Chapter 37*Nostalgia*Vanessa's POVI ran my hands down my dress for what felt like the tenth time today, smoothing out invisible creases while my feet ached from these cursed heels. I didn’t know what had possessed me to wear this outfit. Maybe it was because of Mia's mocking comment this morning about how I'd look “too plain” for the event. I didn’t want to stand out, but something inside me felt the need to prove myself—even if it was just for today.Now, I was starting to regret it.Everything was chaotic, as usual, and I had been juggling errands since sunrise. When Mr. Garcia summoned me with his typical sharp tone this morning, I knew the day would be anything but smooth. I should’ve known better than to hope he’d give me even a hint of appreciation for my efforts.The man was a walking storm.At the orphanage, while sorting the gifts for the children, I heard him approach. The moment his voice cut through the air, I stiffened, my shoulders tensing instinctively. I’d gotten us
Chapter 38Vanessa's POV:The evening’s charity event had reached its crescendo, and exhaustion tugged at every fiber of my being. My feet, stuffed into the torturous heels Claire had insisted I wear, ached so badly that I could feel blisters forming. Every step of mine was a reminder of how I had allowed fashion to trump comfort—a decision I would regret for hours.I limped toward the matrons' office to grab a few documents when Mr. Garcia appeared from around the corner, his sharp eyes scanning me. His usual cold expression softened, if only slightly.“You look like you’re in pain,” he remarked, the gentleness in his tone catching me off guard.I forced a smile, wincing as I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. “It’s nothing serious, just these heels. They’re killing me,” I admitted, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to share.Without a word, he took the files from my hands and gestured for me to sit down on one of the chairs lining the hallway. He left before I could protest, and
Chapter 39Vanessa's POVI stared at the pretty, luxurious box resting on my bed, its pristine wrapping mocking me. A sigh escaped my lips, the kind that came from the pit of your stomach when you knew nothing good was coming. The note taped to the top read: "YOU MUST ATTEND." It was spelled in capital letters to show how serious he was.The words felt like a direct jab, one of his endless tactics to remind me of my place. It didn’t matter what I wore, how I presented myself, or how much effort I put into the tasks he gave me—Andre Garcia always found a way to make me feel like a fool.For a moment, I debated whether I should even open it. My fingers hesitated over the lid before finally giving in. Inside was a folded uniform, its crisp white and black lines a clear signal of what my role at the event would be: a waitress.I clenched my jaw to keep the wave of anger at bay. This wasn’t just about making me work at a party; it was about humiliation. He could’ve sent someone else to do
Chapter 40Vanessa's POV:"Where is the dress I sent you?" Mr. Garcia asked again, his tone sharp and unyielding.My heart stuttered. He sent me a dress? No—this had to be some kind of mistake. All I’d received was this plain waitress uniform.I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. “That’s what was delivered to me,” I whispered, my voice trembling.Mr. Garcia’s expression flickered—confusion, irritation, and something else I couldn’t decipher.Louisa’s mocking laughter echoed in my mind, her smug expression flashing before me. It didn’t take much to piece it together—she had to be behind this. But why? What had I done to deserve this? I might have slapped Mr. Garcia and broken his car, which landed me a job here, but what had I done to her? I didn’t even know her.Realizing I might have misunderstood him, I tried to speak, “I—”He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something under his breath before turning back to me with his sharp, piercing gaze. I was still trying to wipe
Chapter 41Andre's POV:The sound of glasses clinking and muffled laughter echoed from the party hall, but my focus wasn’t on the party. I had one thing in mind, and that was finding Louisa. I knew exactly what she was trying to do, and I wasn’t going to let her get away with it this time.I found her near the balcony, mingling with a group of socialites. Her laugh was too loud, her gestures exaggerated. When she saw me approach, her smile faltered.“Louisa,” I said sharply, and her friends immediately fell silent. “I need to speak with you. Now.”"I'm busy," she hesitated, her eyes darting to her friends for support, but they quickly excused themselves. Smart move.“What is it, Andre?” she asked, feigning innocence.I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Why did you do it?”“Do what?” she replied in a light voice, still feigning ignorance, and it fueled my anger. "You fucking know what I'm talking about. Why did you have to humiliate her? A maid's dress, really?"Her lips curled into a
Chapter 42While speaking with the guest, Andre’s instincts flared like a warning siren. Something felt off. He scanned the crowd, searching for Vanessa. She wasn’t at the bar front where he’d last seen her, and a knot of unease tightened in his chest. He spotted Louisa slipping back into the ballroom, her expression far too smug. His eyes narrowed. She was up to something. He returned to the guest and excused himself with a small smile. "I'll be back." “Where is Vanessa?” he demanded, striding toward Louisa. Louisa feigned surprise. “What's that?” "My assistant isn't where I left her. Where is she?" She frowned at him. "How should I know? She's a grown up and very sly, she could've gone anywhere. And secondly, I can't be seen with someone who humiliated me in front of the crowd." Andre’s jaw clenched. He didn’t believe her for a second, but he had nothing against her. "Forget it, it's no use speaking with you," he said, turned, and stormed off to begin a search for her.
