.


    Lexi looked down at my phone in horror. ¡°Oh my god who¡¯s that?¡±


    Recognising the voice I groaned and banged my head on the table. ¡°It¡¯s my mom¡±


    ¡°Hello Hailey? Hailey? Hailey? Hailey!¡±


    ¡°You there sweetie?¡± Dad jumped in.


    I let out a heavy sigh. ¡°I¡¯m here¡± I mumbled and picked up the phone then reluctantly ced it close to my ear. ¡°Why are you calling me?¡±


    ¡°Do I need a reason to call my daughter?¡± My mom yelled.


    ¡°No I mean-¡± this is so annoying. ¡°Why out of the blue?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯reing back to US¡±


    ¡°WHAT?¡± I screamed so loud that everyone in the cafeteria looked at me. ¡°Are youing here to stay forever?¡±


    ¡°What if wee there to stay forever? Any problem?¡±


    I rubbed my temple in frustration. ¡°No that¡¯s not what I meant. You know-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re onlying for a few days. We¡¯re happily living in France¡± I could picture my mom raising her chin up arrogantly. ¡°We don¡¯t want to stay anywhere near you¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Wow, are you still holding grudges against me for not getting intow school? Is it my fault that everyone blood rted to me is awyer?¡± I was practically yelling by now and both of my friends were biting their lips to stifle theirughter.


    Mom huffed angrily. ¡°Pick us up from the airport at 8. Be there or I¡¯ll drag you to grandma¡¯s birthday¡± Then she hung up.


    I moved the phone away from my ear and gaped at it in shock. ¡°How dare she threaten me with grandma¡¯s birthday?¡±


    ¡°What did she say?¡± Brian asked.


    ¡°They¡¯reing today. I have to go pick them up at 8¡± I took a bite from Brian¡¯s sandwich and chewed on it furiously. ¡°I can¡¯t even witness Emma and Ian¡¯s date now¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Do your parents know about you and Ian?¡±


    I choked on the sandwich and Lexi had to pat my back. ¡°Oh my God¡± I coughed. ¡°I forgot about that¡± I coughed again. ¡°They¡¯re gonna kill me¡±


    ¡°You think you can keep it a secret?¡±


    I drank a ss of water. ¡°I have to or else I won¡¯t live to see the next day¡±


    ¡°Well if they¡¯re only staying for a few days then I think we can do that¡± Lexi shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s send them back to France like nothing happened¡±


    ¡­


    I stared at the flight arrival board in the JFK airport, my mood already soured.


    ¡°So you¡¯re staying with Lexi till they go back?¡± Brian asked as he stood beside me, his arms folded across his chest.


    ¡°They¡¯ll have a heart attack if I say I¡¯m living with my boss so yeah I¡¯m gonna stay with Lexi¡±


    ¡°What if they already know? I mean, your cousins might have told them¡±


    ¡°Nah, if they knew they would have taken a flight straight after I went viral. And my cousins are only interested inw and politics. They think the rest of the world is a myth. So they probably don¡¯t know either¡±


    Brian nodded. ¡°Good for you. I have very lousy cousins¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°When you have cousins your mom always like topare you with, what¡¯s good in that?¡±


    Brian raised a brow. ¡°She¡¯s that worse?¡±


    ¡°Way worse¡±


    Lexi jumped in. ¡°They even moved to France because her mom couldn¡¯t bear to see her daughter working in a marketing department and not in a legal department¡±


    ¡°Ahh dramatic mom. I see¡±


    I stood on my tip toes and scanned the crowd. ¡°Where are they? They should be here by now¡±


    Then I spotted a couple in theirte fifties approaching us, a grim expression etched on the woman¡¯s face.


    ¡°Herees the she devil¡± I muttered.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯te¡± My mom said as she reached us.


    ¡°You would have ate my head off if I did that¡±


    ¡°Good that you know¡± She raised her chin up.


    ¡°Oh I know¡± I also raised my chin up, matching her stance.


    Dad rolled his eyes. ¡°Stop it. How long has it been since west saw our daughter? Just give each other a hug¡±


    I didn¡¯t move and neither did mom. We just raised our chins higher and higher stubbornly.


    Dad sighed. ¡°I give up¡± He turned to my friends and smiled. ¡°You two must be Lexi and Brian. It¡¯s nice to finally meet you¡± Dad extended his hand and they shook it. ¡°You¡¯ve been friends with my daughter for many years and I feel bad for not meeting you earlier. I¡¯ll buy you dinner as an apology¡±


    Lexi beamed. ¡°Oh you don¡¯t need to do that Mr. Evans. We¡¯re also happy to finally meet you. Betterte than never right?¡±


    Dad chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s right¡±


    Lexi grinned. ¡°My car is parked outside. I¡¯ll drive you¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that¡±


    I suddenly tensed as I heard a familiar masculine voice behind me. Achingly slowly I craned my neck and saw Ian Kingston approaching us, wearing a ck overcoat over his ck suit with a hand tucked inside his pocket.


    The power rolling off of him was staggering. His long strides, his piercing blue eyes, his devilish gaze intimidated everyone close by and I could see people moving out of his way, fearing the thought of provoking him.


    He came to a halt in front of us and extended his hand to my parents. ¡°Mr. And Mrs. Evans, I¡¯m Ian Kingston¡± A sardonic smirk curled in his lips. ¡°Hailey¡¯s fiance¡±

 30

    I¡¯m dead.


    My parents stood looking stunned, their eyes wide open and mouths hanging.


    ¡°F-fiance?¡± My dad was the first to speak.


    Ian nodded with a smile. ¡°We got engaged not too long ago¡±


    Dad turned to me. ¡°Hailey, why didn¡¯t you tell us this earlier?¡±


    Sweat trickled down my forehead. ¡°Um I¡­ I-¡± I started hyperventting and quickly nced at Lexi, begging for help.


    Lexi got the message and shed a smile to my parents. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte and you must be tired because of the long flight. We should get going¡±


    ¡°Put their bags into my car¡± Ian threw his car keys to Brian. ¡°I¡¯ll drive them¡±


    Brian nervously obeyed and Lexi shot me a sorry nce before helping Brian to take the suitcases out of the airport.


    ¡°Mr. And Mrs. Evans¡± Ian looked back to my parents. ¡°You must be hungry. Shall I treat you to dinner? In my house perhaps-¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I suddenly yelled and all of them turned to me. Ian raised a brow and before he could say something else I jumped in. ¡°Restaurant!¡± I nodded hastily. ¡°Yes that¡¯s right. Restaurant! Let¡¯s eat¡­uh from a restaurant¡± I grinned awkwardly.


    ¡°Fine¡± Ian agreed. ¡°I know a good ce. I¡¯ll take you there. Let¡¯s get going shall we?¡± Ian asked my parents and Dad slowly nodded his head, dragging mom with him.


    Brian and Lexi were loading the luggages to the trunk as we approached them.


    ¡°You two can join us to dinner¡± Ian suggested but they shook their heads.


    ¡°No¡­um¡± Lexi gulped. ¡°Thank you but we have somewhere else to be. Right Brian?¡± She nudged Brian¡¯s elbow and he came out of his daze. ¡°Oh yes yes¡± He nodded deliberately. ¡°We have somewhere else to be. We¡¯ll get going then. Bye Hailey¡± They waved their hands and I mouthed a No but they ignored my helpless cry and sprinted towards Lexi¡¯s car in a hurry.


    Those traitors! How dare they leave me in middle of the battlefield?


    ¡°You look familiar son¡± I tensed as my father spoke, staring at Ian with puzzled eyes.


    Ian smiled. ¡°I get that a lot¡± He opened the backseat car door. ¡°Please get in Mr. And Mrs. Evans¡±


    Dad hesitantly nodded and got inside, pulling mom with him. Ian closed their door and turned to on-the-verge-exploding me.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± I hissed angrily. ¡°What are you doing here? I thought you went on a date with Emma¡±


    ¡°I never said yes to the date¡±


    ¡°You did!¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°I just asked at what time I should be there. I never said I would go¡±


    ¡°Then why did you even bother asking for the time?¡±


    ¡°To avoid it of course¡± Ian shrugged.


    I gaped. ¡°What nonsense is that? So you really stood up on Emma?¡±


    ¡°I paid for her dinner. She can eat whatever she likes and then go home¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill you-¡±


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± My dad asked, rolling down the window.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Evans¡± Ian answered, turning to look at him. ¡°Everything¡¯s alright¡± He then gave me a smirk and climbed on to the drivers seat.


    Asshole!


    I huffed angrily and climbed on to the passengers seat. From the rear view mirror I could see my mom still looking stunned and it will take a while for her to get a grip on everything. And when she does I¡¯m pretty sure all hell would break.


    Ian drove us to a restaurant and my jaw fell wide open seeing where he took us. It was the same ce I booked for him and Emma.


    The audacity this man has!!!


    Ian got out and opened the car door to my mom¡¯s side but she was frozen like a statue. He turned curious eyes to my dad and dad awkwardly nudged mom¡¯s elbow. ¡°Honey let¡¯s get out. This man is waiting¡±


    Shaking my head at this utter nonsense I climbed out and strode straight to the restaurant, then popped my head inside, scanning the area to see if Emma was there.


    ¡°She¡¯s upstairs¡± Ian¡¯s voice came from behind and I spun around. ¡°I booked a private room for us. You don¡¯t need to worry about her. So now stop ring at me like you¡¯re going to kill me¡±


    I scowled. ¡°I am going to kill you¡±


    ¡°You always say that¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean that I won¡¯t do it¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Whatever. Now go inside before your parents hear our conversation¡±


    I set my jaw and turned on my heel, stomping inside. A waitress directed us to a private dinning room with a candle lit table and I reluctantly sat down. My parents sat across from us and a waiter came to take our orders.


    After he was gone dad closed the menu and looked at Ian with a smile. ¡°Son, what did you say your name was-¡±


    ¡°What do you do for living?¡± My mom¡¯s voice boomed through the room and I gulped anxiously.


    She¡¯s back bitches. Say hello to hell.


    Ian nced at her. ¡°Oh I¡¯m the C-¡±


    ¡°CNCO!!!¡± I suddenly bellowed and all eyes turned on me. ¡°He¡¯s uh¡­ a concert organizer for CNCO¡± I hastily added and Ian raised a confused brow.


    My mom red at me and turned back to Ian ¡°What do your parents do?¡±


    ¡°My father is the chair-¡±


    ¡°Chair and tables¡± I interrupted. ¡°Chair and tables private limited. His father works in a uhhh¡­ furniturepany¡±


    Mom folded her arms and leaned back in her seat. ¡°Then your mother?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a board mem-¡±


    ¡°Board games!¡± I shouted again and shot Ian a shut up look. If they know who he really is, I¡¯m dead for sure.


    Mom raised a brow. ¡°Your mother ys board games for living?


    ¡°Exactly¡± I nodded with a huge grin and Ian rolled his eyes.


    ¡°So you¡¯re telling me¡± Mom narrowed her eyes in suspicious. ¡°You afforded a car like that being a concert organizer?¡±


    Before Ian could speak, I jumped in. ¡°Hard work pays off¡±


    Mom still didn¡¯t look convinced. ¡°If you really are a concert organizer, then why are you wearing a suit?¡±


    ¡°He wore that to impress you¡±


    Mom mmed her hand on the table and everyone jumped up in shock. ¡°Did I ask you Hailey? Let the man speak¡±


    Fuck, I¡¯m dead.


    Before mom could pester Ian with more questions, a man in a suit and a waitress barged in, holding a bottle of wine.


    ¡°Mr. Kingston¡± The man spoke with a wide smile on his lips. ¡°I¡¯m the manager of this restaurant and we¡¯re very honoured to have you here¡± no no no. ¡°We brought you this precious wine and hope you enjoy it. It¡¯s on the house¡±


    ¡°Honoured?¡± My mother asked him with confused eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry what?¡± He asked politely.


    ¡°You said you¡¯re honoured to have him here. Why?¡± No no no.


    The manager chuckled awkwardly, ncing at Ian twice to see why he brought some crazy people here. ¡°We¡¯re honoured because Mr. Kingston is the-¡± Nooooooooo! ¡°CEO of ATC¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Time slowed and my heart began hammering in my chest, blood pounding in my eyes. Everything around me started spinning except for the devious woman sitting before me.


    ¡°CEO?¡± Mom asked as the manager and the waitress disappeared out the door.


    I blinked, still in a daze. ¡°W-what?¡±


    ¡°CEO¡± She repeated, her gaze intently fixed on me. ¡°As in chief executive officer?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡± I whispered, my voice almost inaudible.


    Mom¡¯s face twisted into a scowl. ¡°CEO of ATC¡± She exaggerated on thepany name. ¡°That¡¯s the highest position of thepany you work in¡± She narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you dating your boss Hailey?¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna pass out¡±


    ¡°Answer me¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m dying¡±


    ¡°Hailey¡± My mom mmed her hand on the table, pulling me out of my daze.


    ¡°Are you dating your boss?¡±


    My jaw set and I raised my chin arrogantly. ¡°I can do whatever I want¡±


    R. I. P Hailey.


    Mom scoffed in disbelief and turned to dad. ¡°How can she say that? Est-elle meme notre fille?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not even french. Don¡¯t show off¡±


    ¡°You shut up¡± Mom turned zing eyes on me. ¡°Do you two live together?¡±


    My mouth snapped shut at that.


    Mom gaped. ¡°So you really live together?¡± She scoffed and nced at Ian. ¡°Tell me, do you even use protection?¡±


    ¡°Mom!!!¡±


    ¡°Cheat on my daughter and you¡¯re dead¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°I won¡¯t Mrs. Evans¡±


    ¡°If you hurt her, I won¡¯t hesitate to put you behinds bars¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Mrs. Evans. I won¡¯t hurt her. I will care for her and protect her at any cost¡±


    ¡°You better. If not you¡¯re going to feel the wrath of me. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mrs. Evans¡± He bowed respectfully.


    Dad¡¯s lips curled up into a small smile. ¡°I quite like you son¡±


    Mom looked at dad incredulously and smacked him on the shoulder. ¡°How can you judge someone so easily? You are disrespecting your brother who is a judge-¡±


    I threw my head back and groaned. ¡°Oh my god mom stop it!¡± I closed my eyes and sighed. ¡°That¡¯s it, I need a break¡± I abruptly stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to the bathroom. Bye¡± I stomped out of the private dinning and went straight to the bathroom.


    I washed my face and sighed heavily, already exhausted with my ordeal tonight.


    I was about to go out when I spot Emma walking towards the bathroom in an off shoulder blue gown, her hair twisted up into a perfect bun.


    ¡°Shit¡± I hastily went inside a bathroom stall and hid, partly closing the door.


    Emma came inside and opened the tap, washing her smudged mascara. After she was done, she took a tissue out of her purse and dabbed on her cheeks. Was she crying?


    Her phone suddenly rang and she answered.


    ¡°Tess¡± She spoke in a broken voice. ¡°No he didn¡¯te¡± There was a pause. ¡°I don¡¯t know Tess¡± She wiped a tear off her cheek. ¡°I really want that money but there¡¯s no progress. I can¡¯t even properly talk in front of him. He¡¯s-¡± She gulped. ¡°frightening¡±


    She sniffled. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible Tess. He¡¯s trying to win back his fiance. They are so close. I mean, Hailey is good and I really like her but-¡± She looked down, feeling ashamed. ¡°She¡¯s not helping. As long as she stays I can¡¯t make him fall for me¡±


    She closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh. ¡°She has to go¡±

 31

    ¡°Why are you both wearing a long face today?¡± Lexi asked while tapping on her keyboard.


    Brian sighed. ¡°A woman left me¡±


    ¡°What does that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°You know, whenever I have a one night stand I always leave before the girl wakes up butst night-¡± He took a deep breath, his lips trembling. ¡°She left me¡±


    ¡°Ha. Good. You manwhore needs to be taught a lesson¡±


    ¡°I thought we were friends Lexi. I¡¯m very disappointed in you¡± He exhaled and dramatically slid down his chair. ¡°I can¡¯t seem to forget her. Her plush lips, her rosy cheeks, her fiery eyes, her hourss body and her round breast-¡± Lexi smacked his head before he could continue.


    ¡°Shut up¡±


    ¡°Ouch¡± Brian rubbed the back of his head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so violent you know?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going over there?¡± VP shouted from across the room and both Brian and Lexi hid their faces behind theputer screen.


    It¡¯s been three days since my parents came and I had been avoiding Ian ever since. Thankfully he didn¡¯t yet notice because I¡¯d been entertaining myself with my parents for the past few days but now that they have gone to visit grandma in Ohio I have no other excuse to use.


    I knew that what Emma said was true. Ian had always used her to get closer to me so there was no progress between them. I understand that she needs the money desperately so her frustration is reasonable but I don¡¯t know how to help her. I can¡¯t leave the penthouse because then Ian have no reason to keep her. I can¡¯t leave his room either because then he will fire her. So my only option was to avoid him as much as possible.


    But the worst thing is, I actually miss bickering with him, hanging out with him. It¡¯s like a part of me is torn apart. Have I finally gone mad?


    ¡°Evans¡± VP called and I looked up. ¡°Give these reports to the general management¡±


    ¡°Okay ma¡¯am¡± I stood up and took the files from her.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    I reached the floor below Ian¡¯s and was walking through the hallway with my head bent low, lost in my own thoughts when I collided with a hard chest.


    I nced up to apologise but then my eyes widened, realising it was Ian.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been avoiding me¡±


    I was startled. ¡°W-what? I didn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie¡± His hand reached out and gently stroked my chin. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s wrong? Did I do something to anger you?¡±


    ¡°No no you didn¡¯t do anything. I just ummm¡­ been busy with my parents¡±


    ¡°Is that the only reason?¡± He asked with concern etched on his face.


    ¡°Of course. Why else?¡± I chuckled drily.


    Ian sighed. ¡°Fine then let¡¯s go somewhere for dinner tonight¡±


    ¡°Uhh¡± I hesitated. Think of an excuse Hailey. Think of an excuse. ¡°I¡¯m working overtime today¡±


    Ian¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean why? To earn money of course¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you that money. You don¡¯t have to work overtime¡±


    ¡°If I really needed your money I would have dragged you to the altar by now¡± I joked and Ian rolled his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious¡±


    ¡°So am I¡±


    ¡°Is there anyway I can convince you out of it?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Nope¡±


    Ian sighed in defeat. ¡°Fine, then I¡¯lle to pick you up¡±


    I gently ced my hand on his chest. ¡°You don¡¯t need to. My friends are also working overtime¡± That was a lie. ¡°I cane with them¡±


    Worry lines appeared on his forehead. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sure¡±


    ¡°Okay then. Don¡¯t work till toote. Come home quickly¡± He gave a quick kiss to my lips and pulled back. ¡°See youter¡± He winked and walked away.


    And when he did I felt like shit. I didn¡¯t want to avoid him. I didn¡¯t want to lie to him. I want things to go back to how it was. I wished that I didn¡¯t hear Emma¡¯s phone conversation that day. It keeps nagging in my head, torturing me.


    I sighed. Why do I feel like this? I should be happy to avoid him but instead I regret ever doing so. Avoiding him was harder than I thought and mostly because I didn¡¯t want to avoid him. For some reason I didn¡¯t want to be away from him.


    I closed my eyes, trying to pull myself together. Stop it Hailey stop it.


    ¡°Hailey¡±


    I spun around as I heard Lexi¡¯s voice from behind. ¡°VP is searching for you. You still didn¡¯t give the reports?¡±


    I looked at the files in my hand. ¡°Oh I forgot¡±


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± Lexi asked as she approached me.


    ¡°Yeah¡±


    She narrowed her eyes. ¡°You suck at lying. Tell me what¡¯s wrong? Is it what Emma said?¡±


    I let out a heavy sigh. ¡°Kind of¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it too much. You need her to get away from Mr. Kingston¡±


    I nced up at her words. Is that what I really want?


    ¡°Don¡¯t you?¡± She repeated suspiciously.


    ¡°Y-yes that¡¯s what I want. To get away from him¡±


    ¡°Good now go and give those reports¡±


    ¡­


    It was raining, puddles of water hitting on the hood of the taxi, sttering on the windscreen. The night sky loomed over us, the stars hidden behind the heavy clouds.


    The taxi came to a halt in front of the Prescott¡¯s and I paid the driver before pulling out my umbre and getting out.


    I quickly walked inside and unfolded the umbre, putting it inside a basket.


    I shrugged off my wet coat and dried my hair with my hand.


    ¡°I thought you wereing with your friends¡±


    I tensed as I heard a familiar voice. Nervously I nced up and saw Ian standing a feet away from me, his expression hardened.


    ¡°Why did you lie to me Hailey?¡±


    I kept silent.


    ¡°Why are you avoiding me?¡± He took slow, cautious steps towards me as he spoke. ¡°Do you hate me that much?¡±


    I was taken aback by his words. ¡°What? No Ian, I don¡¯t hate you-¡±


    ¡°Then why?¡± He came to a halt in front of me. ¡°Is it because of that housemaid?¡±


    I gulped anxiously and looked down but Ian kept his fingers under my chin and raised my head up to meet his eyes.


    ¡°Do whatever you want Hailey but don¡¯t avoid me. And don¡¯t lie to me. What if something happened to you? It¡¯s dark and raining outside. I could havee to pick you up¡± He cupped my face in his hands. ¡°I worry about you Hailey. So don¡¯t do that again¡±


    I suddenly felt ashamed and guilty for my actions. What was I thinking? ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I whispered.


    Ian¡¯s eyes softened and he wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his chest. ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± He gave a kiss to my forehead. ¡°Now cheer up. I¡¯ll make some hot chocte for both of us¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Fine¡±


    ¡°See, you look way beautiful when you smile. And way hotter when you¡¯re sassy¡± Ian joked and I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Oh please who are you fooling?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth. You look hot when you curse me¡±


    ¡°Then I should always be hot. I curse you 24/7¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m offended¡±


    ¡°Why? Shouldn¡¯t you be happy that I¡¯m getting hotter and hotter?¡±


    Ian chuckled and ruffled my hair. ¡°You¡¯re crazy, my crazy¡±


    ¡°Stop, that is so cheesy¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not¡±


    ¡°It is¡±


    We reached his penthouse and just as Ian opened the door, we heard a loud shattering of ss upstairs.


    rmed, I ran up the stairs in a hurry and Ian followed me. The sound came from Ian¡¯s room and I threw it¡¯s door open, barging inside. There, I saw Emma standing inside the walk in closet, her eyes fixed on a broken photo.


    ¡°Emma?¡±


    Emma was startled as I called her. She looked at me with sorrowful eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Hailey, I didn¡¯t mean to¡±


    My gaze fell on the photo and I sucked in my breath realising it was Ian and his brother¡¯s photo.


    ¡°What the hell did you do?¡± Ian growled behind me.


    Emma¡¯s face twisted into fear and tears brimmed in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t mean to. It was an ident¡±


    ¡°IT WAS AN ACCIDENT?¡± Ian bursted, thrumming with rage as he strode past me. ¡°How so? That photo was inside a fucking drawer. You can¡¯t identally break it unless you took it out!¡± He shouted in fury and tears started flowing out of Emma¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry-¡±


    ¡°What were you doing here? What were you doing searching inside the drawers? He charged forward, his eyes turning into slits. ¡°Were you trying to steal money?¡± Ianughed mockingly. ¡°What are you? A thief-¡± Before he could finish Emma pped him harsh across the face.


    I gasped, my hands covering my mouth.


    ¡°How could you? How could you use me of stealing? You¡¯re the most arrogant man I¡¯ve ever seen¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists.


    Emma looked at me. ¡°It was an ident Hailey. Don¡¯t fire me¡± Then she turned on her heel and ran away, tears spilling from her eyes.


    My gaze fell on Ian but his face was turned away from me, his body vibrating with rage. Then without another word, he stormed out of the room.


    What have I done?

 32

    I knelt down and collected the shards of ss into the dustpan. Even though Ian told me he hated his brother I knew it wasn¡¯t true. He wouldn¡¯t cherish this photo this much if he didn¡¯t love his brother. And wouldn¡¯t get angry either.


    Ian still hasn¡¯te out of his office room and I can¡¯t me him. That p in the face, I felt it as if I was struck by it. And it deeply pains me because for some reason I don¡¯t want him to get hurt in any sort of way.


    What¡¯s wrong with me?


    I sighed and took the photo to my hand, studying it¡¯s frame. I gently ran my finger over the small flower design carved on the wooden frame border, a small smile curling up my lips at the beauty of it but then my finger met with a gap.


    I frowned. I flipped the photo over and saw something white sticking out from inside the frame. In confusion I carefully pulled it out and realised it was a paper  more exactly a letter.


    A letter addressed as Dear brother.


    But it wasn¡¯t my ce to read so I neatly folded the letter and slipped it inside a small drawer.


    Dusting off my hands I stood up and took the dustpan downstairs, putting the shards of ss into a box and then throwing it to the bin.


    I looked out the window but it was still raining, the sky tar ck and the clouds thick. The air was foggy, blurring the lights of the city but yet the sound of the rain was calming.


    I moved to the ss wall and closed my eyes, leaning my head against the wall, listening to the pitter patter of the rain. It was tempting me to a deep sleep, a deep cozy sleep but I didn¡¯t want to bother Ian by sleeping in his room and neither did I felt like going to another rooms upstairs. He needs time and space to calm down.


    I sighed and trained my gaze on one of the sofas that was long andrge much like a bed. That would do. I walked over to it andid down, curling myself into a ball. I was about to close my eyes when I heard a voice behind me.


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡±


    I looked over my shoulder and saw Ian standing at the bottom of the staircase, a hurt expression on his eyes.


    I sat straight. ¡°No. Why would I be mad at you?¡±


    ¡°Then why are you sleeping here?¡± He spoke as he approached me.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯re mad at me and needed sometime alone¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°Why would I be mad at you Hailey?¡± He took a seat next to me. ¡°Tell me¡±


    ¡°Because I-¡± Ian raised his brows and I swallowed back my nk words.


    ¡°You did what?¡± He cupped my face in his hands. ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself for something you didn¡¯t do, okay?¡± He asked with a smile and I hesitantly nodded.


    My gaze fell on his reddened face and I sucked in my breath. It must have hurt a lot. I gently ced my hand on his cheek. ¡°Does it still hurt?¡±


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s nothing¡± He took my hand away and kissed my fingertips but I wasn¡¯t convinced.


    I didn¡¯t know why I was feeling like this but I knew I wouldn¡¯t be at peace until I knew he was okay.


    ¡°Umm¡­let me get an ice pack¡± I hastily stood up and strode to the kitchen, pulling out an ice pack from the freezer. I went back to sit next to Ian but instead he suddenly pulled me onto hisp.


    I was startled. ¡°What are you-¡±


    ¡°Just stay here and do it¡± Ian looked at me with his deep blue eyes and I felt as if I waspelled.


    ¡°O-okay¡± I ced the ice pack on his reddened cheek and sighed, feeling guilty and sad.


    ¡°You look upset¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not upset¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Ian kept his fingertips under my chin and tilted my head up to meet his eyes. ¡°Then do you feel bad for me?¡±


    ¡°N-no I don¡¯t¡± I stammered.


    Ian smiled and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. ¡°See, you¡¯re too upset to even make a sassy remark. Is it because Ished out?¡± He asked with concern. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just that photo is very-¡±


    ¡°Shh¡± I kept a finger to his lips. ¡°It¡¯s not because of you and you don¡¯t have to exin, I understand¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°Thank you¡± He pressed a kiss to my jaw. ¡°Let¡¯s go meet ke now¡±


    I raised a confused brow. ¡°ke Smith? Why?¡±


    ¡°You like him so I thought seeing him would cheer you up¡±


    I stared at him for a while and then spluttered withughter. ¡°Oh my god Ian! You¡¯re willing to take me to another man because you want me to cheer up?¡±


    Ian frowned. ¡°Now that you¡¯re saying it that way I¡¯m doubting my very decision-¡±


    ¡°Ian¡± Iughed. ¡°Seriously you thought that?¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want to see you upset¡± Ian defended himself. ¡°But I personally don¡¯t like taking you to him¡±


    ¡°What if I had said yes?¡±


    Ian pouted. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just sit in the corner and fume in jealousy¡±


    I threw my head back andughed. ¡°I can¡¯t with you-¡± Iughed till my eyes teared up. ¡°You should never say things like that because I might actually stay with him¡± I joked.


    Ian narrowed his eyes. ¡°There she is, the old Hailey¡±


    ¡°Of course¡± I grinned. ¡°I never went away. I¡¯m always here. You just haven¡¯t seen my full version yet¡±


    ¡°Really? Then what¡¯s your full version like?¡±


    ¡°Very sassy. You might want to cry and run away¡±


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Ian asked in amusement.


    ¡°Mmm¡± I nodded.


    A small smile curled in his lips and he leaned forward, his eyes flickering to my lips. He gently pressed his lips on mine and my eyes fluttered shut as our lips moulded together in perfect symphony. He kissed me with a deep desire and passion that rendered me breathless, wanting more and more. He sucked on my lips, bit on them until I was lost in my own bliss. His hands slowly traveled up my back and tangled in my silky waves, his fingers running through the soft strands of my hair. I moaned against his lips and fully turned my body towards him, wrapping my legs around his waist.


    Then he suddenly flipped me over, my backnding on the sofa. I gasped but Ian covered my mouth with his, kissing me with a heart clenching passion. His lips moved down, trailing hungry kisses down my throat to my neck, sucking on the tender skin with a deep passion. My hands traveled to his soft luscious curls and I fisted them, pulling at the bottom tendrils. He nipped on my soft spot and my back arched, a loud moan escaping my lips. ¡°Hailey¡± Ian murmmed against my skin. ¡°You desperately want to leave me, don¡¯t you? But then what?¡± He pressed his lips on my corbone. ¡°Will you marry another man? Will you forget about me?¡± His voice came out as pained.


    I gulped not knowing how to answer that. Do I really want to be with another man? The thought sounds strange. As if even imagining myself in the arms of another man is impossible.


    ¡°Will you forget about everything?¡± His lips traveled up, capturing mine in a passionate kiss, sucking on my lips fervently. Then he slowly pulled back, allowing us space to breath.


    His eyes desperately searched mine for an answer but I didn¡¯t know the answer myself. What¡¯s wrong with me? Didn¡¯t I have everything nned out?


    Just ignoring him for three days killed me so how will I ever leave him for the rest of my life? Why is this happening to me?


    ¡°Ian I-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡±


    I looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it¡± He gave a peck to my lips. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it¡± Then he rolled to the side and leaned down next to me.


    ¡°Come, sleep on my arm¡±


    He stretched his arm and I didn¡¯t feel like refusing his request so I slowly moved towards him andid my head down on his arm.


    Ian smiled and circled his other arm around me, pulling me to his chest.


    ¡°The wild cat is calm¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Just for today. You¡¯ll see my normal self again tomorrow¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh I know¡± Ian grinned. ¡°Sleep now¡±


    ¡°Here?¡±


    ¡°Mmm. If I take you to bed, you¡¯ll mentally create a barrier and stay far away from me as much as possible¡±


    I let out a softugh. ¡°Fine. Just of today¡±


    Then I closed my eyes and snuggled closer to him, wrapping my arm around his waist.


    He pressed a long lingering kiss on my forehead. ¡°And Hailey¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave me¡±

 33

    ¡°So is he mad at you?¡± Lexi asked.


    ¡°No we¡¯re good¡± I smiled, recallingst night¡¯s memories as I made photocopies of some documents in the copier room.


    ¡°That fast? What did you do? Angry sex?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t have sex with him¡±


    ¡°Then how?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a top secret¡± I teased her.


    Lexi scoffed. ¡°Are you serious right now? Tell me¡± She narrowed her eyes. ¡°you did have sex with him didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, why would I even bother telling you?¡±


    ¡°Whatever¡± Lexi grumbled.


    ¡°So what¡¯s gonna happen to Emma now?¡± Brian asked, leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest.


    I sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡±


    ¡°I think she¡¯s a thief¡± He said. ¡°Why else would she be in your room?¡± Lexi nodded in agreement.


    I told my friends about what happened yesterday but not about the photo. It was Ian¡¯s privacy and not mine to go around telling.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that either¡±


    ¡°Did shee to work today?¡±


    Reluctantly I nodded, averting my gaze.


    Emma¡¯s violent behaviour yesterday came shing to my mind. And how she invaded his privacy, I didn¡¯t like it at all. Since that incident only one thought circted in my mind but I needed my friends counsel before taking any decision. I swallowed.  ¡°Should I just umm¡­should I just give her the money and fire her?¡±


    ¡°No¡± They both said simultaneously and I looked up at them. Brian heaved a sigh. ¡°Don¡¯t think about such ridiculous things Hailey. You need her. If you don¡¯t make Mr. Kingston fall for her, you¡¯d be stuck with him forever and none of us want you to be with a man you don¡¯t like. I mean, if you like him we would support you but apparently you don¡¯t¡± He gave a shrug.


    I stayed silent to that and continued  photocopying the documents.


    ¡°Guys, Ashley wants the documents soon¡± Lexi said reading a text message on her phone. ¡°You done Hailey?¡±


    ¡°Yeah wait. I got one left¡± I photocopied thest of it and bind them all together. I gave the original files to Brian and took the photocopied bundle to my hand before leaving the room.


    As we were walking, Brian ran into a girl and the files in his hands fell down, it¡¯s contents falling in all directions.


    ¡°Oh shit I¡¯m sorry¡± A girl in a red suit and raven ck hair apologised.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± Brian nced up and he sucked in his breath, his face reddening.


    The girl stared at him for a long moment, blinking in shock and then a small devious smirk curled in her lips. ¡°Oh it¡¯s you. Mr. Big dick¡±


    Lexi and I both exchanged puzzled nces. My gaze fell on her ID hanging around her neck and I saw that she was a reporter.


    ¡°You remember me?¡± The girl asked leaning towards him.


    ¡°Y-yes¡± Brian stammered, blushing furiously.


    The girl grinned. ¡°Good and I guess you have something to ask. Don¡¯t be shy. I¡¯ll be here all day¡±


    Brian stared at her until his entire face was red as an apple.


    ¡°Go on¡±


    Brian pouted, contemting about it then took a deep breath, mustering up all the courage he had before blurting out. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait till I wake up?¡±


    ¡°Wait¡± Lexi¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°This is the red lips and rosy cheeks girl?¡±


    Brian¡¯s cheeks flushed in embarrassment and he quickly nudged Lexi¡¯s arm. ¡°Shut up¡± He hissed.


    The girl chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s how he described me? Aww sweet! But I don¡¯t have rosy cheeks. I just applied extra blusher that day. And anyways for your question-¡± The girl flipped her hair back. ¡°Manwhores need to be taught a lesson¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Brian asked in utter shock.


    The girl smirked and approached him, her hand reaching out, trailing a finger along his jawline. ¡°You fucked my friend and left her to cry all day. And I got know that you did the same for several other women and me personally-¡± She fanned herself with her hand. ¡°can¡¯t stand such men. So I thought why not use the Uno reverse card?¡± She shed him a smile and Brian stood, looking dumbstruck.


    ¡°But I won¡¯t deny the fact that I enjoyed it Mr. Big dick¡± She patted his cheek. ¡°Now stop blushing like a virgin. I have somewhere else to be¡± She winked and walked past us.


    ¡°If we meet again-¡± She called out. ¡°I¡¯ll give you my number¡± Then she spun around and blew Brian a flying kiss before walking away.


    Brian stared after her until her figure disappeared and he released a long breath, cing a hand over his heart. ¡°Guys, I think I¡¯m in love¡±


    I rolled my eyes and turned to Lexi. ¡°Don¡¯t you think she looks a bit familiar?¡±


    ¡°I was just about to say that¡± She frowned. ¡°What¡¯s her name Brian?¡±


    Brian suddenly shrieked. ¡°OH SHIT! I forgot to ask her name¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know the name of the girl you fucked?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I remember every name?¡±


    ¡°Wow you really are a manwhore¡± Lexi smacked his forehead and Brian groaned in pain.


    ¡°Ouch, why are you so violent?¡± He grumbled, rubbing his forehead.


    ¡°Hailey, did take a look at her ID? Is she an employee of ours?¡±


    ¡°No¡± I shook my head. ¡°She¡¯s a reporter¡±


    ¡°A reporter?¡± Brian raised a confused brow. ¡°What¡¯s a reporter doing here? Is someone biging today¡±


    ¡°No idea¡±


    ¡°Or she might be one of those paparazzi whose trying to find a fault in your engagement¡± Lexi said and then her eyes widened. ¡°Oh my god! Do you think she bugged us? Brian check your clothes¡±


    ¡°Nah she¡¯s not that type of person¡±


    ¡°Do you think you know her because you fucked her one time?¡±


    ¡°Yes of course¡±


    Lexi snorted. ¡°You¡¯re too naive for a manwhore¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m not a manwhore¡±


    ¡°Yes you are¡±


    ¡°No I¡¯m not¡±


    ¡°Yes you-¡±


    ¡°Guys¡± I interrupted. ¡°Let¡¯s go before VP decides to murder us¡±


    Brian and Lexi both shot each other murderous res and picked up the fallen files before giving them Ashley.


    We strode back to our tables and just as I was about to copse to my seat, my phone rang. I took it out to check the caller ID and saw that it was a call from ourpany reception.


    ¡°Hello¡± I answered.


    ¡°Miss Evans. Someone wants to speak to you¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°Oh alright. I¡¯ll umme downstairs¡± I cut the call and frowned. Who is it?Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I nced at my friends. ¡°I¡¯m going to the lobby. Tell the VP I went to the bathroom¡±


    ¡°Okie dokie¡± Lexi waved a dismissive hands.


    I took the elevator and reached the lobby but I didn¡¯t see anyone looking for me. So I walked to the receptionist and leaned across the table. ¡°Umm did the person who came looking for me leave?¡±


    The receptionist nced up at me and gave me an apologetic look. What¡¯s going on?


