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 reception. Isabella and Tammy ran up to Mia when they saw her, worry evident in their faces. "How's mom?" she asked immediately. "No one is talking to us," Tammy sniffled. "You're wounded, Mia. Did you get into an accident?" Isabella's voice laced with concern and Tammy gasped, running her eyes over Mia's arm. "You're hurt, Mia." "I'm fine," she forced a smile. Dr Noah emerged before they could ask any more questions and they rushed to him. "How's my mom?" "How's Aunt?" They asked impatiently. "Come with me, Mia." Dr Noah said, his expression undetectable. Mia gave Isabella and Tammy an assuring smile before following the doctor to his office. "I don't want to lose mom," Tammy cried as Isabella pulled her into a hug. Back at the doctor's office. "Ms Lopez, your mother is in stable condition. But her heart is in a critical state." Mia released her breath, at least her mother is safe at the moment, then she fidgeted. "I'm doing all I can to get money for her surgery, Dr Noah." "Do it fast, Mia. She mightn't pull through another heart failure." "And a donor?" The middle aged man sighed, adjusting his glasses, " We're trying our best, but we haven't found a donor yet." "Can we see my mom, now?" "Yes, you can. You should get treated too." "Thank you, Dr Noah," Mia nodded solemnly, leaving his office. Tammy raised her head from Isabella's shoulder when they saw her come out. "What did he say?" "She's fine now. You can go see her." "Are you coming with us?" "No, mom can't see me like this, I need to get treated, and I have to be somewhere, Tam." Tammy's face fell, but she nodded, "Okay." "You'll be fine, Mia." Bella squeezed her hand reassuringly and Mia smiled faintly. A nurse came over, leading Isabella and Tammy to Ms Lopez ward, while Mia approached another nurse. * Xavier's eyes flew open, darting around the luxurious room, with huge royal curtains draped on the windows. He is in his room. "He's awake," he heard the familiar voice of his personal doctor, as he checked his vitals. "Mr Singh will need a lot of rest." "Thank you Dr Williams, I hope he'll listen," Jayden chuckled and shook hands with the doctor. "It's my pleasure, Mr Ruiz," Dr Williams replied with a smile and walked out. "What happened?" Xavier asked, and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to remember everything that happened. "Hey, man," Jayden walked over to him, and plopped down on a sofa. "How do you feel?" Xavier opened his eyes and glanced at him, then he took his eyes away and Jayden's eyes narrowed. "You should thank me, man!" "Indeed," Xavier scoffed, getting out of his king sized bed. He rubbed his forehead, and his memories flashed back. "Harper," he remembered the betrayal, driving to an empty road, having a flashback, and his car got damaged. "I know I shouldn't have trusted her enough for you," Jayden sighed, taking his bottom lip between his teeth. "What do we do now, Xav? Lucas can't get that empire." "Who was it? Who damaged my car?" Xavier changed the topic. Just then, Silas walked into the room and bowed. "What did you find, Silas?" Jayden asked. He had ordered Silas to find the owner of the motorcycle. "We tracked the motorcycle's number plate to MacPherson Pizza." "And?" Jayden probed, while Xavier listened intently. "The rider turned out to be Mia Lopez, the same one Mr Singh had inquired of, weeks ago." Jayden turned to Xavier whose brow was arched. "Do you know her?" "She got kicked out at the audition," Xavier said, picking up his phone. "The crazy chestnut haired girl?" Jayden questioned and Xavier's eyes gleamed for a second, then he turned to Silas. "Bring her to me." "Yes, Sir." Silas left immediately and Jayden's brows snapped together. "What do you plan to do with her?" Xavier walked into his closet, "Get back to work, Jay." "You keep avoiding my questions, Xav. Fuck you!" Jayden strutted out of the room, clearly pissed. However, Xavier's face remained cold as he changed into a black shirt, that clung to his well sculpted sexy abs. * [CAFE] Mia sighed hotly, dumping her apron in the storeroom. She had gone to Mr Hudson, asking for his help, but the baldman didn't spare her a glance. As she made to leave, ending her shift for the afternoon, Grayson appeared. "I heard about your mother." "Okay," her voice came out low and distant. "I'll come visit. She'll be fine, Mia." He hugged her surprisingly, but she didn't object. If it were to be a normal day, she'll have kicked him, but, she tried not to break down in front of him now. "I... I need to go now, Gray. Thanks," she mumbled, disengaging from the hug to avoid stares. Grayson smiled, and Mia walked