Chapter 4: Unexpected Kiss

LOGAN POV

As I glided towards the magnificent company, a sense of pride swelled within me. "Did I build this?" I asked myself, and my inner voice responded with a confident "Yes." The response brought a smile to my face as memories of my journey flooded in. I owed it all to my mum, whose unwavering support had been my foundation, and to Maxon, my best friend and partner in this vision, now overseas for business. Together, we had turned a dream into this masterpiece.

A wave of accomplishment swept through me as I looked up at the towering building. Its sleek glass and steel exterior shimmered in the sunlight, a perfect reflection of the journey that brought me here.

I stepped out of the elevator, my shoes clinking sounds saving the hallway from enveloping into silence. Camilla, my secretary, trailed behind me, trying her best to remain unnoticed. One thing about me is that I detested noisy areas; my workers knew this, which is why they only bowed when they saw me. I'd respond whenever I wished to, but I ignored them most of the time.

As I entered my office, the calm atmosphere instantly welcomed me. The walls, painted a brilliant white, reflected the sunlight streaming between the white curtains, making the space feel open and fresh. My glass desk sat neatly in the center, its surface clear and tidy, with a plush office chair behind it.

The white marble floor shimmered slightly, cool and smooth underfoot. A row of shelves lined one wall, holding a few books and small decorations, like a vase of fresh flowers and a simple silver ornament. The faint aroma of coffee from the corner filled the air, accompanied only by the soft hum of the air conditioner.

As I settled into my chair, my sharp gaze shifted to Camilla, who clutched the tabloid containing my schedule for the day. She immediately understood what my gaze meant. She opened the tabloid and began reading.

"Your appointments for today," she announced, taking a deep breath. "A meeting with the finance team at nine, and the legal team presentation is set for eleven..."

Her words were interrupted when the door creaked open. I clenched my fist, my eyes set in determination to sack the employee who dared to barge in... but my thoughts were shattered when Mr. Alfred, Amaya's father, entered. My anger intensified at the presence of my greatest enemy, but I masked my rage with a smile.

"The newest groom in town!" Mr. Alfred laughed, sitting opposite me.

Laughing at Mr. Alfred's witty words, Camilla quietly walked out of my office.

"You're looking more handsome," I said, my tone shifting to one of cheerfulness. "Aren't you going to tell me the secret behind this, father-in-law?"

I sometimes became surprised at how effortlessly I could switch tones and moods. I could be playful now, and in the next second, I'd be venomous. Even Beatrice, who trained me, didn't possess this skill. I guessed it was a free gift of nature.

Mr. Alfred laughed, and I noticed something peculiar about him. His greed wasn't his only defining attribute, nor were his devilish acts. His features were also oversized, imagine a human being with enormous eyes, nose, mouth, and cheeks. He should be living in the jungle; his face alone disqualified him as a human being.

Swallowing the mocking laughter that threatened to escape, I maintained the genuine smile on my face.

"You're really funny," Mr. Alfred mumbled.

"I thought you were joking when you said you wouldn't be going on a honeymoon."

"Oh... honeymoon?" I replied. "You know how things are, Mr. Alfred. I have to work. Every minute counts. Anyway, your daughter is doing very fine."

Meanwhile his daughter was the most depressed person in the universe right now. Imagine losing your job and freedom simultaneously, she must be devastated. I warned Nova to ensure Amaya stayed indoors, and I was certain she'd adhere to that. She was paying the price for her father's evil deeds.

"I trust you," Mr. Alfred smiled. "That's why I married Amaya off to you. She's the only one I cherished in this whole universe. Please, take good care of her."

I smiled, my tone reassuring. "Amaya is really doing fine."

Mr. Alfred smiled again, leaning closer to me, his hands on my desk. "You promised to give me Mr. Leo's number..."

"I remember, of course," I completed, laughing. I brought out my phone and sent the number to him.

"I've received it," Mr. Alfred announced, checking his phone.

"You can tell him I introduced you," I explained. "He'll be a great help."

Mr. Alfred nodded, his brows furrowed as he concentrated. His expression suddenly shifted from serious to a grin. "Earlier, you asked me why I'm getting more handsome... I have the answer now. I'm getting more attractive, thanks to your help with my business, that's the only thing that matters to me. Money is everything!" He expressed, his eyes widening in greed.

I clenched my jaw, intrigued by his words. He was the one who said Amaya was the only one he cared about, but now he was changing his priority to business? I already knew how foolish he was when he exchanged his child for a mere company. He was really the worst.

"I have to go now," Mr. Alfred said, standing up. "Work hard, Mr. Logan."

I smiled. "Of course, sir. Take care."

As he left, I couldn't help but think about how I would ruin him. Camilla returned, continuing her listing of my appointments for the day.

My head rested on the chair as my mind was already shifting to my next plan: how to make Amaya affect her father's fortune. It will be nice to see the both of them in a duel.

The time passes by quickly and finally It's closing hour. I get into my car, driving out of the company, Camilla already know she will be working overtime, she will visit my house later, after catering her needs.

•••

As I entered my mansion, I took deliberate steps upstairs, eager to see Amaya's devastated face. I wondered where I got this devilish streak from. I smiled, anticipating the fear in her eyes.

As I glided into her room, my eyes scanned the space, but she was nowhere to be found. My brows furrowed into a stern expression. I walked to the bathroom, but she wasn't there either. That's when I realized she had left the house, disobeying my orders.

Taking a few steps downstairs, Nova was coming from the kitchen, a tray with a glass cup in her hands. Without warning, I grabbed the glass cup and smashed it on the floor, ensuring it was near her. If it weren't for the respect I had for her age, I would have broken it on her head.

Nova shrieked, taking a step back, her eyes wide with fear. The tray in her hand fell, her trembling hands unable to hold it. Her gaze was fixed on the floor.

"Where is Amaya?" I demanded, my voice echoing through the mansion.

Nova's trembling hand pointed behind me. My eyes followed her direction, meeting Amaya's, who stood frozen in front of the door, her hand on the doorknob as she stared at the scene unfolding before her.

I let out a smirk as I walked to her, “You disrespected me,” I muttered, stopping in front of her, space barely making it between us. I could see her swallowing hard; the fear in her eyes was too palpable. She began to quiver, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. I stared at her, impressed by the menacing effect of my gaze. She suddenly dipped her hand into her bag, bringing out a small white teddy bear.

"I bought it for you," she muttered, her soft voice surprisingly calming the rage within me.

I raised an eyebrow, flummoxed by the unexpected gift. "What's the meaning of this trash?" I asked, my tone icy.

Amaya's gaze moved to the ground, obviously avoiding my piercing stares. Shifting my gaze to the teddy bear, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. Part of me wanted to punish her for disobeying me, while another part was touched by the innocence her expression conveyed. Torn between two decisions. Should I punish her or let her go?

Before I could settle on a course, I felt her presence closer; too close. My brows furrowed, annoyance sparking within me.  What was she doing? But before I could react, the softest sensation brushed against my lips.

She kissed me.