《Love Slave to the Mafia Boss鈥檚 Passion》


 Entering the Monster鈥檚 Den

    **Knock Knock Knock**


    Here goes nothing. I knocked firmly on his door three times and waited for a response. The response I got wasplete silence. Is he asleep¡­or did something bad happen to him?


    I bit my lower lip as I knocked again on his door, this time harder and louder than before. Once again, all I heard was silence. There was no response or any sounds of movement on the other side of the door.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Hayden¡­are you ok?


    I felt like time had frozen and everything was happening in slow motion as I reached out my hand grasp the doorknob. I took in a deep breath and held it before slowly turning it. It turned, the room was unlocked.


    Hayden is on the other side of this door.


    Slowly and quietly, I opened the door a crack, just wide enough so that I could see inside.


    ¡°Hayden!¡±


    I cried out his name in shock at the scene that I saw before me. I opened the door wider and ran into the room without thinking any further. Hayden was lying unconscious on the floor with arge bookshelf that had toppled over very close to him. Thankfully, the bookshelf didn¡¯t fall on top of him. But why is Hayden sleeping on the floor? Did he pass out here before he even reached the bed?


    I didn¡¯t know how a bookshelf thisrge could have toppled over but the books had fallen all over the floor. Did Hayden topple the bookshelf over because he was drunk?


    Regardless, I should check first that Hayden is unharmed. Hopefully, he¡¯s just sleeping but I had to make sure. I crouched down as silently as I could near his head as I stared at his sleeping face. He seems perfectly fine, I guess there was no need for me to be concerned. I let out a long breath that I hadn¡¯t realized that I had been holding in relief. He¡¯s not hurt, that¡¯s good. Perhaps, I overreacted by just a little.


    I could see Hayden¡¯s face clearly as I crouched down close to him. His sleeping face was something that I had never seen before. He looks so innocent and cute while he¡¯s sleeping. Unlike the devil he was when he was awake, Hayden looks like a harmless angel when he is peacefully sleeping. His light blond eyshes were long, his brows were beautiful and elegant, and his hair seemed soft.


    My eyes fell on his lips, and I immediately remembered the feel of these beautiful lips on mine, kissing me heatedly. I couldn¡¯t stop looking at him and didn¡¯t know how long I was just sitting there staring at his peaceful sleeping face. Since he looked like an adorable angel, I had the urge to reach out and touch his blond hair. Instinctively, I slowly reached out my hand towards his hair¡­


    ¡°Ah!¡± I cried out in shock.


    With amazing speed, Hayden reached out his hand and grabbed my wrist. When did he wake up? Was he awake all this time¡­or was this just his outstanding reflexes? Suddenly, that hand that was holding was wrist began pulling me down. I let out a small cry as I felt my body falling forward until I was lying directly on top of Hayden.


    What is going on? How did this happen?


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called his name; however, I did not get a reply.


    I began struggling to get up, but my effort was futile when Hayden started wrapping both his arms around my waist and my back, hugging me tightly to his body. I felt the whole length of his body against my own. Laying on top of him with our body pressed close to each other, I could feel the heat of his body and the hardness of his muscles under me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­let go¡­please¡± I said as I tried to untangle his arm from my body.


    It was useless, he only hugged me tighter. I couldn¡¯t move anymore. I looked at his face and saw that he was still sleeping, his eyes closed. I used my hands to push against his hard and muscr chest. Hayden did not stir at all, and his strong arms held me too tightly that I couldn¡¯t free myself.


    I stopped struggling since it was clearly unfruitful. When is Hayden going to wake up? Suddenly, Hayden began stroking his hands up and down my back. I felt the heat of his hand slide down my back before reaching under my shirt. I squirmed against his hold on me when I felt hisrge hands on the naked skin of my back.


    This man is so perverted¡­he¡¯s doing these things to me even in his sleep!


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called out his name before letting out a soft moan.


    His hands on my naked back began its journey lower down to my waist where he softly caressed my sensitive skin before dipping even lower. I let out a small cry when his manly hands reached and groped my buttocks, squeezing my flesh and pulling my hips closer to him.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± I moaned a little louder.


    His hot hands slipped inside my shorts and began massaging my ass directly. I was already panting, and my heart was beating so fast. Hisrge manly hands continued to squeeze and tease my buttocks, while pushing my hips down against his own. I felt his hardness as our crotch grinded against each other. Hayden¡¯s hips were moving, thrusting his hardness against my pussy as our hips grinded together with our clothes still on.


    I felt my body grow weak in his hands as the pleasure he had stirred up in me started to take over. My mind felt numb, and my hips began to instinctively grind against his hardness. I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯m so turned on in this situation. Hayden¡¯s eyes were still closed; however, his hands were as active as ever.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name when the world suddenly flipped over.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Seduced by a Monster

    ***MATURE CONTENT R18***


    With a thud, I was suddenly pinned underneath him. Hayden had flipped me down under him and was now straddling my hips as he pinned down both of my wrists in his hands to the floor. I moaned loudly, when Hayden dipped his head down and began kissing and sucking the side of my neck aggressively, sending waves of pleasure throughout my body.


    Loud kissing and sucking sounds echoed in the room along with my pants and moans of e*stasy as Hayden continued to nt kisses along both sides of my neck. He kissed and licked me until my body felt weak and drugged by pleasure.


    I felt his hands slip once again under my clothes before I felt hisrge hands cupped my bre*asts. I sighed in bliss at the sensation of my ti*ts being massaged and yed with. His manly hands pumped my b*reasts so hard that it began to hurt a little, but the pleasure was so mind-numbing that I could hardly feel the pain.


    He continued to suck on my neck as his hands fondled and caressed my br*easts. I felt like my body was on fire as I writhed underneath him. I cried out a little louder when his fingers started to skillfully y with my erect n**ples.


    ¡°Ahh! Ahh¡­¡± I moaned non-stop as his fingers began rolling my hot n*pple in between his fingertips before pinching and pulling on it.


    I felt jolts of pleasure running through my body from the perks of my br*asts all the way down to the hot heat in between my legs. The way he¡¯s touching me is driving me crazy with lu*st and desire. His touches feel so amazing¡­From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hayden¡­wake up¡­stop¡± I managed to say before I continued to moan.


    Despite my protest, Hayden continued to explore my body with his hands. I felt his hand slip in between my thighs before he started stroking the soft flesh of my inner thighs up and down slowly and gently. I felt goosebumps form on my skin as a result of his seductive caresses.


    I sucked in a breath and held it as I felt his hand slowly sliding up my inner thigh, inch by inch until it finally reached its final destination. The tips of his fingers delved gently into the hot wetness in between my legs.


    ¡°Ahh¡­Hayden¡­¡± I cried out before I bit my lower lip as my head rolled from side to side in abandon.


    I felt his fingers on my womanly heat as it began to stroke my wet and throbbing slit up and down. The pleasurable ache in my lower abdomen intensified and I felt my love juices gush out of my opening at his touch. He expertly stroked my p**sy¡¯s entrance up and down without entering me.


    His touch was deliciously pleasurable and addictive. I began moving my hips around, in an attempt to guide in yful fingers towards the sensitive spot in between my legs. I hated myself for responding so much to him and desiring his touch. However, at that moment, I needed to feel his touch on my swollen and hard cl*t.


    Is it because I haven¡¯t had s*x with a man for a long time that I was feeling this way or was it because I was unknowingly attracted to Hayden? Regardless of the answer, I wanted to feel him touch me more. I wanted him to pleasure me until I came¡­


    As if he was aware of my silent wish, Hayden began pushing his fingers against my swollen cl*t before pinching it hard and rolling it around between his fingertips. It felt so good¡­even better than when I touched myself while m*sturbating. It was as if he knew all my sensitive spots so well. I moaned so loudly that I had to stop my own loud moaning by cing my hand over my own mouth.


    The worst thing that could happen right now is Hayden waking up. If he woke up and saw me like this, pinned under him, he would torment me endlessly. I didn¡¯t have to worry about that for so long because soon I could no longer think. I felt his fingers parting the folds of my pussy followed by a sharp prating sensation in between my legs.


    ¡°Ahhhh¡­¡± I moaned and whimpered, my hips jerking upwards sharply.


    Hayden had thrusted his thick and long finger inside of my sopping wet hole in one single plunge. Without waiting for me to adjust to the feel of his finger inside of me, he began wriggling his finger around inside of me. His fingers rubbed along the walls of my p*ssy, making my body tremble with raw desire. I couldn¡¯t believe that I was feeling so much bliss from just his one finger inside of my hole.


    It wasn¡¯t long before his fingers found my *-spot and began stroking and pushing hard against it. Hayden pumped his finger in and out of my hole from various angles, stimting my pleasure spot with each thrust. I bit on my own fingers to keep myself from screaming out loud in ecstasy. My hips were moving wildly against his hand. My hungry pussy clenching around his finger desperately.


    I almost climaxed when Hayden inserted another thick finger inside of my sopping hole, stretching my entrance and my insides. His fingers felt amazing as they filled me up and rubbed against the walls of my love tunnel. My body writhe under him and I spread my legs further apart to take his fingers deeper into my body.


    I couldn¡¯t stop it anymore; I could feel my org*sm approaching. If he keeps pumping his fingers inside of me like this, I¡¯m going to c*m¡­very soon.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I screamed against my own hand that I had over my mouth as my climax imed me.


    I tried to silently ride out the impact of my climax as I shut my eyes and bit on my fingers. My body spasmed and trembled underneath his weight as multiple waves of pleasure washed over me. My mind went nk, and I couldn¡¯t remember anything else after that¡­


    When I agreed to the contract with Hayden¡¯s father, I never dreamt that it would lead me here¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Groomless Wedding

    **A few days earlier**


    ¡°Poor bride. She¡¯s been standing there for hours waiting for the groom,¡± I heard a woman¡¯s whispering voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s truly so sad. I can¡¯t imagine how sad she¡¯s feeling,¡± Another woman replied in a hushed tone.


    ¡°Do you think the groom has ditched her?¡± A man whispered in a low voice.


    ¡°That would be too sad. Please don¡¯t say that¡­¡± Another woman replied with what seemed to be genuine sadness in her voice.


    I stood silently in front of the altar in a white wedding dress that was far too elegant for my tastes and far too heavy for myfort. The overly high-heel shoes that I was wearing was starting to hurt my feet and my legs were starting to feel sore from standing still for too long. I clenched and then unclenched my hands together for the hundredth time, or something along those lines since I had already lost count.


    The sequinedce fabric of the dress that covered my arms in a long sleeve was itchy, not that anyone cared. I didn¡¯t choose this dress. I have never met my groom. I was in love with another man. Most of all, I didn¡¯t want to get married.


    Yes. Me, Malissa Maxford is being forced into a contract marriage with the heir of thergest global mafia syndicate.


    It was cold inside the white marble church; however, I was sweating in difort. I don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ve been standing here just waiting for my future husband to arrive. It must have been at least a couple of hours and everyone else have gotten restless and anxious.


    If this had been a wedding that I wanted, I would have felt so worried that the groom has not shown up. However, the truth is, I didn¡¯t care if he never shows up. Actually, it would be for the better for us all if he never showed up. Then the wedding would be called off and my grandmother and I can return to our normal and peaceful life.


    I nced sideway to see my frail and very sick granny sitting in a wheelchair with a nurse standing close behind her. I wish this wedding or whatever would be over quickly so that she can return to rest at the hospital. My grandmother was very old, and recently, I had discovered that she was very sick. The doctors couldn¡¯t tell me how much longer she had left but even my untrained eye could tell that it wasn¡¯t very long.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the groom?¡± a man asked in a hush voice.


    ¡°Good questions. We¡¯ve been waiting for almost three hours already¡­¡± another man replied before yawning.


    ¡°Shhhh¡­be quiet. The boss will kill you if he hears,¡± another man hissed to the other two.


    ¡°Has someone found him yet?¡± another voice asked seriously.


    ¡°I sent a bunch of men from my squad already. It shouldn¡¯t take much longer¡­¡± someone else replied but I couldn¡¯t sense much conviction from his voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare at the boss. He¡¯ll kill you if he sees you staring¡­¡± one of the men hissed.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. He¡¯s definitely not in a good mood,¡± another one said with a sigh.


    ¡°What is that damn son of his doing?¡± the other said in a very soft whisper.


    ¡°Exactly, it¡¯s his wedding and he¡¯s not even here¡­¡± another man replied in agreement.


    ¡°That kid is supposed to take over after this father? What a rotten joke¡­¡± an old man spoke up.


    ¡°Not so loud, the boss will hear you¡­¡± the man next to him said in a hurry.


    ¡°If only his brother was still alive¡­¡± the old man continued without much care.


    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss thister. I hope he turns up soon¡­this church is fucking cold,¡± one of the men said and I couldn¡¯t agree more. At least they were wearing suits, my arms were covered only with thin and see-throughce.


    The old priest standing in front of me looked pale and stressed with what was going on. Poor old man, I wonder what he did to deserve this. He¡¯s been standing still for as long as I have, and his legs must be killing him at his age.


    ¡°Umm¡­perhaps we should postpone¡­¡± the old priest suggested hesitantly in a small voice.


    ¡°Shut up old man! I¡¯ll shoot you in the face!¡± the mastermind behind this whole wedding ordeal shouted at the top of his lungs.


    Oh My God¡­is that a gun? It¡¯s a gun, right? It¡¯s real right?


    My eyes widened in shock, and I wished that I could just disappear from this ce. I must be stuck in a bad dream, I tried to convince myself as I closed my eyes. My body shook in fear. I looked over at my granny. Thankfully she had not died from a heart attack from the shock.


    I opened my eyes, and my worst nightmare was confirmed. This was really happening, and I was not in a dream. The reality was that the most influential mafia boss was pointing a gun at the old priest. The mafia boss who had forced me into this contract marriage was red in the face and has resorted to threatening the priest with a gun.


    The Torex mafia gang was bad news. When the boss told me Hayden¡¯s first name, I didn¡¯t need to ask for hisst name. If he was heir to the Torex gang then hisst name is simply: Torex.


    The rumor has it that the man who established the Torex family changed inst name to Torex and name the gang the same way. All members of the Torex family and their members are supposed to have a wolf tattoo somewhere on their body. Once again, I didn¡¯t know if this rumor was true or not.


    The Torex gang is world-famous and lived their lives above thew. Their business and evil deeds aremon knowledge even to a normal person like me who had nothing to do with the mafia. Their businesswork spanned multiple continents and countries and involved businesses in many industries. Some of their businesses were ran outwardly as a legal and sessful conglomerate while others werepletely underground.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    I didn¡¯t know everything about their business, obviously, but what I, or the average person with eyes and ears, would know was that they had businesses in tourism, healthcare, and entertainment. Plus, all the other shady and illegal things that a mafia gang is supposed to be involved in such as human trafficking, drugs, casinos, arms trade, etc.


    To be fair, no proof has ever been found of their illegal activities but that¡¯s probably the way they live above thew: by paying thew keepers.


    Regardless of whether rumors were true or not, the Torex and all their members were bad news. As it happens, I¡¯m about to marry one right now and non-other than the next heir to the Torex family. I didn¡¯t know where life would take me but never in my wildest dreams imagine that it would take me here.


    Well, that is if the groom in question ever turns up which I pray that he never would¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 The Groom Arrives

    The priest recoiled in shock as he put both hands up above his head in surrender. I hoped he didn¡¯t piss his pants. Actually, I couldn¡¯t tell if he had, but I could tell that he had started openly crying in fear. I better shut up and wait until this event ends if I want to keep my head in one piece and on my neck and shoulders.


    ¡°Where is my son? Where¡¯s Hayden?¡± the boss screamed at the top of his lungs.


    Great, so his name is Hayden. Not only have I never met my husband-to-be before, I didn¡¯t even know his name. I also haven¡¯t seen a photo of him and so I didn¡¯t know what he looked like. Not that I was interested. If I had no choice but to marry him anyways, what difference does it make whether he¡¯s as handsome as a prince or as ugly as a beast.


    The boss turned around and started waving his gun at the rows upon rows upon rows of men dressed head to toe in back suits, the standard uniform of the mafia it seems.


    It was a rare sight to see men of various ages shift ufortably in their seats just like little kids who have been caught doing something mischievous as they looked anxiously at each other. It was obvious that no one wanted to deliver bad news to the boss.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡¯m sure that Hayden is on the way boss. You don¡¯t need to worry¡­¡± a man who I assumed was one of the boss¡¯s trusted men said as he tried to reassure the boss.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to be worried? Hayden iste!¡± the boss screamed, his face getting redder from anger.


    ¡°He¡¯s on the way boss. Please wait just a little longer,¡± the man quickly said.


    ¡°Do you know where he is? Have you found him?! Answer me!!¡± the boss continued to scream as he grabbed the man by his cor and started pulling hard on it.


    The men looked at each other while they thought about how to deal with the boss and his violent temper. I could tell that Hayden hadn¡¯t been found. To be honest, I don¡¯t me him for not turning up. I imagined that he felt the same way that I did. Who in their right mind would want to marry a woman he has never met or heard of before? Just like I didn¡¯t want to marry him, he clearly doesn¡¯t want to marry me.


    Thank you, Hayden or whoever you are. Thank you for not turning up.


    If this marriage fails because he didn¡¯t turn up, then it won¡¯t be my fault. I prayed so desperately like I have never prayed before. I wasn¡¯t a religious person and I hardly believed in God. However, if God is real, please just let me return to my old peaceful life back in the quiet countryside.


    ¡°Master Hayden has arrived!¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    What?!


    ¡°Perfect! My Hayden is finally here!¡± the boss shouted happily, a smile blooming on his face.


    I, on the other hand, felt like I was doomed for all eternity. Why did he have to turn up now? Did he change in mind about this marriage?


    I whirled around as fast as I could in my heavy and overly puffy wedding dress to face the direction of the church¡¯s entry. Therge wooden door slowly opened, so dramatically slowly like we were really caught up in a movie.


    I held my breath as I waited for my husband-to-be to walk through the door. I wondered what he would look like. If his father had to go so far as to arrange a marriage for him, then he¡¯s probably old, ugly, and unable to find his own girlfriend despite the wealth that he seemed to possess.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± the boss cried out in excitement as he pped his hand joyfully as he saw his son entering the church.


    I wasn¡¯t quite sure what I was expecting but what I saw was out of this world. Forget what Hayden looked like, I couldn¡¯t even see his face clearly. Hayden didn¡¯t walk in on his own. To be exact, it seemed that he couldn¡¯t walk on his own or support his own weight at that moment. Two tall men, dressed entirely in ck with sunsses on, supported Hayden on both sides by draping his arms on their shoulders.


    Oh, great. Hayden seems to be¡­unconscious?


    As far as I could tell Hayden was being dragged into the church by two men. He seemed unconscious and unaware of his surrounding and what was going on. As the men walked further into the church, I could see Hayden closer and clearer.


    Although his face was not clearly visible because his body was bent forward with his head hanging low, I could tell that he wasn¡¯t old and ugly. Hayden was tall¡­very tall. The two men in ck supporting him were muchrger and taller than standard men but the hunched-over Hayden was taller. He had light blond hair and wasn¡¯t dressed for the role of the groom. That¡¯s for sure.


    When the two men walked him down the aisle, or more like dragged him, I finally understood why and so did most guests in the church. The unpleasant stench of alcohol was so intense that I was sure that everyone could smell it. My nose twitched at the smell, and I instinctively started fanning the air in front of my nose by waving my hand.


    Hayden was dead drunk.


    From the way he was dressed, I could surmise that the two men dressed him while he was unconscious. Hayden didn¡¯t have a shirt on, but someone did put white pants, a white zer suit and a ck leather pair of shoes on him. His well-defined chest muscles and the six-pack of his stomach was clearly visible through the opening of his white unbuttoned zer.


    So¡­this is my husband-to-be. To be honest, he didn¡¯t look as bad as I imagined he would be. He seemed young, around my age if I had to guess, and he was tall, well-built and I guess good looking. That, however, did not stir my heart at all. No matter what, I did not want to marry this man.


    I wanted to ask if we could go ahead with the wedding ceremony with the groom clearly unconscious, but I was afraid his father would blow my brains out, literally, with his gun. I kept silent instead as I waited to see what would happen next.


    The guests, which consisted mostly of the mafia gang members, started whispering to each other in low hushed voiced. I couldn¡¯t catch what they were saying but I had a good guess. I could surmise from what I¡¯ve heard before that this Hayden guy had a little bit of a mixed poprity pole amongst his fellow mafia gang members.


    ¡°Umm¡­is the groom even conscious?¡± the old priest whispered so softly that I almost couldn¡¯t hear him.


    Exactly¡­thank you for pointing that out, priest!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Rejection

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± the boss answered with a booming voice as he stood in front of his son.


    ¡°Well¡­the wedding vow¡­¡± the priest whispered hesitantly, his nervous pale blue eyes darting off in random directions.


    You tell him priest! Tell him that we can¡¯t get married if the groom is not conscious and cannot say his wedding vows. I mean, does he even know what is going on? Would it even count if he doesn¡¯t know what he¡¯s getting himself into?


    ¡°Oh¡­I see,¡± The boss said, nodding in understanding.


    I watched, surprised at the unexpectedly understanding reaction of the mafia boss as he continued to nod his head.


    ¡°He needs to say his wedding vows¡­I see¡­I see,¡± the boss continued to mutter to himself as if in thought.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Hayden was still as unconscious as the dead. I bet if the two men stopped supporting him, he would just fall t on the floor.


    *Smack!*


    I loud smacking sound rang out echoing around the enclosed space of the marble church. I gasped in shock along with the rest of the crowd as we watched the scene unfolding in front of us. Without warning, the boss suddenly whacked his son¡¯s temple with the base of his gun. Hard.


    Did that kill him? Shit¡­he¡¯s bleeding¡­


    My eyes widened as my mouth dropped open in shock. Hayden¡¯s temple is bleeding, his blood spilling out from his wound and trickling down the side of his face.


    ¡°Wake up, son!¡± the boss shouted at the top of his lungs.


    His voice was so loud that I had to cover both my ears with my hands. This man is crazy. He just hit his son to wake him up?! I bet everyone here is crazy!


    ¡°¡­hmmm¡­¡±


    Unbelievably, Hayden began to stir and was making slurring sounds. I watched in astonishment as Hayden suddenly lifted his hanging head upwards into an upright position. Did he just wake up? He woke up¡­just like that?


    ¡°Hayden! Wake up son!¡± the boss continued shouting loudly directly next to Hayden¡¯s ear.


    Hayden suddenly opened his eyes and looked around drowsily. I could imagine that he was confused as to why he was in a church and with so many people. Suddenly, his eyesnded on me before our eyes met. I gasped slightly in astonishment as our eyes finally met for the first time.


    I found myself locking gaze with a pair of very beautiful blue eyes as we stared at each other. Me in shock; him in slight confusion. After a while, Hayden cocked his head to the side in confusion as he tried to figure out what was going on.


    Slowly, Hayden shrugged off the two men who were supporting him as he stood up straight. He was still clearly drunk and in a daze as he tried his best to stand steadily on his own two feet.


    ¡°Hands off¡­¡± Hayden murmured in a low voice, his blond brows knitting together in annoyance.


    The two men dutifully let go of Hayden and the boss quickly came to his side to check on his son. Hayden lifted a hand and felt the wound on his temple which was still bleeding. I was shocked as to why no one had given him any medical attention at this point. He looked at the blood on his hand in confusion after he felt the wound on his head.


    ¡°Did I hit my head?¡± Hayden asked his father directly.


    ¡°No. I hit you on the head with a gun to wake you up! You need to get married right now. This is no time to be drunk!¡± His father replied, screaming loudly at his son.


    Speaking in a calm and collected manner was clearly not the boss¡¯s strong fort.


    ¡°Well¡­fuck¡­¡± Hayden cursed as he wiped his blood on his white zer, staining it red.


    ¡°Proceed with the ceremony. We haven¡¯t got all day!¡± the boss shouted at the priest who quivered in fear.


    This can¡¯t be happening. We¡¯re going ahead with the ceremony? I really have to marry that guy? I felt cold sweat on my body and realized how panicked I felt at that moment. If I marry him, my life is really over. I¡¯ll be stuck with these crazy mafias for the rest of my life. No¡­this can¡¯t be true.


    The impatient boss grabbed his son¡¯s arm and yanked him forward. I watched as Hayden staggered a little forward at the force of his father¡¯s pull. However, suddenly Hayden stopped in his track as if his mind had just thought of something.


    ¡°¡­who is she?¡± Hayden asked as he pointed a finger at me.


    I¡¯m the girl you¡¯re supposed to be marrying but I guess you don¡¯t realize that or anything else because you are dead drunk, I screamed inside my own head.


    ¡°That is your bride, Hayden!¡± the boss screamed, clearly losing whatever little patient that he had.


    ¡°¡­she¡¯s not my bride,¡± Hayden stated firmly.


    Oh¡­wow. What a turn of events. I was sure that no bride standing at the alter expected or wanted to be rejected by her groom-to-be, but I was thrilled at what I was hearing. Please break off this stupid engagement so I can go home with my grandma. Please!


    ¡°What on earth are you saying?! We went over this. If I say that she¡¯s your bride, then she IS your bride!¡± the boss shouted in his son¡¯s face.


    I winced at the aggressive scene in front of me. The other gang members and the guests remained glued to their seat as they watched on inplete silence. I wanted to go home, the church was cold, and I could see from the corner of my eye that my grandma looked paler by the minute. She wasn¡¯t feeling well, I could tell.


    ¡°What is¡­your name?¡± Hayden asked me directly, speaking as slowly and as clearly as he could in his state.


    I was shocked that he actually spoke to me. I felt his eyes on my face and I felt my words stuck in my throat. Hayden continued staring at me with squinted eyes as he waited for my answer.


    ¡°¡­Malissa. My name is Malissa Maxford,¡± I finally managed to say, although my voice sounded shaky and dry.


    ¡°Amelia. I will not marry anyone besides Amelia. She is not my bride,¡± Hayden stated firmly as he pointed in my direction. He shook off his father¡¯s arm and turned to leave.


    ¡°What are you saying! Amelia¡­Arghhh! Men, hold him down now!¡± the boss ordered as he pointed his finger at his son¡¯s back.


    The men got up from their seat and started restraining Hayden¡¯s arms and legs until he was forced to kneel on the ground at his father¡¯s feet.


    What now? Apparently, Hayden has someone he is in love with and intends to marry that person. I too have someone I was madly in love with, although, he never wished to marry someone like me¡­


    What happened after that wasplete mayhem as the gang members struggled to restrain Hayden and the boss continued shouting at this son. Sometimeter, Haydenpsed back into his unconscious state, and no one could rouse him.


    In the end, to my utmost relief, the wedding ceremony couldn¡¯t proceed forward. That didn¡¯t mean that I was immediately free from the mafia but at least, I had avoided my marriage for one more day. The men in ck escorted my grandmother and I back to her hospital room after I had changed out of my wedding dress.


    I never saw Hayden again that day.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 As Fate Would Have It

    **Sometime before**


    I¡¯mte! This can¡¯t be happening to me! The supermarket promotional sale starts in ten minutes, and I am going to bete for it. I looked down at the grocery shopping list that my granny had carefully prepared and sighed. If I miss the sale and they run out of stuff, we¡¯re not going to be able to get everything within our budget.


    I have to hurry. I ran at full speed along the sidewalk leading to the supermarket. I dodged around people, couples holding hands, children on their tricycles, an uncle walking his dog and so many more. However, I had toe to a sudden halt when I almost ran into a slightly plump old man. He must be in his fifties and was dressed in fine clothes like he was from the big city. I mean, no one at his age dresses this well around here.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Sir. Did I run into you? Are you hurt?¡± I apologized and fired off my questions at him rapidly.


    I think I stopped in time before running into him, but I had to ask to make sure. He seemed shocked to see me apologizing profusely to him. However, in the next instant, he started smiling at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, young miss. There¡¯s no need for you to worry. I may look old and a little on the fat side, but I assure you that I am strong and very fit!¡± the old man replied in a booming voice beforeughing loudly.


    ¡°Oh¡­I¡¯m so d to hear it. Well, then¡­¡± I replied happily as I smiled back at him. However, I was very aware of the fact that I was runningte. I couldn¡¯t stand here and chat with him forever even if I wanted to.


    ¡°Wait miss!¡± the old man called out to me as I turned to leave.


    ¡°What is it? Do you need help with something?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Do you¡­happen to know someone called Jack Witman?¡± the old man asked, his eyes narrowing at me.


    Umm¡­I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard of someone with that name before.


    ¡°Sorry, sir. I haven¡¯t heard of that name before. Sorry, I couldn¡¯t be of help here,¡± I replied truthfully as I smiled sadly at him.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hmm¡­I see,¡± the old man replied softly.


    ¡°Are you looking for that man? Does he live in this town?¡± I asked in case I could help.


    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s¡­an old friend of mine. We had a couple of fights when we were younger and I haven¡¯t seen him for many years but now that I¡¯m getting old, you know¡­I kinda want to see him¡­¡± he said a little sadly.


    ¡°This is a small town but¡­I¡¯ve never heard of him. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± I replied regretfully.


    ¡°Oh¡­nevermind. That¡¯s ok,¡± the man said with a small smile.


    ¡°Well then, I have a ce I have to be. So¡­have a good day, Sir! I hope you find your friend!¡± I said as cheerfully as I could.


    I said before bowing respectfully to him and running off towards the supermarket. I definitely won¡¯t make it on time but if I hurried, I was sure that I could still get some promotional items that granny wanted.


    ¡°See you again soon, little miss,¡± the old man muttered to himself as he watched the young woman run further and further away from him until she disappeared in the crowd.


    ¡­


    I trudged along the sidewalk with bags full of groceries in both hands. These are the result of my effort in grabbing items on sale. Although I arrived a littlete, luckily, I was able to buy most of the items on grandma¡¯s grocery shopping list. She should be please with my achievement.


    However, I did not imagine that it would be so heavy. I guess if I set some money aside and start saving up, I could purchase a bicycle or a small trolley of some kind that I could use to transport these heavy bags of groceries. It¡¯s just a thought for now though, we didn¡¯t have that kind of money to spare, unfortunately.


    I wasn¡¯t born into a poor family. I lived the first sixteen years of my life as part of an average-ie family with an average standard of living. We had a house; a car and I went to a private school where I had many good friends. My parents owned their ownpany, and everything was normal and fine until that fateful day.


    Around six years ago, my parents died in a car ident when a transport truck crashed into their car. The investigationster revealed that the truck driver was drunk from a party he had attended the previous night and had a hangover when he came to work in the morning. Regardless of the reason, I lost both my parents on that day.


    The ident was featured in the news with clear photographs of their whole car burning up in mes before it exploded. A few other people who were at the scene were hurt. The truck driver was seriously injured but survived the crash.


    My parents always drove me to school in the morning before they went to work. It was just wild luck that I wasn¡¯t in the car with them on the day of the ident. Since I had a sleepover party at one of my girl friend¡¯s house the night before, I was on my way to school with her when the ident urred. I always thought back to that twist of fate. If I didn¡¯t join the sleepover back then, I would have probably died along with my parents in the crash.


    Who knows¡­perhaps that would have been the better option?


    My life changed drastically after the passing of my parents. For one, I learnt that not everyone who seemed to mean well actually meant well. Right after the funeral for my parents, I found out that their so-called business partner had taken over thepany and that there was nothing left of it to be passed down to me. Basically, I was somehow scammed out of my stake in my parent¡¯s business. Everything that they have built all went to waste over a night.


    Matters went from bad to worse when I was told that my parents had debts with the banks, and they demanded to take away the coteral: our house. After settling the debt and all was said and done, I had lost the house, the car and almost all of my parent¡¯s life savings. I walked away from the whole thing with less than three hundred dors to my name.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Losing Everything

    Obviously, since I didn¡¯t have any money and had no way to earn any either, I had to quit school. I didn¡¯t have a ce to live anymore, so I had to move in with my only surviving rtive: my grandmother. With just one small luggage of clothes and necessities, I took a train to a nameless town in the countryside where my grandmother was living.


    By the time that I left the capital city, I was already prepared for the worst. When I first stood in front of the address that was supposed to be where my grandmother lived, the reality wasn¡¯t too far from my expectation. My grandmother, as I was told, ran a small confectionary and cake shop in a very small town. The description was spot on.


    ¡®Sweet Time¡¯ was the name on the faded white and pink sign of the small shop owned by my grandmother. It was clear that the sign had faded from white and red to its current state of pink. The shop was located on the first floor and our living quarters were on the second floor.


    Life with my grandmother was like a return to the basic of everything. We were poor but happy. Our house and shop were small, but it was enough for two small girls like us. I went to a local public high school to continue my education and was granted a schrship to further help with my expenses. I did everything that I could to support my grandmother just so that we could survive and keep the shop afloat.


    That meant that I worked every single hour of the day that I was free. I rarely went out with friends because I had to work at the store. I focused on my study so that I would get a schrship to university. It went without saying that we didn¡¯t have enough money to send me to university.


    Life was tough but it was simple enough. Throughout it all, my grandmother was always there for me. Not once did shein even as she got older and that meant that I didn¡¯t have any valid reason toin either. At the end of my highschool life, I got a full schrship to study arts and design at a nearby university. That meant that I had to move out and live at the university dorm, but I still made sure to travel the short distance home to visit my grandmother and help out at the store.


    It was during my freshmen year at university that I met my first and only boyfriend. Life was all well and good until¡­those men turned up.


    One day, when I arrived at the store from one of my grocery shopping trips, I could immediately sense that something was wrong. The whole neighborhood was quiet, too quiet. It was like no one was living or breathing there at all. No one walked the street, no car passed by and there were just no signs of life.


    My heart skipped a beat as my eyes focused on arge ck limousine that was parked in front of my home. I have never seen a limousine in real life before, only in the movies. It was obvious that in this small and poor town where few people owned cars, no one owned a shy ck limousine. What I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around, as the shock of all this took over, was why was there a limousine parked right outside my house?


    Once my body had recovered from its initial shock, I found myself dropping the grocery bag out front and running as fast as I could towards the store. The sight of smashed windows, broken signs and flowerpots tipped over spilling ck soil everywhere stunned me to the core as I gasped in shock.


    What happened here while I was gone?


    The next thought that entered my head was¡­grandma! Where is she? Is she ok?


    ¡°Grandma!!¡± I shouted at the top of my lungs.


    I ran through the ajar door into the store. The inside of the store was also a mess just like the outside. Everything that could practically be destroyed was destroyed and there, kneeling on hands and knees in the middle of the floor, was my poor grandmother.


    ¡°Grandma!¡± I cried out as I ran to her side, bending down to support her frail body.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Lisa¡­¡± my grandmother called my nickname softly in between her upset sobs.


    The sight of her crying and how her body shook from shock and fear broke my heart into a million pieces. What did we do to deserve something this cruel?


    ¡°You¡¯re finally back,¡±


    A man¡¯s low and emotionless voice said, making me realize for the first time that my grandmother and I were not the only ones in the room. Slowly, I looked up in the direction of the voice. There, not so far from where we were crouched down on the floor, were three very tall and big men. All dressed in ck.


    I couldn¡¯t make out their faces because they all wore ck sunsses that hid their eyes from view. Their ck suit, pants and shiny leather shoes seemed pristine and perfect even after all the havoc that they have wrecked in my home. These men seemed like they appeared straight out from a movie¡­a mafia mob movie.


    So, this¡­was the mafia¡­


    ¡°Dear sir, I apologize if we have offended you in anyway but¡­I¡¯m sure all of this has to be some sort of misunderstanding¡­¡± I said in a shaky voice as I slowly got up to my feet.


    ¡°Do you know Simon and Marianne Maxford?¡± one of the men dressed in ck asked sternly.


    ¡°Yes¡­they were my parents¡­¡± I replied softly. What did the mafia have to do with my parents? It¡¯s been around six years since they¡¯ve passed away¡­


    ¡°Then there is no mistake. We¡¯ve finally found you,¡± the man continued in a leveled voice.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°Take a look at this,¡± the man said as he held out a few sheets of paper towards me.


    Hesitantly, I took the papers from him while noticing that my hands were shaking badly. What could these papers be?


    Before I had the opportunity to read the content of the paper, the man began speaking again as if answering my unasked question.


    ¡°This is a loan contract that your parents made with our boss when they took out a five-hundred-million-dor loan,¡± the man stated factually.


    ¡°¡­What?!¡± I eximed in shock.


    Five hundred million dors?!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Debt Contract

    That¡¯s impossible. My parents never mentioned taking out any debt from the mafia and definitely not five hundred million dors. What would they even need that much money for anyways? We lived a normal life. We didn¡¯t have any crazy money to spend like that.


    I turned to look behind me at my sobbing grandmother who had a look of absolute shock on her face. I knew it, this is probably also my grandmother¡¯s first-time hearing about all this. I was worried about my grandmother. She looked so pale like she could pass out at any moment and her silent sobbing cries had gotten louder as the situation worsened around us.


    ¡°It¡¯s just as the contract states. Your parents borrowed five hundred million dors from our boss and we¡¯re here to get it back. Simple,¡± the man continued in a passionless voice.


    Simple. My foot.


    I looked down at the contract that I clutched tightly in my trembling hand. Scanning it, I could see the words and figures of five hundred million dors. The signature of both of my parents were on the document. Did they really take out this ridiculous loan? Why?


    ¡°But¡­my parents passed away many years ago¡­¡± I whispered, still unable toe to terms with this.


    I was in no position to pay off any debt. We could barely afford to get by. We had no money to spare, let alone the five hundred million dors that the man was talking about.


    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve been looking high and low for you, their only daughter. Since your parents are dead, you¡¯ll have to pay the boss back,¡± the man said while nodding his head.


    ¡°But¡­I don¡¯t have any money¡­¡± I said,pletely at a loss.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not exactly my problem. However, the boss wants his money back. So, you¡¯reing with us,¡± the man said.


    Before I could react, the man¡¯s hand had reached forward in astonishing speed and was gripping my wrist tightly in hisrge hand. He didn¡¯t hold me too tightly and it didn¡¯t hurt but no matter how much I struggled against him, his grip wouldn¡¯t loosen.


    ¡°Let go! What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I cried out loudly as I continued to struggle vainly against his grip.


    ¡°Stop struggling. You¡¯re making this unnecessarily hard for both of us. My boss has ordered me to bring you to him if you don¡¯t have any money to pay him back with,¡± the man said as he dealt with my struggling effortlessly.


    ¡°No! I refuse!¡± I shouted.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m just doing my job. Hurting women and old grannies isn¡¯t my thing. I suggest you stop struggling now ande with me willingly,¡± the man said sternly.


    ¡°Lisa!¡± I heard my grandmother call out my name repeated in a strained and broken voice when she witnessed the physical struggle between the man and I.


    However, soon after my grandmother was silent. I turned around to see that she had fainted. Oh¡­what do I do now?


    ¡°Let go! Can¡¯t you see my grandma has fainted! This is all because of you¡­¡± I shouted at the man, tears stinging my eyes. This is the worst; I can¡¯t start crying now. I need to help grandma first¡­


    ¡°Yo¡­you stay behind. Call the ambnce and get dear granny there to the closest hospital. Girl, you¡¯reing with me,¡± the man instructed one of his teammates while pointing a finger at my grandma.


    The next thing I knew, my body was being lifted off the floor. The man carries me up and threw me across his shoulder effortlessly. I cried out in surprise at what was going on before I started beating my firsts on his shoulders and kicking my legs wildly.


    ¡°Grandma! Grandma!¡± I called out as loudly as I could as I continued to struggle.


    I watched my grandmother¡¯s unresponsive form as sheid on the floor and I felt tears running down my face. Is she going to be, ok? I don¡¯t have anybody left¡­I can¡¯t lose her too.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡­


    Everything that happened once I entered the ck limousine was like a scene from the movies where the young woman was kidnaped by the mafia, stuffed into a car with her hands and feet bounded and a ck bag ced over her head to stop her from struggling and to make sure that she didn¡¯t know where she was being taken.


    Just like in a movie, once I was inside the car I wouldn¡¯t stop struggling and yelling at the top of my lungs. The men restrained me to the seat at first with their hands before they looked at each other and decided that more needed to be done to restrain me.


    ¡°Listen, Miss. I¡¯ve been ordered to treat you kindly and with respect. I¡¯m not allowed to use violence but if I deem that you will do less damage to yourself if you were restrained then I will restrain you. Do you get it?¡± the same man from before exined with a tired sigh.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± I shouted in his face.


    Seeing that I wouldn¡¯t cease screaming and struggling, the man nodded to his men and one man started bounding my hands together while the other bounded my feet. I screamed at the top of my lungs and cursed at them all the way until they taped my mouth shut, literally.


    ¡°This is for your own good, miss. I can¡¯t let you arrive in front of the boss in a damaged condition. Bear with us for a while¡­¡± the man said with a chuckle as he took out his mobile phone.


    ¡°Yes¡­you can tell the boss that we¡¯re on the way. Yes, the girl is with us,¡± the man reported to whoever was on the other end of the line.


    The phone call was short and sinct unlike the journey that I was on. Since they didn¡¯t blindfold me, probably because they thought that it was unnecessary, I was still able to see the scenery outside of the car¡¯s windows. I couldn¡¯t tell where they were taking me, but it was clear from the direction that we were going that we were headed to the capital city.


    I haven¡¯t been back to the buzzling and busy city since I moved to the countryside to live with my grandmother. I wondered if that ce has changed at all?


    ¡°Wake up, little miss. We¡¯ve arrived,¡±


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 We Meet Again

    I heard a low voice call out to me before a hand reached out and shook my right shoulder. I woke up with a small jump. When did I fall asleep? I must have dozed off during the multi-hour ride to the city. I guess I was tired, I didn¡¯t realize when I had fallen asleep at all.


    Where am I?


    The car hade to aplete stop and looking out of the window I could see that we have arrived at a gigantic mansion decorated in the baroque European style. This building is massive! Are we at a luxury hotel?


    I could see the beautifully decorated garden outside with its cupid water fountain and flowers of various types and colors. If the circumstances of my arrival here had been any different, then I¡¯m sure that I would have enjoyed the view and would have felt super excited to be in such a nice ce. However, the only thing I felt right now was anxiety, fear, and stress.


    The men wordlessly unbounded my hands and feet before carefully peeling off the tape from my mouth. I cleared my throat nervously before trying to make a sound. I didn¡¯t know how I would sound after being unable to speak for such a long time.


    ¡°Umm¡­where are we?¡± I asked the moment I got my voice to function.


    ¡°This is the boss¡¯s mansion. I warn you; the boss is¡­a very serious man. Watch what you do and say if you want to live to see the light of dawn,¡± the man said as he offered me a hand and pulled me out of the limousine.


    The boss is a very serious man¡­


    Suddenly, the reality that my life could be at risk was starting to sink in. I bet the man wasn¡¯t joking. If I said or did the wrong thing, I could get myself killed. If this was a nightmare, now¡¯s the time to wake up, Malissa!


    I wondered for a brief moment what type of man the boss of a mafia gang was like. Then, I realized that it was better if I didn¡¯t have to find out¡­


    I was lost in thought and fear as the man dragged me by the arm after him. The other men nked both my sides, preventing my escape. To be honest, the thought of escape never crossed my mind. There was no way I could outrun these men no matter how hard I tried. If I wanted to escape, I had toe up with a cleverer n than just in running away¡­


    I was right, the mansion was huge. I¡¯ve been walking through the mansion¡¯s numerous hallways for a while now and the boss¡¯s room, wherever that was, wasn¡¯t in sight. I was shocked at how luxurious the mansion was. The decoration of rich velvety red color mixed with gold was everywhere. Marble sculptures,rge paintings that looked extremely expensive, baroque style furniture and finely patterned marble floor were sights that I was not used to seeing.


    I knew from the movies that mafias were supposed to be filthy rich; however, I never thought I would get to see what filthy rich really meant. Despite the luxurious decoration, the mansion was freezing cold inside, and I shivered all the way during the long walk.


    ¡°Wait here,¡± the man said as he came to an abrupt stop. I almost walked right into his broad back when he suddenly stopped walking. Have we finally arrived?


    I nodded my head slowly in acknowledgement. The man disappeared behind a pair of very tall andrge dark wooden door, leaving me behind along with the other two men who stood close by my side. I swallowed nervously as I waited for what was toe.


    After a short while, the man reappeared from behind the wooden doors and beckoned me inside. Unlike the darker hallways, the golden light inside the room I had just entered was blinding. The crystal chandelier hanging from the room¡¯s ceiling was too big to be real and blindingly bright. The room wasrge, sorge that I couldn¡¯t see that there was a person inside the room at first.


    ¡°The boss is this way,¡± the man murmured under his breath at me. Was he nervous?


    Following the man¡¯s gaze, I could finally see a man standing at the end of the room behind arge wooden table. He wasn¡¯t looking our way as he stared outside through the ss that spanned the entire height of the wall from floor to ceiling. His aura was intimidating, and he must be the mafia boss.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    The man behind me nudged me forward towards his boss. I felt my body froze in panic, and I didn¡¯t know what to do or how to react. He didn¡¯t think I should just waltz in to see the boss now, right?


    ¡°Come in,¡±


    A booming voicemanded from the other end of the room. The voice held so much authority that I found myself obeying without a second thought. I had no doubt in that moment that I would be killed if I didn¡¯t do exactly as that voicemanded.


    I walked forward on shaky legs until I reached arge set of burgundy sofas, organized around a marble coffee table.


    ¡°Have a seat, Malissa,¡± the older man said as he turned towards me for the first time. Hisrge hand gestured towards the sofa where he wanted me to sit.


    I quickly approached that sofa and sat down without uttering a sound. I watched as the older man, dressed in a grey suit approach me, and sat down on the sofa opposite where I was seated.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s certainly nice to meet you again,¡± the old man said smiling brightly at me.


    I had a strange feeling like I had seen him before but for the life of me I couldn¡¯t figure out where and when. I mean, you don¡¯t just bump into the mafia boss randomly on the street, especially if you lived in a poor old town like I did¡­


    Wait¡­a second¡­


    ¡°You are¡­¡± I gasped in shock as I realized that I have indeed met this man before.


    It¡¯s him. There¡¯s no doubt about it now. He¡¯s the uncle I met while I was running to the supermarket on my shopping errand. He told me that he was looking for his friend and¡­


    He¡¯s the mafia boss?!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Marry My Heir

    ¡°So, you do remember me. Excellent!¡± the boss said with a warm smile that showed off the wrinkles around the corners of his eyes.


    I have to say that I did not expect the kind-hearted uncle to be a mafia boss. In other words, I did not expect the mafia boss to be a smiley uncle figure.


    ¡°Yeah¡­umm¡­hello¡­once again, I guess,¡± I stammered when I finally found my tongue.


    ¡°Have a drink, dear. You look a little tired from the trip. It must have been a long one¡­¡± the boss said as he gestured to a ss or water that was ced on the coffee table.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I whispered as I reached for the ss.


    ¡°Did my men treat you roughly? I did order them to be gentle with you¡­as gentle as handling a feather,¡± the boss asked, suddenly his gaze was serious.


    For some reason, I figured that I shouldn¡¯t tell him that they bounded my hands and feet and taped my mouth shut.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­thank you. More importantly, why¡­am I here?¡± I asked in confusion. I mean, there¡¯s the matter of my parent¡¯s debt but¡­


    ¡°Five hundred million dors,¡± The boss began speaking.


    ¡°If it¡¯s the money. I don¡¯t have it right now, but I swear, I¡¯ll work or do whatever it takes, and I¡¯ll pay you back. Please!¡± I cut in desperately.


    ¡°Oh¡­you¡¯d do anything, huh?¡± the old man said, his eyes twinkling.


    ¡°Umm¡­anything¡­not illegal, I guess¡­¡± I said my voice trailing off.


    ¡°Hahaha! You¡¯re such a good girl and I like that so much. I knew you were such a good girl the first time we ran into each other,¡± the boss said afterughing out loud at my words.


    ¡°Umm¡­so about the debt¡­¡± I began saying hesitantly.


    ¡°About the money, I don¡¯t want it back,¡± the boss said bluntly as he waved his hand like it was nothing.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Really?!¡± I asked in surprise, but I could feel the sense of relief flooding through my body. I mean, let¡¯s be realistic, I probably won¡¯t earn even close to that amount in my lifetime.


    ¡°Of course. Instead, I want you to marry my son,¡± the boss stated, his tone suddenly very serious.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± I shouted in shock before choking on the water that I had been drinking.


    **cough cough cough**


    ¡°Are you¡­ok?¡± the boss said as he watched me cough and choke on the water.


    ¡°¡­yeah¡­¡± I whispered between ragged breath as my coughing started to subsize.


    ¡°So, I was saying¡­that I want you to marry my son,¡± the boss said seriously as he smiled with satisfaction.


    ¡°Is this some sort of bad joke?!¡± I eximed in shock.


    ¡®¡­the boss is¡­a very serious man. Watch what you do and say if you want to live to see the light of dawn,¡¯


    I heard the stern voice of the man in ck from before and I felt goosebumps on my whole body. Shit, did I just say the wrong thing just now?


    ¡°You did just say that you would do anything,¡± the boss reminded me with a grin.


    ¡°But marrying your son is¡­¡± I began protesting.


    ¡°I can understand why you might think I¡¯m joking; however, I am dead serious. I want you to marry my son,¡± the boss repeated, his eyes never leaving my face as he continued to observe my every reaction.


    I felt exposed. I felt like he could read me like an open book¡­


    ¡°But I¡­I¡¯m very sorry but I can¡¯t imagine marrying someone I don¡¯t even know¡­I don¡¯t even love¡­¡± I began exining the best that I could. Not to mention, above all else, I could never marry a mafia.


    ¡°I totally understand. That won¡¯t be a problem at all. You¡¯ll definitely fall in love with my son,¡± the boss said with confidence as he waved his hand as if brushing away from concern.


    ¡°No¡­I¡­I can¡¯t marry your son, I¡¯m sorry but¡­is there something else that I can do to repay the debt instead?¡± I said with a clear plead in my voice.


    ¡°Perhaps we could cut you apart and sell all of your organs in the ck market. I don¡¯t know, maybe even then you won¡¯t amount to five hundred million dors¡­¡± the boss said as he looked me up and down as if appraising my worth.


    ¡°Please let me go home. I have a very old grandmother and we don¡¯t have anyone else apart from each other. I need to be there to take care of her¡­¡± I pleaded with him.


    ¡°If you marry into this family, you will have it all. Power, wealth, fame and whatever it is that you need. I only have one son and he will take over as my heir,¡± the boss said passionately.


    Marry his son?! That is crazy. I have only thought of marriage once before but¡­I guess, things just didn¡¯t work out¡­


    Anyways, if I ever get married, I don¡¯t want to marry the heir of a mafia gang!


    ¡°What happens¡­if I refuse?¡± I asked in a small hesitant voice.


    ¡°Hahaha! Seriously, honey dear, what makes you think that you can refuse? I didn¡¯t bring you all the way to my base just so you can turn down my offer and waltz right out. Only the mafia top members know where this ce is, I can¡¯t let you leave now that you¡¯ve been here, you know¡­¡± the boss said sweetly as he continued to smile gently at me.


    However, his actions couldn¡¯t be more of a stark contrast to his words when he slowly ced a ck object onto the coffee table. I realized to my utter shock that it was a gun.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to marry my son just as the contract says,¡± the old man said firmly.


    ¡°The contract?¡± I asked in confusion. There¡¯s something about this ridiculous arrangement in the contract?


    ¡°Exactly. See the terms for yourself,¡± the boss said as he gestured towards the papers of the contract.


    ¡°What the¡­¡± I muttered to myself as my eyes scanned the terms of the document.


    On the veryst page, the term states that ¡®in the event that the debt cannot be repaid, debtors agree to let their daughter, Miss Malissa Maxford, marry a member of the lender¡¯s family based on the lender¡¯s choice without exception.¡¯


    What kind of out-of-this-world term is that? How can my parents sign such a thing? Were they so sure that they would be able to pay back the debt no matter what?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 A Trade

    ¡°So, you see, that family member that I have chosen is my son. Trust me, it¡¯s much better than marrying me, is it not?¡± the boss said,ughing at his own sick joke.


    I stared at the document in shock as my hand shook. If I tear this paper apart, will that void the contract? I guess not¡­


    As I was deep in thought as to what I should do next, the boss¡¯s mobile phone started to ring loudly, disturbing the tense atmosphere in the room.


    ¡°What? I see¡­and? We¡¯ll cover it¡­give her the best treatment,¡± the boss spoke through the phone.


    The conversation came to an end and the boss looked at me with a sad face and I wondered what that whole phone call was about.


    ¡°The man that took your grandmother to the hospital just called,¡± the boss said solemnly.


    ¡°How is she?¡± I asked with worry.


    ¡°I think she already knew this but¡­I guess she never told you. Your grandmother has stage four lung cancer¡­¡± the boss said making a regrettable face.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± I whispered so softly that I bet he couldn¡¯t hear me as my shock took over.


    ¡°The doctors are not sure how much longer she has left¡­¡± the boss continued.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be¡­she¡­¡± I mumbled under my breath.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told the hospital to give her the best treatment and of course, I¡¯m willing to shoulder the expenses¡­¡± the boss suggested with a smile.


    ¡°If only I would marry your son?¡± I quicklypleted his thought for him in anger. Was he seriously using my grandmother to negotiate with me right now?


    ¡°You¡¯re smart. You¡¯re catching on really fast. I could force you with the debt contract alone but¡­since I really like you, I¡¯ll throw in a bonus and take care of your dear grandmother for you too. I mean, there¡¯s no way you can afford her medical bills right now, right? She¡¯s going to have to stay in the hospital for god knows how long¡­¡± the old man said with a sad face. I wasn¡¯t sure if he was genuinely sad or feelingpletely lucky for having another thing to use against me.


    The other thing that had been bugging me since the very beginning was¡­


    ¡°Why me? I¡¯m sure there are plenty of other women for you to choose from. Why does it have to be me?¡± I asked with a mix of confusion and curiosity.


    ¡°It has to be you,¡± the boss said slowly as he stressed every word.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m sure that my son can fall in love¡­if it¡¯s with you¡­¡± the boss replied with certainty.


    That¡¯s it. This man ispletely out of his mind.


    I was sure that his son wouldn¡¯t fall in love with me and vice versa. The other thing I was also sure of was that I couldn¡¯t afford my grandmother¡¯s hospital bills. I also can¡¯t seem to leave this ce¡­alive. It didn¡¯t seem like I had any other choice.


    ¡°What if¡­your son doesn¡¯t want me as his wife? What will you do? Will you¡­put an end to all this?¡± I asked, daring to hope just a little.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about that if I were you¡­but how about a little trade?¡± the old man suggested with a grin.


    ¡°A trade?¡± I asked, curiously.


    ¡°I¡¯ll forfeit your debt. I¡¯ll pay for all your grandmother¡¯s hospital bills and I¡¯ll set you free. In exchange, all I want is for you to get my son to agree to take over the family¡¯s business as my heir. Do we have a deal?¡± the boss said.


    That sounded too good to be true. Getting his son to agree to take over the gang didn¡¯t seem difficult at all. I mean, he was born the heir so it was obvious that he would take over one day, right?


    At least, it was better than being married to him all my life.


    ¡°O¡­k¡­¡± I said in a whisper.


    ¡°Great! The wedding ceremony is tomorrow. I have everything prepared and ready to go. Your dress, the venue, the guests, and everything else has been prepared. All I needed was the bride and now I have her right here!¡± the boss shouted happily.


    ¡°Wait a second¡­I thought if I could convince your son to take over the family business you would set me free,¡± I said confused.


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s the deal. However, you haven¡¯t achieved that yet so until you do, you will marry my son and live as his wife,¡± the boss said firmly, leaving no room for argument.


    ¡°Wait! The wedding is tomorrow¡­already?!¡± I cried out in panic at the sudden realization.


    How did I get myself into this mess¡­again?


    ¡­This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    **Back to the Present**


    After changing out of the morous wedding dress into regr clothes, I rode in a ck limousine as it followed the ambnce that had my grandmother inside to the hospital where she was receiving treatment. As promised, the boss had ced my grandmother in the best medical facility in the capital and was paying for all her hospital bills, which must be massive.


    My grandmother wasn¡¯t allowed to leave the hospital anymore. She spent her life in her private hospital room with her body hooked up the multiple machines. I didn¡¯t have any medical knowledge, but I could tell that her condition wasn¡¯t great. However, with the help of the doctors her condition has stabilized enough for her to livefortably in the hospital¡­for now.


    I watched silently from the side of the hospital bed as the nurses hooked multiple machines to my grandmother¡¯s body after she had beenin down. She looks so frail and weak. After the nurses had left, I asked the men in ck, who were in charge of following me around, if I could have a private moment with my grandmother.


    When we were finally alone, I took her hand in mine and ced in on the side of my cheek as I felt warm tears sting my eyes. My grandmother had been so shocked when I told her that I have decided to marry the boss¡¯s son. She was so selfless and worried only about my wellbeing like she had done since the first day I arrived at her doorstep. Now, however, it was my time to pay her back. I will protect her with everything that I have.


    I must be strong. However, now that the wedding ended in a disaster, I wasn¡¯t sure what will happen now. It was clear that Hayden, just like me, was in love with someone else. However, I bet his love has a happy ending, unlike mine. I took out a heart-shaped locket ne and slowly opened it. I wiped the tears away from my eyes so that I could see the photo inside clearly.


    Inside the locket was a photograph of me and my boyfriend¡­well, ex-boyfriend now. I really miss you, Ethan¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Moving In with Him

    ¡°Miss Malissa, the boss wants to see you now,¡± the leader of the men in ck said as he poked his head in through the opened door.


    ¡°Ok¡­let¡¯s go,¡± I said as I walked towards the door.


    I wished I had gotten to speak with my grandmother, but she was still asleep. I wanted to talk to the boss too. Perhaps, he had already given up on the wedding based on what happened earlier today.


    ¡­


    ¡°You want me to what?¡± I said as my eyes widened in shock. I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing.


    ¡°Hahaha! You don¡¯t have to act so excited. It is as I said, I want you to move in and live with Hayden. He¡¯s handsome, isn¡¯t he? Just like me when I was younger¡­¡± the boss said cheerfully as he sipped red wine.


    ¡°Umm¡­what he looks like isn¡¯t the main problem here¡­¡± I muttered.


    ¡°You will do as I say. It¡¯s part of the deal. You will move in to live with my son for 30 days. If you both decide that you don¡¯t want to get married at the end, then I¡¯ll set you both free and you can leave. Simple, isn¡¯t it?¡± the boss said with a satisfied smile.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­live with him¡­¡± I stated firmly as I enunciated every syble.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared everything. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not forcing you to sleep with him or anything like that. I¡¯ve prepared a two bed-room penthouse suite at the most prestigious condominium in the city for you two so that you can both start out fresh!¡± the boss said happily as he pped his hands together excitedly.


    Hmm¡­so we¡¯ll have separate bedrooms. It¡¯ll be like living with a male roommate. I could shut myself in my bedroom forever for 30 days. That didn¡¯t sound too bad, to be honest. There were plenty of people who decided to room with people of the opposite sex and didn¡¯t have any issues. Plus, Hayden seemed to have a girlfriend already so there should be no problem¡­


    ¡°Umm¡­are there other conditions?¡± I asked cautiously.


    ¡°Yes. Every day for the 30 days that you live together, you must either do something for Hayden or grant him a wish. Of course, the two of you will have to choose between you doing something for him or you granting him a wish for each day. That¡¯s it,¡± the boss stated.


    That¡¯s it?


    ¡°When you say do something¡­you mean like normal things, right?¡± I asked, still feeling cautious.


    ¡°Certainly. You can just listen to what he has to say, cook for him, give him a massage, take out his trash, apany him on a walk¡­anything,¡± the boss said.


    ¡°What if Hayden makes unreasonable requests?¡± I asked skeptically.


    ¡°Then you just have to turn him down and convince him to agree to let you do something for him instead,¡± the boss said as he shrugged.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I said softly as my mind thought about all this.


    ¡°Good. We have a deal then!¡± the boss shouted excitedly as he pped hisrge hands together.


    ¡°Wait¡­not so fast,¡± I protested.


    ¡°I¡¯m older than you think I am, little miss. I¡¯m not going to sit here and wait forever. Now off you go, you¡¯re moving in with Hayden today!¡± the boss dered as he stood up proudly.


    I blinked rapidly in surprise. This old man and his ¡®having the wedding tomorrow¡¯ and ¡®moving in together today¡¯ is driving me insane.


    ¡°Wait¡­one more thing. It seems like your son has someone that he wants to marry already. I think¡­her name is Amelia¡­?¡± I asked, curiously as I bit my lower lip. If Hayden would just marry Amelia, then there would be no need for me.


    ¡°Amelia won¡¯t marry Hayden¡­she can¡¯t,¡± the boss answered dispassionately as a dark shadow fell on his face, darkening his expression.


    What does he mean by that?


    Before I could ask him any more questions, two men in ck came in and escorted me out of the room.


    30 days. I just need to hang in there for 30 days¡­then I¡¯ll get my old normal life back.


    Hayden has someone that he loves already so he would never fall in love with me. We can both call it quits after 30 days and the boss will have no choice but to keep his words. Plus, if I can talk Hayden into taking over the mafia group then perhaps, I could leave even earlier¡­


    ¡­


    Oh wow! I knew that the penthouse would be luxurious, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be this luxurious. This penthouse was on the highest floor where I could see the unobstructed view of the city. This ce was also extremely spacious, and the interior design was truly a piece of art.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    After the men in ck dropped me off and led me to this penthouse suite, they immediately left. However, I was not alone in the penthouse. A smiley auntie with grey hair and a very round face greeted me enthusiastically as she introduced herself.


    ¡°Wee dear! My name is Sarah, and I am your housekeeper. Well, that¡¯s my formal title but I¡¯m actually more like Master Hayden¡¯s babysitter¡­caretaker¡­or whatever you want to call it. Please just call me Auntie,¡± she said happily and proudly.


    ¡°I see. Nice to meet you¡­Auntie. My name is Malissa Maxfort,¡± I replied with a polite smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you! Let me show you around this ce. All of your stuff has been sent here and I¡¯ve already arranged it in your room which is over there. This is Hayden¡¯s room. This is the living room¡­dining room¡­theatre room¡­fitness¡­the pool is outside¡­the kitchen for your personal use. The staff has another set of kitchens for, you know, heavier cooking¡­¡± Auntie said as she showed me around the ce.


    I dutifully followed her as she took me around to see all the rooms in the penthouse suite. I knew that the ce was huge, but I didn¡¯t expect it to pack in so many facilities, most of which I probably won¡¯t use such as the gym and the swimming pool. Well, you never know¡­


    After the walking tour around the suite, Auntie brought me back to the dining room as she motioned for me to have a seat. While we were walking around together, someone must have arranged the dining table and served food. There was so much food on the table, and they all looked so delicious. Apart from that, there were also candles on the table. A candlelit dinner on our first day here, isn¡¯t that a bit much?


    I almostughed out loud at how forced this whole set up seemed.


    ¡°Miss Malissa, you should take a seat. I¡¯m sure that Master Hayden will be arriving soon,¡± Auntie said reassuringly as if I was anxiously waiting for his arrival.


    I was about to open my mouth to tell her that I didn¡¯t mind if he never turned up when the door to the suite opened with a loud bang.


    Someone should check for cracks in the wallter tonight, I thought.


    ¡°Master Hayden!¡± Auntie eximed as she headed over to greet Hayden.


    I tried my best to keep my face emotionless as I stared straight forward at the still-empty seat opposite to where I was seated at the dinner table. Within a few minutes, without uttering a word to Auntie or to me, Hayden entered my view of vision as he plopped himself down in the chair opposite to me.


    Hayden was dressed in a ck leather jacket that he wore on top of a white T-shirt and a pair of ck jeans. His light blond hair shone in the candlelight and so did his bright blue eyes as he stared at my face.


    I didn¡¯t know what else to do, so I just stared back into his captivating blue eyes.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Rules

    Hayden had arrived and is sitting very close to me opposite the dinner table. This is the closest that we¡¯ve gotten since we met at the church at what was supposed to be our wedding. Although, it failed miserably at my relief.


    Well, at least, he isn¡¯t dead drunk this time, I thought as I looked at the man sitting opposite to me.


    Now that I had a chance to see him up close, I had to admit that Hayden is extremely handsome and attractive. Light blond hair, wless skin, bright blue eyes, and a very handsome face with a straight nose. He looks like an angel, a prince, a Greek god, and everything else along those lines.


    As I have observed before at the church, Hayden was very tall, and I barely reached his shoulders even in those ultra-high heels I was forced to wear at our failure of a wedding. I wasn¡¯t surprised that he had a girlfriend or at least a lover¡­or two¡­or more¡­?


    I was also sure that someone as dazzlingly attractive and charismatic as him would not be interested in a girl like me. I wouldn¡¯t say that I was a in jane, but I wasn¡¯t exactly supermodel material either. I bet Hayden only dates supermodels and superstars based on his wealth, social status, and his looks.


    I hated to admit it, but it actually works in my favor¡­


    Despite his handsome and attractive face, I found that there was nothing about Hayden¡¯s character that resembled his face. The aura he had been emanating since he stepped into the room was purely dark and suffocatingly intimidating.


    The silence is choking me, and this tension is unbearable. What should I do? Should I start a conversation first? Or should I just start eating? Would that be rude?


    Sigh¡­why am I overthinking everything right now?


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡¯m Malissa Maxford. It¡¯s¡­nice to meet you,¡± I said as I tried to smile a little. I couldn¡¯t see what my face looked like at that moment, but I was sure that the smiling part failed.


    ¡°I already know your name and I know that you don¡¯t truly think that it¡¯s nice to meet me. I could say the same thing¡­¡± Hayden replied tly.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right. I already know your name too, so I guess, I¡¯ll just start eating,¡± I said, equally tly.


    To my surprise, Hayden continued with the conversation that I had started.


    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re here because you owe my old man five hundred million dors. Thirty days of yourpany is worth that much? You¡¯re pretty expensive¡­what¡¯s your ¡®professional name¡¯, I want to look you up,¡± Hayden asked as he continued staring at my face.


    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t do that type of work¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t. You don¡¯t look the part,¡± Hayden said as he flicked his eyes from the top of my head down to my waist which was all that was visible to him since I was seated.


    ¡°What?¡± I said without hiding my annoyance.


    ¡°Your face is in, and your figure is so-so. I wouldn¡¯t buy you, let alone for five hundred million bucks and to be honest, I¡¯m surprised that my old man has such low standards,¡± Hayden stated as if he was merely appraising a product on sale.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°For your information, I don¡¯t want to be here either,¡± I snapped.


    ¡°Good. I don¡¯t need another gold digger on my hands, especially one that doesn¡¯t have the looks. So, listen carefully to what I¡¯m going to say,¡± Hayden said as he ced his hands under his chin and looked straight at me.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m listening,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Just to make this clear between us, after 30 days, we¡¯re both going to tell my old man to end this crazy deal. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll be able to leave and debt-free just like that,¡± he said quite clearly.


    ¡°Agreed. Great! Music to my ears!¡± I replied in joy, speaking much louder than I had intended.


    ¡°While we¡¯re stuck living here together, I have a few rules¡­¡± Hayden continued, ignoring my loud outburst.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I replied, softly this time.


    ¡°Rule number one, you must never¡­ever¡­enter my bedroom,¡± Hayden stated, his blue eyes still on me.


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± I agreed without needing to think. I mean, why would I even think of entering his bedroom?


    ¡°Rule number two, you will not touch me without my permission,¡± he continued.


    ¡°Ok¡­of course,¡± I agreed readily. Why would I want to¡­touch him?


    ¡°Rule number three, you won¡¯t speak to me unless you¡¯re spoken to,¡± he said, as he stared deep into my eyes to ensure that I understood his every word.


    ¡°What about when we¡¯re sorting out whether I¡¯m doing something for you or you¡¯re asking me for a favor thing?¡± I asked, curious. I didn¡¯t think I would want to start a conversation with him, but it could be necessary and unavoidable sometimes.


    ¡°¡­we can talk then, I guess¡­¡± Hayden replied after a few seconds of thought.


    ¡°Ok¡­then¡­anything else?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Final rule. Rule number four, you will do everything that I ask you to no matter what, no matter when and no matter where you are,¡± Hayden stated slowly and clearly.


    ¡­no matter what, no matter when and no matter where¡­isn¡¯t that crazy?


    ¡°I think the fourth rule is a little¡­bit much?¡± I asked, stating my opinion.


    ¡°I never asked for your opinion. You just broke rule number three,¡± Hayden stated curtly.


    Shit. Is he being serious right now? How much of a tyrant can this man be?


    If I replied back, would I be viting rule number three again? So, what should I do? Hold my tongue¡­?


    ¡°I never asked you to agree to the rules. I was merely stating the rules. Oh¡­I never mentioned the punishment for breaking the rules now, did I?¡± Hayden said and I swear that I could see his eyes sparkling with evil.


    ¡°No¡­you didn¡¯t,¡± I mumbled as I stared back at him.


    ¡°Usually in our mafia world, we punish people by cutting off a part of their body or removing an organ. Perhaps, you¡¯ve seen something along those lines in the movies? It¡¯s not very different really¡­¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me¡­¡± I muttered.


    ¡°I wish I was. But I¡¯m a gentleman, you see, and hurting women isn¡¯t really my thing so I¡¯ll adapt the punishment a little for your sake¡­and for mine as well,¡± Hayden said as a smile curved his lips sadistically.


    This was probably the first time that I had seen him smile and it was not a pleasant one.


    ¡°What do you¡­mean?¡± I asked in a whisper. I couldn¡¯t predict what he had in mind at all but at least he wasn¡¯t going to chop my body up, so I guess that was good news?


    ¡°Each time you break any of the rules, I¡¯ll take a part of your body as my own,¡± Hayden said, his eyes narrowing slight at me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Strip

    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t understand,¡± I said, confused.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple, really. Each time you break any of the rules, I¡¯ll fl a part of your body as mine,¡± Hayden said with a smile.


    ¡°As yours?¡± I asked, still confused. If all parts of my body are still intact, how can he possibly im a part to be his?


    ¡°Yes. The body part that I¡¯ve chosen to im will be mine to do with as I please, wherever and whenever I please,¡± Hayden stated as he smiled with utmost satisfaction at his own idea.


    Seeing that I still looked quite confused to this alien concept, Haydenughed softly at me as he continued to watch me from the opposite side of the table.


    ¡°Stand up¡­and strip,¡± Haydenmanded, his eyes never leaving my face.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I replied in shock. What did he just¡­say?


    ¡°Stand up and take off your clothes. Please don¡¯t make me repeat myself or you¡¯re about to break another rule, Malissa,¡± Hayden warned sternly.


    ¡°I¡­Why are you doing this?¡± I asked breathless. I wasn¡¯t sure if I imagined it, but his blue eyes seemed several shades darker as he stared at me like an animal eyeing its prey.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t get to see your body, how am I supposed to choose which part that I would like to im first?¡± Hayden asked, acting all innocent as he shrugged his shoulders.


    I hated how he was speaking like there certainly would be a second¡­or a third time.


    My body froze in ce as I hesitated. How can I possibly just strip in front of him and right here in the middle of the dining room? This is beyond insane¡­but what can I do.


    ¡°You have ten seconds to stand up and start stripping. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll call some men in to help you get on with it,¡± Hayden said emotionlessly.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Ten¡­nine¡­eight¡­¡± Hayden began counting down from ten.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Hayden! This is crazy¡­¡± I protested.


    ¡°Seven¡­six¡­five¡­four¡­three¡­two¡­one¡­men!¡± Hayden continued his countdown.


    I looked into his eyes and could see that he was dead serious about this.


    ¡°No! I¡¯ll¡­do it,¡± I cried out desperately.


    It was bad enough that I had to strip in front of Hayden. I didn¡¯t need his men seeing me naked as well.


    At the sound of Hayden barking into a smallmunication device on his cor, a few men dressedpletely in ck quickly rushed into the penthouse. I watched the men as my eyes opened wide and my mouth hung open in shock.


    Hayden was serious. He actually called in his men to strip me¡­


    ¡°No need anymore. Just leave¡­¡± Hayden said to his men dismissively, while his eyes were still glued to me.


    Hayden leaned further forward across the table and peered into my face with an alluring smile. In other situations, I would have thought that the smile on his face was out-of-this-world bewitching, but I was finding it hard to admire him in this situation.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Stand up¡­and strip, Malissa,¡± Haydenmanded as he smiled at me.


    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this. I stood up stiffly and I could feel his hungry eyes on me as if he could burn my clothes right off my body. I closed my eyes tightly as I tried to calm myself down. I¡¯m not a virgin¡­and men have seen me naked before. Ok¡­not that many, but still¡­so this isn¡¯t exactly a big deal or anything.


    When I opened my eyes again, I was determined. No matter what he does to me or put me through, I¡¯m going to survive these 30 days and I will return with my grandmother to our normal lives once again. I must survive this!


    I won¡¯t allow him to break me¡­


    Slowly, I brought my hands up to the first button of my shirt. I realized that my hands were shaking slightly but after a few deep breaths, I was able to stop thempletely from shaking. I felt his eyes on me, watching my every movement and I stared back into his beautiful blue eyes as my fingers moved to unbutton the first button.


    Once the first button came undone, I proceeded to the second button. Then the third¡­fourth¡­until all buttons were unbuttoned. Slowly but with firm hands, I spread the fabric of the shirt covering the upper part of my body aside, revealing my light pinkce bra and my upper body to his gaze.


    I saw the corners of his mouth arch upwards as he enjoyed my apparent difort and embarrassment at stripping myself in front of him. However, he did not say a word as he continued to watch me silently. The room was so silent that all I could hear was my own breathing, the sound of my heart beating loudly, and the sound of the ticking clock.


    I moved my hands down and unbuttoned the button of my jeans before unzipping the zipper. I pulled my jeans down my hips and legs and then off in one swift motion. I now stood in only my bra and matching panties, and I could feel the slightly cold air on my naked skin.


    Now the real challenge starts¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t start hesitating now after you¡¯vee all this way¡­¡± Hayden teased.


    I hated his guts¡­and every part of him.


    I red at him as I swiftly unhooked my bra and ripped it off my body. I stood with my naked chest heaving up and down as I threw my bra to the floor. My upper body was nowpletely naked, my breasts fully exposed to his greedy gaze.


    I felt his eyes on my womanly flesh as he stared at my breasts openly. I tucked my thumbs into the waistband of my underwear as I thought that it would be better to just get this whole thing over with as soon as possible. After drawing in one deepforting breath, I pulled down my panties, sliding it down my legs to my ankles before stepping out and kicking it to the side.


    I was now standingpletely naked in front of Hayden.


    I felt his gaze burn my hot skin all over as his eyes rove over my naked body from top to toe and then up again.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Claimed by Him

    **p p p**


    ¡°That was quite a cute little show¡­now¡­try your best to stay very still,¡± Hayden said as he pped his hand with pleasure.


    Lazily, Hayden slowly stood up from his seat and came to stand directly in front of me. He¡¯s so close¡­we¡¯re not even an arm¡¯s length away from each other. I felt my body freeze as his blue eyes locked with mine. For the life of me, no matter how I struggled internally, I couldn¡¯t look away from his captivating eyes.


    I held my breath and for a moment, I forgot to breath entirely. I didn¡¯t know what he wanted from me.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± I let out a slight sound and quickly bit my lower lip to silence myself.


    Hayden had reached out a hand and touched my right shoulder with the back of his hand before running his fingertips slowly and softly down my right arm.


    ¡°What are you¡­doing?¡± I asked stunned.


    ¡°Inspecting your body, what else?¡± Hayden replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.


    The line his fingertips had traced down my arm felt hot and started to throb slightly. With a satisfied smile on his face, Hayden lifted my right arm up by my wrist until my right hand was right in front of his face. With his other hand, he began tracing his fingertips in circr motions on the palm of my right hand. Then he caressed each of my fingers slowly and patiently.


    His touch was as soft as a feather. As his fingertips lightly graze the skin of my naked body, I felt a moan threatening to escape from my lips. I closed my eyes tightly as I desperately tried to hold in my voice. It felt like the tip of feathers were delicately stroking my skin and I felt goosebumps start to form where his fingers were tracing.


    He repeated the same process with my left arm and hand and as his caresses continued to invade my body, I found it increasingly difficult to keep myself from moaning from his touches. However, Hayden didn¡¯t seem affected by any of this or the fact that I was standing stark naked in front of him. He continued to inspect my body like I was just a merchandise that needed appraising.


    When he finally let go of my left hand, I let out a soft sigh of relief. However, my relief was short-lived as his exploring hand traced the side of my right cheek, slowly moving downwards, travelling along the side of my neck¡­and then down even further¡­


    ¡°Please¡­stop¡­¡± I said, my voiceing out as a whimper.


    His fingertips were tracing around my corbone before they made their way southwards¡­


    ¡°Your body¡¯s trembling¡­and you¡¯re breathing faster¡± Hayden said as he smiled wickedly at me.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± I pleaded softly as his fingers caressed the soft and sensitive flesh in between my breasts.


    ¡°Is it starting to feel good?¡± Hayden asked seductively.


    ¡°Hayden¡­Ahh¡­¡± I cried out his name before a soft moan escaped from my lips.


    Hayden¡¯s fingers had moved to the side and began tracing my left breast in slow circr motions. I looked down to see his long and thick fingers caressing my sensitive skin causing my nipples to harden at his stimtion.


    ¡°Look, your nipples are hard. Your breasts are not big but they¡¯re cute and your nipples are a pretty pink color¡­¡± Hayden said as he focused his attention on my breasts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say¡­that¡­¡± I said while biting on my lower lip.


    ¡°Why? Does my words turn you on?¡± Hayden asked, a she watched me with amusement in his eyes.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I managed to deny.


    Suddenly, his fingertips left my breast as his eyes sought for his next destination. I bit my lower lip to keep myself from moaning out loud when his fingertips started tracing along my right thigh. From my knee, his fingertips slowly started inching upwards. I couldn¡¯t stop my body from trembling at his soft yet seductive touch.


    His blue eyes watched my every reaction closely as his fingers moved inwards to touch the soft flesh of my inner thigh before continuing it¡¯s slow and torturous journey upwards. The higher his fingertips slid up my inner thigh, the closer it got to the quivering heat in between my legs.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Do you want me to touch you there?¡± Hayden asked suggestively.


    ¡°No!¡± I cried out in denial.


    My panic reaction only made Haydenugh softly as he shook his head at my stubbornness. The heat in my lower abdomen was unbearable. It ached and throbbed. I was embarrassed at how much I knew my body was reacting to his caresses and I wished that I could just disintegrate into thin air.


    His fingertips repeated the torturous journey up my inner thigh along my left thigh. It was all I could do keep myself from making whimpering sound as his fingers inched so close to the heat in between my legs.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want me to touch you there?¡± Hayden asked mercilessly.


    ¡°Because¡­¡± I began before trailing off. I want to kill him¡­


    Instead, I just bit my lip as I turned my head to the side. I didn¡¯t want him to see the embarrassed look on my face.


    ¡°Could it be¡­that you¡¯re wet?¡± Hayden asked as he smiled wickedly at me.


    My eyes widened in shock. How dirty and barbaric could this man get?


    Haydenughed loudly, his beautiful voice ringing through the penthouse. Hisugh was delightful, showing how much he was enjoying himself at my expense.


    ¡°One day soon I¡¯ll im all parts of your little body; however, for today, I¡¯ll be satisfied with just this¡­¡± Hayden said with a seductive smile as he kissed the back of my left hand.


    The body part that he wants¡­is my left hand? That¡¯s it?


    I sighed and closed my eyes in relief. I didn¡¯t think he would let me off the hook this easily.


    ¡°Now¡­let me y with my newly acquired property,¡± Hayden whispered as he eyed my left hand.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name in shock.


    Instead of just kissing my hand, Hayden had inserted my little finger into his hot and wet mouth. I heard myself moan softly as Hayden started flicking his tongue gently along my pinky before sucking on it. The inside of his mouth was warm and his tongue rubbing against the skin of my finger felt oddly pleasurable.


    I heard myself moaning once more despite myself when Hayden started sucking harder on my little finger. I never knew that my hand and fingers were this sensitive.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Finding Inspiration

    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Hayden asked when he released my finger from his mouth.


    He didn¡¯t wait for me to reply before taking my ring finger into his mouth. He licked it, sucked on it, and twirled his tongue around it until my body trembled. The warmth and wetness of his mouth around my finger felt¡­so good.


    By the time he hadpleted sucking and licking on all the fingers on my left hand, I was panting hard and out of breath. I could barely stand. I never thought that I could feel this turned on just from my left hand being kissed and licked. The pleasure he stirred within me from his yful kisses and sucking was unbelievably amazing.


    ¡°You have 29 days left. Good luck keeping the rest of your body to yourself, Malissa,¡± Hayden teased as he let go on my nowpletely wet hand.


    As soon as he was done, I scooped up my clothes from the floor and used it to cover my body as fast as I could before running towards my bedroom. I heard him chuckling softly behind me as his eyes burned holes in my back. I felt frustrated at what had happened. I was ashamed of myself and shocked at my own reaction towards his advances.


    When I arrived at my bedroom, I quickly went inside and mmed the door close behind me before locking it. Now that I was alone, all my false bravery melted as I crumbled to the ground. I sat down on the floor with my back leaning against the closed door as I tried to take deep breaths to calm myself.


    I wanted to cry but I couldn¡¯t. All I could do was sit there as shes of what happened between Hayden and I reyed itself in my head. My body still trembled and felt hot all over from the ce that he had caressed.


    Slowly, I spread open my legs before dipping my hand in between them to touch the opening of my pussy. It was wet. I was flooded down there with my own love juices. I closed my eyes and banged my head back on the door.


    How could I get this wet from his dirty touches?


    My eyes opened wide as a sudden realization hit me¡­


    Why did he get me to strip naked if all he wanted to im was just my left hand?


    He¡¯s such a bastard¡­


    In the end, I realized that Hayden didn¡¯t touch my body with anything else besides his fingertips except for my left hand which he had ¡°imed¡±.


    ¡­


    Today is my second day living under the same roof as Hayden, which meant that I had another 28 days left.


    I woke up early with the intention to get a move on with my life. Even though I was physically sort of stuck here with Hayden, that didn¡¯t mean that I could not move on with my life. I had a lot of work to do for university including a few art projects. In my final year of university, most of the work was course work and projects that needed to be handed in or disyed in the university¡¯s art gallery.


    The saddest part was that with all that had been going on with my parent¡¯s newly discovered debt, the mafia attacking and kidnapping me, the failure of a wedding between Hayden and me, my grandmother being hospitalized¡­oh and so many other things, I haven¡¯t even decided on the subject or theme of my project yet. I had a couple of projects but a painting that was due for a coursework would have toe first due to the deadline.


    So¡­what should I paint? Where could I get decent inspiration?


    I sat crossed legged on the soft bed as I thought hard about this. The bedroom was big; bigger than the house I used to live in with grandma but looking around didn¡¯t give me any inspiration at all. Perhaps, I should go out to seek for some inspiration¡­


    I picked up a sketchbook and some pencils before heading for the exit. The moment I opened the door I was greeted by the sight of three men in ck waiting for me outside the door. Great.


    ¡°Where do you want to go, Miss Malissa?¡± one of them said, he was probably the leader of this team.


    ¡°I¡­want to go to the park or somewhere where I can get inspiration for my art project,¡± I said as I waved the nk sketchbook at the man.


    ¡°I see. We¡¯ll apany you,¡± the man said firmly.


    Apany me. More like make sure that I don¡¯t escape. Whatever¡­


    ¡°Great. You¡¯ll drive me?¡± I asked, a free ride in life might exist after all.


    ¡°Of course. Please follow me this way,¡± the man said as he gestured for me to follow him.


    ¡­


    Now that I was at the park, I wasn¡¯t sure what I came here for exactly. I mean, yes, I¡¯m here to search for inspiration for my project but I wasn¡¯t sure what exactly I was expecting to find here. The weather was decently nice. It wasn¡¯t too cold, and it was nice and windy. There were many people walking around the park. Mothers and their children. Couples on a date. Owners with their dogs.


    I sat on a wooden bench as I watched the people pass me by. No one would dare approach me, I thought, as I turned around to see the three men in ck standing intimidatingly behind me. Why couldn¡¯t they just wear normal clothes?Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Ignoring their presence, I took out my sketchbook and began sketching whatever I saw in the park. A dog. A couple of children ying together. An old man holding his wife¡¯s hand. Trees. Lastly, I sketched three roses. Flowers wouldn¡¯t be the subject for my painting for sure, but it wasn¡¯t a crime to sketch something for the pure joy of it.


    I didn¡¯t find anything inspirational now but who knows, perhaps these sketches woulde to inspire meter on. I was too absorbed in my sketching that I didn¡¯t realize my mobile phone ringing in my bag. It wasn¡¯t often that someone would call me anyways. Plus, I wasn¡¯t really in the mood to talk to anyone right now.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Late Night Disturbance

    It was challenging but I knew that I had to keep in contact with the people in my life so that things could return to normal once I could go back to my usual life. I should probably start replying to my friend¡¯s texts. My friends from university have been messaging in our group chat about meeting up for dinner some time soon. I¡¯ve seen their messages but have yet to reply.


    ¡°That¡¯s it for today. Let¡¯s go back,¡± I said as I closed my sketchbook.


    I still don¡¯t have a definite idea for my painting, but I wouldn¡¯t call this visit to the park aplete failure. Watching the happy people strolling by gave me a glimpse of hope. Things will get better, I just knew it.


    ¡­


    When I got back to the penthouse, Hayden wasn¡¯t back yet, to my relief. I didn¡¯t want to run into him. To be honest, I didn¡¯t know how to face him, and I suspected that he would bring me nothing but trouble. Auntie was there with a table full of dinner. There was so much food that I felt guilty for the starving people of the world.


    ¡°Hayden isn¡¯ting back for dinner, is he?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Oh¡­I¡¯m not sure¡­but if you call him, I¡¯m sure he would do his best to be back,¡± Auntie replied with a weak smile.


    I was certain that she was getting this all wrong. I didn¡¯t ask about Hayden because I wanted to have dinner with him. I asked because I didn¡¯t want to have dinner with him. So, if he wasing back, I would rather skip on dinner and go to my room.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Well, I guess he won¡¯t be back. So, I¡¯ll eat this dinner peacefully and thankfully by myself.


    ¡°Call him? I don¡¯t even have his number. Oh, and I don¡¯t want it. It¡¯s a¡­pleasant thing that he won¡¯t be back for dinner. So please, don¡¯t worry,¡± I replied with a smile of my own.


    I began eating the delicious food as Auntie looked on and sighed loudly. I heard her mumble something under her breath that I couldn¡¯t make out before leaving me alone. By the time I had finished eating, Hayden was not yet home. Despite the delicious food, I felt like I didn¡¯t quite have an appetite and didn¡¯t end up eating much of anything.


    When I got up from my seat at the dining table, I realized that I had not fulfilled my part of the bargain for today. I haven¡¯t done anything for Hayden and obviously since I haven¡¯t seen or spoken to him, he had not made any requests either. I plucked out my mouth as I thought what I could do or give him.


    When my wandering eye settled on the sketch book lying on the dining table, I had an idea. Reaching for the sketchbook, I flipped through the pages until I found the one that I had been looking for. Without hesitation, I slowly tore out the page and ced it on the table. Since, I won¡¯t be needing this for my project anyways¡­


    This is for you¡­Hayden.


    I headed directly for my bedroom and took a shower before I started going through a bunch of chats that I haven¡¯t replied to. My friends were surprised that I had disappeared on them although it hasn¡¯t been that many days at all.


    After a short discussion in the chat group, we finally settled on a date for our group dinner. I guess I can make it even if it means that those three men in ck would be following me there. I had not received news that I couldn¡¯t go out or meet people so I had assumed that I could. I would be a prisoner if I wasn¡¯t allowed to go out or meet anyone.


    After working a little more on my sketchbook, it was gettingte in the night and since I didn¡¯t have anything better to do, I decided to go to bed early.


    ¡­


    It¡¯s so loud outside¡­


    I didn¡¯t know what time it was, but it was definitely veryte at night that I woke up to the sound of loud noises. It sounded like a group of people had entered the penthouse and there was a lot of loud screaming and chatting.


    I didn¡¯t need to be a genius to figure out that it was Hayden and his friends. Girl friends, judging from the high pitch voices that I could hear outside. Why can¡¯t they keep it down?


    I felt sleepy and this turn of events was not improving my already-grumpy mood. I just wanted to go back to sleep for heaven¡¯s sake. Just as I thought things couldn¡¯t get worst, loud music red through the entire penthouse. Party music boomed everywhere with heavy bass and everything else that came with it.


    Suddenly, the quiet penthouse was transformed into a dance floor to my dismay. How am I supposed to go back to sleep like this? I turned to lie face down on my stomach before covering my head with my pillow to keep the sound out. Unfortunately, that didn¡¯t work out so well. The noises from outside were just too loud.


    How long will they be at it? Why did he have to bring people here? Why can¡¯t he just party outside or even better yet, sleep somewhere else?


    No matter how much I tossed and turned in bed, I couldn¡¯t catch a wink of sleep. I sat up in bed and threw my nket away. Since I can¡¯t go to sleep anyways, I might as well find something to do. I decided to start reading a book to kill the time until those party people either stopped partying or fell asleep.


    After a while, I felt hungry. Now of all times I had to feel hungry. I guess this was the result of not eating enough at dinner. Since I can¡¯t go to sleep anyways, maybe I should just tiptoe to the kitchen to fetch something to eat. I was sure that they were in Hayden¡¯s room so I could avoid them with no problem.


    I was right. The party people were in Hayden¡¯s room which meant that I could tiptoe off the kitchen to find some food without a hitch. I opened the fridge and decided some yoghurt with fruit. I was on my way back from the kitchen to my bedroom when the door to Hayden¡¯s room suddenly opened.


    Great. Now of all times¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 She鈥檚 My Girlfriend

    However, to my surprise, it was three very gorgeous and tall women that stepped out of his room. The three women had figures like models. They were tall with attractive faces. One had tinum blonde hair that must have taken her hours in the salon to achieve. While the other had dark hair with stunning blue eyes. The third women had auburn hair with beautiful green eyes. The only thingmon about the three women, apart from their beauty and height, was the fact that they were not wearing very much.


    ¡°Oh¡­there¡¯s a girl here¡­¡± the blond woman said in a sweet voice as the three of them eyed me from head to toe.


    ¡°Are you¡­Hayden¡¯s girlfriend?¡± the auburn-haired girl asked curiously.


    ¡°Probably¡­not¡­¡± the dark-haired girl said as she stared at me.


    ¡°Yea¡­I mean¡­she looks¡­ordinary?¡± the blond girl said with augh.


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s his maid¡­¡± the auburn-haired girl suggested. Then all of them nodded as if reaching an understanding.


    ¡°She¡¯s probably his maid,¡± the dark-haired girl stated in agreement.


    I hated the fact that they were discussing about me openly when I was standing right there. I watched in contempt as I waited for this episode to be over so that I could head to my room. I didn¡¯t care what they thought or said about me.


    ¡°Hi, there. Could you help get us some wet tissue?¡± the blond girl addressed me directly for the first time.


    ¡°Oh¡­and you know, wipe our shoes while you¡¯re at it?¡± the auburn-haired girl added with a fake smile.


    These girls are so rude. The words thate out of their mouth are so ugly that it doesn¡¯t match the beauty of their faces. Their character must be so rotten underneath those thickyers of makeup that they¡¯ve got on their faces. Well, it¡¯s none of my business, I thought as I stared nkly back at them before turning to walk away.From N?velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯m just going to ignore them and go back to my room where I can enjoy thefort of this Greek yoghurt and fruits and then go straight back to bed. I have enough problems in my life already and adding a bitch-fight with these three super models on top of that isn¡¯t going to help me.


    As I turned and started heading towards my bedroom, a voice made me turn back around in shock.


    ¡°She¡¯s my girlfriend. You better watch what you say¡­¡±


    I turned around to see Hayden leaning on the side of his bedroom¡¯s door with an unreadable expression on his face. His tone was ice-cold and although those words were not addressed directly at me, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in fear.


    The three women became immediately silent and frozen in shock. I don¡¯t me them, I was also stunned out of my mind but perhaps for a different reason.


    What did he just say?!


    No¡­no¡­no¡­NO!


    We¡¯re NOT boyfriend and girlfriend. I hardly know this guy and he clearly doesn¡¯t even like me. I don¡¯t like him either. We don¡¯t like each other!


    I stared at him in shock, but Hayden paid me no attention as he turned spoke into his phone. Within a few seconds, three men in ck ran into the room and began to half drag and half carry the three beautiful women out of the room. I watched the whole thing in shock¡­


    ¡°Hayden! I¡¯m so sorry¡­please don¡¯t do this!¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, Hayden¡­please¡­¡±


    ¡°I love you so much, Hayden¡­please forgive us this one time¡­¡±


    The three women pleaded as they started crying. It was such a messy scene; worse than any drama I had ever seen on television. Hayden watched the women with dispassionate eyes as his men got rid of them. How he treated women like worthless things was shocking?


    I didn¡¯t know what those girls did to deserve that, but he should have just dismissed them and asked them to leave peacefully. I guess Hayden didn¡¯t have a good time tonight with his girls¡­not like it was any of my business or concern.


    When the girls and men in ck hadpletely left the suite, Hayden and I were alone once more. He turned to look at my face with an unreadable expression as our eyes locked. He looked like he wanted to say something but decided against it. If he thought I wanted an exnation to what I just witness, he could save it. I didn¡¯t want to know anything.


    Wordlessly, I turned around on my heels and headed straight back to my bedroom. I closed the door loudly and firmly behind me and locked it once I was in the room. One look at the clock on the wall showed that it was hours past midnight.


    I couldn¡¯t go to sleep. I tossed and turned in bed with my eyes wide opened and the back of my palm resting on my forehead. I hated to admit it, but I was very confused and bother by what Hayden said. Why did he defend me against those girls? It wasn¡¯t like I needed his help¡­what they said didn¡¯t really bother me.


    Why did he tell them that I was his girlfriend?


    Before I realized it, my brows were knitted together, and I started to feel frustrated and irritated. Suddenly, my body felt ufortable, and sleep was the furthest thing from my mind. This is a disaster, I have so many things that I needed to do tomorrow¡­


    **Knock Knock Knock**


    Suddenly, I heard three very loud and distinct knocks on my bedroom door. Who could it be?


    More like, who else could it be?


    Why is Hayden knocking on my door?


    Who cares? I¡¯m just going to pretend that I¡¯ve already fallen asleep and didn¡¯t hear. I slowly turned onto my stomach and pulled my nket over my head.


    ¡°Malissa!¡± he called my name so loudly that I would have woken up if I had been asleep. This guy has no sense of decency.


    I decided to remain silent and not reply.


    ¡°Malissa! Open the door. I know you¡¯re not asleep!¡± Hayden called through the door as he started knocking harder on it.


    I rolled over and sat upright in bed in one swift motion. I am not in the mood for this! Without thinking, I got off the bed and marched towards the door. I¡¯m going to tell him to shut up and return to his room so that I can finally go to bed!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Goodnight Kiss

    Without replying to him, I turned the doorknob and swung the door open. A look of slight surprise crossed Hayden¡¯s face as the door swung open before it was reced by a smug smile.


    ¡°Why are you¡­mhhhmm!¡± I asked before my question was suddenly silence.


    For a second, I didn¡¯t understand what just happened. I felt his hand holding the back of my head and his warm lips on mine. I could smell the smell of alcohol in his breath as he continued to kiss me.


    Hayden¡­is kissing me.


    My eyes widened in shock when the reality of the situation started to sink in. I pushed against his broad and hard chest with my hands, trying to separate our bodies from each other. However, he only held the back of my head tighter as his other arms snaked around my waist, pulling my body harder against his.


    Hayden skillfully pried my mouth open with the tip of his hot and wet tongue before thrusting the whole length of his tongue into my mouth. I could taste the alcohol on his tongue as it danced around wildly against my own inside my mouth. I tried to struggle and protest, but my protesting sounds only sounded like moans that were captured into his kiss.


    The passionate kisssted for so long that by the time it had ended my body felt like it was on fire. I was out of breath and was panting for air. I wanted to scream and curse at him, but I couldn¡¯t¡­


    Hayden looked at me with his intense blue eyes as he smiled with extreme satisfaction before wiping the mix of our saliva away from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.


    ¡°What¡­are you doing?!¡± I shouted at him.


    ¡°Giving you a goodnight kiss, wasn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Hayden replied casually.


    ¡°What?¡± I whispered in shock.


    ¡°Goodnight, Malissa,¡± Hayden whispered into my left ear.


    His hot breath tickling my ear left my body frozen to the spot. I blinked rapidly in surprise, still confused at what just took ce as I touched my fingers to my lips.


    The next moment, Hayden was gone¡­


    ¡­


    28 days left.


    So many things had taken ce in the past two days that my head was spinning from confusion. The worst out of everything that was happening was Hayden and his unpredictable behaviors. I touched my fingertips to my lips as I stared at my own reflection in the mirror.


    He kissed me¡­goodnight.


    He¡¯s crazy¡­


    I let him kiss me and I even responded to his kiss¡­


    I¡¯m going crazy¡­


    I looked at my puffy-eyed reflection in the mirror and remembered that I hardly caught a wink of sleepst night. First it was Hayden and his girls being so loud that woke me up and then his ¡°goodnight¡± kiss left me on edge and so confused that I couldn¡¯t go back to sleep. In short,st night was a disaster and my red-eyed look this morning was the result of it all.


    I quickly showered and got dressed. If I sneak out early in the morning, then I wouldn¡¯t have to see Hayden. There was no way that he would be up early after being so drunk and sleeping sotest night. Getting up early and making him breakfast that he wouldn¡¯t eat anyways was the best way to avoid seeing him andpleting my side of the deal. Killing two fat bird with one stone!


    I cooked up a quick breakfast of egg and toast and quickly ced it on the table. I didn¡¯t meet anyone that morning and that came as a relief.


    ¡°Can you take me to the hospital to see my grandmother?¡± I asked the head of my bodyguard team.


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± he replied.


    His reply was the same short, curt, and monotone reply as always. Just like the day before, they drove me to the hospital where my grandmother was recovering. I haven¡¯t heard any updates from the doctor, but she seems to be in stable condition at the moment. That was good enough for me.


    After a quiet and peaceful ride in the car, I arrived at the hospital and headed straight for my grandmother¡¯s private room. I hated to admit it but if the boss didn¡¯t pay for her medical bills, there was no way that I could afford to keep my grandmother in a hospital like this. I bit my lower lip in frustration at my own helplessness.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Good morning grandma!¡± I said cheerfully as I entered her room.


    My grandmother was awake and seemed quite energetic today, although she was still always confined to her hospital bed. She turned her head towards me before smiling happily at me. I felt my mood lighten immediately at her smile.


    ¡°I did tell you that you didn¡¯t need to visit so often¡­¡± my grandmother said although her happy smile told me otherwise.


    She must be dead bored if she had to spend her whole day in this room all alone. I sat down on the chair that was beside her bed and took her hand in mine. The best that I could do right now was to spend as much time with her as possible and give her mental support.


    ¡°I¡¯m always so happy to see you. Plus, I don¡¯t really have anything else to do¡­so you don¡¯t need to worry about me,¡± I said as I smiled at her.


    ¡°Is everything fine¡­you know with¡­¡± my grandmother began asking hesitantly.


    I knew immediately that she was referring to my living arrangements with Hayden and our arranged marriage. To be honest, things are getting out of control and Hayden was clearly crazy and unlike any man I have encountered before in my life. As each day passes by, I felt like any control I had of the situation was fast slipping.


    However, I couldn¡¯t tell this to her and make her worry endlessly about it. There was no good reason to because there is nothing that my grandmother could possibly do to improve my situation and if her condition worsens, I wouldn¡¯t know what I should do.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Missing Him

    ¡°Everything is fine. There is no need for you to worry,¡± I said, trying my best to sound convincing.


    ¡°Really?¡± she asked skeptically.


    ¡°Really. We¡¯re just living together in the same suite, but we have separate bedrooms and to be honest, we¡¯re both not interested in each other¡­in that way. Just as you saw at the church, Hayden already has a woman that he is in love with¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°I see. That¡¯s good then¡­¡± my grandmother mumbled.


    ¡°Of course, like I told you, there is nothing for you to worry about,¡± I said, reassuringly.


    ¡°What about you?¡± she asked abruptly.


    ¡°What about me?¡± I asked, not getting what she was referring to.


    ¡°You also have someone that you love, don¡¯t you? You know, that guy who came around our shop very often to see you¡­¡± she asked.


    That¡¯s right. I never got around to telling grandma that I already broke up with him. More urately, that he dumped me without a care in the world. Ethan, I wonder where he is now and what he¡¯s up to. Sometimes I would wonder if he still thought of me, even if just a little. However, deep down I knew that that was impossible.


    ¡°You mean Ethan, right?¡± I asked. Just saying his name made me want to break down in tears.


    I guess time doesn¡¯t heal everything fast enough¡­


    ¡°Yes. Yes, Ethan¡­¡± she said.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m in love with him. I haven¡¯t told him about all that has happened though. When these 30 days are over, we¡¯re going to return to our normal lives. Trust me,¡± I said.


    Technically, I wasn¡¯t lying. I was still very much in love with Ethan, although, I haven¡¯t seen or heard from him since the day that the dumped me. However, my grandmother didn¡¯t need to know that. It would just make her worry more about me, needlessly.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I wouldn¡¯t want to leave you alone when I¡­you know¡­¡± my grandmother said with relief in her voice.


    The look on her face broke my heart and I hated when she talks about her own death as if it was fast approaching. Although her life ising to an end, she is still worrying about me above all else.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that. I¡¯ll be fine¡­and you¡¯re going to be with me for a long time,¡± I said as I squeezed her handfortingly.


    I think it was in that moment that I was inspired to use my grandmother as the subject of the painting for my project. I wanted to capture her in my painting. It was the perfect idea since I wanted to spend time here with her anyways so I might as well spend that time painting her.


    ¡°I have this project to create a painting. I was thinking that it would be a great idea to paint your portrait. What do you think?¡± I suggested brightly.


    ¡°A portrait¡­of me? Really?¡± she asked, surprised by the idea.


    ¡°If you¡¯ll allow it. I think it¡¯s a great idea. I¡¯lle here to visit and paint you,¡± I said with confidence.


    ¡°Sure then. Let¡¯s do it!¡± my grandmother agreed before smiling warmly at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring the materials over tomorrow, and we can start then,¡± I said happily.


    We continued our conversation until my grandmother fell asleep and then I left to return to the penthouse suite. My grandmother¡¯s words haunted me. She was truly concerned about my life after her passing. I didn¡¯t me her, even I¡¯m concerned about my situation right now. However, the best that I could do was survive this 30 day-period, return to my normal life, graduate, and get a job.


    I was thankful for the quiet ride back to the penthouse. The bodyguards hardly ever spoke to me unless it was necessary. I used that time in the car to think and reflect. However, no matter how I tried, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of Ethan, now that my grandmother has brought him back to the forefront of my mind. It¡¯s been almost a year since Ethan broke up with me and we¡¯ve gone our separate ways. I still didn¡¯t know or understand why he dumped me so suddenly.


    From that day he had justpletely disappeared from my life. I couldn¡¯t get in touch with him, and I didn¡¯t know where he went. I asked all his friends and our friends from university, but no one knew either. Ethan really just disappeared. I miss him so much and I am still very much in love with him. I know that I have to let go and forget¡­but I just can¡¯t. Wherever he is, I hope that he¡¯s happy and living a good life¡­


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived,¡± a low sounding voice said, cutting through my thoughts.


    I came back to reality and looked out of the car window to see that we have arrived back at the luxurious condominium. I rode the elevator up to the top floor silently with my escorts and sighed silently to myself before turning the door handle to enter the penthouse.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Oh¡­wee back!¡± Auntie called out to greet me immediately when she saw me enter the room.


    ¡°Thank you. Hope you had a good day¡­¡± I replied back vaguely.


    I noticed that Auntie had a conflicted look on her face like she wanted to say something but decided against it. I could sort of guess why she looked that way as I headed to the dining table.


    I looked down at the untouched breakfast that I had made for Hayden this morning. It¡¯s early evening now, so the food had gone way past cold. I wish Auntie would just clear the dish away, but she never did. This is such a waste of food¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sure¡­Master Hayden was just in a hurry this morning¡­¡± Auntie said in a small voice.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if she wanted tofort me orfort herself. I shrugged as I took the untouched te for food into my hand. I had expected that Hayden wouldn¡¯t eat the food that I made for him, so I wasn¡¯t depressed or anything like that. However, there was a tiny sinking feeling in my stomach, after all, this was good food, and it was being wasted.


    ¡°Of course. Sorry I wasted food like this¡­¡± I replied while trying to smile at her.


    ¡°Oh no¡­it¡¯s not your fault,¡± Auntie quickly said as she waved her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you clear this away¡­¡± I said while starting to walk towards the kitchen.


    ¡°No, Miss. This is my job. You mustn¡¯t do this, you are ady of the house,¡± Auntie quickly protested.


    ¡°Haha¡­no, Auntie. I¡¯m not¡­I¡¯m here because I owe the boss a huge amount of money, but I¡¯ll be gone from here in precisely 28 days,¡± I said with a self-depreciatingugh.


    Me? Thedy of the house¡­that ispletely nuts!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Late Night Movie

    ¡°Oh¡­Well, don¡¯t overthink things. I¡¯m sure Master Hayden appreciates what you¡¯ve done for him, he just doesn¡¯t usually eat breakfast. That¡¯s all¡­¡± Auntie said but I could tell that she wasn¡¯t confident.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one overthinking things. I didn¡¯t make breakfast for him because I thought he would eat it, I just figured that he wouldn¡¯t be up in the morning so if I made breakfast then I wouldn¡¯t have to see him,¡± I stated quite bluntly.


    When I turned to face Auntie, the sad and solemn look on her face made me regret my words immediately. Even if those words were an urate reflection of what I was thinking and feeling, perhaps they were too harsh for Auntie to take. I knew that she wanted Hayden and I to get together and get married and so on. However, that was impossible.


    ¡°Miss Malissa¡­¡± Auntie whispered followed by a sigh.


    ¡°Good night, Auntie,¡± I said, not wishing to extend this conversation any further.


    I went to my room and started to prepare some materials for my sketching and painting session with my grandmother tomorrow. Taking out some sketching paper and pencils, I started sketching some possible poses that might work considering that my grandmother will be on the hospital bed.


    I was so absorbed in my work that I was able to kill a couple of hours in what felt like a blink of an eye. By the time, I stretched and looked up it waste into the evening. I put my art materials away and headed for the bathroom to take a nice and rxing shower.


    When I got out of the shower, I put on my pajamas and used the towel to dry my hair. I shook my long brown hair to check that it was damp before I reached for my hair dryer. Just before my hand reached the hairdryer, I heard a soft tap on my door and Auntie¡¯s familiar voice calling my name politely.


    ¡°Miss Malissa¡­¡±


    It¡¯ste, I thought Auntie already went back to her room. Is there something she needed help with? It was unusual for her to knock on my bedroom door. I put down the hair dryer and got up, heading for the door.


    ¡°Hi, Auntie. Do you need me for something?¡± I asked with a smile as I opened my door to see her standing in front of it.


    ¡°Umm¡­actually¡­¡± Auntie said hesitantly as her eyes darted around.


    ¡°Move. Malissa,e out here,¡± a low voice said as a hand reached out and slowly shoved Auntie to the side, away from my door.


    Hayden?!


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name in shock.


    What is Hayden doing here?


    ¡°Why are you just standing there? Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± Hayden barked at me.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, still in shock.


    ¡°To get you. Isn¡¯t that obvious? Come out here now,¡± Haydenmanded.


    I gasped, speechless as I felt hisrge hand grab my bare upper arm and pulling me through the doorway.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I snapped.


    His grip on my arm didn¡¯t hurt but it was firm enough to keep me from escaping from his grasp. I wondered what he wanted with me. Hayden was dressed in jeans, a white shirt with a ck leather jacket on top. It was clear that he had just gotten back.


    I felt his eyes roving over my body, inspecting me from head to toe and I froze. It felt like his gaze was burning my skin and I felt my heart beat faster. His hand on my bare arm felt hot as well. It was then that I realized that I wasn¡¯t wearing very much.


    Since I thought I was going straight to bed, I wore a light pink satin v-neck camisole and matching shorts with whitece decoration. Obviously, I had no underwear underneath at all. My hair was still quite wet from the shower, and I haven¡¯t had the chance to blow-dry it yet.


    The thin satin fabric did nothing to hide the curves of my breasts, my waist and my hips. Instinctively, I folded my other arm over my chest protectively as I red at Hayden.


    He was clearly amused with my reaction and the state that I was in. Hayden smiled at me devilishly as if he had juste up with some evil n.


    ¡°I¡¯ve just decided what I want¡­¡± Hayden said softly as if speaking to himself.


    Without another word, Hayden yanked on my arm and started pulling me after him. His long strides made it hard for me to keep up and I found myself almost jogging to keep up with his pace.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± I asked in a panic.


    I felt Aunties eyes on me, but she didn¡¯t say anything and faded into the background as she watched the two of us leave.


    ¡°Stop panicking. We¡¯re just going to watch a movie¡­together,¡± Hayden replied smoothly.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Watch a movie¡­like¡­right now?


    True to Hayden¡¯s words, he began dragging me in the direction of the home theatre room where I knew there was a big screen, arge sofa¡­and a bed. When Auntie first showed me around the penthouse suite, I remembered thinking to myself why would anyone have a king-sized bed in the theatre room in addition to the movie seats and sofa.


    Now that I was heading there with Hayden, I didn¡¯t want to find out¡­


    ¡°Can we¡­do this some other time?¡± I asked, hopefully.


    ¡°Are you speaking back to me?¡± Hayden shot back, arching a brow at me.


    Shit¡­the rules¡­


    I hated his rules. I hated him¡­but I didn¡¯t want to face his punishments either¡­


    Without another word, Hayden pushed open the door to the theatre room and pulled me in after him. The door closed automatically behind us with a click. Did it just lock?


    The theatre room was cold and the fact that I had very thin clothes on didn¡¯t help. Plus, my arms and most part of my legs were bare.


    Hayden let go of my arm, finally, and I watched as he strode to the sofa and sat down.


    ¡°Come here, Malissa,¡± he said, crooking a finger at me, beckoning me to join him on the sofa.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Hot Seduction

    I gulped and hesitantly followed him to the sofa. He patted the spot next to him indicating that that was where he wanted me to sit. I sat down next to him, trying my best to keep my eyes on my ownp. I could feel Hayden staring at my face and I couldn¡¯t look back at him.


    ¡°What movie do you want to watch?¡± Hayden asked casually as he began scrolling through movie rmendations on therge screen.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have one in mind?¡± I asked. I mean, he was the one who invited me to a movie¡­or more like dragged me here.


    ¡°Choose one,¡± he said as he tossed me the remote control.


    Great. Hayden was watching my every move and didn¡¯t seem to pay any attention to the movie choices on the screen that I was scrolling through at all. What should I choose? I don¡¯t even want to watch anything, let alone with Hayden.


    ¡°What about this one?¡± I asked. The green light on the screen indicating one of the newest action sci-fi movie that was supposed to have very goodputer graphics.


    I didn¡¯t choose this movie because I was particrly interested in it but because out of the options I had scrolled through in the rmended section, this one was the shortest in terms of minutes. The shorter the movie, the sooner that I¡¯ll be able to leave, right?


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± Hayden replied without even looking at the screen and I started to have a very bad feeling about this.


    I clicked y and the movie started. Just like Hayden, I wasn¡¯t interested in the movie either, but I pretended to watch it anyways. I wondered once again what he really wanted and why he had bothered to drag me here.


    I sat there stiffly as I glued my eyes to the screen. Hayden didn¡¯t say anything as he also watched the movie. After a short while, Hayden sighed as if bored and turned to face me.


    ¡°Scoot over there¡­¡± Hayden said as he gestured with his hand towards the other end of the sofa.


    I was a little confused with his request, but he was asking me to sit further away from him and that wasn¡¯t a bad thing. Sitting very close to him with only my thin clothes on made me feel ufortable and nervous.


    I quickly scooted over to the other end of the sofa and rested an arm on the armrest of the sofa. However, my relief didn¡¯tst long.


    ¡°Hayden¡­what are you doing?¡± I asked in a breathy whisper as my eyes widened in shock.


    Hayden hadin down on the sofa on his back with his head on myp. Was this why he asked me to scoot over?


    ¡°Using yourp as my personal pillow¡­what else?¡± Hayden answered without a care as he closed his eyes.


    ¡°What about the movie¡­?¡± I asked dumb struck.


    Is he going to just sleep on myp with the loud movie still on like this?


    ¡°You watch it¡­¡± he replied without a care.


    I rolled my eyes at him in disbelief. In all my life, I¡¯ve never met an asshole like him before.


    ¡°Give me your left hand¡­¡± Hayden demanded with his eyes still closed.


    I sucked in a breath in sudden realization. He¡¯s asking specifically for my left hand, the hand that he had imed as his own. I hesitated and Hayden began losing his patience with me.


    ¡°Malissa¡­your left hand¡­¡± he repeated, his voice dead serious.


    ¡°Here¡­¡± I whispered as I slowly ced my left hand in his awaiting hand.


    I saw Hayden¡¯s lips curve into a satisfied smile in the dimly lit room as he felt my left hand in his. With his head still on myp, Hayden brought my left hand up to his lips and kissed its palm. His kiss on my palm was soft and sweet. He nted small kisses all over my palm before slowly progressing to my fingers, kissing them from the base to my fingertips in turn.


    ¡°Don¡¯t squirm around¡­¡± Hayden warned in an emotionless voice before he continued to nt small and light kisses on my fingers.


    His feather light kisses, and warm breath was tickling the skin of my hand. It was difficult for me to stay still, and I started squirming a little in my seat leading to Hayden¡¯sint. I let out a small cry when Hayden started nibbling on my fingertips with his tongue.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name, although I didn¡¯t know what I wanted to say.


    ¡°What now?¡± Hayden asked teasingly.


    I bit my lower lip when I felt the hot wetness of his month envelop my middle finger. Hayden had taken my middle finger into his mouth. He sucked on it softly before running his hot tongue along the length of my finger up and down. Suddenly, my body felt hot, and my senses became more acute and alert.


    I watched his handsome face as he sucked on my finger seductively before removing my middle finger from his mouth. My finger was wet and covered with his saliva and I found that sight arousing. I thought that my hands were really sensitive the first time that he yed with them, but the second time was different¡­it was better.


    Hayden looked up at my face as he took another finger into his mouth and nibbled on it before sucking it harder. I looked away, trying to hide my embarrassed face from his sight. He only chuckled at my reaction and proceeded to suck harder on my fingers.


    ¡°Your fingers are wet and ready¡­¡± Hayden said after removing my wet finger from his heated mouth.


    Ready for what?


    Suddenly, Hayden sat up and circled my waist with both of his arms, pulling me towards me.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name in panic at his sudden advance.


    His strong manly arms pulled me roughly onto hisp. I felt the heat of his body against my back, the thin satin fabric did almost nothing to separate my skin from his. Hayden hugged me tightly closed to his body as he forced me to lean backwards against his chest.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Wet & Ready

    ¡°Stop wriggling your ass around before I get the wrong message¡­¡± Hayden warned sternly as he whispered into my ear.


    My body froze immediately at his words. I realized that I had been struggling while sitting on hisp and my ass had been grinding against him. I sat on Hayden¡¯sp with my body leaning back against his hard and muscr frame, not knowing what to do or what he wanted to do with me next.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I began protesting but he cut me off before I could say anything more.


    ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t dress like this to seduce me?¡± Hayden asked, his eyes scanning my body.


    ¡°¡­What? Why would I do that?¡± I said heatedly.


    ¡°Why¡­I wonder¡­¡± Hayden teased before bending his head down to seal my lip in a hot and demanding kiss.


    His tongue probed my mouth open immediately before thrusting into the depths of my mouth. I made moaning sounds against his lips as his tongue continued to ravage me. His tongue engaged mine in a passionate dance that left me breathless. Hayden¡­is such an amazing kisser. His kiss took my breath away and melted my mind and reason. It was intoxicatingly pleasurable.


    The movie continued to y in the background, but Hayden paid it no mind. It was clear that he never intended to watch any movie in the first ce. Did he n to attack me like this from the start? Why¡­?


    ¡°Let me go, Hayden¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Are you giving me orders now?¡± Hayden answered, his tone sharp.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± I asked, weakly.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re questioning me¡­I wonder how many body parts I should im from you today?¡± Hayden said with a lowugh.


    ¡°Stop teasing me¡­¡± I pleaded, embarrassed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you just like being teased?¡± Hayden asked, biting a little on his lower lip. Why did he have to look so sexy?


    ¡°No¡­I don¡¯t¡­¡± I whispered in reply.


    ¡°Shall I ask your body and see what it says¡­¡± Hayden suggested with a naughty look in his eyes.


    I gasped as when one of his arms suddenly let go of my waist and slid under the thin fabric andce covering my chest. Hayden¡¯srge and warm hand cupped my left breast and began massaging it softly. The heat that was being transferred from his palm to the sensitive skin of my breast was almost unbearable. I found myself letting out lewd moans in reaction to his stimting caresses on my breasts.


    ¡°Your breast feels so soft in my hand¡­¡± Hayden whispered seductively in my ear before he blew on it.


    My body shivered and trembled at the sensation. I couldn¡¯t stop my body from squirming around when his hand began pumping and squeezing my breasts faster and firmer than before. My nipples have hardened and was rubbing against the warm palm of his hand.


    Seeing that I was no longer struggling against his hold, Hayden freed his other arm so that he could grope my breasts with both hands. He paused his exploration to slide down the thin straps of my camisole down and off my arm causing the thin fabric covering my chest to slide down to my waist.


    I felt the cold air of the room on my naked breast and chest. I looked down to see Hayden¡¯srge hands grabbing my breasts in his palms. His long and beautiful fingers sying over my skin as they moved to stimte and pleasure me.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Watch my hands y with your breasts¡­¡± Hayden whispered in my ear.


    I watched his fingers fondle my breasts, squeezing and kneading them. I moaned louder and louder as the pleasure intensified. My chest felt like it was on fire, and I felt the familiar longing ache in my lower abdomen. It has been a while since I¡¯ve felt like this before moving in with Hayden, but I knew well what it was¡­lust.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered his name weakly.


    His yful fingertips had begun to squeeze my nipples before twirling them around. The pleasure was mind numbing, Hayden yed with both my nipples at once. I cried out helplessly when he started pinching them, softly at first and then harder and harder. My cries of pleasure rang out louder as his caresses intensified.


    ¡°Your nipples are hard¡­look at how pink and swollen they are¡­¡± Hayden coaxed in my ear; his voice thick with desire.


    I felt his eyes burning into the feminine flesh of my breasts while his hand continued to pump them together in rhythm. I was panting hard now, and my hips have started moving and squirming on its own.


    ¡°No¡­please¡­no¡­¡± I whimpered in between my moans.


    My whole body felt weak as if I hadpletely melted in his arms. I leaned my head back and rested it on his shoulder as I struggled to breath, my chest heaving up and down.


    I felt my legs spreading open and realized that Hayden had inserted his knees in between my own. Using his knees, he parted my legs wide open. This is too much, I started struggling against him again, trying to close my legs together.


    ¡°Stop struggling, Malissa¡­spread your legs for me,¡± Hayden said in low voice.


    ¡°No more¡­please¡­¡± I begged. If he touches me there, I¡¯ll die of embarrassment.


    ¡°I told you before, didn¡¯t I, that I¡¯ll ask you body directly if you like my teasing or not¡­¡± Hayden hissed in my ear before he bit softly on my ear lobe.


    His hands left my chest and dipped lower to grab the insides of my knees, parting my legs wide apart. I felt my opening being stretched open as my thighs were forced to spread open wide for him. His legs kept my thighs parted as his grabbed my left hand in his and dived underneath the stic waistband of my shorts.


    ¡°So, tell me, do you like it when I tease you?¡± Hayden repeated his question again.


    I couldn¡¯t reply to him, instead I cried out and buried my face in his shoulder in embarrassment. I felt the hot wetness of my own love juices on the tip of my fingers. Hayden¡¯s hand still held my left one and had led it to the hot and sopping wet slit in between my legs.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Climaxing in His Arms

    I was so wet down there from all his teasing. I couldn¡¯t stop my body from reacting so much to him and the pleasure that he gave me. I could feel my own slippery wetness on my fingers and knew immediately that he could feel it on his fingers as well.


    ¡°You¡¯re so wet. You act all innocent but you¡¯re actually one very horny girl, aren¡¯t you, Malissa?¡± Hayden hissed in my ear.


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯m¡­¡± I began denying his im.


    ¡°Show me¡­how you pleasure yourself¡­¡± hemanded.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whispered, helplessly.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll use this left hand that I¡¯ve imed to help you out?¡± Hayden suggested, wickedly.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name.


    ¡°Show me¡­I want to see you cum,¡± Hayden said, his voice thick with lust.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­embarrassing¡­¡± I whimpered.


    ¡°Would you rather use your fingers or¡­do you actually want a taste of my cock?¡± Hayden asked, a dangerous glint in his beautiful blue eyes.


    Hayden thrusted his hips up against my ass and I could feel his hardness clearly against me. He¡¯s¡­so big and hard.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whispered, pleadingly.


    ¡°Thene on, show me. I¡¯ll help you¡­¡± he said.


    While I was hesitating, Hayden took hold of my middle finger and guided it to my wet entrance. I felt my own wetness and heat on my finger as he guided my finger to stroke up and down my own wet slit. I moaned when my finger brushed against the sensitive small nub in between my legs. Ahh¡­my clit is so swollen already.


    ¡°Put your finger inside of your pussy¡­I know you want to¡­¡± Hayden whispered into my ear once again.


    Slowly, Hayden helped push my middle finger inside of my cunt. My body reacted to the prating sensation immediately. My pussy clenched around my finger instinctively and my hips began squirming against my own hand, thrusting up and down.


    ¡°Your hips moving wildly, I guess it feels good, huh? Come on, move your finger¡­¡± Hayden said as his hand held mine.


    He pushed my hand, thrusting my finger into my pussy hole before pulling on my hand to jerk my finger out of my hole. He repeated that motion faster and faster as he watched my finger fuck my love hole. I was beginning to enjoy the pleasure of my pussy being fingered. It had been so long since I had sex with a man and quite a while since I¡¯ve pleasured myself.


    ¡°Now¡­let¡¯s try two fingers¡­¡± Hayden hissed into my ear.


    He withdrew my hand and finger from my love tunnel before screwing in my middle and ring finger into my hole. I moaned loudly as my pussy was stretched and caressed by my own fingers. Hayden guided my hand once more to pump my own fingers in and out of my flooded hole. It felt so good, my hips bounced up and down wildly as I finger-fuck myself non-stop. I was so close to my climax; I could feel the pleasurable ache intensify in my core¡­I¡¯m about to cum¡­very soon¡­


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to hold in your moans. The movie is loud¡­and I¡¯ll pretend that I can¡¯t hear them if you¡¯re embarrassed,¡± Hayden teased as he smiled down at me.


    I curled my fingers upwards and began thrusting in and out harder and faster, rubbing my fingers against the rough patch of my G-spot just the way I knew made me feel good. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing these lewd things in front of Hayden. I could feel his burning gaze on me as he watched my pussy, my breasts and my erotic face.


    Suddenly, my body spasmed and I forgot all about Hayden watching me as my pleasure took over my mind and body. I came hard, my pussy convulsing and squeezing hard on my fingers as it spurted my love juice out deep in my hole. I stopped moving my fingers as I tried to catch my breath and recover from my orgasm.


    ¡°Does cumming from your own fingers feel good? Your face was so erotic and beautiful just now¡­¡± Hayden said before bending down to kiss my forehead.


    I just came from pleasuring myself right in Hayden¡¯s arms¡­this is crazy¡­


    What is happening to me¡­? This is so embarrassing. I wish I could dig up a hole and lie down and die in it to hide from the shame.


    ¡­


    Hayden watched as another tear drop formed on her longshes before rolling down her cheek. She was already asleep but sometimes she would still sob a little from her crying from before. Slowly, he reached out his hand and gently touched a lock of her hair, smoothing it away from her forehead and back in ce. The look in his eyes as he watched over her was gentle.


