Lost from a tragic event that sends him into a world of loneliness and pain, tabloid's king, Darien Quin battles with his inner demons and the pain of loosing his lover, until fate smiles at him with a seemingly lookalike of the girl he once and still loves, in place of his new assistant. Slowly, he finds himself falling for the innocent little woman, whose life is as peaceful and character as innocent as that of his past lover's. Each moment with her draws and dawns on him a realization that seems unreal. Each moment with her boss gives her memories she doesn't recognize. Who is he and what are these unfamiliar memories?
View MoreThe clinging sound produced as a result of metal clashing into metal filled the entire house, driving everyone crazy.
The inhabitants of the three bedroom apartment already knew what that was. Matter of fact, they were accustomed to it. They call it the wake-up bell.
As they strolled out of their rooms, down the stairs, heading to the living room, they already knew what to expect and, as expected, Zee was standing there, with her back to the TV set. She had a saucer pan and a cooking spoon in either hands, ready to give her usual morning talk show. Although, still in her nighties.
She smiled welcoming the girls as they began to claim their seats. She could see they were still feeling sleepy because they were continually rubbing their eyes.
''Good morning ladies, so sorry for cutting short your pleasurable rests and dragging you from your islands of intriguing dreams." she apologized, a warm smile playing at the side of her lips.
''Can you please just go straight to the point already?'' Mia asked amidst sleepy and tired yawns.
''Sure! Sure!'' Zee smiled with so much enthusiasm. ''But first, happy morning to you once again ladies, hope you had a good night's rest?'' she inquired, fully knowing the answer already.
''What are we talking about today?'' The tired Mia asked.
''Well! Well! Well! Our subject for today is an entirely different one. Different from the usual, political, social, economic, fitness, health, religious, and financial discussion." An enthusiastic Zee replied.
''What then can we possibly discuss when you've excluded all of those? Why not just dismiss us and let us go back to our peaceful sleeps?'' Irene hissed. Her sleepy eyes were closing up and she was struggling to stay awake.
''Be still Lady Irene of England." Zee quietened, not letting lose her smile and Irene could only roll her eyes in frustration. She was already accustomed to this; Zee trying to fit in with the lifestyle of royalty and people of high-class society all for her joblessness.
''Mmmmm..." Mia muttered to Irene while running an assessing gaze over her. "Lady Irene of England! That suits you quite well." Mia said, nodding thoughtfully at Irene, a hint of mockery in her pure white eyes.
''Stop it." Irene warned casually.
''But it does suit you.'' Mia insisted nevertheless.
Irene grimaced. ''Thank you,"
''Attention Ladies.'' Zee called out. "Do not be distracted.'' she frowned, but then she snapped out of it immediately.
''So, someone asked what today's topic of discussion would be. Well... today, we'll be talking about something I consider to be rather personal.'' She raised a brow. "Poverty and joblessness,'' she announced then nodded a smile at each one of her listeners who gave the same reaction as a response, shock.
''Well.. she continued. ''I'll start by giving you my definition of poverty, it's so simple. "Me!!'
Irene and Mia turned to each other and then back at Zee, who slumped all of a sudden on the floor, and began to sob.
''Oh! Zee, you are Korea's poorest. Every jobless youth as of early last month now has jobs, but you're here, financially broke, economically unstable and poor in your everyday life. You're just poor in all ramifications. When was the last time you recharged her mobile yourself?'' She queried herself.
''Years ago, she answered the question and then broke into yet another round of tears. Irene turned to Mia with questions in her gaze.
''Do you think she's acting up again?'' Irene asked. There was a vivid look of perplexity in her eyes.
''No, I don't think she's being a drama queen.'' The also confused Mia answered. Without wasting any time at all, they hurried towards Zee.
Zee woke up and looked at herself in the mirror just opposite her bed. Her shoulders dropped on seeing how bad her reflection looked. Her face looked so swollen and she could still feel a headache as a result of so much crying exercise she had carried out earlier. Recalling everything that played out a few hours ago, she sighed with disappointment. She knew Irene and Mia had already left for work at that hour, so she got out of bed and strolled out of the room, passed the other rooms and into the kitchen where she was greeted by the presence of the duo she had earlier thought about. What were they doing at home at that hour?
''Irene? Mia? You're home?'' Zee asked, surprise written all over her face. They both turned at the mention of their names, only to meet her surprised look.
''What are you girls doing at home at this hour? ''You are both supposed to be at work.''
''And leave who to take care of you?'' Mia mocked, reminding Zee of her crazy attitude from earlier.
''About that, I'm sorry for acting so stupidly earlier, I-I didn't know what came over me,'' She apologized.
