《Farthest Star》
Little Encounter
The little girl tried to stay still, but her impatient nature wouldn¡¯t let her.
She was sitting under the streetlamp for a while now.
It was already seven at night, and the little one was all alone to herself.
There was no one on the street.
For the past few months, sneaking out of the house was her favorite game. Her tiny frame contributed more to her special skill, and she enjoyed it a lot.
The private residential area filled with snobbish tycoons, and our sweet little girl came from one of those mansions.
Rocking back and forth, she waited, as she knew there was nothing to worry about.
No one was interested in what she was doing.
So, she was safe.
Putting her petite face in her soft palms, the little girl looked to the furthest corner of the street.
It was a clear night in the bright summer.
The stars came to appear one by one, and the little girl stared at them with amusement.
The night sky was her shelter, the stars came closer, and she tried to find her mother among them.
Looking at each and every star more clearly, she wondered how she could find their mother from all of those stars.
The girl¡¯s mouth wide opened as she concentrates on that great but difficult task. The thought of fairies distracted her again.
As she crouched on the floor, her mind colored up with beautiful fairies and heroes in the big storybook, which was filled with vivid pictures of all kinds of magical creatures.
Every weekend, Granny reads them to her.
She was told by Granny that their mother had become a star.
Even though their mother is not with them, Granny said she will always be with them as a guardian angel.
But she couldn¡¯t understand why their mother became a star. She will be happy if their mother has stayed with them on earth.
She missed her a lot.
Her little heart longed to be in the arms of her mother, like every other child.
At that moment, a falling star appeared across the sky and the toddler became excited.
Every other thought left her mind, and the little girl shivered with anticipation.
¡°Every falling star is a fairy that is sent by God to fulfill human wishes. Close your eyes and make a wish when you see one. ¡°
She remembered her granny¡¯s words. The little girl closed her eyes and gathered small hands to pray.
¡°Dear star, please give me my own knight in shining armor.¡±
She wished for the first thing came to her mind.
She imagined a brave knight who was riding a black horse with a sword and she liked the suit of the knight and the story of his braveness.
She asked Granny to read that story again and again.
Suddenly voices echoed from the corner of the street and the little girl snapped open her eyes.
A silhouette appeared at the corner of the street.
With the hope to meet with the person she longed for, she waited with excitement.
¡°Hey! You were fantastic, man. Did you see her face? Soon she will fall to you.¡± One boy said to his friend and put one hand over his shoulder.
¡°Just say it man or you going to regret it later. She is our school queen. A queue is waiting for her.¡± The chattering boy told his silent friend, only to get a smile as a reply.
¡°Acting cool, ah? Be cool as much as you want and I¡¯m going to go home. See you tomorrow,¡±
He said as they have to go separately hereon.
Giving a playful slap on his friend¡¯s shoulder, the chatty boy turned to go to his house and the silent one stopped in the middle, looking at his friend.
Shaking his head at the nonsense his friend just babbled, he walked toward his home.
From here, he had to go alone.
Why he had to go home?
At home, he was all alone.
The name ¡®home¡¯ only grimaced him.
The home was home only when she was there.
To welcome him.
To love him.
She was always there.
But now, she was no longer, and he didn¡¯t have a say in that, but got used to her absence.
Walking at the speed of a snail, he slowed down his pace.
Then he saw a shadow under the streetlamp.
There was a kid sneaking at him eagerly.
It was a little girl!
He got closer curiously and saw the disappointed look on the little girl¡¯s face as she crouched on the ground.
With amusement, he crouched near her. Her head bent to the ground and her raven black hair sprawled around her in waves.
He patted her hair to get her attention, and she straightened her head to look up at him with a pout.
The little one in front of him was beautiful.
With rosy cheeks, rose-petal lips, and a round baby face, she looked cute.
But what made her angelic was her eyes.
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The big blue-green eyes that shone under the moonlight were the most beautiful pair of eyes he ever seen.
She looked like a little angel fallen to earth.
A smile spread across his face of their own accord.
¡°Which heaven are you from?¡± he asked with the same smile.
The little girl tilted her head to the side and tried to understand his question. She guessed he was asking about her house and pointed her little finger to a gigantic wall that detached her mansion from the street.
¡°Why are you alone?¡± he asked again.
¡°Waiting for my brother¡± this time she decides to talk. Her little voice was sweet, just like her face.
¡°What is your brother¡¯s name?¡± he asked this time.
If they are living here, most probably her brother also going to his school.
Maybe her brother could be someone he knows.
But the little girl started to think. She had no idea about her brother¡¯s name. She even hardly remembers her own name.
The boy saw the struggle of the toddler and smiled.
¡°What is your name?¡± he asked the easiest question.
She looked at him giving a suspicious look with a pout.
¡°Granny told me not to tell my name to strangers,¡± she said with a baby voice.
¡°But your granny told you to sit in the street alone and talk with strangers?¡± He asked playfully, making a face at the little girl.
She again began to think. Her pout deepened, and she tried to stand up to depart from the stranger who made fun of her.
¡°Hey... Hey, wait¡± the boy stopped her and made her sit down again.
He felt happy and excited after a long time. It was strange, but he found it relaxing to talk with this kid.
Usually, he ignores even looking at crying and drooling little human beings as he found them annoying, but this little girl had the opposite effect on him.
So, he tried to prolong their encounter. At least until her brother returns. He couldn¡¯t send her alone this nighttime.
¡°Where are your parents?¡± he asked.
¡°Papa gone to work and mama is there,¡± she said and pointed at the sky. He looked up and understood one thing. She was the same as him. He looked back at the girl with compassion and understanding.
¡°So your mother was dead?¡± he asked, and her mood turned to horror.
Looking at the boy with a shocked expression, her eyes filled with tears. Her breath fastened as she started to cry, and he understood he had pressed the wrong button.
His arms automatically reached the crying girl as he tried to console the child.
¡°Shh...... Baby, why are you crying?¡± He asked the little one.
¡°She... She is no.. not dead. She... she i..is there... lo...looking at us.¡± In between her sobs, she said.
¡°Okay. Okay. Little fairy, I¡¯m sorry. You are right. She is there looking at you. Please stop crying. She will be sad to see you crying.¡± He coaxed her while patting her hair and her crying subsided slowly.
Putting his hand in his bag pocket, he took out a bar of chocolate he received from one of his admirers. He was glad for once not to throw it away, as usual.
The little girl¡¯s face lit up suddenly as she saw the chocolate and a wide smile spread across her face. That smile was so beautiful, as his own face lit up with a smile.
Removing the cover, he placed the chocolate in the little fairy¡¯s hand. She took it gladly and looked attentively at his face.
¡°What is this?¡± she places her small palm on his face where his dimple resides and he laughed lightly.
¡°It calls a dimple, my little fairy,¡± he told, feeling pleased about the soft touch on his face.
¡°Little fairy?¡± she again asked curiously, tilting her head in a cute way.
¡°Yes! Now your name is little Fairy because you didn¡¯t tell me your name,¡± He replied playfully.
¡°Then I will call you my Knight in shining armor,¡± she said with a giggle.
