Hatred

....................................................

Hate me till your hearts content, accuse me in contempt.

Let it all out, I beg.

To only leave our scarred love in the end.

.....................................................

Wait a minute ,they met! They actually met! I can't believe it.

And wasn't that first meet after all these years, explosive?

Could you see those imaginary sparks and their love hate chemistry?

I just love both of them!

But wait...will it end here? Will Ethan never see Vivian again?

Or maybe a little bit of persuasion and pending bills could help.

After all Vivian always had a way of getting things done.

Let's see what happens next, signing off from here is your host Sophie Rogers!

...................................................

She nervously waited in the sitting room,her heel  clicking the floor every two seconds to show her anxiety.

Placing both her hands on her shaking thigh,she tried to stop this irritating habbit of hers.

Her eyes looking around to see the security people checking all the footages.

Finally it ended and they gave her their full attention.

"I am sorry for the inconvenience ma'am but we are still left with one thing.

We need to check your bag and...you"

Her eyes widened,what do they mean by the statement that they wish to check me.

She handed them over her bag and next she saw a lady motioning her to follow her.

Never had she felt so embarrassed before,they were checking her like she was a thief,when in reality she was just stupid.

The lady checked her properly as if this was a narcotics raid going on.

Once done they asked her to leave.

"But...my interview? I came here for the interview"

The security people exchanged looks between them.

"I am sorry ma'am but you have to leave. Sir asked us to show you out...plus the interview is already over.... the person has been hired"

Her eyes widened. Clenching her fists she was trying her best to control her anger.

First they accuse of something she never did,they check her like she is a criminal and now they tell her they hired someone else.

She needed this job desperately ,hell how was she supposed to pay her bills?

Life was really a mockery,from being the daughter of one of the richest men in the country,she came down to this.

With 5 years imprisonment record ,no one was willing to hire her.

But then could she work here...in the same building as him?

"Where is he?"

She asked,trying to sound brave for once.

Come on Vivian. You can do this!

"How come I didn't even get a chance to get interviewed? "

"Sir is busy in a meeting ma'am.

We can't answer your questions ma'am. Sorry . Please leave."

She turned around on her heel. Not ready to let this job go because of her past again.

She has lost so much already.

Her eyes luckily fell on the words meeting room written outside a door.

Not giving a damn about the repercussions and the warnings from behind,she slammed the door open.

10 pair of eyes fell on her,the person giving the presentation stopped abruptly and silence followed.

Her angry eyes were least concerned about their stares.

She was only searching for one set of eyes and she found them behind the glass of spectacles.

Her anger subdued a bit seeing how hot he looked in those spectacles.

How beautifully they highlight his long pointed nose and mesmerising eyes.

While the new intern giving the presentation seemed starstruck by the hot beauty that interrupted his words,Ethan called for his attention and asked him to continue.

The intern merely nodded, trying to get a grip on his mind and continuing.

"So the sal...es for the last quart...er showed a tremendous-"

He was a stuttering mess,nervous and Ethan know the reason for it.

The intern was distracted by her just like everyone else in the room.

She hated how he ignored her like she never existed.

Making her way towards him ,she made heads turn.

Stopping near Ethan's chair she speaks.

"I haven't given my interview. You can't reject me before giving me a square chance."

Everyone was in shock. No one dared to talk to him in such a tone.

They just followed his orders,never questioned them and this girl here was challenging without a care in this world.

He didn't look at her,his eyes fixed on the staff that rushed inside from behind, following her.

Dissapointment clear in them,they may even get fired.

"Wasn't I clear when I instructed. Get this woman out of my building?"

The gulped, lowering their heads. When Vivian dares to block his view.

"I wish to talk."

She says and he clenches his fist. The audacity of this woman.

"Guards! -"

"Mr Lockwood. Calm down. There is no need for them. Why don't we listen to this youg lady atleast?"

The investors say, fascinated to her external beauty just like he was once. He takes a deep breath , leaning back on his seat.

A nerve throbbing in his forehead.

"Thank you gentlemen. I..was just here for the interview"

She says in her sweet voice that sickened him.