    Then suddenly someone harshly pulled on my hair and I yelped in pain. ¡°You bitch, go to the reporters and tell the truth¡±


    Groaning in pain I grasped the hands and yanked them away, spinning around to see who it was, then realised it was a red haired witch, Melissa.


    She screamed and lunged at me but I pushed her away. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you doing stealing my man?¡± She screamed and heads turned in our direction.


    Shit! I cursed. If the reporters see this and get the wrong idea I won¡¯t have a peaceful life ever again. It¡¯d be more disastrous that it already is.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t steal any man¡± I hissed, trying my best to keep my voice low. ¡°And didn¡¯t you get fired? How did you even pass the security?¡±


    ¡°I came with someone more powerful¡± She spat. ¡°You won¡¯t be his fiance for too long. Everything is over now. You¡¯ll be named as a homewrecker in tomorrow¡¯s newspaper¡±


    ¡°What homewrecker? Ian doesn¡¯t even like you-¡± Before I could finish my sentence Melissa lunged at me again, trying to grab my hair but I dodged her and she went toppling to the floor.


    ¡°Are you a five year old?¡± I scolded her.  ¡°Why are you trying grab my hair-¡±


    Suddenly shouts erupted in the lobby and everyone started running around, screaming orders at each other. The employees gathered to the balconies and the receptionistbed her hair before darting to the entrance of thepany. Several men in suits gathered at the front, forming into two lines on either sides to wee someone and I could see reporters running downstairs, holding their cameras and mics.


    What the hell is happening?


    Three ck cars came into view at the entrance and a men in a suit opened the door to the middle one.


    ¡°You¡¯re dead¡± Melissa chuckled.


    I nced at her, then back at the entrance and a loud gasp escaped my lips seeing the personing out of the car.


    It was the chairman.

 34

    Sweat trickled down my forehead, fear engulfing me.


    Melissa smirked and stood up, running towards the chairman who was busy answering to the reporters gathered around him.


    Before Melissa could draw the attention of the reporters to me I quickly turned on my heel and dashed to the corner, hiding behind a tall pir.


    The reporters that had formed a circle around chairman pushed one another violently, trying to ask more questions but the security guards came quickly and blocked the reporters, clearing a path for the chairman to walk.


    Chairman strode to the elevator with two of his secretaries and Melissa beside him. Only after the elevator doors close behind them did Ie out of my hiding spot, exhaling in relief.


    That was a close call.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    All of the other elevators were blocked by the reporters so I sprinted in the opposite direction and threw open the door to the stairs. Even looking at them made me faintish. I could not possibly climb so many floors so I took the stairs to the second floor and from there I took the elevator to the marketing department.


    As I reached I ran straight to my table and copsed onto my chair, closing my eyes, panting for breath.


    ¡°Move these things. Move move move!¡± VP shouted orders and my eyes jerked open. I looked around and saw all of our employees running around as if their butts were on fire.


    Lexi was cing file after file on each table and n was pasting sticky notes on the walls while two others drew fake ns on the whiteboard.


    ¡°Make it look like we¡¯re sacrificing our blood, sweat and tears to thepany¡± VP cried out.


    I scoffed. Is she serious right no-


    ¡°Evans!¡± VP screamed and I nced up. ¡°What are you doing there? Go and hang those motivational banners on the poles¡±


    ¡°Uh yes ma¡¯am¡± I hastily stood up and dragged the banners out of our break room. As I was about to hang them, one of the CEO¡¯s staff came barging in.


    The woman gasped seeing our mess but quickly recovering she turned her gaze to our VP. ¡°Chairman is looking for Miss Hailey Evans¡±


    I froze, terror sealing my body. Dread twisted in my guts. I¡¯m dead for sure now.


    ¡°Hailey?¡± VP frowned.


    ¡°Yes¡±


    VP nced at me and motioned with her hand toe over and I reluctantly obeyed.


    ¡°Evans¡± She cupped my face in her hands, her eyes all serious. ¡°You¡¯re the face of our department now¡± Woman, are you serious now? ¡°If the chairman ask you about our campaign all you have to do is-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s not why he is calling her¡± n said from across the room.


    ¡°Shut up n!¡± VP yelled and turned back to me, her face dead serious again. ¡°All you have to do is be confident and answer like you run the world. Got it?¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Uh¡­. yeah I¡­got it¡±


    VP smiled and I almost had a heart attack seeing it. She never smiles. ¡°Good¡± She patted my cheek. ¡°Now go and make us proud¡±


    I looked at her weirdly and followed the woman to the elevator, reaching the chairman¡¯s office. His room had been empty since hisst visit, which was two years ago but I didn¡¯t see him that day so this was my first time meeting him but I was pretty sure he didn¡¯t call me to share pleasantries. He must be damn pissed because I wasn¡¯t the fiance he wanted for his son.


    Reluctantly I knocked on the door and one of chairman¡¯s secretaries opened it from inside. Recognising me, he opened the door wider, allowing me entrance.


    I stepped in and found myself in arge room with a grey carpeted floor andfortable white sofas, a ss wall overlooking the city. My eyes wandered around the room and fell on the table to the right. Sitting behind the table was a man in histe fifties, wearing a dark grey suit, his eyes the colour of wood.


    Across him, seated in one of the two chairs was Ian, his back turned to me. And Melissa stood leaning against the table, her eyes lusting over Ian.


    ¡°Oh there she is¡± Chairman said as his eyes fell on me, a smile curling up his lips.


    Ian craned his neck, looking over his shoulder and his eyes widened seeing me. He snapped at his father. ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    Chairman raised a brow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her being here? Isn¡¯t she your fiance?¡± He then nced at me. ¡°Come here girl, I have yet to know you¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not gonna stay anywhere near any of you¡± Ian snarled but the chairman waved him off.


    ¡°Sit here¡± He said gesturing to the chair beside Ian.


    I hesitantly walked over and pulled the chair back to sit on it.


    ¡°She¡¯s quite eye catching¡± Chairman said looking at me from head to bottom and I shuddered, feeling ufortable under his scrutiny. ¡°No wonder you fell for her Ian¡±


    ¡°Get to the point¡± Ian hissed through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Oh wait till she sit down¡±


    Chairman nced up at me with a smile and I slowly sat down, keeping my hands on myp, fidgeting with my fingers anxiously.


    ¡°I¡¯m throwing a party for my birthday next week. I thought of inviting you two¡±


    Ian scoffed in mockery. ¡°Your eldest son died on the day after your birthday and you¡¯re throwing parties?¡±


    Chairman shrugged. ¡°What is done is done. He¡¯s the one who decided to take his own life. Foolish boy¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists as rage seared through him. Chairman raised an amused brow and that enraged him more. But he quicklyposed himself back, not giving into his father¡¯s satisfaction.


    ¡°We kindly decline your invitation¡±


    ¡°Oh you will regret that¡±


    Ianughed. ¡°Tell me one good reason why I would regret it?¡±


    Chairman smirked. ¡°Because Alice ising¡±


    That stopped Ian. Hepletely froze, his body tensing.


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡± Chairman leaned back in his chair, fixing his suit jacket. ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to drag her back to New York? I heard she doesn¡¯t even want to see you. Take this chance to convince her, after all it¡¯s your fault she¡¯s suffering¡±


    My eyes widened at that and I nced at Ian but his expression had hardened, a muscle twitching in his jaw.


    Chairman gave a knowing smirk and exhaled. ¡°Alright, I guess that it¡¯s then. You can go¡±


    ¡°Mr. Kingston¡± Melissa turned to him in panic. ¡°What about the thing you promised me? You said you would reveal the truth about this bitch to the reporters¡± She said pointing to me.


    ¡°Melissa, why don¡¯t we forget it?¡±


    ¡°What does that supposed to mean?¡± She demanded, her face nched.


    Chairman sighed. ¡°My eldest son created a havoc in the country with his scandal and it damaged thepany in a great deal. I don¡¯t want such a thing happening again. And look at these two¡± He jerked his chin towards us. ¡°Don¡¯t they look good together? Let¡¯s them get married and be happy¡±


    Melissa mmed her fists against the table. ¡°NO! You can¡¯t do that to me. You can¡¯t allow your son to get married to a whore. She slept with him and seduced him¡±


    I rolled my eyes and Melissa saw that. Her nostrils red with anger, her jaw clenching in rage. ¡°You bitch! How dare you roll your eyes?¡± Then she took a file from the chairman¡¯s table and threw it at me.


    It came spinning towards me, cutting the skin near my eye with it¡¯s sharp edge. I hissed in pain and covered my eye with my hand. Ian instantly shot up to his feet and grabbed Melissa by her neck.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± He growled in fury. ¡°How dare you hurt her?!¡± He strangled her and Melissa chocked, trying to yank his hand back.


    ¡°Ian that¡¯s enough!¡± Chairman stood up, his tonemanding.


    Ian ground his teeth and slowly released her but his eyes swirled with rage. ¡°If you dare hurt her again¡± He hissed, his voice lethal. ¡°I will cut off your arms¡±


    Then he grabbed my hand and stormed out of the room, dragging me across the hall. In fury, he threw open the door to his room and mmed it shut after we were inside.


    He dragged me to the couch and made me sit on it. Then he walked over to his shelves and brought a first aid box with him. He knelt down before the couch and rummaged through the box, his fingers shaking with rage.


    ¡°Ian¡±


    He didn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Ian¡±


    Again didn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Ian¡± I ced my hands on his shoulder and he looked up. ¡°Calm down¡±


    Ian stared at me for a long moment and heaved a sigh. ¡°Sorry I just-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± I smiled and patted his shoulder.


    Ian smiled back and took a deep breath, calming himself. Then he slowly went through the box and pulled out an ointment.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. The cut isn¡¯t big¡±


    Ian shook his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to see you hurt in any sort of way¡± Then he scooped some to his finger and gently applied it on my cut.


    ¡°Are you going to the party?¡± I asked quietly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but-¡± He swallowed. ¡°Alice ising and it will be my only chance to convince her. Will you-¡± He nced up at me. ¡°Will you help me to convince her? She likes you a lot¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll give a try¡±


    Ian smiled and stroked my cheek with his thumb. ¡°Thank you. Let¡¯s go to that horrible party then¡±

 35

    I climbed out of Ian¡¯s car and stood outside arge mansion, surrounded by the woods. I could glimpse a crystal blueke peaking through the tall trees to my right, the rays of the sun falling on it, twinkling the water. Ahead of me was a cobblestone pathway leading to therge mahogany front doors, apanied by thick trees whose long branches canopied the neatly cutwn below.


    The workers were trimming the bushes along side the house, raking the garden, watering the flowers preparing for the party in the evening. Yet the sun was still at it¡¯s peak after a two hour long drive from NYC.


    I was marveling at the beauty of this ce when a hand suddenly sped mine.


    I nced up. ¡°Let¡¯s go, shall we?¡± Ian asked, pulling me out of my daze.


    ¡°O-okay¡± I nodded.


    I walked with Ian to the house and was again amazed by the interior. Never had I ever been to such a luxurious house and I was simply amused by everything little thing here.


    ¡°If you like it so much I¡¯ll buy you one¡± Ian whispered to my ear in his husky voice.


    Before I coulde up with a teasing remark, a hitched pitched female voice broke out.


    ¡°My sweet baby¡± A woman with deep blue eyes and chestnut hair approached us, her arms extended towards Ian. ¡°How long has it been since Ist saw you?¡±


    She embraced Ian into a warm hug but Ian stood still, clenching his jaw in irritation.


    ¡°Look at how handsome you are¡± The woman smiled and ced a hand on his cheek. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to introduce you to my new friends¡±


    ¡°Get off of me¡± Ian spat.


    The woman¡¯s expression saddened. ¡°Is that how you talk to your mother? Don¡¯t you remember how you loved to crawl into my arms when you were little?¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes and yanked her hand away from his face. ¡°I¡¯m not your little boy anymore¡±


    The woman sighed and pulled back. ¡°To me you still are-¡± Then her gaze fell on me, her face twisting into a frown. ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    ¡°Chairman invited her¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The woman was startled. ¡°But you can¡¯t bring a whore to the house¡±


    Ian¡¯s expression hardened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. ¡°Do not call her that¡± He spat angrily and grabbed my hand, dragging me away from his mother.


    He dragged me to the staircase but his phone suddenly rang. He came to a halt and took it out, answering it.


    The person on the other end spoke and Ian scowled. ¡°Email it to me¡± He ordered but then his brow¡¯s snapped together. ¡°What? That can¡¯t be. Wait, I have a copy in my car. I¡¯ll go and get it¡± He covered his phone with his other hand and turned to me. ¡°Wait upstairs¡±


    I nodded and Ian turned back, storming out of the house.


    I sighed and nced up at the staircase leading to the upper floor. I climbed up the steps and reached a dark floor, it¡¯s tall windows covered with curtains blocking the sunlight.


    Through the dark I could make out the expensive furniture and some of the potrays hanging on the walls, that were painted with bright colours. Observing the art work with great curiousity, I took steps forward, walking through the dimly lit hallway.


    There were doors on either sides but all were closed. I stopped at one where the door was partly open. I slightly pushed it and the first thing I noticed was arge family photo hanging above a bookshelf.


    It was taken when Ian was about 10 years old, sitting on his mother¡¯sp, smiling, showing all of his white teeth.


    He was even pretty as a boy. Smiling at the thought I slowly walked inside. On the shelves were several other photos of Ian, taken at different times of his childhood.


    There was one where he was crying, his face all red and puffy. A smallugh escaped my lips seeing it. The mighty Kingston crying, a sight you don¡¯t get to see often. I took the framed photo to snap a photo of it but then glimpsed something ck behind it.


    I looked at it more thoroughly and realised it was an old ATC phone model covered with dust. My hand reached out to take it but a voice interrupted me.


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡±


    I spun around and found Ian looking at me with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this your room?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my parents¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°With all these photos of yours?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    ¡°Wow, I can clearly see you¡¯re the favourite son¡± I kept the photo back in ce before walking out the door. Ian held my hand and took me to a room at the end of hall.


    He unlocked the door and I stepped into a room with white curtains and white walls, a double size wooden bed ced closed to the windows. On to my left was a wardrobe and to my right a dressing table and a study table with small nt pots on top of it.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡°No. I love it. It¡¯s just-¡± I looked up at him. ¡°It¡¯s so white. I mean, I thought you like ck¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°Tastes changes. Anyways let¡¯s go inside. Our luggages will be brought to the room¡±


    I nodded and walked inside, my eyes wandering around the room. I opened the door to the bathroom and checked it while Ian removed his watch in front of the dressing table. I went through the load of books on his study table then poked my finger on the little nts on the pots.


    I spotted another door beside the window and walked over to it, turning on the doorknob but it was locked. ¡°What is this?¡±


    Ian turned to me. ¡°Ah wait, I must have the key to it somewhere¡± He bent down and opened a drawer in the dressing table, taking out a key. He handed it to me and I curiously opened the door.


    And on the other side were just woods. Tall trees, wind and sunlight.


    I blinked in confusion then realised the door opens to a staircase leading down to the woods.


    ¡°You have your own personal staircase?¡±


    Ian snorted as he took off his suit jacket. ¡°You say it like that¡¯s something privileged¡±


    ¡°Well it is. I didn¡¯t have my own staircase¡±


    ¡°You want one?¡± Ian asked teasingly and I smirked.


    ¡°Can you build one to your glowing pool in the penthouse? I¡¯ll put up a sign saying jump here and grow brains. Many people woulde¡±


    Ian shook his head in dismay. ¡°You¡¯re crazy.


    ¡°Can I go down?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Let mee with you¡± Ian put his tie down and walked out with me.


    Upon reaching the ground, I closed my eyes and inhaled the fresh air mixed with the aromatic scent of fresh leaves, spring rain and timber. I could hear the birds chirping in the distant trees and the hum of the wind blowing towards us. It was both peaceful and calming.


    Then I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist, pulling me to a hard chest. ¡°Feel it?¡± Ian murmured in my ear. ¡°This is why I have my own personal staircase. It¡¯s calming¡±


    I released a sigh in content and nced up at the streaks of sunlight prating through the canopy of the trees.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Mmm¡± Iannded a soft kiss on my temple. ¡°Wanna see theke?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Ianughed. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go¡±


    We walked straight ahead to the dense woods which got more lighter as the sun came into view. We were near the bank when we heard someone crying.


    Ian and I both exchanged puzzled nces but we inched closer. Then I spotted Alice sitting on a log, her head hung low.


    I idently stepped on a broken twig and Alice¡¯s head snapped my way.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± She asked in alert.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Hailey and-¡± I turned to Ian but he quickly shook his head, hiding in the shadows. ¡°It¡¯s just me, Hailey¡±


    ¡°Oh Haileye here¡± Alice wiped her tears from her cheeks and Ian quickly slipped back into the woods.


    I watched him ago before walking over to Alice, sitting on the log next to her.


    ¡°Hi¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Hi¡±


    ¡°When did you arrive?¡±


    ¡°Few hours ago. You?¡±


    ¡°Just now¡±


    I observed Alice. Her cheeks were stained with tears and her eyes were red. Why was she crying? Then my gaze fell onto what she was holding. A framed photo  the wedding photo of her and Nathan.


    ¡°Wanna look at it?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked dumbfounded then realised she was talking about the photo. ¡°Oh sure¡±


    Alice gave it to me and I carefully took it, my gaze falling on the couple. Alice was beautiful in her wedding gown and Nathan Kingston was equally dazzling with his bright smile, his arm wrapped around Alice¡¯s waist as they posed for the photo. But was she crying over a cheater?


    ¡°You must be thinking I¡¯m crazy¡± Alice sighed and leaned back. ¡°To cry over a cheater but the truth is, he didn¡¯t cheat¡±


    I nced up looking startled.


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t do that to me Hailey. He wouldn¡¯t. I know it¡± Her fingers sped the pendant on her neck, fidgeting with it as she stared at theke. ¡°You know, this ce was where Nathan kissed me for the first time¡± A smile curled up her lips as she recalled the memory. ¡°We came here for a dinner with his family and he took me here, saying this was his favourite ce from his childhood¡± Alice nced at me with a faint smile. ¡°And this ce is the only reason why I came to this godforsaken house today¡±


    ¡°You came to the party because of this ce?¡±


    Alice nodded and returned her gaze back to theke. ¡°This ce remindes me of him, of every good memory we shared together. I know you won¡¯t believe me because there were pretty much good evidences that he cheated, specially his suicide letter but-¡± She swallowed and shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s true. If he really cheated-¡± Her eyes filled with tears. ¡°Why would he send us these on the day he died?¡± She said gesturing to the photo.


    ¡°Us?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Ian and I. Ian received a photo from his teenage years and I, this wedding photo¡±


    That was why Ian cherished it so much. It was thest gift from his brother. I trained my gaze back on the photo and noticed that it had the same flower pattern on the wooden frame.


    ¡°Nathan didn¡¯t kill himself because of his so called mistress. He killed himself because-¡± She blinked back her tears. ¡°everyone stopped believing him. Even his own brother whom he loved so much¡±


    ¡°Is that why you hate Ian?¡± I asked quietly.


    Alice nodded. ¡°He gave up on Nathan. He trusted the media more than his own brother¡± Alice sniffled and looked down, unable to control her tears. ¡°They¡­¡± She bit her lip. ¡°They killed him¡± My heart shattered at the pain in her voice and I slipped my hand through hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.


    ¡°Sorry you had to listen to my rambling¡± She quickly wiped a tear that fell down her cheek. ¡°I do that when I¡¯m sad¡±


    I smiled. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m happy that you shared your sorrow instead of holding it in¡±


    Alice looked at me. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re here Hailey. You¡¯re the only person I¡¯mfortable with in this entire house¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that¡±


    Alice smiled. ¡°I should get going now. We have a party to get ready¡± She made a gagging face at the word party and Iughed.


    ¡°Yeah we should go¡± I stood up with her.


    ¡°I need to clean my face before I go to the devil¡¯s house. See youter¡± She waved a bye and walked in the opposite direction.


    I let out a heavy sigh, calcting on each word I just heard. But before it could get any confusing, I walked back the way I came from and half way I spotted Ian, sitting under a tree a few meters away, his eyes closed, his face tilted up to the sun.


    I walked over to him and sat down beside him. Ian slightly opened his eyes as he felt my presence and a small smile curled up his lips seeing me. Without saying any word he moved into a lying position and ced his head on myp, closing his eyes back.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a pillow¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you thousand dors¡±


    ¡°Oh then it¡¯s alright¡±


    Ian¡¯s chest rumbled with a softughter. ¡°You never change¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Never¡± I smiled and ran my hand through his soft hair but I couldn¡¯t help wondering what Alice told me.


    If Nathan Kingston didn¡¯t cheat, then what really happened?

 36

    I slightly opened my eyes and through my blurry vision, I saw tall trees looming above me like giants and bright stars twinkling in the sky. I rubbed my eyes to get a clear vision but then found myself leaning against a hard chest.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake¡±


    I tilted my head up and saw Ian, ncing down at me, his chiseled jawline more prominent under the moonlight. He smiled and tucked a loose strand behind my ear. ¡°You can go back to sleep if you want¡±


    Puzzled, I sat up straight and scanned my surrounding. We were still in the woods but it was dark, the only aiding light was the moonlight falling through the canopy of trees. Crickets were chirping and fire flies had starteding out of their hidings, weing the darkness around us.


    Darkness?


    ¡°Oh my god. Why are we still here?¡± I asked in a panicked tone.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    I turned to him. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up? It¡¯s dark in the woods. What if there are wild animals here? Do you want to die while sleeping?¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°There are no wild animals here¡±


    ¡°How do you know?¡±


    ¡°I lived here¡±


    ¡°But you moved out, long time ago¡±


    ¡°There are no wild animals here Hailey¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that¡­¡± My gaze fell over his shoulder to the house where the decorations were already hung and a bright golden light gleamed through the tall windows. ¡°What about the party? Aren¡¯t we going?¡±


    Ian sighed and leaned his head back on the tree. ¡°Staying here is much better than going to the party. Let¡¯s sleep here¡±


    I looked at him as if he had grown two heads. ¡°Sleep here with what? The snakes?¡± I asked in horror.


    ¡°There are no snakes-¡±


    ¡°Oh my god¡± I abruptly stood up and rolled up my sleeves, checking my arm. ¡°What if I¡¯m already bitten?¡± I gasped. ¡°Gosh I don¡¯t want to die from a snake bite!¡±


    Ian stared at me for a while and then startedughing.


    ¡°I¡¯m in full panic mood. How dare youugh?¡± I asked incredulously.


    ¡°Because sometimes you tend to lose a nut in your brain¡±


    ¡°Is this the time to make jokes? This is a life and death situation!¡± I searched for my phone in my pockets but it wasn¡¯t there. ¡°I think I left my phone in your car. Can I have yours?¡±


    Ian stood up and took his phone out of his pocket, handing it to me. I turned on the sh light and carefully took steps forward, making sure no snake was lurking around. Nature is awesome but definitely not at night.


    I was moving forward very very very slowly when Ian suddenly scooped me up in his arms.


    I gasped. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°It would take forever if you walk like that¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s safe¡±


    ¡°There are no snakes here¡±


    ¡°Better safe than sorry¡±


    ¡°Again, there are no snakes here¡±


    ¡°Put me down¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    Ian swiftly moved through the dark to the house and climbed up the staircase with me in his arms. He stepped into his room and gently set me down on the floor. ¡°We should get ready now if we¡¯re going to party¡±


    I looked to the door and found our luggages next to it. I walked over to it and knelt down, pulling out my floor length v-neck red dress from it.


    ¡°You change here¡± Ian said. ¡°I¡¯ll go to another room¡±


    As he went I took a quick shower and came out, changing into my red dress. I put on a light make up and was doing my hair by the time Ian came back.


    I looked over my shoulder as I heard the door open and close. ¡°Did you change?¡± I asked Ian as I put the finishing touch to my hair but he didn¡¯t reply.


    Puzzled, I turned around to face him and he was intently staring at me ¡°What? You don¡¯t umm¡­like my dress?¡± I asked hesitantly.


    Ian still didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°Ian¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± He nced up,ing out of his daze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like my dress? I can change-¡±


    ¡°No!¡± He said quickly. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful¡± He approached me and cupped my face in his hand, trailing a finger along my jawline. ¡°Very beautiful¡± He said softly and smiled. ¡°Here I brought you something¡±


    Ian pulled something out of his pocket but before I could see it, he turned me to face the mirror. Then his hands came around me, putting a ne on my neck.


    I gasped. ¡°Ian, it¡¯s beautiful¡± I said touching the ruby pendant. ¡°Thank you¡±


    Ian wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed the back of my head. ¡°Anything for you¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Everything¡¯s set. Hope I don¡¯t get my periods to ruin the day¡± I shuddered even thinking about it.


    Ian leaned in, whispering in his husky voice. ¡°Want me to put a baby in you?¡±


    My jaw dropped was an understatement. I spun around and smacked Ian¡¯s shoulder but he was too busyughing.


    ¡°How dare youugh?¡±


    ¡°Should I cry then?¡± He said whileughing.


    ¡°Oh my god! I can¡¯t believe you. Be happy that I didn¡¯t kill you¡±


    Ian raised his hands up in surrender. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be grateful¡± He teased.


    ¡°Go away¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go downstairs together¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    Ian chuckled and grabbed my arm, pulling me to his chest. ¡°I¡¯m happy that you¡¯re here Hailey¡± He said softly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be smiling andughing if it wasn¡¯t for you¡± He gave a small kiss to my nose and smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s go now¡±


    Ian dragged me out of the room and down the stairs to the living room and a gasp escaped my lips. The vast area was lit with a golden light, illuminating from therge chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Cocktail tables were ced at a certain distance, the guests surrounding them, drinking sses of champagne while chattering in hushed tones. Vases of red roses were kept along the walls, matching with the golden curtains covering the tall windows.


    ¡°Oh there you are¡± Ian¡¯s mother came runninga towards us with a huge smile on her face. She sped Ian¡¯s hands. ¡°Melissa¡¯s father is here. Come with me¡± She tried to drag him but Ian stood, rooted to his spot.


    ¡°Why on earth would I see him?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s your future father inw¡±


    Ian scoffed and yanked his hand from his mother. ¡°Get out of my way¡±


    ¡°Ian you can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Ian¡± A gruff voice interrupted us. I turned and spotted a man with grey hair who looked simr in features to Melissa approaching us.


    ¡°Long time no see¡± He smiled but Ian kept a pocker face. ¡°I heard that some troubles ured while I was abroad but now that I¡¯m back I¡¯m nning to solve them all. Hope you can detach yourself from your fling-¡± The old man casted me a disgusted nce. ¡°and marry my daughter soon¡±


    Anger seared through Ian and his jaw tightened, his fists clenching in fury.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that¡± I tensed as I heard chairman¡¯s voice behind me.


    He approached us, holding a ss of champagne in his hand. ¡°My son has already chosen himself a woman and I think we should let him be¡±


    ¡°Leonard!¡± Ian¡¯s mother warned but his father raised a hand up, cutting her off. ¡°I don¡¯t think we should force Ian into a marriage he doesn¡¯t want. I already know it¡¯s consequences from what happened to my eldest¡±


    I sucked in my breath and I could see Ian having a hard time controlling his rage.


    ¡°We should let him be with a woman he wants. Melissa can find another man¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that¡± Melissa¡¯s father snapped. ¡°You promised your son to my daughter¡±


    ¡°I promised no such thing James. You are the one who approached me with a proposal. And now I¡¯m simply saying no¡± Ian¡¯s father shrugged. He then gave me a smirk and I swallowed, feeling ufortable.


    ¡°Anyways¡± Leonard raised his ss. ¡°Hope you enjoy the party. Well I got one question for Ian-¡± Before he could continue, Ian pushed past them, dragging me along with him.


    We walked a good distance away from them before Ian came to a halt. ¡°I hate it here¡± He said through gritted teeth.


    I ced a hand on his chest, giving him a worried nce. ¡°Want me to get you a drink, to calm down perhaps?¡±


    Ian shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡±


    ¡°Then what about a dance?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I nudged my chin towards the dance floor. ¡°Some people are already dancing. Wanna join?¡± I extended my hand and Ian stared at it for a while before cing his hand on mine.


    We walked to the dance floor and I wrapped my arms around Ian¡¯s neck, moving closer to him as the slow songs started ying. Ian smiled and circled his arms around my waist, leaning his forehead against my mine, closing his eyes. ¡°This is good¡± He said.


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    I slowly raked my fingers through his hair and Ian¡¯s chest vibrated with a soft purr. ¡°Too good¡± He murmured.


    I chuckled. We danced for a while in each others arms, blending to the music humming past us, soft and calming.


    ¡°I wanted to kill him for calling you like that¡± Ian said quietly.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I know. But it¡¯s alright. Let¡¯s just forget about it¡±


    Ian slowly opened his eyes and stared at me, so close, so beautiful, the blue eyes of his, raging like the sky. I could stare at it all day and never get bored of it.


    ¡°You like my eyes?¡± Ian asked teasingly.


    I smirked. ¡°Wanna exchange?¡±


    Ianughed. ¡°Silly Hailey¡±


    I was about to reply him when I spotted Alice walking down the staircase, dressed in a floor length ck gown.


    Ian noticed her too because he quickly lowered his head in guilt.


    ¡°Shall I go to her?¡± I asked and Ian nodded.


    I released my hands from his and walked over to Alice.


    She smiled upon seeing me. ¡°You look beautiful¡±


    ¡°So are you¡± I grinned. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you woulde to the party¡±


    ¡°Please¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°I came for the food¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Then shall I escort you to the food table mdy?¡±


    Alice chuckled. ¡°Of course you can¡±


    I grinned and locked my arms with hers, taking her to the food table. Alice picked a chocte truffle from the table and swallowed it at one go. ¡°That one is really good¡±


    We both were eating, devouring the sweet taste in our lips when the music suddenly stopped. Ian¡¯s father stepped on to a dais and turned to face the crowd, holding a mic.


    ¡°First of all¡± He spoke. ¡°I would like to thank everyone foring today to celebrate this special asion with me. It¡¯s my honour to have you all here¡± He smiled. ¡°As you know, six years ago something tragic happened to my family that left my heart shattered into pieces¡±


    My gaze instantly went to Ian, who was standing at the corner and I could see the muscle in his jaw twitching as he tried to control himself.


    ¡°My eldest son took his own life on the 28th which is tomorrow and that left a deep scar in my heart. As a father I¡¯m still mourning for his death¡±


    Alice scoffed. ¡°Bullshit¡±


    ¡°In honour of my son, Nathan Kingston I prepared this short video¡± A screen came to life behind him. ¡°disying pictures from his childhood to his adulthood till the day he died. It¡¯s a reminder to every one of us, that no matter how much weugh and smile there¡¯s always a torn part in ourselves-¡±


    Before he finished his speech I saw Ian storming out of the house, clenching his fists in anger.


    I wanted to go to him but Alice needed me more. I nced at her but she was too busy drinking a whole bottle of wine.


    ¡°Alice what are you doing?¡± I asked in panic, trying to yank the bottle from her.


    ¡°I¡¯m too angry now¡± She took a gulp. ¡°I need something to drink¡± Then another. ¡°Go to Ian. And make sure to video how pathetic he looks. He deserves that¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Go¡± She licked the wine from her lips and patted my shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s not wise for you to stay with me because at the moment I can fucking kill someone. Go¡± She tilted her head back and finished the rest of the bottle.


    I gaped as she took another. ¡°Please go to bed quickly¡± I said and she waved a dismissive hand.


    I took another worried nce at her and carefully sprinted out the door to the garden. My head turned both ways searching for Ian, then I spotted him sitting on a bench under a cherry blossom tree.


    I slowly walked over to him and Ian looked over his shoulder as he felt my presence.


    ¡°Sorry for bothering you¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Come here¡± He patted next to him.


    I sat down and carefully asked, ¡°You alright?¡±


    Ian nodded and leaned his head back on the bench, staring at the dark woods.


    We sat there for a while in silence, listening to the chirping of the crickets but my mind was crowded with many questions. But I didn¡¯t dare ask them. It wasn¡¯t my ce.


    ¡°You have something to ask?¡±


    I was startled. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Ask¡± Ian said softly.


    I stared at him in surprise, then cleared my throat. ¡°Earlier your father said that he knew the consequences from your brother. Does that mean that Alice¡¯s and Nathan¡¯s marriage was arranged?¡±


    Ian sighed. ¡°Forced to be exact¡±


    My eyes widened but I kept quiet.


    ¡°Anymore questions?¡±


    I nced at him and Ian slipped a hand through mine. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Ask¡±


    ¡°T-that day your father said that you¡¯re responsible for Alice¡¯s suffering. What does that mean?¡± I asked hesitantly. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t mind Hailey¡± Then he turned his gaze back to the woods, staring at the darkness. ¡°Alice and I had been best friends since middle school. Shees from a rich family too so our families knew each other for a very long time. Nathan had also been her friend but for her it wasn¡¯t just friendship. She was in love with him. For so many years she kept it a secret, even from me. And by the time we were in college Nathan had a solid girlfriend, Lauren White¡±


    I nodded. I knew that name. She was Nathan Kingston¡¯s mistress.


    ¡°Those days Alice had been feeling down so I went through her stuff to find the cause. While doing so, I found a notebook she¡¯d been writing for years. Then, like a fucking prick I read it and found out her secret. And because she¡¯s my friend I foolishly wanted to give her a happy ending¡± Ian let out a mockugh at his own actions.


    ¡°Lauren wasn¡¯t from a rich family so my parents were against their rtionship from the beginning. So me, who didn¡¯t think it from my brother¡¯s side, went straight to my mom and told her everything. She used this chance and forced them into an unwanted marriage. I thought it was the best for Nathan too because Alice is a good woman. I knew she would care for him and love him with all her heart so I thought Nathan was lucky. The beginning of their marriage wasn¡¯t too bad either because of their long time friendship but then Nathan got devastated and went back to-¡± Ian swallowed. ¡°to Lauren and cheated on Alice¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault Hailey. It¡¯s all my fault. It¡¯s my fault that Nathan is dead. It¡¯s my fault that Alice is suffering. If I hadn¡¯t done that Nathan would¡¯ve been happy with his girlfriend and Alice would¡¯ve found a man who truly loves her. I did it Hailey. I ruined their lives¡± Ian looked at me with sorrowful eyes. ¡°I did it¡±


    Sadness surged through me listening to him me himself. ¡°Ian, don¡¯t me yourself¡± I said softly.


    ¡°But I did it Hailey¡± Ian repeated. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back to the party. Can we go to the room?¡± He asked and I nodded.


    We went back to his room from the staircase outside the house and Ian took a shower before me. By the time I wasing out of the bathroom Ian was already asleep on the bed.


    I sighed and walked over to him, sitting down on the bed. I didn¡¯t know what to believe. Alice and Ian were saying two things. But I knew they both were suffering and it breaks my heart.


    What really happened?


    I let out a sigh and leaned down on the bed, pulling the covers over both of us. I gently ran my fingers through his hair and moved closer, giving a small kiss to his forehead.


    Hope he sleeps well.

 37

    Following morning I watched Alice walk back into the woods, d in all back, hugging the wedding photo to her chest.


    I sighed. She must be going back to that ce.


    I stepped back from the window and turned my gaze towards the bathroom door where I could hear the sound of running water. I¡¯d woken up before Ian and taken a shower, clothing myself into a knee length ck dress to visit the cemetery today. It was Nathan Kingston¡¯s death anniversary and Ian had been quiet since he woke up, so was I.


    Releasing a heavy sigh, I walked out the door, hoping to make some coffee for both of us.


    I reached downstairs but before I could make the turn to the kitchen a voice halted me.


    ¡°We have some things to discuss¡±


    I craned my neck and saw Ian¡¯s mother,


    Standing a few feet away, ring at me.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked quietly.


    She took a deep breath and forced a smile into her lips. ¡°Why don¡¯t we sit down first?¡±


    I don¡¯t like this.


    ¡°O-okay¡± I hesitantly walked over to the couch and sat down on it, Ian¡¯s mother taking a seat across from me.


    As she sat down, she threw an envelope across the table. ¡°Take this money and leave him¡±


    I blinked. What the hell?


    ¡°Umm¡­I don¡¯t need your money¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t take it but¡± She narrowed her eyes. ¡°You must leave him¡±


    ¡°I think your son is old enough to decide for himself¡±


    At that her expression hardened, her fists clenching, sharp nails digging into her palms. ¡°I know what¡¯s best for my son¡± She said through gritted teeth. ¡°And you¡¯re not the best. So it¡¯s better if you willingly leave him before I make you regret ever stepping into my son¡¯s life¡±


    My brows knitted. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Maybe you should talk to your son first, before forcing him into an unwanted marriage¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an unwanted marriage¡± She hissed. ¡°Both parties benefit from the marriage and Melissa loves Ian. Soon he will love her too considering she¡¯s not a burden to him like you, who¡¯sing from a middle ss family¡±


    I let out a bitterugh. ¡°Here I thought we live in the 21st century¡± I mumbled loud enough for her to hear it.


    ¡°You will leave Ian¡± She spat. ¡°A gold digging whore like you will only make his life miserable. So it¡¯s best if you leave him soon before things get out of hand¡±


    I rolled my eyes. Is this all she has to think about on her eldest son¡¯s death anniversary?


    I wanted to say something that could shut her shitty mouth forever but she¡¯s someone older than me. So I refrained myself from any further argument.


    ¡°I came here to make coffee but now my mood is ruined thanks to you¡± I forced a smile to my lips and stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll get going then¡±


    As I turned to leave a hand reach out, harshly grasping mine. ¡°You¡¯re making a big mistake by making an enemy of me, whore¡± She hissed, her grip around my wrist tightening. I tried to yank my hand back but her hold was too strong, bruising my skin. ¡°This will be myst warning. Leave my son, he deserves so much better, not some filth like you¡±


    Then she released me and stormed out of the living room.