¡°What!! Why is Knight not a prince?¡± He asked a bit curiously while smiling brightly.
¡°I want a knight, not a prince. I like Knight more,¡± she said with a shy baby voice, and he smiled with his whole heart.
¡°It was my pleasure to be your knight, my fairy. So tell me how old you are,¡± he asked while brushing away the chocolate traces in her mouth using his thumb.
She looked at one hand and tried to calculate her age. After a bit of struggle, she showed him her hand, spreading all five fingers.
¡°Five years old?¡± he asked, and she nodded her head, resuming eating.
¡°What is yours?¡± she asked.
¡°Fourteen,¡± he said, and her face turned into confusion.
¡°How much it is?¡± she asked with a cute face.
¡°Almost three times bigger as you age,¡± he replied, and her brows went up. He kissed her chubby cheeks and looked around to see any trace of her brother.
¡°Looks like your brother is going to be late.¡± Turning back at her, he asked.
¡°I don¡¯t know when he is coming,¡± she said with a sad voice.
¡°What does that mean?¡± he asked in a confused voice.
¡°He left us. He got angry with papa and left us,¡± she said again.
¡°Then why are you here, little fairy? You should go home,¡± he said with concern.
¡°Because I feel lonely at home,¡± she muttered softly.
¡°It¡¯s not a safe, baby. You shouldn¡¯t go out at night alone and don¡¯t talk to strangers like this, Okay?¡± He asked while ruffling her soft hair.
¡°But I can come to meet you, right? You are not a stranger. Now you are my knight in shining armor,¡± she asked innocently, and he smiled at the cute creature.
Also, he didn¡¯t want to stop her from coming out. He felt like this little girl was a gift sent by his mother. He wanted to keep meeting his little angel.
¡°Yes! You can, my little fairy. But now, go. Just tell me where you live. I will take you home.¡± He said, but she shook her hair rapidly.
¡°I can go alone. If I go with you, they will catch me. Then I can¡¯t meet you again. Promise me you are going to come tomorrow?¡±
¡°I promise¡±
¡°Pinky promise?¡± she asked with puppy eyes.
¡°Pinky promise,¡± he smiled.
With that, he stood up and helped her to stand as well. Looking at the towering boy, she hugged his leg dearly. He bent again and hugged her back and kissed her cheeks. Waving her hand at him, she distanced herself and ran to the shrubs.
Turning around, she looked at him one last time and smiled. With that, she disappeared into shrubs as he looked at it.
Maybe a secret path...
Perhaps she really is a fairy.
He thought and shook his head while thinking about his stupidity.
One part of him was very curious to know where she was living, but another part of him wanted to keep things as it is.
He wanted to imagine her as an angel who descended from heaven.
After all, he was also a child who missed his mother. So, he agreed with the latter thought, to imagine her as a fairy sent by his mother.
But he didn¡¯t know how wrong his choice was.
If he had given a chance to his curiosity, he would have changed the many things going to happen in the faraway future.
However, he was happy for now.
He went home with a radiant smile on his handsome face. Servants in his mansion became inquisitive about their young master¡¯s sudden change.
He was not a happy child after his mother¡¯s death and the relationship between father and son was souring day by day.
But today he looked like he came back to normal.
The next day was the same.
His sudden change shocked even his friends. The day remains like this, and he didn¡¯t forget to buy chocolate as his fairy loved chocolate.
He didn¡¯t forget that angelic smile on her face when she ate chocolate. He wanted to see it again and again. His friends wanted to hang out till late, but he excused himself by lying about his non-existing headache.
He was excited to see her again.
And he wanted to keep his promise.
He went earlier than yesterday and waited until she appeared through the shrubs. Time passed, and he impatiently waited for her to come. He feared not seeing her again. And that thought made an enormous wave of disappointment and sadness within him.
But when he saw a little frame come in between shrubs, all of his doubts vanished, and a big smile spread through his face. He saw her look around and as soon her eyes fell on him; she smiled, and so did he.
This happy encounter continued for months. It always happened in the same routine.
He came earlier and waited till she come, and he used to tell his day to her like he used to share with his mother.
She also was a good listener.
Eating the chocolate bar that he gives every day, she used to listen to him happily. He also enjoyed her baby talks and continuous questions. But they didn¡¯t share their real names as it didn¡¯t look important to them.
She was his little fairy, and he was her knight.
And that was enough.
Perhaps because they share some similarities or perhaps they were meant to be.
Whatever that was, this repeated every day till one day.
One day, she never came back.
He waited.
Waited and waited more, but she never came back to him.
Disappointment and sadness found their place in his heart again, maybe even stronger than before.
Nonetheless, he didn¡¯t stop waiting.
Hoping she will return.
Hoping just to see a glimpse of his little fairy.
But she got vanished into thin air.
Look like she has gone back to the heaven, she came from.
Days turned into months and months turned to years, but there was no trace of his little fairy.
Then time changed him.
People changed him.
According to that, he changed a lot.
Changing into someone he never imagined being.
He turned ice cold, and that coldness turned into ruthlessness.
This little encounter started to vanish from his mind as his precedence and penchant changed.
Even he has forgotten who he was.
His little fairy got lost in his childhood memories like never existed.
Meanwhile, he became a man of control and master of manipulation
He.
¡°Reschedule the meeting for 4.00 P.M. and inform all the board members to present their new plans. Instruct the head of the technical department to arrange a special presentation today. It should be perfect and no more mistakes.¡± He instructed his P. A with an authoritative voice.
The man noted down each and every instruction coming out of his boss with utmost care. He knew there was no place for the word ¡®mistakes¡¯ in their CEO¡¯s dictionary.
¡°You can go now.¡± He said to his PA, and the man bowed his head a bit with respect and walked out of the CEO¡¯s office.
Sighing, Zachery turned in his chair to see the perfect view of the city.
All the sky-touching buildings, crowded roads, and busy people could clearly see through the wide glass.
Leaning his head on the headrest, he relaxed a bit.
It was a busy day for him, as usual.
He wanted to ensure everything going according to his plans. That¡¯s why he has established strict guidelines for every employee, and he didn¡¯t tolerate any single flow from them.
That was the reason for his success.
Otherwise, how he would be here?
At this age, and in this little time. He has taken his business empire far higher than his grandfather and father ever imagined.
But he was not satisfied.
He wanted more.
More power, and more wealth. He will do everything to keep his business at a top level.
It was his life¡¯s motto and only goal.
Never be the second!
¡°Mr. Knight.¡±
His little trance was broken by an interruption.
When he turned, he saw a woman standing in front of him to gain his attention.
It was his junior personal assistant.
¡°Sir. Miss Grey is here,¡± she informed.
He straightens himself suddenly at the mere mention of that name.
¡°Let her in¡± he instructed straight away, and the woman nodded her head and left.
He stands up from his chair and waited to meet his friend.
His first love.
The door opened, and a sophisticated woman entered his office with a wide smile on her face. He returned the smile while informing his P. A to prepare tea for them through the intercom.
He gestured for his friend to sit on the couch, and he sat in front of her seat.