''You said it all, that's good. At least, I wouldn't have to narrate to you how stupid you were back then.'' Mia murmured mockingly and Irene kicked her with her shoulder.
''Will you both please forgive me?'' Zee pleaded with a pity worthy expression.
''Come here.'' Irene beckoned, stretching forth her hand to Zee, who strolled forward and took it. She drew her close into her embrace and patted her back gently.
''You'll be just fine,'' She consoled Zee and Zee smiled.
''You know what?'' Irene asked. ''I think we should go partying tonight. I hear there's an imperial ball taking place at 'DELA QUINS' tonight, and it'll probably satisfy your taste for class." Her last sentence referred to Zee.
''I think that would be just great, it's been a long time since we last hung out.'' Mia winked excitedly at Irene.
EVENING
DELA QUINS'
'Edwin Evans' tabloid's No. 7th billionaire bachelor was hosting a party at the biggest hotel in the country owned by tabloid's No. 1 finest and wealthiest bachelor, the very famous Darian Quin.' Edwin Evans had specially invited him to the ball, but the thirty-two-year-old tycoon would rather remain in his office, doing nothing than be on the great grand floor.
The ball had begun, guests were arriving in their numbers and rather quickly too. The grand floor was already getting filled up with lots and lots of people.
Two hours after the commencement, Mia, Irene and Zee arrived at the hotel. They had required a whole lot of time to get ready so as to fit into such an elite party. Zee was wearing a pitch mermaid dress that hugged her frame very well and enhanced her curves. She didn't need to wear a lot of make-up as she was a natural beauty. And she let her long blonde hair pour down to her waist.
Irene was in a red dress that matched the color of her eyes perfectly and displayed her natural assets while Mia had a black gown on and a pair of red shoes that enhanced her height.
It was only a moment after take-off when Zee fell asleep. It was her first time flying and she was as scared as a poor little kitten she didn't want to make it obvious, especially not with Darien sitting just a few inches away in the opposite direction. Therefore, she mentally lulled herself to sleep.Darien who had after the collision with his assistant put all of his attention into a fashion magazine he had picked up from his seat, suddenly glanced at the little woman in front of him, and in an instant, his lower lip dropped perfectly in surprise. She was sleeping already, in less than two hours? He watched her delicate body closely, his heart melting each time she heaved a long sigh. She was so fragile and so beautiful like a delicate flower he needed to protect.Protect? As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he gnashed his teeth, muttering a curse at himself. He wasn't feeling this way again, was he now? It was the exact same way he had felt a few years ago over a certain some
A Lexus sedan was parked in Zee's apartment and a blonde man stood just in front of the car. Once he sighted Zee approaching the car, carrying two traveling bags, he offered his help at once."Hello, Ms! Let me help you with those" Saying that, he took the bags from Zee.Zee simply smiled gratefully and followed behind him as he walked over to the car. Once he opened the door for her, he proceeded in loading the truck. And in no time, the car was hitting the road at a leisurely pace. The drive was calm and with the aid of the soothing music playing in the background, Zee for a moment was relieved of the bother of travelling with Darien. She had been worrying about that all week since the preparations for their travel commenced. Darien was a difficult person and she could only pray she wouldn't be spending the majority of her time by his side, even though she knew it was impossible.....If only she had an idea of what the man had in store for her.Well thankfully, her friends, understa
Zee stared with uncertainty at the underwear in the section that Tang ming brought her."Shouldn't we be shopping for corporate wears it's a business trip we're going on, not a picnic." Zee reminded, earning a laugh from Tang Ming. It seems she had absolutely no idea of the plans Darien had in stock for her."It's summer in California and while over there, you might get tempted to dive into the pool, or even get wet on the beach. So when that craving comes in, you'd be needing this." Tang Min said."In that case, I'm sure I won't be tempted to do any of that," Zee said dryly.Seeing that she couldn't convince Zee, Tang Ming racked her brain quickly for another idea."What if you're to finalize a deal with Mr Quin at the beachside, do you wear a business suit?" She asked, and that was all it took to convince Zee."Fine! I'll pick this one." Zee pointed at a diver's suit.Tang Ming refused outrightly."That's too masculine. You're female, you should go for something that exudes feminity
"She's not my girlfriend, she's just my assistant, nothing more." ...Why did he sound so irritated saying it? Couldn't he have used a rather friendly tone? Did he have to sound like it was some sort of abomination to be paired with her?.... Embarrassed by his tone, Zee could only feel shame as she kept her head bowed. She felt the urge to get up and get out. She didn't belong there, amongst these people. The appetite to eat disappeared along with her heart... But why did it hurt, that tone? Like the pain of being rejected by a lover.....He had simply told his family the truth. She was nothing more than an employee to him, right? So why did it hurt?Biting so hard on the walls of her lower lip, she held back the urge to.......Wait! what is this stupid feeling going on in her tiny heart?She sat straight and gently pushed the plate of barely touched food away. In the process, her eyes met with Mrs. Quin's. Zee tried smiling at the older woman, but the dangerous look her night-