    What am I doing? If I touch her any more than this, I¡¯ll be dancing to that old man¡¯s tune. If he ns to use this woman to tie me down to the mafia group, he can dream on. No matter what, I¡¯m not taking over this damn mafia group¡­


    Seriously, brother, why did you have to leave me here all alone¡­


    Hayden sighed loudly as he stood up and hoisted Malissa effortlessly into his arms. He carried her gently back to her room andid her on the bed. After tucking her in and pulling the nket over her, he silently left the room.


    ¡­


    **Earlier that day**


    ¡°You wanted to see me?¡± Hayden said, clearly dreading this meeting with his father.


    Hayden plopped down on the sofa opposite where his father was seated. His face showed his annoyance, and he wasn¡¯t bothered to hide it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know why I¡¯ve called you here,¡± his father said.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t¡­¡± Hayden said stubbornly.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to y dumb then I¡¯ll just get straight to the point. When are you going to marry Malissa?¡± the boss asked, his eyes merciless.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°I told you before. I don¡¯t want to marry her. If I marry anyone, it will be Amelia,¡± Hayden stated firmly.


    ¡°Stop ying this selfish game with me. Marry Amelia?! Impossible!¡± the boss shouted.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 No Other Option

    ¡°Why did you have to involve Malissa? She¡¯s as clueless as a child¡­¡± Hayden said with a sigh.


    ¡°This is the way she¡¯s chosen to pay off her parent¡¯s debt. It¡¯s that simple,¡± the boss replied coldly.


    ¡°You mean this was the path you forced on her¡­¡± Hayden spat.


    ¡°Would you rather, I auction off her body parts in the underground market instead? Or put her on auction so that some old geezer could purchase her as his personal sex ve? Would that even cover the debt, I wonder¡­probably not¡± the boss said with an amused smile on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯re a sick bastard¡­¡± Hayden hissed; his eyes wild with anger.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care how you see me, Hayden. I have my responsibilities and you have yours! Marry her, sleep with her, impregnate her and give me an heir already!¡± the boss shouted once again.


    ¡°What the fuck are you saying? Do you even hear yourself right now?¡± Hayden said in disbelief at what he was hearing.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem? If you don¡¯t like the order of my proposal, you can sleep with her before you marry her. Like hell if I care. Although, I don¡¯t think you can impregnate her without having sex with her¡­haha. You gotta do it the natural way, my boy¡­¡± the boss said with a smug smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who doesn¡¯t get it. I can screw her until she breaks, and I¡¯ll still feel no love for her. I can fuck her until she goes crazy but that doesn¡¯t mean that you¡¯ll end up getting your heir. I will say it again, I don¡¯t want to take over this business and I¡¯m not going to breed anyone else to take it over after me,¡± Hayden said loud and clear.


    ¡°Stop being so selfish, Hayden. I wouldn¡¯t have you either if I had other options. Unfortunately, for both you and me, there is no other option,¡± his father stated, his tone dark.


    ¡°You can¡¯t use that girl to tie me down to the business¡­¡± Hayden said calmly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that¡­¡± his father replied with a shrug.


    The two men stared at each other intensely without backing down. Until a soft knock on the door broke the tension in the room. The boss sighed loudly as he turned away from his son. Before the door could open, Hayden pulled it open with a loud m before storming out of his father¡¯s office.


    ¡°Come in. Why the hell are you just standing there?!¡± the boss screamed at the man who had just knocked on the door.


    It was apparent to the man that whatever the boss was discussing with his son did not go well and now he was about to bear the brunt of the boss¡¯s anger.


    ¡­


    I woke up the next day with a slight headache and an obvious ache in between my legs. Every time I moved, the ache in between my legs reminded me of Hayden and how he caressed and pleasured my body.


    27 days left. Hang in there, Malissa!


    After what happenedst night with Hayden, it became even more obvious that I have to avoid him. To survive the next 27 days, I need to implement the ¡°Avoid Hayden Like the gue¡± n. I need to avoid him at all opportunities possible and limit the time I spent with him and our interactions.


    This morning is a good time to start. I pushed my thoughts and memories of my passionate tryst with Haydenst night out of my mind as I told myself to focus on the present and the future instead of the past. Same as the day before, I quickly made something for him in the kitchen and ced it on the dining table.


    Just as I had expected, I didn¡¯t run into Hayden at all that morning before I left the penthouse. As usual, I went to the hospital to visit my grandmother. The difference was that starting today, I would be working on my painting of grandmother.


    ¡°Good morning, granny,¡± I said cheerily when I popped my head into her hospital room.


    ¡°Lisa¡­you¡¯re here again today,¡± grandma said before smiling lovingly at me.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m here. I miss you,¡± I replied.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to drop by every single day. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve got many things to do,¡± she said with concern.


    I smiled at her because I didn¡¯t want to lie to her. The truth was since the mafia breaking into our store and I ended up here, I haven¡¯t attended university. Since it was my final year, there wasn¡¯t a lot of sses that I had to attend because most were course work where I had to hand in pieces of art of various projects. I had been focusing on making sure that I did not miss the deadline for those because it would definitely dy my graduation.


    I didn¡¯t want to worry my dear granny unnecessarily, so I didn¡¯t tell her any of this. I hoped that once the situation was resolved after a month¡¯s time, everything could go back to normal. Grandma was sick so unnecessary stress wouldn¡¯t be good for her health.


    ¡°Actually, university is quite chill now. I do have to hand in some projects, though,¡± I replied vaguely.


    ¡°What do you n to do today? You¡¯ve got so much stuff with you,¡± My grandma asked pointing to the aisle, paper and other art supplies that my bodyguards helped carry into the room for me.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°I told you yesterday, didn¡¯t I? I¡¯ll be waiting a portrait of you so I¡¯ve brought some materials today so that we can start off by doing some sketching¡± I exined.


    ¡°Sketching? You mean, you¡¯ll sketch me?¡± she asked, curiously.


    ¡°Yup. My n is to sketch a couple of sketches of you in different poses and different facial expressions and we can choose which one you would prefer for me to paint. How about it?¡± I said as I smiled proudly at her.


    ¡°I see. Ok, that sounds good. Let¡¯s follow your n,¡± my grandmother said with a nervousugh.


    Although I tried to sketch my grandmother just as I had nned, it wasn¡¯t as easy as I had thought, and the main problem was my ownck of concentration. I just couldn¡¯t concentrate like I normally could. When I looked down at the white paper of the sketch book in front of me, my mind would start to wander. Unfortunately, whenever my mind wandered it always ended up on one person: Hayden.


    I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of Hayden for the whole day. I felt my face heat up at the thought of Hayden and all the naughty things he did to mest night in the theatre room. I hoped that no one heard my loud cries and moans. The fact that I showed that side of myself to Hayden was embarrassing enough already.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Can鈥檛 Get Him Out of My Head

    I found it difficult to concentrate on sketching and when I looked down at my hand that was holding the pencil, I saw that it was shaking slightly. I closed my eyes and sighed. I can¡¯t get my mind off him, and I couldn¡¯t concentrate at all. I looked down at the couple of rough sketches that I managed to pull off and wasn¡¯t impressed at the progress that I had made today.


    ¡°Lisa, are you ok?¡± my grandmother asked, she was worried and had probably sensed that something was off.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m fine,¡± I said, trying to sound calm.


    ¡°Really? You¡¯ve been frowning a lot today,¡± she said, observantly.


    ¡°I¡¯m just finding it a little difficult to concentrate. I think that¡¯s enough for today, I¡¯ll be back to take another crack at it tomorrow, ok?¡± I said as I put down the pencil in my hand.


    No point pushing myself today. I still have enough time and so there was no need to rush. Now that the subject of the painting had been decided, I just had toplete the painting just like always.


    I said goodbye to my grandmother and rode in the car back to the penthouse with my bodyguards. As usual, the ride was peaceful and quiet. The men in ck did not talk to me unless it was necessary, and I didn¡¯t mind it at all. My mind was still a mess and having some quiet time to rest as I just watched the scenery outside past me by as the car went pass was just the thing that I needed to help clear my mind.


    ¡­


    It waste in the night, and I couldn¡¯t go to sleep. Since moving in with Hayden, I haven¡¯t been sleeping well at all. I looked at the clock on the wall which showed that it was already past midnight. It¡¯s sote and Hayden isn¡¯t back yet. I didn¡¯t hear hime back at all which meant that he was still out.


    My eyes grew wide with shock as I realized that I was thinking and perhaps worrying about Hayden. Hayden is a grown man, and he can take care of himself. It¡¯s not exactly any of my business what time he came home. Even so¡­


    Why am I so worried about him?


    Just as that thought was running through my mind, I heard the front door m open with a loud bang. Talk about a grand and super loud entrance. Hayden is home¡­finally.


    Surprisingly, I found out that I wasn¡¯t the only one waiting for Hayden to return. It waste but unlike other days, Auntie was still waiting for Hayden in the living room.


    ¡°Master Hayden. Why are you back sote?¡± I heard Auntie¡¯s voice cry out as she tried to get Hayden¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Stop¡­nagging, Auntie¡­¡± Hayden said, his voice slurred.


    That man is drunk again¡­


    ¡°You went drinking again, didn¡¯t you? You reek of alcohol!¡± Auntie yelled loudly. She really does sound as if she was his mother.


    ¡°Go to sleep. It¡¯ste¡­Auntie¡­¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°Master Hayden! You should shower first¡­Hayden!¡± Auntie shouted but to no avail.


    I heard the sound of the door next to my room opening and then closing with a loud thud. Hayden must have opened and then mmed the door of his bedroom shut. Poor Auntie, I wonder how long she¡¯s had to deal with the likes of him.


    I couldn¡¯t go to sleep and decided to sit up in bed and review some of the sketches that I did earlier today. Perhaps if I took another crack at it now, I would be able to concentrate on it better than earlier in the day? It¡¯s worth a try¡­


    After a while, everything was peaceful and quiet, and I was able to concentrate on the work at hand. However, that peaceful period didn¡¯tst too long. Suddenly, I heard a loud crashing sound from next door. Next door to my room was¡­Hayden¡¯s room? Was everything ok in there? The sound I heard just now was super loud like somethingrge had fallen over.


    Should I go and ask if he¡¯s ok?


    Wait, no. He told me not to talk to him¡­but does that include cases of emergency?


    Maybe I¡¯m just overreacting. It¡¯s all quiet now as if nothing had happened. I wasn¡¯t sure ifplete silence after such as loud crash was a good thing. What if something fell over and he got stuck underneath?


    No¡­that can¡¯t be. This is not some random movie¡­


    Wait, but if he¡¯s really stuck or something big did fall over in his room, was he hurt? He was so drunk before and if he¡¯s as drunk as he had been when I first met him in the church, would he even be conscious enough to realize what was going on?


    I should leave him be¡­oh, but what if there was really an ident. What if he¡¯s badly hurt? What if he¡¯s dying¡­or dead?


    Arghhhhhh! I can¡¯t believe this!


    I pulled on my hair like a crazy person as I wrecked my brain on what I should do next. The small angel sitting on right shoulder debated non-stop with the small red little devil sitting on my left shoulder. They were driving me insane!Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Right¡­Auntie! I¡¯ll just find Auntie and let her know about it and then she can check on him.


    I flew out of my room so fast before I had time to think more about what I should do. I had to find Auntie and fast. It was when I had stepped out of my room and was standing cluelessly in front of my bedroom door that I realized that I had no idea how to find or contact Auntie.


    Did she even sleep here with us? Probably not. Even if she did, I don¡¯t know where her room is. She showed me around but never mentioned where her room was. Maybe that was because she didn¡¯t have a room and it¡¯s just Hayden and me here.


    ¡­it¡¯s just Hayden¡­and me¡­here?!


    The next thing I knew, I was standing in front of the door to Hayden¡¯s bedroom. Now what? I stared at therge door in front of me and hesitated. Do I knock?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 The Morning After

    My body feels sore and my head hurts like I had a hangover. I remember vaguely that I came to Hayden¡¯s roomst night to check up on him¡­and then¡­


    I bolted up in bed with my eyes wide opened as I remember what had happened after I entered Hayden¡¯s room. The first thing I did was feel my body for my clothes. Phew¡­my clothes were still on¡­


    However, when I looked around, I did not recognize my own bedroom. Obviously, because I was not in my own bed anymore which can only mean one thing. I¡¯m in Hayden¡¯s bed. Last night, I didn¡¯t have time or the attention to take in the surrounding of Hayden¡¯s room. Looking around, I realized howrge the room really was and how tidy.


    Everything about the room was luxurious, the room had its own private bathroom, and I could see two adjoined room from where I was sitting on the bed. One had its door opened and I could see that it was a mini private living and working room. The other had its door closed.


    The room was silent. I don¡¯t know what happened after I passed outst night but somehow, I ended up sleeping in Hayden¡¯s bed and right now, Hayden was no where to be seen. I wondered where he went off to so early in the morning. Usually Hayden woke upte; he clearly wasn¡¯t a morning person.


    I got out of his bed as fast as I could and quickly went back to my bedroom before anyone could spot me. My mind still felt like a mess and my body felt heavy, reminding me of the heated session I shared with Haydenst night. I could still feel his lingering touches on my most feminine part.


    Immediately after entering my room, I headed for the bathroom to take a shower. I knew I had to shake all thoughts of Hayden for my mind. After undressing, I looked at my naked self in the mirror; however, it only reminded me of the ces that Hayden had caressed, kissed, and pleasured.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    He touched me here, I thought as my hands move up to cover my breasts. My body still ached from his touch, and I could still feel the heat in between my legs. I touched my breasts and closed my eyes; I could see Hayden and hisrge manly hands on my womanly flesh as he squeezed and caressed them until they lost their shape in the palm of his hands.


    I heard myself moaning softly before whimpering his name as my breath quickened. Hayden¡­you¡¯re driving me insane¡­


    My body heated up as I massaged my own breasts, my mind filled of Hayden and how he teased me and yed around with my body. I moaned louder as my fingers moved to pinch and pull on my own nipples. The little nubs grew taunt and erect immediately at the stimtion of my own fingers.


    I opened my eyes again and Hayden was gone. It was just me all lone in my bathroom. What am I doing? I walked on shaky legs to the bathtub before climbing in and turning on the shower, feeling the warm water rain down on me from above as I sat in the bathtub and closed my eyes.


    Hayden¡­what do you want from me? He says that he doesn¡¯t want me and that we¡¯ll just go our separate ways¡­but the way he touches me¡­


    I spread my legs and moved my hand in between them. When my fingertips caressed my love entranced, I moaned softly at the pleasurable sensation. Hayden¡¯s fingers touched me like this. My pussy felt hot, and my slit was still wet and slippery from Hayden¡¯s stimtion from before. I couldn¡¯t deny that his experienced touches made me feel so good. He made me so wetst night.


    I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath to clear my head. This is such a mess. I usually don¡¯t crave this much for sexual pleasure and release. The way my pussy was aching for attention only reminded me of my days with Ethan and how we would do it so often back then. However, things were different now¡­much different.


    ¡­


    I walked out of my room as I counted down on the days I had left in this penthouse with Hayden.


    26 more days left until I will be free. Since I figured that Hayden was already out, there was on rush for me to leave the suite to avoid him. After getting dressed infortable clothing, I walked to the living room where I found a very busy-looking Auntie arranging flowers in a big vase.


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re super skilled at this. They¡¯re super pretty,¡± I said as I gestured to her flower arrangement.


    The older woman smiled happily at mypliment as her hands continued to arrange roses, lilies, and various other flowers into therge vase. Apart from their beautiful looks, the smell of the flowers was also amazingly sweet.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Malissa. If you¡¯re interested, I can teach you some simple flower arrangements,¡± Auntie offered kindly.


    I watched her slightly wrinkled hands skillfully arrange the flowers and wondered if there was anything this old Auntie couldn¡¯t do. ording to her, she¡¯s been ¡®babysitting¡¯ or taking care of Hayden for many years. Perhaps, she¡¯s been with him since his childhood?


    ¡°Really? That would be great. I¡¯ve always wanted to learn but never got around to it,¡± I said.


    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re an artist so you must have good sense for beauty. Flower arrangement should be a breeze for you,¡± Auntie said cheerily.


    ¡°I¡¯m just an art student. I¡¯m still in my final year of university¡­so I wouldn¡¯t dare call myself an artist yet,¡± I replied humbly.


    ¡°What art do you do?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Oh¡­I mostly focus on watercolor painting, but I can do other types of paintings and some basic sculpting as well,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Wow. You have to show me some of your paintings sometimes,¡± Auntie said with interest.


    ¡°Sure thing. Umm¡­Auntie you mentioned that you used to babysit Hayden¡­¡± I began, hesitantly. I didn¡¯t want her to feel that I was being too nosy.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Tell Me About Him

    ¡°Oh yes, I¡¯ve been with Master Hayden since before he was born. I used to be his mother¡¯s nanny you see and when she married the Master, I was graciously allowed to follow her here to continue serving her,¡± Auntie exined, her hands still busy with arranging the flowers.


    ¡°I see¡­umm, where is Hayden¡¯s mother now? I¡¯ve never met her although I¡¯ve met the Boss many times. She¡­wasn¡¯t at the wedding, was she?¡± I asked.


    ¡°The dear Madame, Master Hayden¡¯s mother, passed away a very long time ago. She passed away when Master Hayden was still a very small child,¡± Auntie replied. There was a sad look on her face as if she hasn¡¯t gotten over the death of Hayden¡¯s mother.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± I whispered.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Oh no¡­it¡¯s an old story now. Since my dear Madame passed away, I¡¯ve been raising Master Hayden as best as I can. Although, sometimes, I¡¯m not so sure if I¡¯ve done a decent job or not¡­¡± she said with a smallugh.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve given your all. There¡¯s nothing for you to feel regretful over,¡± I said,fortingly.


    ¡°Miss Malissa¡­¡± Auntie called my name softly.


    ¡°¡­Yes?¡± I said.


    ¡°Master Hayden is a wonderfully kind-heart person. I am sure that you will have a happy life with him,¡± the Auntie said with so much sincerity in her voice that I found myself speechless.


    It was hard for me to imaging Hayden as a ¡®wonderfully kind-hearted person¡¯ with everything that I¡¯ve witnessed and experienced. That man was aggressive, rude, violent, a drunkard, disrespectful, selfish, arrogant, perverted and the list just goes on and on with not-so-positive descriptive words.


    I guess I was experiencing firsthand a love of a mother. You know, the phenomenon where you dote on the child that you raised so much that you can¡¯t see any of his faults. No matter what happens, you only see the positive in the person and you trust the others to feel the same way.


    I had my own full-blown doubts about the Auntie¡¯s im, but I decided to keep my disagreement to myself.


    ¡°Thank you¡­I¡¯ll¡­keep that in mind,¡± I answered, as I pasted my most friendly smile on my face.


    After I continued to watch Auntie arrange the flowers, I remembered why I was here in the first ce. I didn¡¯te here to enjoy watching her arrange flowers, I came here to ask about Hayden.


    ¡°Auntie. You know that ording to the Boss¡¯s request, I¡¯m supposed to do something for Hayden everyday as part of¡­the agreement, right? So¡­I was wondering, what you think I should do for Hayden?¡± I asked, seeking for information.


    ¡°Oh, that. There are many things that Hayden likes¡­body massages, taking a stroll around at night, going to karaoke, going to car races, horse races¡­you could read him a book¡­take him to ate-night movie. There¡¯s so many things that you two can do together just like other young couples,¡± she replied enthusiastically.


    ¡°Umm¡­I think I was looking for something¡­that can be done without us having to meet?¡± I asked, rephrasing my question.


    ¡°Without having to meet?¡± Auntie said, in confusion.


    ¡°Yes. Like how yesterday I made breakfast and left it on the table for him, you know?¡± I said.


    ¡°Hmm¡­but wouldn¡¯t it be better for you two to spend time together to get to know each other?¡± she asked. I could see why she was confused. I guess that spending time together would be the correct thing to do in normal cases. Except, our case wasn¡¯t exactly normal.


    ¡°Haha¡­I guess¡­¡± I replied vaguely.


    Except, we didn¡¯t want to get to know each other. We wanted to avoid each other like the gue.


    ¡­


    Since talking to Auntie didn¡¯t give me any good ideas on what to do for Hayden without meeting him face-to-face, I decided to put something together for him in the kitchen. Surveying the ingredients, I decided to make a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toasted bread.


    After looked down at the neatly arranged food on therge, white, and round te when I was finished. The food looked yummy and smelled appetizing. Well, not that it mattered. I knew that this dish would go untouched until the time I returned to this penthouseter in the day because Hayden wouldn¡¯t touch it and Auntie would feel too guilty to throw it away herself. Plus, today Hayden had already left before me.


    Doesn¡¯t matter. I already fulfilled my part of the bargain.


    I pulled off the apron that I had been wearing and waltzed out of the kitchen, therge te in hand. I headed straight for the dining table where I quickly ced the te on the table. That¡¯s it. Done¡­for today.


    It was a littleter than I thought when I arrived at the hospital where my grandmother was staying. The morning traffic was worse than normal today and that dyed my ns. My grandmother seemed a little weaker than normal today as well and after spending a few hours together, she dozed off. The nurses reassured me that it was normal and just a side effect of the medication that she had been given.


    Since my grandmother fell asleep and I wanted her to rest, there was nothing I could do but pause my sketching and painting for the time being. It wasn¡¯t sote when I got in the car to head back to the penthouse. However, the traffic caused by some road maintenance wasted almost an hour of my time. By the time I got back to the penthouse it was almost sunset and I was in restless mood.


    I took the elevator up to the top floor immediately, looking forward to a warm shower followed by a peaceful dinner. Then perhaps I could watch a movie or listen to some music to wind down. I had many pleasant ns in my mind on how to spend the rest of my evening.


    ¡°Why are you back sote today?¡±


    A low and stern voice greeted me the moment that I stepped into the suite.


    Hayden¡­why is he back so early?! He¡¯s usually never back before midnight¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Don鈥檛 Play Innocent

    ¡°Says the guy whoes home way past midnight drunk on most days¡­¡± I replied as I closed the door behind me. I heard the door click shut and automatically lock behind me.


    I walked slowly into the dining room where Hayden was sitting at the dining table. I wondered what he wanted with me. I couldn¡¯t wait to get away from him.


    ¡°What?¡± Hayden said in surprise at my retort.


    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± I mumbled, turning to walk away.


    ¡°Hmm¡­sit down,¡± Haydenmanded, loud and clear.


    I turned to look at Hayden again. He was dressed in all ck today and I had to admit that he looked stunning. The ck suit, shirt and tie worked well to bring out his blond hair and beautiful blue eyes. The next thing that I noticed was the abundant amount of food on the table, all seemed untouched.


    He was waiting to have dinner¡­with me?


    Hesitantly, I sat down on the opposite side of the dining table. The food looks amazing and fancy; however, I had a feeling that I wasn¡¯t going to enjoy this meal.


    ¡°Eat,¡± Haydenmanded, his sharp eyes on me.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I whispered.


    I reached for the utensils on the table and began taking some food onto my te. After watching me eat for a little while, Hayden started eating as well. We ate in silence with neither of us saying anything. I didn¡¯t talk to him, and I was starting to feel thankful that he wasn¡¯t talking to me.


    However, having him so close and sitting right opposite to me made my mind think about him. I recalled when I first met him in the church where we were supposed to get married. I could see in my mind the scene from that day. Hayden was drunk and then his father hit him on the head, and he bled. I recalled the things he said¡­


    ¡°You look like you have something you want to say. Just spit it out,¡± Hayden said, cing his fork and knife down while his eyes stared at me.


    Now that he was asking, I might as well just ask him. It would be good to set the record straight between us.


    ¡°Umm¡­you don¡¯t really want to marry me, right?¡± I asked.


    ¡°So what?¡± Hayden said, his eyes narrowing at me.


    ¡°I mean, at the church you did say that you didn¡¯t want to marry me. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I feel the exact same way¡­¡± I said a little hesitantly.


    ¡°Your point is?¡± Hayden asked, sounding very detached and uninterested.


    ¡°You said that the only one who would be your bride is Amelia¡­¡± I said, recounting his words.


    Hayden stiffened in his seat at the mention of Amelia¡¯s name. His eyes narrowed at me, and I could sense that I had angered him. It felt like the temperature in the room dropped several degrees, suddenly, I felt very cold.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say her name. You have no right to say her name so casually,¡± Hayden spat at me. He was clearly offended by what I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­I didn¡¯t mean to offend you¡­or her,¡± I apologized. I guess, I said too much. After all, I don¡¯t even know this Amelia woman.


    ¡°So? Why are you asking?¡± Hayden asked, his tone reverting to its emotionless state.


    ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t intend to marry me anyways¡­then, after a month is over, you will set me free right?¡± I asked, hopefully.


    ¡°Is that what¡¯s been worrying you?¡± Hayden asked, his eyes burning into mine.


    ¡°Well, yes,¡± I replied.


    ¡°If you obey me well, I¡¯ll set you free,¡± Hayden said after a moment of thought. He picked up his utensils and continued with his meal.


    ¡°Really?¡± I said, my face lighting up with a smile. Soon, I¡¯ll be out of here.


    Hayden didn¡¯t reply as he continued to toy with the food on his te. I wondered if the food didn¡¯t suit his taste. To me, everything tasted heavenly. Better than any food that I¡¯ve ever tasted before.


    ¡°You seem very desperate to be free of me,¡± Hayden said observantly.


    ¡°Of course. I know that you don¡¯t want to be stuck with me either so¡­we should just go our separate ways¡­as soon as possible¡­¡± I said, seriously.


    ¡°I see. Well, enough talk about that. Now, tell me¡­¡± Hayden said, changing the topic.


    ¡°Tell you¡­what?¡± I asked, confused.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Are you still going to y innocent?¡± Hayden asked, his eyes returned to focus on me.


    ¡°I¡­honestly have no idea what you¡¯re talking about¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°Did you do something naughty? I¡¯ll considering lessening your punishment if you confess¡­¡± Hayden said as he leaned closer to me over the table.


    It¡¯s not possible. Could it be that he knew that I was in his room? But he was asleep¡­no wait¡­


    If Hayden was asleep all the time, then how did I end up on his bed?


    Hayden¡­he¡­


    ¡°Why did youe into my room when I clearly told you not to?¡± Hayden asked, his eyes never leaving my face.


    Shit. He knows¡­of course he knows¡­


    ¡°I¡­I was there to help you! I heard this loud crashing sound and since you were so drunk, I thought that I should check on you¡­¡± I tried to exin.


    ¡°I told you never toe into my room¡­¡± he repeated his rule. Clearly my appeal wasn¡¯t getting to him at all.


    ¡°It was a semi-emergency, I guess. Who knows, you could have been badly hurt. When I went inside, the bookshelf that had fallen over almost fell on top of you¡­¡± I continued to exin. For once, I was sure that I was making sense. Safety shoulde first before any of his stupid rules¡­


    ¡°So, you were worried about me?¡± Hayden asked, his eyes and face void of any emotions.


    This man is so cold, how could I think for a second that he would understand.


    ¡°¡­I guess I was¡­worried about you¡­¡± I mumbled while casting my eyes downwards.


    Hayden looked at me as he seemed to be making up his mind about his next move. I prayed silently that he would just let this slide.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called out his name softly.


    ¡°Were you really worried about me?¡± Hayden asked, his eyes looking deep into mine.


    ¡°Of course, I was. I would have been worried for anyone in that situation¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    Hayden sighed as he got up from his seat, slowly. I watched as he walked slowly to my side of the table until he was standing right next to where I was seated. I looked up at him and he down at me.


    ¡°What you said just now made a lot of sense,¡± Hayden said and for once his eyes were gentle.


    ¡°Then¡­¡± I began, hopefully.


    ¡°¡­but rules are rules, Malissa,¡± he whispered very close to my ear.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Rules & Punishment

    You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!


    His warm breath tickled my ear and my body trembled. His face is so close to mine as he bent down to my level and ced a hand on my shoulder. My body immediately stiffened as I felt the heat of his hand on my shoulder and his eyes burning into my face.


    ¡°How should I punish a naughty girl like you?¡± Hayden asked, teasingly as a beautiful yet haunting smile curved his lips.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name pleadingly. This is so ridiculous.


    Suddenly, his hands looped around my back while another one looped underneath my knees. In the next moment, my body was lifted into his arms. I let out a cry of shock as Hayden carried me up into his arms with ease. I started struggling against his hold and kicking my legs.


    ¡°I suggest you deal with this maturely. You¡¯re a grown woman after all,¡± Hayden said to me calmly, his arms tightening their hold around me.


    ¡°Stop! Hayden!¡± I cried out in panic.


    ¡°I suggest that you stop struggling¡­for your own benefit,¡± Hayden warned as he smiled charmingly at me. This man is such a sadist¡­


    ¡°Put me down! Hayden!¡± I cried out loudly.


    Hayden didn¡¯t respond as he strode in long and firm strides, taking me out of the dining room into the living room before dumping me down onto the sofa. I felt the softness of the sofa behind my back as heid me down. I tried to sit up immediately to escape from him, but hisrge frame was in front of me and then his body was on top of me before I could move.


    ¡°Hayden¡­no¡­¡± I whimpered as he used hisrge hand to pin both my wrists above my head to the sofa.


    ¡°Stop struggling¡­you¡¯ll only hurt yourself,¡± Hayden advised.


    With one hand restraining my wrists, his other hand began its journey down from the side of my neck down to my corbone. Slowly and seductively, he ran the tips of his beautiful fingers along my corbone.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± I asked, my voice shaking.


    ¡°To punish you, of course¡­¡± Hayden replied without hesitation.


    I struggled to keep myself from moaning when I felt the heat and wetness of the tip of his tongue running along my corbone where his fingers were a moment ago. His hands dipped lower and began unbuttoning the button of my shirt. I struggled against his restraining hand, but his grip was too strong. Whenever I struggled, he would squeeze my wrists in warning before rxing it again when I stopped struggling.


    Hayden expertly undid the buttons of my shirt with one hand without even looking at it as he continued to lick and kiss my corbone and the sensitive flesh of my chest. It wasn¡¯t long before his hand parted the fabric of my unbuttoned shirt to the side to reveal my light pinkce bra.


    ¡°You¡¯re breathing faster. Does my punishment excite you?¡± Hayden asked in a seductive whisper before he bit down softly on my shoulder.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It hurts a little, but I found myself letting out an embarrassing moan when his teeth dug into the skin of my bare shoulder.


    ¡°Ahh¡­Hay¡­den¡­¡± I whimpered. I wanted him to stop before I show him more of my embarrassing reactions.


    ¡°Moan all you like, there¡¯s no need to hold it in,¡± Hayden said softly.


    His hand moved down and cupped my right breast through my bra before squeezing it a little roughly. I could feel the pressure from his hand on my breast through thece fabric of my bra. His rough stimtions were staring to feel good. I wanted him to take off my bra so that I could feel hisrge hands directly on my naked flesh.


    Soon, my wish was granted. Hayden peeled down the cup of my bra and my breast spilled out of its confines into his awaiting hand. I felt the heat from his hand on my breast and it heated me up with desire. My nipple rubbed against his palm as hisrge manly hands massaged my tit, causing me to let out soft moans of pleasure. His touch on my skin and how he¡¯s ying with my breast turned me on so much.


    I felt an undeniable pleasurable and hungry ache deep inside of my lower abdomen. I squeezed my legs together tightly as I felt my pussy getting hotter and wetter.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called his name in between my blissful moans.


    ¡°I know¡­you want more, right?¡± Hayden said understandingly.


    ¡°Please¡­don¡¯t do this,¡± I pleaded in a whisper.


    ¡°Why? Doesn¡¯t it feel good. Can¡¯t you hear your sexy little moans?¡± Hayden said seductively.


    ¡°But we¡¯re¡­¡± I began and bit my lower lip to stop myself. I was about to say that we did not have any feelings for each other. We weren¡¯t lovers¡­so why¡­


    However, it urred to me that for Hayden, he probably was used to doing this sort of thing with any woman. I was sure from what I had seen that he had multiple lovers and that he slept around with no strings attached a lot¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t over think things and just enjoy your punishment¡­¡± Hayden said as his hand slowly stroked my brows, easing my frown.


    In that moment, I had an odd feeling that perhaps he really cared about me. However, that thought disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared in my mind. There was no way that Hayden had any care for me¡­


    His hand peeled the other cup of my bra away from my breast and began massaging it. I moaned louder and louder, unable to hold my voice in any longer as his hand pumped my breast wildly. It felt so amazing, his stimtions were turning me on, and I felt my pussy quiver and clench. I knew that I was getting wetter and wetter for him.


    ¡°Let me use this¡­so I can use both my hands to pleasure you,¡± Hayden said with an evil gleam in his eyes.


    His hand quickly loosened the ck tie from around his neck. I watched in shock as his necktie came loose and he started to use it to bound my wrists together. Hayden didn¡¯t bind my wrists together too tightly so it didn¡¯t hurt; however, it was tight enough that I couldn¡¯t loosen it no matter how much I tried to struggle against its hold.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Begging Him for Pleasure

    ¡°Ahh¡­Ahh¡­Ahhhh!¡± I moan repeatedly as I arched my back, thrusting my chest towards his hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a little slut, Malissa. Your naughty moans just got louder¡­¡± Hayden said, clearly satisfied.


    I couldn¡¯t concentrate any longer as my body melted with each of his pleasurable caress. Now that my wrists were bounded, Hayden¡¯s hands were free to y around with my body. His hands immediately grabbed my breasts simultaneously before pumping them together, making me cry out at the intensity of the pleasure he was making me feel.


    I watched Hayden¡¯s handsome face as he also watched my reactions. His fingers pinched both my nipples and my body writhed underneath him. I panted and moan as he rolled my hardened nipples in between his fingertips before tugging on them. It felt amazing, my body was so sensitive, and I felt him more and more. He was driving me insane with my desire for him.


    Hayden reached underneath me and unsped my bra before pulling itpletely off my shoulders and away from me, exposing my entire upper body to his hungry eyes. Hayden looked at me as he took in the contours of my upper body and the curves of my breasts. His eyes were burning with desire, and it shook me to the core.


    While I was lost in my own pleasure, I didn¡¯t realize at first that Hayden had begun undressing the lower half of my body. He removed my jeans from my body before his hand began pulling down my panties. His hands were aggressive and ruthless in his pursuit. I felt the cold air on my bare legs and before long my panties and jeans were flung on the floor.


    Iy there underneath himpletely naked. It wasn¡¯t the first time that Hayden had seen mepletely naked, but it was the first time that I was naked andying trapped under his powerful body.


    ¡°Hayden¡­please¡­enough¡­¡± I pleaded. If this goes on any further, I was afraid of losing any self-control that I had left. I was confused.


    Although my body wanted nothing more than to be one with this man, my heart wasn¡¯t ready. I didn¡¯t want to go all the way with Hayden. However, if he decided to take me by force, I knew that there was nothing that I could do about it. I could never fight him even in normal circumstances. Even less so now that my wrists were bounded together above my head.


    ¡°You say that but¡­are you sure that you want me to stop?¡± Hayden asked cunningly.


    Hisrge hands touched my knee before slipping in between my legs and parted them. I felt my pussy stretch open as Hayden used his hands to spread my legs open wider and wider. My body bucked and squirmed. I didn¡¯t want him to see the heat and wetness in between my legs.


    ¡°No¡­Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered softly as I rolled by head to the side in embarrassment.


    Slowly, his hands slid up the insides of my thighs and my pussy walls started clenching in anticipation. I hated myself and how much desire I felt for him. Hayden¡¯s hands began the torturously slow journey up my thigh as he stroked my inner thighs before progressive upwards inch by inch. I felt goosebumps on my skin at the anticipation and pleasure.


    ¡°As punishment for entering my room without permission, as of today, you right leg is now my possession,¡± Hayden stated as he bent his head down to nt a firm kiss on the inner thigh of my right leg.


    I gasped at the sensation and then moaned when Hayden followed up his kiss by sucking on my tender and sensitive skin. He sucked on it so hard that I was sure that he would leave a mark as if he wanted to mark that area as his own. Hayden chuckled with extreme satisfaction. His hands were now on the top of my inner thighs¡­he¡¯s so close to touching¡­


    ¡°Ahhhhh¡­¡± I moaned with pleasure when his fingers finally reached the aching wet heat in between my legs.


    ¡°Despite everything that you¡¯ve said, your pussy is already this flooded,¡± Hayden teased me as his fingertips ran up and down my wet and slippery slit.


    ¡°Ahh¡­Ahhhhh¡± I moaned loudly as I arched my hips upwards, thrusting my pussy towards his exploring fingers. I wanted him to touch me more. I wanted more pleasure.


    I wanted him to thrust his thick and long fingers inside of me and mess me up inside. I wanted him to make me cum¡­


    ¡°Beg me, Malissa. Beg me for your release¡­¡± Hayden said as he watched my every reaction. His pale blue eyes watched me closely like a tiger watching its prey.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name, lost in lust.


    ¡°I love it when you call my name in that naughty purr of yours¡­¡± Hayden said as he smiled at me.


    His fingertips finally found my swollen clit and began ying with it. He pinched my clit and I cried out loudly at the intense pleasure. I hadpletely forgotten up until now that we were fooling around in the middle of the living room where anyone could walk by. There were maids who worked here and Auntie¡­and¡­the men¡­


    All of my worries disappeared when Hayden stroked my clit faster and harder before rolling it in between his fingers and pulling on it. Gosh, my body felt so weak, and I felt like I was about to loose my mind. Am I about to cum from him ying with my clit?Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I said his name in a choked-up voice.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting wetter. Your juices are leaking out¡­¡± Hayden said. His dirty talking only worked to turn me on more than before. I must be going out of my mind.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­Ahhhhh!¡± I moaned loudly as I felt my climax building up inside of me. Warm and wet juices gushed out of my love hole as I got wetter and wetter down there.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Tell me, do you want me to make you cum?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Lustful Discipline

    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name, pleadingly.


    ¡°Say it¡­tell me what you want me to do to you,¡± Haydenmanded.


    ¡°Make me¡­cum¡­ Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered in between my incoherent moans of pleasure and lust.


    I couldn¡¯t want any longer. I wanted to feel his fingers prate deep inside of me. I wanted him to rub my sensitive spot deep inside until I came.


    I cried out and my hips thrusted upwards sharply at the sudden plunge of Hayden¡¯s thick fingers into my sopping wet pussy hole. Hayden had thrusted two fingers deep into me in one hard thrust. I felt my wet opening stretch to amodate his entrance as his fingers filled me deep inside. I moaned with bliss and closed my eyes at the satisfaction of my love hole being filled up.


    My hips began moving on its own, pumping up and down to take in his fingers deeper inside of my body. My pussy walls clenched around his thick fingers as I enjoyed the feel of his fingers against my pussy walls. Hayden looked down at me as he began pumping his fingers in and out of my love hole. He jerked his fingers out of me and rammed it in faster and deeper and I cried out at the heightened pleasure.


    His fingers reached in so deep into my core and stimted the pleasure spot deep inside of me as he pounded his fingers into me from various angles. My moans and pants were so loud now, and I couldn¡¯t control myself any longer. I just wanted him to make me cum.


    Sensing that I was close, Hayden curled up his fingers inside of me and began ramming his fingers in and out. His fingers found and caressed my g-spot expertly until I began seeing stars in my mind. I thrusted my hips upwards, pushing my pussy opening against his intruding fingers to suck his fingers deeper into my love hole. I was very close to my climax now¡­


    When Hayden reached out and massaged my clit with his other hand, I climaxed almost immediately. I cried out his name so loudly that my throat hurt as my climax hit me hard. I felt my own wetness squirt out of my pussy hole in stream as Hayden quickly withdrew his fingers from hole.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    When I started to calm down from my passionate orgasm, I felt my body being flipped over until I wasying on my frontside. Hayden positioned himself behind me and started using hisrge hands to lift up my hips until my ass was thrusted into the air. This is such an embarrassing position; however, I no longer had the strength or the willpower to resist his advances.


    Hayden knelt behind me, and I could feel the heat of his body on my skin as he hovered over me. Hisrge hands snaked in front of my body and began massaging my breasts. His touch was gentle at first before his caresses became increasingly bold and firm, until he was squeezing my breasts hard. His hands pumped my breasts roughly, making me cry out at the pleasurable sensation.


    ¡°Did you like how I touched you? You were crying out just like this when I yed with your tits in my room¡­¡± Hayden hissed in my ear as his fingers moved to attack my erect nipples.


    His fingers pinched and squeezed my nipples relentlessly and I cried out and whimpered along with each of his touches. My nipples were swollen and hard, making them very sensitive to his caresses. I could feel pleasure coursing through my body from where his fingers were pinching my nipples and I felt my pussy tighten as I got wetter.


    ¡°Your nipples were so hard and your pussy was soaking wet¡­just like now¡± Hayden whispered into my ear.


    No¡­Hayden¡­he was awake the whole time. He yed with my body intentionally and remembered every moment and everything that happened between us.


    Hayden¡­he tricked me¡­


    ¡°Naughty girls who don¡¯t listen need to be punished, you know?¡± Hayden whispered with satisfaction into my ear before he bit on my earlobe gently. I moaned at the sensation of his teeth sinking softly into my earlobe.


    ¡°Hayden¡­please¡­¡± I whimpered. He¡¯s taking this punishment of his too far.


    ¡°I¡¯ll spank this lovely ass of yours and then I¡¯ll make you cum until you faint. How does that sound, Malissa?¡± Hayden said with a satisfied smile.


    His hand yanked on my hair, pulling my face up to meet his beautiful blue gaze. His eyes were like a stormy sea. I could see so many emotions swimming in his captivating blue eyes as his gaze burned into me with passion.


    ¡°Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhhhh!¡± I cried out so loudly that my throat hurt.


    The sound of hisrge hand pping the cheek of my ass could be heard loudly throughout the living room. I cried out at the sensation of his hand hitting my ass. Each stroke leaving my ass stinging with a slight pain that made my skin more sensitive than before.


    ¡°It¡¯s exciting, isn¡¯t it? Being punished like this is turning you on, am I right?¡± Hayden said as his hands continued to p my ass loudly.


    My body jerked as each stroke hit my sensitive skin. Hayden¡¯s other hand held my waist in ce while his other hand delivered my punishment.


    ¡°Hayden¡­ahhhhhhh¡­¡± I called out his name as I began moaning loudly.


    I felt a stinging sensation all over my ass from his punishment when he was finally satisfied and had stopped pping my ass with hisrge hand. His hands now stroked my ass in circr motion as he massaged my flesh causing me to let out soft moans.


    ¡°Did that turn you on more than before? Your pussy got so much wetter¡­your juices are dripping down your legs already¡­¡± Hayden teased me as his fingers stroked my sopping wet opening.


    I felt my own wetness gush out from my hole and onto his fingers before dripping onto my inner thighs. The lewd sound of wetness from his fingers stroking my opening filled the living room along with our passionate pants and moans of pleasure. His fingers stroked and teased my opening before pinching on my swollen clit.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Irresistible Pleasure

    Hayden pinched my clit repeatedly, driving me wild with lust before rubbing it hard. My cries of pleasures got even louder. I was so lost in the ecstasy of the moment that I didn¡¯t realize that Hayden had buried his face in between my legs until I felt the hotness of his breath on my womanly opening.


    ¡°Hayden¡­don¡¯t¡­¡± I whispered before I continued to moan from the pleasure that was stirring up inside of me.


    Then I felt it. The tip of his hot tongue flicked out against my flooded opening as he began licking my pussy from behind. I felt so embarrassed from this position. I knew that he could see my pussy up close and he was tasting my love juices; however, the feel of his tongue sliding up and down my opening before teasing my swollen clit felt so amazing.


    I felt my pussy quiver and my pussy walls clenched from the pleasurable sensation that Hayden¡¯s skillful tongue was delivering. It was driving me insane with lust and desire and I felt the heat in me burn hotter than before.


    ¡°I keep licking up your juices, but more and more is gushing out¡­¡± Hayden said when he paused his licking. I looked behind to see him licking his wet lips.


    ¡°Hayden¡­Ah!¡± I said his name softly before crying out in shock.


    Hayden had buried his face in between my legs once more, this time shoving his hot tongue deep inside of my pussy hole. His tongue plunged deep inside of my throbbing cunt and began wriggling inside,pping up my love honey from the inside. The texture of his tongue rubbed against the wall of my pussy, making me writhe with pleasure.


    I thrusted my ass backwards and upwards towards his mouth, lost in lust. I wanted to feel more of him. I wanted to feel his tongue fuck me deeper inside of my hole. Hayden began thrusting his tongue in and out of my hole and I could feel my body tense at the intensity of the pleasure.


    Just as Hayden had promised¡­I was about to cum¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­stop! I¡¯m¡­¡± I cried out before my words got lost in my own incoherent moans of bliss.


    ¡°Cum¡­cum in my mouth, Malissa. Let me eat you¡­¡± Hayden whispered lustily against my pussy opening before he thrusted his tongue back inside of my love hole.


    His hands grabbed my hips as he rocked my ass onto his hot tongue. The movement of his tongue inside of me was driving me closer and closer to the edge. I cried out his name as his tongue thrusted in and out of me faster and faster until all I could see was star-like explosions in my own mine as my climax hit me hard.


    I came so much into his mouth and Hayden¡¯s tongue joyfullypped up my love juices as he drank me. It was so embarrassing that I had just done something so intimate with Hayden, but my body relished in the feel of his lovemaking.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    I was still catching my breath when I felt my hips being lifted by hisrge and warm hands once again from behind. Then a sharp prating sensation followed by a sense of fulfillment when I realized that Hayden had shoved two long and thick fingers inside of my love tunnel from behind. The angle of his fingers piercing my hole from behind felt incredible.


    Because the angle was different from when he prated me when I was lying on my back, I felt the pleasure and stimtion in a different spot. It felt different yet so good in a different way. Without warning, he began moving his fingers around deep inside of my pussy hole as if searching for my sensitive spot.


    ¡°Every time that I rub you here, your pussy twitches and clenches around my fingers¡­it feels good here, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Hayden said knowingly when his fingers found the sensitive spot deep inside of my love tunnel.


    ¡°Hay¡­den¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t say anything else but moan out his names as I panted hard.


    Hayden justughed at me as his other hand patted my ass adoringly. Then his fingers began thrusting fast and hard in and out of my wet hole, making sure that his fingers pushed against and stimted the sensitive spot that he had just found.


    I felt his fingers thrust deep inside of me and with each thrust, he drove me closer and closer to my climax once again. His fingers prated me from various angles, pushing against my sensitive spot repeatedly until I felt like my insides havepletely melted at his touch. The pleasurable ache inside of me intensified as Hayden continued to pump his fingers in and out of my hole.


    ¡°Ohh¡­Hayden¡­Ahhh!¡± I cried out in pleasure as his fingers sped up its thrusting motion.


    ¡°I know you love this. You¡¯re a really naughty girl, Malissa. Your hips are moving non-stop against my hand¡­¡± Hayden said beforeughing at me. He was truly enjoying himself and my reactions to his seductive touches.


    I couldn¡¯t lie to myself. My body was truly enjoying itself and Hayden¡¯s lewd touches. I felt my orgasm fast approaching as my pussy walls continued to clench around his invading fingers. I cried out louder when Hayden shoved his finger faster and harder inside of me. I felt like he would break me apart, but my hips wouldn¡¯t stop moving, grinding my pussy against his fingers.


    I cried out like a mad woman when my climax finally imed me. I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes tightly as my mind-shattering orgasm took over my body. I writhed on the sofa and cried out his name so loudly until my voice was hoarse.


    Hayden removed his fingers from my pussy hole in one swift motion and my wetness gushed out of my hole like a flooding dam onto my thighs and the sofa below me. I plopped down as I tried to catch my breath, my body a wasted mess on the sofa.


    ¡°I wonder what Auntie is going to think when she sees your cum all over the sofa¡­¡± Hayden teased.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I said weakly.


    ¡°I bet she¡¯ll be so happy thinking that we finally did it¡­haha¡± Hayden said followed by augh.


    I felt so tired and weak from the heated session we just shared. I could hardly move my body as Iy there on my stomach on the sofa. I felt Hayden shift his weight as he got off me and sat down on the sofa as if nothing had happened. I looked at him and saw him licking the wetness of my release from his fingers as his blue eyes stared back at me.


    Hayden¡­you¡¯re such a monster¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 A Morning with Him

    When I woke up, surprisingly, I was back in my own bedroom with a nket ced over my body. Did Hayden carry me back here?


    He probably did. Who else could have done it?


    I had very fuzzy memories ofst night and I must have fallen into a deep slumber before waking up this morning. Thest thing I remembered was that I¡­


    Hayden made me came so much as part of his punishment¡­and my body was still feeling the consequences of that.


    25 more days with Hayden in this penthouse. That was the first thought that crossed my mind when I woke up. I didn¡¯t put up a calendar to strike out the days that had passed because there was no need to. I would urately count down the days until these 30 torturous days ran out and I could return to my normal life.


    I showered, got dressed in casual clothes and left my bedroom. This has be my morning routine since I moved into this penthouse. As usual, I didn¡¯t expect to see Hayden today. I thought that just like the other days, Hayden would be out and avoid contact with me. However, it seemed that today Hayden had other ns in mind as he sat there at the dining table eating chocte cake and sipping tea from a blue and white porcin teacup.


    Chocte cakes and tea did not suit the image that I had of him at all. He seemed so at peace and unlike his drunken self from the nights before. I watched him silently as I felt a heat rise in my face as I remember what he did to mest night¡­


    Sure, I broke the rule, but it wasn¡¯t intentional. It was an emergency, and I did it for his own good. What he did was clearly wrong, and I could feel his touch on my skin even though I¡¯ve taken a good long shower.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Unlike before, I knew now that he wasn¡¯t drunk and that he remembered everything that transpired between us the night that I entered his room and he definitely remembered what happened between usst night. I hated the fact that we lived together because that meant that I had no real ce to hide, not that I could hide away from him forever.


    However, that did not make facing him this morning any easier. I still didn¡¯t know what to say to him or what face to make. Hayden¡¯s presence still disturbs me, and I feel insecure and anxious whenever he was around.


    Putting on a brave act, I slowly came out of where I was hiding and slowly approached the dining table where Hayden was seated.


    We¡¯re supposed to live separately, and I couldn¡¯t agree more to that, but I had to keep my part of the deal. I had to do something for Hayden today and cooking breakfast for him and just leaving it on the table was no longer an option. What should I do for him?


    ¡°Well, good morning, Miss Malissa. Would you care for some cake and tea?¡± Auntie came to my side and asked cheerily when she saw that I had seated myself opposite to Hayden on the dining table.


    Hayden, on the other hand, continued to concentrate on his tea and the phone in his hand as if I didn¡¯t exist in the same ne of universe as he did. I rolled my eyes in annoyance at him, but I was sure that he didn¡¯t even see it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just have the tea, thank you,¡± I replied with a friendly smile at Auntie.


    ¡°Eating cakes seemed to help cure Master Hayden of his hangover and puts him in a better mood,¡± Auntie chimed in happily as she poured tea for both Hayden and me.


    I took a sip of the tea that Auntie had poured, feeling slightly surprised at the aromatic fruity smell of the tea. Hayden is drinking the same tea as me, was this the kind of tea that he likes. Sweet cakes and fruity tea just didn¡¯t seem to suit his ultra-violent and overbearing image at all.


    I watched Hayden intently from the rim of my teacup as I continued to sip tea. Hayden was dressed in a simple white shirt with very few buttons buttoned, exposing his well-toned chest muscles, and a pair of light blue jeans. His light blond hair was still damp making it appear darker than normal andbed back roughly. His blue eyes were focused on his mobile¡¯s screen.


    ¡°What are you staring at? Liking what you see?¡± he spoke up so suddenly that I gasped in shock before I could control myself.


    Hayden didn¡¯t even look at me, his eyes were still glued to his phone screen while he typed away with the pad of thumb.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡­staring,¡± I denied softly.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Well, not that it matters,¡± Hayden replied without a care.


    Hayden went back to pretending that I didn¡¯t exist as he sighed and continued typing on his phone faster as his brows knitted together. Soon after, his phone started vibrating and he cursed under his breath before answering the call.


    ¡°I told you that I¡¯m not going¡­¡± Hayden said loudly.


    Clearly, he did not mind if I overheard his conversation. Although, I had to say that I had no idea what he was talking about or who he was talking to.


    ¡°Fuck it¡­it doesn¡¯t matter to me. I¡¯m not going,¡± Hayden spat through the phone, his brows furrowing in annoyance.


    After what seemed like a short while of convincing from the other end of the line, Hayden heaved a loud sigh as he ran his fingers through his blond hair. He looked bored, annoyed, and very frustrated at best.


    Whoever was on the other end of the line was probably pestering him to do something that he didn¡¯t want to do or go somewhere that he didn¡¯t want to go.


    ¡°Fine. I guess I do owe you from before¡­I¡¯ll get you out of this one¡­¡± Hayden said in defeat as he heaved a sigh.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 At His Pace

    I could hear a loud cheer andughter from the other end of the line before Hayden quickly hung up the call. I wondered what that was all about. However, as always, it had nothing to do with me. Now, I have to quicklye up with an idea of what to do for Hayden today so that I can get that over and done with.


    Easier said than done. Nothing wasing to mind. I had just finished my first cup and tea and no good ideas were popping into my head. I started furrowing my brows together and I looked around the room for some inspiration. Should I just ask Hayden straight out what he wanted and get it over with?


    ¡°Get dressed. You¡¯reing with me,¡± Hayden said in amanding voice as he looked at me for the first time since I entered the room.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°¡­Huh? Me?¡± I eximed in shock as I pointed a finger towards myself.


    ¡°Who else is here?¡± He asked sarcastically.


    Sure, we were now the only two people in the room but that was not that I meant. Did he seriously want me to go with him? Where? Why? I was so confused that I didn¡¯t know what to say for a moment.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°I said¡­get dressed¡­¡± Hayden repeated, his patients running thin.


    ¡°Get dressed¡­as in¡­¡± I said, confused. As far as I was concerned, I was dressed.


    Does that mean that we¡¯re going somewhere fancy where I needed to dress up more? These casual clothes were not enough, I guess. It wasn¡¯t like I had any fancy clothes or anything in my closet, but I guess I do have something that looks better than shirt and jeans.


    Still confused, but with Hayden¡¯s pressuring re, I headed back to my bedroom to slip on something dressier. I opened my closet and picked up one of the few dresses that I had. It wasn¡¯t like I had a lot of options to choose from. Out of the few dresses that I had, I picked out a light pink knee-length dress with rose print that I felt looked decent.


    ¡°Are you done?!¡±


    I heard Hayden shouting loud and clear as he banged on my bedroom door. That guy is clearly out of his mind. How fast does he expect me to change clothes? Seriously!


    ¡°Almost!¡± I shouted back, making sure that he could hear me.


    From my estimation of how crazy Hayden could be, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he tore down the door in his rush. I quicky yanked on the pink dress and zipped up the back as fast as I could as Hayden continued to bang on the door. Was he nning to keep on banging on the door until I finished?


    I opened the door once I was done dressing and immediately came face-to-face with Hayden who was standing right on the other side of the door. The moment heid eyes on me; his eyes grew wide with shock.


    He took a couple of steps back wordlessly, as his eyes scanned me from head to toe. Hayden looked shocked and as he silently ced a hand over his mouth and shook his head from side to side as if not able to believe what he was seeing. I honestly couldn¡¯t understand what was going on.


    ¡°Hayden?¡± I called his name questioningly.


    ¡°¡­Shit,¡± Hayden muttered, his eyes still on me.


    ¡°Umm¡­what¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked, still very confused at his reaction.


    Hayden started calling on his phone as he kept his eyes glued on me, looking me up from head to toe as if he¡¯d seen a ghost of something along those lines.


    ¡°Hey¡­I¡¯m gonna bete¡­Look there¡¯s not much that I can do. You just hang in there until I arrive, ok?¡± Hayden spoke through the phone. I could figure that he was talking to the same person who was pestering him to go somewhere a while ago.


    And with that short and almost one-sided conversation, Hayden hung up. However, before I could open my mouth to ask him about what was going on, Hayden was already dialing another number on his mobile phone. I just stood there, still confused, as I watched Hayden waiting for the line to connect.


    ¡°It¡¯s me. I¡¯ll be there in 15 minutes, and I need the usual¡­actually, multiple times the usual¡­¡± Hayden spoke hurriedly through the phone.


    I couldn¡¯t hear what the other person said on the other end of the line and so I had no idea what he was talking about. Was he going to pick something up?


    ¡°Umm¡­what¡¯s going on?¡± I asked hesitantly, clearly showcasing my confusion.


    ¡°Follow me. We¡¯re leaving now,¡± Hayden said emotionlessly as he turned and started walking towards the exit of the penthouse.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked, demanding for answers.


    He refused to answer as he headed towards the exit of the suite in long strides. I practically had to run after him to keep up with him. Why won¡¯t he tell me anything? Where is he going to take me?


    ¡°Does this count as me doing something for you today?¡± I asked desperately. If I had to go along with this then I might as well use it toplete my part of the deal for the day.


    ¡°Yeah, it does. Nowe along, quickly,¡± Hayden said without bothering to turn around to look at me.


    It urred to me that this was the first time that I was leaving the penthouse along with Hayden. Usually, we left separately and at different times and never ran into each other. I nced at the tall man that was standing next to me in the elevator with our bodies close and almost touching and wondered what he was thinking with that frown on his handsome face.


    When the elevator reached the ground floor, Hayden stepped out in front of me. I followed him through the lobby and to the front of the building. Wasn¡¯t he going to take the car? Why didn¡¯t he lead me to the parking building?


    I could tell that Hayden was in a rotten mood and he was stressing over something. What that something was, I had no idea. He clicked his tongue in annoyance as he ran his fingers through his light blond hair while we just stood there next to each other. I was beginning to wonder what he was waiting for.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Complete Makeover

    Suddenly therge round pattern on the ground started rotating and descending. I stared at it, slightly shocked. I honestly thought that the round pattern on the floor was just for decoration, apparently, that wasn¡¯t so. After descending into the ground, the found tform resurfaced, this time with a bright red Ferrari on it.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    For a moment, I felt like I was watching some sexy cars reveal at a motor show. Both the car and the way that it was transported up in style from the ground definitely made an impact. I couldn¡¯t help staring at the red Ferrari sports car that was now parked in front of me. I hated to admit it but it was crystal clear that Hayden and I came from different worlds. Not that I didn¡¯t know that already, but seeing his blunt disy of wealth was just rubbing the truth in my face a little bit too much.


    ¡°Stop staring and get in,¡± Hayden said.


    His hand grabbed my arm and began pulling me towards the car as he opened the passenger seat and shoved me into the car. The ck and red leather seat of the sportscar made me feel out of ce. Hayden got into the driver seat in a hurry and started the car. I sessfully put on my seat belt just a split of a second before Hayden started driving¡­fast.


    I knew that he was in a hurry and not in the best of moods but isn¡¯t this driving a little too reckless? He¡¯s trying to get us both killed in a car crash. Either that, of he wanted to kill me by giving me a heart attack. I screamed when he made a sharp turn that sent the car screeching as it skidded on the road. I grabbed whatever I could find to hang on to dear life.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you drive any slower!¡± I screamed at Hayden in my fright.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the point of having a Ferrari?¡± Hayden asked sounding extremely bored.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­to show off?¡± I replied, sarcastically.


    ¡°If you think this one is a showoff, just wait till you see the rest of my cars¡­¡± Hayden said with clear annoyance.


    I couldn¡¯t care less about what car he had or how many. All I cared about at the


    moment was to survive this ride. Plus, I still didn¡¯t know where he was taking me.


    ¡°Where are we going? Can¡¯t you tell me now?¡± I asked, impatiently.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡­¡± Hayden muttered, his eyes on the road.


    ¡­


    The car came to a screeching stop in front of a fancy building that had arge ss disy. Anyone could tell that this ce was a very upscale beauty salon. A ce that I would never visit in my life¡­normally. However, now I am standing in front of this luxurious beauty salon with Hayden, and it reminded me that my life wasn¡¯t exactly normal right now.


    ¡°What are you spacing out for?¡± Hayden said as he red at me.


    Without another word, he grabbed my hand and dragged me after him inside of the salon. His hand that held mine was warm and I felt my heartbeat quicken as I watched his broad back in front of me. I wondered why we were here. Does Hayden need an urgent hair cut or something?


    ¡°This is Bruno. Bruno this is Malissa¡­I want you to¡­upgrade her and fast,¡± Hayden said as he introduced me to a middle-aged man.


    I could tell immediately that Bruno was a stylist by the way he dressed, his aura and the way he looked in general. Bruno was just what you would imagine of a gay and talent stylist.


    ¡°Wow¡­where did you pick this¡­rough gem up? How much time do I have, baby?¡± Bruno said in a high-pitch voice as he looked me up and down as if appraising my worth with his expert eyes.


    ¡°Two hours max. You can manage, right?¡± Hayden replied hurriedly.


    ¡°Oh¡­of course, but it¡¯s going to cost you¡­extra,¡± Bruno replied with a bright smile full of teeth as he rubbed his thumb and index fingers together. Clearly gesturing for money.


    ¡°Yeah, whatever, just get started,¡± Hayden said with a sigh before plopping down on a sofa as if his job was finally over.


    ¡°Over here, my lovely. My minions¡­over here please!¡± Bruno said to me as he gestured for me to follow him before calling out to his team members.


    ¡°Wait¡­Hayden?¡± I said, confused with what was going on.


    Hayden just took out his phone and began ying with it without as much as ncing in my direction. He¡¯s just downright ignoring me right now. What a jerk!


    ¡°This way dear. I¡¯m afraid we don¡¯t have much time to give you aplete makeover,¡± Bruno said as he pushed my back, urging me deeper into the back of the building.


    ¡°Aplete¡­makeover?¡± I asked in confusion. That was what he said, right?


    ¡°Yes dear. Complete makeover. Everything¡­you know, everything! Hair, nails, body scrub, makeup, clothes, shoes¡­and everything else,¡± Bruno quickly exined.


    When we entered the area at the back where I guessed the makeover would be taking ce, I was greeted with another five members of Bruno¡¯s team. They began working on me in their respective field of expertise, all at the same time. This was probably to save time since Hayden just gave them two hours only to work their magic.


    Obviously, I have never had a full makeover done by professionals before because I couldn¡¯t afford it and honestly, never thought that I had a need for it. However, I had watched in some series and could imagine what they were going to do to me. The biggest question was, why did Hayden bring me here to get a makeover?


    As Iy on the bed, getting my hair washed and my scalped massage as a facial mask was ced on my face, I began thinking once again why Hayden had arranged this for me? Did he think that I looked so dissatisfactory that I needed aplete makeover?


    That thought just pissed me off and I found myself balling my hands into fists in reflex. That guy is just insulting and driving me insane¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Transformation

    ¡°Miss, please keep your hands rxed by your side. I need to fix the shape of your nails before I start with the nail extensions¡­¡± a sweet voice said to me.


    Oh right, they¡¯re also working on my nails. I quickly rxed my hand and ced them t on the bed once gain so that they could continue working their magic on me. It was my first time getting a makeover at a salon like this and I was beginning to rx and enjoy myself. I mean, it was nice being pampered and the bed was rxing.


    That, however, does not mean that I had forgiven Hayden or given him credit for anything of this.


    After the two hours was over, Bruno and his team was done with transforming me. My hair was cut and styled into long waves and curls that swept down to my shoulders and the middle of my back. My nails were now long and shapely with an ultra-neat French manicure.


    Bruno had picked out a shy mid-calf dark blue dress with sparkly sequins, a V-neck that I thought showed off a little too much of my cleavage and a slit that ran up too far up the side of my leg. When I tried on the dress, Bruno was so excited and convinced that he had made the right choice and no matter what I said could change his mind.


    ¡°It looks perfect on you like it was made for you. You look gorgeous, sexy, and fierce in it. This is it!¡± Bruno said with excitement as he pped his hands together repeatedly.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    I looked at my reflection in the mirror and I had to say that I didn¡¯t quite share his excitement. One of his team members helped me slip on a pair of pin-point high heel pumps with a high tform in front. I have never worn a shoe this high before in my entire life. The shoes were a matching color with the dress and went together quite well.


    However, when I looked at my own reflection that was staring back at me, I hardly looked like my old self anymore. My hair was different, and I had a lot of make up on, making my eyes seem wider than before and my lips fuller. I guess this is what the current standard of beauty dictates as beautiful¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that the dress is a little too¡­revealing?¡± I asked Bruno as I turned around from side to side to inspect my reflection from various angles. That only confirmed to me that the dress was indeed very revealing.


    ¡°Not at all. It is perfect and makes you look like an angel!¡± Bruno said proudly.


    I could tell that he truly meant it and that left no room for arguments. On top of that, time was already running out. Bruno inspected me from head to toe onest time before handing me a piece of very expensive looking earrings of blue sapphires and diamonds. Are these real?


    ¡°Let me put these on you real quick and that shouldplete the look as the final touch¡­¡± Bruno muttered softly as his hands expertly began putting the earrings on me.


    Once the earrings were on, I examined my reflection in the mirror and had to blink rapidly in astonishment. I never knew that adding earrings could truly bring out so much beauty. The earring sparkled in the light and made the outfit that I had on, and my facial features stand out a lot more than before.


    ¡°Hayden surely has great tastes¡­¡± Bruno said with satisfaction in his voice as he stepped back to examine my reflection in the mirror.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, slightly confused.


    ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t know? Hayden bought these earrings for you and told me to create a look around it. I think he said something along the lines of it suiting the beauty of your eyes¡­¡± Bruno said with a big smile on his face.


    Hayden¡­bought these earrings for me? I couldn¡¯t quite believe what I was hearing. Why would he do that? What hidden intentions did he have?


    ¡°I see. No, I didn¡¯t know¡­¡± I mumbled vaguely as my mind still struggled to process what was going on.


    ¡°Come along now. We shouldn¡¯t keep Hayden waiting any longer than he has to,¡± Bruno said as he ushered me back to the front of the salon where Hayden was waiting.


    It has been a little less than two hours since I left Hayden there on the sofa, I wonder if he¡¯s still there. Bruno led me through the curtains and suddenly, I found myself back in front of the salon. Hayden was still sitting on the sofa with his eyes on the screen of his mobile phone as if I had only been gone for five minutes and nothing more.


    Hayden¡¯s eyes left the screen and nced over at me when he heard the sound of my high heels clicking against the marble floor as I walked forward towards him. If Hayden was impressed with what he saw, he didn¡¯t show it. His face was a handsome unreadable mask as his beautiful blue eyes took in my new look from head to toe, slowly and intently.


    Without a word of praise orment, he silently nodded his head firmly and took out his ck credit card and handed it to a very please-looking Bruno.


    I guess, he liked the transformation enough to pay for it. His eyesnded on my face and for the first time I saw some reaction in his emotionless face. A small smiled curled his lips and for a split second, I thought that his eyes suddenly had a gentle look in them. However, his face and eyes reverted to their old emotionless self so fast that I was no longer sure if what I saw was just the result of my own imagination.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said as he stood up from the sofa.


    I quickly thanked Bruno and his team members on the way out before following Hayden back to his car that was parked out front. I realized that I still had no idea where we were headed¡­


    Are we going on date?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Fake Girlfriend

    We arrived at our next destination which was one of the most famous luxury hotels in the city. Hayden parked his car right in front of the hotel lobby¡¯s entrance where a valet dressed in a ck suit came to assist Hayden. Without a word, Hayden ced his hand at the small of my back and began guiding me into the hotel.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act so nervous¡­¡± Hayden whispered closed to my ear.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I can help it¡­¡± I whispered back.


    How can I not be nervous about this? I felt like I was about to have a mental breakdown or a panic attack at any moment. Everything about this ce and this situation made me feel out of ce like a fish out of the waters.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I can¡¯t do this¡­I¡¯m very sorry,¡± I whispered as I suddenly stopped in my tracks.


    ¡°Yes, you can. You look so beautiful tonight, I could mistake you for an angel that came down from the heavens to earth,¡± Hayden whispered closed my ear.


    ¡°You¡¯re so evil¡­¡± I hissed. I knew he didn¡¯t quite mean what he said but I couldn¡¯t stop myself from feeling a little happy at hispliments.


    ¡°So, I¡¯ve been told¡­¡± Hayden said as he smiled charmingly at me without a care.


    Now what?


    ¡­


    A while ago while we were in Hayden¡¯s car on the way to our next destination, I began demanding for answers to the endless streams of questions that were floating around in my head. I felt like my head was going to split open if I couldn¡¯t get any answers to them.


    ¡°Why did you make me get a makeover?¡± I asked, demanding for answers.


    ¡°Because I can¡¯t let you turn up dressed in rags and looking the way you usually do,¡± Hayden answered matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Turn up where? Where are we going?¡± I asked, raising my voice a little to get his attention.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon. At least now you sorta look the part¡­¡± Hayden said, his eyes glued to the road.


    ¡°Look the part? What part?¡± I asked, getting more confused by the minute.


    ¡°Listen to me carefully because I¡¯m only going to tell you this once. I¡¯m taking you to a private party that one of my best friends is hosting. When you¡¯re there all you have to do is act like you¡¯re his girlfriend, ok?¡± Hayden exined so casually that I didn¡¯t get his message at first.


    ¡°Ok¡­no wait! What? Me¡­act as your friend¡¯s girlfriend?¡± I replied in shock.


    Of all the crazy scenarios that I had imagined, faking to be his best friend¡¯s girlfriend wasn¡¯t on my list of crazy scenarios. Then again, Hayden asking me to go on a date with him was probably more far-fetched than what I¡¯m facing right now.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what I just said?¡± Hayden said with a hint of annoyance.


    ¡°No¡­that¡¯s crazy. There¡¯s no way that I¡¯m doing that¡­¡± I said firmly, my voice getting louder.


    ¡°Guess you¡¯ve suddenly got the 500 million dors to pay my old man back now, huh?¡± Hayden asked, his tone so sarcastic that I wanted to box him in the ear.


    I wanted to scream at him. How dare he rub my debt in my face like that? I hated what he was doing so much but as much as I hated to admit it, he was partly right. This was part of fulfilling the deal that I had made with his father. However, how am I supposed to act like a fake girlfriend for a guy that I have never met before?


    ¡°So¡­what do I have to do¡­exactly?¡± I asked after letting out a resigned sigh.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re finally getting it. The friend that I¡¯ve got to help out is the son of a veryrge conglomerate dealing with shipping and cargo and the like. Basically, his father is trying to get him to date an heiress to a rather big empire made of cash. However, as you would expect the ssic story to go, my friend has no interest in that girl and that is where youe in,¡± Hayden exined before turning to wink at me.


    ¡°I guess I have to y the role of his girlfriend to get keep that girl away and to show her that he already has a girlfriend?¡± I stated my best guess. This is getting so messed up.


    ¡°Exactly right. So, during the party, he will introduce you as his girlfriend and you just y along. Simple,¡± Hayden said.


    He surely made it sound like it was nothing at all. Of course, he could say it however he wanted because he wasn¡¯t the one all dolled up to fool the world.


    ¡°Why do I have to do this? Can¡¯t you¡­hire some girl to do it instead? She¡¯ll probably do a way better job than me,¡± I said, trying to convince Hayden to change his mind and perhaps, turn the car around?


    Hayden nced my way and chuckled at little.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re perfect because you can look decent while not looking like a hooker. If we¡¯re going to convince that heiress then the girlfriend can¡¯t be some supermodel or hooker, otherwise, she¡¯ll just think that it isn¡¯t a serious rtionship,¡± Hayden exined.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± I mumbled, not quite buying his argument but it wasn¡¯t like I had a choice.


    The fake eyshes that I had on felt heavy. My makeup was thick, my high heels were too high, the slit running up my thigh was too revealing, and the waist of my dress felt too tight. Overall, I felt like a walking disaster and couldn¡¯t wait for this to be over and done with.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be arriving soon. My friend¡¯s name is Josh. He¡¯s a decent looking guy¡­or so the girls say¡­¡± Hayden told me while he continued driving us to our next destination.


    I sat back in my seat and prayed that I could somehow pull this off. I rolled my eyes at Hayden. At that point, I wanted to scream at him that I couldn¡¯t care less what his friend was called or how decently looking he was¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 My Fake Boyfriend

    A quick whiz of a private elevator ride took us up to the top floor of the hotel where the exclusive party was being held at the rooftop bar. The moment that the elevator door opened, it was like I was transported into another world or a parallel universe. Everyone in the party had the aura of being someone important or famous and they were all dressed the part.


    I gulped as I felt my legs shaking. Now, I understood why Hayden needed to bring me to Bruno¡¯s for aplete makeover. No way in hell, would anyone believe that I¡¯m the host of this party¡¯s girlfriend if I hadn¡¯t yed dress up. With my makeover, at least I could somehow blend in with this crowd.


    Feeling so nervous and out of ce, I nced over at Hayden just to see that he looked sofortable where he was. It was like he belonged naturally in this environment and that reminded me once again of how different we were.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Hayden whispered softly into my ears before I felt the warmth of his fingers gently circling my wrist as he took my wrist into his hand.


    ¡°Oh¡­ok¡­¡± I replied softly, slightly in a daze. My mind focused on the gentle touch of his hand around my wrist.


    Hayden led me through the crowd until we came to an entrance that seemed to be restricted. There were two very big and tall guards standing on either side of the door. However, they nodded firmly in acknowledgement when they saw Hayden¡¯s face. One of the guards bowed politely and opened the door for us to enter.


    ¡°Oh wow! Finally¡­you¡¯re here, Hayden!¡±


    A man¡¯s voice called out excitedly the moment that we walked in through the door. I didn¡¯t have to make a wild guess to realize that that voice belonged to Josh, one of Hayden¡¯s best friends¡­and my fake boyfriend for the night.


    ¡°I wish I didn¡¯t need to be here¡­but¡­¡± Hayden said to his friend in a monotone voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that! You¡¯re going to kill the mood,¡± Josh said as he came to p Hayden on the back.


    ¡°Yeah¡­whatever you say¡­¡± Hayden replied coldly, shrugging off Josh¡¯s arm from around his shoulders.


    I just stood behind Hayden as the two men spoke to each other, unsure what I should be doing in this situation. Do I introduce myself?


    ¡°Oh¡­ and who would this stunning woman be?¡± Josh said as his eyes fell on me.


    Now that he was up close, I had to say that Josh was way more than decent looking. He was at least worthy of the words ¡®super handsome¡¯. Josh had very sharp and manly features, dark brown hair and matching eyes and a beard. His piercing only added to his alluring bad boy look and the thin white shirt he had on did nothing to hide his rip tan muscles that were underneath. He wasn¡¯t as tall as Hayden, but he was still very tall and his smile was stunning as well.


    I guess just like how beautiful girls like to stick together, good looking guys probably did the same?


    ¡°This is Malissa,¡± Hayden introduced me curtly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you had a girlfriend,¡± Josh said, his eyes never leaving my face. His intense gaze was starting to make me blush.


    ¡°She¡¯s not my girlfriend but she¡¯s going to be acting as your girlfriend for the duration of this party,¡± Hayden stated factually.


    ¡°Oh¡­so she¡¯s the one that you were telling me about. I honestly didn¡¯t think that she would be such a beauty,¡± Josh said as he smiled at me.


    ¡°Thank you¡­nice to meet you,¡± I said a little shyly.


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine, trust me,¡± Josh said, his smile reaching his eyes.


    Josh seemed like a very nice and easy-going person. His way of speaking was kind, refined and well-mannered, although he could sound a little on the flirty side. However, I didn¡¯t mind that.


    ¡°So, what do we do now?¡± Hayden asked, impatiently.


    ¡°Janine should be here soon¡­unfortunately,¡± Josh said as he shook his head in dismay.


    ¡°Well, good luck to you both,¡± Hayden said, clearly suggesting that his role was over and that whatever happened next wasn¡¯t his problem.


    ¡°Have a seat, Malissa,¡± Josh said as he gestured for me to sit on the long red velvet sofa.


    Hayden sat down on a sofa on the opposite side without waiting for an invitation. I could tell that he felt totally at home in this ce.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I whispered politely as I approached the sofa and slowly sat down.


    I wondered what I had to do exactly when Janine arrived. I still felt a little awkward around Josh and the fact that Hayden is just sitting there wasn¡¯t helping at all.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll do all the talking and you just need to follow along, that¡¯s all,¡± Josh said to me as if he could read the worry in my mind.


    Josh came and sat down next to me. I wasn¡¯t sure if I was overthinking it, but it seemed like he was sitting quite close to me¡­too close. I could feel the heat of his body as his body brushed against mine when he moved. I felt the head of his thigh next to mine and that just made me more nervous about this situation.


    I nced over at Hayden and saw that he was totally spaced out without a care in the world. That bastard clearly isn¡¯t going to offer me any help at all. As far as I¡¯m concerned, he might as well not be here at all. I felt so angry, knowing that I¡¯m stuck in this bizarre situation because of him and he¡¯s not doing anything to take responsibility.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Umm¡­ok¡­¡± I mumbled in response.


    Josh shed me a reassuring smile and asked if I wanted something to drink. I knew that I wasn¡¯t great at holding my alcohol, so I asked for some juice instead. I could definitely use the sugar right now. A waiter appeared in no time at all to serve my order. I sipped at the juice as I pondered what best to do in this situation. Without another option, I decided to let Josh take the lead and just do whatever seemed to make sense at the time.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Meeting an Heiress

    ¡°So, how do you know Hayden?¡± Josh asked as he tried to make light conversation with me.


    Unknowingly, he¡¯s causing both Hayden and me much difort. I nced over at Hayden, begging him to answer the question. I bet Hayden had decided not to tell anyone about our strange living arrangement and rtionship. I mean, even I decided not to tell anyone about our bizarre situation.


    ¡°She¡¯s just a girl that I know¡­¡± Hayden answered vaguely.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Josh replied, clearly dissatisfied with Hayden¡¯s vague answer.


    Thankfully, Josh didn¡¯t push the topic any further and switched to asking me random questions about myself instead such as what I was up totely. He showed genuine interest when I told him that I¡¯m studying art. Overall, Josh and I seemed to get along just fine, and he was a very sociable person.


    ¡°Do you have a good memory by any chance?¡± Josh asked out of nowhere.


    ¡°I guess my memory is decent¡­¡± I replied, a little surprise at his seemingly random question.


    ¡°Good¡­read and remember this,¡± Josh said as he took out a small piece of paper from his shirt pocket and handed it over to me.


    I looked down at the paper in my hand and realized that it was a mini factsheet about Josh. Details such as his birthday, favorite food, favorite color was among the various things listed there.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I muttered.


    I guess I must learn this in case I¡¯m asked. I found this quite amusing and began chuckling a little to myself.


    ¡°I see why you think this is funny,¡± Josh said.


    ¡°Do you really think that she may ask these questions?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You never know¡­I hope these questions are the only thing she asks¡­¡± Josh muttered under his breath as if he was talking to himself.


    I couldn¡¯t help but notice that he was the stark contrast to his best friend, Hayden. I wonder how these two became best friends despite being pr opposites. The more I chatted with Josh, the more I managed to rx, and I began to enjoy myself and hispany.


    Reflecting on Josh¡¯s situation made me realize that his situation wasn¡¯t exactly that different from mine and Hayden¡¯s. I guess parents of the rich and wealthy had a thing for arranging marriages for their children. The big difference was that I owed Hayden¡¯s father a huge debt while the other girl in question was a rich heiress in her own right. I guess I could understand him¡­


    I studied the paper andmitted the details on the paper to my memory as best as I could.


    ¡°Miss Janine is here,¡± a bodyguard came in to inform us.


    At his notice, I sat up straight and alert on the sofa. Janine is here! Switch into fake girlfriend mode now! What am I supposed to do?


    Josh sighed loudly and I could tell that he was dreading the arrival of this moment a lot more than I did. Slowly, as if his body weighted a ton, Josh got up from the sofa and extended a hand towards me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go face our princess¡­¡± Josh said as he beckoned me to take his hand.


    Although I was confused, I decided to take his hand and he pulled me firmly to my feet. I guess we¡¯re not meeting that Janine person here in this private lounge after all.


    ¡°We¡¯re not meeting her here?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No¡­we¡¯ll be meeting her in another room. This private longue is usually reserved for Hayden, me and a couple of our other friends,¡± Josh exined as he headed for the door.


    I nced over at Hayden who was still seated. Was he honestly going to let me go with Josh alone? How heartless could this guy be. However, just when I reached the door, Hayden sighed loudly and got up from the sofa. I turned to look at him in amazement. For some reason, I felt more reassured now that Hayden wasing with us.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Hayden asked as he walked past me and out the door.


    For the life of me, I could never figure out what Hayden was thinking. I shook my head to clear my thoughts before following the two guys out the door. We followed Josh through the throng of people who were enjoying themselves. Dancing andworking seemed to be the main activity of his party.


    Josh greeted and was greeted by many people along our walk there. Hayden was greeted by many people as well, but he only responded by a brief wave of his hand. We arrived at our destination much faster than I had thought.


    Now that we¡¯re standing right in front of the door to the longue where Janine was waiting for us, I felt extremely nervous. I could feel cold sweat on my hands.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything¡­just hook arms with me and sit by my side, ok?¡± Josh said as he offered me a cheerful smile.


    Josh took my left hand and ced it on the crook of his arm. I nced over at Hayden nervously only to see his expressionless face staring back at me. His light blue eyes werepletely void of emotions. The next moment, I heard the door opening and I was being led into the room by Josh.


    This is it¡­


    ¡°Josh¡­and Hayden¡±


    A woman with beautiful sun-tanned skin and long auburn hair greeted Josh and Hayden the moment that we entered the room. She obviously knew the two guys. After that she narrowed her eyes at me as she seemed to have registered my presence and how I was holding onto Josh¡¯s arm. However, she did not say anything to me at all and perhaps, that said it all.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again,¡± Josh said, sounding very diplomatic.


    The smile that was on Janine¡¯s plump lips fell and tension rose exponentially in the room. I tightened my hold on Josh¡¯s arm as my nervousness returned. Janine¡¯s presence was somehow very intimidating. I wasn¡¯t sure if it was her beauty or the way she handled herself but there was something about her that felt like serious business.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Wicked Challenge

    ¡°It is wonderful to see you. I¡¯m sure that my father has¡­spoken to your father¡­¡± Janine said as a frosty smile reappeared on her lips and she flickered her eyes in my direction.


    ¡°About that, I would like to apologize for the misunderstanding. You see, I already have a girlfriend. Let me introduce her to you, this is Malissa, my girlfriend,¡± Josh said as he proudly put an arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to his body.


    Oh my¡­did he just introduce me using my real name? This is going to get ugly. I nted a smile onto my face and tried to look as happy as I could no matter how much I wanted to run away on the inside.


    Janine looked at me in clear shock at the words that she had just heard.


    ¡°A misunderstanding? I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re referring to,¡± Janine said, her voice cunningly cold.


    ¡°My father made a mistake. He probably didn¡¯t know that I¡¯ve been dating Malissa and so he made that proposal to your father,¡± Josh said apologetically.


    ¡°Your father and mine agreed for us to be engaged for the sake of our businesses. Surely, you won¡¯t let such an insignificant thing like your rtionship with that dear girl ruin everything, right?¡± Janine said as her sharp gaze fell on me.


    Great. Just like her words, her gaze is making me feel like an ¡®insignificant thing¡¯. How rude can this woman be?!


    No wonder Josh doesn¡¯t want to marry her. No one on this should marry her!


    I kept my mouth shut just as I was told and just sat next to Josh. Hayden continued to be withdrawn and sat there in silence throughout the ordeal so far.


    ¡°I¡¯m really in love with Malissa,¡± Josh said passionately.


    He¡¯s such a good actor, honestly. If I didn¡¯t know that he was faking it, I think I could have believed him. However, I knew that Janine would not back down that easily. Her mind seemed super made up to marry him.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Really? You know, thest time I checked you were single and fooling around all over the ce. Is this girl really your girlfriend?¡± Janine asked challengingly.


    ¡°Your sources are probably inurate then. I¡¯ve been dating Malissa for a while now,¡± Josh replied, unfazed.


    ¡°Hey, Malissa. You¡¯ve been so silent. Tell me, when is Josh¡¯s birthday? His favorite food? His favorite color? His favorite holiday destination?¡± Janine asked me, her eyes wide and aggressive.


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. She¡¯s really asking these questions to test me just as Josh had predicted. I racked my brain for the information from that little cheat sheet that Josh had me memorize. Slowly but correctly, I gave her the answers to all her questions.


    ¡°We¡¯ve really been dating for a while now. I¡¯m sorry for the misunderstanding as well,¡± I said in a small voice after I had answered her questions.


    Janine looked at me with narrowed eyes as if still not believing our lies. I started wondering what we needed to do to get her to believe us so that we can finally go home.


    ¡°Kiss her, Josh,¡± Janine said with an evil grin.


    What did she just say?


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I squeaked.


    ¡°I said, kiss. This should be nothing if you¡¯re really dating, right?¡± Janine said, her narrowed eyes watched us.


    My body froze at this unexpected turn of events. What do we do now? We¡¯re not really going to kiss, right? I definitely had a problem with kissing a stranger.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I began saying.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Josh said agreeably.


    I turned to him with my eyes wide opened in shock. He¡¯s ying along? What about me?


    ¡°Come here, baby¡­¡± Josh said in a sweet and seductive voice as his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer to his body.


    He really intends to kiss me. What now? If I push him away, then we¡¯ll be found out but¡­it¡¯s not like I want him to kiss me either.


    Unsure of what to do, I nced in panic over at Hayden. He¡¯s not just going to sit there like nothing is happening, right?


    Josh is pulling me closer to him now as his face ising closer¡­


    We¡¯re going to end of kissing at this rate¡­


    ¡°You all have to stop this non-sense,¡± Hayden spoke up loudly for the first time as banged his hand on the table and got up from his seat.


    Everyone froze and turned to look at Hayden, shocked at his sudden outburst.


    ¡°What do you mean, Hayden? Stay out of this,¡± Janine snapped.


    ¡°Seriously, who in their right mind would want a crazy woman like you as their wife? Hmm¡­Janine?¡± Hayden snapped back.


    ¡°How dare you speak to me like that?¡± Janine shouted.


    ¡°I can talk to you however I want. If you don¡¯t like it, you can go crying back to your dad,¡± Hayden said with a shrug.


    ¡°What?¡± Janine said in shock.


    ¡°You act so smart but you¡¯re so brainless. You see, it doesn¡¯t matter if Malissa is really Josh¡¯s girlfriend or not. What matters is that he clearly doesn¡¯t want to marry you. Business gain or no business gain,¡± Hayden said, acting very fed up with this whole thing.


    ¡°Josh is going to marry me because our fathers agreed to it,¡± Janine said stubbornly.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s your problem because Josh never agreed to it. You could always marry Josh¡¯s dad though. Last I heard, he¡¯s single. Easier to get business gains too,¡± Hayden suggested.


    ¡°Janine. Hayden is right. Even without Malissa in the picture, I still wouldn¡¯t marry you. I¡¯m not ready to get married to anyone¡­¡± Josh said as he also got up from his seat.


    I watched silently as Janine seemed to boil with anger, her entire face turning bright red. I was quite certain that Janine was used to getting her way.


    ¡°I think you should just leave for today,¡± Hayden said emotionlessly as he gestured towards the door with his hand.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t over yet. I¡¯m going to make sure that you and your father regrets this!¡± Janine shouted before grabbing her purse and headed for the door.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Disguised Danger

    The three of us watched as she stormed out of the door. Josh and I let out a sigh of pure relief now that Janine was gone. I wasn¡¯t sure if I would call our mission a sess but at least Janine was gone, and I guess that I can go home now.


    ¡°Sorry for scary you a little back there. Thank you so much for your help,¡± Josh thanked me as he took my hand in his.


    ¡°Oh¡­d that I could help¡­¡± I replied, putting on a smile. Truthfully, I was still recovering from the shock.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back,¡± Hayden said to me as he turned to head for the door.


    ¡°Wait. Why don¡¯t you two stay and enjoy the party before you go? I mean, you¡¯re here anyways,¡± Josh suggested with a warm smile.


    Hayden didn¡¯t say no to his friend¡¯s request. Josh led us outside to where the main party was going on. I didn¡¯t know anyone, obviously, but Hayden seemed to know many people who were there. Once we were out of the private lounge a beautiful blonde woman in a very showy red dress came bounding up to Hayden immediately.


    ¡°Hayden! Oh¡­I¡¯ve been waiting for you,¡± the woman said, her red tinted lips curving into a seductive smile.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Hayden said, his eyes cold.


    The woman seemed unfazed by Hayden¡¯s cold reception. I guess there are some women who are attracted to his cold character¡­


    ¡°You never got back to mest time. I have so many things I have to tell youe here¡­¡± the beautiful woman pleaded as she grabbed Hayden¡¯s right arm and started pressing herself against his side.


    ¡°That¡¯s Danie¡­she and Hayden¡¯s got history¡­¡± Josh whispered into my ear.


    I just nodded absentmindedly as we both stood there watching Hayden being dragged away by Danie. Josh shook his head from side to side as heughed a little to himself. On the other hand, I was boiling with anger. How dare he bring me to this party to use me and then leave me behind with his friend while he goes off with another woman? Oh¡­the nerve!


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Hayden. He¡¯ll be back in no time. What about we got get a little something to drink?¡± Josh suggested with a friendly smile.


    At least Josh was being friendly and hospitable towards me, unlike a certain someone. I let Josh take my hand in his as he led me after him to the bar.


    ¡°What would you like?¡± Josh asked.


    ¡°Something not strong¡­maybe a cocktail?¡± I replied a little hesitantly.


    ¡°Sure. Let me pick one for you,¡± Josh said.


    Josh expertly ordered a cocktail for me and a drink for himself. We sat next to each other on the bar stools as we chatted and waited for the arrival of our drinks.


    ¡°Thank you so much for today. It must have been hard on you, getting pulled into this and all¡­¡± Josh thanked me again.


    ¡°Oh¡­it¡¯s ok. I hope¡­things work out well with Janine,¡± I said, truly meaning it.


    My life wasplicated now too so I could understand his frustrations. I guess we all have our own set of trouble in our lives.


    Soon our drinks arrived. I looked at the orange and pink cocktail in my hand, admiring how pretty it looked. The cocktail tasted sweet and refreshing when I took a sip. It has a fruity smell as well. I really liked it.


    ¡°You like it?¡± Josh asked, smiling at me.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s just the right level of sweet and the fruity smell is nice,¡± I replied as I began drinking more of the cocktail.


    I wondered where Hayden is right now. Josh did say that he would return soon, and I hoped that that was true. I wanted to leave the party already. After all, I still feel like I don¡¯t belong in this ce.


    Josh and I talked about random things as I continued to drink my cocktail. I found Josh to be a very funny and outgoing person. Iughed along with almost everything that he said and soon I was beginning to enjoy myself. What I didn¡¯t realize was that I had been drinking a lot too while I chatted happily with Josh.


    ¡°Should we go wait for Hayden in the private lounge? Maybe he¡¯s there already,¡± Josh suggested as he took a look at his watch.


    ¡°Oh¡­right,¡± I agreed.


    The moment I stood up from the bar stool, my head felt light, and I found it hard to maintain my bnce. I gripped the bar table with my hand to steady myself. Josh was there immediately to provide me support. He looped an arm around my waist to support me as I leaned my body against his.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡± he asked with care.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I replied.


    My head felt a little blurry, but I guessed that I will be ok. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m drunk or anything. Afterall, I only had two cocktails and they didn¡¯t seem strong. Maybe I¡¯m a little tipsy¡­that¡¯s all.


    When we started walking, my legs felt weak, and I had to rely on Josh for support all the way back to the private longue that we were in. Josh was strong so he had no problem taking me there. However, when we arrived the longue was empty. There was no sign of Hayden.


    Josh slowly settled me down on therge sofa before sitting next to me. I realized once again that he was sitting very close to me.


    ¡°Malissa¡­¡± Josh called my name sweetly.


    ¡°¡­Yes?¡± I turned to look at him. My head feels so heavy right now.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful¡­¡± Josh whispered seductively close to my ear. I could feel his warm breath on my earlobe.


    ¡°Josh!¡± I eximed his name in shock when I felt his arms hugging me tightly to his body.


    Everything happened so fast that I wasn¡¯t sure what was going on. My body froze at the shock at his aggressive attack. His arms around me tightened as he buried his face in the side of my neck. Instinctively, I began pushing me away. I hated how his touches felt on my skin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t struggle¡­I¡¯ll make you feel good too,¡± Josh whispered against the skin of my neck.


    ¡°Stop!¡± I cried out as loudly as I could.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Trapped by Seduction

    ¡°You told me to act like his girlfriend¡­so I thought that it was ok¡­¡± I replied honestly. I was doing it all for Hayden so why was he so mad at me.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Did it feel good? Did you like it when he touched you?¡± Hayden said, his face darkening.


    ¡°What are you talking about?!¡± I screamed at him, finally at the end of my wits.


    He was the one who told me to do it and then when I got into trouble, he¡¯s ming it on me. I never wanted to y the role of Josh¡¯s girlfriend to start with and of course I hated it when he touched me like that.


    ¡°You should have just asked me nicely if you wanted to do it so much,¡± Hayden hissed into my ear.


    Hayden grabbed my hair and pulled on it, yanking my head to the side to expose the side of my neck to him. I felt his hot and wet lips suck on the side of my neck, hard. I whimpered when he dug his teeth into my soft and sensitive skin as he nibbled and bit on the side of my neck.


    Whenever I struggled against him, he would respond by pushing his hips closer to mine. I felt so trapped between his tall frame and the car behind me. I could feel the heat of his body on me as he continued to embrace me.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­crazy¡­¡± I spat at him.


    ¡°Let me see where he touched you¡­¡± Hayden whispered as if he had really lost it.


    His hands tore at the front of my dress, ripping the fabric from the V-neck and down to my waist. My naked upper body was exposed to him in an instant as he peeled the dress away from me. He grabbed my breast and squeezed it firmly before fondling it roughly. I felt hisrge hands ying with my breasts roughly and it started to hurt a little.


    ¡°No¡­let go, Hayden!¡± I cried out.


    My body had started to react to his touches. His hot hands on my naked breast were starting to stir up pleasure inside of me. His rough touch was fondling my breasts in all the right ways and my body started growing hot with passion at his seductive touches. It was rough but¡­it was starting to feel extremely pleasurable. My body betrayed me readily by aching for more of his touch.


    The cold air on my skin reminded me that we were outdoors¡­


    ¡°So, you¡¯d readily let him fondle you, but I can¡¯t?¡± Hayden asked sarcastically.


    ¡°I never allowed him to. None of this would¡¯ve happened if you didn¡¯t go off with some random girl!¡± I shouted at him. It was true¡­if Hayden didn¡¯t go off with that blonde girl, then¡­


    ¡°Are you that jealous of her?¡± Hayden leered at me.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± I yelled back at him.


    I cried out when his fingers began attacking my sensitive nipples. He stroked them and pinched them until I felt my nipples grow hard and taunt at his touch. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from moaning deliciously at the pleasure each time my nipples were pinched by his fingertips. Hayden rolled my nipples around, applying just enough pleasure to make me feel good without hurting me too much.


    ¡°Ah¡­Hayden¡­¡± I began moaning and calling out his name as my passion took over.


    My whole body felt hot, and I could feel the pleasure that he stirred in my breast spreading to other parts of my body. My pussy felt hot and ached with need as it spasmed in rhythm of his fingers pinching my nipples. I felt myself getting wet as my heat and wetness spread out from the slit in between my legs, wetting my panties.


    ¡°You¡¯re so wet¡­did my friend turn you on so much?¡± Hayden leered at me.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whimpered in reply.


    I wasn¡¯t wet because of Josh¡­I was wet with my desire for Hayden.


    Shove two of his much longer and thicker inside of my hole, I cried out loudly as I felt the sharp prating sensation of his fingers. His thick fingers stretched my open before they invaded my insides, stroking along my pussy walls until the entire length of his fingers were buried deep inside of my wet tunnel.


    I didn¡¯t want to admit it even to myself but, his fingers felt so much more pleasurable than my own. Their thickness and length filled me and fulfilled my need as he started to move his fingers, pumping them in and out of my hole. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from crying out at the intense pleasure that I felt deep inside of my burning hot core. The stimtion from his fingertips rubbing and pushing against my sensitive spot was driving me crazy with lust for him.


    I felt my entire body burning up and melting at his seductive touches.


    ¡°Tell me that it feels good. Your hips are moving so hard against my hand and you¡¯re getting wetter and wetter down here¡­¡± Hayden whispered seductively to me.


    ¡°No¡­Hayden¡­¡± I said in between my passionate moans and harsh breathing.


    ¡°Good, call out my name. I¡¯ll make you cum as many times as you want,¡± Hayden said confidently.


    His fingers ravaged my insides with his hard and fast thrusts, leaving me gasping for air as my body writhed against his hand. My hips moved wildly as if it had a will of its own, trapped between his manly body and the side of his car. I cried out louder when Hayden¡¯s fingers found the sensitive spot deep inside of my love tunnel and began thrusting firmly against it.


    ¡°Hayden¡­Ahhhh¡­¡± I whimpered his name in between my erotic moans as I felt myself getting closer to my release.


    My pussy spasmed and clenched around his fingers and I was sure that Hayden could feel my climax approaching as well. I could lie to him with my words, but the reactions of my body couldn¡¯t lie to him at all.


    ¡°Your pussy is clenching so hard around my fingers. You¡¯re about to cum, aren¡¯t you?¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°No¡­no¡­¡± I whimpered as my whole body started trembling and I felt like I was about to lose my mind.


    ¡°Cum for me, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden whispered into my ear.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Bold Escape

    His hot breath tickling my ear and his thick fingers pounding into my sopping wet hole sent me over the edge. I screamed so loudly,pletely forgetting that we were outdoors and in public as my orgasm hit me hard.


    Hayden slowly withdrew his fingers from my flooded love tunnel. I felt his heat leaving me as he slowly moved away from me to give me more space to recover from my intense climax. My legs felt so weak, and I could hardly stand. I held onto the car as I slowly melted down into a pile of mush on the floor. I felt my own wetness running down my inner thighs from my opening and realized that Hayden made me cum so much.


    After a little while of rest, I was able to catch my breath and sit up properly as I leaned my back against the side of Hayden¡¯s car. I looked around and realized that Hayden was leaning on a nearby tree at the edge of the clearing as he watched me.


    I looked down at my torn-up dress. Not that I cared about it, I never liked this dress anyways. Screw the dress, I didn¡¯t even like myself right now. What did I ever do to deserve this?


    Whatever I did seemed wrong. I escaped being raped by Josh because Hayden saved me but then he just seduced me as punishment. I hated this¡­I hated everything about this. Why must I be stuck with this monster?!


    I gazed down at the ground and realized that my sight was blurry. My tears were blocking my vision and soon I felt their warmth on my cheeks. Why am I even crying? I know well that nothing is going to change no matter how much I cried.


    Without thinking, I slowly slipped on the partially torn dress, pulling it over my shoulder. Then I reached for the high heels that I had been wearing and carefully removed them from my feet. It¡¯s so dark¡­and the woods that surrounded us looked like forests.


    I might regret thister and its chance of sess was slim. However, at that moment, all I wanted was freedom¡­enough that I would risk my life and everything for it¡­


    I took in a deep breath and slowly stood up. I shook my head from side to side to clear my head. I nced over at Hayden and wished with all my heart that this would be thest time that I would have toy eyes on him.


    ¡°You know¡­¡± I began saying, very surprised at how steady my voice sounded despite how shaken I was feeling inside.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Hayden asked.


    He was still leaning leisurely against the same tree as before as he watched me. I turned to face him directly as I stared at him head on.


    ¡°This maye as a surprise to you but¡­I¡¯m human even if you don¡¯t seem to see me or treat me as one. I¡¯d have you know that your sexual harassment doesn¡¯t bother me at all. Even if my body responds naturally to your touch, my heart will never feel anything for you. I wish you burn in the mes of hell where you belong! I hate you, Hayden!¡± I screamed at him at the top of my lungs.


    Hayden seemed confused at my sudden outburst which was exactly what I wanted. He looked at me with narrowed eyes, but he didn¡¯t say anything in response. I stared back at him as my hand slowly lifted up my shoes. I threw the shoes at him with all my strength.


    I didn¡¯t stay long enough to see whether or now I had hit him. That wasn¡¯t want I wanted. What I wanted was to distract him enough to give me a head start in my escape. Once the shoes left my hands, I turned and started running as fast as I could into the dark forest.


    I couldn¡¯t run in those damn heels anyways, so what¡¯s the point of keeping them? If I could use them to slow Hayden down even by just a second, then I¡¯ll do it.


    Farewell, Hayden. I hope we don¡¯t even cross paths again. I haven¡¯t figured out what to do next with my life and my debt, but I didn¡¯t care anymore. All I have to aplish for now it to get out of this ce and away from Hayden. Forever¡­


    I sprinted into the forest, feeling the sensation of dried leaves being crushed under my feet. There was just enough moonlight for me to see vaguely in the forest; however, it was still dark. I focused on just going straight. If I could just lose Hayden, then I can always find my way back to the main road or somethingter.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After all, perhaps my fears were unfounded. It wasn¡¯t like Hayden wanted me back so it might just turn out that he wouldn¡¯t chase after me at all. I didn¡¯t let myself wonder or turn back to look behind me.


    ¡­


    Hayden stood silent and a little stunned at Malissa¡¯s words. However, he did not say anything in response to them because he wasn¡¯t sure what to say and he didn¡¯t have to. Malissa continued to surprise Hayden even further when she threw her high heel shoes at him. Judging from the strength of her throw, Hayden knew that it wouldn¡¯t hurt even if her throwsnded on him. He managed to dodge them with ease while his eyes never let her out of his sight.


    Hayden sighed loudly as he watched Malissa running into the dark woods. He didn¡¯t know what ns she had in mind, but he knew that running into the woods in the dark was a crazy and very dangerous idea. Hayden ran his hands through his hand in frustration as he shook his head from side to side before running after Malissa immediately.


    He knew something that Malissa didn¡¯t know about whaty ahead in that direction of the forest¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Saving Me

    I continued running as fast as I could, ignoring the leaves that dug into the skin of my feet and dried branches that scratched at my ankles as I ran past them. My feet hurt but I just ignored the pain. I pushed tree branches away from my face to clear the path before me. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know how long I had been running or how far I had gotten.


    Suddenly, I heard the sound of someone calling out to me and I knew without looking back that it was Hayden. So, he had decided toe after me after all. It wasn¡¯t that I cared. This just meant that I had to run even faster. I knew well that Hayden was much fitter and faster than I am, and I couldn¡¯t afford to have him catch up with me.


    ¡°Malissa!¡± Hayden continued calling my name loudly, his voice rang out loud and clear as it echoed through the woods.


    I couldn¡¯t tell how close he was to me, but each call felt louder and closer than the one before. He was catching up to me so fast and I felt scared that he would catch up to me soon. I ran forward even faster, sprinting as fast as my legs could carry me. Deep down, I guess I knew that what I was doing was crazy but then again, it wasn¡¯t like I had any other choices at my disposal. Unfortunately.


    ¡°Malissa! Stop!¡± Hayden called out to me again and again.


    I didn¡¯t respond as I steeled myself to ignore him and his callspletely. I didn¡¯t want to hear his voice anymore and I didn¡¯t want to see him. I have decided that I didn¡¯t want to see Hayden ever again and I was willing to do whatever it took to get away.


    ¡°Malissa! Stop running¡­it¡¯s dangerous!¡± Hayden¡¯s voice rang out from behind me once again.


    Dangerous? What¡¯s really dangerous is you! I¡¯d rather risk getting lost in the woods than going back to Hayden. I felt like if I went back, I wouldn¡¯t be able to escape from him ever again. I wouldn¡¯t be able to free myself from him¡­ever¡­


    ¡°Malissa! Stop running now!¡± Hayden called out to me repeatedly for me to stop.


    I have never heard Hayden this panicked before, and it was a weird and confusing change. Of course, I didn¡¯t intend to simply stop because he told me to. I continued running at top speed forward.


    Suddenly, something felt very wrong. There was a sudden darkness that loomed in front of me, and I felt like the ground had ran out from right under my feet. I couldn¡¯t quite understand what was happening as I felt my body falling forward. How could I be falling?


    ¡°Malissa!¡± I heard Hayden shouting my name and then everything seemed to move in slow motion, just like in the movies.


    My eyes widened as I saw Hayden right behind me and then everything happened so fast that I wasn¡¯t sure what had happened. I felt his hand around my wrist as he pulled me into his strong arms and then his arms were around me hugging me tightly, his body was warm and smelled very familiar. He held me close to him as he cradled my body and pressed my head close to his chest as if he was trying his best to protect me from harm.


    What harm?


    At that same moment, I felt nothing but air underneath my feet and then the sensation that I was falling. How could this be happening? I was just running through the forest¡­


    Then everything became too real as I felt my body hitting something solid before our entangled body began rolling around uncontrobly. That was when I finally understood that somehow, Hayden and I had fallen down a hill and was rolling down the hill. I closed my eyes in shock and fear as I cried out against Hayden¡¯s chest. He held me tighter, shielding me with his body.


    I didn¡¯t know how steep or high the cliff we just rolled down was but by the time we reached the bottom, my head was dizzy, and my body felt bruised and sore. I was stillying in Hayden¡¯s arm before I slowly sat up. My whole body is going to be ck and blue by the time the sun rises tomorrow, I was sure of it.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    When I looked over at Hayden, all blood faded from my face, and I immediately stopped worrying about myself. Although my body felt sore and I felt some minor scratches on my body, the same could not be said for Hayden. I quickly when over and sat down on my knees at his side. Hayden seemed to be unconscious as hey there on the t ground.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name in shock.


    I reached out and touched his cheek and his arm. The sticky and wet sensation that I felt on my fingertips made me cry out in absolute fear. Hayden is bleeding. Oh god¡­how did this happen?


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name loudly as I began crying.


    What do I do? I left my phone in the car. How can I get help?


    Hayden is hurt. His head is bleeding and who knows where else he¡¯s hurt. I felt my hands shake as I took his hand into mine and pressed it against my cheek. I was crying so much now, unable to control my tears. What have I done?


    ¡°Hayden! Wake up¡­Hayden¡­¡± I cried out to him in between my wrecking sobs.


    I need to wake him up. If he doesn¡¯t¡­I could lose him. I shuffled towards his head and lifted his head into myp. It was dark and I couldn¡¯t see well. I only prayed that he wasn¡¯t too badly hurt. He was bleeding but there wasn¡¯t so much blood; however, I need to get him to the hospital as soon as possible.


    I looked up and could tell that we have fallen quite far from the ground above us. There was no way that I could carry him up there on my own. What should I do? Should I leave him here and go back to the car to call for help? But then, what if something happens to him before I make it back?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Desperate Plead

    ¡°Hayden! Hayden! Don¡¯t scare me like this! Wake up please¡­please!¡± I shouted so loudly, and I felt like I was about to lose my mind. I have never felt this desperate before in my life.


    I looked down at Hayden¡¯s unconscious face with his eyes closed and I started crying even harder, my teardrops falling down onto his face.


    I¡¯m so sorry, Hayden. This all happened because I decided to run off. Why didn¡¯t I listen to him when he told me to stop or when he told me again and again that it was dangerous? I¡¯m so stupid¡­and now Hayden is hurt because of me¡­because he tried to protect me¡­


    I squeezed his hand in mind tighter as I brought it up to my lips. I buried my face into his hand as I continued to cry. How can I get help?!


    ¡°I won¡¯t disobey you again¡­I¡¯ll do anything¡­please wake up Hayden. Please¡­save Hayden¡­¡± I said desperately as more hot tears ran down my face.


    My whole body shook, and my eyes stung with tears. What would I do if I lose Hayden here? I didn¡¯t even get the chance to thank him? How am I supposed to live with myself?


    ¡°Do you¡­mean it?¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    I heard a weak whisper and realized that it was Hayden speaking. I looked down at myp to see that Hayden had opened his eyes and was staring up at me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­thank god¡­¡± I said as relief flooded me. He¡¯s awake¡­he¡¯s conscious.


    I was so overjoyed that I instinctively pulled Hayden in for a hug. I hugged his body close to mine, cradling his head against my chest. Hayden¡¯s going to be fine. I wasn¡¯t sure if I was hugging him tofort him or tofort myself. I guessed, I probably needed moreforting than he did¡­


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± Hayden asked, sounding confused.


    ¡°Hayden¡­you¡¯re bleeding¡­¡± I said weakly, my voice cracking.


    ¡°I¡¯m ok¡­it¡¯s just a scratch¡­¡± Hayden said as if his wounds were nothing.


    No¡­it¡¯s not¡­


    ¡°Are you ok? You¡¯re bleeding¡­where does it hurt?¡± I asked. I felt so worried about him.


    ¡°I¡¯m ok¡­¡± Hayden said as he began to sit up.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t move!¡± I protested quickly as I grabbed his shoulders to support him.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t move then how are we supposed to get out of here?¡± Hayden asked.


    I was shocked at the seriousness of his tone. Even when he¡¯s this hurt, it seemed that Hayden was more in control of the situation than I was. I watched in amazement as he slowly sat up and rubbed his head.


    ¡°Your head is bleeding¡­Hayden,¡± I whispered softly.


    ¡°This much won¡¯t kill me, don¡¯t worry your silly little head,¡± Hayden said casually, brushing off my worries.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if he really meant what he said or if he was just saying these things to stop me from worrying. Regardless, I really appreciated his effort in trying to calm me down and of course, what he did to save me from harm. I couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine the state my body would be in if Hayden hadn¡¯t used his body to shield me from the impact of the fall.


    Hayden swung his arm around as if checking for other injuries. He seemed very satisfied with the state that his body was in as he stood up. I slowly got to my feet too. Hayden began feeling the pockets of his pants before reaching in and pulling out his phone.


    Oh¡­thankfully Hayden had his phone with him.


    ¡°Shit¡­there¡¯s no signal. What a joke¡­seriously¡­¡± Hayden said as he stared at his phone.


    ¡°There¡¯s no signal?!¡± I eximed in shock. We¡¯re in the city, howe there¡¯s no signal? Did I run that far into the forest?


    ¡°Yeah¡­can you walk?¡± Hayden asked as he looked me up from head to toe.


    ¡°I¡¯m ok¡­I¡¯m not hurt¡­thanks to you,¡± I mumbled as I felt his eyes on my body.


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said as he extended a head towards me.


    I reached out my hand and took his immediately, feeling thankful for his warm touch. The feel of his hand reassured me that he was ok¡­that he was alive. Hayden began walking in front of me, but I called for him to stop.


    ¡°Hayden¡­wait!¡± I cried out to him.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Hayden asked as he nced back at me, stopping in his track.


    ¡°Umm¡­let me support you,¡± I said.


    I quickly walked to his side and linked his arm with mine. Hayden looked at me with a surprise look before he smiled gently at me. That smile really took me by surprise. The way his emotionless face transformed when he smiled was breathtakingly beautiful. Despite the dire situation that we were in, I felt my heart skip a beat shamelessly¡­


    It was dark and I was starting to wonder where we were headed or if Hayden knew where we needed to go. I walked patiently by his side as Hayden guided us away from the cliff that we had just fallen down from.


    ¡°We can¡¯t climb up the cliff but if I remember correctly there¡¯s a way that we can circle around and go back¡­that or we find a ce where my phone can pick up signal and call for help,¡± Hayden exined to ease my worries.


    ¡°Ok¡­sounds like a good n¡­¡± I whispered.


    That wasn¡¯t what I really wanted to say to him though. What I truly wanted to say was to thank him for saving me and to apologize for my stupid and selfish action that led us into this mess. However, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to voice those thoughts, I was scared of what he would say to me if I did.


    I couldn¡¯t read Hayden at all so I couldn¡¯t tell what he was feeling or thinking. However, I was sure that he was angry at me because if I were him, I would be as well. Suddenly, I felt very ashamed of myself, and the burden of the me felt a hundred times heavier than it did before. I followed behind him wordlessly as I hung my head low.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 The Distance Between Us

    I wasn¡¯t sure how long we walked but it couldn¡¯t have been very long. It was so dark that I could barely see around me. Hayden wouldn¡¯t say anything, and I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say anything either, so we walked together in silence. Without knowing what else I could do, I decided to start praying for Hayden¡¯s phone to be able to pick up some signal.


    It was nothing short of a miracle that my prayers were answered shortly after.


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve got signal¡­¡± Hayden mumbled as he began calling someone on his phone.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked in amazement and relief.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    If Hayden could ask for help, then we could get out of here.


    I listened as Hayden spoke on the phone with someone and told him about our location and briefly what happened. Thankfully, he did not mention anything about my wild n of escape. He just mentioned that some things happened, and we ended up here.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find a ce to sit down and rest while we wait for help to arrive,¡± Hayden said practically as he looked around for a ce to sit.


    I watched as Hayden found arge tree and sat down, leaning back on itsrge trunk. Wordlessly, I followed and sat next to him with my back leaning on the same tree. I stole a nce at Hayden¡¯s face as I sat there next to him. His face was emotionless as ever and as always, I wasn¡¯t able to read him at all. I wanted to know if the wound on his head still hurt but I decided to keep quiet rather than ask.


    Of course, it hurts. I couldn¡¯t believe how hypocritic I was acting. How am I supposed to just ask him about it when all of this is my fault? The silence between us stretched out as my feelings of guilt ate me up from the inside. The howling night wind was the only thing that I could hear. I wanted to apologize for what I had done but I didn¡¯t know exactly what to say or how to say it.


    My mind fumbled around with words as the awkward silence continued between us. Hayden sat next to me silently with one hand holding his phone loosely. Since he hasn¡¯t said anything to me apart from things that werepletely necessary, I figured that he was very angry at me. I guess I shouldn¡¯t be surprised, I did deserve it this time.


    I hated the situation that I was in but without considering anyone but myself, I perhaps forgot that Hayden probably didn¡¯t like the situation that he was in either. It was getting darker and darker, and the wind was getting stronger and colder. I pray that Hayden¡¯s men would arrive soon, so that we can get out of here and Hayden can finally go to the hospital to get all his wounds tended to.


    ¡­


    I don¡¯t know how long we sat there silently next to each other before Hayden¡¯s phone started vibrating in his hand. The sound of his phone vibrating was like a call from heaven to save us. My eyes widened with joy when I heard the sound of his phone vibrating. By the time that the call arrived, I had already loss all track of time, and I had no idea what time it was or how long we¡¯ve waited.


    ¡°Alright. I don¡¯t have a lot of battery so you¡¯ve got to hurry¡­¡± Hayden spoke through the phone after he listened to the instructions from the other end.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is helping?¡± I asked in a shaky voice.


    ¡°My men are already at my car. So, they¡¯re close by. I¡¯ve turned on the GPS of my phone now so that they can track it,¡± Hayden exined.


    ¡°Oh, ok¡­¡± I said, relief flooding my body.


    It wouldn¡¯t be long now until someone would find us and help get us out of here. After our brief exchange, the conversation between us became extinct once more and wepse back intoplete silence as we sat there next to each other. It was surprising how far away I could feel from Hayden even when we were sitting so close to each other that our shoulders were practically touching.


    It was precisely because I felt too guilty about everything that I couldn¡¯t bring myself to speak to him. Each moment that passed by in silence between us felt like I was drifting further and further away from Hayden.


    ¡°Hayden!¡±


    ¡°Dude¡­if you¡¯re there you gotta make some noise¡­¡±


    ¡°Hayden! Hayden!¡±


    ¡°Why on earth is he out here anyways?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so dark¡­¡±


    ¡°You honestly think the young boss is out here?¡±


    ¡°Hayden! Hayden!¡±


    Suddenly we heard voices in the distance. Hayden¡¯s men were here. That was faster than I thought. Hayden got up at once after he started hearing the voices of his men. Taking a deep breath, he called back to them.


    ¡°Luka! I¡¯m here!¡± Hayden yelled at the top of his lungs.


    Hayden kept on calling his men as he turned on the shlight on his mobile to get the attention of his men. It wasn¡¯t long after that the man named Luka spotted us and signaled for the whole team to head our way.


    ¡°Seriously Hayden¡­how the hell did you end up here?¡± Luka asked, his brown eyes narrowing suspiciously at Hayden before ncing in my direction.


    ¡°You brought some rope or something that we can use to climb up, right? Get those younger men to hold the ropedder,¡± Hayden said without replying to Luka¡¯s question.


    ¡°You think this old man can¡¯t help you up?¡± Luka asked with a snort.


    Luka was probably in histe forties or fifties. His hair was almostpletely white, and he had many wrinkles and lines on his face. However, he was probably one of the buffest men I have ever seen in real life.


    The other men swiftly dangled down a ropedder from the higher grounds where they were standing for us to climb up. Now that there were lights from their shlight, I could see that we have fallen down much deeper than I had initially thought. It¡¯s going to take a lot of effort on my part to climb up the ropedder. Trust me, these physical adventure stuffs wasn¡¯t really my cup of tea.


    ¡°You first,¡± Hayden said as he gestured for me to go before him.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Separation

    Me first?


    ¡°It¡¯s ok¡­you can go first. I¡¯ll be slow so¡­¡± I said in a shaky voice.


    ¡°You go first. It¡¯s safer that way. If you fall, I can catch you. If you get tired halfway, I can wait for you or push you up¡­¡± Hayden said, his tone as emotionless as always.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I agreed hesitantly.


    ¡°Ladder¡¯s ready!¡± I heard a man¡¯s voice shouting down from above us.


    Hayden moved towards thedder and began pulling on it to test its stability. Once he was satisfied that thedder wouldn¡¯te falling down, he gestured for me to start climbing up.


    Well, here I go¡­


    It was a long climb but somehow, I managed to make it all the way to the top. Hayden followed after me without any trouble. I felt dead tired, and I was sure that my body would be aching the following morning. I made a silent promise to myself to exercise more.


    ¡°Take her to the nearest hospital,¡± Hayden instructed one of his men.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What about you?¡± I asked in panic.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You go along with them,¡± Hayden said as he brushed aside my concern.


    This wasn¡¯t making any sense at all. I was pretty much fine with some small scratches here and there because Hayden shielded me with his body. That means that Hayden is in much worse shape than I was no matter how I looked at it.


    ¡°You need to go to the hospital, Hayden,¡± I said, desperation clear in my voice as I pleaded with him.


    He needs medical attention. Why can¡¯t he see that?


    Not only that, none of the other men spoke up about taking Hayden to the hospital either. What is wrong with the world that they live in¡­?


    ¡°Take her¡­¡± Haydenmanded his men once more.


    I watched as the men approached me and I started taking a couple of steps back. Why wouldn¡¯t Haydene to the hospital with me? We should just go together.


    ¡°What about you, Hayden? Where are you going?¡± I asked. I couldn¡¯t believe I was thinking this but for the life of me, I didn¡¯t want to be separated from Hayden.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden turned to say to the man called Luka.


    ¡°Take the missy to the hospital and then take her back to the penthouse. Got it?¡± Luka said to the other men in ck. There was a serious look in his eyes as he made sure that the men understood hismand.


    ¡°Wait! Hayden!¡± I cried out but neither Hayden nor Luka turned to look my way.


    I watched the back of the two men walk away until the darkness of the forest swallowed thempletely. Now I was alone with the group of men in ck who were supposed to escort me to the hospital. I didn¡¯t care about myself right now, I just wanted to know where Hayden was going and if he was going to get his wounds treated.


    ¡°Where is Hayden going?¡± I asked the men as they ushered me into a walk.


    ¡°We¡¯re taking you to the hospital,¡± one of the men in ck said in a bored voice.


    ¡°What about Hayden? He¡¯s hurt¡­¡± I continued talking to them and asking them these questions all the way to the car.


    However, not once did I get a reply that I was desperately searching for. I didn¡¯t understand what was going on at all. Where did Hayden and Luka go?


    ¡­


    ¡°I guess the old man is pissed out of his mind, huh?¡± Hayden said as he pulled out his phone from his pant¡¯s pocket to read the message from his father once again.


    ¡®What the FUCK did you just do¡­¡¯ was all that the message said but Hayden knew what state his father was in.


    ¡°You bet. You basically beat the crap out of one of our biggest client¡¯s son. You do know that Josh¡¯s daddy helps with shipping our supply too? Plus, that jolly boy¡¯s father is a good friend of your daddy¡­¡± Luka said followed by a sigh as he walked side by side with Hayden.


    ¡°I went easy on him. I really did,¡± Hayden said.


    Luka couldn¡¯t stop himself fromughing loudly at what he was hearing. The old man¡¯s deep voice echoed through the woods.


    ¡°So¡­what did the jolly boy do?¡± Luka asked referring to Josh.


    ¡°He¡­yed with something that¡¯s mine¡­¡± Hayden said. His tone was light but there was a dark and deadly look in his blue eyes.


    Luka didn¡¯t miss the look in Hayden¡¯s eyes, and he could guess what that ¡®something¡¯ that Josh yed with was.


    ¡°Hmm¡­I understand you, Hayden. No one likes it when someone else¡¯s touches their toy without their permission,¡± Luka replied as he grinned at the younger man.


    ¡°He was one of my best friends too, so obviously, I had to teach him a lesson,¡± Hayden said with a shrug. The wound at the back of his head had stopped bleeding already and the pain didn¡¯t bother him all that much.


    ¡°You could have gone easy on him. He¡¯s not¡­made like us¡­you know?¡± Luka said as he looked up at the dark sky through the parting in the branches of the trees.


    ¡°I told you. I went easy on him. He was very lucky that I wasn¡¯t carrying a gun,¡± Hayden said defensively.


    ¡°A broken nose, two fractured ribs and countless other bruises¡­¡± Luka recounted with a sigh.


    ¡°What¡¯s that? Sounds like a shopping list from your grandma,¡± Hayden said with augh.


    ¡°My grandma is long dead¡­stupid¡­¡± Luka replied beforeughing along with Hayden.


    ¡°You betterfort me after my old man¡¯s done with me,¡± Hayden spoke up after a short pause.


    ¡°Sure¡­although, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll rather befort by that little missy,¡± the old man said as he shed Hayden a knowing smile.


    ¡°Who knows¡­¡± Hayden mumbled.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just marry her for real, Hayden?¡± Luka asked, curiously.


    ¡°I¡¯m not marrying anyone except Amelia,¡± Hayden said firmly.


    ¡°And let me guess, you still don¡¯t n on taking over the group after your old man either¡­¡± Luka said before sighing loudly.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. So don¡¯t get your hopes up. She¡¯ll be gone when her thirty days are over¡­¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Hospital Visit

    The two men finally arrived at a car that had been waiting for them. Luka opened the door and got in with Hayden. He wanted to say something to Hayden, but he wasn¡¯t sure if he should; however, it wasn¡¯t like he had anything to lose¡­


    ¡°Hayden boy, I don¡¯t think what happened was your fault¡­¡± Luka whispered, his words were for Hayden¡¯s ears only.


    ¡°Thanks¡­but it was my fault¡­¡± Hayden whispered back without hesitation before he smiled a little sadly at Luka.


    Their conversation died there with Luka unable toe back with a reply to convince Hayden otherwise. The old man sighed once again, leaned his head back and closed his eyes. This job was getting to be too much for his aging mind.


    ¡­


    The ride to the hospital was silent as I sat in the backseat of arge limousine with two men in ck on either side of me. I felt like a prisoner being delivered to court to go on trial. They treated me like I was going to run away any moment now; I guess since I did just try to run away from Hayden, what they were doing wasn¡¯tpletely crazy nuts.


    As expected, no matter how many times I asked about Hayden and where he was headed, the men never answered my questions at all. Finally, I just gave up and sat there in the car and began anxiously ying with a strand of my hair. Checking the time on my phone, I guessed it was about half an hour before we arrived at a hospital.


    ¡°You know¡­I¡¯m fine, I don¡¯t need to go to a hospital,¡± I said honestly. I wasn¡¯t trying to be stubborn or anything, I just had a few scratches here and there. None of them were seriously hurting because the scratches were so shallow. There was nothing on my body that simple antiseptic and bandages couldn¡¯t fix.


    ¡°Young boss wanted us to take you to a hospital so that is exactly what we are doing,¡± one of the men replied without even looking my way.


    So, they¡¯ll take someone who doesn¡¯t need medical attention to a hospital because they were ordered to, but they won¡¯t take Hayden, who is in clear need of medical attention to a hospital¡­


    Oh¡­what the hell am I dealing with¡­


    When we arrived at the hospital, I was taken by the men straight to the ER like I had some serious condition. The doctors were clearly confused but didn¡¯t want to get involved with the men in ck and began inspecting my wounds right away.


