★THE NEXT DAY★
"Shit!" Mia banged her fists on the blaring alarm clock. With a loud groan, she mumbled some words and snuggled under her duvet for comfort. Can't she get a little more sleep? "Mia," her mother's voice approached her room and her door swung open. "Good gracious!" Mrs Lopez exclaimed, taking in the awful state of her daughter's room in disbelief. In a second, she yanked the duvet off Mia's body and Mia felt a loud smack on her ass. "Mom! What was that for?" She cried in pain, rubbing her aching butt. But when her eyes darted around her untidy room, Mia gave her mother a nervous smile. "What have you been doing these past weeks?" "I've been busy, mom." "Busy?" Mrs Lopez sent Mia a disapproving glare, picking up a comb lying carelessly on the floor. Mia knew what was coming next. "Mom!" "You should learn from your sister!" "I'm sorry!" Mia ducked the comb thrown at her, and her legs tangled with a heap of clothes and she wobbled, falling into a pack of opened boxes. "Ouch!" she groaned, scurrying to the bathroom. Mrs Lopez sighed, closing the door after her. * "I'm late!" Mia exclaimed, sprinting into the kitchen in her black top and baggy jeans, as she packed her hair in a messy bun. "Did you see the news, Mia?" Tammy looked up from her phone, a plate of cereal in front of her. "What news? And where's mom?" "Goodness! Mia, it's everywhere. Mom left to get groceries." Tammy's brown eyes were worried. Mia raised a brow, fishing out her phone and she scoffed when she saw the notifications pop up on her screen. "This isn't fair." "You didn't tell mom you were thrown out of X-World." "I didn't want her to get worried." Mia snapped. A picture of her on the floor with her disheveled hair was trending. #crazygirl kicked out of X-World Entertainment during audition. #wannabe actress humiliated. Wannabe? Why will netizens have such misconceptions about her. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine," Mia bit her lips. "You don't seem fine. Oh, I'm late for school. Love yah!" Tammy pecked her cheeks and Mia's eyes widened when she saw the time. "Oh God!" she shrieked, and grabbed an apple, bolting out of the house. She worked part-time jobs, and the cafe was across the street. Mr Hudson, her boss would kill her if she goes late again. * [CAFE SHOP] "Mr Hudson has an important guest in his office, a bit of luck on your late ass," Grayson's voice laced with mockery when Mia joined him at the counter. "I'm not in the mood, Gray," Mia sneered and he chuckled, flashing her his cute dimples. "You're on the news." "That wasn't.. me" Mia said through clenched teeth. "You weren't here yesterday. Your hair gave you out," he grinned and she rolled her eyes. "Fine!" "Are you okay?" "Why do you care, Gray?" She was losing it already. Grayson was her colleague at the cafe shop, and he knew of her dream to become a celebrity. They have always been on each other's neck at the slightest moment. Grayson stared at her for a minute, before going over to take orders. As Mia tried to get back to work, her phone rang, she glanced at the caller and shoved her phone back into her pocket. "Isabella won't let me hear the end of it." * [SINGH'S MANSION] After an hour of tense silence in the grand dining hall, with the clattering of cutlery against plates, Mateo Singh, a sturdy man with handsome older features, cleared his throat. "Xavier," he started and Lucas groaned loudly. "Why must it always be Xavier?" Xavier raised his blank eyes, his domineering aura filling the room. "Yes, father." "Calm down, mon peach." Xavier's step mother, Camille Singh, smiled lovingly at Lucas, before giving Xavier a hateful glare. Lucas' wife, Mitchell, sat beside him, eating quietly with her eyes lowered. "I feel it's the right time to hand over the reins of Singh Empire to you," Mateo Singh continued and Xavier lifted his eyebrow. Finally, his father was changing his mind. Camille Singh gasped in shock, her face contorted in disbelief. The atmosphere thickened as Lucas banged his fist on the table, startling his wife. "How can you do this, dad?" "Lucas!" Mateo raised his large hands, his voice etched with irritation. Xavier remained quiet. "Do not call my name, dad. You're letting this illegitimate son of yours take over!" "Stop it, mon peach," Camille cautioned Lucas and turned to her husband. "Darling, what are you saying?" "No one says another word," Mateo's voice turned cold, and the table fell silent, but Lucas