“What a surprise to see you, Dean…” I chimed, thankfully there would be a familiar face to see in this high-end community.“I’m also glad to see you, Amy. so…” He asked in a hesitating way and I raised my brow in confusion.“SO??”“It’s been many days, you haven’t told me your decision yet…” He explained and finally my mind went to our first date.So, he has been waiting for my decision all this time.I felt an inexplicable warmth through his concern but sadly, I have to crush it.“Uhmm, Dean, I have given up on that plan for now, actually…” I told him and his mouth dropped, he looked stunned.“Because of me?” He questioned, and I didn’t understand where did that come from?My decision was not in any way related to him at all.It’s just I didn’t want any more trouble by keeping a fake boyfriend, especially when Derek remained on my tail.I don’t want his anger or his attention on me at this time.(But you want many more things from him besides those…)My inner voice teased me and I tr
“He is not my boyfriend!!” I pressed each word with more force than necessary.I shouldn’t be concerned about his opinion of my personal life but somehow, I didn’t want him to misunderstand Dean as my boyfriend.Why??I’ve no idea, I just don’t want him to be mad unnecessarily.“So then someone you hooked up with in the clubs??” His question stunned me and so does his calmness, but his eyes showed something fiery under them.Difficult for me to understand.“I am not a hooker…” I tried to keep my voice low and then leaned down as I gritted my teeth, “You know very well, I was a virgin when I slept with you…”“Oh, I feel honored.”He smiled sarcastically as he stared into my eyes and I stared back until I realized his hands came on my waist pulling me closer to him.Don’t lose your posture, Amy…Don’t… Stay Stern…I kept encouraging myself not to get misled by his seductions but I know as soon as his lips touch mine I am going to lose this game.Hence, keeping my remaining sanity, I pul
I barely have any dresses in my closet.Seeing the worry on my face, Miss Wilson explained further, “For the company’s reputation, you need to be presentable, and as Boss Shepherd is accompanying you, you need to match his standards, Miss Hood…”Her words dropped my heart more, the bullies and weird gazes I was taking today were overwhelming and unpleasant too.After this trip, those were going to increase for sure.I wonder if I will be able to tolerate all these once I return.“Actually, Miss Wilson, is there any way I could step back from this trip?” I asked her politely.And she looked at me stunned.“If you’re stepping away because of the gossip in the office, then remember, people will keep gossiping even if you won’t go.No one gets these kinds of chances easily, Amy.Instead of disregarding this, you should appreciate this chance and not let anyone harm your work.It’s just a month and you’re already tired from the bullies…”She spoke the harsh truth and even when I felt offen
Considering all the bullies and gossip back in the office, I decided to refuse him straightly.“No, I am not interested in this offer…”I rejected him firmly and his eyes returned to my face with a slight look of shock.GOTCHA !!He wasn’t expecting my refusal…Well, I am unexpected, Mr. Derek Shepherd.With my head held high, I intended to look away from him with my newly grown arrogance when his next words crushed it brutally.“I’ll pay you, Amy, Double…”“Double as what??” I asked, bewildered.“Double as your salary…” He emphasized and my mouth dropped in complete shock.Double the salary, instantly my mind started the calculation of how much it would be and then how I could use it, where and when…But then again, didn’t it feel like I’m being a hooker?That thought instantly whirled my emotions.“No… I don’t think I could act well, Mr. Shepherd…” I shook my head with an excuse.Another refusal made Derek stunned and then groan of dissatisfaction escaped from his mouth.“I’ll add a
I took a shower, dried my hair, and got into my clothes as fast as I could.A black skirt with a blue blouse, a decent outfit for the meetings but the only problem was I was missing a main piece, my underpants, as Derek Banged at my door and I instantly ran out of my room.“I am ready.”I held my hands up as I announced.Derek didn’t show any expression.As grim as he could, he left the suite and I followed hurriedly.DINGOn our way down, he handed me the tablet, “Notes.” Just one word and I know what my job is.With a tight expression, he stepped out of the elevator and I followed while looking at all the things I needed to gather in knowledge for this meeting when suddenly my leg stumbled and I bumped into someone.“Oh…”“Be careful… Miss…” I looked up at the tall elegant man who just helped me. His eyes wandered at my face for a second and then they stopped at my chest.I eyed him suspiciously when finally I realized my upper buttons were undone.“Oh,” Another gasp as I pulled awa
The air between us seemed to get tense as Miss Mills stared at me, and I stared at Derek while Derek stared at nobody, and very calmly picked up his cutlery to begin his lunch.BRAVO !!Giving me an unpleasing look, Miss Mills stomped away from the table.I looked around the table at other people who looked at me with slight pity.Why do I get the feeling that I am being used as a scapegoat??Derek stayed quiet and calm the whole time, and with the little chat on the table I realized that Sam is the half partner of the project Derek was supposed to sign on this trip.Till now the accounts they have provided have satisfied Derek and in a few days they would lock the deal.With the corner of my eyes, I noticed that Sam came in the same age circle as Derek or I would say a bit younger than him.He looked careless, carefree and a flirtatious man.I avoided his stare all the time until we finished the lunch and stood up to leave.“Miss Hood, can we have a minute, please?” He asked politely
