Thirty “After graduating from college,” Chaos explained in his very calm manner, “I worked my way up, and then eventually joined the Empire of Spencer & Battenkurt as a junior executive. Over the years, I worked my way further up through the ranks, taking on increasingly challenging roles and responsibilities.”“That is fascinating, sir.” Florence commented warmly, “Can you tell me more about some of the challenges you faced as you were climbing the corporate ladder despite being this wealthy?”Chaos subtly nodded his head and answered, “Well, I was fortunate to have the support and mentorship of many talented individuals within the company, who helped me develop the skills and knowledge I needed in order to succeed. Eventually, I was appointed CEO of the Empire of Spencer & Battenkurt. I am truly honored and humbled to lead such a prestigious company, and I am committed to continuing its legacy of innovation, excellence, and social responsibility.”Florence hesitated and paused for
Thirty-OneFlorence was astonished to hear those words uttered by Chaos. The term “playboy” was completely unexpected, and she could not believe that she had heard it from his lips. He was a man with an amazing background, work ethic and really respectable background, but she had absolutely no idea that this man, standing right in front of her as he was leaning his butt against his expensive and massive desk. He bravely told her and confessed to her that he was a freaking playboy.In most formal situations, most journalists were expected to conduct thorough research on their interview subjects. Florence knew that she should have prepared for this situation, him. However, in this case, Florence realized that she should have really done a more thorough background research on Chaos, hell, the Zacchaeus Spencer Battekurt, before proceeding with the interview. She mentally berated herself for her oversight, as she had been completely unaware that Chaos was the renowned billionaire playboy
Thirty-TwoFlorence’s heart pounded in her chest as Chaos spoke her name, his voice filled with a warmth and intimacy she had never heard before. The absence of the formal word “Miss” prefix sent a shiver down her spine. It was as if he were speaking directly to her soul, acknowledging her as an individual, not just a name on a list of interviews who probably interviewed him and had crossed the line as professionals who were obviously more interested in the women he slept with.Her eyes met his, and she felt a spark ignite between them. It was a moment of recognition, a realization that there was something more to their interaction than a simple business meeting.“I understand that the ‘billionaire playboy’ stereotype can be difficult to shake.” He smiled genuinely as there was silence from the both of them for a few seconds, and continued to say, “However, I want you to know that I am more than just that. Like I said, a caricature of what people portrayed me to be.”“Because it is th
Thirty-ThreeFor once, Chaos was stammered. Out of words because he was just shocked. He wanted to smile, since he was amused by this kind of confidence that she had. After all, she was a graduating journalism student, so he assumed she needed to suck this interview up to get better grades. He had never really thought about it in those terms before since he had always assumed that his wealth and status were simply a part of who he was knowing that his mother is from the Spencers, and his father is from the Battenkurts.“Hmm,” Chaos hummed and smiled weakly, “I suppose it is a double-edged sword,” he replied in a really calm tone, after a moment of thought. “On the one hand, it gives me opportunities that most people can only dream of. I can travel the world, live in luxury, and make a difference in the world. But on the other hand, it can be isolating. People often treat you differently and they become more focused on my personal playboy life, as if they have this hold in my personal
Thirty-FourFlorence justified in the back of her head that she was only doing this for her college project, and once it was done, it was done. She had always been a woman of integrity despite what she went through, as she was a person who valued honesty and loyalty. But in her pursuit of Chaos, she had compromised her principles. She had lied to her husband, deceived him, and broken his heart.The thought of facing Heath filled her with dread once he would find out about it. She knew that he would be devastated, heartbroken, and angry. She had promised Heath, she had signed the contract, and she vowed that she was not going to be seen with men for Heath’s social status. Florence felt a pang of regret for her actions. She had allowed her infatuation with Chaos to cloud her judgment, to lead her down a path of deception. She had forgotten her commitment to her marriage, though fake, it was her vows to love, honor, and cherish her husband. She needed the money, and she only had four ye
Thirty-fiveUrban Eats. Of all the expensive restaurants he knew that would impress women – Le Grand Chateau, The Velvet Room, The Sterling Spoon, The Golden Goose, Ember & Ash, or The Curious Mouth, she chose a cheap and really unhealthy joint. Chaos scoffed softly under his breath and just smiled, “McDonald’s, Marx.”“Sir?” Marx chirped, in shock that he asked for those unhealthy foods since he rarely buys them. “Anything specific?” Chase asked Florence, ignoring what Marx had said.“I…” She hesitated and finally let her know, “I would like to have a cheeseburger please, and some nuggets with large fries. Maybe a large cola. Thank you.” Chaos informed Marx of the order but doubled it. As soon as the call ended, Chaos just stared at her.“Is there something wrong, sir?” Florence asked.Chaos shook his head, “No, you are just someone different.” She blinked, “Different?” She asked.“In a good way.” Chaos answered while he settled on the couch, “So, let us set the questions aside,
