Chapter 8

When Veronica returned from her rendezvous, it was almost lunchtime. She arrived carrying a pizza box. I wasn’t in the office because I’m having a conversation with my office employees.

“Sister, I’ve received your lunch. Pizza, really? This isn’t healthy, and it’ll harm your body. I suggest you change your habits.”

I was initially perplexed by what she was saying. I felt like pinching her like a lice when I comprehended what she meant.

I responded flatly, “I didn’t order pizza.”

She pretended to be surprised. “Is it true? It’s in your name, and I paid for it so the delivery man wouldn’t have to wait downstairs any longer,” she added. “But if you don’t want to because you’re afraid your coworkers will find out about your unhealthy habit, I guess I’ll simply give this to someone who needs it,” she shrugged and walked away cheerfully.

As I stare at her, my brow furrows. Attention seeker! As if she was noticeable. Eww!

I let out a sigh of irritation as she walked away. I bet she actually ordered it then and she just says it’s my doing to ruin my image. Though, eating pizza is not that bad.

I shook my head, as keeping myself from exploding hurt. I sighed as I observed the employees staring at each other. “Don’t mind about that; anyway, let’s get back to what we were discussing about earlier,” I commanded.

It makes me feel like I’m babysitting. She is constantly pestering me since she is unemployed.

My phone beeped for a call while I was eating in my office. I no longer eat lunch with colleagues since I intend to work while eating. Because of a three-week absence, I had a pile of work. I read, checked, and signed almost as much as mountains. I’m grateful to my coworkers because they practically did my job when I left making it easy for me to organize things.

“Hello,” I answered. It’s Karious.

“Hey, what are you doing right now?” I bit my lower lip and leaned back on my swivel chair.

His voice was kind of husky in the call. That’s what I imagined. He sounded like he’d just gotten out of bed!

“I’m eating right now. Why?” I said after clearing my throat.

“I’m calling to remind you of our dinner reservation.”

“Why?” I asked, smiling.

“I’m sure you won’t forget it. In fact, you’re looking forward to it.”

“Ahm no! Well, just a slight haha,” I replied as if I was tickled. Just because I can’t see him has given me the courage to tease.

Actually, I have a hard time swallowing him, or rather his presence, because he can be intimidating at times. His expression and smile are usually insulting.

“Wait for me?” He told me the restaurant is where we would meet.

“Of course,” I taunted, “I would even welcome you with open arms if you wanted to.”

“A kiss would be fine.” I choked on what I was eating.

“Stop flirting with me Mr. Hyacintt. Go back to your work,” I said. “Wait, are you eating yet? It's lunchtime.”

“My food is away.”

“What?” I asked, my brow furrowed. “Ask your secretary to place a meal order for you.”

“I’m not talking about food. Dense,” he said with a sense of grin.

When I comprehended what he’d said, my face became hot. “Tss, don’t flirt with a flirt,” I advised.

Is this still considered normal? We’re not in a relationship, but the way we talk makes it seem like we are. I’ve had lots of relationship experience, but nothing like this. I mean, I’d only ever had a boyfriend because I wanted to try it out. I also kept it hidden since my father didn’t want me to lose focus at school. It upsets him.

This time, I think is different and I can’t explain how and why.

“And I would love to dare too.” Gone. My womb has already fallen.

That day, I finished my work and was getting ready for dinner with Karious. Even though Veronica was bothering me that day, I managed to ignore her teasing and pestering.

After all, we don’t have to worry about other people, especially the crazy ones. It’s sometimes easier to think of them as invisible ghosts.

I applied foundation, blush, and lipstick to my face. I also fixed my messy hair. I was looking in my compact mirror when the door of my office opened and the unpleasant creature entered the office.

Did I mention she’s here for the fourth time today? She seemed to make it quite clear that she adores me. Please note the sarcasm.

“My my! do you have a date, my sister?”

I returned the compact mirror to my bag and gazed coldly at her. I inquired, raising an eyebrow at her, “What do you want?”

