《A Virgin for A Cold Billionaire》


 Unexpected Meeting

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I was in a yellow taxi, asionally looking at the scenery in the window. For some reason, my heart was beating faster, as if to hint that something bad was about to happen. Let''s hope that never happened to me.


    I heard a familiar voice that coincided with this yellow cab stopping because of the red light. I quickly opened my bag and searched for the object that was the source of the sound I had been hearing. When I got it, I saw a familiar name on the screen.


    "What does Dad want? It is like he can''t believe I am going to his office," I muttered, exasperated.


    I pressed a green phone-shaped icon and put the phone to my right ear. The yellow cab was still stopped, and I could see that quite a few cars had also stopped. The sunlight was streaming into the cab, so I felt too dazzled to look ahead. Me: "Hello, Dad?"


    I hope Dad did not ask for weird things, because I was really annoyed by his over-the-top behavior!


    Dad: "Hello. Where are you, Lizzy?"


    Me: "I am in a yellow cab, Dad. I will be right there."


    If I had not said that, Dad would have thought that I was just pretending. How could a man like him be my biological father, anyway? How annoying!


    Dad: "Are you still far away?"


    I could only roll my eyes, annoyed by the ridiculous question. Did he know that it takes time to get to his office area and there was a probably that I can get stuck in traffic?


    Me: "I do not think it is too far, but there is a red light here, so the yellow cab has to stop. If there is no traffic, it will probably take about twenty minutes to get there."


    Dad: "Okay. When you get here, just go straight to the ninth floor."


    Oh, please. What Dad said was too much, as if I had never been to his office!


    Me: "Sure, Dad. I will."


    Dad: "Okay."


    I was very relieved, because Dad ended the phone call right away. Well, that was better, because I did not want to make small talk with him. The traffic light, which had been red, now turned green, so all the cars, including the taxi I was in, were running as before.


    "Why was I asked toe to Dad''s office, anyway? What kind of important business is it that I have to go there? It is a good thing I am not working part-time today." Iined in a low voice.


    Yeah. Today was supposed to be a nice rest day, but it turned into hell, because my dad forced me to go to the office for no apparent reason. Huh! I would better try to enjoy this trip, even though I was really sick of it.


    I put the phone back into the bag and did not forget to close it properly, so that the items in there would not fall out. My heart was beating fast again, as if to signal me to stay alert and not let my guard down.


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    "Why am I like this? Oh my God, I hope everything is okay."


    ***


    Twenty minutester, this yellow cab finally stopped in front of a fairly grand office building. I opened my bag and pulled out a few bills from my wallet ording to the meter. After that, I paid the fare to the driver, then got off immediately. The sun was shining so brightly, which made me ufortable, and I rushed into the building without thinking. When I got to the lobby, I only saw a few people there, and it was not very crowded. This was astonishing, but I did not have time to observe my surroundings, as I had to get to the elevator as soon as possible, so that I could go to the ninth floor.


    From the main lobby, I immediately turned to the left, and there were many elevators. I saw a few people already standing in front of the elevator doors and soon the doors opened, so they got in. "Damn! I was toote!"


    I had to walk faster because I did not want to experience the same thing. I stopped in front of the elevator doors where no one else was and immediately looked at the screen that disyed the number seventeen, so it was still a long way to get to the first floor. Before I could press the button, I saw that a hand had pressed it first.


    I was both relieved and curious, so I nced to the right. As it turned out, there was a man wearing a formal suit. Not only that, he was so tall that I had to lift my face up to see his face clearly. The man had brown-blonde hair and a solid jaw. Oh, my God! He is so handsome! Hey, Lizzy! You already have a lover, so you should not be looking at other men''s good looks. Be faithful to your lover! A little heart reprimanded me, so I gasped, then turned my face towards the elevator door. It was a good thing that the stranger was not angry with me because I had looked at him. I had to focus on my original goal of meeting Dad and not be distracted by anything else, including the presence of the opposite sex. Soon, the elevator doors opened, and we entered. Again, the man in the ck suit pressed the button first, and I did the same after he was done. The elevator doors automatically closed, then moved upwards. I could feel the silence, but it was a very natural thing to happen.


    Suddenly the elevator stopped moving, and even the lights turned off by themselves. Suddenly, the terrible memory of being locked in a cramped, dark room for a long time came back, and the panic attack was unavoidable. "I am scared! I am scared!"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Spontaneously I squatted down while holding my head, then cried because I could not stand this situation. God, it was only fitting that before I got to this office building; I had a strange premonition that this was what was going to happen to


    me!


    I heard the man''s voice muttering in annoyance, "Tsk. Why did the power go out? Doesn''t this building have a generator?"


    I did not care about anything else and continued to cry, because I hated being in a condition that made my phobia re up If I got to the office, I had to get angry with Dad, and me him for what had happened to me in the elevator! I had not stopped crying yet, as fear still overwhelmed me. When would this torture end? Mom, help me!


    "Are you okay, Miss?" The same male voice came back, but I ignored it. The terrible memory kept haunting me, so I could not think clearly.


    I felt something touch my shoulder, but wait a minute. It was not a normal touch, but the guy was actually hugging! Who the hell did he think he was? I struggled with all my might, not wanting to be treated like that by a strange man. "Let me go! Leave me alone!"


    ***

 I Will Not Let You Go!

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    I was surprised by the girl''s unexpected reaction. Damn! This was the first time a woman had refused a hug. Usually, the women I met were happy to get naked and beg me so they could be my bed warmer. She still rebelled, as if I were a contagious disease, but I did not give up and hugged her even tighter.


    "Hey, calm down! I do not mean to be rude, but I just want to help calm you down. You are scared, aren''t you? I am here to protect you." I was annoyed, because this was the first time a woman rejected me and it hurt my ego.


    I just wanted to hug her and calm her fears. Why was this girl getting hysterical in the dark? Could it be that she has ustrophobia [1] and nyctophobia? [2] I thought, curiously.


    Miraculous. After I said that, this girl did not even rebel anymore and instead stayed still in my arms. Yeah, things were better now, because there was no need for drama, like pushing my body around. Her sobs were still audible, though very quiet.