With a smile, he looked at the beautiful woman observantly.
With a black frock that came to her mid-thigh, four inches of stilettos, and neatly done high pony-tailed blonde hair, she looked stunning and classy as always.
With her green sharp eyes, heart-shaped lovely face, and those kissable lips, she could have got any man on his knees.
Smiling brightly at Zachery, she started the conversation.
¡°So... After almost one year... Ah,¡± she said, raising her well-shaped eyebrows.
¡°Exactly one and a half years,¡± he corrected her while relaxing in his chair.
¡°You were counting time? If you were that free, you should have come to Paris at least once,¡± she replied in the same teasing voice.
¡°I thought you were having fun with your boyfriend. Why should I come to spoil your quality time?¡± He told with his signature smirk and her smile faded.
¡°Hey, I¡¯m just joking Ray.¡± He told instantly, and she nodded with a sad smile
¡°What¡¯s that asshole done this time?¡± he asked with a frown, and she shook her head a little.
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¡°Nothing, just ignoring me, as always. When has he ever cared about me? I¡¯m just one of his exes. He was the same Aarav we know,¡± she told with a sad voice, and he clenched his fist to control his anger. He could just get enraged by the mere mention of that bastard¡¯s name.
Aarav Alexander.
The man who has defeated him twice in a row.
The man who stole the life he should have lived.
The man who stole the girl who should have been his.
That name was enough to ruin his day.
¡°Do you still into him? Even after everything?¡± he asked with a distanced voice.
Rainey looked away with a sad expression and remained silent. But that silence gave the answer he wanted, and it made his blood boil.
She was still thinking of the man who gave nothing but pain and humiliation.
Why is she still crying over the man who just used her?
If this girl had given him one signal, indicating that they could take this friendship to another level, he would have made her his a long time ago.
Rainy was the most popular girl in his college. Not just a beauty, but beauty with talent and intelligence.
She was someone he preferred to keep next to him.
A wise and well-matching partner, who could proudly present as his.
He didn¡¯t know what he felt for her.
It could be just attraction, friendship, or love. But in a rational way, she was the most suitable person for him.
She was his friend since they were born.
She comes from a well-known wealthy and respectable family.
She has been with him all the hard times he faced.
But he couldn¡¯t make her his.
First, that was because of the Aarav. Because that man had come in between him and Ray, ruining all.
But now, because he couldn¡¯t spoil their friendship.
Especially, he will never going to degrade himself in front of a woman. Even though it was Rainey; he is not the one to beg for love. No way. It should be the other way around.
Disturbing their sour mood, his P. A appeared with refreshment.
Putting the tray in front of them, she excused herself.
¡°Eat something. You look skinny,¡± Zachery said teasingly to change the topic while placing the teacup near Rainy. With a sigh, she took the teacup in her hand. A ghost of a smile played on her full lips.
¡°It¡¯s my profession, Mister. That¡¯s why I¡¯m one of the country¡¯s top models,¡± she said playfully, looking at him through her long eyelashes.
¡°Just saying what I see¡± he raised his hand in surrender.
But it was one thing he didn¡¯t like about Rainey.
Her diet plan was not something he could approve of or understand.
Whenever they go to dinner or lunch, she preferred to eat like a bird.
He really couldn¡¯t understand why someone would even think about starving themselves for their profession.
Especially someone like Rainey, who was born with a silver spoon.
But he knows she is super passionate about her profession. It was her ultimate dream, even as a little girl. He knows it better because they were friends since elementary classes.
She never used her background to achieve her dream.
She was here solely because of her talent and effort.
That was one reason he respected her deeply.
¡°Stop digging about me. Tell me about you. Still super busy. Right?¡± She asked as she drank one sip from the teacup.
¡°You are going to get bored if I talk about my business affairs. It was just the same as usual. Handling a bunch of idiots and doing a few negotiations. That¡¯s it.¡± He told while surging his shoulder and Rainey¡¯s eyebrows raised up.
¡°Typical Zachary Knight, who is full of himself¡± She smiled as she shook her head with disbelief.
¡°Why? It is the truth anyway. So, Ray just tells me the real reason behind your majestic presence,¡± he said with a knowing smirk.
¡°Always straight to the point! Is that why you are so good in this field, Mr. Perfect?¡± She asked in a playful tone.
He was right. She had something on her mind.
¡°Perfect or not, I can confirm one thing: I¡¯m better than your lover. Sorry... Ex-lover, I guess,¡± he smirked and raised his hands a bit when he saw Rainey narrow her eyes at him.
Rainey took a long breath and continued her conversation.
¡°I¡¯m partly here because of him,¡± Rainey told him while looking at her expensive stilettos and he frowned at her.
¡°There is a party at our agency this weekend. Most businessmen and celebrities are invited there.¡± She continued her talk with a nervous voice.
¡°Yes, I know. They had invited me as well. But I had to decline it because I have a meeting with some important client,¡± he said with a frown.
¡°Is it so?¡± She asked with a disappointed look.
¡°Just tell me without going in the round. What is it?¡± He asked her in a bit annoying voice.
She was always like this.
She always goes around when talking.
Rainey looked up and straighten a bit. ¡°Okay. I want you to come with me to that party,¡± she said straightly, and Zachery looked at her while raising his eyebrows.
¡°Do you mind if I asked the reason?¡± he asked slyly. He had some ideas about it. But he wanted the confirmation.
Rainy bit her lip and looked away from Zachery.
¡°He is coming. Aarav,¡± she told after a few minutes of break, and Zachery got his confirmation.
¡°I can¡¯t appear more pathetic in front of him, Zach. He is so...¡± she said with a clogged throat.
¡°Okay, I¡¯m coming,¡± Zachery told with a determined voice and Rainey looked back at him with pure shock.
¡°Didn¡¯t you have an important meeting?¡± she asked with confusion and at the same time with relief.
¡°Not more important than you,¡± he told with a charming smile, and she smiled at him with a relaxed expression.
¡°I can¡¯t let that jerk walk all over you,¡± he said, and his face held disgust as he thought about the low life.
¡°But it¡¯s okay. I can understand if it is a really important meeting for you,¡± Rainey told him with a small voice. But deep down, she wanted him to go with her.
And he also knows it very well. He was good at reading people.
¡°You are my first priority,¡± he said while looking at her.
But he knows that was not the truth.
It was a good chance to have fun.
He never left a single chance to walk over that man.
Then will he miss a golden ticket like this?
Never!
He smirked slyly inside his mind. He knows from the moment Aarav¡¯s name got involved here, he will go to attend the party.
With or without her.
His presence was much necessary to annoy the shit out of that douchebag.
Taking Rainey with him will be a jackpot.
He gets to kill two birds in one go.
Beginning of the Great Game
Aarav put on cuff links while gazing at his reflection in the mirror. With majestic height, chiseled face, and well-built frame he looked handsome as ever in a full suit. But there was one special feature he loved the most. His eyes. His hazel brown eyes, which held much resembled his late mother''s. The only feature he got from his beloved mother. In contrast to his cold facial features, his eyes stand out with soft expressions within their hazel depths.