blood boiled in rage. This news was unexpected. He has waited patiently all these years, with thoughts of taking over the empire. His father had never loved Xavier. Why will he hand over the family greatest wealth to him, leaving him with nothing? Lucas hands trembled in fury but Mitchell squeezed his hand gently. "You really can't do this to your son, darling." Camille protested, trying to keep her cool. "No more words, I say!" And she clamped her mouth shut. "Xavier is my son, too. He has proven himself worthy. But Lucas, what has he done except being his brother's shadow?" Mateo Singh's voice was harsh and cold and Lucas turned beet red. "I'm glad you made the right choice, father." Xavier's deep voice dripped with a hint of arrogance and mockery, and Lucas shot him a malicious glare. Mateo nodded in approval, "But, on one condition will my empire be handed to you." "What's that?" "I need to be sure of an heir, Xavier. Bring a wife in less than a month." "What?" A loud gasp spread across the table and Xavier's chiseled features hardened.His father was asking him to get married? "You do not tell me what to do," Xavier replied curtly, his expression unreadable and Mateo let out a low, deep sigh while Camille flared up. "Darling, why are you doing this? Lucas has a wife already." "Xavier doesn't have a girlfriend!" Lucas voice was filled with hatred, and he gripped Mitchell's comforting hand tight. Mitchell raised her head and shivered when her eyes locked with Xavier's piercing gaze. 'Why is staring at me?' she thought and avoided his eyes. When the atmosphere remained tense, Mateo's face turned stoic as he spoke with finality. "If Xavier doesn't get married, the empire will be given to Lucas." * [X-WORLD ENTERTAINMENT] Xavier shut his eyes, brushing his tongue lightly on his thin, attractive lips. "You've worked so hard to please your father. You've gotta do what he says, man." "I do not have to get married," Xavier said calmly, and his best friend, Jayden, chuckled. "Chill, man. If you don'
Jayden posed elegantly, his arms wrapped around Sophia Logan, a sexy model as several shots were taken. Jayden is one of the popular models in X-World, and has won many awards. His handsome features made other models, artists and actresses gush, but the stares of admiration weren't directed to him alone, but to the hot CEO, who sat resplendent on a black shining chair with his legs crossed. His black tailor made suit, and his dark gaze, exuding an aura of authority took the breath of everything present in the large studio. They are all trying to compose themselves under his piercing grey eyes, which scrutinized them. No one wanted to get on his bad side. After taking a break, Jayden strolled casually to Xavier, hands tucked in his pockets. "You'll get them peeing on their pants soon, man." Xavier shifted his gaze to him, his neatly combed hair falling on his perfectly sculptured face. "Why is that?" "Those eyes could kill, Xav." Jayden chuckled, collapsing on a chair. His as
Before Mia could do anything, she spotted black cars approaching them. "Shit!" She quickly got to her feet and ran off. The cars pulled to a stop, and Jayden dashed out, accompanied by bodyguards. His heart froze when he saw Xavier lying unconscious. "Xav!" Meanwhile, Mia ran as fast as her legs could carry, ignoring the bruises on her body while her heart thumped loudly against her chest. "Shit! Shit!" she kept cursing as she ran into her apartment. She knew she was in deep trouble. Grabbing her purse, she got out and flagged down a cab hurriedly. "Kenz Hospital," she said, jumping into the passenger seat. "Yes, ma'am." All through the drive, her thoughts were flooded. 'What was he doing in the middle of the road?' 'Mia! You damaged that car. It must have cost a lot. And the delivery bike. Why did mom heart fail? The surgery isn't near till a donor is found.' "We're here, ma'am," the driver announced. Mia stepped out quickly, and paid him, hurrying into the r