In the evening, I was completely occupied by the work handed by Derek.Apparently, he didn’t seem pleased by the notes I took, he kept double-checking them thinking that I had made a mistake.While I kept assuring him that’s not the case.But somehow, he kept finding mistakes in each and every word I have written.And if that’s not enough, he then started his schedule on the bullet speed again, and I couldn’t help but frown as I kept scribbling them on the paper.This man has scheduled each minute of his upcoming days and I wonder if he has forgotten to add his bathroom breaks in between.KNOCK … KNOCKJust as we were halfway to his schedule, the door knocked and before I could get on my feet, Derek was at the door.CLICKHe opened the door and the man’s smile at the door dropped instantly.“Miss Hood??” Sam arched his brow while his eyes tried to inspect the room but Derek’s body apparently covered his sight to get through me.“Miss Hood has got the flu, I’m afraid she won’t be able
The next two days were exhausting, Derek finally signed the deal with Sam and his partner, and sadly, my designs were still hanging in the middle.In these four days, I never stepped out of this hotel.Not even my body allows me to roam around the city and explore it.Day by Day, I am getting nauseous and tired.Whenever I would see Sam, Derek would come over as a shield and whenever we got bumped into Miss Mills he would make me his shield.I don’t know if I should laugh or cry at my luck.Nothing seems to be in my control.THUD“Arghhh…” Angrily I broke the tip of the pencil and then threw it away.I don’t understand what I am missing in my designs, I have no idea what to do.BAMI slammed the glass of water and then started to look for something cold to drink in the fridge.My heart is burning vigorously.I found a box of juice and pulled it out completely unknown by a dark presence behind me.“What the f….”BAMI dropped the box at the counter as I touched my thumping heart trying
DEREK POV :Eric’s deception was easy to get caught, the moment he asked me to make a choice I knew he wouldn’t let us go.I could see the blood in his eyes, he wouldn't be at ease until he painted us all in red.With his men escorting the staff, I took the golden chance to attack him.My unexpected move made him bewildered, the first thing I did was to kick away his gun.“Close the door, Amy,” I commanded, in case his men returned to help him.Amy did as I told her.“You shouldn’t have done that, Derek…” Eric scowled as he attacked back at me, his punches flew in the air and when they hit my body, it was bloody painful.“Surrender, Eric, nothing will change between us, I promise.You will remain my brother, Eric Shepherd.”During our struggle, I tried to calm him down.“I am no Shepherd,I hate this name, I am Carson Dexter.”He acted crazily, throwing me away from him and then picking up the gun.CLICK“He made me like this,It was his fault.” He pointed the gun straight at the Gran
Before he would pull the trigger his father shouted in defeat.“I’ll bring everything, everything that you need, Eric.”Eric was smiling at his victory when all of a sudden Derek’s father hinted at the man and he stepped out of the crowd with a gun.“Now.” His father yelled and the shot was fired.BAM“Ahh…” The screeches of fear filled the atmosphere. As I looked up, I realized that the man who had stepped out had been shot by one of Eric’s men, while another person got shot in the wheelchair.“Viola…” Derek’s father leaped towards his wife when he was held by Eric’s men.“I told you father, ladies first.” Clenching his jaw, Eric seethed without a single remorse of killing his shooting his own mother.“If I could shoot my own mother you all have no idea what I could do to you all?” He threatened the whole staff and they cornered, with dread in their eyes while I remained on the ground, overwhelmed by all the disaster happening around me.Derek, where are you?****CLICK“Little broth
DEREK POV :“I killed his lover.”BOOMThat gunshot broke the barrier of my patience and I spoke out impassively.“Eric…”There was silence at the other end and then a mocking laugh came.“Hah, my sweet little brother,You still act impulsively, Deriee…”Eric spoke in wit.“Let everyone go, Eric, since when did you become a murderer?” I questioned, overwhelmed by the information of the massacre he created at the Shepherd Villa.“Murderer??What about Grandpa and Dad, who murdered my childhood together, my happiness, Derek?”His question made me avert my eyes at my father.I know their expectations were too high for Eric, and they tried their best to change Eric into a perfect candidate for Shepherd Corporation heir, but sadly he failed.Or they failed I guess.“What do you want, Eric, I’ll give you everything…” I made an offer.“Everything, Derek?” He asked to confirm.“Yes, everything…” I agreed instantly.“Good, send father with the approval letter of converting all the shares under