    "Do not be afraid. I am right here," I whispered to her.


    Without realizing it, I stroked her long hair and reflexively kissed the top of her head. I could smell the sweet fragrance of shampoo. Suddenly, the male instinct that has never felt a touch from any woman rose up unbidden. I wanted to do intimate things with her.


    No! What are you doing, stupid? Do not be a pervert! Why did you have to smell that girl''s shampoo? I cursed myself for being as reckless as I was.


    I tried to calm my heart and neutralize the passion that was rising uncontrobly, though it was very difficult to do. We fell silent, and the silence in the elevator returned. What should I do now? I was not sure I could hold myself back any longer, especially with this girl still in my arms.


    If this lust had not normalized yet, I hope it did not to let my junior wake up and harden on its own. I hoped that would not be happening, because I did not want to hurt this girl.


    Suddenly there was a sound from the elevator inte, which distracted me. What was going on? Did he have something to say? Why, after all this time, was someone calling into the elevator? What did the engineering team do? If they were employees of mypany, I would have scolded them for neglecting passenger safety!


    "Hello, this is engineering. Is there anyone in the elevator?" Someone asked, so I spontaneously snorted, having waited too long and interrupted our romance.


    "Yes, there are people here. My fianc¨¦ and I have been trapped for a long time!" I replied irritably, while still hugging the girl, who managed to make desire rise unbidden.


    "Sorry, sir. The power is out and our generator is broken. We will try as quickly as possible to get the power back to normal."


    "Do something! My fianc¨¦ is scared!" When in reality, I was very happy for the power to stay out longer, so I could cuddle with this woman longer.


    Well, if the electricity had not been operating, then she and I would not be where we are now. The woman, whose face I had not seen yet, was silent. Was she enjoying our embrace or thinking about something else? I was very curious and wanted to know more about this girl.


    "I apologize again,dies and gentlemen. We need about twenty to thirty minutes from now."


    "Hurry up, we are both going to an important meeting!" Actually, I was the one who was going to the meeting and for the meeting to start at eleven in the afternoon and now it was probably still past ten, which meant that I was notte. I almost forgot about the meeting with Rayner because of the spontaneous increased libido. Damn! This girl really made me almost lose control!


    "Yes,dies and gentlemen. We will try to make it as soon as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience."


    The voice on the inte disappeared. I was relieved that there was no more interruption.


    "Why did you say with the officer talking on the inte that I was your fianc¨¦?" the girl asked in a displeased tone. Then she hit my chest as if trying to break free from the embrace.


    I embraced the fierce woman again, so that her head was close to my chest. It was strange. Why did I not seem to want her to leave my arms now? I feltfortable being close to and holding her. For the first time, I felt like I wanted to be a man who wanted to own, take care of and protect a woman. Why am I bing like this?


    "I was just reflexively answering. I am sorry," I replied softly.


    Did I apologize to someone? This was truly a miracle. Anyone who knew me intimately would haveughed out loud if they heard that one worde out of my mouth. Fortunately, there was only me and her in the elevator, so no one dared to mock me.


    We both fell silent and to be honest, I did not care about the power failure or anything else, except for the woman in my arms. I only wanted her!


    Amidst the silence, she suddenly said to me, "Sir, there is no need to hug me anymore. I feel better already."


    This girl''s voice sounded shaky, and I knew she was lying. Hey! Why was I even more unwilling for her to leave me? Fuck! There was something wrong with me!


    "Are you serious? It is cramped and dark in here. Are you really sure you are feeling better?" I asked in a dubious tone and hoped she would stay in this position.


    The girl fell silent and started touching my cheeks with both hands. The touch surprised me. My libido, which had dropped a bit, rose again on its own and I was already eager to kiss her lips.


    "I am fine, sir. Thank you for caring about me," she replied, softly.


    Shit! Her voice was even more arousing, and I did not want this beautiful thing to end quickly! I had to get her identity!


    "Who is your name?" I asked again, without preamble.


    She remained silent and would not answer the question, which made me very curious. Normally, I would not ask for a girl''s name under normal circumstances except in business rtionships. However, why did a girl like her manage to make me do silly things all at once? This was out of the ordinary and my first time.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    I could not let go of this soft-spoken woman. She was the woman I was going to make my wife, and this was the girl''s type I was looking for!


    ***


    [1] ustrophobia is a phobia or severe fear of closed, cramped spaces.


    [2] Nyctophobia is a severe fear or phobia of the dark or night.

 You Are My Target!

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    The girl remained silent. I could not stand this silence, so instinct took over. Even in the darkness, I could feel that her body was near me. I touched her lips with my finger, then gently kissed her lips. She seemed to stiffen because she didn''t expect that I could do such an act. Before long, we were kissing passionately.


    She pushed my body away, but I returned top at her lips deeply, intensely, hotly, and passionately. I did not want to let go of the girl who had managed to turn me on. It was not that easy for a woman to get a hug and a kiss from me! "My name is Arletta." Finally, after a long period of silence, the girl answered, but she did so with difficulty. I deliberately ended the kiss, to give her time to take in oxygen after the passionate kiss. "What is your full name?" I asked gently.


    You finally said your name, my dear! I was so happy to have gotten her name, but I need her legal full name.


    "Arletta McDowell," she replied, stating her full name.


    "Arletta, call me An. Do not call me Master," I whispered softly in her ear and I kissed her sweet, addictive lips again.


    We kissed with our tongues wrapped around each other. One of my hands was on her waist and the other was pressed against her nape, so she could not escape. My tongue swept over her lips and tongue so that we were both partaking in passion. This was crazy. Under normal circumstances, I would not want to get to know any woman, but this girl managed to make my blood boil and my male instincts rise.


    I did not know how long we kissed, but then the electricity suddenly turned on. I realized it and she immediately broke the hug. Suddenly, there was another voice on the inte, which definitely interrupted our feverish activities.


    "I am sorry,dies and gentlemen. The power is on, but there is not enough power to move the elevator. Please wait another ten minutes." The same person''s voice came back, and I stared coldly at the inte.


    "Okay." I replied tly, annoyed at having ruined my happiness.