    I snorted. How dare she call me names?


    I took a deep breath, calming myself before walking back up the stairs to Ian¡¯s room.


    As I walked in, Ian stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in a ck suit.


    I pushed past him to reach my handbag but Ian suddenly grabbed my arm, turning me to him. He raised my hand, his gaze falling upon the bruise on my wrist and I could see his eyes begin to ze with mad fury.


    ¡°Is it my mother?¡± He asked through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I bit my lip, uncertain whether to answer or not.


    ¡°Answer me¡± He demanded in a tone that dared me not to disobey.


    I swallowed in fear. ¡°Y-yes¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw tightened, a vein popping out of his neck. He turned to stride out the door but I grabbed his sleeve, stopping him.


    ¡°Ian don¡¯t¡± I begged.


    Ian looked at me for a long moment in silence then slowly nodded. ¡°Go get your things, we¡¯re leaving now¡±


    ¡­


    Alice knelt down before the gravestone, murmuring soft words to it. She ced the flower bouquet down and ran her trembling fingers along the engravings, tears falling from her eyes. She lowered her head and covered her mouth with her hand as she sobbed in agony, her body quivering.


    I watched her, standing a few feet away giving her space but I had a hard time seeing her in pain like this, to lose the person you loved since your childhood.


    Ian didn¡¯te, he stayed in the car. Either because he couldn¡¯t face his brother or perhaps Alice. Maybe even both. I didn¡¯t push him either because he¡¯d been down since morning, spoke only a little words and mostly averted his gaze when looked.


    After Alice was done, I paid my respect, cing another bouquet next to Alice¡¯s. Alice sniffled quietly and I wrapped an arm around her trembling shoulders, holding her steady. She leaned into my touch, seeking warmth against the cold morning chill.


    We stayed like that for a while until Alice wiped her tears and straightened up, thanking me.


    We walked down the gravel path to where the cars were parked.


    ¡°Are you going back to California?¡± I asked quietly and she nodded.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonnae back?¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Alice looked at me with a faint smile. ¡°Did Ian put you up to this? To convince me toe back to New York¡±


    ¡°Well he did¡± I admitted. ¡°But I also want you toe¡± I said wholeheartedly. ¡°You¡¯d been living there all alone, isting yourself from everything. But¡± I nced at her. ¡°don¡¯t you think six years is long enough?¡± Alice looked down at that, unable to meet my gaze.


    ¡°I mean, I know you hate the Kingstons but I will be there. I will be there for you whenever you need me. We can talk, hangout. I¡¯ll even introduce you to my friends, you will love them for sure. Just don¡¯t-¡± I gave her a saddened look. ¡°live like that, tormenting yourself. I¡¯m not telling you to forget or anything but I don¡¯t think Nathan wants you to live like this¡±


    Alice¡¯s lips quivered and small drops of tears trailed down her cheek.


    ¡°I won¡¯t push you Alice, just merely suggesting¡± I added. ¡°It¡¯s all up to you¡± I held her hand and gave it gentle squeeze. ¡°But I will always be there for you, so will Ian even though you hate him¡±


    She still didn¡¯t raise her head but I engulfed her in a warm hug. ¡°Good bye Alice, hope we can meet soon¡± I said and turned around, walking back to Ian¡¯s car.


    I opened the door and climbed in but Ian didn¡¯t notice as his head was hung low, fidgeting with his fingers.


    ¡°Ian¡± I said quietly and he looked up.


    ¡°Oh you came¡±


    I smiled faintly but I saw the pain hidden beneath his eyes. It was heartbreaking to even look at.


    ¡°Did you talk to Alice?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Did she say¡­yes?¡±


    ¡°No but she¡¯s didn¡¯t say no neither. I hope she considers¡±


    Ian nodded and trained his gaze on the cemetery behind me, staring at it with a longing look.


    ¡°Do you want to go see your brother?¡± I asked slowly but Ian shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. Let¡¯s get going now¡± Ian started the engine and gripped the steering wheel but his hands were trembling.


    ¡°Ian, do you want me to drive?¡±


    He nced at me. ¡°I¡¯m alright Hailey¡±


    But I wasn¡¯t convinced.


    Ian smiled and his hand reached out, stroking my chin. ¡°I¡¯m alright¡± He said softly.


    I hesitantly nodded and Ian stared at me in adoration. He leaned in and pressed a kiss on my forehead. ¡°You¡¯re a gem Inded Hailey¡± He murmured and slowly pulled back, driving us away.


    After two hours we reached the Prescott¡¯s and I was about to climb out of the car when Alice called me.


    ¡°Hello Alice¡± I answered.


    ¡°Hailey. I¡¯ming back to New York¡±

 38

    I waited at the airport, checking the time from my phone. It¡¯s been a week since we came back from Ian¡¯s parents¡¯ house and Alice and I had been keeping contact with each other, searching for a house in NYC. She refused any help Ian offered so it took us some time to get things prepared.


    ¡°Hailey¡±


    I nced up as Alice came running, dragging her suit case with her, her blond hair loose around her shoulders, her brown boots clicking on the floor.


    ¡°Oh hi¡± I tucked the phone inside my coat pocket and turned to her, my gaze falling on her luggage. ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± She gave a nonchnt shrug. ¡°I didn¡¯t have much to bring¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± I beamed. ¡°Then let go¡±


    She nodded with a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°Did you apply for a job?¡± I asked as I walked with her to the parking.


    Alice had a rich family here but they cut ties with her after the scandal, when she continued to believe Nathan was loyal. Her siblings kicked her out, robbing her of all her money so she had to start over in California.


    ¡°Yeah I applied for several art galleries¡± She bit her lips and sighed ¡°Hope they call for an interview soon because I¡¯m running out of money¡±


    I opened my mouth but Alice held a hand up. ¡°Say that asshole¡¯s name one more time and I¡¯ll stitch your lips¡±


    I chuckled and raised my hands up in surrender. ¡°Okay okay I won¡¯t¡±


    We strode to a ck car in the parking, which I borrowed from Ian, though he told me to keep it since he has many.


    ¡°Are we going to the new house you bought?¡± I asked as I loaded her suitcase to the trunk and closed it.


    ¡°No I want to-¡± She swallowed and touched her pendant. ¡°go to Nathan¡¯s studio?¡±


    I raised a brow in confusion. ¡°Studio?¡±


    ¡°Yeah his photo studio, the one where he¡­umm died¡±


    My eyes widened and I quickly cleared my throat, concealing my surprise. I remember hearing about it in the news, that Nathan Kingston shot himself in a photo studio he owned. Was that where he framed the two photos before sending them to Ian and Alice?


    ¡°Show me the direction¡± I said.


    Alice nodded and we climbed into the car, driving off.


    I pulled the car to a halt in front of a closed photo studio, newspapers pasted on the windows from the inside. Alice got out first and put a key to the door, opening it.


    I followed her inside but she stopped as her phone rang. She took it out from her handbag and gasped. ¡°It¡¯s a call from the gallery, wait here. I¡¯lle back¡±


    Then she bolted out the door, hurriedly answering the call. I turned my gaze back to the dark studio, it¡¯s corners covered with cobwebs, things scattered around the floor.


    I stepped over a fallen stool and made my way inside. My eyes were trained on the floor as I watched my path, carefully avoiding different gadgets and shards of ss on the floor.


    Then suddenly my body went still as I heard someone crunch on the broke ss. It didn¡¯te from behind so it couldn¡¯t be Alice and neither was it I. Panic surged through me and I quickly nced up.


    A shadowy figure stood before me and I stumbled back, almost letting out a scream had the person not stepped out of the shadows.


    I gasped.


    ¡°You?¡± I asked in utter shock as I regained my footing.


    In front of me stood the reporter I met at ourpany, the girl who Brian slept with.


    Her eyes widened recognising me and she quickly kept a finger to her lips, shushing me.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I hissed.


    ¡°I came here for an exclusive. Pretend you didn¡¯t see me¡± She whispered back and took a quick cautious nce over my shoulder and then leaped out of the window to my right.


    ¡°What the-¡± She was gone before I could even blink.


    ¡°Everything alright?¡±


    I spun around as Alice walked inside.


    ¡°Umm yeah yeah¡± I didn¡¯t want to frighten Alice by saying a reporter sneaked into the studio to dig up the past for an exclusive. That would send Alice straight back to California.


    ¡°Sorry I dragged you here¡± She said jumping over the stool. ¡°You couldn¡¯t even go to work because of me¡±


    ¡°No it¡¯s fine¡± I waved a dismissive hand. ¡°Actually I took a half day leave but I won¡¯t be going back till noon¡±


    Alice smiled and came over to me, carefully avoiding the things on the floor. ¡°This ce needs a lot of cleaning¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± I nodded in agreement. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind I can help in the weekend¡±


    ¡°Really? Thank you¡± She grinned but her eyes faltered as her gaze fell on something over my shoulder.


    I turned around and found a table with several framed photos on it  photos of mountains and flowers. ¡°Nathan took these himself. He loved photography¡± Alice walked over to the table and picked up one of the photos. ¡°He went to Himyas to take this one¡± She showed me a photo of snow capped mountains.


    I approached her and studied the rest of the photos on the table. All their frames had the same flower carving I noticed earlier.


    ¡°He likes that carving¡± Alice said, taking note of where my gaze was at. ¡°He used that photo frame for photos he like¡±


    ¡°Oh it was also in the photos¡­¡± I trailed off. Shit shit shit Hailey. Shut up.


    Alice faintly smiled and nodded. ¡°He¡¯d framed those photos before he died but Ian and I got the packaging a day after it happened. The police even used it as evidence of his suicide¡± She swallowed, as the word burned down her throat. ¡°If he gave the photo to me earlier or met me that day I could¡¯ve-¡± Her eyes brimmed with tears. ¡°I could¡¯ve talked him out of it¡±


    I gave a gentle squeeze to her shoulder and Alice let out a painedugh, wiping a tear off her cheeks. ¡°I easily cry, don¡¯t I? Sorry¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± I gave her a small smile and turned my gaze back to the photos.


    ¡°So he likes photography and you like painting?¡±


    Her eyes beamed at the question. ¡°Yeah it¡¯s what brought us closer. I mean, both of them are two different things but-¡± She smiled to herself. ¡°also kind of alike. You know this one¡± She showed a photo of lush green knolls and slopes, the mist floating above and mountains behind. ¡°He took this photo while we were in Scond. He took several photos of this ce and wanted me to draw it too. So he ran round and round, searching a good spot for me to sit and do my job, he even baked a cake that day while I drew and God, it was awful¡±


    Iughed and pointed to another photo. ¡°What about this one?¡±


    Alice nced at me, her eyebrows raised. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind telling me of course¡± I quickly added.


    She chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t mind, actually I¡¯d love to but I talk endlessly though. You might get bored¡±


    ¡°Oh try me¡±


    ¡­


    It was noon and I drove to thepany after dropping Alice at her new house.  I enjoyed herpany quite a lot and it was a relief to see her smiling from time to time. But only if I could put that smile on her face forever. Her eyes carried immense pain and love at the same time, agony burning within. It hurts to see her suffering like this for six long years, mourning for the loss of love of her life.


    As the elevator doors opened to our department, Lexi¡¯s hand reached out, pulling me out. ¡°I was about to call you. Thank God you came. Let¡¯s go now¡±


    ¡°Go where?¡± I askeding to a halt.


    ¡°The meeting¡±


    ¡°What meeting?¡±


    ¡°Chairman summoned everyone in the marketing to the meeting room¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Chairman is back?¡±


    She nodded and started dragging me again. ¡°Thankfully you arrived right on  time or else VP would have killed you¡± She jerked her chin forward and I followed her direction.


    VP stood at the centre, practicing breathing exercises for the rest of our employees. ¡°Breath in, breath out. You all know how to answer if he asks about our campaign. Don¡¯t stammer. Breath in, breath out. Josh prepared a list of what we did throughout this year, go through it and remember the details. Breath in, breath out. Make me proud, we can do this. Breath in, breath out¡±


    I frowned.


    ¡°I know right¡± Lexi murmured. ¡°She¡¯s crazy¡±


    ¡°Okay now. Everyone stand up¡± VP pped her hands and ushered everyone to the meeting room at the end of hall.


    We fell into step with the others and walked inside, taking a seat. Our chief arrived after everyone settled and gave us an encouraging smile before sitting down next to VP.


    A whileter the ss door opened and everyone turned their heads, holding their breaths, waiting for the chairman to enter but instead Ian walked in with Daniel beside him.


    I exhaled in relief and slumped back in my chair but I could see everyone else still holding their breaths, their eyes wide in horror. And it reminded me of how terrified the ATC employees are of him, how terrified I was a few months back and also how much the things have changed.


    I trained my gaze back to Ian and saw that his face had hardened, his hands balled into fists. He was mad. A lot mad. He didn¡¯t nce my way as he took a seat across our chief.


    The door opened again and chairman stepped inside with a wide grin on his face, two of his secretaries following him behind. Ian shot an icy re at his father but didn¡¯t say anything. I can only assume that his father had forced him to attend this meeting.


    Chairman took a seat at the head of the table and ced his forearms on the table, folding his hands together. ¡°Good afternoon everyone¡± He greeted, his white teeth glistening. ¡°I heard that you all had been working very hard for this year¡¯s productunch¡±


    Everyone gave him an awkward nod and our VP was smiling brightly, happy that he acknowledged our hard work.


    ¡°Is the campaign going well?¡± He asked no one in particr.


    ¡°Yes Sir¡± VP jumped in. ¡°We made a detailed report-¡±


    ¡°Are you the VP of marketing department?¡± He asked, sizing her up.


    ¡°Yes Sir¡± She gave a sharp nod.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Louisa Randall¡±


    ¡°How long have you been working here?¡±


    VP beamed. ¡°24 years Sir¡±


    Chairman gave a half smile. ¡°Thank you for your service. You¡¯re fired now¡±


    Chorus of gasps echoed through the room and even Ian looked at his father in shock.


    ¡°W-what?¡± VP let out a humourlessugh. ¡°Is this some kind of joke Sir?¡±


    ¡°I make no jokes Ms. Randall¡±


    ¡°B-but¡± VP gripped her chair handle for support as panic surged through her. ¡°You can¡¯t fire me. We¡¯re in m-m-middle of a campaign-¡± She stammered. ¡°There¡¯s no recement-¡±


    ¡°I already found a recement Ms. Randall¡± Chairman said calmly and turned his head towards the door. ¡°Come in¡±


    Then a woman in a ck suit with tinum blond hair stepped inside and everyone sucked in their breaths.


    It was Lauren White, Nathan Kingston¡¯s mistress.

 39

    ¡°What nonsense is this?¡± Ian snarled at his father, pure hatred shing across his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m the chairman and your father Ian. You better watch that tone¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve both titles¡± Ian hissed. ¡°And I won¡¯t let you fire an employee of mine and bring another who is not even qualified to that position¡±


    Chairman cocked his head to the side and gave a malicious smile. ¡°All I have to do is gather the board members to remove you Ian, don¡¯t provoke me¡±


    Molten rage sheared through Ian, his eyes zing, fists clenching turning his knuckles white as he tried to control  his temper. But I could see him failing and failing in that. He was on edge. I thought he would punch chairman in the face but instead Ian shot up to his feet and stormed out of the room, his heavy steps echoing in the hallway.


    ¡°Well¡± Chairman turned back to us with a broad smile. ¡°Sorry about the fuss. My son will soon get over it. Anyways, back to the topic. I already found a new VP for the marketing department and this is her¡± He said gesturing to the woman standing at the door. ¡°I think you might already know her¡± He gave out augh but none of us dared to even smile. ¡°But let¡¯s start over shall we?¡±


    He didn¡¯t wait for our response as he motioned Lauren toe over.


    Lauren stood before us in a ck suit contrasting to her almost white blond hair and pale skin. She gave us a half smile. ¡°Hello everyone. I¡¯m Lauren White, your new VP. I belive marketing is a team effort so I look forward to working with all of you¡±


    VP snorted. ¡°What do you know about marketing? What qualifications do you have?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Randall¡± Chairman gave her a warning look. ¡°I insist you to be more polite¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± She arrogantly folded her arms across her chest. ¡°Why should I listen to you? You¡¯re not my boss anymore. I¡¯ll talk however I want¡±


    Everyone sucked in their breaths at her boldness.


    Chairman was speechless. ¡°Well true Ms. Randall. But I hope you pack your things and leave today, as soon as possible¡±


    ¡°Of course I was nning on doing that Chairman¡± She sneered and stood up, her face stoic and chin raised. ¡°Hope you choke on your shriveled dick and die¡± Then she strode out of the room, leaving us gaping at her.


    Damn woman!


    Anger shed in chairman¡¯s eyes at the disrespect but he quicklyposed himself back. ¡°What a vulgar woman. I guess good riddance then¡±


    No one spoke.


    ¡°Lauren will start working with you tomorrow. Continue the campaign with her, use her ideas. And don¡¯t disappoint me. I think I said everything I needed to¡± He smiled. ¡°You¡¯re dismissed¡± Then he stood up and strode out the door.


    But still no one moved, no one even breathed as Lauren stood surveying us, one by one. From the corner of my eye I saw her gaze lingering on me more than the others and when I nced up, she smirked. ¡°See you all tomorrow¡± Then she followed chairman out the door.


    As she went out everyone exhaled a long breath in relief, slumping back in their chairs.


    ¡°God, that was so tense¡± One groaned.


    ¡°That old geezer, he barely evenes here. How dare he attack our department?¡±


    ¡°Shut up dude. Do you want to get fired?¡±


    ¡°Hailey¡± n called me. ¡°Can¡¯t you do something?¡±


    I scowled. ¡°What can I do?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a future Kingston¡±


    I rolled my eyes and stood up, Lexi and Brian following me as we walked back to our tables.


    Our VP was furiously packing her stuff into a box and no matter what she did to us, I felt bad, really bad.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I waited till she get fired to know her real name¡± Brian sighed, tucking his hands into his pockets. ¡°Louisa Randall¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to work with that Lauren White¡± Lexi gagged at the name. ¡°She¡¯s a homewrecker¡±


    Lexi and Brian talked and talked but my focus was on Ian. He didn¡¯t look well when his father threatened him in front of our whole department.


    I let out a heavy sigh in exhaustion and copsed into my chair, closing my eyes.


    ¡­


    I waited and waited, pacing back and forth in the room but Ian still didn¡¯te home. It was past ten and no sign of him, not even a call. Earlier I thought of giving him space but I can¡¯t do that anymore. What if something bad had happened to him? His phone is even turned off.


    No no don¡¯t think such things Hailey.


    Finally mustering up all the courage I had, I gave a call to Daniel.


    He picked up.


    ¡°Hello Daniel¡­¡± My voice trailed off as I heard loud music from the other end.  ¡°Daniel, can you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Yes Miss Evans. I can hear you¡± His voice was muffled by the music.


    ¡°Is Ian with you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir is with me¡±


    I let out breath in relief before asking again. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in a club¡±


    ¡°A club??¡± I asked in shock. ¡°What¡¯s Ian doing there- No, I mean, can you tell me which club it is?¡±


    As Daniel told me I quickly picked up the car keys and ran to the parking. I managed to drive without exceeding the speed limit as worry overwhelmed me. Upon reaching there, I swung open the doors to the club.


    Loud music red through the speakers and disco lights shed in my eyes almost blinding me. The floor was packed with people grinding against each other, their scent of sweat wafting up my nostrils, making me cringe.


    I steered my way through the dancing crowd and spotted Ian sitting on a stool at the bar, holding a ss. Daniel was seated in front of him, worry lines appeared on his forehead.


    ¡°Ian¡± I called and his head turned in my direction.


    ¡°Oh you¡± He gave azy smile. ¡°What you doing here? It¡¯s not safe for you. There are lot of perverts. Come, I¡¯ll protect you¡± He motioned me toe and I did.


    Ian wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer, until I was standing in between his legs. He smiled again. ¡°My fiance is beautiful as always¡± His words slurred. ¡°So beautiful¡±


    ¡°Are you drunk?¡± I asked in worry and he shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m not drunk. I¡¯m perfectly fine¡± He grinned.


    I turned to Daniel and he gave me an apologetic look.


    ¡°How long has he been drinking?¡±


    ¡°For hours now¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±


    ¡°Sir told me not to¡±


    I sighed and turned back to Ian but he leaned his head against my chest and murmured. ¡°How dare he control me? How dare he threaten me? He did the same to Nathan. He controlled him like a-¡± Ian let out a bitterugh. ¡°Like a puppet. I don¡¯t want to be that person Hailey. I don¡¯t¡±


    I ran a hand through his hair, caressing it tenderly, pulling at his soft strands and Ian purred against my chest.


    ¡°Ian, can we go home?¡± I asked softly.


    Ian pulled back. ¡°Home?¡± He asked in amusement, a small smile curling up his lips. ¡°You said home¡±


    ¡°Mmm I said home¡±


    He grinned. ¡°I like it when you say that¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call it home more often then¡± I stroked his chin. ¡°Let¡¯s go now¡±


    Ian nodded and Daniel helped me to take him to the Prescott¡¯s. We carried him to the elevator then Daniel said his good-byes before I went up, Ian¡¯s arm over my shoulder and mine around his waist as I held him tightly.


    I barely managed to open the door to his penthouse as his entire weight was leaning against me.


    ¡°Hailey¡± Emma came running and I winced.


    I had been avoiding her since the p incident, contemting whether to give her a second chance or not. But I barely put any thought to it. I just allowed her to work here as a maid and paid her a monthly sry, even gave extra many times and also paid her rent with my own sry but didn¡¯t think anything further. Didn¡¯t have time to think anything further.


    ¡°Let me help him¡±


    ¡°No I can-¡±


    ¡°Just allow me¡± She then came to other side of Ian and swung his arm around her shoulder, pulling his weight to her.


    She brushed a strand of hair off his face and suddenly my chest tightened at the sight of another woman touching him. But I quickly shook off the thought and followed Emma up the stairs to Ian¡¯s room.


    She carefullyid him down on the bed and her hands reached out to unbutton his shirt but I stopped her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡±


    She nced up in puzzlement.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it¡± I said.


    ¡°Let me do it Hailey¡±


    ¡°No¡± I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. You can go¡±


    But she didn¡¯t move, she stayed rooted to her spot. ¡°Don¡¯t you get what you¡¯re doing Hailey?¡± She asked in a frustrated tone. ¡°You¡¯re interrupting my job. Let me do it. Let me take care of him¡±


    My temper sparked. ¡°I¡¯m the one who hired you Emma. Get out of here!¡± Then I winced realising it came out harsher than I intended to.


    But one quick nce at her told me she knew not to mess with me at the moment. And without another word she swiftly moved around the bed and walked past me.


    As I heard the front door shut, I walked over to the bed and sat down, removing Ian¡¯s shoes and belt first then his tie and unbuttoned his shirt before pulling the covers over him.


    ¡°Hailey¡± He murmured.


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    He slowly opened his eyes and a faint smile yed in his lips. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Go to sleep¡±


    ¡°Alright¡± He nodded and closed his eyes again.


    I stared at him, those thickshes, those chiseled features, the soft hair and the deep blue eyes beneath those eye lids.


    It would kill me if something happened to him.


    It would kill me if I see him in anymore pain.


    The way his father toys with him, the way he mes himself for his brother¡¯s death and Alice¡¯s suffering. It kills me.


    I just don¡¯t want to see him like this.


    If I could flung my arms around him and protect him, I would.


    I sighed andid a hand on his chest, feeling the pounding of his heart.


    This worry, this care, this urge to see him happy,


    Am I falling for you Ian Kingston?


    40


    ¡°It¡¯s 9. 45 and she isn¡¯t here yet¡± Brian said as he red at the empty VP seat.


    ¡°I wish she doesn¡¯te at all¡± Lexi grunted. ¡°She looks like a pain in the ass¡±


    I could see everyone in our department ncing at the door from time to time, checking to see whether our new VP ising but she was alreadyte to the first day. We prepared a detailed report for her to go through, exning what we had already done to the campaign so that it would help her to give further advices on what to do but I wasn¡¯t very sure that would happen.


    ¡°Let¡¯s visit our VP-I mean, Ms. Randall today¡± I suggested. ¡°We didn¡¯t get to say our goodbyes yesterday¡±


    Lexi nodded. ¡°I was thinking the same. I know where she lives. We can go after work. Brian, drive us¡±


    Brian sighed, leaning back in his seat. ¡°It¡¯s so weird to think that she¡¯s not our VP anymore. I hated her but¡­now I feel like I will miss her. I will definitely miss bad mouthing her. That¡¯s for sure¡±


    The door suddenly opened and all eyes turned to it. Lauren walked in wearing a red suit, a designer bag in hand, her heels clicking on the floor.


    A smirk twisted in her lips seeing our nk stares. ¡°Good morning to you too¡± She chuckled. ¡°I appreciate if you start greeting me from tomorrow onwards. I¡¯ll forgive you just for today¡± She gave us a malicious smile and strode over to her table, taking a seat.


    Few of our seniors hesitantly stood up and ced the report on her table.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°A detailed report on what we¡¯d already done¡±


    ¡°Read it¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± Richard took it and started reading but he couldn¡¯t even get halfway as Lauren let out a yawn.


    ¡°Take that away. You¡¯re ruining my mood in the morning¡±


    Richard paled. ¡°B-but you need to know it. What strategy are we supposed to implement next?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking me that?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re our VP. Ms. Randall is the one who normallyes up with strategies-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that old hag aren¡¯t I?¡± Lauren raised her voice. ¡°Do it yourself. I¡¯ll monitor your work¡±


    Richard¡¯s jaw tightened and everyone threw sympathetic nces at him. ¡°Okay ma¡¯am¡± He kept the file on her table and walked back to his seat.


    Lauren let out a sigh and leaned back, twirling a pen between her fingers. ¡°Where¡¯s that CEO¡¯s fiance?¡±


    I stiffened. Heads turned in my direction and Lauren grinned. ¡°Ah there she is. Come here¡±


    Reluctantly I stood up and Lauren let out a low whistle. ¡°Oooh I love your burgundy suit¡± She clicked her tongue. ¡°Look at you, no wonder a Kingston fell for you¡±


    Ignoring herment I strode over to her.


    ¡°My shoulders are strained¡± She said.


    My brows knitted.


    She repeated with a sly smirk. ¡°I said, my shoulders are strained¡±


    Everyone sucked in their breaths realising what she was asking me to do. My fists clenched at my sides.


    ¡°Do it¡± She ordered.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my job¡±


    Lauren¡¯s head snapped at me. ¡°Excuse me. What did you just say?¡± My jaw ticked. Lauren let out a wickedugh. ¡°You realise chairman has more power than Ian right? You even witnessed it yourself. If you don¡¯t want to get on his bad side,¡± She smiled sinisterly. ¡°You better not get on mine. Nowe and do it¡±


    I chewed on my bottom lip to suppress my anger and forced myself to stand behind her. I nced at her shoulders. Only if I could break them-


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡±


    I took a deep breath, ced my hands on her shoulders and started messaging them. Lauren closed her eyes and let out a groan. ¡°Oh this is good. So good. Do it everyday¡±


    Hailey calm down, calm down.


    ¡°You know, I think you and I are alike. Loved by the Kingstons and destined to share the same fate. You not yet, but soon. He will discard you for a rich woman just like Nathan did to me. But-¡± Lauren looked over her shoulder and smirked. ¡°You can always warm his bed from the side¡±


    Anger thrummed through my veins, my fingers tightening on her shoulders but across the room I saw Lexi and Brian frantically shaking their heads, begging me to calm down.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be my secretary from now on¡±


    My gaze slid to Lauren. ¡°What?¡±


    From the corner of my eyes I could see everyone exchanging horrified nces.


    ¡°Do I need to repeat it, Hailey Evans?¡±


    ¡°But-¡± I swallowed. ¡°VPs don¡¯t have secretaries¡±


    Lauren shrugged. ¡°Well now they do¡±


    At the moment, I wanted to smash her head on the table, rip her heart out, break her bones, set her on fire- fuck.


    Lauren smiled andzily ran a finger over the files on her table. She stopped at one and opened it. ¡°Ooh this one needs to be sighed by the CEO. I guess it¡¯s time I go see him¡±


    She stood up and threw the file to me. ¡°Follow me¡±


    We reached the CEO¡¯s floor and Lauren strode straight to Ian¡¯s office but one of the staff stood up, blocking our path. ¡°You can¡¯te here without permission¡±


    Lauren crossed her arms. ¡°I¡¯m the VP of the marketing department¡±


    ¡°Still you can¡¯te here¡±


    Lauren ground her teeth, ring at the woman but then she suddenly shed a smile. ¡°What¡¯s your name darling? I¡¯ll definitely introduce you to the chairman¡±


    The woman paled.


    Lauren¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Now get out of my way¡± She pushed the woman and strode to Ian¡¯s office, opening the door without even knocking.


    Ian was sitting at his table, tapping on his keyboard. When we walked in, he nced up.


    His eyes first met mine then darkened as they fell upon Lauren.


    Lauren smiled and walked over to him, taking a seat across from him but I kept standing.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± He spat.


    ¡°Oh we came to get this signed. Hailey, give it¡±


    I ced the file on Ian¡¯s table and our eyes met for a moment. Then he took the file and quickly went over it before mming it close.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need toe personally to give me this¡±


    Lauren¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°I also came here to see Nathan¡¯s beloved brother¡± Ian¡¯s face hardened. ¡°I couldn¡¯t meet you properly while I was dating him. Isn¡¯t it the nice time to get to know each other?¡± She leaned back in her seat and turned to me. ¡°Hailey go make us some coffee¡±


    Ian shot me a warning nce, asking me not obey her but I averted my gaze knowing nothing good woulde out of it.


    ¡°Yes¡­ma¡¯am¡± I walked over to a small table next to the shelves where there was a coffee machine on it. And while I made the coffee I felt Ian¡¯s eyes on me, watching my every movement.


    I took two cups back to the table andid them down.


    ¡°This room was once Nathan¡¯s¡± Lauren said. ¡°Can¡¯t believe he¡¯s gone. His touch, his warmth, his kisses I still feel them on me¡±


    ¡°If you came here to talk nonsense, please get out¡± Ian hissed.


    Lauren smirked and reached out to take the coffee but she purposely swung her hand to the side, mming it on the files on Ian¡¯s table and they fell down, papers scattering to the floor.


    ¡°Oops. Sorry. It was an ident¡± She giggled. ¡°Hailey, pick them up will you¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes darkened in rage, his fists clenching.


    Swallowing anxiously, I crouched down and picked up the papers.


    ¡°Hailey there¡¯s one near my foot¡± Lauren pointed and I moved to take it but she kicked it out of my way.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Ian growled.


    Lauren let out a chuckle. ¡°Such rage, such possessiveness. I¡¯m feeling quite jealous of Hailey now¡±


    I quickly gathered the files and ced them back on the table. I sneaked a nce at Ian and saw rage rippling through him, his hand gripping a pen so tightly that I feared he would break it.


    ¡°Nathan Kingston¡¯s quiet brother who never showed emotions now turns into a beast for his woman¡± Lauren clicked her tongue. ¡°Interesting. But she will be used against you. She¡¯ll be your biggest weakness¡± Lauren looked at me. ¡°I hate to see that pretty face ruined¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± Ian snarled.


    Laurenughed and raised her hands up in surrender. ¡°Alright alright, I¡¯m going¡± She stood up, giving him a smirk and walked out the door.


    I followed her and was about to reach for the door handle when Ian suddenly grabbed my arm and pinned me against the wall.


    I gasped but Ian lowered his head and buried his face in the crook of my neck, his chest heaving up and down as he tried to control his temper. He inhaled my scent and his body slowly rxed. Then he murmured. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you treated like that Hailey¡± His voice came out as pained. ¡°I¡¯ll transfer you to another department¡±


    ¡°I studied marketing. I don¡¯t know how to work in other departments¡±


    ¡°Then you can work as my PA. The position is still vacant¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Then you won¡¯t give me any work and I¡¯ll die out of boredom¡±


    Ian pulled back and looked at me, pain evident in his eyes. I cupped his face in my hands. ¡°I¡¯m fine Ian. I can endure a little bullying. And she will get bored with it soon¡±


    Ian didn¡¯t looked convinced but he leaned down and pressed his lips on mine.


    I giggled. ¡°You¡¯re ruining my lipstick¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡± Then he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer.


    I smiled. I didn¡¯t care either as I kissed him back, harder. I stood on my tip toes and wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing myself to him. I ran my hands through his soft luscious hair, caressing it tenderly. Ian released a low groan in pleasure and plunged his tongue inside my mouth deepening the kiss. He kissed me with a heart clenching passion, making me forget the need to breath. He sucked on my lips, nibbled on them until my toes curled at the sensation he managed to build inside me.


    It felt so good, so right as if I was meant to be in his arms. All my weariness and anger with Lauren faded away as our lips moulded together in perfect symphony. My heart pounded in my chest, my emotions overwhelming me. Everything felt so right.


    I slowly pulled back and we both panted for breath.


    I didn¡¯t let go, I leaned forward and buried my face in his neck, wanting to feel him again.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, you can stay¡± He gently rubbed my back.


    ¡°No¡± I murmured. ¡°I have to go but just¡­one minute¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Alright¡± He pressed me closer, stroking my hair. ¡°Do you want to go somewhere tonight? Like dinner?¡±


    ¡°No I can¡¯t today. I¡¯m visiting our VP¡±


    ¡°Ms. Randall?¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll pick you up then¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±


    He held me like that for a while until I pulled back. ¡°Bye¡± I smiled. ¡°I have to go now¡± I turned around to go back but Ian grasped my arm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do something to kick her out. Bear it for a while¡±


    I nodded with a smile and walked out the door.


    ¡­


    We strode through awn to a two storey house in a calm neighborhood, the sun setting behind them.


    ¡°Is this the right ce?¡± I asked Lexi.


    ¡°This is the right address¡±


    ¡°My palms are sweating¡± Brian rubbed them together, blowing hot air to it. ¡°I don¡¯t think I want to see her again¡±


    I raised a brow. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said you¡¯ll miss her?¡±


    ¡°The word joking exist for a reason¡± Brian stated and both Lexi and I rolled our eyes.


    As we climbed up the small steps I took a deep breath and pressed on the bell.


    We waited and waited then the door swung open.


    Our VP stood in a skirt and a blouse, her sses lowered to her nose.


    Her brows furrowed. ¡°What are y¡¯all doing here?¡±


    Before we could answer a familiar voice came from inside the house. A figure of a woman approached the door and when the person came into view we all gasped.


    It was the reporter, who Brian slept with.


    ¡°W-what?¡± Brian¡¯s jaw cked. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s you¡± The girl eyes widened in amusement.


    Brian looked from VP to the reporter and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with our VP?¡±


    The reporter raised a brow. ¡°What do you mean? She¡¯s my mom¡±

 40

    ¡°How do you know them?¡± VP asked her daughter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter mom¡± She turned to us with a smile. ¡°Come in. I¡¯m ordering pizza¡± she went back inside the house but we stayed rooted to our spot as VP surveyed us in suspicion. She did that for a long moment then huffed and walked away.


    Both Lexi and I released a breath in relief but Brian was still deathly pale.


    ¡°You okay Brian?¡±


    ¡°I fucked VP¡¯s daughter¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°Gosh, that¡¯s so weird to even think about¡± Lexi shuddered.


    I pursed my lips and nodded. ¡°Now I get why she looked so familiar. She¡¯s the exact copy of her mom. Well her younger version¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t youing in?¡± The reporter called.


    ¡°Yeah yeah we¡¯reing¡± I hooked my arms with Lexi and Brian and dragged them both inside.


    VP was waiting, seated on a couch, her arms cross, eyes narrowed behind her rim sses. ¡°How do you know each other?¡±


    Her daughter sat down, biting a potato chip. She jerked her chin towards Brian, ¡°We slept together¡±


    Lexi and I both gaped and we had to ce a hand behind Brian¡¯s back to stop him from fainting.


    ¡°What?¡± VP asked incredulously.


    ¡°He even slept with my friends¡±


    Lord help us.


    VP turned zing eyes on Brian, stood up from her chair and strode towards him. Brian backed to the wall, a yelp escaping his lips.


    ¡°You¡± She hissed. ¡°Be happy that I¡¯m not your VP anymore or else-¡± She drew a line across her neck and Brian swallowed.


    ¡°Touch my daughter again and I¡¯ll cut your twinkie. Understand?¡±


    Brian was ready to cry but he gave a nod.


    Then she shot him onest re and backed away, turning to us. ¡°I¡¯m happy that you came to see me. See Audrey¡± She nced at her daughter. ¡°I told you, my colleagues love me¡±


    Lexi and I blinked.


    Audrey rolled her eyes and nced at us. ¡°By the way I¡¯m Audrey Randall. I know you-¡± She pointed to Brian. ¡°Brian big dick. Then you-¡± She pointed to me. ¡°Hailey Kingston¡±


    I was baffled. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    But she only winked and turned to Lexi. ¡°And who might you be?¡±


    ¡°Lexi. Lexi Benson¡±


    Audrey grinned. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you. I¡¯m ordering pizza now, anyone vegetarian?¡±


    We shook our heads and Audrey took out her phone, ordering the pizza. After she was done, she patted on the couch next to her. ¡°Why are you all standing up? Come sit here¡±


    I walked over to Audrey first and was about to sit down when I heard sounds of more cars being pulled into the driver way.


    I slightly moved the curtains away and looked through the windows. Doors of several cars opened and people- no our own marketing colleagues climbed out.  They looked at one another and gasped, shocked to see everyone here.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me you wereing¡± n pointed an using finger at Ashley.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell us either¡± She barked.


    ¡°I think I have to order more pizza¡± Audrey muttered next to me.


    All the employees strode to the front door and before they could knock, VP opened the door. ¡°I¡¯m overwhelmed by the love you have for me¡±


    Everyone blinked.


