GABRIEL“Mr. Stark?” Audrey placed a coffee on my desk two weeks later. Typically, I could just ask HR to reassign her, but I didn’t, even though looking at her made my blood boil.I kept myself in control around her—to refrain from staring at her too long, but I couldn’t help being more contemptuous than ever. I made her responsible for my twice-a-day cup of coffee, demanded that she rearrange every fucking paper I had in my filing drawers, even if it was unnecessary, and re-do every assignment and proposal at least five times. Whenever she asked for my help, I simply answered her with ‘I’m busy.’She never seemed offended or dismayed by my cruelty, which made me even angrier. I even asked her to run to a bookstore three hours away from the office, but along the way, I asked her to come back, telling her I didn’t need the book anyway. She came back to my office with a smile on her face. She even asked me if I still needed something before she left.I thought having her work for me an
AUDREY“Come home, Audrey. Dad is waiting for you to come home. He’s dying, you know.” Anton stared back at me sincerely. He called me to meet him at the restaurant across from the Stark office building. I was hesitant at first, but I was curious about what they had been up to.My half-brother had grown thin in the past months. His eyes darkened, his skin paled, and his voice croaked. His eyes looked fatigued after working almost twenty-four-seven. According to my source, Linda, our housemaid who didn’t leave Anton and Samuel, still worked under the new landowner at the vineyard. They sold all our properties, except for my mother’s house, and our money was wasted on some bad investment, and of course, Dad gambled. “Look, Anton. I don’t know how you found me or who told you where I am. I’m already guessing that it’s Chelsea, but I’m not coming home. I left, even though Dad was sick. And I’m sure he’s not waiting for me. It’s impossible.” “I don’t know how long you keep running away.
AUDREYAt first, my boss’s presence and his large frame intimidated me—so powerful and dominating, but my fear was altered by relief. I suddenly felt safe. “And who are you?” Anton glared back and finally stepped back. “Who is this interloper who can’t fucking mind his own business?”“I don’t fucking care about your business, but you are harassing a woman in a public place.”Anton scowled. “Who the fuck is this, Audrey?”“He’s my boss,” I muttered.Anton let out a derisive laugh. “So your boss is just walking around the streets, meddling in his employees’ lives. What, are you fucking him, Audrey?”Gabriel seethed under his breath and clenched Anton’s collar, slightly lifting him off the ground. “What did you just say?”“Mr. Stark.” I held his hand. “Not here.”“Look at me and tell that to my face again,” Gabriel said tightly.Anton snickered, then he glared back at him. But abruptly, Anton’s expression changed into confusion. For the next few seconds, they just stood there, glowering
AUDREYAn hour later, I stepped into the dazzling reception area of Gilmore Shopping’s head office. My necessary appointment wasn’t just a simple appointment. It was a job interview.I passed the first two rounds, thanks to the probation at Stark Apparel. The company’s good name and reputation were known to many other companies. They welcomed me as if I was a VIP guest. Now, I was approaching the final interview—the last one-on-one interview with the CEO. I took an elevator to the executive’s floor.I knew I still didn’t receive an employment evaluation at Stark Apparel, but my three-month contract ended today. I needed to find a new job, whatever the evaluation result. Moreover, I didn’t think I could work adequately around Mr. Stark without undressing him in my thoughts. I already got over the fact he was Liam’s dead ringer, but I didn’t move past the point that he could still make me wet despite being an asshole. I didn’t want to be treated like a slave anymore. “Are you Miss Hop
AUDREYIt was a key. Inside the box was a car key with the Audi branding carved on it. I didn’t want to open the box in front of him, but he insisted I open it because he told me he was not keen on surprises. Why wrap it all up if that was the case?I frowned in confusion. I didn’t know why he was giving me a key unless…“Mr. Stark?”“Don’t give me that look,” he said, his eyes still focused on the road. “You’ll find the car in front of your friend’s apartment when you go home. It’s an Audi A5. I’m just not sure if you’d like the color.”I blinked, still confused. I slightly clenched the key with my sweaty palm. Apparently, I didn’t like how close he was. His arm brushed mine multiple times now while firmly maneuvering the steering wheel. I didn’t know driving could be so sexy. And his scent filled the air so strongly I couldn’t think straight.“Why would you give me a car? If it’s alright to ask.”“Of course, it’s alright to ask, for god’s sake, Audrey.” He briefly glanced at me. “A
AUDREYThe night was alive when we arrived at the grand porte-cochere of the Camelot Arts Exhibit. Gabriel said that even if he wasn’t going to meet the Italian designer, he was still invited to the opening.The driveway was already packed with luxury cars when I stepped out of the vehicle. When we reached the enormous grand hall, I felt confident when I caught sight of the guests. Thanks to Veronica Park, I wouldn’t look out of place. Everyone was in their fancy dresses and suits. We continued walking inside, and Stark first extended his greetings to the people he knew. I stood back and gave the best smile I could. Stark introduced me as an executive assistant, which made it more official.“Yes, Rickman. We will be launching a brand-new collection for the upcoming fashion show in Las Vegas. I don’t want to spoil anything, but we’re bringing something new.” Stark gulped a shot of his drink.“Then my daughter will have something new to look forward to,” Rickman Perez, a CEO of Foretec