    Tsk! What a nuisance, I scolded.


    This was the first time I have felt such deep passion with a girl, especially since we both had a passionate kiss earlier. But a sudden power outage and the voice of an engineering officer on the inte made our fervent kiss end, and it was so annoying!


    "Thank you for your time,dies and gentlemen." The male voice on the inte disappeared again.


    The girl and I looked at each other. I could see her face clearly. She was very beautiful and her cheeks were flushed, probably because she was embarrassed to have kissed me, a stranger she had never met.


    "Why are you kissing me? Do not y games with me," she said, softly. This girl again tried to break away from my embrace.


    "I am not ying with you, Letta. I kissed you out of natural male instinct," I exined gently to her.


    I did not know why with this girl I just want to give my softness. Normally I would not be like this and prefer girls to stay away from me. Arletta raised one eyebrow and the cell phone rang at an inopportune moment. I picked it up, then saw the assistant''s name disyed on the screen and without hesitation, answered his call.


    Me: "Hello, Tom."


    I nced at Arletta. The girl had already returned to the back corner to the right of the elevator.


    Thomas Glekston: "Hello, sir. Have you arrived at Mr. Rayner''s office?"


    Me: "Yes, I am already at his office building. Tom, call Rayner McDowell. Tell him that I am here, but I have been stuck in the elevator since the power went out. I should be at his office in about ten to twenty minutes." Thomas Glekston: "Yes, sir."


    I ended the call and moved to where Arletta was. I grabbed her right hand and brought her head to my chest.


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    "Letta. Do not go. I have a meeting at eleven. Can you wait for me? I want to have lunch alone with you," I whispered as I stroked her head.


    I volunteered to take a girl to lunch? That was a miracle! Damn it! I did not give a fuck meeting with Rayner, because I wanted to spend more time with this girl! Arletta''s hair was long and shiny ck, but I wanted to see her beautiful face again.


    "I have to meet someone. I can''t promise." Arletta said in a soft voice, but I could still hear it.


    "Then give me your cell phone number, Letta. I am not a man who ys with my words." I said firmly, but still gently, so that she would not misunderstand.


    "I can''t do it." She rejected my wishes, but I was not going to give up so easily!


    "Why can''t you?" I asked, surprised.


    I let go of the hug, then held her cheeks with both hands. We looked at each other. The girl who had seeded in making my desires rise had not yet to answer, which made me curious.


    "Are you married?" I asked further with a soft voice intonation. I had to make sure that this girl was not a wife of another man.


    I saw Arletta shaking her head. I was really relieved and happy. However, I wanted her to answer the question with her sweet lips.


    "Honey, answer me. I am not a guy who wants a short-term rtionship. Do you already have a fianc¨¦ and are getting married soon?"


    I asked that question so that I could find out whether there was a chance to be with her or not. If Arletta said ''yes'', then even if it hurt, I would withdraw her as soon as possible.


    "No, I do not. I do not have a fianc¨¦, but I already have a boyfriend. I feel bad for him, like I am betraying him." Arletta''s answer made me both happy and amazed.


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    Arletta was the loyal type of girl. This was the girl I have been looking for all this time. I did not give a fuck with the fact that I stole her kiss because I got carried away with my male instincts. And what the hell with her boyfriend! I was getting more and more determined to get this girl to be minepletely.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "It does not matter. He is just a boyfriend and not even a fianc¨¦ yet, which means I still have a chance. Just give me your cell phone number." I persuaded Arletta persistently, not wanting to lose track of this girl.


    "I am sorry I can''t do it." She rejected my wishes with unwavering firmness.


    Shit! This is the first time I have ever felt this weird, even to the point of getting excited about a girl, but all I get was a rejection from Arletta! This could not be allowed!


    Suddenly, the elevator moved by itself. It did not take much longer that the elevator was already moving to the ninth floor. Damn! I did not want to let Arletta go just like that! Why was this girl so hard to conquer? "Thank you, Mr. An. Goodbye."


    I reflexively grabbed her right hand. My heart ached when Arletta said goodbye.


    "There is no goodbye between us, my dear. We will meet again and I firmly believe that." I said with confidence.


    We both got out of the elevator, and I still had her right hand in my grip. Arletta threw my hand away and passed very quickly from my sight. I did not know which direction she went, because the beautiful girl even ran so fast that her body was no longer visible to me.


    I exhaled heavily and rushed into Rayner McDowell''s office. While waiting for Rayner, I saw the girl talking to the man in his office and could faintly hear her calling my future business partner "Dad."


    I had no idea that Rayner McDowell had such a beautiful daughter. I thought she might be someone else or might be his niece. Ten minutester, Arletta came out of Rayner''s room. The long-haired woman walked without turning around at all. Perhaps she was going to see her boyfriend?


    I will get you, my dear. Wait for me, we will definitely get married. You have aroused my passion. You too will be Mrs. Alexander An Ainsley! I resolved firmly in my heart.


    ***

 Try to Calm Down. Can I?

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I walked as fast as I could, so as not to run into that damn man who hugged and kissed my lips. Who the hell did he think he is? My body trembled as I hold back the feelings of annoyance, shame, and anger from the incident in the elevator. I have never been treated like that in my entire life!


    Damn! All of this is because of Dad! If only he had not insisted oning today, then I would never have met that lecherous man!


    I had already walked out of Dad''s office area, but after only a few steps, I looked back. There was no one there. "Where is An? Is he going to meet with Dad like I heard when he got the call? He was such an asshole! I hope we never see each other again," I muttered, annoyed.


    I looked away and saw that there were ten elevator doors. Five doors were on the left side and the other five were on the right side. The memory of the power failure, then the suddenly passionate kiss with An, and the forced introduction came back to mind.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I am afraid to use the elevator, but if I have to take the emergency stairs, I am toozy."


    I grumbled, unsure of which way to choose. Just as I was about to make up my mind, I heard the sound of my cell phone, and suddenly my attention was drawn to the bag I would be carrying. "Who is calling me, huh? I hope it is not Dad," I hoped.