Placing down the pen and closing his file.

He finally looks at her.

"Does this look like an interview to you Miss Klein?"

She looked around, knowing well that she has just barged into a meeting and distrupted their business.

"Ethan..my Son. Let the lady speak. She means no harm."

"I... didn't got a chance to interview and this job means so much to me. I am sorry I interrupted like this. But it...was urgent"

"But young lady this young man just got selected for the position you applied for."

Her eyes met the blue eyes of the boy already staring at her.

When Ethan interrupted.

"But....."

He says looking at the boy.

"Seeing how short of an attention span he has and how easily he gets distracted. It would be just if you continue this presentation.Miss Vivian"

Everyone looked taken back along with her.

"You dare to distrupt my meeting with your uninvited attendance,so I consider it fair if you carry it further."

He says ,looking at her with those challenging eyes

     "Hand her the files"

He ordered making the new intern to nod and place them in her hands.

She scanned the file in her hands ready to accept his challenge.

Her hands shaking but mind determined.

"I need 10 minutes"

She said looking back at him to which he shrugged and proceeded to leave the room.

"I will be back in 5, you better be prepared Miss Klein"

...................................................

"The data shows that company has been spending only 5% of total net profits on marketing since last two years.

We reap what we sow, if we don't invest funds in marketing ,boosting sales will remain only as a wishful thinking.

As compared to our competitors,our spending on marketing should be increased.

If we manage to spend even 1% more of it,sales can boost by 7% atleast as per our past average."

She was interrupted in between by one of the members sitting there.

"Numbers are what we are all aware of,we want ideas Miss Klein."

"Ideas? As in you want my ideas on marketing?"

The person sat back on his seat, passing her a flirtatious smile and nodding.

"Offcourse I mean a face like yours can be used on our posters . Wouldn't that be a better marketing strategy?"

She went silent for a second.

His eyes taking in her unusual reaction.

But others who sat around on the table agreed to the person's idea.

"Don't you think she will look perfect on our brand posters? Mr Lockwood ?"

He just stared at her coldly,his scrutinizing gaze making her more conscious.

She seemed uncomfortable due to unknown reason.

Her eyes downcasted and afraid.

When one would jump in excitement at just a great job offer,she avoided their stares.

Strange.This was even unexpected for him.

"It takes more than a beautiful face for such a position."

He said and she looked up at him,her eyes trying to find answers to question even she wasn't aware of.

"I can't......I am sorry..but I really can't. I ...."

"Why not miss? You will be payed double than a marketing manager plus you will be famous.

It won't be a surprise if you are approach by modeling companies and you become the next sensation"

A new person said joining the conversation.

While she had beads of sweat on her forehead.

They all were trying to motivate her but in contrast they were doing the opposite.

They were hitting on the same glass which was filled with cracks but still holding together.

They were unknowingly pointing towards her insecurities.

"Enough"

Came his voice, killing all the ruckus in the room.

"If this is it you may leave miss Klein. Your interview is officially over"

His words were the final blow.

He won't understand how badly she needed this position.

"But...they...I..."

She tries to interrupt.

But he didn't wait, making his way out he was gone crushing her dream of joining this company.

She had to do something.

She can't let him leave like that.

She followed him ignoring people calling her from behind.

"Excuse me!!

His broad back and elegant walk making it easy for her to distinguish him from others.

"Eth.....Sir!!!"

She wished things were different.

But Alas they never could be .

Rushing through ,she colliding with few on her way,her ankle getting twisted on her way but she didn't care.

Getting up she limped for few steps,her eyes only following him.

Seeing him enter the elevator,she nearly sprinted. Ignoring the pain in her ankle which was beginning to swell.

"Sir!"

She screams ,placing her hand between the closing doors.

And that's when he finally looked up from his phone, surprised to see her following him.

The door closed and she bended down catching her breath.

He assessed her flustered cheeks and wild hair.

Her mouth open to speak something but her short breath beating her to it.

"I...I really want this position ..Ethan..."

"I...."

"This is my private elevator Miss Klein... outsiders are not allowed"

She looked around to see that the elevator did looked extraordinary and different.