AUDREYWe first strolled the landscape paintings. I have always had huge respect for the arts. When my father was still rational, he always hung paintings on our walls. One of my favorites was the pine tree in the winter land in our living room. I didn’t know if it was still there because Anton sold some of the portraits for his whims. Then, we walked around the walls, which displayed hyper-realistic paintings, and one of the pictures got my attention. It was a half-naked woman floating in the air that flaunted her breasts and her nipples. Her face was beautiful. Her lips were as red as a rose and slightly opened, but then I noticed her eyes had tears. The painting had a dramatic shade of dark and green shadows, making the art more alluring and inviting. I shut my eyes, imagining myself as if I was the woman. I was in the same position as her a few years ago in front of a man I barely knew. I was young, naïve, and so willing. My body was exposed, beckoning the man that haunted my dr
AUDREYI was going to speak again, but I was saved by the bell by a short-haired young woman who approached Mr. Stark. There was no way I would win a one-on-one debate with him.“Maya,” he said gruffly.She grinned so wide it almost tore her lips. The girl sweetly kissed her brother’s cheek. I could see a lot of admiration in her eyes. “Hey, Gabe. We haven’t spoken for a week, and that’s how you’re going to greet me?”According to the records, Maya Stark was twenty-two years old. She had a Master’s degree and had accomplished so much in the family business at a young age. She helped their father run the Stark Group as the COO.Gabriel rolled his eyes. “We usually run into each other at a gathering like this, Maya, and I don’t think we should meet often. I’m swamped.”“You were never free, anyway!” She sighed. “I’m just here because Mom is asking about you. How about you come with us tonight and have dinner at home?” Her eyes gleamed at the anticipation her brother would accept using h
JULIA I came to Le Grandi at exactly seven as Henry instructed. I was already guessing that he and his brother were up to something—and this beautiful lilac dress Adam sent to my apartment was the indication. This was going to be our first official date. We had been fighting all our lives because of endless misunderstandings after all. I realized that Adam and I were always in a situation neither of us could stop. This time, fate brought us back together.Excited and nervous as well, I proceeded to the main entrance. The door attendant greeted me with a wide meaningful grin as if he was expecting my arrival. The lights abruptly shut off the moment I stepped inside, then a single spotlight flashed on.My palms caught my mouth instantly when I found Adam standing next to an elegantly arranged table with candlelight, a floral centerpiece, and linen drapes. He was dressed in an impeccable navy-blue tuxedo, holding a bouquet of white roses. Two violinists stood behind him, playing a soft r
He kissed me as he continued to pound inside me. He looked at me as if I was the most desirable woman he’d ever seen. There was no one else I could want this bad—only him.It was already nine o'clock in the morning when I woke up, and Adam's arms were still wrapped around my waist. Though incredibly exhausted and sore, I felt great for the first time in years. His face buried in my hair. We were having sex nonstop, and if it weren't for my exhaustion, he probably wouldn’t stop.“What time is it?” Adam whispered, finally awake.“It's nine.”“Then, I'm late.” He gave me a tender kiss on my forehead, then swiftly stepped out of the bed. Still undressed, he walked straight to the bathroom, letting the blanket fall on the floor, revealing his round, full butt I’d been gripping with my palms all night. He was ridiculously sexy. I couldn’t get enough of him. My insides were beginning to flare up again.He disappeared into the bathroom for several minutes, and then he came back dressed in a t
ADAMI have to tell Bianca now.Damn it. It wasn't that hard. I could just let them take my site in Thailand, ask her parents to sign the transfer papers, and it’s all done. I just couldn't find the right time because I didn’t want to make a scene. I knew Bianca too well, and I knew that it wasn’t going to end well.I had to, though. Immediately. I couldn’t wait to get Julia back, especially with my possessiveness issue. I was always jealous. I wanted to keep her by my side and shove all those men away, even if it's my brother who was now dragging Julia to the dance floor.I clenched my fists.“Don't you want to dance?” Bianca said. She fucking couldn’t stop holding me in public. “Or do you want to get back to the suite?”“Bianca, please...” I moved her hands away from my neck. “Don't.”She sighed and drank another shot of red wine.“When are you going to stop making this harder for us? Hmm? Or maybe I could just tell Dad to let us get married right away? Isn't that what you wanted fo