    I walked towards one elevator that differed from the one I had used earlier, while asionally ncing around, especially backwards, towards Dad''s office. It was a good thing there was not anyone around, including the strange man who hugged, even kissed my lips without permission!


    The sounding from my phone continued, but somehow, I was not ready to take it out of my bag. Was this the effect of the ckout and being stuck for a while in the elevator? Maybe so, but if I would be gone down to the lobby using the fire escape, it would have taken forever to get downstairs, and I needed to eat lunch soon, lest my heartburn re up.


    Well, I did not have another choice. I pressed the button and as luck would have it, the elevator door opened on its own and I went inside without hesitation. The same door closed again after I pressed button one. The same voice continued to be heard and then stopped.


    I closed my eyes, but the damn thing just kept popping up as if it would not go away, much to my annoyance. "Why do I have to remember him, anyway? Is An Dad''s business partner? If he is, then this is bad for me. I do not want to see him again."


    ***


    Thirty-seven minutester


    I sat alone in a restaurant outside my dad''s office building, precisely in a corner that was a bit secluded and difficult to find because arge pir covered it. I sipped on a strawberry milkshake while holding my phone and, one by one, sipping on the iing messages, especially the unread ones on one of the chat apps.


    I saw the screen change and a familiar name appeared: Gwen Toledo. Without thinking, as soon as possible, I answered the phone by pressing the green phone-shaped icon, so that her call could be connected immediately. Who knows, she had something important to say.


    Me: "Hello, Gwen?"


    My right hand picked up a piece of French fries and started to put it in my mouth, chewing slowly. Fortunately, I had a rpse of my ulcer, so I did not bother myself. Gwen Toledo: "Where are you, Letta?"


    Her voice sounded worried, surely because I had not picked up her phone call.


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    Me: "Why, Gwen?"


    I did not answer Gwen''s question directly. Somehow, the incident in the elevator came back to mind, even though I tried hard to forget it. Damn! That damn guy was really making my heart uneasy! Could I report him to the police on harassment charges? I was getting a headache myself!


    Gwen Toledo: "Why are you asking questions back? Don''t you know how freaked out I am?!"


    Gwen''s voice sounded panicked, but I just shook my head, even though she could not see what I was doing. I picked up the fries again and chewed with a feeling of unease. An. Didn''t that jerk give me a fake name and why did I stupidly say my full name? Shit!


    Me: "I... I am having a bad time, Gwen. Give me some time to think."


    I did not feel like eating. I had not finished my fries, and I had not eaten the fried chicken on the same te at all. How could I have an appetite, when a few hours ago I had experienced an event that made two phobias rpse simultaneously? Not only that, there was a man who even kissed me and he even said that we would meet again?


    Anxiety began to set in and the body trembled slightly. Damn! I hate having to experience scary things like before. Should I report this to Mom? If she found out, Mom''s men could kill the man named An. I did not hear Gwen''s voice. Gwen Toledo: "What has happened, Letta? Tell me."


    Should I tell her what had happened? I deliberately did not answer Gwen''s question, then started to look around. The jerk was not here, and everyone seemed to be busy with their own business. Many of them engaged in conversation andughed happily. I was alone without apany and depressed.


    Me: "Hm... I do not know how to tell you."


    I inhaled, then exhaled and did this for several times. I did not want to have a panic attack that could rile everyone up. Calm down, Letta. Do not make a fool of yourself. Gwen Toledo: "Did you have lunch? Should I call Sammy so he can pick you up?"


    Sammy! I forgot about my boyfriend, but he did not understand what I was feeling, and we might end up fighting. No. Calling Sammy was not a good idea, at least for now. Me: "No. It is not a good idea, Gwen. I-"


    I stopped what I was saying and exhaled heavily. Sammy and I often fought over small things, and it was upsetting. I could already imagine what he would say and do if he found out about the incident in the elevator. It was all because of Dad! I regretteding to the office, because it made the two biggest traumas in my lifee to life on their own!


    Gwen Toledo: "Letta, what exactly has happened to you? You have not answered my question."


    Well, my chatty friend was still curious. I really did not dare to answer honestly, because I was still in a public ce and vulnerable to being heard by others.


    Me: "When I was going to Dad''s office, I used the elevator, then something happened, so-"


    ***

 Rayner, I Want Your Daughter

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    "Mr. McDowell. Regarding your loan, I will reconsider, as the amount proposed is veryrge. I hope you can understand."


    I deliberately did not want to agree to Rayner''s request right away. After studying the proposal and discussing with him, including hispany''s profits over the past five years, the loan amount Rayner wanted was not worth the profit mypany would make.


    What if Rayner''spany has trouble paying the installments? A million dors, as he requested, was not a small amount, and I am not the type of business owner who likes to gamble on things that are not certain. I could see Rayner''s face was a little disappointed, but he tried to remain calm.


    "No problem, Mr. Ainsely. May I know when ourpany gets an answer from you?"


    I fell silent after hearing his question. Suddenly, I thought of Arletta. Where was that beautiful girl? Did she meet someone? Who was that person? I became very curious.


    I wanted Arletta to be mine forever, but for business matters with Rayner, it would be necessary to remain a business alias, separate from special feelings with my girl. I did not want those two things to be one because it could be fatal. "For an answer, probably two weeks to two months. I see you will need these funds in four months. If I need additional documentster, then Thomas, my assistant will inform you."


    I had to investigate the McDowell family, especially Rayner. I must have done it because he requested arge amount of loans. If they could not be trusted, especially with money, then it was best for me to stay away from them.


    Rayner''s face turned into a bit of relief again. I did not want to say yes right away, so I could judge from all sides. Money was not a problem, but I did not want to kill people for the shake of money.


    "Yes, Mr. Ainsley. I will wait to hear from Mr. Thomas for any necessary documents and endeavor to provide them."


    I saw Rayner''s smile. How would my future father-inw react if he found out that I liked his daughter? Hopefully, he would not mind. Has Arletta left the building yet? Argh! I did not want to lose track of that girl! "Of course, Mr. McDowell. Thomas will get back to you."