He missed their mother¡¯s warm embrace and smiling face very much and a little smile came to his lips as he was reminded of childhood memories. How he used to be with his mother. All of her caring and teaching. All of her love and affection. His mother always told him to be a wise man, a good person who always does the right thing. He had never forgotten that. He never going to disappoint her. Time passed and he had grown a lot and achieved a lot but there was no one around him to share his success, be happy about his progress, and give him a shoulder to cry on when he having hard times. He even had to distance the only one left to him in this world. The only person who genuinely loves and cares about him. His sister.
A longing smile spread across his face as he thought about her. He had not seen her for a prolonged time. The last time, was three years ago. Even that was unknown to her. He knows she also misses him. Even though he had pushed her away with his cold attitude, she never once gave up on him. Continuous messages that asked about his well-being, never forgotten gifts on his birthdays. He missed all of this. All of her affection and concern. Even though he has shown his nonchalance to her caring, deep down he longed for his baby sister. She was the only reminder of his mother. Her beautiful soft features and caring nature hold sheer resemblances to their mother. But he couldn¡¯t keep her closer. He couldn¡¯t let happen the same thing to his baby sister that happened to his mother. She will be better without him. He is going to protect her. Even if it means he has to push her away from him. He is going to do that, to protect her from the vile man who fathered them.
Even thinking about that man disgusted him. He was the sole reason he lost his mother, the sole reason for his cold, emotionless attitude and the sole reason to live separately from his loving little sister.
He fixed his dress with a scrawl on his face. Today he has a special event to attend. An important occasion where will be most of the influencing men in the country gather in one place. He much preferred to stay in his penthouse and spend his weekends peacefully. Peace is the one thing he values most. But the organizer of this event was his acquaintance. A good friend who had helped him when he struggled with his newly built business. So he had to attend that party as a respect to him.
With a deep sigh and sulking face, he descended down and headed toward his car. His chauffeur was waiting there for him and he bent his head with respect and Aarav nodded his head as acknowledgment. Settling inside the car, he instructed the driver to head toward the location. There was another reason he didn¡¯t like to attend that party.
Rainey Grey.
His heartbreak.
She will be there also. He didn¡¯t want to see that woman¡¯s face again. He didn¡¯t want to put salt on his unhealed wound. But she had given him a good life lesson to not forget. A lesson to not trust anyone. Not to love anyone. After her betrayal, he was never involved with any women. He kept everyone at arm''s length. In this world, he believed and loved only one. It was his sister. She was the only thing that kept him sane.
A brand-new Ferrari stopped in front of the deluxe hotel and Zachery came out of his car. Walking toward the other side, he opened the car door for Rainey. She was dressed in an elegant floor-length royal blue dress, which was modified with a graceful slit all the way to her mid-thigh. Rainey smiled at him feeling proud of Zachery¡¯s gesture. She knows she was the only person who was lucky enough to receive this treatment from this stone-hearted man. Zachery was notorious for his arrogant and disrespectful ways. Smirking at Rainey, he linked his arm with Rainey and looked around hoping to find the figure he wanted to see.
¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she told him with a little smile and he looked at her. But Zachery paused a little bit as he was unwilling to go inside right now. He had his own agenda to execute.
¡°Are you waiting for someone?¡± she asked with a frown, looking at Zachery.
¡°No. I...¡± his words interrupted in between as a black Mercedes stopped near the entrance.
A chauffeur came out of the car and opened the back door for his master. Aarav came out of the car and straightened his suit a bit before marching toward the function. And suddenly his eyes collided with black mischievous eyes.
Zachery Knight.
That man? Oh God!
However, Aarav¡¯s eyes got even wider as he saw the figure who was glued to Zachery¡¯s side. Rainey was also staring at him with the same shocked expression. Oh god! How did his day go worse than this? Two people he despised the most in the same place. His biggest nightmares appeared together hand-in-hand. He should have declined the invitation. If he had any clue about his arrival, he would have never appeared here. Even if it meant he had to reject his friend¡¯s invitation. Moreover, the mischievous smirk on Zachery¡¯s face didn¡¯t settle well with Aarav. But the deed was done. He had to tolerate those two shit.
Without sparing another single glance at them, Aarav Turned away from those two and walked toward the ballroom and Zachery looked at Rainey.
¡°Let¡¯s go inside,¡± he said while putting his hand around Rainey¡¯s waist and gluing her to his side intimately. Rainey was shocked a little by this and she blushed. She nodded her head and Zachery guided them inside.
The party was a grand one. Most of the influencing personalities were presented here. Businessmen, celebrities, and politicians engaged in small talks around tables. Media was strictly prohibited as there was high security around the hotel to protect the privacy of guests. Zachery led Rainey to one of the tables which was not occupied by anyone. Rainey smiled a little but looked around tensely like searching for someone. He knew who she was searching for. Aarav... He also wanted to find Aarav to play his little act. He wanted to make Aarav jealous for once. He wanted to show what Aarav had lost. Because deep down Zachery knows, Aarav still holds some sentiment toward Rainey.
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Zachery was busy talking with some business associates when he spotted where Aarav was. He also talking with some businessmen a bit away from Zachery. Suddenly the lights in the lavish hall were dimmed and music started to echo around the hall. A sudden idea came to Zachery¡¯s mind as he looked around for Rainey, who was now engaged in a little chat with her colleagues. With a smirk, he walked toward Rainey and stood next to her.
Zachery extended his right arm to Rainey. ¡°Dance with me¡± he invited her. Rainey looked at him and slowly nodded her head to him letting him take her to the dance floor. A few couples have already entered the dance floor. Zachery took Rainey to the middle of the floor, where anyone could easily notice them. Circling his arms around her small waist he made her body plush to him. Rainey gasped a bit and her eyes automatically ran to find Aarav. He was intensively watching them. She saw a hint of jealousy in his eyes. But a sudden tight tug in her waist urged her to look back at her friend as she looked at Zachery¡¯s playful face. There was a triumphant look in his gorgeous features.
¡°You are doing this purposely. Didn¡¯t you?¡± she asked with a knowing smile as they started to move with the music.
¡°He is going to taste his own medicine. Just relax and enjoy the show Ray¡± he whispered to her ears as they got intimately close to each other. Zachery¡¯s eyes never left Aarav as he monitored Aarav¡¯s every move.
On the other hand, Aarav was uncomfortable. Especially with this annoying sight in front of him. The intimacy Zachery and Rainey shared on the dance floor didn¡¯t sit well with him. He may have broken up with Rainey a long time ago, but there were still some feelings for her, hidden inside his heart¡¯s deepest corner. The way Zachery was holding her, the way he whispered to her ear woke those hidden feelings and he felt exposed. He saw roguish glances of Zachery. He knew what Zachery was doing. He didn¡¯t want to remain here any longer. So he decided to excuse himself from the businessmen next to him and walked away to find a place away from the source of his sour mood.