Chapter 43Vanessa stirred in Andre's arms as he carried her to his room on the top floor. Her fingers clutched weakly at his shirt, and she mumbled his name, her voice barely coherent."Stay still," he instructed, setting her down on the bed.She giggled, her words slurred. "You're so bossy."Andre sighed, running a hand through his hair. Whatever they had given her was making her loopy. She wouldn't stop squirming, her clumsy attempts to assist herself is only making things worse."Williams, lie down," he said firmly."But I don't want to," she pouted, her lips forming a stubborn curve."Too bad," he muttered, gently pressing her back against the pillows.For a brief moment, her expression softened. Her gaze locked onto his, filled with such raw vulnerability that it caught him off guard."Why are you so mean to me?" she whispered, her voice trembling.Andre froze. He hadn't expected that, but he answered anyway, "I don't know.""Do you hate me?" she continued, her eyes glistening w
Chapter 44"Shhh... It's morning," she whispered, blinking dramatically. "And if I don't prepare, that jerk is going to punish me by making me redo all the work, Claire.""What's Claire?" He twitched."Don't ask that." She fanned him off, wobbling. "You know him. The jerk with the Ferrari."Andre’s lips pressed together. "Jerk with the Ferrari?" That was what she thought of him?"I just want to work, but he won't let me. Maybe we should strangle him for real this time, Claire." She clapped her hands, giggling, hopping in place.Andre had had enough.He grabbed her and pulled her with him onto the bed."C'mon, to bed now." His voice was firm.For once, she didn’t fight him.She was too tired.Her eyelids fluttered shut, her breathing evening out as sleep finally claimed her.Andre was about to switch off the lamp when something caught his attention.Her lips.Pouted, soft, slightly parted.For a while, he noticed just how beautiful she looked tonight. Maybe it was the makeup, maybe it
Chapter 55*Obsession-2*Andre’s POV:I ran a hand down my face as she stormed off, exhaling heavily. A part of me felt relieved watching her go—like shedding dead weight. There was no passion, no real connection. Just another failed attempt at something that was never meant to be.Signaling the waiter, I ordered a bottle of whiskey. Tonight, I needed to drown in something stronger than my thoughts.The moment I dropped the bottle, my phone buzzed, and I picked up without checking."How's your date going?" Ethan's voice carried amusement. I exhaled. Sounded like he called just to mock me. I didn't respond, just sighed a second time."Come on... Tell me about it, Andre..." Ethan dragged."Fucked. I broke up with her, and she left."Ethan laughed. "I knew it would end this way. You're that ass who doesn’t know what he wants.""And you do?""Better than you do." He jeered."You alone?""Still at the restaurant, yeah.""Let's drink together then."I leaned back in my seat. "And Sarah?""S
Chapter 54By the time evening rolled around, Vanessa gathered her things and stepped out of the building.Andre stood in front of the glass window, arms folded, watching her leave. The sight unsettled him in ways he refused to acknowledge. The way she carefully balanced the box in her arms, her delicate fingers gripping the edges as if afraid to drop it—it held his attention longer than it should have.She was almost at the gate when someone stepped into her path.The intern from earlier.Andre’s jaw tightened. His eyes sharpened, drinking in every detail of the interaction between them.Vanessa said something, and the guy laughed. His smiling face grated on Andre’s nerves. Then, without hesitation, the intern reached out, offering to take the box from her. Vanessa hesitated for a moment before handing it over, a small, appreciative smile tugging at her lips.Andre's fingers curled into a fist, something dark and restless brewing inside of him.What the hell is she doing?His vision
Chapter 53Andre’s POVI should fire her.The thought came as I leaned against my desk, tapping my pen against the glass surface.It had been hours since I handed Vanessa the reports, and there had been nothing but silence—no updates, no questions, no remarks.A part of me expected her to come running, maybe complaining that she still didn't understand the corrections, but she hadn't.Curiosity won over patience, and before I could talk myself out of it, I stood and made my way out of the office. She had her small desk a few steps away from my secretary Grace's desk in the second office.I pushed the door open and found her there.Head down, resting on her desk.Asleep.I stepped closer, the irritation I'd been preparing slipping through my fingers.Her chest rose and fell in a peaceful rhythm, her long lashes casting shadows over her cheeks. Strands of hair had fallen over her face, and her lips were slightly parted, as if she had fallen asleep mid-thought.She looked... soft.A far
Chapter 52Vanessa’s POVThe car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the company building. Mr. Garcia stepped out first, not even glancing in my direction. He walked ahead, his long strides confident with his expression unreadable.I stayed seated for a moment, gripping the strap of my bag tightly. I inhaled. Exhaled. I could do this. I had spent the last few weeks away from here, so much so that I almost didn't remember what it was like to work in this kind of setting.After my small mental prep, I finally stepped out—only to meet his gaze, pinning me in place."Scared of going in?"I shook my head quickly and got out of the car. His warm hand found mine, his fingers slowly pressing against my cold ones. "Let's go."The air around me shifted. Everything felt blurry as I tried to understand why he was holding my hand, walking beside me so naturally. But I found no reason.The moment we stepped into the lobby, everything seemed to pause. Conversations lowered to whispers, eyes turned t