    I wanted to have lunch and contact my right hand, so he could find out about Rayner and his family, especially Arletta. I did not want to let another man propose to her! I saw Rayner stand up, so I did the same. Rayner smiled, then extended his right palm to me. "Thank you, Mr. Ainsley. I look forward to hearing from you."


    I shook Rayner''s palm. "You are wee, Mr. McDowell. May I ask you something? But this has nothing to do with business."


    I let go of the handshake, and so did Rayner. I saw him frown, not knowing why I had said that. Well, there was nothing wrong with being honest with your future father-inw, right? Who knows, he might be able to help me get closer to Arletta.


    "What do you want, Mr. Ainsley?"


    Great. Now is a golden opportunity. I must not waste the opportunity! "Before I came in here, I saw a young girling out of your room. Is she your daughter?"


    Rayner looked surprised, but it was only for a moment. He was probably wondering; how did I find out about Arletta? There was no way I could have told him about the incident in the elevator, right? Rayner would have cursed, and even worse, the chance to get close to my beloved girl would have beenpletely wiped out.


    "Yes. She is my daughter. What''s wrong with her, Mr. Ainsley?"


    "Who is your daughter''s name, Mr. McDowell? Is she married or still single? I am interested in getting to know her better." It was better to be honest on the safe side, so Rayner would still see me as a gentleman and responsible, despite the fact that I already knew Arletta''s full name.


    Rayner''s face was dumbfounded again. If I had to guess, it was because he did not expect to hear a confession about his daughter, let alone that it was me. "Her name is Arletta. She is not married and already has a boyfriend."


    "I am looking for a wife and am interested in your daughter. If Arletta does not have a serious rtionship with her boyfriend yet, I want to be her official partner."


    Hopefully Rayner would not have a heart attack or at least stay alive as long as we were in this room. He looked at me with a puzzled yet interested look. I should be prepared to get a lot of questions from Rayner. "Are you seriously want to make Arletta your wife even though you just met her a few hours ago?"


    "I am absolutely serious about myst sentence, Mr. McDowell. I am already mature enough and it is time for me to find a suitable woman as my official partner. May you help to introduce me to Arletta so we have a chance to be together?" If I did not do something reckless, then Arletta could be taken by her boyfriend, and I could not let that happen! I have just found a suitable girl who should be fought for immediately. To be honest, a woman like her was very hard to find. "I can introduce you to Letta, but before that may I know why you are interested in my daughter when you do not know each other?"


    Such a question did not surprise me, but if I was not careful in my answer, the chance to unite with Arletta could be lost instantly!


    "I fell in love from the first time I saw Arletta. Even when she left the room, she walked without turning around and that was what impressed me."


    Hopefully, the reasoning I just exined would not sound too strange to Rayner. I could only wait for Arletta''s biological father''s reaction, hoping that he would ept my strange answer as reasonable. Yeah, I hoped so.


    "Are you sure you like Arletta? She is not a sociable or morous girl. My daughter, perhaps, is not suitable for you."


    I looked at Rayner seriously, then shook my head. "I do not like a morous woman, Mr. McDowell. I know which girl I want and I only want her daughter. Give me a chance with Arletta."


    I had to get a definite answer from Rayner because my confidant had to start looking for news about my dream girl after this. Arletta, wait for me, darling.


    "If you are serious about Aletta, then I will allow it. If you just want to y around, I will never bring you two together."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Great! I smiled spontaneously, because that was exactly what I had been waiting for. This time, I extended my palm to Rayner, while he frowned, as if he found my actions strange. "Do not be surprised, Mr. McDowell. This is just a sign that you approve of my introduction to Arletta."


    Rayner seemed hesitant when he heard myst sentence and gesture, but I had yet to withdraw my hand, so he shook it.


    "So, we have a deal about your daughter?"


    "Deal!"


    ***

 Gwen Suggestion

    Arleta Jessica McDowell POV


    Me: "That was about it, Gwen. I am dizzy as hell and anxiety is already setting in, but I am trying to stay calm."


    I told Gwen everything. Fortunately, she did not interrupt, so I was able to tell the story smoothly. I drank my strawberry milkshake with a sinking feeling. Was this the right time to see a psychiatrist after eight years of my normal condition? Gwen Toledo: "Why don''t you report An to your parents? What he did was a sexual harassment, especially since he kissed you without your consent."


    What Gwen suggested was true, but could I afford to see that pervert again? He was definitely on the fence, especially when one of the engineering team spoke on the inte; An recognized me as his fianc¨¦e. Ah! Howplicated my life was and I wish that could disappear from this earth!


    Me: "I do not want to, Gwen. I would rather go back to my country, Gravatha, then see An again. That man is very creepy, and if you think about it, he did not act like a normal man."


    Yeah, I came to think of it. I felt like An''s aura was very different. He was like a mafia member, but at a high level. It would be better to avoid him than to be tormented in the future!


    Gwen Toledo: "What do you mean, Letta? If you keep quiet after all the bad things that happened to you, then you''re justifying what he did."


    How could I tell Gwen that I did not want anything to do with An? If I exined itter, it would be like revealing a family secret. Ordinary people like her did not need to know what I was worried about. Only a mobster could recognize another mobster, even if they were from a different group.


    Me: "You definitely will not understand and it is veryplicated to exin. I just do not want things to getplicated."


    I heard the sound of breathing on the other side. Gwen must have been disappointed with my decision, but it was better than having to reveal the real reason which would definitelyplicate our family.


    Gwen Toledo: "I disagree with your decision, because a pervert like him deserves to be punished. If you really do not want to see An... hm... you should set up an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist as soon as possible." Gwen''sst sentence was exactly what I had been thinking. It was easier to talk about the problem with a medical professional rather than recount the chronology of events in the elevator with An. That would just be making my anxiety worse!


    Me: "I agree with your second idea, Gwen. I will find a reputable psychiatrist in Dumorz. You have to promise not to tell anyone about this problem, let alone Mom."


    I knew for sure that Mom could do anything, literally anything, including killing people who abused her children, and An was no exception. Hopefully, I could find a credible psychiatrist so that after therapy, I would not have to remember my two phobias and that damn man who kissed me on the lips.


