*MAXIMUS*
The next morning, when I walked into my mansion, I was exhausted. Yesterday I received a sudden business cooperation call. I had to cancel my engagement in order to fulfill the order. My father told me that a man must seize his career before a woman can love you.
I have always regarded this sentence from my father as my attitude towards life, and Anna has always accepted it. I am sure that calling off the engagement yesterday is not a big deal, which is why I can accept Anna by my side for five years. She is like a pet dog I have. She needs me, which makes my desire for control extremely satisfying.
When I needed her, she would come running over with a smile. She was so cute.
I tried to move my stiff neck, but the pain kept me from moving. but I had a fast remedy at home.
Anna gives the best neck massages.I especially like how her fingers felt against my skin.
Not that I'm going to ever tell her that though.
"Anna."I called.
“Gianna."I called again as I settled onto the couch.
This was so unlike her.She always comes running up to me to welcome me home,looking all happy.
“Grace."I called out to the housekeeper who walked in almost immediately.
"Where's Anna?Doesn't she know that I'm home?"
"She…she left."
I frowned."Left?"
"Yes,she packed up her things last night and left the house."
I rubbed my temple knowing she must be upset about the canceled engagement party.
What was the big deal?
We could always have an engagement party anytime.
I knew she might have sent me tons of messages so I brought out my cellphone and scroll to her name.
I saw just one line.
"It's over between us"
I frowned in annoyance, how many times has she said it?
Even if the earth is destroyed, Anna will not break up with me. I give her two days and she will come back to my house.
I need to take a shower and get ready for my business trip.
As I went upstairs, I heard Grace's disgruntled voice behind me.
“You went too far last night,sir.It's all over the news.Even a simple apology isn't enough this time,you owe her…"
“Grace,don't overstep your boundaries.Anna understands why I had to leave like that last night and she'll be back so mind your business."I warned her that I was going upstairs.
Negotiation time is very urgent, I am sure that a man's favor will make a woman become arrogant and lose her temper without a bottom line. Anna is like most women, which is why I don't like to coax her.
So far, Anna knows this, she can always digest bad emotions quickly.
I'm certain that when I come back, Anna will come back here again.
***********
*GIANNA*
After arriving in Burbank, I went straight to the house where my parents used to live. It wasn't a mansion, just a cozy little apartment, but I spent my entire childhood here. I saw that the flowers in the vase on the front lawn had withered and looked messy. I remembered when my parents were still alive, they always kept the front lawn tidy, and we even won an award for having the neatest garden in the community. Thinking of this, my eyes became moist. My parents loved me very much and raised me well.
It made me question why I had been obsessed with Maxim.
It wasn't as if I had lacked anything growing up.
Was it his charm,his gorgeous look and how good he is in…
But Maxim always believed that I was just a shameless gold-digger, because compared to Nadia, I was just a small-town girl.
Stop!
I had to stop thinking about him.I had left him for Nadia now so he doesn't have to keep canceling on me to be with her.
He can have her now.
I won't be in the way.
I never saw myself as the other woman and I have to work on forgiving myself for begging a man to love me.
Settling down didn't take much time.I felt so much at home and at peace.
Just three days after returning, I ran into my childhood friend Griffin. Griffin lived nearby, and we attended elementary, middle, and high school together, but I went to the capital city of Meloria for college.
He didn't look as skinny as I remembered from childhood. Instead, his muscular physique was evident. He was just wearing a simple striped shirt and jeans, but you could see the results of his workouts, complemented by his tanned hair, deep eyes. God, he really was a perfect hunk.
Griffin was surprised that I had suddenly returned. I smiled and said, "You know, Meloria is always so cold. After living there for five years, I realized I still prefer Burbank."
"Anna...you're always so optimistic and positive. You know I've always liked that about you," Griffin said.
Liked me? Griffin had a crush on me? I didn't know how to respond, especially since I had just ended a long-term relationship. I planned to find an excuse to leave, but Griffin held me back.
"Anna, are you married?"
I frowned, why would he ask that?
I shook my head. Three days ago, I was supposed to get engaged to my boyfriend, but he called it off for another woman. I saw Griffin's eyes light up. Then, his next words made me stare at him in shock.
"Anna, will you marry me?"