out of the cafe. She needed to go to the hospital, her mother was getting discharged today and Mia had no money to settle her medical expenses. She sighed dejectedly, she had to avoid the pizza shop as well, till she had enough to pay for the damages she caused to the delivery bike. As Mia waltzed along the street, with her brain in turmoil, a black car screeched beside her and she flinched. A man in a black suit stepped out and approached her. "Ms Lopez," he called and Mia blinked. How did he know her name? "How may I help you?" "You have to come with us, miss," Silas said, his tone professional. Another huge man with a stern face stepped out, making Mia's heart thump in her chest. Are they kidnappers? "I'm not coming with you.!" she stated defiantly. Silas exchanged glances with the bodyguard. Before Mia could say another word, she was swept off her feet. Her eyes went wide as she struggled against the muscular man. Mia was about to scream when her nose got covered and she felt numb, losing consciousness. * Mia's eyelids slowly fluttered open, and she grimaced when her head pounded. 'Where am I?' she thought, then she remembered those men, they had kidnapped her. She jolted up, her eyes squinting to adjust to the rays of sunlight filtering into the room. Her eyes roamed around the place, expecting to be in an abandoned warehouse, but she was welcomed with a deluxe study, with ornate furniture that made it appear as an expensively furnished office. Mia moved her hands, but they were free. Weird. She placed her feet on the plush carpet, with one thought in her mind. Escape. "Where do you think you're going?" The air around her turned frosty and Mia whipped around at the deep familiar voice behind her, and a gasp escaped her lips. "What the hell are you doing here?" She glared at the tall, imposing man staring at her with a blank look on his face. "What does it look like?" Xavier gave her a questioning look. Then it dawned on Mia. "You kidnapped me! You asshole,"she shrieked, going for the door immediately. "One more step, and you'll end up in jail for destroying my property," his icy voice, deep and threateningly made Mia freeze. 'He found out already!' her inner head screamed, sweat forming on her brow. She slowly turned to face him, faking a smile. "Really? How much does that wretched car cost?" she asked boldly, and Xavier lifted his eyebrow amusingly. Wretched? Xavier's aura turned cold, sending shivers down her spine. "Three million dollars." Mia almost crumbled, she knew she was in trouble already. "I have no money," she put on a straight face, "give me some time and I'll pay." "I have no time for that. You might want the cops to take you right away," Xavier took his phone, and Mia tried to conceal her panic. "I'll do whatever you want. Just don't ask for my body." Xavier stared at her blankly, took steady steps to his desk and pushed a file toward her. "Sign this." "What's that?" Mia looked at the file, her curiosity piqued. "A marriage contract." "What?" "Marry me," he said, his deep voice with a hint of command. "Are you talking to me?" Mia asked, her eyes darting around his exclusive office, then her nose flared up in disbelief. "You're sick! The nerves you have to abduct me here. And this?" "You owe me," his grey eyes bore into hers, his hands tucked in his suit pants. Mia glared at him, "I'll never marry you, Xavier Singh. You're arrogant! And rude! And grum..." "Your mother's surgery bills," he cut her off. "I'll take care of it." Her lips clamped shut at his words and her eyes widened.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
"Nothing comes without a price, Ms Lopez." He said in a low voice, flashing her a cocky grin. "Are you willing to do anything to get the lead role?" "Yes, I am." Mia hoped he wouldn't say the words she had been familiar with over the years. She chewed on her bottom lips nervously, and watched as the man leaned back on his plush chair, and Mia could feel his hungry gaze feeding on her delicate curves. "Just one night with me.. Mia Lopez." He dropped the words she had been scared of, and her head banged. Not again! "A night with you?" she spat, disgusted. "You're sick!" The man's annoying laughter filled her ears, and she grabbed her bag, feeling suffocated in his office. After trying so hard to show him what she got during the audition, this was all he could ask for, just like others. "This is a lifetime opportunity. You won't want to miss it." Mia glared at the slightly older man and he pushed a written piece of note to her. Her eyes darted to the note and t
★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
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'