How did he know about her mother's surgery? "How did you..." Mia tried to form words out of her lips, but his deep voice cut her off arrogantly. "I am not a patient man, Mia." 'What a pompous jerk!' Mia thought, eyeing him, "I thought you were engaged already." She remembered Isabella broke the news that the CEO of X-World Entertainment announced his engagement. Xavier's sharp jawline hardened, "did you say something?" "I didn't!" Mia snapped, reaching out for the contract, then she ran her hazel eyes over the details, "Shit! Stuck with you for a year? Why not six months? Or three months before getting a divorce. I can't put up with your shitty attitude. And what's with the damn rules here. You think I'm some..." "Bring the cops in," she heard him say into an intercom and Mia's lips went shut immediately. She didn't want to go to jail. Her mother might die before she get released. How can a man be so heartless? 'Just keep shut, Mia. Even if we work our ass out for thre
[X-World Entertainment] "Our last movie hit the records with a hundred percent increase in views and ticket sales than we expected, Mr Singh, making it the top searched entertainment topic," the man at the front in a business suit presented. And there were sighs and nods of approval. In the spacious board room, Xavier sat at the head of the table, his grey eyes bored, he's on a shining blue tux, with his navy blue shirt buttons undone. His dark hair is styled to the side, he has his back on the exclusive chair, exuding an aura of authority. The long conference table filled up with his workers, then the director, Mr Martinez stood up, adjusted his suit and faced him. "Mr Singh, the new movie project and modelling sector are progressing well. Following our last success, new investors have showed their interest in collaborating with us, and we're using the same female lead, Harper Herna..." "Replace the female lead," Xavier cut him off, his voice commanding. Eyes turned to Xavier, b
After leaving Bella's studio, the taxi halted in front of Mia's small home. She took steady steps to the front porch and breathed out, before walking into the house. The emptiness of the sitting room welcomed her, she flung her bag towards the couch, before striding to her mother's room. When she got to Amelia [Mrs Lopez] room, she pushed the door open and peeked inside. Amelia was sleeping peacefully, a quilt covering her. Sitting quietly on the bed and gazing softly at her mother, Mia moved her fingertips to Amelia's chestnut brown hair, stroking it gently. Mia had a striking resemblance to her mother, hazel eyes, heart-shaped red lips, thick lashes and pretty delicate features, unlike Tammy who took after her father's light brown hair and deep brown eyes. After Mia watched her mother for a while, not wanting to wake her up, she secretly slipped out into the averagely furnished sitting room. Her eyes darted around, then it fell on a photo album. Her steps were slow as she
"Is this Mia?" Xavier thought. She looked entirely different. Clad in a red strapless gown, long and elegant, with bodice made of silk, hugging her curves like a second skin. A high slit ran up her thighs, and Xavier's eyes darkened at her exposed skin, tanned and flawless, glittering under the soft lights. Her neck was adorned with a small piece necklace, made of Jade. Her hazel eyes sparkled, and her chestnut brown hair was packed in a tight bun, with few messy strands beautifying her face, her make-up light. Mia's cheeks burned under Xavier's scrutinizing gaze. But when she got into the car, she snapped, "You've got no manners, Xavier Singh." Taken aback by her rudeness, Xavier's cold demeanor returned and his cold gaze went to his laptop. "I'll advise you remain quiet till we get to our engagement party." Mia's eyes turned to Xavier, refusing to be intimidated by his imposing presence. "Why the hell won't you inform me about the party? What if I was..." He suddenly slammed
Mia immediately recognized the similar features between Xavier and the older man. He had grey eyes and dark hair, his steps exuded command and power as he finally got to where they stood. His arm was wrapped around the woman, a brunette with brown eyes. Mia noticed she had no resemblance to Xavier. Was that his mother? She didn't know much about the Singh family, except what the media potrayed. "Father," Xavier called, his grey eyes unmoving. "Welcome son," a small smile played on Mateo's lips as his eyes scrutinized Mia. Mia held her breath, anticipating his approval. She didn't know if she should care or not. She's not his real fiancee anyway. "Is this my daughter in law?" "I didn't come with anyone else," Xavier replied coldly. "Good evening Sir," Mia tried to be as polite as possible. "Sir?" Mateo chuckled, "She's beautiful, son. You should call me dad from now on, my dear." "Yes... dad," A warm hue appeared on Mia's rosy cheeks. Xavier raised his brow questioningly