*GIANNA*Marry him? Did I hear it wrong?"What…what are you saying,Griffin?""Please, Anna. I know this is sudden for you, but I'm running out of time. I need to find someone to marry me."I immediately brought him to my villa. Griffin didn't seem like a casual guy, so I had to know his reasons for this. I got him a cup of coffee, then sat down looking at him. "Listen, Griffin, I want to know why you're doing this."Griffin took a sip of coffee, then took a deep breath and began telling his story.Griffin told me that he had just returned to our small town as well. He had married the daughter of a wealthy family overseas. Unfortunately, Griffin's wife passed away about a year ago. After that, his in-laws had been fighting him for custody of the child. His in-laws insisted that their daughter's death was related to Griffin, but the truth was, his wife was willing to marry him because she wanted to escape her overly controlling parents. She had no freedom and felt like a corpse.In their
*GIANNA*So far,I’ve been having a good time settling down except for my sudden marriage.Griffin has gone to Country B since he registered with me, and I'm sure he can't wait to bring back his children. I hope he succeeds.Maxim, my lips keep popping this name in my spare time. It's been almost a week now, and I've blocked anyone or news related to Maxim, and I'm sure he won't be uncomfortable with me leaving because I'm just a cheap toy for him, and he can always find a replacement.I read some books and mostly spent the time at the garden.I planted a lot of flowers and vegetables and while working on the garden,I realized what I wanted to do for work for now.I wanted to be a florist.I quickly made a mental note to immediately start looking for a store.This house was beginning to take shape again and feel like home since I was back to look after it.My doorbell rang.I quickly set aside my shovel.I had ordered some takeouts and I was starving.I washed my hands in a rush and headed
*GIANNA*My doorbell rang again.I smiled knowing it must be my takeouts.I couldn’t wait to get those crispy chicken into my mouth.I opened the door and my jaw dropped seeing Jacob.Seriously?!And why the heck was my order taking so long?!“Didn’t I tell you to get lost just now?”I asked him.I saw him fall to his knees.“I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you just now.But please,Mr Lewis really wants you home.Please come with me.”I laughed.It was funny watching him beg like this.I know Maxim must have probably reprimanded him on the phone and that is why he was here again,begging me.I had no idea why Maxim was so determined to have me back in his house and frankly,I didn’t care.I had given him what he wanted.Freedom to be with Nadia without me begging him to stay faithful to me so why can’t he just accept that?Why can’t he just go be with her?!Does he seriously enjoy torturing me?I recalled the times I tried to leave in the past.There was a time I stayed in a hotel for about a m
*MAXIMUS*I rubbed my temple feeling a terrible headache.My stomach felt so empty and I was starting to feel weak.I recalled that I hadn’t eaten in two days.The cold eyes Anna was giving me made me feel worse.She had never stared at me like this before.She always had this bright look in her eyes,those eyes were the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen.But now, they look hostile, like beautifully boxed Barbie dolls that have suddenly jumped out, telling me that from today onwards, they will fight for their freedom.I felt a pang of panic inside for a moment.My intuition tells me that if I don't do something, I might really lose Anna. No, my neck is always stiff, I must enjoy Anna's massage when I get off work.For this purpose, even if I don't admit that I was really wrong, I will ask for her forgiveness."Let's go home, Anna. I'm very tired now. I've been very busy, and I feel my physical condition isn't very good now," I said in a low voice, while Anna's lips remained tightly cl
*MAXIMUS*“Don’t worry about me and Anna.Take care of your health,Nadia.Peter will take you to the hospital tomorrow.”With that,I hung up.Peter is my best friend and Nadia's family doctor. He has always liked Nadia, and I believe this is the best opportunity for them to get to know each other.I remembered how many times Anna had complained in the past that she resented my tendency to run over as soon as I got a call from Nadia. Even though I told her she had no reason to worry about Nadia, who was like a sister to me, and I never had any romantic thoughts about her, Anna just didn't believe me.That woman was just too stubborn and I had no idea why I can’t just cut her off.Why can’t I stop chasing after her?I am Maximus James Lewis.I can have any woman I want.A lot of women were willing to be at my beck and call but here I am chasing after Anna.It was so infuriating.My phone rang again.It's peter."Mark?""What happened?" I pinched my nose, my stomach still aching like it had b
NadiaI saw Peter's embarrassed gaze, but I deliberately ignored it. I've always known Peter had a crush on me, but the only man I want is this god-like man of the country, Maksim Lewis. His wealth is unmatched by any family.I know no man can resist my tears, and I've been practicing this, so I easily burst into tears, looking pitiful. That's why Maksim always appears by my side the moment I need him.My mother and Maksim's mother are good friends, and they obviously want us to get married. I used to reject political marriages, but the moment I saw Maksim, I fell in love with him. I vowed not to let anyone take Maksim away from me.I felt blessed, having a loving mother and an outstanding man by my side. Perhaps God envied my perfection, so in the year I turned 15, a car accident took my mother away. I was devastated, unable to accept this painful reality. My father had been neglecting me since I was little, always busy with work. Seeing this, Maksim's mother took me into their home,