"Oh...I am sorry I... didn't knew but can you please atleast consider my request..I..."

"Get out Vivian. I won't be repeating myself."

She gulps moving her head in a no.

"You don't understand...Ethan...I need this job... please..."

And that's when he moves closer to her. Holding the railing behind her and moving closer.

Intimidating her.

What if ....no...he can't see it!...

She tilts her face to another side,her eyes widening in surprise.

"Stop with this bullsh** Vivian.Your father owns half of the country and you are desperate for a job to earn few bucks?Go and make a fool of someone else."

"He does....but he..."

She was debating to tell him the truth but just couldn't.

"Now tell me truthfully"

He says,his breath hitting her cheek.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

It's been so long since she  inhaled his addicting fragrance,she almost forgot how tempting it was.

"I...I ...."

"What shitty game are you playing by coming here? Didn't you read the banner saying this was 'Lockwood industries?"

She wanted to say that it's the name "Ashelle Empire" that brought her here.

She didn't knew it was a subsidiary of Lockwood industries.

"Oh or you came here to seduce those rich men, what are you trying to do Vivian? Thinking your face and these tricks can help you climb the corporate ladder?"

He whispers and she stills...is this what he thinks of her?

Refusing to look into his eyes,she keeps her cheek pressed to the elevator wall behind, clenching her dress material in her hands in anxiety.

"You like it when they stare at you. Don't you? "

She feels tears sting her eyes. His fingers trail down her arms , leaving goosebumps behind.

"Or you think you can get me back by making me feel jealous?"

"E..than.. please step...back..."

She says stuttering as he stares at her with emotionless eyes.

Moving his face closer to her.

"You still dare to love me Vivian after everything?"

Her eyes widen. She never stopped loving him. He is the first and the last man she will love.

But she doesn't deserve him.

His fingers grab her chin and next she knows,he harshly pulls it make her face him.

Her green ones meeting his burning brown ones.

And next he lowers his gaze to stares at her lips.

"You still wish me to kiss these lips... don't you?"

He says moving his thumb in the corner of her lip.

She freezes ,feeling the emotions which she thought were buried somewhere inside.

He smirks knowing she was getting affected.

Dipping lower his lips.

He was centimetres away from touching them,and she closes her eyes.

Thinking she will get a chance to experience heaven again.

But he did the opposite.

Smirking ,he brought her to hell instead.

Stopping close enough for her to feel his breath mingle with his,he whispers not touching her lustrous inviting lips.

"You think I will kiss you?"

Her eyes widen in shock and she looks at him.

He saw tears brimming her eyes but he did nothing to stop them.

"They are right when they say.

Once a who** always a who** ."

And that's when the first teardrop left her eyes as he stepped back from her like her touch disgusted him.

The same eyes that have love for her....the hands that adored her were now disgusted of her touch?

"You are to get out at the next floor"

He says ,ignoring her completely again.

Looking at his watch eagerly and sighing.

Like the heated moment few seconds ago didn't mattered to him.

The door pinged and her hopes died.

He didn't have to tell her now.

She was already proceeding out when she heard him.

Her palms cleaning her tears and nose red from it.

"If you are that desperate for a job.My assistant's position is vacant. 5 times the salary of a manager.

You can start tomorrow if you  think you can bear with my hatred....this being just a trailer for it "

Her eyes widen.

5 times..

She needed the job. Her mouth opens and closes,unable to decide.

When the door to the elevator closes.

Can she get a chance in love again?

If she works here will his stone heart melt to give her forgiveness?

She was a fool. He will never forgive her.However the job...she needed her to fill her stomach.

After all she was just Vivian now. No longer a Klein.

Just a disowned child of her family, the child everyone was ashamed to admit as theirs.

She stares at her reflection in the closed elevator door

Her hand moved towards the right side of her lips.

As she felt the small bump under her fingers.

The scar.

Hidden under makeup but a lifelong reminder of the past.

A feeling of dread filled in and she just wished to go back to her room and drown in her miseries like forever.