    ¡°The scratches are minor. I will get a nurse to help sterilize and apply some medicine and bandages. Then everything should be ok,¡± the doctor said what I had been trying to tell the men in the car. I red at them trying to say ¡®see? I told you so!¡¯


    ¡°Not good enough, doctor. I want her whole body scanned, x-rayed or whatever. Please check for any damages internally or to her bones. Anything¡­¡± one of the men said insistently.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I¡¯m fine!¡± I protested loudly.


    This is all getting out of hand. The doctor looked at me and then the men in ck in shock as he seemed hesitant about what to do next.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°This is private hospital, isn¡¯t it? You should offer all the services that we asked for because you¡¯ll make more money that way, right?¡± the man said, his voice getting louder and more intimidating.


    I saw the doctor struggling to control the situation and I couldn¡¯t help but pity the man. With a sigh, I told the doctor to just do whatever the gang wanted. For the next hour, I was wheeled around in a wheelchair from one room to another to get unnecessary checks for my body. Then I waited some more while they analyzed the results.


    In the end, just as I had expected, everything proved to be aplete waste of time and money. My body waspletely fine but the whole tiresome process almost left me insane at the end of it. I sat with one of the men in ck as we waited for the limousine toe pick us up in front of the hospital lobby.


    Suddenly, the man¡¯s phone began ringing. In one swift motion, he answered the call and ced his phone next to his ear.


    ¡°Yes, sir¡­¡± I heard the man say.


    Without thinking and without having any options left. I screamed as loud as I could to make sure that whoever was on the other side of the line could hear me.


    ¡°Where is Hayden! He¡¯s hurt! He should be in the hospital!!!¡±


    The man turned to me in shock and for a moment, I was convinced that he was going to kill me. His eyes were round and wide as he stared at me. I guess this is the time when my life was supposed to sh in front of my eyes¡­


    The loud sound ofughter from the other end of the line broke the tense atmosphere around us. The man bit his lower lip in annoyance as he ced the phone back to the side of his face.


    ¡°Yes, Boss¡­¡± the man said before the line disconnected.


    ¡°That was the boss, right? Is Hayden¡­with him?¡± I asked in a hurry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. The car¡¯s here¡­¡± the man said without replying to my question.


    I hated being ignored and I was being ignored so much by these mentely. However, this time, I had a sense that I was right. Hayden was with the boss and if my hunch is correct, I¡¯m on my way to see them right now¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Boss, Hayden is here¡­¡± a man announced as he opened the door to the room.


    ¡°Drag him in¡­¡± the boss said, his brows in a knot.


    The man bowed low, sensing that his boss wasn¡¯t in the best of moods. Hayden walked in with two men escorting him and the boss eyes narrowed into thin slits as he eyed his son. With the dismissive wave of his hand, the two men exited the room, closing the door behind them and locking it.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Interrogation

    ¡°Hi dad¡­¡± Hayden said as he smiled sheepishly at his father.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare ¡®hi dad¡¯ me!¡± the boss screamed so loudly that his face became dark red.


    ¡°Anger management, dad. Anger management. Think of what the doctors said. You don¡¯t wanna pop a vein¡­¡± Hayden said with fake concern.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one hoping that I¡¯ll pop a vein. Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve done? Josh¡¯s father is my friend and a very important business partner. He ships goods for us Hayden¡­¡± the boss said stressfully.


    ¡°What did that good friend of yours tell you? He didn¡¯t tell you what his son did, did he?¡± Hayden challenged.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you be a good son and stop beating around the bush. What happened Hayden?¡± the boss asked.


    ¡°Nothing happened. Heid hands on what was mine¡­so I was forced to teach him a lesson¡­¡± Hayden said with a shrug.


    His father sighed loudly as he turned away and sat down on the sofa, his hand rubbing his temple.


    ¡°So, it was¡­Malissa. You broke his nose and fractured his ribs¡­¡± the boss said with his eyes closed in resignation.


    ¡°Like I told Luka on the way here. Josh was extremely lucky that I wasn¡¯t carrying a gun. I would have shot him in the leg right where he would be surely crippled for life,¡± Hayden said like that was the most obvious course of action.


    ¡°You need to grow up, Hayden. When you make a mess like this, I¡¯m the one that has to clean it up!¡± the boss yelled as his eyes snapped open and red at his son.


    Hayden refused to answer as he stared back at his father silently. It was clear to the boss that Hayden didn¡¯t have an ounce of regret in his body about what he had just done.


    ¡°How¡¯s your head?¡± the boss asked, changing the subject.


    ¡°You¡¯ve just asking about it now?¡± Hayden asked, sarcastically.


    ¡°I figured that if you¡¯re still able to stand on your feet then it¡¯s probably not a big deal¡­¡± the boss replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, it¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Hayden said, sounding bored out of his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call the doctors in anyways¡­¡± the boss said as he began calling the doctor on his phone.


    ¡­


    ¡°The boss and Hayden are in a room this way¡­¡± the man that was leading me along the hallway of the boss¡¯s mansion said.


    I followed him impatiently down the long hallway that seemed endless. How big was this ce anyways?


    Suddenly, the man came to a stop in front of arge pair of dark wooden door as he gestured with his eyes that this was the room that he was referring to earlier. I nodded silently to show my thanks and the man immediately turned to leave.


    Without wasting anymore of my time, I pushed the door open and walked straight in.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name when I saw Hayden seated on a sofa.


    I ran towards him immediately. For a moment, I forgot that we weren¡¯t the only ones in the room. The boss was there as well. I sat down next to Hayden on the sofa as I looked at his face with worry. It seems that the wound on his head had been treated and there were bandages on his hands, wrists, and some parts of his arms.


    ¡°Did you go to the hospital?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Hayden said, looking slightly surprised to see me. I saw him nce over at his father and realized then that I haven¡¯t greeted him.


    ¡°Hi¡­¡± I saidmely to the boss.


    ¡°Wee, Malissa. You seem very worried about my son¡­and I appreciate that¡­¡± the boss replied with a pleased smile. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to entertain him though.


    ¡°Why is she here?¡± Hayden asked, there was an edge to his voice that I couldn¡¯t quite ce.


    ¡°I ordered for her to be brought here. I have some¡­questions, you see¡­¡± the boss replied as if this was to be expected.


    ¡°What questions?¡± Hayden asked before I could say anything.


    ¡°I can understand why Josh ended up the way he did. What I don¡¯t understand¡­is how you two ended up in a ditch the way you did. Care to exin, Miss Malissa?¡± the boss asked as he looked straight at me.


    I have to say that I didn¡¯t like the suspicious and using look in his eyes as he looked at me. It was like he knew something and just wanted to hear me confirm it.


    ¡°I took Malissa for ate-night stroll to cool off after what happened. It was dark, we couldn¡¯t see the edge, so we fell off,¡± Hayden replied swiftly before I could say anything.


    Why was he lying? What Hayden said wasn¡¯tpletely false, but it wasn¡¯t true. We didn¡¯t go for ate-night stroll. I ran into the forest to escape from him, and I fell¡­then he helped me. That¡¯s how we ended up the way we did.


    Sensing me stiffing up next to him, Hayden shot me a nce. His clear blue eyes telling me sit still and shut up. I bit my lips to keep myself from saying anything unnecessary. I guess, the best way out of this is to let Hayden deal with it.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking you. I was asking Miss Malissa. So, Miss Malissa, what happened?¡± the boss asked again, his eyes directly on me.


    ¡°It¡¯s as Hayden said. I was¡­scared after what happened so he suggested that we take a stroll to help me calm down a little¡­¡± I replied, going along with Hayden¡¯s story.


    ¡°Well, I am d that you¡¯re feeling better. There¡¯s still many days left until the promised thirty dayse to an end. I do hope that we all keep our end of the bargain. You both are dismissed,¡± the boss said, bringing the conversation to a close.


    With that announcement, Hayden got up from the sofa before he grabbed my hand and yanked me up to my feet. Without another word to his father, Hayden began heading for the exit, dragging me by the hand behind him.


    ¡°Miss Malissa¡­take good care of my son,¡± the boss said to me as he smiled at me.


    The overly friendly smile made me cringe inside. I felt like the old man knew so much more than he let on.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Self Restraint

    I had my eyes on Hayden¡¯s broad back as he continued dragging me behind him. Struggling to keep up with him had be my life¡¯s story as ofte. I wanted to tell him to slow down and that my legs were nowhere as long as his, but I knew that he wouldn¡¯t pay me any mind right now.


    When we arrived out in front of the boss¡¯s mansion, there was arge ck limousine parked there waiting for us. It made me realize that Hayden probably didn¡¯t take his car back here with that man called Luka which meant that his car wasn¡¯t here right now. I was sort of relief because I didn¡¯t want Hayden to drive right now.


    ¡°Master Hayden,¡± a man standing next to the car greeted Hayden before bowing to him respectfully.


    I guess that¡¯s our driver for today. With a slight nod of acknowledgement to the driver, Hayden squeezed my hand and started leading me towards the car. The driver opened the door for us and we got into the passenger zone. The leather sofa of the limousine was supposed to befortable; however, I found it unnerving to be sitting there in such an enclosed space with Hayden right now.


    I felt the moving vehicle under me as we headed back towards the penthouse. As expected, the atmosphere inside the passenger zone was stiff and dead silent. I nced over at Hayden and was greeted with a ghost of a mask, his entire face afnd eyes were void of any emotions. It gave me the feeling that this was just the calm before a very devastating storm.


    I can¡¯t avoid talking to him forever¡­and to be honest, I didn¡¯t want to. Right now, I wanted to talk to him more than anything.


    ¡°Hayden¡­does your head hurt?¡± I asked in a small voice as I tried my best to smile at him.


    Three. Two. One¡­I counted in my mind as I waited for his response or any type of reaction.


    Dead silence.


    Kill me now¡­


    I closed my eyes, feeling how tired I really was for the first time. This has been a very long night. I breathed out slowly and forced my eyes open. Now is now the time to give up!


    ¡°Hayden¡­are you tired?¡± I asked in the sweetest voice that I could muster.


    I knew he was angry at me, and it was obvious why that was. Still¡­


    The silence stretched on and the smile I had stered so perfectly on my lips started to die a sad death. Just when I had begun to truly give up on this seemingly-impossible feat, Hayden spoke¡­finally¡­


    ¡°Malissa. Don¡¯t say anything and stay away from me¡­¡± Hayden said, warning me.


    ¡°¡­what?¡± I replied, confused at his words.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m very tempted to fuck you right here and now in the car. So, unless you want that¡­¡± Hayden continued, his tone dead serious.


    His words, spoken in such a solemn and low tone shocked me to the core. What did he just say?


    The worst part in all of this, was that I knew that he was dead serious. He really would¡­fuck me here in the car.


    Hayden didn¡¯t look at me as he stared straight down at a fixed spot on the floor in between his feet. Once again, I was inevitably reminded that I was dealing with a very dangerous man and that man had just admitted to having very little self-restraint left right now.


    My body felt stiff from fear and shock but just as he had told me, I needed to get away from him. Slowly and as quietly as possible, I began moving away from him into the furthest corner of the passenger seats.


    ¡­


    I spent the remaining time of the ride trying to make myself appear as small as possible as I holed up in the corner of the passenger zone. asionally, I would nce at Hayden. It was a mystery to me how he could be so still and so silent for such a long time. His appearance reminded me of the famous status of ¡®The Thinker¡¯. Bless my mind to be able to make artistic references at a time like this.


    By the time we arrived back at the penthouse it was closer to dawn than night. The driver knocked on the passenger door to signal that he was about to open the door before he opened it. I didn¡¯t know how to react now that we have arrived.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Wordlessly, Hayden got up from his seat and exited the car. I watched him leave before I started to do the same. I nodded towards the driver to show my thanks, not daring to say anything in case I flip any of Hayden¡¯s unstable switches.


    I stood behind Hayden as I heard the sound of the limousine driving away. Now what? Do we just go our separate ways and return to how life was before?


    Hayden turned around and took three steps towards me until he was standing directly in front of me. I have never felt so small before in my life and it wasn¡¯t just because he was muchrger and taller than me physically. I think¡­I¡¯m about to be devoured¡­by him¡­


    It took all the courage and nerve that I had left within me to look up into his face. When my eyes met his pale blue eyes, I truly understood for the first time since I entered this contract with his father.


    I understood that¡­there was no way that I could escape from Hayden¡­


    The dark look that I saw on his face told me better than any words ever could, that things would never return to how they were between us.


    Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion as Hayden reached out a hand towards my face. His fingertips touched my right cheek and began stroking it gently. I watched everything in slow motion, as his face came closer to mine. I took in a breath and held it as I closed my eyes. I felt Hayden¡¯s fingers beneath my chin, angling my face up towards him and then the heat of his lips as it crushed against my own.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Punishing Kiss

    Hayden¡¯s lips pressed against mine firmly and I surrendered to himpletely. Finally, I could see a glimpse of his feelings. His lips on mine were warm but it wasn¡¯t gentle. His kiss deepened suddenly, his tongue parted my lips and plunged deep into my mouth. I let him taste me and punish me with his kiss.


    The warmth of his lips on mine, his tongue inside my mouth and his body so close to me, reminded me that he was here with me and that the was still alive. I was scared of him, but I couldn¡¯t deny the sense of relief that flooded my heart and warmed my body.


    Hayden¡¯s kiss became more demanding as his tongue grinded against mine, making me moan and whimper into his mouth. His hands caressed my waist before pulling me closer to him until our bodies were pressed up tightly against each other. He¡¯s so warm.


    I didn¡¯t know what I was thinking or what made me do it but before I knew what was happening to me, I began kissing him back. Lifting my arms up, I wound my arms around his neck and pulled him down closer to me so that I could kiss him back. I felt Hayden stiffening a little in surprise at my initiating action.


    Hayden stared deep into my eyes when our kiss ended, and I didn¡¯t look away. Before I lost my courage or the craziness inside of me, I had to do it now. I ced a hand on his cheek as I looked back into his captivating blue eyes. These are the eyes of a monster¡­


    ¡°Thank you¡­for saving me, Hayden,¡± I said, meaning every word.


    I never knew that thanking someone could be this hard or this touching before. For a moment, I believed that time coulde to a pause and that if it could, it would feel just like this. After those honest words left my lips, I felt exposed and vulnerable. No matter how I tried, I couldn¡¯t read the few flickers of emotions that registered in Hayden¡¯s clear blue eyes.


    It was veryte at night and not a soul or a car passed by as we stood there kissing each other in front of the building. The wind blew by, fluttering my long hair all around me. It really felt like there was just the two of us alone in the world.


    I watched Hayden closely as he watched me. It seemed as if he was about to say something but decided against it. Instead, his hands slowly approached my face. I felt his hand cupping the side of my face before the pad of his thumb gently stroked my cheek as if wiping something away. That was the first time that I realized the wetness of my own tears on my cheeks. Since when had I started crying?


    The tears that streamed down my cheeks as he kissed me ardently was enough proof for me that I could never escape Hayden. It was simple now that I thought about it. Today, Hayden got hurt, but the one that was crying and feeling so much more pain¡­was me.


    I couldn¡¯t tear my eyes away from him no matter how hard I tried. My eyes were glued to his every movement as I watched Hayden bring his wet thumb up to his lips. Then his pink tongue slipped out from between his beautiful lips and began licking my tears from the pad of his thumb. All the while, his blue eyes stared at me intently.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called his name in a hushed whisper.


    Hayden had bent down and scooped me up effortlessly into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he carried me princess-style into the building and into the elevator. I nced at his face as I worried if he should be carrying me like this when he¡¯s hurt. However, his face was as emotionless as always.


    I wondered if it hurts and then I guessed that it probably did, so I didn¡¯t dare to ask¡­


    ¡­


    Hayden opened the door to the penthouse with a loud m that would have woken up anyone who happened to be on the same floor as us. Thankfully, we were the only ones on the top floor of this building. With long strides, Hayden headed straight for the bedroom. My body stiffened when he past the door to my bedroom and headed to his room instead.


    ¡°Umm¡­my¡­room¡­¡± I whispered as he walked past my room without as much as ncing at the door.


    I sighed to myself as I realized that Hayden had decided to take me to his room and that no matter what I said, he probably wouldn¡¯t change his mind. Hayden closed the door to his bedroom behind him and locked it firmly before carrying me to his bed. I wanted to scream but realized that it would probably not get me anywhere¡­


    I bet if I nced up on the ceiling of his bedroom right now, I would see a bright red sign in shing lights saying: ¡®Punishment Time¡¯.


    I let out a cry when Hayden dumped me onto this bed. The softness of the mattress pressed against my back, and I tried to sit up a little. My body felt sore and tired from all that had happened. This night was proving to be a very long one.


    Surprisingly, Hayden did not follow me onto the bed. Instead, he grabbed a chair and brought it next to the bed and sat down on it. All the while, his blue eyes continued to watch me intently. I wondered what he was thinking and what he was feeling¡­if anything.


    The silence was suffocating as I watched him sit there with his hands hanging loosely in between his knees as he watched me. If he wanted to say something to me, I wished that he would just say it.


    ¡°Hayden?¡± I called out his name questioningly. My voice shaking a lot more than I had thought that it would.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Prisoner

    I felt Hayden¡¯s eyes on my face, my chest and then sliding down the rest of my body as if he was appraising me. It made me feel ufortable, naked, and exposed in front of him. It was so unfair, how he seemed to be able to see through me while I couldn¡¯t see anything in his emotionless eyes at all.


    Suddenly, Hayden sighed loudly before squeezing his hands together, cracking his knuckles. I didn¡¯t like what I was seeing¡­at all¡­


    ¡°So¡­why did you run?¡± Hayden asked, sounding as emotionless as ever.


    I dreaded the arrival of this question and now that he had asked it, I didn¡¯t know how to reply. Hayden must have wanted to ask me this from the beginning but had waited for us to be alone with everything settled. Although so much time had passed, I still wasn¡¯t sure why I did it exactly.


    Hayden watched me as I struggled to provide an answer to his question. I couldn¡¯t tell if he sympathized with my situation or not and on second thought, I would rather that he did not.


    ¡°Did you honestly think that you could get away?¡± Hayden asked, arching his brow at me curiously. It had been a while since I¡¯ve seen his face show any emotion.


    ¡°No¡­I didn¡¯t think so¡­¡± I replied. I could answer this question easily, unlike the other one.


    ¡°But you went ahead and did it anyways¡­I guess being with me was that bad, huh?¡± Hayden said as heughed a little. It was augh that told me that he didn¡¯t find anything about any of this funny.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I said, meaning it. What I did was foolish at best, and it was a result of my own desperation. He was right, logically speaking, there was no why that I could get away from him¡­or his father and the gang.


    With my own foolishness, I put myself in danger¡­and then Hayden as well. I bit my lower lip in frustration at my own helplessness.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to run away. I already agreed to let you go free after the 30 days are over. You couldn¡¯t wait that long?¡± Hayden asked rhetorically.


    I felt like a high school girl receiving counselling from the school¡¯s counselor for misbehaving. Hayden¡¯s gaze made me feel unsure of myself and what I really wanted.


    I just nodded, simply because I couldn¡¯t figure out what to say to him.


    Surprisingly, Hayden slowly got up from his seat and walked away towards a set of drawers. I watched in wonder to see what he was going to do. He didn¡¯t seem to be in a hurry at all as he moved leisurely around his room. I felt like he was pondering some thoughts of his own in his own mind.


    ¡°I usually don¡¯t like to do this but¡­it¡¯s better to be safe than sorry, I guess¡­¡± Hayden said as he turned back towards me. He had the most yful and excited smile on his face.


    For a moment, he reminded me of a very excited boy who was about to show his best friend a new toy that he had found. Hayden had his hands behind his back as if holding a surprise present for me. His overly cheerful demeanor just filled me with dread. Something was totally off about all of this.


    Slowly, as if making sure to add suspense to the moment, Hayden slowly unveiled the item that he was holding behind his back.


    Oh right¡­we all guessed it¡­it¡¯s a pair of handcuffs. Totally normal¡­


    Wait?! What?!


    He doesn¡¯t like to do this¡­says the man who just pulled a pair of handcuffs from his drawer like it was nothing at all. My eyes popped wide as my mouth hung open in shock¡­


    I guess my expression alone was enough for him to know that I demanded an exnation.


    ¡°Personally, I wouldn¡¯t mind if you just disappeared from my life but¡­if you run away under my watch, my old man¡¯s going to kill me and then you, for sure,¡± Hayden said before faking a helpless shrug.


    Instinctively, I began backing away from him as he approached me. Not that I had that much room to scoot myself backwards on his king-sized bed.


    ¡°You¡¯re not¡­serious¡­¡± I eximed in shock.


    ¡°Oh this? Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s the real thing. Completely made of steel, police and army-grade. Not those ythings for BDSM stuff that amateurs use¡­¡± Hayden said, his smile very much intact.


    He continued walking slowly towards me and his bed, the steel handcuff inly on disy in his hand. I wasn¡¯t worried at all whether the handcuff was real or not¡­it was still a handcuff!


    ¡°No¡­Hayden¡­Please. I won¡¯t go anywhere. I promise¡­I swear!¡± I started pleading desperately. This is in crazy.


    I felt the bed creak and sink with Hayden¡¯s added weight as he crawled on top of the bed and joined me. He was close to me with his face only a few inches from mine in no time at all. I felt the metal of the headboard against my back and knew that I had nowhere else to run. Not that running away, would save me now, anyways.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t resist¡­¡± Hayden said, his voice so cold that I literally froze.


    When his hand reached out for my wrist, I flinched and then my eyes widened in surprise. His touch on my wrist was unexpectantly gentle. His fingers were warm; however, that warmth was quickly reced by the coldness of steel as the handcuff clicked around my left wrist before the other clicked around the metal headboard of the bed.


    Reflexively, I began yanking my arm against the hold of the handcuff. Not surprisingly, I couldn¡¯t break free. I was now handcuffed to the bed¡­what is happening to my life?!


    ¡°Don¡¯t struggle, Malissa¡­it¡¯s just going to hurt,¡± Hayden advised, seriously.


    Well, thank you for stating the obvious but what else do you propose that I do now that I¡¯m pretty much chained to the bed?


    ¡°Let me go¡­Hayden¡­¡± I said as I frowned at him.


    Haydenzily got off the bed as if he was done with whatever business that he had with me. I watched him stretchedzily with his back turned towards me as he began walking towards the door. However, as if he remembered something he turned his head around to look at me again.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Uncuff Me

    ¡°Oh¡­I almost forgot. There¡¯s really no need for you to apologize¡­I wouldn¡¯t forgive you for any of this anyways,¡± Hayden said as he smiled sweetly at me. His face was all smiles, but I felt a chill run up my spine as a huge knot formed in the pit of my stomach.


    It was the first time in my life that someone smiled at me while telling me that they wouldn¡¯t forgive me.


    I watched as Hayden headed for the door.


    ¡°Hayden! Wait!¡± I called after him, screaming as loud as I could.


    Hayden closed the bedroom door behind him as he left, and I heard a clicking sound as the door locked.


    Did he just lock me up in here? He can¡¯t be serious¡­


    ¡­


    The first thing I felt when I woke up was the aching pain in probably all muscles in my body. I must have fallen asleep some time after Hayden leftst night but I didn¡¯t remember when or what I was doing before I fell asleep. The exhaustion of the very long night must have taken over me.


    So many things happened between the time Hayden took me out for a makeover and using back here after our tumble down the hill. Only a night had passed but it felt like a month to me, at least. I pretended to be Josh¡¯s girlfriend as requested by Hayden. Josh tried to take advantage of me and then Hayden saved me.


    He punished me and I ran away, and he saved me again. Too many things happened, and it was too much for me to take in. I moved my left arm and the clinking of metal rubbing against metal reminded me that I was still handcuffed to the bed.


    Oh right, Hayden did this too¡­


    Now what? My mind asked the same question that it had been asking more and more often since I came in contact with this mafia gang and Hayden. Now¡­what?


    I took in a deep breath and shouted at the top of my lungs.


    ¡°Hayden! Hayden!¡±From N?velDrama.Org.


    I wasn¡¯t calling for him because I particrly wanted to see him, but I knew him well enough now to know that he¡¯s probably the only one with the keys to my handcuffs.


    Where is he? Don¡¯t tell me he went out and left me here like this?


    How am I going to survive being chained to the bed like this?


    This is pissing me off more and more. Why is Hayden?


    I kept calling his name because there was nothing else that I could do. The handcuff that tied me to the bed did not allow me to move around much. I couldn¡¯t reach anything at all, and I had no idea where any of my stuff, including my phone, was anymore.


    ¡°Hayden!!!¡± I screamed.


    I heeded well to Hayden¡¯s advice, struggling won¡¯t help me and it¡¯ll only hurt. That was so true. The handcuff hurts if I pull on my arm too much. The steel would rub against the skin of my wrist. I focused on screaming his name without moving my body.


    Suddenly, I heard the sound of the door unlocking and then it opened. Hayden walked in, shirtless and in only his jeans. Since I was using his bed, I wondered where he slept. When that thought entered my head, I banished it out immediately. I didn¡¯t need to know.


    ¡°Good morning, Malissa,¡± Hayden said sounding ultra-polite.


    I would have appreciated his politeness if I wasn¡¯t handcuffed to the bed like some ve.


    ¡°Uncuff me¡­¡± I stated my demand upfront.


    ¡°Why?¡± He asked, blinking nkly at me.


    ¡°What do you mean¡­why?¡± I asked in shock.


    Why? Because I¡¯m not supposed to spend the rest of my life chained here! I wanted to scream. I wanted to strangle him.


    ¡°Why¡­do you want to be uncuffed?¡± Hayden asked, as if he truly didn¡¯t understand what I meant.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡¯m not going to run away. Please remove this¡­¡± I pleaded.


    ¡°Let me see¡­¡± Hayden said as he walked over the bed¡¯s headboard where my left hand was chained to it.


    He bent down and closely examined my wrist. I followed his gaze in wonder, not truly understanding what he was looking at.


    ¡°Hmm¡­you seemed to have behaved wellst night. No signs of struggling¡­the skin on your left hand and wrist are fine¡­¡± Hayden said observantly as his eyes squinted at the skin of my wrist.


    ¡°So¡­what?¡± I asked, not quite following.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll exinter¡­¡± Hayden said with a sweet smile before he plopped himself down on the chair next to the bed.


    I felt like a mentally ill patient in an asylum that needed to be handcuffed to the bed and Hayden was my precious visitor this morning. It¡¯s been hours since I¡¯ve been on this bed and¡­I haven¡¯t been to the toilet since¡­I don¡¯t know when¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­could you uncuff me¡­for a bit?¡± I asked, sweetly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°I need to grab something¡­¡± I replied.


    I mean, give me a break, how am I supposed to tell him that I need to pee? It would be so embarrassing; I¡¯ll probably die on the spot.


    ¡°What do you need? I¡¯ll get it for you,¡± Hayden offered.


    My eyes widened, surprised at his generous offer. Seriously, of all the times, you just had to act all nice and helpful now¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s something a little private so¡­¡± I replied, hoping that he would just do as he¡¯s told.


    ¡°Listen, if you don¡¯t tell me what and where it is, I can¡¯t get it for you. Is it in your room?¡± Hayden said as his eyes narrowed at me suspiciously.


    I had started to really wonder if he would uncuff me first or if I would wet his bed first. If I had to bet, thetter would probably happen first¡­


    ¡°No¡­it¡¯s¡­not like that¡­¡± I said hesitantly, not knowing how to exin it to him.


    ¡°Then what is it like?¡± Hayden asked, sounding curious and confused.


    I wished that I coulde out and tell him straight that I needed to go to the toilet, but I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to do it. Maybe if I pleaded with him some more, I would be able to convince him to let me go.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Bullying Me

    I looked straight at him; my eyes met with a pair of overly-beautiful blue eyes. He¡¯s not just teasing me, right? He really doesn¡¯t know anything, right? Those pale blue eyes stared back innocently at me.


    I¡­hate¡­him¡­


    After a moment of staring into each other¡¯s eyes, I broke eye contact with him and sighed loudly. This is getting nowhere¡­


    ¡°Malissa honey, if you don¡¯t tell me exactly what you want or need, I can¡¯t help you¡­¡± Hayden finally said.


    Yeah¡­and that¡¯s like the hardest thing for me to do right now. I don¡¯t remember how many years it¡¯s been since I¡¯ve had to ask for permission to go to the toilet and telling the whole world that I needed to pee.


    Iy down on the bed in resignation as I covered my face with the palms of my hands. I can¡¯t believe this is happening. How much more is he going to embarrass me like this?!


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I said his name softly.


    ¡°Yes?¡± He replied immediately.


    ¡°¡­I¡­need to go¡­to the toilet,¡± I mumbled shyly.


    ¡°What is it that you need from the toilet?¡± Hayden asked, as if not hearing me properly.


    This man is driving me crazy. He¡¯s really going to make me say it, isn¡¯t he?!Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hell¡­I NEED TO PEE!!!¡± I sat up and screamed loud and clear.


    I stared at him in anger, narrowing my eyes at him as I pursed my lips into a thin line. I was so embarrassed, and I felt the heat burn my face as I blushed. However, the anger I felt helped me handle the embarrassment very well.


    Hayden¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at my outburst before he startedughing loudly. Heughed so much he might as well have fallen off his chair. I would have preferred if that happened, actually. I stared at him, not finding any of this amusing.


    ¡°Sorry¡­you should have just said so from the very beginning¡­¡± Hayden said in between his bouts ofughter.


    ¡°Uncuff me¡­now¡­¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Ok¡­ok¡­¡± Hayden said as he got up from his seat.


    Taking out a key from the pocket of his pants, he unlocked the handcuff from around the bed and I could move my left arm freely once again. The clinking sound of the handcuff brought my attention to the fact that the handcuff was still on me¡­why?


    Suddenly, I heard a clicking sound.


    ¡°Here¡­done,¡± Hayden said with satisfaction as he held up his wrist to show me.


    My mouth hung open in shock at the sight of the handcuff around Hayden¡¯s wrist. If this was supposed to be like a couple¡¯s matching bracelet, it was way off.


    ¡°Why are we handcuffed together?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    ¡°You said you wanted to go to the toilet,¡± Hayden replied with a grin.


    No way¡­


    Tell me this isn¡¯t what I¡¯m thinking¡­


    I sat there on the bed, stunned into silence.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± Hayden said as he began pulling my left arm.


    ¡°I¡­I can go to the toilet by myself!¡± I cried out as he yanked me to my feet and off the bed.


    ¡°Even I know that¡­¡± Hayden muttered.


    ¡°Hayden¡­please¡­¡± I pleaded with him to no avail.


    Ignoring my protests, Hayden dragged me all the way across hisrge bedroom to the bathroom. Of all the things, I never imagined this could happen to me. How am I supposed to pee with him standing right next to me?


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called his name in frustration.


    ¡°You needed to toilet, so I¡¯ve brought you to the toilet,¡± Hayden stated as he pointed to the toilet seat.


    Frankly, I just didn¡¯t know what to say to him anymore. We stood there staring at each other in the bathroom as I debated my options. I needed to pee, that¡¯s for sure. However, I couldn¡¯t do it with him handcuffed to me. The handcuff kept us very close together¡­too close.


    ¡°I can¡¯t pee with you standing here¡­¡± I said bluntly. Shit. I can¡¯t believe I just said that.


    ¡°Yes, you can,¡± Hayden said encouragingly.


    ¡°No¡­I can¡¯t¡± I replied firmly.


    ¡°How do you know when you haven¡¯t even tried?¡± Hayden asked, arching a brow at me.


    That¡¯s the thing. I don¡¯t want to try it! I don¡¯t want to do it! This isn¡¯t a challenge that I want to take on.


    ¡°Look, Hayden¡­honestly, I can¡¯t run away from you when we¡¯re literally stuck in the same room together in the penthouse. There¡¯s no need for these handcuffs¡­¡± I tried to convince him again.


    How can he possibly think that I can get away from him like this? How paranoid is he anyways? I tried running away from him in the open and that failed too.


    ¡°Of course, I know that¡­¡± Hayden said as if it was obvious to him too.


    ¡°Then¡­¡± I began saying.


    ¡°It¡¯s just part of your punishment, Malissa. Surely, you¡¯re smart enough to realize that by now¡­¡± Hayden said, his voice sounding very amused.


    ¡°You are so evil!¡± I screamed at him.


    ¡°Yeah¡­I get that a lot. So¡­why don¡¯t you show me how you pee now?¡± Hayden said before a beautiful angelic smile spread across his lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to at least turn around or close your eyes?¡± I asked, still in disbelief.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m going to watch you¡­very closely,¡± Hayden replied with certainty.


    I made the wrong decision. If I knew that this was going to happen, I would have chosen to wet the bed, my clothes and all.


    In the end, just like he wanted, I ended up sitting down on the toilet seat and peeing with Hayden standing right in front of me, watching. I never imagined that a man can show so much interest in watching a woman pee before¡­and then, I was reminded that Hayden was probably not a good representative of the standard male poption.


    ¡°See? I knew you could do it. Next time, you should have more faith and believe in yourself a little more,¡± Hayden said as he congratted me on my first-time peeing in front of a man.


    I wanted to burst into mes, selfbust, and just die. The word embarrassment couldn¡¯t quite fully describe the feeling that I felt. I didn¡¯t know how to face Hayden anymore. If there¡¯s a hole around here, I¡¯ll just conveniently crawl into it and die.


    However, I knew that it didn¡¯t matter whether I knew how to face Hayden or not because, like it or not, I would be forced to face him over and over again¡­until the 30 days came to an end.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Let鈥檚 Take a Bath Together

    If I had thought that everything was now over, I was about to find out that I was dead wrong. I watched suspiciously as Hayden crouched down in front of me as I was still sitting on the toilet seat. Bringing his face to my level, Hayden smiled at me as the light in his blue eyes danced around as if he had just came up with a clever idea.


    On the other hand, I wasn¡¯t excited to hear about it at all.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re in the bathroom together anyways, do you want to take a bath?¡± Hayden suggested sounding super casual about it.


    ¡°Huh?¡± was all that I could say in response. A bath? We¡¯re handcuffed together¡­hello¡­?


    ¡°I guess now that I think about it, you didn¡¯t take a bathst night. It¡¯s not like you stink or anything though,¡± Hayden said as he smiled innocently at me. I doubt he was full of goodwill like he looked.


    ¡°And whose fault do you think that is?¡± I snapped at him.


    ¡°Hmm¡­your own?¡± Hayden replied after acting like he truly thought about it.


    I wanted to p my face with both of my hands to wake me up from this nightmare. Oh wait, I couldn¡¯t do that because one of my hands was chained to his. If we all have to die anyways then perhaps now would be the right time to go, Malissa.


    ¡°So, do you want to take a bath or not?¡± Hayden asked, sounding a little impatient as his eyes narrowed at me.


    ¡°Do I really have a choice?¡± I asked, sarcastically.


    ¡°No¡­you don¡¯t,¡± Hayden said. Of course, he had already decided everything for me.


    Shower with him with handcuffs on it is¡­


    Oh life¡­you and what you have in store for me¡­


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I snapped and swatted his hand away from the hem of my dress.


    ¡°Helping you undress¡­what else? Of would you rather do it yourself?¡± Hayden answered as if he couldn¡¯t understand what was wrong and twisted about this whole situation.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the issue here!¡± I screamed at him. He¡¯s insane¡­and he¡¯s driving me insane.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯m not a big fan of loud women¡­¡± Hayden said, his voice suddenly icy cold.


    I felt a chill run through my body. Ok¡­monster Hayden is back. I mped my mouth shut, afraid to make even the slightest sound. I kept my eyes down on the floor so that I wouldn¡¯t have to look at him.


    ¡°The only time that you should be screaming is when I fuck you¡­fast and hard¡­¡± Hayden said matter-of-factly.


    Hayden got up before his hand reached out with lighting speed, and I felt my head being yanked back. He pulled on my long hair, pulling my head back so that I was forced to look into his emotionless pale blue eyes. Without saying another word, Hayden bent down and crushed his warm lips to mine.


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself from moaning a little into his kiss. His tongue parted my closed lips firmly apart before wedging itself into the depths of my mouth. His breath quickened along with mine as he hungrily tasted me. Our tongues danced together wildly as I felt him reignite a very passionate fire deep within me. My body is starting to feel so hot¡­for him¡­


    ¡°Stick out your tongue¡­¡± Haydenmanded.


    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this¡­


    Slowly, I stuck out my tongue for him. He smiled at me, looking truly pleased at my obedience. I watched as Hayden stuck out his tongue andced it with mine. I squeezed my eyes closed tightly to escape from the embarrassment. I¡¯ve kissed him before but¡­this is just so different¡­


    His tongue entwined with mine as his hand held the back of my head, preventing my escape and angling my face to match his movements. I heard myself let out soft whimpers as Hayden continued to tease my tongue with his own. Suddenly, I felt his tongue receding from mine.


    ¡°Open your eyes, Malissa¡­¡± Haydenmanded.


    Hesitantly, I opened my eyes once more. I was immediately rewarded with Hayden¡¯s satisfied smile. No matter how bizarre this whole situation was, I couldn¡¯t stop his smile from taking my breath away¡­


    He¡¯s so beautiful¡­when he smiles¡­


    He continued kissing me as his hands busied itself with tearing off my dress from my body. The handcuff made clinking sound as he moved his arm around, pulling and jerking the fabric of my body. It didn¡¯t take long for me to be standingpletely naked in front of him.


    ¡°I knew it¡­you really do look best when you¡¯re naked¡­¡± Hayden mused as his eyes burned holes in my body while he stared at my naked form.


    ¡°You¡¯re so¡­perverted¡­¡± I muttered, disapprovingly as I covered my breasts with one arm.


    I watched in astonishment as Hayden¡¯s hands moved to button his jeans. Is he¡­going to strip too?


    ¡°Wait! Why are you undressing?¡± I asked in a panic.


    ¡°I thought you might feel shy if you¡¯re the only one naked,¡± Hayden answered, sounding genuinely worried. He¡¯s such a tease¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding¡­right?¡± I eximed in shock.


    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll take a bath with you¡­so¡­¡± Hayden replied with a confident smile.


    If Hayden strips, then¡­we¡¯ll both be naked. Wait! This is moving along too fast for me to handle¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­. please¡­I won¡¯t run away! Please let me show alone¡­remove these handcuffs, ok?¡± I pleaded desperately once again. Please just this once¡­listen to what I have to say!


    ¡°You can¡¯t run away anymore if we¡¯re handcuffed together, right? These things are such a smart invention,¡± Hayden said as he held up his hand, forcing my hand up with his.


    ¡°I won¡¯t run away¡­¡± I stated as firmly as I could.


    Hayden just chuckled a little before he smiled charmingly at me.


    ¡°Says the girl who attempted exactly thatst night¡­¡± Hayden said, as his other hand patted me softly on the head.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I bit my tongue before I said anything without thinking back to him. The fact that he was partially right was getting on my nerves.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Fooling Around

    ¡°Undress me¡­¡± Haydenmanded as he stared at my face.


    ¡°No¡­why would I do that?¡± I quickly shut down his idea.


    ¡°I undressed you. Shouldn¡¯t you at least return the favor?¡± Hayden asked as he ced a hand on his waist and waited for me to decide.


    I sighed. It wasn¡¯t like I had a choice in the matter anyways¡­


    With shaky hands, I began unbuttoning his jeans. I felt this eyes on me as he watched my every move. After unbuttoning his jeans, I started to pull them down from his hips and then further down his legs. This was so weird, since one of our hands were handcuffed together, Hayden had to bend down with me as I pulled down his pants. His face is so close to mine¡­


    Thankfully, Hayden decided to help me kick away his jeans when it was pooled on the floor at his feet. This whole thing is really bad for my heart.


    ¡°What about my boxers?¡± Hayden asked, pointing to the boxer that he still had on.


    Hell, if I¡¯m going to remove that from him. I would rather die.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I said with determination as I quickly turned away from him.


    Oh no¡­I can see the outline of his manly assets through his boxers¡­and it¡¯s so big¡­Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I closed my eyes as I quickly turned away in embarrassment. Haydenughed a little behind me before I felt his hands around my back and my knees.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name in disbelief.


    Hayden had lifted me up into his arms and our eyes met. I wasn¡¯t sure what I expected to see in the depth of those blue eyes of his but the gentleness that I saw was definitely not it. It left me feeling all confused inside and I couldn¡¯t sort out my feelings, neither did I have the time for it.


    Hayden carried me to the bathtub, and we got in together. He turned on the warm water and it quickly filled up the tub as I sat there in between his legs with my back to him. He¡¯s so close, I can feel his body heat against my back. I tried my best to sit up without leaning back on him, but it was very difficult.


    ¡°Just rx, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden whispered into my ear as his strong arm hugged my waist, pulling me back against him.


    With the force of Hayden¡¯s pull, Inded with my back against his chest with a small thump. He¡¯s so muscr. I guess I knew that from before but now that he waspletely naked and so close to me, I had to reevaluate his stats once again. I had to admit that he¡¯s very muscr and beautifully made. He really does look like a naked sculpture that we would paint in art ss. I admired him silently as he hugged me closer to his hard body.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help wash you¡­¡± Hayden whispered sweetly into my ear.


    ¡°Wait!¡± I protested but it was toote.


    I felt the slippery feeling of liquid soap on my skin as Hayden beganthering soup onto my wet skin with his hands. The sensation of his hands stroking my skin along with the soap made me feel all funny and warm inside. I closed my eyes and let out soft whimpers of pleasure as his hand continued to stroke my body. He stroked my belly, my back, my shoulders and then my thighs. His touches felt hotter than the warm water on my skin and it was driving me crazy with heat.


    ¡°Hayden¡­enough¡­¡± I whimpered.


    ¡°Why? It looks like you¡¯re enjoying yourself so much though¡­¡± Hayden whispered seductively into my ear. I could feel the heat of his breath tickle my ear.


    I let out a small cry when his hands finally found and groped my breasts. I knew this would happen, there was no way that Hayden would simply wash me without seducing me. His naughty touches made me moan louder as hisrge hands began squeezing my breasts firmly. My nipples rubbed against the palms of his hands, and I felt them grow taunt and erect immediately.


    I was sure that Hayden could feel my hardened nipples with his hands too and I cringed with embarrassment. My breathing wasbored as I panted in the hot enclosed space with Hayden. My moans and harsh breathing echoing in the bathroom, making them sound so much louder.


    ¡°Your nipples are rock hard. They¡¯re so pink and pretty,¡± Hayden said as his fingers pinched on my nipples.


    I cried out at the intensity of the pleasure running through my body from the perks that Hayden was expertly ying with. He squeezed and rolled my nipples in between his fingertips until I felt like I would cum from his breast y. My body felt so weak, and my mind was hazy with desire and lust.


    ¡°Does it feel that good? You¡¯re moaning so loudly¡­and the look on your face is super erotic,¡± Hayden said teasingly as his hands continued to pump my breasts together roughly.


    There was nothing that I could do but cry out at the pleasure and satisfaction that my body was feeling. Hayden¡­he¡¯s just so good at this. Seeing that I couldn¡¯t reply to his question, Hayden slowly stroked his hand down from my breasts to the in of my stomach. The heat of his hand on my lower abdomen reminded me of the heat and the strong aching that I felt deep inside of me.


    When his hand pressed down on my lower abdomen, I let out a choked cry. I felt my pussy clenching hard as Hayden applied pressure, reminding me of the unfulfilled need deep inside of me. I hated how weak I am to his advances. It didn¡¯t take long for me to melt into his arms and the heat of his erotic embrace.


    ¡°Spread your legs wide open for me, Malissa¡­be a good girl¡­¡± Hayden instructed as his hands began pushing against the soft flesh of my inner thighs.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 So Close

    I bent my legs and parted my thighs to the side, stretching my pussy opening wide open for Hayden just as he had instructed. There was no point in denying it any longer. I wanted him¡­to give me more pleasure. My body was so in heat, and it couldn¡¯t wait for him to fulfill its lustful need.


    ¡°Rx, Malissa. Lean back on me¡­I¡¯ll make you feel so good,¡± Hayden murmured next to my ear before he sucked on my earlobe softly.


    I did as he instructed. I closed my eyes and tried my best to rx as Iid back, snuggling my back into the warmth of his chest. I felt Hayden breathe a sigh of satisfaction once he felt my head leaning on his shoulder.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I said his name with a sigh.


    The warm water helped me rx and Hayden seemed to have rxed a little as well. I felt him kiss my hair softly before his hand began teasing the soft and sensitive skin of my inner thigh. His hand is so close to my wet womanly entrance and my body trembled in anticipation of his touch.


    When his fingers finally found the wetness in between my legs, I let out a small cry. His touch against my heat, felt so pleasurable. Hayden stroked my wet entrance with his fingertips as I moaned and cried out at the joy of his touch.


    ¡°Your pussy is flooded with you juices, Malissa,¡± Hayden said seductively into my ear.


    I knew that my pussy was already very wet and had been this way for a while now. I could feel Hayden¡¯s arousal against my back and that made me even more aware of how close we were. Hisrge hand held onto my thigh while his other hand started ying around with my swollen clit.


    ¡°Ahh! Not¡­there¡­Hayden¡­¡± I said in between my lewd moans.


    I was moaning so loudly now, unable to contain myself because of the pleasure that was burning me up from his caresses. The faster his fingertips stroked and teased the little bud of pleasure in between my legs, the louder I moaned. My lusty moans and pants echoed in the bathroom, making me feel so embarrassed at how loud I was.


    ¡°Your moans sure are sexy¡­¡± Hayden said blissfully as he teased me with his words just as his hands were teasing my body.


    I bit my lower lips, but it was hard to control my moaning. Hayden¡¯s hand reached out to caress my breasts, bringing along with it my arm that was attached to his. Doing these lewd things while our arms were bounded together like this was so weird.


    Whenever he moved his arm, I had to move as well. I didn¡¯t have time to juggle that thought in my mind for long. When Hayden¡¯srge hands found my breasts and began squeezing and ying with it, I lost my train of thoughtpletely.


    The sensation of his hand fondling my breast as his other hand yed around with my clit was just too much for me to handle. My body writhed wildly in burning heat as I moaned loudly and called out his name. I felt like I was about to cum from his passionate attacks.


    His fingers skillfully pinched my clit before rolling it round between his fingertips. It felt so good and I felt like I was going to explode into a million pieces from the heat that was raging deep inside of my core. If he doesn¡¯t stop this, I think I¡¯m going to lose my mind and cum so hard¡­


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name in shock when his fingers suddenly plunged deep into my wet pussy hole.


    I think¡­I just came.


    ¡°Did you just cum from me putting my fingers in? Isn¡¯t it a little too early¡­¡± Hayden said before he chuckled near my ear.


    It was clear that he was enjoying my reactions to everything that he was doing to me. It wasn¡¯t like I could resist him even if I tried. On the other hand, my body was too busy riding off the effects of my own climax to do anything or even think properly. My pussy felt so hot inside and I can feel his thick and long fingers buried so deeply inside of me.


    ¡°Ahh! Ahh! Ahhhh!¡± I moaned loudly when the fingers deep inside of my hole started wriggling and moving about.


    I just came and my insides felt extra sensitive. The way he¡¯s moving his fingers¡­he¡¯s grinding it against my G-spot. It was obvious that Hayden had learnt from his past experiences with me; it was like he already knew where all my pleasure spots were, and he didn¡¯t hesitate to utilize that knowledge against me.


    ¡°It feels good when I stroke you here, doesn¡¯t it? Now, what about this?¡± Hayden whispered into my ear.


    His fingers that were stroking against my G-spot began thrusting in and out of me, hitting me deep inside. It feels different¡­but still so pleasurable. I spread my legs even wider as my hips began thrusting up and down against his fingers, sucking them deeper inside of me. I wanted to feel more of him. He¡¯s melting my insides¡­


    ¡°Your pussy is clenching so hard around my fingers. Perhaps, this isn¡¯t enough for you yet¡­¡± Hayden said almost as if he could read my mind.


    My body writhed in pleasure. My hips thrusting up against his fingers invitingly as I shamelessly reacted to him. Hayden began thrusting his fingers in and out of my hole faster and harder and I screamed at the irresistible pleasure. He sucked on the side of my neck so hard that I knew that it would leave a hickey for sure. It wasn¡¯t like I could protest about anything at that point.From N?velDrama.Org.


    I was too wrapped up in desire as his fingers pumped wildly in and out of my wet hole. His fingers filled and stretched me from various angles as he expertly changed the angles of his thrusts. He was driving me crazy with need. It wasn¡¯t long before I felt another orgasm fast approaching¡­


    However, just when I was about to climax, Hayden quickly withdrew his fingers from my pussy hole. I cried out in disappointment as my pleasure was robbed from me. My body was so confused and dissatisfied at what had just happened.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Every Part

    ¡°You were about to cum, right?¡± Hayden asked, needlessly. I knew that he already knew that I was about to reach my peak.


    I wanted to ask him why he suddenly stopped but I was too ashamed to do so. It felt like I was ready to beg him for sex and perhaps, that wasn¡¯t too far from the truth.


    ¡°How many rules do you think you¡¯ve broken this time?¡± Hayden asked.


    I think I broke every single rule heid out and probably did worst things.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I mumbled softly. Since I wasn¡¯t sure how to respond to his direct question, I just decided to stay silent instead.


    ¡°I have to admit that running away from me wasn¡¯t incorporated directly into any of the rules. You¡¯re full of surprises, no woman has ever tried running away from me before¡­none had ever wanted to¡­¡± Hayden said beforeughing softly.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He¡¯s such an attractive man. Honestly, even the sound of hisugh is beautiful. This is so unfair.


    ¡°Touch me, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden said softly as his hand guided my face to look directly into his.


    Hayden took my left hand in his and kissed the back of it as his blue eyes looked deeply into my eyes. I felt my heart skip a beat as he continued to stare at me with those seductive eyes of his. The warmth of his lips on the back of my hand made my body feel hotter than the warm water ever could. I have never felt this way before.


    I couldn¡¯t deny it. Regardless of how crazy he is¡­I¡¯m attracted to this man and that fact scared me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name, surprised at how inviting my own voice sounded.


    ¡°Touch me, Malissa¡­touch my cock¡­¡± Hayden said as he took my right hand in his and brought it down under the water.


    I bit my lower lips in anticipation as I waited for him to guide my hand to his manhood. When my fingertips brushed against his solid length, I gasp.


    He¡¯s¡­enormous.


    My eyes widened at the sensation of his hard rod against my fingertips. With the guidance of his hand, I found myself wrapping my fingers around the thickness of his hot and massive cock. I could feel that his cock was gigantic as I held his heat in my hand. It¡¯s so thick and erect.


    Instinctively, I began stroking his cock slowly. Running my hand up and down his length. His rod is so thick and long. I was frankly very amazed by his size. Hayden let out a little moan as I began stroking his cock faster and harder.


    His moans of pleasure excited me and turned me on more than before. I felt relieved and delighted that I could give Hayden pleasure. I felt a little shy, but his moans gave me the courage to pump his cock harder and faster in my hand. I felt his cock growing bigger and thicker in my hand as it twitched at the attention that it was receiving.


    I felt Hayden¡¯srge hand on the back of my head as he pulled me into his embrace and kissed me hungrily. His tongue thrusted inside of my mouth and his tongue began dancing around with mine immediately. I have never felt a kiss as demanding and hot like this before. It was like he was asking me to give all of myself to him.


    I closed my eyes as I began kissing him back passionately. He moaned into my mouth, and I did the same as my hand continued to pump his hard cock. I watched as Hayden closed his eyes in bliss while his body enjoyed my touch. However, his hand reached out to stop mine as his eyes opened and stared into my own.


    His action confused me, and I wondered why he made me stop. I thought that he was enjoying himself and I didn¡¯t think that I was wrong. Slowly, Hayden stood up and pulled me up with him before he got out of the bathtub, wordlessly. I watched him, still confused as to what he was doing.


    Since we were bounded together, literally, I had to get up as well.


    Why was he getting out now? Did I do something to anger him again? I seemed to have a talent for that.


    ¡°Hayden?¡± I called his name questioningly.


    Without answer me, Hayden carried me up into his arms. It was amazing how he could lift me up so effortlessly. He¡¯s so strong¡­


    I felt his muscles against my body and the strength of his arm around me as he carried me out of the bathroom. He¡¯s walking so fast, and I could sense his impatience and determination.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± I let out a squeal when Hayden carried me to his bed and dumped me unceremoniously on it.


    We were both wet from the bath, but it didn¡¯t seem that Hayden cared about that at all. He positioned his body on top of mine, blocking me with hisrge frame. I felt his weight on my hips as he straddled me.


    ¡°You broke so many rules, I guess you can¡¯tin if I take every part of your body as mine¡­¡± Hayden said before a wicked grin graced his beautiful face.


    He¡¯s can¡¯t be serious¡­


    However, the dangerous look in his eyes told me otherwise. Hayden is dead serious right now. I cursed my stupid decisions that led me to this point. He¡¯s on top of me and our bodies were so close. I could feel his heat on my naked skin. Our faces were so close that I felt like he was breathing on me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­when will you let me go?¡± I whimpered as I tried to struggle against the hold that he had on me but his body pinned me down underneath him effortlessly.


    Hayden didn¡¯t bother answering me, instead his hands began massaging my breasts. He¡¯s being so rough, but it feels so amazing. My breasts lost its shape as he squeezed and kneaded them together with his manly hands.


    ¡°Take these handcuffs off. Let me go, Hayden¡­¡± I cried out before I moaned wildly.


    His fingers had began pulling on my erected nipples and I couldn¡¯t help but cry out at the intense pleasurable waves running through my body.


    ¡°When you¡¯ve learnt who is your master and how you should obey him, I¡¯ll let you go¡± Hayden stated matter-of-factly.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 One With Him

    His blue eyes were determined as he stared directly into my eyes. Hayden doesn¡¯t seem to realize how crazy what he just said was. Was this kind of thing normal for him? How could he say something like that as if it was normal and given?


    I heard the sound of Hayden fumbling with the bedside table before I realized that he had opened a drawer and seemed to be searching for something. It didn¡¯t take long for him to find what he was looking for.


    ¡°Wait¡­Hayden¡­¡± I said softly as my eyes widened in shock.


    Hayden held a condom in his hand and I watched as he ced it in between in lips and began tearing it open seductively with his teeth. His magnificent blue eyes held mine and I couldn¡¯t look away. I was so captivated by his gaze and everything that he was doing that I felt like nothing else in this world existed except for this beautiful man in front of me.


    I was holding my breath in anticipating without realizing it. When Hayden¡¯s beautiful eyes nced downwards, my gaze followed, and I gasped at the sight of his massive cock. Having touched his cock, I knew that he was very big but now that I was seeing it, I was shocked at his impressive size.


    Hayden smirked at me as his hands began rolling the condom onto his erect rod. His cock was so thick, long and very potent.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, you can push me away¡­¡± Hayden said with a smugged smile.


    ¡°No¡­Hayden¡­¡± I whispered, still finding it hard to believe that this was actually happening.


    ¡°Then why did you kiss me back?¡± Hayden asked abruptly, catching mepletely off guard. He realized and remembered that I kissed him back?


    ¡°I¡­¡± I whispered, not really knowing how to respond.


    ¡°Yesterday, in front of the building, when I kissed you¡­why did you kiss me back?¡± Hayden asked once more, his eyes capturing and holding mine.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I whispered before I didn¡¯t know what to say. The truth was that I wasn¡¯t sure.


    I don¡¯t know¡­why I did it. It was as if I kissed him back by reflex and I couldn¡¯t understand my own emotions.


    ¡°You do want this, Malissa,¡± Hayden said with certainty as if he could read my mind or if he was deciding my fate for me.


    His hand guided his cock to my wet entrance where I could feel it¡¯s thick head lodge itself at my opening.


    ¡°No¡­Hayden. It¡¯s too big¡­for me¡­¡± I whispered in a panic.


    I haven¡¯t had sex with a man for almost a year since I broke up with my boyfriend and even if I had, there was still no way that something that massively thick and long would fit inside of me.


    ¡°Are you saying that to turn me on more? Because¡­it¡¯s really working¡­¡± Hayden said, clearly amused by my words.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name, not knowing what to say.


    ¡°Anyst words? You¡¯ll be minepletely once I put it inside of you¡­¡± Hayden said as he smiled at me. Once again, I felt myself getting lost in his angelic smile.


    I shook my head silently as I closed my eyes tightly. My body bracing for the pain of his entrance. It¡¯s going to hurt without a doubt. Seeing that I had nothing else to say to him, Hayden lifted and spread my legs further apart as he positioned the swollen head of his thick cock at my wet entrance. He wasn¡¯t even inside me yet, but I could already feel his head stretching my opening.


    ¡°Look at me, Malissa,¡± Haydenmanded, and his tone was absolute.


    Slowly, I opened my eyes and found his blue ones looking directly at me. I felt so exposed and vulnerable to him; however, I couldn¡¯t look away from his mesmerizing gaze. If I keep on staring into his eyes, will I be able to see his true self?


    ¡°I¡¯ll be gentle¡­¡± Hayden whispered.


    My eyes widened in shock at his surprising words. That didn¡¯t sound like something that Hayden would say at all. My shock was shortly reced by another, when Hayden began thrusting hisrge member into my pussy hole. I felt his cock pressing into me slowly and the pain of my entrance being roughly stretched to amodate his massive thickness.


    He¡¯s entering me¡­


    ¡°Ahh! Hay¡­den¡­¡± I cried out and whimpered as I tried to deal with my own pain.


    It hurts more than I had imagined. Although I was already so wet from before, his size is stretching me so much that it feels like he¡¯s going to tear my insides apart. Hayden looked down at me as he continued to slowly screw his cock into my pussy hole.


    ¡°You¡¯re so hot and tight inside¡­¡± Hayden said, his eyes dark with desire.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Inch by inch he pushed into me. I could feel him stretching and filling me up deeper and deeper as he sank his cock into my wet hole. It felt like I had reached my limit. There was just so much of him, and I felt like I couldn¡¯t take his entire length inside of me anymore.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­take anymore. Your cock¡­is too¡­big¡­¡± I whimpered in a small voice as I panted.


    ¡°Yes, you can. Just rx¡­¡± Hayden said, his voice surprisingly gentle.


    I tried to spread my legs wider apart and rx my insides to take him in further. My moans and cries of pain and pleasure got louder and louder as his cock buried itself deeper inside of my love hole. With a few firm thrusts, Hayden¡¯s gigantic member waspletely buried into me. I have never felt so full inside like this before; I could feel Hayden everywhere inside of me.


    ¡°It¡¯s all in. Good girl. Can you feel me deep inside you?¡± Hayden asked as he looked down at me. He ced a hand on my lower abdomen where his cock was buried deep inside of me.


    ¡°You¡¯re in¡­so deep¡­¡± I said softly as I moaned with pleasure.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Wild Loving

    My pussy began clenching around his thick cock as it tried to adjust to his shape and size. Just clenching my pussy walls around him was enough to make me go wild with pleasure. He feels so good¡­inside of me. My insides feel hotter than normal, and I wanted nothing more than to have his cock satisfy the ache deep inside of my belly.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine now, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden growled with deep satisfaction.


    Hayden reared back, withdrawing his cock from my pussy before he thrusted deeply into me once more. The sensation of his cock pounding into me felt so intense and I cried out loudly at the pleasure. It hurts so much when he moves like that, but it feels so good. I didn¡¯t want him to stop ramming his cock in and out of my hole. He¡¯s thrusting into me so hard and fast, hisrge cock hitting my core deep inside. I moaned and cried out as each thrust hit my womb and filled me deep inside.


    ¡°Hayden! Ahh! Ahh! Ahhh!¡± I cried out his name and cried out loudly, unable to hold my voice back.


    I¡¯m not a virgin. Far from it, I¡¯ve had sex many times before with my ex-boyfriend, but this just feels so different. It hurts and it feels like he¡¯s about to tear me apart¡­but it feels so crazy good. The way his cock stretches and fills me, the way he fills my mind with him, all of it is making me feel so whole andplete.


    His thick cock rubbed against the walls of my pussy as its head hit against the pleasure spot deep inside of my love hole. He¡¯s driving me insane from the pleasure. I desired him so much that I could no longer control my own body. My hips thrusted upwards wildly to meet his thrusts halfway as I tried to suck his cock deeper into my wet hole.


    ¡°Your pussy is sucking in my cock¡­you like this, right?¡± Hayden asked needlessly as he began ramming hisrge cock into me even harder than before.


    Our sex grinded against each other as his wild thrusting made lewd wet sounds. My pussy felt like it was melting inside, and I was wet from my own love juices. Each time his cock stirred the honey deep inside my honey pot, my honey leaked out from my hole onto the bedsheet beneath us. His gigantic cock was messy up my insides and it felt so addictively pleasurable.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered his name repeatedly as I wrapped my arms around his back.


    The pleasure was too intense, and I felt like I would unravel. I wed at his back in my frenzy and desperation to be closer and one with him. Hayden began pumping his thick cock in and out of me from various angles. His member stroking and stretching my hole from various angles, making me cry out and dig my nails into his back.


    Hisrge hands slipped under my buttocks and began lifting my ass off the bed. He held my hips in ce so that he could pound into my hole faster and deeper than before. I never knew that I could be prated this deeply before. I felt his entire length fill up my insides all the way to my belly. When he moved, it felt like he was stirring up my entire insides and it was driving me crazy with lust.


    Hayden continued to thrust in and out of me non-stop. It was crazy how much stamina he had. I was already out of breath, and I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if I cked out any moment now. My body felt so hot, and my mind felt hazy from the pleasure that he was feeding me. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from crying out as his cock fucked my cunt deeply. It felt like I really was losing my mind¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m fucking you fast and hard now¡­so you can scream as loudly as you want¡­¡± Hayden said, his voice thick with lust as he pounded faster into me.


    I couldn¡¯t reply to him. All I could do was scream as Hayden continued to take me like a wild animal. I didn¡¯t think that he was making love to me, it felt like he was mating with me. His sex was rough and wild. If this is what Hayden refers to as ¡®being gentle¡¯ then I couldn¡¯t imagine what rough sex with him would be like.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡­¡± I whimpered as I felt my orgasm fast approaching.


    I could feel iting. My body felt like it would explode into a million pieces from the heat that was building up inside of me. My pussy clenched and spasmed wildly around Hayden¡¯s cock as it tried to feel even more of him. He¡¯s hitting all the right spots deep inside of my love tunnel repeatedly. I¡¯m going to cum¡­


    ¡°Let it go, Malissa. Just cum already¡­¡± Hayden whispered seductively to me.


    After a few fast and hard strokes of his cock into my cunt, I climaxed magnificently. My whole body trembled and spasmed while I cried out loudly when my orgasm hit me. I didn¡¯t remember anything but the pleasure and desire that felt like it had exploded out of my body along with my own hot wetness.


    Hayden continued to pump his thick rod into me even as I was climaxing. He didn¡¯t give me any time to rest after I had climaxed either. I felt hisrge hands pulling my body up until I was sitting up and straddling hisp. His hips began thrusting upwards, hitting his cock deep into my pussy hole.


    Oh lord¡­we¡¯re doing it sitting down. I wrapped my arms around his neck instinctively as he bounced my body up and down, sliding my pussy up and down the length of his upstanding shaft. I just came and my insides still felt raw and extra sensitive. His cock pushed deeply into me as Hayden used my body weight to pull me down onto his cock again and again.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 In His Arms

    ¡°Hayden¡­it¡¯s¡­too much¡­¡± I whimpered weakly as I begged him for mercy. I felt like my body was on the verge of breaking.


    ¡°Hang in there¡­¡± Hayden whispered into my ear beforeughing a little at me.


    Hisrge hands held my hips firmly as he thrusted his hips upwards, ramming his cock in and out of me fast and hard. I cried out until my throat hurts but there were no signs of Hayden ending this. My insides felt so hot and wet that I felt like he hadpletely melted me. It wasn¡¯t long before I felt another wave of my own climax approaching. He¡¯s about to make me cum again¡­


    I moaned and panted as I struggled to manage the pleasure that was robbing my body and mind of control. When my climax arrived, I didn¡¯t have the strength to express anything. My body just spasmed in Hayden¡¯s arms. My pussy felt over used and raw inside as it quivered from my own orgasm. My body and mind felt light. Hayden¡¯s endless assault is about to make me faint from the pleasure.


    Just when I thought that I was about to faint, Hayden moaned closed to my ear and started thrusting his cock fast and hard into me as if he was sprinting towards his own release. I clenched my pussy walls around his thick cock as I tried to give him pleasure and milk him for his cum. Soon I could feel Hayden¡¯s climax run through his body as he groaned wildly in pleasure and trembled a little in my arms. I hugged him tightly to me as I felt his cock twitching wildly deep inside of me.


    ¡°Malissa¡­your pussy feels amazing¡­¡± Hayden whispered lustily into my ear before he kissed my lips deeply.


    It was such a hot and wet kiss that left me panting for air. Slowly, Hayden kissed my cheek and then my forehead. His kisses and the way his hand was stroking my hair was so gentle and I started to feel my eyelids grow heavy.


    Thest sound I heard before I drifted off to the peaceful kingdom of sleep was the clicking sound of the handcuff being unlocked and removed from my wrist.


    Hayden¡­


    ¡­From N?velDrama.Org.


    Hayden watched as Malissa drifted off to sleep after their intense love making session. He watched as her breathing became steady. Slowly, he reached out a hand to caress the side of her face softly before smoothing a lock of hair back from her forehead.


    After taking out the key, he unlocked the handcuff and removed them from his and her wrist. Hayden made his way to get off the bed but then seemed to change his mind. Laying down carefully next to Malissa, he drew her into his arms and closed his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t remember thest time he slept with a woman in his arms but there was something soothing about having her in his arms. Perhaps, it was her scent or the way her body fitted perfectly with his, he didn¡¯t know for sure. However, it wasn¡¯t long before he too drifted off into a deep sleep.


    Just like how he couldn¡¯t remember thest time he simply went to sleep with a woman, he didn¡¯t remember thest time he had a peaceful sleep void of disturbing dreams. It was the first time in a long while that he was able to rest at ease.


    ¡­


    When I woke up, it was sometime in thete afternoon. My whole body felt sore, especially my pussy and it was obvious why that was so. The moment I began shifting my legs, a pain shot through the sensitive part in between my legs. It stings and it feels so sore, I almost cried out at the stinging pain.


    My eyes grew wide when I realized that the culprit to my soreness wasying next to me on the bed with his arms around me. Hayden was sleeping so peacefully next to me that I found it hard to believe that this scene was real.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time that I saw him sleeping but I wasn¡¯t used to seeing the innocent and peaceful look on Hayden¡¯s face as he slept. His face is so beautiful. His nose is so straight, and his light blond eyshes are so long.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time that I watched him sleeping and it wasn¡¯t the first time that I got mesmerized by the sight of his angelic sleeping face either. Slowly, I eased up on my side and rested my head in the palm of my hand as I watched him silently. Who knew the devil could look so much like an angel when he¡¯s asleep?


    Not wanting to disturb Hayden¡¯s restful sleep or wake him up, I began silently looking around his bedroom with my eyes. I¡¯ve been in this room before, but many things happened, and I haven¡¯t had the time to take in the room¡¯s deco. They say you could learn many things about the room¡¯s owner from their room. Not that I¡¯m an expert at figuring people out though¡­


    Hayden¡¯s room was luxurious and modern for sure. However, there wasn¡¯t a lot of personal belongings that would allow me to tell his character or anything personal about him. Perhaps it was because he just moved in here temporarily, so most of his things are probably back at his home. Come to think of it, I don¡¯t even know where he really lives¡­not that I¡¯m interested¡­


    Just when I reached the door to his room, something on the shelf next to the door caught my eye. A photograph was sitting there on the shelf in a frame. It was probably the most personal thing in the room that Hayden had.


    ¡°So, this¡­is Amelia¡­¡± I mutter softly to myself.


    I bent down a little to take a closer look at the photograph. It was a simple photograph of a man and a woman standing next to each other and smiling happily. The man was Hayden but with longer blond hair than he had now. The woman smiling next to him must be Amelia.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Going Crazy

    To be frank, I was stunned by Amelia¡¯s beauty. She had a beautiful figure, round eyes, a beautiful smile, long wavy light blond hair. Her face and expression were kind, the kind of face that everyone would fall in love with at first sight. Her facial features were perfect. She looked like a model or an actress and I wouldn¡¯t be surprise if she is one.


    Hayden was smiling so happily next to her. It was obvious that they are so in love with each other. It made me realize just how vain I was to even think that Hayden could have any feelings for me. There was nothing that I possessed that would outshine a woman like Amelia. Now that I¡¯ve seen a photo of her and how in love with each other they seemed, it was no wonder why Hayden refused to marry me or anyone else besides Amelia.


    I guess I got a little ahead of myself when Hayden started showing some interest in me. I probably mistook his kindness in saving me for something that didn¡¯t exist. It was obvious now that when he touched me and made love to me, he was just using me to pass his time. It was probably nothing more than casual sex for him. I should have known that so why do I feel so disappointed and hurt?


    ¡°You should at least have the decency to hide your girlfriend¡¯s photo away when you bring another girl to your room¡­¡± I muttered underneath my breath.


    Then, Iughed silently in my head at myself. I can¡¯t believe I just said that out loud. I¡¯m so pathetic.


    I felt something warm and wet on my cheek and realized that I had started crying. Great.


    Why am I crying? This is so stupid¡­


    Quietly, I tiptoed to the door and slowly opened it.


    Once I exited Hayden¡¯s room, I was shocked to see Auntie standing there in front of the door as if she was hesitating whether to knock on the door or not. The worried and slightly startled expression on Auntie¡¯s face reminded me that I hadn¡¯t wiped away my tears from my face.


    Shit, she just saw me crying. This is such a mess. She saw me just walked out of Hayden¡¯s room and I¡¯m in tears. I could imagine a whole series of wild scenarios that were undoubtedly running through her mind. However, I wasn¡¯t in the mood to correct her misunderstandings, whatever they were.


    ¡°Miss Malissa¡­¡± Auntie murmured softly, her eyes on my face.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say to her and I didn¡¯t want to exin myself, so I just nodded a little at her before I quickly walked past. My feet took me towards my bedroom, my safest ce in this entire penthouse right now. My emotions and mind were a mess and I needed to be alone to sort myself out.


    ¡­


    Once in my room, I headed for the bathroom. I wanted and needed to clean myself. I filled the bathtub with warm water before I got in and sat down, enjoying the feel of the warm water enveloping my body. I turned on the shower and enjoyed the feeling of water raining down on me from above before taking the shower head in my hand.


    Hayden was too big for me and my pussy hurts from the force of his wild mating, but I was also amazed with the pleasure that I felt. I haven¡¯t had sex with a man for almost a year since I broke up with Ethan so perhaps, I didn¡¯t remember¡­but did sex use to feel this good?


    I spread my legs apart as I positioned the shower head in between my legs. My pussy was still sticky and wet from my own love juices and the slightly warm water felt rxing against my love entrance. Slowly, I washed my own release away with my fingers.


    Feeling my own fingers touching my still-sensitive pussy made my mind wander to Hayden and how he skillfully touched and caressed me there. I closed my eyes, and I could see him, his handsome face and his blue eyes. Before I knew it, I was rubbing my clit faster and faster as I moaned with pleasure.


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself from imagining and reliving the sex I had with Hayden in my mind as my hands pleasured myself. He¡¯s driving me insane, and I hated how effortlessly he managed to do that to me.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    What am I doing? I stopped the lewd movement of my own hand as I brought my hand up to p my own cheeks. Get a hold of yourself, Malissa! He¡¯s just using you and you mean nothing to him. He¡¯s as in love with his girlfriend as can be. If anything, you¡¯re just someone he¡¯s cheating on his girlfriend with¡­


    My own words rang loud and clear in my head, and I knew that I was right. However, it was hard for my heart to ept the truth this time¡­


    ¡­


    I woke up the next morning with renewed energy after a long rest in bed. With so many things that had happenedtely, I was beginning to lose count of the days that I had left in this penthouse as part of the contract. The numerous developments made it hard for me to believe that only one day had passed by.


    23 more days until I¡¯m out of here¡­


    So many things happened during the first week here. I sighed loudly as I recalled Hayden¡¯s intense love making. It¡¯s been less than a week and I¡¯ve already slept with him. This is all getting out of hand at a much faster pace than I had imagined.


    It was starting to make sense now why that old man wanted me to live together with his son for 30 days. He probably knew that Hayden was a domineering sex monster. Regardless of what happened between us, I am not marrying Hayden¡­and he obviously wouldn¡¯t want to marry me either.


    That was that. For some reason my brain kept on recalling the photo that I saw in Hayden¡¯s room. I pushed the overly perfect image of Amelia out of my mind as I jumped out of bed and headed for a shower.


    I must avoid him at all costs. I can¡¯t let the event ofst night¡­and the night before repeat itself! It¡¯s still early, I¡¯ll cook him something quick and leave before he wakes up.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Complex Emotions

    With that thought in mind, I rushed to the kitchen. Checking the ingredients that were readily avable in the kitchen, I figured that I could quickly make some pancakes. Hayden seemed to like sweet things, judging from his liking for the chocte cake that he had the other day.


    I started working on making the pancakes immediately. This is a race against time. I must finish these pancakes before he wakes up and get my ass out of here. To be honest, I didn¡¯t care whether he wanted pancakes or not. I¡¯m going to do it so that I fulfill the deal I made to his father for today and then go visit my grandmother.


    Finally! I finished the pancakes, arranged them neatly on a te. Sifted icing on it. I admired my own aplishment with a satisfied smile. This should do it! I grabbed the te of pancake and quickly headed to the dining room where I ced the te on the table before quickly turning to leave


    I had finished sketching the portrait of my grandmother based on a photograph that we took together a few years ago. Sketching her in the hospital helped add to some references but I based her pose from the photograph instead while I can use her actual face as the reference for her facial expression in the painting.


    Now that she is permanently hospitalized and stuck in a hospital room all the time, I worried that she would feel lonely. I tried my best to visit her whenever I could and today was no different. I nced in the direction of Hayden¡¯s room before I shook my head to clear my thoughts and headed with the men in ck to the hospital.


    ¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­finally you¡¯re up!¡± Auntie cried out as she came running up to Hayden.


    Hayden had woken up, took a rxing shower and had just trudged out of his bedroom. It was clear that he was sleepy and not fully awake yet even after his shower. His hair was damp from the shower, but he was already fully dressed and ready to go out.


    ¡°What is it¡­so early in the morning¡­¡± Hayden mumbled with annoyance.


    ¡°Morning?! Certainly not! It¡¯s early in the afternoon,¡± Auntie said, desperately correcting Hayden.


    ¡°What do you want, Auntie?¡± Hayden asked as he walked past her towards the sitting room.


    ¡°What did you do to Miss Malissa?¡± Auntie asked in an usatory voice.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hayden smirked a little to himself as he thought of all the things he did to and with Malissast night. He could still remember the feel of her body beneath his as she writhed against him. The pleasurable sensation of her pussy hugging his cock as he thrusted his cock into her warm and wet body. Her beautiful moans of pleasure as he rode her and her erotic face as she reached her climax over and over again.


    His thoughts were filled with memories of her fromst night and he felt the urge to hold her in his arms once again. He felt a stirring in his loins as his body started to desire her touch.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± Auntie¡¯s voice cut through his lustful thoughts and snapped him back to reality.


    Malissa was gone and in front of him stood good old Auntie with an angry face as she stared up into his face. Hayden sighed loudly. He had no idea what Auntie was referring to since she clearly wasn¡¯t referring to how he had sex with Malissast night.


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. What happened?¡± Hayden asked instead of guessing at what Auntie wanted from him. He would appreciate it a lot if she would just say whatever it was that she wanted to say.


    He sat down at the dining table, his eyes on the pancakes. Hayden knew at once that Malissa made these and that she had already left the penthouse for the day, probably to avoid meeting him as always. That thought never depressed him before, but it made him feel a little irritated today.


    ¡°Can I get coffee? Tea¡­anything?¡± Hayden asked, feeling a little annoyed.


    ¡°No! You¡¯re not getting anything until you tell me what happened,¡± Auntie demanded as she stood next to Hayden with her hands on her hips.


    Hayden didn¡¯t like it when Auntie got into her bossy mode and started acting like she was his mum. Well, she is the closest thing that he¡¯s got to a mother after all.


    ¡°I already told you, Auntie. I have no idea what you¡¯re going on about¡­¡± Hayden replied as he ran his fingers through his light blond hair.


    ¡°Miss Malissa¡­she was crying,¡± Auntie spat at Hayden.


    ¡°¡­what?¡± Hayden said after a moment of stunned silence as he took in Auntie¡¯s words.


    ¡°She was crying. Miss Malissa came out of your room yesterday and she was crying. I saw it with my own two eyes!¡± Auntie said with conviction.


    Hayden froze in shock as he continued to listen to Auntie¡¯s words. Malissa was crying? Why?


    His brows knitted into a frustrated scowl as his mind filled with countless scenarios as to why Malissa was crying. None of them anything pleasant. Before he even realized what he was doing, he had gotten up quickly from his seat and was heading straight for the door.


    ¡°Where are you going?! Hayden!¡± Auntie called after him.


    ¡°Tell Luka that I¡¯m not going in today!¡± Hayden called back.


    Auntie watched in shock as the front door mmed closed with Hayden gone. She didn¡¯t know what was going on and why Hayden was in such a hurry, but she decided to do as she was told anyways. Picking up the phone, she dialed Luka¡¯s mobile number which she remembered by heart and ryed on Hayden¡¯s message.


    ¡°Luka¡­Hayden just went somewhere. He told me to tell you that he¡¯s not going in today,¡± Auntie spoke through the phone.


    The man on the other end of the line replied and Auntieughed merrily along with his joke.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­Hayden¡¯s been acting weird since he came back. What are you doing? You should talk some sense into him¡­¡± Auntie said impatiently.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Surprise Guest

    ¡°Granny! How are you?¡± I asked, trying to sound cheerful as I waltzed into her hospital room.


    The room was as white and simple as ever. The hospital room was filled with advanced medical equipment and machines that were designed to keep my granny alive.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing well. Have you been busy?¡± Granny asked, probably referring to the fact that I didn¡¯t drop by before.


    ¡°A little. A couple of things happened¡­and I just got tied up¡­¡± I replied vaguely.


    Sensing that I didn¡¯t want to talk about it any further, my grandmother did not continue asking. Instead, she started talking about small random things that she knew would cheer me up. I truly appreciate her for everything that she¡¯s done for me.


    ¡°How¡¯s the painting going?¡± Granny asked before she smiled beautifully at me.


    She had been receiving treatment for only around a week, but she seemed to be doing well. I smiled back at her as I observed her glowing face. I prayed and hoped that she would be cured and that she would be able to leave the hospital soon. Even if not permanently, it would be good enough for me if she could at least go out sometimes. I¡¯m sure that she was bored out of her mind being stuck in this room all the time.


    ¡°It¡¯s going well. I¡¯m actually here to show you the rough sketch,¡± I said enthusiastically.


    I began removing the canvas from the protective bag to show it to her. My grandmother took the canvas in her two hands as she stared at the rough pencil sketch on it.


    ¡°This looks much better that I had imagined¡­¡± Granny said thoughtfully.


    ¡°What does that mean? Don¡¯t underestimate your own granddaughter. Actually, I based this sketch on a photograph of us that we took together a while back,¡± I said.


    ¡°So, how can I help you today, youngdy?¡± Granny asked.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She handed the canvas back to me and I smiled at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m nning to base the facial expression on the real you now. So, I guess all I need you to do is put on your best smile for me,¡± I replied as I sat down in a chair next to her hospital bed.


    ¡°That¡¯s easy enough,¡± grandma replied before smiling widely at me.


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself fromughing at her and soon we wereughing together. In that moment, I honestly forgot about all my troubles and everything that was going on in my life. I just wanted to focus and live in that moment, at least while itsted.


    We were busy having a great time enjoying each other¡¯spany when the door to the room burst opened. I had a bad feeling that it wasn¡¯t the doctor or the nurse that just stepped in through the door.


    ¡°Ha¡­Hayden¡­Why are you here?¡± I asked in confusion and panic.


    My eyes were like round saucers at my shock of seeing Hayden walking into the room. He was dressed in a very smart looking white suit with a ck shirt and matching ck leather shoes. Overall, he seemed too smartly dressed and fashionable to be on a casual hospital visit. So, why is he here¡­exactly?


    ¡°What? My father is paying for this room and you¡¯re telling me that I can¡¯t be here?¡± Hayden replied without a care as he made himselffortable on the sofa.


    I nced over at my grandmother who was also shocked at Hayden¡¯s sudden appearance. I wondered if she even remembered who he is. After all, she¡¯s probably seen him only once on that day at the church where we failed to get married. Hayden was also dead drunk on that day which added to my guess that she probably didn¡¯t remember him.


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s not.. what I meant¡­¡± I said before I sighed.


    Why is he here? I don¡¯t even want to see him. He¡¯s made my life messy enough already and now he¡¯s intruding on my grandmother¡¯s hospital room where she¡¯s supposed to be recovering.


    While I was thinking of how to handle him, Hayden had gotten up from the sofa as if he had just remembered something. I watched as he walked over to my grandmother¡¯s hospital bed. Instinctively, I stepped in between my grandmother and him with my arms wide open to guard my grandmother.


    ¡°Why are you really here?¡± I asked, suspiciously. My eyes narrowed at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry your little head. I¡¯m not going to hurt your grandmother. Do you think I¡¯m some kind of monster?¡± Hayden said in disbelief before heughed a little.


    Yes, I did think that he was a monster.


    Hayden folded my arms to my side before he walked past me towards my grandmother.


    ¡°My name is Hayden and I¡¯m currently dating your granddaughter. I heard that you were in this hospital from my father and decided to drop by to see how you are doing. I am sincerely sorry that I did not inform you beforehand,¡± Hayden said smoothly before smiling his most angelic smile at my grandmother.


    I hated how well his smiled seemed to enchant her. My grandmother looked up at him with such ssy eyes as if she had just seen a real angel.


    Wait?! I¡¯m missing the real problem here¡­


    ¡°No, grandma. We are not dating¡­¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Really? But yesterday we already¡­¡± Hayden said with innocent wonder.


    ¡°We had dinner. Yesterday, Hayden and I¡­had dinner,¡± I quickly jumped in before he couldplete his sentence.


    Is he crazy?! Was he honestly about to tell my grandmother that he and I had sex yesterday?!


    Hayden chuckled amusedly while my grandmother looked at us with a confused look on her face. This is so bad; he¡¯s going to cause so much misunderstanding between grandmother and me. Plus, as far as my grandmother was concerned, I¡¯m still dating Ethan!


    He smiled at me as he turned around to face me once more. I could hear his softughter when he was about to walk past me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you were the type of girl who would sleep with a man that she¡¯s not even dating¡­¡± Hayden whispered into my ear before he walked past me casually as if nothing had happened.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Shopping with Him

    I whipped my head around and glowered at him. How dare he say something like that to me?


    ¡°You were about to paint right? Don¡¯t mind me¡­I¡¯ll just sit and watch¡­¡± Hayden said calmly as he sat down on the sofa, his eyes on me.


    How am I supposed to concentrate with him in the room staring at me like that? I sighed loudly as I began getting to work. Having him sitting there is a whole lot better than if he did some other troublesome or mischievous thing.


    Hayden watched me paint silently. Soon, my grandmother got tired, and she fell asleep quietly in her bed. I was too focused on watching my grandmother sleeping that I didn¡¯t feel Hayden¡¯s presence behind me until he had grabbed my wrist.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Hayden whispered as he held my wrist firmly in hisrge hand.


    His grip wasn¡¯t rough, but it was firm enough that I knew I couldn¡¯t break away from it. Without waiting for me to respond, Hayden began dragging me after him and out of the hospital room.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± I asked as I struggled to keep up with his long strides.


    I felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Hayden really had a habit of just dragging me around.


    We were in the hospital and people were already giving us suspicious res. I tried to calm down to not draw anymore unnecessary attention to us or disturb the other people in the hospital. Hayden dragged me all the way to his car before he opened the passenger seat and shoved me inside his car.


    I didn¡¯t like where this was going at all. Thest time he dragged me off, I had to pose as a fake girlfriend and almost got raped because of it. This wasn¡¯t funny at all.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?!¡± I demanded loudly when Hayden got into the driver¡¯s seat next to me.


    ¡°Why are you so loud? I told you before¡­I don¡¯t like loud girls¡­¡± Hayden said coldly.


    Right, I also remembered the ending of that sentence¡­


    However, that¡¯s not the point right now!


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°We¡¯re just gonna go shopping. Ok? Don¡¯t worry too much,¡± Hayden replied.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing that I want. I¡¯m getting out,¡± I said as I reached for the door.


    Before my hand could reach the door handle, my arm was already being pulled back by Hayden. I let out a cry of surprise at his speed. Without paying me any mind, Hayden began driving the car out of the parking lot.


    Without a choice, I shrugged his hand off my arm and sat in the passenger seat as my anger started boiling over. I didn¡¯t know where we were going and frankly, I didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Why are you here? What do you want?¡± I asked, suspiciously.


    Nothing goodes from Hayden being with me. There must be some hidden agenda or something that I¡¯m not aware of for sure.


    ¡°Nothing. I just want to take you shopping,¡± Hayden replied tly.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± I asked, my suspicion multiplying at a rapid pace.


    ¡°I just happened to be free today and I¡¯m bored. So, entertain me¡­¡± Hayden replied, his eyes glued to the road. His face an unreadable mask as always.


    Fortunately, it wasn¡¯t long before we arrived at our destination, arge upscale mall that I would normally nevere to. The mall¡¯s target group clearly wasn¡¯t someone who was struggling to get by financially like me. Everything in that mall looked and probably was overpriced and expensive.


    Hayden parked in front of the entrance and a man dressed in a formal valet uniform came to take his car key away from him. While I was hesitating to get out, Hayden came to my side of the car and yanked the door opened.


    ¡°Will you get out yourself¡­or should I carry you?¡± Hayden asked, emotionlessly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get out myself¡­¡± I muttered in annoyance as I quickly got out of his car.


    Now what?


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Hayden said, needlessly.


    His hand reached out and grabbed mine as he pulled me along with him once again. What¡¯s with the ¡®follow me¡¯ if he¡¯s just going to drag me with him anyways. Although his attitude was cold like always, therge hand that held mine wasfortingly warm.


    The mall was filled with branded fashion stores, their window disy sparkling with thetest fashion trends. Honestly, I¡¯ve never paid much attention to fashion because there was no way that I could afford such fashionable items anyways.


    ¡°Look. I meant it. There¡¯s nothing that I want¡­¡± I repeated what I said before again.


    Hayden didn¡¯t even bother to reply to me as he continued dragging me after him. It seemed like he had a destination in mind because he did not stop or slow down to check out any of the fashion boutiques that we were walking past at all.


    After a short walk, we arrived at the store that Hayden had in mind. I had to say that I hadn¡¯t expected that this would be our destination at all. In front of me stood the most prestigious art supplies store in the entire city, or perhaps, the entire country.


    Only famous and well-off artists bought their art supplies from this store because of the high price but also because of the quality and rarity of some of the art supplies. Supposedly, this store has in stock the best art supplies from around the world for all branches of art. I say supposedly because I¡¯ve only read of it and heard about it from other people, I have never been here myself before.


    Hayden wanted to bring me here?


    ¡°Wee Master Hayden. It is an honor for our store to wee you,¡± a middle-aged man who I presumed was the store manager greeted Hayden immediately when we entered.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. Instead, pay attention to what she wants,¡± Hayden replied coldly as he gestured to me with his sharp blue eyes.


    ¡°Yes, Sir¡­¡± the manager said as he turned his attention to me.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I mumbled in confusion.


    ¡°I want you to choose whatever you want from this store. I¡¯ll buy it for you,¡± Hayden said to me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Request

    I have no idea why Hayden is offering to buy me stuff. This doesn¡¯t fit well with the image I had of him at all. My suspicion of him only grew. There must be some hidden agenda behind this.


    ¡°Thank you¡­but seriously, there¡¯s no need. If that¡¯s what we came here for, let¡¯s just leave,¡± I replied without needing to think.


    ¡°This is my request to you for today as part of the deal,¡± Hayden said unwilling to back down.


    ¡°I already made you pancakes this morning in case you haven¡¯t realized, so the deal has been fulfilled for today,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t eat those pancakes, so it doesn¡¯t count. Today you¡¯re going to fulfill my request as part of the deal,¡± Hayden stated firmly.


    ¡°¡­shit¡­¡± I swore silently as I breathed out a sigh. What is wrong with him today? Why is he being so pushy all of a sudden? He never ate anything that I made for him on other days as well and it has never been an issue.


    Even if he told me to choose, it wasn¡¯t like I made a list of what I needed. I had most of the things I needed already and if I needed anything else, I could buy them from any regr art supply store. I knitted my brows together as I tried to figure out what to do next.


    ¡°Go ahead and choose now before I buy out the entire store,¡± Hayden said, emotionlessly.


    Hayden walked deeper into therge store, looking bored out of his mind. The manager and I both looked at Hayden in confusion. Without any other option, I followed Hayden quickly deeper into the store.


    ¡°Why are you doing this all of a sudden?¡± I asked when I finally caught up to him.


    ¡°I told you, I¡¯m free today and I happen to be bored¡­¡± Hayden replied without a care in the world.


    ¡°Miss¡­if you would follow me¡­¡± the manager said in an overly polite tone as he bowed slightly to me and gestured with his hands for me to follow him.


    Sighing to myself, I followed the manager deeper into the store where he started his presentation of the store¡¯s history and how the store was separated into segments based on the types of art supplies. He asked if I was looking for anything in particr and what kind of art that I worked on. Then he helpfully rmended me so many art tools and supplies that I struggled to keep up with him.


    It was clear that this store manager was no joke, he really knew his stuff very well. I nced back in Hayden¡¯s direction while the manager was busy talking and found that Hayden had settled down into a seeminglyfortable burgundy velvet armchair. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t interested in what this store had for sale.


    Everything that the manager presented to me seemed interesting and was of the highest quality. I have never seen such supplies before in my entire life. However, the thing that bothered me the most was theck of price tags on all the products. Since I¡¯ve never been here before, I didn¡¯t know how this works. Am I supposed to ask for the price of each one?


    As time went by, my interest took over and I began conversing with the manager about the supplies, art techniques and the work of other artists. I found out, not surprisingly, that many of the artists that I idolize purchased their supplies from this store and that the manager knew them personally as well.


    After a while of browsing and chatting with the manager, I managed to pick out a few small things that shouldn¡¯t be too pricey. When I was done, the manager and I returned back to where Hayden was. Hayden looked up from his phone screen as we approached before he smiled a little at me.


    ¡°What did you choose?¡± he asked, sounding a little interested.


    ¡°Just some stuff¡­¡± I replied vaguely, not bothered to exin to him what I¡¯ve selected.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have whatever it is that she¡¯s chosen,¡± Hayden said to the store manager as he stood up from his seat.


    The manager smiled politely at Hayden as he gestured for Hayden to approach the cashier. Like hell, if I was going to let Hayden pay for me. I already owed his father so much money and I was paying dearly for it. There is no way that I¡¯m going to owe Hayden or his mafia family anything else.


    ¡°I chose these items, so I¡¯ll pay for them. Excuse me, how much in total?¡± I said stubbornly before I turned to address the clerk.


    The store clerk offered me the billid out in an antique looking small wooden tray. I looked at the total amount and my eyes widened in shock. That much¡­just for this?!Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I heard Hayden chuckling right behind my ear and I whirled around to see him standing so close behind me, looking at the bill over my shoulder. He smiled at me while I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°Stop being so stubborn. I know that you¡¯re plenty rich, My Lady¡­¡± Hayden teased me as he pulled out his credit card with one hand and patted the top of my head with the other.


    ¡°Master Hayden, as you¡¯ve ordered, I¡¯ve already packed and gift wrapped your order for you,¡± the manager said as he gestured to three staff holdingrge bags and gift-wrapped boxes.


    I see, so Hayden wanted to pick something up here anyways. Now it was starting to make sense, I mean, he wouldn¡¯t go out of his way just to bring me here. He must have needed to run some errands here.


    ¡°Thank you. Malissa, let¡¯s go¡­¡± Hayden said as he took my hand in his again.


    I nced down at his hand holding mine and realized that he had developed another annoying habit of holding my hand whenever we walked together.


    ¡°You¡­don¡¯t need to hold my hand, you know¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t have you running away from me, can I?¡± Hayden replied before he shed me one of his angelic smiles.


    Not knowing how to respond to that, I just rolled my eyes at him. Hayden held the stuff that I purchased, which wasn¡¯t a lot. While the three other staffs, walked behind us with the other items that Hayden had apparently ordered.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Knocking on His Door

    When we arrived back at the penthouse, I couldn¡¯t wait to get away from Hayden. Seeing him in such a pleasant mood and acting a little too nice to me, just triggered warning rms in my head. I felt restless and anxious around him. I just wanted to hide away in my room and work on my art to heal my tired mind.


    ¡°¡­Thank you for today,¡± I said curtly in a stiff voice before turning on my heels.


    I walked as fast as I could towards my room to get away from him. If I could, I would have run away from him. What happened today was too much and I found it so¡­confusing.


    Once in my room I put the art supplies that we have bought together earlier away on the shelf. To be honest, even though I didn¡¯t end up buying a lot of things it was still too muchpared to what I really needed. Although I had tried to be selective on what I chose, I still ending up buying more than I needed. Thanks to the sale skills of the store manager, I guess. It would be another long while before I needed to go shopping for supplies. I waited until I heard the now-familiar sound of the door to Hayden¡¯s room opening and closing before I sighed with relief.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Why is Hayden acting so nice to me all of a sudden? What is that evil mafia scheming?


    After a while, I figured that Hayden had settled into his bedroom. The monster is now back in his room which meant that I can now go outside of my room for a bit. Maybe I should go to the kitchen to grab some snacks or fruits would be nice too.


    I reached opened my bedroom door and almost tripped over. Thankfully, I was able to halt my body in time.


    What the hell is this?


    Piled so high in front of my door were gift wrapped boxes that seemed very familiar. I¡¯ve seen these boxes before earlier in the day at the arts supplies store. Isn¡¯t this what Hayden had ordered the shop manager to pack for him? I thought he had gone to pick these things up, so why are they piled up right in front of my bedroom door?


    Was this some¡­mistake? It must be.


    Making myself as small as possible, I somehow managed to slide myself between the walls and the pile of boxes and made my way out of my room. If this is a mistake, then I should tell Hayden about it. I definitely need help to move all this stuff from my room. There was just so much of it that I was sure that I couldn¡¯t aplish the task of moving them all on my own.


    So much for trying to avoid him. I raised my hand as I stood in front of his bedroom door and knocked firmly a few times. I waited but there was no response. Is Hayden¡­sleeping?


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I called his name.


    Silence.


    I knocked on the door a few more times and called his name.


    Finally, the door in front of me opened. I took in a huge breath and held it.


    Hayden stood in front of me with absolutely no clothes on.


    I let out a little scream and covered my eyes in my hands. Why is he naked? Why did hee out of his room naked?!


    ¡°Why are you stark naked? Put on some clothes¡­¡± I eximed.


    ¡°I was about to take a shower, but I heard you calling my name and knocking on my door¡­so¡­¡± Hayden replied like it was no big deal.


    ¡°So, you came to the door looking like that?¡± I finished his thought for him.


    Talk about decency¡­or theck of it. Ever heard of grabbing some clothes and pulling it on¡­or grabbing a towel?


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be thankful that I quickly came to the door?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Anyways. There arerge boxes from the art supply store piled up in front of my bedroom door¡­¡± I said as I pointed in the direction of therge boxes, keeping my eyes closed.


    ¡°Oh that¡­¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°I figured that it¡¯s a mistake. I¡¯ll get the men to move them¡­but where should I move them to?¡± I asked, trying to end this conversation as soon as possible.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, that¡¯s up to you. After all, I did buy all of that stuff for you¡­¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¡°Huh? what?¡± I eximed and brought my hand down from my face.


    Ok¡­I forgot that he was naked!


    ¡°Just like I just said. I bought you all that stuff. So, you can unwrap them and tell the men where you want to put them or if you need help,¡± Hayden said before he smiled a little at me.


    He¡¯s crazy. I couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how much all that stuff costs.


    ¡°Are you crazy? I told you that I didn¡¯t want this stuff. Why did you spend so much money on it?¡± I said, feeling confused and slightly shocked.


    ¡°All the money I spent buying that stuff was truly worth it if it could get you to knock on my door like this¡­¡± Hayden said before smiling at me and stepping closer to me.


    While I stood there shocked at his words, Hayden reached out and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me against his naked body. I cried out as he began kissing the side of my neck. Once I had recovered from my initial shock from his abrupt attack, I began pushing me away immediately.


    Surprisingly, Hayden let me go before heughed yfully at me. I was at a loss for words. He¡¯s just making a fool out of me.


    I quickly turned around and ran back to my room as fast as I could. I could feel his eyes on my back and hear his soft and amusedughter before I reached my bedroom door.


    I tried to paint and do some work for university while I was in my bedroom. However, I was finding it very difficult to concentrate. This has never happened to me before but the fact that I knew that Hayden was in the next room bothered me so much.


    Every little sound from next door bothered me and made me imagine what he is doing. I could picture him moving around in his room, sitting on a chair, touching things on the shelves, and plopping himself down on his bed.


    Before I knew what was going on, I had stopped workingpletely as my mind focused on the little soundsing from the room next door. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from picturing what Hayden was doing and thinking about what he was thinking¡­or feeling¡­


    Oh, no¡­I am going crazy¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 When He Couldn鈥檛 Sleep

    Two days past by without me seeing Hayden. He hasn¡¯t been back to the penthouse and Auntie didn¡¯t seem to know where he went off to either. The penthouse was dead quiet and felt so empty without Hayden here. I spent my days visiting my grandmother in hospital as always and myte afternoons and evenings working on my artwork and other university projects.


    My days were peaceful; however, I felt a nagging thought always present at the back of my mind. Whenever I was free such as when I was waiting for the elevator, when I was waiting for the water to boil and when I was spacing out all alone, my mind wound wander to Hayden.


    If Hayden doesn¡¯t return to this penthouse tonight, it would be his third night out in a row. Since I¡¯ve moved in here with him, he has never been gone this long before. I looked at my phone for the hundredth time today.


    Nothing. No calls and no messages from Hayden. I wondered where he was.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you give him a call?¡± Auntie asked.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Why would I do that? It¡¯s all nice and peaceful now that he¡¯s not here¡­


    I sighed loudly. The truth was, I had never called him or texted him before¡­and what am I supposed to say?


    Something like ¡®when will you be back?¡¯. My body shivered from how weird that sounded. It was getting a littlete into the evening and I knew that Auntie would be going home soon. Usually, she would be gone by now; however, she¡¯s being nice enough to hang around to keep mepany.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s ok. I¡¯ll go to bed soon so you can go home now, Auntie,¡± I said before smiling reassuringly at her.


    ¡°Ok then. Good night, Miss Malissa. I will see you tomorrow,¡± Auntie replied before she started gathering up her bag and things.


    ¡­


    For once in a long while, I couldn¡¯t sleep. Iy down in bed with the lights off with my eyes wide open. The penthouse was dead quiet and very peaceful, but I just couldn¡¯t go to sleep. I didn¡¯t remember how many times I used to wish and pray that the penthouse would be quiet so that I could concentrate on my work. However, now that the peace and quiet that I had always longed for had arrived, I found myself feeling very restless and on edge.


    Suddenly, I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. At first, I was convinced that I just imagined it. That there really wasn¡¯t anyone knocking on my door. I mean, I was the only one in this suite at the moment as Auntie and the other maids have retired for the day and Hayden wasn¡¯t back. The bodyguards were guarding outside rather than living with us inside, so no one is knocking on my door¡­unless¡­


    Hayden is back?


    No, I don¡¯t think so.


    I was absolutely certain that Hayden wouldn¡¯t knock on my door. So there. I¡¯m just imagining it. I closed my eyes firmly; I have to go to sleep!


    **Knock Knock Knock**


    I heard three distinctive knocks on my door. I did not imagine it¡­someone is really knocking on my door, but it can¡¯t be Hayden so¡­is it a ghost?


    ¡°Malissa! Open the door!¡±


    That¡¯s definitely Hayden¡¯s voice.


    Instinctively, I sat up in bed at once. Then I realized that I was about to run to the door and open it. Am I going crazy?! It¡¯s Hayden on the other side of the door which is pretty much equivalent to having a monster on the other side.


    Maybe I should just pretend that I¡¯m already asleep and he will go away eventually. Iy back down on the bed and closed my eyes tightly. I¡¯m sure he will give up and leave soon anyways.


    ¡°Malissa! Malissa! Open the door!¡±


    Contrary to what I believed; Hayden started calling my name louder as he banged on the door harder. There¡¯s no way anyone wouldn¡¯t wake up like this. I sat up and got out of bed before the door to my room would be destroyed.


    Taking in a deep breath, I opened the door.


    I was right, Hayden, alive and in the flesh, was knocking on my door. Honestly, I wasn¡¯t sure if I preferred to see him or a ghost in front of my door. It didn¡¯t really matter because I didn¡¯t have a choice in the matter.


    ¡°¡­that took you forever¡­¡± Haydenined as he stared at me, clearly displeased.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked curtly.


    ¡°¡­I can¡¯t sleep¡­¡± Hayden said, emotionlessly.


    ¡°¡­and¡­that¡¯s my problem because?¡± I asked, incredulously. Is he some little boy or something? Why is he knocking on my door when he can¡¯t go to sleep? Wait, when did he get back again?


    ¡°Come with me for a night drive,¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¡°What? Me?¡± I asked, once again struggling to follow his abnormal suggestion.


    ¡°Yes, you. Who else? We¡¯re the only ones here. Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¡°No¡­wait! Hayden!¡± I cried out in panic.


    Effortlessly, Hayden lifted my body and draped me over his right shoulder like I was a small towel. I felt his hand on my ass and I started beating his back with my fists.


    ¡°The rule clearly states that you will do whatever it is that I tell you, whenever, wherever¡­something along those lines¡­¡± Hayden stated calmly.


    ¡°Put me down! I can walk,¡± I cried out.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you can but I can easily carry you too¡­¡± he replied like it was supposed to be obvious.


    Although this time he wasn¡¯t dragging me by the hand after him, I was still being taken along with him against my will. It¡¯s sote at night it must be a little past midnight already, I wonder where he wanted to go at this time of night.


    The other thing that bothered me was the fact that I was still in my pajamas and there wasn¡¯t much to cover my skin. Hayden carried me to the elevator and to the parking lot with ease, his hand enjoying the feel of my ass as he massaged my butt cheeks yfully all along the way.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I should change first!¡± I cried, hoping that he would pay me some mind.


    ¡°No need¡­¡± Hayden said,pletely brushing me off.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Night Out

    So here I am, sitting in the passenger seat of his yellow sports car. Yes, this is a different car from the one before. No, I wasn¡¯t keeping track and I am not interested in how many cars he has. I folded my arm around my chest protectively as I felt very self-conscious of how little I had on.


    My pajama was nothing more than a thin light pink satin v-neck top with thin straps and a matching pair of shorts which were¡­very short. Unlike me, Hayden was dressed properly in a white shirt and a pair of ck jeans. I hated to admit it, but he looked quite good¡­


    Once again, I had no idea where he was taking me, and I had a pretty good guess that he wouldn¡¯t tell me even if I asked. However, I decided to ask anyways¡­


    ¡°Where are you taking me this time? It¡¯s sote¡­¡± I said as I turned to look at him.


    Hayden¡­he¡¯s driving so fast now that the roads were clear.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡­¡± he replied a little coldly.


    It felt like his mind was really somewhere else, far far away from me. His eyes were on the road, but I could tell that he wasn¡¯t focused on them at all. I wondered what he was thinking right now and why he seemed so disturbed. Did something happen while he was away? If I asked, would he tell me?


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I mumbled.


    The ride was much longer than I had imagined. Hayden was silent most of the way and I was left to figure out for myself that we had started to leave the city center and began approaching the outskirts of the city. Now I was seriously curious of where he was taking me. The roads were getting darker as there were fewer and fewer buildings around and soon there were nothing but tall trees and the woods on either side of the road.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite far¡­isn¡¯t it?¡± I asked, almost as if I¡¯m speaking to myself.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there¡­¡± Hayden replied softly. His reply surprised me a little.


    The car climbed up a winding road up a hill and the road got a little bumpy and much narrower than before. There better be something interesting on top of this hill or something worth the long drive. We really came quite far.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Hayden announced non-ceremoniously as he quickly got out of the car.


    I looked at the darkness that surrounded us and wondered where ¡®here¡¯ was exactly. There were some public lights that lighted up some areas in soft orange light, but it wasn¡¯t enough for me to see clearly. All I could make out was that we were surrounded by a lot of grass.


    ¡°Where are we¡­seriously,¡± I asked as I got out of the car.


    I was right, we werepletely surrounded by soft and squishy grass. We were quite far away from the city which meant that it was dark enough for me to clearly see many twinkling stars up above us.


    ¡°Wow, they¡¯re so pretty,¡± I said absentmindedly as I stared up at the sky.


    Hayden followed my gaze as he also looked up at the star-filled sky. It was a shame that we couldn¡¯t see the stars like this when we were in the city center.


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡­they¡¯re really pretty,¡± Hayden said as he admired them too.


    I felt his warm hand reach for mine before he held my hand in his, a little tighter than usual. For some reason, I could sense that he was worried or thinking hard about something. I nced at his face, but it was emotionless and cold as always.


    ¡°This way¡­watch your step,¡± Hayden said as he led me by the hand.


    We walked uphill a little bit through the grass before we arrived at what I suspect was our true destination for the night. Unlike the unkempt grassy area from before, thendscape in front of me seemed to be well maintained. The grass short and orderly and there were enough light on poles to properly illuminate the area. However, I never would have guessed that he would bring me to a ce like this¡­


    A graveyard¡­and a veryrge one at that.


    ¡°This graveyard belongs to my family. Well, the Torex family or if you would like ¡®the gang¡¯. Everyone from the gang who dies is buried here,¡± Hayden exined.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± I gasped in shock once again at the vast number of tombstones. Lines after lines of tombstones stretched as far as my eyes could see.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking but I hate to break your illusion. The mafia gang actually doesn¡¯t have a lot of death like what you would imagine from seeing a lot of shoot outs in movies and such. There¡¯s just many of them because the gang is big and many have died of old age over the years,¡± Hayden continued to exin.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, many do die from fights and shoot outs as well,¡± Hayden said emotionlessly.


    The real question that I wanted to ask him was why he brought me here or why he came here in the dead of night, but I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to say that out loud. I just hoped that he would slowly tell me his reason of his own ord.


    Hayden walked along the lines of tombstones as he held my hand in his. I followed close behind him. It was dark and¡­I¡¯m not a fan of walking in the graveyard when it¡¯s sote at night¡­or even in the daytime for that matter.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Hayden screamed suddenly as he grabbed my shoulders with both hands.


    I shut my eyes and screamed like my life depended on it. My shrieking cry cutting through the silent night.


    ¡°Hahahahaaa!¡± Hayden¡¯sughed loudly as he shook my body a little.


    I opened my eyes and stared at him as he continued tough like he was going mad. Did he just trick me? Just now, did he just¡­trick me?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Sadness

    ¡°You¡­bastard¡­¡± I said with clenched teeth.


    ¡°You looked so scared of being here. I honestly couldn¡¯t resist ying around with you,¡± Hayden admitted, although, he clearly did not look remorseful.


    I pped his arm so hard that my hand hurt. What is wrong with this guy? I was honestly freaked out. It didn¡¯t help that it was so dark, and we were in the middle of a graveyard. I felt heat rush to my face as I got angrier by the minute.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving!¡± I said as I turned around and started walking away.


    ¡°Wait! Where do you think you¡¯re going? It¡¯s dark¡­stick with me,¡± Hayden said as he grabbed my wrist and spun me around to face him.


    ¡°That was not funny¡­¡± I spat.


    ¡°But you feel less scared now, right?¡± Hayden asked before smiling sweetly at me.


    He¡¯s so unfair¡­honestly¡­


    ¡°¡­I guess¡­¡± I whispered.


    I hated to admit it but that scare he gave me drove all my other fears away. Now, I felt resistant to the fear of the dark and the graveyard. However, that doesn¡¯t mean that I had forgiven him for what he did.


    ¡°Come¡­¡± Hayden said as he squeezed my hand and led the way.


    I decided to follow him. It seemed like Hayden has a particr grave that he wanted to visit, and he was leading me there. I wondered whose grave it was that Hayden so desperately wanted to visit, enough to venture out here at this time of night.


    Soon, he stopped in front of a gravestone. I was surprised how he knew where it was since this tombstone looked exactly the same as all the others. Perhaps, he¡¯s been here quite often?


    Hayden sighed as he looked down at the tombstone and my eyes followed. Although there was enough light for us to make out what was around us, there wasn¡¯t enough light to see the details on the tombstone. As if he could read my mind, Hayden turned on the shlight of his mobile and shone it on the tombstone for my sake.


    It was obvious that Hayden knew what was written there but I didn¡¯t.


    ¡®Harvey T.¡¯


    A name without anything else was engraved on the tombstone.


    I didn¡¯t understand why but for a moment, the wind that blew on that hill felt colder against my skin than before and it reminded me of how little I had on. I shivered as my eyes continued to look at the tombstone.


    ¡°Cold?¡± Hayden said, it wasn¡¯t really a question.


    Almost immediately, my body was enveloped by warmth. I realized that Hayden had hugged me close to his body from behind, I could feel his body heat on my back and his arms that held me.


    ¡°You¡¯re here to visit this grave?¡± I asked in a small voice.


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯m here to visit my older brother,¡± Hayden corrected.


    That means that his older brother is no longer in this world¡­


    ¡°Do youe here often?¡± I asked, curiously.


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Hayden replied softly close to my ear.


    I didn¡¯t know what else to say. No matter how curious I was, it wasn¡¯t like I could juste out and ask how his brother died. He died at such a young age¡­assuming that he wasn¡¯t much older than Hayden.


    Instead of asking questions, I closed my eyes and silently prayed for the deceased. When I was done, I nced back and saw that Hayden was in the middle of a pray of his own.


    ¡°What did you tell him?¡± I asked, trying to keep the mood light.


    ¡°Same as always. I told him that¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Hayden replied before he grinned at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­sorry?¡± I said, confused.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably cold¡­let¡¯s go¡­¡± Hayden whispered before he pulled me away from the grave.


    ¡­


    I have never seen Hayden seem so depressed and sad before. It was like he was trying to hold everything in. Although he seemed cold and distant, I could sense that he was merely hiding away something very painful and heartbreaking.


    The walk downhill wasn¡¯t an easy one, but Hayden was there to support me all the way. I didn¡¯t dare say a word to him as he seemed to continue to wallow in his sadness. I was thankful that even during this time he was still considerate enough to help support me down the narrow path down the hill. Hopefully, my presence here with him helps even if it was just a little. Afterall, that was the reason why he brought me with him in the first ce, right?


    We arrived back at the grass field before after a short while. Unlike the change in the atmosphere between us, the stars above still sparkled beautifully just like before. I looked up at the sky once more and admired the beautiful stars. To me, the stars were bright, beautiful and they cheered me up endlessly. However, I was beginning to realize that Hayden probably did not feel the same way when he looked up at the same sky.


    ¡°Sit, Malissa,¡± Hayden said, and I realized that he had already sat down on the grass.


    Hesitantly, I sat down next to him at the spot he had patted with his hand. Hayden didn¡¯t say anything else as we both stared up at the sky. One nce at him made me realize just how lonely he seemed and once again, I wondered what he saw when he stared up at the stars.


    ¡°Are you¡­ok?¡± I asked vaguely, unsure of what to say but not feelingfortable enough to leave him be.


    Without replying to me, Haydeny down with his head on myp. His motion was so sudden that I was a little surprised when his headnded in myp.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name questioningly.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Stay still for a while¡­¡± Hayden muttered in reply.


    I decided to do exactly like he had requested. Looking down at him, I could see that his eyes were closed, and he was no longer looking at the stars. There was less wind down here than when we were up on top of the hill, but it was still a little chilly.


    ¡°Achoooo!¡±


    Oh no, I just sneezed so loudly. Maybe it¡¯s getting a little too cold or there¡¯s some dust in the air that¡¯s irritating my nose.


    I felt Hayden¡¯s weight disappear from myp as he got up and then quickly pulled me into his arms. I blinked in confusion as I felt his warmth envelop me. He was hugging me so tightly and it was getting a little hard to breathe; however, I did enjoy the heat of his body engulfing mine.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Heating Up

    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I said his name softly.


    I could feel his hand on the back of my head, and I nuzzled closer to his body to further enjoy his warmth. It¡¯s hard to exin, but in that moment, I felt Hayden¡¯s loneliness as he hugged me. Unconsciously, I moved my arm around his back and began hugging him in return.


    ¡°You¡¯re cold, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯ll warm you up¡­¡± Hayden whispered seductively close to my ear.


    I felt his warm breath on the side of my neck before he started nting small kisses on my sensitive skin. I heard myself moaning softly before I could stop myself. Hayden¡¯s hands around my back started slipping under my clothes and soon I felt the heat of his hands on the naked skin of my back. His hands slowly stroked my back, and I could feel his warmth spreading into me.


    The soft kisses that he was nting on my neck had transformed into firmer sucking as his lips continued to pleasure me. Hayden licked and sucked on my neck, and I felt my breath quicken in response. We¡¯re outside, I couldn¡¯t believe that he would seduce me here like this.


    ¡°Hayden¡­we should head¡­back¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°We¡¯ll head back when we¡¯re done¡­¡± Hayden replied firmly.


    Done with what? I wanted to ask but his hands began sliding from my naked back to my front. My words were reced by moans of pleasure when hisrge hand cupped my naked breasts and began massaging them. I no longer felt cold from the wind. My body felt so warm that it felt hot from his seductive touches.


    ¡°Your nipples are hard¡­is it because you¡¯re cold¡­or¡­¡± Hayden said teasingly.


    My erect nipples rubbed against the palm of his hands as he fondled and kneaded my breasts firmly, making me cry out a little in excitement. Hayden took my nipples in between his fingertips and squeezed them mercilessly. It hurts a little, but it feels so good. He continued to squeeze and pinch my nipples until I was crying out loudly at the intense pleasure.


    Thankfully, this didn¡¯t seem to be a ce where people frequented and at this time of night, no one was around. However, that didn¡¯t change the fact that we were doing these things outside. It made me feel ufortable and scared¡­


    Slowly, Hayden pushed me down onto the grass. I felt the softness of the grass beneath me before Hayden got on top of me, blocking out my view of the stars above. All I could see was his face and hisrge frame looming over me. There was an unmistakable look of desire and lust in his eyes.


    His hands quickly pushed up my top, exposing my naked breasts to his hungry sight. Hayden bent down immediately and began licking the sensitive flesh of my breast as his hand began squeezing my other breast. I moaned and whimpered from the pleasure and heat of his wet tongue and hand on my womanly flesh.


    Hayden made hungry sucking sounds as he sucked on my breast before quickly taking in my nipple into his hot and wet mouth. I cried out when his hot mouth suddenly engulfed my erect nipple. My body writhed from the pleasure underneath him as I thrusted my chest up towards his wet mouth and hands. My body felt so hot from desire and the burning ache in between my legs refused to calm down.


    While he paid loving attention to my breast, his hand slowly slid down my body and under the shorts of my pajamas. His exploring hand dipped lower, covering my womanly mound before his fingers dug softly into the wetness in between my legs.


    ¡°It turns me on when you¡¯re not wearing underwear¡­¡± Hayden whispered lustily. I could tell that he was very turned on as well.


    I knew that I was flooded down there as Hayden¡¯s fingers began stroking the wet and slippery slit in between my legs. His fingertips ran up and down my flooded entrance as he teased me. I moaned louder at the pleasurable sensation of his caresses on both my breasts and my pussy.


    ¡°You love it when I y with this, don¡¯t you?¡± Hayden asked teasingly as his fingertips started rolling my clit skillfully in between them.


    My eyes widened at the additional pleasure, and I cried out lewdly. It wasn¡¯t long before my hips started moving up and down of its own ord, thrusting my pussy up seductively towards his long and thick fingers.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I moaned his name.


    Hayden lifted my hips and pulled my shorts off me in one swift motion. I felt the cold wind on my naked lower body, but I didn¡¯t feel cold at all. His knees nudged my legs further apart and I quicklyplied, spreading my legs wide open for him. My lust was blinding, and it had robbed my brain of the ability to think. I just wanted him to take me¡­here and now¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re so naughty, Malissa. Your pussy is already flooded¡­¡± Hayden said.


    I felt his thick fingers being positioned at my love entrance and I braced myself for his forceful entrance. He thrusted his thick and long fingers into my pussy in one smooth and firm movement. I cried out as my hips bucked wildly. His fingers were deep inside of me, stretching me and stimting the walls of my pussy. It feels so¡­good¡­


    Without waiting any longer, Hayden began moving his fingers inside of my wet hole. He thrusted his thick and long fingers in and out of my hole and I moaned loudly at the satisfying pleasure. When his fingers curled up and stimted my G-spot I cried out and tried to muffle my own wild screams with the back of my hand.


    His fingers stirred up my insides and thrusted against my G-spot mercilessly. My whole body shuddered from pleasure and my hips began moving, thrusting fast and hard against his hand. I spread my legs even wider to take his fingers deeper into my body. I was about to cum when Hayden suddenly removed his fingers from my wet hole. I also cried out at the disappointment of his fingers leaving me.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful¡­your body looks like it¡¯s begging to be fucked¡­¡± Hayden said before he smiled wickedly down at me.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Raw

    I heard him undressing before I felt the heat and shape of the head of his gigantic cock at my entrance when he positioned himself in between my widely spread legs.


    ¡°Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhhhhh!¡± I cried out loudly.


    Hayden thrusted his enormous member deep into my wet hole. He¡¯s already in so deep with a single thrust. My pussy stretched and tried to amodate his size as he filled me deep inside. With an animalistic growl, Hayden began moving his hips, ramming his cock in and out of my hole roughly. Each thrust seemed to be more intense than the one before, shoving his thick member even deeper into my cunt each time.


    My body began moving in rhythm with his as I thrusted my hips up to meet his powerful thrusts halfway. I grinded my hips with his as he wriggled his thick cock inside me and changed the angles of his thrusts to stimte my pleasure spot from various angles. It felt amazingly pleasurable, and I couldn¡¯t stop myself from screaming out loudly.


    I was panting and moaning loudly as Hayden pounded his cock in and out of me so fast and hard that I thought that he would break me. Hayden seemed enraptured by passion as he continued screwing his cock into me. There was no sign of him ever stopping. My pussy got wetter and hotter, and I felt like his massive cock hadpletely melted my insides.


    ¡°So deep¡­Ahhh!¡± I cried out.


    Hayden was moaning louder now too and his movements became more aggressive. His hips thrusted wildly against my opening as his cock pumped deep into me. His cock exited my quivering pussy just to pound into me harder and deeper than before. He continued to fuck me non-stop for what felt like an eternity until my whole body felt so weak. I felt like I was about to lose consciousness from his wild lovemaking.


    It feels different from the first time that he took me. He virile member feels hotter than before and it¡¯s getting even bigger inside of me. It feels different¡­better.


    Sex with Hayden feels so good¡­


    My eyes widened in shock when I realized why that was so. Hayden¡­he¡¯s not wearing a condom. He¡¯s doing me raw, and I was enjoying every moment of it. His thick cock continued ramming into my hole and my pussy clenched around him, sucking him deeper into my hole.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡¯m cumming! Ahhh! Ahhh¡­¡± I cried out his name as my orgasm hit me hard.From N?velDrama.Org.


    I felt my whole body tremble as my pussy spasmed and quivered around his cock. All I could do was focus on catching my breath as I tried to recover from the effects of my climax. My whole body felt like it had turned to mush in his arms.


    Hayden pulled me up into a sitting position with my legs straddling him as I sat facing him. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck. When I opened my drowsy eyes, I saw Hayden¡¯s ultra-handsome face so close to mine along with his magnificently blue eyes.


    ¡°We¡¯re not done yet¡­¡± Hayden whispered softly to me before his lips crushed on mine in a very demanding kiss.


    His tongue parted my lips and entered my mouth immediately. Our tongues danced wildly together, and I moaned multiple times into his mouth. His hands were on my hips as his hips began moving, thrusting upwards against me. His enormous cock began moving inside of me again as Hayden began fucking me in the new position that we were in. He bounced my body on top of him expertly, sliding my pussy up and down the length of his upstanding cock.


    I felt his cock sliding in and out of me as it rubbed the sensitive spots along my pussy walls and hit deep against my womb. Hayden began pounding into me faster and harder as our motions gathered momentum. I could feel his entire length buried so deep inside of me in this position. The angle that his cock was hitting me felt so deep. It wasn¡¯t long until I felt another orgasm approaching¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­don¡¯t cum inside me¡­please¡­¡± I begged him as I continued bouncing up and down on his cock.


    Suddenly, Haydenid me back on the grass and got on top of me once again. We were still connected and once we had settled into our new position, Hayden resumed his wild thrusting deep and hard into my cunt again and again. I felt him deeper inside of me and realized that he his cock had gotten bigger again. He¡¯s hitting me so deep inside, it felt like he would tear my insides apart.


    After a few more solid thrusts, ramming hard against my womb, I climaxed spectacrly. I raked my nails along his back and wrapped my legs around him as I clenched my pussy walls around his thick cock. I cried out his name so many times as I rode out the effects of my own orgasm.


    ¡°Your pussy feels great. It¡¯s sucking in my cock¡­¡± Hayden said, desire and lust clear in his voice.


    Hayden didn¡¯t stop ploughing into my wet love hole even while I was orgasming. His passionate strokes inside my cunt felt even more pleasurable than before. I could feel that Hayden was also close to his release. He was moaning louder now, and his cock began twitching wildly deep inside of my pussy hole.


    ¡°Malissa¡­¡± Hayden called my name passionately and I hugged my arms around his back.


    After a few more sharp and deep thrusts into my pussy, Hayden quickly pulled his massive cock out of me before spilling his hot seed onto my belly. His cock was very thick and covered in my love juices. I watched as milky white liquid spurted from the head of his thick cock and onto my body. He came so much on my belly as he threw his head back and groaned wildly.


    I felt so drained from our passionate lovemaking that I didn¡¯t have the energy toin about the mess that he had just made. At least, he managed to pull out before he released his seed inside of me. Haydeny down next to me as he tried to catch his breath.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Changes

    I was about to drift off into sleep when suddenly Hayden took my hand in his. He held my hand as wey there side by side, staring up at the stars in the sky. I wished that the stars didn¡¯t have eyes and were not witnesses to what we just did. That was such a silly thought and it made me feel very silly as well.


    ¡°Why were you crying?¡± Hayden asked out of the blue.


    Honestly, I had no idea what he was referring to.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said questioningly.


    ¡°The day I slept with you¡­Auntie told me that she saw you crying when you left my room. Why were you crying, Malissa?¡± Hayden asked as he turned his head to the side and looked straight at me.


    My eyes widened in shock and surprise. Auntie told Hayden about that? I was also shocked at how he could ask me something like that with a straight face. How straightforward can this man be?


    ¡°I¡­it¡¯s nothing,¡± I replied.


    I couldn¡¯t be as straightforward as he was. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to tell him that it was because I saw his photo with Amelia.


    ¡­


    When I woke up the next morning, I wasn¡¯t in my own bed. I sat up quickly in bed and look around to find that I was in Hayden¡¯s room and on his bed. The man in question was no longer in the room.


    Malissa, dearest, you need to start learning from your past mistakes. You see, if you fall asleep in Hayden¡¯s car, he¡¯s going to carry you to his room and not yours! Then you¡¯ll sleep in the same bed as him and wake up in his bed the next morning¡­


    I felt like kicking myself.


    When I moved my legs, a pain shot through my core reminding me how rough Hayden was with mest night¡­and we did it outdoors on the grass. I bet Hayden just dumped me onto his bed and then went off somewhere again. My pussy felt sore and so did the rest of my body.


    Slowly, I got out of bed and headed for the door so that I could go back and take a shower in my own bedroom. This time something else caught my eye.


    I¡¯m pretty sure that it was herest time. The photograph of Hayden and Amelia that I saw was no longer in sight.


