Shayan West is a girl striving to survive in the big city. She has a past which she keeps, she was involved in a guy that ruined her life. What happens when they meet now? he's the boss and she's the undeniably attractive personal assistant.
Would they be able to let go of their past and hatred for each other and would he discover the secret she keeps?
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It was yet another morning and I had to prepare for work.I quickly went to prepare, freshening up and wearing a lacy black skirt and a white off the shoulder top and black heels. I tied my black hair in a neat bun and wore a little makeup on my face. When I was done, I carried my bag with my things and locked the door before leaving.
I walked to the closest bus stop. I had missed the first bus and I was already running late. The New York morning traffic jam was usual, especially on Monday mornings. Several cars were passing by and I knew I couldn't wait for the next bus. Taking a taxi became my next option. I hailed a taxi and when I finally got hold of one I was already thirty minutes late.
As soon as the taxi dropped me in front of the building, I quickly hurried in. Everyone I came across seemed to be in a hurry too. Something told me that the new boss is going to be difficult. I entered the elevator which was crowded with employees frantically searching through files or making calls and arrangements. Today was surely going to be a busy one.
The elevator stopped and I came out heading to my post, the open office before the boss. I was a personal assistant to the former boss who died three days ago, Michael Adrios. Hopefully, I get to keep my position, that's if his son wants me to. I was hoping that he'd be bearable like his father.
Nearing my office I saw a guy whose back was faced to me asking a girl passing by for me. "And where the hell is the supposed personal assistant?" the anger and annoyance in his tone were very evident as he shouted causing me to get nervous.
Oh God helps me not to be fired.
"I'm here Sir." I slowly answered in a low voice.
He turned around to look at me and when my eyes met his my heart stopped beating.
CHAPTER 1
KELVIN'S POV Today is Monday and I had to prepare for work. I start working as a CEO in my father's company today. He died three days ago from a deadly disease that runs in the family. I have always hated my dad. I didn't even answer his last name until recently. The first day I met him all I wanted to do was kill him. He had left my mother when he got her pregnant in college. From what I know it was a one night stand and when she told him about me, he told her he didn't want anything to do with us.My mother was nineteen at the time, while my dad was three years older. He was engaged to his college sweetheart who happened to be an Italian billionaire's daughter.
My father paid my mom off with one million dollars which my mom accepted because of her condition.She came from a poor background. Her parents were disappointed in her and washed their hands off her. She needed the money to survive and I don't blame her for taking it. Accepting the money, she signed a contract that she was never going to show her face in his life and there wouldn't be any leak about me in the media either. But it seems like when the old man was going to die he wanted to go to heaven because he came one day begging my mother to forgive him. And she did. That's when she got pregnant for the twins.
My mom had never told me anything about him then, and when I knew he was my father I hated him more.
He had left his company for me in his will and now I'm going there to resume duty today.
I got into the office and everywhere I passed people greeted me, they seemed to know who I was. I looked around the office and it was okay. The colour black and brown dominated the office. Since the outside was made of glass, I could see the busy New York streets. There were a black executive chair and two other brown chairs in front of the mahogany desk. There were shelves around and a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Aside from that, there was a separate place for a small meeting. There were three black leather love seats, a brown centre table and a single leather chair. The office was really big and space was well used.
I sat on the executive chair going through some things on the laptop. I've been here for an hour and there's no sign of the personal assistant. So I made a mental notice to fire her as soon as she entered.
I was getting impatient already and went outside my office. I saw one of the employees passing by and decided to ask her about the personal assistant.
"And where the hell is the supposed personal assistant?" I asked angrily.
Does she think she can just come anytime she pleases? I'd have to have a word with all the staff later, I can't stand this tardiness.
"I'm here." a voice answered in a scared tone. But there was something familiar about it.
I was ready to fire this person, then I turned around and it was no one other than Shayan West another person I hate.
She looked different, different in a good way. "My office, now" I ordered harshly going to my office while she followed behind.
I sat on the chair waiting for her to come in. I was angry, angry that she was late. But most of all angry about meeting her.
"Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to be here an hour ago!" I shouted angrily.
"I'm sorry sir, I missed the first bus and there was traffic." She replied, a little bit nervous.
"Well, I don't care about your excuse. I don't stand tardiness and want you to be punctual. The next time you're late you'll get fired." I told her coldly.