    ¡°Come in¡± She opened the door wider but none of them came inside, They just looked around to see if VP had set them a death trap or something.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I saide in!¡± VP bellowed and everyone stumbled inside.


    n was the first to spot us and he gasped. ¡°Traitors!¡±


    Lexi rolled her eyes. ¡°How are we traitors? You didn¡¯t tell us either¡±


    Ashley came behind n and raised a brow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Brian?¡±


    I turned to Brian and he was still pale.  ¡°Brian¡± I nudged his arm but he didn¡¯t respond.


    Lexi clicked her tongue. ¡°I think we lost him¡±


    Some sat on the couch and the others grabbed some chair they could find and sat around the couch. VP crossed her arms and kept standing. ¡°So tell me how¡¯s your new VP?¡±


    ¡°She sucks¡±


    ¡°She even bullies Hailey¡±


    VP¡¯s surprised gaze fell on me. ¡°And why is that?¡±


    n answered instead of me. ¡°Because Hailey is someone Lauren can never be¡±


    ¡°A Kingston¡¯s fiance?¡±


    ¡°No, a hot chick¡±


    Everyone groaned remembering what a flirt n can be and I threw a pillow at him. ¡°Stupid n¡±


    We fell into a chat about how annoying Lauren was when the bell rang and pizza came in. Everyone grabbed their slices except Brian. Audrey who was sitting next to me extended him a slice. ¡°Eat this, my mom is not going to kill you¡±


    But Brian was already long gone, his eyes weren¡¯t even responding.


    Audrey frowned and turned to me. ¡°I think he needs help¡±


    I waved a dismissive hand. ¡°He¡¯s under shock. It¡¯ll quickly pass by¡±


    Audrey nodded and started eating her slice.


    ¡°So what channel do you work for?¡± I asked..


    ¡°SBS¡±


    ¡°Oh¡±


    I knew that TV channel very well. They yed a main part in Nathan¡¯s scandal. They were the ones who first revealed the CCTV footage of Nathan and Laurening out of a hotel room, which was also the first and the biggest evidence that turned the public against him.


    SBS is well known for such stuff, revealing dirty secrets of business personnel, politicians and many others. How they obtained them  it¡¯s still unknown but they¡¯re very vicious. They dragged and dragged Nathan¡¯s story and twisted it until any sane person would want tomit suicide.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re thinking about the scandal¡± Audrey chewed on her pizza. ¡°But I joined SBS only three years ago and believe me, I already suffered so many punishments from my mom for joining them. She almost disowned me but thepany pays a good sry¡± She shrugged. ¡°Hard to let go¡±


    ¡°Oh¡± I didn¡¯t know what to say so I just nodded.


    Audrey finished her slice and looked up, dusting off her hands. ¡°My mom told me your fiance stood up against his father to save her job¡±


    ¡°Yeah. He did. It was unfair  what happened to your mom¡±


    Audrey stared at me for a long moment, as if debating whether to tell me something or not.


    I raised a brow. ¡°Anything wrong?¡±


    ¡°My mom also told me your fiance got threatened by his father. That means their rtionship is strained right?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­uhh I guess so¡±


    ¡°That means you and your fiance are a separate team right?¡±


    I narrowed my eyes ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    Audrey took a deep breath, bracing herself. ¡°Well at first I thought of doing this alone but now I think having an inside person is good¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡±


    Audrey sneaked a nce at her mom and stood up. ¡°Come, I have something to show you¡±


    I hesitated but then followed her upstairs into a room. She threw open a cupboard and started rummaging through it. ¡°You met me the other day at the photo studio, remember?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Well now I¡¯m gonna show you why I was there¡± Audrey took out an iPad and opened the gallery. ¡°I was searching for more clues about this¡± She clicked on a picture and showed it to me.


    I took the iPad and zoomed in the photo and it was a photo of bank transactions. Transactions with many many many zeroes in it.


    ¡°These are transactions between your Chairman and our SBS director¡±


    I gasped. ¡°This much?¡±


    Audrey nodded. ¡°I saw this one day when I went to our director¡¯s room. But he was in the bathroom so I snapped a pic¡±


    I looked at the dates in it and realised the transactions were dating back to six years. Since Nathan.


    ¡°Is this¡­is this bribery?¡± I asked. ¡°To stop SBS from saying anything that could harm ourpany again?¡±


    ¡°Could be, considering we have a reputation for revealing dirty secrets but this could also be ckmail¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°ckmail?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Our director might have something to use against your chairman. Or if it¡¯s bribery, then your chairman must have paid our director to do something he wants, six years ago¡±


    A chill ran down my spine. What could he possibly have wanted from the SBS director?


    ¡°So you were there that day at the studio to find some clue rted to this?¡±


    ¡°Well I wanted to sneak into Chairman¡¯s house. Or even your penthouse seems appealing but both ces have security and I obviously don¡¯t want to end up in jail. So Nathan Kingston¡¯s studio, which is unguarded was my first choice to go looking for clues. I first did all this for an exclusive but not now¡±


    I raised my brows questioningly so she further exined.


    ¡°My mom¡± Her gaze fell to the door and she let out a sigh. ¡°I know she can be super annoying but she loved her job very much. And now she got kicked out for no reason. She doesn¡¯t show she¡¯s sad but she is sad. I can tell. So I¡¯m gonna do this for her. I¡¯m gonna drag that shriveled dick down to hell¡± Her nostrils red at the mention of chairman.


    My lips tugged up. Of course she is VP¡¯s daughter. Same fiery personalities.


    ¡°So are you gonna join my mission?¡±


    I pondered for a while and gave a nod.  ¡°I will¡± For Ian and Alice.


    ¡°Good. Happy to have a future Kingston with me¡± She winked. ¡°Now let¡¯s go before my mom finds out I¡¯m plotting for revenge. She¡¯ll smack me with a slipper if she knows¡±


    We walked back down the stairs and I halted at the bottom step as I spotted a ck care into view through the window, pulling into a stop in front of thewn  a ck expensive car. Ian.


    I forgot that I told him toe at 8. I didn¡¯t expect to stay here this long because I thought VP would kick us out soon.


    I scrambled to the door and opened it. Both Ian and Daniel were waiting inside the car.


    ¡°Tell them toe in¡± I was startled as VP spoke behind me. I turned to her.


    She scowled. ¡°What are you doing? Go and invite them¡±


    ¡°Oh uh okay¡± I nced at VP again to see if she was joking but she wasn¡¯t so I walked towards Ian¡¯s car.


    I opened the backseat door and peered in. ¡°VP is telling you toe inside¡±


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You and Daniel¡±


    Daniel turned a confused nce at me from the front seat. I merely smiled and walked back to the house as they followed me from behind.


    Just as we crossed the threshold, everyone in the living room froze, their faces paling, eyes bulging out of their sockets. I wasn¡¯t even sure if they were breathing at all. Ian surveyed each one of them with his calcting eyes, like the typical CEO and walked inside.


    ¡°Mr. Kingston and Mr. Collins, wee to my humble house¡± VP gave a big fat smile.


    Ian gave her a nod. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened to you Ms. Randall. I wish I could¡¯ve stopped it¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault Mr. Kingston. Chairman better realise he reced gold with stic. I¡¯m a gem no one can find. Pleasee and sit¡± VP shooed away some employees and made space for Ian and Daniel.


    They both sat on the couch but the others were still frozen, looking at anywhere but at Ian.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna fire any of you¡± Ian said and they slowly eased. ¡°Yet¡± They froze again.


    I rolled my eyes and gave my co-workers a look that said chill and they slowly nodded and went back to their chatter.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your friend?¡± Ian asked, gesturing to Brian who was still unresponding.


    I sat on the couch and sighed. ¡°His soul has left his body¡±


    Ian raised a questioning brow.


    ¡°He slept with VP¡¯s daughter¡±


    Ian eyes widened. ¡°He did?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± I nodded.


    Lexi suddenly jumped to the seat across from us and nced at Daniel who was examining the left over pizza slices in disgust.


    ¡°Wanna go on a date?¡±


    My jaw fell to the floor.


    Daniel slowly brought his gaze to her.  ¡°I¡¯m not interested in you¡±


    Ouch.


    Lexi simply rolled her eyes. ¡°You will regret soon. And when you do, I won¡¯t be there¡± She stuck her tongue out and walked away.


    Gosh Lexi. I felt embarrassed for her.


    ¡°Just go on a date¡± Ian said and both Daniel and I looked at him in shock. ¡°You don¡¯t know if you¡¯re interested in her or not without going on a date at least once. Try it out¡±


    ¡°Riching from someone who never dated¡± Daniel muttered and I burst outughing.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Ian asked but Daniel stood up, scurrying away.


    ¡°Do you think I won¡¯t fire you because you¡¯re my secretary? Get back here right now!¡±


    Daniel simply disobeyed him and went to hide in the shadows. But I was still dying withughter.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s funny?¡± Ian snapped at me but I was hardly able to give an answer with my fits ofughter.


    ¡°Laughugh,ugh all you want¡± Ian huffed angrily and nced away.


    ¡°He¡¯s right¡± Iposed myself back and sat straight. ¡°You¡¯re not in a position to give advices. You¡¯re not qualified in that area¡± I smirked. ¡°Virgin boy¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes widened and he looked at me in amusement, a devious smirk curling in his lips. ¡°Oh really? But I always ace in what I do sweetheart. And I¡¯ll prove it to you-¡± He leaned down and gently bit my ear lobe. ¡°When I make you scream my name while we fuck¡±


    I gasped but Ian just let out a softugh and pulled back. ¡°Don¡¯t look so shocked. I just predicted the future¡±


    ¡°You. Are. Dead¡±


    Ian winked. ¡°By the way I¡¯m going on a business trip to Spain this weekend and I don¡¯t want to leave you. Come with me¡±


    ¡°Fuck. You¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s two days. I pushed all my meeting to the second day so we can have some time for ourselves¡±


    ¡°Fuck. You¡±


    ¡°And who knows¡± Ian smirked. ¡°What I predicted might happen that day too¡±


    ¡°Ian. Fucking. Kingston. Fuck. You!¡±

 41

    Ian¡¯s Pov


    ¡°I¡¯m in Spain bitch!¡± Hailey shouted, jumping down from thest step of the private jet.


    I shook my head in dismay and climbed down, putting on a pair of sunsses to cover my eyes from the bright sun.


    ¡°Mr. Kingston wee to Spain¡± The old man at the bottom bowed to me. ¡°Your car is ready¡±


    Behind him there were three of my cars parked, waiting for us. ¡°Thank you Mr. Gonzalez¡± I put an arm around Hailey¡¯s shoulder and tugged her closer. ¡°Meet my fiance, Hailey Evans¡±


    Mr. Gonzalez gave her a bright smile. ¡°Nice to meet you Miss Evans¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you too¡±


    He smiled again and nced back to me. ¡°Would you like to go to the hotel first or-¡±


    ¡°Hotel¡± I answered.


    ¡°Alright¡± He opened the car door to the middle one and I sped Hailey¡¯s hand as we climbed in.


    I leaned back in my seat, heaving a sigh in exhaustion but Hailey who was still brimming with energy twisted in her seat and glued her face to the window as we drove out of the airport.


    I stared at her with a small smile on my lips, admiring how gracefully her floral white dress hung to her delicate body, sliding down her narrow waist to her knees. Her vibrant hazel eyes gleamed under those long velvety eyshes, her dark brown hair flowing, cascading down her shoulders. Her red lips that tasted strawberry sweet when I kissed them twitched upward as she stared at the citying into view.


    She was the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever met, both inside and out.


    ¡°Creep¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked,ing of my daze.


    She turned. ¡°You know, one can see from the corner of their eyes right? And I saw you gawking at me. Creep¡±


    Augh escaped my lips. And of course the detail I forgot to add, this beautiful woman has a very sassy mouth.


    I smirked. ¡°But what else am I supposed to do when there¡¯s such a beautiful woman sitting next to me?¡±


    A blush crept up her cheeks and she grinned. ¡°Aww that¡¯s so sweet but you¡¯re distracting me¡±


    I raised a brow. ¡°From what?¡±


    ¡°From checking out hot Spanish guys¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Please. I¡¯m more handsome than any of them¡±


    ¡°Please stop. You¡¯re making my ears bleed¡±


    I huffed out augh and shook my head.


    As we arrived at the hotel Hailey sprinted to our room and jumped on to the bed.


    ¡°My gosh, this is sofy!¡± She cried out.


    I took our bags from the bellboy and carried them inside. The room had arge bed where Hailey now sprawled, a balcony with chairs to sit on and tall windows overlooking the waves rolling ahead, crashing on to the boulders.


    I ced the bags down and walked to the dressing table, removing my watch.


    ¡°Wanna go see the city?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Hell yeah but give me a minute. This bed is toofortable to let go¡±


    I looked at Hailey from the mirror and saw her eyes fluttering close, a content sigh escaping her lips.


    I smiled and walked over to the bed, sitting down on the edge. I stared at the vast sea in silence, watching the waves roll and crash, the sea gulls roam above. The sounds of the city below were barely a whisper but the hum of the sea echoed in my ear. Calm and serene.


    ¡°Come here¡±


    I turned to Hailey and she was patting on the bed next to her. ¡°If you need a nap¡± She said.


    I shook my head. ¡°No I¡¯m fine¡±


    ¡°Then you better drag me out of bed because half of my brain has already decided on spending the rest of my life here¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Alright then¡± I stood up and grabbed her hands, hauling her to her feet. ¡°Get ready for a city tour¡± I tapped her nose and Hailey stuck out her tongue.


    A softughter vibrated in my chest. ¡°Let¡¯s go¡±


    We took the elevator to the lobby and just as we stepped out of the entrance Hailey started running, dragging me with her.


    ¡°Hailey what the-¡±


    ¡°Why are you so slow? Faster faster!¡± She ran, pulling me with her.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we taking the car?¡±


    She turned her head and wrinkled her nose. ¡°You¡¯re so boring¡±


    She dragged me and we went further into the city of Barcelona, mingling with the buzzing crowd.


    Hailey finally came to a stop and spun around, looking at the city in awe. ¡°So beautiful¡± She closed her eyes and tilted her face up, inhaling the air. The bright sun kissed her face and her dark brown locks glowed, making her look like an angel.


    ¡°Youe here often?¡± She asked.


    I tucked my hands inside my pockets. ¡°Not to here. I have vis in Madrid and Valencia. I go there time to time¡±


    Hailey nced down at me with wide eyes. ¡°You have vis in Spain?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡±


    ¡°Jeez how rich are you?¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Very very very rich¡±


    Hailey grinned. ¡°Sharing is caring¡±


    I bit my lip to suppress myughter. ¡°Never heard of that¡± I teased.


    Hailey frowned. ¡°Stupid Kingston¡±


    I chuckled and put an arm over her shoulder. ¡°You realise, you just have to ask and I would give my everything to you¡±


    She cocked a brow in amusement. ¡°Even your helicopter?¡±


    ¡°Ahh except that¡±


    Hailey clicked a tongue. ¡°See, naughty Kingston. You gave me false hope¡±


    I grinned and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Before her I was a quiet man, never bothered talking to anyone nor showing any emotion. I had no joy in life. But now with all our teasings and jokes, the way her presence lightens my mood I¡¯ve been the happiest man ever.


    ¡°Want an ice cream?¡± I asked and she nodded excitedly.


    We went to an ice cream parlor nearby and bought a mint chocte chip ice cream for Hailey and me, a simple vani.


    We held hands as we walked side by side in the road, eating the ice cream. I finished mine fast but Hailey took time devouring it.


    ¡°You have meetings all day tomorrow?¡±


    I cocked a brow. ¡°Why? You¡¯ll miss me?¡±


    She snorted but I could see some sadness glinting in her eyes.


    I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. ¡°I¡¯lle back as quickly as possible¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±


    Hailey finished her ice cream but still there were some remaining on her upper lip. An idea crossed my mind. I suddenly pulled Hailey to my chest and her eyes widened. But before she could say anything, I leaned down and flicked my tongue over her upper lip, licking the mint chocte. ¡°Mmm tasty¡±


    Her cheeks heated and I continued to press my lips on hers, slowly kissing her. ¡°I should¡¯ve also bought the mint one¡± I said between small kisses. ¡°Much better than vani¡±


    Her lips slowly twitched upward and she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me down as she kissed me back. ¡°Mmm I have to agree¡± She dragged her tongue over my bottom lip. ¡°Vani is mediocre¡±


    I smiled. ¡°What else do you want to eat fiance?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry now. But I¡¯d love to eat spicy tonight¡±


    ¡°You sure you can handle it?¡±


    ¡°Oh please. Don¡¯t underestimate me¡±


    ¡°Alright then but what do you want to do now?¡±


    Her eyes flicked in wicked delight and she pulled back. ¡°Want to run again?¡± She gave a challenging brow.


    I gave an equally challenging smirk. ¡°Don¡¯t drain my energy too much sweetheart or else I might disappoint you tonight¡±


    Her jaw fell wide open and I bit my lip to stifle myughter.


    ¡°Asshole¡± She pushed me back but her smile didn¡¯t fade. ¡°I¡¯m gonna run alone. Shoo¡± She stuck her tongue out and started running but I quickly caught up to her and wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her back to me.


    ¡°Not so fast sweetheart¡± I kissed the crook of her neck and Hailey giggled.


    ¡°Stupid Kingston¡±


    I smiled and kissed her neck again. ¡°Your stupid Kingston¡±


    ¡­


    I folded my arms across my chest and watched Hailey practically cry.


    ¡°So spicy¡± She sniffled and wiped her tears.


    I raised a brow. ¡°You¡¯re the one who asked to make it extra spicy¡±


    She drank a ss of water. ¡°Still don¡¯t regret it¡±


    The dark sky loomed above us as we sat in a restaurant by the beach. Moonlight glistening on the pounding waves while the wind howled as it whipped past the waves, bringing a taste of the ocean with it.


    Hailey ate thest of her food and groaned, blinking back her tears. ¡°I think I burned my tongue¡±


    ¡°And still don¡¯t regret?¡±


    She shook her head with a smile on her lips. ¡°It was worth it¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Let¡¯s go if you¡¯re done¡± I stood up and extended my hand to her. She took it and I pulled her to her feet.


    ¡°Let¡¯se here again, before we leave tomorrow¡±


    ¡°So you can burn your tongue again?¡±


    She beamed. ¡°Mmm¡±


    I smiled and dragged her out of the restaurant. As we came back to the main road we walked in utter silence, the low whistle of wind howling, tossing my hair every bit and then.


    Hailey turned in all directions, gawking at the city that came alive at night, the bright lights shimmering against the night sky.


    I tugged her closer and hervender scent invaded my nostrils with the blowing wind. I closed my eyes and a sigh slipped my lips as I inhaled her calming scent.


    ¡°Ouch¡± She yelped and my eyes sprang open


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked in worry and Hailey bent down, wincing as she removed her heels.


    ¡°I think I twisted my ankle. I¡¯ve been running with heels all day¡±


    I let go of her hand to scoop her up. ¡°I¡¯ll carry you¡±


    She backed away, wrinkling her nose. ¡°Eww not bridal style¡±


    ¡°Then what style do you wa-¡± Before I could finish my sentence she jumped onto my back.


    ¡°Piggyback style¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I blinked in shock and then chuckled. ¡°As you wish mdy¡± I gripped the back of her thighs and hoisted her up. She wrapped her legs around my waist and ced her chin on my shoulder.


    We walked for a while in silence but a question I¡¯ve been curious about came to my mind.


    ¡°Hailey¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡±


    ¡°Was it your dream to work in apany instead of bing awyer like your family expected you to?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my dream¡±


    ¡°Then what is?¡±


    Hailey was silent so I slightly angled my head to her. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s so embarrassing. You willugh¡±


    ¡°I promise not tough¡±


    ¡°Then you will cringe¡±


    ¡°I will not cringe¡±


    She stared at me for a long moment and then took a deep breath, bracing herself. ¡°My dream was to be a CEO of my ownpany¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯tugh¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not. Actually I admire it. You have to dream big to go big¡±


    ¡°Yeah but it¡¯s a dream that will nevere true¡±


    My forehead creased. ¡°What if I help you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be rich from your money Ian¡±


    ¡°No it¡¯s not like that. I will give you a small amount to start your business and introduce you to some people, then the rest is up to you¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me false hope¡± She smiled faintly.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious this time¡±


    ¡°Liar¡± She muttered. ¡°Did you want to be a CEO?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°No it was my brother¡¯s role¡±


    ¡°Then what did you want to be?¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just¡­I just wanted to live a quiet life¡±


    Hailey was silent for a moment before asking, ¡°Do you regret what you are now?¡±


    ¡°At first yes but not now¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    I smiled, ncing at her. ¡°Because I met you¡±


    ¡°So cheeky¡± She giggled and buried her face in my neck.


    I carried her all the way up to the hotel and turned my head to say that we¡¯ve arrived but she was already sleeping, her head resting on my shoulder, her face buried in my neck.


    I smiled and took her up the elevator to our room. I gently ced her down on the bed and ran my fingers along her jawline, caressing the tender skin.


    Everyday I¡¯d spent with her a feeling I promised not to have filled inside me.


    When she smiles my heart leaps a beat.


    When she kisses butterflies erupt in my stomach.


    When she touches my heart hammers in my chest.


    And this feeling I didn¡¯t deny it, I embraced it.


    And this feeling had a name.


    And I knew what it is.


    I smiled, tucking a loose strand behind her ear.


    I love her.

 42

    ¡°You disgusting manwhore¡± Lexi hissed at Brian.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Brian scowled. ¡°My body my choice¡±


    I narrowed my eyes as we walked along the side of the road. ¡°What am I missing?¡±


    ¡°I went to his housest night because myptop broke and I wanted him to repair it. But when I opened the door-¡± Lexi shot a re at Brian. ¡°This asshole was fucking two girls on the carpet¡±


    I choked on myughter.


    ¡°And believe me when I say my eyes literally bled¡±


    Brian scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t knock¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who gave us your keys¡±


    ¡°Then give it back¡±


    ¡°You give my keys back first¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the one whoes without knocking¡±


    Both of them bickered as we walked to the Liuman advertisingpany which currently shoots themercials for ourtest phone model.


    Brian and Lexi strode inside first but I halted as I felt a lingering chill on my back, as if someone was watching me. I craned my neck and nced at the city that was buzzing with people but none seemed to be watching me. So I shook off the thought and followed my friends inside.


    We were taken to a floor where the first half of themercial was being shot. Their own studio.


    We strode through a narrow hallway that had doors on either side  which I realised were make up rooms and resting rooms for celebrities, models or any other guests.


    The other end of the passage ended in a ck curtain and when we parted it open, we were thrown into a massive photo studio with tall curtains and a bare wall with seamless paper rolling down from it. There were cameramen running around, equipments being fixed, make up artists perfecting the celebrities and our own marketing co-workers chatting in the corner.


    Normally only two from ourpanye to monitor the shooting but today more than half of our department was here to avoid Lauren.


    They waved at us and we walked over to them. I slightly parted the curtain on that side and it opened to a green screen studio which was also crowded with cameramen.


    ¡°Damn this ce is so cool¡± Lexi said over my shoulder.


    Suddenly Ashley squealed next to us and we turned around.


    I followed her gaze and saw three male models walking in, hands tucked inside their pockets and charming smiles on their lips.


    ¡°Omg I think I can¡¯t breath¡± Lexi gasped ¡°They are so freaking hot¡±


    ¡°Not as hot as Ian¡± I muttered and then realised what I just said. Shit. But it was toote. Lexi already heard it.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± She looked at me in disbelief. ¡°Are you falling for-¡±


    ¡°Omg look at that tan guy!¡± I quickly pointed to one of the models. ¡°Isn¡¯t he so hot with his brown eyes and perfect abs? His body is sculptured like a Greek god¡± I sneaked a nce at Lexi and thankfully her attention was slowly drifting away from me to the hot guy.


    ¡°He¡¯s not that hot¡± Brian scowled.


    ¡°Just say you¡¯re jealous¡±


    Behind that male model walked in a familiar figure with a scowl etched on his face. Daniel Collins.


    Lexi¡¯s face beamed upon seeing him and she jumped up, waving her hand. ¡°HI SWEETIE!¡±


    My eyes widened and almost everyone in the studio turned to us.


    Brian swallowed. ¡°Time for tik tok break¡±


    Daniel¡¯s scowl deepened and he shot her a re before striding away.


    Lexi pouted. ¡°Should I go after him?¡±


    I ced a hand on her arm and smiled sweetly. ¡°Lexi dear, I have a limit to my second hand embarrassment. Don¡¯t cross it¡±


    She rolled her eyes.


    Themercial shooting started and I crossed the room to the hallway behind the curtains in search of a water bottle.


    As I was walking, peeking into open doors someone suddenly grabbed my arm and hauled me into a make up room. A yelp escaped my lips as my back mmed against the wall


    Before I could scream soft lipsnded on mine and the scream instantly died in my throat as I recognised those lips.


    I smiled against those soft luscious lips and ced my hands on those familiar broad shoulders as I stood on my tip toes, kissing back.


    Ian moaned and slid his tongue inside my lips, deepening the kiss. He pulled me against him, his hand trailing up my back, tangling in the silky waves of my hair. He kissed me ferociously, more harder and faster until I was gasping for air, my lips plump. Then he moved down trailing kisses along my neck, sucking on the tender skin, nibbling on it and my toes curled at the sensation he managed to build inside me. He brought his lips back to mine and kissed me with a deep desire and fervour until I was rendered breathless.


    Then he slowly pulled away, allowing me to gasp for air.


    I panted but my eyes were fixed on those blue orbs. Those blue orbs I felt so happy to see. In the past few weeks we were upied with different problems, such as Chairman and Lauren but that day in Spain, it was like a pause to it all. A break to clear our minds and since then I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Ian. Maybe I¡¯m finally going crazy.


    Ian raised a cocky brow. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Because I want to steal your blue eyes¡±


    Ian let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Except for those and my helicopters you can ask for anything¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± I smiled. ¡°Give me your kidneys, I¡¯ll sell them and earn money¡±


    Ian¡¯s body shook withughter. ¡°Money money money. Anything else in that tiny brain of yours?¡±


    I scowled. ¡°Did you say tiny?¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you offended?¡±


    ¡°Asshole¡±


    Ian grinned.


    ¡°Are you staying here till evening?¡± I asked, brushing off a peck of dust on his shoulder.


    ¡°No I have a very important meeting with Mr. Barnes today¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Chairman of Granville Corp?¡±


    Ian nodded. ¡°We started building a new manufacturing facility in Utah but thend next to it belong to Granville. I wanted thatnd to build a warehouse but they didn¡¯t give it easily. So we pushed them for years and now they finally agreed¡±


    My lips twitched upward. ¡°Then what are you doing here wasting your time?¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°It¡¯s never a waste of time with you¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°So cringy¡±


    Ian pinched my nose and pulled back. ¡°I¡¯m going now. And by the way-¡± He jerked his chin towards my neck. ¡°That looks good on you¡±


    In confusion I nced at the mirror next to me and found hickeys all over my neck. Dark red spots! I gasped.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare at male models again sweetheart. I feel jealous¡±


    I spun around to kill him but he had already slipped through the doors, his chuckles echoing in the hallway.


    ¡°Asshole¡± I cursed.


    ¡­


    I slowly opened the door to Ian¡¯s study and walked in, gently setting down the cup of coffee next to a stack of files. He had been scooped up in here since he came back from the meeting and just left to grab another file he¡¯d left in the car.


    I peered over the papers and saw the documents with Barnes¡¯s signature and seal. It wasn¡¯t justnd but there were several other business agreements too. Seems like it went well, for Ian at least.


    I turned to leave but then saw Emma, standing at the door staring at my neck-at my hickeys which I forgot to cover aftering back home.


    She raised a brow. ¡°Are those hickeys?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Emma snorted ¡°Now you y dumb?¡±


    My eyes widened at her tone.


    She took slow steps towards me. ¡°Tell me Hailey, did you enjoy making fun of me?¡±


    ¡°I- I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡±


    ¡°Oh you don¡¯t know?¡± Emma let out a bitterugh. ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± Her eyes brimmed with angry tears.


    ¡°Emma I don¡¯t know-¡±


    ¡°STOP PLAYING DUMB!¡± She yelled, her nostrils ring. ¡°How can you do this to me? How can you be so shameless? You brought me here to make Ian fall in love with me but instead you¡¯re fucking him?¡±


    I was rendered speechless.


    ¡°Did you enjoyughing at my pathetic ways in trying to get him to love me? DID YOU?¡± She screamed.


    ¡°I knew you slept on the same bed with him. I knew you went to work with him. But I still kept quiet because I thought I could trust you. But now I understand¡± She let out a bitterugh, a tear sliding down her cheek. ¡°You¡¯ve just been using me¡±


    I felt like I was punched in the gut. I didn¡¯t have anything to say. Nothing at all because I knew she was telling the truth. I was a shameless woman. I brought her here to get close to Ian but instead I was the one who got close to him. I didn¡¯t even let her go because of my own pathetic reasons. I was selfish and shameless. And I¡¯ve never hated myself as much as I do now.


    ¡°You think you can trample on me because I¡¯m in need of money?¡± She hissed through gritted teeth. ¡°Because I¡¯m poor?¡±


    I stared at her, unable to utter a single word. I was a shameless woman. Shameless and selfish.


    ¡°Answer me you bitch!¡± Emma suddenly pushed me back and my head mmed against the wall so hard that my vision instantly blurred.


    I winced and bent down, holding the back of my head in pain.


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU¡¯RE DOING?¡± A thunderous voice roared from the door.


    Through my blurry vision I nced up and saw Ian standing at the threshold, his body vibrating with sheer rage. Then his eyes met mine, saw the panic sh across them as he beheld the pain in my eyes. There was no bleeding but it hurts a lot that I had a hard time concealing it from him.


    He instantly rushed to me and pulled me to his chest, checking the back of my head. ¡°Hailey are you alright? Are you alright?¡± Worry filled his voice. ¡°Hailey tell me, are you alright? Is there any bleed-¡±


    ¡°No there isn¡¯t. And-¡± I swallowed. ¡°I¡¯m alright¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± I nced up at him. ¡°I¡¯m alright¡±


    Ian stared at me for a moment, searching my eyes for confirmation and then as he got it he slowly turned around to face Emma, his fists clenching and unclenching


    ¡°Get out of my house¡± He hissed.


    ¡°What?¡± Emma¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°But I work here¡±


    ¡°Not anymore. You¡¯re fired. Get the fuck out of my house¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that to me! I got hired for six months and there¡¯s still a few more to go¡±


    ¡°I DON¡¯T FUCKING CARE!¡± Ian growled. ¡°GET OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW!¡±


    Emma¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°No¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes ckened with rage. ¡°Did you forget who¡¯s the owner of this house?¡±


    Emma stayed quiet.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t go¡± He hissed through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll tell the security to drag you out like a dog¡±


    She still didn¡¯t move so Ian took out his phone to dial a number.


    Emma¡¯s nostrils red, her fingers twitched at her side. Then she reached out, grabbed Ian¡¯sptop off the table and flung it across the room at us. Ian instantly moved, shielding my body with his as theptop came crashing on to the wall next to me, causing the screen to crack and break.


    I flinched, gripping on to Ian¡¯s sleeves.


    Emma¡¯s gaze fell over his shoulder to me and her eyes zed.


    As if sensing her violent rage could hurt me, Ian said quietly. ¡°I will give you the one million and another half for the inconvenience we caused you. Get out of here. Don¡¯t evere back and don¡¯t ever-¡± His body vibrated. ¡°Don¡¯t evere near Hailey again or else I¡¯ll fucking hunt you down and ruin your life!¡± He snarled.


    Emma looked from me to him, her jaw clenching then she turned on her heel and stormed out the door.


    We waited until we heard the front door shut as she left. Then slowly Ian turned to me but I didn¡¯t nce at him. My gaze was only on the brokenptop.


    Ian kept his fingers under my chin and tilted my face up. ¡°Hailey it¡¯s not your fault¡± He said softly. ¡°You didn¡¯t do it. It¡¯s not your fault¡± He pressed a kiss on my forehead and murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself¡±


    But I didn¡¯t believe him. Swallowing hard, I looked at the table and my body instantly went rigid.


    On the table, the coffee cup I¡¯d brought in earlier had fell on impact, spilling coffee all over the documents  the documents.


    Ian turned, following my gaze and his body tensed.


    ¡°I-Ian¡± My voice broke. ¡°Are those- are those original documents-¡±


    ¡°Shhh¡± Ian quickly pulled me to his chest, blocking my view of the documents. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s alright¡±


    He gently rubbed my back, whispering soothing words in my ear but it didn¡¯t help.


    Because I knew I did all this.

 43

    I sat on the sofa in the lobby, fidgeting with my fingers, waiting till Ianes down. Today he¡¯d be visiting Mr. Barnes to get the papers signed again but I have a bad feeling that it won¡¯t go well. So if Mr. Barnes needs an apology before he signs it I would give it to him. It was my fault after all.


    Just then the elevator doors opened and Ian strode out with Daniel beside him. I vaulted to my feet.


    ¡°Ian¡± I called and he turned.


    His eyes widened. ¡°Hailey, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to see Mr. Barnes right? I just umm¡­¡± I swallowed. ¡°I want toe with you¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡±


    ¡°Please¡± I begged


    Ian stared at me for a long moment then slowly gave a nod. ¡°Fine you cane¡±


    We drove to Granville and I moved to open the car door but Ian suddenly gripped my hand. I turned to him. ¡°The people in Granville might act hostile toward us after yesterday so don¡¯t be surprised of it¡±


    My throat bobbed. ¡°O-okay¡±


    Ian gave my hand a gentle squeeze and climbed out of the car. The receptionist informed of our arrival to Mr. Barnes and after a short while his secretary appeared with a scowl etched on his face. ¡°Why did youe here again Mr. Kingston? Is threatening us yesterday not enough?¡±


    Daniel¡¯s lips curled. ¡°You may talk to him with respect¡±


    The secretary scoffed and nced back at Ian. ¡°Why exactly are you here Mr. Kingston?¡±


    Daniel slowly looked at me first as if contemting something then at Ian. Ian shook his head in silent warning and Daniel gave a short nod before forcefully dragging the secretary away, out of my earshot.


    I inhaled sharply, understanding what the silent warning was. Ian didn¡¯t want me to get depressed hearingst night¡¯s events once again but it was toote. The guilt was already tearing me apart.


    I watched the secretary  how his face turnedical as he listened to Daniel. And I knew things would get far worse. For Ian, because of me. The secretary guided us to a top floor to Mr. Barnes¡¯s room and he told us to wait outside till he exined the reasons of our visit to his boss.


    We waited for a few minutes before the door opened again. As we stepped in, the first person to greet us was a young woman, who could only be Chairman¡¯s PA. She gave us a sneer and turned her gaze to a man behind a desk, who looked to be in his early fifties.


    His lips twisted into a smirk. ¡°Well well well, I thought we wouldn¡¯t meet again Mr. Kingston. Yet here you are¡±


    Ian¡¯s face hardened but he silently walked over to the table and took a seat across Mr. Barnes.


    Daniel ced a file on the desk and moved to stand behind Ian. He slightly turned his head and gestured me to sit next to Ian. I was hesitant for a moment but did as he told.


    Ian spoke first. ¡°Our deal is already done Mr. Barnes. Just sign the papers again¡±


    Mr. Barnes let out augh. ¡°Your attitude never changes, does it Mr. Kingston? Even though you¡¯re the one who¡¯s in a desperate position¡±


    Ian didn¡¯t show any emotion and said. ¡°Just sign it¡±


    Mr. Barnes gave a malicious smile and leaned back, twirling a pen between his fingers. ¡°Well Mr. Ian Kingston¡± He clicked his tongue. ¡°Tell me, where¡¯s all the fun if I just sign it?¡±


    A muscle twitched in Ian¡¯s jaw, his hands balling into fists.


    Mr. Barnes¡¯s eyes gleamed in delight, knowing he has control over Ian. ¡°I¡¯ve never known you to be such careless person Mr. Kingston, to ruin important documents like that. Such a shame if word gets out¡±


    Ian tensed and I swallowed, having a hard time controlling my own emotions.


    ¡°What do you want Mr. Barnes?¡± Ian hissed.


    Mr. Barnes¡¯s lips twitched into a wide grin. ¡°That¡¯s the question I¡¯ve been wanting you to ask Mr. Kingston¡±


    Ian didn¡¯t reply so Mr. Barnes leaned forward in his seat, a malicious smirk ying in his lips. ¡°Beg¡±


    My eyes widened.


    ¡°What?¡± Ian asked incredulously.


    ¡°Beg. Lower your head and beg¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes darkened with rage, his fists clenching so hard that his knuckles turned white.


    Mr. Barnes let out a bitterugh. ¡°Please Mr. Kingston, now don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to loose such an important deal because of your stubbornness. Didn¡¯t you push me for years over this? Are you going to let go of all that hard work because of your attitude? Isn¡¯t that a bit foolish? Even for you¡±


    I couldn¡¯t bear it. I couldn¡¯t. If I have to get on my knees to make him sign it, I would.


    I moved to stand up but Ian suddenly sped my wrists, pulling me back down.


    Mr. Barnes¡¯s gaze flickered to me. ¡°Oh isn¡¯t this the infamous future Mrs. Kingston. Would you like to beg instead of your fiance?¡±


    ¡°No¡± Ian snapped. ¡°I¡¯ll do it¡±


    My eyes widened and I looked at him in disbelief.


    Mr. Barnes¡¯s lips curled into a lop sided grin and his secretary and PA were also grinning beside him. I inhaled sharply. They wereughing at him, they were humiliating him, they were mocking him.


    I nced at Ian again and saw him slowly lowering his head.


    No no no


    My eyes burned.


    My throat constricted.


    I can¡¯t bear this. I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t watch this. I need to go. I did this. I did all of this.


