Chapter 32Vanessa's POV:As we stepped outside, I edged away from him, maintaining a distance, wanting to create some space between us. "Sir, why are you here? I thought you don't come to places like this?" This restaurant is not a place extravagant, so I doubt he'd come here just for himself."You seem ready for a fight, slow down," he remarked casually with a smirk."Ok. Why are you here?" I asked again, trying to be as subtle as I could."You're right, I don't come to places like this, but as soon as I saw you from the glass window, I couldn't help but wonder what you're up to. Who are those guys, hmm? Tell me." His tone was more inquisitive."Well, it's nothing for you to be concerned with, I'm on my day off, and I can spend the day as I wish." I retorted he was creeping me out by interfering in my personal affairs. Spending so many hours with him throughout"Why was your friend wearing the scarf I gave you? That's stealing, did you know that?" He asked, a frown on his face and
Chapter 33Vanessa's POV:"Huh?""Do I have to repeat myself?" he asked, rolling his eyes.I remained with him while he ordered some food and ate alone since I refused to eat anything, giving annoying remarks throughout the whole meal which made me feel the urge to strangle him for real this time.After he was done, he took me back home, dropped me in front of my house, and zoomed off after ensuring that I had gone inside.Before leaving, he gave me a paper containing the list of things he wanted me to do before coming to work tomorrow: picking up new clothes he had ordered and then a box of pastries for his girlfriend.Surprisingly, my mother had been peeping from the window all along, and as soon as we met eyes, she smiled tauntingly, a wide ear-to-ear grin that I hadn't seen in a long time."Hmmm... You're now getting a free ride," she teased. I already felt disgusted as I didn't want to think of where she was driving. Me + him? Never!"Stop it, Mom. He just dropped me off," I defe
Chapter 34Vanessa’s POV:My shoulders ached as I finally finished sorting through the endless stack of papers, each one a reminder of Mr. Garcia's relentless demands. The clock read 10:30 PM, and I felt like a puppet whose strings had been cut. Even in this state of exhaustion, his last words echoed in my head, pushing me to finish everything. I was supposed to see a doctor for my bleeding nose, but there was no way I could leave the work halfway through. I decided to spend the night at the office and finish the work.The next morning, he was so early as always, and I had to give him the work to evaluate. While looking at the papers, the look on his face wasn't encouraging. He had this nonchalant attitude that made me regret spending my night at the office. I should have gone home and waited for him to punish me, I thought.He threw the papers to the sofa, scattering them across the room, and then turned to me."Williams, why do you look so tired?" he asked, making me feel like punch
Chapter 35 On my way outside, I met with Mr. Garcia's brat of a sister. "Look who it is," Louisa's voice cut through the silence. She was flanked by her ever-present entourage, their faces twisted with malicious glee. "The servant who thinks she's too good to follow orders." She added and they all giggled. The laugh gave me chills. I tried to walk past her, but she stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "I asked you to bring drinks to the patio. Did you forget?" "No, I..." I started, but she cut me off. "Save it," she snapped, forcing my bag from me, and dumping its contents onto the floor. "And what do we have here?" she asked while her friends fished out the scattered things from the floor. "Some cheap makeup products, a worn-out wallet, and other nameless things," one of her friends said while the other threatened to rub my makeup on the third girl who scurried away, yelling, "I don't want to get a rash from that thing. Take it away from me," she said. Hurting. "Pathetic,
Chapter 36*Caught Off Guard*Andre's POV:I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie and admiring the sharp lines of my suit. It was perfect, as usual. Every detail was in place, and I felt the usual surge of power and control that came with my position. But inside, I was a mess. The morning had been chaotic, with me barking orders left and right. Vanessa had been running non-stop, handling my countless errands as always.Today was the annual charity event at the orphanage, a big family affair that every member of my family had to attend. The place was buzzing with activity. My friend Ethan was here, representing his family’s company, and a few of my father’s associates were also around.While the orphanage manager spoke to me, I couldn’t help but glance at Vanessa. She looked different today, almost glowing in the sunlight. She wore a beige patterned thigh length dress, with a touch of makeup, and her hair was neatly clipped to the top of her head. Something about her appearan