Chapter 51*A Line We Can’t Cross*Vanessa’s POV:"Babe, sorry I couldn't come again last night."Claire's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I barely registered her standing in my doorway. I was grateful she hadn’t been around. She would’ve made a big scene, demanding details I wasn’t ready to give.She flopped onto my bed with a sigh. "These days, the workload is insane. Another person quit at the bar."I hummed in response, barely hearing her. My mind was elsewhere.Days had passed, yet the ghost of André Garcia's lips lingered on mine.I was exhausted. The dark circles under my eyes were proof of my sleepless nights. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt the warmth of his hands on my face, the intensity of his gaze before he closed the distance—a continual replay of that moment.I hated it.I hated how my mind refused to let it go."Can you hear me?"Claire’s voice cut through my daze, and I blinked."Hmm?"Her brows furrowed. "You look like you haven't rested in ages. What's wro
Chapter 50*Under the Rain*Vanessa’s POV:My heart was still hammering against my chest as I stepped outside, the cold floor biting at my bare feet.Everything felt surreal.I had just run out of Mr. Garcia’s penthouse, my body still trembling—not from fear, but from something I didn’t understand. The moment his lips had touched mine back in that art room, my entire world had tilted off its axis.I stood there, my breath shaky, wrapping my arms around myself, but it did nothing to calm the tension within me.Why did he kiss me?I had always thought Andre disliked me—no, hated me. He had tormented me for months, belittled me, pushed me past my limits. And tonight… tonight, he kissed me. I could laugh at myself for vouching for him a few days back, insisting that he didn't see me the way other guys would. That he didn’t see me as a girl—just a torture thing.My face burned at the thought, heat creeping down my neck.It was my first kiss.And the worst part?It had felt nothing like I i
Chapter 49Andre's POV:By nightfall, I turned uneasy—almost crazy—at the fact that she rejected my offer. I can't even threaten her because, for some reason, my heart doesn't want that. My thoughts are all over the place.An hour later, I found myself standing in front of her home. I took a deep breath, thinking about what I would say to her when I saw her.I wasn’t supposed to be here.I had promised myself that I would leave her alone, that I wouldn’t chase after someone who clearly wanted nothing to do with me—someone who's only good at working as a waitress. But the truth was, I couldn’t stop myself. As incompetent as she was on the job, I still wanted her by my side.It was late evening, the weather cooling down, a gentle breeze swiveling my hair as I stood in front of her house.I expected her mother to answer the door like last time, to glare at me with suspicion for coming a second time, probably telling me she was on a night shift. But when the door creaked open, it wasn’t V
Chapter 48Andre’s POV:I find her at Savory Bites, her back turned to me as she balances a tray in one hand and takes an order with the other. Her voice is light, casual. She laughs at something a customer says.She looks... different.Not physically, but there’s something about her movements—the ease, the way her smile lingers just a second longer than necessary. It twists something inside me.She’s happy.Without me.And I can’t stand it.I push open the door. The moment she spots me, she freezes, her fingers tightening around the tray.Her eyes lock onto mine, cold and sharp, and I could guess what she might be thinking in that little head of hers, (What the hell are you doing here?!)I don’t answer. I don’t even acknowledge her glare. Instead, I slide into a seat by the window, pick up the menu, and pretend to be interested in the overly designed fonts and tacky graphics while waiting for her.She doesn’t come to take my order.Instead, she points another girl to the table, telli
Chapter 47Andre’s POVIt’s been over a week.She still hasn’t returned to work.At first, I thought she was just bluffing—a dramatic exit fueled by frustration. She’d storm off, cool down, and come crawling back. But days passed, and my clumsy assistant was nowhere to be found.Something about that fact doesn’t sit well with me.“Maybe she finally realized you’re a horrible person—unchangeable,” Ethan says dryly, lounging in the seat across from me.I shoot him a glare. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”“Immensely. I was waiting for the day she'd quit working with a stubborn ass like you. Only Stanley can put up with your tantrum.”“Then why are you with me?" I sneered."I realized that our fates are tied together. Your jerk attitude? I'm used to all that."“You sure are.”I sigh, running a hand through my hair. It’s not like I care—not really. She was just an employee. A frustrating, stubborn, unteachable little girl with a sharp tongue.But still…“She didn’t even say goodbye,” I