I let the running water flow continuously as I washed my hands, letting myself cool. I looked up and then looked at my reflection.What are you doing, Julia? Haven’t you had enough of this? Why did I have to be caught up in this situation all the time? I shook my head, then took a handful of water and wet my face.“You're marrying him?” a deep, dangerous voice abruptly spoke behind me. I looked back in the mirror and found Adam’s perilous stare. He was seething.“Do I need to get your permission?” I asked as I continued to dampen my cheeks.“Is that true what he said out there?”“Why does it matter to you?”“It does matter to me,” he said tightly. “You said you wanted me, but when I didn’t answer, you’re already running to Henry?”I dried my face with a napkin, then I faced him. “Then what is your answer, Adam? No matter what we do, we can’t be together.”“But you can't marry him.” He grasped my shoulders, shaking his head.“What made you think that I will? Now, please leave me alone
JULIALouis ushered me to his table, and since I was already aware that Adam will be right next to us, I prepared myself not to look surprised when I see him with his ex-wife-slashed-fiancée. Why was our world so close? Why did I have to see him in every corner of the world?His answer to me last night was clearer than diamonds. He was not going to choose me. He would not break up with Bianca because they had a deal. There was no way he was going to cut their deal because his company was at stake. I was getting pissed with myself already. Should I talk about it with Henry?As expected, Adam and Bianca were there—only a few feet away from our table. Damn it, and she was wearing the same shade of dress as I was, but her hair coordinated more with her dress than mine.I almost wanted to scream. I tried not to look at them, but damn, I couldn’t help it. Adam was wearing a matching suit, and he was fine-looking as always. Unfortunately, they looked so good together. I did not want to appea
JULIAI didn’t go to the site with Luke the next day. I stayed in my room, and fortunately, I needed to make gazillion calls and check the paperwork for the new hotel. I had breakfast and then ate lunch by myself. Luke and Adam would be working together at the site until the next day. My boss did not call, so I guessed it was fine.It was five o'clock when I finished the paperwork. I was suffering from a backache, but I still needed to prepare for the awards night in the evening. Henry hadn’t called yet, but I was preparing for the event anyway.I opened my suitcase and unfurled the only dress I could bring. It was a strapped, long, crimson-red dress. The neckline was a low V cut. I only wore it once, when Claire celebrated her twenty-first birthday. I would match it with my nude heels.I did not care if I look pretty in front of Henry, unlike before. However, he deserved a friend to be with him, and I didn’t want to embarrass him. He might be expecting an award, and I would be walkin
JULIAThe meeting began in the afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton—the hotel we had checked into along with the staff. Adam came, and fortunately, his fiancée didn’t. I was so nervous since he didn’t even reply to my message.What if ignoring it was his answer?Luke enlightened us about the contract, and then we were now officially in business with Cavendish Enterprises. They both signed the deal and sealed it for legalization. Adam’s company was going to be our contractor for the establishment of the new Hotel B in Los Angeles.As stated in the contract, they would be in charge of the resources, workers, and structural design. Adam initially showed Luke the plan for the new hotel, but we were still going to discuss it precisely with the whole team. My new boss still needed to meet Adam’s architects and designers when we return to New York.“It’s a great pleasure working with you, Mr. Cavendish.”“It’s mine as well. Thank you, Mr. Alejandro.” Adam shook his hand, and then the members of our
The door attendant took her cashmere-made cardigan as she and Adam entered the restaurant. She whispered something in his ear while she was slipping her hands on his arm. Adam smiled slightly at her. My heart suddenly felt like a bomb that was going to explode at any moment.“Cavendish said he was traveling alone,” Luke spoke, “but he brought the blonde. This is interesting.”I rolled my eyes at Luke, heaving out a sharp breath. “Really now?”He chuckled, noticing my boredom. “No, seriously. You're so defensive. Who wouldn't notice her long legs?”“What is wrong with you?” I slapped his shoulders unintentionally.“Aw...” He grabbed his shoulders. “What? I was only joking.”“It’s not a good joke. Er… sorry about that. I almost forgot that you're my boss.”“I'm just so glad Jake isn't here. Sit next to me, Julia,” he instructed.“Why?”“Just do it. Cavendish’s fiancée's with him. Sitting next to me would look like you're my date.”“You are clearly having fun with this.”He laughed. “Why
JULIAThese are the important documents we need for our trip to LA. Have you tried calling—” A knock from the glass door interrupted Luke from finishing his sentence. His secretary was standing at the meeting room door.“Excuse me, Mr. Alejandro. There's a visitor in the lobby, and he said it’s important. It's actually for Ms. Taylor, sir,” Ms. Craig informed.“For me?”Luke frowned as he gazed at me. “Expecting someone?”I shook my head. “Did he say his name?”“Oh, his name is Henry.”Henry. How did he know where to find me? “What did you say to him?” I queried. “We’re in a meeting.”“Ms. Craig, we're about to finish here,” Luke prompted. “Tell him to wait five minutes.”“Yes, sir.” She left.“It's okay, Luke. I could just meet him outside.”“Julia, it's eleven fifty-five. Take a break. Come to my office when you get back. And oh! Please contact Cavendish. I’ve got to tell him something about this project.” Luke grabbed the binders and stood up. He held the door open. “Julia?”“Oh, t