She didn't say anything and just nodded. I didn't like that response. "Have I made myself clear?" I harshly demanded.
"Yes sir." She replied
"I want all the files on Mr Anderson on my table right away."
"Here you go sir" She got the file placing it on my table.
"You may get out of my office now." I dismissed her with a nonchalant wave.
She left the office and I just sighed. Seeing her again was unexpected. I never thought I'd see her again.
Though I typically preferred blondes, Shayan's short dark hair and hazel green eyes alongside her warm complexion were unexpectedly exotic and appealing. She was undeniably attractive now, different from the girl I used to know.The only thing I remembered was the voice, tiny, soft, smooth and sweet, the type that could damage a person's brain. She has gotten rid of her glasses for contacts and wasn't fat anymore. She had a slim sexy figure enunciating her curves in the short skirt she was wearing with a white off the shoulder top. Her hair was in a professional-looking bun. She was beautiful and sexy but I'm not interested in her body or anything that had to do with her. Looks can be deceiving. She looked so innocent but there was nothing innocent about her. I've learned my lesson already, I wasn't prepared for her to teach me another.
Memories that I had a long time buried came up. She was the only girl I've ever loved and my experience with her made me decide not to love anyone again. She played the innocent girl so well I fell for it. She was just like every other girl I know, having the mind of a devil and yet acting like an angel. That was the worst type of girl to date.
I decided not to think about her. Our relationship will be strictly professional from now on.
I started going through Mr Anderson's file. He had a project for us at his new hotel. I've always had a knack for architecture, and I think it'd be easy running my father's company. Aside from my father's company I have a hotel which I'm running efficiently although I'm busy now. I like the way my life is right now and I know I've worked hard for the position I'm in now.
I called my assistant so we can look at the project together. Tomorrow we'd both go see the location.
"You called for me sir", she walked in after knocking looking anywhere but my face.
"Yes, I want you to prepare the employees for a meeting with me by three. You and I will be going somewhere tomorrow you'd need to be here early. I'd also like coffee, just plain on my table every morning. I hope I've made myself clear on that" I asked harshly.
"Yes sir" she replied.
"You may leave my office" I harshly dismissed. Her presence was the last thing I wanted.
She quickly left the office, closing the door behind her. With all the disdain I feel towards her, seeing her every day will be a real test for me. There is no way I'll be able to hide my disgust and irritation every time she's around. Looking at her is just a reminder of what she is, a cheat, liar, slut and a gold digger all in one person. I seriously don't get what I saw in her.
It was time for the meeting already. A brief meeting where I'd introduce myself.
While standing in front of them I could notice some ladies checking me out. There were also whispers and murmurs everywhere that pissed me off. Didn't they know to keep quiet in the presence of their boss?
"Everybody quiet", I commanded, earning an erring silence.
"You all must be wondering why I called this meeting but that doesn't call for all the noise. I want total respect and demand for nothing less. I won't take such behaviour again" I threatened coldly.
"I am Kelvin Adrios as some of you know, and I am now the CEO of Adrios corporation"
"Welcome Sir" numerous voices chorused.
"Adrios is known for its outstanding building and properties and I'd like for that to continue. Everyone is expected to put in their all for every project we handle, and I will tolerate nothing but hard work" I stated firmly.
There were a series of "okay" and "yes sir"
I couldn't take my eyes off her in the crowd, for some reason my gaze was fixed on her. She looked lost and wasn't responding to anything that was happening in the room.
"Miss West" all eyes were fixed on her now.
"Yes sir?"
"It seems your mind is far away from this meeting. Perhaps you feel what I'm saying does not demand your attention"
"Not at all sir", she answered slowly.
"Good. So what have I been saying all this time?" I questioned.
"Umm..... You started by silencing the room, then you introduced yourself and you let us know your expectations for the upcoming projects, emphasising that you want nothing but hard work"
I was impressed that she could reply, but at the same time angry. This was the perfect time to humiliate her, but she wriggled herself out of it.
"I want everyone's attention when I'm addressing you" I coldly demanded.
I continued the meeting going on and on about the things I wanted in the company and the things I wouldn't tolerate. By the time I was done I'm sure I instilled fear, respect and obedience in all of them. I made it clear I wouldn't hesitate to fire anyone I thought incapable no matter who the person happens to be.