Mia watched slowly as his muscles tensed, the lining of his broad shoulders stiffening as his jaw set in a hard line.She could feel the darkness emitting from him, and she knew she must have said what she shouldn't have.Turning to leave quickly, her arms got grasped from behind in a flash movement and she was spun around to face him."How dare you?"Color drained out of her face at the change of expression on his face.His eyes were no longer grey, they were now burning with a fiery intensity that sent chills down Mia's spines."Let me go," she winced, a sore feeling lingering around her wrist but his grip tightened, bringing her closer, till her chest almost meet his.His sharp gaze sliced through her like a knife through cold butter, and his voice came out gravelly, "The next time, you talk about my mother... You'll wish I'd sent you to jail, Mia."Releasing her roughly, her feet missed a step and she staggered, falling on her butt. Her hazel eyes blinked in shock, in an attempt t
After spending a few minutes wandering in the grand mansion, Mia finally located the room assigned to her.Breathing a sigh of relief, she pushed the door open and walked in, completely mesmerized by the beauty and elegance of the room.Too tired for admiration, Mia flung her bag on the couch beside the majestic queen sized bed and pulled off her gown, tossing it on the floor, before sauntering to the washroom.------She had used the bathtub earlier, she was using it again and it was heavenly. The scent of lavender and fresh flowers filled the air.She closed her eyes, reveling in the soothing feeling the warm water gave to her aching muscles.What does Xavier really want from her? Can't he just leave her alone?Hissing, she got out of the tub and wrapped a purple towel around her body and another around her chestnut hair.She stepped out of the washroom, her eyes darting around the bedroom. It was similar to the room she had woken up the day Xavier took her home. But this one had go
Mia gritted her teeth in fury as she marched into the mansion, her eyes blazing and face reddening. Where the hell was that arrogant asshole? She needed to give him a piece of her mind. Even if he's heartless, he shouldn't have left her to sleep in the car.Her back, ribs and limbs ache terribly from sleeping in an uncomfortable position all night.The maids bowed as she walked past, but she ignored them. Climbing up the stairs, she hoped to locate his room or study, but Irene appeared in front of her."Are you okay, Mia?" Worry etched on her face but Mia's face held no warmth."I'm not okay. Where's Xavier?" She spat angrily, darting her eyes around the hallway."He's not home, Mia. He left for the office this morning.""I'll just go to him then," Mia brushed her fingers through her hair and made to leave, but Irene held her arm, her eyes pleading, "please Mia, you need to rest. You must be exhausted. Mr Xavier won't like it if you stress yourself."The urge to laugh hysterically ov
What... did she just say? She didn't reject Xavier, did she? The tension in the air was palpable and the hall was so quiet that you could hear the sound of a pin drop."Do you, Mia Nevaeh Lopez, take Xavier Ian Singh to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The priest reiterated, and Mia jolted out of her thoughts, glad that she didn't say that loud."Y..yes I do," she said slowly, her heart constricting and her breathing shallow, and sighs of relief filled the air.Xavier's gaze remained expressionless as they exchanged rings, and when his fingers brushed against hers, she pulled back quickly, making his brows furrow.'What's up with her?' he thought.After they were done, the priest proceeded to make his pronouncement, "By the power vested on me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride to seal this vow."Kiss? Oh no.Mia held her breath when he faced her, and unveiled her, revealing her ravishing beauty. She lifted her eyes and gasped when it met his cold, grey one
"You are so beautiful, ma'am," one of the hairstylist gushed and the others nodded in confirmation. Mia, who was lost in thought turned to look at the mirror, and a gasp escaped her lips."Is this...me?" She couldn't recognize herself, she was completely different. She could see a stunning, classy bride staring back at her."Thanks," she mumbled, lifting her finger to touch her face. The makeup was perfect, her heart shaped red lips glossed with nude lipstick. Her chestnut brown hair, which was always kept in messy buns, was now styled in an elegant braided bun, with crystal hairpins that adorned it, exuding sophistication. Her softly defined hazel eyes shone brightly, featuring long, lush lashes. She wore specially designed pearl earrings, and a unique piece of diamond pendant hung on her neck, courtesy of President Singh. The makeup artists and hairstylists all beamed with pride as they inspected her, and they exited when the door opened.Tammy and Isabella walked in, their faces l