Watching her laugh at the silly jokes being told her by his two silly cousins, Darien couldn't help getting irritated. How could she smile and laugh so hard around strangers, but act all uptight with him each time? He was certain he had never seen a real smile on her face before tonight.'Have I been too strict with her?' he inquired of himself with a trace of guilt.'No! You're just being her boss. She's way too silly and makes a lot of mistakes, therefore, she deserves to be strict with. To justify his actions and just to feel less guilt, Darian told himself. But, deep down, he knew the truth. He glanced at her again, and seeing that beautiful smile on her face, it irritated him that she was giving it to others.'what the heck is this feeling of irritation?'"Zee.' Darien's authoritative voice filled the dining, drawing everyone's attention. "Come here." He ordered, and just like that, Zee hurriedly stood up, all embarrassed, and went to him.How had she forgotten that he was her
The minute they stepped foot into the house, Darien's expression turned intimidatingly cold. Whereas Zee couldn't help but be awed by the magnificence and the amount of wealth on display. From top to bottom, everything screamed wealth. There was still that feeling of deja Vu, but she silenced it."Oh, my dearest grandson! You finally came to see Grandma." An aging voice pulled Zee back to Earth. Her eyes traveled to the palatial style grand stairs where a frail elderly woman stood slightly hunched. With grey hairs and a wrinkled face which although had already aged, told of a beautiful youth. One could most correctly guess her age. Behind her stood a graceful, dark-haired milf and an elderly man who had a striking resemblance to Darien. 'Are those his parents?" Zee couldn't help but ask herself..."Good evening Grandma." Darien bowed slightly at the elderly woman approaching him."Good evening my dear. How is my favorite Grandson doing?" Grandmother Quin inquired as she cupped Darien
The rest of the day went on with work.Finally, It was a few hours past closing time, yet Zee was just beginning to clear up her desk. It had really been a busy day, she looked forward to a refreshing hot bath and long hours of rest. She stretched herself and breathed in freely for the first time in many hours. It felt great to finally be away from the authoritative eyes of a boss...... Was she really away from his eyes?She finished packing up her stuff, locked her door, and turned to leave but flinched instead with fear at the presence of a person."Mr Quin?" What was he doing standing there?"Let's go." He said, and before she could ask any questions, he was already close to the elevator. ... Advantages of having long legs ...Zee hurried after him.Arriving on the first floor, the entire office looked and felt deserted, one could literally hear their heartbeats."Goodnight Mr Quin," Zee said with a discharging tone, but who was she to discharge her boss?"Get in the car," Darien
"I'm not going to accompany you this time around. I'll be very busy attending to my personal affairs. Besides, you now have an Assistant whose responsibility it is to accompany you to things like this. Am I right Ms. Ling?" Hau Lin asked, turning to Zee."Uhmm.. Yes, Mr. Lin," Zee answered. "Hau Lin!!" Darien tried to speak, but Hau Lin interrupted."I'm trying to get myself a girlfriend. You know, winning someone's heart isn't easy, especially when this person in question is quite stubborn." Hau Lin said. "I came to let you in on this. And also... Grandma would like to see you, and please do not turn her down this time around." Hau Lin strolled out afterward with a smile of victory. This was just the right opportunity to set his plans going. He was getting tired of seeing the boring, grumpy Darien. He wanted that happy cousin he used to know ten years back. This wasn't for the rewards, at least, not mainly."Start making preparations for our travel, you're coming along." Darien sou
"Go use the restroom," Darien told Zee the moment the elevator dinged open in their layer. Zee who was still confused didn't understand why she needed to use the restroom, but, recalling how everyone had acted weird upon her arrival, she immediately obliged, and dashed into the female restroom."Ben, hurry down to the pharmacy, get some sanitary pads and painkillers." Darien put a call across to his driver as soon as he entered his office. Ben nodded and rushed out, thankfully, he knew about these things since he had a wife. Darien thought about the scene earlier. It S seemed his little PA was quite careless. She didn't even know when it was her time of the month. Zain used to forget hers as well. He sighed, why did they have to be so similar? Thinking of the dead, Darien could only pinch the skin in between his brows. He claimed his workspace, and then put a call across to Hau Lin's office."I want ten percent income deducted from the salaries of all the staff on the ground floor o
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