Looking at the calm water of the pool, Aarav tried to zone out from this place. Great! A perfect way to ruin his precious weekend. He really valued his free time. Aarav was not a workaholic and business was not his passion. The painting was his world. He was born an artist. An artist who had been killed by his father even before fully formed. If the choice was his, he would have become a top artist in the country. But he couldn¡¯t. He needed the power to protect himself and his sister. Protect them from the greedy and cruel man who could do anything for money. So that is why he chose to become a businessman, a successful businessman. He had to admit he was also good at it. After all, it was in his blood. Running a business also kept him alert and excited, but not content. So he always found time for himself and his passion. But today was a total waste for him. His mood soured further as early encounters came to the surface. Enough for today. He needed to get out of here. Anyway, he attended the party. Now it¡¯s time to end this torture. But he heard deep and steady footsteps near him as luck was not on his side.
¡°Want a Company, Alexander?¡± Zachery¡¯s deep sarcastic voice echoed and Aarav turned to look at him. They looked at each other with the same intensity. No one backed away and continued to stare at each other¡¯s perfect rival.
¡°No. I¡¯m good¡± Aarav decided to break the silence and said with the same sarcastic tone.
¡°Besides you are with a date today. It would be better if you go and find her¡± he added with a bitter tone.
¡°Is it still disturbing you? Me and Rainey?¡± Zachery asked while tilting his head and he put his hand on his pant pockets.
¡°Of course, not Mr. Knight. I¡¯m just concerned about you. It would be not nice if your date ran away with someone else¡±. Aarav cynically said with a light chuckle and Zachery got annoyed by his tone.
Aarav didn¡¯t give the reaction he wanted and he hated when things went against his plans. Zachery really expected jealousy from Aarav, who was fuming with rage. But here, he was all cool and unaffected. Did he really get over from Rainey? However, Zachery really saw how uneasy Aarav was early. Looking with calculative eyes Zachery tried to read the man in front of him but Aarav didn¡¯t want to give him any chance to Zachery. He just wanted to get away from here.
¡°Just enjoy your date then. I¡¯m going to excuse myself from here¡± Aarav said with an unaffected tone and started to walk past Zachery with long strides.
¡°Do you going to really throw her away like this?¡± Zachery¡¯s voice echoed and Aarav turned around to look at Zachery as he stopped in the middle.
At that moment Zachery saw Rainey walk toward them. However, Aarav didn¡¯t notice her because his back facing her. Rainy stopped in her tracks at a decent distance from two men but she could clearly hear them.
¡°Did you really get over from her?¡± Zachery asked again and Aarav¡¯s face filled with annoyance.
¡°Am I accountable to answer that question?¡± Aarav asked with an angry tone, challenging Zachery.
¡°Yes! You are. Because she is my best friend.¡± Zachery said with a straight voice. Aarav was just tired of all this drama. He didn¡¯t want to get involved with any of them in any way. So he decided to end this for good.
¡°Okay! Then listen because I¡¯m not going to repeat this again. I got over that woman a long time ago and she can date or fuck with anyone she wanted. She was the biggest mistake I have ever made. And I¡¯m not the one to repeat the same mistake again.¡± Aarav continued his talk with a frustrated voice.
¡°Ah... Another thing. Please tell your Best Friend to stay away from me. Because if she continued to follow me annoyingly I won¡¯t think twice to get rid of her myself.¡± Aarav finished and turned in his heels to vanish from this annoying party only to get collide with green teary eyes.
Rainey looked at him with a painful expression as she clenched one hand near her chest. Aarav was shocked for a second but collected himself in the next second. Wearing an unaffected and cold expression on his face, he dashed out from there without looking back. He is mostly annoyed now because her teary eyes still manage to do something to his heart.
How could he still be affected by her?
Even after all this time!
Even after everything she has done!
Shaking his head Aarav found his car and sat there going as far as he could go. First He needs to sort out his own shit.
Still clutching her chest in one hand, Rainey started to sob silently only to get embraced in warm arms. Zachery started to caress her hair tenderly to ease his friend¡¯s pain. But inside his mind, he was more than satisfied now. He got to know what he wanted. He wanted to know whether Rainey still affected Aarav. Even how much Aarav tried to hide his emotions; he was still affected by Rainy. Or maybe at least a typical first love sentiment. Whatever it was Zachery was sure he had annoyed the shit out of that asshole.
Moreover, Zachery knows, Rainey got one step away from Aarav with that early confession. Now he only has to fill that gap. She will come to him on her own feet and he is going to have what he wanted for a long time. He will turn his one & only defeat into a victory. Holding Rainey tightly he smirked to himself. If he wanted something he got it. Till now it was the rule he kept. Whether it was a woman or a business. Whether it was right or wrong. After all, everything is fair in love and war. Right? He didn¡¯t know if this was love or not but he was sure this was a war. He wanted to renovate his ego. And he was so sure this was going to be fun.
But little did he know what destiny had in store for him. Because there was no other great player than fate. All of them were mere dupes in front of it.
She
Evening sun rays tenderly touched the meadow and drew glittering shiny waves in the lake.
Giggling sounds of friends who met after a long time, playing children as their parents have their alone time, woofing of cheerful dogs, and lovely couples who walk hand-to-hand around in this open area.
Spring breeze freely ran around with its unique smell, filling everyone with joy and freshness. Kites decorated the blue sky with vivid colors, sketching different shapes here and there.
It was another weekend of the typical spring season.
A bell sound awakened the beautiful lady from her envision. Looking out from her painting, she glanced at the couple, who rode a cycle with full of laughs. She smiled and continued staring until they disappeared from her sight.
Dearly smiling at the little child who was sitting next to her with his curious and amused eyes on her drawing, she resumed drawing the painting.
Her pencil runs around the canvas effortlessly, making a perfect painting of the scenario in the Public Park.
The spirit of the painting was extraordinary.
It reflected the beauty of the day that she grasped from her eyes as a perfect art piece on canvas. Even though she still didn¡¯t use color yet, even though it was still just a sketch, the talent of the artist was clearly visible through this great painting. She was entrapped in her own world the whole time she created her art piece.
The little one, who was next to her, got a little closer to get a clear view of the beautiful drawing. In that process, his eyes caught a pile of books, which rested next to the beautiful lady. With a curious look, his little hand grabbed the first book which was on top of the others, and turned page by page carefully. His confusion and curiosity increased more, and he decided to raise his voice to talk to the lady for the first time.
¡°Who is this?¡± The Little boy asked with a baby voice. The lady raised her face away from the painting and smiled at the boy. She looked at the sketchbook, which was now lying on the boy¡¯s lap, and understood his question.
¡°Mmm...... He is someone who was very dear to me, someone I don¡¯t want to forget,¡± she said, flashing a breathtaking smile at the boy while ruffling his blonde hair.
¡°Is he your boyfriend?¡± the little one asked while tilting his head in a cute way. The young lady¡¯s eyebrows rose a bit at the bluntness of the question and then shook her head with a light giggle.
¡°No baby, he is not my boyfriend. But someone I like. Like a lot.¡± She told while pinching his chubby cheeks.
¡°Then who is he? Why did you draw him on every page?¡± the child asked with a cute pout.