    Did he remove it? He must have¡­


    Does that mean that he figured out that it bothered me?


    I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Why am I over thinking everything? It doesn¡¯t matter if the photo is here or not because it doesn¡¯t change how Hayden feels.


    I opened the door without hesitation and quickly got out of his room. The peace of my own bedroom weed me with opened arms, and I felt slightly better.


    After checking the calendar on my phone, I realized that today was finally the day that I had a dinner appointment with my friends. When I made the appointment, I was sure that I could go ces as long as had the small group of bodyguards with me. However, things have changed a little bit since then and that was mainly because of Hayden.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    After showering and dressing up, I felt refreshed and in better spirits. Perhaps there was nothing to worry about. Hayden usually wasn¡¯t back for dinner anyways and there were no rules against me going out to meet people. It has been a long time since I¡¯ve met other people besides those from Hayden¡¯s gang and my own grandmother and I could use the break.


    I picked a nice-looking dress that I feltfortable in and then applied some light make up. The dinner that was nned wasn¡¯t at any ce fancy, but it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been out with friends. Dressing up a little bit isn¡¯t going to hurt. I looked at my own reflection in the mirror and smiled. Please let today be a good day!


    The growling of my stomach reminded me that I hadn¡¯t eaten, and I was feeling pretty hungry. Taking out my phone, I started texting my friends in our group chat as I headed out of my bedroom in search for some food. As always, I was sure the Auntie had prepared some food in the dining room.


    ¡°Where are you going today?¡±


    I froze at the sound of an unexpected voice. Slowly, I looked up from my phone at the owner of the voice. Why is Hayden here?


    ¡°Are you that shocked to see me?¡± Hayden asked as he crossed his arms.


    To be honest, a little, yes. Hayden is up early today, and he hasn¡¯t gone out. I cocked my head to the side in slight confusion as I watched him just sitting there at the dining table.


    ¡°So¡­where are you going today?¡± Hayden repeated his question again.


    Right¡­I haven¡¯t replied to him. Truthfully, I¡¯m going out to meet my friends, but does he really need to know that?


    ¡°No where special¡­¡± I replied vaguely.


    ¡°Sit¡­¡± Hayden said as he nced over at the seat opposite him at the table.


    I pursed my lips together as I slowly made my way to the table and sat down where he had indicated. As predicted, there was some food on the table that Auntie had prepared. That reminded me that I was hungry.


    ¡°Eat. You¡¯re hungry, right?¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°Yea¡­¡± I replied softly as I began picking up the utensils.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere special. So, you decided to get all dolled up to stay home?¡¯ Hayden said as he looked at me suspiciously.


    I didn¡¯t want to tell him but the way that he was silently staring at me with his blue eyes was making me feel so ufortable. With a sigh, I put down the utensils in my hand as I started to lose my appetite.


    ¡°I¡¯m going out for dinner with some friendster today. That¡¯s all,¡± I replied, finally spitting out the truth.


    ¡°Good. I happen to be free tonight,¡± Hayden said before smiling sweetly at me.


    What?


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked. Tell me this isn¡¯t what I think it is.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Dinner with Friends

    ¡°I¡¯m free so I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Hayden said as if he¡¯s doing me a big favor.


    ¡°No. I mean, you don¡¯t have to apany me or anything like that¡­¡± I said, trying to get Hayden to back off peacefully.


    ¡°Why not? I¡¯m free, so I might as well go with you,¡± Hayden said innocently.


    Which part of ¡®I don¡¯t want my friends meeting my mafia creditor¡¯ does he not quite understand?


    ¡°Umm¡­that¡¯spletely ok. I¡¯ll get the men in ck to drive me as usual. I mean, they¡¯re supposed to go everywhere I go so¡­¡± I said as I smiled a little at him.


    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m actually appreciating having the men in ck around me right now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you should introduce me to your friends?¡± Hayden said casually.


    Big fat ¡®NO¡¯.


    I could hear rm bells going off in my head, but I couldn¡¯t think of a way to get Hayden to back off. Should I just be honest and let him know how I feel about this? Would he understand?


    Even if he understood me, would he care enough to do what I want him to?


    ¡°Umm¡­to be honest, I think it¡¯s a bad idea for you to meet my friends or anyone that is a part of my normal life for that matter. You know¡­it¡¯s going to be hard to exin who you are and my current situation if they ask. I would appreciate it if no one found out about my current situation¡­¡± I told him honestly.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Hayden said emotionlessly.


    I guess he understood. That wasn¡¯t so hard¡­


    I was busy feeling thankful that Hayden seemed to understand me that I didn¡¯t realize that he had gotten up from his seat until I heard the sound of the chair scraping against the floor. Wordlessly, Hayden got up to leave. I watched silently as he headed for the door. I guess he¡¯s going out after all.


    ¡°Umm¡­have a good day¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°You too,¡± he said without turning back to look at me.


    The door to the penthouse shut behind him. Hayden was gone.


    ¡­


    It was close to my appointment time with my friends. I touched up my makeup a little before leaving the house with my men in ck escorts. Funny, but I was starting to get used to having them around and driving me around everywhere. I even got used to their silence as we rode together in the car.


    We arrived at the restaurant where I was supposed to meet my friend after a ride with light traffic. Getting light traffic at this time of the evening was truly a blessing, usually the roads would be packed tight with cars.


    When I arrived at the table booked under my friend¡¯s name, all of my friends were already there. I walked over to them immediately as I waved at my friends to announce my arrival.


    ¡°Sorry that I¡¯mte. I didn¡¯t think that I would be thest one to arrive,¡± I said apologetically as I took thest seat that was free at the table.


    These four girls are my friends from university. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯vest seen them. We are quite close, and I enjoyed theirpany immensely.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No worries. We just got here too,¡± Jennie said as she handed me a menu.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said.


    ¡°You should order quickly. I read from the reviews online that the food here can take a while¡­¡± Jennie exined.


    I called the waitress over and quickly ced my order just as my friend had suggested. Once that was out of the way, I could bring my attention back to the conversation that was going on between the girls.


    ¡°We were a little worried when you didn¡¯t reply to the chat. I thought something happened or something,¡± my other friend said with a worried look on her face.


    ¡°Oh¡­I was just a little busy. My grandmother got a little sick¡­so yeah¡­¡± I replied hesitantly.


    I didn¡¯t lie or anything, but I just didn¡¯t want my friends to find out about the mafia¡¯s involvement. Who knows, it might put them in danger as well.


    After that, we chatted about random things and about university. We all had the same projects to work on and talking to my friends really gave me a good update on what they were up to as well as some inspirations for my projects. I really enjoyed reconnecting with my normal life once again and couldn¡¯t wait to go back to living this life.


    Naturally, as time went by the conversation gravitated towards updating on our love life. Sadly, or not I wasn¡¯t sure, but my friends were all still single. Well, so was I.


    ¡°I¡¯m as single as can be. If you girls know any hot guys, let me know. He doesn¡¯t even need to be a good guy at this point¡­¡± a friend said with an exasperated sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s not so good to be impatient, you know. I¡¯m sure your dream guy will appear soon enough,¡± I said, trying to cheer up my friend.


    ¡°What about you? Are you dating anyone right now?¡± Jenny asked me while the other girls focused their attention on me.


    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m too busy with university work and just taking care of grandmother. I don¡¯t have time for anything like dating¡­¡± I replied firmly.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± my friends said in unison.


    I sensed something weird as I looked at my friend¡¯s faces. Their eyes were wide and seemed to be focused somewhere else. Is there something strange behind me?


    Slowly, I turned around¡­


    ¡°May I join youdies? My apologies that I¡¯m a littlete¡­¡±


    A voice that had gotten unfortunately familiar as ofte cut through our conversation. It was my turn to open my eyes wide in shock.


    Hayden¡­why is he here?!


    ¡°Why¡­why are you here?¡± I asked in shock as I jumped out of my seat.


    Hayden was standing there right behind me with his most charming smile on his face. Why is he here? How did he get here?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Uninvited Guest

    Hayden just stood next to me and smiled brightly as he brought an arm up and ced it over my shoulders, hugging me to his side. My whole body froze.


    ¡°Oh¡­who¡¯s this?¡± one of my girl friends asked with clear interest.


    ¡°He¡¯s so hot¡­he¡¯s so hot¡­¡± another one whispered to the girl next to her.


    ¡°Who is he, Malissa?¡± Jenny asked as she stared at me.


    Why did he have to turn up here? I just told these girls that I waspletely single and had no time for dating. This is so misleading¡­


    ¡°Umm¡­this is¡­¡± I said as I struggled toe up with something that would be believable.


    Now what? Do I tell them that he is my friend? My distant cousin¡­?


    ¡°I¡¯m Malissa¡¯s boyfriend. My name is Hayden,¡± Hayden said loudly and clearly as he pulled me roughly against him. I felt both of his arms around my neck as he hugged me from behind and rested his chin on my head.


    Oh¡­shit.


    ¡°Wow! Really?¡± Jenny eximed excitedly while the other girls had simr reactions of shock.


    ¡°Malissa¡­you never told us that you had a boyfriend?¡± a girl said as she narrowed her eyes at me.


    Well, that¡¯s only because I didn¡¯t have one. I mean, I still don¡¯t have one.


    I got her hidden message immediately. They¡¯re going to grill me for not telling them and get me to tell them all the details about thister. Unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t tell them anything about the debt, the contract, or the mafia.


    I nced at Hayden and cursed him internally. While I was worried about being discreet, this guy was so used to attracting attention.


    ¡°Oh, sorry about this. I didn¡¯t know that you were bringing a plus one. Seriously, you should have told me so that I can book another seat,¡± Jenny quickly said politely after recovering from her initial shock at Hayden¡¯s sudden appearance.


    ¡°That¡¯s ok. I¡¯ll bring a chair over,¡± Hayden said as he smiled his angelic smile at my friend.


    I sighed softly to myself as I watched a bright red blush take over my friend¡¯s face at the sight of Hayden¡¯s mesmerizing smile. Another victim down. I guess this was why they say the devil is bewitching.


    I sat back down in my seat as I tried to figure out how to deal with Hayden. He¡¯s not going to say anything weird that will expose our twisted contract, right? I nced over at Hayden who was bringing a chair over to our table.


    This is a disaster. This is a disaster. This is a disaster. These words kept on reying in my head.


    Hayden brought a chair over and sat down next to me at the table. My friends couldn¡¯t help but stare at Hayden and I guess that I could understand their reaction. Hayden and his looks truly stood out from the crowd.


    ¡°So¡­Malissa, why don¡¯t you tell us more about your boyfriend?¡± my friend asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­actually, he¡¯s not really¡­¡± I began denying.


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to be shy!¡± my girl friend said excitedly.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Malissa¡¯s pretty shy about telling people about us. We just started dating a few weeks ago,¡± Hayden said smoothly.


    ¡°Oh wow. So¡­how did you guys meet?¡± my friend asked eagerly.


    Herees the ssic question. I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re going through this. What am I supposed to say? That we met because the head of the Torex mafia gang forced me to live with his son for 30 days to settle a huge debt?


    ¡°Umm¡­we¡­.¡± I struggled to answer.


    ¡°We met at a church. After that we started talking and went on dates,¡± Hayden replied, wlessly.


    I guess, we did meet at a church. I would never forget that disastrous wedding ceremony.


    ¡°A church? I didn¡¯t know that you were so religious¡­¡± Jenny said as she turned to look at me.


    ¡°What do you do, Hayden? Are you working now or are you still studying?¡± my other friend asked.


    Clearly, they were serious about getting to know everything about Hayden. While they had their attention on Hayden, my brain was busy trying to figure out how to excuse ourselves and get out of here as soon as possible.


    ¡°I work for my family¡¯s business. It¡¯s not very interesting though,¡± Hayden said, sounding super humble.


    My friends kept on bombarding us with questions about our rtionship. Thankfully, Hayden managed to somehow answer them all. By this time, I was relief that Hayden seemed to want to keep our twisted rtionship a secret. I guess Hayden doesn¡¯t want to exin to other people about hisplex family background either.


    ¡°I think we have to go. Sorry girls but I have to wake up early tomorrow to visit my grandmother at the hospital,¡± I said as I got up to leave.


    Grabbing Hayden¡¯s hand in mine, I started pulling him to his feet too. Hayden looked at me innocently and for a moment he looked like he didn¡¯t want to leave.


    ¡°Hayden, please¡­let¡¯s go,¡± I whispered to him.


    ¡°You owe me one,¡± Hayden whispered into my ear once he got up to his feet.


    ¡°Bye girls. It was great catching up with you. I¡¯ll see you girls another time soon,¡± I said.


    ¡°It was good seeing you all. Thanks for taking care of my Malissa,¡± Hayden said before shing the girls his killer smile.


    ¡°Did you hear that he called her ¡®my Malissa¡¯ just now?¡± my friend started teasing.


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself from blushing a little at their teasing. Without further dy, I started dragging Hayden behind me out of the restaurant.


    ¡°Why did youe here? How did you find this ce? Did you follow me?¡± I fired questions at him the moment we stepped out of the restaurant.


    ¡°Chill out. Too many questions at once¡­¡± Hayden saidzily.


    ¡°Why did youe here? What do you think you¡¯re doing? Why did you introduce yourself as my boyfriend?¡± I asked rapidly.


    ¡°I just told you¡­too many questions all at once¡­¡± Hayden said, still refusing to answer any of my questions.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this to me¡­¡± I hissed angrily.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home. I¡¯ll drive,¡± Hayden said and this time it was his turn dragging me.


    ¡°Wait! The men can drive me back,¡± I said as I tried to pull my wrist away from his grip.


    ¡°They¡¯re no longer here¡­¡± Hayden replied, sounding bored.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± I asked with a mix of shock and confusion.


    ¡°I sent them back already. Let¡¯s be environmentally friendly and carpool,¡± Hayden said with a smallugh.


    He sent them back?!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Line Between Reality and Make Believe

    I ended up in Hayden¡¯s car and I felt so angry that my chest felt like it could explode at any moment. Crossing my arms over my chest I stared out of the window. Although I was thankful that Hayden didn¡¯tpletely blow our covers and tell my friend about everything that was truly going on, I still felt like he had invaded my private space.


    My friends and everything that happened inside that restaurant during dinner was a part of my real life. It was a life where he didn¡¯t exist and didn¡¯t have a ce in. How can he not understand that? I don¡¯t want this mafia nightmare that I was going through to be a part of my real life. I felt so stressed out about all this and I felt like I was going to cry.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I prayed that this ride would be over soon. I just wanted to be alone and sort myself out. Someway or another, I¡¯m going to have to find a way to correct the misunderstanding with my friends. This is going to be soplicated and painful. My head started to ache, and it wasn¡¯t a pleasant sensation.


    ¡°Are you mad?¡± Hayden asked abruptly, disturbing the silence of our drive back.


    Do I look mad? Well, if that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s because I am. I am so out-of-my-mind mad right now.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I muttered a big fat lie. I just didn¡¯t want to talk to him.


    Knowing that I was this close to exploding, I just wanted to be left alone and any answer that would lead me closer to that oue was the answer that I would choose.


    ¡°You¡¯re not very honest. Your face looks really scary right now¡­¡± Hayden said teasingly.


    I didn¡¯t find his joke funny, and I didn¡¯t care what my face looked like. What I cared about was protecting my ¡®normal life¡¯, but it seemed that I had failed on that front as well.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I said, not knowing what else to say. Seriously, whatever. Just please stop talking to me.


    Hayden was silent for a moment, and I thought that his awkward conversation had finally came to an end, but I was so wrong.


    ¡°If you¡¯re mad about what I did then, I¡¯m sorry. I just wanted to know more about your life¡­¡± Hayden spoke up without looking at me.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t think that he would apologize. For that, I guess I had to give him a little credit. However, I didn¡¯t think that he understood why I was angry.


    ¡°Why would you want to know more about my life?¡± I demanded to know.


    ¡°Why not? Don¡¯t tell me that you think there¡¯s nothing interesting in your life¡­¡± Hayden asked, sounding a little amused.


    ¡°That¡¯s not¡­¡± I began defending myself but then decided to just drop it.


    That¡¯s not what I meant but I was losing my patience with him. I put a hand on my forehead as I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m supposed to deal with this guy. I could feel Hayden¡¯s eyes on me, and he waited for me to continue with what I was saying.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need for you to know anything about me or my life. That¡¯s all,¡± I said stiffly.


    ¡°Then what about mine?¡± Hayden asked suggestively.


    ¡°About what?¡± I asked, slightly puzzled.


    ¡°My life. Don¡¯t you want to know anything about my life?¡± Hayden asked, sounding very friendly.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Hmm¡­that¡¯s unexpected. My life is pretty interesting¡­and most of the time girls really want to know about it. Not that I¡¯ve ever told them or shown them anything¡­¡± Hayden said.


    Well, sorry that I¡¯m not particrly interested.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­I just don¡¯t think that we should get involved in each other¡¯s private lives,¡± I said, hoping that he would understand.


    ¡°Why do you think that?¡± he asked, clearly not understanding me.


    ¡°I guess, it¡¯ll just make it hard andplicated when we go our separate ways when the contact expires¡­¡± I tried my best to exin.


    ¡°How so?¡± Hayden asked, sounding genuinely curious.


    ¡°Well, take today for example, I have to find a way to tell my friends that you¡¯re not really my boyfriend. I have to find a way to tell them that you¡¯re not really a part of my normal life¡­¡± I continued to exin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why you have to go through so much trouble to do that,¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said, feelingpletely lost.


    ¡°I mean, if you would just ept me as your boyfriend and a part of your life, then you don¡¯t have to correct any misunderstandings with them, right?¡± Hayden said suggestively.


    Am I hearing this right? This is so crazy. It¡¯s like we¡¯re not even talking in the samenguage anymore.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­crazy. Why would I want that?¡± I said as I turned to face him.


    The car was stuck at a red light, and I found out that Hayden was watching me. The earnest look that he had on his face gave me pause. He can¡¯t be serious¡­can he?


    However, the look on his face darkened soon after he heard my words. It felt like I could hear the roaring of thunder and lighting in the distance as if a really bad storm was approaching and that was all because I could sense Hayden¡¯s apparent anger. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t fully understand why he was suddenly angry.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I said his name softly.


    **Ring ring**


    Suddenly, my phone started ringing. The ringtone of my phone cut through the tense atmosphere between us. Hesitantly, I nced down at the phone in my hand and saw that one of my friends was calling. Just as I was about to answer the call, the phone was suddenly snatched out of my hand.


    I blinked in surprise as I looked unbelievably at my now-empty hand. Quicky, I turned to Hayden and saw that he held my ringing phone in his hand. Why did he take it?


    ¡°Please¡­give me back my phone,¡± I said before reaching out my hand towards my phone.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Hayden replied as he pulled his hand away from mine, keeping the phone away from me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Melting Resistance

    What is he doing? Why is he doing this?


    ¡°Please give it back. She might have something urgent that she needs to talk to me about¡­¡± I said, trying to reason with him.


    Hayden looked at me and smirked as his beautiful blue eyes narrowed cunningly at me. I knew immediately that nothing good was about to follow.


    ¡°Do as I say or else, I¡¯ll tell your dear friend all about us,¡± Hayden said, stressing his every words.


    I didn¡¯t understand what that meant. What does he want me to do now?


    I gasped in surprise, when he connected the call and turned the phone on loudspeaker so that I could hear.


    ¡°Hi Malissa! Are you home yet or still on the way?¡± Jenny¡¯s voice sounding very energetic as she spoke through the phone.


    I looked at Hayden in panic before looking back at my phone screen. I guess I should answer her before she thinks that something is amiss.


    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m on the way home. I should get there soon. Is something the matter?¡± I said as I tried to get her to get to the point.


    ¡°Oh¡­actually¡­the professor contacted me about hosting a joint art exhibition with some other people at university. He mentioned that it would be great if your group of friends could agree on a theme and produce some art works to disy at the exhibition,¡± Jenny started to exin.


    An art exhibition sounds very interesting, and it seems like I would get to work on it with friends. So far, I didn¡¯t see a downside to it.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I replied vaguely, trying not to say too much because Hayden was listening to our conversation.


    ¡°Let me tell you more details. I mean, I guess you¡¯ll need more details before you can decide if you really want to join in¡­¡± Jenny said before she started outlining more details of the exhibition.


    There were just so many details and it seemed like she was going to go on about it non-stop as I listened. It was challenging to keep up with her with the information overload and the speed at which she was speaking but I tried my best anyways.


    Suddenly, I felt something warm on my knee. When I looked down, I discovered that it was Hayden¡¯s hand. My eyes widened in shock before I turned to face him. Hayden seemed unfazed, if anything, he seemed to be enjoying himself as his hand started to stroke the side of my thigh.


    ¡°Hey¡­Malissa, are you still listening?¡± Jenny asked, brining my attention back to the phone call.


    That¡¯s right, Jenny is still on the line. I hope she doesn¡¯t figure out what is going on.


    ¡°Oh¡­yes, of course. Please continued with the details,¡± I said, trying to keep my voice normal.


    I tried to pull Hayden¡¯s hand away from my thigh but that only made him make a dissatisfied sound. I watched as Hayden reached out his hand and pressed the mute button on my phone¡¯s screen to mute the call.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked right away once the call was muted.


    ¡°Do as I say. Pull your dress up and open your legs,¡± Hayden ordered.


    We¡¯re in the middle of the road. Is he crazy? I was shocked at what he just said that I couldn¡¯t move. Jenny¡¯s cheerful voice still went on in the background as she told me about the choices of venue. Hayden stared at me as he waited for me toply to his crazy order.


    My eyes darted around as I hesitated. What should I do?


    As if to threaten me further, Hayden unmuted the call. I gasped in shock as he brought the phone close to his lips. It looked like he was about to open his mouth and say something.


    ¡°No no no¡­¡± I whispered, trying to stop Hayden.


    Hayden looked at me and then his gaze ran down my body to myp. I knew what he wanted¡­


    Hesitantly, I began pulling my dress up, uncovering my thighs before spreading my legs a little just like he had ordered. Seemingly satisfied, Hayden muted the call again and ced the phone on the car¡¯s console. Learning over, he began running his hand and fingers along my thighs.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called his name softly.


    His touch was making me feel sensitive and my skin got goosebumps from his touch. Hayden continued to rub his hand along my thighs while I tried my best not to make any sound.


    ¡°By the way, do you want to invite anyone in particr to join in the exhibition?¡± Jenny asked abruptly.


    My eyes widen alertly. Hayden hearing her question, sighed softly before passing the phone to me. He then turned his attention back to my naked thighs. I took the phone from him and unmuted the call. I wasn¡¯t really listening, because honestly, I couldn¡¯t focus on anything else except for Hayden at that moment.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡¯m not sure yet. Let¡­let me think about it¡­ok?¡± I managed to reply.


    I quickly muted the call when I felt Hayden¡¯s teasing hands stroking the sensitive flesh of my inner thighs. His hands began parting my legs wider apart before his fingertips slowly ran up my inner thighs towards the heat in between my legs.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I couldn¡¯t help but react to his stimtions. My core felt hot, and it was throbbing. When his fingers brushed against the crotch of my panties, I moaned loudly. As my pussy began pulsating, I knew that I was already very wet down there. My body always reacted so much to Hayden¡¯s advances, and I got wet very fast.


    Jenny was still going on about something that I could no longerprehend. Hayden pressed his fingers against my heat, rubbing me through the thin fabric of my underwear and I cried out shamelessly. His fingers stroked my sensitive opening through my panties, and I felt like I was already about to lose control. I wanted him to touch me directly. Instinctively, I began spreading my legs further apart for him.


    ¡°You¡¯re so naughty, letting me do these things to you while your dear friend is talking to you on the phone¡­¡± Hayden teased.


    ¡°This¡­is all your¡­fault¡­¡± I managed to say in between my lewd moans that were getting louder and louder.


    Hayden onlyughed softly at me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Pleasurable Detour

    ¡°Really? You¡¯vepletely drenched your underwear with you juices,¡± Hayden said before he nced up at my face.


    Hayden peeled away the wet fabric that was covering my soaked love hole before his fingers began stroking my hot wetness directly. The sensation of his fingertips running long my wet slit felt amazingly pleasurable.


    ¡°Ahhh! Ahhhh!¡± I cried out at the pleasure of his fingers touching my secret opening directly.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He¡¯s touching me directly¡­and it feels¡­oh so good¡­


    I let out a muffled cry as I ced a hand over my mouth. Hayden¡¯s fingers that were teasing my opening suddenly thrusted sharply inside of my pussy hole.


    Oh¡­he¡¯s moving his fingers around inside of me¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s so hot and wet inside¡­¡± Hayden whisper seductively as he leaned over and ced his mouth close to my ear.


    He¡¯s fingering me harder and faster now. I could feel his fingers moving against the walls of my pussy, deep inside of my love hole. I clenched my pussy around his thick fingers as he continued to rub the sensitive spot in my love tunnel. His fingers began moving in and out of my hole, making wet sounds that echoed in the enclosed space of his car.


    I could no longer hold in my moans, and I began to moan loudly. His fingers were hitting all the right spots inside of me. If he continues fingering me hard like this, I think I¡¯m going to cum very very soon. My breath wasbored, and my mind began to feel so hazy. I had absolutely no idea what Jenny was talking about anymore and I didn¡¯t even care.


    Suddenly, Hayden eased his finger out of my wet hole. I could see my own love juices dripping from his fingers onto the palm of his hand. I¡¯m so wet¡­he made me so wet¡­


    ¡°I guess I should park the car somewhere¡­you don¡¯t seem like you¡¯re going to be satisfied with just my fingers¡­¡± Hayden said before he smiled at me knowingly.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°You can talk to you friend in the meantime,¡± Hayden said as he nced over at my phone.


    Hayden removed his hand from me and focused on driving the car. He made a very sharp turn, and I knew that we were heading somewhere that wasn¡¯t back to the penthouse. Things are getting out of hand at a rapid pace, just like it always did when Hayden and I are alone together.


    Jenny was still talking, while I waspletely lost on what she was going on about. Surprisingly, I didn¡¯t care much anymore. My body felt hot as I trembled from thinking of how Hayden had been touching and pleasuring me.


    ¡°Do you have any questions so far? I am dumping quite a lot of things onto you¡­¡± Jenny said as she paused from her information session.


    ¡°Umm¡­no questions. Maybe we can talk in more detailster¡­along with the other guys¡­¡± I said as I hoped that she wouldn¡¯t catch on to the fact that I hadn¡¯t been listening to her at all.


    ¡°Ok¡­that sounds good. Maybe I should set a date for us all to meet up at the university to talk this through or something¡­¡± Jenny suggested, sounding full of energy as always.


    ¡°Aha¡­ok¡­¡± I said softly as I prayed for this call to be over.


    Just a short while had past but it seemed like long enough for Hayden to reach the destination that he had in mind. I looked outside the car window, and it was very dark. So dark that I could barely make out anything outside. Where are we? Did he just drive us underground somewhere?


    The signal of the phone was cracking up a little as well like the reception wasn¡¯t great where we were. The underground was dimly lit with a few lights, and I could finally make out that it was an underground parking lot. I never knew that such a thing existed in this part of the city, not that I was particrly knowledgeable about the city.


    ¡°Umm¡­Malissa, you¡¯re cracking up a little. Guess the signal is bad?¡± I heard Jenny say through the phone. Her voice was cracking up a bit too.


    Hayden had parked the car and I felt the vehiclee to aplete stop. Then, I felt his eyes on me and I gulped. Suddenly, I truly felt like a cornered small animal that was about to be trapped and eaten alive. I didn¡¯t need anyone to tell me that I should hang up the call immediately.


    ¡°The signal is bad. I can¡¯t hear you. I¡¯ll call you backter,¡± I quickly said before hanging up.


    I breathe a sigh of relief now that Jenny was finally off my back. However, there was a bigger problem that I had to deal with and that was the man who was sitting very close to me.


    ¡°Should we continue where we left off?¡± Hayden asked, sounding like a gentleman.


    He smiled gently at me before his eyes looked down towards the mess in between my legs. Following his gaze, I could see that my legs were still parted, and I closed them immediately.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± I asked, trying to change the topic of the conversation as I looked around outside the car.


    ¡°Somewhere where no one will dare disturb us¡­¡± Hayden replied calmly.


    That¡­wasn¡¯t what I wanted to know¡­


    It was clear that Hayden wouldn¡¯t let this just slide by. I wondered what it was about what I said that was making him behave like this. He¡¯s so aggressive, which I guess wasn¡¯t abnormal for his standards, but he just wanted to have sex with me all of a sudden. So sudden that he even drove us here just so we could have sex on our way back.


    ¡°Lay down and spread your legs,¡± Haydenmanded, and I could tell that he wasn¡¯t willing to take a no for an answer.


    Without warning, the car seat started reclining until I wasying down. My attempt at trying to sit up was stopped immediately, when Hayden climbed over from his seat and pinned me down beneath him. There¡¯s not much space in the car and Hayden felt so much bigger as his presence loomed over me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Tough Choice

    His hands spread my legs immediately to either side of his hips and then his hands were on my private parts. Hayden really continued where we had left off. His fingers thrusted deep into my wet hole and began stirring up my insides. I let out a muffled moan while he fingered my pussy hole harder and faster. My pussy was already flooded with my juices which allowed his finger to slide in and out of me easily.


    His other hand began groping my breasts over my clothes. Although my dress and bra covered my breasts, I could feel his aggressive caress through them as he squeezed and massaged my breasts roughly. I felt him press against my swollen clit with his fingers and I whimpered his name.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered softly before I bit on my lower lip.


    ¡°You love it when I screw your g-spot and your clit at the same time, don¡¯t you?¡± Hayden asked followed by an amusedugh. He was clearly enjoying himself as he watched my body slowlye undone.


    His fingers were pumping in and out of me so hard and fast while he yed with my clit. The overwhelming pleasure was driving me crazy. My body writhed as my hips started moving wildly against his hand.


    ¡°Look at how much your hips are moving¡­¡± Hayden hissed as he began curling up his fingers inside of me to further stimte my g-spot.


    ¡°No! Stop¡­I¡­I¡¯m gonna¡­cum¡­¡± I cried out softly as I pleaded him to stop the crazy waves of ecstasy that was driving me insane with lust.


    I¡¯m¡­going to lose control¡­


    Although I was the one that told him to stop, I was the one who wanted to scream out loud from frustration when Hayden stopped moving his fingers. My body trembled when he slid his fingers out of me.


    ¡°Put this on my cock,¡± Hayden instructed as he handed me a condom.


    ¡°¡­umm¡­¡± I made a hesitating sound.


    It¡¯s so embarrassing. I¡¯ve never put a condom on a guy before. Why couldn¡¯t he just do it himself?


    ¡°You need to learn to take care of your man better. Put it on me¡­unless you think we don¡¯t need it?¡± Hayden said as he cocked his head to the side.


    Since when was he, my man? He¡¯s just started to refer to himself as my man out of nowhere. This is such a mess¡­


    ¡°No¡­I¡­¡± I said hesitantly.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Perhaps, you got addicted to the pleasure of me fucking you raw?¡± Hayden suggested as he grinned at me.


    It did feel different when he took me raw. I could feel more of him. His size, his shape, and his heat.


    What am I thinking?!


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯ll put it on¡­¡± I whispered in defeat.


    With shaky hands, I reached out and took the condom from him. Slowly tearing it, I took the condom out and began positioning it on the head of his thick and massive cock. Looking straight at his thick member was embarrassing so I tried to avert my eyes, using my sense of touch to guide me as I rolled the condom down the length of his hard rod.


    ¡°You probably need more practice but that¡¯ll do for today,¡± Hayden said with a slight hint of apliment.


    I wasn¡¯t looking forward to any future practices. Too embarrassed to say anything, I just kept silent.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be extra nice today and I¡¯ll let you choose,¡± Hayden said brightly.


    ¡°Choose¡­what?¡± I asked, suspiciously.


    When Hayden said he would be nice; his definition of ¡®nice¡¯ wasn¡¯t exactly the same as the normal standard so I didn¡¯t dare get my hopes up.


    ¡°Do you want to be on top¡­or on the bottom?¡± He asked as he looked straight at me.


    What kind of choice was that? He¡¯s not being nice at all. He¡¯s just tormenting me like he always does. If I had any hope that he was a nice guy deep down, I was so wrong.


    Honestly, I had no preference at all in the matter. What would be easier to do when we¡¯re in a car like this? I had no idea; I¡¯ve never really done it in the car like this before.


    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know¡­¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what?¡± Hayden asked, teasingly.


    ¡°What¡­would be easier¡­?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the question be what would feel better?¡± Hayden corrected me immediately.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I made an uncertain sound.


    ¡°Wanna try both?¡± Hayden suggested enthusiastically.


    Can you please not make it sound like some simple wine tasting, please?


    Before, I could say anything, Hayden¡¯s hands were already spreading my legs wide open. My eyes widened in shock at his aggressiveness.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re in this position anyways¡­let¡¯s just start with me being on top,¡± Hayden said so casually that I gasped at the ridiculousness of it all.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± I whimpered.


    ¡°Shhh¡­just enjoy the ride, Malissa,¡± Hayden coaxed seductively.


    I closed my eyes when I felt the heat of his thick rod at the opening of my love tunnel. He positioned himself in between my legs and I knew that he was on the verge of entering me. Still, I cried out at the suddenness of his entrance. Hayden thrusted his thick cock into my wet pussy in one sharp movement that buried him very deeply inside of me.


    ¡°Ahhh! Hayden¡­¡± I cried out his name as he filled me.


    My cries of ecstasy filled the car along with our pants and moans of passion. I¡¯m being so loud, but I couldn¡¯t stop myself. The sensation of Hayden¡¯s cock hitting me deep inside repeatedly felt too good. It felt like he was driving me crazy, and my body is going to break. Hayden began moving inside of me immediately after entering me. His movements were fast and forceful.


    I should have gotten used to his wild lovemaking by now but the force of his thrusts as he pumped his thick shaft wildly inside of me still stunned me. The pleasure that he was feeding me felt amazing. I¡¯ve never felt anything like it. Each thrust just made me feel better and better. He¡¯s making my insides throb and ache with pleasure and heat.


    ¡°Too deep¡­it¡¯s too deep!¡± I cried out.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 With His Encouragement

    His cock was hitting against my womb, and it made me feel so messed up inside. It¡¯s felt like it was too much. Hayden smirked down at me, before pounding into me harder than before. He¡¯s going at it non-stop and my hips wouldn¡¯t stop moving as it thrusted upwards to meet his thrusts halfway.


    ¡°Your hips are moving very nicely¡­¡± Haydenmented as he ran his hand along my left thigh down to my hips.


    After hitting me deeply from various angles, Hayden started pulling my legs upwards before cing it on his shoulders. His body came even closer to mine, and I could feel his hips press up against me.


    ¡°If we do this, then I can fuck you even deeper than before¡­¡± Hayden said as if informing me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­Ahhhh! No¡­Ahhh!¡± I cried out loudly at the heightened pleasure.


    I couldn¡¯t form words anymore. Moaning loudly and crying out at the mind-numbing pleasure was the only thing that I could do. He was right, he could prate me even deeper this way but that wasn¡¯t all. The angle that his cock was plunging into me in this position felt unreal¡­it felt so addictively amazing¡­


    ¡°I told you¡­it¡¯ll feel good¡­¡± Hayden said, sounding a little proud of himself.


    I guess with the way I was reacting to him, I couldn¡¯t lie and say that it didn¡¯t feel super pleasurable. I felt like I was about to cum¡­or perhaps, I already did without knowing it. It felt so unusually good that perhaps I¡¯ve orgasmed already.


    However, I could feel another orgasm fast approaching. My whole body trembled as it continued to writhe desperately underneath Hayden for release. I cried out his name loudly as I lost myself in my own mind-shattering climax.


    ¡°Did it feel that good?¡± Hayden asked when I finally opened my eyes once again.


    I saw his smugged smile as he smiled teasingly down at me. What does he expect me to say to that?


    By the time that I had recovered from my orgasm, Hayden had gotten off me and had returned to his seat.


    ¡°Ready to be on top?¡± Hayden asked, energetically.


    How much stamina¡­does this monster have? I felt like I didn¡¯t want to find out, but I knew that I was about to really find out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think¡­I can¡­¡± I began protesting. It was true, I don¡¯t think I have any energy left to¡­be on top¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll help you. Even if you faint, I¡¯ll help you all the way to the end,¡± Hayden said before he smiled beautifully at me.


    Was that really an offer of help and support?


    ¡°Climb over and straddle me¡­¡± Hayden said invitingly.


    I wished I was being invited to a tea party or something instead¡­


    Although he was being pleasant about it all, his eyes were deadly dangerous. There was no way that he was going to take a ¡®no¡¯ for an answer and I knew that very well.


    Clumsily, I somehow managed to climb over to the driver¡¯s seat and position myself on top of him. This is crazy embarrassing. I never thought that it would be this embarrassing to be straddling him. His face is so close to mine in his position, and I had to either ce my hands on his shoulders or wrap it around his neck. Both options only brought our faces closer to one another. He¡¯s looking at me¡­


    ¡°You look nervous¡­¡± Hayden said softly, and I could feel his eyes on my face.


    I quickly turned away. It¡¯s true that we¡¯ve done it many times already but, this position in this enclosed space feels too close.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Hayden said invitingly as he ced his hands on the sides of my hips.


    I ced my hands firmly on his shoulders before I nodded my head slowly.


    ¡°Take me inside of you, Malissa,¡± Hayden said patiently.


    With his encouragement, I reached a hand down in between us and held his cock. It¡¯s so big as it filled my hand. Slowly, I positioned the thick head of his cock at my entrance. I could feel him at my entrance, and I bit my lower lip.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok¡­you can take it slow,¡± Hayden whispered.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I nodded my head once again in acknowledgement, a little surprised at his kindness. It was great that he wasn¡¯t rushing me, but I still felt more than a little nervous about taking him in myself. With Hayden¡¯s hands supporting my hips, I began lowering myself onto his upstanding cock.


    A soft moan escaped my lips when I felt his thick rod part my entrance and began prating my love hole. I wasn¡¯t sure what was making me more anxious, his cock prating me or his eyes staring at my face. I began lowering my hips further down, drawing his member deeper into me. Inch by inch, I felt his length slowly filling me up deep inside.


    ¡°Good girl. Take all of me inside of you,¡± Hayden whispered close to my ear. I could feel the heat of his breath against my ear, and I shuddered.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± I moaned loudly when I felt his cock hit deep inside of me.


    I sat skin to skin on top of him with the full length ofrge cock buried inside of my wet hole. It felt like he had filled up my entire stomach and I could feel him everywhere inside of me. I felt so full inside. It feels so good and fulfilling that I got too scared to even move.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move¡­please¡­¡± I said desperately when I felt Hayden¡¯s cock moving slighting inside of me.


    I felt so sensitive inside since I had just climaxed, and the slightest movement made me feel like I would cum again. He¡¯s so deep inside of me and I could feel so much of him.


    ¡°You¡¯re very sensitive, huh?¡± Hayden said, clearly amused. However, he decided to stop moving for my sake.


    ¡°Sorry¡­¡± I mumbled softly.


    Wordlessly, Hayden ced arge hand on top of my head, and I looked up into his blue eyes. They were so gentle; I couldn¡¯t believe what I was seeing.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. Just go at your own pace. I¡¯ll y along¡­¡± Hayden said with a softugh.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Curiosity

    I nodded briefly at him before I started slowly lifting my hips upwards. Immediately, I felt the sensation of his cock rubbing my pussy walls as his cock slid slightly out of my hole. I sat back down on his cock again and his cock pierced me as it slid inside. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I began bouncing my hips up and down as I rode on his cock.


    It feels good. I changed the angle that I came onto him and felt him hitting my sweet spot deep inside of my love hole. His cock can reach in so deep into me and it feels amazing. I clenched my pussy walls around his shaft as I began moving my hips faster and faster.


    ¡°Ahh¡­Ahhh¡­Ahhhh¡± I moaned louder as I rode his cock faster.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting quite good at this,¡± Hayden said.


    His hands tightened around my hips. Suddenly, I felt his hips thrust up against me and his cock ramming hard into my hole. Hayden began thrusting his hips upwards, pounding his cock in and out of my hole. It¡¯s so different when he does it, but it also feels so good. He¡¯s movements were much more forceful than mine and I could feel him hitting me harder deep inside.


    ¡°Ahh! Hayden¡­not so¡­fast¡­¡± I whimpered in between my loud moans.


    We were both breathing faster now, and I could tell that Hayden was enjoying himself immensely. His cock just gotrger and hotter inside of me. His thick shaft was hitting my sweet spot over and over again and I didn¡¯t want him to stop.


    ¡°Stay still, I¡¯ll do the work,¡± Hayden said into my ear as his hands gripped my ass tightly.


    I couldn¡¯t reply to him, so I just nodded and stopped moving my hips. Hayden lifted my hips up slightly before he held me in ce and began thrusting his cock upwards into me. He¡¯s thrusting much harder than before. He was going so fast and hard that I cried out loudly. It was getting a little painful, but it felt unbelievably good.


    I felt like I could cum again at any moment as his cock beat in and out of my wet cunt. Hayden was also moaning louder now. I could see his face and I could sense his passion. I wrapped my arms tighter around his neck as I clenched my pussy tighter around his shaft.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡¯m cumming!¡± I cried out when I felt my climax hit me.


    Hayden continued to pound his thick lovestick into me while I rode out my climax. My pussy felt even more sensitive than before, and I tried my best to stay sane while I waited for Hayden to reach his own peak of pleasure. He thrusted wildly into me before I felt his cock twitching inside me.


    Hayden bit on the side of my neck and groaned loudly when he came. It doesn¡¯t hurt but it felt strange to have his teeth digging into the sensitive skin of my neck. Shortly after, Hayden let go of my neck and hugged me to him.


    ¡­


    Thinking back to what he said when we were in the car, a feeling simr to hope rose up in my chest and I quickly crushed it away. Malissa girl, this guy already has a girlfriend that he wants to marry. Plus, my heart still feels like it belongs to Ethan.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Thankfully, when I didn¡¯t quite know how to respond to his baiting suggestion about learning about his life, we ended up having sex and didn¡¯t have to discuss that anymore. At least, I didn¡¯t need to continue that conversation with him anymore, I thought as I quickly got out of his car. I was amazed that I was still able to walk after how roughly he had just taken me.


    Let¡¯s pray that my luck continues when morning arrives.


    I had to admit that his proposal made me slightly curious about his life. I really didn¡¯t know anything about Hayden. What does he actually do for a living? What is his work like? How does he spend his days when he¡¯s away from the penthouse? What does he like¡­or dislike¡­?


    Those questions filled my head as we got into the elevator together. I guess driving back together and then taking the elevator up to our ce together sort of made us look like a couple. Shaking my head slightly, I decided to quickly kill that train of thought. Nothing good is going toe from him being curious about my private life and from me being curious about his.


    Curiosity really did kill the cat.


    Little did I know that I actually had very little choice in the matter¡­


    ¡­


    The next morning, I woke up to the sound of very loud banging of my bedroom door. I nced at the clock and realized that it was still very early in the morning. Only one person would knock this loudly on my door and that was the same person who I didn¡¯t want to see.


    After somehow ending our conversation yesterday, it seemed like Hayden had gotten some crazy new ideas on how to further torment me. I flipped on my stomach and put my pillow over my head to try to block out the sound while I tried to convince myself that he would eventually go away if I didn¡¯t respond.


    **knock knock knock**


    The knocking only got louder and then Hayden began calling my name, super loudly.


    ¡°Malissa! Wake up!¡±


    Oh¡­why does he have to make it sound like the sky is falling? I pressed the pillow firmly against my ears as I screwed my eyes shut tightly.


    ¡°Malissa! Open the door! I know you¡¯re in there¡­¡± Hayden continued shouting non-stop as his hand beat on the door.


    I sat up on the bed and threw my pillow away before grumpily marching towards the door. Seriously, what does he want from me so early in the morning? His habit of beating down on my door is killing me. I recalled thest time he did this. Back then, he dragged me off with him to a graveyard in the middle of the night¡­only this time it was super early in the morning instead.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Life

    ¡°What do you want?¡± I said when I opened the door a crack and looked through it with one eye.


    Hayden suddenly forced his hand in and yanked the door fully open. Great¡­talk about unmatched strength.


    ¡°You¡¯reing to work with me as of today,¡± Hayden proudly announced before smirking a little at me.


    Come¡­again?


    ¡°No¡­I can¡¯t¡­I¡¯m busy¡­¡± I managed to say as I attempted to close the door in his face.


    Obviously, that didn¡¯t go very well. A battle of physical strength wasn¡¯t what I excelled at, apparently. I have to visit my grandmother at the hospital, and I¡¯ve got work to do for university which meant that I couldn¡¯t just go to work with him every day.


    ¡°You¡¯re busy?¡± Hayden asked, curiously.


    ¡°Yes. I have to visit grandma in the hospital and then I¡¯ve got to work on my artwork¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    ¡°Oh, I see. We can drop by to see your grandma during the day, and I¡¯ll try to get off work early¡­like in the afternoon or something¡­so that you cane back and work on your art. Sounds good?¡± Hayden quickly proposed with a smile.


    That sounded too convenient and easy for me to be convinced.


    ¡°I¡­I¡¯m not sure¡­¡± I said, suspiciously.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try it out for today. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll work out,¡± Hayden said confidently.


    The key point that I wasn¡¯t getting was why he wanted to take me to work with him in the first ce. It wasn¡¯t my life¡¯s goal to study up on how to manage a mafia gang.


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡± I began to protest.


    ¡°Shower and get dressed. 15 minutes. If you¡¯re not done, I¡¯m dragging you out even if you¡¯re naked,¡± Hayden stated as he looked at his watch.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be¡­¡± I said in shock.


    Ok¡­ he¡¯s serious. He is dead serious!


    Without wasting another second, I turned and almost ran into the bathroom. 15 minutes!


    ¡­


    The Torex Company headquarters. I never knew that it was this big and grand. Arching my neck back, I looked up at the sparkling skyscraper that stood in front of me. It¡¯s so high that I couldn¡¯t see its peak and so big. Everyone, including me, knew that the Torex was a very sessful conglomerate. However, it was hard to believe that the mafia ran their business in a ce so out in the open like this.


    The building looked like any normal state-of-the-art businessplex, located smack in the middle of the business district. Standing proud and tall in the midst of other legitimate corporations was the Torex mafia gang¡¯s headquarters for business operations.


    ¡°Impressed already?¡± Hayden asked from behind me.


    ¡°I guess¡­I¡¯m impress at how this ce looks so legit¡­you know¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°Are you suggesting that my family business isn¡¯t legit?¡± Hayden asked, feigning shock.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± I whispered. What more can I say?


    I mean, you guys run a mafia gang and other shady-rted business. So, don¡¯t me me if I don¡¯t think that it¡¯s legit stuff.


    ¡°Come in. You¡¯re not nning to just stand there all day, are you?¡± Hayden teased.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll figure out how things work around here in no time at all¡­¡± Hayden said reassuringly.


    I followed Hayden into the lobby of therge building. There were so many people walking about, all dressed in fancy suits and business dresses. They all seemed busy and in a hurry as they headed for their destinations.


    ¡°This way¡­¡± Hayden said as he ced a hand behind my waist.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I walked along with him, and I could feel many pairs of eyes on us and it made me feel slightly nervous and out of ce. Hayden must have felt my body stiffen because he whispered into my ear.


    ¡°Rx. It¡¯s probably not usual for them to see someone so beautiful walking along with their boss,¡± Hayden whispered before he winked at me.


    Based on the way that I was dressed and myck of make up due to the harsh 15-minutes prep time that he had given me, I was sure that they were not staring at me because of my outstanding beauty. I kept that to myself and let Hayden lead me to the elevators.


    ¡°There are private elevators that we can use but I prefer to ride along with the others. You see, you might meet someone that you know, and you¡¯ll appear more connected to your employees, right?¡± Hayden said softly to me.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I whispered back. I guessed he was right.


    When we got into the elevator, I was shocked at the number of buttons that were inside. So, which floor are we going to exactly?


    Hayden just stood there as the elevator ascended upwards. The elevator stopped at designated floors and people got off and got in.


    ¡°Hayden, which floor are we going to?¡± I asked.


    ¡°71st floor¡± Hayden whispered into my ear.


    ¡°Ok¡­wait¡­there¡¯s no button for the 71st floor¡­¡± I said with confusion after I had failed to find the button with 71 written on it.


    Hayden just smiled at me. The elevator finally made it to its highest floor, by that time it was only Hayden and I left in the elevator. I followed Hayden out, unsure of what to do next.


    ¡°The 71st floor is strictly restricted so it¡¯s not essible by themon elevator. You need special clearance to even know where the elevator that leads to that floor is located, and then of course, there are other security measures in ce. Anyways, follow me,¡± Hayden exined.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I muttered.


    I guess this wasn¡¯t a normal business building after all¡­


    ¡­


    Soon we arrived on the 71st floor and Hayden dragged me by the hand to a veryrge room that was his office. The room had everything it in and it might as well have been called a mini suite. He even had his own bedroom with a king-sized bed attached to his office. I walked around and poked my head to inspect all rooms with interest.


    ¡°Your room is so big¡­¡± Imented.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m like the CEO here or something¡­¡± Hayden said, proudly.


    That would have sounded more credible without the ¡®or something¡¯ part at the end.


    ¡°What do you actually do here? Normal office work?¡± I asked, curious.


    ¡°Let me exin from the top¡­¡± Hayden said as he began his exnation.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Boss鈥檚 Orders

    So basically, from what Hayden exined to me, the Torex Corporate was legal and worked just like any other giant conglomerate. The conglomerate is managed by hired professionals that were chosen by the Board of Directors, which were mostly Torex family members. On the other hand, there is the grey part of the business which deals with gang-rted activities and business. The building has over eighty floors with ess restricted from the 71st floor.


    What that means it that the legit part of the business happens in the lower floors while the restricted floors are where gang members gather and work on the grey part of the business. What amazes me is that a mafia gang actually needs arge group of people to do desk jobs such as ounting and the like.


    Not that I was impressed or anything¡­


    ¡°Do you want to know the rest?¡± Hayden asked excitedly.


    ¡°You mean more about your gang¡¯s activities?¡± I asked, making a disinterested face.


    How about ¡®no, thank you,¡¯?


    ¡°Of course. Isn¡¯t that what everyone wants to know?¡± Hayden teased.


    ¡°And¡­?¡± I said, wondering if he would continue.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you everything¡­when we get married,¡± Hayden said with a grin.


    Which means¡­never¡­


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself fromughing a little at this joke. Haydenughed along with me, surprisingly.


    Our conversation was interrupted when there were a few knocks on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Hayden said, loud enough for whoever it was on the other side of the door to hear.


    The door opened and a man dressed in a ck suit walked in. I have never seen this man before. The man bowed to Hayden and nced a littler nervously at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. Just say what you have to say,¡± Hayden said, noticing the man¡¯s nervousness of having me in the room.


    ¡°The boss wants to see you¡­and thedy as well,¡± the man said concisely.


    The boss wants to see me? I wasn¡¯t surprised about the boss wanting to see Hayden, but he also wanted to see me?


    ¡°Now?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Yes, Master Hayden. Now¡­¡± the man said before bowing and taking his leave immediately.


    Well, I guess we knew what was up next on our agenda now.


    Hayden sighed, visibly extremely annoyed. For whatever reason, Hayden didn¡¯t seem to get along well with his father, or perhaps, they shared a deep bond that I didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°As you can see, one of my jobs is to deal with my father¡­¡± Hayden said as he got up from his seat.


    He motioned with his hand for me to follow him out of the room. Hayden led me along the long hallway and then to a private elevator. I knew it was supposed to be private because there were around six guards standing guard at the entrance.


    We rode up the elevator together and when we got off, we were greeted with a long, silent and very empty hallway. Our destination was clear, there was only one door at the very far end of the hallway. That must be, the boss¡¯s room. I¡¯ve never met the boss here before¡­


    ¡°Nervous? There¡¯s no need to be¡­¡± Hayden turned to say to me.


    Before I could say anything in reply, he took my hand and began pulling me along with him. I wouldn¡¯t say that I was very nervous, but I didn¡¯t have a good feeling about this. Nothing good ever came out of meeting the boss, for me at least.


    When we arrived in front of the door, I thought that Hayden would knock but I was dead wrong. Hayden opened the door suddenly and walked right in, pulling me behind him.


    Umm¡­excuse us for our abrupt entry¡­?


    ¡°Hayden¡­oh¡­and Miss Malissa,¡± the boss said as he nced up from the report that he was holding in his hand.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    I thought Hayden¡¯s room wasrge but now that I saw the boss¡¯s room¡­


    Did his room take up the whole floor? Why would he need such arge room?


    ¡°Hi, dad¡­¡± Hayden said, sounding bored.


    ¡°Sit¡­both of you,¡± the boss said as he nced at the sofa set in the room.


    We sat down and the boss joined us shortly after. I wondered what he wanted to talk to us about. How did he know that I was here too?


    ¡°The yearly g ising up. I want you to attend with Malissa,¡± the boss stated, getting straight to the point.


    What is the yearly g? Is it like some charity event that I see on TV?


    ¡°The yearly g is a party where leaders of prominent gangs will gather once a year¡­to talk¡­¡± the boss exined as if sensing my confusion and curiosity.


    I nced at Hayden, and he didn¡¯t seem surprised. Don¡¯t tell me that he brought me here with him today because he knew about this beforehand?


    ¡°You¡¯re not going?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time the next generation take over, I think. I¡¯m sure the other families will be sending their prospective heir as well¡­¡± the boss replied cheerfully.


    I was starting to get the impression that the g was not something fun and no one really wanted to attend. The boss looked like he was happy to finally hand this responsibility over to Hayden.


    ¡°Count me out. If you¡¯re toozy to attend, just send Luka,¡± Hayden said, brushing the whole thing off.


    That made me remember that Hayden hasn¡¯t really brought into the idea of him bing the next boss after his father. I still had no idea how to change his mind in that regard and I wasn¡¯t sure that it was my ce to do so either.


    ¡°You should go with Malissa. I think there¡¯s someone there that you may want to meet¡­¡± the boss said before smiling knowingly at Hayden.


    ¡°Who?¡± Hayden asked, immediately.


    ¡°Your old friend¡­¡± the boss said.


    Hayden¡¯s eyes narrowed and there was a change in the air about him. I was right, nothing good came out from seeing the boss.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said to me as he got up from the sofa.


    ¡°I take it that you¡¯re going then,¡± the boss said, clearly satisfied.


    ¡°Just send me the details¡­¡± Hayden murmured.


    I wondered who his old friend was. He or she must be someone important for Hayden to change his mind about attending the g so suddenly.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Do You Love Him?

    ¡°I¡¯ll send Luka and arge group of men with you. Luka will tell you the details soon,¡± the boss said, sounding relief.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said once again to me as he took my hand.


    ¡°Have you slept with her?¡± the boss asked abruptly.


    Err¡­what sort of question is that? That was when I realized that Hayden was holding my hand. Wrong move. Definitely, the wrong move.


    ¡°I have,¡± Hayden said emotionlessly.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I gasped in shock at how straight forward he could admit this¡­and to his father of all people. It was like they werepletely ignoring the fact that I was here, and they were talking about me too.


    ¡°I see¡­I like men who move fast,¡± the boss said before heughed joyously.


    I felt heat rush to my face and new that I was blushing hard with embarrassment.


    ¡°Hayden, you leave. I want to talk to Malissa,¡± the boss said.


    Hayden nced at me as if asking me if I would be alright. I didn¡¯t know what the boss wanted to talk to me about, but I wanted to find out. The only way I would find out is if I stayed¡­so¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s ok¡­¡± I whispered.


    Hayden nodded and slowly let go of my hand.


    ¡°5 minutes,¡± Hayden said to his father before walking out of the room.


    ¡°More than enough¡­¡± the boss muttered softly under his breath.


    The door closed behind Hayden and the boss and I were now the only ones in the room. I gulped nervously. Now that Hayden was no longer by my side, I felt extremely anxious and ufortable. The boss¡¯s presence is very intimidating.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so nervous. I¡¯m not going to eat you,¡± the boss said beforeughing at his own joke.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I whispered, sounding very nervous.


    ¡°Sorry that I asked you to stay back. I just wanted to talk to you¡­you know, see how you¡¯ve been,¡± the boss said, and I could sense genuine care in his tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing fine¡­¡± I said, summarizing my situation in short. I felt fine and I will somehow get through this.


    Unfortunately, or fortunately, I didn¡¯t know, but I was getting used to being around Hayden. I wouldn¡¯t say that I understood what he was thinkingpletely but I have improved, and I was less shocked with his unexpected actions. Sex with him felt too good¡­I¡¯m willing to admit that too.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if we¡¯ve gotten closer but the initial animosity between us had somehow evaporated as time went by.


    ¡°I see. How many days are left in the contract?¡± the boss asked.


    Good question. I remembered that I used to count down the days remaining until the 30 days woulde to an end. However, I wasn¡¯t quite sure how many days were left now, and I wasn¡¯t sure when or why I had stopped counting.


    ¡°Umm¡­I think there¡¯s 18 days left,¡± I replied softly.


    ¡°So, we¡¯re almost at the halfway mark already. Time really does fly. So, have you fallen in love with my son?¡± the boss asked as he leaned forward and watched me closely.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t,¡± I replied firmly.


    The boss cocked his head slightly to the side as he continued to observed me. I wondered if that meant that he didn¡¯t believe my words?


    ¡°Let me ask you another question then. Do you think that Hayden is in love with you?¡± the boss asked.


    ¡°No¡­he¡¯s in love with Amelia¡­¡± I replied, wondering why the boss was asking me this because he should already know.


    The boss smirked a little at me before he startedughing softly as if an entertaining thought had crossed his mind.


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± I asked, unable to control my curiosity at his reaction.


    ¡°When you¡¯re old like me, sometimes, you see young people as fools,¡± the boss replied.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, suspiciously.


    ¡°Young people, such as yourself, can¡¯t seem to see the obvious thing that is in front of them. I asked you if you¡¯re in love with my son and you said?¡± the boss said as his eyes widened at me.


    ¡°I said¡­that I¡¯m not,¡± I replied, simply.


    ¡°Exactly, which makes my old mind wonder why you looked so awfully sad when you told me that he¡¯s in love with Amelia¡­¡± the boss said as if deep in thought.


    I looked¡­awfully sad? Is that true?


    It couldn¡¯t be¡­


    This old man is just ying tricks with me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sad¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted to ask you. You are dismissed for today. Do enjoy the g¡­I¡¯m sure that things will be interesting for both of you,¡± the boss said before he sighed and got up from his seat.


    ¡°Goodbye,¡± I said as I also got up.


    The boss smiled at me and waved me off with his hand. I quickly left the room, d to finally end the conversation with the old man.


    ¡°Hey,¡±


    I turned in shock and saw Hayden leaning on the wall next to the door. I hadn¡¯t expected to see him there waiting for me.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± I replied back softly.


    ¡°What did dad say to you?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­nothing much,¡± I replied vaguely. It¡¯s not like I could repeat our conversation to Hayden.


    ¡°Did he ask you if I was good in bed?¡± Hayden asked, sounding genuinely curious.


    Is that what he¡¯s been worried about all this time? Oh¡­what am I dealing with¡­


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t¡­¡± I said as I began walking away from him.


    I bet he¡¯s just saying these things to irritate me, and it was working.


    ¡°Wait for me¡­¡± Hayden said with a smallugh as he came after me.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I snapped.


    ¡°So, am I good in bed?¡± Hayden asked.


    I couldn¡¯t believe that he was asking me that. I rolled my eyes at him in annoyance. There¡¯s no way that I¡¯m going to answer that.


    ¡°What else did the old man say?¡± Hayden asked, after seeing that I won¡¯t answer his previous question.


    ¡°Umm¡­he said that we should enjoy the g¡­and that it¡¯ll be interesting¡­¡± I replied as I recalled the boss¡¯s words.


    ¡°Oh yes¡­it definitely will be interesting¡­¡± Hayden said with his eyes straight forward as if he was staring at something that I couldn¡¯t see.


    I wondered if there were some hidden or special meaning behind his words¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 A Talk

    Just like Hayden had promised, he got off work early in the afternoon and drove me to the hospital to visit my grandmother. The hospital staff were gracious enough to keep me informed daily of my grandmother¡¯s condition. Thankfully, she was stable. That said, it wasn¡¯t like her condition had improved. At this point, I guessed that I should be thankful that her condition didn¡¯t get worse.


    ¡°You want to get her something before we go up?¡± Hayden asked, catching me a little off guard.


    Now that he mentioned it, maybe some fruits would be good?


    ¡°Maybe some fruits? I think there¡¯s a store over there that has some,¡± I replied, pointing a finger in the direction of the store.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said before reaching for my hand.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He held my hand as we walked towards the store. I couldn¡¯t help but feel conscious of his warm hand holding mine. Hayden¡¯s been holding my hand most of the time if not all the time now when we were together and, surprisingly, I didn¡¯t hate it.


    I wondered if people thought that we were a real couple when they looked at us walking hand-in-hand this way. We purchased the fruits together and made our way up to my grandmother¡¯s hospital room.


    Coming to visit my grandmother reminded me that I need to make some solid progress on her painting. So many things have been going on that I haven¡¯t had the time to concentrate on it. I¡¯ll get to it first thing when we get back to the penthouse.


    ¡°Hi grandma!¡± I said cheerfully when we entered her room.


    As always, my grandmother wasying on her hospital bed with a white nket covering her body and there were multiple machines hooked to her body. She seemed excited and very happy to see me. However, her eyes widened in slight surprise when she saw that Hayden was with me.


    I guess thest time that he was here, he gave her a little shock as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s good for you two to visit,¡± my grandmother said before smiling kindly at us.


    ¡°We got you some fruits,¡± Hayden said as he held up the basket of fruits that we had purchased.


    ¡°Oh wow, how nice of you,¡± my grandmother said before her smile widened.


    It looked like my grandmother had taken a liking to Hayden and his gentlemanly acts and angelic face. Looks can be deceiving, grandma!


    ¡°How have you been feeling?¡± I asked, trying not to sound overly worried.


    ¡°Good¡­quite well. I think I¡¯m getting used to the medicine. I feel less sleepy than before¡­¡± grandma said followed by a relievedugh.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Maybe if you get better, the doctors will allow you to go outside¡­for a walk or something,¡± I said, encouragingly.


    ¡°That would be nice, it¡¯s sort of boring being stuck in here¡­¡± grandma said, and I could see her eyes straying towards the window where she could see a glimpse of the world outside.


    ¡°Do you like flowers, grandma?¡± Hayden asked.


    I didn¡¯t miss the fact that he had just called her ¡®grandma¡¯ either. This guy is sucking up so much to my grandma, seriously¡­


    ¡°I love them, yes,¡± my grandma said.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I can arrange for the florist here to bring a bouquet for you everyday to decorate your room. It might help you to freshen up,¡± Hayden suggested.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble, that would be great¡­¡± my grandma said happily.


    ¡°Great. Let me go and arrange it now. Malissa, I¡¯ll be back to pick you up in a bit¡­¡± Hayden said as he excused himself.


    I knew that Hayden probably wanted to give us some privacy to be alone so that we could talk, and I appreciated his considerate gesture. We watched as Hayden silently headed for the door and left the room.


    ¡°How¡¯s Hayden? Is he¡­a good guy?¡± my grandmother asked once the door to the room had closed.


    Ok¡­does she think that we¡¯re dating because of what Hayden told herst time?


    ¡°Umm¡­I guess he¡¯s got his rough points but¡­I think he¡¯s ok¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    I had decided to let it slide and go with the flow. It wasn¡¯t true that I was dating Hayden but if I tried to correct what he said then I would have to tell her that I¡¯m still with Ethan and that wasn¡¯t true either. Lies will just lead to more lies.


    ¡°I see. Well, that¡¯s a relief,¡± she said before sighing loudly.


    I hated to see her so worried for me when there wasn¡¯t much that I could do for her. I¡¯ve probably been a burden to her my whole life since I moved to live with her in the countryside.


    ¡°As I keep telling you, there¡¯s nothing for you to be worried about,¡± I told her, stering my best smile on my face.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if I could fool her though.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little scared, you know¡­¡± she said softly.


    ¡°What are you scared of?¡± I asked.


    For a moment, I thought that she was going to tell me that she was scared of dying. I would have absolutely no response for that.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared¡­that you will be all alone when I¡¯m gone¡­¡± she confessed softly.


    ¡°Can you please stop saying things like that?¡± I said with a sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s no point trying to fool me or anyone at this point. Malissa, I just want you to find happiness and live life for yourself. Many things happened, but I don¡¯t want you to suffer,¡± she said as she looked me deep in the eyes.


    ¡°Grandma¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°When I¡¯m gone, I will no longer be a burden to you. You can focus on yourself more without having to worry about me,¡± she said.


    ¡°I have never thought of you as being a burden. You helped me so much and you took me in when I had nowhere left to go¡­¡± I said passionately.


    ¡°Do you like Hayden?¡± she asked abruptly.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Secret Visits

    ¡°Why are you asking that? I can take care of myself, you know. You don¡¯t need to start pairing me with guys now¡± I said, trying to keep the mood light.


    ¡°I hope that that¡¯s true. Hayden¡­he¡¯s not a bad guy, you know,¡± my grandma said.


    ¡°Why do you think that?¡± I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.


    Looks can definitely be deceiving and I think she¡¯s being deceived by his looks for sure. I mean, she¡¯s probably met him like three times.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t want me to tell you this and he even told me to act like I don¡¯t know him, but the truth is¡­he¡¯s been here to visit me and keep mepany many times before,¡± she said before she smiled at me.


    ¡°Oh¡­I didn¡¯t know that¡­¡± I mumbled. Honestly, that was very unexpected.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s a kind person,¡± she said with conviction.


    ¡°I¡­guess¡­¡± I mumbled, not entirely convinced.


    ¡°Let me tell you a secret, Malissa,¡± she whispered.


    My grandma beckoned me closer to her with a few waves of her hand. I got out of my seat and leaned down towards her so that my face was close to her. As if she was seriously telling me a secret, my grandmother began whispering close to my ear.


    ¡°No man would visit a sick and old woman like me almost everyday if he doesn¡¯t care for my granddaughter, dear,¡± she whispered before grinning at me.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re reading too much into this¡­¡± I said before smiling a little at her.


    Hayden cares for me? That just sounds very unlikely or just too good to be true. I smiled down at my grandmother.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about anything. The contract that I¡¯ve entered into with Hayden¡¯s father will end in around two weeks. Then, everything will go back to how they were,¡± I replied, reassuringly.


    My grandmother looked like she was about to say something but then decided against it. It was also at that moment that Hayden tapped on the door before stepping into the room with arge bouquet of pink flowers.


    ¡°Thank you, Hayden,¡± grandma said cheerfully.


    ¡°Let me put it over there so you can see it with the view,¡± Hayden said as he brought the bouquet over to the windowsill.


    ¡°We should get going now, I need to get back and work on my painting of you so that I¡¯ll have something cool to show you on my next visit,¡± I said, trying to sound energetic.


    The truth was that what my grandmother had told me started to bother me. Now that I looked at how Hayden and my grandmother interreacted with each other, it made me think that perhaps it was true that he had visited her many times before.


    Perhaps, my grandmother wasn¡¯t the type to fall for his angelic looks after all¡­


    ¡­


    I decided to start working on my painting right away when we got back to the penthouse. Hayden seemed to be in a good mood now despite the encounter with his father earlier in the day. It felt weirding back to the penthouse together with Hayden like this. ncing down at his hand holding mine, I didn¡¯t quite know what to make of it or what to make of my own feelings¡­


    ¡°I¡­I¡¯m going to my room¡­¡± I said nkly before I headed straight for my room.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I heard Hayden say softly.


    I stared at the painting on the aisled and sighed loudly. It wasn¡¯t like me to be so behind schedule with work. Now that I think of it, I haven¡¯t gotten back to Jenny about the art exhibition yet either. Surprisingly, I didn¡¯t feel excited and wasn¡¯t looking forward to the exhibition at all.


    I stood in front of the panting and stared at it, but my mind was really elsewhere. The more I thought about it, the more I can understand why my grandmother was worried about my future. I mean, I honestly don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m going to do after I graduate. It wasn¡¯t easy to make a living out of art and so far, I had no solid ns on how to make a living.


    At least, I would be debt free by then¡­


    Thinking of job hunting and how to put food on the table for myself in the future didn¡¯t improve my mood at all. Perhaps, I should just focus on the work at hand, which was the painting that was in front of me. Just when I hade to that thought, the door burst open loudly.


    I turned towards the door so fast that I thought that I might have snapped my neck.


    Who else could it be besides Hayden¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t just barge in here without knocking!¡± I snapped.


    ¡°Well, the door wasn¡¯t locked¡­¡± Hayden said innocently.


    ¡°Why are you making this out to be my fault?¡± I asked, feeling a little irritated.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Hayden asked curiously without answering my question.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­painting¡­¡± I stated tly.


    Hayden came to stand very close to me as he peered over my shoulder to take a look at my painting. It was weird for him to show such interest in what I was doing. I nced over at his face and saw that he had an intense look of concentration as he stared at my painting. I wondered what he saw¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that her smile looks a little sad here?¡± Hayden asked, as he cocked his head to the side, his eyes focused on my painting of my grandmother.


    I turned my head back and stared at my grandmother¡¯s lips in the painting.


    ¡°You think?¡± I asked, feeling uncertain.


    Now I was also staring at the painting from various angles, trying to see if her smile looked a little sad just like Hayden had pointed out.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­it just makes me feel that way¡­¡± Hayden replied, his eyes lingering on the painting.


    Well, I painted this painting with the facial details based on my grandmother when I visited her in the hospital and asked her to pose for me. If Hayden thought that her smile looked a little sad then perhaps, my grandmother is actually feeling a little sad?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Thinking of the Future

    That thought entered my mind and wouldn¡¯t go away. It just made me recall the conversation that we had and how her face seemed to be filled with worry. Unfortunately, I knew that I was the cause of her distress. Even though, she¡¯s supposed to be focusing on recovering, she¡¯s still so worried about me.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to leave it the way it is. It¡¯s probably best to show her smile as it is¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably right,¡± Hayden agreed.


    ¡°I think her smile is a bit sad because she¡¯s always so worried¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°About you?¡± Hayden asked softly.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I made a surprised sound. I didn¡¯t realized that I had said that out loud.


    ¡°I guess she¡¯s worried about you,¡± Hayden said, sounding worried too.


    ¡°Umm¡­yeah¡­¡± I said hesitantly.


    We were silent for a moment as we continued to look at the painting. If only time would stop, then perhaps, I¡¯ll be able to keep her with me for a while longer¡­


    ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll leave you to work on it,¡± Hayden said.


    Just when I thought that he was going to leave the room, I heard a small creaking sound from my bed. Looking around, I saw that Hayden had made himself at home on my bed instead of leaving.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just randomly crawl into my bed!¡± I cried out.


    ¡°Why not? You always end up in mine¡­¡± Hayden said with a teasingugh.


    That¡¯s because you always carry me there¡­


    Is this what he meant when he told me that he¡¯ll leave me to concentrate on the painting? How am I supposed to focus when he¡¯sying there on my bed and staring at me?


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­not true. Can you just leave?¡± I said, not bothering to hide my annoyance.


    ¡°No¡­your bed isfortable. I¡¯ll be here for a while¡­¡± Hayden said stubbornly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have any work to do?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Oh right. We need to get you an outfit for the g¡­¡± Hayden saidzily.


    Hayden was extremely good at changing the subject of the discussion when the current topic didn¡¯t suit him. I just sighed loudly as I gave up on trying to get rid of him. I knew that I wouldn¡¯t be sessful anyways.


    Turning my back on him, I turned to face the painting and tried my best to continue working on it. I could feel his eyes on my back the whole time and it made me feel so nervous.


    ¡°Are you going to join the art exhibition with your friends?¡± Hayden asked suddenly.


    Oh right, he was listening in on the conversation¡­while we were¡­


    The exhibition didn¡¯tpletely slip my mind, but I honestly didn¡¯t feel like I wanted to participate anymore. There was just too many things going on and I wasn¡¯t confident that I could paint anything disy-worthy. Hayden probably doesn¡¯t know this but there are also costs involved in joining an exhibition even though the hosts may cover the event costs; artists still have their own costs.


    ¡°About that¡­I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll join in after all,¡± I replied without turning to face him.


    ¡°Oh¡­why not?¡± Hayden asked, for a moment I thought that he sounded a little disappointed.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t feel like it¡­I guess¡­¡± I replied. It was true, I didn¡¯t feel like it anymore¡­


    ¡°When is it?¡± Hayden asked.


    Based on the text that Jenny sentter that day, the exhibition was scheduled for around three months from now. That didn¡¯t leave me a lot of time to produce any work, unfortunately.


    ¡°In around three months¡­¡± I replied.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what my life would be like in three months, but I wouldn¡¯t be having conversations like these with Hayden anymore. By that time, our contract would be long over and so would my life living here with him.


    Silence filled the room as we probably both realized that the exhibition wasn¡¯t something that we should discuss any further. After all, it wouldn¡¯t happen in the timeframe where our lives ovepped.


    ¡­


    The next day, I got decently dressed and applied some make up before I heard a few loud knocks on my bedroom door. Hayden wanted me to join him for work again today and to avoid his harsh 15-minute prep time, I had woken up extra early to sort myself out before then.


    I smiled a little to myself, now that I knew that I made it right on time. Feeling a little proud of my achievement, I walked towards the door and opened it. Hayden was already dressed in a smart grey suit, and he greeted me with a bright smile.


    ¡°Wow¡­someone¡¯s ready to go,¡± Hayden said before pulling me out the door.


    ¡°Why are you in such a hurry?¡± I asked, curiously.


    It wasn¡¯t that he was in such a hurry, but it seemed like he was in a very good mood as well.


    ¡°I only have one meeting today and old man won¡¯t be there in the office. Let¡¯s skip out and go somewhere fun together, ok?¡± Hayden said before winking at me.


    I guess that wasn¡¯t really a question.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± I replied vaguely.


    So, he¡¯s in a good mood because he can drag me off to some random ce again today. Before I could say anything more, Hayden grabbed my hand and began dragging me out of the penthouse.


    It was a perfect day with perfect weather and light traffic. We arrived at Hayden¡¯s office in almost no time at all. I sat on the sofa in Hayden¡¯s office while I waited for him to go off to his meeting. Maybe I should take a nap while I wait for him to return from his meeting.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for the meeting. Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said as he got up from his seat behind his worktable.


    ¡°Umm¡­I have to go to?¡± I asked, a little stunned.


    It never crossed my mind that I had to attend the meeting with him. I mean, I had no idea what the meeting was about, and I didn¡¯t want to get involved in any of his businesses. I had assumed that he would just let me wait here for him.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Way

    ¡°Of course. Why not?¡± Hayden said as if it was supposed to be obvious that I should join the meeting.


    ¡°I can wait for you here. You don¡¯t have to mind me,¡± I said, trying to excuse myself.


    ¡°Come,¡± Hayden said firmly.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I muttered.


    A few minutester, I found myself seated next to Hayden in a veryrge meeting room. The meeting table was long and there were around 20 people there besides Hayden and me. Everyone looked so senior, and the atmosphere was tense and serious. I nced over at Hayden¡¯s emotionless face and wondered for the hundredth time why he dragged me into this.


    ¡°Now that everyone is here. We¡¯ll start with the agenda at hand. As everyone has been informed prior to the meeting there has been many cases of the Silva gang crossing into our territory to do business. So far, we¡¯ve been able to stop these trades and protect our territory; however, the Silva gang has made it clear through their repeated offenses that they intend to take over some of our territories,¡± a man spoke loudly so that everyone in the room could hear.


    I nced over at Hayden and saw that his face waspletely emotionless. The other gang members, on the other hand, all seemed to have something that they wanted to say.


    ¡°We should just crush them in a shootout!¡±


    ¡°We better show them what happens when they mess with the Torex. My men can handle it!¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Our territories are part of our family. I will not stand for any disorder,¡±


    ¡°Shoot them and send their dead bodies back to their boss!¡±


    ¡°Anything that harms our profits is not good¡­¡±


    ¡°Business rtionships take a long time to build; we cannot let them just take over like this,¡±


    ¡°If they don¡¯t respect our territory, I don¡¯t see why we have to respect theirs any longer!¡±


    The meeting was turning fast into a riot with men screaming out their thoughts without order. Everyone was just screaming, and many men had jumped up from their seat. It was just a big and loud mess. Everyone had their eyes on Hayden as they waited impatiently for him to react to their words. It was clear that everyone wanted to fight back somehow against thepeting gang.


    Whether they were concerned more about the business, the money or their pride, everyone had arrived at the same solution which was to fight back. Very few men were calm while the majority were super hot blooded and seemed like they couldn¡¯t wait to take their guns out.


    Honestly, it was a terrifying sight to behold.


    Hayden had been watching this entire scene unfolding in silence. It didn¡¯t seem like the men¡¯s loud screaming had any impact on him at all. If anything, he just looked dead bored and tired of the whole thing.


    Hayden lifted his right hand a little and the whole room settled down at once. Silence returned to the room and the men that had stood up sat back down on their seats once more.


    ¡°We, the Torex gang, will not fight back¡­¡± Hayden stated calmly yet very firmly.


    Just when his words had just left his mouth, the chaos in the room came back to full life.


    ¡°Hayden¡­you can¡¯t expect us to just sit here and do nothing!¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re worried about too much bloodshed, then just allow my men to handle it. Just my men are more than enough for this!¡±


    The men started shouting. All theirments and demands were all along the same lines. I could sense their dissatisfaction at Hayden¡¯s decision and their frustration. Apparently, peace wasn¡¯t what they were looking for.


    A man that looked like he was in his fifties slowly stood up from his seat and turned to face Hayden. The room went silent as they watched him. I could tell that he held a very senior position in the gang and had the respect of many. I nced over at Hayden and saw that he was watching the man intently as well.


    ¡°If your brother was still alive; he would never let them get away with behaving like this against us,¡± the man said pointedly.


    ¡°How dare you say that in front of the young boss? Apologize to Hayden at once!¡± another man stood up and shouted loudly in Hayden¡¯s defense.


    There were a few supporting murmurs from other men in the room. That¡¯s right, Hayden¡¯s older brother died, and we went to visit his grave. I wondered what happened, but I didn¡¯t dare to ask. Come to think of it, I think I¡¯ve heard words simr to these once or twice before¡­


    ¡®If only his brother was still alive¡­¡¯


    I think someone said something along those line when we were waiting for Hayden in the church. Obviously, I didn¡¯t pay those word any mind back then.


    With a soft sigh, Hayden slowly stood up from his seat. Despite the tense situation, Hayden stood up straight


    ¡°Unfortunately for all of us, my brother is dead. Unfortunately for all of you, you¡¯re stuck with me instead. Unfortunately for me, I¡¯m stuck here instead of my brother. We¡¯re just an unfortunate bunch so shut the fuck up and do as I say!¡± Hayden said before he started yelling at the group of older men.


    After Hayden was done the room waspletely silent and everyone looked nervously at each other. I prayed that violence would not break out and then I just tly wished that I wasn¡¯t here. Hayden sat back down and rested his chin on his hands as he stared at his men.


    ¡°The annual g is next week, as you all should already know. I will be attending, and I will discuss this with the representative from Silva. Until then, I expect everyone to refrain from any use of violence. As per the rules, unless my orders are directly overruled by the boss, my order stands and anyone who vites my order will receive fair punishment,¡± Hayden said, emotionlessly as if he was reading from a book.


    Without waiting to see the reaction of his men, Hayden took my hand in his before he stood up from his seat, pulling me up with him. Then he was leading me out of the meeting room.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Making Him Feel Better

    The door closed firmly behind us, and the meeting was officially over. I let out a loud sigh that I had been suppressing. I hadn¡¯t realized up until the moment that we got out of eth room, just how nervous and scared I had really been.


    ¡°Was it that bad?¡± Hayden asked, with a softugh as he patted my head.


    ¡°I guess¡­it was¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen the worst of it¡­¡± Hayden said before shing me an encouraging smile.


    I had thought that the one who needed encouragement would be him and not me but I appreciated his gesture nheless.


    ¡°And I hope that I won¡¯t need to¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°I hate this job¡­¡± Hayden said softly as if he was talking to himself.


    However, I heard him all the same and I guessed that I started to understand just a little bit more about Hayden. From what I could tell from being in the room, the senior members of the gang were clearly divided into two groups. One group wanted to follow and support Hayden and his leadership. While the other, wanted to follow the ways of Hayden¡¯s elder brother. Although, his brother had died, the men were not satisfied with following Hayden and the ideas that he had.


    I didn¡¯t know anything about Hayden¡¯s elder brother, but I could sort of figure out that he had a different way of managing the gang and probably relied more on violence. On the other hand, Hayden¡¯s approach seemed morepromising and peaceful.


    As I held his hand while we walked back to his office, I wondered if Hayden took me to that meeting precisely to show me that. I thought my life wasplicated but now I was beginning to see that life wasn¡¯t any simpler for the man walking next to me.


    ¡­


    When we arrived back at his office, I felt pretty bad for Hayden. I couldn¡¯t understand how anyone could tolerate being in a situation like this. The face he made when he said that he hated this job gave me the chills. Of course, I didn¡¯t now everything that he had been through, but the current situation seemed bleak, and I was sure that Hayden felt constantly stressed about it.


    Without knowing when it started, I started to worry for Hayden, and I was thinking of how I could make him feel better. Although, I wasn¡¯t sure how much help I would be. The boss mentioned that Hayden didn¡¯t want to take over the gang and today, I could see why. I mean, who would want to take over if it meant that a fight might breakout between the gang members and split the gang?


    Before I knew what I was doing, my brows were knitted together as my brain raced to think of something to make Hayden feel better.


    ¡°Why do you look so stressed out? What are you thinking?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡­I was just thinking that you seemed a little down¡­so¡­¡± I said hesitantly as I tried to piece my words together.


    My brows were still knitted together when I sat down on the sofa.


    ¡°Were you thinking of how to make me feel better?¡± Hayden said, jumping in brightly.


    I nced at him from where he was sitting behind his table and nodded slightly in response. Hayden¡¯s face brightened up even further as if he just had a brilliant idea.


    ¡°Come over here for a second,¡± Hayden said as he waved me over with his hand.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what he wanted but I decided to get up from the sofa and walked over to his table. Surprisingly, Hayden also got up from his seat and walked around his table to meet me on the other side of it.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, curiously.


    ¡°Give me your hands,¡± Hayden said as he smiled at me with a very gentle look in his eyes.


    I had no idea what he had in mind. Slowly, I ced my hands into his outstretched one.


    ¡°Like this?¡± I asked, not sure if this was what he wanted.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Hayden said with a perfect smile.


    What happened next was so shocking and fast that I never really understood what actually happened. Somehow, by holding my hand and twisting my arm and body around, Hayden managed to bend me forward over his table with both of my hands secured behind my back with his hand holding my wrists in ce.


    What the hell just happened?


    I turned my face around to face him and saw that he had a very amused look on his face.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I asked as I began to struggle against his grip.


    His hand that was gripping my wrists only tightened and it began to hurt a little.


    ¡°It hurts¡­¡± I hissed.


    ¡°Remember what I told you before? Don¡¯t struggle, it¡¯ll only hurt you. Never struggle against me, Malissa,¡± Hayden warned.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name desperately.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it¡­¡± Hayden said abruptly.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What? Do what?¡± I asked, taken by surprise.


    ¡°You wanted to make me feel better, right? So, let¡¯s do it. Let me fuck you¡­right here¡­right now,¡± Hayden said, and I could tell that he was very serious.


    ¡°Hayden¡­have some self-restraint¡­¡± I said as I tried to struggle against his grip.


    ¡°I should get awarded for my self-restraint. I wanted to fuck you since the first time you stepped into my office¡­and that was yesterday¡­¡± he said close to my ear. His warm breath against my ear made my body tremble.


    His hand circled in front of me and started caressing my breasts over my shirt. I whispered his name, but his hands just started squeezing my breasts with more force. I could feel the heat from his palm through my clothes and I let out a soft moan. His hand kneaded my breast in turn before he started unbuttoning the buttons of my shirt.


    Skillfully, he unbuttoned the buttons one by one until the front of my shirt waspletely opened. He blew softly into my ear and my entire body trembled. He knew how sensitive my ear was and I hated that fact. Hayden began licking my earlobe as his hand peeled down the cups of my bra. My breast sprang out from their covers into his awaiting hand. He bit softly on my earlobe while his hand started caressing the sensitive flesh of my naked breast.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Love in His Office

    ¡°Hayden¡­stop¡­¡± I pleaded.


    ¡°When you¡¯re moaning this much? Are you sure?¡± Hayden teased beforeughing a little.


    ¡°Ahhh! Ahhh¡­Ahhh¡­¡± I moaned louder despite my protests.


    His fingers began caressing my nipple and I it hardened immediately at his seductive touch. My passionate moans got louder when he took my nipple in between his fingertips and started pinching it. Jolts of pleasure and heat ran through my body from the perk of my breast that he was stimting. Hayden pinched my nipples harder, and my body writhed in ecstasy.


    Hisrge hand syed across my breast before he started groping and massaging them in turn. I felt the heat of his palm seep into my naked skin and I whimpered. He¡¯s turning me on so much that I could feel heat gathering in between my legs. My pussy was throbbing with need, and I felt a sudden rush of hot wetness in between my legs. I¡¯m getting so wet down there¡­


    As if sensing that I was ready for more, Hayden¡¯s hand moved to my caress my waist before dipping even lower to stroke my hips and my buttocks. He squeezed my ass in hisrge hand, and I cried out his name while thrusting my hips into his hand. I wanted to feel him on my skin.


    I didn¡¯t have to wait for long before Hayden started yanking up my skirt, exposing my naked lower body to him. Once my skirt was pooled around my waist, his hand dipped to caress the heat in between my legs through myce underwear.


    ¡°Ahh¡­you¡¯re so wet. You¡¯vepletely soaked your panties¡­¡± Hayden saidzily and with extreme satisfaction.


    I felt his fingers caressing my wetness through the thince of my panties and I let out a soft whimper. He¡¯s touching me there and it feels heavenly. I couldn¡¯t help but want more of his loving attention.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name dreamily.


    Hayden chuckled a little in response to my seductive call as his hand quickly pulled my panties down my legs. I felt the air on my naked ass along with Hayden¡¯s heated stare before his hand returned to the honeypot in between my legs. His fingers delved into my wetness as he stroked my slippery slit, making me moan loudly with desire.


    ¡°ce you hand on the table and stick up your ass,¡± Hayden instructed as he slowly released my wrists.


    I felt blood circting back into my hands once more before I did as he instructed. Hayden¡¯s hands were now free to y around with my body which was exactly what he did. Hayden¡¯s fingers started to skillfully tease my swollen clit, making me cry out loudly when he started pinching and rolling it in between his fingertips.


    I bit my lower lip and moaned deliciously at the pleasurable sensation. The heat within my lower abdomen grew hotter as my body throbbed with need.


    ¡°You like that? Your clit is hard, and your pussy is getting wetter, Malissa,¡± Hayden coaxed seductively.


    ¡°Hayden¡­please¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°You can cry out as loud as you want, no one wille in here¡­¡± Hayden said, sounding very carefree.


    Hayden thrusted his fingers forcibly into my wet hole and I screamed loudly as my pussy convulsed around his fingers. Hayden fingers began thrusting fast and hard into my hole while he pleasured my clit with his other hand. The double pleasure felt too good to be true. I couldn¡¯t stop my hips from moving wildly against his hands as his fingers fucked me from behind.


    His fingers made wet sounds along with my pussy as he stirred up my wet insides and made me feel like I was melting from his touch. My mind felt light and hazy from ecstasy and lust. I couldn¡¯t wait for him to enter me with his thick cock.


    When his fingers curled upwards and rammed repeated against my g-spot, I cried out like a woman possessed. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore; his skillful fingers were pushing me fast towards my release. I¡¯m about to climax¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡¯m¡­cumming! Hayden!¡± I cried out loudly when my orgasm consumed me.


    I wed at his table in my frenzy as I closed my eyes and rode out my climax. My pussy spasmed and quivered around his fingers. Even while I climaxed, he continued to thrust his fingers fast and deep into my cunt.


    ¡°You came so hard¡­do you want more?¡± Hayden asked as he slowly withdrew his fingers from my body.


    I moaned seductively in response as I lifted my hips towards him. Hayden threw something onto the table in front of me and I quickly realized that it was a condom. He¡¯s really going to do it here. Since he¡¯s taken me for the first time, Hayden had developed another habit of having sex with me regrly whenever he felt the urge. I quickly recalled when we did it outdoors after visiting his brother¡¯s grave.


    ¡°Put that on me¡­unless you want to do it raw¡­¡± Haydenmanded as his hands began unbuckling his belt.


    When he was done removing his pants, he turned me around towards him before he gestured for me to put the condom onto his thick and erect rod. His cock was already so thick and long; it looked like it was about to explode. He was so ready to enter me, and I could sense his lust and desire.


    Quickly, I tore open the condom pack and began cing the condom of the thick head of his cock. I was thankful that Hayden carried these extrarge size condoms around with him because if he didn¡¯t, we would probably end up doing it raw whenever he felt like taking me. I still recalled the time when he came hard inside of me, filling me with his hot seed. I was so scared that I would get pregnant with his child that I had to take the pill.


    Once I finished rolling the condom down the impressive length of his erect cock, Hayden backed me against his table before lifting me up. He sat me on top of his table and quickly lifted and spread my legs wide open for him. Hayden stood in between my legs before he started kissing my lips passionately. His tongue thrusted deeply into my mouth as he ate me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Say You Want Me

    His hand gently guided my own towards his thick member. I felt his heat and his hardness in my hand as I stroked my hand softly up and down his thick shaft.


    ¡°I want to screw you, Malissa¡­put my cock into you now,¡± Haydenmanded, his voice thick with lust.


    I grabbed his cock and positioned its thick head at my pulsating entrance as I spread my legs even wider for him. Stretching my pussy entrance open with one hand, I ced the swollen head of his cock in my wet hole. Ahh¡­I couldn¡¯t wait for him to thrust into me¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name invitingly.


    ¡°Tell me¡­tell me that you want me to fuck you¡­¡± Hayden said in a low voice close to my ear.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered.


    ¡°Say it. Say it now, Malissa,¡± Hayden demanded.


    ¡°Fuck¡­Fuck me¡­Hayden¡­¡± I begged desperately for him to take me.


    Hayden thrusted his hard cock into my eager hole, and I cried out as I wrapped my arms around his neck. My hips started moving to match his rhythm when Hayden started pumping his thick cock in and out of my hole. I could feel him stretch and fill me. He¡¯s in so deep and it felt so satisfying. Sex with Hayden felt amazing. I¡¯ve never had sex this good before.


    Perhaps this is what people meant when they refer to sexualpatibility. No matter what Hayden did to me, it just felt so pleasurable, and I couldn¡¯t refrain my body from reacting strongly to him. I moaned and panted as Hayden pounded his cock fast and hard into me. He¡¯s moving with so much force as we pped out hips against each other.


    Wet and lewd sounds filled his office as we continued to couple wildly. His thrusts were so deep that I could feel him hitting my womb. I could feel him everywhere inside of me as his cock stimted the walls of my pussy and the pleasure spot deep inside of my love hole. My body felt so hot, and it felt difficult to breathe.


    ¡°Can you feel me deep inside you?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­so¡­deep¡­¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Your pussy is clenching around me very tightly¡­¡± Hayden whispered before he groaned with pleasure.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I moaned and cried out his name as I clenched my pussy around his hard cock, feeling more of his shape inside me. Just as I was about to climax, Hayden stopped moving and I looked at him in wonder and confusion.


    Hayden withdrew his cock out from me before he began turning my body away from him. I bent over the table just like before and lifted my hips so that he could enter me with ease from behind.


    ¡°Let me fuck you from behind¡­¡± Hayden whispered into my ear as he pressed his hot dick against my ass.


    I moaned softly when I felt the thick head of his cock at my pussy entrance. Without waiting any longer, Hayden rammed his cock into me from behind. He screwed me hard and fast, pumping his cock in and out of my hole while his hands grabbed my hips.


    I cried out as he continued to hump me faster and faster. His cock prated me from a different angle than before, and it felt great. He was hitting me so deep and fast, I cried out loudly as my body shook from the impact of his thrust.


    I was amazed again at how much stamina he had. It felt like he could go on forever. On the other hand, I was exhausted, and I felt like my body would split in half from his wild pration. My pussy felt extremely sensitive, and I could feel my orgasm fast approaching. I¡¯m about to cum again¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I moaned his name.


    ¡°You¡¯re about to cum, right? I can feel your pussy quivering¡­¡± Hayden said close to my ear.


    I cried out louder, unable to answer his question with words. Hayden groaned loudly as he exerted more force in his thrusts. It drove me wild with lust and soon I felt my world spinning as I got sucked into my climax.


    From his loud moans, I knew that Hayden was also close to his own release. With a few wild and deep thrusts, Hayden cried out my name before kissing the nape of my neck as his cock twitched inside me at his own release. Hayden moaned with pleasure as he too climaxed.


    ¡­


    Hayden was evidently in a much better mood while we were driving back to the penthouse together. He was humming a melody that I didn¡¯t know and had a bright look in his eyes. On the other hand, I had found it very difficult to walk without limping. Frankly, the sex was good, but the aftermath was not. My pussy hurts and stings. When I move my legs, it hurts. When I walk, it hurts.


    Hayden was such a genius at rubbing me the wrong way. He had the balls tough and make a joke out of my predicament.


    ¡°Should I carry you if you can¡¯t walk?¡± Hayden suggested yfully.


    ¡°Is that supposed to be funny?¡± I snapped.


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯m only offering to help,¡± Hayden said with an innocent smile.


    ¡°This is all your fault¡­¡± I muttered as I stared at him.


    ¡°Really? You were enjoying yourself quite a lot as I recalled. You called out my name so many times while we were doing it,¡± Hayden said as he acted like he was recalling some of his memories.


    ¡°You¡­.¡± I hissed.


    ¡°Hold it. Seriously, though, I know a very good gynecologist. I can take you¡­¡± Hayden suggested brightly.


    ¡°No, thank you! I also don¡¯t want to know why you would happen to know a good gynecologist¡­¡± I quickly shut down his idea.


    ¡°Haha¡­you¡¯re right, you probably don¡¯t want to know¡­¡± Hayden said before he stretchedzily on the sofa.


    Somehow, after resting, I was able to drag my sorry ass to his car on my own two legs. I nced over at Hayden who was happily driving and humming his tune. It was good to see him in such a good mood, but it also made me feel uneasy. I¡¯ve never seen him like this, and it was freaking me out a little.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere fun tomorrow,¡± Hayden suddenly spoke up, his eyes still on the road.


    ¡°What? Where?¡± I asked, cluelessly.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out. I¡¯ll take you there tomorrow. You¡¯re free, right?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°I¡­guess¡­¡± I mumbled.


    I had no idea back then that we would end up at such an unexpected ce¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Idea of Fun

    The next day just like we had agreed, Hayden took me ¡®somewhere fun¡¯. It was a decently long drive before we got there. Hayden maintained his energetic and happy attitude from yesterday while I just couldn¡¯t get used to him being so bubbly happy. It just wasn¡¯t like him at all¡­not that I hated this side of him.


    I didn¡¯t know where he was taking me and I knew that he wouldn¡¯t tell me even if I asked, so I just sat in his car patiently and waited until we arrived. He mentioned that he wanted to go somewhere fun that would cheer up both of us. Honestly, I didn¡¯t see us having much inmon in terms of interests and so I found it hard to think of a ce that would cheer both of us up simultaneously.


    When he mentioned that he knew a ce that would cheer us up, I wasn¡¯t sure what he had in mind and what to expect. However, I surely never expected him to take me to a ce like this¡­


    I stood next to Hayden with my mouth hanging wide open as I stared at our destination which was now right in front of my face. Honestly, I don¡¯t remember thest time I came to a ce like this, and I have never dreamt in my wildest dreams that I woulde to a ce like this with someone like Hayden. I nced over at Hayden¡¯s outstandingly excited face before looking back at our destination.


    Like¡­seriously?!


    ¡®Wee to Wonder Dream Land¡¯


    This ce is the biggest amusement part in the country. He can¡¯t be serious¡­


    ¡°Are you just going to stand there? Let¡¯s go¡­¡± Hayden said as he tugged on my hand.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I mumbled, still in shock.


    Hayden held my hand tightly as he pulled me after him into the amusement park. Heughed a little at my shocked expression but didn¡¯t make any furtherments. I looked around therge and very colorful amusement park in wonder. The ce was a lot less crowded than I had expected but perhaps that was because we were here on a weekday. There were some couples walking around as they enjoyed their sweet time together; however, it was clear that most of the people here were families with little kids.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember thest time I came to a ce like this¡­¡± I mumbled to myself as I looked at the veryrge rollercoaster in the distance.


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Hayden replied softly.


    ¡°Umm¡­since you decided toe here, is there something that you want to do?¡± I asked, feeling uncertain about how we should be spending our time.


    I mean, I¡¯m not a very big fan of scary rides or anything like that. Plus, I haven¡¯t been to an amusement park in like forever, so I wasn¡¯t sure what we¡¯re supposed to do besides just walking around.


    ¡°Actually, I have no idea¡­¡± Hayden said as we continued to walk around aimlessly through the main path of the park.


    I guess he brought me here randomly¡­


    ¡°You know¡­I never expected that you would bring me to a ce like this¡­¡± I admitted honestly.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t girls supposed to like these sorts of ces?¡± Hayden asked as he turned to look pointedly at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about that¡­¡± I replied frankly. I wouldn¡¯t count my opinion as the standard representation of a girl¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°Maybe we should check the map that we got from the ticket booth¡­¡± Hayden suggested.


    Hayden opened up the pamphlet of the park¡¯s map and we both looked down at it to see what attractions they had. For a moment, it truly felt like we were a young couple on a date. It was a very unusual feeling to be here with Hayden and just spending a normal day together.


    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not really into scary rides¡­¡± I replied, my eyes still on the map.


    ¡°What about the haunted house?¡± Hayden suggested enthusiastically.


    ¡°I just told you that I¡¯m not into scary rides!¡± I eximed.


    ¡°The haunted house isn¡¯t a ride¡­¡± Hayden corrected.


    ¡°But¡­it¡¯s scary¡­¡± I replied.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Hayden shouted happily, pulling me along with him.


    ¡°Hayden! Wait!¡± I cried out loudly, but it was already toote.


    ¡­


    It was cold. It was dark¡­and I felt scared out of my mind from the first moment that we entered. Hayden held my hand like always, but I was desperately clinging to his arm with my other hand as well. I heard Harden chuckling close to my ear as I refused to take a step forward.


    ¡°Malissa¡­if you don¡¯t open your eyes, how are we supposed to walk forward?¡± Hayden asked with a lightugh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just follow you¡­I¡¯m too scared to open my eyes¡­¡± I replied, meaning every word.


    Like seriously, something will pop out and scare me. Then I¡¯m going to scream loudly like a fool. I know that and so I¡¯m just going to keep my eyes shut. The wind was blowing and it¡¯s so cold. The sound of the haunting wind was driving me crazy with fear. I knew that everything was fake but that didn¡¯t make me less scared at all. I hugged Hayden¡¯s arm to my chest tighter as I pressed my chest against his arm.


    ¡°You¡¯re so funny. Just open your eyes, there¡¯s nothing here¡­¡± Hayden said, soundingpletely calm.


    ¡°Can we quickly walk so we can get out of here faster?¡± I asked, still refusing to open my eyes.


    ¡°No¡­I like the feel of your boobs pressing against my arm¡­¡± Hayden said with an amusedugh.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I screamed. How can he make a joke like that now of all times?


    Hayden didn¡¯t react to my sudden outburst, instead, I felt the warmth of his lips on mine. Did he just kiss me?


    My eyes flew open in shock to see Hayden¡¯s face very close to mine. I touched my lips with my fingertips, feeling the feel of his lingering kiss. He did kiss me¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°So, kissing you will get you to open your eyes. If you close your eyes, I¡¯ll kiss you again and again,¡± Hayden teased. He was enjoying himself too much for my liking.


    ¡°That¡¯s so stupid¡­¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t close your eyes. Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Photographs & Memories

    Once again, he began pulling me along with him. I cursed the fact that we were here on a weekday. Since there wasn¡¯t a lot of people at the park, we were the only ones in the haunted house as far as I could tell. If we had entered as arger group, maybe I¡¯d feel less scared or there would be someone else who would also be scared like me. Then we could be friends.


    The reality was that I was alone with Hayden, and he didn¡¯t seem scared at all. I doubt Hayden would be scared of anything. He did invite me out at night to a graveyard after all¡­


    I pressed myself close to his side as we slowly walked along the dark path in the haunted house. Looking around, I could tell that the decorations were made to portray a vampire theme. There were fake blood, coffins, skeletons and other haunting items scattered all around. Now and then, there would be a shrilled high-pitch scream in the distant and the howling of wolves.


    While Hayden seemed to enjoy looking around, I spent the time to mentally prepare myself for when the ghost woulde out and scare us.


    ¡°See? It¡¯s not as scary as you think. These things are made for kids¡­¡± Hayden said, sounding bored.


    ¡°I¡¯m just scared that something will pop out and¡­AHHHHH!¡± I said before screaming loudly in shock.


    I think I saw a bloody ghost or something jump out at us and I just screamed at the top of my lungs and started hugging and hiding behind Hayden. Why am I here? I can¡¯t wait to get out of here!


    ¡°Nooooo! Let¡¯s get out of here! Out of here!¡± I continued screaming.


    While I was quivering in panic and fear, Hayden was having the time of his life as heughed at me. I could hear his loudughter above all the spooky music that was ying.


    ¡°It¡¯s gone. You¡¯re so funny. I can¡¯t stopughing¡­¡± Hayden said in between his amusedughs.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny! I¡¯m getting out of here¡­¡± I stated firmly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t run! It¡¯s dark¡­you¡¯ll trip,¡± Hayden warned.


    Hayden quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me back to his side. I pouted at him to show my dissatisfaction. Together, we managed to walk to the end of the path leading to the exit of the haunting house. I swore to myself that I am never going into a haunted house again in my life!


    ¡°That was so fun! Your freaked out expression was priceless,¡± Hayden eximed loudly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny. I¡¯m never going in there again¡­¡± I said definitely.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you pick our next destination then,¡± Hayden suggested.


    Hayden opened the map up again and I tried to locate where we were on the map. Let¡¯s see, we¡¯re in front of the haunted house, which is here. I checked out the other attractions nearby but didn¡¯t find them interesting. Honestly, I wasn¡¯t looking forward to any rides because they¡¯re not exactly my thing to begin with. Worst, since I was with Hayden, if I got scared, he¡¯ll probably just tease me again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Why don¡¯t you pick? You wanted toe here, right?¡± I said, pushing the burden on him instead.


    ¡°Umm¡­what about this one?¡± Hayden said after some thought.


    My gaze followed to where Hayden was pointing on the map.


    ¡°A photobooth? You want to take photos?¡± I asked with a mix of confusion and disbelief.


    The photobooth wasn¡¯t far from here but I had thought that Hayden would pick one of the rides or something more interesting. He didn¡¯t reallye across as someone who would enjoy taking photos at a photobooth¡­


    ¡°Yup, with you. Let¡¯s take some photos together,¡± Hayden said before smiling a little at me.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t how what to say or how to respond to that smile of his. My chest felt tight, and my heart skipped more than a beat. He¡¯s not ying fair, is he?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! It¡¯s this way¡­¡± Hayden said cheerfully as he pushed my back softly, urging me forward in the direction of the photobooths.


    ¡­


    The photobooth session with Hayden felt strange at first but I guess we both had fun posing randomly for our photos. I think Iughed a lot and had a good time. It really felt like we were a carefree couple on a date. Truthfully, I don¡¯t remember thest time that I had such a carefree date. Thetest date I had was a long time ago too and it didn¡¯t end very well, to say the least.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Here you go. You can keep a copy and I¡¯ll keep a copy,¡± Hayden said happily as he handed me a copy of our photos.


    ¡°Oh¡­thanks,¡± I said as I took the photos from him.


    I looked down at the photos that we had taken together. Hayden has such a cute smile in this photo, and he looks stunningly handsome in this one. We look like quite close in this one, although I think my face looks a little on the round side. Iughed a little to myself. Smiling a little to myself, I realized that these photos may be the only proof and reminder that I will have left once our contract was over that once I had spent time with Hayden like this.


    While we were standing in front of the photobooth there seemed to be an incident, judging by the loud voices of the staff in the area. I cocked my head and tried to listen to what the staff was saying. Did something bad happen? The other people around us started having the same reactions as well.


    ¡°Excuse me! We have an emergency. Is there a doctor here?¡± a staff yelled loudly.


    ¡°If you¡¯re a doctor or a medical personnel, please let us know!¡± another staff shouted.


    Two staffs were rushing around shouting the same message repeatedly. I guess someone was very sick and they¡¯re looking for a doctor to help out. Wasn¡¯t the park supposed to have a medical team onsite? Suddenly, I felt very worried and started to squeeze Hayden¡¯s hand tighter. I mean, what would happen if they couldn¡¯t find a doctor? Have they called the ambnce?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 He鈥檚 a Mystery

    Just when all those thoughts were running through my mind, I didn¡¯t realize that the man standing close to me had raised his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m a doctor,¡± Hayden stated as he raised his hand.


    What?!


    ¡°What are you doing? This isn¡¯t some joke! Someone really needs help,¡± I hissed at him in shock as I tried to pull his raised arm down to his side.


    What kind of bullshit is Hayden spouting now? Hayden¡­a doctor? Impossible. Hayden is a mafia gang leader.


    ¡°I¡¯m offering help. Can¡¯t you see?¡± Hayden replied bluntly.


    ¡°No¡­but you¡¯re not¡­¡± I said, in shock and confusion.


    ¡°I¡¯m a doctor,¡± Hayden stated firmly.


    ¡°You¡¯re a¡­doctor?¡± I repeated in disbelief.


    ¡°¡­What¡¯s with the face?¡± Hayden asked mockingly.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding right?¡± I said, still unable to believe him.


    ¡°You¡¯re a doctor, Sir?¡± a young man who was a member of the staff came running up to Hayden.


    From the worried look on his face, I feared that the incident was an emergency. Hopefully, no one got badly hurt. Suddenly, I felt a little scared.


    Hayden grabbed my hand and held it tightly before he presented his doctor license to the staff with his other hand. My eyes grew wide when I saw that he had a license. I still couldn¡¯t wrap my mind around the fact that Hayden was a doctor. A bad doctor¡­my mind whispered¡­


    ¡°Is that fake?¡± I asked, suspiciously.


    It¡¯s fake, right? Like you know, those fake IDs and passports. That license is also fake¡­right?


    Hayden just rolled his eyes at me in annoyance before he ignored mepletely and turned to the park staff.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Hayden asked, getting straight to the point.


    ¡°Pleasee this way. A girl got lost and we¡¯re still unable to locate her parents. She¡¯s waiting with the staff, but I guess she got panic and scared. We¡¯re not sure but we think she¡¯s having an asthma attack or something¡­¡± the staff quickly exined the situation.


    ¡°I see. Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said as we hurriedly followed the staff to where the girl was.


    The young man led us to the staff room where there was another staff and the girl in question. One look at her and I agreed with the man that she seemed to be having an attack of some sort. The girl looked scar and very panic. She had difficulty breathing and was panting hard while making weird noises.


    ¡°Does she have a bag? Where¡¯s her bag?¡± Hayden asked immediately while he crouched down next to the girl.


    ¡°Her bag¡­yes, she has a bag,¡± the staff said.


    ¡°Malissa, can you check if she¡¯s got a breather in there?¡± Hayden instructed without looking at me. His eyes her on the girl.


    ¡°Huh? A what?¡± I asked, cluelessly.


    ¡°An asthma breather. Small device like a spray¡­¡± Hayden exined quickly.


    The staff and I rummaged through her backpack. I was so panicked about all this that I began emptying the contents of her bag in my desperate attempt to find the breather. I¡¯ve never seen a breather in real life, but I¡¯ve seen it on television and on the inte before, so thankfully, I sort of knew what I was looking for.


    ¡°Found it!¡± I cried out in relief before I quickly took the breather over to Hayden.


    Hayden spoke softly and encouragingly to the young girl as he began administering her medicine to her through the breather. I watched with worry and prayed silently that the girl will be alright. She¡¯s got her medicine now so hopefully her attack will calm down. Hayden does look like a doctor now that he¡¯s treating her. He seemed to know just what to do, and it seems like he really cares about her.


    I bit my lower lip anxiously as I waited to see if her condition would improve. Hayden was by the girl¡¯s side as he held her small hand. After a short while, the girl¡¯s breathing started to stabilize, and it no longer seemed like she was going to run out of breath.


    ¡°Have you found her parents yet?¡± Hayden asked, worriedly.


    ¡°Yes, we have. Just now another staff found them. They¡¯re headed here right now,¡± one of the staff informed us of the good news.


    I breathed a sigh of relief and realized that Hayden did the same thing. Soon after the girl rxed, and her condition seemed to have stabilized. Hayden let hery down to rest before patting her headfortingly.


    ¡°Will she be ok?¡± I whispered as Hayden came to stand by my side.


    We both had our eyes on the girl who seemed to have fallen asleep. She must have been scared and exhausted.


    ¡°Yes. You don¡¯t have to worry,¡± Hayden replied as he put an arm around my shoulders.


    Soon after the girl¡¯s parents arrived, and Hayden summarized for them their daughter¡¯s condition. Hayden told the worried parents that the girl probably just had one of her usual asthma attacks and that he had given her medicine. Then he suggested that they should take their daughter for a checkup at the hospital just in case.


    ¡°Thank you so much for helping our daughter,¡± the girl¡¯s mother said with tears in her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem. It was a good thing that she was carrying her breather with her,¡± Hayden replied kindly.


    ¡­


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re actually a doctor. I mean, the heir of the mafia gang is a doctor¡­?¡± I said incredulously as we stood side by side outside.


    ¡°There are plenty of merits of being a doctor in the mafia. For example, I could dissect you and sell your body parts,¡± Hayden stated proudly.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± I asked, not sure whether I should believe him or not.


    ¡°Are you referring to the doctor part or the selling your organs part?¡± Hayden asked, teasingly.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± I replied honestly. I felt so confused that I didn¡¯t know what to believe or think anymore.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave it at that. Where should we go next?¡± Hayden said, suddenly changing the topic.


    That was that. After that Hayden dragged me to a couple of rides with him. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and I guess that I enjoyed seeing Hayden enjoy himself.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 To the Gala

    ¡°Next¡­¡± Hayden said emotionlessly.


    I sighed, trying to hide my frustration from him.


    ¡°Next¡­¡± Hayden said after a single nce at me. His eyes immediately returning to his phone¡¯s screen.


    I heaved another sigh. When is this going to end? Personally, I don¡¯t even know what he¡¯s expecting or what he¡¯s looking for¡­


    ¡°Next¡­¡± Hayden said without hesitation.


    ¡°Can we stop this now? I¡¯m getting tired¡­¡± I started toin.


    ¡°No. Next,¡± Hayden said, sounding dead bored.


    I wanted to shout at him. How long does he expect me to keep doing this? We¡¯ve been at it for almost an hour now¡­


    As to what we were doing, well, we were trying to find the right dress for me to wear to the g. More urately, he was trying to find me a dress that I could wear to the g with him. I was merely trying on countless dresses that the boutique had prepared for me based on his orders. So far, we were roughly an hour in and none of the dresses that I tried on impressed Hayden¡­at all.


    I felt tired just from trying on one dress after another. Each time he rejected a dress, I felt a little more depressed inside. Truthfully, for me, all the dresses looked amazing, and they also look super pricey, and they probably were. I had no idea what was so wrong about all these dresses. Do they look ugly when I wear them? Was it because of me and not the dresses?


    Honestly, I think they all look good on me when I looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror. Not saying that I have a good figure or anything, but the dresses were truly beautiful; they would look good on anyone. Any of the dresses should be fine for the g. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to be the superstar of the event or anything like that. I¡¯m just apanying Hayden because his father had ordered me to do so.


    I walked out of the dressing room again with a new dress on as I silently prayed that Hayden would give this one the ok. After some hesitation, I decided to try on this dress. The reason being that it was a little bit bolder and revealing than the others. It was bright red with sparkly red sequins sewn all over the dress in a swirly pattern. It had a strapless corset-like top with a long skirt with a slit running up to my upper thigh and a flowy mermaid skirt that trailed a little after me on the floor.


    One nce at the dress and Hayden nodded silently. He really wants to go with this one?


    ¡°Are you sure? Isn¡¯t it a bit too¡­eye-catching?¡± I asked, notpletely convinced of his choice. I had thought that the other paler cream dress looked more passable.


    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll get this one. Can you hold the waist in by around two inches for me now?¡± Hayden said to the shop attendance.


    ¡°Yes, Sir,¡± the woman replied and quickly did as he had asked.


    She stepped behind me and pinched and pulled the fabric of the dress behind my waist to tighten the fabric around my waist. Too tight. Seriously, too tight.


    ¡°Adjust the dress. Make the waist around two inches smaller. That would be all,¡± Hayden said passionlessly.


    ¡°Yes, Sir. We¡¯ll get it delivered to you right away when the adjustments have been made,¡± the woman said before bowing politely to Hayden.


    Hayden gave her his credit card and that was it. I¡¯m going to wear this bold and shiny red dress with a two-inch-too-small waist to the g.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°The waist is going to be too small. I can hardly breathe when she held the dress in,¡± Iined after Hayden had dragged me out of the boutique. Once again, I had no idea where he was going to take me.


    ¡°Then slim down,¡± Hayden said like it was the obvious thing to do.


    ¡°What?! The g is already next week!¡± I eximed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to look like you¡¯re in your fourth of fifth month of your pregnancy, do you?¡± Hayden asked, pointedly.


    ¡°Huh?! How can you say something like that? Are you saying that I look pregnant?¡± I asked in pure disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you which way you want to take myment. It would cause misunderstandings and trouble for me if thedy standing next to me looks pregnant, no?¡± Hayden stated with a shrug.


    My mouth fell open at his ridiculous and insensitivement.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± I whispered in pure shock. How can he say something like that with a straight face?


    I was so shocked and offended by what he just said that I didn¡¯t know how to respond. I mean, if the dress made me look pregnant, then why did he have to choose it? There were so many others that showed-off less of my figure¡­


    How the hell am I supposed to lose weight that fast? Seriously¡­


    ¡­


    Finally, the day that everyone had been anxiously waiting for had arrived. Not surprisingly, Hayden never bothered to tell me anything about the g. I didn¡¯t know where it was going to be held or who would being with us. I just didn¡¯t know anything at all. Hayden did not offer to tell me and acted like the g wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    However, I knew that the g was indeed a big deal. After all, it was arge annual event where leaders and top tier members of big mafia gangs would gather. It probably had the same significance as the UN meeting for leaders of nations to attend, I guessed. Ironically, I would be attending the event with Hayden.


    Recalling the meeting at his office that I had witnessed; I also knew that the meeting was important in dictating the next steps for how the gang would deal with the Silva gang over disputes in their territories. I was sure that Hayden knew this as well; there were many important things riding on this g gathering.


    ¡°I¡¯ve packed and arranged everything that I think you may need,¡± Auntie said politely as she gestured to arge pile of luggage.


    My eyes widened in disbelief at the amount of baggage that was prepared. I mean, all this for one evening? I mean, we¡¯re not even staying over. It¡¯s just an evening event and then we were going toe back, right?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Don鈥檛 Die

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit much for one evening?¡± I asked, in confusion.


    ¡°One evening? Oh no, Miss Malissa. The g is held on a cruise and willst for three days and three nights,¡± Auntie quickly corrected me.


    ¡°What?¡± I eximed before turning to stare at Hayden usingly.


    Why¡­didn¡¯t he tell me these things?


    ¡°I guess Master Hayden¡­forgot to tell you about this¡­¡± Auntie mumbled. I couldn¡¯t believe how she was stilling up with excuses to protect Hayden.


    How can he possibly forget to tell me something as important as this? Instead of just an evening event, I will be stuck on a cruise with him for three days and there nights¡­along with many other mafia bosses and members¡­


    What is happening to my life again?


    ¡°You have toe along anyways. What¡¯s the point of knowing and panicking?¡± Hayden said tly before shrugging like he couldn¡¯t care less.


    ¡°You could have at least told me¡­¡± I said in exasperation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Yourints will give me a needless headache¡­¡± Hayden said, implying that it was my fault.


    Unlike other days when Hayden and I travelled alone, today, there were many gang members apanying us in their cars. We travelled in what was like a small parade of cars. Thankfully, I still rode alone with Hayden in his car. Hayden had refused to have anyone else drive for him and that helped me calm down about everything that was going on, somewhat.


    I didn¡¯t know any of the gang members that came along with us, apart from Luka. It was a long drive, but we finally arrived at the port where we would board the cruise ship for the three-day g event. When we got to the port, I could already see the massive ship that was going to be used for the event. It was so big that no one could miss seeing it.


    ¡°Be careful and don¡¯t die,¡± Hayden whispered close to my ear as he stood at my side.


    We watched as the gang members loaded our various baggage onto the cruise. I turned to face Hayden, shocked at his words. Please tell me that he¡¯s just joking around with me.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said,pletely taken aback by his words.


    ¡°They¡¯ll just throw you off deck and feed you to the sharks,¡± Hayden said followed by a loudugh.


    I just couldn¡¯t tell whether he was serious or if he was just joking.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡± I asked for confirmation.


    ¡°No. People go missing every year at the g. So, always stay close to me,¡± Hayden replied emotionlessly but his hand tightened briefly around mine, making me realize that there must be at least some truth behind his warning.


    We boarded the cruise together and was immediately led to our rooms along with our entourage. Luka seemed very alert and was constantly by our side. The Torex gang had an entire floor of rooms to themselves, and I suspect that other gangs had simr arrangements. Security was tight for the cruise itself and so was the Torex¡¯s own security measures. I didn¡¯t want to realize this, but everyone was heavily armed.


    Suddenly, this whole g seemed more like going to a three-day war instead of a celebration or gathering. Everyone was on edge and very alert to any sense of danger. However, everyone seemed used to it besides me, obviously.


    I recalled Hayden¡¯s words of warning again as the reality of what was happening seemed to sink in. Perhaps, there is no where that is safe on this entire ship. I pray that I make it through this whole ordeal. Furthermore, I prayed that no one from our gang goes ¡®missing¡¯ on this cruise.


    ¡°Rest up. You seem so on edge and there¡¯s no need to be,¡± Hayden said to me when we were alone in our room.


    If that¡¯s supposed tofort me, I wasn¡¯t sure if it was working. As we are speaking there are around five men standing guard, fully armed, in front of our door. How am I supposed to be at ease like this?


    Hayden, on the other hand, seemedpletely rxed as hezed around on the red leather sofa that was in the room. Our room was like a suite of rooms. It had a bathroom, a working room, a sitting and dining room, and a bedroom. One bedroom.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I guess apart from being careful of the dangers outside, I also had to deal with the monster next to me as well¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll try¡­¡± I mumbled my response.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You should be safe enough. There¡¯s a truce amongst the gangs regarding the safety of women and children. Kidnapping women for ransom like in the movies shouldn¡¯t happen. That being said, stick to my side¡­always,¡± Hayden said firmly.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I said as I nodded.


    I was quite scared and ironically, being close to Hayden made me feel safe. Even if he didn¡¯t want me by his side, I¡¯ll stick by his side like glue for sure.


    ¡­


    The day was uneventful with the gang members and Hayden having their meeting in the meeting room that was on the same floor as our room. As ordered by Hayden, I stuck by his side and sat next to him through the whole meeting. The meeting was more like a debrief, where Luka exined and went over the details and roles for all members once again.


    It wasn¡¯t long until we had to prepare for the first night of the g. Officially, the first night of the g was known as the ¡®Grand Opening Wee¡¯. As the name implies, it is the first evening event of the g.


    ¡°Nothing happens much on the first night. We just meet, greet andwork with people. That¡¯s it,¡± Hayden exined briefly.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I said in a whisper.


    ¡°In reality, it¡¯s just like testing the waters for the more serious conversations that will take ce on the second and third day. It¡¯s also the perfect opportunity for representative from each gang to lobby the other representatives to support whatever they may want to propose in the meetings on the following days,¡± Hayden exined like it as the most boring thing in the world.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 First Night

    It was clear that Hayden shared my sentiment of not wanting to be part of this. However, I could tell that Hayden was paying enough attention and seemed to bemitted to ying his part as the representative of the Torex gang. I guess they call that a sense of responsibility.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to do anything, right?¡± I asked just to make sure.


    ¡°You do. Look pretty and smile. No matter what anyone says, just smile. Do not answer any questions. I¡¯ll do all the talking. Even if someone directs a question at you, just smile,¡± Hayden instructed.


    Those were some pretty harsh instructions. I nodded in acknowledgement. Not quite understanding what was going on, I would rather not say anything wrong either.


    When it was time, the few maids that came along helped me dress while the make-up artist made up my face and the hair stylist styled my hair. They also helped make up and style Hayden¡¯s hair. When we were both dressed, the whole event started to feel real. Well, at least the annoying feeling of wearing high heels that were too high felt very real to me.


    Hayden looked like a movie star straight out of a spy action movie. He¡¯s so hot in his immacte white suit and new hair style. I couldn¡¯t help but stare and prayed that he wouldn¡¯t realize. However, knowing that it was Hayden, he probably realized straight away. Although, he was too focused on thinking about something that he didn¡¯tment on it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said as he offered me his arm when we were ready to go.


    I ced my hand on his arm and nodded obediently. Just like Hayden had said to me earlier ¡®be careful and don¡¯t die¡¯. I intended to do just that tonight.


    ¡­


    The bright red dress that I had on felt too tight around the waist just as I had expected. Although my reflection looked very pleasing to the eye in the mirror, the price for that was myck offort. Hayden led me to where the evening g was being held for the night along with Luka and a few other men who were supposed to be acting as our bodyguards.


    The atmosphere seemed festive enough, but I could feel an underlying sense of tension in the air. There were a lot more people that I had anticipated. Of course, I didn¡¯t know who was who at all. Surprisingly, there were more women there on the scene. I was far from being the only one. It seemed that it wasmon for men to bring an escort or two to the event with them. Perhaps that was why the boss wanted me to apany Hayden in the first ce.


    ¡°Torex¡­¡± a low voice said from behind us.


    I could sense Luka and the men stiffen around us as they became very alert. Hayden on the other hand seemed so rxed and at ease. We turned towards the voice that had just called out to us. It was an old man dressed in a very expensive-looking grey suit. All of his hair was white, and he had a very serious look in his grey eyes.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Mr. Antonio, it is an honor to meet you,¡± Hayden said smoothly.


    I felt the old man¡¯s eyes on me, and I quickly smiled just like Hayden had ordered. Smile and don¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Your old man decided to send you, huh? I¡¯m not surprise¡­¡± Mr. Antonio said. He seemed to be on friendly terms with Hayden¡¯s father, so I guess that was good, right?


    ¡°He gotzy. You want to send a message to him?¡± Hayden said with a smallugh.


    ¡°No need. We should talkter over some good wine. I just wanted to let you know that I prefer that you¡¯re here¡­and not your old man¡­or your brother¡­¡± the old man said and his eyes were as sharp as knives.


    I felt Hayden stiffen a little at the mention of his elder brother and I didn¡¯t have a good feeling about this.


    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s do that,¡± Hayden replied, the smile never slipping from his fa?ade.


    ¡°You¡¯re really not going to introduce this beautifuldy to me?¡± the old man said to Hayden, but his eyes were already on me.


    ¡°Excuse my poor manners. This is my fianc¨¦e, Malissa,¡± Hayden replied smoothly.


    What the hell is he saying now? Suddenly, I¡¯m his fianc¨¦e now? Now I was starting to understand why Hayden had told me to shut up and let him do the talking; it was so he could spew whatever bullshit that he wanted. Just like he had instructed before the event took ce, I stered a smile onto my lips and looked straight at the old man.


    ¡°Wow¡­you¡¯ve really grown up into a fine man. I look forward to working with the next generation of the Torex family,¡± the old man said with augh before he winked meaningfully at me.


    ¡°Take care, Mr. Antonio. We look forward to doing more business with you this year,¡± Hayden said warmly.


    ¡°Of course,¡± the old man said and that was the end of their conversation.