    Gwen Toledo "I promise, Letta. I am sure you will find the psychiatrist. When I get the information you need, I will let you know right away."


    It was a good thing Gwen was willing to cooperate. I did not want Mom to step in and ughter An. That bastard had said with certainty that he and I would meet again, and that statement made me very uneasy. On the elevator, I did not see any sign of Mom''s men, but Ben and I were usually escorted from afar by one of The Hidden Dragon''s group members.


    Me: "Thank you, Gwen. I will try to find information about a good psychiatrist."


    I massaged the head area and tried to rx. Damn! Both phobias have appeared, and now I am so afraid of sleeping alone. It was impossible to ask Ben or Mom to apany me when I sleep, right?


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    Gwen Toledo: "Great. How are you? Are you still at the restaurant you said? Do you need to be picked up?"


    I was silent for a few seconds. For some unknown reason, the bad feeling came back. My hunch... you did not to try to tell me that a maniacal man was still in the meeting room or perhaps around this office building. I had to leave quickly to avoid danger!


    Me: "Hm... I might try to call Sammy. If he is busy, I will just take a taxi home."


    The sooner I left this ce, the safer it would be for me. I have suffered enough and I did not want to add another problem, let alone one caused by the same stranger. God, when did you let me live my life in peace? Gwen Toledo: "The sooner you call Sammy, the better for you. If he can''t make it, you must tell me immediately. I will be d to help."


    I was grateful that Gwen was still sincere in helping me, and I hoped she would not tell Mom about all the bad things that happened to me. Gwen has always kept her mouth shut and been able to keep secrets, so I hoped this time she would keep the same attitude.


    Me: "Okay. I am calling Sammy now. See you, Gwen."


    I had to finish the food I had already bought, even though it was cold. Even if Sammy could pick me up, it would take time to get here unless he had already said he could not make it, so I had to take a taxi home as originally nned. Gwen Toledo: "See you, Letta. Call me if you need anything."


    Me: "Sure, I will. Do not worry."


    Gwen had ended the call. I started tapping my phone screen and searching for Sammy''s name on one of the frequently used chat apps. After finding it, as soon as possible I typed a message for my annoying boyfriend and sent it to him. I put my phone down on the table and started eating the food that was still left on the te. When there was little food left, I nced at my phone and saw that its screen was lit up. A pop-up message appeared and I could clearly see what was written there: "I can pick you up, honey. Wait for me there."Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ***


    I waited outside the lobby with an uneasy feeling. A few cars passed by, but the car Sammy usually drove had not shown up yet. How much longer do I have to wait here? My right hand carried a bag of double cheeseburgers and double French fries. I deliberately bought the extra food, just in case he was hungry, so there was no need to go to the drive-thru again.


    Within about ten meters, a silver car finally appeared. The license te was indeed Sammy''s usual vehicle when I saw it. I smiled, feeling incredibly relieved, and walked over to the car.


    When the car drew near, it turned out that the ss was opened from the inside, so Sammy''s face could be seen clearly. "Honey,e on in!"


    I nodded, opened the door, and got into the car. I put on my seat belt and put the food bag on myp. The car was moving at a moderate speed, but why did the incident in the elevator stille to mind? No! It was not right. I was going crazy!


    "What was wrong with you, Honey? Did something happen while you were in Dad''s office?"


    I automatically turned my head, and for some unknown reason, my heart beat faster. What was wrong with me? Is this the effect of two phobias that rpsed simultaneously a few hours ago? "Ah... I-"


    ***

 Find Her!

    A handsome man was sitting in the passenger seat of a four-wheeled vehicle. He was holding a gadget with a serious look as if he were reading something very important. The road was quite busy, and the four-wheeled SUV stopped because there was a red traffic light in front of it.


    Hm... Based on the schedule here, I have no more meetings for today. As for important documents, Thomas reported that there was nothing to sign. Should I go back to the office now? The macho man thought.


    The thirty-two-year-old distracted himself and looked ahead, where another man was next to the driver. However, both the driver and the man were silent, so there was only silence in the car with no music or conversation. "Louis."


    The name''s owner, who had been sitting next to the driver, suddenly looked back, although his face could not see the caller one hundred percent. "Yes, Mr. Alex?"


    "I want you to find information about the McDowell family, especially Rayner and Arletta." The boss''s heavy voice came back and the man named Louis could only listen to the order intently.


    "Yes, sir. Excuse me, for Arletta would you like the basic info or more details than usual?" The thirty-three-year-old man asked politely, so as not to make a mistake in providing the information needed by the boss.


    "I want to know the details, including the name of Arletta''s lover." Alex answered without any hesitation and inwardly harbored a deep jealousy of a man who was considered a rival.


    "Yes, Mr. Alex." The long-haired boy replied obediently. He seemed to be waiting for further instructions from the other person. Meanwhile, Alex was silent as if he was thinking about something, so he had not said anything else to his right hand.


    The four-wheeled vehicle was back on the road. The situation sparked an idea in Alex''s mind. "Louis. I will give you three months. Gather clues about anything rted to Rayner and Arletta. If you get even the slightest information, then report it to me as soon as possible."


    Yeah. I did not want to make the mistake of choosing a partner. Arletta was the first girl I fell in love with, and even got out of control like that. I wonder what her boyfriend looked like. How did that man catch Letta''s attention? Have they already had sex? I had to know every detail! Alex was already firmly determined, as jealousy dominated in his heart.


    "Yes, sir. Do you want me to investigate the other family members, boss?" Louis deliberately changed his call for Alex, and he also did it carefully.


    The confidant''s question brought Alex to his senses. He returned his attention to the person he had been talking to. "Yes, you can do that, but it is better to focus on Rayner and Arletta. If there is anything suspicious or anything, then it should all go into the report. I want to know everything about the McDowell family."


    "Noted, Boss." The one-hundred-and-eighty-eight-centimeter-tall man seemed to understand his boss''s mood, so he returned to silence. However, Louis kept observing Alex''s expression, which was difficult to interpret, so he was even more cautious about asking another question.


    "Dominic. Take me to the apartment now." Alex had already decided not to go back to the office, so he was about to return to his cozy apartment.