"When even I can't accept myself,how can I expect anyone to accept me"

Looking down at her feet she sighed and continued her journey back home.

Her heels hitting pebbles as she tried reasoning in her mind .

Scolding herself for being so negative,she decided to thank God for giving her this gift called life.

As she had seen death,so close from her eyes.

She may be different from others not just because of how she looks but also because of what all she has experienced in life.

This heart is beating in her chest and these eyes are seeing this beautiful world.

There is nothing she could ask more from God.

And she was more than content with it.

Because after all,

Not everything is perfect as even moon has flaws.

But beauty lies in embracing what everyone disregards for.

...................................................

¶Ethan Lockwood pov¶

I was having a really bad headache due to fatigue.

I may have forgotten my lunch today and now I regret it.

I was resting my head on the sofa, with closed eyes when I felt soft hands smoothing my creases and pressing my pressure points.

I smiled knowing well who it was.

The only person who knows more about me than I know about myself.

"You are going overboard Ethan,just relax for few days"

"I can't. The board meeting is approaching and I am not even prepared"

Her hands pressed my shoulders , trying to make me let go of my stiffness.

"You will do good. Trust me"

I smiled and took her hands in mine, making her sit next to me ,I kissed her knuckles.

While she smiled and did the same with mine.

The little hands that used to fit inside her palms were now much bigger than hers.

She thought.

"You know mom you are just perfect. I wish I could find someone like you"

Placing my head on her lap,she massaged my head with a feathers gentleness.

I closed my eyes enjoying this bliss.

"You will find her. Don't worry. But how come you never found someone. Isn't Gloria suitable?"

"She is a nice friend mom...we are dating but I don't find that connection.

The kind you and dad have... it's like the universe has set up your bond"

In response she smiled placing her hand on my forehead.

Her brown eyes the very source of my eye colour.

"Then say no to her. Don't rise her expectations. I would hate it for a girl to be heartbroken because of my son"

"Don't worry mom...I have already given her hints. Plus she dosen't want marriage.

I will tell her very soon."

She nodded.

I know I may look like a mama's boy right now but trust me on this.

She is the best .

"So,have you met someone else?"

As soon as she said this,I don't know why I saw those green eyes in front of me.

My heart started beating faster as I thought about our today's encounter.

But I hate her more than everything.

She can never be anything for me again.

"So you have"

I looked up seeing her smirking at me with that knowing look.

My next words wiped that smile from her face to leave a look of concern.

"Vivian came to my office today."

"Vivian? As in Roman's daughter?....the one that....."

"Yes mom that Vivian. She got released around 2 years back."

Elle looks down at her hands,the topic always leaves everything with nothing except sadness and regrets.

"How is she?"

Mom is too nice.She stills doesn't hate her.

But I am not like her,if this makes me sound like a bad person.

Then be it but I am not going to forgive her,ever.

The smile ...the eyes...they haunt me.

And that's when I get up and proceed towards my room.

"Ethan -"

Mom calls me from behind but I don't stop.

A heaviness settles in my chest when I see my Soph smiling... laughing at my silly jokes.

Forgive me Soph! Please!

Standing in front of my bathroom mirror,my eyes take in my reflection .

My brown eyes were just a replica of my mom's and without a doubt they are my most attractive feature.

I splash water on my face and hold the counter for support.

Cleaning the tears ,thinking water will clean them when new ones replace them.

Was I doing the right thing?

I hate her but still why do I feel this ache in my heart when I see her, why my heart still defies me to beat faster in her presence.

It was when I saw those green eyes staring at me from between my legs,

Or when she clumsily banged her head on the table.

When she accepted my challenge of the presentation,or when she rejected the proposal of modeling.

I can't pinpoint the exact time it happened.

But I can surely say one thing.

I am so unintentionally disinterestedly and hatefully attached to you Vivian Klein, that I want to look at you and hate you at the same time.

I want to punish you,yet save you from the hatred I have in my heart and mind.

If only he knew she has been already punished that night.

She may be living but the Vivian everyone knew had already died.

....................................................

"The universe is made of energies,and the second yours collided with mine I knew we will make our own galaxy"

...................................................