“Tsk tsk! Is that why you’re rebelling against dad? Because you’re seeing someone else? I bet he’s nothing special,” she laughed at what she said. I grinned at the thought that she never know that I’m actually seeing her ex-husband.

“Oh don’t worry,” I responded firmly, “he’s incredibly special to the point that if my father meets him, he’ll toss you away,” I remarked defiantly before rising.

Her smile vanished, which made me very happy.

“And please, don’t come here all the time; I don’t expect you to be here, and will never be. Mind your own business.” I covered my mouth. “Sorry, my mistake. You don’t have a job, which is why you hang out everywhere. Don’t worry, I’ll tell dad to hire you as a janitress. It’s okay with you in any position, right?” I mocked as I walked out of the office.

The sight of her face infuriated me. To think that I resemble her, but she irritates me and I despise her entire personality. I’ll never accept her as my twin sister! If she really is my sister, hell will rise. I’ll also conduct my own DNA tests!

I simply walked into the restaurant. It’s near to the office, and it appears that Karious meant it that way as well, because I don’t have a car and don’t want to be picked up.

I was startled when I arrived at the restaurant since the table he had scheduled was in the VIP room. I came before our call time.

I followed the waiter into the VIP room. I took a look around since I couldn’t take my eyes off the scenery. I don’t always go out so this is my first time here. I frequently order my lunch. I don’t have any friends, as I already stated. So I don’t have anyone to invite outside to eat.

After preparing the food on the table, the waiter left as well. First, I drank some water while waiting for Karious.

I didn’t have to wait long because he came just a few minutes before me.

“Hello!” I greet with a smile.

He simply smiled and tilted his head. He took a step closer and stunned me by kissing me on the cheeks. After that, he drew himself a chair and sat in front of me.

“Did you wait too long?”

My head shook. “I just got here as well.”

“I’m sure you’re hungry, so let’s eat.”

I calmly nodded and ate my food. My main meal is pecan-crusted chicken, while his is grilled Paillard beef tenderloin. There’s also veggie soup and sides, as well as wine. Water is also available, as well as a small slice of cake for dessert.

He wiped his mouth to indicate that he had finished eating. I’m getting close.

We stay quiet between our lunch. He only talked after noticing that I had finished eating and was only sipping my wine.

“Nice?” He inquired.

I grinned as I nodded.

‘How great would it be if he was my food? Kidding aside.’

“How’s your day?” he asked, beaming and staring at me. I couldn’t help but stare back.

I rolled my eyes as I remembered what his ex-wife was up to.

“Your ex-wife was a pain in my ass the entire day; she’s not nice, and I can’t believe you liked her. No offense meant.” I immediately added. I can’t help but pass judgment. I know it’s wrong and shouldn’t be done, but I’m not sure. There is something really fishy about that girl.

“What did she do to you?” he asked seriously.

“Well, I’m not sure if that woman is looking for a fight, but the way she acts is wearing my already thin patience,” I nodded. “I won’t be at ease until I see her leave the company, because I know she’s just waiting for me to make a mistake so she can remove me for good. I’m afraid to come to the point that dad will reject me for real and give his all to that woman. I am afraid that something might happen to my dad, “I worriedly confessed. Even though I was upset with my father, I realized that I loved him and was concerned about his health, especially because he was the only one remaining in my family.

I gave him a quick glance before smiling. “But don’t worry. I’m a fighter. I’m not Kassandra for nothing. Veronica was a pain in the neck, but you know I’m more rebellious than she is since you’ve seen it firsthand.” I smiled and sipped my wine.

He also has an evil grin on his face and even winks at me! My eyes widened as he leaned in closer.

“Andra, what do you want me to do?” he asks, touching my chin to force me to look at him.

I was taken aback, not by his actions, but by the fact that he addressed me as Andra. No one really calls me Andra. I am called Kass or Kassandra.

“Andra?” I sigh as he looks at my lips. Is he going to kiss me?