    I suddenly lurched to my feet and Ian¡¯s gaze went to me, eyes wide with shock. But I ignored him. ¡°Ex-excuse me¡± Then I sprinted out the door.


    I ran and ran until I found a bathroom at the end of the hall. There was no one inside so I closed the door and quickly braced my hands on the sink as my body shuddered with sobs.


    I did this. I hired Emma. I threw her at him. I didn¡¯t fire her either on the day she pped him. I just watched her hurt him. I just watched! And now I caused him humiliation. I made him aughing stock.


    Hot tears slid down my eyes as my heart shattered in agony. Unbearable pain tore right through me till I felt like I couldn¡¯t breath anymore.


    I did this. I did all of this. I hurt him. I humiliated him.


    ¡°Hailey¡± I heard a panic voice called out to me but I shut it out.


    I was the worst of all. I was just like how Ian described me on the first day he called me to his office room. Selfish, arrogant and inconsiderate. I was just that.


    The door suddenly threw open and Ian stood outside, his eyes wide with panic, breathing ragged.


    His gaze fell upon me, on my tear stained face. ¡°Hailey are you- are you crying?¡± His voice cracked.


    I looked away from him, unable to meet his worried gaze.


    He quickly came to me and pulled me to his chest. ¡°Oh Hailey please don¡¯t cry. Please don¡¯t cry¡± He begged. ¡°Please don¡¯t¡± But I couldn¡¯t stop it, I continued to cry to his chest, holding on to him for dear life.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ian. I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°Shh it¡¯s alright. It¡¯s alright¡± He pressed a kiss to my head. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything¡±


    ¡°I did¡± I pulled back to look at him. ¡°I hired her¡±


    His eyes faltered. ¡°I¡¯m the one who pushed you to bring another woman Hailey. I gave you that option. Then it¡¯s my fault too¡±


    ¡°No¡± I shook my head. ¡°It¡¯s my fault¡±


    Ian gave another kiss to my forehead and pulled me to him again. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything. You didn¡¯t¡±


    ¡­


    Ian opened the door to our bedroom and I slowly walked in. It waste evening and the sky outside had darkened, clouds heavy and grey, warning of a rain yet toe.


    Ian turned the lights on and strode over to the dressing table, removing his coat and his watch while I sat down on the couch, staring at the city below.


    The city was a constetion of lights, bright and beautiful. Under the dark sky it uncurled a heavenly beauty with it¡¯s glowing lights and it¡¯s raging life.


    I felt Ian¡¯s eyes on me. ¡°Hailey¡±


    I turned as he called me.


    He stared at me for a long moment in silence then came to sit next to me.


    ¡°Come here¡± He pulled me to hisp and cradled me in his arms. ¡°You okay now?¡± He asked softly and I nodded.


    After Granville Ian had spent the rest of his day calming me down and I felt bad for him. He¡¯d taken me to an ice cream parlor and bought me the mint chocte chip. He even took me for a stroll in the central park and sat with me on a bench till the sun had set. And honestly, it really helped.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    I smiled faintly. ¡°Yes¡±


    Ian stared at me for a while, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. Then he sighed and gently stroked my cheek with his thumb. ¡°Hailey don¡¯t cry again. I don¡¯t want to see you cry¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Promise?¡±


    My lips tugged up. ¡°Are happy tears an exception?¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°There she is¡± He tapped my nose. ¡°And yes happy tears are an exception¡±


    ¡°Well then but I have to consider before making such a big promise¡±


    ¡°How is it a big promise?¡±


    ¡°Because I tend to bawl my eyes out when a favourite book character dies. Those are sad tears¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°Please¡±


    I chuckled and Ian beamed. ¡°Don¡¯t cry again¡± He softly murmured and leaned forward, covering my mouth with his. At first his lips moved in a slow passion, afraid that I would run away or cry again but as I started kissing him back, reassuring that none happen again, his kisses grew more hungry and demanding.


    His hand grasped my throat and he tipped my head back, moving his lips down on my neck. He sucked my tender skin ferociously, his hunger that of a beast. He applied more pressure around my throat and suddenly a loud moan escaped my lips. Ian stopped himself for a brief second but then I felt him slowly smile against my skin. A yful and a knowing smile that was. His tongue darted out and he gently licked the area he just nibbled with his teeth, his tongue moving in a seductive manner, imitating an action that aroused me instantly. My heart started racing as I felt the temperature in the room rise.


    Outside it had started raining but inside it was getting tenser and tenser.


    Ian slowly pulled back and looked up at me.


    Colour rose in my cheeks. Shit.


    He cocked his head to the side, a smirk ying on his lips.


    I blushed harder and Ian¡¯s smirk widened.


    He slowly turned his gaze to the rain outside and sighed. ¡°What a nice weather for a good particr thing¡±


    My body shook withughter. I knew what he meant but I couldn¡¯t help teasing back.


    ¡°What particr thing?¡±


    His lips tugged up. ¡°You know what it is sweetheart¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    I bit the inside of my cheek to hide my grin. ¡°Ahh that. You always joke about it but never do it. Are you afraid Kingston?¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes widened in amusement and he leaned forward. ¡°Are you underestimating me Evans?¡±


    ¡°Mmm maybe¡±


    Ian smirked and slowly trailed a finger down my midline to my naval. I sucked in my breath. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a very good idea to underestimate me sweetheart¡±


    ¡°And why is that?¡±


    ¡°Because I can show it to you and prove you otherwise¡±


    This time I couldn¡¯t hide the smile in my lips. I knew we were ying a dangerous game but I didn¡¯t feel like stopping it. I didn¡¯t want to stop it. ¡°Really? But you sure you can handle it?¡±


    A growl vibrated from his chest. ¡°I¡¯m feeling very offended sweetheart¡±


    I grinned. ¡°And what are you gonna do about it?¡±


    His eyes gleamed with wicked delight. ¡°Want me to show you?¡±


    I bit my lip and Ian noticed it. He smirked and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my jaw. ¡°Want me to show you sweetheart? I¡¯m very serious right now¡±


    I gasped as he trailed his tongue further down. ¡°Ask better¡±


    I felt him smile against my skin. ¡°Do you want me Hailey?¡± He purred.


    My toes curled at his husky voice, my breaths turning ragged. I wanted him so badly. I yearned for him. Emma was gone and there were no more barriers between us. And to be with him, to be whole with him, I loved it with every single part of me. My heart leaped at the very thought. To be with Ian, the most sweetest man I¡¯ve ever met, the man that makes my heart pound in my chest, the man that gives butterflies in my stomach, the man that makes me feel like the most happiest and the luckiest woman ever.


    But Ian was a virgin and I needed to confirm whether he really wanted it.


    ¡°Ian¡± My face turned serious and I pulled back. ¡°Do you want to?¡±


    Ian understood what I meant and he smiled. ¡°If you¡¯re ready, then hell yes¡±


    I grinned and leaned forward to whisper in his ear. ¡°Then take me to bed Mr. Kingston¡±

 44

    My back hit the bed as Ian climbed on top of me, an animalistic hunger swirling in his eyes. I reached out to pull him down but Ian let out a growl and pinned my hands above my head as his lips came crashing down to me.


    He kissed me harder, sucking on my lips, tasting them, feasting on them. His tongued probed my mouth demanding me to open and when I did he plunged inside devouring my mouth. I let out a moan as his tongue stroked and teased making my temptation to taste him back stronger than ever.


    I released my hands from his grasp and tangled them in the soft strands of his hair as I flicked my tongue over his lips, licking them. The growl of approval was enough to turn me on, wetting my soft spot below. His palms gilded down my neck over my shoulders then to my waist and the heat of his touch branded me. He slid his hands inside my blouse, caressing the bare skin over my stomach then up my back and I gasped as he unhooked my bra.


    He slipped his hand inside my loose bra and cupped my breast with his palm. My back arched in pleasure, my nipples hardening at his touch. He brushed his fingers lightly over the impudent tip and then caught it between his fingers, rolling it as he pleases. Shocks of pleasure rippled through me and I moaned in delight. He did the same to my other breast, kneading the round orb, gently squeezing it and pinching the tip before slightly pulling himself off of me. I whined in desperation.


    Ian gave a devious grin and tugged the blouse over my head and threw it to the floor. His eyes instantly darkened at the sight of my breast peaking through the loose bra. He slowly trailed his fingers up my arms and pulled the straps of my bra down until my upper body was bare to him.


    Lust flickered in his eyes and I had a hard time breathing as he devoured me with his intense gaze. He watched my breasts rise and fall every time I took a breath and I thought I¡¯d die if he just stares and not touch. Slowly he dragged his gaze from my breast to my plump lips then to my eyes and a small smirk curled in his mouth.


    He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek and moved further down, grasping my ear lobe with his teeth. He purred. ¡°Now I will taste them¡± My nipples instantly hardened at his deration and I felt him smile against my neck as he trailed his lips lower to my chest until he was precariously closer to my breast.


    My eyes fluttered shut as his lips closed around one nipple, gently tugging and drawing it until my back bowed and my hands flew to his hair. He sucked on it harder, his tongue circling the sensitive flesh and his teeth nipping it, coaxing the bud to an even harder point.


    ¡°Sweet. So sweet¡± He murmured and just when I thought I could bear it no more he tugged the nipple harder onest time before moving on tovish the other breast with the same attention. I bit my lip and ran my fingers through the soft strands of his dark hair as he sucked on my other breast, causing the same pleasures.


    ¡°Ian¡± I groaned and he moved upward, seizing my mouth in raw hunger. He parted my lips and dove into my mouth, capturing me in an euphoria. I moaned as his hand cupped my swollen breast, forcing it upward, holding it high as he devoured my mouth then my throat and my neck as he moved downward, sucking on the delicate skin, nipping on it, trailing love bites down to my shoulder.


    The urge to have him inside me was getting stronger and stronger. I wanted him so badly. I went for the buttons of his shirt but Ian let out a growl and pinned by hands above my head. ¡°Not yet sweetheart¡±


    Then suddenly he braced his weight on his hands and lifted himself off of me, backing away until he was kneeling between my spread legs. I looked at him but his gaze was elsewhere, and I swallowed realising exactly where. He unbuttoned my pants and slowly pulled them down, his fingers trailing over my thighs as he did so and I shuddered. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d live to see the next day if his sexual torment continued like this. I wanted him now.


    Just then Ian¡¯s hands gripped my thong and my eyes fluttered close as he pulled it down till I was bare to him. I gasped as I felt my wetness drip between my legs. ¡°You¡¯re so wet for me sweetheart¡± Ian purred.


    I slowly opened my eyes and saw him, staring down at me, his eyes gleaming with lust and desire. He was kneeling there, fully dressed while I was fully naked on the bed.


    ¡°So unfair¡± I mumbled and Ian¡¯s lips twitched up. ¡°You want me?¡±


    ¡°How dare you ask that?¡± I grumbled and grabbed him by his cor, pulling him down to me. Ian chuckled and crashed his lips on to mine, capturing them in a kiss while I fumbled with his shirt buttons.


    I unbuttoned the shirt and Ian helped me remove it, tossing it to the floor. I braced my hands on his bare chest, touching his perfectly sculptured upper body as he kissed me harder and faster, his hands roaming down my body. He cupped my bottom and pulled my hips off the bed, locking my legs around his waist. Then he began moving up and down, rubbing his hardeness against my soft spot and a loud moan broke through me. ¡°Ian¡± I was desperate. I needed him.


    ¡°Sweetheart¡± He whispered in his husky voice. ¡°I fear I have something to say that might ruin our mood.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go get the kitchen knife now¡±


    Ian let out a softugh and stopped his actions, almost making me whimper. He slightly pulled up and faced me, his face serious. ¡°I don¡¯t have condoms in my house¡±


    My eyes widened for a brief moment and then my chest rumbled with softughter. ¡°Ahh virgin boy, of course. Don¡¯t worry¡± I caressed his hair. ¡°I¡¯ll take a morning after pill¡±


    A smirk twisted in his lips. ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work, it¡¯spletely alright¡± He winked and I chuckled. ¡°Stupid Kingston¡±


    Ian smiled and pushed himself off the bed,ing to a standing position. I was about to ask what he was doing when he unbuckled his belt. My breath hitched. He removed his pants first and then went to pull down his boxers. He nced at me, feeling my hungry gaze on him. He cocked an amused brow and slowly pulled down his boxers, his gaze still on me. His big hard member came out and heat flushed in my cheeks.


    I swallowed. Hesitantly, I reached out and trailed my fingers down his length and Ian closed his eyes as he enjoyed it. I stroked it up and down and Ian let out a low moan.


    I went to close my hand around his length but Ian gripped my wrists. ¡°Another time sweetheart¡± He purred. ¡°I don¡¯t n on cumming anywhere else but inside you¡±


    My cheeks reddened and I retrieved my hand. Why am I the one blushing like a virgin?


    As if Ian read my thoughts a small smile twitched in his lips.


    Then he climbed on to the bed, knelt between my legs and hooked them over his shoulders. I gasped, realising what he was going to do. ¡°Ian¡± I breathed. He gazed up at me through his longshes and a devious smirk settled in his lips. Then he lowered his head and the first flick of his tongue set me on fire. He stroked gently at first and then slid his tongue inside me. My vision blurred and I twisted my fingers into the covers, writhing in pleasure as his tongue plunged inside and withdrew, then repeated. All sensations fled and I moaned, louder and louder.


    He continued and on the final stroke I screamed his name as climax shattered through me.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Ian¡± I rasped, panting heavily for air. I wanted him. Now. ¡°Ian¡±


    Ian understood my plea and moved up, cing a soft kiss on my lips. ¡°You ready?¡± He asked and I nodded impatiently. He spread my legs wider and settled between them. Then in one single stroke he plunged inside me and I gasped, gripping his back. He stilled inside me, letting me adjust. He gave another kiss to my lips and rested his forehead on mine, our eyes so close that I could see a little green in his blue eyes.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± He asked, searching my eyes for any pain.


    I smiled faintly. ¡°No¡± I raised my lips to meet his and our mouth met in perfect symphony, warm and passionate.


    Then he slowly withdrew several inches and plunged again, this time diving a bit deeper, still uncertain whether he was hurting me. ¡°Ian you¡¯re not hurting me¡± I said quietly and felt a peck on my lips. Then in another thrust he slid deep inside me and I gasped, fisting his hair as his fullness overwhelmed me. He gathered me in his arms and began thrusting into me again in a seductive rhythm that had me mad with want.


    I closed my eyes and arched my back, moving my hips along with him, the wet sound of his member leaving and entering me filling the room. I clunged onto him and breathed his name as I met his gentle yet ravenous strokes that brought me into an ecstasy.


    The muscles in his back rippled and bulged. He began moving faster, kissing my neck, sucking on the tender skin as he pounded into me. Each thrust broke loud moans from my lips as pleasure erupted in me. I gripped him tightly as he thrusted into me faster and harder until I clenched around him, my nails digging into his back and then release tore through my body. I moaned loudly as I came, my back bowing. Then in another mighty thrust Ian found his own release and he groaned as he came inside me, wetness pooling down.


    Silence fell, interrupted only by our panting.


    Ian smiled and tucked a strand behind my ear. ¡°That was the best experience in my life so far¡±


    I chuckled.


    He pressed a kiss to my forehead. ¡°d I waited for you¡±


    As he said it something twisted in my chest. As if this intimate moment, our joined bodies finally unlocked something inside me. Pushed it to the edge till it poured all over my heart and my body.


    Looking into his deep blue eyes my breath hitched as I realised what it was.


    What I¡¯d been feeling all along but refused to put a name to it.


    And now it was as clear as the day and I embraced it with open arms.


    A small smile curled in my lips as I stared at the man before me.


    And in that moment I knew,


    I love him.

 45

    Ian¡¯s hand came over mine to grab a brownie but I smacked it and smacked his other hand around my waist. ¡°Go away leech¡±


    ¡°No¡± He quickly put one in his mouth and hissed. ¡°Ouch it¡¯s still hot¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s still hot. I just took it out of the oven¡±


    Ian slowly reached for another one and I shot him a re. ¡°Touch it and I¡¯ll break your fingers¡±


    ¡°You baked it to eat¡±


    ¡°Yes, to eat in the evening after we came back from work¡±


    Ian scowled but wrapped both of his arms around my waist and buried his face in the crook of my neck while I served our breakfast to two tes.


    ¡°Just one¡± He murmured. ¡°It¡¯s tasty¡±


    ¡°Fine. But don¡¯te and tell me you burned your tongue¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so rude¡±


    ¡°When ites to me and my baking, yes¡±


    Ian grumbled something and tightened his hold around me. My lips tugged up and I slightly turned my head, pressing a kiss to his nose bridge. ¡°Eat it in the evening. It tastes better when it cools down¡± I said softly


    Ian looked up and smiled. ¡°Okay¡±


    It¡¯s been a month since I discovered my feeling for him and it has been growing stronger and stronger everyday that it sometimes overwhelmed me. But I loved every part of it. I loved him and loved the idea of loving him. There were moments where I wanted to scream my feelings for him but I held back.


    At first I thought it was fear of rejection but it wasn¡¯t. With him I don¡¯t feel that. I don¡¯t know if Ian loves me or not but I know he won¡¯t hurt me even though he doesn¡¯t reciprocate. He won¡¯t let things get awkward between us. I don¡¯t know how I know but I just feel it.


    So I¡¯m waiting for the right time and ce to confess my feelings. Even if Ian doesn¡¯t love me I just want to say I do.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not go to work today¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been saying that for a month now¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯ll continue¡±


    I smiled and spun around, facing him. Ian and I were both dressed for work, he in his white shirt and ck suit jacket but I could still see the hickeys I gave himst night peeking through the cors.


    He angled his neck, showing me the hickeys. ¡°You and your handiwork¡±


    I stuck my tongue out. ¡°You deserve it. Do you know how embarrassing it was for me to wear a scarf everyday to work? And you asshole kept renewing my hickeys every night¡±


    Ian peered over my cor and a sly smirk yed in his lips. ¡°Sweetheart I think I forgot to renew itst night. Let¡¯s go upstairs. I¡¯ll make it quick¡± He winked.


    I chuckled and smacked his shoulder. ¡°Horny boy¡±


    Ian grinned and pulled me closer, pressing his lips on mine. I kissed him back with the same passion and tender, our lips dancing together in delicacy.


    Times like these makes me wonder why I¡¯d been so oblivious to my feelings all this time. I even tried to set him up with another woman and now that thought makes me want to rip my hair out. How could I¡¯ve rejected a man like Ian? He was everything I dreamt of.


    Ian¡¯s thumb lightly brushed over my nipple and I giggled, pulling away.


    ¡°Can¡¯t keep your hands to yourself?¡±


    Ian lowered his head and pressed a kiss to my breast. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to do the impossible¡±


    I chuckled and patted his back. ¡°Let¡¯s eat our breakfast and leave quickly. I have so much work to do before Laurenes and bully me¡±


    Ian groaned and straightened up. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill that woman¡±


    I pinched his nose. ¡°Get in line sir¡±


    ¡­


    Lauren was painting her nails while the rest of us worked our asses off.


    We¡¯ve gotten used to working without a VP, mostly because our Chief had taken the responsibility. Poor man, he has to do both his work and VP¡¯s work.


    Lunch time came and Lauren was the first too leave, grabbing her designer handbag and storming out.


    One by one people started leave. My friends also stood up but I grabbed them both by their hands.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go. I have something to tell you¡±


    They narrowed their eyes. ¡°Tell what?¡±


    ¡°Sit down¡±


    I still haven¡¯t told them I loved Ian and I nned on telling today. First reason was they would kill me if I hide it from them for too long and second, I needed their advice on the confessing part.


    They both sat down and I took a deep breath, bracing myself. Here goes to nothing. ¡°I love Ian¡±


    Both of them started blinking rapidly, as if they contracted some sickness.


    Then Brian¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Are you referring to the same Ian as we know? As in CEO Ian?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Yes of course. Who else?¡±


    They started blinking again.


    ¡°Why are you two looking at me like that? Is that so hard to believe?¡±


    Lexi let out a breath. ¡°Yes because you said you won¡¯t be like a cliche book character who falls for the ML¡±


    Brian nodded. ¡°And I remember you saying this exact phrase, Me falling for that thing¡±


    I opened my mouth to say something but then closed it back.


    Lexi crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. ¡°You truly love him?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°He makes you happy?¡±


    ¡°Very¡±


    ¡°Did he say he loves you?¡±


    ¡°No¡­I mean not yet¡±


    ¡°Are you nning on confessing?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    They stared me for a long moment, their eyes calcting as they watched me. Sweat trickled down my forehead as time passed by. Then suddenly huge grins broke in their lips.


    Lexi drummed on the table. ¡°Then we¡¯re your new supporting sqaud Ma¡¯am. The Kingston confessing sqaud!!!¡±


    I choked withughter.


    ¡°We made a Kingston avoiding squad too, remember?¡±


    I nodded. It was just after Ian fired the wrong person over my hup. A freaking hup.


    Lexi and Brian both shared their ideas on ¡®how to confess¡¯ as we walked down to the cafeteria. Brian¡¯s ones were the weirdest, probably because he had never been in a rtionship. His entire life is based on one night stands. Lexi¡¯s one were kind of good but with each sentence she drifted off to exning how hot Daniel is.


    I was about to take a seat at a table when my phone rang. I took it out and saw that it was Ian.


    I answered with a smile. ¡°Hello¡±


    ¡°Look up¡±


    I nced up and saw Ian standing at the railing in the balcony. He winked at me and I chuckled.


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡±


    ¡°Wanted to see you¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already obsessed with me aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°Can¡¯t help it¡±


    ¡°So you called me because you wanted to hear my voice?¡± I teased.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°That too and another thing¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I want to take you somewhere¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Why is it a secret? Just tell me¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    I scowled and Ian smiled. ¡°So youing?¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°Give me a hint¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s somewhere abroad¡±


    I grinned. ¡°Ah then of course I¡¯ming. I wouldn¡¯t miss a free ne ride¡±


    ¡°Of course you wouldn¡¯t. You¡¯re Hailey Evans after all¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Asshole¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll prepare everything. See youter, bye¡±


    ¡°Bye¡±


    I watched Ian as he walked away.


    Is this my chance? Wherever he¡¯s taking me, should I confess there? Is that the right ce and time? I can¡¯t keep this in any longer. I have to tell him. I will tell him.


    Lexi followed my gaze. ¡°So it wasn¡¯t a disastrous kiss after all¡±


    My lips tugged up. ¡°Not at all¡±


    .

 46

    ¡°Hailey for God¡¯s sake stop running!¡±


    ¡°Why are you so slow?¡± I giggled and ran faster but Ian quickly caught up to me and tackled me to the snow coated ground.


    Hended on top of me and I threw a handful of snow at his face andughed as his nostrils red in anger. ¡°Chill Ian¡±


    His jaw tightened. ¡°How can I chill when you¡¯re running around without a scarf or gloves?¡± His angry gaze fell on my bare hands. ¡°Are you inhuman? Don¡¯t you feel cold?¡±


    I wrapped my arms around his neck. ¡°I¡¯m super Hailey¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes and pushed himself off the ground, pulling me along with him. He angrily wrapped the red scarf around my neck and forcefully put the gloves in my hands.


    Ian brought me to a hotel on top of a snow capped mountain in Switzend but without even stepping inside I ran off, spotting the beautiful town below. And Ian got super mad but I couldn¡¯t help it. The town was so beautiful I wanted to immediately reach it.


    ¡°Are you angry with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m angry with you¡±


    I grinned and moved closer to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. ¡°Still?¡±


    Ian shot me a re and I pressed a kiss to his lips. ¡°Still?¡±


    Ian took a deep breath and slumped his shoulders in defeat. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll try not to be angry with you but don¡¯t you ever do that again. What if you catch a cold?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll sneeze a few times. Maybe even cough¡±


    Ian leveled with me with a death re and Iughed, raising my hands up in surrender. ¡°Fine fine. I won¡¯t do that again. I won¡¯t abandon you sweetheart¡±


    The corners of his mouth twitched up and he tapped my nose. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because sweetheart only fits you¡± He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest. ¡°Call me¡­mmm babe¡±


    I wrinkled my nose. ¡°Disgusting. You¡¯ll forever be asshole¡±


    Ian opened his mouth to protest but I added. ¡°My asshole, if that makes you happier¡± I grinned and Ian scoffed.


    ¡°You¡¯re impossible¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Now let¡¯s go¡± I tugged at his arm. ¡°I need to buy some souvenirs and choctes for my idiot friends¡±


    We went from store to store and Ian ended up buying me three extra scarfs and five pairs of extra gloves in case I forget my current ones and I ended up buying bags and bags of choctes.


    Ian took me to a cafe and we sat down at a table near the window waiting for our hot chocte. I looked at Ian, his ck trenchcoat, his chiseled jaw, his blue eyes and also the small flecks of snow on his dark hair and eyshes. I smiled and reached out, brushing away the snow on his eyshes.


    Is this the right time? Should I confess now?


    ¡°Ian I-¡± No I can¡¯t


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°You were saying something?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Shit ¡°I-I like this¡± I quickly retreated my hand and sat back down. ¡°The surprise¡±


    Ian smiled. ¡°Bringing you here is not the suprise Hailey¡±


    ¡°Then what is?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡±


    I narrowed my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m getting very suspicious¡±


    ¡°You should be¡±


    I threw my head back and groaned. ¡°Not this again¡±


    Our hot chocte arrived and I drank it sip by sip, my gaze trained on the other customers. There were many couples. Seeing them made me question again, When should I tell him?


    ¡°Why are you staring at people?¡± Ian folded his arms. ¡°Now don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re checking out hot Swiss boys¡±


    I grinned. ¡°Ooh I didn¡¯t know you had the mind reading ability¡± I leaned in. ¡°I know a bit of French. Should I go and flirt with them?¡±


    Ian narrowed his eyes. ¡°Go and try. This is the German speaking part of Switzend¡±


    I huffed and leaned back. ¡°I know German too¡±


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°Really? Speak then¡±


    ¡°I know the German word for number six¡± I held my finger up and smiled sheepishly. ¡°It¡¯s sechs¡±


    A softughter vibrated in his chest and he shook his head in dismay. ¡°Just drink that¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    After we had our hot chocte we walked back to the hotel but it wasn¡¯t as easy as climbing down. I was drained of all my energy by the time we reached there.


    Ian surveyed me and gave a smug look. ¡°This is why you should¡¯ve taken the car instead of running¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare give me lessons now¡± I panted for breath and leaned against a pine tree.


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here or else we¡¯ll bete¡±


    ¡°Late for what?¡±


    Ian came to me and scooped me up in his arms. A smirk yed in his lips. ¡°For the masquerade ball¡±


    ¡­


    Ian left me in a room with three women. One gave me a milk bath with red roses and scented candles. She donned me into a midnight blue gown that had small specks of silver glitter traveling all the way down to the hem like a starry night dress. It was so beautiful that I had a hard time taking my eyes off it.


    The next one made me sit in front of a the dressing table and did my make up, highlighting my features. The other one was a hair dresser and she did my hair elegantly, fanning it over my shoulders but making sure none fall to my face.


    By the end of it I felt like a princess  truly a princess and I loved it as I looked at myself in the mirror.


    ¡°You look gorgeous sweetie¡± My make up artists squealed. ¡°We have to add the final touch of course. Another gift from your fiance¡± She bent down and picked a box from the dressing table. She opened it and my breath caught in my throat. Inside was a sapphire ne with a matching set of earrings. The blue so beautiful it reminded me of his eyes.


    She put it on me and I held my breath as I stared at myself in the mirror. I¡¯ve never felt more beautiful. For someone who mostly wears ck Ian really has a good taste.


    ¡°Your fiance is waiting outside. Do you want me to escort you sweetie?¡±


    I smiled at the makeup artist. ¡°No thank you. I can go¡±


    I thanked the women for their amazing work and walked out of the room. Ian was waiting in the anti chamber leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded across his chest.


    Upon seeing me he straightened up, a smile curling in his lips. He strode over to me and took my hands in his, looking at me from head to toe. ¡°You look gorgeous Hailey¡±


    I beamed. ¡°Thank you and also thanks for buying all these¡± I said gesturing to the ne and the dress. ¡°It must¡¯ve cost a lot¡±


    Ian smiled and pressed a kiss to my forehead. ¡°What is mine is yours¡± He murmured and pulled back.


    He took something out of his coat pocket and handed it to me. ¡°Here are our masks¡±


    The masks were also midnight blue like my dress with swirls of silver. We both put them on and Ian hooked my arm in his as we both walked into the ballroom in the upper floor.


    The ballroom was built in like that of a castle  with high ceilings, golden chandeliers, arch windows overlooking the snowy mountains outside. The floor was crowded with guests in elegant suits and dresses, all wearing different masks. Some were chattering in groups while the others were dancing.


    I descended down the gold coated steps with Ian. ¡°Who are these people?¡±


    ¡°Millionaires and billionaires from all around the world¡±


    I gasped. ¡°For real? Is this some kind of rich party?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡± Ian nodded.


    ¡°Wow¡± I breathed. I looked at the guests again to see if I recognise any of them but they all were wearing masks.


    Ian took two sses of red wine from a waiter and handed one to me. I drank it slowly. ¡°Why is there a ball today?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡±


    I narrowed my eyes. ¡°You¡¯re so suspicious¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°Have some patience sweetheart¡±


    I watched the dance floor as couples danced wearing matching masks. They ranged from young to old but everyone looked happy and free, their smiles wide and eyes glinting with joy.


    Everything here looked like out of a fairytale. The ballroom, the music, the dresses, the people. I might as well be Cindere now.


    ¡°May I have a dance with you mdy?¡± Ian extended his hands and I grinned. ¡°Sure¡±


    I kept my ss on a tray and ced my hand on his. Ian took me to the dance floor. I kept one hand on his shoulder and the other sped with his. The song changed to Aurora¡¯s runaway and my grin widened.


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°You like this song?¡±


    ¡°Yes and it also kinda matches with the atmosphere outside¡±


    Ian smiled and we started dancing, slowly matching our steps till we fell into rhythm. He spun me around and pulled me to his chest, leaning down to whisper in my ear. ¡°You look beautiful sweetheart¡±


    I giggled. ¡°You already said it once¡±


    ¡°And I will keep saying it¡± Ian pecked my ear and I couldn¡¯t stop smiling as we danced. In my mind I only saw us together, me dancing with the love of my life. Love of my life. The words so strange yet heart warming. Everytime I think about Ian, I feel an immense amount of happiness. Even being close to him makes me fall in love with him all over again and I loved every second of it.


    Ian cocked his head to the side. ¡°Why are you smiling?¡±


    ¡°Because I feel happy¡±


    Ian smiled softly. ¡°Is it because of me?¡±


    I didn¡¯t deny or make a joke this time. I nodded. ¡°Yes¡±


    Ian¡¯s smile widened and he spun me around onest time, pulling me to his chest. He looked at the grand clock on the wall behind me. ¡°It¡¯s almost time. We should go¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡±


    Ian dragged me away from the dance floor and I could see the others also dispersing. But they were going somewhere else while Ian took me to a spiral stair case.


    We climbed up the steps and reached the top most floor. Ian took off his coat and put it over my shoulders. ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Without answering me Ian removed both of our masks and guided me into arge balcony where I could see all the mountains, the town below and the stars above without any obstacle. We were so high up that the view looked spectacr. I thought the balcony would be freezing but there was some warmth sweeping up from the ground. Nevertheless Ian tugged the coat closer making sure I was warm enough.


    ¡°This ce is not the surprise¡±


    ¡°Then what is?¡± I turned to Ian but he was looking at something over my shoulder, his lips slowly tugging up into a smile.


    ¡°Look¡± He turned me around and my breath caught in my throat.


    It was a meteorite shower.


    shes of light danced across the sky, falling down in streaks, brightening up the entire night sky. It glowed in sliver, falling down like stars shimmering the sky with it¡¯s fetching beauty. It was utterly mesmerising and there were no words to describe it.


    Ian hugged me from behind and gave a kiss to my neck.


    ¡°Ian it¡¯s so-¡± I was speechless. ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful¡±


    ¡°I know¡±


    I stared at every streak of light that fell down and in that moment I knew this was the time I was waiting for.


    This was the time to pour my heart out.


    This was the right time.


    ¡°Ian I-¡±


    ¡°I love you Hailey¡±


    My eyes widened and I spun around in shock. Ian registered the shock in my face and quickly stumbled a step back.


    ¡°I-¡± He swallowed. ¡°I didn¡¯te prepared for your rejection. I¡¯m sorry Hailey I mean- I¡¯m not sorry. I don¡¯t want to take it back because I truly love you-¡± He blushed. ¡°But- but I don¡¯t want things to get awkward between us. It¡¯s-it¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t love me. We can manage but don¡¯t- don¡¯t ignore me or anything. I¡¯m sorry. No no I¡¯m not sorry. You know what I mean. I just- just-¡±


    I spluttered withughter, my hand flying to cover my mouth but I couldn¡¯t stop myughter.


    Ian nced at me. ¡°W-why are youughing?¡±


    ¡°Because I was just about to confess but you beat me to it¡±


    His brows furrowed. ¡°What do you mean just about to¡­confess¡± He said thest word almost to himself and looked at me in shock. ¡°Hailey, what do you mean confess? Were you- were going to-¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Yes Ian yes¡±


    He inhaled sharply and came closer to me. ¡°Hailey, say the words¡±


    I smiled and cupped his face in my hands. ¡°Ian, I love you¡±


    His face brightened up more than the sky and I don¡¯t think I could ever get it out of my head. It was so sweet. He was so sweet.


    ¡°For real?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Yes for real. I love you¡±


    Ian smiled brightly and pulled me into a warm hug. ¡°Thank you Hailey thank you¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For loving me¡±


    My lips tugged up and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. ¡°Then I should be thanking you too¡±


    Ianughed and slowly pulled back. He looked at me, his eyes glinting with pure bliss. ¡°I love you Hailey¡±


    I smiled. ¡°I love you too Ian¡±


    Then our lips met, cherishing the moments we have for ourselves and the moments yet toe.

 47

    I gripped his bare shoulders and bit my lip harshly as Ian thrust into me against the wall of our bedroom. My legs wrapped around his waist and his arms holding me up as he pounded into me faster and harder. ¡°Ian¡± I moaned, my back arching.


    He lowered his head and gently bit my nipple over the silk of my nightgown and I gasped, my fingers digging into his back. He continued flicking his tongue over the tender bud, sucking it while thrusting into me and in one mighty stroke he plunged deeper inside me and I moaned loudly as pleasure rolled through me. Ian groaned as he found his own pleasure and gently set me down, pulling up his pants.


    He leaned his forehead against mine as we both panted heavily for air.


    I slowly nced up at him. ¡°Is this the first thing you remember to do in the morning?¡±


    His lips tugged up. ¡°Mmm¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you remember what day is today?¡±


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°There¡¯s something special today?¡±


    I gasped and pushed him back. ¡°How can you forget your own birthday?¡±


    ¡°Ah that¡± He ran a hand through his hair. ¡°I remember it but it¡¯s insignificant¡±


    I gaped. ¡°Insignificant? How can you say that to your own birthday? Unbelievable!¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not that special¡±


    ¡°It is special. I even bought you a gift¡± I moved to take it but Ian grabbed my hand.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to give me a gift Hailey¡± His eyes softened. ¡°Having you is enough¡±


    I smiled and gently squeezed his hand. ¡°But I bought you one Ian. So sit down while I go and take it¡±


    Ian sat down on the bed and I retrieved a box from the closet and gave it to Ian.


    ¡°Here¡± I smiled. ¡°Happy Birthday¡±


    Ian unwrapped the box and his eyes widened. Inside was a snow globe with the town we visited in Switzend in it and a little ¡®happy birthday¡¯ engraved at the bottom.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what else to buy since you seemed to have everything¡± I fidgeted with my fingers. ¡°Hope you like it¡±


    ¡°When did you buy it?¡±


    ¡°When you weren¡¯t looking¡±


    Ian observed it, slightly shaking it and I glimpsed sadness clouding his face as his eyes fell on the engraving.


    ¡°Umm¡­you don¡¯t like it?¡± I asked nervously.


    ¡°No no I love it. It¡¯s just-¡± He swallowed and nced up at me, his eyes softening. ¡°I had nned on letting you go today Hailey¡±


    Panic rose inside me, my heart hammering in my chest. ¡°W-what does that mean Ian? A-re you- breaking up-¡±


    ¡°No no no¡± He quickly pulled me to hisp and cupped my face in his hands. ¡°No such thing¡±


    ¡°Then?¡±


    He heaved a sigh and took my hand in his, gently stroking the ring in my finger. ¡°This ring Hailey, I had forced it upon you. To get out of my mother¡¯s trap I announced you as my fiance without even asking you. And it¡¯s-¡± He shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not right¡±


    He swallowed. ¡°At first, after you little trick I chose you as my fiance because you¡¯re dedicated to your job just like me. So I thought it would be good to spend the rest of my life with you. But after getting to know you, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you Hailey. But-¡± He smiled sadly and looked up at me. ¡°You didn¡¯t¡±


    My heart sank. ¡°So I promised myself that by the time it¡¯s my birthday if you still want to leave me, I would let you go¡± He gently squeezed my hand. ¡°Even if it kills me Hailey, I would let you go because it wasn¡¯t my choice to make. I wish we had met under different circumstances. I wish I had approached you better. What I did was wrong. So if you had asked to leave again even after getting to know the real me-¡± His throat bobbed and he said softly. ¡°I would¡¯ve let you go¡±


    My eyes burned and I smiled slowly. ¡°Then it¡¯s good that I fell in love¡±


    Ian¡¯s lips tugged up. ¡°Mmm so good because I don¡¯t want to live without you¡± He swallowed. ¡°I can¡¯t¡±


    I pulled him into a hug and buried my face in his neck. ¡°How are you so perfect Ian?¡±


    Ian chuckled and patted my back. ¡°I know right. I¡¯m even surprised¡±


    I let out a softugh and leaned back, cupping his face in my hands. ¡°I love you Ian¡±


    His lips tugged up. ¡°I love you too Hailey¡±


    Then I closed the distance by covering his mouth with mine, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. He kissed me back, gentle and tender. I melted into his arms, melted into his warmth. And I¡¯ve never felt more safe and protected. Never felt more happier than I do now. To be with him, with the the man I love. That¡¯s all I could ever ask for.