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 70Vanessa's POV:Grace was sitting at her desk, typing away like the world wasn’t tilting. She looked up the moment I approached."Hi Grace, Mr. Garcia asked me to give this to you,” I said, handing her the note.She glanced at it and gave a short nod. "Ah, yes. He mentioned it. One sec."She stood up and disappeared into the file room, returning moments later with a thick stack of folders that looked like they were meant for an entire department. I barely managed to balance them in my arms."Does he plan on working on them today? It's already late," she said with a small shrug."You know how he can be. I'll leave now," I replied."Good luck."I forced a smile. "Thanks. I’ll need it."I turned to leave, but I didn’t even take three steps before I bumped into someone—hard."Whoa!"The files exploded from my hands like confetti, scattering across the floor in every direction."Oh no!" I gasped, dropping to my knees instantly."I am so sorry! Let me help—" the voice said quickly
Chapter 69Vanessa's POVAfter my day off, I returned to work. I tried to keep busy, and buried myself in files and schedules and pointless emails. Anything to stop myself from thinking about his proposal, his voice when he asked me to be his, the look on his face when I said no. I hadn’t slept properly since. And yet, here I was, pretending everything was normal.He didn’t mention it. Not once. He acted like it never happened. But something had changed.Mr. Garcia started assigning me to every meeting, even the ones that didn’t need my presence. I had to sit beside him in the boardroom, beside him on client calls, beside him during lunch briefings. It was like he couldn’t breathe unless I was within arm’s reach. At first, I thought it was a coincidence. Then I noticed the looks. The tension. The way he’d glare if I so much as chuckled at someone else’s joke.Especially Matt Davenport’s. His disapproval of Matt was turning into something personal.Matt was ecstatic when he saw me by
Chapter 68Andre's POV:I dropped Vanessa off without saying much. I didn’t trust my voice—what if it gave away how terrible I felt after she rejected me?More than anything, my ego was bruised. My hands were still gripping the steering wheel long after she stepped out. There was something about the way she walked away—a kind of finality in her steps that made my chest feel like it was caving in. I couldn't decide whether to sit there like a heartbroken teen or actually do something to win her back.The voice in my head kept calling me a fool for letting my guard down, so low that I had to fall for her of all people. But the one in my chest—louder, more desperate—wanted to push through, go all in until she accepted my feelings.The pool house was buzzing with music and laughter when I arrived. My boys were already there, lounging on the sleek leather couches with bottles of expensive liquor in their hands. Ethan gave me a nod, and I returned it wordlessly before heading straight to th
Chapter 67Vanessa's POV:I woke up with swollen eyes and a pounding headache.My pillow was damp, a map of my tears and questions I had no answers to. I hadn’t slept properly, not even for an hour. My body ached, and my mind felt like it had run a marathon through every version of last night—except the one where I said yes.I said no.And I ran.I am grateful he isn't in the room now. I cannot bear the shame of looking at him after what happened last night. Thousands of thoughts flooded my mind. Why would he fall for me of all people? He had been a bully for as long as I can remember—always taunting and making sure I had a miserable time. Or was this advanced manipulation?But I found no answers to any of my questions, including the reason why I had been crying so foolishly.I figured he wouldn't come to the room since he didn't return last night, and I packed our luggage, including the teddy, which for some reason I had gotten attached to, and then got prepared for our trip back.An