Xavier returned his gaze to his system, his cold, grey eyes narrowing slightly as he scrolled through some documents. Silas walked in, the soft sound of the vast translucent door sliding open and he bowed, "Mr Singh, your fiancee just left the estate. Location indicates she's heading to the hospital."Xavier didn't respond, his expression remained unchanged. His brows dipped and he nodded curtly, his eyes still fixed on the screen. Silas strutted forward, placing some files on his desk, "These contain all information about the actress Mr Martinez recommended as the female lead in our movie project. She'll replace Harper Hernandez."Xavier's gaze flickered to the stack of files, then back to the screen, "I'll review it," he replied this time, his deep voice voice firm.Silas fidgeted for a moment, closing and reopening his mouth intermittently."Anything else?" His boss deep voice sounded."Yes sir, there's something else. Crystal Entertainment is planning to sign Harper under their la
*THE NEXT MORNING*Mia's eyelids fluttered open to the bright rays of sunlight filtering into the room. She groaned, mumbling as she sat up groggily, "Who the hell opened the curtains this early?" But when she looked around, a gasp escaped her lips as shock registered on her face. This wasn't her room. Where the hell is she?This room was extremely luxurious, it had royal purple colored curtains, draped on the floor to ceiling glass windows, there was a huge dazzling chandelier hung up and her eyes continued to run around the room. A fancy decorated closet was at the side of the three meter sized bed she sat on, and an enormous mirror stood on the wall beside a 10 inches plasma TV screen.This place looked beautiful, like a five star presidential suite. A throbbing headache hit her as she tried remembering how she got here, and she winced. Did she have a one night stand with a billionaire? Or maybe the president?'You're engaged, remember?' her subconscious mind whispered. 'It's just
Her body went limp in the arms of the first man holding her, and his eyes widened, "what the f**k!" "Is she dead?" asked the second man, moving closer to feel her pulse and the first man shook his head, "She's just unconscious." The hoodie guy who she had hit, laughed mockingly, "That's none of our business, let's get down on this bitch, dead or alive." The fourth one hesitated, "we should let her go." His words made the hoodie guy's eyes turn into a ball of fury, and he faced the fourth hoodlum, throwing a punch across his face, "We're f**king getting down on her, understood?" They nodded in affirmation, and he turned to the man holding Mia, before hurling her onto his shoulders. As they were about to disappear into the darkness, headlights flashed in their direction, and they froze on their feet. Four cars screeched to an halt besides them, and hefty men in black suits dashed out, with wired earphones connected to their ears, their faces mean and professional. "Let go of th
Tammy's eyes locked onto the TV screen, the news anchor's voice was filled with excitement: "Billionaire Xavier Singh finally reveals mysterious fiancee at engagement party." And pictures and videos clips that were taken in front of the magnificent building surfaced. "Is.. is that.." Tammy stammered, her eyes still fixed to the TV, and her lips trembled, unable to form coherent words. Bella hesitated, it's obvious Mia didn't tell her mother and sister. How dumb of her, but there was no hiding now. "Yes, Mia is engaged to Xavier Singh." The words barely left Bella's lips, before Amelia stiffened, her heart twisting in shock, and her body went limp, dropping to the cold floor. "Mom!" A cry tore out of Tammy's throat, echoing off the walls as she raced towards her mother, with Bella behind. "No! Mom, please," she begged, grasping Amelia's hands, her lips quivering. "Aunt, please wake up! Check her pulse! Call the doctor!" Bella dropped to her knees, her eyes wide with horror, her sh