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SHAYAN'S POVMy heart was pounding in my chest loudly, it was him, standing in front of me after five years. Kel Adrios. All my anger and hatred towards him came back in full force. "My office now!" He shouted, walking to his office not sparing me a glance. I followed him closely to his office. Is he going to fire me? Does he even remember me? We got to his office and I stood while he sat. He was tall and fit so well in his custom charcoal grey suit. Kelvin Adrios, son of Michael Adrios, why didn't I realize that? When I met him he wasn't answering Adrios. He was well known in the business world has even won billionaire of the year. He was a shameless playboy who broke every girl's heart, he wasn't even capable of love. He watched me intently with eyes so brown it reminded me of chocolates and I love chocolate but his eyes didn't hold any appealing glow, instead
HAPTER 3SHAYAN'S POVI walked into the office at exactly 7:30. I didn't want to be late and have Mr Adrios scold me. I went to the cafeteria downstairs to get his plain black coffee and got a latte for myself. I wondered when he was going to come and if his coffee wouldn't have been cold by then. I just decided to keep it in his office anyway so he'd see it once he comes. I opened the door to his office and there he sat in all his glory looking devilishly handsome, rich and powerful sitting on his executive chair. But he's not supposed to be here by now. I remembered his words yesterday, "I don't want to be here before you." An immediate frown appeared on his face and without looking up he spoke. " I thought I told you to be here before me and my coffee should be on my table as well," he stated calmly but with the way he spoke I know he was far from being calm, he was furious. What was I supposed to do? leave
SHAYAN'S POVI looked at all of them in confusion. Congratulations? I hope it was for something good, well no one says congratulations when something bad happens so well let me see where this leads. I looked at Kel wondering what he was up to, there was a small smirk threatening to escape his lips, I wondered what this was. "Congratulations on your engagement." his mother smiled hugging me Engagement? Me? Are they blind or can't they see my fingers are bare? Who am I even supposed to be engaged to? "I'm happy for you Shayan, or should I say sister in law." Tess beamed Sister-in-law? What the hell is Kel playing at? I was still confused as to why they were saying all of these. "I think you've got the wrong girl or there's a mix up somewhere." "It's okay baby, we can tell them," Kel said smoothly staring at me deeply. 
SHAYAN'S POVThe next morning I was preparing for work when I got a call from my mom. I hope everything is alright with them, a call from her often meant that something was wrong."Hello mom, is everything alright? " I asked and all I could hear was my mom sobbing."Mom, what's wrong?" I asked already panicking.God, please let all me well with my dad."It's your dad," she said and my heart sank. Please God let him not be dead."He had a heart attack and he's in an even worse condition than he was," she informed and I heaved a sigh of relief. At least he was still alive."We have to do the surgery now."Surgery? But we don't have enough money for that yet."But mom we don't have enough money for that." I panicked on the verge of tears.Where can we get that much money for surgery?"I know Shayan, I'm thinking of taking a loan or selling the house," she informed."Loan?" I
SHAYAN'S POVWe didn't go to work that day, we went shopping. He bought me a lot of things like jewellery, shoes and clothes, perfumes and makeup, he virtually bought everything a girl would need. At the store we got a lot of stares, people were wondering if I was the fiancée while Kel was being affectionate smiling and caring while I was playing the game too."So we're going to be living together in my apartment till we get married.""Okay, so when are we getting married? ""I suppose you heard when Jones stated it," he replied.What would have been hard in saying the date? I tried remembering when and remembered when he said we had less than two months. GreatNow that we're alone in the car he's going back to his unaffectionate self as I care.I got out my phone from my bag and saw several texts and calls from my parents and colleagues, they were probably going to ask if the news wa
SHAYAN'S POVI was sitting in the sitting room munching popcorn while watching a movie on Netflix when Kel came in. I was thinking he was going to walk away but he walked up to me dropping a package on the table and then left. I opened the package to find the latest iPhone and I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't excited because I am. He was probably embarrassed by the one I was currently using but I didn't care, I've always wanted an iPhone and he got me one.I went upstairs to his room knocking on the door to gain his attention, he opened the door and I realized. His tie and suit were gone and the first three buttons were off. His body was amazing I wouldn't deny that even if it was just a glimpse I caught."Are you just going to stand there staring at me or you have something to say?" He asked irritated."I just want to say thanks for the gift," I answered and he just frowned."It's not a gift, I just gave it to