“Don’t torment me like this, Karious. You’ll regret it,” I whispered with a wicked grin.

I felt as if I had an urn inside of me. Reopening the door. My system is being taken over by the wild Kassandra. Kassandra, who is timid and hesitant, is slowly walking away.

“Should I be the one saying that?”

I cocked my head and moved forward to tease him slowly, very slowly…and kissed him not on his lips, but the side of his lips.

I gave him a sheepish smile as I trailed my forefinger down the side of his face to his neck. My other hand began to softly grasp his hair.

On the other hand, he was busy wandering about my waist. He was circling my belly button just above the fabric of my clothes with his thumb. My thighs were being stroked by the other hands.

“The greatest revenge I can have is to get you mine,” Veronica flashes in my mind before I grabbed his tie and drew him closer to me.

I could barely keep up with what followed at the speed of events.

One moment, we are teasing each other. The next thing was we are already kissing each other.

His hand was all over me as I tried to deep my tongue inside his mouth. As I gripped his hair, he began sucking my lower lip.

We are no longer sitting beside each other but I am sitting on his lap. I’m not sure how that happened, but the scenario appears to be moving slowly.

My senses are very sensitive. His skin brushes against mine. His intoxicating scent is making me dizzy. The sound of our lips makes me even hotter. I can taste the wine in his mouth, making me melt. The way he breathes slowly and sexily and the way he grips my head and my hips. I can taste the wine in his mouth, which causes me to melt. The way he grips my head and hips and breathes gently and sensually.

I feel everything.

And I just want the clock to stop ticking. Otherwise, the earth will shift as I embarrass myself by burying myself deep in the ground.

I was the one who started it off. I was doomed.

I’m not sure how long I’ve been staring at the ceiling. When I got home, I collapsed into my bed. What happened earlier in the restaurant was like a broken video player playing over and over in my head. It would be ideal if we could then become official.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in our situation. Yes, we have a mutual attraction. We don’t talk about what happened, but it appears that a barrier has been broken down between us. And it was quite a life-turning because this is the first I actually enter this kind of relationship. This is the first time I felt something new.

If I am asked if I am scared? Of course. Who isn’t? We all have fears, and the bravest thing we can do is confront them. Conquer your fears. Chase those fears away. Not the other way around.

And the pain of failing is a part of taking risks. Accept your fate. This is how we’ll learn.

“I am very disappointed. Your sister told me that you’re meeting someone else? Is that why you don’t like the marriage I’m proposing?”

My father called me to his office early in the morning to inform me of this. I took a step forward and folded my arms in front of him. Veronica was a real pain in the neck.

“First and foremost, Dad, I despise the engagement you’re planning. It has nothing to do with me meeting another person. Veronica is nothing but a liar. Please open your eyes! ”

“My eyes are open and I can see a disrespectful child in front of me! Didn’t you think that what I was doing was for your sake? That marriage will make our business grow! Which you and your sister will both inherit!” Father’s angry voice crumpled my face.

“Isn’t Veronica going to marry your business partner? There’s no reason for you to scold me if I meet someone else. This is my life,” I remarked, exhausted. Arguing is exhausting as well. I wanted a peaceful life. Can’t I get that?

“I’m looking for a man to marry you. You don’t have a say on this. If you don’t follow what I say, then you are free to leave. I will disown you and don’t even expect to get even a single penny from me!” he said mercilessly and coldly.

It felt like a vein in my brain had been broken. The fire of anger in my system accelerated my heartbeat. I can’t believe what my father just said!

It felt like a vein in my brain had been broken. The fire of anger in my system accelerated my heartbeat. I can’t believe what my father just said!

“Don’t mess my life dad! Please, don’t do this!” begging I said, already crying.

“I accept you when you came back after you left. I let you leave when you decided to do what you want to do. You are my daughter and I only want what’s the best for you.”

I shook my head. “You don’t know what’s the best for me, dad,” I said as I walked out of Dad's office and sat in my office all afternoon.