    Ian slowly pulled back. ¡°Let¡¯s not go to work today¡±


    All thoughts of daisy love left me and I rolled my eyes. ¡°Not this again¡±


    He frowned. ¡°What? Grant the birthday boy his wish¡±


    ¡°Please. Not today¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Today is the perfect day¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because today everyone in the office will give you gifts¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°I have always been curious about what others give you. Now it¡¯s finally my chance to see it for myself¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes and leaned his head back on the headboard. ¡°I don¡¯t even check them¡± He muttered.


    I snapped at him. ¡°Excuse me? Did you just say you don¡¯t even check them?¡±


    Ian shrugged. ¡°Mmm. Why would I check them?¡±


    I gasped. ¡°So you¡¯re telling me that I bought you teddy bears for the past four years for no reason?¡±


    He quirked a brow. ¡°You gave me teddy bears?¡±


    ¡°Of course I did. It¡¯s like a tradition in thepany to give you presents for your birthday. So Lexi, Brian and I, all three of us gave you teddy bears. Last year was the best one. It was a white teddy bear with a pink bow. I almost cried when our VP took it away¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes and muttered something inaudible under his breath.


    I leveled him with a re. ¡°What do you do with them if you don¡¯t even check them?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Daniel takes care of them¡±


    ¡°Damn that Daniel. I bet he takes them all home¡± I pushed myself to my feet. ¡°Get up. We¡¯re leaving now¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Oh my God! This is amazing¡± I pped in excitement as trolley after trolley of gifts were brought in to Ian¡¯s office room.


    Ian leaned his head back on his chair and sighed. ¡°If you wanted presents so much I would have bought you, you know¡±


    I clicked my tongue. ¡°There¡¯s no fun in it. And I don¡¯t want these presents. I just want to check what¡¯s inside¡±


    I moved to one of the trolleys and pulled out a gift. ¡°Nice wrapper. Which department is this from?¡± I asked Daniel who was brooding in the corner.


    ¡°Legal¡±


    ¡°Yuck¡± I dropped the gift and moved to another trolley.


    ¡°Ooh this is from the finance¡± I ripped open the gifts and found many nerdy stuff like business books etc but there were also cupcakes, choctes and stuff.


    ¡°What do you do with these Daniel? You take them home?¡±


    He scoffed. ¡°Why would I take them home? I donate them¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Really? My god, what a good boy you are¡±


    Daniel frowned at that.


    I ripped open the presents from more trolleys and found letters in many of them. ¡°What are these?¡± I flipped a hot pink card.


    ¡°Love letters¡± Daniel answered.


    ¡°WHAT? I asked incredulously. ¡°Ian receives love letters?¡±


    ¡°Yes of course. There might be less this year due to the fact that he¡¯s engaged but every year he receives a lot¡± Seeing my shocked face Daniel raised a brow. ¡°Is that something so¡­shocking?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I thought no one in ourpany likes him¡±


    Ian snorted. ¡°Why would you think that?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re so fearsome, rude and only talent is firing people¡±


    Daniel choked on his own spit and Ian shot him a re.


    I happily went over the other presents. Lauren has sent Ian a picture of Nathan and her together along with a hoodie, no doubt belong to Nathan. Lexi had sent Daniel a present and Daniel scowled when he saw it. Brian, a box of condoms with an ugly picture of me in highschool pinned to it. And now I¡¯ve no doubt I would go to jail for murder.


    The rest of thepany has sent donate appropriate gifts, thankfully but they were also many many love letters. Don¡¯t they understand the word taken?


    ¡°Sir, are you going to the auction next week?¡± Daniel asked.


    ¡°No¡± Ian grumbled.


    I nced up. ¡°What auction?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s an auction next week at my parents house. It¡¯s a charity event so people expect me to be there but I don¡¯t want to go¡±


    ¡°Well if it¡¯s a charity event, there¡¯s no harm¡±


    ¡°Yes but it¡¯s in my parents house¡±


    Before I could reply the door opened. A blond haired man walked in and my eyes widened as I recognised him. It was Isaac Wells, the guy who pushed me off a yacht in California and almost killed me.


    Ian suddenly stood up,ing to me. ¡°What are you doing here Isaac?¡±


    Isaac smirked. ¡°Is that how you greet your old friend Ian? I feel very sad now. I just came here to wish you a Happy Birthday¡±


    His eyes fell on me and a grin curled up in his lips. ¡°Aww your little dove is also here. Hello darling¡± He winked.


    ¡°What are you doing here Isaac?¡± Ian repeated.


    Isaac inhaled sharply and copsed on to a couch. ¡°My grandfather sent me on behalf of him to talk to you and your father about our business deal. I have many things to do. Can we get it over with?¡± His eyes slid to me. ¡°Your dove can join too¡±


    I scowled. What an asshole. Ian looked at me and I gave a silent I¡¯ll go and walked out of the room.


    ¡­


    ¡°Go choke on your dick¡±


    Brianughed. ¡°What? That present was funny¡±


    ¡°Shut up¡±


    ¡°What did Daniel say to my present?¡±


    I gave Lexi a side eye. ¡°You¡¯re trying too hard babes¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°He rejected me without even knowing me. I just want to have a one chance¡±


    I tsked as we walked out of the lobby into the parking. My phone suddenly rang and I looked at the caller ID.


    And it was surprisingly Audrey.


    ¡°Is that Audrey?¡± Brian peered in. ¡°Can I have her number too?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t VP threaten to cut off your twinkie?¡±


    Brian grinned. ¡°That¡¯s what makes it better. Forbidden love. That shit is hot¡±


    I rolled my eyes and answered the call. ¡°Hello Audrey¡±


    ¡°Hi Hailey. After a long time, I know. But I have something very important to tell you. Can we meet up tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah sure¡±


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll send you the address of some restaurant or something. We¡¯ll meet up there¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±


    ¡°Bye. Gotta go¡± Then she cut the call.


    ¡°What did she say?¡± Brian asked.


    ¡°She said Brian has the smallest dick in the world¡±


    Lexi spluttered withughter and Brian scowled.


    We were about to climb into Lexi¡¯s car when I heard a low whistle behind me.


    I spun around and found Isaac leaning against a car with his hands tucked inside his pockets.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten more hotter than thest time darling¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I hissed.


    Isaac smirked. ¡°Nothing, I just wanted too see you. After all we¡¯ll be meeting soon¡±


    I narrowed my eyes. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see soon darling. Till then¡± He winked and walked away.


    I inhaled sharply. I don¡¯t feel very good about this.

 48

    ¡°How¡¯s your mom doing?¡± I asked Audrey as we sat down at a window table in the restaurant.


    ¡°She¡¯s watching Netflix 24/7¡±


    ¡°Wow really? That¡¯s thest thing I expected her to do¡±


    Audrey chuckled. ¡°I know right. I¡¯m even surprised¡±


    A waitress came and took our orders for lunch. I watched her walk away before speaking again.


    ¡°So what did you want to tell me?¡±


    Audrey cleared her throat and leaned back in her seat. ¡°Well I discovered several things about Nathan Kingston¡¯s case by going through the case files over and over again. They aren¡¯t big clues but could help¡±


    Audrey nced at me and I waited for her to continue.


    She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. ¡°Tell me Hailey, what was the first evidence that showed Nathan Kingston cheated on his wife?¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Umm why are you asking me that?¡±


    ¡°Because exining it through questions is easier¡±


    ¡°Oh okay¡± I cleared my throat. ¡°Well the first evidence is Nathan and Laurening out of a hotel room together¡±


    ¡°Find anything odd in that?¡±


    I raised a brow. ¡°What¡¯s odd in that?¡±


    ¡°Just think. Repeat the sentence over and over in your head¡±


    Nathan and Laurening out of a hotel room together, Nathan and Laurening out of a hotel room together. There¡¯s nothing odd- ¡°Coming out¡± I blurted.


    Audrey pped her hands. ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s alwaysing out and never going in or spending a night at a hotel¡±


    ¡°B-but that¡¯s because the only footage the media obtained was theming out¡± As I said it I realised how odd it sounds.


    My brows furrowed. ¡°That¡¯s weird. If the media was able to get the footage of theming out then they should also have been able to get the one going in¡±


    Audrey nodded with a smile as if she was feeling a proud mama moment at my realisation.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t they get it?¡±


    ¡°Because there was never a footage¡±


    ¡°What? How is that possible?¡±


    ¡°Because it was all erased¡±


    I gasped. ¡°Why would anyone do that?¡±


    ¡°Because there was something that needed to be hidden¡±


    I sucked in my breath. ¡°You have any guesses what that could be?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly. But one could be that this footage proves Nathan and Lauren never went in together¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­kind of normal because he was cheating and didn¡¯t want to get caught¡±


    ¡°Then why bothering out together?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Good point¡±


    ¡°From this we can assume that Nathan didn¡¯te to the hotel to mingle with Lauren but he nevertheless got framed into a cheating scandal¡±


    I quirked a brow. ¡°You think he was framed?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Why not? If he was cheating he¡¯d be secretive. He wouldn¡¯t drag his ex out for everyone to see. He clearly wasn¡¯t expecting to get caught in a scandal¡±


    I pondered on the thought. ¡°But even if he was cheating and came to the hotel to meet his ex the hotel staff would¡¯t go around telling it to others. They are not stupid enough to expose the private lives of their VIP guests¡±


    Audrey¡¯s lips tugged up. ¡°But somehow it got out right? Directly to SBS¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    My forehead creased. ¡°What are you saying-¡±


    ¡°The hotel staff would¡¯t have given info to the media, they wouldn¡¯t have risked their own jobs. So who told SBS?¡±


    ¡°Umm other guests?¡±


    ¡°Highly unlikely because SBS released the footage before Nathan could¡¯ve even gone home. No one can act that quick unless-¡±


    She waited for me to continue and the rest of the words were already spinning in my mind. ¡°Unless SBS already knew they would be there¡± Sharp truth hit me. Nathan could¡¯ve really been framed.


    Audrey nodded. ¡°Mmm. Well this led me to search more about SBS. As you already know we are know for revealing dirty secrets of big shots. Specially business tycoons and our director earned a lot from it. So I looked through the articles SBS published about ATC. And you would be surprised¡± She took her phone out and opened some app, showing it to me. ¡°These articles were published before Nathan became the CEO. See anything odd in here?¡±


    I scrolled through the articles, my brows creasing with each article I read. ¡°They only wrote good things¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Before Nathan, SBS only wrote good things about ATC but they did write many things that made otherpanies go bankrupt. To be more exact, they destroyed rivals of ATC¡±


    ¡°But when Nathan Kingston became the CEO they started writing things against him. They wrote articles that made the business world question him. And thatst cheating footage was the bomb. It turned the public against him. But then it all went away when your fiance became the CEO¡±


    I looked up. ¡°Are you implying Ian has something to do with this?¡± I asked a bit usingly.


    ¡°Oh my god no no no¡± Audrey raised her hands up in surrender. ¡°His name is not even in my mind. I¡¯m just saying whoever did this has something only against Nathan because after your fiance became the CEO, SBS went back to ying angel¡±


    I took a deep breath, trying to grasp everything I just heard. ¡°So what are you gonna do now?¡±


    ¡°Today I¡¯m going to the police station to find more clues. Anyone can be bought so there might have been stuff that the police didn¡¯t reveal¡±


    ¡°If they hid something how are you gonna get it?¡±


    ¡°I have a good friend who recently joined there. I¡¯m gonna try asking him. Then I¡¯m gonna sneak into our director¡¯s house¡±


    ¡°WHAT?¡± I said so loud that heads turned in our direction. I apologised and quickly turned back to Audrey. ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re going to sneak in?¡± I hissed.


    She shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m good at that. Gonna try it¡±


    I gaped and Audrey exined further. ¡°I once overhead a phone call of our director. He said it¡¯s still in myputer at home. Don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s rted to this or not but my gut says I should go and search it¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy¡± I breathed. ¡°When are you going to do it?¡±


    ¡°The auction day¡±


    I frowned. ¡°You mean the auction at the chairman¡¯s house?¡±


    ¡°Yep. Our director and his whole family will be there. That¡¯s my day¡± She looked at me. ¡°You going there too right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Ian¡¯s still thinking¡±


    ¡°Well convince him to go because you might be able to find more clues there.  After all there¡¯s this matter with the bank transactions between your chairman and our director. I feel like it¡¯s thest piece to this puzzle¡±


    I sighed and leaned back on my seat. ¡°Everything is so confusing. I think my brain is going to explode¡±


    ¡°Can rte¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Bye. Take care. See you soon¡± Audrey waved her goodbyes and I smiled, waving back. I checked the time on my watch and the lunch break was nearly over. I had to get to office soon before Lauren decides to unleash hell on me.


    I looked to the road to see if any taxi was passing by but there were none. The road was almost deserted at this time of the day. I let out a sigh. I might have to walk a bit to find one. I took a step forward but suddenly I felt a lingering chill on my back, one I felt several times before, as if someone was watching me.


    My gaze went over all the alleys and stores cautiously but finding nothing suspicious I continued to walk, gripping my handbag strap tightly.


    As I was walking a yellow Lamborghini came to a halt next to. The window rolled down and Isaac sticked his head out. ¡°Want a ride?¡±


    ¡°No thank you¡± I grumbled and started walking but the car followed me. ¡°Get in Hailey¡±


    I snapped. ¡°I said No¡±


    Isaac pulled the car to a stop and got out. ¡°You¡¯re not really the listening type are you¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I have no time to argue with you¡±


    I tried waking away but Isaac grabbed my arm, turning me to him.


    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± I yanked his hand away.


    Isaac smirked. ¡°I just wanted to see you darling¡±


    ¡°Well I clearly do not¡± I turned away to walk again but Isaac grabbed my arm again.


    ¡°Stop touching me!¡± I yelled, anger sweeping up my veins.


    His eyes darkened. ¡°Watch your tone darling¡±


    My nostrils red in anger. ¡°Or what?¡±


    A devious smirk curled in his lips and he leaned in. ¡°First I debated whether I should do this or not. But now-¡± He smiled maliciously. ¡°You clearly deserve it¡±


    Then he crashed his lips on mine. My eyes widened in horror and I tried to push him away but he tightened his grip on my arm and pulled me closer. His other hand came up and squeezed my breast and a scream escaped my lips but he drowned it with his kissing.


    Anger boiled inside me and I harshly bit his lip. Blood swept out and Isaac jerked back. ¡°You bitch!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna fucking kill you!¡± I snarled and grabbed a traffic cone from the side of the road to hit him with it but Isaac quickly got into his car and drove away, sticking out his middle finger from the door.


    I screamed and threw the cone at him but it bounced off the back of the car. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    I wiped his blood from my mouth and felt disgust consume me as I recalled his lips on me. I quickly stormed into a toilet of a store and washed my lips till I felt like the skin would peel off.


    I redid my make up and adjusted my clothes before taking an Uber back to thepany.


    As I walked through the entrance I slowly came to a halt as I felt everyone¡¯s eyes on me. They were whispering behind their hands, some were pointing to something in their phone.


    Frowning, I took my own phone out to check what they were looking at.


    Lexi has sent me some online article of SBS and I opened it.


    The headlines read, Ian Kingston¡¯s fiance is a cheater.


    Below it were pictures of Isaac kissing me, touching me.


    Dread twisted in my guts.


    No no no this couldn¡¯t be happening.


    My throat constricted and I staggered back.


    Slowly I nced up and saw Ian standing a few meters away with an unreadable expression on his face.


    No no no


    My heart sank.


    This couldn¡¯t be happening.


    Tears clouded my vision.


    Agony burned in me.


    And I did the only thing I could do.


    I turned around and fled.

 49

    I ran under the scorching sun, pushing past people crowding the sidewalk. My feet hurt and my lungs screamed. With each step I took an agonizing pain shot up from my ankle to my knee but it was mildpared to the ache in my heart.


    Suddenly my heel snapped and I stumbled down to the ground. My palms scraped on the cement and blood pricked in them. A sob escaped my lips. Heads turned in my direction but I didn¡¯t care. I cared no more because in their eyes I would be a cheater. In his eyes I would be a cheater.


    Tears streamed down my eyes and my body shook. I squeezed my eyelids shut hoping everything was just a nightmare but I still felt it, the pain. It was real. Everything was real.


    I couldn¡¯t register the look on his face. I didn¡¯t want to. I didn¡¯t want to see anger or betrayal in it. I wasn¡¯t strong enough to see it.


    I wailed and wailed, clenching my heart, wishing it would all go away.


    But it didn¡¯t. This was the reality.


    I was a traitor to those blue eyes I loved very much.


    ¡­


    It was near midnight and I was sitting on the deck of an old store by the river facing the Brooklyn bridge. I watched the cars, their array of red and yellow from afar, grasping the beauty of the night to my eyes.


    I hugged my knees closer as the wind blew across my face, dragging the cold night air with it.


    I had turned my phone off because I knew Lexi and Brian would try to find me. Will Ian too? I shook off the thought.


    It¡¯s been hours since I ran away and I had enough time to gather myself and think about everything that happened today.


    I knew I had to exin the truth to Ian but I was too scared of his reaction. It was why I ran away earlier. I needed time to prepare myself to face him  to face his reaction. What if he doesn¡¯t believe me? What if he also thinks I cheated on him? It would break me, it would shatter me. I tried to muster up the courage to go to him but I was still too scared. I didn¡¯t want to face the reality if he didn¡¯t believe me. I couldn¡¯t lose him. I couldn¡¯t.


    I wiped the tear that trickled down my face. I was still clinging onto the hope that he would believe me. Part of me thinks he would but the other part questioned it. What if he doesn¡¯t? My lips trembled at the thought. How could everything change in just a few hours?


    I knew my face would probably be in every article right now, the new gossip. I knew I must be receiving a lot of hate but that didn¡¯t matter. I just wanted Ian.


    I buried my face in my hands and sobbed. I pictured his face  his sweet smile, his loving eyes. I didn¡¯t want to see it changed.


    Suddenly I heard footsteps on the deck.


    ¡°Hailey¡±


    My body tensed and I nced up.  ¡°Hailey are you here?¡± The footsteps rounded the corner of the store.


    No no no I can¡¯t face him now. I¡¯m not ready.


    ¡°Hailey¡±


    I tried getting up but my legs gave out. No no no.


    ¡°Hailey-¡± He came into view and halted seeing me. His eyes widened. I wanted to run away but I couldn¡¯t manage to because there were, there were tears in his eyes.


    ¡°Oh my god Hailey¡± Ian quickly rushed to me and knelt down, engulfing me in a warm hug. ¡°You¡¯re alright. You¡¯re alright¡± He murmured into my hair, tightening his hold around me, reassuring himself that I was here with him. ¡°You¡¯re alright¡± He repeated, pressing a kiss to my head. ¡°I¡¯ve been searching you for half a day Hailey. And when I couldn¡¯t find you-¡± His hands trembled. ¡°I thought something might¡¯ve h-happened to you¡± His voice cracked and he buried his face in my neck. ¡°Do you know how worried I was sweetheart? It nearly killed me. If something had happened to you¡± He shook his head and whispered lowly. ¡°I don¡¯t think I wanna live¡±


    My heart clenched and I slowly pulled back. Seeing his glossy eyes my own lips trembled. ¡°Ian¡± I began sobbing. ¡°I didn¡¯t cheat on you. I didn¡¯t¡±


    ¡°I know sweetheart. I know¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean how? Do I need anyone else to tell me that you didn¡¯t cheat on me?¡± He cupped my face in his hands. ¡°I know you Hailey. I know you wouldn¡¯t do that¡±


    More tears pooled down my eyes. ¡°You believe me?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do-¡± He cut himself off and looked at me more intently. ¡°Hailey¡± He said lowly ¡°Did you run away because you thought I wouldn¡¯t believe you?¡± I kept silent and his eyes faltered.


    ¡°Hailey, is that how you think of me?¡±


    Shame crept through me and I lowered my head. ¡°Sorry¡± My lips trembled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ian. I¡¯m sorry¡±


    Ian gathered me in his arms, pulling me to him and I cried into his chest. ¡°It¡¯s alright Hailey. You were shocked. It¡¯s normal to think that¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°No don¡¯t forgive me for this¡±


    ¡°Shh¡± He pressed a kiss to my head. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I understand¡±


    That made me cry more and he held me while I wetted his shirt, gently patting my back. After I calmed down Ian slowly pulled back and wiped the tears from my face. Then he went to hold my hand but I hissed in pain.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He turned my hands over and spotted the dried blood in my palms. ¡°Hailey what is this-¡± His gaze fell on my scratched feet. ¡°Where are your heels?¡±


    ¡°They broke so I left them¡±


    He raised a brow. ¡°You ran barefoot?¡±


    I nodded reluctantly.


    ¡°What about these?¡± He said holding my hands up.


    ¡°Umm I f-fell¡±


    Ian stared at me for a moment. I could see that he was upset. He heaved a sigh and scooped me up in his arms.


    He pressed a kiss to my forehead. ¡°Let¡¯s go home¡±


    ¡­


    Ian carried me to the living room and gentlyid me down on the couch. ¡°I¡¯ll go get the first aid box¡±


    I nodded and he went away.


    I sighed and looked up at the ceiling. I was so d that Ian trusted me. It meant everything to me. But I knew the others would¡¯t be so supportive. I wasn¡¯t even sure my own colleagues would believe me.


    I took out my phone and turned it on to read the articles about me but Ian suddenly grabbed my phone.


    I nced up at him puzzled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. There¡¯s so much umm¡­¡± He swallowed. ¡°hate¡±


    My eyes softened. ¡°I have to see them someday Ian¡±


    Ian took a seat on the couch and ced my legs on hisp. ¡°I know but-¡± He shook his head. ¡°not today¡±


    He gently applied some ointment on my soles and I watched him in silence. His face was hard, his shoulders tensed. His jaw clenched from time to time as he tried hard to stay focused.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked.


    Ian sighed and closed his eyes. ¡°Isaac¡± His fists clenched at the name. ¡°H-he forced you. He touched you¡± His throat bobbed and I could see him trying hard to control his emotions.


    ¡°Ian¡±


    He turned to me and I opened my arms. ¡°Come here¡±


    He hesitated but then climbed on top of me and slowly lowered himself to me. I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him as he buried his face in my neck. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill him¡± He mumbled. ¡°I¡¯m going to destroy his fuckingpany¡±


    I pressed a kiss to his head and ran my fingers through his hair, calming him down.


    ¡°For what he did to you-¡± His shoulders vibrated in fury. ¡°I will destroy him¡±


    I tightened my hold around him and we stayed like that for a moment in silence, our chests pressed against each other, our wild hearts misbehaving.


    ¡°Ian¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For trusting me¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me for that Hailey¡±


    ¡°I know. But¡­I just want to thank you¡±


    Ian was silent for a moment then he slightly lifted himself off of me. I looked at him and he gave a peck to my lips. ¡°Even if the world says otherwise Hailey, I wouldn¡¯t believe you cheated on me¡±


    A smiled tugged in my lips. I opened my mouth to reply but then remembered something else  someone else. Alice.


    ¡°Ian, isn¡¯t this the same case with Alice?¡±


    Ian¡¯s face contorted into something unreadable and he quickly pulled himself off of me.


    I sat upright. ¡°Ian, don¡¯t you think Nathan was set up too? Just like me?¡±


    Ian refused to meet my gaze.


    ¡°Isaac said, I debated whether I should do this or not. It looks like someone told him to do it. And how can SBS get those photos right away? It was like they were there- waiting¡±


    I inched closer to Ian and grabbed his hand. ¡°Ian tell me, why do you strongly believe Nathan cheated? Why don¡¯t you think it¡¯s the same case like me?¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Ian closed his eyes and bent down his head.


    ¡°Ian tell me¡± I gave a gentle squeeze to his hand. ¡°Please, if it doesn¡¯t make you ufortable¡±


    I waited and Ian finally replied. ¡°I didn¡¯t believe it at first¡± He said quietly. ¡°Even after the CCTV footage I didn¡¯t believe it because I thought he wouldn¡¯t do that to Alice. I knew he wouldn¡¯t do that to her. But-¡± He hesitated. ¡°One day Alice got into an ident and he didn¡¯te. I was the one who was there for her. He didn¡¯t even call to check on her. And I knew that day¡± He looked up at me. ¡°That Nathan doesn¡¯t even care for her¡±


    ¡°Even after Alice was discharged he didn¡¯te. She kept giving herself excuses that he was just busy but I knew better. A week after she came home Nathan went back to Lauren. Many photos of them meeting at a restaurant were captured and Nathan didn¡¯t even care that Alice would see them. He fucking didn¡¯t care for her Hailey¡± Ian¡¯s eyes welled up with tears and he shook his head. ¡°Thereafter Nathan distanced himself by staying at his studio and two weekster he killed himself. And for once I thought-¡± He swallowed. ¡°It¡¯s good that he died rather than to hurt others¡±


    My chest tightened at the pain in his voice. I leaned my head on his shoulder, holding on to him tightly. Ian rested his cheek on my head and sighed. ¡°That¡¯s why this isn¡¯t the same case¡±


    I didn¡¯t argue with him. I let him think what he wanted. Audrey and I didn¡¯t have proof to confirm our theory. It was just a theory. But the truth can¡¯t stay hidden forever. It woulde out sooner orter.


    ¡°Want a milkshake?¡± Ian asked.


    I looked up at him with a small smile and nodded.


    Ian pressed a kiss to my cheek and stood up. ¡°Wait here¡± Then he went to the kitchen.


    My phone rang and I took it from where Ian had left it on the couch.


    It was Audrey calling.


    I answered it. ¡°Hello Audrey¡±


    ¡°Hailey, are you okay? I saw the article¡±


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m okay¡±


    ¡°Is everything good with your fiance? Sorry if I¡¯m calling at a bad time¡± She said guilty.


    I smiled. ¡°Everything¡¯s good with him¡±


    ¡°Oh then it¡¯s alright. It doesn¡¯t matter what the world says if he believes you. That¡¯s all that matters. Stay strong¡±


    My lips tugged up. ¡°Thank you Audrey. Why did you call me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to reach you to tell this since I came back from the police station but your phone was off. Anyways¡± She cleared her throat. ¡°I found something important¡±


    That peaked my interest. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°A missing evidence that the police didn¡¯t reveal to the media¡±


    My brows furrowed. ¡°What evidence?¡±


    ¡°Nathan Kingston¡¯s phone. It was never found. It must have crucial evidence on what happened to him for someone to steal it. If we find it Hailey we will have proof¡± Audrey rambled but I tuned out as my mind drifted off elsewhere.


    A phone. An old ATC phone model.


    Where did I see it?


    A ck old ATC phone model. I saw it-My eyes widened. At chairman¡¯s house! It was in their master bedroom.


    That must be it. It was Nathan¡¯s phone.


    ¡°Audrey, I know where to get it¡±

 50

    The garden of Ian¡¯s parents house was lit with string lights as the auction was to be held there. I could see a small dais set up to the left with tables and chairs ced before it. Guests were gathered, drinking and chattering, theirughs ringing in my ears.


    Wind blew across the garden, rustling the leaves of the tress and I nervously fidgeted with the sleeves of my knee length light pink dress.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you convinced me toe here¡± Ian grumbled as he hooked his arm with mine.


    I smiled. ¡°I told you,ing here together would prove that we aren¡¯t affected by the lies circting in the media. If we hide, it means the media won. So this auction is a good ce to show that we¡¯re not defeated¡± I lied through my teeth. That wasn¡¯t the reason why I came here.


    At first this was just about Nathan but now it was about me too. We were both framed into a cheating scandal and if I could prove that he was framed then my name would be cleared too. Audrey was currently at her director¡¯s house with Brian, trying to sneak in. I brought my friends into this too because they wanted to help me clear my name. And Brian has connections to stuff that could be of help, like how he helped me break into the Prescott¡¯s a long time ago. Any extra help to reduce the risk of getting caught matters.


    Ian let out a sigh. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go¡±


    We walked into the garden and I could see heads turn our way. People threw using res at me, some whispered behind their hands. And I didn¡¯t even need to listen to know what they were saying. Cheater, cheater, cheater. The words echoed in my ear.


    Ian straightened his shoulders, his jaw clenching as he levelled everyone with a re.


    I gave a gentle squeeze to his arm. ¡°Rx, we expected this¡±


    Ian¡¯s face hardened. ¡°This is why I hate people¡± He grumbled.


    Before I could reply a shriek broke out from the crowd. A blue eyed woman came running towards us with her arms open. ¡°Oh my sweet boy is here¡±


    Ian¡¯s mother, who I recently learned the name was Elisa came and hugged Ian but he pushed her away. ¡°Get off of me¡±


    She ignored it and cupped his face in her hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯de. If you had informed me earlier I would¡¯ve prepared your favourite dish. But I¡¯m so happy that you came¡± She squeezed his cheeks and Ian yanked her hands away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me¡± He hissed.


    Behind Elisa, Chairman appeared. His gaze slid to me and a sly smirk twisted in his lips. ¡°You still with her son? Even after she cheated on you?¡±


    Elisa then noticed I was there and turned to me. Fire zed in her eyes. ¡°What is she doing here?¡± She hissed. ¡°I¡¯ll tell a maid to throw her out¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not going anywhere¡± Ian growled and tugged me closer. ¡°And get out of my way¡± He pushed past his parents and we went further into the garden.


    ¡°I told you this was a bad idea¡± He said as we came to a halt near the food table.


    ¡°We have to face this someday Ian¡± He opened his mouth but I raised a hand up. ¡°Now don¡¯t say ¡®not today¡¯ because you¡¯ve been saying that for a week now¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°Fine¡±


    My lips tugged up and I gave a pat to his cheek. I hated keeping secrets from him. I¡¯ve never done that. I wish I could tell him but I knew if I did, he would stop me. I couldn¡¯t risk that, specially now when Audrey and Brian were at the director¡¯s house. But right after I get the evidence I woulde to Ian and tell him everything. I won¡¯t keep any secret from him. Never again.


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re handsome¡±


    The corners of his mouth rose and he pulled me to his chest. ¡°So you finally admitted¡± He purred and leaned down, nipping my neck. I giggled ¡°There are people here Ian¡±


    ¡°So what? Didn¡¯t wee here to give them a show?¡±


    ¡°This is too much¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°Nothing is too much¡± He pressed a kiss to my lips. ¡°I love you¡± He murmured.


    I smiled. ¡°I love you too¡±


    Ian gave another kiss and pulled back, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°So should we go to my room sweetheart?¡±


    I gaped. ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because- because¡± Over Ian¡¯s shoulder I saw Alice, holding the wedding photo of Nathan and her, the one she received after his death. ¡°Because Alice is here. Look¡± I motioned my head towards her and Ian followed my gaze.


    I pulled away from his grip. ¡°I¡¯m going to her¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you¡±


    I quirked a brow. ¡°Do you think Alice will like that? She hates you¡±


    Ian sighed and ran a hand through his hair. ¡°Fine go to her. Bute back to me soon. I¡¯ll be waiting at a table near the stage¡±


    I gave a nod and waved at him before approaching Alice.


    ¡°Hi¡± I greeted and she beamed.


    ¡°Hi, how are you¡­¡± Her smile fell as if she remembered something ¡°I saw the articles. Hope you¡¯re doing okay¡±


    I smiled faintly. ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine. I didn¡¯t expect to see you here¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯te here for the auction. I came to visit that ce by theke¡± She showed me the photo and I remembered seeing her there, crying thest time I visited.


    ¡°Are you-¡± I was cut off as someone else approached us. Someone very very annoying.


    ¡°Hailey¡± Lauren shed a smile. ¡°You didn¡¯te to work for a whole week¡±


    ¡°I had personal matters to attend to¡± I said in a monotonous fine.


    A devious smirk curled in her lips. ¡°I read the articles. And to say I¡¯m disappointed is an understatement. I didn¡¯t expect that from you Hailey. People like us whoe from a not so rich background¡± She pointed that to Alice. ¡°should stick to the rich. That¡¯s how we survive¡±


    I smiled politely. ¡°I didn¡¯t know being a gold digger is a requirement for survival¡±


    A slight anger shed in her eyes but she quicklyposed herself back. She came over to me and wiped a non existent dirt off my shoulder. ¡°Oh you¡¯ll be surprised¡± She cocked her head to the side and trailed a finger down my arm. ¡°Ian¡¯s bed must be cold now. Poor him¡±


    Rage red through me and my hands balled into fists.


    Lauren chuckled and stepped back. ¡°Chill Hailey, I¡¯m a woman with morals. I don¡¯t sleep with a lover¡¯s brother¡± She smirked. ¡°Although I¡¯m tempted to¡±


    Then she looked at Alice and gave a mock bow. ¡°See youter, your highness¡±


    She walked away leaving a fuming Alice beside me.


    Alice muttered something under her breath and said her goodbyes before marching off to the woods, hugging her photo tightly.


    Shortly after, the auction started and I saw Ian looking for me. I quickly hid behind a pir. I felt bad. Really bad. Sorry Ian. I also spotted the director seated with his family at a table far away.


    Remembering Audrey and Brian I took a call to them.


    ¡°Audrey did you get in?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. We got to hisputer too and now Brian is trying to crack the password. Your friend is super awesome. He even hacked into the CCTV and disabled them from outside. I think he¡¯s in some kind of gang. You know tech gang, if those even exists¡± She rambled. ¡°Did you get the phone?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. I¡¯m going now. Do you think what we¡¯re searching for will be there? What if everything was deleted?¡±


    ¡°Well you told me the phone was not hidden the day you saw it. That means someone took it out. Which also means that the phone still has some use. So whatever important might still be there. Let¡¯s hope for the best¡±


    I heaved a sigh. ¡°Okay I¡¯ll go and get it¡±


    My eyes went back to the guests and I saw the chairman and his wife seated at a front table. Knowing this was the perfect time, I sprinted inside the house.


    I went up the stairs and sneaked into the master bedroom. Thest time I saw the phone, it was behind a crying photo of Ian. I found the photo and tugged at it and like I expected it wasn¡¯t there. I searched the rest of the photos then the drawers. But no hope.


    ncing over my shoulder from time to time I quickly moved around the room searching for it. Sweat trickled down my forehead.


    Once I got into their walk in wardrobe I found a safe fixed into the wall behind chairman¡¯s suit jackets. Brian gave me a contact number of his friend and tucked something into my purse that I was to use if I find a safe. But now that I looked more closely at the safe it wasn¡¯t necessary. The password was very clear because chairman had recently pressed the numbers with oil/food in his hands. I cringed in disgust. With the help of Brian¡¯s friend to get the order right, I pressed the password.


    It unlocked and I found documents, money and in the corner, the phone.


    I took it and turned it on. The battery was low but it was enough. My phone vibrated as Audrey called me again.


    ¡°You found it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± I answered.


    ¡°Good. Brian cracked the password too. Check the messages in the phone. See if it has something useful before taking it because if the chairman finds it missing you¡¯d be in trouble¡±


    I let out a shaky breath. ¡°Thanks for the obvious warning¡±


    I opened the messages and checked the recent one. My eye widened seeing who the recipient was. It was the director. ¡°Audrey, Nathan had contacted your director¡±


    She gasped. ¡°What does it say?¡±


    ¡°It says I have something to tell you¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the date?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s¡± I sucked in my breath. ¡°It was sent hours before Nathan¡¯s death¡±


    ¡°WHAT THE HELL?¡± She yelled and I heard Brian shushing her. ¡°Scroll up and see what they talked¡±


    ¡°Nothing. That¡¯s the only message¡±


    Audrey waited. ¡°Check other messages. See if you can find what it is¡±


    I scrolled through the messages. There were many but one indeed peaked my interest. Messages from Lauren.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I opened it and was shocked to see several threatening messages from Lauren to Nathan.


    ¡°It looks like Lauren has threatened Nathan¡±


    ¡°What does she say?¡±


    ¡°She says that she¡¯s going to kill herself if Nathan doesn¡¯t divorce Alice¡±


    Audrey snorted. ¡°Pathetic. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I trailed off. ¡°There are two videos¡±


    I clicked on the first one.


    Lauren ced her phone on a table and sat down on the bed wearing acy nightgown, her thighs showing. She smiled maliciously and spread her legs wider to the camera.


    ¡°Nathan, you¡¯ve been ignoring my messages. It seems like you don¡¯t even care if I die¡± She spat. ¡°But don¡¯t worry I found a new way to get you¡±


    She smirked and stood up, undressing till she stood bare. ¡°Shame you can¡¯t touch these¡± She giggled, squeezing one of her breasts. ¡°But someone else will. Or more like-¡± She smiled. ¡°someone else¡¯s father will¡±


    She stepped back and nced at the door behind her. ¡°Leonard aren¡¯t youing out of the bathroom?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming darling¡± Chairman¡¯s voice trailed from the door.


    I gasped and dropped the phone. The next video automatically yed and my eyes widened in horror realising it was their sex video. Did he really not delete these videos to keep watching them? Feeling disgusted I quickly picked it up and stopped the video.


    Now that I saw this, realisation dawned me. I gasped. Oh my god.


    ¡°Hello, Hailey you there?¡± Audrey asked pulling me out of my daze.


    I ced my phone to my ear. ¡°Audrey that day, the footage was taken I don¡¯t think Nathan and Lauren wereing out of a hotel. I think¡­I think Nathan was dragging her out¡±


    ¡°From who?¡±


    ¡°Chairman¡± I breathed. ¡°She slept with him to get Nathan back. I think¡­I think the footage that was erased was the two of them, chairman and Laurening into the hotel together. That was what needed to be hidden. Maybe¡­maybe the director found it and used it to ckmail chairman¡± I inhaled sharply as everything fell into ce. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s what¡¯s in the your director¡¯sputer. The missing footage¡±


    I smiled triumphantly. This video could prove Nathan didn¡¯t cheat. But-but if he didn¡¯t cheat then why did he suicide?