    With that, the conversation ended, and Mr. Antonio walked away along with hisrge entourage of men. It was clear that that old man was the head of some gang who was engaged in business with the Torex. At least, the conversation ended well without any issues. I heaved a sigh of relief when he was out of earshot and realized that I had been so nervous all this time.


    ¡°Antonio is a good friend of my dad. He¡¯s been rooting for me to take over all this time because he thinks business will go more in his favor if I take overpared to my brother. Well, it¡¯s not like my elder brother is a viable option anymore¡­¡± Hayden exined softly as he whispered in my ear.


    I was beginning to see that the mafia world had a lot of politics of its own. The conclusion that I arrived to very quickly was that it was best if I just shut up and smiled. Now¡¯s not the time to worry about gender equality and women¡¯s rights. I need to survive this cruise!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Running into the Enemy

    ¡°Hayden¡­it¡¯s Silva¡­¡± Luka hissed close to us in warning.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hayden¡¯s face immediately turned into an unreadable mask as he turned to face our next group of guests. The opening night is proving to be very intense already. I hadn¡¯t forgotten that one of Hayden¡¯s objectives on this cruise was to negotiate with the boss of Silva and now people from Silva were standing right in front of us.


    A middle-aged man with a pot belly stood in front of us along with his men. Is this the head of Silva?


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Hayden asked bluntly.


    I guess¡­this man isn¡¯t the head of Silva?


    ¡°The name¡¯s Brook. I¡¯m here on behalf of the boss to represent Silva,¡± the man said as he tried to hold his ground against Hayden.


    Hayden let out a soft chuckle before his face reverted to an unreadable mask once more.


    ¡°Hmm¡­I guess it was my bad to expect any good manners from the boss of Silva,¡± Hayden said as he shrugged his shoulder.


    I didn¡¯t need to be a mafia to know that what Hayden had said was asking for trouble. Why did he have to go and say something like that? Is he trying to get us killed?!


    ¡°The boss really couldn¡¯t make it¡­¡± the man replied tly.


    ¡°You¡¯re there watching, right? Are you sure that you don¡¯t want to drop by to say hi?¡± Hayden said as he bent down towards the man¡¯s chest and squinted his eyes.


    Ok¡­what is he doing now?


    ¡°Umm¡­please excuse us,¡± another Silva gang member said as held Brook back and backed him away from Hayden.


    We watched as the representatives from Silva walked away from us. I could sense that Hayden wasn¡¯t in a good mood. If I were him, I would probably feel the same way. Afterall, the negotiation that he hade all this way for probably couldn¡¯t happen without the boss of Silva being present. Just as I was fretting a little about it, Hayden spoke up close to my ear.


    ¡°He¡¯lle,¡± Hayden stated with certainty.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked, not quite following.


    ¡°Silva¡¯s boss. He¡¯ll be here. Don¡¯t you worry your little head,¡± Hayden said as he plopped arge hand on top of my head.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± I asked, in wonder.


    ¡°Because I know him well¡­¡± Hayden replied.


    The other issue that I didn¡¯t quite get was¡­how was he supposed toe here? The ship was now somewhere in the middle of the ocean and wouldn¡¯t return to dock for another two days at least.


    ¡­


    ¡°Boss¡­you¡¯re not really thinking of going, are you?¡± a tall man dressed in a white suit asked his boss.


    A man sat behind hisrge wooden desk as he cocked his head to the side in wonder, his eyes still on the screen where the camera attached to his men¡¯s suit was showing him what was going on in the g. Therge painting that hung behind him was arge silver fox with piercing green eyes that matched his own. The man ran his hand through his dark brown hair and smiled a little to himself.


    ¡°Seems like I don¡¯t have a choice but to go¡­¡± he said.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. Why have you changed your mind so suddenly?¡± the other man asked.


    The boss knew full well that if he stepped on the ship, he would have to negotiate with the Torex about their recent disputes. At first, he wanted to avoid that so that he could proceed with his n using his own methods but that didn¡¯t seem possible now¡­


    His green eyes narrowed suspiciously as he thought about what he had just witnessed through the camera ced on the cor of his men that were on the ship. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was intentionally nned or just pure coincidence, but he was sure of what he had seen.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wet your pants. I¡¯m just going to fetch something that belongs to me¡­¡± He said in a cold voice.


    He stood up and turned towards therge painting of the silver fox and smirked. The silver fox with green eyes just like everyone in the mainline of his family, the symbol of the Silva gang. The boss of Silva threw his head back and let out a loud sigh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± he said before walking out of the room.


    ¡­


    I wouldn¡¯t say that the event ended without event because it hasn¡¯t ended yet. Apparently, the first event won¡¯t officiallye to an end until dawn arrives. I was too tired, and my feet hurts too much for me to go on. Hayden seemed bored out of his mind and was quite done with the event as well.


    After our slightly hostile run in with the Silva gang members, Hayden had met with leaders from a few other gangs that he seemed to know quite well. Everything seemed to be going smoothly and Luka seemed to be in a very joyous mood. It was obvious that Luka was sent by the boss to make sure that both Hayden and I behaved well. Luka proved to be very helpful as well.


    ¡°Ie here every year ever since the boss was much younger,¡± Luka exined to me when we had a breather from all the socializing.


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± I asked, slightly surprised.


    ¡°Yeah. I know most of the old folks here¡­and some young ones as well,¡± Luka said with a grin.


    It seemed very true that he new most people because he would either greet them first or they would greet him first. I would go as far as to say that he seemed to know even more people than Hayden did.


    ¡°Malissa and I will head back to our room now. Luka, you stay and keep up the good work,¡± Hayden said tly to excuse us.


    ¡°Take some men with you,¡± Luka said, the note of warning clear in his solemn voice.


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± Hayden agreed.


    Some men automatically split from the group and followed us back to our room. When we arrived back, I immediately took off the high heel shoes that I had been wearing. The feel of blood rushing back into my feet felt wonderful.


    ¡°Tired already?¡± Hayden asked as he flopped down next to me on the sofa and flung an arm around my shoulder.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Let鈥檚 Relax

    ¡°You seem tired too¡­¡± I mumbled softly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not tired¡­I¡¯m just bored out of my god damn mind¡­¡± Hayden said, really sounding bored.


    Iughed a little at how irritated Hayden seemed to be. Hayden was very good at socializing andworking with men from other gangs and overall, it seemed like he had a decent time. However, in private, he wouldin like crazy. It reminded me of the time that he bluntly confessed that he hated his job. We¡¯re going to be stuck here for two more days until the ship returned to dock. I guess we should find some way to relief stress otherwise Hayden is going to explode.


    He had been in a good moodtely and I didn¡¯t want to see him revert to his cold and monstrous self when he was in a bad mood. It waste at night now, but Hayden seemed very restless.


    ¡°It¡¯ste but¡­if you want¡­what about going up to see the stars on the deck?¡± I proposed brightly.


    Hayden was silent for a moment as if he was considering my proposal. I guess that¡¯s a no, huh?


    ¡°Not a bad idea. I could use some fresh air,¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°Ok¡­let¡¯s go then¡­¡± I said with a smile.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°You should put on a jacket. It¡¯s going to be quite cold and windy up there,¡± Hayden said as he sprung up from the sofa.


    When we left the room, the men that were on guard insisted oning with us. Hayden refused but the guards wouldn¡¯t relent.


    ¡°It¡¯s the boss¡¯s orders¡­¡± one of the men said.


    Basically, that meant that Hayden needed toply. With a click of his tongue, Hayden held my hand and walked down the hallway. The men followed silently behind us. They gave us some privacy by keeping their distance, but they still followed us all the way. Everyone has their own jobs and responsibilities, I thought silently to myself.


    When we arrived at the observatory deck, it was empty. Hayden and I were the only ones on the deck. The men that followed us guarded the deck¡¯s entrance and did not join us on the deck. Thankfully, that meant that we had some privacy and that we could rx. Hayden was right, it was very windy and cold up on the deck.


    I quickly styled my hair into a bun and tied it on top of my head to keep it from flying around like crazy around my face. Thanks to Hayden, I had a jacket on top of my dress. It didn¡¯t stop me from feeling the cold, but it still helped a lot, that¡¯s for sure.


    ¡°You were right. It¡¯s so windy here¡­and so cold,¡± I said, my teeth ttering a little.


    ¡°Come here,¡± Hayden said as he spread his arms wide.


    I shook my head at him and refused to walk into his opened arms. That just led Hayden to walk over to me and wrap his arms around my body instead. He¡¯s so warm¡­


    Slowly, Hayden turned me around in his arms so that he was hugging me from behind. I could feel his warmth against my back as the wind blew from behind me. That made me realize that Hayden was using hisrge frame to shelter me from the harsh wind.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice up here¡­even if it¡¯s a little too windy,¡± Hayden said close to my ear.


    ¡°It is. Oh¡­and the stars are really pretty!¡± I said as I pointed up towards the night sky.


    Since we were in the middle of the ocean somewhere, it was dark, and we could see the stars very clearly. The stars twinkled brilliantly up in the sky.


    ¡°You seem to like stargazing¡­¡± Hayden said softly.


    ¡°I do¡­¡± I replied with certainty.


    I felt his warm breath close to the side of my neck before I felt his lips kiss my neck softly. Hayden¡¯s arms tightened a little around me as he began trailing small kisses down the side of my neck. I let out a soft moan as I rxed in his arms. It was good that the men didn¡¯t join us up on the deck because I was sure that Hayden would have done the exact same thing even with them hanging around.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I think¡­¡± I began protesting softly.


    Like seriously, maybe he could save this forter like when we were back in the room?


    ¡°Want to go to the bar? I could use a drink¡­or two¡­¡± Hayden said invitingly.


    ¡°Sure¡­let me drop by the toilet first though,¡± I replied.


    Hayden led me down from the deck. I could see the toilet sign and gestured that I¡¯m just going to go.


    ¡°The bar isn¡¯t far from here. Come join me when you¡¯re done,¡± Hayden said as he gestured with his eyes for two of his men to stay with me.


    Safety first was a good thing¡­


    The men followed close behind me as I entered thedy¡¯s room. I sighed with relief when I looked around and found that they haven¡¯t followed me inside. It would have been too weird if they did. I peed and washed my hands before heading out of thedy¡¯s room. Just when I rounded the corner out of thedy¡¯s room, I bumped into someone.


    Apparently, both of us were in a hurry and clearly wasn¡¯t watching where we were going. The smell of her rosy perfume filled my nostrils and I looked up to see her slightly surprised face.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m so sorry for running into you¡­¡± the woman apologized immediately.


    ¡°No worries. That¡¯s not a problem. I¡¯m sorry too,¡± I quickly apologized as well. I think we both ran into each other, and no one was really at fault here. These things just happen sometime.


    ¡°Well then, I hope you have a wonderful evening,¡± thedy quickly said as she hurried along on her way.


    The woman looked like she was slightly older than me and she was really beautiful too. I wondered if she¡¯s the girlfriend of some mafia gang member or even some mafia boss?


    After recovering from my shock, I walked away from the bathroom and then I felt the eyes of my guards on me and remembered that Hayden was waiting for me at the bar. Quickly, I turned around and headed for the direction of the bar. He ordered us some drinks and I went with something very light on alcohol, having learnt my lessons fromst time.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Before We Meet

    **Later that night**


    ¡°Are you ok? You seem awfully distracted¡­did something happen?¡± Hayden asked, his voice sounding extremely sexy as he nibbled on my ear lobe.


    I felt the muscles in his back flexing under the palms of my hand as I hugged him. Hisrge frame loomed over my naked body, and I could feel the heat of his skin against mine. Although Hayden was right here in front of me and all that I could see was him, my thoughts couldn¡¯t focus on him at all. My mind was a mess and no matter how hard I tried; I couldn¡¯t tear my attention away from my own troubling thoughts.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­let¡¯s continued¡­¡± I whispered in reply.


    The matter that bothered me was something that I could never discuss with Hayden. I had no idea how he would react if he found out, but I had a feeling that it wouldn¡¯t be anything good¡­


    His hand kneaded my breast before he started pinching my erect nipples, making me cry out with need. The pleasure and heat that he stirred up in my body slowly made me forget about my worries and troubles. When his hands spread my legs and touched the wetness in between my legs, I moaned his name and spread my legs even wider for him.


    ¡°You¡¯re very obedient tonight¡­not that I have anyints¡­¡± Haydenmented before he nibbled slightly on my ear lobe.


    The warmth of his breath on my ear sent shivers of delight and anticipation throughout my body. My pussy throbbed with need as it got wetter and hotter. It was our first night together on the cruise and for some reason or another, I was already convinced that we would have sex together every night. That was ever since I found out that there was only one bedroom in this suite. Obviously, we would be sharing it.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called out his name softly.


    As if he could sense my desire to take him inside of me, he quickly positioned his thick shaft at my love entrance before ploughing it into me all in one forceful thrust. I cried out his name loudly as his member caressed the walls of my pussy and filled mepletely. He¡¯s so big and his size and shape was stretching my pussy walls as I tried my best to amodate him.


    I couldn¡¯t help it; my pussy began clenching itself tightly around Hayden¡¯s cock. I could feel his heat inside of my love hole and it drove me crazy with need for more of him. I moaned softly when Hayden began moving inside of me. Slowly he began thrusting in and out of my hole. I felt the head of his cock rubbing along the insides of my pussy walls as he began moving his cock in rhythm.


    Hayden was panting now as he began moving faster and faster, ramming his gigantic cock in and out of my sopping wet hole on repeat. Soon he was moving at full speed, and I cried out as his cock hit deeply against my womb with each thrust. I could feel him fill me up and his heat spreading all over my lower belly. He held my legs wide open as he continued to pound into me with his hard and massive cock.


    ¡°Hayden! Ahh! Ahhh!¡± I cried out his name and moaned loudly.


    It¡¯s so good. His cock is making me feel so hot. It was like I was melting inside. My pussy got wetter and wetter as more wetness gushed out in between my legs. I couldn¡¯t stop my hips from moving as it grinded against his. He prated me from various angles until I could no longer think. I just wanted him to take me harder and faster. I wanted to cum from his cock.


    His cock mmed into my tight hole repeatedly until I came, crying out his name when I reached my own mind-shattering climax. That night I gave myself to Hayden over and over again until I couldn¡¯t think of anything or anyone anymore but the heat and passion that was right in front of me. I didn¡¯t even remember when I fell asleep. What I did remember was how secured I felt in Hayden¡¯s embrace as he held me. The safety that I felt in Hayden¡¯s arms made me awfully aware that the emotion that I was feeling must have been fear.


    ¡­


    At around the same time that Malissa fell asleep, a few helicoptersnded on the H-pad of the luxury cruise line. A very tall man with dark hair and piercing green eyes got off and stood proudly on thending pad as the sea wind blew against his face and through his hair.


    His men were there to greet him immediately on arrival. He watched as they bowed respectfully towards him.


    ¡°Wee on board, Boss,¡± Brook said respectfully.


    ¡°Sorry that I¡¯m a littlete¡­¡± the man said tly.


    ¡°I already met with the representative from Torex so¡­¡± Brook quickly reported.


    ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll meet with himter myself¡­¡± the boss said.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Brook asked, sounding very nervous.


    ¡°Have I ever been unsure?¡± the green-eyed man shot back.


    ¡°No, Sir,¡± Brook replied before bowing low.


    ¡°Take me to my room. Oh, where is Amber?¡± the boss asked as he looked around and failed to spot the woman that he was looking for. He had sent her on an important mission, after all. She hasn¡¯t reported back to him yet but based on her historical performance, he trusted that she had alreadypleted her mission.


    ¡°She¡¯s chilling at some bar onboard, but she¡¯spleted her mission perfectly,¡± Brook reported.


    Amber had reported to him in short that she hadpleted her mission perfectly. She did not disclose any additional details and Brook had not asked. If the order came directly from the boss, then it wasn¡¯t his business to meddle. Amber¡¯s rosy perfume made him want to sneeze and he couldn¡¯t wait to get away from her.


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s enjoy the night then,¡± the boss replied, smiling to himself in satisfaction that his n was going well.


    That was all that he wanted and needed to hear.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Finally, We Meet

    ¡°Good morning, Hayden,¡± I greeted him when he started stirring in bed.


    He smiled at me and how his smile reached his beautiful blue eyes made my heart skip a beat in pleasant surprise.


    ¡°Morning, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden greeted me in return before he got up and stretched.


    I wished that I could do the same but the soreness of my body, especially in that ce in between my legs prevented me from doing so. We made lovete into the night the night before and my body was paying for it very dearly this morning. Hayden, on the other hand, seemed fit and fine as always.


    ¡°Hungry?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Not really¡­¡± I replied softly.


    ¡°You can sleep in for today if you want. Unfortunately, I have some work to do so I¡¯ll be getting up first,¡± Hayden said passively.


    ¡°Oh no¡­I¡¯ll rather go with you,¡± I said decisively.


    ¡°I see. That might be better¡­¡± Hayden said before smiling a little my way.


    By the time we showered and got dressed for the day, Luka was already waiting for us in the living room. His face seemed sterner and more alert than yesterday. One look at his face and we both knew that he had some news to break to us.


    ¡°He¡¯s here,¡± Luka announced.


    He¡­as in¡­?


    ¡°The Head of Silva¡­¡± Hayden answered my unasked question as he smirked in satisfaction.


    I didn¡¯t know how Hayden knew but he was right. The man that he wanted to meet, the boss of Silva, was now on this very ship. I couldn¡¯t exin why, but I started to have a very bad feeling about these two men meeting. Hayden seemed very fixated on this man who was the boss of the silva gang. The boss did refer to this man as Hayden¡¯s old friend, I wondered if that was true.


    ¡°Are you¡­going to meet him?¡± I asked in a small voice.


    ¡°Of course. That¡¯s why I came all the way out here,¡± Hayden replied without a second thought.


    ¡°Will everything be ok?¡± I asked.


    Honestly, I felt very worried for Hayden¡¯s safety. The rtionship between the two gangs seemed strained and I wasn¡¯t sure if meeting the boss head on was going to be the right move.


    ¡°Of course. I can¡¯t be sure if the talks and negotiations will go well but at least you don¡¯t have to worry about having a shoot out here. Head of gangs don¡¯t just randomly shoot at each other, you know?¡± Hayden said,pletely rxed.


    ¡°No¡­I don¡¯t¡­¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Haha! You¡¯re so funny. You¡¯re right, I guess you wouldn¡¯t know¡­¡± Hayden said with augh.


    ¡°I¡¯m just worried since you guys don¡¯t seem to be on good terms,¡± I voiced my concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s just business, but you¡¯re right, I¡¯m not particrly fond of the man. You cane along,¡± Hayden said tly.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked in surprise.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted toe along but perhaps it was better than worrying all alone in my room. Plus, I could tell that Hayden would feel more at ease if I went along. After all, he¡¯d been keeping a keen eye on me since we boarded the ship, and he did order me to say by his side always.


    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll just be talking so if you just sit quietly by my side, it shouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°Ok¡­if you say so¡­¡± I replied.


    Luka informed us that the head of the Silva gang had invited us to have dinner with him. If I had any worries about being unweed at the dinner my doubts were put to rest with the wording of his invitation.


    ¡°See? It does say that he¡¯s inviting me and mydy to dinner,¡± Hayden said as he showed me the invitation message.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because his girlfriend or wife is joining too¡­¡± I said casually.


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Hayden said as his eyes narrowed suspiciously.


    ¡­


    ¡°Will you be, ok?¡± Luka asked, implying that he wanted to join the meeting too.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s just dinner¡­and we¡¯ll talk,¡± Hayden replied casually.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Luka seemed hesitant as he considered what was best given the situation.


    ¡°Men from both our gangs will stand guard outside the room. I think that¡¯s the best that we can do. We¡¯ll keep the meeting between the gang¡¯s representative as he had requested. So, for Torex, that would be Malissa and me,¡± Hayden said firmly. It was clear that his mind was made up.


    Luka quickly realized that as well and he nodded in acknowledgement before turning to give instruction to his men who will undoubtedly be standing as guards.


    ¡°What is he like¡­the boss of Silva¡­?¡± I asked in wonder.


    Was he perhaps like the boss of Torex. Old, wild and with a cynical sense of humor. Pushing and willing to do everything to get his way. The image of the boss of Silva that I had was basically like the boss but with a different hair color. Clearly, I had to work on my imaginary skills¡­


    The appointment time finally arrived. Hayden and I were dressed for the asion. Fortunately, the light pink cocktail dress that I had on was less tightpared to the dress I wore for the opening night. I mean, it was dinner so having some room for my stomach to expand when I ate would be very helpful.


    Hayden held my hand all the way to the room where we would be meeting the boss of Silva. I felt very nervous as I stood in front of the room with Hayden. For some reason, the auraing out of the room felt very intimidating. Hayden, on the other hand, seemed very much rxed and ready for whatever was going to happen.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Hayden asked invitingly as he smiled sweetly at me.


    I knew that he was trying to make me feel less nervous, but I couldn¡¯t quite answer back. Nodding my head slightly to his words was all that I could do. I felt weirdly nervous, and my throat felt very dry all of a sudden.


    Luka opened the door for us, and we slowly walked in.


    ¡°Hayden, representative of Torex,¡± Hayden said sounding like a monotonous machine as he introduced himself.


    ¡°Ethan, head of Silva,¡± a man¡¯s voice readily introduced himself in reply.


    Dark hair, piercing green eyes and a mocking smile that I could never forget. For a moment, I couldn¡¯t breathe, and my chest felt tight. In that moment, time seemed to havee to aplete stop. I was too shocked to move or speak as my mind connected the dots of what was totally unexpected. How could this be happening?


    Ethan¡­why are you here?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Lost Kitten

    My mind shed back to what had been bothering me sincest night after I had parted from Hayden for a moment to go thedies room. I bumped into ady who seemed to be in a hurry and while at that time I didn¡¯t think that anything was out of the ordinary, I began feeling a little bothering pain like there was something scraping against the skin of my chest as I walked.


    I stopped walking and dipped my hand into the top of my dress and felt around the area in between my breasts. To my absolute surprise, I found the cause of the scraping pain. It was a small piece of paper that seemed to have been folded into a small square. When did this get in here? I don¡¯t remember carrying a paper like this around¡­


    It couldn¡¯t be¡­thedy that bumped into me just now?


    There was only one exnation and that was that I had somehow gotten it when I bumped into that woman from earlier. Did she ce it here on purpose? I had no idea who she was, and I didn¡¯t remember what she looked like. Seemed like there was nothing I could do since I wouldn¡¯t be able to find her.


    Quickly, I began unfolding the paper in my hand.


    ¡®Do you remember?¡¯


    The note was short and simple. However, it wasn¡¯t the message that caught my attention. What caught my attention was the capitalized letter E that signed the end of the short message. My eyes zoomed in on that single letter and I felt like I was going to ck out.


    A capitalized E in his very own signature font¡­


    E for Ethan.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I folded the paper again and slid it back inside my bosom to hide it. If Hayden found out about this, I wouldn¡¯t know how to exin. Sure, I coulde out and tell him that it was just a note from my ex whom I haven¡¯t heard from in around a year. However, I wasn¡¯t sure how Hayden would react¡­


    Pushing the troubling thoughts from my mind, I quickly headed to the bar where Hayden was waiting. I didn¡¯t want to keep him waiting for too long and I didn¡¯t want him to be suspicious that anything was amiss.


    After some drinks at the bar, we made our way back to our room where we had a lot of sex until I fell asleep in his arms. Without knowing why, I was scared of meeting Ethan. Although, I longed to see him again for all this time, now that he was so close and I might actually see him, I felt so scared. I didn¡¯t know what I would do, what I would say or how I would feel if I met him again. The next thing I knew, morning had arrived, and I was sleeping in Hayden¡¯s arms.


    ¡­


    I looked up at the man standing in front of me. This man, he¡¯s dressed in a very expensive looking ck suit with a white shirt and diamond earrings. How he dressed waspletely different from theid back and rxed Ethan that I knew from a year ago but¡­he¡¯s Ethan, without a doubt.


    When I received the note, it made me realize that Ethan was on this ship and that he knew that I was also here. However, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that Ethan is the head of the Silva gang. I mean, how could it be?


    The Ethan that I dated was down to earth, very middle-ss, super helpful and normal. How could he have any connections to the mafia let alone be the boss of one of the gangs? None of this was making any sense to me.


    Maybe this is all just some type of mistake? How could Ethan be here or all ces?


    The other thing that bugged me was how he knew that I was here? He knew. He definitely knew. He knew enough to get someone to nt that note in the front of my dress. Thatdy that I bumped into must be working for him.


    However, no matter how I looked at it, the man standing in front of me right now is Ethan. The boss of Silva is Ethan¡­my ex-boyfriend.


    ¡­


    I first met Ethan in my freshmen year of university. It rained heavily on that day although the weather forecast forecasted clear skies and because of that, I didn¡¯t have an umbre with me. Ironically, that was also my first day of university. My friend would joke about itter that the rain must have been some type of blessing from heaven to mark the start of our journey at university.


    The truth was that I got caught in the rain and I was almostte to the convocation. I was walking to the university whenrge drops of rain fell from the sky and then suddenly it just became an outright downpour with strong winds as well. Since I didn¡¯t have an umbre with me, I dodged into the side of a building nearby that happened to have an extended roof.


    My hair was wet and so were the bangs that hung over my eyes. It clearly wasn¡¯t my day. As I moved my wet bangs away from my eyes, that was when I saw him for the first time. Standing next to me with a slightly puzzled and fascinated smirk on his face was Ethan.


    I remember how his piercing green eyes captivated me. His eyes seemed bright and very perceptive. It made me feel like he could see through me and anything and anyone in this world. Those were the eyes of someone who had already figured out what they wanted in life. At least, that was what I thought. I must have been staring at him in my shock as the rain continued to beat down all around us.


    ¡°You look like a lost kitten,¡± Ethan said before smiling sweetly at me.


    Those were the first words that he said to me. That smile transformed his whole face and the air around him. It was like he had changed into another person in a blink of an eye. I have never seen anything like it before. Still stunned at his presence, I couldn¡¯te up with a reply.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 When I Was His

    ¡°Need an umbre?¡± he asked.


    Looking down at his hand, I saw that he was offering me an umbre. It was raining hard, and I was in a hurry but¡­


    ¡°What about you?¡± I asked.


    With this rain and wind, there¡¯s no way that the two of us can share an umbre and stay decently dry. If that was the case, I¡¯d rather decline his offer and wait it out here.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry¡­but I guess that you are¡­¡± the man said with a pleasant smile.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I whispered, not quite knowing how to respond.


    ¡°You¡¯re a freshman, aren¡¯t you? Isn¡¯t the ceremony starting soon?¡± He asked, although he probably already knew the answer.


    ¡°Yes¡­it is¡­¡± I replied in a small voice.


    ¡°Then what are you waiting for?¡± He said with a smallugh.


    Before I could reply, I was softly pushed into the rain. With one step, I was out in the rain; however, I didn¡¯t feel any raindrops falling on me. I looked up and I could see his umbre blocking the rain from falling onto me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that I should¡­¡± I began protesting, feeling quite guilty about imposing on him.


    ¡°When someone offers you help, what should you say?¡± He asked, suddenly he sounded much older and so mature.


    ¡°¡­Thank you¡­¡± I murmured softly.


    He grabbed my hand and while I was too stunned by his sudden movement to move, he ced my hand on the umbre and made me hold it.


    ¡°You should go now,¡± He whispered close to my face.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± I quickly said before it would be toote.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He asked, sounding slightly curious.


    ¡°My name is Malissa. What¡¯s yours?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± He replied.


    ¡°Ethan¡­umm¡­I¡¯ll make sure to return this umbre to you¡­¡± I said as I avoided his beautiful green eyes and looked away.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± Ethan said without a care.


    He waved his hand at me, signaling to me that I better go. He was right, if I hurry now, I can probably still make it in time.


    ¡°Thank you, Ethan,¡± I thanked him wholeheartedly.


    Ethan just smiled and waved his hand a little at me. If I had any worries back then that I wouldn¡¯t see him again, I didn¡¯t need to worry at all. By some twist of fate, I ran into Ethan when I joined the art club the week after. He didn¡¯t seem into art at all, but his artwork was more than decent, and he was there daily.


    Things moved very fast between us. Within a few days of meeting again, he asked me out. A weekter we had sexte at night in the clubroom and then again at his ce. The week after that, I moved out of my dorm to live with him at his apartment. Things stayed pretty much that way until he broke up with me a few yearster when he graduated.


    While living with him, I realized that Ethan was sometime very busy working on something that didn¡¯t seem rted to university. When I asked about it, he told me that he was actually doing real work and that he had a job already, working to support his parents with their family business. That was when I found out that he was actually quite older than I thought and that the university degree that he¡¯s studying for was his second one.


    Back then I thought that it must be very tough on him to study while working to support his parents and their family business as well. I truly admired him and how hard he worked. It really inspired me to work hard as well.


    ¡­


    It waste at night, and I was the only one in the art studio at university. We¡¯re supposed to submit our artwork for a contest in three days. While all my friends and everyone in the art club already had something that they wanted to submit, I had nothing that I was confident enough to submit for the contest yet. It wasn¡¯t that I didn¡¯t have any noteworthy artwork, but I just didn¡¯t have much confidence in them.


    That is the reason why I¡¯m the only one workingte into the night in the studio with the hope that I would be able to produce something good enough for thepetition. I sighed loudly to myself as I looked at the abstract painting in front of me with its red, purple, and light pink color. Something was definitely missing, and the problem was that I had no idea what it was.


    ¡°There you are!¡±


    The door mmed open, and Ethan walked in royally. I wasn¡¯t surprised that it was Ethan who came in but I was surprised that he was here.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯ll be staying at your parent¡¯s ce for a few days?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°I changed my mind. I heard that someone here hasn¡¯t submitted anything for the uingpetition, you see. It¡¯s in three days, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ethan said before smiling at me.


    ¡°So, you decided to stay and keep mepany?¡± I asked. Ethan can be so sweet.


    ¡°Of course. Plus, I hate my parents¡­¡± Ethan replied with augh.


    That¡¯s right, Ethan doesn¡¯t get along with his parents. I had no idea what they did but I knew that they lived in the capital and ran a family business. For some reason or another, Ethan had decided to spend his time in a small town rather than the big city. ording to him, it was because he just couldn¡¯t stand being close to his parents.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about them anymore¡­it¡¯s just going to ruin the mood,¡± Ethan said, and I could feel his presence close behind me.


    His arms circled around my waist as he hugged me tightly from behind. We stood in front of the painting that I was working on, and I could feel his eyes on my work. I held a paint brush in one hand and a paint palette in the other.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± I asked, referring to my painting.


    Although Ethan wasn¡¯t as passionate about art as the other students and his major wasn¡¯t even art, he had a keen eye for it.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Beautiful¡­and very boring¡­¡± Ethan whispered close to my ear.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Beautiful & Sexy

    I knew it. The piece was decently nice to look at, but it didn¡¯te across as anything meaningful or unique. I wasn¡¯t sure what to add or how to fix it and I was running out of time.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I don¡¯t know how to fix it though. I guess, I¡¯ll have to skip out on this contest after all¡­¡± I said regretfully.


    ¡°I think¡­the painting needs to be a little more alluring¡­and sexy¡­¡± Ethan whispered seductively into my ear.


    His hands were already on my breasts before I could react to his words. I cried out his name in surprise as his hand began groping and squeezing my breasts. It¡¯ste and no one should walk in on us but I¡¯m in the middle of working right now¡­


    ¡°Ethan¡­let¡¯s do this when we¡¯re back¡­¡± I suggested softly.


    ¡°No¡­I want you now. I dide all this way¡­¡± Ethan replied as he nibbled lightly on my ear lobe.


    My breathing quickened at his seductive touches. He¡¯s always so good at turning me on. I had already lost count on the times that we¡¯ve had sexte in the night in this art studio. I bet Ethan had sex with me here more often than the times he actually worked on his artwork.


    ¡°I have to¡­work¡­¡± I protested.


    ¡°Then work. I never told you to stop. Keep on painting, Malissa,¡± Ethan said in an amused yet serious tone.


    As if not to bother me any further, his hand left my breast for a moment. As I breathed a sigh of relief, his hands were suddenly on my thighs before it slid up my thighs and under my skirt. I let out a soft moan when I felt his fingers stroking me through my underwear.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± I moaned his name as I felt a pleasurable ache build up in my lower abdomen.


    ¡°Paint, Malissa. Show me the colors of your passion,¡± Ethan said encouragingly.


    I felt Hayden pull the thin fabric that was covering my love entrance to the side before I felt his fingers touching me there. I cried out when his fingers stroked the wet slit in between my legs directly. My insides felt so hot, and my pussy throbbed with desire.


    ¡°You always get wet so easily when we do it here¡­¡± Ethan murmured seductively.


    As his fingers stroked the sensitive folds of my pussy, I continued working on my artwork. I moaned louder when his fingers started massaging my swollen clit. The more pleasure I felt, the easier it seemed for me to paint. I no longer hesitated on which color to use or how to mesh the colors together; it all seemed toe to me naturally now.


    I cried out his name when he thrusted his fingers deep into my hole. My pussy clenched hard around his fingers immediately. I could feel him so much more when we did it standing up like this. My own juices gushed out of my love hole whenever he moved his fingers in and out of me. I felt my own wetness dripping out of my pussy before sliding down the insides of my thighs. Ethan, he¡¯s making me so wet.


    ¡°Your pussy is clenching hard around my fingers. I want to screw my cock into you so badly¡­¡± Ethan said. His voice sounded so passionate that it was like he was confessing his love to me.


    I moaned louder and louder as he fingered me harder and faster. He knew exactly where my pleasure spots were, and his fingers were merciless in stimting them. He pushed and thrusted against my G-spot, and it felt like I would die from the pleasure. Just as he ordered, I continued to paint while he continued to pleasure my love hole with his fingers.


    ¡°Ethan¡­I¡¯m going to¡­cum¡­¡± I whimpered weakly.


    He¡¯s driving me fast towards the edge. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. I yelled his name loudly as my mind wentpletely white and I knew that I had climaxed. Ethan hugged me to him to keep me on my feet as he supported my weight. It was a miracle that I didn¡¯t drop everything that I was holding. Learning from experience really does pay off, I guess.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t the world look more beautiful after you¡¯ve just climaxed?¡± Ethan asked and I knew that he was smiling proudly.


    I could feel his hands as they lifted my skirt and pulled down my panties. My breathing was stillbored from my own orgasm, but it was clear that Ethan was ready to move on to the next step.


    ¡°Bend over a little¡­and don¡¯t forget to keep working on your painting¡­¡± Ethan reminded me.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I heard the sound of him hastily unbuckling his belt and removing his pants before I felt the heat of his cock at my wet entrance. Ethan grabbed my hips and thrusted his cock into me without warning. I screamed wildly as he pumped his swollen rod into me from behind. I couldn¡¯t continue painting at all as I focused on the sensation of his cock pounding into my pussy.


    It felt so satisfying to be filledpletely by him. I moaned repeatedly as his cock stirred up my wet insides and rammed against my womb. He¡¯s in so deep and my hips were thrusting back to grind against him. We rocked our bodies together in need as we coupled.


    ¡°I love fucking you, Malissa. I want to keep fucking you like this forever¡­¡± Ethan groaned passionately as he began thrusting into me more forcefully than before.


    After a while of wild thrusting, we both reached our climax. I felt so exhausted from cumming twice in a row. When Ethan withdrew his cock from my pussy, I lost all strength in my legs and slid down onto the floor. Ethan was still standing though, and his eyes were on my painting. While he was fucking me hard from behind, I had managed to add a few moreyers of color. I wasn¡¯t sure what he would make of it though.


    ¡°Beautiful¡­and sexy,¡± Ethanplimented.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    ¡°If this doesn¡¯t win in the contest, then I don¡¯t know what would¡­¡± Ethan said with so much conviction that I was forced to believe him.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Come Back to Me

    My first piece of art that brought me recognition when I won an award for it was a work that I produced while Ethan was making love to me. When he broke up with me, I either sold or locked away most of the pieces that I painted during my time with him. I couldn¡¯t look at any of my work without remember him. He was such a big part of my life and his influence on me felt endless.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Come to think of it, to this day, I don¡¯t think I ever got around to returning that umbre to him.


    To my utter disbelief, Ethan is right here in front of me again. If I just reach out my hand, I could touch him. He¡¯s real.


    However, something about him has changed. Ethan is now the head of the Silva mafia bang¡­or perhaps, he was always a part of Silva, but I just didn¡¯t know it¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s great to see you again. It¡¯s been around a year now, hasn¡¯t it? My Malissa,¡± Ethan spoke up as he stood up from his seat and came to stand right in front of Hayden and me.


    He just addressed me directly and he called me ¡®My Malissa¡¯. Just like back then when we were still together.


    I nced over at Hayden and his face had turned into an emotionless stone mask. That was enough proof for me to know that Hayden did not miss out on how Ethan had chosen to address me.


    ¡°Why are you here, Ethan?¡± I asked, my voice shaking with emotion.


    ¡°I could ask you the same thing. Malissa, baby, why are you here?¡± Ethan asked, his voice smooth.


    ¡°What are you saying? Don¡¯t call me that!¡± I spat.


    How dare he dump me and then talk to me as if nothing happened?


    ¡°Come here, Malissa,¡± Ethan said calmly as he took a step forward towards me.


    Suddenly, Hayden wrapped his arm around my waist and yanked me backwards behind him protectively. I gasped in shock at his action. Hayden had not said anything after introducing himself when we entered the room; however, I knew that he was watching the scene between Ethan and me. I could tell from his stiff body in front of me that he wasn¡¯t liking what he was seeing or hearing.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Hayden. d to see that you¡¯re well¡­¡± Ethan said as he looked straight at Hayden.


    Pale blue eyes met with vivid green ones as the two men stared at each other. The atmosphere became more tense as tension filled the room along with the silence. I felt like I was going to suffocate and wished that I could just disappear.


    ¡°You know her?¡± Hayden asked Ethan tly.


    I hid behind Hayden as I watched to see what Ethan would say. My head hurts and my chest felt tight and for a moment, I just wished that Ethan wouldn¡¯t tell Hayden the truth. I wished that he would lie and say that he got the wrong person. Although, I doubt that Hayden would believe a low lie like that.


    ¡°Of course, I know her. Malissa is my ex-girlfriend,¡± Ethan announced with a cocky grin.


    ¡°I see. Well, she¡¯s my girlfriend now,¡± Hayden replied, unfazed.


    If he was surprised with this new piece of information, he didn¡¯t show it at all. His hand was still in front of me, as if guarding me away from Ethan. It wasn¡¯t necessary, I wouldn¡¯t dare move regardless.


    ¡°Come back to me, Malissa,¡± Ethan said as if it was the most obvious thing for me to do.


    ¡°What are you saying? You dumped me! Remember?¡± I cried out in anger.


    When he dumped me, I begged him over and over again for him to stay. I told him that I loved him and that I would do anything for us to continued to be together. I cried until I felt like I had no tears left but, in the end, he left anyways.


    Looking back on it, it was funny, what a girl could do in her desperation. I remembered kneeling down at his feet and hugging his leg as he tried to walk away from me. That was so stupid, I guess. After he left the apartment where we had been living together, he never returned, and I never heard from him ever again. He just disappeared.


    Now that we¡¯re somehow reunited, he¡¯s telling me that he wants me back. Just like that?


    ¡°I wanted to give you a shot at a normal and happy life. I didn¡¯t break up with you so that you could date another mafia-boss-to-be,¡± Ethan said to me before his eyes red at Hayden, making me fully aware who he was referring to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± I mumbled, clearly confused.


    Why does it sound like¡­he¡¯s still in love with me? He broke up with me¡­because he wanted me to have a normal life? I don¡¯t understand and I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted to understand either.


    ¡°I love you, Malissa. I only stepped aside because I had to go back and take over Silva. Honestly, I didn¡¯t think being a mafia boss¡¯s wife would suit a pure girl like you,¡± Ethan exined.


    ¡°Then¡­¡± I whispered as my mind worked hard to connect the dots.


    Did he leave me because he didn¡¯t want to get me involved with the mafia?


    ¡°I wanted you to have a normal life with a bright future. If I had known that you would end up with this rotten mafia heir, I never would have stepped aside and let you go. It was my mistake. Come back to me, Malissa,¡± Ethan said passionately.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I was just speechless.


    ¡°Being with me, or any mafia for that matter, will always be better than being with him,¡± Ethan spat.


    I nced over at Hayden and was surprised at how calm and controlled he appeared to be. Hayden did not say anything to defend himself and he didn¡¯t say anything to persuade me. What is he thinking?


    ¡°The thing is¡­¡± I began exining.


    I bet Ethan doesn¡¯t know about the debt and the contract between me and the boss of Torex. Not that it was the main issue right now but still¡­


    ¡°If it¡¯s the debt that you owe old man Torex, I¡¯ll pay it all back¡­with interest,¡± Ethan said and I could tell that he waspletely serious.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Their Secret

    Everything went silent. I gasped in shock at Ethan¡¯s words. He¡¯s going to pay for my debt to free me from my contract. Really?


    Hayden was silent as if he was considering Ethan¡¯s proposal. I couldn¡¯t understand the reason behind my feelings, but I felt a sense of dread fill me at his proposal. It just didn¡¯t make sense and I knew it. I should have been thrilled for Ethan to pay off my debt so that I could finally be free.


    However, that wasn¡¯t what I felt at all. Instead, I realized that I felt so scared. I was scared of Hayden epting Ethan¡¯s proposal. That he would ept money in return for handing me over.


    Hayden¡­will he sell me just like that?


    Ethan and I both watched Hayden¡¯s still and emotionless face as we waited for his response and reaction. I held my breathed and squeezed my hands together. Although, I wasn¡¯t sure why, I prayed that Hayden would turn down Ethan¡¯s proposal.


    ¡°I hate to cut in while you¡¯re having your heartwarming reunion¡­but¡­I¡¯d appreciate it if you backed away from my girl,¡± Hayden said sternly.


    Hayden stood in front of me, blocking me from Ethan as he came closer. I saw Ethan¡¯s green eyes narrowed cunningly before the corners of his lips turned up into a smirk as he ced a hand on Hayden¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s too bad for you that I found her first¡­unlike you, I searched for her,¡± Ethan said softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore, Ethan¡­¡± Hayden warned.


    ¡°I wonder if you really don¡¯t remember her¡­or you¡¯re just pretending¡­¡± Ethan whispered.


    He spoke so softly that I wasn¡¯t sure if I heard him right. What is Ethan saying? He looked for me and found me first?


    What¡¯s this about Hayden pretending not to remember me? What does that even mean?


    I¡¯m sure¡­that we¡¯ve never met before¡­


    Hayden¡­what is going on?


    I think for the first time, Hayden was shocked by Ethan¡¯s words. With a lowugh, Ethan shoved Hayden to the side and his hand started reaching for me. Instinctively, I flinched in fear¡­


    ¡°Touch her and I¡¯ll kill you right now!¡± Hayden shouted.


    He was enraged and no longer bothered to hide it. His emotionless mask had cracked and thenpletely disappeared. Everything happened so fast. There was a loud thud and suddenly, Ethan was pinned to the nearby wall by Hayden. I gasped at the sight of a ck gun pressed to Ethan¡¯s neck as Hayden pulled Ethan¡¯s cor in his fist.


    He moved¡­so fast!


    ¡°Stop! Hayden! Stop¡­please!¡± I cried out as I ran up to him and pulled on his arm.


    This is crazy. If I don¡¯t stop him, Hayden¡¯s really going to kill Ethan.


    ¡°Why are you stopping me?¡± Hayden asked, his eyes still on Ethan.


    ¡°She¡¯s worried about me¡­isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Ethan replied with a mocking smile.


    ¡°500 million dors plus interest. I bet your head is worth more than that right now on the ck market, Head of Silva. Tell me, what¡¯s the price on your head now?¡± Hayden hissed as his eyes red at Ethan.


    I was so scared that my legs were shaking, and my lips were going numb. I prayed that Hayden wasn¡¯t serious, but I suspected that he was. What do I do now?


    ¡°Boss! Is everything alright in there?¡± a man¡¯s worried voice called from outside the room.


    I couldn¡¯t tell whose voice it was, but it was clear that the ruckus that had taken ce in this room had stirred up some worry for the men outside.


    ¡°It¡¯s cool. I¡¯m fine! Don¡¯te in!¡± Ethan yelled loudly at his men.


    I wouldn¡¯t call being pinned to the wall with a gun held against your neck a cool or fine situation to be in, but it wasn¡¯t for me to judge or decide.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Hayden. Please stop¡­¡± I pleaded, my voice cracking up. I realized then that I had started crying.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what I was feeling. Was I worried that Ethan would get hurt or was I scared that Hayden would hurt someone? I just couldn¡¯t understand myself or my feelings at all. Everything was just a huge ugly mess.


    ¡°She¡¯s right. Just stop, Hayden¡­you can¡¯t kill me right in front of her anyways, can you?¡± Ethan said without worry.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± Hayden growled lowly.


    ¡°Just drop the tough act,¡± Ethan hissed back.


    ¡°Hayden, please¡­stop this. Let¡¯s talk it out¡­¡± I begged softly.


    ¡°Malissa¡­has this bastard told you about his dear Amelia yet?¡± Ethan asked, his eyes wandering to my face.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Stop it, Ethan¡­¡± Hayden hissed in warning.


    ¡°Have you told her about your dear Amelia? Judging from her reaction, I guess you haven¡¯t¡± Ethan asked before smirking again.


    ¡°Amelia?¡± I said in shock and puzzlement. How does Ethan know about Amelia?


    ¡°Shut up right now, Ethan¡­¡± Hayden said in a low voice. If he was angry before he was crazy angry now¡­


    ¡°Return to me, Malissa. We can go back to how things were between us. I love you and I promise that I won¡¯t ever leave you again. Come back to me, Malissa,¡± Ethan said as he smiled at me.


    I remember that smile¡­


    ¡°Stay back, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden¡¯s harsh voice cut through my memory of Ethan.


    On shaky legs, I took a few steps back away from the two men. So much for head of gangs don¡¯t engage in shoot outs. The two men are literally at each other¡¯s throats now.


    ¡°Hayden. Let¡¯s go back¡­please¡­¡± I begged in a small voice.


    I couldn¡¯t stop crying. My eyes were hurting, and I was finding it hard to breathe. So many things were happening all at once and I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around anything at all. Ethan suddenly appeared and wants me back. Hayden seems to have so many secrets that he¡¯s not willing to tell me. Hayden and Ethan are now fighting and all I can do is stand here and watch. I didn¡¯t know what I wanted but I was sure that I didn¡¯t want anyone to get hurt.


    Hayden was silent and he didn¡¯t respond to me. I wondered if he even heard me or was he too angry to hear anything or see anyone around him. We need to go back, that¡¯s for certain.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Puzzling Pieces

    Easier said than done. How do I even do that? I stared at the two men who were still in the same position as before. I can¡¯t break them up so what should I do now?


    Should I call Luka and the men in to stop this? Will that lead to a bigger mess than now?


    I was so hesitant that I didn¡¯t dare do or say anything. In the end, I decided to continue pleading to Hayden to let Ethan go so that we could go back.


    ¡°Hayden¡­please. I don¡¯t want to be here anymore. Please take me back¡­¡± I begged as I continued to cry my eyes out.


    I must look like such a mess right now. Why did things have to turn out this way?


    ¡°Hayden! Please¡­let¡¯s go back together¡­¡± I pleaded once more when I didn¡¯t get a response from him.


    Time past by in silene for a while before I heard Hayden sigh loudly.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°If you wanted her to have a normal life, you wouldn¡¯t have gone looking for her in the first ce¡­¡± Hayden said tly.


    Slowly, he released his hold from around Ethan¡¯s shirt and lowered his gun. The two men stared at each other wordlessly before Hayden turned to face me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Malissa. I know that you¡¯re upset ¡­¡± Hayden said as he held out his hand towards me.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I replied softly before breathing a sigh of relief.


    I took Hayden¡¯s outstretched hand and together we left the room. Ethan didn¡¯t say anything more, but I could feel his eyes on me the entire time until I left the room.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± Luka¡¯s worried voice called out Hayden¡¯s name when we exited the room.


    I tried to hide my tear-stained face, but I didn¡¯t think that I was sessful. The eyes of the men who were waiting in front of the door were on us and I just wanted to hide away.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading back,¡± Hayden said to Luka.


    ¡°Right away¡­¡± Luka said as he nodded.


    In the end, I didn¡¯t have to worry about my dress being too tight or not. We never had a chance to eat any of the food that was prepared for our dinner. Never mind that, we didn¡¯t even get a chance to sit down at the dining table.


    The other men from Torex followed closely behind us as we headed back to our floor. I had thought that the long day was finally over, and we could finally rest but I was so wrong. Once we entered the room, Hayden barked out orders to his men immediately. Honestly, I have never seen him use this tone with his men before. This must be Hayden in boss mode¡­


    ¡°Fly the helicopter over. We¡¯re going back,¡± Haydenmanded before he flopped down onto the sofa next to me.


    We¡¯re going back?


    My mouth flew open in shock. It wasn¡¯t like I wanted to stay on this ship any longer but I was equally surprised at Hayden¡¯s sudden order to fly us out of there.


    ¡°Right away,¡± Luka replied tly before he pulled out his phone.


    Hayden had not said a word to me since we left the room where we met Ethan. Perhaps it was better this way because I honestly haven¡¯t wrapped my head around what had happened. I wouldn¡¯t know what to say to Hayden if he were to ask me anything. Plus, I wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about everything that had happened. How could I figure anything out when I didn¡¯t know or understand anything?


    I didn¡¯t know where we are, but I guess if the helicopter could reach us then we were probably not too far from shore. Hayden was undoubtedly in a horrible mood and no one, including myself, dared speak to him. I nced over at Hayden and saw that he seemed to be deep in thought. I wondered what it was that Ethan said that was bothering him so much. Was he shocked that I used to date Ethan?


    Probably.


    We sat side by side on the sofa in silence. Luka and the men had left the room, leaving us alone. It wasn¡¯t long before we were both too consumed by our own troubling thoughts that it didn¡¯t matter that we were sitting next to each other. Our thoughts made sure that no matter how close we were physically to each other, we were as far apart as could be.


    Everything about what Ethan said bothered me and so did Hayden¡¯s reactions. Hayden did not give away much by his words, but I could tell by his reactions that some if not all of the things that Ethan said was true to a certain extent. So many things happened, and I wasn¡¯t sure where to start and where I should go from here.


    I never expected to run into Ethan here of all ces. It was even more shocking that he¡¯s actually a mafia boss. What sort of luck did I have to be involved with two mafia bosses like this? This is all just so crazy. After we broke up and I couldn¡¯t get in touch with him for around a year, he just appears in front of me and asked that we get back together.


    Now¡­that was just crazy.


    The truth was that if he had appeared in front of me and asked to get back together around a month ago, I might have truly considered it. However, since meeting Hayden and getting involved with him, I wasn¡¯t sure about my feelings anymore. I remembered the sick feeling that I felt when Ethan offered to pay off my debt just to get me back. In that moment, I guess I prayed for Hayden to turn that deal down. I sighed loudly and closed my eyes as I tried to sort out my feelings.


    As if that wasn¡¯t the worst of all problems, Ethan just had to go and say things that sounded so suspicious. What did he mean when he told Hayden that he came to find me first? I have never met Ethan or Hayden before. At least, not that I could remember. Why would they be looking for me? Ethan looked for me and found me. Why?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Silent Flight

    I thought running into Ethan on that raining day had all been a big coincidence. Romantically speaking, I thought that it was fate that brought us together on that rainy day. However, what if it wasn¡¯t coincidence or fate at all. If Ethan had been looking for me, then perhaps he was just there waiting for me on my first day at university. Is that what really happened?


    Then there¡¯s the issue of Amelia. I don¡¯t even want to start thinking about that. I sighed loudly once again and rubbed my temples. My head felt like it was about to burst into mes. It was clear that Ethan knew Amelia as well and he wanted Hayden to tell me about Amelia. Why? I already knew that Hayden is in love with her. What more is there to know? It¡¯s been rubbed in my face more than enough times before.


    I wasn¡¯t sure how long I wallowed in my own thoughts like this but the sound of a man¡¯s voice telling Hayden that the helicopter had arrived snapped me out of my thoughts. It seems like we really are heading back right now. Surprisingly, I felt quite relieved to get off this ship even if that meant being taken far away from Ethan once again.


    The sofa shifted when Hayden stood up. He gestured for me to follow him, and I did exactly that. Luka briefly discussed the logistic details with Hayden and from catching some parts of their conversation, I figured out that it would only be Hayden and I along with some men, who will act as our escorts, that will be returning. Luka and most of the other men will stay until the end of the g.


    ¡°¡­the negotiations with Silva¡­¡± Luka said solemnly reminding both Hayden and me that no such negotiations took ce with Ethan, the head of Silva.


    ¡°There will be no such negotiations¡­¡± Hayden replied, his face and tone dark.


    Luka could probably sense Hayden¡¯s dark and very intimidating mood as well because he didn¡¯t ask for any more details. I wondered what is going to happen between the two gangs now that Hayden had failed to negotiate with Silva. More urately, he never got a chance to get to making any negotiations and now it was clear that any intentions he had for a peaceful negotiation had all but vanished into thin air.


    A chill ran down my spine when I thought of the various alternatives that the senior men of the Torex gang shouted out during the meeting. Every solution had one thing inmon: Violence.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    I was so wrapped up in my worries that I was just following Hayden blindly. The next thing I knew we were outside, and the night wind was howling like mad around us. I looked up at the night sky and I could see the stars and a very big moon; however, none of it looked anywhere near beautiful. We were up on the helicopter pad of the ship and our ride was more than ready to go.


    With a helping hand from Hayden, I got into the helicopter. The loud sound of the helicopter strangely helped to calm me down. The ride back to shore was silent while everyone seemed to keep to their own thoughts without words. I certainly did the same.


    Looking out from the helicopter¡¯s window, I could see the ship getting smaller as we rose up into the sky. The g turned out to be quite a failure for us, I guessed. It brought more troubles and we had nothing to gain from it at all. I closed my eyes and sighed loudly while I wondered if the old man Torex knew that something along these lines would happen. Did he know? Is this why he put me on the ship with Hayden?


    ¡­


    I don¡¯t know why I found it surprising since I should get used to these things by now. Nothing should surprise me anymore but the fact that there¡¯s a helipad on top of our penthouse building sort of did surprise me. Not that I wanted toin. It was very convenient tond on top of our building¡¯s rooftop and take the elevator down to our penthouse. Talk about the ¡®small¡¯ luxuries in life¡­


    Hayden had not spoken a word to me, and I was getting a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Not too long ago something like this happened before and I remembered well where I ended up because of it. He¡¯s angry and I couldn¡¯t even begin to count the reasons why that was so. It¡¯s not my fault but for some reason, I felt like it sort of was. I kept my mouth shut all the way as I walked behind him back to the penthouse.


    Who knows my life might be ending in less than two minutes¡­?


    I¡¯m not seeing key moments of my life sh before my eyes though. I guessed what they say about seeing your life sh before your eyes before you¡¯re about to die might not be true after all because I was quite sure that I was about to die¡­


    I watched Hayden¡¯s broad back and his light blond hair as he walked in front of me. The men had already left us; conveniently leaving the two of us alone together.


    Hayden opened the door to the penthouse and stood to the side to let me in first. If it wasn¡¯t Hayden who held the door open for me, I would have beenpelled to believe that this was a simple act of courtesy; however, this was Hayden that we¡¯re talking about. Basically, the prey walks in first so that he could close and lock the door to trap me in with him. Lamb to the ughter. Unfortunately, I was themb.


    After taking three steps into the penthouse, I heard the door locking behind me and felt Hayden¡¯s presence close behind me. He¡¯s so close, I can literally feel him breathing down the side of my neck. I closed my eyes and fully expected to see some highlight from my childhood y behind my closed eyelids. That didn¡¯t happen though.


    Hayden ced hisrge hand on my shoulder softly and I flinched. The heat of his hand seeped in through the thin fabric of my dress and directly into my skin.


    ¡°Do you want to talk first or do you want me to fuck you first?¡± Hayden whispered close to my ear.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Taking Him All In

    What kind of question is that?


    ¡°I¡­¡± I said softly as I was still unsure what would be the better option.


    Is there even a better option between the two?


    ¡°Indecisive? Should I make up your mind for you?¡± Hayden offered.


    Before I could even suck in my breath to say anything, his hands had already grabbed my wrists and held them together behind my back.


    ¡°Hayden¡­.¡± I whispered his name in shock as my body was quickly pressed against the wall.


    I felt the coldness of the wall press against my cheek and my chest. The coldness of the wall a clear contrast with the heat of Hayden¡¯s body that was pressed against my backside. His hand still held my wrist securely behind my back.


    Clearly, he didn¡¯t put me in this position to talk to me which can only mean¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered his name when I felt his hand stroking my thigh.


    ¡°You have to learn to say other things besides my name¡­¡± Hayden said emotionlessly.


    I let out a soft cry when I felt his hand slowly inching upward along my thigh until I felt it disappear under the skirt of my dress. Thing are moving along too fast for me to process what was going on. Hayden¡¯s hand stroked my inner thighs and travelled all the way up to my crotch. I moaned softly when his skillful fingers began stroking the thin fabric covering my love opening. Hayden¡­he¡¯s so rushed and impatient¡­


    ¡°Ahh! Hayden¡­¡± I cried out when he suddenly bit my earlobe.


    The sound of his harsh breathing next to my ear along with his hot breath made my body tremble. I felt a wet sensation running along my earlobe and realized that he had started licking my ear with the tip of his hot tongue. I let out multiple soft moans as my body started to react to his stimtions.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The hand in between my legs started expertly stroking and petting my pussy through the thin fabric of my panties. I moved my hips a little, grinding my opening against the tip of his fingers. In response to my movement, Hayden tightened his hold on my wrists, and I was forced to stop moving.


    It was just had he had warned me many times before. I knew it well now from experience that any restraint he ced on me would only hurt if I struggled. I moaned against the wall as his fingers sent waves of pleasure flowing through my body from the spot that he was stimting in between my legs. When he started rubbing my clit through my panties, I let out a muffled cry as desire filled my mind.


    Without waiting any longer, Hayden pulled the crotch of my panties to the side and began stroking my wet slit directly with his fingers. The feel of him touching me directly felt so much more pleasurable than when he did it through my panties. I could tell that he wanted to enter me right away and I was thankful that he provided me with some forey. My pussy throbbed with desire now and there was an undeniable ache of yearning in my lower abdomen.


    Clenching my pussy walls, I could tell that I was already very wet down there from all his teasing. This was the first time that I appreciated the fact that my body reacted so fast and so much to Hayden¡¯s caresses. I couldn¡¯t imagine how much it would hurt if he entered me when I wasn¡¯t ready.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name in between my pants and moans of pleasure.


    ¡°I touch you a little and you¡¯re already soaking wet. Your body is well disciplined even if you¡¯re not¡­¡± Hayden said, and I could hear some satisfaction in his voice.


    Suddenly, I felt a sharp prating sensation in my pussy hole and realized that Hayden had thrusted two of his long and thick fingers into me. My pussy made lewd wet sounds at his abrupt entrance as his fingers stretched my opening and stirred my hot wetness. I cried out and moaned loudly when Hayden began screwing his fingers in and out of my love hole. I arched my back and stuck out my hips even further as I tried to suck his fingers deeper into me.


    ¡°That should be enough¡­¡± Hayden said softly as he quickly removed his fingers from my cunt.


    I let out a disappointed cry when his fingers suddenly exited my love hole and left me feeling very empty inside. Unable to help myself, I couldn¡¯t help but yearn for more. As if he could hear my thoughts, Hayden quickly unbuckled his belt and dropped his pants. I sucked in my breath and held it in anticipation when I felt the heat and thickness of the head of his massive cock as he positioned it at my entrance.


    ¡°Ahh! Hayden! So¡­deep¡­not¡­so fast¡­¡± I cried out and moaned loudly when Hayden rammed his massive member into my wet hole.


    Even before I had finished crying out his name, Hayden had already began moving his thick cock inside of me. Rearing back his hips, he pumped his thick cock fast and hard into me over and over again. From his first thrust, I could feel him so deep inside of me and with each thrust, I felt him enter me deeper. I could feel his rage and his frustration from the way he was taking me from behind. I closed my eyes tightly and took it all in, his wild thrusts, his anger and frustration. I just took it all in.


    I would let him take me roughly like this as many times as he needed if that was what it took for me to understand him better. If I could learn even just one more thing about him from this rough treatment, it would be more than worth it. As he continued to pound his gigantic cock into me, it started to hurt. He¡¯s so big and he¡¯s moving too forcibly. I didn¡¯t know if it was intentional, but he was prating me in the exact angle that felt so amazingly good. He was in so deep, and I could feel him thrusting against my womb with each thrust.


    ¨CTo be continued

 Let鈥檚 Talk

    Soon the pain was reced by unbelievable pleasure. Suddenly, I felt like I was going to cum. I began moaning and crying out louder. It was good that we were the only ones living on this floor and no one would be walking around in the hallway. I can¡¯t believe that he¡¯s taking me here right in the doorway, but it is already happening.


    ¡°Hayden¡­Hayden¡­I¡¯m going to¡­cum!¡± I cried out loudly.


    Hayden didn¡¯t reply but when his movements became more aggressive and forceful, I knew that he had heard me and that this was his response. Unlike when we made love in the past, he didn¡¯t have much to say to me today. His wild movements and the sensation of his thick rod rubbing my pussy walls and ramming against my pleasure spot deep inside of my love hole quickly sent me over the edge. I cried out his name as my climax hit me.


    I felt like I was going to faint from my own intense orgasm. Hayden, on the other hand, clearly hasn¡¯t had enough. His hands now held my hips as he pumped his hard rod in and out of me non-stop. Hayden was panting and groaning loudly now as our hips pped against each other while our sex made wet and lewd sounds. I could barely stand anymore, and it was the wall and Hayden that held me up.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine now¡­Malissa¡­¡± Hayden hissed into my ear before he reached his own height of pleasure.


    I gasped when I felt the hotness of his release filling me up deep inside. He¡¯s not wearing a condom. His hot cock twitched wildly inside of me as it spurted more of his seed deep into my womb. I felt his heat fill me and it was like he was everywhere in my tummy. He¡¯s cumming so much into me and my pussy clenched around his cock, sucking his seed even deeper into my body.


    Hayden¡­did he do this intentionally¡­why?


    When he was done nting his seed inside of me, Hayden pulled his cock roughly out of me. I cried out in shock at the sudden jerk of his cock out of my love hole. The mix of our love juice spurted out of my hole and flowed down my thighs. There¡¯s so much of it. Just how much did this man cum into me?Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He let go of me and I slowly crumbled to the ground as if my legs had turned to mush. I was panting hard as I tried to catch my breath. I wondered if I made a mess on the floor and then I didn¡¯t bother to think about it anymore.


    ¡°Come here,¡± Hayden said curtly as he lifted me into his arms.


    Everything just felt like it was happening to someone else, and I was watching from afar as Hayden carried my limp body to his bedroom. Once there, heid me down on his bed and got on top of me. When I felt his hands on my legs, parting them so that he could wedge his hips in between them, I screamed.


    ¡°Hayden! No¡­please¡­¡± I cried and started struggling against him.


    My body felt very sore, and I didn¡¯t think that I could handle another round of such rough sex with Hayden anymore. The biggest issue that I haven¡¯t forgotten was that he came inside of me. Once was bad enough; I wasn¡¯t about to let him do it again.


    ¡°Is once really enough for you?¡± Hayden teased but I couldn¡¯t find it funny.


    At least, it seemed that Hayden had stopped trying to spread my legs. I guess, that was a good start for a change. He looked down at me as he sat in between my legs and once again, I wondered what he was thinking.


    ¡°You should have worn a condom¡­¡± I muttered bitterly.


    I had many things that I wanted to say to him and ask him but those were the first words that left my lips.


    ¡°It¡¯ll probably be a big issue if you returned to Ethan pregnant with my child¡­¡± Hayden said without a care in the world.


    My whole body froze at his mention of the possibility that I could get pregnant. After this is all said and done, I¡¯m going out to buy the pill. If he keeps doing me raw like this, I might as well get on the regr pill, so I don¡¯t have to resort to these morning-after pills to manage the crisis. I could feel Hayden¡¯s blue eyes watching me intently and I blushed. Why do I sound like I¡¯m looking forward to more passionate trysts with him?


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the pill. You don¡¯t have to worry¡­¡± I replied begrudgingly.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re misunderstanding me. I¡¯m not at all worried if you get pregnant. My old man would be overjoyed. Afterall, that¡¯s why he bothered to offer you to me in the first ce,¡± Hayden said with an amused smile on his face.


    Now that he mentioned it, I guess he was very right¡­


    ¡°Well, sorry to disappoint you but it¡¯s not going to happen,¡± I snapped.


    Hayden had asked me before if I wanted to have sex with him first or talk first. Now that we¡¯ve had sex, I guess this is the start of the talking part. However, I had no idea why we were talking in this position with Hayden sitting in between my widely spread legs as hisrge frame loomed over me. Is this designed to make me feel intimidated and cornered?


    It was working¡­very well¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk,¡± Hayden said calmly.


    My eyes opened wide in surprise at his very calm andposed tone. Had he finished processing everything already? For me, I had to say that I was still confused and uncertain about many things and there were a couple of things that I wanted to ask him.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I readily agreed.


    ¡°Tell me about Ethan,¡± Hayden ordered.


    ¡°But¡­I thought you knew him already¡­¡± I replied, slightly confused at his request.


    ¡°Ethan and I were childhood friends. We¡¯ve known each other for a long time. When we were kids our gangs were on good terms. Needless to say, that doesn¡¯t hold anymore,¡± Hayden exined curtly.


    ¡°So¡­what more do you want to know?¡± I asked.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Our Deal

    ¡°I want to know everything about you and him. How did you meet him? What was your rtionship like? What was he like when he was with you? What you liked so much about him? Tell me¡­everything,¡± Hayden demanded.


    ¡°Umm¡­that¡¯s¡­¡± I said hesitantly.


    Isn¡¯t he asking for too much? I wasn¡¯t exactlyfortable telling Hayden about my previous romantic rtionship with Ethan. For some reason that I couldn¡¯t phantom, Hayden was very interested to know.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to tell me,¡± Hayden said emotionlessly but I could tell that it wasn¡¯t ¡®fine¡¯.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s not that I want to keep it a secret or anything. I¡¯m just notfortable sharing it with you¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    Hayden was silent for a while as he stared down at my face from above. I could see his eyes darken to a deeper blue color and the next moment that he spoke; his voice was extremely stern and serious.


    ¡°Are you thinking of taking Ethan¡¯s offer?¡± he asked as his eyes stared deeply into mine.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I began saying but then I trailed off as I hesitated. The truth was that I was too confused, and I haven¡¯t really decided.


    ¡°You can be honest. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to kill you and the dissect your body if you take him up on his offer,¡± Hayden said casually.


    Is that an indirect or a direct threat? It definitely sounded like a threat, that¡¯s for sure.


    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure. I haven¡¯t had enough time to think everything through¡­¡± I said softly.


    Hayden had told me how he knew Ethan but that wasn¡¯t what I was truly interested in. What I really wanted to know was why Ethan implied that Hayden knew me from before. I wondered if what Ethan said was true. Where have Hayden and I met before? Howe I don¡¯t remember anything at all? Is Hayden like me? Maybe he too doesn¡¯t remember anything about meeting me?


    ¡°Hayden¡­Ethan said something about you knowing me from before and that maybe you¡¯re pretending that you don¡¯t remember. What does he mean by that?¡± I asked after mustering up all the courage that I had in my entire being.


    Hayden was silent and for once he averted his eyes from mine. I waited patiently for his answer as I watched him closely. Could it be¡­true?


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when you be my wife,¡± Hayden said before he grinned at me.


    I closed my eyes and sighed loudly so that he would hear my frustration. Every time that he doesn¡¯t want to answer a question, that is exactly what he would say. There¡¯s no way that I¡¯ll end up marrying him for real and so I guess I¡¯ll never find out. Honestly, it didn¡¯t matter whether we¡¯ve met before or not. Since I don¡¯t remember anything about it, it might as well have never happened.


    Thest matter on my mind was Amelia. Ethan acted like I should know about Hayden and Amelia. Is there something more there that I should know apart from the fact that they seem so lovey-dovey?


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal. You decline Ethan¡¯s offer to pay off your debt and I¡¯ll tell you about Amelia,¡± Hayden said before smiling confidently down at me.


    My mouth hung open at the suddenness of his crazy suggestion. Did he just read my mind or what?


    Seeing that I was stunned into silence, Hayden continued with exining his proposal to me. I had to say that he was a very good salesman indeed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad deal for you if you think about it. There aren¡¯t many days left until the end of the contract anyways. If you take Ethan¡¯s offer, you¡¯ll be indebted to him, and lord knows what he¡¯ll make you do. Mafias are mafias after all. There¡¯s no guarantee that his gang is better than mine,¡± Hayden said convincingly.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± I muttered as I tried to process his words.


    ¡°If you take my offer, you¡¯ll also get to know about Amelia. Who I guess you¡¯re extremely curious about. What do you say?¡± Hayden suggested with an angelic smile.


    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know¡­¡± I replied hesitantly.


    He was right about one thing for sure, our contract wille to an end very soon¡­


    Even if I don¡¯t do anything, our time together will naturally run out and I will be free from my debt. After all, no one can stop the sands of time from flowing.


    ¡°Let me be more generous. I won¡¯t just tell you. I¡¯ll show you¡­¡± he said and for a moment his smile seemed very kind.


    ¡°What?¡± I whispered, still stunned and unable to process his words properly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to meet her?¡± Hayden asked and I knew that he was baiting me.


    His unfairly handsome face leaned closer to mine until our noses almost touched.


    ¡°¡­Who?¡± I whispered.


    He can¡¯t mean¡­


    ¡°¡­Amelia,¡± Hayden whispered.


    The angel in the photo who looks too beautiful to even be in this world. The woman that he is so in love with and the only one that he says he would ever marry. Do I want to meet her?


    While I was lost in thought, Hayden started giggling softly before his small giggles turned into a full-blownugh. What possessed him this time?


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± I asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°The curious look on your face is so hrious. Judging by the look on your face, I¡¯d say that we have a deal¡­¡± Hayden said confidently.


    He was right. Although, I didn¡¯t want to admit it outright, I was extremely curious. I wanted to know about Amelia. I wanted to see her in person. I wanted to know what type of woman could capture and hold Hayden¡¯s love the way she could.


    ¡°I guess we do¡­¡± I replied softly.


    Hayden¡¯s blue eyes widened before he smiled joyously at me. At that time, I didn¡¯t fully understand why he seemed so ecstatic that I had epted his deal. Does he want me to meet Amelia so much? Why?Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    That was when I started to ponder if and how things would change between Hayden and me if I met Amelia. I sucked in a deep breath and steadied my nerves. The truth was already clear. No matter what happens, our time is running out¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 A New Day

    I woke up because someone knocked on the door. I guess I was so tired, and I didn¡¯t remember when I fell asleepst night. Memories of yesterday andst night came flooding back to me in waves and I felt a migraineing on. Too much happened on the ship at the g and then even more happened after we returned.


    The conversation I had with Hayden came back to me in full force. That¡¯s right¡­we agreed that I would not take Ethan¡¯s offer and in return he would tell me about Amelia. No, not just that. He would take me to see Amelia. I sat up straight in bed and gasped as that sudden realization hit me.


    I¡¯m going to see Amelia¡­


    ¡°Umm¡­I brought fruits and some food as you¡¯ve requested, Master Hayden¡­¡± Auntie said.


    I turned my head towards the bedroom door and could see Hayden¡¯s back and a bit of Auntie as she peaked into the room.


    ¡°Thank you. Oh, if my old man calls, you can tell him that I¡¯m a little busy with Miss Malissa here¡­ok?¡± Hayden replied as he smiled charmingly at her.


    Hayden¡­he¡¯s still here. I had thought that he would be gone when I woke up. Apparently, I was wrong.


    After thanking Auntie, Hayden closed the door and turned around with arge tray of food and fruits. When he saw that I was awake and sitting up in bed, he shed me a charming smile. Although I was confused at this unusual action, my heart still skipped a beat.


    It was like the new day brought about a new Hayden. My head hurts. It seemed like everything and everyone around me had changed. I smiled a little back at him. Hayden came over to the bed along with the tray and sat down next to me. We were so close that our bodies were touching, his arm to my arm and his thigh to my thigh.


    ¡°Here you go. Open up wide¡­¡± Hayden said as he offered to feed me a strawberry.


    ¡°Why are you feeding me?¡± I asked, suspiciously. It wasn¡¯t like Hayden to do something so nice and caring.


    ¡°Eat. You didn¡¯t have any dinnerst night, right?¡± he said.


    I nodded my head slightly. Now that I thought about it, he was right. We met with Ethan for dinner but didn¡¯t end up touching any food. Then we got on a helicopter and flew back. We didn¡¯t eat when we got back either.


    ¡°Open wide¡­¡± Hayden repeated as he brought the strawberry even closer to my lips.


    ¡°Stop¡­it¡¯s embarrassing¡­¡± I managed to say.


    ¡°After all we¡¯ve done, this is embarrassing?¡± Hayden teased.


    I red at him. Morning after pills¡­where are you?


    With a small sigh, I opened my mouth and he fed me the strawberry. Wow¡­it tastes so good. Sweet with a little sour taste.


    ¡°Good?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I mumbled.


    I wondered why he was being so nice all of a sudden. Ulterior motives, I heard a small voice in my head whispering. This monster obviously has ulterior motives. I nced over at his angelic and overly handsome face and narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°More? You should eat a lot¡­¡± Hayden said as he started feeding me more fruits.


    While being fed by Hayden, my mind started figuring out just how much longer we have left together. I¡¯ve lost count of the days again. Just how many more days do we have before the contractes to an end?


    I see. We only have nine days left.


    Only?


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Hayden asked.


    That was when I realized that I hadughed out loud. What I found funny wasn¡¯t what Hayden was doing but my own thoughts. Before I would never have used to the words ¡®only¡¯ to refer to the days that we had left. I had always looked at the remaining days with dread. No matter how much the number went down, it didn¡¯t seem fast enough. There were always too many days left.


    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± I replied softly.


    Hayden seemed to be in a cheerful mood, and I didn¡¯t know why. I wondered if he still remembered our deal. It wasn¡¯t like I wanted to rush things but there¡¯s no benefit in putting it off any longer is there?


    ¡°Hayden¡­about meeting Amelia¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°Oh, that. She¡¯s free tomorrow. So, let¡¯s go see her tomorrow,¡± Hayden said casually.


    That was easy¡­


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Tomorrow, I¡¯ll be seeing this Amelia person, finally.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go shopping today,¡± Hayden said with so much motivation that I felt even more confused.


    ¡°Is there something that you need to buy?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No¡­but you do,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I do?¡± I asked, feeling more confused than before. As far as I was aware, I didn¡¯t need to buy anything.


    ¡°Amelia is like a princess. Some say she¡¯s even prettier than superstars. You¡¯re not going to appear in front of her in your lousy clothes, are you?¡± Hayden asked with augh.


    ¡°Aha¡­I see¡­¡± I replied as I red at him.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I¡¯m not as pretty as her and I don¡¯t have nice clothes like she does¡­is that it?


    ¡°Shopping is great. It¡¯s a good way for me to rx,¡± Hayden said wistfully.


    I recalled thest time we went shopping. It was only a few days ago when we went to pick out a dress for me for the g. He did seem quite rxed as hezed about on the sofa. On the other hand, I had to go through all the hassle of trying on countless dresses.


    ¡°For you it must be. It¡¯s not rxing at all for me. Can I just wear something that we picked for the g?¡± I asked hopefully.


    ¡°Nope. Let¡¯s go out shopping,¡± Hayden said.


    I watched as he got up from the bed and stretched. Dressed only in light blue jeans, I watched as the muscle of his back moved as he stretched so gracefully. I cocked my head to the side as I tried to figure out what to do when Ie face to face with Amelia.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Let鈥檚 Go Shopping

    In the end, we ended up at the most upscaled mall in the city. Hayden held my hand as we walked along the strip in the mall lined with the most expensive branded boutiques. I nced up at his face as he stared into the shop windows with interest. Considering what had happened, I was very surprised that Hayden could act like nothing really happened.


    Sure, he was super aggressive and agitated the night that we came back. However, there wasn¡¯t any trace of that today. While Hayden checked out the shop disys with interest, I couldn¡¯t help staring at him with interest. Whatever that seemed to trouble Hayden yesterday must have been resolved some way or somehow. Either that or he had made up his mind about something.


    I guess I¡¯ve made up my mind to. By striking the deal with Hayden I had decided that I will not be returning to Ethan. I wasn¡¯t sure if I¡¯vepletelye to terms with what that actually meant.


    ¡°Seriously, you¡¯re just using this as an excuse to skip work, aren¡¯t you?¡± I asked as I looked at him suspiciously.


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Hayden asked, acting all innocent and good.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even going to deny it¡­¡± I murmured.


    ¡°Anything caught you eye?¡± Hayden asked a while after we¡¯ve been walking around.


    I snapped out of my thoughts and started blinking rapidly. Right, I hadn¡¯t been paying attention to anything in the shop disys.


    ¡°Umm¡­no¡­¡± I replied.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Are you even paying attention?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I was spacing out a little¡­I guess¡­¡± I replied admittingly.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t choose something for yourself, then I will,¡± Hayden stated firmly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you then¡­¡± I replied without a care.


    ¡°Really?¡± Hayden asked and I felt his eyes on me.


    I nodded in response. He was the one who seemed dissatisfied if I were to turn up to see Amelia in shirt and jeans so he might as well pick whatever he thought was appropriate.


    ¡°People tend to pick out the dress first before the jewelry, but I sort of like to do it the other way around,¡± Hayden said before grinning mischievously at me.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Come in here for a second,¡± Hayden said as he tugged on my hand.


    We entered a very famous fine jewelry store. The store manager came to personally greet Hayden immediately and I figured that he must be a regr here. The middle-aged woman greeted us with a polite and very pleasant smile.


    ¡°It is a pleasure to wee you. Thank you for trusting us to provide you with the best fine jewelry,¡± the woman said proudly.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hayden replied curtly.


    ¡°Please follow me. I have arranged some items for you based on your special request,¡± the woman said as she led us to a private room located at the back of the showroom.


    ¡°You ordered something?¡± I whispered to Hayden while we followed behind the store manager.


    ¡°Of course, I did,¡± Hayden replied before shing me a confident smile.


    When we got in the room, the store manager quickly closed the door behind us, and I could hear the sound of the lock locking automatically. The room was quiterge and luxuriously decorated in dark blue color. The woman stood behind a counter where many jewelries were on disyed.


    ¡°As requested, I¡¯ve prepared many jewelry sets featuring various sapphires and diamonds. This one is Ceylon blue sapphires with diamonds. This is Ruby with diamonds and this one is emeralds with diamonds. If you would like a mix of color in the same set then, I would like to rmend this one,¡± the store manager exined expertly.


    ¡°Come,¡± Hayden pulled on my hand before dragging me to the counter where I could get a closer view of the jewelry.


    The woman quickly brought out the jewelry from the showcase and ced it on top of the counter where I could see them up close.


    ¡°Can you give us some time alone?¡± Hayden requested.


    ¡°Oh, sure. Please call on me if you need anything. Sorry but for security reasons, you¡¯re not allowed view these pieces outside of this room,¡± the woman exined.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Hayden replied.


    The woman bowed and quickly left the room, leaving Hayden and I alone with all the morous jewelry.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think¡­¡± I started protesting.


    I¡¯m just meeting Amelia and not going to the Oscars. I didn¡¯t think that I needed theserge set of chunky gems and diamonds. Everything was very pretty and sparkling. Nes with matching earrings and a ring made up a very captivating set.


    ¡°Which one do you like? Maybe you should try them all on,¡± Hayden said as he picked up a ring featuring an oversized emerald with a diamond halo.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you need to buy these¡­¡± I said, sounding very stubborn about it.


    ¡°Choose,¡± Hayden replied, sounding impatient.


    ¡°It must be expensive. There¡¯s no need for this¡­¡± I said once again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be adding everything to your tab of debt,¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°What?!¡± I eximed in shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m joking¡­¡± Hayden said before pointing to the jewelry.


    ¡°Regardless, this is definitely over the top,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°You say this because you¡¯ve never been to Amelia¡¯s house,¡± Hayden said with a smallugh.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to her house?¡± I asked. That¡¯s a little unexpected.


    ¡°That¡¯s where she prefers to receive guests these days,¡± he replied casually.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I replied softly.


    While we were talking, Hayden¡¯s hands had been busy cing the various nes around my neck and inspecting how it looked on me through the mirror. I was too absorbed in our conversation to pay any attention on the jewelry though.


    ¡°What about this set? The emeralds suit you well. They make your eyes sparkle¡­¡± Hayden said once he¡¯s made his decision.


    ¡°If you say so¡­¡± I replied. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t care less¡­


    ¡­


    Morning arrived much slower than I had hoped for. After purchasing jewelry, dresses, and shoes yesterday, it was finally the day where Hayden would take me to see Amelia. I could still recall the feeling that I felt when I first saw her photo. Her beauty was breathtaking for sure but what really caught my attention was the happiness that I could feel from her joyous smile. I wonder what she is like¡­Amelia¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 A Princess鈥檚 Castle

    Although that¡¯s what I thought, the truth was I was very anxious and a little scared of meeting her. It wasn¡¯t like I was scared of her as a person. She seemed like a kind and cheerful person. What I was truly scared of was how Hayden was going to introduce us. I mean, she¡¯s his girlfriend, right?


    And¡­I don¡¯t even know what I am to him¡­


    Only eight days left.


    I sighed loudly before I got up and showered. The n was for Hayden to take me to Amelia¡¯s house sometime before noon. That meant that we still had plenty of time. I showered and got dressed and applied some basic make up. Maybe, I¡¯ll go with a slightly darker shade for my lipstick today.


    After a whole lot of insistence from my side, Hayden was forced to give up on his idea of having a professional makeup artist and a hairstyliste in to help me dress up. I still didn¡¯t understand what the whole big fuss was about. Sure, I didn¡¯t want to look like a damsel in distress in front of Amelia but that didn¡¯t mean that I thought that it was necessary for me to outshine her. Not that that would be possible anyways¡­


    ¡°Ready?¡± Hayden asked when I stepped out of my bedroom.


    I was dressed in the dress, the shoes, and the jewelries that he had chosen. He¡¯s got to be satisfied, right?


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I replied.


    Hayden¡¯s eyes were immediately on my face before he started scanning my whole body from my face down to my toes and then up away.


    ¡°Hmm¡­passable, I guess¡­¡± he muttered.


    Passable? I wanted to roll my eyes at him.


    To my surprise, Hayden was dressed quite politely as well. He wore a white suit with matching pants and a pale pink shirt. I guess he has to suit up and look good in front of his girlfriend. No, I¡¯m not feeling depressed. Not at all.


    The ride to Amelia¡¯s house was much longer than I had anticipated. Apparently, she did not live in the city but on the outskirts of town. Hayden didn¡¯t say much during the ride as if he was thinking of something on his own. I was in a simr situation. While staring at the scenery that was passing by through the car¡¯s window, I thought about how Hayden was feeling or what he was thinking.


    Isn¡¯t it crazy? Taking me to see his girlfriend. He might not think much of me but we¡¯re in such a messy contract. To put it bluntly, I was the girl he was cheating on his girlfriend with. My hands clenched into tight fists without me realizing it.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Hayden announced before he got out of the car.


    ¡°This is a house¡­?¡± I said in bewilderment.


    Shocked at the vast size of the building in front of me. I immediately understood why this property had to be on the outskirts of the city. It was simply too big to be in the city. The building was surrounding by a mini forest and a vast garden filled with rose bushes. The building looked like a mansion built for nobility. Nothing more and nothing less.


    Hayden led the way to the front entrance of the mansion, and I quickly followed him. Therge double door of the mansion opened, and we were immediately greeted by two men dressed in butler uniform. For a moment, I felt like I was trapped in a period drama of some sort. Just like the exterior, the interior of the mansion did not disappoint.


    ¡°Wee Master Hayden. Madame Sophia will be here to wee you soon,¡± one of the butlers said before he bowed to show his respect.


    Hayden only nodded in acknowledgement before we were led to the living room where we sat down on the sofa to wait for Madame Sophia. I had no idea who she is, and Hayden did not bother to exin.


    ¡°Sorry for the wait, Master Hayden,¡± a woman said.


    She must be Madame Sophia. The woman seemed to be in her fifties. Her hospitable smile made her look years younger though.


    ¡°Madame Sophia. Sorry for the trouble,¡± Hayden said with a formal smile.


    ¡°Oh, you brought along a guest,¡± Madame Sophia said before smiling my way.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°This is Malissa,¡± Hayden introduced me without providing any other information.


    If Madame Sophia was curious about who I was, she didn¡¯t ask. She just smiled and told us to follow her. I knew without being told that she was taking us to meet with Amelia.


    Finally, the moment that I had been both looking forward to and dreading had arrived.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two now. Master Hayden, thank you foring to visit Miss Amelia. I¡¯m sure that she will be very happy to see you as always,¡± Madame Sophia said before taking her leave.


    Amelia must be behind theserge doors. No matter what I tried, I couldn¡¯t stop my legs from shaking. Why the hell am I so nervous about this?! I found it so frustrating, and I was starting to feel angry at myself.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Hayden said invitingly.


    His hands were already on the door¡¯s handle and without waiting for my reply, Hayden pushed the door wide open and entered the room. I gulped before walking forward, following him into the room.


    The first thing that struck me was the coldness of the room. The room wasrge and decorated in light pastel tones of white and pink. A real princess¡¯s bedroom.


    ¡°Malissa, this is Amelia¡­¡± Hayden said in introduction.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what I had imagined Amelia to be like exactly, but one thing was for sure. The Amelia that I saw right in front of me¡­wasn¡¯t it¡­


    ¡°Amelia, we¡¯re here to visit you¡­¡± Hayden said in a tender voice like I have never heard before.


    This has to be some kind of sick joke. It must be. Why did he bother to dress me up as if I would be greeting royalty like this? Everything that he said didn¡¯t make any sense at all.


    I couldn¡¯t understand anything that I was seeing yet at the same time some things started to make sense. Why did the boss enter me into a contract to live with his son for the sake of an heir if his son already had a girlfriend? Everything that the boss said was starting to make sense.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Amelia

    My hands covered my mouth as I tried to breathe calmly to contain my shock at the sight before me.


    ¡®Amelia won¡¯t marry Hayden¡­she can¡¯t¡­¡¯


    That was what Hayden¡¯s father said, wasn¡¯t it? For the first time, his words and many things started to make sense. He was right, there¡¯s no way that the woman in front of me can possibly marry anyone, Hayden included.


    Ameliaid in her bed with her eyes closed while many machines were hooked up to her body to sustain her life. The angel that I had dreamt about was unconscious and in a vegetative state.


    I have never felt so pitiful and disgraceful before in my entire life. All this time, I had been jealous of a woman who was in a vegetative state. I stood at the side of Amelia¡¯s bed as I looked down at her frail sleeping body. Of course, being an artist, I didn¡¯t have any medical knowledge. However, anyone could tell from the state that she was in and the various machines in her room that was hooked to her body that she was in a state of what we would call a ¡®sleeping beauty¡¯.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    How long has she been this way? What happened?


    ¡°Amelia¡­this is Malissa,¡± Hayden introduced us before he took one of Amelia¡¯s hands into his own.


    Everything about the scene just tore at my heart. Without knowing it, I had started crying openly. This is just too sad¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­what happened? What happened to Amelia?¡± I asked, my voice shaking. My whole body felt very cold, and I couldn¡¯t stop my hands from trembling.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little hard to exin. Let¡¯s take a seat first, shall we?¡± Hayden suggested as he tried to keep his tone light.


    I nodded before we seated ourselves on the sofa that was in the room. Thankfully, I had taken a seat. Honestly, I wasn¡¯t sure how long I could have continued to stay standing. My legs felt weak from the shock. Now that the room was silent, I could hear the constant beeping of the various life-sustaining machines that were hooked up to her body.


    Although this room was luxurious and beautiful, it was nothing more than a fancy hospital room. I gulped as I was reminded of my grandmother¡¯s room at the hospital. I wonder what happened and how long she¡¯s been in this condition. Hayden didn¡¯t seem very bothered by it. That was probably because he hade to terms with it, I guessed.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called out his name in a whisper. My voice sounded dry.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. Amelia¡¯s been¡­sleeping¡­like that for a few years now¡­¡± Hayden replied before smiling a little at me. I could tell that he wanted tofort me so that I would recover from my shock.


    ¡°Sorry¡­I honestly never expected this,¡± I admitted honestly as I wiped my tears away from my eyes.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t like I was trying to keep it a secret, but it isn¡¯t really something for me to show off either,¡± Hayden said tly.


    ¡°I understand¡­¡± I mumbled softly.


    If I were Amelia, I wouldn¡¯t want anyone advertising about my condition either. I wasn¡¯t sure if I should ask this but¡­


    ¡°Will she¡­wake up?¡± I asked directly.


    ¡°Medically speaking, the chances are very slim. Even if she does wake up, there¡¯s no guarantee that she would be¡­normal,¡± Hayden replied emotionlessly.


    Oh right, he¡¯s a doctor¡­


    ¡°You know¡­I change my mind. You don¡¯t have to tell me anything about her¡­¡± I said, suddenly feeling scared to hear anything about the angel that was sleeping peacefully on the bed close to us.


    ¡°What if I told you that what happened to you is somehow rted to her?¡± Hayden asked before he smiled knowingly at me.


    Then¡­of course, I would want to know¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re not really giving me a choice, are you?¡± I muttered in frustration.


    ¡°You¡¯re a very curious girl, after all,¡± Hayden said with a smallugh.


    ¡°So? What happened to her?¡± I asked, bluntly.


    ¡°She was in a car crash. The car fell down from a bridge and into the river. Although she was saved in time to save her life, she had drowned, and theck of oxygen supply damaged her brain. The result is as you can see. After her bodily wounds have healed, she just never regained consciousness since that day,¡± Hayden exined.


    Unfortunate idents do happen¡­


    I bit my lower lip as my eyes nced over at Amelia. Will she ever wake up? I hope she does¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s so sad. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I quickly apologized before brining my fingers up to wipe away my tears from my eyes.


    Hayden should be feeling much more crushed than I am. I have no right to cry here in front of him like this. Taking in deep breaths, I tried to hold in my tears.


    ¡°That¡¯s ok. I cried a lot too when it happened,¡± Hayden admitted straightforwardly.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say to that, so I just nodded and averted my eyes. It was hard for me to imagine someone like Hayden crying. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what all of this had to do with me though.


    ¡°What happened to Amelia was all because of me. Amelia¡¯s from a very well-off family as you can probably already tell¡­¡± Hayden said softly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I replied softly before keeping silent for Hayden to go on with his story.


    ¡°She¡¯s the sole heir of a family that lives off old money and old connections. However, currently, their family business has been in decline and following her father¡¯s death, things got a little rough for the family,¡± Hayden began exining.


    ¡°They still seem very well-off as far as I can see¡­¡± I mumbled.


    I mean, please don¡¯t tell me that her family¡¯s got it rough financially when they¡¯re still living in a grand mansion like this. Compared to this ce, my grandmother and I lived together in a hole in a wall.


    ¡°When I first met Amelia, I had no idea who she was. She also had no idea who I was¡­¡± Hayden said with a faraway look in his eyes as if he was recalling some distant memories.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Angel and Doctor

    **A few years ago**


    ¡°You¡¯re engaged?¡± a doctor said in surprise.


    ¡°Why are you so shocked, Sara?¡± Amelia asked with augh.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never even mentioned your boyfriend before¡­¡± Sara replied with a confused face.


    ¡°Yes. Well¡­we¡¯ve been engaged since we were born to be urate. It¡¯s just recently that we¡¯re be really engaged,¡± Amelia said, sounding amused.


    ¡°Is it because of your father?¡± Sara asked, worriedly.


    ¡°I guess. Since dad passed away things have been¡­messy. Mother wants me to marry as soon as possible¡­¡± Amelia said, sounding carefree.


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re getting me to do all these tests on you? They¡¯re worried you won¡¯t be able to produce an heir or something?¡± Sara asked, quickly catching on.


    ¡°Haha¡­precisely. Fertility tests by one of the most popr gynecologists should put everyone at ease, right?¡± Amelia replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been your friend for a long time, I know you¡¯re just faking your excitement here, Amelia¡­¡± Sara said before sighing.


    ¡°Oh¡­how did you figure that out? Well, I always knew that my family would marry me off to someone of their choice. Nothing much I can do about that so I might as well enjoy my freedom while itsts¡­¡± Amelia replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re one chatty patient¡­¡± Saramented.


    ¡°It¡¯s weird to be having this conversation when you¡¯re looking in between my legs, huh?¡± Amelia asked with a small giggle.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°We need to wrap this up soon. There¡¯s an exhibition at the hospital today and I have to attend,¡± Sara said, sounding very bored.


    ¡°Any hot doctors around that I can hit on?¡± Amelia asked excitedly.


    Sara rolled her eyes. She couldn¡¯t tell whether Amelia was serious or if she was just joking.


    ¡°¡­Amelia¡­you¡¯re about to get married¡­¡± Sara reminded her sternly.


    ¡°Precisely! My days of freedom are numbered, you know?¡± Amelia eximed.


    Amelia smiled radiantly at her friend as her friend shook her head in disapproval. Although these two women hadplete opposite personalities, they had remained close friends over the years.


    ¡°So¡­can Ie along?¡± Amelia asked excitedly.


    ¡°It¡¯s a public exhibition so I can¡¯t stop you froming¡­¡± Sara mumbled.


    ¡°Music to my ears,¡± Amelia said.


    ¡­


    After wrapping up Amelia¡¯s case, the two women headed to the exhibition hall in the hospital. Amelia walked excitedly at Sara¡¯s side.


    ¡°Can you act normal please? You¡¯re attracting a lot of attention¡­¡± Sara whispered to her friend.


    ¡°I thought you would be used to it by now,¡± Amelia said without a care.


    ¡°Well¡­you haven¡¯t been around for a while¡­¡± Sara replied as she tried to keep her eyes looking straight ahead.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re always so busy with work. Doctor life is so busy¡­¡± Amelia said with a pout.


    ¡°Anyways¡­can¡¯t you do something about yourself. Everyone is staring at you¡­¡± Sara hissed to her friend.


    ¡°What am I supposed to do? Everyone always stare at me because I¡¯m super pretty, you know? What about I wear a paper bag over my head the next time I¡¯m here?¡± Amelia suggested teasingly.


    Sara just sighed as she turned to her friend and rolled her eyes. Amelia always attracted everyone¡¯s attention wherever she went. She was right, everything about her was very attractive to look at. The way she dressed and the vibe she gave off didn¡¯t help mask her presence at all.


    ¡°Just ignore them. You¡¯ll get used to it. Even I¡¯ve gotten used to it,¡± Amelia said with a carefree attitude.


    ¡°I¡¯m not like you¡­¡± Sara mumbled, sounding tired as she reached her hand up to adjust the sses on her face.


    Finally, the two arrived at the exhibition hall. There were more people there than usual and Sara began wondering why. She was task as one of the doctors working at the hospital to be at the exhibition to answer questions and help out in general. It was the end of her shift and she wanted to go home but she had to do what management had ordered her to. Working in a private hospital was tough work.


    ¡°You want to look around? I can help exin¡­¡± Sara suggested to her friend.


    ¡°Never mind that. Back to my question from before. Do you have any hot colleagues?¡± Amelia asked as her eyes scanned the crowd expertly.


    ¡°Amelia¡­¡± Sara whispered following by another loud sigh.


    ¡°Do you¡­or do you not?¡± Amelia demanded to know.


    ¡°Sara!¡±


    A man¡¯s voice range out loud and clear. Sara heard her name being called and so did Amelia. Both women turned towards the source of the sound. Amelia¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of a very tall blond man in a doctor¡¯s uniform walking towards them through the crowd.


    ¡°Hot man alert¡­¡± Amelia whispered in awe.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious¡­¡± Sara hissed in reply. Her eyes on her colleague as he walked closer and closer to them.


    ¡°His existence has made my fertility tests worthwhile¡­¡± Amelia whispered before she smiled in satisfaction.


    ¡°No¡­wait¡­¡± Sara mumbled.


    ¡°You better introduce us. Smile now¡­¡± Amelia hissed as she reached a hand behind her to squeeze Sara¡¯s wrist.


    The tall and very attractive man had arrived in front of the two women and Sara was having a hard time forming her words.


    ¡°Sara, I¡¯ve been looking for you. Some managers from the other branch are here and we need your help over there¡­¡± the man began talking.


    ¡°Umm¡­this is my friend, Amelia,¡± Sara said when she finally got a hold of herself.


    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m Amelia, Sara¡¯s best friend. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you¡­and thank you for supporting Sara. Umm¡­and you are?¡± Amelia said before shing him her most charming smile.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Hayden,¡± the man replied politely.


    ¡°Sara, it¡¯s time for you to head over there to help out now. You wouldn¡¯t want the managers to wait for too long, right?¡± Amelia said kindly as she turned to her friend.


    ¡°Oh yeah¡­that¡­right. I¡¯ll be going¡­bye¡­¡± Sara said hastily as she excused herself.


    ¡°She¡¯s so cute, isn¡¯t she?¡± Amelia said as the two of them watch Sara weave her way through the crowd.


    ¡°She¡¯s a wonderful person but I¡¯m sure that you already know that. It was nice meeting you. Have a good day,¡± Hayden said as he began excusing himself.


    ¡°Would you be free for dinner?¡± Amelia asked in a sweet voice.


    ¡°Sorry but I¡¯m busy today,¡± Hayden replied, trying to sound polite and formal.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Web of Relationships

    ¡°What about tomorrow? Or the day after? Or sometime next week?¡± Amelia asked without backing down.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite funny¡­¡± Haydenmented.


    ¡°Then let me amuse you over dinner,¡± Amelia suggested with a seductive smile.


    ¡°Sorry but¡­I¡¯m not looking for a rtionship¡­¡± Hayden declined immediately.


    ¡°No one¡¯s ever turned me down before¡­not that I¡¯ve had to ask many guys out before either¡­¡± Amelia said, clearly interested.


    ¡°It¡¯s not always safe to assume that every man will be interested in you,¡± Hayden said tly.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not looking for a rtionship either. I¡¯m just looking for a dinner partner,¡± Amelia replied with a smallugh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go if you¡¯re looking for a friend,¡± Hayden said with a grin.


    ¡°We can start there¡­¡± Amelia said before she smiled brightly at him.


    ¡­


    I listened to Hayden recount the first time that he met Amelia and how they ended up having their first dinner date together shortly afterwards. So that was how they both met and started dating each other. Recalling that he did mention that he knew a good gynecologist, I guess he was referring to this Sara person. I had to admit that when he mentioned that he knew a good gynecologist that he could rmend, I had other thoughts in mind for how he would know one¡­


    Despite my efforts to keep my tears in check, I had started crying once again. As I turned to the side to hide my crying face, my eyesnded on a photograph that I had seen once before. It was the same photo that I had seen in Hayden¡¯s bedroom, although this one was in a different picture frame. Amelia next to Hayden, both of them smiling as if they envisioned a bright future together.


    ¡°Oh that¡­you saw it before, didn¡¯t you?¡± Hayden spoke up once again after his eyes undoubtedly followed my line of sight.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said as Hayden¡¯s words popped my bubble of personal thought.


    I realized that he was now staring at me and probably saw my eyes on the photograph. There¡¯s no point denying it now.


    ¡°In my bedroom. You saw this same photo before, didn¡¯t you?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­I did,¡± I replied honestly.


    If I remembered correctly, I saw this photo and I started crying. Then when I left Hayden¡¯s bedroom I ran into Auntie. Bad timing really does exist.


    ¡°I did ask you about it, but you never replied to my question,¡± Hayden said as if he just thought of something.


    ¡°Ask me what?¡± I asked, not quite understanding what he was referring to.


    ¡°I asked you why you were crying that day¡­¡± Hayden reminded me.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡­¡± I mumbled as I hesitated about what to say.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore because I think I¡¯ve figured it out,¡± Hayden said before smiling at me.


    ¡°Figured what out?¡± I asked suspiciously.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve figured out why you were crying,¡± Hayden stated before he got up from his seat.


    I watched as Hayden walked over to the shelf where the photo was disyed and picked it up in his hand. Wordlessly, Hayden returned to his seat with the photo in his hand. I continued to watch him in confusion as he sat down next to me on the sofa.


    ¡°You were crying because you saw this photo, right?¡± Hayden asked as he shifted his gaze from the photograph in his hand over to me.


    Our eyes met and although I was ashamed to admit it, I just nodded my head a little. It was true that I was very disturbed when I saw the photo of them together just sitting in his room right after we just had sex. It made me feel so ashamed and disappointed in myself. Looking back, I was probably very jealous of her and that only made me feel like I was being used as her recement.


    Perhaps, that really was what happened¡­


    ¡°I knew it. So, I moved the photo somewhere else so you wouldn¡¯t have to see it again,¡± Hayden said as he ran his fingers through his hair.


    I cocked my head to the side and wondered if he was feeling bashful. Could it be? It did surprise me a little that he had moved the photo because he cared about my feelings.


    ¡°Malissa¡­look here for a second,¡± Hayden said.


    I lifted my face to look at him. To my surprise, Hayden had lifted the photo frame and ced it next to his face. I made a confused face because I had no idea what he was trying to get at.


    ¡°This is my brother. We look quite alike, don¡¯t you think?¡± Hayden asked with a teasing smile.


    ¡°Huh? What?!¡± I eximed, loudly in shock.


    My eyes shifted from Hayden¡¯s face to the face of the man in the photo and then back again. No matter how many times, I did that, I saw the same man.


    ¡°I would have told you if you had just asked but you just went and made your own assumptions, didn¡¯t you?¡± Hayden teased as he shrugged his shoulders as if to show that it wasn¡¯t his fault.


    ¡°I¡¯m not following¡­¡± I murmured as I furrowed my brows together.


    ¡°This guy here in the photo is my elder brother, Harvey. It¡¯s not me,¡± Hayden announced.


    ¡°Are you serious? You two look¡­¡± I said in disbelief.


    ¡°The same. Well, in real life you could probably tell us apart if we stood side by side. But yeah¡­we do look quite alike. We both take after our mother¡­fortunately¡­¡± Hayden said with a smallugh.


    ¡°I¡­see¡­¡± I said slowly as my mind tried to process this new piece of information.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never had my hair that long though. It¡¯s annoying to have hair that long and it disturbs me with my work too¡­¡± Hayden said as he pointed to Harley¡¯s longer hair style in the photo.


    Wait, if it isn¡¯t Hayden in the photo but his brother then that means¡­


    ¡°Does that mean¡­¡± I began asking.


    ¡°Correct. Amelia isn¡¯t my girlfriend. She was never my girlfriend. She¡¯s my brother¡¯s girlfriend¡­well,ter they became engaged, so I guess it¡¯s more urate to say that she¡¯s his fianc¨¦e,¡± Hayden exined as his blue eyes watched my face closely.


    ¡°Really?!¡± I said in shock.


    Is he serious?


    But Harvey had passed away¡­and Amelia is¡­


    For the first time, I was beginning to see what was really going on in this web of veryplicated rtionships.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Their Love

    ¡°At that time, I thought introducing Amelia to my brother was one of the best decisions that I have ever made in my life. Obviously, I regret it so much now¡­¡± Hayden said, his voice filled with regret and grief.


    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t think you should me yourself¡­¡± I said, meaning it.


    I mean, we can¡¯t predict the future and so we cannot see the future implications of our actions. Hayden didn¡¯t know what would happen after that, so I believed that he shouldn¡¯t me himself for any of it.


    ¡°I really like Amelia as a person. She¡¯s kind, easy to talk to, very beautiful and most of all¡­she¡¯s genuine and very honest,¡± Hayden said as he turned to look at Amelia.


    ¡°Did you¡­like her?¡± I asked, a little shyly.


    ¡°Jealous?¡± Hayden teased as wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a hug.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I said his name as I started to push against his hard chest.


    ¡°I really liked her¡­¡± Hayden whispered closed to my ear.


    I see. So even back then Hayden liked her too¡­


    ¡°I liked her¡­but I loved her when she was with my brother. I loved it when they were together. The way she made my usually stern brother smile carefreely whenever she was around. The way she softened my brother¡¯s view of the world with her words¡­¡± Hayden said with a sad smile, and I knew that he was seeing some old memories that I couldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°I guess they were really in love with each other,¡± I said honestly, voicing what I felt when I first saw the photograph.


    ¡°They were annoying at times. They would go on dates and drag me along as the third wheeler. This photo¡­I took it,¡± Hayden said as he gestured with his head towards the photo.


    ¡°Amelia and I went out on a friendly dinner and had a good time just talking. I could tell that she was going through some tough times although she was acting strong about it. It was a few weeks after that when I met up with her again that my brother coincidentally barged in on us in the middle of dinner because he was desperately looking for me,¡± Hayden continued with his story.


    ¡°Is that how they first met?¡± I asked with interest.


    ¡°Yup. I introduced her to my brother. I didn¡¯t realize it back then but they probably both knew who the other person was¡­¡± Hayden said thoughtfully.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I told you, right? When Amelia and I met we had no idea who the other person was. She didn¡¯t know that I was from the Torex family. I mean, I was in my doctor uniform and all. No one would expect a Torex family member to be a doctor¡­and working at a hospital at that¡­¡± Hayden said with a lightugh.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± I admitted that that was true.


    Even now, I was finding it difficult to believe that Hayden was a doctor and he even worked as one¡­


    ¡°At that time, I didn¡¯t know who Amelia really was too. However, I think my brother knew immediately and she probably recognized my brother as the heir of Torex as well. Regardless of that, they still chose to be with each other,¡± Hayden said with a sad smile.


    ¡°Sorry but¡­I don¡¯t think I¡¯m following¡­¡± I muttered softly.


    ¡°I love and respect my brother a lot. Sure, we don¡¯t see eye to eye on many things. However, I was able to live a somewhat normal life and pursue my career as a doctor because he was there as the first son and heir to take over the family business after our old man. I had an easy lifepared to my brother¡­until he passed away that is,¡± Hayden said before grinning at me.


    ¡°Aha¡­ I replied softly, once again quite confused.


    ¡°They seemed like a match made in heaven, but Amelia was already engaged to someone else¡­¡± Hayden said wistfully.


    It was then that I had a sinking feeling in my stomach like I was about to hear something very disturbing.


    ¡­


    **Years ago**


    ¡°Harvey¡­¡± Amelia moaned softly.


    Hisrge hands cupped her full naked breasts before fondling it. She sighed in bliss at his passionate touch as she leaned her head back against his shoulder. The heat of his hand turned her on as he began kneading her breasts together a little roughly. Amelia started moaning louder when Harvey began kissing and then sucking the side of her sensitive neck.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to keep it in, Amelia. I love all the sounds you make when I fuck you¡­¡± Harvey teased before sucking on her ear lobe.


    ¡°Ahh! Don¡¯t¡­my ears¡­¡± Amelia cried out in between her lusty moans.


    ¡°You want to start on top today?¡± Harvey suggested as his hands slid down to hold Amelia¡¯s waist.


    She nodded and smiled at him before turning around to straddle his hips. Her hand carefully positioned his thick and hard cock at her drenched love entrance before she slowly lowered her hips onto his love stick. Amelia moaned passionately as she felt his thick cock stretching her entrance before it slowly slid into her wet depths.


    Harvey supported her by holding her waist as he enjoyed the sight of her erotic face while she enjoyed the feeling of his thick member prating deeper and deeper into her hot pussy. Her insides felt hot around his shaft, and she was already very wet. Her pussy walls clenched around his thick cock as she adjusted to his size and shape.


    Amelia slowly took his cock inside of her until she satfortably on hisp with his entire length buried inside of her love hole. She sighed and moaned in satisfaction before she started rocking her hips slightly, grinding her pushing against his cock. She loved the feeling of having his thick and massive cock inside of her. She could already feel him so deep inside and it felt amazing.


    ¡°Ride me, Amelia. Show me how wild you can be¡­¡± Harveymanded as his hand tightened around the sides of her hips.


    Turned on by his seductivemand, Amelia began moving her hips up and down his thick cock. His cock slid out of her hole and rammed back into her as she pumped her hips up and down his cock over and over again. Amelia began crying out louder as she rode his cock faster and faster. The engorged head of his cock hitting her womb deep inside with each stroke.


    ¡°Ahh! Harvey! It¡¯s so good¡­so deep¡­¡± Amelia cried out.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Star-Crossed Lovers

    Harvey held Amelia¡¯s hips in ce before he started thrusting from below, ramming his enormous rod even deeper into her pussy. Amelia cried out at his sudden movement. She could feel his power thrusts pounding deeply into her. He was moving at such a fast speed that she was amazed at both his stamina and the pleasure that he was making her feel. She loved making love to Harvey. He was so different from all the men that she¡¯s had before.


    ¡°I going to¡­cum¡­Harvey¡­¡± Amelia whimpered.


    ¡°Go ahead¡­I¡¯ll make you cum all night long¡­¡± Harvey whispered tenderly into her ear.


    It wasn¡¯t long after that Amelia reached her climax. She hugged him as she cried out his name while her body trembled in his arms. Harvey knew that Amelia could climax multiple times and continued to pound his thick cock into her hole before slowlyying her down on her back on the bed.


    He pulled her legs up and ced them on his shoulders so that he could move even closer to her body. Without waiting for her to recover from her climax, he began pumping his dick into her love hole. Amelia moaned as her body began responding to his passionate attack immediately. He felt her clenching her pussy walls around his cock and knew that she wanted more. He thrusted his cock deeper and harder into her until he felt her pussy spasming around his cock.


    ¡°Harvey¡­Ahhh! Ahhh!¡± Amelia cried out over and over as he continued to fuck her.


    His thick cock stirred up her wet insides making lewd sounds as their bodies pped against each other. She wed at his back, digging her beautifully manicured nails into the sweaty skin of his back. Harvey knew that she was close to cumming once again and this time, he was also close.


    ¡°Let¡¯s cum together, Amelia¡­¡± Harvey said as he panted heavily.


    Amelia looked up at his handsome face as she nodded and began thrusting her hips upwards to meet his wild thrusts. After a while of wild coupling, both of them reached their own heights. Harvey called out her name while Amelia whimpered and sighed. His cock spurted his hot release deep into her body as Amelia¡¯s pussy quivered in delight from feeling his heat filling her up. She held him in her arms until they both caught their breath again.


    Her pussy trembled slightly when he pulled his cock out of her. She moaned softly at the sensation of his cock sliding out of her. Harveyid next to her on the bed as she used his arm as her pillow.


    ¡°You came so much inside again¡­¡± she said before smiling radiantly at him.


    Her hand reached down in between her legs to feel the mix of their love juice as it gushed out from her pussy opening onto her hand. After meeting for the first time while she was having dinner with his younger brother, she had headed straight to a hotel with Harvey where they made love until they were both too exhausted to go home.


    She had never believed in love at first sight until sheid eyes on Harvey. He was awesome in bed and had a twisted sense of humor which she found to be extremely sexy. Since that day, they started dating and she had not slept with another man besides him since.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay over tonight?¡± Harvey asked.


    ¡°Sorry but¡­I think it¡¯ll be better if I head back after all¡­¡± Amelia said with apparent regret in her voice.


    ¡°Does your family know about us?¡± Harvey asked, getting right to the point.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°No¡­¡± she replied honestly.


    ¡°You should break up your engagement with him. You don¡¯t love him, right?¡± Harvey said casually.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Amelia replied before she hesitated to say anymore.


    ¡°He probably doesn¡¯t want to marry you either. Honestly, I don¡¯t see what the issue is¡­¡± Harvey said, sounding extremely rxed.


    ¡°What? How do you know that?!¡± Amelia asked with a mix of shock and surprise.


    ¡°A wild guess¡­¡± Harvey replied with a look that told her that it was anything but.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving¡­¡± she muttered as started getting up from the bed.


    ¡°You should cancel your engagement,¡± Harvey said, this time sternly.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± she whispered in confusion as she turned to look at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying that you should marry me instead,¡± Harvey said like it was obvious.


    ¡°¡­Harvey¡­¡± Amelia whispered his name in shock at his sudden proposal.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you meet your so-called fianc¨¦ and ask to break it off?¡± Harvey suggested.


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s the thing, I don¡¯t even know where he is¡­¡± Amelia said.


    Her so-called fianc¨¦ had run off somewhere and it seemed like his family was hesitant to contact him. They said that he could be ¡®difficult¡¯ sometimes. She rolled her eyes when she thought about what that meant.


    ¡°I know where he is¡­¡± Harvey stated.


    ¡°Wait¡­you can¡¯t mean¡­¡± Amelia said as her eyes widened at him.


    ¡°Yeah. I already know who he is¡­¡± Harvey said without a care in the world.


    ¡°You looked into it? How many times have I told you not to pry into my life¡­but you still did¡­¡± Amelia said in frustration.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like you didn¡¯t know who I was when you decided to sleep with me, right?¡± Harvey said before smiling knowingly at Amelia.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Amelia couldn¡¯t deny it. She knew who he was, but she still slept with him anyways.


    ¡°You probably didn¡¯t know Hayden but there¡¯s no way that you don¡¯t know who I am. You already knew that I¡¯m the heir of Torex, didn¡¯t you?¡± Harvey said and it wasn¡¯t a question.


    ¡°So¡­what if I did¡­¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Exactly. The same applies. So what if I knew that you¡¯re engaged to Ethan, the heir of Silva¡­¡± Harvey said before he smiled a little at her.


    Amelia was stunned into silence. She couldn¡¯t quite believe that he would go so far for her. It was obvious that their rtionship could cause arge conflict between the two gangs.


    ¡°You knew?¡± She said breathlessly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t look super smart but¡­I know quite well what is going on. If your family is falling apart and your mother wants to marry you off, any gang should be fine, right? Torex is¡­richer than Silva¡­¡± Harvey said confidently.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Without Answers

    ¡°Wait! Stop!¡± I cried out loudly.


    Hayden blinked at me in confusion before he smiled tightly at me and my sudden outburst. How could I have stayed silent? He had just told me that Amelia was engaged to Ethan.


    What on earth is going on?


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me that Amelia was engaged to Ethan before she got involved with your brother?¡± I asked in pure disbelief.


    Ethan and Amelia were engaged! What the hell is going on? For all the times that I spent living with Ethan, he never once mentioned that he was engaged. I mean, he was engaged to her since they were born. Does something like that still exist these days?


    ¡°Precisely. Ethan didn¡¯t want to marry her. They probably almost never met at all due tock of interest on both sides. Ethan ran off and shacked up in a small town. You should know the rest¡­because at that time¡­he was in a rtionship with a certain someone¡­¡± Hayden said before grinning meaningfully at me.


    Back then, Ethan was probably living in my town while this whole thing went down for Harvey, Amelia and Hayden. I had no clue what was happening back then. Ethan¡­what was he thinking at that time? If I asked him, would he tell me¡­?


    ¡°What happened? Did she break off her engagement with Ethan?¡± I asked.


    All I knew was that somehow Amelia and Harvey managed to get engaged and were probably going to get married. However, that marriage clearly didn¡¯t take ce¡­


    ¡°Enough storytelling for today¡­¡± Hayden said as he got up from his seat.


    ¡°Wait¡­Hayden¡­¡± I called for him.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading back,¡± Hayden said curtly.


    The ride back to the penthouse wasrgely silent. It seemed like, like me, Hayden also had many things that he wanted to think about alone. He didn¡¯t disturb my thoughts and I didn¡¯t disturb his. When we arrived back at the penthouse, a grim-looking Luka was waiting there along with a few of his men. From the look on his face, I knew that he wasn¡¯t here to deliver any good news.


    ¡°Where did you take her, Hayden?¡± Luka asked without offering any greeting.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why are you asking when you already know¡­¡± Hayden replied as he shrugged off his suit.


    I stood there watching the two men exchange words while I felt very out of ce. An argument with Luka would probably add more mess to my life and I didn¡¯t need that right now. After everything that had taken ce today, I wanted to be alone so that I could do some quality thinking.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡¯m just going to excuse myself¡­¡± I mumbled as I turned and began walking in the direction of my bedroom.


    To my surprise, Hayden didn¡¯t say anything to stop me. With a heart full of relief, I was able to make it to my bedroom and shut myself up alone inside. I didn¡¯t realize that I felt so drained of energy until I slid down onto the floor the moment that the door shut behind me. My legs felt weak as I just sat there, leaning my back and head back against my bedroom door. I sighed loudly as I closed my eyes.


    My temples throbbed and ached. It seemed like I was living an entirely different life than the one that I had been living as of this morning. Seeing Amelia in the state that she was in along with hearing those stories from Hayden changed many things for me. Why is everything soplicated? When I epted that umbre from Ethan on that rainy day, I had no idea that it would lead me to this mess today.


    My headache is getting worst. I kept my eyes closed as I concentrated on just breathing to clear my head. There were so many things that I didn¡¯t fully understand and because of that, I didn¡¯t know how to proceed with my life. Simply put, I didn¡¯t know what I should do. After sitting there to clear my headache for a while, my head did feel less heavy.


    If there was one thing that I was certain of, it was the fact that I wouldn¡¯t be able to figure everything out tonight. Time, I need time.


    Slowly, I got back up on my feet. On shaky legs, I headed to the bathroom for a rxing shower. Hayden¡¯s words ran through my head over and over along with the image of Amelia just sleeping on her bed. The haunting beeps of the machines hooked up to her body wouldn¡¯t stop ringing in my ears whenever I closed my eyes. The feel of the warm water falling down from above onto my skin helped somewhat in calming me down. However, nothing could give me the answers that I was looking for.


    Should I tell grandma about this? I felt like it would be better if I talked it out with someone; however, I wasn¡¯t sure if it would worry her even more. Maybe it¡¯s not a good idea to tell her anything. I sighed loudly to myself. Discounting today, I had 7 more days left bounded by this contract. Just one week left. After that, who knows what would be of me¡­


    I got out of the shower and dressed before flopping down onto the bed. My mind was still as messy as before if not more so. I was right, nothing will be figured out today after all. If I keep thinking like this, I¡¯m going to get a migraine. Even though I knew that I couldn¡¯t stop my mind from thinking about it over and over again. As Iy sleepless in bed with nothing but the silence of the night as mypanion, I thought of all the things that I just couldn¡¯t understand.


    What I really couldn¡¯t understand was why Hayden still wanted to marry Amelia. He wasn¡¯t in love with her, and he never even dated her. She wasn¡¯t engaged to him because she was engaged to his elder brother. Hayden¡­what are you thinking?


    Is it possible that he¡¯s been in love with her all along? Now that his brother is dead, he wants to take her for himself? Is that really what is going on here?


    Unfortunately, I never got any answers or reached any sort of conclusion that night. I also didn¡¯t remember when I drifted off the sleep. The headache that I felt the next morning when I woke up told me that I didn¡¯t sleep well at all. That¡¯s to be expected, I thought as I rubbed my stiff neck before stretching.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Collecting Clues

    I didn¡¯t want to believe it but somehow, I have survived this long under this contract. Without the need to look at the calendar, I knew that I only had 7 days left. In other words, there¡¯s only one week left including today until the contract expires and I regain my freedom. Whatever that means¡­


    The penthouse was dead silent and I wondered if Hayden was still in. Actually, I knew deep down that he was no longer here. My chest felt tight, and I guess it was disappointment or some feelings that were very simr that I was feeling. Although, I didn¡¯t know how to face him or how I should act around him, I guess some parts of me still wanted to see Hayden after all.


    I left my bedroom after showering and getting dressed. It wasn¡¯t like I had a choice. If he wasn¡¯t here, then he just wasn¡¯t here. Auntie¡¯s sad smile as she greeted me was enough confirmation that Hayden had left earlier this morning. No, maybe he even leftst night after I had returned to my room. I hadpletely no idea when he left. Did he go with Luka after they had their seemingly stressful conversation?


    ¡°Good morning¡­¡± I greeted Auntie politely.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss Malissa. Are you going out today?¡± she said with a smile.


    ¡°Yes¡­I¡¯ll be visiting my grandmother at the hospital,¡± I replied smoothly.


    That¡¯s right. Regardless of what was happening, I should visit my grandmother. The painting wasing along quite well and with some finishing touches, I should be able toplete it. I had enough progress to show my grandmother without feeling guilty. At least that was one thing that I could look forward to.


    Without wasting anymore time, I got the men in ck to drive me to the hospital where my grandmother was staying. The atmosphere in the car was a little strained; however, the men did not say anything. I closed my eyes and tried to catch up on some sleep all the way to the hospital. Unfortunately, sleep didn¡¯te easy.


    ¡°Grandma. I¡¯m here!¡± I greeted her, trying my best to sound cheerful even though I wasn¡¯t at my best.


    As I had agreed with Hayden, I won¡¯t be taking Ethan¡¯s up on his offer to repay my debt. That meant that I had exactly a week left as part of this contract. I wondered what was going to happen from now on. My grandmother¡¯s hospital bills were something that I haven¡¯t figured out yet. I mean, will the boss keep on covering it after the contract was over?


    ¡°Good to see you. How have you been doing youngdy?¡± my grandmother said before smiling at me.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if it was just me, but I thought that she seemed a little tired. It was probably just me because the doctors did not call to tell me that anything was amiss. I unpacked the painting that I wanted to show her.


    ¡°It¡¯sing along quite well, don¡¯t you think?¡± I asked as I presented my painting proudly to her.


    My grandmother¡¯s eyes lit up when she saw the painting before she smiled as she continued to admire it. I wonder what she was thinking about when she looked at the painting.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about art, but the painting seems very impressive to me,¡± she finally said after taking the painting in.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that you like it. Some final touches are left and then it should be all good¡­¡± I said.


    My grandmother just nodded at me with a pleased smile. I could tell that she wasn¡¯t as energetic as she usually was, and I wondered if she could tell that I was feeling down as well.


    ¡°Grandma¡­you remember Ethan, right?¡± I asked before I could stop the curious words from exiting my mouth.


    ¡°Of course. He came around quite often. He even helped us out at the store now and then whenever he came over¡­¡± my grandmother said as she seemed to reflect on some good times.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    She would probably faint if I told her that that kind and down-to-earth Ethan that she knew was actually the head of a mafia gang. Who would have thought that the guy who rode the public bus along with me because it was the cheapest way to get around was actually stinking rich? Now that I¡¯ve asked her about him, I wasn¡¯t sure what I was expecting from her exactly.


    ¡°Umm¡­the thing is¡­I broke up with him a while back¡­¡± I confessed softly as I sat down on the chair next to her bed.


    ¡°Oh¡­I sort of figured that out¡­¡± she said before smiling a little shyly at me.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked. I guess I should have expected that she would have figured it out when he no longer came around anymore.


    ¡°Yes. I thought you didn¡¯t want to talk about it so, naturally, I never brought it up,¡± she replied.


    I see. So, she was always considerate of my feelings. No wonder she was telling me all that stuff about Hayden being a good guy. She knew that I was single. She¡¯s such a little schemer.


    ¡°Umm¡­this might sound weird but¡­ when we were dating, did you think there was something weird about him? I don¡¯t mean like¡­in a bad way¡­but you know¡­something out of the ordinary?¡± I asked hesitantly.


    ¡°No¡­not really¡­¡± my grandmother replied after some thought.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I mumbled softly. It wasn¡¯t like I was expecting anything.


    ¡°Well, I think he asked about your father a couple of times. I didn¡¯t think that it was strange or anything considering that you two were dating. Of course, we talked about basic things. Looking back on it, he seemed to really care, and he was always interested¡­¡± my grandmother said as she reflected on the past.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that he asked about dad¡­¡± I said, feeling slightly curious.


    ¡°He never asked you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No¡­not really¡­¡± I replied. I don¡¯t think Ethan ever asked me anything about my parents.


    ¡°Are you feeling, ok? You seem quite disturbed¡­¡± my grandmother asked, and I could hear the worry in her voice.


    Oh no¡­I didn¡¯t want to worry her about any of this.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. There¡¯s nothing for you to worry about,¡± I said before I smiled sweetly at her.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Start of Our Final Days

    My grandmother fell asleep soon after our conversation ended. I realized that she was indeed tired. Without realizing it at first, I was starting to realize that she had started dozing off to sleep earlier each time that I visited. It was like she was constantly tired and had difficulty staying awake and active for long periods of time. I was concerned; however, I trusted the doctors to tell me if anything was seriously wrong.