    "Yes, sir." The driver responded politely and Alex didn''t say anything else.


    The atmosphere inside the four-wheeled vehicle was quiet again, as the conversation between the three men had ended. Alex looked back at his phone. There were already new messages on a chat application and there were several e-mails that came to hispany e-mail.


    Should I tell Damien or the Godfather about Arleta? I do not think that is a good idea, since we are not in a rtionship yet. If we were officially in a special rtionship, then I would not be embarrassed, Alex thought, keeping his eyes on the screen.


    Alex identally looked out the car window and saw a mannequin dressed in a white wedding dress. The hazel-eyed man seemed transfixed, so he could not take his eyes off the mannequin until it disappeared from view, as the car turned to the right.


    If Louis gave me some good information about Arletta, then I should prepare everything, including living together. Do I need to buy clothes that fit Letta''s size? I have never had a serious rtionship with a woman, so who should I ask about this? There is no way I can ask Damien because he would beughing at me, Alex thought, looking for someone he could trust.


    In the midst of the silence, a name suddenly popped into the young man''s mind, which made him happy. Without thinking, Alex returned to concentrating on the device and soon attached the object to his left ear. There was a dial tone on the other side, but no one answered his phone call. However, the man with the sharp nose seemed to be patiently waiting and had not issued any swear words. Alexander An Ainsley: "Hello. Where are you?"T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The man with the solid jaw looked serious, while Louis and Dominic remained silent. They did not dare to engage the boss in conversation.


    Someone: "I am in the office. What happened?"


    Alexander An Ainsley: "Are you busy? I wanted to ask for your advice."


    I thought he was the right person to talk to at this moment. At least, he would notugh at me, Alex thought, as he waited for the other''s response.


    Someone: "I am quite busy, but I do not have any important meetings. What advice would you like?"


    Damn! I do not really want to say it here, but to save time, I will do it. Let''s see, Alex thought, a little uneasily.


    Alexander An Ainsely: "It is about a girl."


    The person on the other side was silent, as if an answer from the caller was something rare.


    Someone: "Are you sure?"


    The target''s voice sounded hesitant, but Alex seemed to understand what the person he was contacting was thinking. The one-hundred-ny-five-centimeter-tall young man did not mind and continued to wait for the other person''sment.


    Alexander An Ainsley: "Absolutely."


    He was the first person to be told about this. Some people close to me had never heard of the woman who had won my heart. They often teased me about being gay, but I knew they were just joking. Alex said to himself silently, so that no one else could hear him.


    Someone: "Where are you now?"


    Alexander An Ainsley: "I am on my way to my apartment, but I can change the route. How is it? Can we meet now?"


    Someone: "Sure, we can! Alex, you-"


    ***

 So, Who Is the Lucky Girl?

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    One hour and fifty minutester,


    "So, who is the lucky girl?"


    I heard the question from one of my good friends. He sat on the sofa opposite, while I drank the coffee that had been set out on the table. I just nced at Francois and when I finished drinking the coffee, I put the cup back in its original ce.


    "Her name is Arletta McDowell." I answered Francois'' question calmly, even though I felt the opposite inside. What was that girl doing? I was very curious.


    I would rather tell the truth, since Francois had more experience with women. I saw his expression of astonishment. Well, I could not me him because I had never felt anything like this with any woman. "When did you guys meet? I never heard you mention that girl''s name before."


    Francois did not seem to believe that I could like a woman. This did not mean that I did not like the opposite sex, but most of them just wanted money, and I hated such nasty actions. Nowadays, men and women have to work to survive, and a man is not an ATM for a woman. I did not need a gold digger.


    "I met with Arletta a few hours earlier."


    "What?! That''s how fast your feelings for her grew?" Francois'' look of confusion became clearer and clearer. I knew my friend would be shocked, but I was also in disbelief. Arletta has an extraordinary charm, so a man like me could be attracted to her.


    "Yeah. So, what should I do? What should I do with Arletta?"


    I did not like small talk, so it was better to get to the point. Francois paused and then looked at me strangely. I did not care about his point of view because the most important thing was that I could know how to deal with Arletta. Afterward, I could make her fall in love, and then we could be together soon, even living in my penthouse.


    "Why are you in such a hurry? My suggestion is that you must find out anything about her." Francois shook his head a few times and I knew it was true, but I had already told Louis to investigate the McDowell family, so there should be no problem nning a future with Arletta.


    "Do not worry about that. Without you telling me to, I have already done that. You have not answered my question yet."


    I did note here to do anything useless. Time is money. Francois massaged his forehead while I observed what he was doing with some annoyance. Hopefully, he would give me the information I needed because I did not know how to attract a girl properly.


    "What do you want to know, by the way? Be specific to your question."


    Great! I am d Francois said so, so I will not hesitate to tell him what I need.


    "What should I do to get close to Arletta? She already has a lover and I want to have her as a whole."


    Francois exhaled heavily. I waited for hisment with a t stare.


    "Well, Dude. I do not know what happened between you, but she must be a special girl to have made you like this," he said, confused. "Before approaching her, you should get to know Arletta''s character first, so you do not make the wrong move, because every girl is different."


    I stayed silent as I listened to Francois'' exnation. Meanwhile, he stared at my face for a while, as if he was unsure of what he wanted to tell me.


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    "I have met dozens, ahem hundreds of women so far. Most of them are not serious and just want money, but Arletta might not be. If I am not mistaken, she is Rayner McDowell. Am I right?" asked Francois, curiously. "Yes, you are right. She is Rayner McDowell''s daughter. When we met, Arletta showed no interest at all," I replied, confirming his original question. Yeah, she really intrigued me!


    "Great. Rayner is a business owner, so his children probably do notck money and they do not need anyone to support their finance." Francois spoke while nodding asionally. I continued to listen to his words and hoped that what my friend said was true.


    "My advice is that in addition to knowing her character, you can find out about what she likes, especially where Arletta works. You can go there and act like a customer, but do not be too brutal."


    I frowned when I heard Francois''st sentence. "What do you mean ''do not be too brutal''? Do I look like a sex criminal?"