¡°Mm....... the only thing I know about him is his age. He will be twenty-eight or... twenty-nine years old now, and most certainly, he is the kindest person I have ever met. I didn¡¯t see him for a very long time and that is why I drew the face in my mind,¡± she said with a distanced voice.
But her replies only create more confusion in the toddler¡¯s mind. With a puzzled look, he tried to raise his curious voice again, but a sudden appearance interrupted the curious little kitten from raising his cute voice.
A woman in her late twenties or early thirties came to them, looking at the boy with a stern look. With one glance, anyone can say they are related. Most probably mother and son.
¡°Nick, what are you doing here? Don¡¯t disturb her. Come here, baby¡± she told to the boy, giving an apologetic look to the young painter. She smiled and shook her head a bit.
¡°No, he is not. He is lovely,¡± she told to the little one¡¯s mother. Little Nick wiggled in his seat nervously with a shy smile.
¡°Could you show me that with color?¡± he asked with a shy voice, pointing his little finger at her landscape painting.
¡°Oh, it¡¯s beautiful! You are really gifted. That¡¯s why this little monkey sitting here for this long, ¡°. Little Nick¡¯s mother said, looking at the lady. She smiled again and looked at Nick dearly.
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¡°Yes, sure Nick. Next time you can see it with colors¡±. She told while raffling his soft hair. With that, he got up from the cement bench and ran to his mother. Waving her hand at the lady, he turned to go with his mother but turned back to look at her.
¡°What is your name?¡± He asked cutely.
¡°Saya, my name is Saya,¡± she said with her velvet voice. Repeating the name again, this time he really bid farewell to his newfound friend, letting Saya all to herself.
Smiling at the antics of the little boy, she tried to turn her focus back to the painting, but her sketchbook grabbed her full attention, which was now lying on the cement bench next to her. The drawings on the white pages filled with the portrait of a teen boy who smiling dearly at the person in front of him. The person in the drawing looked handsome with his perfect face and dimple smile. With a longing look, Saya turned page by page, only to meet the same boy with the same smile, but with slightly different angles.
It is already fourteen years now.
Time had fled swiftly, turning a five-year-old little girl into a young, beautiful lady.
With her gifted hand, she has become one of the youngest graduates in her university at the age of nineteen. It was an outstanding achievement for her age.
But she always wondered how he was doing.
What person has he become now?
Whoever he was, she was so sure he must be happy somewhere.
She rooted him for his success, even though she didn¡¯t really know where he was or rather who he was.
She never forgot the warmness of his embrace.
It has left an eternal impact on her.
She really wished to see him one day.
Her knight in shining armor.
A giggle left her mouth, and she shook her head at the childish thoughts she still had. He surely must have forgotten her now. It was a really long time. He must be really busy with his own family, with his girlfriend, or perhaps with his wife.
With a deep sigh, she closed her sketchbook and placed it again in its original place to glance back at the vast sky.
The sun was already bidding farewell to the world, making different shades in the evening sky. She looked at it with amusement. Nature has always managed to fascinate her.
She was always an excellent observer.
It was something she inherited as an artist.
She always preferred to draw natural objects and scenarios. Sky, sea, water, and grass were the major subjects of her art pieces. With her photographic memory, it was not a big deal to her.
She was a born artist.
Just like her brother.
She really missed her brother those days. It has been years since she last saw him. The day she entered Art College was the last time she saw him.
After that, he became swamped with his business.
Really too busy for her liking.
She actually felt hurt.
Saya didn¡¯t like the world of business as it had already stolen two of the most important people¡¯s attention from her.
Both his father and brother were always busy being with her.
Nor were both of them ever on the same page.
The countless fights and arguments between father and brother became really serious with each passing year. Now the gap between them couldn¡¯t be filled by anyone. It was a long since her brother left the house.
But mother and her sister didn¡¯t look affected by his absence. Actually, they looked relieved. In the absence of the elder child, her sister became the heir to her father¡¯s business. According to the maids, both mother and daughter were overjoyed when the young master left his father¡¯s business and built his own. It was something they had prayed for day and night.
However, Saya didn¡¯t care about business issues or know anything about them. She wanted her family to be together.
But it was not an achievable target from the very first place.
Her mother, actually her stepmother, never accepted them. And her elder sister never acknowledged her once. She was never allowed to attend any business parties that they took part in. Most people didn¡¯t even know Knights had another daughter. Both her father and brother never wanted her to appear near them. Every time she wanted to get close to them, they pushed her away from them, not regarding her feelings.
It¡¯s not like she wanted to appear at any party.
She really despised them.
Loud noises, vivid dresses, and fake smiles were the only things shared at parties of wealthy people. She didn¡¯t want to be a part of them. She didn¡¯t match that world. Saya¡¯s lack of social skills always made her different from others. She didn¡¯t have any friends owing to her extremely introverted character and her early entrance to the college didn¡¯t help her case either. She was the youngest one in her class. Most of the time, she was an outcast from the group of elder ones.
However, her artwork kept her busy and distracted from the outside world. It made her see beauty in every single thing around her. She let nothing affect her and was hopeful about the bright future ahead of her. With talent and being one of the youngest graduates with merit passes, she could easily continue her career as a painter. She had nothing to worry about, anyway.
Saya got out of her dreamland as someone cleared his throat. Turning to the side, she saw her driver looking at her. She was already late to go home. Today is the day they gather for dinner.
The day she really hates.
But, what to do! She had to attend.
Smiling at the old man, who she had known since her childhood, Saya got up from the cement bench and looked at her long-forgotten painting. With a sigh, she folded the canvas. She had to complete it before the next weekend. Because she made a promise to someone. She thought of the little boy¡¯s cute face and smiled. She will not break any promises.
Even how small it is.
Disastrous Dinner
¡°How is your work, daughter?¡± the father asked Sharon, Saya¡¯s sister, who was sitting on the next side of the table facing Saya.
¡°Like always, Dad,¡± she replied with an uninterested voice. Picking food from the strict diet meal, which was specially prepared for her, Sharon scrolled the screen of the phone back and forth.
Sighing, Henry removed his eyes from his elder daughter and silently started to eat again. A silence spread across the dining hall as everyone focused on their plate.
Saya heavily felt awkwardness and estrangement. She couldn¡¯t understand why she was always invisible to the people who were present there.
It was always like this.
Any single question, at least a concerning glance, wasn¡¯t directed toward her. But today she had something to share. She needed her family there.
Clearing her throat a bit, she tried to grab the attention of the family members.
¡°Mm... Papa. My convocation is going to be held next Friday evening. You all are coming, Right?¡± She asked with hope. But there was no response from her father, other than a scoff left from her mother and a sardonic side smile of the sister.
¡°Papa...? Papa. you going to come.......¡± her pleading voice cut down in the middle by his father, as his hard eyes finally gave her more favor than his dinner plate.
A pair of cold blue-green eyes glared at her.
The same color as hers. But while her eyes were clear, like the purest water, his eyes were like frozen ice that hid many things in their depth.
¡°I have an important meeting, child!¡ä Take mother and sister with you,¡± he told with his usual cold baritone voice and Saya¡¯s face grimaced with disappointment.