SHAYAN'S POVWe were in the venue of the show, it was The Anny Deserati show. It was one of the biggest shows in New York in which several celebrities were interviewed and never did I think that I will be on the show. I was quite nervous, I've never been comfortable with speaking in front of the crowd and now on a live show with a vast audience, thousands or millions of people could be watching and with just one flip they'd know that this is fake.I was in the dressing room, touch-ups were added to my makeup and the stylist was making sure my hair was still in place."Two minutes to show time" someone announcedI was getting nervous, what if they found out about this being fake. I'd be in a lot of trouble. I looked at myself in the mirror and I looked different not like the poor girl I knew but like a rich sophisticated lady. I had on a simple white gown, diamond earring and necklace and a white six-inch heels and of course the engagement ring.Kel
SHAYAN'S POVThe next day I was packing a light bag, I was going to visit my parents. My mom wasn't replying to my text or calls and I had to know how they were faring. I came out of the room with my bag and purse only for me to find Kel outside the room. I had planned on sneaking out, he wasn't even supposed to be hone by now."And where do you think you're going to?" He asked angrily"To visit my parents, now excuse me" I answered trying to get past him."And what's the fifth rule?"I have no idea what the fifth rule is but seeing as I'm about to leave I guess it was the prisoner rule."I don't know and I don't care to know" I snapped moving past him.He forcefully pushed me towards him giving me his famous glare and for a second I was scared, why was he as angry as he is?"Let me refresh your memory, you're not to leave this house especially without me" he ordered angrily.His anger was pissing me off, he didn't buy
I suggest listening to James Arthur certain things when you get to the middle of the chapter.Shayan's POVKel gave my hand a small squeeze and silently begged me with his eyes to hear him out. I nodded as he gave me a quick kiss on the lips. I gave him a small smile which he returned and made his way out of the room patting Jess on the back.There was a moment of awkward silence as he struggled to get his words out. I knew he had been trying to get my attention for some days but couldn't bring himself to talk to me and now that he finally mustered the courage to he was speechless."I don't even know where to start." The tone of regret in his voice didn't go undetected. "I'm sorry about what happened. It's something I'd regret for the rest of my life. I was blinded by greed, anger and jealousy. I wanted what Kel has, I felt inadequate and unloved and it made me do something I didn't even think I was capable of doing. I'm deeply sorry and
There seemed to have been a moment of confusion, the gunshot was fired but two people seemed to have been on the floor, the blood was oozing but a body laid on the floor almost lifeless.Kel's POVI've never seen someone that drives as slow as Williams. He drove as though there was no emergency whatsoever and to top it all there was traffic. Oh the agony of being stuck in traffic when you had a place you desperately needed to be. It was in times like this I wish that cars could fly and just land where you need to be or I could teleport. Crazy right, but right now it seemed like the best option but I had no power whatsoever. My whole body was itching from sitting and doing nothing about the situation. I felt like getting out of the car and running to the location. I had to see her, I had to make sure she's okay. "Calm down Mr Adrios, from what I gathered your wife is fine."I don't know whether he was trying to calm me down because his tone soun
Jess POVI sat at the club two months ago drowning my sorrow and pain. It was one of those days when mum had chastised me over something I couldn't do right, she was always comparing me to Kel. The perfect son, he could do no wrong in her eyes while I was the imperfect one, the one she always had something against. Nothing I did could please her.All her love was rendered to Kel and Tess. I loved my twin but Kel, that was another story. I don't think I've ever liked him. Yes he tries to play the father figure but that is overbearing. He's never going to be a father to me, he's never going to give me that fatherly love I so craved for. There was a time we were really cool, the time in high school when he was dating Shayan. He was more open and sensitive to the feelings of others, more empathetic. He was always there for me when I needed him, attended my games, played the fatherly role well. But once he and Shayan were done he returned to his cold self, shutting ever