    I knew that my grandmother was old and ording to the doctors, some treatment may be too harsh for her body. That meant that it was already great that she was in quite a stable condition. During my ride back to the penthouse, I wondered if Hayden was going to be there. Then I started asking myself if I wanted him to be there.


    Although I was hesitant, the final answer that I got was that I wanted him to be there. I wanted to see Hayden. I wasn¡¯t sure how to face him or what we would do or talk about but¡­I still wanted to see him. There¡¯s only 7 days left so what¡¯s the point of running and hiding at this point?


    ¡°Wee back,¡±


    Hayden greeted me immediately after I arrived back at the penthouse. He was sitting leisurely on the sofa like he had nothing to do. I wondered if he was waiting for me toe back. That couldn¡¯t be, right?


    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡± I asked casually.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ve been waiting for you. Dinner¡¯s ready¡­¡± Hayden said as he got up from the sofa and led the way to the dining table.


    He was right, dinner was ready and alreadyid out on the table. There¡¯s too much food as usual. Auntie definitely went above and beyond to prep us an amazing dinner. I thanked her silently in my head as I took my seat opposite Hayden at the dining table.


    Now that he was sitting right in front of me, I didn¡¯t know what to say. I felt like there were many things that we needed to talk about, but no words woulde to mind. Silently, we both started eating to kill the time. I nced at him a couple of times as I stuffed food into my mouth. Hayden was eating patiently like nothing was bothering him at all.


    ¡°There¡¯s seven days left,¡± Hayden spoke up suddenly after he ced his utensils down on his te.


    His words took me by surprise. I never thought that he would be the one to speak up first. Neither did I expect him to know with so much uracy the number of days that were left in the contract. I guess, I wasn¡¯t the only one that had been keeping track.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re right,¡± I replied softly.


    I felt my brows knitting together and realized that I had started frowning at the thought of our contracting to an end in a week¡¯s time. Contrary to me, Hayden just smiled and beganughing softly. He seemed so carefree that I was jealous.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to overthink things¡­¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¡°What do you mean¡­by that?¡± I asked, not sure how to take his carefree attitude and words.


    ¡°Nothing special. Let¡¯s just act normal like we¡¯ve always done until time runs out, ok?¡± Hayden proposed before smiling warmly at me.


    ¡°¡­Ok¡± I replied in short because I couldn¡¯te up with anything else to say.


    ¡­


    The next morning, I woke up to the sound of loud banging on my bedroom door. It was so loud that I was sure that the door would break down in no time at all. I didn¡¯t need to guess who was at the door. Obviously, it was Hayden. Who else would be here? Who else would bang on my door this loudly?


    ¡°Morning!¡± Hayden said brightly once I opened the door.


    He¡¯s already fully dressed and seemed ready to go out. Since when did he be such a morning person? I had no idea what time it was, but my heavy eyelids told me that it was too early for me to be up and about.


    ¡°It¡¯s so early¡­¡± I muttered as the light from the hallway stung my sleepy eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go on a date!¡± Hayden dered enthusiastically.


    He¡¯s got too much energy and I couldn¡¯t keep up. Sleeping in would have been nice but now that I think about it, we¡¯re down to six days left now. Thinking that I didn¡¯t have much time left with Hayden, I shut my mouth before I would let out words ofint. Instead, I nodded.


    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go,¡± I said with determination.


    Haydenughed joyously before he told me that he¡¯ll be waiting for me in the living room. Sleepily, I fumbled my way to the bathroom where I took a quick shower. I put on a simple andfortable dress and somefortable sandals before I went to meet up with Hayden in the living room. Seeing that he was dressed inid back clothes, I did the same. We¡¯re probably not going anywhere where we¡¯ll need to dress up today.


    ¡°Where are we going today?¡± I asked once I settled down in the passenger seat of his sportscar.


    Hayden was humming and his light blue eyes seemed so clear and peaceful today. He was clearly in a good mood, and I wanted to keep it that way.


    ¡°Is there somewhere you want to go?¡± he asked.


    Now that I think about it, I didn¡¯t have a ce that I wanted to go. I guess when I was younger, I used to dream of going on exciting dates to the aquarium, thearium, and other simr ces. However, that younger self of mine had long disappeared.


    ¡°Not¡­particrly¡­¡± I replied slowly.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of time left¡­¡± Hayden mumbled as if he was speaking to himself.


    It was still quite early in the morning, so of course, we had a lot of time on our hands today. Perhaps, I should suggest something before Hayden would drag me on another shopping spree again. That wasn¡¯t how I wanted to spend my day with him.


    ¡°What do you like apart from art?¡± Hayden asked suddenly.


    ¡°Oh¡­fluffy animals?¡± I replied with the first thing that came to my mind.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.

 A Date

    ¡°I see. I think I know just the ce¡­¡± Hayden said.


    The way his face lit up made me knew that an idea just popped into his head. As to if the idea was a good one or not, I was about to find out. After a while of driving in his car, we arrived at the destination that Hayden had in mind.


    This ce looks like a zoo but not really¡­


    ¡°What is this ce?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°A tiger preservatory,¡± Hayden replied as took my hand and helped me out of his car.


    ¡°A tiger preservatory?¡± I said in disbelief.


    This big ce is a tiger farm? I never knew such a ce existed. I was half expecting that he would take me to the zoo based on my input of liking fluffy animals. A tiger preservatory was indeed beyond my expectations.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯ve never been to one before. They¡¯re not thatmon¡­I guess¡­¡± Hayden said as he started pulling me along with him.


    ¡°What are we going to do here, exactly?¡± I asked.


    The ce was very quiet and apart from Hayden and me, there was no one else around. The ce was surrounded by very high walls and looked like a prison from the outside. There¡¯s a lot of security. The owner is probably scared of the tigers escaping and rightfully so.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see¡­¡± Hayden said as he brought me inside the venue.


    The inside of the building seemed normal. There wasn¡¯t anything outstanding apart from photographs of various tigers and their cubs. There was no one inside as well.


    ¡°Should we call for someone? We¡¯re supposed to buy entry tickets, right?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No. This ce isn¡¯t open to the public and they don¡¯t allow visitors. It¡¯s private,¡± Hayden exined.


    Wait. Then why are we here?


    ¡°Should we be here, then?¡± I asked.


    ¡°One of the boss¡¯s friends owns this ce. It¡¯s all good. I¡¯ve been here before,¡± Hayden said calmly.


    Just when he finished his sentence, a balding old man walked into the room. Immediately when he saw Hayden, the man broke out in a smile before he started hugging Hayden.


    ¡°Wee! You haven¡¯t been here for a long time¡­¡± the old man said.


    ¡°We¡¯re here to y with the cats,¡± Hayden said without any further dys.


    ¡°I see. Your girl here is going to be ok?¡± the old man asked as he eyed me up and down.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Hayden replied without consulting me.


    ¡°Wait¡­we¡¯re going to y with the tigers?¡± I asked in shock.


    I knew that some tigers were trained to entertain people in zoos and such. I¡¯ve seen people take photos with them, but I have never done that before. To be honest, I was more scared than excited about the idea. However, this ce didn¡¯t seem like type of ce.


    ¡°Come along,¡± Hayden said as he guided me further into the building.


    Thankfully, I didn¡¯t see any tigers in sight. I felt very nervous and on edge. Why couldn¡¯t we have gone to a ce that was more normal?


    ¡°This ce is preservatory. The owner helps tigers. He buys them from zoos and circus and the like. For rare breeds, he breeds them,¡± Hayden started to exin.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s pretty cool. Tigers are supposed to be rare, right? Some have gone extinct¡­¡± I replied.


    Hayden led me further into the back and finally I could see the tigers. Wow, there¡¯s so many of them. Thankfully, the tigers seemed well detained. They¡¯re so big. Those beasts look so deadly; however, they were also graceful creatures. ying with them was a different matter all together though.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re lucky¡­¡± Hayden said mischievously.


    I continued to follow after him and it seemed like Hayden had a destination in mind. Finally, we arrived at an enclosed area withrge metal doors. Hayden stopped in front of the door before pressing a button to ring the bell. After a short while of waiting, the door slowly creaked opened as someone had apparently opened it from the inside.


    ¡°Oh¡­Hayden¡­¡± a sweet voice said as a pair of very bright blue eyes greeted us through the crack in the door.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Hayden asked in greeting.


    ¡°Great! Come in. Oh¡­we have a special guest,¡± the young woman said as she smiled at me.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Malissa,¡± I said as I stuck out my hand.


    The womanughed before taking my hand in a tight squeeze.


    ¡°I¡¯m Danie. My father runs this ce. I¡¯m helping him now too,¡± she quickly introduced herself as she beckoned us to follow her inside.


    ¡°Seems like you¡¯re one lucky girl¡­¡± Hayden whispered in my ear.


    For the first time, I understood what he meant by that. My eyes opened and I mouthed the word ¡®wow¡¯ as I looked around. Fluffy animals indeed!


    ¡°So many tiger cubs! Wow! Oh¡­Wow!¡± I eximed.


    Hayden startedughing a little at my reaction. My eyes were focused on the many tiger cubs that were ying around in the facility. Apart from Danie, there were other staffs there to take care of the cubs. It was like a nursery and the staffs were like babysitters to the cute little cubs.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite lucky indeed. We happen to have so many cubs in the nursery right now. Some time, it¡¯s almost empty, unfortunately. It¡¯s not easy to breed tigers¡­¡± Danie exined.


    ¡°You can pet them,¡± Hayden said as he invited me to approach one of the cubs.


    ¡°Yup, you can. The smaller ones are easier to approach. The bigger cubs are already naughty and yful. Be careful, they can scratch you,¡± Danie warned.


    ¡°Look at this cute little guy¡­¡± Hayden said as he scooped a small tiger cub into his arms and held it.


    He carried the cub to my side so that I could see the cub up close. So cute. Just super cute! I couldn¡¯t stop staring down at the cute little cub and his super innocent expression. Slowly, I reached out my hand and stroked the top of the cub¡¯s head. His baby fur was so soft.


    ¡°It¡¯s a girl by the way¡­¡± Danie corrected with a smallugh.


    ¡°Oh¡­baby girl¡­¡± I said adoringly.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Taking Him on a Tour

    I turned to smile at Hayden and was surprised to see him watching me. Quickly, I turned away, suddenly feeling very conscious of his gaze.


    ¡°Do you want to hold her?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Sure¡­I¡¯ll try¡­¡± I said as I tried to take the cub into my arms from Hayden.


    Carefully, Hayden transferred the cub that he was holding into my arms. The cub weighed more than I initially thought but her fur was so soft that I didn¡¯t mind bearing the weight at all. Fortunately, she seemed well behaved and didn¡¯t wriggle around as I held her. Looking down at her in my arms, I was reminded of how precious life is. Her clear eyes as she stared up at me was mesmerizingly beautiful.


    ¡°Malissa seems to like it here. You should bring her here again,¡± Danie suggested to Hayden brightly.


    ¡°Yea¡­¡± Hayden replied softly.


    I doubt that I would get toe here again unless we some how make it back here in the remaining few days that we have left together. Of course, neither of us bothered to exin that to Danie. It was just a thought that crossed my mind and remained unspoken.


    ¡­


    After a very simple but entertaining lunch at the cafeteria with Danie, we left the tiger preservatory to head to our next destination. It was already mid afternoon when we got into Hayden¡¯s car. As always, I had no idea where he was going to take me. Based off my previous experience, I knew that asking wasn¡¯t going to lead me to any answers.


    I sat quietly as I enjoyed the peace of the drive and the scenery that flew by outside of the car¡¯s window. We were driving back into the city and soon enough we were smack in the city center. To my surprise, our destination was a very well-known art exhibition hall. It was one of the most famous and definitely one of the biggest in the country.


    Every art student or anyone interested in art must have visited this ce at least once in their lives. Of course, that also applies to me. I¡¯ve been here three or four times now over the course of my time at university. Apart from the famous artwork that were permanently on disy, the ce had many halls for special rotating exhibitions. Since my life was disturbed by the mafia, I haven¡¯t had the heart to follow up on any art news and had no idea whose collection or what they were showcasing now as their special exhibition.


    ¡°Are you here to see the special exhibition?¡± I asked Hayden as entered.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to walk around and kill time,¡± Hayden responded a little too frankly.


    Ok. I never really expected him to have a love for art or anything but putting it that way was a little harsh. There are many interesting things to see and do here even if you¡¯re not totally into art.


    ¡°Well, in that case, what about I give you a little tour? Maybe¡­it¡¯ll be a more interesting way to ¡®kill time¡¯?¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Sure. Do whatever you want,¡± Hayden replied in agreement.


    I wasn¡¯t sure why I proactively suggested that. I guess, I just didn¡¯t want him to look so bored and disinterested when he¡¯s at a ce that I thought was very inspiring. Since I¡¯ve been here many times before and as an art student, I knew many of the famous pieces and their story, I guess I would make a decent guide.


    ¡°Do you have to meet someone or go somewhere after? At what time?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know when it¡¯s time,¡± Hayden replied softly.


    ¡°Ok, then¡­¡± I said before leading him into one of the main exhibition halls.


    I showed Hayden around as I talked animatedly about the famous works of art and also highlighted the ones that I personally like. Hayden seemed interested enough. At least, he was willing to listen to what I had to say and followed me around.


    ¡°You really like art, huh?¡± Hayden spoke up suddenly while I was showing him a veryrge painting.


    ¡°Of course. I even chose to major in it even though I knew that it would be hard to make a living out of it,¡± I said beforeughing softly at my own decision.


    ¡°Will you join the exhibition with your friends?¡± Hayden asked as he continued to admire the painting.


    Oh¡­I guess he still remembers the exhibition that Jenny invited me to join. Come to think of it, I haven¡¯t given her any definite answer. That was the case because I haven¡¯t really made up my mind about it. I was leaning towards rejecting it though.


    ¡°Do you think that I should join the exhibition?¡± I asked as I nced over at Hayden


    ¡°I think you should,¡± he replied, sounding very certain.


    I was about to ask him why he thought so when I realized that that wasn¡¯t what I wanted to know or what I really wanted to ask. What I really wanted to know was¡­


    ¡°Do you want me to¡­join the exhibition?¡± I asked, rephrasing my question to better reflect what I wanted to know.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Hayden said without hesitation as he turned to face me. The smile he showed me took my breath away and I felt heat rise to my cheeks.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I see¡­I¡¯ll think about it,¡± I quickly mumbled my reply as I turned to look the other way.


    Hayden didn¡¯t say anything else, and I was struggling to find a topic to discuss with him to break this suddenly awkward atmosphere between us. That was when a thin man dressed in a ck suit came walking up to us.


    ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Torex,¡± the man said as he came close to Hayden.


    With a deep bow, the man extended what seemed to be a hardcover book to Hayden. Hayden reached out for it and thanked the man. Without another word, the man bowed once more and turned on his heels before walking back the way that he had came from. I cocked my head to the side in wonder at what had just happened. Did Hayden order a book to be delivered? I could tell from the image on the cover that it was a book regarding artworks.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 My Favorite

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think that you would be that interested in art¡­¡± I managed to say after a short pause.


    ¡°It¡¯s my job to be interested in anything that can make a huge profit in the ck market,¡± Hayden replied casually.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Let me make a wild guess¡­¡± Hayden said with a glint of mischief in his eyes.


    ¡°About?¡± I asked, not quite following.


    ¡°One of the things you like about Ethan is his good sense in art, right?¡± Hayden asked so abruptly that all I could do was blink a couple of times at him as his words started to sink in.


    Ok. I didn¡¯t not expect Hayden to bring Ethan up. Neither did I expect him to get that right. It was true, I did like Ethan because he seemed to have a very sharp eye for art. His artwork isn¡¯t half bad but I¡¯ve always thought that he had a talent for appraising andmenting on art rather than creating one himself. Obviously, I have never told Hayden that before so how did he figure it out?


    ¡°How did you figure that out?¡± I asked suspiciously.


    ¡°Not hard. One of the main businesses of Silva is trading art and artifacts in the ck market, after all. Ethan¡¯s been dealing with stuff like that since he was a kid. I have to say he¡¯s quite good at it,¡± Hayden said like it was no big surprise.


    Since he was a kid? I didn¡¯t know that¡­


    ¡°I never knew that. He¡­never mentioned it,¡± I replied quietly. I guess I didn¡¯t know much about Ethan after all.


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised that he didn¡¯t. As to why I¡¯m bringing that up¡­¡± Hayden said as he tightened his hold of my hand.


    Suddenly, he took my hand and ced the book that had just been delivered to him into it. I looked at the book in my hand with confusion. Why did he give this to me?


    ¡°Tell me which artwork in there interests you the most,¡± Hayden ordered.


    ¡°Huh? Why?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°Just do it,¡± Hayden said curtly.


    Not quite understanding what was going on, I opened the book and started flipping through a couple of pages. Each page contained photos of artwork followed by a short description of its history and estimated value. Of course, most of the estimated value were left nk because most of the works were not avable for sale or couldn¡¯t be priced. While I was busy looking at content of the book, Hayden was looking at his watch.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time. Let¡¯s go¡­¡± Hayden said softly as he took my hand in his again.


    ¡°Where to?¡± I asked intriguingly.


    Suddenly, he was walking a little faster than before and I struggled to keep up with him. We wove through a group of students who were on their school trip before Hayden made a sharp turn. Since he was walking so fast, I was beginning to lose track of where we were inside the building. Why does it feel like I¡¯ve never been down this path before?


    Before long, we were standing in front of a seemingly very isted elevator. I didn¡¯t know that there was an elevator here. Frankly, I didn¡¯t even know that this hallway existed in the first ce. Hayden seemed to know his way around pretty well too. Perhaps, he¡¯s been here before?


    ¡°What are you spacing out for?¡± Hayden asked before he pulled me into the elevator with him.


    The elevator automatically descended. It seemed like our destination was already decided for us. I sucked in a breath when I realized that this ce wasn¡¯t supposed to have an underground floor. Hayden seemed very rxed next to me and that made me believe that we¡¯re going to be just fine.


    ¡°Have you decided?¡± Hayden asked just before the doors of the elevator opened.


    ¡°Huh? Not yet. How am I supposed to decide so fast? There¡¯s so many artworks in this book¡­¡± I replied, slightly flustered.


    It was true, the book was thick and so much information was packed in. So far, I haven¡¯t seen anything that caught my eye. Flipping through the pages rapidly, as I walked along at Hayden¡¯s side, something finally caught my attention. This is it! I knew it the moment that Iid eyes on it. If I had to choose my favorite art piece from this entire book, this painting would be it!


    ¡°I guess you¡¯ve decided. Show me,¡± Hayden said, and I found out that he had been staring at me the whole time.


    ¡°Here¡­¡± I mumbled as I showed him the page of the book while Hayden leaned closer to me to better see it.


    The artwork that I had chosen was an oil painting of a field of flowers. I¡¯ve appreciated this piece for a long time, but I have never seen the painting in real life. Actually, no one has seen it for over a hundred years now since it was stolen or lost. Well, rumors says that it was stolen. Officially, it was dered missing or lost. The story behind the painting was a sorrowful one; however, the beautiful y of colors on the canvas was truly captivating.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Hmm¡­interesting choice, I would say. You¡¯ve never seen this painting before, have you?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Never. I¡¯ve only seen photos of it and recreations of it,¡± I replied truthfully.


    ¡°This way,¡± Hayden said as he led me down a narrow and empty hallway before we entered through a double door.


    The ce we entered was dimly lit but it was full of people. The atmosphere was joyous as many people chatted and greeted each other like old friends. Looking around, I could tell that the ce resembled a theatre. There was a stage at the front and rows of chairs for the audience to observe the performance. I followed Hayden obediently as he led us to our seats.


    ¡°Why are we here? Are we going to watch a performance?¡± I whispered close to Hayden¡¯s ear so that he would hear me above the loud chatting of the people around us.


    ¡°Sort of. Pass me the book,¡± Hayden said as he held out his hand.


    I nodded and returned the book to him. Hayden flipped through the book before taking something out and sticking it on the chest of his shirt. While I was wondering what he was doing, the light on the stage turned on and a man in a tuxedo and a woman in a bright red dress walked onto the stage.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 For a Price

    ¡°Wee everyone to our exclusive auction. As always, we are your hosts for today. As I¡¯m sure that everyone has attended this auction before or have already read the rules, I will proceed to the first item without any further dys¡­¡± the woman in the bright red dress said through the microphone.


    We¡¯re at an auction?!


    Everyone was pping as the first item for the auction was brought to the center of the stage. That¡¯s the statue that was on the first page of the book, if I¡¯m not mistaken. Wait¡­does that mean?


    That can¡¯t be. All the artworks in the book are either super rare, missing or stolen¡­


    Or could it be?


    Suddenly my hands and feet felt very cold as it suddenly hit me. Tell me this is a joke¡­


    But if it¡¯s true then, the reason why he told me to pick out something for him¡­


    ¡°The book¡­is for the items that will be put up for auction?¡± I asked in sheer disbelief.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Hayden replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to bid for the painting?!¡± I cried out loudly at my sudden realization as I whirled around to face Hayden.


    I still couldn¡¯t bring myself to believe that someone actually found the painting and it was going to be put up for auction here. However, the same logic applied to the statue that is currently on stage. Other people in the audience were rapidly bidding on the statue, driving up the price. The hosts were doing an amazing job of facilitating the bidding too.


    ¡°Shh¡­don¡¯t panic, Malissa,¡± Hayden said as he put a finger up to his lips.


    I sat next to Hayden stunned as item after item were put on stage and auctioned off to the highest bidder. Every item ending at an outrageously high price. How many zeros is that again? Judging from the ending price of the other pieces, a knotted started to form in the pit of my stomach as I realized that the same would probably happen to the painting that I had chosen.


    That¡¯s just crazy!


    ¡°You¡¯re not¡­buying this for me, right?¡± I asked for confirmation. I could never take anything this exorbitantly expensive as a gift. Not to talk about the fact that it was probably illegal to own most if not all of the pieces of art there were being auctioned.


    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m buying it for myself. Since you¡¯re knowledgeable in art, I thought it would be good if I bought a piece that you like,¡± Hayden replied casually.


    Phew! I let out such a big breath of relief.


    ¡°That¡¯s a real relief¡­you cannot imagine just how relief I am¡­¡± I said before smiling at him.


    I guess I didn¡¯t have to panic about it. It wasn¡¯t like Hayden could easily win in the bidding. The people here were clearly abnormally rich and very aggressive in their bidding. Now that I wasn¡¯t so worried about the painting that I had chosen, I could concentrate more on the other pieces of art that were brought onto the stage.


    It¡¯s so rare to see these artworks in real life. Many pieces that people thought had been lost forever were brought to the stage. Never in my life did I ever dream of seeing these pieces in real life. Although I couldn¡¯t inspect them up close; it was more than enough for me.


    Finally, the moment that we have been waiting for arrived. The painting that I had always admired and the one that I had chosen from the book was being brought up onto the stage. Without realizing it at first, I had started leaning forward in my seat as I tired my best to get a closer look at the painting. To be honest, I wanted to get out of my seat and run on stage to gawk at the painting but I guessed that wasn¡¯t really feasible or eptable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll get to see it up close soon enough¡­¡± Hayden muttered, sounding a little bored.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked with excitement.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll hang it in my bedroom so you can see it,¡± Hayden whispered in my ear before he winked at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should bid on it¡­¡± I said with a shaky voice.


    Everything here is too expensive. Sure, work of art like these are supposed to be priceless but still¡­


    ¡°Well then, we would like to start the bidding on this supposedly lost forever painting¡­¡± the woman in the red dress said in an alluring voice.


    Hands shot up in the air as she read out the number of the bidder and the amount to reconfirm the bid. I gasped in shock. I never imagined that there would be so much demand for this painting. Apparently, many bidders had their eyes set on the same painting as we did.


    10 million dors. 20 million dors. 30 million dors¡­


    Each time the price went up my heart beat faster and faster. This is just crazy. When will the bidding stop? So far Hayden has been sitting calmly next to me and hasn¡¯t raised his hand once. I would feel relieved if he had given up on bidding on it all together. It made me feel guilty that he was going to bid on the painting because I had chosen it even if he assured me that he was buying it for himself.


    ¡°100 million dors¡­¡± the woman said.


    Oh wow¡­100 million dors¡­


    There was a pause before a man put up his hand to raise the bid up to 150 million dors. The hall was filled with murmurs as the bid seemed to havee to a stop. The painting¡¯s price was very high now, but it wasn¡¯t the highestpared to some of the past auctions.


    ¡°300 million dors,¡±


    A very familiar voice spoke up right next to me. Don¡¯t tell me¡­


    I turned to see Hayden with his right hand raised. My mouth fell open as I stared at him in absolute disbelief. He didn¡¯t just bid on the painting now, did he?


    ¡°300 million dors! I can¡¯t believe it! Anyone else?¡± the woman said with a big beaming smile.


    Obviously, there were no other bids on the painting. The other guests apuded softly to the winning bidder and as the ruckus died down, Hayden stood up from his seat.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 A Fun Day

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re done here,¡± Hayden said as he took my hand and pulled me up from my seat.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I murmured softly as I followed close behind him.


    Excusing out way through the row of seats, we finally managed to make it out of the theatre. There was more light outside in the hallway and I could see Hayden clearer now.


    ¡°Why did you pay so much for the painting?!¡± I cried out in panic.


    ¡°300 million dors? It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s supposed to be a good investment, right?¡± Hayden said before smiling confidently at me.


    I said I liked the painting out of the other ones in the book, but I never said that it was a good investment! I sighed loudly, knowing that telling that to Hayden wouldn¡¯t change his thinking at all.


    ¡°Want to go have a closer look at our purchase?¡± Hayden suggested.


    ¡°We can do that? Really?¡± I asked, unable to contain my excitement.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Haydenughed at me loudly and I pped his arm yfully in my own embarrassment. The staff took us to see the painting that Hayden had won in the auction. Apparently, he had to settle the payment as well before the painting could be delivered.


    While Hayden was settling the payment, I was too busy gawking at the painting as I admired the color with my naked eye. The texture, the emotion, the feel of the painting. I was too absorbed and busy just trying to take it all in.


    ¡°I¡¯m done. Let¡¯s go¡­¡± Hayden called out to me after he was done.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I said hesitantly.


    No matter how hard I tried, it was impossible for me to tear my eye away from the painting. Dreame true moment!


    ¡°Stop staring at it so much or I¡¯m going to get jealous. You can stare at it all you like when it gets delivered¡­¡± Hayden teased.


    I felt his hands on my arms before he started physically pulling me away from the painting. Goodbye dear painting! I wanted tough at my helplessly obsessed state.


    ¡°When are they delivering the painting?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Hayden nced over at me from the driver¡¯s seat of his car before he shook his head and startedughing at my obsession over the painting. I just couldn¡¯t help it. I was sure that obtaining the painting this way was definitely illegal. Although he paid a whole lot of money for it, an underground auction is an underground auction.


    Hayden wasn¡¯t at all worried about it and I guess none of the other bidders were concerned about it either. That didn¡¯t make it a good thing though. It disturbed me that many artworks were probably stolen to be auctioned off like this before they disappeared into the collection of the mega wealthy. I didn¡¯t support it, but it wasn¡¯t like I could do anything about it.


    Who would have thought that a huge ck-market auction took ce in the undergrounds of a well-known art museum? Regardless, I had to admit that I enjoyed myself immensely today from getting to pet small tiger cubs to seeing works of art that I never thought I would get toy my eyes on in his life. Today turned out to be an awesome day.


    ¡°Do you want to go out for dinner, or do you want to head back?¡± Hayden asked.


    Good question.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back,¡± I said decisively.


    ¡°You sure?¡± Hayden asked without looking at me.


    ¡°Yup. Let¡¯s just head back,¡± I replied with certainty.


    After a short drive, we arrived back at the building and whileughing at his jokes, we made our way up to our penthouse.


    ¡°What do you want for dinner?¡± I asked as Hayden sat down on the sofa and stretched his arms above his head.


    ¡°Whatever the cook can whip up is fine. I¡¯m not fussed¡­¡± he replied without even thinking.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Luckily Auntie was there to help arrange our meal with the cook. Although Hayden said that he was fine with something simple, the meal still turned out to be quite extravagant. I stared down at the massive number of dishes in front of us as I sat opposite Hayden at the dining table.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to eat?¡± Hayden spoke up as he stared at my face.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll eat¡­¡± I mumbled before digging in.


    ¡°Did you have fun today?¡± Hayden asked after a short while of eating in silence.


    His question honestly took me by surprise.


    ¡°Yes, I did. Thank you¡­for everything¡­¡± I said softly before smiling at him.


    ¡°Good,¡± Hayden said in short.


    The conversation died down as suddenly as it had started. I watched as Hayden continued eating while asionally pulling out his phone. However, he didn¡¯t say anything else to me. It was strange but I couldn¡¯t think of a way to start a conversation with him. Before I knew it, dinner came to an end.


    ¡°Thank you, Auntie,¡± I thanked Auntie as she started clearing away the dishes.


    ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll leave after I finish putting these away,¡± Auntie said before shing me a kind smile.


    I smiled back as I nodded in appreciation. It was gettingte, and I wanted Auntie to hurry back so that she could rest. Hayden woke me up quite early this morning and we were out all day. Suddenly, the fatigue hit me, and I started feeling a little sleepy. I offered to help Auntie out, but she firmly turned me down just as I had expected. Sighing a little to myself, I watched as she worked to clear away the dishes.


    ¡°Great. That will do,¡± Hayden spoke on the phone.


    The conversation was short with Hayden only saying a few words before hanging up. I wondered what was going on, but I didn¡¯t dare to ask. A few minutester, I heard the doorbell to the penthouse ringing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get that¡­¡± Auntie quickly said as she headed to the door.


    ¡°Are you expecting someone?¡± I asked Hayden, seeing that he didn¡¯t seem surprised.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Hayden replied curtly.


    The penthouse door opened and a few men dressed in formal matching suits came in while carrying arge parcel in their hands. Oh¡­so the delivery was being made today?


    Huh? Today?!


    ¡°Excuse me, Sir. Where do you want this?¡± one of the men said politely to Hayden.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 I Want To

    ¡°Auntie, show them to my bedroom,¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°Yes, this way please,¡± Auntie said as she led the way.


    ¡°That¡¯s the painting, right?¡± I asked, unable to hide my excitement.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I did say that you¡¯ll be able to see it when I hang it up in my bedroom, right?¡± Hayden said followed by a satisfiedugh.


    ¡°I guess you did¡­¡± I mumbled.


    To make sure that everything went smoothly, we went to observe them hang up the painting in Hayden¡¯s bedroom. The painting wasrge, and the colors made it really stand out against the interior of Hayden¡¯s room. Auntie seemed to think that the painting looks nice as well because I caught her admiring it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it looks great?¡± I asked as I stood next to her.


    ¡°Yes. The colors are very pretty,¡± she replied without hesitation.


    I smiled happily. It was a good feeling when someone likes the same work of art as you and you could admire it together.


    When the men were done hanging up the painting and Hayden signed for the sessful receipt of it, Auntie led the men out. Hayden and I stayed in the bedroom as we spent some time taking in the painting that was now in its new surroundings.


    ¡°You really like this painting, don¡¯t you? You¡¯ve been staring at it all this time¡­¡± Hayden said teasingly.


    ¡°Yeah¡­I do¡­¡± I replied truthfully.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s great that I bought it,¡± Hayden said, sounding quite satisfied with his purchase.


    I turned to him and saw that Hayden was smiling at me. The way his face transforms when he smiled is like a precious piece of art in and of itself. I smiled back at him with that thought in mind. Hayden¡¯s face slowly came close to mine, and I closed my eyes as I waited for his lips to touch mine.


    Hayden kissed me so gently and softly that I found it hard to believe that it was Hayden that I was kissing. The kiss felt very different from the ones that we¡¯ve shared before. It felt extremely fulfilling but it also made me crave for so much more. The soft and chaste kiss left me slightly confused.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to?¡± Hayden asked softly after his lips parted from mine.


    His blue eyes were gentle and clear as he looked down at me. He¡¯s so close and I couldn¡¯t stop staring deeply into his captivating eyes. Slowly, I shook my head. Perhaps my slight confusion just now was mistaken by Hayden for hesitation.


    ¡°I want to¡­¡± I whispered before I kissed his lips softly.


    I felt Hayden¡¯s lips curve into a smile before he began kissing me back fervently. The gentle kiss was gone and in its ce was a very deep and passionate one. I moaned softly into his mouth as his tongue thrusted deeply into the depth of my mouth. His hands were already exploring the curves of my body starting from my shoulders, my breasts and then slipping down to my waist.


    His touch set my body aze. My body felt so hot as my core started to throb with my intense desire for him. My breath came in short pants as his hands began massaging my breasts through my clothes. He¡¯s being so rough, and I had to say that I liked it this way. It felt more like Hayden this way.


    ¡°Ah! Hayden¡­¡± I cried out in surprise when he suddenly lifted me into his arms.


    Hayden kissed me again as he carried me princess-style towards his bed. Carefully, Hayden ced me on the bed before his hands were on my ankles. I looked down at him in confusion as he pulled roughly on my legs, dragging me down towards the end of the bed until only my hips rested on the bed.


    His hands quickly jerked my dress upwards, revealing my naked legs to him before he quickly removed my panties, tossing them aside on the floor. Impatiently, Hayden lifted my leg up and spread them widely apart. I cried out a little in shock as my legs were forced a part. Hayden stood in between my legs and my body trembled in anticipation as I looked forward to what he was going to do to me next.


    Kissing Hayden was enough to turn me on. My core felt hot, and it was throbbing with need. I knew with certainty that my pussy was already wet for him. I could feel the heat and wetness of my arousal seeping out from my love hole. Hayden crouched down in between my legs, and I squirmed in embarrassment as he positioned his face directly at my crotch.


    ¡°Your pussy is all wet. Your clit is swollen hard¡­¡± Haydenmented.


    His fingers stroked the wetness in between my legs as he ran his fingertips up and down the slit of my womanly entrance. His fingers skillfully pinched and rolled my sensitive clit, making me cry out at the overwhelming pleasure. He moved his fingers faster and rougher against my clit and I moaned louder than before. My hips began thrusting upwards, grinding my clit against his fingers for more pleasure.


    ¡°You¡¯re so naughty. Your pussy just got wetter¡­let me clean it up for you¡­¡± Hayden whispered seductively before he dipped his head in between my legs.


    I felt the warmth of his breath on my inner thighs before he softly blew onto my clit. The air of his breath against my wetness made me more conscious of how wet I was down there. My pussy clenched wildly at the feel of his teasing. Hayden chuckled a little and I could tell that he was enjoying himself immensely. His tongue flicked softly against the sensitive seed of my clit and I screamed.


    ¡°Ahh! Hayden!¡± I screamed as my body writhed.


    Hayden¡¯s hands grabbed my thighs to keep me in ce as my hips thrusted wildly. He buried his face in between my legs and began eating me out. He sucked on my clit and the pleasure that coursed through my body felt insanely intense. It was like pleasure was crashing onto me like tsunami waves. He continued to suck harder and harder, and I cried out even louder than before. It felt like I was about to lose my mind.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Fooling Ourselves

    ¡°Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh!¡± I cried out non-stop.


    My hands clutched at the bedsheet as I struggled to deal with my own lust and pleasure. My hips wouldn¡¯t stop trashing about, and I closed my eyes in ecstasy. I felt a sharp prating sensation as something thick and long entered my love hole. Soon, I figured that it must be Hayden¡¯s fingers. His fingers started moving inside of me, wriggling wildly against the walls of my pussy as he stimted me deeply from various angles.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡¯m¡­¡± I whispered.


    It¡¯s too much. Fingering me while he yed around with my clit with his tongue was too much for me to handle. I felt like was about to climax all the time. Suddenly, Hayden¡¯s fingers inside of me stopped moving and he slowly withdrew his fingers from my pussy. Hayden stood up and headed to the drawers where he pulled out a condom. I tried my best to wait patiently as Hayden stripped himself and rolled the condom on his massively thick and long cock.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Hayden asked needlessly.


    I just nodded at him as I braced myself to take in his gigantic member. Spreading my legs further apart, I tried to rx my insides and catch my breath. Hayden stood in between my legs before his hands grabbed my legs and held them on either side of his hips. I could feel the heat from his cock as he positioned his thick shaft at my throbbing entrance.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name loudly in my shock at the impact of his rough and sudden entrance.


    Hayden thrusted his enormous rod into me with so much force, burying his entire length into me in one go. He¡¯s so big and it hurt slightly as my pussy struggled to adjust to his shape and size. His cock filled me uppletely and stretched me as he started rocking his hips against my opening. His hands on my legs tightened when Hayden started moving his hips, thrusting his massive pole in and out of my wet hole.


    My pussy made wet sounds as his cock stirred up my wet and warm insides with each of his powerful thrusts. The thick head of his cock was hitting me so deeply inside, it felt like he was going to split me into two halves. I cried out at the pleasure and pain of his rough movements inside of my love hole. He pounded into me harder and harder, and my hips moved against him. My hips rose to meet his thrusts halfway, pushing his cock even deeper into my hole until he was hitting against my womb with each thrust.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Perhaps it was because he was standing that his thrusts were much more powerful than before. Hayden groaned as he gave it to me fast and hard while I cried and whimpered his name. The sounds of our pants and moaned filled the bedroom as our bodies continued to couple crazily. My legs felt weak, and it felt like my insides hadpletely melted. I couldn¡¯t control the moans and cries that were escaping from my lips. The pleasure that I was feeling was getting to be too much for me to take. I covered my face with my hands as I felt my climax approaching.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cover your face¡­¡± Hayden groaned.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­cumming¡­¡± I whimpered through the cracks in between my fingers.


    My climax hit me hard, and I ended up screaming very loudly before whimpering softly as I rode out the after effect of my climax. Hayden pounded his cock faster into me and I knew that he was very close to his own release. It wasn¡¯t long after, that Hayden stilled and groaned my name as he also orgasmed.


    Weid next to each other on his bed with my head pillowed on his arm. I felt exhausted but I didn¡¯t want to fall asleep just yet. Hayden was still awake too; however, we decided to enjoy the after glow of our lovemaking silently. My eyes flickered towards the painting on the wall and for the first time, I felt like the painting had a tinge of sadness hidden in its colors. I have never felt this way before when I looked at this painting before whether from photos of it or from the original in front of me.


    Just like Hayden had wanted, we continued to spend our time together as if everything was normal. It was as if the event of meeting Amelia and everything else associated to it might as well not have happened. It was as if our time together could stretch together until the end of our lives. The day was truly enjoyable but now that the day was reaching its conclusion, I wondered if at the end of the day we were just fooling ourselves.


    The truth was if I closed my eyes and fell asleep now, the next time that I opened them the following morning, we would only have five days left together before everythinges to an end.


    ¡­


    My eyes fluttered open as my biological clock woke me up the next morning.


    ¡®5 days left¡¯ said the voice inside of my head.


    It was a reminder that I didn¡¯t need or wanted to hear. Hayden was still sleeping peacefully at my side and that was a pleasant change to waking up with him gone. He was sleeping like a baby, and I didn¡¯t want to wake him up. I wondered if he had anything to do today because it was quite rare for him to sleep in if he had something to do.


    I guess I¡¯ll find out when he wakes up. Slowly and carefully, I started easing out of bed, trying my best not to wake him. The grip I felt on my wrist told me that I had failed at my first mission for the day. Hayden had woken up already.


    ¡°Good morning, Hayden¡­¡± I said softly and realized that my voice sounded hoarse and my throat hurts.


    Clearly, this was the result of screaming too muchst night. My throat stung and I had a bad feeling that it¡¯ll remain that way for a while today.


    ¡°Morning, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden replied as he sat up on the bed and ran his fingers through his light blond hair.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Staying In Together

    I smiled a little to myself. Hayden looked quite adorable when he just woke up. He was still sleepy; he had a bedhead, and his guard was down.


    ¡°Are you going somewhere today?¡± I asked, realizing that I wished that he would have free time to spend with me.


    ¡°Nowhere. We¡¯re staying home¡­¡± Hayden replied without a second thought.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Should I cook for you?¡± I offered.


    The words slipped from my lips without thinking. For some reason, I was anxious to please Hayden. It was probably because I was overjoyed that he had decided to stay in with me today. I didn¡¯t have anything to offer to him, but I could whip up a decent meal for him.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be nice¡­¡± Hayden repliedzily.


    I watched as Hayden got out of bed and walkedpletely naked to the bathroom. He was clearlyfortable and very rxed. It made me quite happy to see him that way. I stretched and also got out of bed with the nket wrapped around me before heading back to my bedroom to quickly take a shower.


    The day alone in the penthouse with Hayden went well. I cooked him brunch and we enjoyed it in each other¡¯spany. Auntie conveniently called in sick, so it was just the two of us together and we didn¡¯t mind at all. Things were going well, and we had a romantic and homey atmosphere going on when an unforeseen disturbance came in to shake up our day.


    Hayden¡¯s phone started vibrating on the table next to his hand. Hayden nced over at it before he reached out and turned the phone over to silence it. Whoever was calling was beingpletely ignored. It was clear that Hayden had no intention of taking the call and that made me wonder a little about who was on the other end of the line. Perhaps, it was work and Hayden didn¡¯t want to work today?


    As those thoughts were running through my mind, my phone began to vibrate in the pocket of my pants. Quickly, I pulled it out and looked at the caller¡¯s name on the screen.


    Oh¡­it¡¯s the boss.


    Now I understood why Hayden didn¡¯t pick up the call. It must have been his father that was the one calling him before. Since Hayden didn¡¯t pick up, the boss decided to call me instead. Maybe he knew that Hayden and I are together today. I hesitated a little but then decided to answer the call anyways.


    ¡°Hi¡­¡± I said softly into the phone.


    ¡°You¡¯re with Hayden, right? He¡¯s ignoring my calls¡­¡± the boss said, and it wasn¡¯t really a question.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I replied, trying to sound polite.


    I could feel Hayden¡¯s eyes on me, and I suddenly felt nervous. He probably wouldn¡¯t like it that I was talking to the boss.


    ¡°I want you both toe over. Hayden knows where I am. I sent him a message earlier,¡± the bossmanded.


    Before I could say anything else, the line disconnected. He just hung up on me after he had said all that he had to. I looked over at Hayden as I desperately thought of how to break this sudden development to him.


    ¡°So? What did the old man say?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I murmured in hesitation.


    Hayden already knows that I just got off the phone with his father and he was clearly irritated. His tone had gotten impatient and snappy. What a way to ruin a great and peaceful day¡­


    ¡°Does he want us to go over?¡± Hayden asked needlessly.


    Why is he even asking if he knows everything already?


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I replied in short.


    ¡°You should have just ignored his call¡­¡± Hayden said, sounding very annoyed.


    ¡°You know that I can¡¯t do that¡­¡± I muttered.


    ¡°He probably wants to say some stupid things to you again¡­¡± Hayden said followed by a sigh.


    I smiled a little at him. To be honest, talking to the boss was hard and I never looked forward to it. However, the contract ising to an end soon and I had expected that he would call me in for a talk sooner orter. Frankly, I wanted to have an opportunity to thank him too. Entering me into the contract wasn¡¯t really fair but it did lead me to meet Hayden, which was probably more of a good thing than a bad thing¡­


    Apart from that, regardless of the context, the boss did help me a lot financially in paying for my grandmother¡¯s hospital bills and keeping her in one of the best hospitals. If it was just me, I wouldn¡¯t be able to afford anything remotely close to it. I was thankful for his help and the treatment that my grandmother had received.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. I¡¯ll manage¡­¡± I replied before smiling bravely at Hayden.


    He only shook his head at me slightly before he got up from his seat. That was the signal that we were leaving to see the boss now. I quickly ran to grab my bag before following him out of the penthouse. During the ride to the boss¡¯s mansion, I pondered what he wanted to talk to me about while I also thought about how to thank him politely and properly.


    Shortly after, we arrived at the boss¡¯s mansion. The beautiful gardens and the huge building reminded me of the first day that I had arrived here after the men in ck dragged me away from grandmother¡¯s sweet shop. So many things happened from that day onwards and it felt like a lifetime had passed by. That day felt so long ago, and many things have changed including my feeling and perception that I had towards this ce.


    Surprisingly, I felt less scared; however, therge building still intimidated me a little. The garden andndscape were truly beautiful in the daylight. Unlike the first time that I was here, Hayden was by my side this time. I nced up at his face to see him smiling down at me as he held my hand. How the light reflected off his light blond hair and how the shadow darked a portion of his face, made him look like a work of art. He¡¯s a very beautiful man indeed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go so we can quickly get this over with¡­¡± Hayden said before he dragged me after him into therge building.


    This time Hayden was the one leading me to the boss¡¯s room. I walked along the same long hallway to where the boss was waiting for us. The first day that I was here, I felt so nervous and scared that I didn¡¯t remember anything very well. Now that Hayden was with me, I felt quite calm and ready to ept and face whatever waited for us.


    Just like the times before, Hayden didn¡¯t bother knocking on his father¡¯s door before entering. We entered the room abruptly and found the boss sitting on the sofa waiting for us. He turned without surprise as he had been expecting us.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Countdown

    ¡°Wee¡­¡± the boss said in greeting before he smiled at me.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°Why are we here?¡± Hayden asked, cutting to the chase.


    ¡°I wanted to talk to Malissa and you¡¯re just her driver,¡± the boss replied with augh.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    He seemed to be in a good mood today. Hayden didn¡¯t find his joke funny, but I thought that it was a good attempt. We took our seat on the long sofa opposite the boss. Hayden sat next to me.


    ¡°I told you just now that I wanted to talk to Malissa, right? So, why are you still here, Hayden?¡± the boss asked.


    ¡°You want me to leave?¡± Hayden asked in annoyance.


    ¡°Yes. Leave¡­¡± the boss spat.


    The two men stared at each other down. Seriously, these two father and son just never seemed to get along at all. I wondered what these two were like when Hayden¡¯s elder brother was around. Did they get along better as a trio than as a duo?


    Hayden squeezed my hand softly as he looked closely at me. I could see the worry in his blue eyes but I felt quite fine with being left alone with the boss. Actually, there were somethings that I wanted to say to the boss without having Hayden in the room as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­¡± I whispered to him softly before smiling reassuringly at him.


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll be waiting just outside¡­¡± Hayden said before he gave my hand one final encouraging squeeze.


    I watched as Hayden got up and headed for the door. The door opened and Hayden disappeared through it before the door closed again. Satisfied that Hayden was now gone, the boss turned his full attention on me.


    ¡°How have you been?¡± the boss asked, it was the same question as always.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. We¡¯re both doing ok¡­I guess¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°I see. The contract ising to an end soon¡­¡± the boss said.


    I knew that to be true, so I just nodded. I was right, the boss wanted to talk to me because the contract wasing to an end. We only have five days left and not much is going to change between us at this point. Hayden did say that he wanted us to act normal until the contract came to an end. Although that meant that we could continue the way we were, that also meant that he was fine with everythinging to an end.


    He never talked about continuing our rtionship beyond the contract expiry date. Neither did he talk about wanting something more of our rtionship. Now that Ie to think about it, his mind was still unchanged regarding Amelia. Although, I still couldn¡¯t understand that. Now I sort of understood the boss¡¯s frustration at his son¡¯s stubbornness. Maybe if I ask Hayden directly about it, he would tell me why he wanted to marry Amelia so badly.


    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s only five days left¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve been counting down the days¡­¡± the boss said with a little amusedugh.


    Yes, I have but now I got more and more scared as the number slowly decreased. One day soon, the number would drop to zero. I didn¡¯t know what the boss wanted to say but I knew what I wanted to tell him.


    ¡°It might sound out of ce for me to say this but¡­I feel honestly thankful for everything that you¡¯ve done for me and my grandmother. Thank you for covering her medical bills and making sure that she receives nothing but the best treatment and care. I truly appreciate what you¡¯ve done for us,¡± I said, meaning every word.


    ¡°What are you going to do from now on?¡± the boss asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± I wasn¡¯t sure¡­


    Well, I still don¡¯t have a job and no way to pay for her hospital bills if that¡¯s what he¡¯s talking about. That was another issue that I haven¡¯t figured out yet. Perhaps, if her condition is stable enough, I can move her to take care of her at home¡­


    ¡°What do you n to do with your life after this contract expires?¡± the boss asked again.


    Honestly, I¡¯ve been so worried about the contracting to an end that I haven¡¯ thought about what I wanted to do after that. I was probably scared of the changes that woulde with the contract¡¯s expiry¡­especially concerning Hayden¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m honestly not sure yet. I haven¡¯t really put in enough thought into it,¡± I replied honestly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about your grandmother. I¡¯m more than happy to cover for her expenses¡­until she won¡¯t be needing it anymore¡­¡± the boss said as if he could read my mind.


    ¡°Oh¡­thank you. I know it¡¯s strange for me to say this but¡­I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t give you anything in return. I¡¯m not marrying Hayden, and, in the end, I couldn¡¯t do anything to convince him to take over as the next head of Torex. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I said, feeling quite guilty although he was the one who started all of this and not me.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be too sure about that¡­¡± the boss said before chuckling a little.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I said, not quite following what he had just said.


    ¡°You may not realize it yet, but I think precisely because of you, Hayden will take over Torex,¡± the boss said, and his eyes twinkled at me.


    He seemed quite satisfied with the oue and I had a feeling that he knew something that I didn¡¯t. Either that or he simply saw the world very differently from how I saw it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that he would¡­¡± I replied, feeling slightly confused.


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± the boss asked.


    Well, because Hayden told me quite clearly that he didn¡¯t want to¡­


    ¡°He told me that he hates this job¡­¡± I replied as I reflected back on the moment that Hayden had told me that.


    ¡°Is that so? Is that why you didn¡¯t want to convince him to do it?¡± the boss asked knowingly.


    I just nodded silently. That¡¯s right. It just felt wrong to talk Hayden into something that he didn¡¯t want to do. Well, it wasn¡¯t like I thought that I could have convinced him to take over Torex no matter how hard I tried which was why I couldn¡¯t understand what the boss meant about Hayden taking over. Did Hayden have a sudden change of heart?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Guilty

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ve done more than enough. Honesty, you¡¯ve exceeded my expectations,¡± the boss said.


    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t quite follow¡­¡± I said as I looked at the boss questioningly.


    ¡°Are you in love with my son?¡± the boss asked abruptly.


    I remembered that he had asked me this before in our previous conversation. Back then, I had answered him firmly that I wasn¡¯t. However, now it wasn¡¯t as easy to give him a straightforward answer¡­


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± I asked instead of replying.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    The boss¡¯s eyes narrowed at me slightly before he grinned at me.


    ¡°You seen her already, haven¡¯t you? Amelia¡­¡± the boss asked before he let out a sigh.


    ¡°Yes¡­I have¡­¡± I replied.


    The boss seemed deep in thought for a short moment before he spoke up again.


    ¡°That girl¡­she¡¯s not going to make it¡­¡± the boss said emotionlessly.


    For a moment, I felt like the old man in front of me wasn¡¯t heartless. However, he must have suffered greatly at the loss of his eldest son and perhaps from what happened to Amelia as well. Now that I thought about it, I didn¡¯t know what happened to Harvey and Amelia.


    ¡°Hayden said she could wake up¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°He probably also said that the chances are slim¡­¡± the boss interjected.


    ¡°Well, yes¡­he did¡­¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Even if she did wake up, she wouldn¡¯t make it. I would prefer for her to just pass away in her sleep. That would be best for her,¡± the boss said before he closed his eyes briefly.


    He looked quite tired. I wondered if he would tell me what happened if I asked. On the other hand, I wasn¡¯t sure if I should ask. I might be prying too much. Nothing good maye out of knowing either; I¡¯ll just be satisfying my own curiosity. However, there was one thing that I wanted to ask¡­


    ¡°Do you know why Hayden still wants to marry Amelia?¡± I asked.


    ¡°What did he tell you?¡± the boss asked.


    ¡°Well, he told me that Amelia is actually his brother¡¯s fianc¨¦e so¡­I was wondering why he wants to marry her¡­¡± I said hesitantly as I gathered my thoughts together and tried my best to put them into words.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably just guilty. I would be extremely surprised if he¡¯s in love with her¡­it¡¯s just not likely¡­¡± the boss replied, waving my concernpletely away.


    ¡°Guilty? But¡­Hayden didn¡¯t do anything wrong, did he?¡± I asked, not quite understanding.


    ¡°Frankly, I don¡¯t think Hayden did anything wrong either. No one thinks that it¡¯s Hayden¡¯s fault but¡­he probably still mes himself for everything after all this time,¡± the boss said, and he sounded very regretful.


    Hayden feels guilty¡­


    ¡®Same as always. I told him that¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­¡¯


    If I remembered correctly, that was what Hayden said after I asked him what he told his brother when he was in front of his brother¡¯s grave. Just what was he sorry for¡­exactly?


    ¡°What happened exactly? Why does Hayden have to feel guilty?¡± I asked seriously.


    For some reason, I felt like if I could just get the answer to these questions, I¡¯ll be able to figure Hayden and perhaps everything out¡­


    The boss looked at me with slightly widened eyes. I bit my tongue, realizing that I have spoken up quite loudly just now.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Oh no¡­there¡¯s nothing to apologize for. I¡¯m just¡­not used to you being so straight forward, but I like it. However, this is something that you should ask Hayden himself¡­¡± the boss said before smiling a little sadly at me.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I mumbled.


    It was clear that the boss wasn¡¯t willing to tell me anything more. If I wanted to find out, I had to ask Hayden. I wonder if he would tell me though¡­


    The boss slowly got up from the sofa, signaling to me that our conversation was over. The conversation stretched out for much longer than I had imagined at first. However, I did get to learn a few new things and I did get to thank him.


    ¡°Thank you¡­for helping out regarding my grandmother,¡± I thanked him again before bowing my head to him.


    ¡°I already told you that I got more than I bargained for¡­¡± the boss replied.


    Is he referring to Hayden taking over Torex as well? Well, if that¡¯s what he wants to believe then¡­


    ¡°Well, I feel better that you seem satisfied¡­I guess¡­¡± I replied a little hesitantly.


    I took my leave and once I was outside the boss¡¯s room, I leaned my back against the door and let out such a loud sigh that it echoed in the empty hallway. It felt a little strange when I thought that this might be thest time that I see the boss.


    ¡°That was a very loud sigh,¡±


    I whirled around and almost bumped into Hayden. When did he get here? Howe I didn¡¯t realize? Was he here all along?


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name as heughed a little at me.


    ¡°How did it go? Not too bad, I hope¡­¡± Hayden asked with slight concern.


    ¡°Oh¡­it was ok. Nothing much¡­¡± I replied vaguely.


    The truth was so much happened in there that it left me confused. One sure thing was that I needed to muster up my courage and find a good opportunity to ask him about what happened to Harvey and Amelia. How I¡¯m supposed to do that is still a mystery to me though.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back, I¡¯m hungry¡­¡± Hayden said as he took my hand into his casually.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I agreed.


    I followed Hayden back to his car. The ride back to the penthouse was peaceful and it gave me a good chance to gather my thoughts together. I understood why the boss wanted me to ask Hayden myself, but it would have been much easier on me if he had just told me. I rolled my eyes as I thought of the boss¡¯s smiling face when he told me that Hayden would take over Torex. That old man is so maniptive. Arghhh!


    ¡°Are you sure that my old man didn¡¯t say anything weird? You¡¯ve been frowning for a while now¡­¡± Hayden asked with his eyes still on the road ahead.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Parting Gift

    ¡°Oh¡­he asked me what I wanted to do with my life, you know, after the contract expires¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°And you said?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°I told him that I haven¡¯t thought about it. In other words, I havepletely no idea¡­¡± I replied, trying to sound carefree.


    ¡°That¡¯s funny but it does sound like you,¡± Hayden said, sounding amused.


    ¡°He did promise to continue paying for my grandmother¡¯s hospital bills though. That was very kind of him. Maybe he¡¯s not such a bad person¡­¡± I said, deep in thought.


    ¡°My father¡¯s not a bad person¡­he just likes to get his way. That¡¯s all,¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°Haha¡­but don¡¯t we all?¡± I said whileughing.


    Seriously, if only I could have my way as well¡­


    ¡­


    After that we drove back to the penthouse. I thought about what the boss said all the way back as I stared absentmindedly at the scenery that past by in front of my eyes outside the car¡¯s window.


    ¡°Are you free when we get back?¡± Hayden asked needlessly.


    Of course, I was free. I had nothing else to do and even if I did, I wouldn¡¯t be able to concentrate on anything else anyways.


    ¡°Yes, I am¡­¡± I replied.


    I wondered what Hayden had in mind. He hasn¡¯t told me anything and at this point, I couldn¡¯t guess and didn¡¯t even want to bother guessing. He was just a wild card.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Come over here¡­¡± Hayden called out to me when we entered the penthouse.


    It was then that I realized that Hayden had walked off somewhere. Following the sound of his voice, I entered another sitting room that was smaller. We¡¯ve never really used this room before simply because there was another andrger sitting room. The penthouse had too many rooms for Hayden and me to upy and use them all.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked as I walked into the room.


    Hayden was busy doing something close to the wall. I looked towards him in confusion as I wondered what he was doing.


    ¡°Come here and take this,¡± Hayden said.


    I went over to where he was standing near the wall before he handed me arge box. Is this a jewelry box? Taking into ount its side, it would probably be more suitable to call it a tray than a box. I took the tray from his hand in slight confusion as I watched his hands and arm reach into the safe that was constructed in the wall and began pulling out more trays.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Your parting gifts,¡± Hayden said like it was supposed to be obvious.


    Instead of getting excited at the word ¡®gifts¡¯ like most girls would, my heart ached like it was about to break at the work ¡®parting¡¯ and how easily it seemed to roll off his tongue.


    Once the safe was empty, I had many trays in my arms and so did Hayden. Together we walked to the coffee table in the middle of the sofa set and ced them on the table. Sitting down on the sofa together with Hayden, I watched the two high piles of jewelry boxes and tray in a mix of amazement and difort.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think¡­¡± I began protesting.


    ¡°Do you remember these?¡± Hayden asked as he opened a box and shoved it in my face.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I replied softly.


    Of course, I remember. These are the blue sapphire jewelry that I wore after he took me to my first ever make-over before he asked me to act as his friend¡¯s fake girlfriend. That seemed like so long ago. I wondered for a bit if they were still friends after what happened. I guess not¡­


    ¡°They look good on you. You should keep it,¡± Hayden said firmly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t possibly ept this¡­¡± I denied firmly.


    ¡°Yes, you can. Would you rather take these or the painting? If you can¡¯t decide, I¡¯ll help you by telling you that the painting is worth so much more¡­¡± Hayden said as he looked at me with serious eyes.


    I just didn¡¯t know what to say. At a loss for words, I just nodded my head slight at him.


    ¡°Good. Now these. Do you remember these?¡± Hayden asked once more as he shoved another jewelry set into my face.


    Yes, I did. This is the emerald set that he bought for me too. I wondered why he was showing this to me as if he wanted to jig my memory. It felt wrong for me to ept something so expensive as a gift. Worst, it was a parting gift.


    ¡°Listen, Hayden¡­I think it¡¯s best if I don¡¯t take these with me. I¡¯m happy that you want to give them to me, but I don¡¯t think I should take them after all,¡± I said.


    ¡°I insist that you take them. They may not have sentimental value to you, but I would feel better if you had them. If you ever need the money, I want you to sell them,¡± Hayden insisted again.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I eximed in shock. I think I must have misheard what he said.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t have money, just sell them,¡± Hayden repeated in iner terms.


    Staring down at the sparkling jewelry in front of me, I couldn¡¯t help but recall our times together and it just hurt deep inside. My chest felt tight, and the back of my eyes and my nose was starting to sting. I¡¯m about to cry and I don¡¯t want Hayden to see it. I tried to stop myself from blinking, fearing that the tears would spill over from my eyes if I blinked.


    ¡°These are some other that I ordered. Some are smaller and suitable for everyday use. I want you to wear them. Jewelry does look good on you. Oh, and if you don¡¯t have money, just sell them. No need to worry or think too much over it,¡± Hayden instructed as his hands opened up the other trays full of jewelry.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll take them before I leave, so please keep it in the safe for now. I¡¯m feeling a little tired, I¡¯ll head to my room now¡­¡± I quickly thanked him and excused myself.


    Everything was starting to get too much for me and my poor little heart to take. I felt sick as a lump formed in my throat. I controlled myself enough to walk casually out of the room. Once I rounded the corner, I began walking faster so that I could quickly get to my bedroom.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 How He Comforts Me

    Once the bedroom door closed behind me, the tears that I had been desperately suppressing flowed freely from my eyes. Warm tears trailed down my cheeks and I didn¡¯t even bother to wipe them away. I felt too tired to even lift my arms. My chest aches and hurts. It was getting harder and harder to breathe. I walked over to my bed and fell down on top of it, burying my face into my pillow.


    No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn¡¯t stop crying. So, I decided to let it all out. I¡¯ve experienced something like this before when Ethan broke up with me so suddenly. However, this just felt a thousand times worst. I knew what this was¡­it was heart break.


    ¡­


    Am I dreaming?


    Yes, I¡¯m probably just dreaming¡­


    I can smell him and his fingertips on my face felt so warm. His touch is so soft and tender like flicks of feathers running down my cheeks and then trailing down the side of my neck. I breathed out and a soft moan escaped my lips. I felt his warm hands caressing my full breasts and I moaned over and over as his hands started kneading and squeezing them over my clothes.


    His hands dipped in between the opening of my clothes as he sought to touch my naked skin directly. I bit my lower lips and moaned when I felt the heat of his hand on the naked and sensitive flesh of my breasts. Ahh¡­it feels so good. My nipples are already so erect and hard as his palm rubbed against them repeatedly.


    ¡°Malissa¡­¡±


    Everything feels so real. Even his voice just now feels so real and so close. I could hear him clearly¡­Hayden¡­This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I bet I¡¯m going crazy with my wanting and yearning for him. Shamelessly, I¡¯m having these dirty dreams of himing to me and pleasuring me with his hands. Even in my sleep, I wanted him to touch and love me. I¡¯m moaning louder now as my body started to writhe and respond to his passionate touch and caresses. It feels so good, I don¡¯t ever want to wake up from this dream. If I don¡¯t ever wake up, will Hayden be with me forever?


    My body throbbed with heat as desire spread over my body. I usually don¡¯t have dirty dreams like this so why am I dreaming like this right now? I felt his hot hands sliding down my body from my chest to my stomach and then my pelvis. My body shivered in delight and anticipation. I couldn¡¯t wait for him to touch me there. My pussy throbbed and ached with need, and I knew that I was already wet and ready for him. I wanted him so much already. Why was he moving so slowly? If this is my dream, can I speed him up?


    I want to feel his massive cock inside of me now. No matter how hard I tried to change things, his hands still moved very slowly down my body. I cried out loudly as his hands finally cupped the mound in between my legs. Slowly his hand slid into my clothes until his fingers touched my hot wetness directly.


    ¡°Ahhh! Hayden¡­¡± I cried out his name loudly.


    My eyes shot wide open. I felt very confused and disorientated at first as my eyes took time to adjust to the darkness of my bedroom. There was enough lighting in from the light outside the building, but it was clearly quite dark already outside, how long did I sleep for?


    ¡°Why were you crying, Malissa?¡±


    ¡°Hay¡­den?¡± I said his name in disbelief as I cocked my head to the side.


    Blinking rapidly, I could make out the shape of Hayden¡¯s body and his face close to me. Now that my eyes have adjusted, I realized that it wasn¡¯t that dark. There was enough light for me to make out everything. How long had he been there?


    ¡°It¡¯s me. Why were you crying?¡± Hayden asked again.


    He knew that I was crying? Was I crying in my sleep? That¡¯s not possible¡­


    Did he see me cry before this? Oh¡­he probably saw my tear-stained face.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± I said. He wouldn¡¯t believe me if I told him that I didn¡¯t cry.


    Wait, what about my dream just now?


    ¡°Wait! Did you¡­touch me?¡± I asked, sounding quite embarrassed.


    ¡°Yup. You got pretty wet already¡­¡± Hayden admitted with a teasing smile before he lifted his hand to show me the evidence in the form of my own wetness on his fingers.


    ¡°Why did youe in here?¡± I asked in a panic as I tried to hide my embarrassment.


    I didn¡¯t dream that, but he was here teasing me all along?


    ¡°Tofort you, I guess. You didn¡¯t look so well when you left so I gave you some time to rest and came to visit you. You seemed like you neededforting, so¡­¡± Hayden replied with a smile.


    So, he did that¡­tofort me?


    ¡°Was I wrong? You looked like you were having a good time and couldn¡¯t wait for more,¡± Hayden said, sounding serious.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡­¡± I stammered, not knowing how to respond.


    ¡°Shall we continue?¡± Hayden asked, whispering close to my ear before he stuck out his tongue and licked my earlobe with the tip of his tongue.


    That sent a shiver running through my entire body. My ears are ultra-sensitive, and he knows it so well.


    ¡°Y¡­Yes¡­Ahhhh¡­¡± I replied before moaning erotically.


    Hayden¡¯s teasing words and actions were turning me on, and I could feel my pussy getting wetter and wetter as time went by. My insides felt hot as my need burned up deep inside of my core.


    ¡°Before that, tell me¡­why were you crying? Did I do something to upset you?¡± Hayden asked with genuine concern.


    Of course, I¡¯m crying because in a few days the contract will expire, and I won¡¯t ever get to see him again. Then out of nowhere, he starts showering me with farewell gifts that I could sell whenever I was faced with financial difficulties in the future? What the hell is that all about?


    Shit. Just thinking about it is giving me a massive headache and I felt like I was ready to cry some more.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 All I Want

    Of course, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to voice my honest thoughts out loud especially when it seemed like Hayden was not at all bothered by the impending end of our contract.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­really¡­¡± I replied softly before putting on my best smile.


    Hayden stared directly into my face for a little while before he sighed and decided to let the matter drop. I let out a breath of relief that I no longer had to talk about it.


    ¡°Come¡­I¡¯llfort you,¡± Hayden said as he got into my bed next to me and wrapped his strong arms around me.


    His body felt warm, and I loved his familiar smell. I breathed deeply in his scent as I pressed my body closer along the length of his hard and firm torso. Our eyes met and immediately, we started kissing each other hungrily. I moaned into our hot and wet kiss as his tongue plunged deep into my mouth and began grinding against my tongue.


    I sucked in a rapid breath as his hands began fondling my breasts. Desperately, I began reaching underneath his shirt to feel the firm muscles of his stomach. I ran my hand along his firm muscles before inching upwards towards his chest. Hayden¡¯s hands felt like they were everywhere on my body as he began touching my sensitive spots.


    He broke our kiss and I was left panting. There was no doubt that we wanted each other, and I couldn¡¯t wait to get more of him. Our hands were on each other¡¯s clothes as we quickly and desperately started stripping the other. Hayden carefullyid me down onto the bed after discarding our clothes on the floor next to the bed. We were bothpletely naked as Iid down on my back and he got on top of me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­please¡­¡± I pleaded for him to hurry up.


    My inner core throbbed with need, and I knew from the size and hardness of Hayden¡¯s arousal that he was more than ready to prate me. I spread my legs invitingly as I thrusted my hips wantonly up a little off the bed.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting very slutty today¡­not that I mind¡­¡± Hayden whispered seductively to me.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    His hands were on my thighs as he helped spread my legs further apart and lifted them up so that he could move even closer to me. I moaned seductively in anticipation of his thrust.


    ¡°Ah!! Hayden¡­Ahhh!¡± I cried out loudly.


    Hayden entered me in one sharp and very powerful plunge, thrusting his entire length into my eager hole. Our hips began moving in rhythm as he both sought pleasure from each other. He pounded into me faster and deeper with each thrust and I cried out at the pleasure. His heat pierced through me, and I clutched at his back, running my hands up and down his back to feel the movement of his back muscles as they flexed.


    Oh¡­his cock feels so hot inside of me¡­


    Hayden¡¯s not wearing a condom again¡­and I didn¡¯t seem to mind at all. Was it a safe day? Probably¡­


    Ahhh¡­he¡¯s doing me raw again¡­and it feels so different¡­so good!


    ¡°It¡¯s so hot inside you¡­feels good¡­¡± Hayden groaned.


    His body moved above me faster as he continued to m his massive and thick rod into my pussy over and over again. Dirty wet noises filled my bedroom as his cock plunged into my wetness. My pussy got even wetter as I squirted more of my love honey onto his cock. I could feel my own wetness sliding down my ass crack from my pussy as his cock exited my pussy hole before he rammed it back inside.


    ¡°So good¡­so deep. More¡­give me more¡­¡± I begged shamelessly for Hayden to do me harder.


    I wanted more of him and if this might be ourst night together then I wanted to enjoy our time together. I wanted to love him, and I wanted to feel loved. Even if this might not mean anything to him, I didn¡¯t mind. In that moment, I was satisfied to feel his cock inside of me and his body in my arms as we became one.


    Hayden fucked me harder and faster as he groaned louder than before. I looked up at his enraptured face. His erotic face was also so beautiful, and I wished that I could watch him all day and all night long for the rest of my life. His cock pounded deeply against my womb with each of his animalistic thrusts and I felt like I was about to climax. Suddenly Hayden groaned and withdrew his cock from my hole¡­


    ¡°Your pussy feels too damn good¡­I almost came inside of you¡­¡± Hayden said while panting.


    I was panting hard too but I wanted to feel more of him. My desire seemed endless, and my body continued to burn and yearn for him. Thankfully, Hayden didn¡¯t stop there. His hands grabbed the sides of my hips before he told me to flip onto my stomach.


    His hands lifted my hips towards him after I had turned over onto my stomach. I moaned and whimpered as I lifted my hips up higher for him, thrusting my ass and pussy backwards towards him. My body clearly remembers the joy of Hayden taking me roughly from behind. I closed my eyes and braced my body for the impact of his forceful entry.


    ¡°Good girl¡­¡± Hayden said as he positioned his cock at my wet entrance.


    ¡°Ohh.. Ahhh! Yes! So¡­good¡­¡± I moaned loudly before crying out as the sensation of his thick cock entering me all the way.


    Hayden grabbed my ass firmly before he began pumping his cock roughly into my cunt from behind. He thrusted into me skillfully from various angles, making sure to hit deeply against my pleasure spots. I cried out with each thrust like I was going mad. His cock stirred up my love juices and I felt like I was going to melt when we finished. He fucked me hard as his hips pped against my backside. The thick head of his cock hit me deep inside and it felt so terribly pleasurable from this angle. I thrusted my hips backward against his cock, sucking him deeper into me as my pussy clenched tightly around the thickness of his shaft.


    ¡°I¡¯m cumming! Ahhh¡­Hayden¡­¡± I cried out loudly as my mind went nk.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Hunting

    4 days left. You¡¯re kidding me, right?


    Someone please sell me a spell to stop time, I thought beforeughing at the ridiculousness of my own stupid idea.


    I woke up feeling disorientated. I¡¯ve never hated the arrival of a new day quite like this before. Looking around me, I found out that I was alone and there were no signs of Hayden. He must have left already by the looks of it. I wondered where he went. He didn¡¯t tell me anything¡­


    Now that I think about it, I probably fell asleepst night right after reaching my climax. My hands quickly went to the wet mess in between my legs. My pussy feels sticky. I touched the wetness in between my legs with my fingers. From the looks and smell of it, I guess Hayden didn¡¯t cum inside of me. My bed smells so much of him though. I should wash the bedding¡­


    Before that I should take a quick shower. Even before that I should check my phone. Sleepily, I reached for my phone and found out that I made the best decision ever. There was a message from Hayden! Wow! How rare¡­


    I quickly clicked on it and the text message appeared on the screen of my phone.


    ¡®I¡¯m out now but I¡¯ll be back around 4PM. See you,¡¯


    It was a little disappointing that Hayden had to go out, but it also presented the perfect opportunity now that he was away. Since he had obviously thought about and had prepared parting gifts for me, I thought that I should at least get him something in return. This was the perfect chance to go out and get him something.


    With that in mind, I quickly showered got dressed and headed out of the house. The men in ck were there to follow me around. I wondered if I would miss having them buzzing around me after the contract was over. It was a strange and funny thought.


    The men in ck were helpful as a driver as always. I had them drive me to a department store. The normal and middle-ss one, not the super ssy and expensive one that Hayden took me to before. Since I¡¯m nning to buy him a gift, I was prepared to pay for it out from my own pocket. Not that I had anything much saved up.


    The men in ck followed me silently, trying to keep their distance to give me some space. They probably knew that their days of guarding me wereing to an end soon. Perhaps they were looking forward to returning to their regr jobs, whatever that was really like. I wandered from shop to shop as I browsed aimlessly.


    After wasting about an hour without making any progress on narrowing down my choice of items, I paused to gather my thoughts. Seriously, just what am I looking for exactly? That was when it hit me that I had no idea what I wanted to buy for Hayden. I didn¡¯t know what I should get for him. I didn¡¯t know what he would like. The biggest problem was that he seemed to have everything and nothing that I could buy with the money that I had seemed good enough for him.


    He would probably see this as cheap and inferior, I thought as I looked down at the fountain pen in my hand. I gave the shop assistant a shy smile as I returned the pen back to her and headed out of the store. That wasn¡¯t it either.


    What about some clothes? Then again, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen Hayden wear anything this sloppy. All his clothes seemed specially tailored or belonged to some leading and expensive brand. Seriously,pletely out of my budget.


    I looked down at my phone and saw that it was almost noon. Seriously, did time just go by that fast? I wasted a few hours and didn¡¯t buy anything for him. I closed my eyes and sighed in frustration. Time was running out and Hayden would be back in a few hours.


    Looking around the mall, I honestly didn¡¯t think that I could pick out something for him even if I spent a few more hours walking around aimlessly. I felt so stupid, if Hayden didn¡¯te to shop here then that was probably because there was nothing here that he wanted or was good enough for him. It wasn¡¯t like I had enough money to splurge on buying something for him in the other more expensive malls.


    That only left me with one option¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the penthouse. Sorry for dragging you guys around with me¡­¡± I said softly to the men in ck.


    As always, they just nodded in acknowledgement and didn¡¯t bother to reply.


    ¡­


    My mind was busy thinking about what I could achieve in the short few hours that I had left before Hayden got back. There was no guarantee that I would have alone time like this again before the contract came to an end. That meant that leaving things unfinished and up to chance was not an option. Whatever I start, I must finish before Hayden gets back.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    My hands fidgeted on myp as my brain went to work on solving the problem at hand. I could probably paint something with watercolor that was simple so that it had enough time to dry. From Hayden¡¯srge purchase, I definitely had all the materials and colors that I needed. However, I didn¡¯t know what to paint and it just seemed too ordinary.


    Great, another issue just came up. I had no idea what I wanted to draw or paint. However, it was clear that I should make him something. If I couldn¡¯t please him with anything that had mary value, then I had to go with something that had sentimental value. It wasn¡¯t like I was sure that Hayden would think that there is sentimental value in my artwork, but it was the only shot that I had.


    Rushing through the door of the penthouse, I immediately headed to my bedroom. Although I almost tripped over my own feet in my hurry, I managed to make it back to my bedroom. If I could get my hands on some paper, a pencil, or a paintbrush, maybe some wild idea might flicker into my head.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Our Time is Running Out

    Ok done!


    I put the pencil that I had in my hand down and whipped my head around to look at the clock on the wall.


    3:50PM


    I made it!


    Hayden is not back and the artwork which was supposed to be a gift for him ispleted.


    I looked down at the result of my sweat and tears and I couldn¡¯t help smiling. Staring at this sketch on paper made me blush a little. I guess I wasn¡¯t sure if Hayden would like or appreciate it but¡­I loved it!


    Wiping a little sweat off my brows, I stood up and headed to the bathroom. I need to wash my face and touch up my make up a little. Hayden should be back soon. As I felt the water on my face, I started thinking of what I should say to him when I give him his gift. Why am I feeling so nervous? It wasn¡¯t like I was presenting some valentines chocte to my secret crush or anything. Malissa, wake up!


    ¡°Malissa¡­are you home?¡± I heard Hayden¡¯s voice calling for me.


    Of course, I¡¯m home!


    ¡°Yes!¡± I yelled back as I ran out from the bathroom.


    He¡¯s perfectly on time, I thought as my eyes nced at the time on the clock.


    Do I give him the gift now? Is that how it works? Do I just hand it to him¡­or what?Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Why do you look so flustered? You, ok?¡± he asked me with a mix of curiosity and concern.


    I had run out of my room to see him, and I guessed that I must have looked quite flustered. The sketch was still in my bedroom. Should I give it to him now?


    ¡°Yes¡­yes¡­I¡¯m ok,¡± I replied.


    He continued staring at me like he wasn¡¯t quite convinced of what I had just told him.


    ¡°Are you¡­hiding something?¡± he asked.


    How does he know? Seriously¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s written all over your face¡­¡± Hayden said followed with a lightugh.


    Great. He even answered my unasked question. Now this is getting scary¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­really¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°Really?¡± Hayden asked, sounding unconvinced.


    ¡°Ok. You¡¯re right, there is something¡­that I want to give to you¡­¡± I said with hesitation as my eye darted around the room just so that I didn¡¯t have to look directly at him.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± Hayden said, sounding a little confused yet curious.


    ¡°Wait here¡­¡± I said as I gestured to the sofa for him to sit.


    I urged him to sit down before I turned and almost ran to my bedroom to grab the drawing. Better give it to him before I lose the nerve! After grabbing the drawing, I quickly headed back to where Hayden was waiting. I approached him and literally shoved the artwork in his face.


    ¡°This is for you!¡± I announced a little too loudly. Why am I feeling so nervous and on edge?


    Hayden slowly took the paper from my hand, and I held my breath as he stared at my drawing.


    ¡°Do I look like this?¡± Hayden said after a while of staring at the drawing.


    ¡°I guess. You don¡¯t think it looks like you?¡± I asked, feeling unsure of how to react to hisment


    I don¡¯t know why I felt so uneasy about this. Truthfully, I knew that I did a decently good job. Actually, I did an excellent job of sketching Hayden from his bust to his face and to the very top of his hair. He looks like a dashingly handsome angel in the sketch and that was what I thought he looked like. I could be biased but I honestly saw nothing wrong with the sketch.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Hayden mumbled; his eyes still fixated on my drawing of him.


    ¡°Anyways, this is my gift to you¡­you know, since you got me many gifts¡­¡± I said before smiling at him.


    ¡°Thank you, Malissa. This is a wonderful present. I¡¯ll make sure to treasure it,¡± Hayden said with a very gentle voice before he smiled charmingly at me.


    My heart skipped more than a beat when faced with that smile and for a short while, I couldn¡¯te up with any words to say to him. Hayden¡¯s blue eyes smiled at me and then he stood up and thew his arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name as I started to get very emotional about all this.


    I hugged him back as I focused all the attention that I had to remember the feel of his arms around me and all the feelings that I was feeling in this very moment. When Ipleted the sketch, I had no idea how Hayden would react to receiving a sketch of himself as a gift, but I truly did not imagine that he would appreciate it this much.


    The one thing that I realized for certain this time while I was sketching a picture of Hayden was that I was truly, helplessly, and hopelessly in love with him. I hugged him tighter to me as I felt tears sting my eyes.


    Nothing could ever change the fate of our rtionship. After all, when tomorrowes, we¡¯ll have only three days left together.


    ¡­


    The next two days past by in a blur. It was a true struggle for me to act like everything was normal between us. For the first time since he made that request, I felt that the request waspletely selfish, and I was paying a painful price for mindlessly agreeing to it.


    Hayden actedpletely normal and even carved out extra time for us to spend the remaining few days that we had together. Weughed; we did things that normal couples would do. Hayden enjoyed himself and I focused on surviving all the bittersweet moments.


    Not once did he suggest that we had a future together after the contract expired. Even worst, because he wanted to act normal until the very end, he acted like there was no such thing as the contract and its binding expiry date. However, the fact that he no longer spoke of things beyond the horizon of these few days made me realize that there was no future for us beyond this timeline.


    Being the stupid coward that I was, I yed my role perfectly until the very end. I didn¡¯t have enough courage to tell him how I honestly felt because I knew that it would just make things awkward between us without leading to any change. For some reason, I just watched as time slipped by as I waited for the end to arrive.


    Unlike my time with Ethan, I didn¡¯t get down on my knees and begged him to stay. I didn¡¯t cry my eyes out in front of him to garner his sympathy.


    Perhaps it was because deep down inside I knew that none of that would have worked with someone like Hayden.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Final Day

    Finally, the final day of the contract arrived. The 30th day of the contract. Since I was looking forward to spending another ¡®normal day¡¯ with Hayden, I was certainly shocked to find that he was nowhere in sight when I woke up.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I called his name loudly.


    I ran from room to room trying to find him even though I already knew that he was no longer in the penthouse. Did he go out? Will hee backter?


    After gathering my wits again, I began acting a little more rationally. First, I should check my phone to see if he called or left a message. Nope. There was no such thing. Now I was very worried. Auntie was also no where in sight. Is she on sick leave again today¡­of all days?


    Suddenly, I was beginning to panic. I paced back towards my bedroom and that was when I realized that I didn¡¯t check his bedroom. Why didn¡¯t I do that? What is wrong with me?


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I called as I walked along the hallway towards his bedroom.


    His name died on my tongue when his bedroom door came into view. I found it difficult to swallow my saliva and my lips suddenly felt very dry. I blinked rapidly, not wanting to ept what I was seeing. There were white and red tape taped all over his bedroom door. The tape said, ¡®No Entry¡¯.


    Is he really¡­gone?


    Suddenly, my hands were shaking like crazy, and I had started reaching into the pocket of my pants for my phone. I fumbled around with the phone in my hand as I tried to find his contact to call him. My breath came in short bursts, and it felt like I was about to have a panic attack. Who knows¡­maybe I was already going through one.


    My phone fell to the floor when I couldn¡¯t control my hands properly and it just slipped from my hand. The crashing sound of the phone hitting the floor brought me back to my senses. What am I doing? I asked myself this question for the millionth time this month. Just what am I doing?


    It¡¯s thest day of the contract. Last night we had a romantic dinner together and that was sort of like our farewell party. Although we didn¡¯t end up having any hot sex during the night toplete the loop. No, that¡¯s not the point. The point was, I should have known that this was bound to happen. It didn¡¯t matter if he disappeared this morning,ter today or tomorrow. Sooner orter, Hayden would be gone.


    Here I am trying to call him. What would I have said if he picked up the phone?


    Ask him where he was and when he was going toe back?Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    I shook my head madly from side to side to clear my head before I bent down and picked my phone off the floor. Thankfully, I haven¡¯t called him.


    Malissa, get a grip.


    To top it all off, the doorbell started ringing. I turned around and face the door in a panic. Who could it be? I wasn¡¯t in the mood to receive any guests right now and I had no idea who it was. I marched furiously towards the door and without checking who was in front of the door, I pulled the door wide open in one swift and forceful motion.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked the small team of people who were standing in front of the door.


    They were a team of five people and I called them a team because they were wearing the same shirt. Two were women and three were men. Not that any of that mattered.


    ¡°Umm¡­sorry to disturb you miss, but we¡¯ve been hired in to help pack and clear away the stuff in this room¡­¡± one of the men said.


    ¡°Excuse me? What?¡± I said, not quite grasping what the man had just said.


    They¡¯re movers? Right? They¡¯re here to pack everything.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve been trying to exin. We were hired to pack away everything. You know like the furniture and stuff¡­¡± the man tried to exin again.


    I understood what he was saying but what I didn¡¯t understand was why is this happening so suddenly? Hayden didn¡¯t tell me anything about this.


    ¡°I see. Pleasee in¡­¡± I said in a dazed as I stepped aside to let them into the penthouse.


    The team entered and started looking around as they figured how to divide and conquer the work at hand.


    ¡°Sorry¡­I¡¯ll pack my own stuff. You know, all stuff in this bedroom here. Please don¡¯t touch it, I¡¯ll clear it out myself. Thank you¡­¡± I said as I gesture to my bedroom door.


    ¡°Sure, Miss. Noted,¡± the man said.


    I watched as the team went about with their work. Not able to take any of this anymore, I decided to hide away in my bedroom until I could pick myself up and figure out my next move. By this point, I was quite certain that Hayden wouldn¡¯t being back to this ce anymore.


    A thought urred to me, and I headed to the small sitting room. Great. He really just left them here. I looked down at therge trays of jewelry. This is just so ridiculous. I grabbed them and started carrying them to my bedroom. After three roundtrips, I managed to transport all the jewelry back safely to my bedroom. Now I have to figure out what to do with them. Is there a way for me to send them back to Hayden?


    I looked around my bedroom and sighed loudly. It¡¯s only been a month but so much stuff had piled up over this short period of time. Thankfully, I didn¡¯t have a lot of new clothes. I could pack them all away easily if I just focused. The movers had moving boxes that I could use to pack my stuff, that was a relief. The bigger concern was all the art supplies that Hayden had bought for me. There were a bunch of them and it would be a waste to just leave them here.


    It would just go to waste so I might as well use it to create some art, right?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Remaining Connection

    I never thought that I would spend thest day of the contract packing my things away and clearing thing out from the penthouse. I had always imagined that I would spend thest day with Hayden. Clearly, that was not to be.


    Byte in the afternoon, I had managed to pack all my stuff and with the mover¡¯s help, I started on my journey back home. Not having a ce to stay in the city and no money to rent out a ce, I decided to simply go back home. Truthfully, I really missed that ce. I left the penthouse keycard on the dining table before leaving and closing the door firmly behind me.


    In the end, he didn¡¯t even say goodbye¡­


    He¡¯s such a coward¡­This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡­


    I arrived back home in the countrysidete at night with my life packed up in many boxes. In the end, I had to haul back the expensive jewelry that Hayden left as well. I¡¯ll figure out a way to deal with themter.


    It¡¯s only been a month since I left this ce buting back here feels a little strange. To my surprise, the mess that the men in ck had made of the ce on the day that they took my grandmother and me away was all fixed up. Actually, the ce looked restored. The faded paint seemed to have been painted over with new paint. Broken windows and sses fixed. The smashed-up furniture had been either fixed or reced. The ce was decently clean as well.


    I smiled a little to myself. At least, the mafia cleaned up after their own mess. I hated how they smashed up the ce but right now I was thankful that they mended everything because that meant that I didn¡¯t have toe home to a mess. That also meant that I could start settling in without having to clean upte in the night.


    After pushing the boxes into the house, I locked the door and that was when the reality of what was going on truly hit me. Hayden is gone and I won¡¯t get to see him ever again. I sat down onto the floor, pulled my knees up and hugged them. I curled up into a ball and just started crying my eyes out.


    This is the worst.


    Why did things have to end this way between us? The pain tore at me from the inside out. I cried so much that I could hardly breathe. I¡¯m going to look like a huge mess tomorrow, but I didn¡¯t care. Right now, I just needed to let it all out.


    Once I used to believe that I would return to my normal and happy life when the contract was over. I looked forward to this day when I would get my freedom back. Now that the day was here, I felt more devastated than I had ever felt before in my life. I felt so lost. It was like I had lost a very important part of myself.


    How can all thise to an end when we haven¡¯t even really started?


    I didn¡¯t remember much of what happened that night. There was a very high probability that I cried so much that I just fell asleep in the middle of it all. The next morning, I woke up on the floor where I had been sitting and crying the night before. I didn¡¯t dare look in the mirror because I didn¡¯t want to see my swollen eyes, lips and face. My face ached and I knew without needing to look that it was swollen badly.


    A new day had arrived but my grief from yesterday still felt fresh in my heart and mind. I nced down at my phone and was disappointed that there were no messages or calls from Hayden. But then again, what was I hoping for exactly? There¡¯s no way that he would ever contact me ever again.


    I wanted to call him but whenever I reached out for my phone, my hand would shrink back. That was when I realized that I was scared. I was scared that I wouldn¡¯t be able to reach him on that number anymore. If I didn¡¯t call, then I could always believe that I still had a way to reach him¡­


    When in reality, I probably didn¡¯t¡­not anymore¡­


    I wondered what he was doing. I wondered if he thought of me. I wondered if he had moved on with his life like normal.


    I wondered so much that I stopped wondering¡­


    ¡­


    The next few days flew by in a messy blur. My head felt light and hazy all the time and I was doing things randomly to pass the time. I hated being alone because when I was alone or if I had nothing to do, my mind would wander straight back to Hayden.


    I visited my grandmother every day and I spent most of my time with her in her hospital room. My grandmother probably knew that something was wrong, but she didn¡¯t ask me about it. Being in my grandmother¡¯s room always felt bittersweet. I could still see it and I could still smell it¡­the flower bouquet that Hayden got the florist downstairs to deliver to my grandmother¡¯s hospital room every day. Although our contract was over, the flowers didn¡¯t stoping. Just like clockwork, a new bouquet was delivered to my grandmother¡¯s room every morning.


    I would take the flower from the florist who delivered it and arrange it in a vase on the windowsill for my grandmother. Sadly, that was the only connection I had left with Hayden. It was the only thing that made me feel that we were still connected.


    A week went by like this and unsurprisingly, I never got a call or a message from Hayden. As time went by, I was starting to believe that perhaps I had dreamt about everything that had happened. Perhaps it was all just in my mind all along. Whenever I had that thought, my eyes would fall on the bouquet of flowers and suddenly everything felt real once more.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Must Move On

    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to get a job¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°A job? Sounds good¡­¡± my grandmother spoke up with interest.


    That was when I realized that I must have spoken my thoughts out loud. Seeing my grandmother¡¯s reaction convinced me that it was probably the right course of action for me right now. If Hayden had moved on already, then I should do the same as well. I can¡¯t wallow in here all my life after all.


    ¡°I should start seriously job hunting¡­¡± I said with a smile.


    ¡°What job are there for art students?¡± my grandmother asked.


    ¡°Well, I still have some university projects so I guess all I can do is some parttime work,¡± I said.


    Good question. I haven¡¯t graduated yet either and I wasn¡¯t famous or anything like that. If I relied on just selling my painting, I probably wouldn¡¯t be able to make ends meet. Plus, I didn¡¯t feel motivated or in the mood to create any good artwork right now.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure actually but I¡¯ll try looking¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    ¡°Good luck, Lisa. You can do it!¡± my grandmother said encouragingly.


    It always felt great to have at least one person cheering you on. A smile touched my lips and I started to feel like life hadn¡¯tpletely lost its color.


    ¡°By the way, I moved back home¡­you know, because the contract is over so I¡¯m free now,¡± I told my grandmother.


    It had been over for a while now, but I just hadn¡¯t brought it up to her. Now that I¡¯vees to terms with it somewhat, I felt like I should tell her that I¡¯ve moved out from the penthouse that I was living in with Hayden.


    ¡°Oh¡­isn¡¯t it far for you to travel here then?¡± my grandmother asked.


    It was indeed quite far but since I didn¡¯t have much to do right now, I didn¡¯t mind burning hours during transportation. Actually, the ride here and back felt quite peaceful for me, and it served as a good time for me to think a little about my future and what I wanted to do with my life.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any money right now so maybe I¡¯ll start looking for a cheap apartment around here when I get a job¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°I have some money saved up. You can use it. I would prefer if you were close by. Why don¡¯t you go and look for a ce?¡± my grandmother quickly suggested.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I had no idea that she had money saved up. Even if she did, I was sure that it wasn¡¯t a whole lot. What she said made sense though. Due to her current condition, it might be better if I lived nearby instead of a few hours away.


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll take you up on that. Of course, I¡¯ll definitely pay you back when I get my paycheck!¡± I said with determination.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry so much about that¡­¡± my grandmother said followed by a softugh.


    ¡­


    I busied myself during the following few days finding a cheap apartment. At the budget that I had in mind, there wasn¡¯t a lot of options so picking a ce out didn¡¯t take that long. After signing a short-term contract, I moved into a small apartment that wasn¡¯t too far away from the hospital.


    Moving into a new ce made me feel like I had started moving on with my life. Perhaps, this was the right direction for me after all. I would bepletely lying if I said that I didn¡¯t miss Hayden like crazy. However, instead of daydreaming and thinking about him all the time like the first week of being apart, I only thought of him when I was free. Some time though, he would randomly pop into my head, and I would experience an intense flow of emotion that would make my chest feel very tight.


    Sometime at night when I was all alone in my tiny apartment, I would look out of the window and stare up at the sky while I thought about Hayden and how he was doing. I guess in the end there were many mysteries that I never unraveled about him. Sadly, those mysteries will probably remain mysteries forever for me now. There was no way that I could discover any truth behind them now.


    I was still hopeless when it came to job hunting though. Finding a parttime job when you¡¯re only an art student was really hard. Instead of waiting tables, I wanted a job that had something to do with art so that it would help my career progress as well. That was the part that made it difficult. I knew that I was being picky about it, but I just couldn¡¯t give it up.


    ¡°What about the exhibition? Are you up for it?¡± Jenny asked through the phone.


    Until she brought it up, I had honestly forgotten about it. At first, I didn¡¯t want to do it and had decided against it. However, now I was experiencing a change of heart.


    ¡®Do you think that I should join the exhibition?¡¯ I asked as I nced over at Hayden


    ¡®I think you should,¡¯ he replied, sounding very certain.


    I recalled Hayden¡¯s reply when I asked him if I should join the exhibition. I guess, I might as well give it a shot. After all, I had a lot of art supplies that a certain someone had bought for me. Might as well put that to good use.


    ¡°Yes, I am. Let¡¯s do it!¡± I said enthusiastically.


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s great. Let¡¯s do it! We¡¯ll make it a sess. Leave choosing the venue to the professor and me,¡± Jenny said happily.


    We talked for a bit about random stuff before she hung up. Iy in bed that night thinking that I had made good progress in life. The exhibition was in three months, so I still had plenty of time to decide what I wanted to put on disy and then of course, I had to work on producing them.


    That night for the first time in a long while, I went to sleep with a smile on my lips. I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed from a night of undisturbed sleep. For some reason, I had a feeling that something good was going to happen today.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 First Step Forward

    ¡°Excuse me. Are you open?¡± I asked softly as I poked my head in the door.


    ¡°Oh yes, how can I help you?¡± a middle-aged woman replied politely.


    ¡°Umm¡­this ce just recently opened, right? I saw the sign outside that you¡¯re looking for art teachers¡­¡± I said hesitantly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re a new art school for kids that just opened in this area. We have other branches, but this is our newest branch,¡± the kind-lookingdy replied.


    ¡°Are you still looking for art teachers?¡± I asked, not daring to get my hopes up.


    ¡°Of course. Are you interested?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, I am. You see, I¡¯m an art student in my final year and I¡¯m looking for a parttime job,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Do you have any teaching experience or experience working with kids?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Umm¡­not really. I¡¯ve taught some of my juniors before but that¡¯s about it,¡± I replied honestly.


    ¡°I see. Well, that¡¯s not really a problem. If you can drop by to drop your resume here with your portfolio, then I can process your application for you. Would that work?¡± thedy offered.


    ¡°Of course. I live around here so I¡¯ll make sure to drop it off here tomorrow. Is that, ok?¡± I asked before smiling at her.


    ¡°Yup. Thank you!¡± she replied enthusiastically.


    ¡°Thank you very much. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow then,¡± I thanked her leaving.


    Taking some risk paid off very well today. I haven¡¯tnded a job yet but for the first time I had found a job opportunity that fit with what I was looking for. A part time job that was rted to art. On top of that, I would get to teach children. It should be a lot of fun. This should help energize me and keep my mind off Hayden too.


    I realized that I haven¡¯t asked her for the pay but that didn¡¯t worry me much because I wasn¡¯t looking to make loads of money or anything like that. Later that evening aftering back from visiting my grandmother, I started updating my resume andpiling an updated version of my portfolio. Unless they¡¯re looking for someone super advanced, my portfolio should be sufficient tond me the job. However, myck of experience in teaching and dealing with small kids might get in the way.


    ¡­


    The next morning, I headed over to the newly opened art school to drop off my resume and portfolio. Since I was too focused and excited about inquiring about the job yesterday, I didn¡¯t have time to appreciate just how colorful the school was. Whoever designed and decorated it had a good sense of artistic style. The bright colors mixed with attractive cartoon characters would surely attract the attention of children. It was quite early in the morning and the school was quiet.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± I said when I pushed opened the door and entered.


    A momentter, the same woman that I met yesterday came out from the back to greet me. She smiled at me, and I was sure that she recognized me immediately.


    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m here to submit my resume and portfolio for consideration,¡± I said as I handed her the documents.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Thank you. You¡¯re here so early. Would you mind if I take a look?¡± the woman asked.


    ¡°Not at all, please take a look,¡± I said before smiling at her.


    The woman turned the pages of my portfolio as her eyes scanned the pictures inside of my artworks. I¡¯ve made sure to include work using various techniques to my favorite works. The main idea was to show that I had the skill in various techniques and can use many tools and medium to produce art.


    ¡°Wow. You¡¯re a very aplished art student. I can tell from your work that you love art a lot,¡± she said as she admired photos of my work.


    ¡°I do¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    ¡°Why do you want to teach here? Do you think you¡¯ll like working with the kids?¡± she asked.


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve never taught art to kids before. However, I¡¯ve taught art to high school students and some university students, and I did enjoy the experience of grooming them and watching how their talents blossomed. It¡¯s always interesting to see how the students develop their own style or their own take on art,¡± I said, reflecting on how I felt when I¡¯ve taught students in the past.


    ¡°I see. Interesting. Here¡¯s some details about the job and the rate that we pay. If you¡¯re still interested, can you please fill in the application form and sign at the dotted line at the very bottom?¡± the woman instructed.


    ¡°Of course. Thank you very much,¡± I said as I took the papers from her.


    Surprisingly the rate that the school offered was quite high. With this rate, I can cover the rent for my room with ease and have enough money left to get by. Paying back grandma shouldn¡¯t be too hard at this rate. Then I can go back and focus on graduating and the exhibition as well.


    After filling up the application form, I thanked thedy and headed off. ording to her someone will be in touch to arrange for an interview. Things were looking up for me and I headed to the hospital with a spring in my steps.


    A few dayster, I had my job interview at the school and was immediately offered a job as a teacher there. I would be in charge of the water painting ss as a start. The ss had around ten students right now, but the school was expecting more students to join in. After signing the job contract, I headed to the hospital to let my grandmother know immediately.


    ¡°I got a job!¡± I announced proudly when I arrived at my grandmother¡¯s hospital room.


    ¡°Wow! Really? Congrattions, Lisa!¡± my grandmother cried out in excitement.


    I bent down and hugged her to me. That was when I realized that she had gotten thinner. Her body felt so small and frail in my arms that I was scared of breaking her with my hug. Carefully, I loosened my arms from around her body and smiled at her instead.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 The Exhibition

    **Three monthster**


    After three months of working hard on various fronts and trying to get my new life under control, the day of the exhibition finally arrived. Throughout the past three months I¡¯ve been keeping myself busy by juggling my parttime teaching job, my university project, prepping for the art exhibition and spending time visiting my grandmother in the hospital.


    I woke up extra early today to ensure that I had enough time to do anyst-minute preparation for the exhibition. After all the hard work that I put in, I was sure that I did my best and now all I had to do was pray for the best. I got up from bed, showered and put on a nice burgundy dress that I had saved up to purchase so that I could wear it to the exhibition. It wasn¡¯t rare for artists to get somemission ornd jobs at their own exhibition, so I had to dress up for that.


    I put on my dress and applied some light make up before checking my reflection in the mirror. Guess this will do for the day. ncing a little to the side of my dressing table, my eyes focused on the photos that I took together with Hayden that day that we went to the amusement park together. We looked so happy together and it made my heart ache a little at the memory. It all seemed like a lifetime ago.


    I still miss you¡­


    By this time, I had alreadye to terms with the fact that I probably won¡¯t ever see Hayden again. He¡¯s no longer a part of my life and I wasn¡¯t a part of his either. Just like how we lived in different worlds before we met, we have now returned to our own worlds. Never will our paths ever cross again.


    I no longer cried my eyes outte at night whenever I look at the photos that we took together at the amusement part that day. Everything about him, the times that we spent together and the memories that we created together had all be precious memories in my mind that I would treasure. I look back at them with a smile while I felt thankful that once I got to share a part of my life with him, no matter how short our time together was.


    Snapping out of my thoughts, I grabbed my bag and hurried to the door. I put in the effort to wake up early, so I can¡¯t bete. Now isn¡¯t the time to daydream. After arriving super early at the exhibition, walked around with Jenny checking that everything was in ce.


    ¡°I think everything is ok. Sorry, Jenny, I need to go now. I need to pick my grandmother up from the hospital,¡± I said, sounding apologetic.


    ¡°So, the doctors allowed her toe?¡± Jenny asked in surprise.


    ¡°Yes. They finally did. It¡¯s amazing, at first, I couldn¡¯t believe it. However, she can¡¯t be out for long, so I was thinking of bringing her here before the exhibition starts,¡± I exined quickly.


    ¡°Wow. Sounds like a n. You go ahead. I¡¯ll do another round just to be safe,¡± Jenny said before smiling encouragingly at me.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Thanks, Jenny,¡± I said before smiling at her.


    ¡­


    A week before this I told my grandmother about the exhibition again and she got very stubborn about wanting toe and see it in person. Although I told her that I could take photos to show herter or that we could do a video call while I was there, she had turned down all the options that I suggested. She was adamant abouting to see it in person.


    ¡°It¡¯s like your graduation project. How can I miss it?¡± she said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not entirely up to me, you know? We need permission from the doctor,¡± I reminded her.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get permission,¡± she said like it was no big deal.


    ¡°We can try¡­¡± I said followed by a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll convince them. I feel so fit. There¡¯s no reason for them to keep me from going,¡± my grandmother said firmly.


    ¡°If you say so¡­¡± I replied.


    To my surprise, somehow, my grandmother managed to convince her doctor to let her go out for a short while on the day of my exhibition. However, I wasn¡¯t allowed to bring her out without a nurse, and she had to be in her wheelchair the whole time. Those two conditions did not hold my grandmother back and now here she is with me and the nurse at the exhibition hall.


    ¡°Wow! This ce is huge. Congrattions, Lisa, you¡¯re like an established artist now,¡± my grandmother said as her eyes took in therge hall.


    ¡°Not really¡­but thanks, grandma,¡± I replied, feeling a little shy at herpliment.


    I showed her around as the nurse slowly pushed her wheelchair along. The theme of my exhibition was ¡®precious memories¡¯ and itbined various paintings in both water and oil colors that reflected precious memories from various phases of my life. Of course, the key painting that I wanted to show my grandmother is the painting of her that I had finallypleted for both my university project before and had added more finishing touches to make it exhibition ready.


    ¡°This is the star of this whole exhibition,¡± I proudly dered as I waved my warms to bring her attention to the painting that I painted of her.


    ¡°Wow. It¡¯s changed from thest time that I saw it. It looks¡­prettier¡­brighter? I¡¯m not sure but it definitely looks much better than before,¡± my grandmother said as her eyes sparkled.


    I watched her smiling face as she stared up at the painting disyed on the white wall. She was right, the painting was brighter now because of some new colors that I added to it to make her standout more from the background.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I love it, Malissa. You¡¯re so talented. I¡¯m so happy that I came to see your exhibition. I¡¯m so proud of you¡­¡± my grandmother said before her voiced cracked a little and she started to sob silently.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Unexpected Visitor

    Her tears also brought tears to my own eyes. I felt so proud that I could make her feel proud of me. It was the right decision to bring her here after all. I showed her the other paintings in my collection before the nurse reminded us that she should already head back. The hospital had booked an ambnce to drive her back along with the nurse. I went to send her off. There were tears swimming in my eyes as I waved my hand to send her off.


    Dabbing slightly at my tears, I returned to the exhibition. It was around opening time now and we needed to be there to man the show. The exhibition was open to the public, so in addition to the students from art universities, we were also expecting many art enthusiasts and critiques to turn up. This was the first day of the exhibition and if I remembered correctly a couple of art groups from a few universities will be visiting today as part of their coursework.


    ¡°So many people are here. I should have worn t shoes. These heels are killing me already¡­¡± Jennyined with a pained look on her face.


    ¡°I have a bandage. Want one?¡± I offered.


    ¡°You do? You¡¯re such a lifesaver¡­seriously¡­¡± Jenny said, and I quickly handed her a bandage that I had in my bag.


    We split and took turns to take the visiting ss around to our various exhibition. Jenny¡¯s theme was rainbow and basically everything colorful and bright. It was very like her. The theme was a smart choice because she used it to showcase her various techniques from 2D to 3D works in sculptures. I had to admit that she was very talented.


    While I was wrapping up one of my little tours of guiding a group of art students around, one of the staff quickly approached me. I could see that she was slightly flustered and seemed to be in a rush.


    ¡°Malissa, there¡¯s someone asking to see you,¡± the staff informed.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± I asked curiously as my heart skipped a beat.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t give his name. He said that you¡¯ll know. He¡¯s a pretty hot guy¡­I must say. Is he your boyfriend?¡± the staff said excitedly.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± I asked, getting straight to the point.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably standing in front of the painting of your grandmother. You know, the one that¡¯s your centerpiece. He mentioned that he really likes it,¡± the woman said as she looked like she was recalling what the man had said.


    I didn¡¯t listen to her finish what she wanted to say. My feet had already started moving and before I knew it, I was sprinting towards where that painting was. I always told myself that I was doing this exhibition for the sake of my future career and that I was doing it all for myself. However, the way my heart was pounding loudly in my chest right now told me that I had been at least partially lying to myself all this time.


    I remembered what Hayden had said when I asked him about the exhibition. Whether I wanted to admit it to myself or not, I probably decided to participate in this event because he wanted me to. Moreover, I probably thought deep down that this was the only way that we may be reunited. If I joined this exhibition, Hayden mighte to see me.


    I can¡¯t believe that he¡¯s really here and after many months, I¡¯m about to meet him face-to-face again. My legs brought me closer and closer to where he was waiting for me as my brain worked hard to figure out what I should say to him when I meet him.


    By the time that I arrived where I wanted and needed to be, I was panting hard, and many people were staring at me. Rightfully so, it wasn¡¯t normal for anyone to be running in an art exhibition hall. I knew that but I just couldn¡¯t stop myself. I just wanted to see Hayden as soon as possible¡­


    I was standing in front of the painting where the man was waiting for me ording to the staff; however, when I looked up¡­


    ¡°Sorry that I¡¯m not the man you¡¯re looking forward to see¡­¡±


    The very hot and handsome man said but he wasn¡¯t Hayden.


    ¡°¡­Ethan,¡± I whispered in shock as my eyes widened in disbelief.


    Why is Ethan here?


    My initial excitement and gleeful happiness of getting to see Hayden quickly evaporated and in its ce was a sense of slight fear. The smile that I had melted from my lips as my mouth hung open in shock. Once again, it was like my past had caught up to me. I haven¡¯t seen or heard from Ethan since that incident at the g on the cruise. So, why is he here now? What does he want from me?


    ¡°How have you been doing?¡± Ethan asked before smiling sweetly down at me.


    My lips felt dry, and my face and hands suddenly felt very numb. I didn¡¯t know what to say to him. For some reason, I felt very scared of Ethan. Although he had never been cruel to me except for when he suddenly broke things off with me. Before that he was the perfect boyfriend and I loved him so much. He never hurt me, physically or emotionally for all the time that we were together. So why was I so scared of him right now?


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked in a whisper.


    ¡°I heard you were disying your work here. It¡¯s your first proper exhibition so of course, I wanted to see it,¡± he replied casually.


    If that was really the case, then everything should be fine. I watched as Ethan looked around at my works that were on disy, and I couldn¡¯t help thinking if that was honestly his only reason for being here.


    ¡°Thank you foring,¡± I managed to say.


    ¡°This painting of your grandmother looks very good. How is she doing now? I heard that she¡¯s sick¡­¡± Ethan said, his eyes on the painting.


    I wondered where he heard that from but decided not to ask. It wasn¡¯t important anyways.


    ¡°She¡¯s sick and has been hospitalized for a while now. Thanks for asking but you don¡¯t need to worry,¡± I replied.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Desire

    Ethan didn¡¯t say anything, but he turned around to face me directly. I could feel his eyes on my face, and I quickly nced down at the floor, scared to meet his eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to act so formal around me. It freaks me out,¡± Ethan whispered close to my ear.


    Suddenly, he was so close. My body froze as his warm breath tickled my ear. Without knowing how to respond, I just nodded my head slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re free now, right? What about a coffee?¡± Ethan asked casually.


    I opened my mouth to decline his invitation; however, the slightly tight grip of his hand around my wrist told me that I better reconsider my response.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± I said his name as I started to pull my arm away.


    His grip immediately tightened, and I started to feel eyes on us.


    ¡°Come along, Malissa. You don¡¯t want to make a scene here, do you?¡± Ethan whispered softly. His tone as calm as ever.


    ¡°We can just talk here¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s just coffee¡­unless you¡¯re expecting something more¡­¡± Ethan teased as he smiled mischievously at me.


    It didn¡¯t seem like negotiating with him would get me anywhere. I knew Ethan very well and if he hasn¡¯t changed much since then, then he¡¯s not going to take no for an answer. I was always following him around and doing everything exactly like how he wanted me to while we were together. Although Ethan was kind, loving and extremely adorable back then, he was very authoritative.


    ¡°Just coffee,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Just coffee¡­¡± Ethan replied with a pleased smile.


    I sighed loudly as I pulled my hand back and this time, he willingly let it go. Without saying another word, Ethan began leading me out of the exhibition hall. As I followed him, I couldn¡¯t help remembering how we spent our days together back then. Just like those times, Ethan trusted that I would follow him just because he said that I should. He didn¡¯t even turn back to look at me. He just knew that I would follow him.


    If I meet him in a public ce like this popr caf¨¦, then it should be a problem. He can¡¯t do anything to me here so I should be fine. Nervously, I sat opposite him as I watched him sip on his coffee while I haven¡¯t drank any of my lemon tea. How the hell did I end up here with Ethan? This is ridiculously strange¡­


    ¡°Umm¡­you had something that you wanted to talk to me about?¡± I asked softly.


    Since he hasn¡¯t said anything since we sat down, it made me feel even more nervous. I wished that he would just spit it out so that we can get this awkward talk over and done with for good.


    ¡°How are things with Hayden? Did you guys break it off?¡± Ethan asked casually like it was no big deal.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if he had always been this insensitive or he was intentionally asking me this to ram a nail through my already broken heart. Regardless of his intentions, his words cut deep, and it hurt like crazy.


    ¡°I guess so. I haven¡¯t seen or heard from him for around three months now since the contract came to an end¡­¡± I replied as I tried to keep my voice from shaking.


    I wondered why Ethan was asking. Silently, I prayed that he wouldn¡¯t ask for us to get back together again. Getting back with Ethan was just impossible for me now and I doubt that he still felt the same way about me.


    ¡°Is that so¡­¡± Ethan said as he nodded his head slightly.


    ¡°Ethan¡­why are you really here?¡± I asked.


    ¡°To check up on my ex. You know, make sure that she¡¯s doing ok with her new life and all¡­¡± Ethan replied before smiling gently at me.


    ¡°After all this time?¡± I asked, almost snapping at him.


    ¡°Oh¡­are you mad?¡± Ethan said teasingly.


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯m not¡­¡± I muttered slowly.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Ethan put his coffee cup down before he threw his head back andughed so loudly that the other customers in the caf¨¦ turned around to look at us. Ethan really does stand out and sometimes not for the best reasons.


    ¡°Why are youughing¡­?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s funny. I like it when you¡¯re mad and trying to hide it¡­¡± Ethan said, stillughing lightly.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked again.


    Ethan¡¯s green eyes narrowed at my suddenly sharp tone as he stared deeply into my eyes and leaned closer to me across the small table. After a few seconds of silence had passed by between us, Ethan smiled a little and broke eye contact.


    ¡°Why do you think I¡¯m here?¡± he asked instead of replying to my question.


    I hated it when he did this. Ethan wasn¡¯t someone that was easy to talk to. He¡¯s also very tight lipped about things that he doesn¡¯t want to talk about.


    ¡°Listen, I¡¯m not getting back together with you if that¡¯s what you wanted to ask¡­¡± I said with conviction.


    ¡°Who said that that was what I want?¡± Ethan asked with an innocent look on his face.


    ¡°You said it! On the cruise¡­¡± I said in frustration. How dare he make me remind him?


    ¡°Oh, that¡­I¡¯ll tell you about thatter. For now, why don¡¯t youe a little closer¡­¡± Ethan whispered as if he was about to tell me a deep dark secret.


    He¡¯s always been so secretive and back while we were together, I¡¯d always found him to be so alluringly attractive because of it. I sighed before I let him get close enough to me to whisper into my ear.


    ¡°I want to reunite and form a union between Torex and Silva¡­¡± Ethan whispered.


    ¡°¡­what?!¡± I eximed loudly.


    What he had said was so unexpected that I literally jumped up from my seat. I felt the eyes of the people around us on me and I turned to shyly apologize to them before sitting back down on my seat.


    Did I hear that right just now?


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± I whispered back in shock.


    ¡°I said that I want to reunite and form a union between the Torex and the Silva gang,¡± Ethan repeated.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Lingering Feelings

    Wait. Did he just say reunite? Does that mean¡­


    ¡°Torex and Silva were in a partnership before?¡± I asked in wonder.


    ¡°You¡¯re a fast one. That¡¯s right¡­¡± Ethan said before grinning at me.


    ¡°Really? How long ago was that?¡± I asked in wonder.


    From what I could tell now, the two groups were not on good terms at all. I didn¡¯t have to understand mafia politics to figure out why that is. However, if they were in a partnership before then something must have happened¡­


    ¡°When Hayden and I were kids our groups were quite close. Hayden and I go way back. He probably doesn¡¯t want to remember it but, we grew up together. We were childhood friends, I guess you could say¡­¡± Ethan said as if reminiscing on some distant memories before he chuckled to himself.


    I blinked my eyes rapidly a couple of time to clear the image of a small blond boy ying around with a dark-haired boy. The idea of these two guys being childhood friends was just difficult for me to believe andprehend. Although now that I look back at it, Hayden did mention that he knew Ethan and he seemed to know how Ethan spent his childhood.


    Why didn¡¯t I catch onto this before this?


    The thing that I didn¡¯t get was¡­


    ¡°Why¡­are you telling me this?¡± I asked, clearly confused.


    Whatever happened or will happen between the two gang has nothing to do with me now. I was no longer connected to Hayden or the Torex gang anymore and beyond Ethan being my ex-boyfriend, I wasn¡¯t connected to Silva either. This issue has nothing to do with me¡­or so I thought.


    ¡°Maybe because I¡¯m just bored and had a lot of free time on my hands that I coulde all the way here to share an old story with you?¡± Ethan replied sarcastically before he smiled amusedly at me.


    I hated it when he spoke to me like this. It was like he always knew everything, and I was the one who didn¡¯t know anything at all.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening¡­¡± I muttered, not willing to y his little game of chase.


    ¡°Hmm¡­where should I start¡­¡± Ethan said, and I knew that he was teasing me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have all day. If you¡¯re going to waste my time, I¡¯m going back to the exhibition,¡± I said curtly.


    ¡°Then what about I pick you up for dinner when you¡¯re done for the day?¡± Ethan quickly suggested.


    He¡¯s always like this¡­


    ¡°No¡­¡± I replied firmly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten more difficult. Is this because of Hayden, I wonder¡­¡± Ethan before faking a loud sigh.


    ¡°Listen, Ethan. I don¡¯t know why you told me about your little n, but I don¡¯t see how it¡¯s rted to me. I¡¯m not part of the mafia¡­ok?¡± I said, feeling tired all of a sudden.


    ¡°Hahaha¡­you¡¯re the one who doesn¡¯t see or get anything,¡± Ethan said with augh.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing between Hayden and me anymore¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°Oh¡­so there was?¡± Ethan said with his eyes narrowing at me.


    I narrowed my eyes at him in return. My temper was clearly boiling over, and it was taking all I had to control my anger just so that I wouldn¡¯t cause a scene in public. If only this wasn¡¯t my art exhibition¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s got nothing to do with you¡­¡± I said defensively.


    ¡°It has everything to do with me. After all, you¡¯re the key to bringing Torex and Silva together,¡± Ethan said before he smiled at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand a thing that you¡¯re saying¡­¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Look around you. Can¡¯t you see?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said in confusion.


    However, just like Ethan had suggested, I started looking around me. For the life of me, I wasn¡¯t even sure what I was looking for. There were people in the caf¨¦, waitresses walking around to serve the customers. Outside, through the clear ss disy for the caf¨¦, I could see people standing by or walking along. There was nothing suspicious or anything that seemed out of ce at all.


    ¡°They¡¯re buzzing around you like flies,¡± Ethan said before a look of disgust appeared on his face.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°You¡¯re being watched, and you have no clue. Maybe they¡¯re evening listening to our conversation as we speak¡­¡± Ethan said before he shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Who are you referring to?¡± I asked in panic.


    ¡°Who else? That man standing over there leaning on the pir. That man there in the white shirt and ck suit. That man there who¡¯s just sitting there and drinking coffee¡­¡± Ethan said as his eyes nced around the people who he had just mentioned.


    My eyes followed his nce although I couldn¡¯t see why those people were out of the ordinary. Whatever Ethan wanted me to see or understand, I just wasn¡¯t getting it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± I said softly.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Torex gang members¡­I can smell them from miles away¡­¡± Ethan said with a shrug of his shoulders.


    Torex¡­


    Hayden¡¯s men are here?! What does that mean?


    ¡°You look so shocked. Don¡¯t stare at them,¡± Ethan said casually.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± I asked, more confused than before.


    ¡°You said that there is nothing between you and Hayden but I wouldn¡¯t be so sure. Hayden wouldn¡¯t keep a woman under such heavy surveince if she meant nothing to him no matter how many free men he had to spare,¡± Ethan said with certainty.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡°You probably didn¡¯t realize anything, but he¡¯s probably been keeping tabs on you all along. He probably doesn¡¯t want me to get close to you either¡­¡± Ethan exined casually.


    ¡°Then¡­why are you here?¡± I asked sarcastically.


    ¡°Did Hayden tell you about Amelia?¡± Ethan asked abruptly.


    ¡°Yes. I also visited her¡­¡± I replied.


    Ethan nodded seemingly satisfied. I didn¡¯t want to tell him everything that Hayden told me though because I was quite certain that he knew already.


    ¡°Amelia was my fianc¨¦e. We were engaged since she was born. When she was young, she had a lot of healthplications. Her body was frail and because of that she was sent to live abroad where it was warmer and where the air was cleaner,¡± Ethan started exining.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 True Colors

    ¡°I see¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t meet much when we were young and even less so when we grew up. I definitely wasn¡¯t thrilled at the idea of having my life partner decided for me and I bet she felt the same way. We both tried our best not to get involved with each other¡¯s lives and not to get in each other¡¯s way. That was like our silent agreement. Everything was fine, until Hayden turned up¡­¡± Ethan said before his tone darkened.


    ¡°Hayden?¡± I said questioningly.


    ¡°Yeah. Do you want to see Hayden again?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I began saying but then I hesitated.


    I did want to see him again, but I wasn¡¯t sure if I should tell Ethan that.


    ¡°Do you, or don¡¯t you?¡± Ethan asked.


    The way his evil green eyes were looking at me told me that he already knew my answer and he probably had everything figured out already. Ethan would never approach me unless there was something that he wanted. That was just the person that he was. He¡¯s handsome, charming, kind¡­and extremely maniptive.


    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± I asked cautiously.


    ¡°Because in the unlikely case that you do¡­I can make it happen¡­¡± Ethan said as he smiled knowingly at me.


    ¡°What would you want in return?¡± I asked directly as I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him.


    ¡°I want you to seduce Hayden and make him yours. No matter what, you must marry him and be his wife¡­¡± Ethan said decisively.


    ¡°¡­huh? That¡¯s not what you said when we met on the cruise at all,¡± I said in confusion.


    ¡°Did you honestly think that I would want you back?¡± Ethan asked with a smallugh.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t care what he wanted¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s not the issue here¡­¡± I said through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Sorry for giving you false hope, but I just wanted to see Hayden¡¯s reaction,¡± Ethan admitted without sounding guilty.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I wouldn¡¯t go back to you even if I could¡­¡± I said honestly.


    Ethan was silent for a moment, and I started to regret my words. For a moment, I truly believed that I may have hurt his feelings. I may not love him anymore and there were many things about him now that I didn¡¯t quite understand; however, back when we were together, he took care of me well and helped me in a lot of ways.


    ¡°Just for the record, I really loved you and enjoyed the time we had together. I really broke up with you because I didn¡¯t want to get you involved in the mafia. Somethings happened and I had to return to Silva¡­and I decided not to take you with me,¡± Ethan exined and for some reason, I believed him.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± I whispered his name.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok if you don¡¯t believe me but I¡¯m going to say it anyways. When I left you, I honestly didn¡¯t want to get you involved. I never thought that the Torex old man would find you and drag you into this mess. Now it¡¯s toote, you¡¯re so involved, and you can¡¯t get out of this anymore¡­¡± Ethan said regretfully as he shook his head slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what I said¡­¡± I apologized softly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be. So¡­can you do it?¡± Ethan asked as his eyes stared at me.


    I knew that he was referring to me bing Hayden¡¯s wife. That¡¯s just insane¡­


    ¡°Of course, not¡­¡± I replied resolutely.


    ¡°You don¡¯t love him anymore? I didn¡¯t know that your heart would change so fast¡­¡± Ethan said in such a fake regrettable tone that I wanted to smack him.


    ¡°Ethan¡­why are you doing this?¡± I asked suspiciously.


    ¡°I already told you, I just want a partnership between my gang and Torex,¡± Ethan said with determination.


    ¡°What does that have to do with me marrying Hayden?¡± I asked, not following his thoughts.


    ¡°Everything actually¡­don¡¯t you want the two gang to be at peace?¡±¡± Ethan said before he smiled at me.


    I guess I do but I wasn¡¯t sure if I could change anything between them. Hayden also wanted peaceful negotiations but I¡¯m not sure if his view has changed on that.


    ¡°I¡¯m not following. Why can¡¯t you just exin everything to me?¡± I pleaded as my frustration started taking over.


    ¡°Jack Witman,¡± Ethan said abruptly.


    ¡°What? Who is that?¡± I asked.


    Something at the back of my mind told me that I¡¯ve heard that name somewhere before but for the life of me, I just couldn¡¯t remember where or when. Digging through my memories didn¡¯t help either. I just couldn¡¯t recall although I was certain that I¡¯ve heard that name before¡­


    ¡°Ask Hayden. Find Hayden and ask him¡­¡± Ethan instructed.


    ¡°How do I find him? I don¡¯t know where he is. He¡¯s not someone that I can reach anymore¡­¡± I replied, feeling frustrated.


    I didn¡¯t know where he lived. The only ce I knew was where he worked which was Torex¡¯s headquarters but even there it wasn¡¯t like I could casually waltz in and request for a meeting with him.


    ¡°Your little chat here with me just helped you with that,¡± Ethan replied carefreely.


    ¡°How?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Hayden probably isn¡¯t super pleased right now that you¡¯re meeting up with me¡­he¡¯lle to you soon enough¡­¡± Ethan said.


    ¡°If only things were that simple¡­¡± I hissed.


    ¡°Haha¡­you¡¯re right. Hayden¡¯s a mystery, that¡¯s for sure. Well, good luck to you¡± Ethan said before he stood up from his seat.


    It was clear that our little coffee chat was over. I wasn¡¯t sure if I fully understood everything that Ethan had told me or his intentions but if there¡¯s a way for me to get in touch with Hayden and to learn more about the truth, then I would still like to try.


    ¡­


    After Ethan left, I returned to the exibhition. Because of what he said, I was very conscious of the people around me. I wondered if the men from Torex were still following and watching me. They probably were. I had no idea that I was being watched. Have I been watched all this time?


    Hayden, what are you thinking?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Missing Each Other

    When I arrived back at my exhibition, the same staff from before was there as if she was waiting for me. Once she spotted me, she came up to me excitedly and I wondered what she wanted.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a hot artist or maybe you¡¯re such a hot girl,¡± she said teasingly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Just now, another hot guy was here staring at that painting again. Maybe that painting attracts hot guys,¡± she said with augh.