Chapter 66Vanessa's POV:Inside were luxury bags and shoes, dresses... Two Hermès Birkin bags. One beige, one red. I heard they cost a fortune, and I couldn't help but think why he'd get them for me.The shoes looked like they were made from diamonds and angel feathers. Shiny bracelets and matching earrings, and then designer dresses with the softest fabrics I had ever felt.I blinked. “No… no, I can’t take these. I haven’t done anything to deserve this.”Andre leaned forward, voice stretched, and I could swear I sensed his irritation there. “It’s rude to reject a gift, Vanessa.”“But—”“Vanessa,” he cut me off softly. “Just accept them. Please...”I stared at the bags. At the perfect bows. My fingers trembled. All my life, I'd never gotten anything for free from strangers. If he was giving this much, clearly he'd want something in return, and I had none—nothing to give back.When I looked up again, he was no longer seated.He had walked around the table, picked up a single red rose
Chapter 65Vanessa's POV:It was Sunday. The last day here. The day before we’d fly back to our normal lives, back to work, stress, and the chaos that followed. And perhaps, he'd go back to his former asshole, bossy, jerk self which I kinda miss.I woke up late—so late that I thought I had somehow slept through half the day. The curtains were partly drawn, allowing thin slivers of gold morning sunlight to pierce through. But what jolted me wasn’t the time. It was the absence.His absence.The bed beside me was empty. Cold, like he'd left for hours. His coat, which he had tossed over the chair last night, was gone. No sign of him. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, my hair tangled and puffed from the pillow. I blinked at the emptiness, trying to ask too much questions on his whereabouts. Maybe he just went out. Maybe he had a meeting.I shook the thought away quickly. There was a knock on the door. Room service.“Miss Williams,” a female voice chirped politely. “You’re schedule
Chapter 64Third POV:Rain came without warning that afternoon. The skies, once clear and blue, turned a soft, moody grey. The clouds hung low over the rooftops, and a light drizzle began to tap on cobblestones and storefront awnings. It wasn’t long before the drizzle turned into steady rain, soaking the city with its gentle persistence.Vanessa hadn’t expected the sudden change. She stood at the corner of a quiet street, just outside a vintage bookstore, her arms tucked close to her body as the chill from the rain crept under her cardigan. Droplets of water speckled her hair and eyelashes. She didn’t complain, just stood there, uncertain what to do next.And then, as if he had been watching all along, Andre appeared beside her. Tall, composed, and striking in a dark overcoat that didn’t seem to mind the rain.He said nothing at first. Instead, he removed his coat without hesitation and draped it over her shoulders, the warmth and scent of it instantly wrapping her like a quiet embrac
Chapter 63Vanessa's POV:I don’t know how long I stayed in the gazebo, but it was the only place I could find that gave me even a little bit of cover. The shadows clung to me, hiding my flushed face and jittery hands. The kiss had happened so fast, and yet it lingered on my lips like some kind of invisible mark. I could still feel the weight of his touch, the heat of his palm on my back. My heart hadn’t stopped racing.I didn’t want him to find me, but at the same time, I wanted him to. It didn’t make sense.The sounds of the violins echoed. I was stuck in a bubble that had popped and scattered everything I thought I knew about Mr. Garcia—about myself. What he meant by all these.Then I heard footsteps. Slow, steady, like someone who knew exactly where I was. I didn’t have to look to know it was him.“Hiding from me?” his voice came, soft and teasing.I looked up, and there he was, holding a huge, French-dressed fluffy teddy bear almost half his size. It had a red bow and sleepy butt
Chapter 62Vanessa's POV:I've barely been to parties all my life, but nothing… absolutely nothing could’ve prepared me for Genevieve Laurent’s party.From the second we stepped out of the car, I felt swallowed by a whole different world. Like I had walked straight into a dream... or a movie. Everything glittered. The lights, the dresses, the jewelry—even the champagne shimmered in its glass. The mansion itself looked like it was carved from gold and secrets—tall ceilings, grand staircases, chandeliers that sparkled like falling stars. Every corner buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, French accents, and perfume that smelled like money.I froze at the entrance. Just stood there like a misplaced child in a palace. I wore a nude silk dress Mr. Garcia had sent earlier—tight in places I wasn’t used to. I wasn’t dressed wrong, but I felt wrong. Like everyone here had grown up sipping champagne while I was still figuring out how to pay rent on time.Mr. Garcia stood beside me like I belo