*GIANNA*I didn’t have any problem running from city to city.Heck,I used this opportunity to go sightseeing.Soon,Maxim will stop coming after me and I’d go back to Bellbanks to continue with my life.In Mayfair, there was a flower store close to the hotel I was staying in.I visited there regularly and even ask for the owner’s contact.Later in Bellbanks when I open my flower store,I would like for them to be my suppliers.I busied myself with setting up a plan on how I wanted my flower store to look like and also browsing through the internet to find out more about being a florist.I decided to take a break and try out a restaurant.I heard of a very popular but expensive restaurant in the city.I booked a reservation so I can try out their highly praised delicacy.At 7:pm,I got dressed up and headed out.I was loving my new life.Where I felt pretty and needed no man’s validation.Getting to the restaurant,I told the waiter my reservation number.“Come with me.”He said,leading me to m
*MAXIMUS*I stared more at the sleeping Gianna,knowing she’d not let me look at her once she wakes up.Her indifference towards me chilled me to the bones.I had never see her like that and I really miss the Gianna who exuded warmth and affection.I needed that warmth right now.I gently got into the bed and settled behind her.Being this close to her made my blood pound in my veins.I tried to control myself but this was Gianna.I lacked control when I’m around her.I moved closer to her on the bed,taking in her sweet and refreshing scent.I pressed my face against her hair but it still wasn’t enough.I closed the distance between us and placed my arms around her.But as soon as I did that,she woke up and quickly turned to face me.“Am I not allowed to sleep anymore?!”She thundered.I shrugged.”I was sleeping too.”“Go sleep on the chair.”She really had no respect for me anymore.“You want me,Maximus James Lewis to sleep on the chair?!”She then sat up.”Fine,I’ll go sleep on the chair
It wasn't until she was fourteen years old that she discovered the horrible side of Nathan.He had a secret base in the back of the house.One day, Gianna followed over curiously.Discovered the scary side of him.He was actually abusing cats and dogs.She went just in time to see him skinning raw an animal, the sound of the kitten whimpering in despair filled in air.And, there were air-dried animal carcasses hanging from the trunks of the large trees in that one.Lots and lots.An image that horrific was the first time in her life that she had ever encountered it.She instantly went weak in the knees and screamed out in fear.Nathan heard her scream.Snapping his head up.When he saw that it was her, his eyes flashed with a flash of anger.With that, there was a light laugh.He slowly came to her side and cupped her chin with that bloody hand.In an instant, the smell of blood and stickiness filled her nostrils, and she subconsciously began to dry-heave.The face was pale and the fi
The fact that Violet sat in seat seven straight away showed that she felt confident.Ashley, who was in the third position, snorted coldly at Gianna.“Anna, you're screwed, you've offended Starlight Entertainment's Missy, wait for your shoes to be worn!"Gianna and Darla, the eldest Miss of Starlight Entertainment in the second seat, exchanged glances.Darla’s eyes were filled with questions.If Violet was Starlight Entertainment's first lady, then who was she?Gianna saw the doubt in Darla’s eyes and shrugged.Gianna was curious about Ashley’s brain circuit.“How do you know she's the Missy of Starlight Entertainment? It was four people who just came in."She had to say, Ashley had contacts and inside information, just, it seemed not to be very useful?She couldn’t even figure out who the people really were."Is that even a question?"Ashley looked at her with the eyes of a fool."That's a high and mighty lady, can she look at you? She came straight up to pick on you, if she's not Mi
Darla’s mouth was really tight!After so many days in the same bed, she froze and didn't say a word, not even the slightest hint that she was coming to the Starlight programme as well!She didn’t say she was coming to be a star!Moreover, at this time, Gianna also understood that the Missy of Starlight Entertainment that Ashley was talking about was Darla.After all, Darla’s father was the boss behind Starlight Entertainment and the producer of the Starlight Project.Ashley gloated at Gianna.“Do you see the second person from the right? Did you feel the unkind gaze she saw you with? She is Starlight Entertainment's big miss, Violet."Ashley’s gaze kept falling on Darla’s body.The other three, she didn't even look at them.It was only after Ashley’s reminder that she focused on what she said about Violet.Violet stood in the second position, Darla the third, and the two o