¡°But¡.¡± she tried to explain. Explain how important that day was to her. But one glare from her father was enough to make her silent.
¡°Don¡¯t act like a little girl. Do you think your father will miss his meeting, which is worth millions, just for your stupid convocation? We all have tight schedules. Just try to understand that first!¡± her stepmother said with her serpent mouth.
¡°No use mom. How is she going to understand that much? All she knows is staring at space and doodling things. Just worthless shit.¡± Sharon¡¯s sharp voice echoed like daggers, cutting Saya¡¯s heart while leaving a stung feel.
¡°Aha... Right! Where is her dearest brother? Didn¡¯t he going to come?¡± Her stepmother asked with a curious tone, and Sharon scoffed loudly.
¡°He is a busy man, mom. He doesn¡¯t have time for those things.¡± Sharon spat with distaste, but it grabbed Saya¡¯s attention. She was trying to contact her brother for months, to inform him about her convocation. But he was always busy. At least that was what his P. A always informed her whenever she called.
¡°Did you meet him recently?¡± Saya spilled the question roaming around in her mind.
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¡°Didn¡¯t he even show up for you?¡± Sharon asked with disbelief, shaking her head a bit.
¡°Oh, that¡¯s right! After all, why is he going to spend his precious time with you, when he can use it on many other things?¡± she smiled with venom and Saya looked down with pain.
So he was really avoiding her!
Why?
Just why is he doing this to her?
He was her only brother. The only person left for her in this world.
She knows well her father didn¡¯t hold any single care about her.
Is her brother also the same as them?
Did he really despise her?
From her childhood, she had so many questions and so many insecurities. God knows how hard she tried to receive acknowledgment from her family. But all the things have gone in vain. They never wanted her. Whatever she does, she is just a burden to them. She was the black sheep in her family.
Looking away, she dried her eyes. She didn¡¯t want to look weaker than she already was. Concentrating on her plate, she tried to swallow a bit of food, which felt like sand in her throat.
She was not allowed to stand up in the middle of the dinner, so she had to endure this torture a bit longer. The rest of the dinner continued silent. Saya did not dare to raise her voice, because she knew there was no use in trying to convince them. She somewhat predicted this much.
End of the torturous dinner, she left silently and entered her room.
Her safe haven.
The room that once belonged to her mother. From the first day she came here, this room was her only solace. This room held the comfort of her mother, whom she hadn¡¯t even once seen in her lifetime. She rarely comes out of her room. She didn¡¯t want to feel the estrangement that she was feeling from the first time she came here after her grandparents¡¯ death.
Her granny and grandpas were the only people who showered her with her unconditional love. Actually, they were her mother and father. Thanks to them, she had a good childhood filled with beautiful memories. Otherwise, she could have turned out to be a typical Cinderella in the hands of her stepmother and half-sister.
However, after their demise, Saya had to come back to this mansion. From that point, she became an unpaid guest in this house. Her brother never came here, nor was her father concerned about her.
Putting her every thought aside, she took a deep breath. This was why she truly despised that so-called dinner. Each and every gathering ended like this, making her sulking for days. She can¡¯t fathom did they doing this deliberately to hurt her or not. If they really disliked her, why the earth did they keep calling her to dinner gatherings?
But it¡¯s not the important thing now. She has to contact her brother. On her special day, she needed him the most. She was determined to contact him in any way. Even if she needed to go to his office.
Taking her phone out, she dialed his number. After two rings, someone answered her call.
As usual, it was his P.A., Mrs. Taylor.
She was a middle-aged lady with much experience. Saya liked that woman because she was always kind to Saya.
¡°Miss Saya. How are you?¡± Mrs. Taylor, Aarav¡¯s P.A., asked in her usual warm voice.
¡°I¡¯m good, Mrs. Taylor. Can I speak to my brother?¡± Saya asked in a desperate voice. There was a bit of silence on the other side.
¡°Mrs. Tayler?¡±
¡°Oh yes, Ms. Saya. I¡¯m listening. But Mr. Alexander is at an important meeting. Please tell me your message and I will inform him about it later,¡± Mrs. Tayler said in a bit hesitant voice.
¡°No. I want to talk to him directly. Why is he always so busy for me? I have something important to discuss with him. If he is too busy, I can come there.¡± Saya said nonstop with a bit of a frustrated voice. This continuous avoidance had to stop now.
¡°But Miss S.....¡±
¡°Please, Mrs. Tayler. I haven¡¯t seen him for years now. Please inform him that I¡¯m coming today. After all, isn¡¯t today Sunday? What meeting is he having on a weekend?¡± she asked with a strict voice.
¡°Ahaa..... It is a sudden meeting about a crucial matter. But okay, I will inform him about this. He will contact you,¡± Mrs. Tayler said with a nervous voice and Saya didn¡¯t go to argue more. She knows Mrs. Taylor was just an employee and Saya didn¡¯t want to cause any trouble to that kind lady.
¡°Okay. Thank you, Mrs. Tayler,¡±
¡°You welcome, Ms. Saya,¡± she greeted back and Saya put her phone aside hoping to speak with her brother soon.
Confused Hearts
Aarav was sitting on the couch in his library holding a book in his hand but the story in that book looked never-ending. For the last two hours, he was still on the first page with a blank gaze. Actually, His mind was just fucked up because of yesterday¡¯s incident. How could a book distract him?
Last night He didn¡¯t even have proper sleep for himself as that woman had entered his mind again and he was once again powerless to block her out. Even after all those years, Rainey¡¯s crying face didn¡¯t sit well with him.
He was still not capable of doing that.
He was not cruel enough to make a woman cry, but she was an exceptional case for him.
What made him more annoyed was that even after everything she had done, still she had the nerve to appear in front of him.
That too with that man?
Do they start to date?
Did they see each other back then too?
Did she fool around with him?
Oh god, why did he even care? She had done it already when they were lovers when he was madly in love with her.
Why did she not do it now?
And why can¡¯t he stop thinking about her when he clearly knows what kind of woman she is?
But after all, she was the only woman he had ever loved romantically. So the feeling about her was justified.
But he had to stop it now.
He has to step out from this pathetic first love shit.
A sound disturbed his continuous wave of thoughts. His phone rang with a beeping sound.
Mrs. Tayler was calling.
¡°Yes,¡± Aarav answered in a deep voice.
¡°Sir. Miss Saya Called¡± With the mere mention of her name Aarav felt warm and some of his worries left him. But he became alert at the same time. Why did she call suddenly?
¡°What was the problem? Is she okay?¡± he asked in a worried voice.
¡°Yes, I think so. But sir, she demanded that she want to talk with you,¡± His P. A said with a concerned voice.
That made Aarav worried. He had evaded Saya for years. Aarav didn¡¯t want to involve her with him and their business world. He wanted his sister to live a peaceful, normal life, unlike him.
He wanted to let her live the life he always wished to live if they had given him the choice.
That was why he strictly demanded his father not interfere with her life and her life choices. And that was why he himself stayed away from Saya.
She was too innocent to be in this cruel world. His sister deserved people who loved her for who really she is, not because she was a sister and daughter of billionaires.