AMY POV :“Wake up, sweetie, we’re home…”I was in a dark place when a voice and a pat muddled with my mind.“Hmm…” With a groan, I opened my sleepy eyes and instantly sat up in fright.“You…” With my back hit hard, I realized I was trapped in a car with Carson.How? Wasn’t I sleeping in Derek’s bed?Where is he?My panic started to rise when he smiled.“I left a note for your fiance, Don’t worry, he’ll come soon.”With shallow breaths I watched him, he sat calmly and groomed.I looked around to get an idea of my location but I found nothing.SCREECHAt last, the car stopped and Carson stepped out of it, and then pulled me out with him.“Ah.” The daylight hit my face making me squeal for a moment, When I opened my eyes fully I saw the villa in front of me.“Shepherd Villa?” I gasped.“Clear the way.” Unbothered by my struggles, Carson held my arm tightly and then pulled me roughly inside.As soon as the guards saw him entering with force, they charged at him, but very soon they were a
ONE YEAR LATER“Loss??” I looked at the Manager in shock. Were my decisions proved to be wrong?“Those people faked their qualifications, they were never qualified for this job Sir.”THUDI sat in my chair, lots of words, and thoughts.“What about the loan we took?” I inquired.“We have a deadline in a week,” He informed me.A week…So, we have a week to go bankrupt.“Hah…”I laughed at my misery, Since childhood, I was getting prepared to handle all the business issues, yet I failed in just a year.I did such a terrible job,It’s a shame for me.****“What’s the progress, son?” Grandpa asked at the dining table and I gave him the fake conclusion.“We’re having some issues, but we’ll be fine Grandpa.”“Great, my Eric could never make any mistake.” He spoke proudly while I sat silent, drowned in my own failure.****“Be strong, brother, I am going to visit you in a few days.” Derek tried to encourage me but I was too occupied in my disaster.After disconnecting his call, I called Elsa.
ERIC SHEPHERD :Seven Years Old“Leave me alone, Deriee,” I growled unhappily.While I was here studying madly, and doing multiple activities, my twin brother, Derek got the chance to walk around free and eat ice cream.His continuous offer to me made me want to take a bite of ice cream too.“Eriee,” He teased me.“Fine, one bite I’ll take and just one race.” Closing my book softly, I told him.“On your mark, get, set, go.”Derek started to run away and I chased after him. Whenever we raced there was no winner or loser, we always got into a tie.Even today it would happen the same way if Grandpa hadn't returned home early.“Eric.” At his one call, I stood straight, panic rising in my heart.“I win… I win…” Derek jumped happily while my heart dropped with each step Grandpa was taking toward me.“Is this the way an heir should be, hmm?Look at yourself Eric,” He scolded me and I lowered my head further in shame.“I’m sorry, Grandpa,” I apologized quickly.“Get back to studying.” He orde
“A child needs a father,I won't let that kid experience the life I had, Derek.I could never be that cruel."Amy spoke irrelevantly making me frown deeper."We'll talk about this in the morning, Amy,I already had enough for today."I groan in response all ready to leave the room and end this stupid topic when her words halted my steps."Drop me back to my home, Derek,Knowing this place belongs to someone else in your life, I can't stay here, Derek..."That was it, her words literally boiled my blood.Can't she see that everything I have belongs to only one person, that's her.Can't she see??"You’re my f**king fiance that doesn’t allow you to give me away to others…I am not a f**king toy, I am a human with a heart and it will always belong to you, I belong to you, Amy.I Love you, Damn it,and I will never allow you to walk away from me or push me to someone else.I know I made a few mistakes in the past and hurt you badly, but God, can't you see I'm trying my best to change every
DEREK POV :Amy’s behavior outside was totally unexpected, and what’s more unexpected is her ignorance regarding her actions.What had happened to her?I thought this trauma won’t harm anyone but looking at Amy now, I felt frightened by her appearance.What if she harms someone else too?The man called her “MadWoman” and she didn’t show any response to it.Has her mind gone numb?I felt fully helpless in this situation, I don’t have any idea what to do.Knowing that my own brother has done this to my lover hurts me f**king bad.Why?Why did Eric harm Amy?She has no relation with him at all.Why, Eric? Why?“Amy…Derek…Dear, what’s this noise outside?” Amy’s mother came rushing, worry written all over her face.Amy remained pale and unresponsive to her when I wisely held her arm breaking her trance.“Oh, we just revealed our relationship status to the paparazzi, they were congratulating us…” I made up a lie.“Oh, that’s such a good news,My dear, Amy…”Unknown to Amy's lack of emotio
AMY POV :The peace in my heart matched the peace on the man’s face beside me.Derek slept peacefully and I watched him in fascination. This man could never look dull, although I know he’s exhausted but this peace on his face, his charisma could never let his charm fall off.GOD !!I sighed in admiration while caressing his face.The scruff on his face rubbed roughly at the palm of my hand but I didn't mind, it gave me the console I needed the most.I had no idea for how long I watched him until the room started to get dark giving me the indication of the night.Pulling Derek away from me gently, I stood up to look for the switch but as I was bound with the IV in my hand I couldn’t move around much.Thinking wisely I pressed the button to call for a nurse.The moonlight fell in the room and I felt attracted towards it.Without knowing, I headed for the vast window and looked outside, as I had expected it was full moon and the moonlight created a melancholic mood that swept over all th