Thirty-SixFlorence spent her time working on her project for days listening to the recorded interview, rewinding minutes after minutes. She typed and edited her article, thrilled to have interviewed one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.“Florence?” Heath hollered as it was a nice morning as he had finally returned. “You here?”“In the kitchen.” Florence chimed as she was busy working on her laptop.Heath popped out of nowhere, “I’m going to be busy for the whole morning in the clinic and then we can have dinner. I have your dress and jewelry ready for tonight.”Florence’s eyes widened, “Are we heading somewhere?”“Yes, I have an important dinner to attend to. Use the expensive makeup I bought you, and please make yourself more human? Thank you.” Heath spoke and then left the next second.Florence felt offended with what he said, but at the same time, she knew that she looked terribly simple and pale compared to how lavish and pretty she always needed to be when she was out
Thirty-SevenF L O R E N C E “What have I gotten myself into?” I asked my own reflection the same question that I have been asking ever since I started putting makeup on and dressing more provocatively for a man I did not even love. I took a deep breath in and exhaled while telling my own reflection, “You had no choice. It’s okay. It’s okay. You’re going to be okay.” I put on a vibrant red lipstick which matched my white skin.“Are you done?” Heath hollered loudly, feeling annoyed since he was never the type of person who was attending parties or dinners late with his so-called elite circle. “Yes, I am.” I rushed towards his side while he donned a beautiful dark green suit with his light brown leather shoes.When the clock struck five thirty, Heath and I headed to The Alchemist’s Secret Table. I wore this insanely beautiful emerald green strappy satin midi dress with a cowl neckline with a high slit which made my skin look whiter and paler, as if it was glimmering against the dress
Sixty-OneChaos gently wiped away her tears. “You have me,” he whispered, his voice filled with reassurance. “I don’t know what to do anymore,” she sobbed, her voice barely audible. “I just want it all to end.” She was not seeking pity, but simply pouring out her heart, a raw and vulnerable display of her pain. “I don’t want to live anymore.” She cried as more tears fell over her cheeks.“Don’t say that,” Chaos replied, his voice gentle as he wiped her tears with his thumbs. “You have to live for yourself, not for anyone else. Just tell me what happened. Please? Let me help you. What has he been doing to you?”“I don’t need your pity.” She barked. “I am not pitying you, Florence,” Chaos replied gently. “I care about you. I want to help you.”Florence shook her head, tears streaming down her face as she covered her eyes with her hands. “You won’t understand,” she sobbed, her voice muffled by her hands. “No one does. No one will.” Her words echoed the depths of her despair, a cry for
SixtyShe woke up with a throbbing pain in her eye. She was lying on the cold, hard floor, the shattered pieces of glass scattered around her. The dried remains of last night’s dinner were a stark reminder of the violence that had unfolded. She gingerly touched her eye, wincing at the pain. The bruise was already starting to form, a dark mark of the abuse she had endured. After she took a shower, Florence stared at her reflection in the mirror, her heart was immensely heavy with sorrow and shame of what she had been going through in her life. A dark bruise marred her eye, a very strong reminder of the violence that she had endured. She could not believe that Heath had resorted to such brutality for the second time, that he had shattered the fragile peace once again that they had once shared.Florence cursed under her breath as she applied makeup to conceal the bruise around her eye. She was running late for the ceremony, and the pain in her eye was throbbing. She rushed through her m
Fifty-Nine Florence returned to the city, a sense of melancholy settling over her. As she stepped into Heath’s flat, the familiar silence greeted her. A quick glance around confirmed her suspicion: Heath was still out of the country for his business trips and conventions. His slippers, untouched by the door, were a stark reminder of his absence. A wave of loneliness washed over her, a familiar feeling that had become a constant companion.The dinner table was set, a stark contrast to the emptiness Florence felt inside. As they ate, the silence was deafening, broken only by the clinking of silverware. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent battle between two souls, each harboring their own secrets.Florence knew what was coming. Heath, with his insatiable ego for power, reputation and influence, mixed with his twisted mind, would propose and insist to her of seducing Chaos, and playing a dangerous game. She braced herself for the storm, the verbal abuse that would undoubtedly