¡°Didn¡¯t you tell her I was busy?¡± Aarav asked in a strained voice.
¡°Yes sir, I told her. But she told me if you are too busy, she will come to your office,¡± His P. A¡¯s nervous voice came from the other side.
Oh, Fuck!!
He didn¡¯t want Saya in his office. He didn¡¯t want any prying eyes on his little sister. According to him, keeping Saya away from the spotlight was the only way of protecting her. He couldn¡¯t able to protect his mother but he can keep Saya safe.
But what is so important?
It is not like her to demand something like that. It should be really important.
¡°I will call her,¡± Aarav said after a few seconds of silence.
¡°Okay Sir,¡± Mrs. Taylor said with a relieved voice.
¡°And Mr. Alexander...... I know this is not my place to talk like this. But she misses her brother. Please don¡¯t avoid her like this,¡± the middle-aged woman added further.
With that telephone conversation ended and sighing a deep breath, Aarav relaxed on the couch.
It¡¯s not only her...... he also missed her.
How not?
He really hated that, but he had to let her live in that house with those people. With Monster of a father, cunning stepmother, and spoiled, sardonic half-sister.
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But his hand was tied.
He has to wait until Saya turns twenty-one. Then he can take her away from that hellhole. Before that, he has to find a way to solve that fucked up inheritance issue. It was the reason they kept her with them and that¡¯s why he had to have countless fights with his so-called father.
But he didn¡¯t want her to know any of this.
Now he has to call his little sister. To look at what made his little peanut to be so demanding.
Saya impatiently walked here and there in her room, biting her nails. It was one of her habits that unconsciously came out when she was nervous or excited. She was excited because she was going to talk with her brother after a long time and at the same time she was nervous when she thought about the reaction of her brother.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated with beeping, and she quickly picked up the phone.
¡°Hello,¡± she answered with a small voice.
¡°Saya,¡± a deep male voice came from the next side.
¡°Hello. Brother? It¡¯s really you, right? Oh! After how long? Are you doing well?¡± Saya started to shoot question after question with unadulterated excitement, and her face lit with a big smile. Aarav smiled at the rain of the question, his sister throwing at him.
¡°Woo. Woo. Wait... Wait... I¡¯m good. How are you?¡± He asked with a smile.
¡°I¡¯m good, brother. Everything is perfect.¡± Saya said with a huge smile.
¡°Then what was the important matter you wanted to tell me?¡± Aarav asked with a concerned voice.
¡°Ahaa... It¡¯s about my convocation next Friday. Could you please come with me?¡± Saya asked with an almost pleading voice.
A silence engulfed her for a few seconds and Saya felt fear toward this silence. She was afraid he also would refuse to come to her convocation.
¡°Brother, please! I don¡¯t have anyone o...¡±
¡°I will be there,¡± Aarav said and Saya¡¯s eyes got wide. ¡°What is the time of convocation, Saya?¡± he again asked.
¡°Oh..... 3.30 pm to 5.00. You are coming, right?¡± Saya almost shouted with excitement.
¡°Yes, my little sister, I¡¯m coming. Didn¡¯t it a so important event? I will be there for you.¡± Aarav told with a warm voice and Saya felt elated.
He cares.
Her brother cares for her. That realization made her happy to the core.
¡°Thank you, brother,¡± she said with a joy-filled voice.
¡°More than welcome, my sister,¡± he replied in the same enthusiastic voice.
¡°Okay then, take care and wait for me. I will come to pick up you,¡± he said, and she smiled widely at the phone.
¡°Okay, I will wait. Take care,¡± she said and put her phone aside.
Saya Released a deep sigh as the burden in her heart went away. Smiling to herself, she relaxed her tense mind. This week is going to be a great one for her.
¡°Just fucking stop thinking about that bastard, Rainey, now enough!¡± Zachery said in a bit frustrated voice.
But all of his advice fell on deaf ears as the girl in front of him was too engrossed in her own world of misery.
They were in Rainey¡¯s place and she continuously cried from last night, but he couldn¡¯t do anything to stop her.
What is the fucking wrong with this woman?
He thought angrily. Embracing her, he patted her back.
¡°How could he throw me away like this? How could? When he himself told me, he loves me more than anything.¡± Rainey spoke between sobs, and Zachery scoffed bitterly.
He didn¡¯t believe in love.
Love was only good for fools. And one-sided love is just for morons who had lost their minds. He really can¡¯t understand someone intelligent like Rainey to be this stupid, to love someone who insulted and rejected her repeatedly in the worst possible way.
¡°You clearly heard what he said, Ray. At least get over from him now.¡± Zachery said and this time he sounded much calmer.
¡°It¡¯s not as easy as it seems, Zach. It¡¯s far harder to stop loving someone than falling in love.¡± Rainey told with a distant voice.
¡°So, are you going to continue? Continue to degrade yourself? Continue to beg in front of him?¡± Zachery asked, gritting his teeth.
Pushing Zachery a bit, Rainey created distance and looked at fuming Zachery. She didn¡¯t want to talk with him about Aarav and her problem.
He knows nothing.
There was more than it seemed.
There was more she couldn¡¯t afford to expose.
Especially not to Zachery.
She didn¡¯t want to lose her friend.
He was her last resort.
Knowing deep down it was wrong while loving Aarav, she always wanted to keep Zachery closer to her.
Anyone can call her a bitch and she knows she making things complicated, but she enjoyed the competition between Zachery and Aarav. Even knowing it was wrong, she let the enmity grow between the two boys, who always rivaled each other. She loved attention like anyone and felt happy to be the center of the attention of the two hottest males in her college.
After so many years, still, things were the same. Sometimes she even gets confused between the two of them. But she really loved Aarav. At least, it was what she believed until now. But she didn¡¯t want to lose Zachery, either.
Rainey knows Zachery will always be there for her. He didn¡¯t care about anyone in the past and it will be the same in the future. All the other women in his life were like passing clouds, as he was not capable of loving anyone. That was the main reason she chose Aarav over Zachery in the first place. Aarav was a sweet boy, while Zachery was a hard nut to crack. He was always extremely complicated and confusing, like a conundrum. He was still the same, maybe now more complicated and manipulative than before.
In Rainey¡¯s viewpoint, he is incapable of loving anyone other than himself and the rage she sees in Zachery is not a product of care but a fruit of ego.
A result of being second to his rival.
But Zachery was way more powerful and smart than Aarav, so keeping him closer gave her confidence. That¡¯s why she gave him the position of best friend in her life. Keep him closer but distant at the same time. Her damsel in distress state gave her the benefit of the doubt, as Zachery didn¡¯t know about past deeds.
However, if unveils what really happened between Aarav and her, she will lose the soft spot and respect Zachery reserved for her.
She can¡¯t let him know.
Grabbing Zachery¡¯s hand, she put her head against his chest.
¡°Thanks for being with me, Zach. Please be there always, that will be enough,¡± she said in a small voice, and Zachery bit relaxed in their proximity.
¡°I will,¡± Zachery said in a sincere voice.
And I will make sure you will always be next to my side...... Always.
She thought, closing her eyes.