Gianna naturally saw the surprised and torpid expression on Martha’s face.She bloomed an oversized smile at Martha.She smiled brightly, like a blooming flower, and the shot is rendered perfectly.In an instant, there was another intake of breath in front of the TV.It was so beautiful!Then the pop-ups went crazy![Voting! Vote for Gianna! Let her stay first and sit on top!][And then laugh at me every day! Nima! My heart can't take it anymore!][ Ahhhhhh! Vote! Gianna’s face is what I look up to now, if she can't make a debut, I'll cry to death!][Vote! Vote hard for Gianna](You have one vote, I have one vote, and the stars come out first!]Talia was also in front of the TV to watch the live broadcast of the Starlight Project, and she was nervous when Gianna appeared.She had been in the Grand Theatre for so many years, she had seen all kinds of occasion.But this time, she was
Declan had recognized the scent of Gianna’s body.****************The Starlight Project kicked off with a capital campaign, and a lot of attention!Project Starlight is a draft plan that just came out this year, and it's been on fire as far back as the build-up.And it's the first one.The chances of coming out on top are greater.Arguably, the best way to increase your popularity is to come to the Starlight programme.No, Gianna was here to gain popularity.The first day of recording for the Starlight Project was a full four hours live.The first part is the one hundred and eight girls showing up one by one, categorised according to company, according to school.That was a fair order of exit.Drawing of lots.There were combinations of people who show their faces together, and there were individuals who show their faces, and there were sixty-nine of the one-hundred-and-eight number plates.Gianna drew number seventeen.Not particularly forward, nor backward.Just fine.Moreover, she
He wasn’t the Maxim she remembered.Maxim really forgot everything about her.Forgot the many times they slept together.Now he felt like a virgin.She scoffed.Declan’s face was also embarrassed to the extreme, he and Gianna had already stood in the same boat, intending to use meanness and shamelessness to knock Maxim back.In such a situation, Maxim was still unwilling to let go.Declan’s face went completely cold.“Maxim, what do you mean?"Did he want to fight again?Maxim raised his eyebrows, his eyes carrying a provocation that could not be ignored,"What do you think?"The fire squeezed in Declan’s heart spewed up at once, his face showing a scowl, and he raised his fist to greet Maxim’s body.Seeing that the two were about to fight again, Gianna hurriedly held Declan’s waist to stop them.“Declan, stop!"Any more fighting and these two would surely be carried out.It was really going to be a lot of trouble when the time comes.Gianna now really felt big-headed, Maxim used to t
She couldn’t push him away.Gianna looked at Maxim, helplessly.“I'm just an ordinary girl, I'm not from the same world as you. I beg you, Mr Lewis, to be magnanimous and let me go!"Maxim narrowed his eyes and cupped her chin, making her gaze straight into his cold eyes.“Anna, why do you keep rejecting me?"His eyes were warm and sincere, and she could even see the sizzle of a heartbeat in his eyes.It allowed her to clearly feel that he liked her.A flash of pain flashed through her heart.Why?Why did this affectionate Maxim come so late?What about not giving it to her when she wanted it so badly, when she especially needed it?She didn't look away, her voice with a slight tremor: "Maxim, we are not suitable....."He frowned, annoyance in his good-looking brows, but he still pressed her tightly,"Where is it inappropriate? Status or position? I could care less about any of these!"For the first time, he had such a strong feeling of love.Anything he closed his eyes, he saw Gianna
After the real contact with Ashley, all of his palpitations and excitement were all reduced to nothing.Declan pushed Ashley away and said to her, "Ashley, I'm sorry, we’re over, I like Gianna now."Declan turned around and left after saying that, leaving Ashley alone at a loss forwords.Her entire body was like an electric shock.She couldn't believe that Declan just said that.He liked Gianna?Without knowing that Gianna was his saviour, without knowing that Gianna was his muse, he had already fallen for her?Why?On what grounds?Ashley was chagrined when she realised that she might have screwed up this opportunity.She originally thought that she would be able to catch Declan’s attention by virtue of risking that dance, but she didn't expect that he wouldn't be electrified of her after she actually got along.What now?She hurriedly pulled out her mobile phone to call Kate."Hey, Auntie, what should I do, I don't think I'm going to be able to hide it from Declan....”************
The shot hit Ashley’s face.Then a pretty woman came rushing over.“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, the shoe flew off, are you okay? I'll compensate you, I will make it up to you, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."The woman apologised profusely, but the face was really too recognisable.Film queen, Mia.And following along behind Mia was the cold Maxim.Ashley was smashed and screamed, and just when she wanted to curse, she saw the film queen Mia, and instantly, all her words could not be uttered.Maxim walked over and saw Ashley, then immediately saw Gianna behind her.The tall figure gave a lurch.Gianna was a little weak and immediately hooked Ashley’s neck in a friendly manner and smiled at Mia, "It's fine, it's fine, she has thick skin."Then she hurriedly circled Ashley and led her into the lift, quickly pressing the close button and shutting the lift door.She and Maxim looked across the lift, their eyes locked.Her heart was weak, and Maxim’s voice was cold.It seems like they really don't know