    ¡°Hailey¡± I heard Brian¡¯s voice, shaky and rmed. ¡°Get out of there¡±


    ¡°W-why?¡±


    ¡°Because what¡¯s in theputer is not the missing footage¡±


    ¡°Then?¡±


    Brian sent it to me and my throat dried as I checked it.


    Dread twisted in my stomach.


    It was a video, a video taken on the day of Nathan¡¯s death. Chairmaning out of Nathan¡¯s studio, clutching his son¡¯s phone, his hands bloodied.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s been snooping around¡± A hoarse chuckle rang behind me.


    My eyes widened in shock and I turned around but something hard hit my head.


    Last thing I remember was ck spots appearing in my vision before darkness invaded me.

 51

    I felt myself being dragged across a damp ground, my knees scraping on the gravel. In the distance I could hear some muffle sounds but around me it was utter silence, save for the footsteps crunching on what seemed to be dried leaves.


    My face fell t on the damp ground and I groaned slightly, my own voice hoarse and muffled as if something was tied around my mouth. I groaned again and slightly opened my eyes. My vision was momentarily blurred but it quickly adjusted to the darkness around me.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Darkness? In confusion I tilted my head up and found myself lying on the forest floor.


    Panic surged through me and I jerked up but went toppling back to the forest floor. I nced down at myself to see what was wrong and then saw that both my feet and my hands were tied and my mouth gagged.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake¡± A hoarse voice said above me.


    My blood froze in my veins. Slowly I looked up and saw Leonard, Ian¡¯s father standing above me with a gun in his hand.


    My belly cramped with fear.


    His mouth twisted into a smirk and he crouched down. ¡°For someone who had the audacity to open my safe¡± He ran his gun down my cheek. ¡°You cower like a little mouse¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Did you think I¡¯d allow someone like you to destroy me?¡± He pressed the cold metal to my throat and I squeezed my eyes shut. ¡°To take everything away from me? Did you n on rousing the media to throw me out of the chairman position? Was that your n?¡± He spat.


    He trailed the gun lower and I whimpered. ¡°Well it would have worked but you¡¯d have to live to do that first¡±


    My face nched and I nced up at him. A sly smirk spread in his lips. ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re going to die¡±


    He raised me to my knees and gripped my chin, forcing me to look at the direction of theke. ¡°My friend¡¯s grandson told me you can¡¯t swim¡± He gave a malicious smile. ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you can survive in the water¡±


    Terror stabbed my heart and I wriggled under his grip, trying to free myself but it only angered him more. ¡°Damn you bitch¡± He elbowed my face and a sharp pain shot up my nose and I felt blood drip down.


    ¡°I like to very much shoot you and be done with it¡± He hissed. ¡°But that would cause a lot of drama and investigations and I don¡¯t want anymore damages to thepany. So you¡¯ll just peacefully drown and I¡¯ll make your death look like an ident¡± He grinned. ¡°How¡¯s that? The little fiance wandering in the woods identally slip and fell to theke. How sad¡± He pouted.


    Tears brimmed in my eyes and his grin widened. ¡°No one can challenge my position darling. Both my sons did. One unfortunately wasn¡¯t privileged like the other but you¡± He tapped his gun on my forehead. ¡°are nothing and soon will be forgotten by everyone. Shame that you have distanced yourself from the Evans family. Heard they¡¯re bit of a powerful lot in thew field¡±


    Then he started dragging me towards theke. Tears pooled down my eyes but I couldn¡¯t even manage to wriggle under his strong grip, not when my hands and my feet were tied.


    ¡°Ian would be better off a cheating bitch like you. You think he cares for you just because he brought you here?¡± Heughed. ¡°He¡¯s my son for a reason. Just like Nathan, who didn¡¯t care about Lauren when he fell in love with Alice. That¡¯s why she had to seek sce somewhere else. Shame that I didn¡¯t know she recorded everything. That was a mistake. It could end up ruining my career but¡± He smirked. ¡°Not if no one knows. Let¡¯s get this-¡± He was cut off as we heard a twig snap behind us.


    I whirled around as the best as I could.


    ¡°Hailey¡± Ian¡¯s voice was heard not far away from where I was and a sob of relief escaped my lips.


    He¡¯s here, he¡¯s here. He will save me but his father has a  my blood ran cold. He has a gun. What if he hurt Ian? No no no.


    Leaves crunched under his Oxfords as he approached us but he didn¡¯te to view yet. ¡°Hailey where are you?¡± His was voice now close.


    ¡°Shit¡± Leonard muttered and pulled at me. ¡°We need to get out of here¡±


    I sobbed and shook my head. He gritted his teeth and gripped my throat. ¡°Don¡¯t make a sound or else I will do far worse things than kill you¡± As if showing his warning he cupped my breast and utter horror struck me. I flinched from his grasp.


    He smirked. ¡°That¡¯s right. Now quiet-¡±


    ¡°Father?¡±


    My eyes widened and I turned to find Ian standing a few feet away from us. His gaze fell on me and panic washed over his face. ¡°Hailey!¡± He started to approach me but stopped mid way as he saw a gun in his father¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Father what are you doing-¡±


    ¡°Step back Ian¡± Leonard raised the gun to my head.


    Shock struck Ian and he turned to look at me. His face nched as he noticed for the first time the state I was in  the gag in my mouth, my tied hands and feet. Hot red fury surged through him, his eyes turning into slits. His enraged gaze slid back to his father, his fists clenching.


    ¡°Put the gun down!¡± Ian hissed.


    ¡°You¡¯re not in a position to make demands Ian¡±


    Ian took a step forward and Leonard pressed the gun to my head. ¡°I said step back¡±


    Ian¡¯s face darkened with a rage I had never seen before. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll let you fucking live if you hurt her?¡± He snarled.


    ¡°I¡¯m your father Ian¡±


    Ianughed. ¡°And that would stop me?¡±


    Leonard gritted his teeth and grabbed my arm, pulling me to my feet until I was standing in front him like a shield, my back pressed to his body. His hand closed around my throat and he tilted my head up in a odd angle that made tears prick my eyes. ¡°She should just die Ian, if not she¡¯ll destroy thepany¡±


    ¡°Do you think I care about a fuckingpany?¡± Ian roared. ¡°Release her¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re better off without her Ian. You¡¯ll remember her just as a fling. Marrying her would give neither you nor ourpany benefits¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± Ian snarled.


    ¡°Walk away Ian. It¡¯ll be better for all of us¡±


    Ian¡¯s face contorted into a murderous fury and he took another step forward.


    Leonard¡¯s grip tightened around my throat, his other hand holding the gun to my head. ¡°If you take another step Ian, I¡¯ll shoot her¡±


    Ian halted and looked at me. The anger in his eyes dimmed and fear, grief, pain clouded them. His hands shook, body trembled. Tears welled in his eyes as my own fell down. He nced back at Leonard. ¡°Let¡¯s solve this another way father. Release her¡±


    ¡°You never learn¡± Leonard hissed. ¡°Maybe this might teach you¡± His finger went to the trigger and I felt everything slow down. Ian¡¯s eyes widened and he made a move to run towards me but I knew it¡¯d be toote. He can¡¯t reach me.


    I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for my impending death but instead I heard the sound of wood splinter and Leonard released his hold on me as he went toppling to the ground.


    I looked behind me to see what happened and then saw Alice standing behind me, holding a broken photo  the photo of her and Nathan¡¯s wedding, which she now used to hit Leonard in the head with.


    My eyes traveled to our surroundings and I noticed that we were near to her and Nathan¡¯s spot. Of course she would be here. She heard us. Relief flooded through me.


    I nced back at Leonard and saw him trying to get up but Ian pounced on him and started punching him. ¡°You mother fucker¡± He snarled, beating him till he bled. ¡°I will fucking kill you¡±


    I saw Leonard¡¯s fingers trying to reach the gun that fell down but Ian didn¡¯t see it. He was blinded with rage. Panic surged through me. I turned to Alice and she knelt down, loosening my hands.


    As she did it and I pulled away the gag. ¡°Alice call the police. Now!¡± She nodded and took her phone out.


    I turned back to Ian but it was toote. Leonard had already picked up the gun and he kicked Ian. Ian staggered back and Leonard rose to his feet.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this Ian¡± He raised his gun at him. ¡°You¡¯re my only heir¡± His finger went to the trigger again and blood pounded behind my eyes. ¡°But you need to know how to choose and when to choose. You need to know your priorities¡± Then he angled his gun towards me and pulled at the trigger but the only thing I saw was Ian jump before me as the gun was fired.


    A scream that would rip the world broke from my lips as Ian fell to his knees.


    Leonard stumbled back, the gun falling from his hand and shock taking over his features. I heard all sounds in the auction stop and footsteps rush to us but I didn¡¯t care. Nothing matters.


    I went to Ian and pulled him down to myp. ¡°No no no¡± I cried, pressing my hand on the wound in his stomach but blood spilled out, it kepting out. ¡°No no no this can¡¯t be happening¡± I shook my head, tears streaming down my eyes.


    ¡°Hailey¡± His voice was faint.


    ¡°No Ian don¡¯t speak. Don¡¯t. You will tire yourself. We have to stop the blood. I can- I can¡± I looked around but my eyes couldn¡¯t focus on anything as they kept welling up with tears. ¡°I have to stop it¡±


    A loud cry broke out from the crowd now gathered in the clearing and I knew it was Elisa, Ian¡¯s mother. But I didn¡¯t care. I have to do something. I need to do something. He¡¯s not going to die. He¡¯s not going to die. He won¡¯t die.


    I ripped my sleeves and pressed the cloth on his wound. ¡°You will not die. You will not die. You will not die¡± I kept chanting but my own tears betrayed me.


    A sad smile yed in his lips. ¡°Hailey I-¡± Blood gushed out of his mouth and he coughed.


    ¡°Shh Ian shh¡± My body trembled with sobs and I ran a hand through his hair. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna die on me Ian. You¡¯re not¡± My tears fell on to his chest. ¡°We¡¯re gonna have a happily ever after. I know it¡±


    He smiled faintly and his hand reached out, wiping the tears in my eyes. ¡°Then don¡¯t¡­cry¡±


    And that only made me cry more. Grief consumed me, ripped me from within. I felt myself being dragged into a darkness. A world without him. A world full of pain and agony. A world I don¡¯t want to live in. He¡¯s not gonna die. He¡¯s not gonna die. He¡¯s not gonna die.


    Ian¡¯s eyes slowly started fluttering close and panic surged through me. ¡°Ian don¡¯t¡± I cried. ¡°Please Ian don¡¯t. Look at me baby please look at me¡± I begged desperately.


    He slightly opened his eyes and I could see that action even pained him. A faint but pained smile tugged at his lips. He gently squeezed my hand. ¡°I love you Hailey¡± He whispered.


    ¡°No no no Ian stay with me¡± I sobbed my body shaking vigorously. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna die. I won¡¯t let you. You can¡¯t leave me Ian, you can¡¯t¡± I cried loudly but I felt his life slowly fading away as his grip on my hand loosened, his eyes closing. No no no.


    ¡°Ian, Ian¡± I called him desperately but he wasn¡¯t responding. ¡°Ian¡± I shook his shoulders but he wasn¡¯t waking up. ¡°No Ian no!¡±


    I wailed loudly, the forest shaking with my grief. All the memories we shared together, his smile, his loving eyes, his kind words everything started banging in my head as if saying a final goodbye. No no no. This can¡¯t be happening.


    I cried my heart out, the pain burning me.


    This can¡¯t be happening.


    He can¡¯t die.


    My heart ached, a wide hole opening in it. I felt empty. I felt void. I felt a sheer darkness engulf me and it frightened me. It felt as if a part of my heart was ripped apart. Every happiness I¡¯ve ever had, every glint joy and love I¡¯ve ever shared was taken away from me, torn from me, shredded from me and it hurt so much. It hurts so much that I wanted to die.


    Then  then I heard sirens in the distance.


    I felt cold hands on my shoulder. ¡°Hailey¡± Alice sobbed. ¡°He¡¯s going to be alright. Ian is going to be alright. An ambnce ising¡±


    ¡°A-ambnce?¡± My voice broke.


    ¡°Yes. Ian won¡¯t die¡±


    He won¡¯t die. He won¡¯t die. He won¡¯t die.


    I looked at Ian and his eyes were shut, his face paled. I slowly ced my ear on his chest and felt a faint heart beat.


    Relief flooded through me and I sobbed.


    He¡¯s going to be alright.

 52

    ¡°The chairman of ATC, Leonard Kingston¡¯s first trial will be held tomorrow on 8th of September one the charges of attempted murder of Hailey Evans and his own son Ian Kingston¡± The reporter continues. ¡°The police are also investigating the possibility of Nathan Kingston¡¯s death being a murder after the shocking video that was revealed recently and hence has ced Leonard Kingston as the prime suspect¡±


    The screen changes into a video of people gathered around the SBS headquarters, throwing rocks at it, demanding for an apology. ¡°The public are enraged at the SBS news channel for alternating the truth and creating a scandal that led to a misleading of the investigation of Nathan Kingston¡¯s death. Several police also faces charges for bribery and the director of SBS, Mark Wood faces charges for tampering with evidences. Today we have attorney Allison Evans here with us to talk about the case. She also happens to be a rtive of one of the victims-¡± I scowled and turned off the TV.


    ¡°What? Turn it on¡± Ian said from where he lies on the couch, his head on myp.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like her¡±


    ¡°So what? Turn it on¡±


    I frowned. ¡°What do you mean so what? I don¡¯t like her. End of conversation¡±


    ¡°Then switch it into another channel¡±


    I sighed and turned on the TV, switching it to another channel. In there also another one of my cousins, Josh Evans was talking with the reporter.


    I cursed and quickly turned it off.


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Your mom is leading the battalion, I presume¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Seems like it. She¡¯s dragging down Isaac too¡±


    ¡°Good. That fucker deserves it¡±


    ¡°Yep¡±


    I leaned back on the couch and ran a hand through Ian¡¯s hair, softly caressing it but my eyes darted to the bandage wrapped around his stomach underneath the shirt. My heart started aching again. Just today morning Ian was discharged from the hospital. He was supposed to be discharged earlier but I insisted he stay another week, in case something happened to him. And he didn¡¯t argue either because he knew how worried I was for him.


    That day in the forest, it still haunts me. It gives me nightmares and I had spent days crying in the hospital bathroom while we were there. But I hid it all from Ian. I had to be strong for him. I didn¡¯t show him my tears because I knew if I did, he¡¯d be worried about me.


    Just the mere thought of losing him, it wrecks me. That few seconds I thought he was gone I felt myself dragged into a darkness, a darkness that frightened me more than anything. And that darkness was a world without him, a life without him and I didn¡¯t want it.


    He was my everything and I couldn¡¯t even bear to see him slightly hurt and to see him almost dead, it tore me.


    Ian noticed my gaze and sighed. He slowly sat upright and looked at me.


    ¡°Hailey¡± He said softly. His hand reached out and wiped a tear on my cheek that I didn¡¯t know had fallen. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that you cried everyday while we were in the hospital?¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise and Ian stroked my cheek. ¡°I wanted to talk to you about it Hailey but you hid it from me for a reason. So I didn¡¯t press you¡±


    My throat bobbed and I looked down, unable to meet his gaze. But Ian tilted my head up and cupped my face with both of his hands. His eyes bore into mine, a saddened expression on his face. ¡°I¡¯m not gone Hailey, I¡¯m here with you¡±


    At those words a sob broke from my lips. ¡°But you almost did Ian¡± More tears fell down my eyes. ¡°You almost left me¡±


    His eyes softened and he kissed a tear on my cheek. ¡°But I didn¡¯t. That¡¯s what matter¡±


    He took my hand and ced it on his chest, making me feel his beating heart. ¡°I¡¯m here with you Hailey and I¡¯m not going anywhere. You won¡¯t lose me. And that happily ever after you talked about¡± He smiled faintly. ¡°We will have it¡±


    The corners of my mouth rose into a small smile and Ian beamed seeing it. He pressed a kiss to my lips. ¡°My only regret it not being able to fuck you with these goddamn bandages¡± He muttered and a softugh rumbled in my chest.


    I lightly smacked his shoulder. ¡°How dare you make a joke now?¡±


    Ian smirked. ¡°If that makes you stop crying I will do it again¡±


    I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck. ¡°Don¡¯t do it again Ian¡± My face turned serious. ¡°Take a bullet for me or anything that risks your life because of me. Don¡¯t do it¡±


    Ian sighed and pulled me into a hug, burying his face in my neck. ¡°If it saves you I would do it again Hailey. Without a hesitation. So don¡¯t tell me not to because there¡¯s nothing more dear to me than you¡± My eyes burned and he tightened his hold around me. ¡°I¡¯ll not live in a world without you Hailey¡±


    ¡°My thoughts exactly¡± I mumbled.


    I felt Ian smile against my neck. ¡°Then it¡¯s good that I beat you to it¡±


    My brows furrowed. ¡°Shut up¡±


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Just joking¡± He patted my back and we stayed like that for a moment, holding on to each other.


    ¡°Ian¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡±


    ¡°When I thought you die-¡± I swallowed the burn in my throat as I almost said the word. ¡°left I got a glimpse of Alice¡¯s life¡± I felt Ian tense against me. ¡°To be without Nathan¡± I shook my head. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine how strong she is¡±


    Ian stayed silent for a moment then slowly pulled back. He lowered his head, his throat bobbing with guilt. ¡°I was wrong. I was wrong in many things. If-if I had believed Alice, I would¡¯ve searched more about Nathan¡¯s death. But I didn¡¯t. I-¡± His voice broke. ¡°I abandoned him Hailey¡± He looked up at me, his eyes glinting with remorse and pain. ¡°I abandoned my own brother. If I had- if I had-¡±


    I ced a hand on his cheek. ¡°Shh. You had your own reasons¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not an excuse. In the end Nathan only had Alice. I wasn¡¯t there for him. And to think that our father did that to him-¡± He swallowed.


    His words brought me to another thought, the things chairman said to me that day. It felt as if he fit right in but at the same time not. Before I could ponder on the thought any longer the door bell rang.


    Ian made to stand up but I kept my hand on his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll get it¡±


    I moved to the door and opened it. On the other side stood Alice with a small smile on her lips. ¡°Hi¡±


    ¡°Alice¡± I was surprised. ¡°So good to see you. Come in¡± I moved so that she can walk in.


    Ian lowered his head in shame seeing her.


    Alice looked at me. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± She whispered.


    I smiled and whispered back. ¡°He¡¯s feeling guilty¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Her lips formed into an O.


    We both walked back to the couch and I sat next to Ian, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.


    Alice sat across from us. ¡°How are you doing Ian?¡±


    ¡°I-I-¡± Ian cleared his throat, still not looking at her. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡±


    ¡°Hope you recover soon¡±


    ¡°T-thank you¡±


    She smiled and turned to me. ¡°Do you remember my wedding photo?¡±


    ¡°The one you hit the chairman with?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± She nodded. ¡°It broke after I hit him with it and I went to a photo studio to frame it back but then I saw a letter inside it¡±


    Ian raised his head. ¡°A letter?¡±


    ¡°Yes there was a letter inside the frame¡± She took a paper out of her pocket and gave it to us. She smiled slowly. ¡°It¡¯s from Nathan¡±


    Our eyes widened and we exchanged a nce. Ian took the letter and I peered in to read it.


    Dear Alice,


    First of all I wish I didn¡¯t have to write a letter because there¡¯s nothing more I want than to tell you all these personally. But sadly our circumstances are different. Baby there are many things that I want to say to you but I will start by thanking you for believing me when no one else did. You don¡¯t know how much that means to me. When the video first came out I didn¡¯t care about what others thought, I was only worried about what you thought of me. And then to know that you still loved me and believed me, you don¡¯t know how happy I felt. It kept me going. You kept me going. I¡¯m forever thankful for that. You¡¯re the world to me Alice.


    I know I have a lot to make up for since there are so many things that I want to apologise you for but the main one is not being at the hospital after your ident. It pains me deeply not to be there. I had my own reasons which you¡¯ll soon learn but I¡¯m not using that as an excuse and I don¡¯t expect you to forgive me. But I just want to say I¡¯m sorry. I know Ian will hate me thinking I abandoned you but please try to understand him. Don¡¯t hate him for it. He worries about you and I¡¯m forever grateful for that because I know even if I won¡¯t be there for you, he will. Such a man he is, my brother.


    Lastly I want to say how blessed I¡¯m to have you. I¡¯ve always known you as my brother¡¯s best friend and when we were forced into a marriage I was worried that I might hurt you or make you sad. I attempted to keep away from you but you broke all my walls and made me fall in love with you. You made me the happiest man Alice. You¡¯re my everything. You¡¯re my better half and I¡¯ll always love you, to the moon and back.


    Your poetic husband,


    Nathan.


    By the time I finished reading the letter my eyes were clouded with tears. Alice and Nathan deserved to be happy. They deserve so much more but fate has a twisted sense of humour.


    Ian¡¯s fingers trembled and he squeezed his eyes shut, unable to control his emotions. ¡°I¡¯m-i¡¯m sorry Alice¡± His voice quievered. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡±


    Alice¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°It¡¯s alright Ian¡±


    Ian shook his head. ¡°No, it¡¯s not alright. I should have believed you. I should¡¯ve trusted my own brother. But instead I hated him¡±


    Alice ced a hand on Ian¡¯s. ¡°You didn¡¯t hate him Ian. Deep down you know it too. You loved him. I know who you truly hate. It¡¯s yourself isn¡¯t it?¡± Ian lowered his gaze, his lips quivering. ¡°You think all of this is your fault. You me yourself. But it¡¯s not true Ian. Because of you, Nathan and I got married and that¡¯s the best thing that ever happened to me. I found the person I love. I found my happiness. Even if it was¡­taken away from me-¡± She swallowed. ¡°Those days I spent with Nathan are the best days of my life and I wouldn¡¯t change it for the world. And I think you now understand me better, don¡¯t you?¡± Her eyes flicked over to me, a smile tugging in her lips.


    Ian nced at me with reddened eyes and swallowed. He slowly nodded.


    ¡°See, you made it happen Ian. So don¡¯t me yourself. And I¡¯m also sorry for treating you badly. I should¡¯ve tried to understand you. I hope we can forget all that and be friends again¡±


    Ian looked at her and smiled faintly. ¡°Thank you Alice¡±


    Her lips twitched up. ¡°You have nothing to thank me for Ian. So friends?¡±


    His smiled brightened. ¡°Of course¡±


    ¡°Good, though I like your fiance better. Sorry for favouritism¡± She joked and we bothughed.


    Everything will be well.


    ¡­


    Alice spent the day with us and left after having dinner. We went into our room as night fell and I made the bed.


    ¡°Tell me when you¡¯re going to take a wash. I¡¯ll prepare your bath¡±


    Ian kept his hands on his hips. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly capable of taking care of my own self¡±


    ¡°Sorry that¡¯s not going to happen for another month or so¡±


    Ian¡¯s lips tugged up. He came over to me and hugged me from the back, resting his chin on my shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m seriously fine¡±


    I sighed and looked at him. ¡°I know but let me take care of you. At least till I feel like you¡¯re seriously fine¡±


    ¡°And I guess that¡¯s not gonna be anytime soon¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡±


    Ian smiled and pressed a kissed to my neck, holding me tightly.


    ¡°Ian¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡±


    ¡°What was in your letter?¡± I spun around.


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°What letter?¡±


    ¡°The one inside your photo¡±


    His eyes widened. ¡°There was a letter inside the photo Nathan gave me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I found it the day Emma identally broke it¡­¡± Broke. Alice found hers after her photo was broken. Ian¡¯s wasn¡¯t broken till that day, so that means he had never¡­I looked up at him in surprise. ¡°You¡¯ve never seen it?¡±


    Ian shook his head.


    I inhaled sharply. ¡°I-I kept it in a drawer. Come¡± I jogged to the walk in closet and Ian followed me.


    I opened the same drawer I slipped the letter in and took it out.


    I gave it to Ian and he nervously opened the folded letter.


    I waited as he read it. His eyes ran over the letter and he staggered a step back, shock iming his features. His chest heaved up and down rapidly as if he was suddenly unable to breath.


    ¡°Ian, what is it?¡± I asked worried.


    ¡°W-was there a photo of Himyas in Nathan¡¯s studio?¡±


    My mind went back to that day at the studio with Alice and I remembered it being there, ced on a table. ¡°Yeah there was one. What of it?¡±


    Ian shook his head. ¡°We have to go and get it. We have to¡± He turned around to leave but I grabbed his arm.


    ¡°Ian, what is it?¡±


    His eyes brimmed with tears.


    ¡°It-it wasn¡¯t my father¡±


    His throat bobbed, swallowing the pain in his next words.


    ¡°It was my mother¡±

 53

    Dear brother,


    I know you hate me for how I was to Alice but it was never my intention to hurt her. In truth, I did all of this so that I can protect her. But I will not use that as an excuse. I¡¯m still to me for every tear she shed, for every pain I caused you. I¡¯m truly sorry Ian. I wish I could change everything but unfortunately that¡¯s not possible.


    I have a lot to exin so I¡¯ll start from the beginning. I know you hated mother for how she treated me since we were small. But it was much worse when you had closed your eyes for the night. She would beat me, whip me, burn me. She took out her frustration on me. Later I found out that I¡¯m not her child. I¡¯m father¡¯s mistress¡¯s son. I hid it from you because I didn¡¯t want anything to be different between us. You were the only person who was kind and loving to me in that family and I didn¡¯t want to lose you.


    My life was doomed the day I was born. And I knew it right away when the board members suggested that I take the next CEO position. I wanted to give it to you but you once told me you just needed to live a quiet life. And I couldn¡¯t take it away from you. So I epted the position but since that day I had only faced hardships. The business world questioned me, pointed fingers at me all because of the articles that spected about me. And I had a good idea who has done all that. Yet I didn¡¯t give up. So your mother, Elisa found another way to corner me. She forced me into a marriage but little did she know she gave me all the happiness in the world by doing that.


    Over time I fell in love with Alice and Elisa noticed it, knew she made a mistake. It was a few monthster that the CCTV footage was released. Lauren sent me a video saying she would sleep with our father so I went that day to stop her but she had already done it. So I took her away from the hotel before she could make more mistakes but I was foolish. I didn¡¯t know I walked right into a trap.


    I wanted to prove I wasn¡¯t a cheater but at the same time I didn¡¯t want to destroy Lauren¡¯s reputation. I¡¯m not that kind of a person. So I went back to the hotel to get any evidence that could prove I went to the hotel alone and came out in just a few minutes but nothing was there. Everything was erased. I was cornered, I was hated. Weekster Alice got into an ident. I was drowned with grief but I had a feeling it wasn¡¯t just an ident. So I went hunting for the truth before anything could get erased, before anyone could be bought. That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯te to the hospital.


    And then I found out everything was done by Elisa and the SBS director Mark. Mark gained all the dirty secrets of other businessmen through her. She made him rich and he supported her in everything. Through SBS she cleared a path for you to be the CEO. She destroyed our rivals for you. But I didn¡¯t know she was capable of killing, hurting an innocent like Alice to destroy me and that was my biggest mistake. I underestimated her.


    Thereafter I isted myself in the studio fearing if I didn¡¯t, Alice would get hurt again. The evidence I found after the ident was all erased the next day, like I predicted, everyone witness was bought. I had no proof against Elisa. But one night Lauren called me, drunk. She confessed that she was told to sleep with our father by Elisa. Elisa had promised her that she would get me back if she did that. The next day I went to meet Lauren in a restaurant to ask her to help me but she refused. It was the time that the paparazzi captured our next photos. I thought I was being careful but Lauren had already told SBS I would be there. I was shackled yet again.


    I had no proof and I knew if I didn¡¯t do anything Elisa would hurt the person I love the most. Even if I resign from the postion she would hunt me down because in her mind I¡¯m always the barrier for your sess. I can¡¯t have her hurt Alice so I set a trap myself that risks my life. And if you receive this letter that means I was sessful.


    I¡¯m sorry brother for leaving you. But if my death protects Alice then it is worth it. Take care of her and yourself. Find a person you love and trust me, there¡¯s nothing more better than that.


    I love you brother.


    You¡¯ll find all the evidence you need in the photo of Himyas.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Yours sincerely,


    Nathan.


    ¡­


    Day of Nathan¡¯s death.


    Nathan sat on a stool in his studio and clutched his phone in his hand, his heart pounding in his chest. He nced at the clock in the wall, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead.


    He closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, thinking of all the good memories he shared with his wife. It was all for her, he chanted in his head. He would do anything for her.


    He has sent a message to Mark asking him to be here. He had called him and said that he had something to reveal about his family. He had done it purposely, to protect Alice from those who¡¯s trying to hurt her. He would take them down for her.


    He heard the door open and his mouth went dry. The fear he had was not for himself but for the idea of leaving Alice. It pained him. But it would protect her. He repeated.


    He straightened up as footsteps approached him. He heard more than one pair and knew exactly for whom the other pair belonged to, even without seeing that person.


    Mark appeared first, a sly smile ying on his mouth. ¡°You told me you had to say something¡±


    Nathan nodded and stood up. ¡°I did¡±


    ¡°What do you want to talk to me about?¡±


    Elisa appeared behind him and his eyes darkened at the sight of her. A woman who tried to kill his wife, that¡¯s all he saw. His eyes flicked back to Mark. ¡°What do you think?¡± He retorted.


    Mark¡¯s lips twisted into a smirk. ¡°And you think I would help you?¡±


    ¡°I expected better from you¡±


    Elisa scoffed. Mark smiled maliciously. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a dog who bite the hand that feeds me?¡±


    Nathan smirked. ¡°At least you epted that you¡¯re a dog¡±


    Mark¡¯s jaw clenched and he moved to attack Nathan but Elisa grabbed his arm. ¡°Stop¡± Fire zed in her eyes. ¡°We didn¡¯te here to fight like some rogues. Get a hold of yourself¡±


    Mark reluctantly backed down and Elisa¡¯s gaze slid to Nathan. ¡°Foolish boy¡± She took steps forward till she stood in front of him. He hated her. He hated her eyes more, which resembled that of his brother. They were nothing alike apart from their features. She was a cruel woman while Ian was a kind man.


    Elisa cocked her head to the side, observing him. ¡°You look more like him than your whore of a mother¡± She tsked. ¡°Pity she drowned in ourke¡±


    Nathan¡¯s eyes widened in horror and Elisa chuckled. ¡°Oh my, don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t find it out when you went asking around after Alice¡¯s ident¡± Sheughed and shook her head. ¡°Shame I told them to tell you that too¡±


    Nathan¡¯s forehead creased and then he staggered back as realisation dawned upon him. ¡°Y-you set them up? The witnesses? You told them to tell me the truth?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Do you think I¡¯m foolish enough to leave evidences? You did exactly what I wanted. After hearing the truth you isted yourself from everyone¡± A smirk twisted in her lips. ¡°Just like how a suicidal person would do¡± She took another step closer and leaned into his ear. ¡°Now no one would suspect even if you die¡±


    Nathan swallowed as truth hit him hard. He fell right into their trap, more than he thought but¡­ they also didn¡¯t know he was one step ahead of them. His gaze slid to the photo of Himyas. For my Alice. He repeated.


    Elisa stepped back and looked up at him, her jaw clenching in fury. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have been born¡± She spat angrily. ¡°You¡¯re a bastard yet you stole every spotlight from my boy. If it wasn¡¯t for you my Ian would¡¯ve already be the CEO. If it wasn¡¯t for you he would¡¯ve already gained everything. But instead he became a shadow of you. He became a second choice because of you!¡± She snarled.


    Nathan¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears and he nced at her. ¡°Do you even know what he wants? Do you even care what he wants?¡±


    A muscle twitched in her jaw and she hissed. ¡°Do not dare teach me about my son. He is the legitimate heir and I know what he wants. I¡¯m his mother¡±


    Nathan snorted. ¡°He hardly considers you one¡±


    Elisa¡¯s eyes turned into slits and she grabbed a gun from Mark¡¯s pouch and pointed it at him. ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± She screamed, rage swirling in her eyes. ¡°You bastard. How dare a whore¡¯s son try to mock me?¡± Her finger went to the trigger. ¡°I¡¯m gonna fucking kill you¡±


    Nathan chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re gonna destroy your n like that? Didn¡¯t youe here to make it look like a suicide?¡± He pointed to the gun at his forehead. ¡°You¡¯re not doing a very good job¡±


    Mark ced her hand on Elisa¡¯s elbow. ¡°He¡¯s right. Everything would go to waste if you act on impulse¡±


    Elisa¡¯s jaw clenched and she backed away. ¡°Do you think I won¡¯t kill you? Is that why you¡¯re trying to act fearless?¡± Elisa asked in a mocking manner.


    Nathan scoffed. ¡°Oh I have no doubt about that. But-¡± He cocked his head to the side. ¡°Don¡¯t you need a suicide letter toplete your n?¡±


    She red at him but then a twinge of surprise crossed her eyes. Sheughed sinisterly. ¡°And you¡¯ll willingly write it?¡±


    ¡°Under one condition¡±


    ¡°And what would that be?¡±


    His face turned serious, his eyes pleading. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt Alice¡± He swallowed. ¡°Please¡±


    Elisa smirked. ¡°And what makes you think I would keep that promise?¡±


    ¡°Someone like Ian is born out of you. That means you must have at least bit of humanity and Alice is no use to you after I¡¯m gone¡± A tear fell down on his eye and he inhaled sharply. ¡°So please¡± He knelt down to his knees and looked up at her. ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt her. I b-beg you¡± His voice broke.


    Elisa¡¯s eyes glinted with joy as she watched his misery. ¡°Fine I won¡¯t hurt her. That¡¯s a promise. Now¡± She pointed with her gun to a stack of papers lying on a low table. ¡°Begin writing. Write that you cheated on your wife and died out of misery after your mistress was taken away from you. Write that you hated your wife and that she made your life miserable to the point you loathed your life¡±


    Nathan hesitated and looked up at her. A smirk twisted in her lips and she leaned down to his height. ¡°Why? Did you think you I would grant you a promise without consequences? With this your wife will hate you. With this your brother will hate you more¡± She chuckled and stood straight. ¡°Do it¡±


    Nathan squeezed his eye shut and braced himself. He would do this, for Alice, for her safety. When Elisa and Mark are gone, Alice will be safe forever.


    With trembling hands he wrote the letter, wishing Alice wouldn¡¯t believe it. He couldn¡¯t fathom the idea of bringing more tears to her eyes. But he had to do it, so that she may live. He folded the letter and ced it on the table.


    Without looking at Elisa he said, ¡°Do it¡±


    Elisa moved to his side, pointing the gun at his head above his ear. His gaze once more slid to the Himyas, Ian would know. He thought.


    ¡°Anyst words?¡± She asked mockingly.


    Fearlessly he nced up at her and smiled. ¡°Ian will be ashamed to have a mother like you¡±


    That was all Elisa needed. Rage stormed through her and she pulled the trigger. Blood sttered on to a skirt and she backed away as Nathan¡¯s body fell to the ground, blood pooling around him.


    She cursed seeing her dirtied dress and gave the gun to Mark. ¡°Do your job¡± She ordered.


    Mark wiped her fingerprints off the gun and knelt down brushing Nathan¡¯s fingers over the gun. Then he kept the gun down on the blood coated floor and stood up.


    Without any remorse or a nce at the life she just took away Elisa walked over to the door and looked at the clock. ¡°We need to go. Leonard will be hear soon¡±


    Mark turned to her. ¡°Why did you ask me to tell Leonard that Nathan contacted me?¡±


    Elisa gave him a side smile. ¡°To put a leash on Leonard¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Leonard started all this¡± She gritted her teeth in anger. ¡°He went fucking women to women. He¡¯s foolish more than anyone. But-¡± She turned to Mark and gave him a coy smile ¡°We can use that foolishness to our benefit. Or might I say, your benefit¡±


    Mark¡¯s brows creased in confusion and Elisa continued, her eyes gleaming with triumph. ¡°Leonard wille here to threaten Nathan not to publish a news about Lauren and him. But seeing his son¡¯s dead body he will no doubt just take Nathan¡¯s phone that contain the evidence and run away like the fool he is¡± She snorted. ¡°After all, the only thing he cares about is his position. Take a video of him leaving the studio and use it to ckmail him. Show that he¡¯s not powerful as he think he is. Control him through it and use it whenever he thinks to cause problems to Ian. And when we don¡¯t need him-¡± She smiled maliciously. ¡°Take him out and make my son the Chairman¡±


    With that she left the studio.


    But little did she know that all her crimes were being watched by a small camera hidden in the mountains of Himyas recording the day¡¯s events.

 54

    I sat on a wooden bench in the beach, my feet digging into the bronze sand and my hair blowing to the breeze humming past my ear. Moonlight twinkled on the rolling waves, the stars above aglow.


    I closed my eyes and inhaled the salty air, the rustling of palm leaves nearby a luby. It has been a few months since Elisa was arrested but the inte was still flooding with the case.


    Elisa was a monster. She had used SBS from the beginning to clear a path for Ian. She corned Nathan and killed him for Ian. She ckmailed the chairman using the SBS director for Ian. She did everything for her son but never cared about what her son truly wanted. She imed she did everything for love but no, it wasn¡¯t love. It was obsession.


    She was obsessed with his session but truly she only wanted to take control of every aspect of his life, even his marital life, first by bringing Melissa and then by using Isaac to frame me. Who knows how I would¡¯ve ended up if she still walked free?