Fifty-EightFlorence’s voice, barely a whisper, broke the silence. “I’m a trophy wife,” she confessed, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation. The words hung heavy in the air, a stark revelation that shattered the fragile peace.Chaos, taken aback by her honesty, gently rubbed her back. He did not want to ask anything for now, all he wanted to do was to let her know that he was there and he was listening. He understood the weight of her words, the pain and humiliation she must have endured. The secrets she kept to safeguard Heath’s reputation in the world of money and power. “I’m so sorry, Florence,” he murmured, his voice filled with empathy. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”The silence that followed was heavier, a poignant pause as they both processed the gravity of her confession. Florence, her heart was absolutely heavy with sorrow, letting the tears flow freely. The pent-up emotions she went through since her family died, the years of silent suffer
Fifty-SevenAround two o'clock in the morning, Florence could not sleep. She was wide awake and staring at the ceiling wearing a baggy shirt and some pajama bottoms. She tried to reminisce about what happened in the lake as she was also recalling how Chaos’ amazing body looked so hot.As Florence lay in bed, her mind raced with the events of the night. The memory of Chaos’ confession, his longing gaze, haunted her. She could not deny the intensity of her feelings for him, the deep connection they shared. But she was also terrified of the consequences, the potential heartbreak that lay ahead.The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. Why did he confess his feelings of wanting to kiss her? Was it fueled because it was a spur of the moment or because he was being his playful womanizer side? She could not help but ask herself, did he truly mean those words, or was it just a fleeting moment of passion? Florence tossed and turned, unable to find peace due to her mind bein
Fifty-SixChaos smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “You caught me,” he signed, his fingers moving gracefully. His playful gesture, a silent acknowledgment of his unspoken desire, sent a thrill through Florence. The intimacy of the moment, the shared understanding, was intoxicating.“You thought I didn’t.” She hand signed as they shared a laugh. Florence felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. She was both embarrassed and exhilarated by the boldness of his confession. She knew that crossing the line between friendship and romance would be risky, but she could not deny the pull she felt towards him. The cool water enveloped them, a soothing balm for their weary souls. Chaos gently guided Florence, his strong arms supporting her as she floated on her back. The weightlessness of the water, combined with the warmth of his touch, created a sense of peace and tranquility.As they drifted silently, the world seemed to fade away. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the water agai
Fifty-Five The morning sun cast a warm glow over the lake, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Florence and Chaos sat by the water’s edge, enjoying a leisurely breakfast. The peaceful and gentle lapping of the very small waves on the lakes against the shore provided a soothing soundtrack to their conversation.“I am glad we came here,” Florence said, her voice soft. “It is so peaceful.”Chaos smiled warmly. “I am glad that you like it,” he replied. “I often come here to clear my head.”They spent the rest of the morning talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. As the day wore on, they took a boat ride on the lake, explored the nearby trails, and shared a quiet dinner by the fireplace.As the night fell, they sat on the porch, watching the stars twinkle above. “It makes me not want to leave,” Florence confessed, her voice filled with longing. “I wish we could stay here forever.”Chaos took her hand
Fifty-FourFlorence awoke refreshed, the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. The bathroom, a sanctuary of tranquility, beckoned her with its luxurious amenities. High-end toiletries, from fragrant soaps to soothing lotions, filled the space with a delightful aroma. As she stepped into the warm embrace of the shower, the stress and worries of the past few days began to melt away. The gentle stream of water massaged her tired muscles, while the rich lather enveloped her senses. The experience was pure indulgence, a much-needed respite from the chaos of her life.Emerging from the bathroom, wrapped in a plush towel, Florence paused at the window. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes landed on the breathtaking sight before her. Chaos, his muscular physique glistening in the morning sun, was swimming in the lake. The water droplets, clinging to his skin, accentuated his every curve, every line. She could not help but admire the raw beauty of his form, the p
Fifty-Three The car hummed along the deserted highway, the soft glow of the dashboard illuminating Florence’s face while the music was playing in the background. She was lost in thought, her mind racing with a thousand questions. This spontaneous road trip, a sudden escape from the confines of her life, had thrown her into a whirlwind of emotions.Chaos, ever the attentive driver, glanced at her, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice gentle. “You seem a bit… distant.”Florence forced a smile. “I am fine,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper. But her forced cheerfulness could not mask the underlying sadness in her eyes. “Just wondering what clothes we will wear.” She lied.Chaos chuckled softly, “Don’t worry about it.”She knew that she was trapped in a life that was not her own, a prisoner of her circumstances. But she got in this situation because of her own choices, and her own debts as well as her father’s. She had no choice but to suffer.As they d