KEL'S POV It has been two hours, two long hours since I saw her, it was driving me crazy, I wanted to pull my hair out and scream out in agony. I was disoriented. With what the officer has been saying I've been suspecting Jess. Everything pointed to him, he could have been his accomplice but he has an alibi, his girlfriend. I didn't know what to think anymore, I raked my hand through my hair letting out a scream. Fvck! This whole thing is killing me. What could be his reason? Could he have done that?"Calm down bro... You'd see her soon." Jess said brushing my shoulder. I surely hope so because I might as well punch someone in the face. "What do you think he wants?"I asked gauging his reaction. "I don't know." He shrugged then looked away. I wanted to hit something badly. I was finding it hard to keep it in. "I'd be right back." He excused himself out of the room. I needed t
Tess loud shriek was what drew every other person's attention to us. "What's wrong?" My mom asked looking at Tess but she said nothing. How do I break the news to them, especially to Evie and her parents? " Kelvin where's Shayan? Evie keeps on asking for her." Her dad spoke up."Tess please take Evie to her room" Tess carried Evie from Shayan's dad and went upstairs, I could see the guards following them. Heck, what if one of them was in it too. I don't even know what to do. " Uhmm...she...she was... kidnapped." I finished, slurring the words not looking at their faces, I felt so ashamed right now. I wasn't able to protect her."She was what?" Her mother let out a scream"Do you have any idea who did it?" Her dad asked calmly and I nodded. " Let's all go inside so we can talk about it." My mom suggested and we nodded following her in. Onc
My heartbeat turned frantic, I searched everywhere for Evie until I found her playing with Jess and Tess. My parents were behind them watching Evie, everything was fine. A horrible scene just played in my head, was I going crazy already. I couldn't wait for this day to end already. Kel spotted me from the corner of his eye and came to meet me. He was smiling until he saw my expression and a worried look took over."What's wrong baby?" He touched my face staring at me intently.He pulled me close to him, his hands encircling my waist. I rested my head on his chest taking in his scent and sighed." It was Carlos, he sent another message." I felt him stiffen, I didn't need to look at him to know that he was pissed." He's not going to come near Evie or you Shay, I won't let that happen okay? Please don't worry too much baby. I'm here for us."Somehow his words relieved me and I sighed, I worry too much but I couldn't help it. I slowl
I became paranoid after I saw the text. He really couldn't come here or could he? I started biting my lips nervously. Should we just cancel the party and take her somewhere private? The knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts."Who's there?" I asked nervously."It's me, Tess." I heaved a sigh of relief as Evie rushed to open the door and it was truly Tess."Shay, what's up?" Kel asked and I showed him my phone.He sighed and locked eyes with me. "Nothing is going to happen, Shay, the security is going to be very tight, we're going to have her around us at all times. I promise you everything is going to be alright." "I hope so Kel. I hope so." I leaned closer to him for a hug."Don't be sad, now go get ready for the princess's party." He said playfully and I chuckled getting up to get the day running. The party was in full swing, everything was going on smoothly so far but I couldn't help but worry. I was a
It was three days to Evie's birthday which is a Saturday and Kel said he wanted to take me out to dinner, so I dropped Evie at my mom's. We've still been getting threats from Carlos about him wanting to hurt Evie. I quit my job with Kel so I could watch her properly since I couldn't trust anyone with her. We rarely went out and I was quite nervous as we were dropping her off at my mom's even though Kel has assured me that there were bodyguards around. "She's going to be fine. I have people watching the premises, nothing would happen to them okay?" He reassured her after we dropped her. She wanted to go with us and Kel explained some things to her before she reluctantly agreed."Okay," I said.Throughout the ride, he had his hands on mine as he drove. I had no idea where we were going but I was excited. He parked and we stepped down. From where we stood to the entrance of the beach house there were petals of roses. I just stood in awe. It was a
I was so nervous, we were appearing on Annie Deserati's show again to confirm the claims. Kel said it was what was best to do. I don't have a problem with confirming it, he could have posted it on social media or better still leave it all to die down until much bigger news comes up but he said we had to do it for Evie. Evie being inquisitive has been asking us about some of the things she heard from his mom. She has been asking if we loved each other when we got married and if our marriage was fake. I'm sure she knows it is since she remembered how we were when she first came so we had to explain our relationship and marriage to her, it was hard for her to understand at first but the point is she understands that we love each other now although it wasn't so apparent in the beginning."I'm so nervous." I inhaled and exhaled."There's no need for you to be baby, if it helps I'd do most of the taking," Kel reassured kissing my cheeks and I smiled."You're so