    ¡°What did he look like? Was he tall with light blond hair and blue eyes?¡± I asked rapidly as I put my hand up above my head to indicate Hayden¡¯s height.


    ¡°Yup, I think so¡­¡± she replied as she rubbed her chin in thought.


    ¡°Where is he now?¡± I asked immediately.


    ¡°Too bad you missed him. He left already; he should be out of the building by now¡­¡± she said.


    I didn¡¯t listen to her until the end once again. I knew that it was a long shot, but I decided to run after him. If he was headed to the exit of the building, then he must have gone this way¡­


    At the end, after looking everywhere that I could think of, I couldn¡¯t find Hayden. Deted, I returned to the painting of my grandmother again. It wasn¡¯t surprising that I couldn¡¯t find him. That was simply because he didn¡¯t want to be found. He came all the way to my exhibition, but he decided to avoid mepletely. If Ethan was right and Hayden¡¯s men were watching me then he clearly chose the time when I was away with Ethan toe and see my work.


    Why won¡¯t he see me?


    ¡­


    A few dayster the exhibition came to an end without any further noteworthy incidents. The feedback that I received were positive enough and surprisingly, I had a few job offers for paintingmissions.


    Overall, it was the perfect way to wrap up my university career and open up a door for me to be a professional artist.


    A day after the end of the exhibition, I got an unexpected call from my university professor. I was on my way back from teaching at the art school when my phone rang. Rumbling through the contents of my bag, I finally found my phone and quickly answered the call.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Malissa, your professor here,¡± the professor said in a friendly voice.


    ¡°Oh, hello¡­¡± I replied, unsure of what he wanted.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to sound so worried. I¡¯m calling about some good news. You see, a bid came in for that painting of your grandmother that you disyed as the centerpiece for your exhibition,¡± the professor said.


    ¡°Really? Someone wanted to buy it?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    Of course, I was happy that someone wanted to buy my artwork; however, I had very mixed feeling about selling that painting in particr.


    ¡°Yes. The bid is also outrageously high. Like sky high¡­¡± the professor continued.


    ¡°How much is the offer?¡± I asked, not expecting very much.


    ¡°10 million dors¡­¡± he stated.


    ¡°¡­What?!¡± I eximed so loudly that the passerby on the sidewalk gave me funny looks.


    I nodded my head to signal that I was sorry before I clutched my phone tighter in my hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s the reaction I first had too¡­not that I¡¯m saying that your painting isn¡¯t worth 10 million dors though. It¡¯s art, the value depends on the buyer¡­¡± the professor said, sounding impressed.


    ¡°Do you know who the bidder is?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Unfortunately, the one who submitted the bid is an agency acting on behalf of the bidder and they¡¯re not willing to disclose the identity of the bidder¡­¡± the professor said.


    ¡°I see. Thank you for helping me out,¡± I thanked him.


    ¡°Will you sell it, Malissa?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m not sure. It is a painting of my grandmother and she¡¯s¡­you know¡­¡± I said before trailing off. The professor knew about my grandmother being in the hospital because of her illness.


    ¡°I can understand,¡± he said softly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°No problem. Let me know when you¡¯ve decided so that I can get back to the agency,¡± the professor said understandingly.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Professor,¡± I said.


    ¡°No problem. Have a great day,¡± he said brightly before hanging up.


    I stared at the phone in my hand for a long time after the line had disconnected. My mind was just too busy thinking that I couldn¡¯t concentrate on anything else. I just stood there in a daze in the middle of the sidewalk. Although the professor didn¡¯t know who the bidder was, I think I had a pretty good and urate idea of who it might be.


    Hayden¡­what are you trying to do?


    It wasn¡¯t money that I wanted or needed. Everything that he had given me has been left untouched. I was far from wealthy but with the job that I have, I can scrape by. His father is still paying for my grandmother¡¯s hospital bills and that was more than I could ever ask for. It was then that I made up my mind not to sell the painting. I mean, 10 million dors is just too much. Plus, it wasn¡¯t his money that I wanted¡­


    ¡­


    **A Week Later**


    It¡¯s been raining quite often these days and on days when it didn¡¯t, the sky seemed so gloomy and void of its usual rich blue color. The cloud in the sky looked grey and dirty instead of its usual puffy white. Overall, the weather made me feel very depressed. Looking back on it, perhaps I was already depressed and was ming it illogically on the weather.


    Ever since turning down the offer to buy the painting of my grandmother, I felt more relieved. I had expected Hayden to make some kind of move to get in contact with me, but he didn¡¯t. Roughly a week went by with nothing from him, and I wondered if I was still being watched by his men. Then I realized that I probably was. Lately, Hayden had been on my mind almost all the time and I was finding it hard to concentrate on other things.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Losing

    My work at the art school was going well and the children in my ss were fun to work with. Despite that, the joy of teaching the kid had waned during the past week as my mind shifted back and forth between the reality in front of me and my memories of Hayden.


    ¡°Malissa, do you have a minute?¡± thedy called out to me from behind the reception desk at the art school.


    I had just finished teaching for the day and was packing things up.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said before putting some art supplies back into the cupboard.


    ¡°Your sses have been getting a lot of positive feedback both from the students and their parents. So, I was wondering if you would be open to take on additional sses,¡± she said with a gentle smile.


    ¡°Umm¡­I guess I can¡­¡± I replied.


    I was quite free now and I haven¡¯t found a full-time job so working extra here wouldn¡¯t hurt. I¡¯ll be making more money that way too, so this was the perfect opportunity.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯ll prepare some documents for you tomorrow and you can let me know what you think but we¡¯re thinking of getting you to teach another ss for older students,¡± thedy said with a kind smile.


    ¡°Sure. That would be great. Thank you for the opportunity,¡± I thanked her.


    When the conversation came to a close, I picked up my bag and started heading back to my apartment. Perhaps things aren¡¯t so bad after all. I looked up at the sky and saw that the dark grey rainclouds seemed to have parted and the sun was shining through. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s going to rain anymore today.


    I¡¯ve been having trouble sleepingtely and tonight was no different. Tossing and turning in bed for hours became amon urrence for me. Usually, I would toss and turn in bed before sleep would take over sometimete into the night. It was the same for tonight; however, my phone started vibrating in the middle of the night.


    Reflexively, I reached out my arm for the phone before connecting the call. It¡¯s sote at night, I wonder who it could be¡­


    ¡°Miss Malissa?¡± a woman¡¯s voice spoke through the phone.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Pleasee to hospital immediately. There¡¯s been a sudden change in your grandmother¡¯s condition¡­¡± the woman said urgently.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Is she ok?¡± I asked as I bolted up in bed.


    ¡°Please hurry,¡± the woman replied, and I could tell that the situation was dire.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I replied in a whisper.


    I mumble softly just before the line disconnected. It was a nurse calling from the hospital and from her voice, I knew that things weren¡¯t fine with my grandmother. Her condition must have taken a turn for the worst, and they needed me there immediately. I knew this, but I was too shocked that my body wouldn¡¯t move.


    Grandmother, please be alright¡­


    ¡­


    When I arrived at the hospital, the nurse that had called me was waiting for me in the lobby. I was so scared that I honestly did not remember much of anything of my trip to the hospital. My lips were trembling, and I wasn¡¯t sure if I could speak. One look at me and the nurse just nodded and beckoned for me to follow her.


    ¡°Please follow me, quickly,¡± she said sternly.


    It waste at night and the hospital was quiet. My mind was struggling to keep up with the situation and it felt like I was floating along as I followed the nurse on wobbly legs. After a short walk, we arrived at the ICU.


    ¡°The doctor will be here shortly,¡± the nurse said before she nodded at me and took her leave.


    I stood there in front of the door as I waited for the doctor. In less than a minute the doctor that was in charge of my grandmother¡¯s case appeared through the double doors of the ICU. I turned towards him as I prayed silently for my grandmother to be fine.


    ¡°My grandmother¡­¡± I whispered in a shaky voice.


    Tears stung the back of my eyes and it felt like I could stand crying at any moment now. The doctor had a grim look on his face and that alone told me that everything was far from fine. I gulped as I waited for the doctor to speak.


    ¡°Please go in and spend some time with your grandmother. We can talkter. There isn¡¯t a lot of time left,¡± the doctor said calmly as his hand started pushing the door open for me.


    I was at a loss for words. A part of me just couldn¡¯t believe that this was really happening. My grandmother had been in the hospital for a few months now and I should have been prepared for the worst. However, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn¡¯t prepare myself to handle this. This is all just too sudden.


    Tears welled up in my eyes and with a small nod, I entered the ICU where my grandmother was waiting. Before I entered the room, I wasn¡¯t sure what I was expecting to see. However, the sight of my grandmother sleeping peacefully on the hospital bed seemed too normal. Nothing seemed wrong with her, she was just sleeping there with many machines hooked to her body. I could see that they were monitoring many things, the only thing I could understand based on my limited medical knowledge was her blood pressure and her heart rate.


    There was a chair next to her bedside and I quietly sat down on it. I wasn¡¯t sure what to do. I was scared that I would wake her up and disturbed her rest. She looked tired and the color of her skin didn¡¯t seem healthy. Was this what it looked like when life is slowly slipping away?


    Suddenly, my grandmother started stirring on the bed. Slowly her eyes opened. At first it seemed like she was slightly confused but then her eyes focused on my face, and she smiled a little at me.


    ¡°Grandma¡­¡± I whispered softly as I took her hand into mine.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Last Words

    ¡°Lisa¡­¡± she said, her voice sounding so weak.


    I felt so scared that I started crying, my tears flowing freely down my cheeks. My grandma also had tears in her eyes, and I knew that she probably knew that she didn¡¯t have a lot of time left.


    ¡°Grandma¡­I¡­¡± I began speaking in between my sobs.


    However, my grandmother just shook her head as if she didn¡¯t want me to say anything. I bit my lower lips as I closed my eyes from the pain. More warm tears rolled down my cheeks as a result.


    ¡°Lisa¡­listen to me¡­well¡­¡± she said in a whisper so soft that I had to lean in to hear her speak.


    Unfortunately, I had sense that her next words to me may be herst. I nodded my head and brought my ear closer to hear lips so that I could hear her better.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be happy with Hayden. He¡¯ll¡­take care of you¡­just like¡­when you were young¡­¡± she whispered as her breathing became morebored.


    ¡°What?¡± I said in confusion.


    My grandmother was breathing in fast shallow breaths at this point and all I could do was hold her hand tighter in mine.


    ¡°I love you¡­Lisa¡­¡± she whispered.


    ¡°No¡­doctor¡­doctor!¡± I called for the doctor loudly as my hand reached out to press the button that had the bell symbol on it.


    ¡°I love you¡­grandma¡­someone please help!¡± I wailed loudly.


    The door burst open, and the doctor and a few nurses quickly came into the room. The doctor began checking on my grandma while another nurse gently peeled me away from her side.


    ¡°Please leave for now¡­¡± the nurse said gently as she led me away and out of the room.


    I couldn¡¯t take my eyes away from my grandmother. What if this is thest time that I¡¯m going to get to see her? What if there isn¡¯t a next time?


    My eyes were glued on her as the nurse continued to pull me away. Then the door of the ICU closed in my face, and I was back outside in the cold and lonely corridor that led to this room.


    ¡°Please wait here, the doctor will be here to see you soon,¡± the nurse instructed before she quickly disappeared back inside the ICU.


    ¡­


    I wasn¡¯t sure how long that I¡¯ve been sitting here all alone on this cold bench in front of the ICU. Most probably, not a lot of time had passed by. However, it felt like an eternity has gone by in the span of a few minutes as I waited eager to hear about my grandmother¡¯s condition.


    Finally, the doctor emerged from the ICU room. I stood up from the bench immediately when I saw him. My lips felt dry, and I didn¡¯t dare ask the question that was guing my mine. The doctor must have gone through situations like this enough times already to know what I wanted to know.


    Slowly the doctor shook his head with a regrettable look on his face. That was more than enough for me to understand that I had lost my grandmother forever. She¡¯s gone¡­and she¡¯s noting back.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I whispered softly as the doctor walked past me.


    I bowed my head to him before I trudged back to the bench and slumped down on it in my grief and despair. It was always just the two of us against the world and now it would only be me against the world. I was now truly alone, and the sorrow and loneliness ate at me. The empty and silent corridor felt deste and cold. I pulled my knees up and hugged them as I curled into a ball before crying silently all by myself. Thankfully no one else was around to see me breakdown like this.


    My entire body trembled as my own sobs wrecked my body. It became harder to breath, my chest felt tight, and my head felt like it was going to burst open. How can this be happening? She was just fine. A week ago, she just attended my exhibition.


    Suddenly, the bench shifted, and I felt the presence of someone next to me on the bench. I have to dry my eyes; I didn¡¯t want a stranger to see me like this. It was so unfortunate that someone else was here and needed to use the bench. I could understand, this was the only ce anyone could sit in this corridor.


    Before I could lift my face, I felt my body being pulled to the side and realized that there was an arm around my shoulders. Shocked and surprised at this sudden development, I blinked my eyes rapidly and raised my face.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to pick you up¡­¡± the voice that I had missed and wanted to hear so much said.


    ¡°¡­Hayden,¡± I whispered his name in pure disbelief.


    My eyes widened in shock. In my grief, I must have conjured him up like a mirage in a dream. Hayden is here sitting next to me with his arm draped around my shoulder. How can this be?


    It doesn¡¯t matter if he¡¯s really here or not, I thought as I threw my arms around him and buried my face into his hard chest. He¡¯s so warm and he smells so familiar. I miss him so much. Unable to stop myself, I continued crying as he held me in his arms. I held onto him so tightly like I was hanging on to dear life. The steady sound of his heart beating close to my ear helped to calm me down somewhat and so did the warmth radiating from his body.


    Hayden stroked my hair softly and I knew that he was trying his best tofort me. Although I knew that nothing could bring my grandmother back, being in his arms like this did help to ease some of the pain. At least, it was a thousand-folds better than crying all alone.


    After I had calmed down somewhat, my body stopped trembling in his arms. Hayden continued to stroke my hair softly as I rxed in his embrace. I had cried so much that I ran out of energy. Suddenly, I felt very tired, and my eyes hurt a lot.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Here For Me

    ¡°Hayden¡­are you really here?¡± I asked absentmindedly.


    ¡°If you can ask a silly question like that, I think you¡¯re fine now. I¡¯ll take you back,¡± he replied before loosening his arms from around my body.


    I stared up into his face although I knew that my face must look like a big mess right now with my eyes puffy, my nose red and my lips swollen from crying. However, I still wanted to see his face up close. Hayden stared down my face before he ced arge hand on top of my head and started patting my head.


    ¡°You should go back and rest,¡± Hayden said.


    He stood up and the next thing I knew, I was being carried in his arms. I gasped in surprise before wrapping my arms around his neck. Hayden smiled down a little at me and I started rxing in his arms. I felt so tired and weak, being pampered like this didn¡¯t feel bad at all.


    If this is a dream, I pray that I never wake up. I don¡¯t want Hayden to ever leave my side again. My honest thoughts and my desire for him was so intense that it scared me.


    Hayden drove me back to my apartment in his car. It was only when we arrived at the slightly run-down building that I realized that he hadn¡¯t asked me where I was living. I guessed he knew everything already and I wasn¡¯t that surprised about it. After telling him that I could walk, he offered me his arm for support before supporting me all the way to my room.


    Hayden looked out of ce in my small room, and I found it slightly funny despite my overall depressing mood. I wanted him to stay but I didn¡¯t have the courage to ask outright. The thought of him leaving me all alone scared me senseless.


    ¡°You should rest,¡± Hayden said as he ushered me towards the bed.


    I got in bed with his urging andid down. As he sat down on the floor next to my bed and watched me silently. If prince charming ever visited Cindere in her small room under the roof, this would probably be what it¡¯ll look like, I thought as a small smile curved my lips.


    ¡°Hayden¡­please hold me¡­¡± I whispered.


    Those words escaped my lips before I could process them. I can¡¯t believe that I just said that out loud. Hayden¡¯s eyes widened a little at my forward plead and I reached out to hold his hand in mine. There¡¯s no going back now. I pleaded to him with my eyes for him toe closer. I saw hesitation flicker on his face for a split of a second before he slowly got into bed with me. I smiled and opened my arms to him as he lowered himself down onto the bed next to me.


    In the next moment, I was in his arms with my face buried in his hard chest. He¡¯s so warm and I love how he smells. Everything about the fact that he was here with meforted me and made me feel like everything would be ok. I clutched at this shirt with my hand as I cried softly against his chest, and he stroked my hairfortingly.


    He didn¡¯t say anything, and he didn¡¯t need to. Just having him here with me was more than enough already. I could hear his steady and strong heartbeat and my crying slowly started to cease. My eyes hurt so much, and I knew that I had to stop crying. The pain of losing my grandmother felt so raw and intense that it was hard to control.


    ¡°Thank you¡­for being here with me, Hayden¡­¡± I thanked him.


    ¡°You should get some sleep¡­¡± he said.


    ¡°Will you¡­be here?¡± I asked, hopefully.


    ¡°I will,¡± Hayden replied after a short pause.


    I smiled at him through my tears. It was still hard for me to believe that he was actually here. Who would have thought that it would take my grandmother¡¯s death for him to return to me. I wasn¡¯t sure what exists between us right now, but I was thankful that he came for me. My eyelids felt heavy, and I could feel sleep starting to take over me. However, before that there was something that I had to ask him before I lost this opportunity.


    ¡°Jack Witman¡­¡± I whispered softly.


    At first, I wasn¡¯t sure if Hayden had heard me, but the way his body stiffened and the air around him seemed to change told me that he definitely heard me just now.


    ¡°What did Ethan tell you?¡± Hayden asked, his voice suddenly very stern.


    ¡°He told me that if I wanted to know how I¡¯m rted to everything that¡¯s going on, then I should ask you who Jack Witman is,¡± I replied honestly.


    ¡°That troublemaker¡­¡± Hayden hissed underneath his breath.


    ¡°Who is he? Who is Jack Witman?¡± I asked, unable to hold back my curiosity any longer.


    ¡°Let me ask you this. How important do you think it is to keep a promise?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Huh? What does that have to do with any of this?¡± I asked as confusion took over me.


    ¡°Answer me. How important do you think it is to keep a promise that you¡¯ve made?¡± Hayden repeated his question as his eyes looked down at my face.


    ¡°Quite important, I think,¡± I replied after some thought. I wasn¡¯t sure where this was heading but I was anxious to find out.


    ¡°What would make you break a promise that you¡¯ve made?¡± Hayden asked.


    I snuggled closer to him as I thought about my answer to his question. Why is he asking me these things? Is he looking to break a promise that he made with someone? Who and what promise?


    ¡°I guess it depends on what is best for everyone. Things might change that might make it impossible for you to keep the promise or¡­it might be better to break the promise¡­¡± I replied a little hesitantly.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    It was a hard question to answer especially if you didn¡¯t know the context. Hayden seemed deep in thought at my response. I realized that he hasn¡¯t answered my question and I was wondering if he would.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Decision

    I also had another question up my sleeve. It just popped into my head when I thought of what my grandmother had said. In herst words¡­


    ¡°My grandmother told me before she died that¡­I would be happy with you¡­that you would take care of me¡­just like when I was young. What did she mean by that?¡± I asked as I peered up into his clear blue eyes in wonder.


    ¡°Do you think people should decide for themselves how they should live their lives?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°What is this all of a sudden¡­?¡± I questioned in return.


    ¡°Just answer me. If it were you, what would you do? Would you want to decide for yourself how you¡¯re going to live your life?¡± Hayden asked as he looked directly at me.


    Was that a trick question, I wondered, because to me the answer was so obvious.


    ¡°Of course. I want to decide everything by myself, if possible,¡± I replied without a second thought.


    ¡°What if you get hurt by your own decision?¡± Hayden asked a follow-up question.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡¯ll deal with it and live with it, I guess¡­¡± I replied as I thought about it.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if Hayden was doing this on purpose but these questions that he was asking me was serving as a very good distraction from my grief. By this time, I had stopped cryingpletely. I stared at his angelic face as he smiled at me. It seemed like he had reached some type of answer of his own, one that I was oblivious about.


    ¡°Then choose,¡± he said.


    ¡°Choose what?¡± I asked, not quite understanding what he was saying.


    ¡°Do you want a life with nothing to do with the mafia or everything to do with the mafia? Choose, Malissa,¡± he said before waiting for me to make my decision.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    What is this all of a sudden?


    ¡°What¡­?¡± I replied nkly.


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly like I just asked. Either, you have nothing to do with the mafia or you have everything to do with us. There is no middle path,¡± Hayden exined.


    ¡°What happens if I choose not to have anything to do with the mafia?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°I leave. You won¡¯t see or hear from me again. I will provide you protection until I am sure that no one from the mafia world will approach you ever again. You will live a normal and happy life and I won¡¯t answer any of your questions because it¡¯ll be better for you not to know anything,¡± Hayden replied calmly.


    He¡¯s going to leave? If I choose a normal life, Hayden won¡¯t be a part of it¡­


    ¡°What if I choose the other option?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer all your questions. I¡¯ll willingly break a promise that I made a long time ago and you will live as part of the mafia all your life,¡± Hayden replied smoothly.


    There was only one thing that I wanted to make sure of.


    ¡°Will I get to be with you?¡± I asked a little shyly.


    ¡°That¡¯s up to you¡­¡± Hayden replied as his clear blue eyes held my gaze.


    ¡°Up to me? What about you?¡± I asked, not satisfied with his answer.


    ¡°I won¡¯t answer any of your questions until you¡¯ve decided. You don¡¯t have to decide now. It¡¯s a big decision so just take your time,¡± Hayden said with understanding.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say so I just nodded. My mind and heart were constantly at war and I couldn¡¯te to a decision right away. My mind wanted a normal life away from the mafia. I wanted to live normally under the sun like I had nothing to hide rather than in the underworld. However, that normal life wouldn¡¯t have Hayden in it. I wondered if my heart could survive without him and whether a life without Hayden could be considered a normal and happy life.


    I sighed loudly.


    ¡°You should keep yourself busy. It¡¯s one of the best ways to deal with grief,¡± Hayden suggested as he patted my head firmly a few times.


    ¡°Is that from personal experience?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± he asked, clearly not willing to answer my question.


    ¡°What about heartbreak? What¡¯s the best way to deal with that?¡± I asked as I took his hand and ced it t against my beating heart.


    ¡°I only break other people¡¯s hearts, so I wouldn¡¯t know¡­¡± Hayden replied with a seductive smile before he kissed my forehead and told me to go to sleep.


    ¡­


    When I woke upte the next morning, Hayden was already gone. On the empty space on the bed next to me was a small piece of paper. Picking it up, I could see that it was a veryprehensive list of medicine that was supposed to help keep me fit and healthy. Iughed a little thinking that it would have been great if this was a prescription for heartbreak.


    Iughed a little thinking about the fact that Hayden was actually a doctor. It was funny but I decided to head to the pharmacy to purchase the list of medicine that he had prescribed for me just because I wanted to know what each medication was for.


    Just because it was customary, I held a small funeral for my grandmother. To my surprise, the hospital told me that everything had been arranged and paid for. All I had to do was turn up to the funeral and I found out that they were right. Everything was well arranged including flowers and other decorations. I knew that it was Hayden¡¯s doing without needing to ask.


    Not many people turned up the funeral because we didn¡¯t have any living rtives. Some of my friends turned up and so did my professors from university. I was d that the funeral was simple and wrapped up fast. My grandmother wasid to rest among arge bed of white roses, and I was sure that that would make her happy. I cried for thest time for her and promised her that I would live a happy life for myself just like she wanted me to.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Left Behind

    A few days after wrapping up the funeral, I was moving along smoothly in the process of moving on with my life. It had been almost a week, but I haven¡¯t made up my decision regarding what to do with my life in rtion to the mafia. It was a very difficult decision to make and no matter how hard I thought about it, the answer did not immediatelye to me. Perhaps, I already had an answer in mind, but I was just too scared to admit it even to myself.


    While I was on break from teaching my art ss, I got a phone call from the building manager¡¯s office of the penthouse where I used to live with Hayden. For some reason, I still had the number saved so I knew who the call was from right away. I wondered what they wanted after all this time. It had been many months now since we¡¯ve moved out.


    ¡°Hello. Miss Malissa, sorry for calling out of the blue,¡± a woman¡¯s voice said.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. How can I help you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We were in the middle of clearing up the room as the rent contract had just expired and we think you left something important in the penthouse,¡± the woman exined.


    ¡°Umm¡­I don¡¯t think that I forgot anything¡­¡± I said with confidence.


    I did not forget anything. I definitely checked when I moved out.


    ¡°Well, the penthouse had been closed since you moved out so I¡¯m assuming that it must be yours,¡± thedy said sounding a little confused.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the rent contract expire the day that I moved out?¡± I asked, not quite understanding what she was saying.


    ¡°Not exactly. The contract just expired at the end ofst month. So, although you have moved out, no one has entered the room due to the contract. Of course, rent was being paid in a timely manner,¡± the woman exined politely.


    Ok¡­I didn¡¯t know that¡­


    ¡°Anyways, pleasee over when you¡¯re free to pick it up. Are you freeter today? We need to clear the ce so I would highly appreciate it if you could hurry a bit¡­¡± the woman said.


    ¡°Oh¡­I see. Ok, I¡¯ll go over when I¡¯m done with work for today. Maybe like 6:30PM?¡± I suggested, although I was uncertain about what was going on but I didn¡¯t want to inconvenience the building.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll wait for you. Thank you for your help,¡± thedy said brightly.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I replied softly before hanging up.


    After my ss ended, I headed over to the building where I used to live with Hayden. Staring up at the building brought back many memories. I sucked in a deep breath and walked into the lobby. As promised, thedy was waiting for me in the lobby and together we took the elevator up to the penthouse. Although it¡¯s been months since I¡¯vest been here, it felt so familiar that it might as well have been just yesterday that I was here.


    ¡°What was left here? I¡¯m pretty sure that I didn¡¯t leave anything behind,¡± I said as I followed the woman inside the penthouse.


    The penthouse waspletely empty now with all its furnishing gone. My heart ached a little at the sight of the deste rooms where Hayden and I used to live together. I wasn¡¯t sure what she wanted me to fetch from here because there was nothing here.


    ¡°It¡¯s this way,¡± the woman said as she led me to Hayden¡¯s bedroom.


    If I remember correctly that day when I moved out of this ce, Hayden¡¯s room was taped close. The tape on his bedroom door was gone now. The building¡¯s staff must have removed it to clear out the things from his room. Did he forget to clear out his room? Was that why I was called back here?


    ¡°This isn¡¯t my room. I think you have to contact¡­¡± I began exining before the remaining words that I wanted to say died on my lips.


    Hayden¡¯s room was as empty as the other rooms in the penthouse that I had walked past. All empty except¡­


    ¡°This painting seems to be for you¡­¡± the woman said as he gestured to therge painting hanging on the wall before she smiled at me.


    It can¡¯t be. My eyes widened and my breath caught in my throat at the sight of the 300-million-dor painting still hanging on the wall. Had it been here all this time?Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Maybe Hayden forgot it? You should contact him or whoever rented this penthouse for them toe and collect it,¡± I suggested.


    I watched as the woman picked up a small paper card and handed it to me. Feeling slightly confused, I reached out and took the card from her.


    ¡®Cheer up, Malissa¡¯


    The note written on the card was short, but I could feel his intentions so clearly that it brought tears to my eyes instantly.


    ¡°You¡¯re Malissa, right? So, this must have been left here for you,¡± the woman said with a kind smile.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I whispered as I tried to hide my tears from her.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem. It¡¯s quite big so let me know when you¡¯re avable. We can get it delivered to your new ce,¡± the woman quickly suggested.


    ¡°Ok. Thank you again,¡± I replied as I tried to hold in my tears.


    The woman quietly left as if she wanted to give me some time alone and I highly appreciated her considerate act of kindness. My eyes were blurred by tears, and I quickly wiped them away. Standing in front of the building, I felt that the colors of the painting looked dull and a little depressing today. Although I knew that it was just the result of what I was feeling, it still saddened me to see one of my favorite paintings looking so sad.


    I re-read the note from Hayden again and suddenly the colors of my world seemed brighter then before.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Talking to a Ghost

    Since Ist met Hayden, I haven¡¯t had a good night of sleep at all. At first, I tried the sleeping remedies that I read about online. Everything that didn¡¯t sound too crazy or difficult, I tried. Sadly, none of them worked for me. I would end up spending hours tossing and turning in bed until I got bored and had to get up to walk around the small apartment or sit and stare at the night sky from the balcony. Sometimes I had to read a boring book to help calm my mind.


    Unfortunately, tonight was no different from the previous nights. I knew well by this time that the problem that I was having wasn¡¯t physical but more psychological. To be frank, I was stressed and deeply disturbed by the choice that I had to make. I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted to live my life involved with the mafia; on the other hand, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to let gopletely of Hayden.


    I sighed loudly and before I could think twice, I started dialing a number. I¡¯ve saved this number for a while now thinking that I will probably need it.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Hi. Sorry for calling sote but do you have a car that I can rent right now?¡± I spoke through the phone.


    ¡°Of course. We are open 24 hours so there¡¯s no need to apologize and of course we have many cars avable for rent. Are you looking for something specific?¡± a man¡¯s voice replied.


    Within 20 minutes, the car that I had rented arrived at the bottom of my apartment building. The young man who came to drop off the car at my ce gave me a polite smile before asking me to make the deposit and sign some papers.


    ¡°Where you off to sote at night?¡± the guy asked in wonder.


    I knew that it wasn¡¯t my responsibility to tell him where I was going, and neither was it his business.


    ¡°A graveyard,¡± I replied before handing him the signed documents.


    ¡­


    I¡¯ve only been to this graveyard once before with Hayden and that day it was alsote at night at around this time. That day Hayden couldn¡¯t go to sleep and had asked me to join him on a ride. That somehow led us here to the Torex¡¯s family graveyard. I first thought that the ce was located in such a mysterious location; however, upon looking it up on the map in my phone, the location was publicized publicly just like any other location. It was named simply: Torex cemetery.


    The wind was howling when I finally parked my car at the grassnding and got out. The wind in my hair made me feel slightly better about myself and I didn¡¯t know why. I remembered Hayden parking his car somewhere around here when we came here together and if I was right, if I walk up the hill here then I¡¯ll arrive at the graveyard. Hopefully, the lights would be on again today just like it was on that day.


    Now that I have arrived at the graveyard after a climb that left me quite breathless, I wasn¡¯t fully certain why I hade here. Perhaps it was because I was feeling restless and sleepless. Perhaps it was because I miss and wanted to see Hayden. Perhaps it was because I thought that I would figure something out if I came here.


    I don¡¯t know how I remembered so well but somehow; I was able to navigate my way to Harvey¡¯s tombstone through the rows of other identical tombstones. The shlight from my phone showed me the inscription of his name and that told me that I had finally arrived at my destination. It wasn¡¯t like I expected to see Hayden hanging around here waiting for me to arrive; however, I still felt a slight feeling of disappointment at the fact that I was the only one here. I spent a while deep in thought as I just stared at Harvey¡¯s tombstone.


    ¡°Hi Harvey. Nice to meet you for the second time. Sorry that I didn¡¯t bring you any flowers¡­¡± I said as I crouched down in front of his tombstone.


    I¡¯vee quite far in my life now to reach the point of talking to a tombstone of someone that I didn¡¯t even personally know. Fortunately, no one replied to my monologue. The only sound that I heard was the wind blowing against my ear and face.


    ¡°Harvey¡­what really happened to you and Amelia?¡± I asked before the wind blew my words away.


    I wondered if I asked Hayden again, would he tell me. If I told him that I chose a life with the Mafia just so that I could be with him again, would he tell me everything?


    ¡°Hayden asked me if I want a life to do with the mafia and I¡¯m just not sure. But I also don¡¯t want to lose Hayden. I don¡¯t think that I can be truly happy without him. What should I do?¡±


    The silence andck of response was unnerving. Maybe it would be better if the tombstone could talk and give me some advice. I smiled at my own foolishness as that thought ran through my head.


    ¡°Harvey¡­you¡¯ve forgiven Hayden, right? There¡¯s no way that you¡¯re still mad at your little brother, right?¡± I asked as I continued to stare at his tombstone.


    ¡°You think?¡±


    I heard a man¡¯s voice reply to my question and I jumped up and screamed. Covering my eyes with my hands, I continued to scream. There¡¯s a ghost! Really?!


    Harvey¡­


    ¡°Stop screaming. You¡¯re disturbing the dead¡­¡± the voice said, sounding slightly irritated.


    I shut my mouth at the same time that my hands were pulled away from my eyes. I blinked in shock and confusion at the man standing in front of me. He¡¯s not a ghost, right?


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered half in disbelief and half in relief.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Hayden. Harvey is dead so he¡¯s no longer here,¡± Hayden said with slight annoyance that he had to exin something as obvious as that to me.


    ¡°Why did you creep up on me suddenly like that? I was so scared¡­¡± I whined.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t creep up on you. I¡¯ve been standing here for a while now, but you were too wrapped up in your conversation with my brother¡¯s tombstone that you didn¡¯t realize¡­¡± Hayden said with a shrug.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 You鈥檙e All that I Want

    ¡°When did you get here?¡± I asked.


    In other words, how much did he hear just now?


    ¡°Since the ¡®nice to meet you¡¯ part,¡± Hayden replied before grinning at me.


    Isn¡¯t that like¡­right at the beginning? Great, so he heard everything.


    ¡°Did talking to my dead brother help you make up your mind?¡± Hayden asked and I wasn¡¯t sure if he was being sarcastic or not.


    ¡°Not really¡­¡± I mumbled in reply.


    ¡°Why did youe here?¡± he asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s a really good question actually. I haven¡¯t been sleeping welltely and somehow, I ended up driving here. What about you? Youe here when you can¡¯t sleep, right?¡± I said before smiling at him.


    The atmosphere between us seemed to have settled down peacefully. I wondered if it was the same with Hayden. Was something troubling him again?


    ¡°Something like that,¡± he replied vaguely.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Oh right. The building manager called me to pick up the painting that you left,¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course, she did. I left a note saying that it was for you,¡± Hayden said like it was nothing.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take the painting after all. You should take it back,¡± I insisted.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to. You can keep it,¡± he replied without a care.


    ¡°But it¡¯s like 300 million dors¡­¡± I said, still a little in disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. You can consider it as a bribe if you want,¡± Hayden said before shing me a heart-throbbing smile.


    ¡°A bribe?¡± I inquired as I arched an eyebrow at him.


    Hayden just turned and smiled brightly at me before he startedughing.


    ¡°Maybe if you choose the mafia life, I¡¯ll buy you many more paintings like that,¡± Hayden teased.


    That sounded very tempting but all jokes aside¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t want expensive or rare paintings,¡± I said seriously.


    ¡°Suddenly you¡¯re so hard to please. Tell me, what do you want?¡± Hayden asked as he stood directly in front of me.


    Well, honestly¡­


    ¡°I want¡­you,¡± I whispered before staring up at this clear blue eyes.


    Despite my seriousness, Hayden smiled and startedughing softly as his eyes creased into a smile. He probably doesn¡¯t know how sexy and attractive he looks when his smile reaches his eyes like this.


    ¡°That¡¯s easy,¡± he replied while stillughing.


    In the next instance, his arms were around me and his lips had captured mine in a smoldering hot kiss. I sighed with satisfaction into his kiss as I began to kiss him back eagerly. Feeling his body close to me as his kiss melted me passionately made me realize that I had been yearning for this for too long. I parted my lips invitingly for Hayden¡¯s tongue to enter my mouth.


    I moaned seductively as his tongue grinded against mine. His hand reached out to hold the side of my face as our kiss deepened further. He sucked on my lips, and I whimpered in pleasure as my arms held him tightly to me. I could feel his growing hard erection against my tummy as we continued to kiss. My body heated up as lust swirled in my lower abdomen. My legs started to feel weak as his hand started cupping and fondling my breasts.


    ¡°Hayden¡­ahhh¡­¡± I panted his name and moaned in between our kisses as he changed the angle of our kiss.


    His hands were now squeezing my breasts firmly, twisting them out of shape in hisrge hands. It felts so amazingly pleasurable, and I began kissing him back more intensely than before. His hands quickly slipped underneath my shirt and peeled away the cups of my bra so that he could massage my naked breasts directly. I cried out as the heat of his hands seeped into the soft skin of my tits. His hands expertly pleasured my tits before proceeding to y around with my hardened nipples.


    I was so horny at this point that I couldn¡¯t wait to have him inside of me. My hands started tugging at his clothes, pulling his shirt out of his pants before hastily unbuckling his belt. cing my hand against the hard outlines of his cock through his pants, I looked up hungrily into his eyes. Hayden stared down at me with a heated look of desire as the me of passion burned strongly in his eyes.


    His hands let go of my breasts and began stroking my thighs as I proceeded to unbuckle his belt and unzipping the front of his pants. Hisrge hands slid up my thighs and underneath my skirt until his skillful fingers reached the heat in between my legs. Hayden began stroking my wetness through the thinyer of my panties.


    ¡°You¡¯re very wet, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden said lowly after he sucked in a breath.


    His fingers pulled my panties to the side before I felt his fingers sliding along the slippery wetness of the slit in between my legs. I moaned in ecstasy as my hips moved a little in time with his fingers expertly stroking up and down my pussy opening. To return the favor, I quickly freed his thick and long rod from the constraint of his pants and boxers. His thick and hot cock sprang into my hand as if asking me to pet it lovingly.


    I stroked his love stick up and down with my hands until it began to twitch. His cock felt hot and the more I stroked it, the bigger and longer it grew. Hayden moaned with pleasure as I applied more pressure to his cock. I cried out when his fingers thrusted firmly upwards into my wet love tunnel. My core throbbed with need, and I knew that my pussy was getting wetter.


    ¡°Lift a leg up. I want to fuck you now,¡± Hayden said, and I could hear the urgency in his voice.


    His need matched mine. I couldn¡¯t wait for him to screw his thick cock inside of me either.


    With Hayden¡¯s help, I lifted my left leg up and he ced a hand under my knee to help keep my leg in ce as I hooked my leg around his hip. I panted as I looked up into his erotic and extremely attractive face. I took his cock in my hand and began positioning the thickness of its head at my sopping wet entrance.


    ¡°Ahhh! Ohhh¡­Hayden¡­Yes¡­Ahhh¡­¡± I moaned wildly as I clutched my hand on his shoulders.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 More of Him

    Hayden pushed his cock into me, and I cried out at the feeling of fulfillment of having his cock ploughing into my body. The thick head of his cock stretched my opening and stroked my pussy walls as it entered deeper into my love tunnel. He was filling me up and I felt so satisfied to be joined with him once again. It had been too long.


    For the first time, it was clear to me that I regretted all the time that we¡¯ve wasted by being apart. I wanted him so much that I felt like I could never get enough of him and the feel of his cock beating into me, fast and hard. Hayden¡¯s other hand supported my buttocks as he thrusted his hips against me, ramming his cock in and out of my hole. His thickness stretched me as his length filled me. We grinded our hips together as we mated wildly. My pussy clenched around his thickness as I tried to suck him even deeper into my love hole.


    Hayden groaned close to my ear while he started moving faster. Our passionate moans and the lewd wet sounds of his sex stirring up my love juices were the only sound in the deserted graveyard that night. I never dreamt that I would let him do me in a ce like this, but my body just couldn¡¯t wait anymore. Even now that he was pumping his massive cock wildly into me, I felt like it wasn¡¯t enough. I wanted more of him.


    ¡°I love you, Hayden! I love you¡­Ahhhh!¡± I cried out in abandon as I wrapped my arms around his neck.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Confessions of my love for him escaped my lips as I hung onto him desperately. My hips thrusted against him as I continued to enjoy the feel of his cock stirring me up deep inside. I bit my lower lips and moaned crazily. It was insane for me to confess to him like this, but I just couldn¡¯t hold my feelings in any longer. I love him¡­so much¡­


    ¡°I know you do,¡± Hayden whispered seductively into my ear.


    ¡°I¡¯m cumming¡­Hayden¡­¡± I said desperately before I felt myself drowning in my own orgasm.


    The way he was groaning loudly and thrusting faster than before, told me that he was nearing his climax. I clenched my pussy around his shaft tightly, leading him faster towards his release. I knew that Hayden wasn¡¯t wearing a condom, but I wanted to feel him shoot his hot load into me and fill up my womb with his seed. I wanted him to make me hispletely.


    ¡°It¡¯s a safe day¡­cum inside of me¡­Hayden¡­¡± I told him, my voiceing out sweetly like a plead.


    ¡°Malissa!¡± Hayden cried out my name before growling like a wild animal close to my ear.


    His cock rammed deeply into me onest time before he spurted his hot seed into me. His warmth shot into me as his release filled me up and flooded my love tunnel. I called his name softly as I stroked his soft hair. It felt so satisfying and blissful, I have never experienced anything like it before.


    ¡­


    Hayden drove us back to my apartment in the car that I rented after he told me that he would send someone to pick up his carter. The ride back to the apartment was torturously long and slightly awkward for both of us. The main reason being that it was clear to us both that what we just did at the graveyard wasn¡¯t enough to satisfy our desire for each other. I wanted more of him, and he wanted more of me.


    Hayden would kiss me and touch me where it felt good every chance that he got including but not limited to all the red lights where we had to stop. I moaned and rocked my hips up and down as his fingers stirred up the wetness inside of my pussy hole. Hayden drove with one hand while he pleasured me with his other hand.


    With his urging, Iid on hisp and started sucking on his cock. My mouth sucked hard on the tip of his cock, making Hayden moan from pleasure. I lowered my head and his length slid into the depths of my mouth. Bobbing my head up and down his cock, I continued licking and sucking on his love stick. The smell and taste of his precum filled my mouth and it turned me on even more than before.


    I couldn¡¯t wait for us to arrive back at my ce so that we could continue where we left off. It was going to be a wild night ahead of us, but I had to say that I was looking forward to every moment of it. It was nothing short of a miracle that we made it to the bed before he took me again. I was more than turned on and ready to take him inside of me by the time that he pushed me down onto my bed and got on top of me.


    He spread my legs wide apart and quickly positioned himself in between them. I held my legs spread wide as I waited eagerly for him to thrust his thick dick into me. It wasn¡¯t long before my wish was granted. Without bothering to undress, Hayden positioned his gigantic cock at my entrance before thrusting it firmly into my hot and wet depths.


    My hips thrusted upward sharply to take him in more deeply. Hayden buried himself to the hilt in one forceful thrust that left me reeling from the impact. He began moving his hips immediately, thrusting in and out of my pussy as he rode me. It was getting intense so fast that I had to hold onto his back. In my frenzy, I dug my nail into his back while I screamed his name over and over again.


    He fucked me so hard that the bed creaked with each movement of his hard thrust. It felt like he was going to break me, but I didn¡¯t mind. My mind was hazy from the pleasure as I got lost in Hayden and the love that he was giving to me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Before I Decide

    His cock stirred my wetness as it rammed repeatedly against my womb and the pleasure spots deep inside of my hole. I moaned and panted as I began wrapping my legs around his hips. His hands slipped underneath my buttocks before he lifted my hips off the bed so that he could pound deeper and harder into my cunt.


    It wasn¡¯t long before I came again, crying out his name at my release. Hayden seemed like he hasn¡¯t had enough and proceeded to flip me onto my stomach before he entered me once again from behind. I lifted my hips as his thick shaft began pounding into me from a different angle than before. It felt different and very amazing. His movements were aggressive and wild like an animal¡¯s as he mated with me. His hands moved to fondle my tits while his cock rammed in and out of me like he couldn¡¯t bear to stop.


    I came once again, and it felt like I was going to ck out from the intensity of my own orgasm. Hayden was sweating so much that his sweat was dripping onto my back. I knew that he was close to cumming. It wasn¡¯t long after that Hayden came inside of me for the second time that night.


    ¡­


    I woke up the next morning with a clear hangover from sex. My mind and entire body suffered from the aftereffects of the long and intense love making session that we had the night before. The sunlight shining in through the window was merciless against my sensitive eyes. Turning around to my side, I saw Hayden sleeping peacefully next to me. A smile curved my lips slightly as I watched his sleeping face. As always, his light blond eyshes were long and very pretty.


    Unable to resist my urges, I slowly reached out a hand and began stroking his hair softly. I prayed silently that he wouldn¡¯t wake up as my fingers ran through his soft silky blond hair. After a short while, Hayden stirred a little and I froze and held my breath. Thankfully, he didn¡¯t wake up and after waiting a while, I began stroking his hair again.


    As I watched his sleeping face with the feel of his soft hair slipping through the cracks between my fingers, my mind began to wonder if I could enjoy moments like this with Hayden if I chose to live my life as part of the mafia. If that was so, it must be a very bright and beautiful life filled with happiness and hope. I couldn¡¯t stop smiling as I continued to watch him sleeping next to my side. The morning light shining in made Hayden look more like an angel than ever before.


    Suddenly, Hayden¡¯sshes began to flutter slightly as his eyes started to open. Finally, Hayden had emerged from his peaceful slumber. Our faces were so close, and I watched intently as his captivating blue eyes opened. His eyes focused on me immediately and his lips curved into an enchanting smile.


    ¡°Morning, Malissa¡­¡± Hayden whispered sleepily.


    It was such a simple greeting, but it brought so much joy and warmth to me.


    ¡°Good morning, Hayden,¡± I said as I stroked his hair a little.


    His eyes nced upwards as if trying to see my hand in his hair before he looked at me again and chuckled like a child.


    ¡°Do you like my hair?¡± he asked simply.


    ¡°Yes, I do¡­¡± I admitted truthfully.


    He just smiled and nodded in acknowledgement but didn¡¯t say anything more on that topic. Since it seemed like he didn¡¯t mind, I continued stroking his hair softly. The repeated feel of his soft hair running through my fingers was making me feel sleeping.


    ¡°Have you decided?¡± Hayden spoke up softly.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    I knew immediately what he was referring to. It was probably time that I gave him my answer. He probably thought that he had already given me enough time and probably wasn¡¯t willing to wait any longer for me to make up my mind. It wasn¡¯t like I needed any more time either.


    ¡°Yes, I have¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°Let me hear it,¡± Hayden said as he shifted his body to face me.


    I could feel his eyes on my face, and it made me suddenly feel very conscious of the fact that we were both naked and in bed together. Now that the moment had arrived for me to tell him my decision, I felt the weight of my decision and my words crush down on my shoulders. It reminded me that my life was about to change depending on what I decided, and it would probably be a permanent change that could not be reverted. I bit my lower lips firmly as I hesitated.


    Suddenly, I was pushed onto my back. I felt my back starting to sink slightly into the mattress of the bed. My eyes widened in slightly surprise as Hayden got on top of me. I could feel the weight of his body on top of mine along with his body heat.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name in my surprise.


    Without replying to me, Hayden leaned in closer, and I watched his handsome face approach mine before I slowly closed my eyes. My lips readily epted his gentle and tender kiss. However, that kiss quickly transformed into a very hot and demanding one as his lips crushed against mine forcibly. His tongue sought entry into my mouth as it slipped between my slightly parted lips and began tasting me.


    I moaned into his kiss by reflex as his hands started stroking the curves of my body starting from my breasts before proceeding down to my waist and then the side of my hips. His mouth continued to tease and pleasure me as his tongue thrusted wildly against my own. I closed my eyes and enjoyed his caresses and the exquisite sensation of his body on top of mine.


    My body started to heat up with my renewed desire for him and for a moment, the question that he had asked almostpletely slipped my mind. My eyes flew open at the realization that I have yet to give him my answer.


    ¡°How am I supposed to answer you¡­if you don¡¯t stop kissing me?¡± I asked teasingly as I panted after breaking our hot and wet kiss.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Moment of Truth

    Hayden looked down at me before he licked his wet lips. It was a very seductive sight and my heart tightened.


    ¡°I¡¯m putting in somest-minute effort to make sure that the answer turns out in my favor,¡± Hayden said with a sly grin.


    I had to admit that he was a very persuasive person¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind being part of the mafia if I get to live with you¡­¡± I said as I looked him squarely in the eyes.


    Hopefully he understands my condition.


    ¡°Is that what you¡¯ve decided?¡± he asked as if to make sure.


    ¡°Yes, it is¡­¡± I replied decisively.


    There was a brief moment of silence as it seemed like Hayden was waiting for my words to sink in.


    ¡°Wee to the family,¡± Hayden said with a bright smile.


    Iughed along with him and his adorable joke. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this makes me an official mafia gang member or something. Hayden hugged me closer to him tightly and I wrapped my arms around his back. He began kissing the side of my neck and then his hands were quickly on my breasts. I heard myself let out an impassioned moan at the sudden and pleasurable stimtion.


    ¡°Wait¡­Hayden¡­we just did itst night¡­¡± I protested but his hands only kneaded my breasts harder than before.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    His hands ran down my body and I whimpered softly as I felt goosebumps form on my skin. As always, my body was reacting so much and so fast to his caresses. My pussy was already throbbing and flooded with nectar.


    ¡°You¡¯re so wet already though¡­so cute¡­¡± Hayden teased as his fingers ran along my wet and throbbing opening.


    It wasn¡¯t that I didn¡¯t want to do it, but I just felt like we had so many things to talk about right now. However, the way that Hayden was already parting my legs with his hands told me that he was past the point of no return. Hayden positioned his hardness in between my legs before thrusting his enormous cock into my quivering pussy hole.


    ¡°Hayden! Ahhh¡­¡± I cried out at the intense pleasure of him filling me.


    He buried his length and thickness into me, and my hips thrusted upwards to wee his entrance. I winced a little at the slight pain of his sudden entrance. Truthfully, my pussy was still sore from our activitiesst night and it felt more sensitive inside of me than usual. When he moved, I moaned loudly before biting my lips to control myself.


    I could feel his cock sliding against my pussy walls as he thrusted in and out of my wet hole. My cries of pleasure echoed loudly in the room as Hayden began moving faster and harder than before. My pussy throbbed with desire and the fact that it was still sensitive fromst night, made the pleasure feel that much more intense.


    Hayden continued to pound his massive rod in and out of me, the thick head of his cock hitting my womb with each firm thrust. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore, it felt like I was going to cum each time his cock thrusted inside of me. My hips wouldn¡¯t stop moving as he rode me like he couldn¡¯t get enough. I wrapped my legs around him and screamed as my orgasm took over me.


    Hayden mmed his cock into me until I came once more before he reached his own release. He came inside of me again, his heat flooding my love tunnel and my womb. Iy panting underneath him as I felt the world spinning around me. My entire body felt light like a feather. It was like both my body and mind were floating randomly in the air as I drifted along with the impact of my climax.


    After spending half the day in bed together, Hayden finally let me go enough for me to shower and get changed. I was totally starving by the time that I had cleaned up and dressed. Hayden took a short shower too while I ordered some food to be delivered. Without needing to discuss the topic, we both came to an agreement that we would shack up at my ce for the day.


    He probably wanted to spend time with me while I wanted to corner him here until he gave me answers to all the questions that I had. After all, he did promise to tell me everything if I agreed to live a life connected to the mafia. Now that I¡¯ve told him my decision, I absolutely expect for him to live up to that promise.


    When the moment of truth finally arrived, we were sitting facing each other on my bed. I never thought that I would feel this on edge and anxious to hear about the truth. I thought that I had been mentally prepared for anything, but it seemed like that wasn¡¯t true. The truth was, I was more than slightly scared. Worst, I didn¡¯t know where to start with all of this.


    ¡°So¡­who is Jack Witman?¡± I asked after a moment of hesitation.


    Hayden looked at me as a stern look crept into his facial features. Once again, I felt that nagging feeling at the back of my mind like I had heard that name before somewhere. My brows furrowed as I struggled to recall when I had heard that name.


    ¡°Have you heard that name before?¡± Hayden asked as if he could read my mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure but I think I have¡­and recently too¡­¡± I confessed, still deep in thought.


    Hayden seemed to rx a little as he gave me time to run through my memories. If I wasn¡¯t wrong¡­that day¡­


    ¡®What is it? Do you need help with something?¡¯ I asked.


    ¡®Do you¡­happen to know someone called Jack Witman?¡¯ the old man asked, his eyes narrowing at me.


    Umm¡­I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard of someone with that name before.


    ¡®Sorry, sir. I haven¡¯t heard of that name before. Sorry, I couldn¡¯t be of help here,¡¯ I replied truthfully as I smiled sadly at him.


    ¡®Hmm¡­I see,¡¯ the old man replied softly.


    ¡®Are you looking for that man? Does he live in this town?¡¯ I asked in case I could help.


    ¡®Yes. He¡¯s¡­an old friend of mine. We had a couple of fights when we were younger and I haven¡¯t seen him for many years but now that I¡¯m getting old, you know¡­I kinda want to see him¡­¡¯ he said a little sadly.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Younger Days

    Why didn¡¯t I realize this earlier? It was just like my brain not to remember something so important when I needed to remember it. It¡¯s like they say, if you¡¯re looking for something you won¡¯t find it but when you¡¯re not looking for it anymore, it¡¯ll just pop out at you.


    ¡°I remember now. If I¡¯m not wrong your father said that he was looking for Jack Witman when he ran into me in my town. That was the first time that I met you father,¡± I told Hayden.


    It was then that I realized that the old man probably knew something about me all along. I would be a fool to believe that he simply ran into me in that small townpletely by coincidence. Who is Jack Witman and what does he have to do with me?Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I see. Old man was probably checking to see if you knew anything about Jack and about yourself,¡± Hayden said without showing any signs that he was surprised.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked quickly.


    ¡°Let me tell you a story from when I was younger¡­¡± Hayden replied calmly before smiling reassuringly at me.


    A story¡­from when he was younger?


    ¡­


    ¡°Jack!¡± a blond boy called out as he raced toward the man called Jack.


    Jack was sitting on a bench in a very beautiful and well-organized garden. The boy approached the bench and quickly sat next to Jack.


    ¡°Hayden, you¡¯re always so active!¡± Jack said before he put an arm around the boy¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°You should have told me that you wereing to visit. Can you take me for a drive likest time?¡± Hayden asked as hope sparkled in his eyes.


    ¡°Jack¡¯s not free to deal with your stupid requests. He¡¯s busy,¡± a dark-haired boy poked his head around to snap at Hayden.


    The two boys red at each other as they sat beside Jack while Jack startedughing.


    ¡°Shup up, Ethan. No one asked you for anything,¡± Hayden snapped back.


    ¡°Jack is super busy with work now. Also¡­his baby girl was just born¡­¡± Ethan said before turning to smile at Jack.


    ¡°Baby girl?¡± Hayden said questioningly.


    ¡°Yes. My wife just gave birth, you see,¡± Jack said before smiling a little.


    ¡°You got a girl? Then¡­who¡¯s going to y with me?¡± Hayden asked with worry. Clearly ying with a girl wasn¡¯t his idea of fun.


    ¡°You have Ethan here as your best friend already, don¡¯t you?¡± Jack asked as he patted Ethan¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Nah¡­he¡¯s not my friend¡­or anything¡­¡± Hayden muttered darkly.


    ¡°You keep saying that and I¡¯m going to tell my dad not to let Jacke around anymore,¡± Ethan threatened.


    ¡°Jack wille if my dad asks¡­¡± Hayden said confidently.


    ¡°No, he won¡¯t because Jack is part of Silva!¡± Ethan shouted back.


    Jackughed as he watched the two boys engage in another staring contest. Ethan was right, Jack was the right-hand man of the current boss of Silva. However, he also helped the boss of Torex since they were friends. Unfortunately, he was the only person linking the two gang together.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough fighting¡­¡± Jack said, and the two boys looked away from each other.


    His eyes narrowed as if deep in thought. Sometimes, he wasn¡¯t sure how to handle these two boys to make them get along. One was the only son and heir to the Silva gang while the other is the younger son of the Torex gang. To make his dream of uniting the two gangse true to preserve peace, he needed them both to work together. Although it was clear that Hayden had taken a liking to him, it was clear that Hayden did not always get along with Ethan. Perhaps because they were close in age, the boys viewed each other aspetitors, and both were too stubborn to bend to the other.


    It took a long time for the boss of Silva to even consider a partnership with the Torex gang. The fact that he was a friend of the current boss of Torex helped a lot, but it wasn¡¯t enough to bring the two gang together. Rivalry and betrayal among the mafia gangs was asmon as the green des of grass in the field. A stronger bond had to be built and he knew that his life alone wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°Will I get to see her? Your baby girl¡­¡± Hayden asked a little shyly.


    ¡°Why do you want to see her?¡± Jack asked with interest.


    ¡°Well¡­Ethan has seen her, right?¡± Hayden replied as his eyes red at Ethan.


    Ethan stuck out his tongue before turning the other way.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right. What about this? Do you want to marry her?¡± Jack teased.


    Hayden¡¯s blue eyes widened before his face scrunched up in disgust.


    ¡°Of course not! I don¡¯t want to marry anyone!¡± Hayden cried loudly.


    ¡°Is that so¡­?¡± Jack said before heughed carefreely.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to marry her, then I will. I want to be Jack¡¯s son,¡± Ethan said proudly.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that, Ethan,¡± Jack quickly killed off Ethan¡¯s dream.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Ethan asked as he pouted, clearly dissatisfied.


    ¡°You¡¯re already engaged to someone else¡­another girl. Well, I doubt you understand what that means right now¡­¡± Jack said with a helpless shrug as he watched the two boys.


    Jack ced hisrge hand on Hayden¡¯s head and the boy turned to look at him with a questioning look in his bright and clear blue eyes. Jack knew from the time that he spent with Hayden that he was a pure hearted and honest boy. This boy had something that his elder brother didn¡¯t have and that might be the key to uniting both groups.


    ¡°Hayden, you are such apassionate boy,¡± Jackplimented.


    ¡°Compassionate¡­what does that even mean?¡± Hayden asked in confusion as he cocked his head slightly to the side.


    ¡°Hmm¡­it means that you¡¯re caring about other people. You try to understand them and help them, I guess,¡± Jack replied.


    ¡°Never mind that, I¡¯m hungry!¡± Ethan quickly cut in as he jumped up from the bench and started pulling on Jack¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t the three of us go out for dinner?¡± Jack suggested as he stood up.


    ¡°Yay! Steak. I want steak!¡± Ethan shouted happily.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Our Connection

    ¡°But what does all of that have to do with me?¡± I asked when Hayden seemed to arrive at a good ce to pause in his story.


    I understood from the story that Hayden and Ethan were childhood friends and that Jack took care of them. They were both fond of this Jack person but what does that have to do with anything?


    ¡°Quite a lot actually. You see, Jack Witman is your father,¡± Hayden said as if it was no big deal.


    HUH?! Impossible¡­


    ¡°No¡­my father¡­¡± I began denying.


    ¡°He changed his name. Everything about him that you remember is nothing more than a cover. His name, his identity, his looks, how he dressed, his job. Everything was fabricated. What you saw was his second attempt at life, one where he deemed would be more suitable for you to be raised,¡± Hayden exined swiftly.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. My father had nothing to do with the mafia. He was just an honest businessman who always worked hard,¡± I stated firmly.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you saw but before that he was Jack Witman. The right-hand man of Silva and the man who was working hard to unite Silva and Torex,¡± Hayden stated resolutely.


    ¡°No¡­I just can¡¯t believe that. If I do then, everything during those years that we spent as a family together was a lie? That¡¯s just¡­ridiculous,¡± I said, unwilling to believe it.


    So, everything that I knew until now was a lie? None of it was true? Why did my father have to go so far to keep me away from the mafia? Was this why Hayden was asking me whether I wanted to choose a life for myself? I nced over Hayden and saw that he had a very dark and grim look on his face and his eyes seemed faraway. I wondered what he was seeing in his mind¡¯s eyes but the look on his handsome face told me that it wasn¡¯t something pretty.


    ¡°That¡¯s not quite true. I¡¯m sure his love for you and his family was real. He did honestly work hard to live an honest life away from the mafia,¡± Hayden said with certainty.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I mumbled softly.


    ¡°He did all of that for you just so that you could live a sheltered and normal life away from the mafia,¡± Hayden exined.


    None of this was making sense. What happened to his dream of uniting the two gangs?


    ¡°What happened? What happened after that day? The girl who was born back then was me, right?¡± I asked, feeling that I was about to learn something even more important.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Your grandmother still calls you by your old name, Lisa,¡± Hayden said before he smiled a little sadly at me.


    A slight pain stung my heart at the mention of my grandmother, and it reminded me of how much I missed her and her words.


    ¡°No, Lisa is my nickname. It¡¯s shortened from Malissa,¡± I corrected his misunderstanding.


    ¡°Nope. Lisa was your original name. Malissa, your new name, was chosen by adding a syble to your old name. You were born Lisa Witman,¡± Hayden corrected me in return as he shook his head slowly from side to side.


    ¡°My grandmother knew about all this?¡± I asked in shock.


    ¡°She did but how much she knew exactly, I¡¯m not sure. She knew that your father was part of the mafia and of course she knew his name and your old name as well,¡± Hayden surmised.


    I guess that was why my grandmother seemed to know Hayden and the fact that we spent some of our childhood together. Hayden was older and he remembers; however, I was too young to remember much of anything. I didn¡¯t even remember Hayden or Ethan for that matter.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Jack Witman wanted to unite the two gang and achieve stability and peace. He believed that once united the gang will be big enough to suppress conflict with the other small gangs. However, somewhere along the lines, he changed his mind,¡± Hayden said as his tone darkened.


    ¡°He changed his mind?¡± I asked in surprise.


    ¡°His initial n was to join the two gang through the ssical way of using marriage ties. However, things were not so straightforward because Ethan was already engaged to Amelia at her birth and my father wanted Harvey to marry someone outside of the mafia world to create connections. He wanted him to marry a politician¡¯s daughter or something along those lines,¡± Hayden said passively.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I mumbled.


    However, I did not foresee what Hayden was going to tell me next.


    ¡°When you were born, your father suggested the idea that his daughter and the younger son of Torex should get married. His daughter would act as Silva¡¯s representative, and I would act as Torex¡¯s. By some twist of fate, my old man agreed to it,¡± Hayden said as if the story didn¡¯t concern him at all.


    ¡°Wait! Then that means that you and I were¡­engaged?!¡± I eximed in pure shock.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Of course, you were too young to know about it and I was too young to understand it properly. However, as far as our parents and the gangs were concerned, we were formally engaged,¡± Hayden said with a firm nod.


    Even though Hayden and I were engaged, my father left the mafia and chose to live a normal life. He broke off the engagement, didn¡¯t he?


    ¡°If that was what my father wanted then why did he leave the mafia?¡± I asked. Something just didn¡¯t feel right.


    ¡°It¡¯s actually quite simple. An incident urred that made him realize that his daughter wasn¡¯t safe if she had any connections to the mafia,¡± Hayden exined simply.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t safe?¡± I asked, echoing his words.


    ¡°You were kidnapped as a very young girl,¡± Hayden said after a slight pause.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± I asked incredulously.


    How is that possible? I had absolutely no recollection of something of that sort happening to me.


    ¡°Yup. You weren¡¯t harmed, thankfully so. I was too young to get involved in the incident, but I remember that it was a big mess. In the end, the adults got you back,¡± Hayden said before he smiled sympathetically at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember any of it,¡± I said nkly.


    ¡°No surprise there, you were too young. The kidnappers were from a smaller gang, and they demanded a ransom of 500 million dors for your release, sounds familiar?¡± Hayden asked beforeughing a little.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± I mumbled in sudden realization.


    That figure sounded very familiar. Now everything was starting to fall in pieces bit by bit.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Crumbling Truth

    ¡°That¡¯s right. My old man paid for all the ransom and waved it off as your father borrowing from him. The debt contract that my old man showed you was drafted and signed then. I don¡¯t know this for sure, but my father probably didn¡¯t want any of the money back. To him, he was just helping out a friend. Back then the Torex business isn¡¯t the size that it is today so that money was a significant amount,¡± Hayden exined before grinning at me.


    ¡°I never knew this. Your father showed me a use in the contract that I had to marry a member of the gang of his choice¡­¡± I said as I recalled the day that the boss showed me the debt contract.


    ¡°My father wanted us to get married. He still does. However, he was the only one who supported and understood your father¡¯s decision to cut all ties with the mafia. The contract was signed in your parent¡¯s new name too because of that. My father was probably the only one who knew of Jack¡¯s new identity,¡± Hayden continued to exin.


    One thing for sure was that Hayden¡¯s father really wanted us to get married. He wanted it bad enough for him to track me down and use the debt against me. I remembered how mad and shocked I was back then, but I feel very different now. I had to admit that if it wasn¡¯t for the boss¡¯s intervention, Hayden and I probably won¡¯t be where we are today.


    ¡°The others were against it?¡± I asked.


    Hayden nodded solemnly.


    ¡°Definitely. I bet you can¡¯t even begin to imagine. The previous boss of Silva, Ethan¡¯s father and his entire gang viewed it as an act ofplete betrayal,¡± Hayden said before he heaved a depressing sigh.


    Everything was soplicated that I started to get a headache. From the way things are now between the two gangs, I could tell that the attempt at a partnership back then failedpletely.


    ¡°Of course, the partnership n that your father dreamt of failed. His departure made the two gang hate each other even more than before. It wasn¡¯t just the bosses and the gang members that had differing opinions on the issue, Ethan and I had opposite views on it as well,¡± Hayden said coldly as his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Ethan? What happened between you two?¡± I asked with worry.


    ¡°We were separated by our parents, and we stopped seeing each other. It was because of our parents at first butter it was mostly because of our different perspectives. Although we both love and respected your father a lot, his departure impacted us in very different ways,¡± Hayden said sadly.


    Looking back on the argument that I¡¯ve heard between the two, it did seem like they didn¡¯t get along and had very opposing views.


    ¡°How exactly?¡± I asked for further details.


    ¡°When Jack disappeared, I felt like I had lost a father. I can only imagine what it must have been like for Ethan. Jack was from the Silva gang and he spent much more time with Ethan than he did with me. Ethan went crazy when Jack didn¡¯t return. He used every method at his disposal to find Jack to try to bring him back,¡± Hayden said before he paused as if he was recalling something.


    ¡°And you?¡± I prompted for Hayden to continued.


    ¡°I respected Jack¡¯s decision and wanted him to do whatever would make him happiest. I wanted you to be safe¡­that¡¯s why¡­I never went looking for you even after what happened to Jack. At first, I thought that if that¡¯s the life Jack wanted for you then that was how it should be,¡± Hayden said with slight regret in his voice.


    I wondered if he thought that his belief was wrong now that many things have changed.


    ¡°Ethan came looking for me¡­¡± I whispered softly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right and he shouldn¡¯t have. Soon after Jack disappeared and Ethan lost his mind, his parents sent him abroad to keep him away from everything. He hated his parents, and this only made it worst. Guess what was the first thing that Ethan did when he returned to this country¡­¡± Ethan said before he smirked at me.


    ¡°He came to find me¡­¡± I said with sudden understanding.


    ¡°Correct,¡± Hayden affirmed with a nod.


    ¡°But in the end, he left me to return to take over Silva¡­¡± I mumbled softly.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Unlike Ethan, the boss of Silva wanted Jack found dead or alive. He didn¡¯t need Jack back,¡± Hayden said monotonously.


    ¡°The boss of Silva wanted to kill my father?¡± I gasped in shock.


    Slowly, Hayden turned to face me before he took my hands into his. I had never seen such a sorrowful look on his face before, not even when he was in front of his brother¡¯s grave.


    ¡°Yes, and he seeded,¡± Hayden said without meeting my eyes.


    The previous boss of Silva killed my parents? That¡¯s just¡­


    ¡°No. That¡¯s impossible. My parents died in a car ident. They were hit by a truck with drunk driver early in the morning. There were photos of it, and it was all over the news. It was just¡­an ident¡­¡± I said as I shook my head in denial.


    It felt like my world was going dark. Hayden told me so many things, but this just didn¡¯t make any sense. It was just an ident, wasn¡¯t it?


    Before I could stop it, tears had already started leaking from my eyes before it trailed down my cheek. I wasn¡¯t sure if I was more shocked or saddened by what Hayden had just told me. My parents had been dead for a long time now and for the longest time I had believed that their death was merely an unfortunate ident.


    ¡°It¡¯s a sin that both Ethan and I will bear for the rest of our lives. We were too young and too stupid to do anything for Jack or for you¡­¡± Hayden said with so much guilt in his voice that my heart ached for him too.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Wherever You Go

    ¡°Hayden¡­is it really true?¡± I asked through my sobs.


    Somehow, I knew that Hayden wouldn¡¯t be lying about something like this. Ethan¡¯s father killed my parents and if I had been in that car that day just like I usually would have been, then he would have seeded in killing me too.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop for today. I don¡¯t think you can take anymore¡­¡± Hayden said decisively as he reached out and started stroking my headfortingly.


    That tender and loving action only made my tears fall faster than before as it reminded me of the gentle touch of my mother and the kind words of my father. Hayden pulled me softly against his chest and wrapped his arms around my body. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried into the crook of his neck. Hayden stroked my backfortingly as he whispered sweet words offort to me.


    At that moment, I could understand a little why Hayden thought that perhaps it would have been better to keep me forever in the dark. Knowing the truth hurts so much and it made me question the life that I¡¯ve led so far and everything that I thought I knew. It was like the reality that I was used to had all been a lie. However, regardless of what Hayden or my father wanted for me, I have already chosen a different path.


    I¡¯m sorry, father. I know that you wanted what you thought was best for me and you wanted to keep me safe and away from everything. However, that isn¡¯t the life that I want or have chosen for myself. I¡¯ve chosen to be with Hayden, and I¡¯ll face life proudly with that decision that I¡¯ve made. If you and mother are watching over me, please don¡¯t worry anymore. I¡¯m certain that we¡¯ll figure something out.


    ¡­


    I cried so hard that I must have fallen asleep in Hayden¡¯s arms. Thankfully I didn¡¯t have any work to do today and no sses to teach. When I woke up, Hayden was still by my side. I found that quite surprising because usually he would have gone out by now.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to work?¡± I asked.


    Hayden spent another night at my ce and showed no signs of leaving in the morning. Unlike yesterday, I had sses to teach today. Hayden¡¯s eyes were on his phone, and he seemed to be focused on something.


    ¡°I don¡¯t. I¡¯ll go wherever you go today,¡± he replied simply with his eyes still on his phone.


    ¡°I have sses to teach at the art school¡­¡± I said.


    He¡¯s not thinking ofing along, is he?


    ¡°Great. Let¡¯s go,¡± Hayden said before he got out of his seat and headed for the door.


    ¡°You¡¯reing along?¡± I asked in slight panic.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I just tell you that I¡¯ll go wherever you go today?¡± Hayden replied and he was already walking out the door.


    ¡°Wait! Hayden!¡± I called after him.


    True to his words, Hayden really did go wherever I went that day. Together we went to the art school, and he sat in all of my sses. Obviously, I found his presence extremely distracting at first but slowly I got used to having him just sitting there in the corner of the room. Ever so often my eyes would wander in his direction, and he would smile at me.


    Fortunately, the kids were more interested in Hayden than they were intimidated. Perhaps it was his height, his beautiful face, or the way he was dressed that drew the kids to him. Perhaps it was all of those thingsbined along with his cheerful spirit.


    ¡°Are you our new teacher?¡± a girl asked sweetly as she looked up at him.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m just here to observe today,¡± Hayden replied with ease as he crouched down to speak to the girl at eyelevel.


    ¡°Are you our teacher¡¯s boyfriend?¡± another girl asked curiously.


    ¡°No¡­he¡¯s not,¡± I cut in with my firm reply before Hayden could say anything.


    ¡°Really?¡± the girl asked, disbelief clear on her face.


    Hayden just turned and squinted his eyes at me, and I had a feeling that some punishment wasing my way.


    Thankfully, the sses came to an end without any further event. I wasn¡¯t sure why Hayden wanted toe along with me today, but I decided not to ask. It felt weird at first but having him here with me wasn¡¯t a bad thing. I got to see more of him, and we got to spend more time together. I wonder when he would head back though.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Are you done for today?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Yup. I just have to put these books away and then we can go back,¡± I replied with a smile.


    ¡°Let me help you. They¡¯re heavy, right?¡± Hayden readily offered.


    ¡°That¡¯s ok. I¡¯m almost done,¡± I politely declined, although I appreciated his offer.


    ¡°Just let me do it¡­¡± Hayden said stubbornly as he took the books from my hands.


    ¡°Umm¡­thanks¡­¡± I mumbled before showing him where I wanted the books to be lined up on the shelf.


    After that Hayden took me out to dinner before heading back to my ce. I enjoyed our dinner date so much and it made me feel like we were a real couple. Although, we haven¡¯t really discussed our rtionship or made anything official yet. I was happy enough that Hayden was spending time with me. However, when he escorted me back to my ce and he headed for the shower, I began to wonder when he would head back?


    ¡°Umm¡­Hayden¡­are you staying over tonight?¡± I asked when he came out of the shower.


    His blond hair was a darker shade because it was wet, and the sight of his muscr naked body made me blush slightly before I quickly averted my eyes. Seriously, the white towel that he had wrapped around his hips did not provide enough coverage. My heart started beating faster and I ced a hand over my chest in an attempt to calm it down.


    ¡°Do you want me to stay?¡± Hayden asked before he walked past me casually.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I was asking¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Despite what he said, I could tell that he was settling into bedfortably and that he was probably staying the night. Maybe¡­he¡¯s free so he¡¯s going to spend another night with me?


    That was what I thought¡­


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Independence

    Despite my belief that Hayden would be gone the following day, Hayden spent the next couple of days living together at my ce. I liked having him around and I was getting used to spending my days with him; however, after a couple of days I realized that this wasn¡¯t normal. He stuck to me like glue and followed me wherever I went. I didn¡¯t want to tell him this, but he was getting in the way of my daily life.


    ¡°Hayden¡­when are you heading back to your ce?¡± I asked one evening while we were having dinner together in my small apartment.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like having me around?¡± He asked as he ced down the fork that he had been holding.


    I sighed, knowing that he would say something like that.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s just¡­you¡¯ve been around me all the time and¡­I guess it affects my work¡­¡± I told him hesitantly.


    Hayden was silent for a while as he took my words in. I used that time to silently pray that he would notpletely flip out. The issue was that I got a call from work earlier about this issue.


    ¡°Hi Malissa, sorry for calling you but there¡¯s something that I want to discuss,¡± thedy¡¯s voice through the phone was quite stern.


    I wondered what she wanted. Usually, she¡¯s always in a good mood and I hardly hear her sounding so serious like this.


    ¡°Hi. No worries. What is it?¡± I asked.


    There was a pause followed by a sigh from the other end of the line and that was enough to let me know that it wasn¡¯t good news.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I have to say this but we think it would be best if you stopped bringing your friend along with you to the sses,¡± she said hesitantly.


    ¡°Oh¡­ok¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°The thing is some parents are concern with having an observer all the time and they think it¡¯s distracting for the students,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Right. Ipletely understand¡­¡± I said apologetically.


    ¡°Great. Sorry about this but I thought letting you know would be better. See you!¡± thedy said and quickly hung up.


    Basically, it wasn¡¯t a good idea for Hayden to be stuck to my side like glue. I knew that that would be the case. He did bother me a little so it wasn¡¯t a huge surprise that his presence would be a bother to the others. His sparkly prince-like aura also attracted a lot of attention, but it was better than his dark mafia aura when he was in a bad mood. Regardless, he attracted too much attention.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll take my leave for now,¡± Hayden said defeatedly.


    ¡°We can always meet up when I¡¯m off work,¡± I said, trying to lighten the mood.


    ¡°Malissa, watch yourself,¡± Hayden warned.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said in surprise.


    ¡°Be careful. If anything happens just give me a call,¡± Hayden insisted.


    ¡°Umm¡­sure,¡± I agreed with a nod.


    I could tell that Hayden was worried, but I didn¡¯t think that anything could happen. The frown that formed in between Hayden¡¯s eyebrow told me that he was very concerned. That was when I finally understood why Hayden had been sticking to be like glue for the past few days.


    ¡°Are you worried?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Of course, I am,¡± he replied immediately.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be ok. Nothing is going to happen. I have to try to live life normally too¡­¡± I said, trying to reassure him.


    I wanted Hayden to know that I had a life of my own that I was determined to live regardless of the various obstacles that the mafia and my past keeps throwing my way. To do that, I knew that I had to be stronger and better at dealing with the unexpected.


    ¡°I know that Ethan met up with you at your exhibition,¡± Hayden stated darkly.


    It was like a dark aura had enveloped Hayden¡¯s body and it gave me the chills. I hated where this conversation was going.


    ¡°Yeah¡­nothing happened though. We just talked,¡± I said with a nervous smile.


    ¡°What did he want from you?¡± Hayden asked straightforwardly.


    ¡°What he wants?¡± I said innocently.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if this was the right time to tell Hayden about Ethan¡¯s ns of reuniting the gang. Hayden seems to be in a terrible mood. If I mention the n now, it will be smashed into a million pieces. There¡¯s no way that it will go through.


    ¡°Ethan won¡¯t meet up with you unless he wants something¡­¡± Hayden said knowingly.


    ¡°Umm¡­the thing is¡­¡± I said as I hesitated.


    What do I do now?


    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± Hayden said but his tone wasn¡¯t very encouraging.


    I sighed loudly as his light blue gaze settled on me. It doesn¡¯t matter how close we¡¯ve gotten; Hayden can be very intimidating.


    ¡°Ethan told me that he wants to reunite the two gangs together. What do you think about that, Hayden?¡± I asked, daring to hope just slightly that he might agree.


    ¡°What do you think about that?¡± Hayden asked for my opinion.


    I thought it would be a good thing but¡­I wasn¡¯t sure if that was the right choice. With the many facts that Hayden had revealed, I felt like that would make my father¡¯s wish finallye true after so long. However, I wasn¡¯t sure if that was something for me to decide. Hayden would head Torex after his father, so it was for him to decide and then he¡¯s got to convince his father too.


    ¡°I think that potentially it could be a good idea. Peace is better than violence, I think¡­but I also think that it¡¯s best for you to decide. Perhaps, after you understand more about what Ethan has in mind¡­¡± I answered as honestly as I could.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Hayden said.


    After that he didn¡¯t say anything else on that topic. I couldn¡¯t tell what he was thinking or what was his thoughts to my opinion. Hayden just didn¡¯t seem interested in the topic at all. He refused toment or talk about it. As for me, I didn¡¯t have the courage to ask. It was a big deal so I could understand if he needed time to think it through.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

 Two Sides to a Story

    A week went by without any noteworthy events. Hayden and I had adjusted a little to our new pace in life. What that basically meant was that he no longer stuck to my side all the time. We met up when I got off work and when he was free. He would spend some nights at my apartment and the others back at his ce. Hayden didn¡¯t tell me about it, but I was sure that some of his men were probably watching me at ces that I frequented such as the art school and my apartment building.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    After wrapping up a busy day of teaching at the school, I was tidying up. Carrying a bunch of artbooks in my arms, I headed back towards my ssroom where I needed to arrange them back into ce. Teaching was hard work, but it was also so fun and felt so fulfilling. I loved my students, my colleagues, and my job.


    ¡°The girl who painted this has got some crazy talent, don¡¯t you think?¡± a man¡¯s voice spoke up the moment that I entered the ssroom.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± I whispered his name before the thudding sound of something hitting the floor echoed throughout the empty ssroom.


    In my shock, I had dropped the art books that I had been holding. My entire body froze as Ethan turned around to face me. He smiled at me as his green eyes stared deeply into mine. My legs and all parts of my body refused to move.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so shocked¡­¡± Ethan said casually as he walked over.


    I watched as he bent down to retrieve the books that I had dropped to the floor at my feet. Swiftly, he arranged them back into a pile and ced it on the table for me. He then proceeded to look around the ssroom at the various artworks by the students without saying anything more to me.


    Why is he here? What does he want?


    Although I had so many questions that I wanted answers to, my mouth wouldn¡¯t move, and my throat felt very dry. I couldn¡¯t speak. My eyes followed him as he walked slowly around the ssroom, his eyes on the various paintings and drawings hanging from the walls.


    ¡°I like this one the most out of all of them. Do you know why?¡± Ethan asked followed by a smallugh.


    I did know why.


    ¡°You painted this¡­when you were feeling lonely and quite depressed¡­¡± Ethan stated with certainty.


    My fists clenched into tight balls as I watched him continue to stare at the painting that I had painted when I first got the job. Back then, I was trying to move on with my life after the contract between Hayden and me had expired. It was a truly lonely and depressing time for me. It was just like Ethan to be able to tell so much from just a painting that I had painted.


    ¡°How are things going between you two?¡± Ethan asked, his eyes still on my painting.


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± I replied curtly.


    ¡°Good,¡± Ethan said with a satisfied nod.


    ¡°Why are you here, Ethan?¡± I finally managed to ask.


    ¡°To see you. Why else?¡± Ethan replied like it was supposed to be dead obvious.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I just want to talk to you. Don¡¯t worry, I came alone, and I¡¯m unarmed,¡± Ethan said after he turned to face me.


    Raising both his hands up, he made an effort to show me that he was in fact unarmed. That wasn¡¯t why I was concerned though.


    ¡°That being said, I¡¯m more than enough to take you out of here before Hayden¡¯s men can react¡­¡± Ethan said followed by an amused chuckle.


    ¡°What do you want to talk to me about?¡± I asked, ignoring his unnecessaryments.


    The sooner that I could get him to get to the point, the sooner this conversation would be over.


    ¡°Jack Witman¡­¡± Ethan said as his eyes narrowed at me.


    I knew that he was carefully watching my reaction and reading my bodynguage. It was one of the things that Ethan did best.


    ¡°I see. So, Hayden did tell you about Jack. Were you surprised?¡± Ethan asked needlessly.


    ¡°Yes, I was¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°Did he tell you how and why Jack died?¡± Ethan asked without mincing his words.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I replied as I bit my lips.


    Ethan walked over to where I was standing and sat down on a chair. He seemed as rxed as ever. He gestured for me to take a seat on a chair next to him and I slowlyplied.


    ¡°Are you mad at Hayden?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°Why would I be mad at Hayden?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°Hayden sure is a very honest guy. He seemed to have told you everything except one very important detail,¡± Ethan said afterughing a little to himself.


    I could sense that Ethan knew something that I didn¡¯t and I hated how he was using it to make light of me.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I snapped.


    ¡°Your father sessfully went into hiding for years. Have you ever wondered how my father found him?¡± Ethan asked as if encouraging me to think.


    What is Ethan trying to say?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡­¡± I said without hiding my annoyance.


    ¡°Do you know want to know the real reason why Hayden never came looking for you?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°He just wanted me to live a normal life away from the mafia. Exactly how my father wanted¡­¡± I replied with confidence.


    ¡°Really? Are you sure?¡± Ethan asked in a drawl.


    ¡°What is it that you want to say? Just say it, Ethan¡­¡± I urged him to spit it all out.


    I was getting tired of him ying around with me and my head.


    ¡°He was scared that you would get killed if he found you¡­just like when he found your father,¡± Ethan said as his face came closer to mine.


    What? Ethan¡¯s words left mepletely dumbfounded as I watched his green eyes while he smiled teasingly at me. My throat felt tight, and I couldn¡¯t produce any sounds.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 If I Had Known

    ¡°It¡¯s ironic, isn¡¯t it? Hayden went looking for Jack and because of that my father found out exactly where he was hiding and who he was hiding as,¡± Ethan revealed with a look of pure disgust on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true¡­¡± I said in a shocked whisper.


    ¡°It¡¯s true enough, trust me. Hayden found Jack and soon after your parents had that unfortunate ident. My stupid father arranged it all. I had to beat him up until he was spurting out blood for him to confess everything¡­¡± Ethan said emotionlessly like it was nothing.


    ¡°What?¡± I gasped in shock.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if I was more shocked that my father somehow died because of Hayden or the fact that Ethan beat up his own dad for him to confess. Suddenly, these two men just seemed toe from a different dimension from where I was ustomed to living. Is this how the real mafia world works?


    ¡°He didn¡¯t tell you? How do you think I became the Head of Silva so soon?¡± Ethan hissed close to my ear.


    ¡°No¡­you didn¡¯t¡­¡± I said as I shook my head in denial.


    ¡°Yes, I killed them both. My father and my mother on that exact same night that I left you¡­¡± Ethan said and I felt the heat from his fingertips as it stroked a line down the side of my face.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whimpered.


    ¡°Session wars inside a gang is quite normal for the mafia. The men wanted me to lead more than my father so there wasn¡¯t much of a fuss when I got rid of them both,¡± Ethan said with a shrug.


    I couldn¡¯t believe that the sweet Ethan that I knew could do something so heartless without feeling bothered by it. He killed his own parents and he¡¯sughing about it? What is wrong with him?


    Instead of getting scared of him, I felt anger boiling up inside of me.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°How can you say that?! Don¡¯t say it like it¡¯s nothing!¡± I screamed at him as I stood up from my seat.


    Ethan probably doesn¡¯t realize it, but I did. He¡¯s hurting himself and I just couldn¡¯t stand by and watch in silence.


    ¡°That bastard killed Jack! He killed your father! He killed my father!¡± Ethan yelled at the top of his lungs as he also got up from his seat.


    Oh¡­that¡¯s right. Ethan hated his parents. Jack, my father, was probably like a father to Ethan.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± I whispered his name as I felt and shared his pain and suffering.


    Unlike me, who had been blissfully ignorant of everything for so long, Ethan had been suffering all along and perhaps he was still suffering.


    ¡°Malissa¡­Lisa¡­it was all for you¡­¡± Ethan said as slowly lifted a hand and cupped my cheek.


    Tears automatically feel from my eyes. I watched through my tears as he smiled gently yet sadly at me before the pad of his thumb wiped my tears away.


    ¡°Ethan, please stop¡­¡± I whispered pleadingly.


    Slowly, I raised my arms up and pulled him into a tight hug. I felt his body stiffen in surprise at my forward action before he rxedpletely in my arms. His arms circled my body before I felt the force of his embrace as he hugged me back.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say anymore¡­¡± I pleaded for him to stop.


    As I held him in my arms, I wondered if thing would have ended up differently between us if I knew the truth before this. I wondered and med myself for not seeing the various signs even when I lived with him. Back then, I could tell sometimes that Ethan was visibly upset or frustrated. Why didn¡¯t I try to help him or understand him more before?


    Even on that rainy night that he left me, I was too worried about myself, and my happiness and I never fully understood the truth behind his parting words. If I knew the truth, perhaps there was a chance that we would still be together today¡­


    ¡­


    **That night**


    The sound of thunder was so loud that I felt the ground shake beneath my feet. Were rainstorms supposed to bemon this time of the year? I shuddered from the sound of thunder again. shes of light leaked in from the outside through the slit between the curtains from the lightning. It was pouring outside and had been that way for hours now. At this rate, it¡¯s going to rain all night until morning came.


    It was veryte at night, but I couldn¡¯t go to sleep. One reason was the heavy and noisy rainstorm outside while the other reason was the fact that Ethan hasn¡¯t made it back home yet. To make matters worse, I called him multiple times, but he never picked up. It was just very unusual. Without any logical reason, I started to have a bad feeling about tonight.


    Suddenly, the door to the room mmed open and there was Ethan in the doorway. I gasped in shock at the sight of him all drenched from the rain with his wet ck shirt stered to his skin. His dark hair was all wet as well and it made him look so wild.


    ¡°Ethan! What happened? Why are you back sote?¡± I asked as I ran to him.


    He closed the door behind him and walked straight into the room without bothering to reply to my questions.


    ¡°You¡¯re drenched. How did you get so wet? What were you doing out there in the rain?¡± I asked in confusion as I followed him into the room.


    He was wet all over and the rain dripped onto the floor. Ethan had not said anything since he got back, and I found that strange. He seemed lost in a daze, and I wasn¡¯t sure if he could see or hear me at all.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± I called his name again.


    Ethan didn¡¯t reply to me, but his hands began rapidly stripping off his wet clothes, starting from his ck shirt and his pants, and the rest of his clothing quickly followed in session. It must have been very cold and wet outside. I prayed silently that he wouldn¡¯t catch a cold. Just as I turned away to grab him a towel for his shower, I felt a firm grip around my wrist.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 The Breakup

    ¡°Ethan? You should take a warm shower,¡± I said as I turned back to face him.


    I quickly found out that Ethan had other things in mind that had nothing to do with taking a shower when he lifted me into his arms and started carrying me towards our bed. He threw me onto the bed before he got on top of me. I let a cry when my back hit the mattress of the bed. Before I could do anything, Ethan was on top of me, and his hands started tearing my thin satin nightgown off my body.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Ethan¡­wait¡­¡± I protested more in confusion than in refusal.


    His demanding hands groped and squeezed my breasts roughly and I let out a cry. Quickly, hepletely removed my nightgown from my body and threw it on the floor. Ethan buried his face in the crook of my neck and his lips began sucking hard on the sensitive skin on the side of my neck. I let out a loud moan at the slightly stinging sensation as he continued to suck on the side of my neck while his hands started to caress and y with my breasts roughly.


    ¡°Lisa¡­¡± Ethan whispered my name as he stared deeply into my eyes.


    His green eyes looked lifeless like he had just seen a ghost. He was there right in front of me, but I wasn¡¯t sure if he was really there at all. The look in his eyes were so nk that it scared me.


    Before I could say anything to him, his hands were lifting my legs up and parting them widely apart. I felt my entrance stretch and part before Ethan positioned himself in between my legs. Everything happened so fast and the next thing I knew, I felt a sharp piercing sensation in between my legs. Ethan thrusted his thick cock into me, ploughing his way into me until his entire member was buried into my wet hole.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­Ethan!¡± I cried out at the suddenness of my hole being stretched and filled.


    Ethan began moving immediately, his hips ramming his cock in and out of my hole. He¡¯s thrusting so fast and hard even though he had just entered me. He was so aggressive and forceful, and I couldn¡¯t keep my moans and cries of pleasure in. I cried out his name loudly as he continued to pound his thick cock into my hole. My hips jerked with each of his forceful thrust as my body writhe from desire and pleasure under him.


    It didn¡¯t take long for my body to respond to him. My core throbbed with wanting and need as my pussy heated up and got very wet for him. He shoved his cock firmly into my wetness and I lifted my hips to meet his thrusts halfway. He¡¯s in so deep and I was moaning with bliss. Ethan groaned loudly as he began pumping his cock into me faster and harder. My legs felt weak from his passionate attacks, and I knew that I was close to my release.


    ¡°Ethan¡­I¡¯m cumming! Ahhh! Ethan!¡± I cried out so loudly as my hands clutched at the covers for relief.


    My climax hit me hard as my pussy spasmed wildly around his cock. His cock beating repeatedly into me made me feel like I was on the verge of cumming again. Suddenly, Ethan stopped moving and withdrew his cock out of my wet love hole. I whimpered in disappointment at his sudden retreat. Without pausing, Ethan flipped me onto my stomach and lifted my hips up from the bed.


    ¡°Ethan¡­Ahh!¡± I called out his name softly before screaming at the sudden entry of his thick and hot rod.


    His hands gripped my hips tightly as he began ramming his cock into my pussy hole from behind. I bit my lower lip and whimpered as his powerful thrusts hit me deep all the way to my womb. The angle was different from before. It felt so pleasurable in a different way from before. His cock pounded in and out of my wet love tunnel. My hips began moving to match his rhythm to allow for even deeper and faster pration. The swollen head of his cock stimting the inner walls of my pussy.


    Our body pped wildly together as his cock messed up my wet hole and made lewd wet sounds. I clenched my pussy around his hot shaft, sucking him in to feel even more of him. I couldn¡¯t think anymore and although Ethan was being vigorous and wild, I didn¡¯t mind it at all. He was making me feel so good and I wanted to satisfy his every need.


    I cried out his name and threw my head back, crying out in abandon when my climax consumed me again. This time Ethan also reached his peak. He thrusted firm and deep final thrusts into me and then stilled. I felt the heat of his seed shooting deep into my love hole as he filled me with his release. He came inside of me, and I took it all in.


    I wasying on my stomach inplete exhaustion when I felt Ethan easing his cock out of my pussy hole. I let out a soft whimper as I turned my head to the side to watch him. Ethan got off the bed and ran his fingers through his dark and damp hair.


    ¡°Ethan¡­let¡¯s go to bed¡­¡± I said invitingly as I reached out an arm towards him.


    It¡¯ste and I know that he must feel super tired right now. We should just go to sleep together. Ethan was silent with his head hung low. When he raised his head, he turned to face me, and I knew immediately that something was very wrong.


    ¡°Lisa¡­let¡¯s breakup,¡± Ethan said casually.


    ¡°¡­huh?¡± I mumbled in shock.


    What did he just say? It can¡¯t be¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s breakup¡­right now¡­¡± Ethan repeated.


    His tone was serious and for the first time since he entered the room, his eyes were sane.


    ¡°No¡­I don¡¯t want to breakup with you¡­¡± I said stubbornly.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Past and Future

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you want. From now on, we¡¯re no longer a couple,¡± Ethan said without a care.


    ¡°Wait! Why are you breaking up with me so suddenly? What happened? What is going on?¡± I cried out in my desperation.


    I couldn¡¯t understand him at all. What brought this on so suddenly? Yesterday, everything was still normal. Ethan didn¡¯t reply. It was like he didn¡¯t have anything more to say. However, I had a lot more to say.


    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± I asked in confusion.


    Ethan looked at me with nk eyes as if he didn¡¯t know what I was talking about. No words escaped his lips, and the room was dead silent save for the sound of the storm raging outside. This wasn¡¯t the time for me toze around in bed any longer, so I stood up and approached him.


    ¡°Ethan, please don¡¯t break up with me¡­¡± I pleaded as I burst into tears.


    I clutched at his forearm with my hands tightly, afraid that he would turn and leave. I¡¯ll die if he leaves. I can¡¯t imagine a life without him. Whenever I imagine a life without Ethan in it, it was like the walls of my small world would crack ande tumbling down on top of me. My world would copse, and I would be crushed underneath it all.


    Ethan turned and nced down wordlessly at my hands that were on his arm. He cocked his head to the side as if in confusion and I wondered what he was seeing and hearing. His hand covered mine and slowly, he removed my hands from his arm. While still holding my hands in hisrger one, he looked at me. His green eyes were cold and void of emotions, but his voice was gentle and kind when he finally spoke.


    ¡°This is all for you, Lisa. Our dream world has to end now,¡± Ethan told me softly.


    I didn¡¯t understand a word that he said, and I didn¡¯t want to understand it. All I knew was that I couldn¡¯t let Ethan leave this room. If he did, he would disappear and nevere back.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Ethan! Don¡¯t go¡­please¡­¡± I begged him desperately.


    ¡°One day, you will be Lisa,¡± Ethan said as if he was speaking to himself.


    More tears streamed down my face as he pulled me gently into his arms. I didn¡¯t understand what he meant at all.


    ¡°Ethan¡­please stay with me¡­¡± I cried softly into his chest.


    Suddenly, he let go of me and stepped away. Ethan walked over to the closet and started pulling on some clothes.


    ¡°No! Ethan! Don¡¯t go¡­¡± I begged over and over again.


    I didn¡¯t know what I could say to make him say. I didn¡¯t even understand why he was breaking up with me and it didn¡¯t look like he wanted to talk about it.


    Ethan reached for the door after he was fully dressed and ready to go outside. He didn¡¯t even take an umbre even though it¡¯s still pouring outside.


    ¡°Ethan!¡± I shouted his name loudly.


    I hugged his waist from behind to stop him from leaving. I was crying so much at that point that I found it hard to breathe. Deep down, I knew that this would probably be thest time that I¡¯ll get to hold him like this, and I wasn¡¯t willing to let go.


    ¡°Please¡­don¡¯t go¡­¡± I whimpered through my sobs.


    Ethan didn¡¯t even turn to look at me. I slid down onto my knees began clutching at his leg to stop him from leaving. Not knowing what to say anymore, I just kept repeating the same phrase over and over again¡­


    Is this what they call ¡®break up sex¡¯?


    That was the first thought that entered my head the next morning when I woke up sad and alone. I spent the whole day crying alone in bed while dialing a number that always failed to connect.


    ¡­


    **Back to the Present**


    Even now when I held Ethan in my arms, I had to admit that I still didn¡¯t fully understand him. What was clear was that Ethan knew a side of my father that I never got to know. When he was young, my father must have taken care of him as the next heir of Silva when he was growing up. I wondered what my father was like in those days and what Ethan saw in him. What kind of father was Jack to Ethan?


    To me, my father was a loving and very ordinary man. He was a normal man with amon job, amon business, amon family, andmon hobbies. Nothing about him stood out or attracted anyone¡¯s attention. Looking back on it now, perhaps he had intentionally chosen to live that way to stay under the radar. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the father that I knew wasn¡¯t the real him at all.


    ¡°That night that you broke up with me. What happened? Where did you go?¡± I asked in a hushed whisper.


    Ethan pulled himself away from my embrace and looked straight at me.


    ¡°I always thought that Jack¡¯s death was suspicious, so I spent a lot of time investigating. The more I looked into it, the further the truth slipped away from me. It wasn¡¯t long before I realized that a greater force was trying to keep the truth hidden. When you¡¯re the next heir of Silva, there¡¯s not that many greater forces than you. Naturally, I suspected the head of Torex and then my own father, the head of Silva,¡± Ethan said as his face darkened.


    ¡°I guess you discovered the truth,¡± I said simply.


    ¡°I did. I found the truth and I made my father admit to it. After killing my parents, I came back to see you for thest time,¡± Ethan said and there was a peaceful and resigned look on his face.


    ¡°Why did you decide to leave me?¡± I asked. Not that it mattered now but I still wanted to know.


    He didn¡¯t leave me just because his father killed my father, right? It didn¡¯t make any sense.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Up to Me

    ¡°I found what I wanted to do with my life that night. After dealing with my father, I found Jack¡¯s diary that my father had kept hidden for years. That was when I realized that I wanted to continue what Jack couldn¡¯t finish,¡± Ethan exined.


    ¡°My father¡¯s diary?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°Yup. Up until then, I wasn¡¯t sure what I wanted to do with my life but reading what Jack wrote gave me the answers that I was looking for. I want to fulfill Jack¡¯s wishes,¡± Ethan stated with determination.


    ¡°What did my father wish for?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Uniting Torex and Silva and your happy marriage to Hayden Torex,¡± Ethan stated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think my father wanted me to marry Hayden anymore because he didn¡¯t want me to associate myself with the mafia,¡± I interjected.


    ¡°Why do you think Hayden became a doctor?¡± Ethan asked in response.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Was it because of my father?


    ¡°Maybe it wasn¡¯t all because of Jack but he surely yed a part in it. Usually, doctors don¡¯t associate themselves with gangs. Jack wanted Hayden to distance himself away from the gang. I guess the things in your childhood impacts what you want and how you think. Hayden and me, we¡¯re prime examples of that,¡± Ethan said followed by a smallugh.


    ¡°What do you n to do, Ethan?¡± I asked seriously.


    ¡°Everything and anything to make Jack¡¯s dreame true. What about you? What are you going to do now, Lisa?¡± Ethan asked as his green eyes watched me closely.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°I tried talking to Hayden about uniting the gangs, but he didn¡¯t respond to me¡­¡± I admitted truthfully.


    ¡°There¡¯s only two ways to unite Torex and Silva. First option, you convince Hayden, and we have a fairytale happy ending. Second option, you fail to convince him and I have to kill him,¡± Ethan stated emotionlessly.


    ¡°No! Ethan¡­¡± I cried out loudly.


    How can he say these things so casually? It was probably because Ethan had thought long and hard about it and he had decided that he was willing to do anything to reach his goals.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you, Lisa. I¡¯m giving you time but understand that I don¡¯t have all the time or patience in the world,¡± Ethan said before grinning at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try. Please¡­don¡¯t hurt Hayden¡­¡± I replied in a small voice.


    Honestly, I was so scared of what Ethan would do and what he was truly capable of.


    ¡°Watch me, Lisa. I¡¯m going to make all of Jack¡¯s dreamse true,¡± Ethan said before he smiled gently at me.


    While I was frozen in shock, Ethan walked out and disappeared as if he was never there. Suddenly, I felt very cold, and my body started shivering. I slumped down onto one of the chairs and held my face in between my hands. I wanted to scream in frustration, but I couldn¡¯t do that in this ssroom so instead, I closed my eyes and concentrated on breathing deeply. It took me a while to figure out that the chill that I was feeling came from the inside.


    My hand gripped my phone tightly as I debated with myself whether I should call Hayden. He did tell me to call him if anything happened, but I couldn¡¯t predict how he would react if I told him that Ethan just showed up at my workce. Hayden didn¡¯t want me to meet Ethan but how am I supposed to sort anything out if I didn¡¯t meet him?


    I¡¯m going crazy. All of this is driving me insane¡­


    If I don¡¯t tell him and he finds outter, what happens then? There¡¯s also no guarantee that he hasn¡¯t already found out from his men that are watching me either. What do I do now?


    The hardest part was how to stay truthful to Hayden while not harming his impression of Ethan. I had to make Hayden believe somehow that Ethan was a good guy for the partnership to work. How am I supposed to achieve that? I had absolutely no idea. They hate each other like cats and dogs and that wasn¡¯t helping my case of uniting the two gangs.


    In the end, I decided to give Hayden a call. However, I thought that it would be better if I told him about this face-to-face. Hayden agreed to take me out for dinner, and I thought that that would be the perfect opportunity to bring this little talk between Ethan and myself up.


    ¡­


    Hayden picked me up right on time and we headed to a restaurant of his choice. The wind on the rooftop of the skyscraper where the restaurant was located was slightly cool against my skin. I watched the light of the candle flicker on the table in front of me as Hayden sipped on his red wine. I sucked on the straw of my fruit smoothie as my mind worked hard on figuring how best to bring the topic of Ethan up to Hayden.


    ¡°Malissa?¡± Hayden called my name.


    ¡°Y-yes?¡± I replied after snapping out of my thoughts.


    ¡°Is everything ok? You seem a little distracted,¡± Hayden asked as he eyed me with a look of concern.


    ¡°Yes. Everything is fine,¡± I replied a little too fast.


    Shit¡­maybe I should have just spat it out that Ethan came to see me earlier today.


    ¡°I see. You¡¯ve been teaching at the art school for a while now, you have any other ns in mind?¡± Hayden asked casually.


    That was a good question. With the many things that had been going on, I had unconsciously been putting my career on hold. Apart from teaching at the art school, I didn¡¯t have another regr job. Unfortunately, teaching kids at the school wasn¡¯t going to lead me far in my career as a professional artist. At this rate, I¡¯ll just end up as an art teacher somewhere. That wasn¡¯t what I had in mind for myself although I did enjoy working with children.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet. Honestly, I might have to study some more before I can be a professional artist. It is a verypetitive market¡­¡± I replied before trailing off.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 His Place

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not trying to stress you out or anything like that. I was just curious, that¡¯s all,¡± Hayden said reassuringly before he smiled at me.


    I haven¡¯t gotten used to this version of the nice and proper Hayden yet. Although, it was a nice and rxing change to how he usually is. Sometimes, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this was just a front that he¡¯s put up to hide how he really feels.


    I bet he knows that Ethan came to see me, and we spent a quite a long time alone together in the ssroom. So why is he being so soft and nice?


    ¡®Be careful, Malissa¡¯ warned the tiny voice inside of my head.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. Thanks for worrying about me. So many things have been going ontely and I know that I¡¯m behind on getting my act together¡­¡± I replied, hoping that he would drop this topic.


    Talking about the future, I wonder what Hayden has in mind for his future. He was so against taking over Torex buttely he seems to have changed his mind. I remember the boss telling me that Hayden will end up taking over but will that really happen? The truth was, for the two gangs to join together, Hayden needs to take over his gang as the new boss.


    Suddenly, the task of uniting the gang became that much harder. I nced over at the calm and collected version of Hayden that was sitting opposite me as the candlelight flickered in his pale blue eyes and wondered what he was thinking.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been eating. Does the food not suit your tastes?¡± Hayden asked from across the table.


    I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to appreciate the food or put anything in my mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s great but I think I¡¯ve had enough for the night,¡± I replied before smiling.


    ¡°Shall we head back?¡± Hayden asked.


    I nodded in agreement. If I wanted to ask him about his decision to take over the mafia group, then I need to ask him somewhere private. The restaurant with people sitting at the tables next to us wouldn¡¯t do. Maybe when he¡¯s back at my ce, I could muster up the courage to ask him. What if he refuses to take over? What do I do then?


    Ethan isn¡¯t going to back down easily and he¡¯s so insane and delusional that it¡¯s crazy. My head was filled with negative thoughts with every step that I took while Hayden escorted me to his car. After leaving the restaurant, Hayden didn¡¯t say a word to me and that gave me time to think. I was so preupied with my own thoughts that when I looked up, I realized that this didn¡¯t seem to be the way back to my ce.


    Suddenly, I felt slightly panicked. Was Hayden taking another route? If I¡¯m not wrong, this seems to be the opposite direction to my ce. Where is he taking me?


    ¡°Umm¡­this isn¡¯t the way back to my ce, is it?¡± I asked in a sweet voice.


    He was silent and I started praying that he would not snap at me or eat me up in the car. Literally.


    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Hayden replied bluntly.


    Some exnation or rification on where we¡¯re going might be nice?


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked in a small voice.


    ¡°My ce,¡± he stated tly.


    His ce?! Now that I think of it, I¡¯ve never been to Hayden¡¯s ce before and I didn¡¯t know where he lives. Although we lived in the penthouse together, that was just a ce that the boss rented for us. Technically, it wasn¡¯t Hayden¡¯s ce.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked without concealing the excitement in my voice.


    Happiness flooded my body all the way down to my toes. Hayden¡¯s finally taking me back to his ce. This is a real big step in our rtionship, right? I smiled cheerfully at the thought of Hayden finally opening up some more to me. When I step foot into his ce, I¡¯ll be in his personal space and then I¡¯ll learn so much more about him. This is amazing! I¡¯m so happy that our rtionship is progression forward.


    ¡°Really¡­¡± Hayden replied warmly, and he turned to smile at me.


    He¡¯s so handsome. Hayden has been so sweet and caringtely. Finally, my charming angel is acting like an angel. This is a dreame true.


    I spent the rest of my ride in Hayden¡¯s car feeling all bubbly inside. My mind shifted to focus on imaging what his ce must be like instead of any ns to unite the gang or anything else. I forgot all about the objective that I initially had.


    A short whileter, we arrived at arge and tall iron gate. The sophisticated design of the dark iron gate remined me of an entrance to a medieval castle. The guards that monitored the gate performed a brief security check after they realize that it was just Hayden returning home. The gates then started to open automatically.


    I couldn¡¯t see the house or building from where we are. Both sides of the road were surrounded by thick and tall trees. It felt like we were driving through a forest. I didn¡¯t know that anyone owned this muchnd in the city. Soon, therge and tall mansion came into view. Truthfully, it wasn¡¯t asrge as the boss¡¯s base, but it probably had more stories.


    ¡°It¡¯s huge¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Hayden did not reply, and I began to wonder why Hayden needed a ce thisrge when he¡¯s living alone. I mean, he¡¯s living here alone, right?


    Hayden parked the car at the entrance of the enormous mansion and immediately a man who could best be described as his butler came to greet him. He looked over at me when I got out of the car with evident surprise on his face.


    ¡°Master Hayden, it seems that you have a guest with you today. Should I make any special arrangements?¡± the butler asked before bowing politely my way.


    I smiled back and nodded my head in acknowledgement. Not being used to situations like these, I wasn¡¯t sure how to react or what to do.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Cornered

    ¡°She¡¯ll need her own rooms,¡± Hayden replied casually.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see to it,¡± the butler said with a bow.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside. It¡¯s windy,¡± Hayden said to me.


    His arm was around my waist before I could respond. I found myself being urged into the mansion with a slight push from the arm that Hayden had around my waist. The interior was decorated with the same vibe as the boss¡¯s mansion, and it made me wonder if the same interior designer was hired for both ces.


    ¡°The boss use to live here,¡± Hayden exined before I could even ask.


    ¡°Oh, I see¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Well, that exins a lot of the shared preference in decoration and design. The mansion was quiet and lifeless. I could hear the sound of my own breathing and my heart beating.


    ¡°Do you live here alone?¡± I asked, trying to make conversation because the silence was getting to my head.


    ¡°Yes; however, there are live-in butlers, maids and some gang members for security,¡± Hayden replied tly.


    With his arm still around my waist, Hayden was urging me firmly along a long and slightly dark corridor. The conversation that I had started died a sudden death and silence filled the distance between us again. After a while or walking, we arrived at the end of the long corridor where arge door loomed in front of us.


    Is this Hayden¡¯s room?


    Unceremoniously, Hayden unlocked and opened therge door. Despite its size and apparent weight, the door opened with ease. The room was dark, and I couldn¡¯t make out much until Hayden switched on the lights. My eyes blinked to adjust to the sudden brightness of the light.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Is this your room?¡± I asked.


    ¡°The mansion is too big for me. Usually, I just use this set of rooms,¡± Hayden exined before walking past me into the room.


    Hesitantly, I walked into arge sitting room decorated in shades of dark blue and grey tones. There was arge set of sofas in the center of the room and arge wooden desk on the side. Thankfully, unlike the rest of the house that I¡¯ve seen so far, this room appeared to be lived in. I could see books,puter and monitors, photo frames along with other things that showed that Hayden does indeed live here.


    ¡°I see. This is a nice room. It feels¡­calm and rxing¡­¡± I said as I started looking around.


    ¡°You can wander anywhere in this room and the connected rooms but please don¡¯t wander anywhere else, ok?¡± Hayden said before he smiled tenderly down at me.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± I replied.


    Was it me or was there a hint of a warning in his words just now? I smiled in return as my mind quickly swept that thought under the rug.


    ¡°You should take a seat,¡± Hayden said inviting as he gestures towards the sofa.


    While I took my seat, Hayden headed for the door we had just passed through and locked it. The clicking sound of the door locking aroused a sense of insecurity within me. Did he just lock us in here?


    His words to his butler from earlier had been bothering me a bit but I had been ignoring the nagging feeling in the back of my mind. He did just tell his butler that I¡¯ll be needing my own rooms, right?


    I was hoping that what I suspected would be wrong. The cold look on Hayden¡¯s face when he turned to face me reminded me of the many encounters that I had with him when we first met.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name quietly.


    Slowly, Hayden approached me, and I shifted restlessly on the sofa. He¡¯s making me feel so nervous and ufortable. Hayden stood in front of me while his eyes looked down at me. My body just froze, and I no longer knew what I wanted to say. Hayden leaned forward and ced his hands t on the back of the sofa on either side of my face, essentially trapping me between him and the sofa.


    ¡°We¡¯re alone now and no one is going to disturb us here. Is there something that you want to tell me, Malissa?¡± Hayden asked, speaking so slowly.


    My throat felt so stiff and dry that I could barely swallow. Hayden¡¯s handsome yet cold face stared down at me from above and my heart started to race even faster. He knows about Ethan¡¯s visit, doesn¡¯t he?


    ¡°Umm¡­the thing is¡­Ethan dropped by to see me,¡± I managed to say; however, I wasn¡¯t able to keep my voice from shaking.


    My voice came out weak and shaky, but I was finally managed to tell Hayden the truth. Hayden nodded at my honest confession. I wasn¡¯t sure if he was exactly pleased but at least he didn¡¯t start shouting at me.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you give me a call?¡± Hayden asked calmly.


    ¡°I¡­I didn¡¯t think that Ethan¡­would do anything¡­¡± I replied as I stuttered on my words.


    It was quite true; I was scared of Ethan but deep down I still firmly believed that he wouldn¡¯t hurt me.


    ¡°What if he did¡­what would you do?¡± Hayden asked as his eyes challenged me to answer him.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I didn¡¯t quite know what to say.


    ¡°My bad. The correct question would be what could you have done?¡± Hayden said before he smiled tightly at me.


    I knew that he wasn¡¯t finding any of this funny. I knew that he was worried for my sake. He was right, if Ethan wanted to do something to me, I couldn¡¯t fight back or stop him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­I didn¡¯t mean to meet up with him. He just appeared out of nowhere¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°You asked me for privacy and independence, so I gave you that. Then what happened?¡± Hayden asked rhetorically.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to see him. He just came to see me,¡± I said in my defense.


    I knew that I was partly to me but this whole thing didn¡¯t happen because I wanted it to. Ethan¡¯s visit wasn¡¯t something that I nned or enjoyed. It was hard for me too.


    ¡°What did he say to you this time?¡± Hayden asked, his tone icy cold.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Lustful Commands

    My eyes dropped down to myp when I no longer had the courage in me to meet Hayden¡¯s eyes. The truth was that Ethan said many things. That didn¡¯t mean that I believed in every single little thing that he said. The thing that I couldn¡¯t bring up to Hayden was Ethan¡¯s im that he had a role in my parent¡¯s death. I wasn¡¯t sure if it was true but even if it was and the previous boss of Silva found my father through Hayden, I wasn¡¯t sure if Hayden was to me.


    Precisely because I was unsure about my own feelings and thoughts, I didn¡¯t want to bring that up to Hayden. If we had more time together, would Haydene around to tell me about that by himself?


    ¡°Well? Why are you suddenly tongue-tied?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything much. Just like I told you before, he wants Torex and Silva to form a partnership¡­¡± I replied.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°So, he decided to ask you about that instead of talking to me?¡± Hayden surmised followed by a disgusted chuckle.


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± I mumbled softly.


    ¡°What do you think about that?¡± Hayden asked.


    About Torex partnering with Silva? I think he asked me this before as well. I thought that it would be a good idea¡­I guess¡­


    ¡°It might be an idea worth thinking about¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t referring to the partnership. I wanted to know if you think you¡¯re capable of convincing me¡­just like Ethan hopes that you can¡­¡± Hayden asked as his voice dropped into a low whisper.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I whispered before I trailed off.


    The truth was, I wasn¡¯t sure that I could convince Hayden or if anything could convince Hayden. Sometimes, just like now, I felt like he wasn¡¯t willing to listen at all.


    ¡°Do you want to give it a try? A try at convincing me.¡± Hayden asked suggestively.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I questioned in a whisper.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Ethan tell you something along the lines of if you seduce me, you¡¯ll be able to convince me?¡± Hayden asked but it sounded more like an usation than a question.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± I mumbled as I sudden felt extremely ufortable at his closeness and the tension behind his words.


    Ethan didn¡¯t put it that way, but he did imply that I had to get closer to Hayden and marry him. Perhaps he did mean for me to sleep with Hayden until I could charm him intoplying with my wishes?


    ¡°Want to give it a try?¡± Hayden whispered seductively.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered half in fear and half in disbelief.


    Immediately after his name had left my lips, Hayden pressed his lips forcibly to mine. I let out a sound of surprise at the pressure of his lips crushing against mine in a punishing kiss. Hisrge hand held my chin as his fingers pressed into my cheeks, forcing my lips open to wee the forceful invasion of his wet tongue. He thrusted his tongue deeply into my mouth before grinding it against mine.


    His hands quickly moved to caress my breasts over the fabric of my dress. I could feel his firm touch as Hayden began massaging my breasts in turn. Small moans leaked from my mouth into his kiss as he continued to kiss me passionately. His hand on my breasts was rough and demanding, just like his deep kisses.


    When his lips finally parted from mine, I was out of breath and panting hard. My mind was in a daze and my heart was racing. Hayden stood up and began unbuckling his belt and removing his pants. When I looked up at him from where I was seated on the sofa, I was greeted by the sight of his already thick and erect cock standing up proudly in between his legs. My eyes widened in astonishment before I quickly averted my gaze.


    ¡°Suck my cock,¡± Haydenmanded coldly.


    Shocked at his abruptmand, my eyes widened before returning to his thick upstanding cock. I knew that Hayden was beyond angry and that he wanted to punish me. I bit my lower lips as I hesitated about what to do next.


    ¡°Suck my cock, quickly,¡± Hayden ordered impatiently as his arm shot out to grab my wrist and pulled me forward on the sofa towards him.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered his name weakly.


    His eyes were merciless as they stared down at me and then hisrge hand was cupping the back of my head, urging my head down towards his erect cock. I could see the veins running along the length of his massive member clearly as my head was shoved towards it. The head of his cock was swollen and thick. I could smell his strong male scent as my face moved even closer.


    Hayden positioned the tip of his cock at my lips as hemanded once again for me to suck on his engorged manhood. Slowly, I closed my eyes in embarrassment as my lips parted. Moving my head forward slightly, I felt the head of his cock slip in between my parted lips and into my wet mouth. His taste entered my mouth as his smell filled my senses. I heard Hayden let out a satisfied sigh before I felt his hand on the back of my head.


    My eyes snapped open at the sudden feeling of his cock thrusting deeply into my mouth. Hayden thrusted his hips forward, burying the length of his thick shaft into the depth of my mouth. He let out a passionate growl as his cock filled my mouth. I could taste him as his cock slid against my tongue. I whimpered as Hayden¡¯s hand held my head firmly in ce before his hips began thrusting his cock in and out of my mouth.


    ¡°Mhhm¡­mhhmmm!¡± I moaned loudly with his cock in my mouth.


    Hayden moved his hips rapidly, ramming his cock deeper and deeper towards the back of my throat. The smell and taste of his juices filled my mouth. He¡¯s in so deep, it made me feel like I was about to gag on his massive cock.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Passionate Convincing

    ¡°Suck it, Malissa. Lick the head of my cock,¡± Haydenmanded as he looked down at me.


    I did as I was told. I reached out a hand and held his cock before I started sucking on it. Hayden closed his eyes in pleasure as his cock twitched in my hand and mouth. His cock felt hotter and bigger than before. I started pleasuring him with the tip of my tongue. Ipped up his precum with the tip of my tongue.


    ¡°You¡¯re not bad at this¡­¡± Haydenmented.


    His hand gripped my head tighter, pushing my face closer to his cock. I flicked my tongue firmly at the small hole at the tip of his cock. I could tell that Hayden was enjoying the attention that I was paying to his massive lovestick.


    Without warning, Hayden thrusted his cock into my mouth again. This time he fucked my mouth in earnest. Holding my head between his hands, he continued to pound his erect rod into my mouth. His hips thrusted faster and faster. I closed my eyes and tried my best to bear with his aggressive thrusting.


    ¡°Your mouth feels good¡­¡± Hayden growled with extreme satisfaction.


    I wanted him to cum soon so that we could end this. Closing my eyes tightly, I wished that he would just cum into my mouth.


    After a while, Hayden withdrew his enormous dick from my mouth. I opened my eye to see the massive pole sliding out of my mouth. His entire cock was slick, covered with my saliva. I looked up to see that he was looking down at me and our eyes met. Since he hadn¡¯t cum in my mouth, I knew that he was not done with me yet.


    Hayden approached me and I instinctively backed away until my back was pressed up against the sofa¡¯s back. Hayden¡¯s hand grabbed my legs and spread them wide apart before he stood in between them. His hands yanked up the skirt of my dress until my legs were fully exposed all the way to my waist. I could feel his eyes on crotch and my pussy began clenching.


    Suddenly, Hayden closed my legs together before holding my ankles together in hisrge hand. He lifted my legs further and pushed them towards me. This position was just so embarrassing. I could feel his eyes looking down at me as his hand continued to hold my legs where he wanted them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make you feel good too,¡± Hayden said reassuringly.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Before I could react to his words, Hayden¡¯s hand reached down and began stroking my wetness through the thin cover of my panties. He smirked at me when his fingers felt my wetness through my underwear. By that time, I was so wet that I was sure that I had alreadypletely soaked through my panties with my love juices.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­Ahhhh¡­¡± I moaned softly as his fingers continued to caress and push against my pussy opening through my panties.


    Soon, his fingers pulled the fabric covering my flooded hole to the side before his fingers slid up and down the wet slit in between my legs. My core throbbed with desire and my body heated up even further at his seductive caress. His fingers running up and down the length of my wet slit felt so pleasurable. When his fingers brushed against my hard and swollen clit, I cried out at the sudden surge of pleasure.


    ¡°Your pussy is flooded¡­¡± Hayden teased as he shook his head disapprovingly at me.


    ¡°Ah! Ahhhh¡± I cried out and moaned.


    Hayden¡¯s experienced fingers delved into the depth of my wetness and my hips squirmed against his hand seeking for more pleasure and relief. His fingers stretched and prated my closed hole. Since my legs were held close together, I could feel more of his fingers as it slid and rubbed against the walls of my pussy. Suddenly, Hayden pulled his fingers out of me.


    ¡°Look. You got this wet just from sucking me off,¡± Hayden said as he showed me the wet stickiness of my love juices on his fingers.


    I felt so embarrassed from his words that I wanted to fade away into nothingness. My pussy throbbed for more attention as the ache in my lower abdomen became unbearable. I was panting hard now, and my body burned with the heat of my intense desire to have him.


    Hayden did not finger me. Instead, he positioned the thick engorged head of his cock at my entrance. If I could feel so much of his fingers in this position, I couldn¡¯t imagine what his thick cock would feel like when it stretched and prated me. I didn¡¯t need to imagine for much longer because Hayden¡¯s patience had run outpletely. He reared his hips back before plunging his hot rod into my pussy hole.


    I screamed at the slight pain of his cock suddenly ramming into me with such force. His heat filled me as he continued to push his way into me until his entire length was buried deep into my love hole. Since my legs were pressed closely together, the walls of my pussy hugged his cock more tightly than ever before. It was amazing how much I could feel him deep inside of me. I felt him everywhere inside my love hole as his cock stretched and pleasured the walls of my pussy.


    My pussy wouldn¡¯t stop spasming around his cock. It felt like I was on the verge of climaxing and all he did was put his cock inside of me. I cried out and whimpered his name as he began moving inside of me. He reared back his hips, sliding his cock out of my hole almostpletely before pumping it inside of me harder and deeper than before. I screamed his name so loudly before I covered my mouth with my hands to hold in my humiliating cries.


    ¡°It feels good, doesn¡¯t it? Getting fucked with your legs closed. Your pussy feels extra tight¡­¡± Hayden hissed before chuckling at me.


    ¡°Ahh! Hayden!¡± I let out muffled cries of pleasure into my hand as I felt like I was about to go crazy from the pleasure that he was making me feel.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Get on Top

    ¡°You can scream all you like, no one will disturb us here,¡± Hayden said as he smirked down at me.


    I knew what he said was true, but I was embarrassed to let him hear my loud and wild screams. I closed my eyes tightly when Hayden resumed his rough thrusting into my pussy hole. His cock must have gotten bigger than before because he was stretching my love hole much more now. Each thrust hit hard against my womb and my hips thrusted up eagerly to meet his thrusts. Hayden pumped his cock fast and hard into me with no signs of stopping.


    My legs felt so weak as my body writhed in ecstasy on the sofa. I bit my own fingers to control my own passion. As his cock hit the pleasure spots deep inside of me, I inched closer and closer to my delicious climax. I craved for my release. I wanted him to make me cum so badly that it became my life¡¯s sole wish in that moment. I arched my back off the sofa as I felt my climax fast approaching. My pussy clenched hard around the thickness of his cock, and I was certain that within a few sharp thrusts, I would orgasm spectacrly.


    Just when I was about to reach my peak, Hayden jerked his cock roughly out of my pussy hole. I whimpered like a lost puppy as my climax was robbed from me right in front of my eyes. My pussy clenched wildly as it wished to feel his cock fill it up again. As if pulling his cock out of me wasn¡¯t bad enough, Hayden let go of my legs and sat down next to me on the sofa like he was no longer interested in having sex with me.


    I have never experienced something like this before. What did I do wrong just now? Why did he have to stop? I was so close¡­


    As my raced in desperation and my body started feeling very frustrated, Hayden suddenly spoke up.


    ¡°Want to cum? Get on top,¡± Hayden said invitingly.


    I hesitated as I sat there next to him on the sofa. Hayden smiled teasingly at me as he pointed to his still erect cock.


    ¡°Come on. No need to be shy,¡± Hayden joked as he reached out and pulled on my arm.


    Slowly, I began straddling his hips as I climbed on top of him. His hands caressed my waist softly and seductively before his hands automatically slid down to cup my ass and then the side of my hips. His blue eyes watched my face and it made me blush madly. I felt heat rush to my face, and I tried to look away.


    ¡°No need to be shy. I know you want me as much as I want you,¡± Hayden whispered close to my ear.


    I ced my hands on his shoulders as I positioned my pussy on top of his upstanding cock. He¡¯s still so hard and so big. Hayden watched me silently as I slowly reached a hand down to guide his cock to my entrance. I sucked in a deep breath when I felt the head of his cock lodge itself in between my pussy lips. Hayden thrusted his hips upward a little to tease me and encourage me to hurry up and take him inside of me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name as I hugged my arms around his neck.