    It was all thanks to Nathan¡¯s clever mind that such a monster and her aplice was put behind bars. He was a true hero, to sacrifice his life so that his loved ones may live. But my heart still aches for him and Alice. To do everything for love but end up losing each other, I can¡¯t even bear that thought.


    Leonard¡¯s trials were still on going. He¡¯s trying to slip through but considering the direction where the trials were headed to, it wouldn¡¯t be possible.


    After we found that video all doubts I had was cleared. That day when Leonard tried to kill me many things he said made me doubt him. He only talked about being removed from the chairman position. It was the only thing he was afraid of and not of jail time like I expected him to be after suspecting he killed Nathan. And now I understand why but he ruined it all by trying to kill me. That day he told me Nathan wasn¡¯t privileged like Ian and that was why he was dead. He knew his wife had done something to his son yet he kept quiet for the sake of his position. But after seeing the video of Elisa ordering Mark to take him out too, he spilled everything of their past, of the abuse Nathan suffered behind closed doors and Ian sobbed in my shoulder for hours after that trial. It was truly heartbreaking.


    The trials were a blow to Ian. It truly broke him so we stopped going after the first few and it took a great amount of convincing from both me and Alice to stop him from ming himself.


    He was well now but the scars still remain and I knew they would remain forever but at least the monsters are where they are supposed to be. Rotting in prison and they won¡¯t be back to hurt or control anyone ever again. That thought made me sag my shoulders in relief.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    I opened my eyes and Ian appeared before me in his blue linen shirt and white pants which he willingly wore but still continued toin why clothes of such colours exist.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about your blue eyes¡±


    His lips twitched up and he cocked a brow. ¡°You still want to steal my eyes sweetheart?¡±


    I nodded.


    Ian bit his lip to hide his grin and he kept one hand on the bench beside my head and leaned down. ¡°Shame you can¡¯t have them but-¡± He ced his other hand on my lower stomach. ¡°The ones who will be here in the future will have them¡±


    I gasped but couldn¡¯t help theugh itching toe up my throat. I swatted his hand. ¡°Go away, shoo¡± Ian smiled and straightened up.


    He held out his hand. ¡°Come with me¡±


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡±


    I groaned. ¡°Not this again¡±


    I ced my hand on his and he pulled me up. We walked along the beach for sometime and he brought me to a secluded area, away from all the noise. ¡°Why are we here-¡± The question died in my throat as I saw a dinner setup, a four post wooden tent draped with silk, pping against the wind. And inside, a small table with two chairs and surrounding the tent were small lights ced in a heart shape.


    ¡°We came for dinner¡±


    A wide grin rose in my lips and I nced at Ian. ¡°Romantic¡±


    He smirked. ¡°Indeed¡± He tugged at my hand. ¡°Come. Let¡¯s go¡±


    We walked over to it and sat down on the chairs. Ian poured wine for both of us. I swirled the ss and took a sip from it, my eyes wandering over the tent. ¡°It¡¯s lovely¡±


    Ian looked at me from behind his ss and I could see a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He set the ss down and licked the wine from his lips. ¡°So are you¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Flirty Kingston¡± He winked at that.


    I took another sip and stared at the vast sea glistening under the moonlight. The soft waves rolling were a sound of hush whispers as if the night itself has sang the sea into a deep sleep. The twinkle on the blue waters was like a duvet that covered the raging sea beneath, bringing about calm and peace.


    I felt Ian¡¯s eyes on me and I turned to him.


    ¡°Why are you staring at me?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I stare?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s creepy¡± I teased.


    Ian scoffed. ¡°How is it creepy to stare at your fiance?¡±


    ¡°It is when you stare with your lovey dovey eyes¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because I am in love¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Just joking. Calm down home boy¡±


    He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that¡±


    I grinned. ¡°Okay asshole¡±


    A softugh vibrated in his chest and he shook his head in dismay. ¡°Let¡¯s eat now. I have another surprise for you¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called surprise for a reason right?¡±


    I huffed. ¡°Fine¡±


    Ian cut my chicken for me and I sneaked a nce at him while he did so. His soft hair ruffled to the wind, small strands falling on to his eyes. The top buttons of his light blue shirt was undone and I could slightly see his firm chest underneath. He was the most handsome man I¡¯ve ever met and he was all mine. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the thought.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re staring at me¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    Ian raised a brow. ¡°You were staring at me¡±


    ¡°I¡­I wasn¡¯t¡±


    ¡°You were¡± He smirked. ¡°with your lovey dovey eyes¡±


    I frowned. ¡°They were not lovey dovey eyes. They were ring eyes¡±


    ¡°Oh so you were ring at me?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Mmm, seems so¡±


    Ian leaned forward, a teasing smile ying on his lips. ¡°And what did I do to anger my sweetheart?¡±


    My brows furrowed as I wrecked my brain for a lie. ¡°Umm uhh I-I was thinking about the day you fired me¡± I nodded happily for finding a good one. ¡°It was very unfair¡±


    The corners of his mouth rose and he leaned back. ¡°It wasn¡¯t unfair¡±


    ¡°It was unfair. You fired me for no reason¡±


    ¡°There was a reason¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Please do tell me what that is¡±


    ¡°You disturbed my thoughts¡±


    I frowned in confusion. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That day when I came to the meeting I was summarizing what to discuss in my head but your hup disturbed me¡±


    I gaped. ¡°That was the reason?¡±


    ¡°Yep¡±


    ¡°So you took away my livelihood because I disturbed your freaking thoughts?¡±


    ¡°Well I technically didn¡¯t take away your livelihood but yes, it disturbed me¡±


    My nostrils red in red hot anger and I stabbed the chicken with my knife. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill you today¡±


    Ian let out a softugh. ¡°Please go ahead. Then you will be the only one left to pay for the dinner¡± A smirk twisted in his lips. ¡°And might I add, a very expensive dinner¡±


    I gritted my teeth and shot daggers at him through my eyes.


    Ian chuckled. ¡°Tell me, why did you hup out of nowhere that day? You were fine before I came in¡±


    My cheeks reddened as I remembered the reason for my hup. No way I¡¯m going to tell him that. He already has too much of a big head. Don¡¯t need to add more.


    ¡°You¡¯re blushing. Now I¡¯m more than just curious. Tell me¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Tell me¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll be banned from riding in my helicopters for the rest of your life¡±


    I gaped at him. ¡°My gosh! You¡¯re impossible¡±


    He smirked. ¡°Just tell me¡±


    I scowled ¡°Fine¡± I muttered and took a deep breath, bracing myself. ¡°That day at the meeting was the first time I saw you up close. And I found you handsome. Too handsome¡± I added reluctantly. ¡°So my body decided to give a hup¡±


    A grin curled in his lips. ¡°That¡¯s why you huped? Because you thought I was handsome?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that¡± I mumbled, averting my gaze from his.


    ¡°Oh that is what you said. You should¡¯ve told me that earlier. I wouldn¡¯t have fired you¡±


    I shot him a re. ¡°Shut up or I might really kill you¡±


    Ian smirked and I muttered a curse that made Ian throw his head back andugh.


    After we had our dinner Ian held my hand and led me further away, soft waves washing over our feet as we walked in silence. He came to a halt and turned to me.


    I raised a brow. ¡°What?¡±


    Ian smiled and raised my hand. His fingertips brushed over my ring. ¡°I told you earlier that I don¡¯t like this ring because I forced it on you¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Yeah what about it?¡±


    Without answering me he gently removed my ring.


    I looked up at him. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Throwing it away¡±


    Then before I could even begin to protest he threw the precious ring to the sea. I watched it sink with my mouth hanging wide open in shock.


    ¡°Oh my God, what did you do?¡±


    ¡°I told you I don¡¯t like it¡±


    ¡°But you could¡¯ve given it to me without throwing it away¡±


    ¡°What would you have done with it?¡±


    ¡°Pawn it of course¡± I sniffled.


    Ian rolled his eyes and booped my nose. ¡°Money money money. Anything else you care about?¡±


    The corners of my mouth rose at that and I looked up at him. ¡°You¡±


    Heughed softly and pulled me to him. ¡°That was smooth sweetheart¡± He purred and leaned down, pressing his lips on mine. Ian kissed me softly and pulled back, smiling.


    He gave a squeeze to my hands before releasing them and took something out of his pocket. Something that looked like a remote.


    ¡°What is it?¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Without answering Ian pressed the button.


    Suddenly the entire beach started lighting up with cylindricalmps scattered all over the ground, brightening the bronze sand in a golden glow. Themps spread as far as my eyes sight could go and every palm tree of the beach lit up with string lights draped around them. I heard gasps from people far away and I found my ownself gasping.


    There were rose petals all around us, scattered on the beach floor like a hue of scarlet, glowing with the light of themps.


    ¡°Ian this is beauti-¡± I turned to him but my breath caught in my throat as he knelt down on one knee.


    Ian smiled and opened a small box in his hand. Sitting inside was a beautiful diamond ring. My eyes started brimming with tears realising what he was about to do.


    ¡°Hailey Evans¡± He smiled softly. ¡°I know we started our rtionship by skipping a chapter but looking back, every moment we shared, starting from our bickering and then to falling in love, I cherish every part of it. You were my first in everything and I¡¯m so d I waited for you. It¡¯s like a part of me always knew that it would be you. You have been the reason I smile and you have been the reason I feel alive. You will always be the best part of my day and words are not enough to express how I feel for you. I wish I could rip the whole goddamn dictionary and show it to you¡± Iughed through my tear filled eyes and he grinned. ¡°But still not enough. You taught me how to love with passion, purity and unconditional eptance. I¡¯m not sure a lifetime is long enough to return all you have given me but I would love to spend the rest of my days by your side, oveing all the hurdles of life together. You¡¯re the best thing that happened to me and I can¡¯t thank enough for that. So Hailey Evans¡± His own his eyes welled up and heughed softly. ¡°Will you marry me?¡±


    Tears streamed down my cheeks and I nodded happily. ¡°Yes Ian yes¡±


    His whole face lit up like a Christmas tree and heunched to his feet, covering my mouth with his. His lips moved against mine in a heart clenching passion and I found myself falling in love with him all over again.


    Ian pulled back and smiled brightly. He took my hand in his and put the ring on my finger. ¡°We¡¯re getting married¡± He said excitedly.


    I wiped my tears. ¡°Yes we are¡±


    ¡°You think your mom will like me?¡±


    ¡°Not sure about that¡±


    ¡°What should I do to make her happy?¡±


    ¡°Be the chief of justice¡±


    We both burst outughing and Ian pulled me to him, pressing a kiss to my forehead. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get married Hailey¡± He murmured.


    I smiled up at him. ¡°So am I¡±


    Ian grinned and then unexpectedly he scooped me up in his arms. I gasped.


    He began walking and I looked up at him. ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    He smirked down at me. ¡°To make love sweetheart¡±


    I chuckled and shook my head in dismay. ¡°Stupid Kingston¡±


    He winked. ¡°Your stupid Kingston¡±

 55

    I was standing in front of the mirror in my wedding dress with my mom pping excitedly beside me and my dad crying in the corner.


    ¡°You look beautiful darling¡± Mom squealed.


    I smiled. ¡°Thank you mom¡± My phone on the table beside me dinged with a message and I reached out to take it knowing it was Ian but my mom beat me to it.


    ¡°No talking to him till you walk down the aisle¡±


    I gasped. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I say so¡± She ced my phone far away from me and took her own phone out. ¡°Now say cheese¡± She grinned.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Mom there are plenty of photographers downstairs¡±


    ¡°Who cares about them? Now say cheese¡±


    I heaved a sigh and posed for the photo, or photos considering she took several hundreds. Hurried footsteps came up the stairs and the door to the room flew open, revealing a panting Lexi and Brian.


    Lexi gave an ear piercing scream. ¡°Ahh you look gorgeous babe!¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Thanks. Is everyone there?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You just need to make the grand appearance now¡±


    Mom sighed. ¡°Before that this man needs to clean himself up¡± She said motioning to my dad, who was still sobbing, his cheeks red and eyes puffed.


    My lips tugged up and I walked over to him. ¡°Dad¡±


    He sniffled. ¡°I know I know darling¡± He took several wet tissues out and wiped his face with it. He looked at me and his lips trembled. ¡°It¡¯s just I got so emotional seeing you in this beautiful dress Hailey. You¡¯re so beautiful¡± He sobbed again.


    I pouted and embraced him in a warm hug. ¡°Thanks dad¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you Hailey. Ian is a very lucky man to have you¡± He pulled back and slowly smiled at me, wiping his tears. ¡°Now we should go. He must be waiting for you¡±


    Brian gave me my bouquet with a huge grin on his face. ¡°You look sexy Hailey¡±


    Lexi smacked him. ¡°You don¡¯t say sexy to a bride. You say beautiful or pretty¡±


    Brian rolled his eyes. ¡°Whatever. All I know is that I won¡¯t be using any of those words in your wedding¡±


    Lexi gasped and I choked withughter.


    ¡°You little shit-¡±


    Before she could finish my mom grabbed both their arms. ¡°Children, we should go now and take a seat before the bridees¡± Then she forcefully dragged them out of the room to the garden reception downstairs.


    Dad came over to me and I smiled, taking his arm. We descended down the stairs and he came to halt in front of therge mahogany doors which I knew would straight away open to the aisle.


    He looked at me. ¡°You ready?¡±


    I took a deep breath and nodded. ¡°Yes¡±


    Two valets opened the doors and music started ying. I took small steps forward, holding on to my dad¡¯s arm tightly, feeling anxious.


    The aisle was decorated with white rose petals, the trees conopying above full of simr colour flowers hanging down like ropes. On either side were wooden benches full of familiar faces, family and friends. Despite knowing most of them the crowd still overwhelmed me. My heart started pounding in my chest and I took another deep breath, trying to calm myself. Slowly I wrenched my gaze away from them and looked straight ahead. My breath caught in my throat. All nervousness fled me as I saw the man standing at the end of the aisle, smiling at me. The man who would soon be my husband, Ian.


    His face brightened as our eyes met. I could see his lips trembling as he tried hard to control his emotions, his throat bobbing. I slowly smiled at him and that was all he needed to break down. His eyes brimmed with tears and they began falling down his cheeks. My own eyes welled up seeing it. Ian chuckled softly and wiped away his tears with the back of his hand. He straightened up and watched me with a small smile on his lips, blinking back his tears.


    He took a step forward as we reached him and my father gently ced my hand on his. Ian held it tightly and helped me up the stairs.


    Ian smiled through teary eyes, holding both my hands as we faced each other. ¡°You lool beautiful sweetheart¡± He murmured. ¡°So beautiful¡±


    I smiled and gave a gentle squeeze to his hands as a gesture of thank you.


    ¡°Dear beloved and honoured guests¡± The wedding officiant started. ¡°We¡¯re gathered here today to join Ian and Hailey in the union of marriage. Their formalmitment to each other¡­¡¯


    His words faded as I stared at those deep blue eyes I loved so much. They were filled with so many emotions, joy, happiness, bliss, love and many more much mirroring mine. Looking at them I was reminded of the first day we met and the days we spent together thereafter. It was amazing to think how a simple hup and a disastrous kiss turned into a holy matrimony. How such simple events made me find my one true love, my better half. Be it destiny or fate I was forever thankful for giving me such a perfect man. He was my everything.


    Ian brushed his fingers across mine, pulling me out of my daze. He gave me a wink and I had a hard time containing my grin.


    ¡°Ian Kingston¡± The officiant looked at Ian. ¡°Do you take Hailey Evans to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her,fort her, honour and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?


    Ian smiled brightly. ¡°I do¡±


    Warmth spread through me and I felt my chest tighten at those words in his lips.


    The officiant nced at me. ¡°Hailey Evans, do you take Ian Kingston to be your wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him,fort him, honour and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all other, be faithful only to him, for as long as you both shall live?¡±


    The corners of my mouth rose. ¡°I do¡±


    Ian¡¯s whole face lit up with joy and he squeezed my hands unable to contain his happiness. My own face brightened at his reaction. He was so sweet.


    We exchanged our rings, two beautiful gold wedding bands and I felt butterflies flutter in my stomach knowing what was after. A kiss to seal our marriage. I saw excitement in Ian¡¯s eyes and I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you as husband and wife¡± The officiant smiled at Ian. ¡°You may kiss the bride¡±


    Ian took now time idling by. He grinned in joy and pulled me against him, capturing my lips in a fervent kiss. I heard the crowd cheer and p and I kissed him back with equal passion, sealing our matrimony.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡­


    The night has fallen and every tree and bush surrounding the reception was lit with fairytale lights spiraled around them. Hanging from the branches werenterns with different patterns in it and four post tents were set up, candle lights lighting up the rose decorated tables inside where the guests were crowded at.


    I dragged Ian away from them, rubbing my cheeks. ¡°My God, my cheeks hurt from smiling too much. Those people won¡¯t stop talking. They won¡¯t even let us go-¡±


    I was cut off as Ian suddenly wrapped his arms around me from behind. ¡°Wife¡± He murmured in his husky voice.


    A smirk rose in my lips and I spun around. ¡°Husband¡±


    Ian closed his eyes and inhaled sharply enjoying the word in my lips. ¡°I like that. I like that very much¡± He opened his eyes and looked at me. ¡°You know, we should¡¯ve started off by marriage. This feels more hot and possessive¡±


    I snorted. ¡°That would¡¯ve cost you, you know. I wouldn¡¯t have settled for free service like I did with the fiance thing¡±


    He raised a brow. ¡°What free service? I offered you money and you are the one who said no¡±


    My jaw fell open. ¡°Excuse me? Are you having a temporary memory loss? Should we go see a doctor?¡±


    Ian chuckled and pecked my lips. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for doctors sweetheart. I¡¯m excited for tonight¡± He purred.


    I bit the inside of my cheek to hide my smile. ¡°Oh please nothing will happen tonight because you¡¯ll fall asleep while trying to remove these pins in my hair¡± I said pointing to my head.


    Ian looked at the pins and smirked. ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll remove them while having you bent over a table¡±


    I gaped and pushed him away. ¡°Omg go away¡±


    Ian chuckled and grabbed my waist, pulling me back to him. His hand reached out and he gently trailed his fingers along my cheek in a slow caress. ¡°I feel so happy Hailey. So happy to have met you. I feel like I¡¯m the luckiest man on earth to have married you. Sometimes I wonder if everything is just a dream because I still can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re truly mine. Thinking back to my life before I met you-¡± His throat bobbed and he shook his head. ¡°I wonder how I lived all those years. So dull and boring. You brought colour into my life. You brought happiness into my life. Without you Hailey-¡± A sad smile yed in his lips. ¡°I¡¯m nothing¡± My eyes burned and I ced my hand on his cheek.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that Ian¡±


    Ian smiled softly. ¡°But it¡¯s true¡± He ced his hand over mine and gently stroked my fingers. ¡°You are the world to me Hailey, youplete me, you make me feel more alive and I c-can¡¯t imagine a life without you¡± His voice quievered. ¡°You¡¯re my everything sweetheart¡±


    A tear escaped my eyes and I squeezed them shut. Ian kissed that tear and leaned his forehead on mine. ¡°I love you Hailey¡±


    My lips trembled, a sob threatening to escape. How did I get him? How did I get a perfect man like him? Every day I think I can¡¯t love him more but every day I end up loving him a little more than the day before.


    I heard Ian sniffle and he pulled me closer to him. ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was possible to cry on a happy day like this¡± He grumbled.


    That brought a smile to my lips. I pulled back and looked up at him. ¡°Says the big boy who cried while I walked down the aisle¡±


    Ian gasped dramatically. ¡°Can you really me me? Your father was looking drop dead gorgeous¡±


    I burst outughting and Ianughed along with me. Guests turned in our direction to see if we had gone mad but we truly couldn¡¯t stop ourselves until we were both breathless. I sighed loudly and leaned my head against his chest.


    Ian pressed a kiss to my head and hugged me, trailing his fingers up my back. I let out another sigh in content. It felt so good to be in his arms.


    We heard music y in the dance floor and Ian slowly pulled back.


    ¡°Mrs. Kingston. I think we have to do the first dance¡± He held out his hand. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    I blushed realising what he just called me and Ian noticed it. A smug look appeared on his face. I ced my hand on his and Ian dragged me to the dance floor at the center of the reception, lit with string lights hanging above it in rows.


    Katy Perry¡¯s song unconditionally began ying and I beamed. I kept one hand on his shoulder and the other entwined with his. The crowd gathered around us and cheered us as we started dancing, moving to the rhythm, bright smiles on our lips as we both stared at each other, our eyes gleaming with love for one another.


    Ian spun me around and pulled me back, bending down to ce a teasing kiss on my lips. I chuckled. Moments like these swooned me, swept me off my feet, made my heart skip a beat. There was nothing more happier than to be with him.


    He was mine and I was his.


    As the second song started other people joined in. Over Ian¡¯s shoulder I spotted Audrey and Brian dancing happily while our VP, who got her position back stood with rest of the marketing department, glowering at the couple.


    Next to them I saw Daniel and Lexi dancing. My eyes widened in shock. Lexi whispered something to his ear and Daniel threw his head backughing. Omg.


    ¡°What?¡± Ian followed my gaze and he gasped. ¡°Is that Danielughing?¡± He asked incredulously. ¡°Oh my God, I think I¡¯m traumatised¡±


    I smacked his shoulder. ¡°Be nice. My ships are finally sailing¡±


    ¡°What ships?¡±


    ¡°Those two ships¡± I motioned my head toward the two couples.


    But Ian looked around, frowning. ¡°There¡¯s no water here to sail ships¡±


    I scoffed in disbelief.


    Ian frowned at me. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, you¡¯re just stupid¡±


    Ian¡¯s lips formed into a pout and I chuckled softly. I moved closer to him and kissed his pout. ¡°I love you¡± I murmured softly.


    Ian beamed and he gave a peck to my lips. ¡°I love you too Hailey¡±


    My lips tugged up and I buried my face in his neck. We slowly swayed to the music, holding on to each other, his arms around my waist and and mine around his neck. ¡°You¡¯re the best thing that happened to me Ian¡±


    ¡°I am?¡± He asked so adorably.


    I smiled against his neck. ¡°Mmm you are¡±


    Ian slowly pulled back and looked at me in adoration. He pecked my lips and held my hand. ¡°Come, I have something to give you¡±


    Before I could even ask what it was, he was dragging me across the reception. He brought me to a small path between hedges and we walked through it, smallnterns lining up the path.


    At the end of it was a white coated wooden gazebo decorated with colourful flowers spiraling up the posts like small vines. A row of small lights hanged around the roof, bringing shine to the flowers inside. We climbed up the small steps and I looked around.


    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡±


    ¡°To give your wedding gift¡±


    I raised a brow at him. ¡°Wedding gift?


    He nodded.


    ¡°What gift¡­¡± I trailed off and a teasing grin curled in my lips. ¡°Ooh so you¡¯re finally giving me a helicopter¡± I batted my eyeshes. ¡°How sweet¡±


    Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not giving you a helicopter¡±


    I huffed. ¡°How sad¡± I grumbled.


    His lips tugged up. He took a step forward and pressed a kiss to my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m not giving you a helicopter because I want you to buy one yourself¡±


    I wrinkled my nose. ¡°How am I supposed to do that?¡±


    Ian pulled back and opened his coat, taking a slip of paper out of it. He gave it to me and I squinted my eyes to get a closer look at it.


    Surprisingly, it was a cheque.


    ¡°You want me to buy a helicopter with this?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s for your dream¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I looked up at him.


    Ian smiled and cupped my face in his hands. ¡°Go big Hailey¡±

 56 茅PILOGUE ?

    8 yearster


    ¡°Today we wee to our show Hailey Kingston, the CEO of Globen Corporation which is the leading global marketing and advertisingpany providing the best talent, creativity and digital innovation¡±


    The crowd sitting below the stage erupted into cheers and blinding camera lights shed as cameramen took hundreds of photos. Sitting across the host in a red suit, I smiled and gave a small wave to the crowd.


    ¡°So Hailey¡± Chris, the talk show host said and I turned back to him. ¡°Tell us a bit about Globen¡±


    ¡°Of course Chris but first of all thank you for inviting me. Well Globen is actually a creative transformationpany that uses the power of creativity for our clients andmunities. Under the four major disciplines such as advertising, customer service management, public rtions and speciality service we as of today provide our integrated marketing services for over 2000 brands in more than 100 countries¡±


    ¡°Wow that is impressive!¡± Chris leaned forward in his seat. ¡°Not two years ago you also expanded your business to real estate didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I did¡±


    ¡°And when we met back then-¡± A smirk curled in his lips. ¡°You talked about a little dream of yours¡±


    That made a smallugh escape my lips. I nodded. ¡°Yes I did, but 8 years ago I wouldn¡¯t call it a little dream¡±


    He smiled. ¡°You said it has once been your dream to buy an apartment in the Prescott¡¯s. But just yesterday¡± He raised a finger up and grinned. ¡°Just yesterday instead of one apartment you ended up buying the whole Prescott¡¯s!¡±


    The crowd broke into loud cheers and apuses and I chuckled, a shy blush creeping up my cheeks.


    Chris leaned back in his seat and put a leg over the other. ¡°So Hailey how does it feel to be the owner of not just one apartment but of all the apartmentplexes in Prescott¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­I can¡¯t say it¡¯s a dreame true because this is more than my dream. So I would say I achieved the impossible¡± I grinned and Chris chuckled, nodding in agreement. ¡°Since I was in college I saved money for a Prescott apartment. Even half of my sry while I was working in the ATC was dedicated to that. So today I¡¯m truly happy of what I¡¯ve achieved so far. I¡¯ve always been a one to dream quite big. Bing a CEO was my biggest dream but I was too shy to even voice it out because I thought it would be embarrassing for someone like me to have such big dreams. But-¡± My mind wandered off to something a certain sweet asshole of mine said and my lips tugged up. ¡°You have to dream big to go big¡±


    ¡°That is indeed very true Hailey. Only if you dream it will you achieve it. So tell us your big secret for all your sess?¡±


    ¡°There is no secret¡± I slowly turned my head to the crowd, my eyes searching and then they finallynded on Ian who was sitting at a front row with our two sweet babies, 7 year old Adrian next to him and 5 year old Sophie on hisp. Ian beamed at me and my heart swelled with happiness.


    I smiled back. ¡°I just found the right person¡±


    Chris followed my gaze and the corners of his mouth quirked up. ¡°You mean your husband, Ian Kingston. He has been a great support to you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a lot. At the start of my business it wasn¡¯t easy. There were many downfalls and I had several mental breakdowns due to it but Ian had always been there for me, helping me get through it. Whenever I feel discouraged he always encourages me and help me get back on my feet. His support means a lot to me and there are no words to express how grateful I am to him and everything he has done to me¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a famous saying that behind every sessful man there¡¯s always a woman. So it¡¯s the other way around for you?¡±


    I smiled and nced at Ian once more.  ¡°No, we stand together, not before or behind¡±


    A huge grin broke in Ian¡¯s face and cheers erupted from the crowd behind him. He whispered something in Sophie¡¯s ear and she nodded happily. Then they both made a heart shape with their hands and waved it at me. Augh escaped my lips and I quickly covered my mouth. Stupid Kingston, correction, My stupid Kingston.


    After the interview was over I got down down from the stage and walked over to my family. Ian stood up, lifting Sophie along with him, cing her on his hip.


    ¡°Mommy you were awesome!¡± Sophie pped her hands and I chuckled.


    ¡°Thank you sweetie¡± I pressed a kiss to her cheek and pulled back. An idea crossed my mind. I smirked and flipped my hair back, holding my chin high. ¡°Babies, I¡¯m the most prettiest, hottest and awesomest mommy in the world right?¡±


    Ian let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head in dismay and Sophie nodded. ¡°Hmm you are mommy¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know other mothers to say that¡± Adrian cut in.


    I looked at him. ¡°Hello rude boy¡±


    Adrian huffed and looked away. My lips tugged up. I knelt down and gave a kiss to his cheek. When he still didn¡¯t look at me I tickled his stomach and he burst outughing, wriggling in my arms. I grinned and gave another kiss to his cheek. ¡°Mmm my sweet baby¡± I patted his back and stood up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I get a kiss now?¡± Ian asked excitedly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it¡±


    His jaw fell and I giggled. ¡°Come here¡± He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him, covering my mouth with his. Iughed softly and kissed him back, wrapping an arm around his torso. ¡°You were amazing back there¡± He murmured as he slowly pulled back.


    I beamed. ¡°Thank you¡±


    Ian gently stroked my chin with his thumb and stared at me, adoration glinting in his eyes.


    I raised a brow. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My wife is the best¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°My husband is also the best¡± I gave him a wink and the corners of his mouth quirked up. He leaned down and pecked my lips. I returned his peck and stepped back, grinning. ¡°Alright then¡± I gave a p. ¡°I think we should go now. It¡¯s not nice to bete to the little rooftop party you all organised¡±


    That pulled Ian out of his trance. ¡°W-what? It-¡± He looked speechless. ¡°It was supposed to be a surprise. How do you know about it?¡±


    I smirked and threw Sophie a nce.  ¡°Sophie told me¡±


    Ian gasped and turned to Sophie but she quickly hid her face in his neck.


    ¡°Sophie, it was supposed to be a secret¡±


    ¡°But I have a big mouth¡± Sheined.


    That made Ian smile. ¡°That is very true. Well it¡¯s alright. Mommy is anyways gonna know it. We should go now before it¡¯ste¡± He turned to Adrian and held out his hand.


    ¡°Babye¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that¡± Adrian grumbled.


    ¡°But you are my baby¡± He sped his small hand and looked at me, a smirk tugging in his lips. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Your partners in crime are waiting¡±


    ¡­


    I opened the door to the rooftop of our building and sounds of chatter, cries and giggles filled the open area. Even the low blowing wind of the night was not strong enough to muffle the sounds.


    I stepped out and saw all of them Brian, Audrey, Lexi, Daniel and Alice gathered around the tables full of food with their children. On the railing hung gold and silver coloured ribbons and scattered on the floor were confetti and balloons of the same colours. A banner with the word congrattions hung behind on two poles lit with small white lights.


    Audrey and Brian were standing at one end of the table holding their youngest daughter, Amelia. They have two more daughters, five and four years old. The eldest, Lily was the calmest kid here. She was sitting on a chair, eating a pie while her sister Zoe was arguing with the two boys sitting next to her. Daniel and Lexi¡¯s kids. Daniel and Lexi fell in love over the time and had two boys together. They are four and three. Will and Cody respectively. And Cody was now crying asking his father to hit Zoe in the face.


    At the other side of the table stood Alice with her adopted son Noah. Noah was the same age as Adrian and the two are best friends, almost inseparable. He was also chatter box and a funny kid. His constant chatter and silly jokes keeps Alice alwaysughing and feeling less lonely.


    Alice always says that Noah is a gift sent from Nathan and I don¡¯t doubt that seeing how happy he makes her. He¡¯s truly a gift.


    Noah nced up and was the first to see us. He grinned and threw his hands up. ¡°Her highness is here!¡± He shouted and I chuckled at the nickname he used for me.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to me and wide grins appeared in their faces. I approached them and both Lexi and Brian popped party poppers and more confetti burst out, falling all over me. Iughed and brushed my hair.


    ¡°Congrattions Hailey for buying the Prescott¡¯s. I always knew you could do it¡± Lexi said.


    Brian snorted. ¡°Please. You said she won¡¯t be able to buy even a toilet paper from the Prescott¡¯s¡±


    I choked on my own spit as Lexi¡¯s jaw fell. She smacked Brian¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. Why are you lying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the one who¡¯s lying. You really said that¡±


    ¡°No I¡¯m not¡±


    ¡°Yes you did¡±


    ¡°You talk like you were supportive of her¡±


    ¡°The topic here is you and toilet paper. Don¡¯t change the subject¡±


    ¡°Oh shut up¡±


    They continued to bicker and I shook my head in dismay. These two never change.


    I turned and saw Sophie sitting across the table chatting with Alice. Next to me Ian was standing with his arms folded, staring at Adrian and Noah who were giggling and ying a game in Alice¡¯s phone. A smile tugged in his lips as he watched them.


    Ian adore their friendship, adore how they are always there for each other, watching each others back. Ian loves both of them and also do take great pleasure in spoiling them.


    Noah noticed Ian watching them and he nudged Adrian in the elbow. ¡°Look, your father is staring at us because we are so handsome than him¡±


    I spluttered withughter and Ian scoffed in disbelief.


    ¡°Oh really?¡± He bent down and lifted the boys up and ce them both on chairs so that they were at least near to his shoulders.


    Ian circled his arms around their waists and pulled them to him. He looked at both their faces and pursed his lips. ¡°Mmm I think I have to agree. I¡¯m feeling quite jealous of you two now¡±


    Noah nodded. ¡°Your jealousy ispletely understandable uncle. I mean, look at baby. His eyes are more bluer than yours¡±


    Adrian gasped at the nickname and Ianughed.


    ¡°Not you too Noah!¡± Adrian groaned and turned to Ian. ¡°Look what you did dad¡±


    ¡°What did I do?¡± Ian asked innocently.


    ¡°You call me baby¡±


    ¡°Not always¡±


    ¡°Yes but you still do. I¡¯m 7 years old now¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t stop you from being my baby¡± Ian teased.


    Adrian frowned and Ian¡¯s lips tugged up. ¡°You want me to stop calling you baby?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll stop calling you baby if you give me a kiss¡± Ian tapped his cheek.


    ¡°No, It¡¯s so embarrassing¡±


    Ian gaped. ¡°How is it embarrassing? Fine then I¡¯ll give you a kiss¡± He gave a kiss to Adrian¡¯s cheek and Adrian tried to scowl but instead a shy smile curled in his lips, his cheeks turning pink.


    Ian chuckled and patted his back. Then he turned to Noah, a yful glint on his eyes. ¡°I still want to call someone baby. So shall I call you baby, Noah?¡± Ian wiggled his eyesbrows.


    Noah¡¯s face twisted into horror. ¡°Oh my god! No! Don¡¯t even dare to¡±


    ¡°Then what about pumpkin?¡±


    ¡°Eww no! Gosh, these adults are crazy. My mom already call me several cringy names and I don¡¯t need to add more to the list. Let¡¯s go Adrian. We have a wizard to kill¡±


    Adrian nodded and they both jumped from the chairs, sprinting away. Ian chuckled.


    ¡°People!¡± Lexi tapped on her ss to grab our attention and we turned to her.


    ¡°Tonight I¡¯d like to give a toast to Hailey for her sess¡± I smiled and she gave me a wink. ¡°Since the time she was working in ATC she had always been an aspirant employee with many big dreams. Brian and I had evenughed saying they are impossible but Hailey never gave up on them. She even went against her family¡¯s wishes with the hope that she¡¯ll achieve her dreams one day and now that day hase. So¡± She raised her ss and the others followed. I felt Ian wrap an arm around my waist and I blushed, leaning against him. ¡°Cheers to Hailey for achieving all her dreams and great sess¡±


    We clinked our sses and drank the champaign.


    Soon everyone fell into chatter and Ian led me away from them, over to the railing of the rooftop. I leaned against it and observed the city below. The view of it from up here was astounding.


    A low wind blew my hair and I felt Ian¡¯s eyes on me. I turned to him. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful¡±


    That brought a small smile to my lips. I moved closer to him and wrapped my arms around his torso.


    Ian¡¯s hand reached out and he gently stroked my chin. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you Hailey. So proud of everything you¡¯ve achieved. Even thinking about it makes me so happy¡±


    My heart swelled with happiness. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you Ian¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°No Hailey it¡¯s you. You did all this. It¡¯s your hard work. I¡¯m just your push at the start¡±


    My brows furrowed and I ced my hand on his cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t say that Ian. You¡¯re much more than that. I couldn¡¯t have gone this journey without you. You cried with me. Youughed with me. You stood me. You were always there for me. You made me who I am. Not just this rich woman but me. Just me. You made me found myself. You showed me where I belong. And it¡¯s¡± I trailed my hand down and ced it over his heart. ¡°right here, with you and our children¡± Ian¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears and I found my own welling up. ¡°You¡¯re a great husband and a father Ian. You¡¯re a blessing in my life¡± I slowly smiled up at him. ¡°You¡¯re my man out of a fairytale¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    A tear slid down his cheek and he leaned his forehead down on mine, closing his eyes. ¡°You really know how to make me emotional, don¡¯t you sweetheart?¡±


    I chuckled and wiped his tear. ¡°You¡¯re very specialised in that area too¡±


    He opened his eyes and smiled at me, a smile so beautiful that made my heart skip a beat. Eight years passed but our love for each other was new like it was the first day we fell. His eyes, his smile, his touch still makes butterflies erupt in my stomach, still makes my heart pound in my chest and I loved it.


    Then I remembered something. ¡°Oh wait¡± I pulled back and check the time on my watch. ¡°Ah yes! About time¡±


    ¡°Time for what?¡± Ian raised a brow.


    ¡°You always give me surprises¡± A smirk curled in my lips. ¡°So this one is from me¡±


    Just then fireworks exploded in the sky and the children shouted in joy behind us. Ian¡¯s eyes widened as he watched thousands of colourful sparks burst and tumble like a glittering waterfall, dazzling the entire night sky.


    He let out a softugh and turned to me. ¡°Someone is already getting used to the billionaire lifestyle¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Learning from the best¡±


    Ian chuckled and pulled me to his chest, circling his arm around me. He tucked a loose strand behind my ear and stared at me in adoration. ¡°Thank you Hailey for giving me all the happiness in the world. You, our kids, this love, it¡¯s everything I could ever wish for¡± He smiled softly. ¡°I love you Hailey¡±


    I smiled back. ¡°I love you too Ian¡±


    Then he leaned down and pressed his lips on mine, capturing them in a passionate kiss. Our lips moulded together in perfect symphony, moving with a deep desire and fervour. I wrapped my arms around his neck and melted into his warm embrace, entwining our souls and our hearts.


    They say find someone who is proud to have you, scared to lose you, fights for you, appreciates you, respects you, cares for you and I say, that is my husband.


    THE END


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