    Slowly, I began lowering my hips down onto his cock. His thick rod prated me, and I started moaning loudly. Inch by inch, I slowly took him inside of me. There¡¯s so much of him and I had to pause to catch my breath. I had made quite a lot of progress of taking his length into me but apparently it wasn¡¯t good or fast enough for Hayden.


    ¡°Hurry up. I want to fuck you already,¡± Hayden growled impatiently as his hands gripped my ass tighter than before.


    I felt his fingers digging into the flesh of my buttocks before he pulled me down on top of him. His cock mmed into me all the way until I was sitting on hisp. He¡¯s in so deep and I couldn¡¯t stop the small whimpering sounds that escaped my lips.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to work harder than this if you want to satisfy me,¡± Hayden hissed.


    His cock inside me felt so good. Instinctively, I began moving my hips up and down as I began to ride on his cock. Being on top felt good because I could control the pace, the rhythm, and most importantly the angle that he prated me. I angled my hips to make sure that his cock would hit against my sensitive pleasure spot with each thrust. Soon the pleasure of his cock hitting me where it felt goodpletely took over me.


    I began moving faster, bouncing faster up and down his cock as my pussy clenched wildly around his girth. I moaned louder as I moved faster and harder until I was mming my hips down onto his cock. His cock stirred up my wetness and made lewd wet sounds that only worked to turn me on even more. I was so lost in him and the pleasure that I was feeling that I couldn¡¯t think about anything else anymore.


    ¡°Move your hips faster. That¡¯s it¡­¡± Hayden whispered encouragingly as he began thrusting his hips upwards.


    We both thrusted and grinded our hips against each other like wild animals mating passionately. He kissed me and I responded in equal need and heated desire. The kiss quickly got hot, wet, and deep. I moaned into his mouth as Hayden thrusted faster and harder into me from below. His cock pushing upwards into my wet cunt as I mmed myself down on top of him.


    It feels so good¡­I¡¯m going to¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡¯m¡­cumming¡­¡± I confessed between my harsh breathing and moans.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    I came spectacrly that I could see stars when I closed my eyes. Hot wetness gushed out of me at my own release and my pussy spasmed around Hayden¡¯s thickness. My body felt weak and limp as I sat there on top of him on hisp. Hayden was close to his release as well and with a few more powerful thrusts, he groaned loudly and bit on my ear lobe as his climax imed him.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Staying Over at His Place

    My eyes widened as his hot seed shot into me. Hayden¡¯s cock spurted loads of his cum into me. His warmth filled me reminding me that Hayden wasn¡¯t wearing a condom. We ended up doing it raw again. He came so much into me that I thought he wouldn¡¯t stop.


    When he was done, heid me down on the sofa before withdrawing his cock from me. I was too exhausted to speak as Iid there on my side on the sofa. I felt the mix of our love juices leak out of my hole onto my thighs. There¡¯s so much of it that I was sure that I had made a mess of his sofa. Hayden didn¡¯t seem to care, and I couldn¡¯t care less at that moment.


    We made some crazy love, but I don¡¯t think Hayden was convinced of anything at all. I didn¡¯t understand him and how he saw the world. It pained me to admit it, but perhaps after all this time, I still didn¡¯t understand anything about him at all.


    Hayden got off the sofa and picked up his pants. I could hear rather than see Hayden walking away from me.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Remember this, Malissa. I don¡¯t believe that peace can be easily achieved. If it was that easy, I wouldn¡¯t have lost my brother¡­¡± Hayden said without a trace of emotion in his voice.


    Those were thest words that I heard before my consciousness fadedpletely.


    ¡­


    My eyelids felt so heavy and so did the rest of my body. The sensation of someone shaking my shoulder softly was what woke me up from my slumber. With effort, I struggled to open my eyes. At first, I thought that it must be Hayden who was trying to wake me up. However, when my eyes opened wide enough for me to see, I found out that I was wrong.


    ¡°Auntie?¡± I said with slight confusion.


    I haven¡¯t seen her since thatst time at the penthouse where Hayden and I were living together. Why is she here? Does she live in this mansion with Hayden?


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me¡­¡± Auntie said before smiling warmly down at me from above.


    I tried to get up by using my arms to lift my upper body and that was when I realized the state of nakedness and disarray that I was in. Embarrassed and shocked to be seen this way, I quickly covered my body by readjusting my dress. I guess she¡¯s already seen everything and can already figure out what had happened between Hayden and me so it¡¯s a little toote to cover up anything right now.


    ¡°Where is Hayden?¡± I asked and found that my voice sounded raspy and dry.


    My throat stung a little probably from all the shouting and screaming that I did when Hayden made love to me. There was a simr stinging sensation in between my legs as well. I sighed loudly.


    ¡°Master Hayden is no longer here,¡± Auntie replied regretfully.


    I guess she doesn¡¯t know where he went either. It was veryte at night or perhaps very close to dawn and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder where he went.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I muttered as if speaking to myself.


    ¡°Sleeping here won¡¯t do, Malissa. You¡¯ll hurt your back. Let me take you to your new room,¡± she said with a weing smile.


    Oh, that¡¯s right. Hayden did say that I would need my own rooms.


    ¡°He wants me to stay over here?¡± I asked as I continued to adjust my clothes to cover more of my flesh.


    ¡°Yes. If you can, please follow me¡­¡± Auntie said with worry in her tone.


    Hayden was very rough with me, but I could still walk, although not without pain. I sat up on the sofa before getting up and following Auntie out of Hayden¡¯s room. Back in the long hallway, Auntie led me towards what were to be my new rooms.


    ¡°This way, dear,¡± Auntie said gently as she led the way.


    After a short walk, she came to a stop in front of a pair ofrge white doors with an intricate design. Quickly, she pushed the door open and ushered me inside. The room inside was dark and Auntie quickly turned on the light. The beauty and the sophisticated vibe of the pastel pink and white room and its furniture and decorate took my breath away. A princess would probably sleep in a room like this.


    ¡°This is the bedroom. Connected to this room is a workshop room where you can work on your artwork, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining room,¡± Auntie exined.


    I followed her dutifully from one room to the next as she showed me where everything was. Honestly, everything looked too perfect as if this was a princess or doll¡¯s house out of a dream. Everything seemed sparkling clean and very new as well. I felt a little excited and giddy at being given such a splendid set of rooms to spend the night. It was a shame that since my stay here would just be for the night and that meant that I probably wouldn¡¯t have the chance to use all these rooms.


    My biggest regret was not getting to use the painting studio that had a veryrge floor-to-ceiling ss window. Although it was still dark outside right now, I could tell that the window would let in a good amount of natural light during the daytime. It was a pity that I wouldn¡¯t get the chance to create any paintings here in this room. The natural light would have been perfect for drawing and painting some still life work.


    ¡°Thank you for showing me around and for preparing this beautiful set of rooms for me,¡± I thanked Auntie before shing her a bright smile.


    My fatigue was starting to catch up to me again and I began to feel sleeping once more. I think I should go to bed right after Auntie leaves. It¡¯s also veryte right now and I think that Auntie should be in her bed and getting her rest as well.


    ¡°You must be tired. I¡¯ll leave you to rest for the night,¡± Auntie said before excusing herself.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 The Unexpected

    I bid her goodnight and closed the door after she left. I was sleepy but I decided to take a quick shower. To my surprise, there were some robes and clothes for me that I could wear for the night. I jumped into therge and soft bed. It was sofortable that I thought for a second that I was sleeping on the clouds. I buried my face into the soft pillow as I hugged the pillow to me.


    I wasn¡¯t sure when I drifted off to sleep but it must have been soon after jumping into bed. Thefort of the bed felt so perfect for sleeping in and my body definitely needed the rest. I closed my eyes after promising myself that I would work harder to better understand Hayden the next day.


    ¡­


    The sudden realization that I had forgotten to set the rm the previous night made me bolt up right in bed. The unfamiliar sight of the princess-like bedroom that greeted me caused some initial panic before my confused mind began recalling the events that took cest night. That¡¯s right, I went to dinner with Hayden and after that he drove me to his ce. Last night, I spent the night here in this room.


    Reaching over to the bedside table, I quickly grabbed my phone and that was when I realized that I had overslept by a few hours. Was I that tired fromst night? The slight pain and throbbing in between my legs served as sufficient reminder of how things quickly spiraled out of control between Hayden and me.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    However, now wasn¡¯t the time for me to be worrying about that. I had sses to teach today and I¡¯m still here! If I remembered correctly, his ce is in the opposite direction of my ce and the art school. If I don¡¯t hurry, I¡¯m going to bete for my afternoon sses. I need to leave immediately.


    I got out of bed, showered, and dressed before grabbing my things and heading for the door. There¡¯s an hour left, if the traffic isn¡¯t bad, I should be able to make it to the school on time. Hopefully.


    I thought that the only obstacle in the way of getting to school on time was traffic; however, when my hand reached out to turn the doorknob, I found out that I was so wrong. No matter how many times I turned the doorknob, the door wouldn¡¯t unlock. I tried over and over again to unlock it from the inside, but I couldn¡¯t push the door open. I tried pushing it repeatedly and with all my force. Then I tried pulling it. The result was the same: the door just wouldn¡¯t open.


    My first reaction was that of pure frustration. I was in a hurry, and I didn¡¯t need this issue right now. Why did the door have to breakdown today of all days?


    ¡°Help! The door is broken!¡± I called out loudly as I banged on the door.


    Silence.


    I blinked rapidly at the door in confusion as I still half expected the door to just open on its own. I mean, how can this be happening?!


    ¡°Excuse me!! Is anyone out there? Help! I¡¯m stuck in here!¡± I called out louder this time.


    Silence.


    Now, I was starting to panic. Quickly, I started dialing Hayden¡¯s number on my phone. The line connected but the regr beeping told me that the line refused to connect. Why isn¡¯t he picking up his phone right now of all times? He told me to call him if anything happens and now, he¡¯s not answering my call? I redialed his number again as my other hand hammered on therge door in front of me.


    I¡¯m being so loud, there¡¯s no way that the people outside couldn¡¯t hear me. Was it possible that there¡¯s no one out there right now? I did recall the mansion being quite deserted when I arrived heretest night. That doesn¡¯t change what I must do now though.


    ¡°Help! I¡¯m stuck in here! Help! Open the door please!!!¡± I continued screaming and banging on the door.


    Hayden still didn¡¯t answer my calls and my hand that was beating on the door had started to hurt. By that time, I was angry and upset with the situation that I had found myself in. I stuffed my phone into my bag so that I could bang on the door with both my hands.


    I had tears of frustration in my eyes as time ticked by and I wasn¡¯t getting physically closer to the art school where I had to conduct my sses. It¡¯s been close to twenty minutes now and that meant that there was no way that I could arrive on time to start my first afternoon art ss. I hated to do this, but it didn¡¯t seem like I had any other choice.


    ¡°Hi. Umm¡­about the ss in the afternoon today¡­¡± I began saying hesitantly as the feeling of guilt flooded by heart and chest.


    I didn¡¯t want to do this. Cancelling my ss would cause trouble and inconvenience for so many people. The students. Their parents. The other teachers and the art school. This was all because this goddamn door just wouldn¡¯t open!


    ¡°Oh, Malissa. We¡¯ve already canceled all your sses for today for you. There¡¯s nothing for you to worry about. Just focus on your recovery, ok?¡± thedy said through the phone, and I could detect a hint of worry in her voice.


    sses cancelled? My recovery?


    ¡°My sses were already canceled?¡± I asked nkly.


    What is going on here?


    ¡°Yes. We received a call early in the morning saying that you came down with a very bad feverst night and was still recovering. You better rest and drink lots of water. No need to worry about your sses, they¡¯ve been cancelled for today,¡± the woman said reassuringly.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I mumbled, still in shock.


    Did Hayden do this? Why? I didn¡¯t have a fever or anything. I wasn¡¯t even sick.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Prisoner of Love

    ¡°We also have other teachers to fill in your sses for the following days if you¡¯re still feeling sick. So, just rest and don¡¯t worry. Get well soon, Malissa!¡± thedy said cheerfully.


    Although I appreciated that the school was more than willing to support me and help me out during my time of sickness, the truth was that this was all just a big misunderstanding. I wasn¡¯t sick and right now I should be there teaching my sses!


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± I managed to say in a whisper before the line disconnected.


    Hayden¡­why are you doing this?


    My eyes lifted from the phone screen towards the still-closed door and an ominous feeling began rapidly growing in the pit of my stomach. This is all just a bad coincidence, right?


    Surprisingly, after a few desperate poundings on the door, I heard clicking sounds as if the door was being unlocked from the outside. My eyes narrowed suspiciously, and I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. The door was locked from the outside all this time? Why would the door even have a lock on the outside?


    The answer was sinister and clear, but I just couldn¡¯t quite believe it. Someone locked me up in here on purpose. Why?


    I felt like I was about to get the answers to my questions when the door started to slowly swing open. Honestly, I was expecting to see Hayden and I was ready to give him a piece of my mind. However, the person who greeted me with a guilty smile was none other than Auntie who had led me herest night.


    ¡°Why was the door locked?¡± I demanded for an answer right away.


    Auntie sighed loudly and seemed ufortable as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other in the doorway. Her eyes wouldn¡¯t meet mine and I could tell that she was feeling guilty.


    ¡°Auntie¡­what is going on here?¡± I asked as I narrowed my eyes at her.


    ¡°Umm¡­Hayden wants you to stay in your room. He says it¡¯s for your own good,¡± Auntie replied hesitantly.


    Hayden wants¡­what?


    ¡°Does that mean that I can¡¯t leave this room?¡± I asked in pure shock.


    ¡°Umm¡­yes. It would be better if you stay inside¡­¡± Auntie replied in a shaky voice.


    I nced down and realized that she was holding a tray of food, fruits, and water in her hands. That was when it urred to me that she wasn¡¯t here to let me out at all. She was merely here to deliver me my food. Suddenly, the beautiful and luxurious room that I was in felt like an overly decorated prison and I was the bird stuck in a golden cage. I¡¯m getting my food delivered to me like I was some prisoner.


    Why is this happening to me?


    ¡°Where is Hayden?¡± I asked.


    Auntie didn¡¯t reply but headed into the room before heading to the dining room. The door was open, and I wondered if I could make a run for it. If I can just get out of here and talk to Hayden, maybe I can get him to change his mind about all this. Does he even realize how wrong it is to hold me here against my will?


    My heart fell to my feet when I poked my head out of the door. Even if I made a run for it, I wouldn¡¯t make it past this hallway. When I banged on the door and shouted loudly before and no one answered, I honestly thought that it was because there was no one on the opposite side of the door. However, the row of around ten men in ck stationed right outside my door told me that I had it all wrong. Hayden¡¯s men stood in a line with their backs against the wall with their eyes on me and the opened door to my room.


    This is insane. Purely insane.


    I sighed seeing that escape wasn¡¯t a viable option and retreated back into the room, closing the door behind me. Not knowing what to do and feeling quite hopeless about my current situation, I followed Auntie to the dining room to see that she had alreadyid out the food on the dining table.


    The dining table was toorge for one person, and it felt lonely sitting there all alone. I stared at the food in front of me with absolutely no appetite.


    ¡°Where is Hayden?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°Master Hayden has left the mansion and hasn¡¯t returned yet,¡± Auntie replied tly.


    ¡°Where did he go? Why did lock me up here? When is heing back? Why won¡¯t he answer my calls?!¡± I bombard the Auntie with my questions.


    I bit my lower lips in frustration when I realized that I had raised my voice at the old woman. This is so bad; I knew that I was taking out my anger on her simply because she was the only one in the room with me. I knew that I was mad at Hayden and my behavior was inexcusable. Auntie is probably just doing what Hayden told her to do.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to take it out on you,¡± I apologized softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. You must be tired fromst night so you should eat something,¡± Auntie encouraged quietly.


    ¡°Thank you but I don¡¯t feel like it,¡± I said dismissively.


    ¡°Is there something that I can do for you?¡± Auntie asked sadly.


    ¡°When Hayden is back, can you tell him toe see me?¡± I asked.


    Auntie nodded sadly and I knew that she probably thought that locking me up in here was a bad idea as well.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be sure to do that. In the meantime, please just rest and rx in here¡­¡± she said before she turned and took her leave.


    I heard the door closing behind her and knew instinctively that it would be locked again from the outside.


    Hayden, what are you thinking this time? Why are you doing this?


    In the back of my mind, I had a vague idea of the cause behind this. After all, this all happened because he found out that Ethan came to see me. If he couldn¡¯t control my life when I was outside, did hee to conclusion that it was better to keep me locked up here instead?N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Driving Me Insane

    I spent the whole day going crazy from the frustration of being trapped inside. Sitting on the sofa, I asked myself for the hundredth time why didn¡¯t I see thising. I should have seen thising so why did I ignore the signs. It couldn¡¯t have been a wild coincidence that there was a set of newly decorated room joined to an art studio.


    Hayden must have prepared this set of rooms for me. It wasn¡¯t like renovation could be done so fast so how long ago had he prepared these rooms? Did he always intended to lock me up in here?


    Iy down on the long sofa and covered my eyes with the back of my hand. My head hurts and I feel sick just from thinking of all the scenarios and exnation for this dire situation. Everything that I thought about went from bad to worst. I should have known from the moment that I was led herest night that this wasn¡¯t a room prepared for someone to simply spend the night.


    Iughed deliriously to myself at the initial joy and appreciation that I had for the art studio and how I regretted not being able to use it. I was still certain that the natural light during the day shining into that studio would look absolutely stunning. It was daytime now, but I haven¡¯t stepped one foot into that art studio. It was quite ironic how something I was just looking forward to now became something that I loathed.


    Hayden may have put his thoughts about me into the renovation of these rooms, but it was far from what I wanted. After spending many hours doing absolutely nothing, the sun ray from outside started to turn orange and soon I knew that night would arrive. I wished that time would pass by faster or that I could skip to the time when Hayden returned back to this mansion.


    Auntie brought me food for all my meals. She shook her head in disappointment and disapproval when she saw the untouched food on the table. Without reprimanding me, she reced the untouched food with the new set of food for my lunch. The same thing happened when she reced my untouched lunch with food for dinner. Although the food looked and smelled pleasant, I didn¡¯t have the appetite to even touch it. My mind was too busy on how to convince Hayden into letting me go.


    ¡°Is Hayden back yet?¡± I asked.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Auntie shook her head as she continued to clear away the dining table. It was still early in the evening, so I wasn¡¯t super surprised that Hayden wasn¡¯t back yet. I let out a loud sigh as I decided that taking a rxing shower might help improve my mood. However, deep down I probably knew that nothing would help lift my spirits at this point.


    ¡°You should make sure to eat your food on time, Malissa,¡± Auntie said with a worried look on her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m too stressed out to have an appetite¡­¡± I replied honestly.


    Auntie left with a depressed frown on her face, and I headed for the bathroom to take my rxing shower. It was a while after I had gotten out of the shower that I heard the sound of the door unlocking from the outside. Instinctively, I knew that it wasn¡¯t Auntie who was unlocking my door right now.


    Jumping up from the sofa, I raced to the door. I arrived in front of the closed door just in time to see the door slowly open. My heart almost stopped beating when I came face to face with Hayden. Hayden was dressed in an all-white suit thatplimented his light blonde hair and blue eyes so perfectly well that I couldn¡¯t help but admire his looks for a split of a second. The firm sound of the door closing behind Hayden brought me back to my senses.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I began speaking.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been eating,¡± Hayden stated in a low voice.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I said, taken aback by his unexpected words.


    ¡°Auntie told me that you haven¡¯t touched your food since morning. Is that true?¡± Hayden asked as he leaned back against the closed door leisurely.


    His eyes that stared down at me was anything but rxed. He was basically ring down at me like I hadmitted a serious crime against him and his family.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like eating,¡± I replied. Guess who¡¯s to me for that?


    ¡°You¡¯ll get sick if you don¡¯t eat properly,¡± Hayden said before walking past me into the room.


    ¡°Hayden! You can¡¯t keep me locked up in here. Please let me out¡­¡± I called after him as I started following him.


    Finally, I was able to say it. Hayden didn¡¯t stop walking and it didn¡¯t seem like my words had any impact on him at all. I heard the sound of the door opening and when I turned around, I saw a few maids roll in a trolley filled with food, fruits and drinks into the room. Hayden headed to the dining room, and I followed him in irritation and confusion. Why isn¡¯t he even listening to me?


    ¡°Calm down. Sit and eat,¡± Haydenmanded at he took a seat at the dining table.


    The sight of him sitting there leisurely with his legs crossed only added to my anger and frustration. Was he just nning to ignore me and the current problem at hand?


    I watched as the maids professionally arranged the food on the table. With a loud sigh, I sat down in the seat opposite him at the dining table.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re referring to,¡± Hayden replied casually.


    ¡°Why did you lock me up in here? Why are you just ignoring my questions?¡± I demanded to know.


    ¡°I¡¯m not answering anything until you finish up your food. So, I suggest that you start eating already before the food gets cold,¡± Hayden said sternly.


    He¡¯s driving me insane; I swear.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Part of His World

    Hayden continued to watch me closely from across the table. I could feel his bright blue gaze burning into me. With a resigned sigh, I started scooping random mix of food from the dishes onto my te. I wasn¡¯t even interested about what had been served. All I wanted to do was shove enough food into my mouth and down my throat so that Hayden would be satisfied. After that, I¡¯m going to squeeze some answers out of him and get my ass out of here!


    I munched on the food without tasting it as my renewed determination started taking over. After eating more than decently enough, I picked up the ss of water and gulped down its entire content. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand like a barbarian before cing the ss back down on the table with a loud thud.


    ¡°I¡¯m done eating. Can we talk now?¡± I announced as I stared back into his cold blue eyes.


    ¡°What do you want to talk about, Malissa?¡± Hayden asked emotionlessly.


    As if he doesn¡¯t already know what I wanted to talk about. Where should I even start?


    ¡°You called the school and told them that I was sick? You had my sses cancelled for the day¡­¡± I said, astounded by the ridiculousness of his actions.


    ¡°So, what if I did?¡± Hayden replied without a care.


    ¡°That¡¯s crazy. You shouldn¡¯t have done that. I need to work. My students were waiting for me,¡± Iined.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter anymore,¡± he muttered passively.


    ¡°Of course, it matters. It may not matter to you, but it matters to me!¡± I cried out loudly.


    ¡°Why does it matter?¡± Hayden asked coldly.


    ¡°Huh? Of course, it matters. I have a life and a future that I¡¯m working hard to build. Why can¡¯t you understand that?¡± I snapped.


    How can he not understand something so simple?!


    ¡°You chose a life associated with the mafia. How long did you think you could go on teaching those young kids?¡± Hayden asked as his eyes narrowed at me.


    ¡°What? That has nothing to do¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Honestly, I have never thought about it that way at all. I just thought that choosing to be associated with the mafia meant that I could be together with Hayden. No one ever mentioned giving up my job or my interaction with other people¡­right?


    ¡°It has everything to do with it. Would the parents of those cute and adorable young children want you around their children if they knew about your association to the mafia? What do you think?¡± Hayden asked as his eyes begged me for an answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­anyways, you cannot keep me locked up here!¡± I yelled across the table.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Hayden asked as if he really didn¡¯t get it.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it supposed to be obvious? You can¡¯t just lock people in and hold them against their will¡­¡± I shot back as my anger started to take over.


    Why is he acting like I¡¯m the one that doesn¡¯t understand anything here? I was sure that my logic was right. It wasmon sense. Everyone has been taught this. It is thew for crying out loud so why do I have to keep repeating myself like this? How many times do I have to say it for him to get it?


    ¡°Is that the rule that you live by?¡± Hayden asked beforeughing softly.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a rule. It is thew, and everyone lives by it,¡± I stated firmly.


    ¡°Everyone? Then let me ask you this. Do you think thew and the rules that you mention would really apply here? Does it apply to this mansion and the people inside? Do you honestly believe that thews apply to anything that I do?¡± Hayden challenged before he grinned at me.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked suspiciously.


    ¡°I asked you to make the choice and you decided to be part of the mafia world. In our world, we have our own rules and our ownws. It applies to our territories and our people,¡± Hayden stated before pointing at me.


    My eyes widened at his words, and it was like my heart was about to stop beating.


    ¡°You are one of us now. Some would say that you always were¡­¡± Hayden said calmly.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. It was true thatrge gangs like the Torex gang lived above thew or more like there were parts of their organization that hides away from thew.


    Once again, Hayden red at me and shook his head as if he couldn¡¯t believe how I didn¡¯t understand something so simple.


    ¡°Sweetie listen, if the normalws applied you and I wouldn¡¯t be in this situation. Your parents wouldn¡¯t have died like that. Your life wouldn¡¯t be a mess and you wouldn¡¯t have to make the choice that you¡¯ve just made. You¡¯re part of this world now, Malissa, and there is no turning back¡­¡± Hayden said before he smiled charmingly at me.


    ¡°Let me out¡­I want to go outside¡­¡± I pleaded.


    ¡°There¡¯s everything that you need in here. Why would you need to go outside?¡± he asked as he cocked his head to the side.


    ¡°What?¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°If there¡¯s something that you want, you can let Auntie know and she¡¯ll get it arranged for you. I already instructed her to make you feelfortable here. I doubt that you would want something that my money cannot buy,¡± Hayden said with a carefree shrug.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point at all. Hayden, let me out of here!¡± I cried out desperately.


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible right now,¡± I stated without any empathy.


    ¡°Why? Why are you locking me up in here?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you already know the answer to that?¡± he asked as he raised an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°Is it because I met Ethan?¡± I said softly.


    ¡°Good. So, you do know,¡± Hayden affirmed.


    ¡°I told you that I didn¡¯t want to meet with him. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose¡­¡± I began exining again.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t change the fact that you met him, and he started giving you ideas¡­¡± Hayden replied passively although his words cut pretty deep.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Gentle Caresses

    I didn¡¯t know what else to say to him. It was like we were not speaking the samenguage and the way that we thought couldn¡¯t be any different. Did I make the wrong decision back then? Should I have chosen the normal life¡­but then¡­Hayden wouldn¡¯t be in it.


    ¡°You are holding me here against my will!¡± I screamed as all my frustration and anger came bursting forth in the form of words.


    I stood up from my seat and red at him. How dare he keep me locked up here like this?!


    Hayden covered his ears with his hands as a look of annoyance crept into his graceful facial features. Slowly, he stood up from his seat and sighed loudly.


    ¡°How many times do I have to tell you? I don¡¯t like loud women,¡± Hayden said with displeasure in his voice.


    He shook his head disapprovingly from side to side slowly before he took a few steps towards me. Instinctively, I shrunk back away from him. I didn¡¯t need to sense it; Hayden¡¯s anger was in as day on his face and edge in his voice. Maybe, I shouldn¡¯t have shouted at him. However, I couldn¡¯t think of any other way to get my message across.


    Before I could take another step back, Hayden arms had already grabbed me. His arms around my back and waist pulled me to him so roughly that my body was crushed to his. It was like he was hugging me desperately but that wasn¡¯t the case. He was just capturing me so that I couldn¡¯t escape. Even if I could escape from his hold now, I knew that there was no where for me to go. I can¡¯t get out of this room and even if I could, I couldn¡¯t leave this mansion or navigate the thick forests beyond.


    I¡¯m stuck here¡­with him¡­


    I felt the heat of his body along the length of mine as his familiar scent enveloped me. My hands were pressed against his chest along with the side of my face. The sound of his heart beating against my ear only made me aware of how close we were in body. If only our spirit were as close. If only we could understand each other.


    ¡°I told you before. Do you remember when is the only time when a woman should be loud?¡± he whispered to me from above.


    I knew the answer to his question, but I wouldn¡¯t answer him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t hold me here against my will¡­¡± I said softly against his chest.


    The strength I had to push him away was nothingpared to the strength of his strong arms that were holding me. Each time I struggled against him, his arms around my body would tighten. It felt like arge snake had wrapped itself around me and was crushing my bones.


    ¡°So, if I can make you willing then it wouldn¡¯t be a problem, right?¡± Hayden hissed into my ear.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± I whimpered against his broad chest.


    ¡°I can be rough with you, or I can be extra gentle. How do you want it, Malissa?¡± Hayden asked in a seductive drawl.


    The tip of his fingers began caresses the sensitive skin of my neck. With featherlight tenderness, his fingers stroked the side of my neck before slowly tracing a line down along my shoulder. Choosing to wear one of the revealing and short nightgowns from the closet was a mistake. The closet was filled with nothing but nightgowns. There were no clothes suitable for going outside. I didn¡¯t find that weird before because I thought that I would only be spending the night. However, now that I must live here, theck of clothing only showed that he truly didn¡¯t intend for me to take even a step outside.


    Slowly, Hayden slid the thin straps of the wine-colored nightgown down from my shoulders. He bent down and began nting soft kisses along the side of my neck where his fingertips had just caressed while his hand carefully pulled down the night gown to reveal my naked breasts. I felt the air against my newly exposed skin for a few seconds before it was reced by the heat from his palms as he cupped my breasts softly.


    The way his hands were slowly and gently massaging my breasts felt so new and different from how he usually handled me. It felt so good and so exciting that I found myself letting out soft little moans of pleasure despite myself. His hands continued to gently squeeze and knead my breasts while his lips began sucking softly on my neck.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    His hot and wet tongue slipped out from between his lips and beganpping lightly against my neck. The texture of his tongue running along the length of my neck as he licked me sent shivers throughout my body and I moaned uncontrobly.


    ¡°You¡¯re making nice sounds. Remember these sounds and how much I like hearing them,¡± Hayden instructed before his tongue returned to tease my neck once more.


    His fingers found my hardened nipples and started to pinch them softly. I let out a gasp of surprise at the sensation of my nipples being pinched and rolled between his fingertips.


    Ahhh¡­it feels so good already¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whimpered his name although I wasn¡¯t sure what I wanted to say to him.


    I felt his hot breath next to my ear before he blew softly against it. I bit my lower lips and moaned as he stimted my sensitive ear. Soon, Hayden was sucking and licking my earlobe softly and slowly. The lewd sounds he was making close to my ear was making me quickly lose my mind. My knees felt weak, and I grabbed the fabric of the front his shirt.


    ¡°That was gentle. Did it feel good?¡± Hayden asked huskily.


    I nodded in response. It did feel very pleasurable.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name loudly.


    His hands on my breasts suddenly began groping me roughly and I cried out at the slight stinging pain on my chest that came before the pleasure started setting in. Hisrge hands squeezed my breasts roughly. Looking down, I could see my breasts changing shape ording to the movements his hands. The soft flesh of my breasts spilled out between his fingers as he continued to squeeze them.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Rough Seduction

    He¡¯s being so rough all of a sudden.


    ¡°Ahh! Hayden¡­¡± I moaned and cried out loudly.


    His hands moved down from my breasts to my waist, pulling down with it my nightgown until his hands found its way to my buttocks. I moaned deliciously as his hands cupped my ass before squeezing them. My body throbbed with need as desire swirled in my lower abdomen with a lustful ache for more. My pussy clenched and pulsated, and I knew that I had gotten very wet.


    Hayden¡¯s being so rough with me. He bent his head down and took a hardened nipple between his lips and began sucking hard on it. I cried out his name and threw my head back as the intense pleasure of his wild sucking ran through my body. He sucked on my nipple repeatedly as his hands pumped my ass from behind. My hands were immediately in his blond hair as I thrusted my chest shamelessly toward his face.


    Hayden bit on my nipple a little roughly and although it hurts, it felt so good. I wanted him to suck me more and bite me more. I whimpered his name as he continued to ravish my body with the rough caresses of his hand, his mouth and his wet tongue.


    By the time his mouth left my nipple, my mind was in a daze, and I couldn¡¯t think straight anymore. My breathing wasbored, making my chest rise and fall with each breath. Hayden stood up again and gazed down into my face. His eyes met mine and he smiled knowingly at me.


    ¡°That was rough. So, how would you like me to take you today?¡± Hayden asked with sly smile.


    ¡°Neither¡­way¡­¡± I whispered in between my harsh breathing.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°I dislike dishonest girls,¡± Hayden stated coldly.


    His hands were on my inner thighs before they started inching upwards until his hands disappearedpletely under the short length of my nightgown. I sucked in a breath, knowing what he was searching for.


    Hayden smirked at me, and his blue eyes seemed to have darkened by a few shades of blue when his fingers finally found the hot wetness in between my legs. I let out a breathless sigh when his fingers began stroking the wet slit in between my legs. My opening throbbed with need and his fingers only provided temporary relief. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feel of his fingers running up and down my slit before it brushed against my swollen and hard clit.


    ¡°You chose a very sexy little dress for someone who doesn¡¯t want to do any of this¡­¡± Hayden teased.


    ¡°There wasn¡¯t¡­any other clothes¡­in the closet¡­¡± I managed to protest in between my lewd moans.


    ¡°You¡¯re not wearing any panties¡­I guess there weren¡¯t any in the closet either¡­¡± Hayden murmured teasingly.


    He knew that there were panties in the closet. He¡¯s just being mean and teasing me.


    His fingers massaged my swollen clit and my whole body lost its strength. I ced my hands on his shoulders as I clung to him for support. Hayden¡¯s fingers began swirling around my clit faster and harder than before as he massaged it in circr motions.


    ¡°Ahh! Ahhh! Ahhhh¡­¡± I moaned wildly.


    ¡°Your mouth says one thing, your action tells me something else, and your wet pussy tells another story,¡± Hayden said as mockingly.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± I whimpered as his fingers pushed up firmly into my wetness.


    My wet pussy stretched around his intruding fingers as I adjusted to amodate the thickness of his fingers. His fingers weren¡¯t in too deep yet, but it already started to feel mind-numbingly good. My body was greedy for more pleasure as my pussy started clenching wildly around his fingers. I pressed my forehead against his chest when his fingers started moving, thrusting in and then out of my sopping wet love hole.


    ¡°I don¡¯t rape women and I¡¯m not about to start now¡­¡± Hayden said in a deep voice.


    My pussy made wet lewd sounds as his fingers plunged deeper and deeper inside. He stirred up my wet honey pot and my hips began moving against his hand. Hayden bit the side of my neck and sucked on me as he continued to finger my hole roughly. My pussy got wetter and the addictive ache in my lower abdomen grew unbearably hot.


    Hayden¡¯s fingers were thick and long, they reached so deep into me as they hit against the spot that felt so good for me. I¡¯m about to cum already¡­


    ¡°Do you want me to stop, or should I make you cum, Malissa? Tell me¡­do you want me to stop fucking you with my fingers?¡± Hayden hissed into my ear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­stop¡­please¡­¡± I replied in a strangled whisper.


    I could feel my climax fast approaching. Hayden thrusted his fingers harder and faster into me, driving me even closer to the edge. I felt a strong ache building in between my legs before my orgasm hit me along with the rapid gush of wetness in my love tunnel.


    ¡°Ahhh! Hay¡­Hayden!¡± I cried out loudly as I lost myself in my intense climax.


    Hayden unplugged my hole and my hot wetness spurted out onto my inner thighs.


    ¡°Do you want to do it here or on the bed?¡± Hayden asked.


    I knew that he wanted to move on to the better part now.


    If those are the only two options that I had, then¡­


    ¡°¡­here¡­¡± I whispered breathlessly.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re being honest,¡± Hayden said with immense satisfaction.


    Hayden¡¯s hands were on my waist before he swiftly lifted me and sat me down on the table. That was when I finally understood why he had chosen such a long dining table for this room although it would just be the two of us eating here. The height of the table was so perfect for what we¡¯re about to do that I couldn¡¯t help feeling slightly amused at the coincidence of it all.


    ¡°What are you thinking of, Malissa?¡± Hayden asked and his simple question sounded seductive to my ears.


    ¡°That the height of this table is perfect¡­for what we¡¯re about to do¡­¡± I replied tantly.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Joined by Desire

    ¡°Guess we¡¯re in luck,¡± Hayden replied before his lips captured mine in an ardent kiss.


    He continued kissing me passionately, his tongue thrusting wildly into my mouth just like how I wanted his cock to mess me up inside. Hayden stood in between my spread legs as his hands started to undo his belt before he started to remove his pants.


    ¡°Lift your heel up onto the table and spread your legs¡­wider¡­¡± Haydenmanded.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    His hands helped me lift my legs onto the table just as he had instructed and soon my legs were spread so far apart that I felt so embarrassingly exposed. The opening of my love hole stretched open as if inviting for his thick cock to slide inside.


    ¡°This is a very nice view,¡± Haydenmented before he positioned the thick head of his cock at my wet and throbbing entrance.


    I had just climaxed, and my insides were still very sensitive. My hands held my thighs wide open for him as Hayden¡¯s hips moved in closer to mine.


    ¡°Let me know if I¡¯m being too rough,¡± Hayden warned softly.


    In the next moment, his thick and long cock prated my wet hole and disappeared inside with one extremely forceful thrust. My eyes widened and I screamed at the suddenness and the force of his entrance. He stretched and filled me up sopletely with one thrust that buried his entire length inside of me. I felt like I could climax right away from this alone.


    Without waiting for me to adjust to his size, Hayden began pounding his massive cock into me. He reared his hips back before mming his enormous member into me over and over again. My hands clenched on my own thighs as my fingers dug into my flesh. Hayden¡¯s hands held my hips in ce as he pounded his hot rod into my wet hole. His cock scraped along the wet walls of my pussy as his cock glided in and out of me.


    Hayden¡¯s low growl filled my ear, and I clenched my pussy tighter around his thick shaft. His hips pped against mine as his cock stirred up my wetness. Lewd wet sounds of our passionate coupling filled the room together with my passionate moans and cries of pleasure. He took me fast and hard until I felt like he was about to rip me apart. He satisfied me and then gave me even more of himself.


    Hayden thrusted deeper into my love tunnel with each thrust that ended up hitting my womb. I felt him so deep inside as he filled me uppletely. I felt so full of him, and I moaned in my satisfaction of being filled and stretched repeatedly. The thick head of his cock rammed against my pleasure spot, and I felt myself getting even wetter. When Hayden moved faster than before, his movements became even more aggressive in his desire to prate me even deeper.


    ¡°Lift your legs¡­¡± Hayden panted.


    His hands pulled and lifted my legs up over his shoulder. He pulled my entire body closer to him and Iid down onto the table and covered my mouth with my hand to stop my loud cries of pleasure from escaping.


    ¡°Your pussy feels amazing¡­¡± Hayden said, and he thrusted deeper into me.


    ¡°Ah! Ahh! Ahh!¡± I cried out with each thrusted that hammered into my wet hole.


    He¡¯s in even deeper than before and this angle felt outrageously pleasurable. Hayden pumped his cock into me like his stamina was endless. While I was already very close to my limit. I¡¯m about to cum again¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m cumming!¡± I cried out as my back arched off the table.


    My body trembled and spasm at the amazing jolts of pleasure that ran from where we were joined all the way to my toes. I clenched my pussy walls around his cock to feel more of him as I rode out the effects of my mind-shattering climax.


    Hayden continued to fuck my hole as his animalistic growls of lust grew louder. He moaned my name, and I could tell from the heat and how his cock was twitching that he was close to his release.


    ¡°I¡¯m cumming now¡­Malissa¡­¡± he growled.


    Hayden came inside of me after a short while of thrusting rapidly into my cunt. He pushed his cock deep into me and spurted his cum into my womb. His hot release poured out and filled my insides as he growled from the pleasure of his orgasm.


    Iy limp on the table and waited until he was done with me. After pouring his hot seed into me, Hayden withdrew his cock from my hole and slowly ced my legs back down. My legs and feet hung from the table as we both struggled to catch our breath. I could feel the mix of our love juices gushing out of my entrance. It must be such a mess, but I didn¡¯t have the strength to move to deal with it right now.


    I heard rather than saw Hayden putting on and adjusting his clothes. Slowly, I began using my arms to prop myself up into a sitting position so that I could see him.


    ¡°You will stay locked up in here until you understand the position that you¡¯re in,¡± Hayden stated matter-of-factly.


    My mind felt like a mess, and it was hard for me to focus my thoughts. On top of that, my throat felt dry. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could speak very well right now, but I was more than willing to try.


    ¡°Staying locked up in here won¡¯t make me understand anything apart from the fact that you¡¯re acting like a tyrant. If you want me to understand something, then just exin it to me. If you don¡¯t exin anything, how am I supposed to understand anything? How am I supposed to understand you?¡± I said desperately using my hoarse and dry voice.


    I was panting hard by the time that I had finished.


    ¡°Maybe if you let me fuck you often enough, you¡¯ll start to understand how I think¡­¡± Hayden replied sarcastically.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Unappreciative

    He turned and began walking away like our conversation was now over as far as he was concerned. Nothing made me angrier than when he ignored me. He could do anything to me, and it would be better than when he ignored me like this.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called after him softly.


    Hayden didn¡¯t turn around to face me, but he did pause in his steps. I hesitated a little but still decided to say what I wanted to say anyways. Nothing worst can evere from this¡­


    ¡°After you turn me into your sex ve, what happens next?¡± I asked, unable to conceal the malice in my voice.


    A few seconds flew by and without saying anything, Hayden walked quietly out of the room. The door closing behind him with a thunderous bang was the only clue that I had to how he was feeling.


    ¡­


    ¡°That little girl sure is loud¡­¡± Lukamented.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Hayden asked, disregarding Luka¡¯sment.


    ¡°You, on the other hand, don¡¯t look like a man that had just satisfied his lust,¡± Luka teased.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Hayden asked again.


    ¡°You should cut her some ck or she¡¯s going to break. It¡¯s only been a day or two and she¡¯s already screaming like that¡­¡± Luka advised before smirking at Hayden.


    ¡°Answer my question, Luka,¡± Hayden said, and it was clear that he wasn¡¯t ying around.


    ¡°The boss sent me here to make sure that you don¡¯t end up killing her¡­¡± Luka said with a softugh.


    Hayden was sure that that wasn¡¯t the real reason Luka was sent here.


    ¡°What is that old man nning now?¡± Hayden demanded to know.


    ¡°I told you before. You should just marry the girl and take over. Why are you making things so difficult?¡± Luka asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s no point to any of this if she doesn¡¯t know what she¡¯s signing herself up for¡­¡± Hayden muttered.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re basically giving her a taste of what it¡¯s like being a mafia¡¯s woman, is that it?¡± Luka asked, clearly amused at the idea.


    Hayden didn¡¯t reply but Luka knew that he was spot on. He sighed loudly and rubbed his temples.


    ¡°You can do whatever you want to her, I guess,¡± Luka said with disinterest.


    ¡°Then why are you really here?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to give her encouragement so that she¡¯ll get through this tough time. I want Jack¡¯s only daughter to be happy as well, you know¡­¡± Luka said with a wistful smile.


    ¡°You knew?¡± Hayden said and it wasn¡¯t truly a question.


    ¡°She looks nothing like him, thank God. But sometimes the way she gets so stubborn, it¡¯s a little like Jack, don¡¯t you think?¡± Luka said as he seemed to recall some not-so-fond memories.


    ¡°What do you n to do?¡± Hayden inquired.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m just going to talk to her¡­now and then¡­¡± Luka replied casually.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go inside. If you do, I¡¯ll kill you,¡± Hayden stated matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Sounding very much like the boss now, aren¡¯t you? I won¡¯t go in¡­¡± Luka said.


    Hayden nodded before turning on his heels and walked away. Luka watched the younger man leave before sighing. Unlike Hayden, he¡¯d seen women in Malissa¡¯s position before and knew that the current method that Hayden was using would only be half effective. The question was, how does he make up for the other half.


    Luka let out a long sighed before walking away from the door to Malissa¡¯s room. Judging from all that screaming that she¡¯s done, it was very unlikely that she had enough voice or strength to conduct a conversation with him through the thick wooden door. Therefore, he had decided to return again tomorrow.


    ¡­


    The next morning, I still had my eyes closed when I heard soft knocking sounds from the opposite side of the door. It¡¯s not Hayden¡­


    With my eyes still closed, I slowly sat up on the bed before trudging sleepily to the door. I hope it¡¯s not food that they¡¯re delivering, but I bet that it was. Food was thest thing on my mind right now. Since the knocking wouldn¡¯t cease, I knew that I had to get the door or answer.


    ¡°Come in¡­¡± I called out sleepily.


    I flopped down onto the living room¡¯s sofa, knowing that whoever was at the door had the keys to open the door from the outside. It wasn¡¯t like I could open the door for them from the inside anyways. I rubbed my eyes with my hands and yawned disgracefully. I felt sleep deprived, tired and I wasn¡¯t in the best of moods.


    The door slowly opened, and many maids wheeled in trollies filled with brown boxes. Auntie was there to orchestrate the whole thing. I wasn¡¯t sure what was in the box and honestly, I didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Good morning, Malissa,¡± Auntie greeted me with a nervous smile.


    I probably look like a mess. Running my fingers through my long hair, I flipped it away from my face before smilingzily back at her.


    ¡°Good morning, Auntie,¡± I whisperedzily.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I nced over at the pile ofrge brown boxes that the maids have lifted down from the trolley onto the floor. Whatever is in there isn¡¯t going to improve my mood or impress me. I sighed loudly and Auntie gave me an uncertain look.


    ¡°Malissa¡­Hayden has ordered for these art supplies to be delivered to you. There¡¯s a very nice art studio in that room over there¡­and¡­¡± Auntie said with a forced smile.


    ¡°Does he expect me to paint in that studio till the day that I die?¡± I snapped.


    ¡°¡­Malissa¡­¡± Auntie gasped in shock at my cruel and blunt words.


    Shit. I¡¯m taking my anger out on the wrong person again. It was unfortunate for Auntie to be caught sandwiched between Hayden, me and our conflict. I wanted tosh out at Hayden but he¡¯s always out during the day.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please just¡­leave them there¡­¡± I said before sighing exasperatedly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the maids to arrange them in the studio. I¡¯m sure that Hayden doesn¡¯t want you to feel bored¡­¡± Auntie said softly.


    ¡°If he truly doesn¡¯t want me to feel bored, he would let me out of here,¡± I said through clenched teeth to prevent myself from shouting at her.


    I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s still taking his side even when he¡¯s locked me up in here. What is wrong with the world?!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Things He Won鈥檛 Say

    Not wanting to talk to her or anyone anymore, I turned my face to the other side. Auntie left my side and after supervising that the maids had put all the art supplies in the studio, everyone left, and I was alone once more in my luxurious suite of a prison.


    I knew that Hayden was trying to get on my good side by sending in all this stuff. It only reminded me of when he took me shopping at that art supplies store before. He was probably trying to cheer me up back then too; however, this time it was different. Although there was a perfect art studio separated by only just a door from where I was sitting, I had no mood nor motivation to create any artwork at all.


    Iid down on the sofa and covered my eyes with my hands as a sense of dread filled me. Is Hayden really going to lock me up in here until I rot and die?


    With my eyes closed, my brain got to work at trying to dissect the situation so that I could better understand it. When it happened, I was very tired and sleepy and so it slipped my mind until just now. However, if I wasn¡¯t mistaken, Hayden said something about peace and him losing his brother, didn¡¯t he?


    Come to think of it, Hayden never got around to telling me how Harvey passed away and how Amelia ended up in that state that she was in. Then all those times before people in his gang and Hayden himself kept on saying that Harvey¡¯s death was Hayden¡¯s fault. I didn¡¯t know enough to conclude or understand anything but for some reason, I had a strange feeling that if I found out what happened back then, I woulde to understand Hayden. I would finally understand him, what he thought, and why he was acting this way.


    The real problem was how am I going to find out. Could I simply just ask for him to tell me? Was there someone in the mansion that knew and would be willing to tell me? Does Auntie know? Will she tell me? My mind was fully loaded with questions that I desperately needed answers to. I have to get to the bottom of this before it drives me crazy for real.


    I turned restlessly on the sofa as I debated with myself on what to do next. Suddenly, loud knocking sounds erupted from the door that separated the room that I was in from the hallway. It¡¯s not Hayden and it¡¯s not Auntie. So, who could it be?


    ¡°Come in!¡± I called from where I was on the sofa.


    There was brief pause of silence before a booming voice called back from the other side of the door.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯m not allowed inside!¡± a man¡¯s voice replied.


    I was confused at what the voice said. The man on the other side of the door isn¡¯t allowed inside this room?


    ¡°Malissa, can youe to the door?¡± the man requested.


    Although I was very confused, I decided to approach the door. Once I stood in front of it, I ced a hand on the door. This thick piece of wood is isting me from the outside world.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I said through the door.


    I think I¡¯ve heard the man¡¯s voice somewhere before, but I didn¡¯t quite recall.


    ¡°I¡¯m Luka. We¡¯ve met before. My men and I saved you and Hayden when you both fell down a cliff¡­ do you remember?¡± Luka said.


    Oh, so that¡¯s why his voice sounded familiar. I recalled the face of the old man who led the team to save us when we fell. Why is Luka here?


    ¡°Yes, I remember,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to talk to you,¡± Luka said.


    I figured out that much¡­


    ¡°Why can¡¯t youe inside? You can¡¯t open the door?¡± I asked, curiously.


    If we can talk face-to-face, then maybe this is the opportunity for me to convince him to let me out.


    ¡°I can open the door, but I¡¯m not allowed to. Hayden won¡¯t let me¡­¡± Luka said followed by augh as if he thought that Hayden¡¯s idea was ridiculous.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I mumbled and I wasn¡¯t sure if he could hear me from the other side of the door.


    What does he want to talk to me about? Luka was silent and I wondered if he was still there.


    ¡°Luka? What do you want to talk to me about?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I just thought that perhaps, you would want to know about what is going on outside¡­¡± Luka said sternly.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± I mumbled to myself.


    ¡°What is going on? Did something happen?¡± I asked loudly to make sure that he could hear me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say that things are not so peaceful in our world right now. There are many¡­uncertainties,¡± Luka replied a little hesitantly.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± I asked, cluelessly.


    When he¡¯s referring to ¡®our world¡¯ he means the mafia world, right?


    ¡°There¡¯s been more conflicts between the gang and smaller gangstely. Small conflicts and small fights here and there. Nothing serious and nothing major but who knows where all of this can lead¡­¡± Luka said solemnly.


    Without knowing it, I had moved so close to the door that I had both my hands pressed against it along with the side of my face.


    ¡°What does that¡­have to do with me?¡± I asked, trying to understand what he¡¯s trying to say.


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe out there, missy,¡± Luka replied sternly.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you trying to say that it¡¯s better for me to be locked up in here? Just because it¡¯s safer?¡± I asked as my brows furrowed.


    If Luka is unfairly on Hayden¡¯s team, then I can¡¯t believe a thing that he¡¯s saying. How can he think that it¡¯s better for me to be caged in here?


    ¡°Malissa, the boss sent me to here to say the things that he knows Hayden won¡¯t ever say. He sent me here to tell you things that Hayden won¡¯t. That¡¯s honestly why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here to keep you from going insane while you¡¯re left in the dark,¡± Luka said with a hint of frustration and slight annoyance in his voice.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Caught in a Loop

    I get it. No one wants to deal with me. They must view me as someone very difficult to deal with.


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± I asked, wanting him to just get to the point.


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe for you to be wandering around cluelessly outside right now. That is what I¡¯ve been trying to say,¡± Luka stated emotionlessly.


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me that Hayden is keeping me locked up here for my own safety? That¡¯s crazy! No one is going to hurt me; I¡¯ve never hurt anyone. This is crazy. Please let me out, please¡­¡± I cried out desperately as I hammered at the door with my hands.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you out. As I already told you, I¡¯m not allowed to open the door¡­¡± Luka said regretfully.


    Why is it unsafe for me outside? That can¡¯t be true, right? My life was normal¡­


    Is this because of Ethan? They think Ethan will harm me?


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t think that Ethan would harm me. He¡¯s¡­not that kind of person,¡± I said loudly.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you think but Hayden isn¡¯t so trusting. I don¡¯t me him. Even I don¡¯t know who to trust which is why I never trusted anyone outside of Torex. Your father included¡­¡± Luka said as his tone darkened.


    My father? Oh right, my father was from the Silva gang although he was friends with the boss. I guess Luka wasn¡¯t a big fan of my father back then. However, I was convinced that my father wanted peace and was working hard towards it. In the end, he also chose a peaceful life so that he could raise me up normally.


    Ethan said that he wanted to follow in my father¡¯s footsteps, and he also wanted peace. Should I tell this to Luka, I wonder. If I tell Luka, will the boss hear about it? Would it be good or bad if the boss hears about Ethan¡¯s desire to partner with Torex?


    I didn¡¯t know what I should do so I decided to think about it. I was scared of saying the wrong things. Right now, I need to figure out a way out of here. My head hurts and the biggest problem was I didn¡¯t know what was true anymore.


    I didn¡¯t know who to trust anymore¡­


    ¡°When do you think I¡¯ll be let out of here?¡± I asked bluntly.


    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know. You¡¯ll be a big burden to Hayden if you wander around randomly outside, that¡¯s for sure. Why don¡¯t you just rx and stay in here for now? If you want anything, I¡¯m sure Hayden is more than willing to provide it to you¡­¡± Luka advised.


    True, except for the fact that the thing that I wanted most was freedom.


    ¡°I want to get out of here¡­¡± I whined.


    There was a pause and perhaps Luka was thinking of something because when he spoke again, he had a suggestion.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try to make peace with Hayden? You know, just be nice to him and don¡¯t irritate him. Hayden¡¯s actually a nice guy, too nice to be a sessful mafia if you ask me which is probably why half the gang was scared shitless about the gang¡¯s future when Harvey died,¡± Luka suggested.


    ¡°You want me to be nice to him?¡± I asked, seriously unconvinced.


    ¡°Nothing to lose in trying, right? If it doesn¡¯t go well, you¡¯re back to square one. If it does, maybe you can roam about the huge mansion and its gardens for a change. I doubt he¡¯ll let you out beyond the mansion¡¯s gates but anywhere inside the mansion should be safe enough for you. This ce is like a fortress,¡± Luka exined convincingly.


    ¡°Thank you¡­I guess¡­¡± I murmured through the door.


    ¡°Sure thing, missy. I¡¯ll be back again soon just to make sure that you don¡¯t go crazy¡­¡± Luka said and then I think he walked away.


    He didn¡¯t say anymore, and silence became my onlypanion once again.


    ¡­


    Despite Luka¡¯s convincing suggestion, I couldn¡¯t find it in me to suck up to Hayden. For the next three days, we yed our awkward game of cat and mouse. Nothing improved in our rtionship and in my life. The only thing that I learnt was that Hayden had implemented a fixed schedule for our interaction that repeated itself until I had gotten ustomed to it.


    During the day, Hayden would be gone. I don¡¯t know where he went, and I never asked, but I do know that he wasn¡¯t in the mansion. Instead ofing backte, Hayden came back early in the evening in time for dinner. Dinner would be set up at the dining table in my room and we would have dinner together, usually in silence. I got the feeling from the way he had his eyes on me while I ate that this was probably his way of making sure that I ate at least one proper meal a day.


    Although I knew that there were many things that I should try to talk to him peacefully about, my mouth refused to open when he sat right opposite me at the dining table. Day after day, I didn¡¯t say anything but respond to his same set of questions.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°What did you do today?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I replied truthfully. It was the same answer that I gave to the same question that he had been asking every day.


    I also knew what question he would ask next.


    ¡°Do you want or need anything?¡± Hayden asked, his blue eyes still on me.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want or need anything,¡± I replied.


    Same question; same answer.


    ¡°Did you sleep wellst night?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, I slept decently wellst night,¡± I replied without a thought.


    ¡°Is there something that you want to do?¡± Hayden asked.


    Once again, I gave him the same answer that I gave him every day.


    ¡°I want to go back outside¡­¡± I replied as I looked deeply into his cold blue eyes.


    The conversation was always the same and probably because of that, it always ended the same way. Because Hayden couldn¡¯t grant my wish, he would get up from his seat and leave the room silently while I sat and stared at the leftover food on the table in front of me. The door would close firmly behind him and then it would be locked from the outside.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 To Start a Conversation

    Since that day, Hayden neverid hands on me again. We haven¡¯t had sex since and he hasn¡¯t shown any interest ining within close contact with me. I looked up at the nk ceiling of the room and wondered if we would live our lives in a loop like this until we died. Obviously, that wasn¡¯t going to happen. I knew that I had to talk to him, but I just couldn¡¯t do it. Taking the first step forward was always the hardest and I was being such a coward for avoiding it.


    On the fifth day, I woke up with renewed motivation to turn things around. It was time that I acted like I realized that moping around isn¡¯t going to change anything. I¡¯m going to make the most of today and when Hayden joins me for dinner tonight, I¡¯ll talk to him.


    For the first time since I¡¯ve been locked up in this suite, I made my way to the art studio with the intent to start working on some art. The door to the art studio made a clicking sound when I turned the doorknob. I couldn¡¯t help smiling to myself at the sight that confirmed my initial hypothesis. This studio really does let in a lot of natural light. Without prejudice, I had to say that it was a perfect art studio. I never dreamt that I¡¯ll get to work in a studio quite like this one.


    Auntie and the other maids did a splendid job of arranging the art supplies that was hauled in from the other day. I expected that there would be a lot of supplies but not quite this many and of such a wide range of variety and high quality. It wasn¡¯t like I had anythingplex in mind that I wanted to create. Since the art exhibition ended, I honestly didn¡¯t have a path forward for my career in art. Being a teacher for kids was fun and all, but I still wanted to build a career and a name for myself in the field of art. Call that a dream for now.


    What Hayden told me before truly gave me pause. Deep down, I knew that he was right. If people knew that I was associated with the mafia then who in their right mind would let their kids get near me. I sat down on the chair in the room and looked up at the sun that was shining in through the window from outside. It¡¯s so bright¡­


    I brought up a hand to shield my eye from the sun but the warmth from the light made me feel slightly better about myself. Memories of when Hayden showed up that day to dinner with my friends popped up in my mind. Back then, I truly didn¡¯t want him to get close to my friends or my private life. The reason was simple, he was from the mafia and being associated with him could lead to trouble for me, my friends, and the people that I know. I didn¡¯t want him to be part of my life or theirs. Do the same thoughts apply to me now? Is that what other people will think of me once they find out that I¡¯m dating a guy from the mafia?N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    I swore under my breath before I mmed my palms t onto the table in front of me. Enough thinking and time to get painting!


    Thinking about it isn¡¯t going to solve all my problems. There were just too many problems and the only way to deal with that was to solve them one at a time. Right now, I¡¯m painting something so that I can start a proper conversation with Hayden. Step number one!


    When I had the canvas and tools and everything else set up, I had already made up my mind on what I was going to sketch and paint. Hayden would usuallye back early in the evening so if I work all throughout the day without break, I should be able to finish a decent painting. Not exhibition quality but it can be presentable.


    After trying my hand at sketching what I had in mind, things did not work out as I had hoped at all. It just didn¡¯t look right. Sketching from an image that I had in my mind just made the whole thing seem unrealistic. It looks so fake and so stiff. I sighed. A few days ago, I probably wouldn¡¯t imagine myself doing this¡­


    ¡°Hello! I know someone is out there. Can you call Auntie for me please?!¡± I shouted in front of the door that separated me from the hallway outside.


    The men in ck must be outside.


    ¡°Understood,¡± a deep man¡¯s voice replied from just outside the door.


    Wow, they do talk back. That¡¯s new¡­


    A few minutester, I heard the door being unlocked from the outside and knew that Auntie had arrived. Once the door opened, she greeted me with a kind smile.


    ¡°Hi¡­¡± I said softly.


    ¡°Hello, Miss. What can I help you with today?¡± Auntie inquired.


    ¡°I know this is kind of rushed but¡­is there a way that you can get me some white tulips and a vase?¡± I asked.


    Auntie¡¯s eyes widened at me. It was clear that she did not expect a request like that from me.


    ¡°Y-yes. I will try my best¡­¡± Auntie replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the rush but can you please get it as soon as possible? Any vase is fine. Any vase in this mansion is fine but I need you to get the white tulips¡­¡± I pleaded desperately.


    Auntie nodded and I was half relieved that she seemed to understand the urgency of my request. I don¡¯t have that much time on my hands right now¡­


    I paced impatiently back and forth across the room as I waited for Auntie¡¯s return.


    ¡­


    After around almost an hour, Auntie arrived back with what I had requested for. I quickly thanked her before heading back into the studio. That took more time than I had anticipated. cing the vase with the white tulips onto the table, I began finding the right position where the natural light from outside would cast the right amount of shadow. Once everything was set up, sketching, and painting the still life was easy to achieve. Years of practice is finally going to pay off.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 All Too Late

    To my surprise, I enjoyed the creation process immensely. I was adding the final touches right before sunset. The paint may notpletely dry in time but as long as Hayden doesn¡¯t touch it, it should bepletely fine. I took a few steps back to admire the painting from various angles. It¡¯s passable. Nothing fancy but definitely passable given the time constraint. With a nod of my head, I told myself that I would be satisfied with this for now and promised to do better next time.


    Fortunately, I had some time to spare before Hayden got back and the maids came in to set up the dinner table. That meant that I could wash up all the sweat and paint on me. After a rxing shower, I got dressed and sat at the dining table while I waited for Hayden to arrive. He should be here anytime now¡­


    After Auntie and the maids left the room after setting up the dining table for us, I was all alone in the room again and it was drearily quiet. I couldn¡¯t stop ncing over at the door because I knew that Hayden could walk in any moment now. The clock ticked by as I waited and then waited some more. Half an hour went by, and the food had gotten cold. I didn¡¯t mind though because I wasn¡¯t hungry, and it wasn¡¯t eating the food that I was looking forward to.


    Where is Hayden? He¡¯s running a littleter today.


    It was funny, he waste when I was eagerly looking forward to seeing him. While on days when I didn¡¯t want to see him which was every day except for today, he always turned up to dinner on time. I wondered if the paint has dried up by now.


    An hour passed by and then another¡­and then another¡­


    I let out a depressing sigh. By that time, I was very convinced that Hayden wouldn¡¯te to see me tonight. Maybe he had to work. Maybe he had dinner somewhere else with someone else already.


    Maybe¡­


    I nced up at the sound of someone knocking on the door. My heart sunk because Hayden never knocked on my door like that.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± I called out loudly as I got out of my seat and headed for the door.


    At this time of night, I wasn¡¯t sure who I was expecting. Usually no one would pay me a visit at night except for Hayden.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Luka,¡± Luka replied through the door.


    I walked closer to the door until I was standing right in front of it so that I could hear him better. It was unusual for Luka toe see me and he came quitete. Suddenly, I felt extremely fearful of what he was going to say.


    ¡°Is there¡­something you need to talk to me about?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I just came to tell you that Hayden isn¡¯ting to see you tonight, so you don¡¯t need to wait up for him,¡± Luka replied.


    I felt slightly relieved that it wasn¡¯t some bad news. Of course, I was disappointed that Hayden couldn¡¯te see me tonight, but it was no big deal. I had already figured that he probably wouldn¡¯t turn up tonight.


    ¡°Oh¡­I see. Thank you foring to tell me that,¡± I thanked him politely.


    Hayden came to have dinner with me every day and before I knew it, I guess I had gotten used to seeing him at the end of the day. The slight feeling of disappointment made me realize that I had unknowingly been looking forward to seeing him. It was especially unfortunate that he couldn¡¯t make it today. I even painted something to show him, and I¡¯ve spent hours preparing what I wanted to say to him.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    It wasn¡¯t like this couldn¡¯t wait for another day or anything but¡­


    ¡°Make sure you eat your dinner properly and just rest for tonight,¡± Luka said, and I knew that he was about to leave.


    ¡°Wait! Will Hayden be here tomorrow?¡± I quickly asked before Luka could leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that¡­¡± Luka replied solemnly.


    That was when I started to catch some worry and concern in his tone of voice. Did something¡­happen?


    ¡°Luka¡­did something¡­happen?¡± I asked hesitantly.


    It was hard to exin but suddenly, I started feeling very scared.


    Luka was silent for a while, and I knew that something must have happened. Something bad. The old man heaved a loud sigh that could be heard on my side of the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to tell you this but¡­Hayden got into a car ident on his way back here¡­¡± Luka said hesitantly.


    ¡°What?! Is he, ok? Where is he right now?!¡± I screamed loudly in my shock.


    Why didn¡¯t he tell me this sooner? Was he trying to keep it from me?


    ¡°Let me out! Luka!¡± I cried out as my hands desperately beat on the door.


    ¡°Calm down, Malissa. Hayden is fine. It was nothing major¡­¡± Luka said firmly.


    Oh¡­


    I closed my eyes and breathed out a sigh of relief. That was so bad for my heart.


    ¡°Where is he, right now?¡± I asked softly.


    Although I knew that he was fine, I didn¡¯t know what ¡®fine¡¯ meant. However, from personal experience, I knew that the mafia¡¯s definition of ¡®fine¡¯ was very different from mine. Tears fell from my eyes before I knew it. I was crying like a baby from a mix of shock and relief.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the hospital. The boss forced him to get some checkups¡­just to be safe¡­¡± Luka replied.


    ¡°Can I go see him?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Sorry. You¡¯ll have to stay here under his orders,¡± Luka replied sympathetically.


    ¡°I won¡¯t run! I promise! I¡¯ll just see him ande straight back here. Please!¡± I pleaded desperately.


    I tired turning the doorknob frantically, but it wouldn¡¯t open.


    ¡°I know that you won¡¯t run, missy, and even if you did, you wouldn¡¯t seed in escaping. That being said, I cannot let you out of this room. I am very sorry, Malissa,¡± Luka said regretfully.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Regret

    From the tone of his voice, I knew that he felt sorry for me. I appreciated that but that didn¡¯t help open this door!


    ¡°Luka! Open the door! Please! Please open the door¡­¡± I wailed while crying.


    My whole body shook with the strength of my own sobs. My voice cracked and I found it hard to breathe; however, that didn¡¯t keep me from beating my hands against the door. Luka didn¡¯t respond but I knew that he was still standing there in front of the door.


    ¡°Luka¡­please¡­¡± I begged.


    Luka just said that he¡¯s not sure if Hayden can make it to see me tomorrow. Doesn¡¯t that mean that he¡¯s hurt badly? He¡¯s going to be stuck in the hospital, right?


    ¡°I¡¯ll let Hayden know that you wish to see him,¡± Luka said tly.


    ¡°Wait! Luka! Luka!¡± I yelled loudly.


    Luka didn¡¯t reply again, and I knew that he was no longer on the other side of the door.


    Although I knew that Luka had left, I continued to bang on the door as more tears streamed down my cheek. Why is this happening now of all times?!


    After screaming my head off for the men in ck to let met out of the door without any result, I resigned to my fate and headed for the sofa to gather myself.


    I went through a lot of tissue to wipe my tears and blow my nose. It was getting challenging to breathe because I couldn¡¯t stop crying. I sighed loudly and covered my eyes with my hands as I thought about how worried I was about Hayden. Luka said that the ident wasn¡¯t serious, but I couldn¡¯t be sure until I could see him with my own eyes. I¡¯m was worried sick about him¡­


    Laying down on the long sofa, I felt terrible for what I¡¯ve done and hadn¡¯t done. This is such a mess, if I knew that thing would turn out this way, I should have talked to Hayden properly yesterday. Why didn¡¯t I do that? What was I thinking? This feeling that felt like a void inside my stomach is probably called regret.


    It was one of the saddest things ever that I needed an ident to remind me and make me realize how I felt. I should have figured out my own feelings sooner. I bit my lower lip as I forced myself to stand up from the sofa. Knowing well now that I couldn¡¯t go back to change the past, all I could do was act on securing a better future and that must start now.


    It waste at night and the art studio was pitch ck in the darkness. Reaching out my hand along the wall, I found the light switch and turned on the lights. Flights flooded the studio, and my attention was immediately on the painting that I had painted earlier in the day. I took the few steps that was required to bring myself in front of the painting. My legs still shook with every step that I took.


    I felt tears forming in my eyes and quickly blinked to clear them away. It never urred to me when I was painting this painting that I was painting it for me rather than for Hayden. White tulips symbolize forgiveness. At first, I thought I painted this painted because I wanted to tell Hayden that I had decided to forgive him for locking me up in here. Just so that we could talk things out ande to an understanding. However, the void I felt inside of me right now told a very different story¡­N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Who has to forgive who now, I wonder? If I simply apologize for my selfishness and foolishness, will he forgive me?


    I wasn¡¯t sure if the paint hadpletely dried or not, but I didn¡¯t care anymore. Without hesitation, I reached out for a ck piece of fabric and quickly tossed it over the canvas topletely cover it. Hopefully, along with it, I can cover up my past mistakes and the associated regret and shame.


    Although I knew that I probably couldn¡¯t fall asleep, I got into the bed anyways. When tomorrow morning arrives, Auntie wille to see me. Maybe I can beg her to help me then or at least, she should have some news for me about Hayden¡¯s condition. I prayed that Luka wasn¡¯t lying when he told me that Hayden was fine¡­whatever fine meant.


    I nced over at the only light in my bedroom that came from my phone¡¯s screen. The name on the screen read Hayden but the call refused to connect no matter how many times I tried. If he was in an ident, he should have called me to let me know that he was fine. Just how difficult is that? I just needed to hear his voice and hear it from him that he was fine.


    Havingpletely lost count of the times I called him without any sess, I closed my eyes to rest them. The adrenaline rush of rushing throughpleting the painting from earlier today was getting to me on top of everything else. My body and mind felt tired, and my spirit felt bruised and battered.


    ¡­


    I don¡¯t know when and how it happened, but I must have fallen asleep at some point while waiting for my line to connect with Hayden¡¯s. My mind felt hazy from exhaustion, emotional stress, and sleep deprivation so I wasn¡¯t sure if I had imagined the whole thing when I felt a presence close to me. Even when I felt the mattress of the bed shift beneath me, I still wasn¡¯t sure if someone else had just ced their weight on my bed or if it was just my stupid imagination.


    ¡°Hmm¡­Hay¡­den¡­¡± I whispered drowsily as I shifted on the bed.


    By that time, I was wholly convinced that sleep was just ying tricks on me. Hayden¡¯s in the hospital somewhere so there was no way that he could be here¡­right?


    But what if¡­


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I woke up with a loud scream as I bolted upright into a sitting position on the bed.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Same but Different

    The room waspletely dark because I had closed the curtainspletely. My eyes couldn¡¯t make out anything in the darkness. The sound of my harsh breathing filled the room as I panted and struggled to recover from my shock.


    ¡°You¡¯re as loud as always¡­¡± a low voice whispered from the foot of my bed.


    ¡°¡­Hayden?¡± I called out his name in disbelief.


    It better be Hayden and not some ghost¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t scream my name when I¡¯m already sitting so close,¡± Hayden replied calmly.


    I felt the mattress shift underneath me slightly as Hayden moved closer to me on the bed. It was dark and I couldn¡¯t make out anything but his silhouette.


    ¡°Are you really here?¡± I asked just to make sure that I wasn¡¯t seeing and hearing things.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± he replied firmly.


    He¡¯s really here¡­wow.


    Before I could say anything, Hayden began talking first and the first thing he asked me was¡­


    ¡°Did you eat dinner properly?¡± he asked.


    Seriously, is that what he¡¯s worried about at a time like this?


    ¡°¡­No¡­¡± I admitted truthfully. I didn¡¯t eat anything at all.


    ¡°What did you do today?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°I painted a painting. It¡¯s been a while. The studio is perfect¡­thank you¡­¡± I replied and my voice shook with emotion. I¡¯m going to start crying.


    Thankfully it was dark, and he probably couldn¡¯t see my face right now; however, I was sure that he could tell by my voice that I was on the verge of crying. Regardless, Hayden continued to go through his same list of questions.


    ¡°Do you want or need anything?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°I want to talk to you¡­properly. Maybe we should do that when you¡¯re feeling better,¡± I replied softly.


    ¡°Did you sleep wellst night?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, but I can¡¯t sleep at all tonight¡­¡± I replied truthfully.


    ¡°Is there something that you want to do?¡± Hayden asked.


    For the future, I had no idea but for now.


    ¡°No but I want you to tell me about the car ident. Are you ok?¡± I asked.


    The questions were the exact same ones as the days before, but I answered them differently now. I felt so different now¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. Luka should have told you that already. I was driving a little recklessly, that¡¯s all,¡± Hayden replied casually.


    ¡°You should have told me that yourself. I was so worried, and I called you so many times, but you never picked up¡­¡± Iined.


    ¡°My phone got damaged a bit and doesn¡¯t work well anymore. I¡¯ll get it reced,¡± Hayden exined wlessly.


    ¡°Why are we talking in the dark? Let me turn on the lights¡­¡± I said with sudden realization.


    I probably look like a mess since I¡¯ve been crying so much but I wanted to see Hayden. No matter what, I needed to check and see with my own eyes that he¡¯s alright.


    ¡°No need. Just stay where you are,¡± Hayden said, and I felt his hand on my arm to stop me from getting up from the bed.


    ¡°But it¡¯s so dark¡­and I want to see you so¡­¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing interesting for you to see,¡± Hayden said coldly.


    I bet he just doesn¡¯t want me to worry and that is making me worry even more. The lights are still off because he doesn¡¯t want me to see, does he?


    Although and I knew and appreciated the fact that he didn¡¯t want me to worry, I also got the feeling that he was hiding something away from me. I yanked my arm away from his grip as my other arm reached to the bedside table where I knew themp was. If I can just reach the switch, then I can get some light and I¡¯ll finally get to see him.


    My fingertips reached the switch and after themp made a soft clicking sound, orange warm light illuminated the area around the bed. I gasped loudly after my eyes had adjusted to the sudden flood of light in the room. The sight of Hayden¡¯s upper body covered in bandages wasn¡¯t a sight that I was mentally prepared to see. Hayden sighed and rolled his eyes slightly at my shocked and speechless reaction as if to say: ¡®I told you to keep the lights off¡­see?¡¯Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I think they wrapped me up a little too much. Since Harvey is gone my old man got a little freaked out this time around and pestered the doctors a lot. That¡¯s all,¡± Hayden said followed by a softugh.


    ¡°Really¡­?¡± I asked softly, not convinced with his reply.


    ¡°Really. I¡¯m a doctor too so I know it isn¡¯t that bad,¡± Hayden reaffirmed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad so it is bad¡­right?¡± I asked skeptically.


    ¡°For your information, nothing is broken,¡± Hayden replied stubbornly.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± I mumbled in reply. Just because nothing is broken doesn¡¯t mean that it¡¯s all great and good, right?


    I didn¡¯t want to argue with him anymore about this. Regardless of how insignificant Hayden was making his injuries sound, the state he was in looked extremely disturbing. His right upper arm and shoulder was wrapped up. All parts of his torso from his chest down to his waist was bandaged. He had visible bruises here and there and everywhere.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± I asked although I knew that it probably did, and he wasn¡¯t willing to admit to it.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Hayden said with slight annoyance.


    ¡°You should have stayed at the hospital¡­¡± I murmured.


    Sure, I was super happy to see him but now that I think about it, Hayden should be in the hospital right now.


    ¡°It¡¯s boring there. I rather rest up at home¡­¡± Hayden said like it was no big deal.


    ¡°Luka said that you might be in the hospital for a few days. You didn¡¯t sneak out, did you?¡± I asked suspiciously.


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be getting checkups and all that based on what Luka was telling me just a few hours ago? I started to get a very skeptical feeling about this.


    I stared at Hayden as I waited for my answer. His silence was the best answer that I would ever get.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Forgiveness

    ¡°Why did you sneak out? You should go back to the hospital. We can get one of the men to drive you back, right?¡± I suggested quickly.


    ¡°Calm down, Malissa. You¡¯re giving me a headache worst than any injury that I have on my body,¡± Hayden said as he frowned disapprovingly at me.


    ¡°You should go back to the hospital,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going. I drove back here myself, I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Hayden said stubbornly.


    He drove here? After a car ident, he drove back here himself? I didn¡¯t know what else to say. I rest my case here.


    Now that we¡¯re talking, I might as well ask him about the situation outside. Luka mentioned that peace is being disturbed and I wondered if that was true. I wanted to know if that was why Hayden is keeping me locked up in here like this.


    ¡°Hayden. Luka told me that it¡¯s not safe for me to go outside. He said that the gangs are fighting. Is that true?¡± I asked while trying my best to pick my words carefully.


    It took a lot of effort to get those words out; however, when I looked at Hayden for an answer, he was staring back at me with nk eyes.


    ¡°You told me that you painted something today. Show me, I really want to see it,¡± Hayden said with a bright smile.


    ¡°Umm¡­sure¡­¡± I replied hesitantly.


    Haydenpletely ignored my question just now. Why?


    It was sote at night now that perhaps it was more urate to say that it was closer to dawn but if he wanted to see the painting now then who was I to stop him? I watched as Hayden got off the bed and headed for the door. He could walk and move around so I guess he must be fine to a certain extent. With a sigh, I slipped out of bed and followed him out of my bedroom.


    The art studio looks mysteriously beautiful with the moonlight shining in; however, I could tell that the sun would soon rece the moon. Hayden stood in front of the painting where I had covered it with arge ck cloth. I switched on the light so that Hayden could see the painting clearly.


    ¡°Just a moment¡­¡± I said as I quickly started removing the ck cloth.


    I honestly didn¡¯t think that I would be showing the painting to Hayden in this situation, but it was good enough that he was interested. After removing the cover, I turned to gauge Hayden¡¯ reaction to the painting. They say the audience¡¯s most honest reaction to a piece of art was when they firstid eyes on it.


    It was unfair topare the two butpared to Ethan, Hayden did not really have a trained eye for art. However, that also meant that his reactions were always genuine and uninterrupted by professional experience or interpretation. The look on Hayden¡¯s face when I first revealed the painting to him wasn¡¯t one that I expected. Hayden looked a little confused when he saw my painting of the white tulips. After his initial wave of confusion, his expression softened, and he seemed to appreciate the beauty of the flower.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty. The flower looks white and pure,¡± Haydenmented.


    ¡°I got Auntie to buy me some white tulips so that I could paint from the real thing,¡± I exined.


    I headed over to the table and lifted up the vase of white tulips to show him. Hayden nodded in understanding, but his initial confused reaction told me that he didn¡¯t know the meaning behind white tulips at all. That was fine. I didn¡¯t expect him to be well versed in floriography, thenguages of flowers, because even I¡¯m not an expert at it or anything like that.


    ¡°Do you know what white tulips symbolize?¡± I asked as I stared up at his face.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Hayden replied honestly as he gazed down into my eyes.


    His eyes were the color of a cloudless blue sky on a sunny day¡­


    ¡°It symbolizes forgiveness,¡± I said before smiling a little at him.


    ¡°Have you decided to forgive me? Why all of a sudden?¡± Hayden said ash is eyes lit up with hope.


    Maybe he¡¯s been feeling guilty for keeping me locked up in here all this time.


    ¡°No, I want you to forgive me,¡± I replied honestly.


    Hayden looked at me with widened eyes. It seemed like my words had stunned him into silence. Iughed a little at his stunned expression. I predicted that he would be quite shocked but not quite this shocked at my words.


    ¡°Forgive you?¡± Hayden managed to question after a pause of silence.


    I nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m sorry for not trying to understand you at all. Even when you tried your best to keep mepany and talk to me every day. I knew you were trying but I just ignored all your efforts. I still don¡¯t think that you should lock me up without telling me why but what I did was also wrong. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I said sadly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself. You had the right to be mad. I decided not to tell you anything at the cost of you getting angry at me. That was just that,¡± Hayden stated matter-of-factly.


    ¡°But still¡­¡± I began protesting weakly.


    ¡°In the future, there will be times when I cannot tell you everything or anything. You will be left in the dark and you will feel helpless. You won¡¯t know who to trust or what to believe. Just like now¡­¡± he said as he looked deeply into my eyes.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± I replied softly.


    ¡°Just like now and when times like thesee along in the future, can you please choose to trust me?¡± he asked but there was a slight plead in his voice.


    If I chose to trust Hayden, then I probably wouldn¡¯t feel the way I did since I entered this suite. If I can trust Hayden, then will my heart and mind rest at ease?N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Sleep

    I nodded my head when I had made my decision. Hayden reached his hand towards me and patted the top of my head gently. I flinched when I saw the bandages around some of his fingers and closed my eyes.


    ¡°Luka was telling the truth. Although I told him not to say anything I guess he went ahead and told you anyways. It¡¯s not safe outside right now and since we¡¯ve been seen together oftentely, I figured that it would be safer to keep you here. Needless to say, I¡¯m also keeping you away from Ethan and his influence,¡± Hayden admitted straightforwardly.


    ¡°What about you? Luka mentioned that it wasn¡¯t very safe for you too¡­¡± I asked, recalling Luka¡¯s words.


    ¡°He said that? Don¡¯t worry about me. It¡¯s safe enough for me¡­¡± Hayden said casually.


    ¡°I see. Please stay safe¡­¡± I said with worry.


    ¡°Starting from tomorrow, I¡¯ll allow you to go outside these rooms as long as you stay in the mansion. Ask Auntie to give you a tour of the mansion. She will let you know of the parts that are off-limits. You can also go into the gardens, but you must have a group of bodyguards with you at all times. Is that clear?¡± Hayden exined before asking if I understood.


    Luka was right about one more thing. If I was nice to Hayden, he would let me out. Now, at least, I can roam around the mansion and go out into the gardens.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s very clear. Thank you, Hayden!¡± I thanked him cheerfully.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather let you die of boredom in here than to have you get hurt or killed somewhere outside. My views will not change. So, until it is safe for you to roam outside, I will keep you in the mansion,¡± Hayden said bluntly.


    ¡°You said that peace isn¡¯t easy to achieve¡­¡± I murmured.


    I wanted to ask him when I could go outside but then I didn¡¯t think that Hayden knew the answer to that, so I was going to ask him about what he said about his brother¡¯s death instead. However, I felt Hayden¡¯s arm around me, and my body immediately stiffened. He gave me a quizzical look at my reaction.


    ¡°Umm¡­sorry, you¡¯re hurt so¡­¡± I quickly exined so that he wouldn¡¯t get the wrong idea.


    Hayden gave me a relief smile and hugged me closer before cing a soft kiss on my cheek. My eyes widened slightly in surprise before I turned and smiled up at him. The light of dawn flooding into the studio made me feel warm inside. When Hayden bent down to kiss me, I slowly closed my eyes and offered him my lips in sweet surrender. His kiss felt equally sweet as he teased my lips softly with soft kisses until I was moaning in his arms.


    My lips parted invitingly, and his wet tongue thrusted into the depth of my mouth. Our kiss quickly deepened as our tongues danced wildly together. He continued kissing me until I was breathless as his hands traveled along the curves of my body. If this continues¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I called out his name breathlessly after managing to break our kiss.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­continue when you¡¯re feeling better¡­¡± I suggested weakly.


    Hayden looked down at me with a nk expression on his face that transformed into a huge bout ofughter. Heughed so hard that I worried that it would hurt his injuries more than before. I was worried about Hayden¡¯s recovery and felt like his body should do nothing else but rest.


    ¡°Look, the sun is rising¡­¡± Hayden said gently close to my ear.


    My eyes followed his to see that the sun had indeed started to rise. Its rays changing the color of the night sky into a mix of purple, red, and orange. It¡¯s a new day and it felt full of promising possibilities¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡­¡± I replied with a smile.


    ¡°You should sleep. You haven¡¯t slept all night, right?¡± Hayden suggested with a smile.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t the same apply to you?¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°Should we sleep together?¡± he proposed suggestively.


    He¡¯s really pushy about this¡­on top of everything else¡­N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Sleep! Just sleep¡­¡± I dered firmly.


    It was in obvious to me that there were still things that Hayden didn¡¯t want to tell me or talk to me about. I wasn¡¯t sure if he didn¡¯t want to or if he just wasn¡¯t ready to. Regardless of his reasons, I decided to give him time¡­


    ¡­


    I had no idea what time it was when I woke up the next morning; however, I felt like I overslept by a lot. Considering that we went to bed past dawn, it was probably sometime around noon right now. There was a heavy weight across my chest which I soon realized was Hayden¡¯s arm draped across my body. Slowly, I arched my neck around to see Hayden still peacefully sleeping next to me.


    Letting out a soft sigh of relief, I found a small smile had formed on my lips. Since I didn¡¯t want to wake him from his peaceful slumber, I decided to stay still for a while longer as I enjoyed the feel of his body close to mine. The room was quiet save for the soft sound of our breathing. It seemed like years ago since west enjoyed a peaceful morning together in bed like this.


    ¡°Malissa¡­¡± Hayden murmured my name.


    I could see that he had his eyes opened now and he was staring intently at me. He looked very sleepy, and I found that adorable.


    ¡°Did I wake you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No¡­¡± he repliedzily.


    ¡°Are you hungry? Maybe I should tell Auntie to prepare breakfast¡­or more like lunch for us?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No need. Just stay here¡­¡± Hayden replied before he closed his eyes again.


    His arm around my body tightened and I knew that he was serious about staying in bed. I was sure that he was tired fromst night and his body must feel sore now from all the injuries. Does the bandage need to be reced today?


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Morning Interruption

    Slowly, I reached out my hand and ran my fingers gently through his blond hair while Hayden continued to rest with his eyes closed. The way the corners of his lips curled upwards a little made me feel that he liked it when I did this.


    ¡°Would you be happier if you could paint more?¡± Hayden spoke up softly with his eyes still closed.


    ¡°I guess. Probably,¡± I replied thoughtfully.


    ¡°Do you have like a website or something where people can view your portfolio online?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Honestly, I haven¡¯t gotten around to setting anything like that up. I know that I should though¡­¡± I said as I pursed my lips together in thought.


    Unknowingly, my hand had stopped stroking his hair and Hayden stirred before opening his eyes.


    ¡°You should make a website so everyone can see your work¡­¡± Hayden said resolutely.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll work on it soon¡­¡± I replied.


    ¡°Not good enough. You have all the time in the world now. Start today,¡± Hayden replied strictly.


    The way he said it made me feel like I would receive some sort of punishment if I didn¡¯t start working on the website today. It wasn¡¯t like it was difficult or anything, but I had been putting it off using this and that as excuses.


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll start working on it today,¡± I said after a sigh of defeat.


    ¡°How many days do you think you¡¯ll need to get it done?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Like a week? I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not a pro or anything¡­¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Make that three days. I¡¯ll check on your progress every day,¡± Hayden stated.


    ¡°Are you my professor now?¡± I asked with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Nope¡­I¡¯m your master,¡± Hayden said.


    His hands pushed my shoulders t onto the bed before he quickly got on top of me. I looked up at the now-familiar sight of Hayden straddling me. The sudden movement just now must have inflicted some pain on his body because Hayden winched slightly.


    ¡°It hurts, doesn¡¯t it?¡± I asked with a smirk.


    Suddenly, loud knocking sounds echoed throughout the room. Before we could react, the knocking ceased, and the front door opened with a m. My eyes widened in shock because that meant that someone had entered the living room. While my mind thought about who it could be, Hayden rolled his eyes and swore fluidly before climbing off me.


    ¡°Get dressed. Cover yourself,¡± Haydenmanded with his back turned to me.


    I had no idea what was going on but the seriousness in his voice had me doing exactly what he told me to.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± Hayden swore under his breath.


    Just at that moment, someone started banging loudly on the bedroom door. This has never happened before. Apart from Hayden, Auntie and the maids, no one has entered this suite before. Now that I thought about it, Hayden was the only male specimen that has entered this suite while I was living here.


    ¡°Hayden!¡±


    That voice just now is the boss, right?


    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Hayden swore and swore some more.


    After ncing over at me to make sure that I had my body adequately covered, Hayden opened the door. A red-faced boss stood there with his chest heaving up and down in anger. For a moment, I was ultimately convinced that he would explode or burst a couple of veins in his brain. I had no idea why the boss was that mad, but he was surely angry at Hayden.


    ¡°Why are you here?!¡± the boss screamed so loudly that my hands instinctively flew to cover my ears.


    ¡°Come this way with me for a bit¡­¡± Hayden replied calmly as he pulled on his father¡¯s arm.


    The boss nced over at me, and I froze in fear. His bloodshot eyes were so scary.


    ¡°Why are you here?! Do you know what¡¯s going on out there right now? I¡¯m cleaning up your shitty mess!¡± the boss screamed as he struggled against Hayden¡¯s grip on his arm.


    ¡°Come this way¡­¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°Do you have any idea¡­mhmmm!¡± the boss screaming was muffled by Hayden¡¯s hand over his mouth.


    The struggle between father and son when on until Hayden sessfully removed his father from my bedroom and the door closed firmly after them. I sat on the bed with the covers over my body with no clue about what had just urred or what I was supposed to do.


    Was the boss about to say something just now?


    I cocked my head to the side in confusion and intense curiosity as I blinked rapidly at the closed door of my bedroom. What just happened?


    The saddest thing was that I didn¡¯t have any clothes besides the nightgown and a robe to wear. That clearly wasn¡¯t a look that I was willing to sport in front of the boss. Since Hayden had just allowed me outside of these roomsst night, I haven¡¯t had the chance to request for usual clothes. I wrapped a robe around my body and tied it. Honestly, I wasn¡¯t sure if the two men were still in the living room or if this was the right time for me to make an entrance. cing my ear against the bedroom door made me realize that it waspletely silent on the other side.


    They¡¯re probably gone now. I opened the door a crack and peeked through the gap to see that the living room was indeed empty and very quiet. A long sigh of relief left me, and I ced a hand on my chest before walking out into the living room. I had no idea why the boss was so mad at Hayden but if I had to guess, it was probably because he escaped from the hospital. I mean, what else could it be?


    That thought made meugh softly to myself at the interaction that I had just witnessed between father and son. I guess being a mafia family didn¡¯t change how loving those two are towards each other, although how they expressed their love for each other could be a little different from usual people. It was evident that the boss was worried about Hayden and as Hayden had said, the fact that he had lost his eldest son probably had a huge impact on him. The boss definitely didn¡¯t want to and couldn¡¯t afford to lose Hayden too.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

 Hidden Conflicts

    ¡°Get your hand off my mouth!¡± the boss screamed once he managed to yank Hayden¡¯s hand away.


    ¡°Calm down¡­¡± Hayden said.


    ¡°You of all people don¡¯t have the right to say that to me!¡± the boss continued yelling.


    ¡°Stop screaming¡­¡± Hayden muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to scream until you understand what the fuck you¡¯ve done! Have you seen this? Have you seen this!?¡± the boss shouted as he shoved a piece of paper in Hayden¡¯s face.


    Hayden took the paper from his father¡¯s hand and scanned the printed text with his eyes. He had a look of surprise on his face for a brief moment before his eyes narrowed and his face darkened evidently.


    ¡°Why would he do this¡­?¡± Hayden asked in wonder.


    ¡°Ethan is evil. He¡¯s doing this all on purpose to screw with everyone¡¯s head. He returned home beaten up so imagine how pissed of the Silvas are about it right now. Then this morning, he sent a fucking letter of apology straight to my office for getting into a fight with my son. Guess who the Silvas are pissed off at right now? I told you to stay away from him¡­¡± the bossined.


    ¡°He approached me first¡­¡± Hayden stated.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sound like a five-year-old. This isn¡¯t about who started it first! This is gang politics!¡± the boss yelled back, unable to control his anger.


    ¡°Enough, I¡¯m getting a headache¡­¡± Hayden replied with a frown.


    ¡°Fuck. I¡¯m going to hit you on the head until you bleed to death!¡± the boss yelled as he drew his hand back.


    ¡°Just ignore Ethan¡­¡± Hayden muttered indifferently.


    ¡°Ignore him? how? All the gangs are watching this shit show. That bastard sent an official letter of apology,¡± the boss said with an incredulous look on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, isn¡¯t it? It shows that he knows what he did was wrong,¡± Hayden said without a care.


    ¡°Let me put it differently so you young and stupid people will understand. How will Torex be perceived if we don¡¯t respond in kind? I, the Head of Torex, have to send back a letter of apology as well just to make sure that our hands look clean in all this mess!¡± the boss exined in anger.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± Hayden murmured.


    ¡°Are you even listening?!¡± his father screamed at him again.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m listening and yes I understood everything that you¡¯ve just said,¡± Hayden replied while anticipating his father¡¯s next question.


    ¡°Why did you do it? It isn¡¯t like you to react to these provocations¡­¡± the boss asked sternly.


    Hayden hesitated for a moment but then decided to tell his father the truth.


    ¡°Ethan came to see Malissa a few times. When he approached me, he said some things about her that didn¡¯t sit well with me,¡± Hayden said, his tone cold.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± the boss asked.


    ¡°¡­He said that Malissa belongs to Silva and that I have to hand her back. Either that or we have to form a partnership,¡± Hayden replied followed by a frustrated sigh.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense! I paid 500 million dors back then for her ransom. If anything, I bought her and she belongs to Torex,¡± the boss eximed with clear dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Jack was a Silva¡­by the rule, Malissa is a Silva by birth,¡± Hayden replied matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Jack cut his ties with Silva and this world a long time ago. It¡¯s ridiculous for Ethan to be making his ims now,¡± the boss said heatedly.


    ¡°Will all gangs think that way, I wonder¡­¡± Hayden muttered as if talking to himself.


    ¡°It depends. One thing for sure is that I can¡¯t have any gang suspecting or thinking that Torex broke some rules. It would ruin our reputation and I can¡¯t have that happening. What do you n to do about Malissa?¡± the boss asked, his eyes staring deeply into his son¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but I won¡¯t let history repeat itself,¡± Hayden replied determinedly.


    ¡°I won¡¯t either. I don¡¯t have another son to lose¡­¡± the boss said.


    ¡­


    Hayden and Luka stood side by side in front of Hayden¡¯s car. Hayden gazed at the car that he drove yesterday and sighed.


    ¡°Luka, can you get me a baseball bat or something¡­¡± Hayden instructed.


    ¡°Sure¡­but why do you need it?¡± Luka asked as he started to get a bad feeling about all this.


    ¡°Just get it for me. Now would be good¡­¡± Hayden replied impatiently.


    ¡°Yeah yeah¡­¡± Luka muttered as he walked off.


    A few minutester, he returned with a baseball bat. With a questioning look on his face, he handed it over to Hayden.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to¡­¡± Luka said before he had to end his sentence midway to jump out of the way.


    Hayden raised the bat and mmed it down onto the front of his car. There was a loud smashing sound as the bat dented the metal of the car. Hayden repeated the action and Luka jumped out of the way as the front light of the car broke, shattering ss in all directions. Luka¡¯s eyes widened as he watched Hayden continue to strike his luxury sportscar.


    ¡°Need a hand? It looks quite fun. Let me have a go at it too,¡± Luka said.


    Hayden paused and took in a few deep breaths. His body felt sore, and some parts of his injuries stung but he ignored itpletely. Wordlessly, he turned to look at Luka before handing him the baseball bat.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Hayden said and slipped the bat into Luka¡¯s hand.


    He couldn¡¯t care less who did the work as long as the work got done. No one, especially Malissa, will see his car in perfect condition. It¡¯ll probably be a good idea to show her the damaged car to keep the story firmly intact in her mind too. Hayden stood to the side as he watched Luka take out his pent-up stress on the car.


    ¡°Shit¡­no matter how rich you are, that¡¯s just a waste¡­¡± Luka said followed by a chuckle.


    He returned to stand at Hayden¡¯s side and the two men looked at their masterpiece before nodding at each other in approval.


    ¡°The car looks so roughed up like it¡¯s supposed to now, I guess¡­¡± Luka said thoughtfully with his eyes on the car.


    ¡°I had a car ident, ok? Make sure everyone tells the same story. The men are instructed not to talk to her unless necessary but make sure that Auntie and the maid are aligned,¡± Haydenmanded coldly.


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Luka solemnly agreed.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Learning to Negotiate

    It was a little over an hour before Hayden returned to the room. I spent the past hour sitting on the sofa as I fretted about what had just happened. However, it seemed like there wasn¡¯t anything for me to worry about. When Hayden returned to the room, he seemed calmed and collected. He had a pleasant smile for me, and I found myself smiling back.


    ¡°Why did your father visit? He seemed so angry¡­is everything ok?¡± I asked and I could hear my own concern in my voice.


    Hayden sat down next to me on the sofa and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. Although some trouble went down between him and the boss, Hayden didn¡¯t seem disturbed in the slightest.


    ¡°Nothing much. The boss got mad because I snuck out of the hospital, but I told him that I¡¯m fine now. The other gang members are quite panicked because of the ident that I had but the old man will assure them that I¡¯m ok and that should put them at ease. It¡¯s not a big deal, really,¡± Hayden said carefreely before turning to smile confidently at me.


    If that was the case then I guess it¡¯s all fine and good, thankfully so. I wondered what Hayden will do today. Hopefully he doesn¡¯t have to go to work in his condition. I wished that he would go back to the hospital, but I wasn¡¯t sure if we would agree.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. What are you going to do today? I think¡­that you¡¯ll recover faster if you go to the hospital to get proper checkups and follower ups from the doctor,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Hmm¡­don¡¯t wanna. I¡¯ll just stay here and rest,¡± Hayden saidzily.


    I had a feeling that he would say something along those lines. However, I still wanted him to go to the hospital no matter what.


    ¡°I really think you should go to the hospital. You know, what if something is seriously wrong? Also, I think you¡¯ll heal faster that way. Won¡¯t you consider going?¡± I asked pleadingly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to sleep over at the hospital. If I go, they¡¯ll probably force me to do just that just likest night,¡± Hayden muttered as he frowned.


    ¡°Then, can you just go but not spend the night there? You can always return when you¡¯re done, right? So, please go¡­¡± I tried to convince him.


    Hayden sighed loudly and ran his fingers through his blond hair, leaving it all ruffled. I stared pleadingly into his clear blue eyes as I leaned my head on his shoulder.


    ¡°Please go. Hopefully, it won¡¯t take that long. I¡¯ll try to have some ideas for my website ready to show you when you¡¯re back. How¡¯s that for a deal?¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Trying to negotiate with me? Not a bad try¡­¡± Hayden muttered.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ll go?¡± I asked hopefully.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go. Let¡¯s talk about the website when I¡¯m back,¡± Hayden finally agreed.


    ¡°Oh, before that. Umm¡­can you order Auntie to get me proper clothes and shoes now so that I can dress up properly for when I leave this room. You know¡­I only have revealing night gowns in the closet¡­¡± I requested with aint.


    ¡°Those are the most important things. Sure, I¡¯ll tell Auntie to get some clothes for you. You can tell her the details of what you want,¡± Hayden replied.


    ¡°What about grabbing my clothes from my apartment? Is that an option?¡± I asked, hopefully.


    ¡°It is but getting new clothes would be easier. Plus, I want to buy you some new clothes. Just sort it out with Auntie,¡± he replied.


    My old clothes were just fine though¡­


    ¡°Ok. You better be on your way. I¡¯ll see youter today¡­¡± I said as I got up from the sofa and gestured towards the door for him to leave.


    Hayden looked slightly annoyed at my insistence, but he got up from the sofa. Swiftly, he leaned down and kissed my forehead lightly before walking past me towards the door. I turned around with my fingertips on the lingering heat of his kiss on my forehead as I watch his back disappear through the door.


    ¡­


    Soon after Auntie showed up to see me in the room and I figured that it was probably on Hayden¡¯s orders. After talking to her about my clothes, she finally agreed to fetch some of my old clothes from my apartment in exchange for me picking out some new clothes and other items that I wanted.


    ¡°Hayden insisted on making sure that you pick out new clothes so¡­can you please just do as he says?¡± Auntie said encouragingly.


    ¡°But I have old clothes back at my apartment¡­¡± I protested lightly.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I know that. How about this? I¡¯ll ask someone to pick up some of your old clothes and you pick out some new clothes. I have designer catalogues and online shopping sites here for you, so can you please order a lot of clothes and essories?¡± Auntie said, almost begging for me to ce some orders.


    Hayden¡¯s orders were really absolute to members of his household. I nodded my head in defeat as I went through the website with Auntie¡¯s help. After a long while, I was finally done with finalizing my choices for new clothe and shoes. I looked forward to reuniting with my old clothes more than the arrival of the new ones though.


    ¡°One more thing¡­¡± I quickly said before Auntie would leave.


    ¡°What is it, dear?¡± she asked.


    Now this was the hardest part in all of this.


    ¡°Umm¡­can you help get me some¡­contraceptive pills?¡± I requested shyly as I nced down at my folded hands on myp.


    Hayden is recovering now so somehow, I¡¯ve managed to keep him off me for the time being, but his injuries are not going to hold him back forever, if they¡¯re even holding him back now. Lately, he¡¯s been doing me raw without any protection and that was probably because he thought I was on the pill. However, since being semi-kidnapped here, I had left the pills back at my apartment.


    ¡°Sure¡­I will arrange that if you can give me the details,¡± Auntie replied after a short pause.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± I replied softly before giving her the details of what I wanted.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 When We Bend

    I stared at the in white paper in front of me with my lips pursed together tightly as my mind struggled toe up with any ideas for the website. Although I had readily promised Hayden that I would have ideas to show him when he got back, I had clearly underestimated the task. After almost an hour of thinking, I wasn¡¯t sure what I wanted the website to look like. Apart from the basic functionalities that I could reference from other simr sites, I had no idea how to make my website stand out. The biggest issue was how to make the website represent my style of art.


    My n was to sketch out a few websiteyouts to show Haydenter today but so far, the page was white, pristine, and very empty. I shouldn¡¯t have promised him anything so easily. Changing my approach a little, I turned on theptop and started researching website of other artists to see how they showcased their online portfolio. Some website had forms for visitors to fill in to request formissions as well. That might be a good idea if I¡¯m trying to make some money from taking onmissions.


    Since painting my grandmother, I had started to like sketching and painting portraits so maybe there¡¯s a market and demand for that? After spending almost another hour checking out various relevant websites, I decided to go with something white, in, and very simple for my own website. Hopefully, after adding in photos of my art works, the website will somehow automaticallye to life on its own¡­


    I wasn¡¯t sure if Hayden would buy any of the ideas that I had or the direction of my thought, but my hand started moving to sketch out some basic homepageyouts for my website. When I chose to major in art, I had many worries include those rted to making a living out of it. We were poor so choosing to be an artist at the time felt like an incredibly selfish choice to make. However, my sweet grandmother was so supportive of it.


    Now was the time of judgement. It¡¯s time to see if I can start to support myself independently by being an artist. Hopefully, I can go back to teaching my art sses again soon too. I wasn¡¯t sure if that was an option anymore, but I hoped that it was because I did enjoy teaching my sses.


    A few minutester, I had a website design sketched out but after looking at it I let out a sigh. The sound of the page tearing cut through the silent room as I tore the page out of the notebook before crumbling it and tossing it into the nearby bin. Time to try again¡­


    It was like a little miracle had just urred when I managed to sketch out threeyouts that I thought were good enough for me to show Hayden. Now that the designs were done, I realized that I didn¡¯t know when Hayden woulde back exactly. I haven¡¯t heard from him since he left the room and the mansion for the hospital. After a moment of hesitation, I was dialing Hayden¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hey¡­umm¡­I was wondering when you¡¯ll be back¡­¡± I asked, suddenly feeling quite shy although I was just asking him a very simple question.


    ¡°I¡¯m almost done, maybe I¡¯ll get back in an hour or so. Wait for me?¡± he replied smoothly.


    ¡°Ok¡­did everything go well with the checkups?¡± I asked worriedly.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Hayden replied before hanging up.


    I stared at my phone once the line had disconnected and prayed that what he was saying was true. Suddenly, there were a few soft knocks on the door, and I instinctively knew that it must be Auntie.


    ¡°Come in!¡± I called out loudly.


    The door opened, this time without needing to be unlocked from the outside first. Although, I spent my day in the same room as I did before, it felt very different to know that the door was now locked from the inside and not from the outside. My freedom was still limited but it felt like I had won an important battle in this war of regaining my freedom now that I was allowed to wander the mansion and itsrge gardens.


    ¡°We brought you clothes!¡± Auntie announced proudly.


    I watched in amazement as the maids wheeled in a rack of clothes that were from my apartment followed my multiple racks of clothing that I had never seen before.


    ¡°Thank you so much. So fast¡­¡± I said, truly impressed.


    ¡°Oh¡­and this as well¡­¡± Auntie said softly as she came to stand by my side.


    I peered down to see the pills that I had asked for in her hand. Looking up into her face, I smiled at her to thank her before taking the pills from her. I let out an internal sigh of relief. At least, now there would be one less thing for me to worry about.


    After thanking her a couple more times, Auntie and the maids left the room. The arrival of my clothes was perfectly timed. I still had some time before Hayden got back so I decided to take a shower. Putting on a casual dress felt so good after being stuck wearing short night gowns and robes for like a week. The weather seemed perfect today, so I decided to abuse my newly granted privilege of going out into the gardens.


    ording to Hayden I needed a group of bodyguards toe with me though. So, where can I get ¡®a group of bodyguards¡¯?


    I touched the doorknob and almost cried out with joy when it turned, and the door opened. The sight of the empty hallway never looked so pleasing to me before. The men in ck were no longer stationed right in front of my door and that was a little troublesome now that I was looking for them. I walked along the hallway towards the stairs and to my pleasant surprise, a group of men in ck were stationed there. Perfect!


    ¡°Hi. I want to take a stroll in the gardens so can you guyse with me?¡± I asked, a little hesitantly.


    These are pretty much Hayden¡¯s orders, but I wasn¡¯t sure if they were aware.


    ¡°Of course,¡± the man who seemed to be the leader of the squad replied without hesitation.


    Wow, that was easy. Great!


    ¨CTo be continued¡­Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

 In the Garden

    Half the men led me to the garden while the other half of the team followed close behind. I found everything to be over-the-top and very funny. I mean, I was just walking to the gardens right outside this mansion. Now that I think about it, Auntie hasn¡¯t given me a tour of the mansion yet because she must have been so busy dealing with my other requests. I didn¡¯t mind though since I had the time to draft out some designs for my website.


    The garden outside the mansion reminded me of therge garden that I saw before entering the boss¡¯s base. Trees, nts, and flowers were arranged artistically to form a very beautifulndscape. Many flowers were in bloom and the colors added to the splendor of the garden. Just like I had guessed, the weather was perfect for a little stroll. The men gave me some space, but I could still feel their eyes on me. It was quite ufortable to be watched like this, but I tried my best to ignore them.


    There was a small path that led deeper into the garden that wounded its way to the side of the mansion and I decided to follow it. Flowerpots along with decorative statues in the shapes and designs of forest animals lined both sides of the path. The wind blew against my face, sending my long hair back behind me. I tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ears before holding down on the skirt of my dress to keep it from blowing too wildly in the wind.


    There were many flowers in the garden that I didn¡¯t know but I found them beautiful and calming to look at, nheless. A little whileter, I found a white bench located under arge tree. It was the perfect ce to sit and chill on such a day as this and I thanked whoever had the genius idea to put a bench here. Straying off the path, I approached the long bench and quickly sat down on it. This is so nice and rxing. After being cooped up inside the mansion for so long, this was the perfect break that I needed.


    ¡­


    Something is tickling my nose. It feels like I¡¯m about to sneeze. It¡¯s so nice and windy and I felt so sleepy.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Wait¡­


    I opened my eyes in shock at the realization that I must have dozed off. If I remember correctly, I came into the garden and then I sat down on a bench.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re up. I was wondering how long you were going to take a nap here,¡± Hayden said teasingly from above.


    The view of the tree branches above was quickly covered by Hayden¡¯s face looking down at me from above.


    ¡°Hayden?¡± I called his name questioningly.


    When did he get here?


    I couldn¡¯t believe that I fell asleep here. Was I that tired or something?


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. Guess your brain isn¡¯t fully awake yet¡­¡± Hayden continued to tease me as he smiled down at me from above.


    ¡°When did you get here?¡± I asked.


    ¡°A little while now. You were sleeping peacefully so I didn¡¯t want to wake you,¡± Hayden said before sitting up straight.


    That was when I realized that my head was resting on hisp. Did he do this? I had to say that hisp felt good as a temporary pillow.


    ¡°Wee back. Are you feeling better?¡± I asked.


    Hayden had a shirt on, so I didn¡¯t know if any of the bandages had been removed or was he as wrapped up as before.


    ¡°I¡¯m better and it wasn¡¯t that bad to begin with¡­¡± Hayden replied with a hint of annoyance.


    ¡°Good then. Shall we go back inside? It¡¯s getting very windy¡­¡± I suggested as I slowly supported my body up into a sitting position.


    ¡°Any progress on your website design?¡± Hayden asked.


    It was just like him not to forget about that. I was d that I had some progress to show him.


    ¡°Yup. I have a few ideas. I¡¯ll show you when we¡¯re back inside,¡± I replied.


    I stood up from the bench, but Hayden didn¡¯t do the same. I turned to face him as I cocked my head to one side slightly in wonder.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked.


    Without replying to me with words, Hayden held out a hand towards me. Is he telling me to take his hand to pull him up?


    Still quite confused, I ced my hands into his and he gripped it firmly.


    ¡°Am I supposed to pull you up now?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Want to give it a try?¡± he asked challengingly.


    Well, I guess I could¡­


    I pulled on Hayden¡¯s arm with all my strength, but he didn¡¯t move at all. How heavy is he¡­seriously?!


    ¡°You¡¯re so¡­heavy!¡± I eximed as I tried pulling harder.


    Hayden justughed at my struggle. Suddenly, Hayden pulled on my arm, and I found myself falling right on top of him.


    ¡°Hayden!¡± I cried out his name as I bumped into his chest.


    Somehow, Inded on hisp, and he had his arm around my waist. Hayden was stillughing like he was truly enjoying himself and my struggle.


    ¡°You¡¯re so weak and small¡­¡± Hayden said as he petted my hair lovingly.


    ¡°Well,pared to you¡­¡± I muttered as I red at him.


    His bright blue eyes twinkled in amusement. His touch on my hair was gentle and so was the arm that held me to him around my waist. I smiled at him. I guess Hayden is feeling better now and he¡¯s in a better mood too. Slowly, our face got closer to each other until our lips met in a sweet and tender kiss.


    It was getting dark now and a little colder too. The wind blew harder than before. This time when I invited Hayden back inside, he got up and followed me willingly. We walked hand in hand along the small path through the garden back to the mansion. I thought that I enjoyed my walk here decently enough when I was alone, but the walk felt so much more fulfilling now that I had Hayden by my side.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Undisturbed Sleep

    ¡°It¡¯s in and simple but I think there¡¯s a chic vibe to it¡­¡± Hayden said with his eyes on my sketch.


    Honestly, I was relieved that he agreed with the concept that I had in mind after I had spent a few minutes exining it to him. I was afraid that he would say that it would be too in at first.


    ¡°I think the simple white background and ck text and headers are probably best for a chic look like you said. The rest of the color will be provided by photos of my work anyways so it¡¯s not like the whole website will be ck and white or anything¡­¡± I continued to exin.


    ¡°So which design are you going for?¡± Hayden asked as he turned to look straight at me.


    That¡¯s a very good question. I drew out three options, but I wasn¡¯t sure¡­


    ¡°What about you? Out of the three, which one do you think would work best?¡± I asked in return.


    Hayden turned back and studied the three temte designs again and I could tell that he was seriously evaluating them in turn.


    ¡°I like this one best. It seems easy to navigate and the photo of your work isrge and clear,¡± he exined his choice wlessly.


    Now that he mentioned it, I think I agreed with him. Now that that is settled, I can start creating my website tomorrow using some basic creation tool. Thankfully, there were loads of options avable to help newbies like me create a website.


    ¡°Great. I¡¯ll go with this one then¡­¡± I readily agreed.


    ¡°Have you thought about the URL name? Is it just going to be your name? Do you have a pseudonym or something?¡± Hayden asked.


    ¡°Good question. I haven¡¯t really thought about it. So far, I haven¡¯t done much to market my work, so I never thought about it,¡± I admitted shyly.


    ¡°Time to get more serious if you want to make this your career. Alternatively, you can justze around all day in the mansion,¡± Hayden said, and I wasn¡¯t sure if he was serious of if he was joking.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get more serious. I¡¯lle up with pseudonym that sounds cool and mysterious,¡± I dered with renewed determination.


    I didn¡¯t want toze around doing nothing. After spending years polishing up my skills, I am desperate tounch my career as an artist.


    ¡­


    Malissa¡¯s bedroom was dark and silent. Hayden¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t see much in the dark but based on his memories and the rough outlines that he could see; he could make his way over from the door to her bed with ease. Crouching down next to her bed, he brought his face closer to her¡¯s and he could tell that she was sound asleep. The sound of her breathing was deep and regr. It was a shame that he couldn¡¯t see her sleeping face in the darkness, but he had enough memories of it to picture what she must have looked like sleeping peacefully in that moment.


    Malissa¡¯s mood has improved dramatically, and she had started to smile and enjoy her life once again. Although he could sense that she was still troubled from time to time, he was relieved and overjoyed by her improvement. Despite his efforts to part with her earlier in the evening so that she could get some quality undisturbed sleep, some how in his own struggle to fall asleep his feet had taken him into her room.


    ¡®So much for giving her undisturbed sleep¡¯ Hayden thought to himself as his hand slowly reached out towards her face.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    His fingertips gently touched a strand of her loose hair. The softness of her hair against his fingertips felt pleasantly rxing and before long, he wanted to touch more of her. An amused smile curved his lips as his fingers began tracing a line along the smooth skin of her cheek. Hayden paid extra attention to ensure that Malissa wouldn¡¯t wake up. He wanted to see how much he could touch and y with her before she woke up. Suddenly, this became a fun little game andte-night entertainment to him.


    His fingers dipped from her cheek down to her soft and sensual lips. Her lips were soft and warm against his fingertips as he stroked it gently. When his fingers slid down along the side of her neck, Malissa let out a small whimper that made Hayden pull his hand quickly away from her. Apart from the soft whimper, Malissa did not stir or show any signs of waking up.


    Hayden continued with his advances by slowly pulling down the covers that was covering her chest and upper body. By this time his eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and he could make out more outlines of her body. He traced his hand softly from her shoulders down to her chest where his hand felt the texture of soft and thince.


    Hayden smiled, knowing that Malissa was wearing one of the sexy nightgowns that he had prepared for her. He knew that it was quite mean for him to leave her with nothing to wear besides these for around a week, but he truly enjoyed watching her move about her activities with nothing but a short and revealing nightgown on.


    His fingers traced around her breast and her breathing quickened. Malissa let out soft moans but did not wake up. When his fingertips brushed against her nipples through the thince fabric, she moaned a little louder while her nipples quickly hardened at his stimting touch. Hayden knew where and how she liked to be touched and fondled.


    Enjoying her reactions, Hayden slipped his hands under the thince of her nightgown to touch and fondle her breasts directly. Her skin felt slightly warm against his fingers and hands as he cupped her breasts softly. Malissa moaned and her body began to stir a little before settling down again. Hayden began groping and massaging her breasts gently before applying more pressure to his caresses. Malissa¡¯s moans got louder, and her breathing started to bebored.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 Man of my Dreams

    The lewd sounds and reactions that she was making only helped to turn Hayden on even further. His hands quickly slid down her body to her waist and then the curve of her hips. Pulling the cover down even further, he revealed her hips and naked thighs. Unable to hold himself back any longer, Hayden stood up and carefully climbed into bed with Malissa. His hands began stroking her hips before slowly sliding downwards to stroke and pay loving attention to her thighs. From her pleasurable moans, he could tell that she was starting to get very turned on and he wondered what she was seeing in her dreams right now.


    ¡­


    My mind felt like it was floating in the clouds, and I wasn¡¯t sure if the dream that I was having should be ssified as a bad or a good dream. My body slowly began to feel hot, and a pleasurable ache started swelling up in my lower abdomen before spreading even lower. My core felt hot, and the throbbing heat was spreading all over my body. Suddenly, my breasts felt heavy and sensitive. I heard myself moaning as the man in my dreams began ying seductively with my nipples, making them hard. By the time his hand slid underneath my clothes to cup my naked breasts, I knew that I was sexually aroused.


    Desire and need for fulfilment filled my mind and clouded it. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m having a dream like this. I heard a soft whimpering moan escape my lips again as his hands began kneading my breasts, sending sharp waves of pleasure flooding into my body before it began leaking out as hot wetness in between my legs. My mind and body drifted at the boarder that separated sleep and reality. Iid on the bed with my eyes closed as I enjoyed the pleasure from his seductive caresses.


    It wasn¡¯t normal for me to have dreams like this. In my mind¡¯s eyes I could see Hayden in bed with me as he continued to seduce me with his touches and then his kisses. I wanted him so much too but he¡¯s not here. This is just a dream. Was I having this dream because it had been too many days since we¡¯ve done it? When his hand began stroking my naked thighs, I moaned loudly as my body began responding to his touches. My hips began moving as I writhed with desire to feel even more pleasure from him.


    This dream was so sinfully pleasurable that I didn¡¯t want to open my eyes and wake up. If I woke up, he would be gone and so would these blissful feelings from his touches. I felt his hands on my inner thighs before he began spreading my legs apart. Wider and wider he spread them. Even if this was a dream, I found myself getting embarrassed at the position that he had put me in.


    The heat of his fingertips ran along my inner thighs inching upwards and I moaned as my pussy clenched in anticipation of his touch. I knew that he was going to touch me there and I couldn¡¯t wait to feel the heat of his touch. A long sigh of satisfaction escaped my lips followed by a whimpering moan when his fingers finally found the wetness in between my legs. The touch of his fingers stroking up and down the length of my wet opening felt amazing.


    ¡°Hay¡­den¡­¡± I moaned his name.


    His fingers began stroking my pussy faster and harder than before. The sensations became so intense that my hips began jerking about against his hand. This feels so real¡­it feels too real. It feels so good!


    I felt a sharp pration into my love tunnel and my hips lifted up off the bed. This is¡­


    ¡°Ahhh! Ahhh!¡± I cried out loudly.


    My eyes snapped open, and the darkness of my bedroom greeted me along with the loud wet soundsing from lower down, between my legs.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake. I was starting to wonder if you¡¯ll sleep through it all,¡± a familiar voiced teased from between my widely spread legs.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Hayden¡­¡± I whispered his name in shock.


    How long has he been here? Did he¡­


    Was it him all along?


    The movement of his fingers inside of my wet pussy hole was more than enough confirmation than I needed that he was here with me and that this was real. His fingers thrusted in and out of my love hole, messing up my wetness. The wet sounds of his fingers stirring up my love juices echoed loudly in the room along with my passionate moans and cries of desire and lust. My pussy clenched wildly around his fingers as he continued to stroke my pussy walls with each thrust.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­it¡¯s so good¡­¡± I moaned shamelessly when Hayden curled his fingers upwards to directly thrust against my g-spot.


    ¡°It feels good here, doesn¡¯t it? Your pussy is clenching hard around my fingers¡­¡± Hayden teased seductively.


    His fingers continued to work their magic and my legs grew weaker and weaker. If he keeps on fingering me, I¡¯m going to climax very soon. Another wave of my hot juices spurted out onto his fingers while he continued to ram his fingers inside of me from various angles. His fingers thrusted deeply into my love tunnel, and I pushed my hips upwards against his hand to force his fingers deeper and harder into me.


    ¡°Hayden¡­I¡¯m¡­cumming!¡± I cried out loudly before covering my mouth.


    I screamed into my hands at the arrival of my own release. My whole body quivered and my pussy spasmed around his fingers. My body writhed and I had to curl up into a ball to ride out the intensity of my orgasm. I could feel Hayden¡¯s eyes on me and then I heard him undressing. His clothes quickly fell to the floor next to the bed.


    ¡°Spread your legs. I¡¯ll make you cum again soon,¡± Hayden said with confidence as I felt his hands on my ankles.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­

 No Need to Hold Back

    He pulled on my legs before spreading them again as he sat in between my legs and looked down at me. It¡¯s dark and it was hard to make out anything with theck of light, but I still found myself blushing when I imagined him staring down at me. I felt his fingers on my pussy lips before he began spreading them apart.


    ¡°Hayden, wait¡­¡± I whispered urgently.


    ¡°What is it¡­?¡± he asked with disinterest.


    ¡°Umm¡­are you sure about this?¡± I asked, not sure how to put my worries into words.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± he asked.


    His finger began softly stroking my swollen clit as he waited impatiently for my answer. I knew that he wanted to take me now but¡­


    I can¡¯t think straight with him ying with my clit like this¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­ahhh¡­¡± I called his name and moaned loudly.


    ¡°You¡¯re not making much sense right now¡­¡± Hayden murmured followed by a chuckle.


    His fingers parted me, and I felt the heat and the thick head of his cock lodge itself at my entrance. His hands moved to my thighs to push my legs up and further open. He¡¯s going to enter me anytime now¡­


    ¡°Hayden¡­you¡¯re hurt so¡­¡± I managed to mumble weakly.


    ¡°Is that what you¡¯re worried about?¡± he asked from somewhere above me.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I admitted softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine. I wasn¡¯t holding back for my sake; I was holding back for yours¡­¡± Hayden replied calmly.


    His words surprised me but before I coulde up with a reply, his virile thickness was already pushing into my wet depths. I cried out loudly at the sensation of his massive member ploughing deeply into my love hole. It¡¯s only been a few days, but my body missed him like crazy. My pussy trembled and clutched around his thick shaft as he thrusted into me until he had sunk his entire length into me.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­Hayden¡­¡± I moaned in delight.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    He¡¯s stretching me and filling me. I moaned loudly when he buried himself all the way into me and stilled for a moment to allow me to adjust to the size and shape of him. He¡¯s so deep inside and it felt so unbelievably pleasurable already and he hasn¡¯t even started moving yet.


    ¡°You¡¯re very tight today. I guess I need to make your body used to mine again,¡± Hayden muttered as he reared his hips back.


    His cock slid along my pussy walls before he rammed his thick cock into me again. It¡¯s deeper this time¡­much deeper¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­so big¡­so¡­deep inside¡­¡± I whimpered in between my loud cries of desire.


    ¡°It feels hot inside you¡­¡± Hayden groaned.


    His hands gripped the side of my hips as he pounded his cock in and out of my wet cunt. He¡¯s moving so fast, his cock ramming deeply into me and then jerking out of my hole. My pussy clenched around his cock as our hips pped together. Wet lewd noises of his cock pounding into my wetness filled the room along with our moans of pleasure.


    His cock quickly grew thicker and longer inside of me, and I could feel him hit my womb deeply with each thrust. My core throbbed with heat and need as he continued to ride me. The sensation of his gigantic cock beating into me was driving me insane. I couldn¡¯t think of anything else but the addictive pleasure that he was giving me. I wanted all of him and then I wanted even more of him. It was endless¡­


    Judging from how fast and hard he was giving it to me, I didn¡¯t have to bother worrying about his body or his injuries at all. Maybe it was because we haven¡¯t done it for a few days, but Hayden seemed too full of energy today. His movements were rough and the way that he was pounding his cock deep against my pleasure spot made my head spin with pleasure. I was on the verge of losing it as my body began responding freely to him as if it had a will of its own. My hips pumped up and down wildly to match the rhythm of his aggressive thrusts as I cried out his name loudly.


    Hayden groaned loudly and sped up his thrusting. I could tell that he was enjoying my body just as much as I enjoyed his lovemaking. However, my limit was fast approaching. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore; I was about to climax again.


    ¡°Hayden¡­Ahhh! I¡¯m cumming! I¡¯m cumming!¡± I cried out loudly.


    My orgasm hit me hard and my whole body spasmed. Hayden¡¯s hand moved under my ass before lifting my hips up off the bed into his hands. He held my hip still and thrusted fast and harder into me while I climaxed. I cried out at the intense pleasure. It was like nothing that I¡¯ve ever experienced before. I cried out louder. My pussy was already so sensitive from having cum once before and now it felt like he was trying to make me orgasm again even while I was already going through an orgasm. It¡¯s all too much.


    It felt too good, and I felt like I was going to lose my mind. The overwhelming pleasure quickly became scary for me, and my head started spinning. Hayden¡¯s cock continued to fuck my hole and I knew that he was about to cum as well. His cock felt so hot. Hayden lifted my hips up higher and with a few more deep and hard thrusts, I felt the heat of his release shoot deeply into me.


    Hayden groaned my name as his hips stilled. His thick cock twitched wildly inside of my love tunnel as it spurted endless streams of his cum into my womb. My legs felt weaker and weaker as his warmth continued to spread inside of me. His sweat fell on me before he plopped down on top of me. We panted together in the aftermath of our intense lovemaking. Slowly, I lifted my arms up and hugged his back. The weight and heat of his body on top of mine feltforting. It made me thankful that he was still here with me.


    ¨CTo be continued¡­


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