    As soon as possible, I remembered that I kissed Arletta in the elevator without her consent. I did not give a fuck with that, because the important thing was that she could be mine!


    "Do not get me wrong. Being too brutal is you approaching that woman in a hurry. You cane to Arletta''s workce periodically, either once a week or every day and depending on where she works. It is even better if your girl works in a restaurant, so when you go there for lunch or dinner, and no one is suspicious, because it is a normal act."


    Francois'' idea earlier seemed to make sense. I hoped Letta worked in a restaurant. I would definitely do what he suggested so that I could approach the girl I liked more smoothly. Hopefully, Arletta and I will get closer in the future so that we can be together.


    "Besides that, is there anything else I should do to get her?" I asked again because Francois'' experience was very useful for me, who had never approached a woman. I did not want to fail!


    "Give Arletta a gift, but without the sender''s name. Let her be curious about it." Francois made another suggestion, and I thought it was a good one. A gift? After getting the information from Louis, I would probably look for some nice things. I felt something was missing from my friend''s exnation, and suddenly, an idea came to mind.


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    "Would it be good if I put the initials of my first name on each gift? She may not know about my identity, but the initials should be there, so that it will be memorable and stick in Arletta''s mind."


    Francois paused, then nodded. "You can do that. Your current idea was great. For gifts, give her things she needs like bags, shoes, and dresses, but it can be other things. You just have to customize it."


    "Thanks. Besides gifts, do you have any more suggestions? I want Arletta and her boyfriend''s rtionship to break up."


    I did not want my girl to have a special rtionship with any man except me. Francois seemed to think, then he seemed to get a new idea again.


    "You just send a loving message inside each gift. Do not use your own handwriting, it can be dangerous. Every time you want to send these things, then do not forget to tell the staff at the store to give you a card with your message. Put your initial name too."


    "I will do that. Do you have any advice for me?"


    Francois held his chin with a serious expression. Silence fell between us. I had memorized all my friends'' messages. All of his opinions were valuable because they were true and reasonable. I have to move forward so that Arletta will not be owned by another man, and that can''t happen!


    "How about you watch her every day? But do not get caught."


    What did he say? I must keep an eye out for her without getting caught? How can I do that? It was impossible! "What do you mean? Do not talk out of your ass!"


    "I mean, you could try this method-"


    ***

 Headache

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    "Your face is pale, honey. Are you okay?"


    I, who had been staring nkly at the scenery outside the window, turned to the other side. Sammy looked worried and I did not me him. "I am not okay, but do not worry. I will try to handle it."


    Damn! I still had not been able to shake off the bad event in the elevator, so now I can''t concentrate on anything else. At this rate, I should be able to find a good psychiatrist quickly, so that I could start therapy right away. "What has happened to you, honey? Tell me."


    I could not bring myself to tell him what I had experienced, because it was traumatizing. I just shook my head, thinking it was better for my boyfriend not to know than for us to fight.


    "Do not keep all your feelings to yourself, honey." Sammy did not give up either, but I did not care. If he had heard my story, he would definitely have had a different opinion.


    "Do not force me, dear. I do not like it." I replied in a low voice, because I was tired of what had happened, and just wanted to forget about it.


    "Okay." I could see Sammy''s annoyed look, but it was better than having to say something that traumatized me.


    I shifted my gaze to myp and saw a bag of food that had the logo of the restaurant where I had entered for the day. I opened the bag and faintly smelled the fragrance of the food from there.


    "Do you want a cheeseburger, honey?" I asked as I picked up a burger that was still neatly wrapped. It''s better to eat so I can distract myself from the pain.


    "Yes, I do want it. Did you get a chance to buy it?" Sammy answered, but there was a sense of curiosity.


    I turned to him and nodded in response. Wasn''t Sammy hungry? But, if he ate food while driving a car, wasn''t it dangerous for us? Should I feed him so that my boyfriend can eat his burger without disturbing his driving?


    "Yes, dear. When I was at the restaurant, I took away two cheeseburgers. Do you want to eat them now?" I took out one burger and was ready to unwrap it if needed.


    "I can''t eat right now, honey." The man who had been my lover for three years refused, but I did not want to give up yet, because it was better to feed him than to talk about what was troubling me.


    "I can feed, so you do not have to use your hands." I knew Sammy''s weaknesses well. He did like to eat, but it was bnced with exercise, so his body remained muscr and fit.


    My guy was silent, so his actions were curious. However, I have not filed a protest yet because I am still waiting for ament from Sammy. One minute passed and there was no sign that he was going to reply after waiting for a few minutes there was no change either which made my patience run out.


    "Honey, how is it? Do you want to eat the burger or not?" I asked in a slightly higher tone, annoyed at being ignored. What was so hard about responding? Sammy was so annoying!


    "Later, honey." Sammy replied briefly which made me snort.


    I did not want to talk about the same thing. I finally unwrapped the cheeseburger that I had been holding and started eating slowly. Sammy did not say anything else, so our conversation ended.


    Suddenly, An''s face came back to mind. I could still feel the passionate kiss we had. Damn it! I hate that pervert man! This must be the result of a disgusting situation that happened unexpectedly. If it was like this, would I be able to sleep well tonight? I guessed not.


    How could Dad have a client like An? He was a creepy guy and even asked for my cell phone number. It was a good thing I was persistent in refusing; otherwise, it would have been a disaster!


    "Honey."


    I, who was still munching on my burger, faintly heard someone talking, but since I was preupied with my own thoughts, I did not immediately respond him. "Arletta. Are you okay?"


    I snapped out of my trance when I heard my name being called, as soon as possible turning my head towards the caller. That man frowned as if something strange had happened to me. "What was wrong with you, Honey? You have been daydreaming a lot this afternoon," Sammy asked, confused.


    "I n to see a psychiatrist," I replied, without thinking.


    God! Why did I even give such an answer? Grr! Hopefully, Sammy would not ask me any more weird questions and I would quickly eat my cheeseburger again, to stop any unnecessary conversations. My boyfriend was still driving, but his look implied something strange.


    "Why did you want to see a psychiatrist? I knew something must have happened, but you did not want to be honest."


    I pretended that I had not heard and was sorry that I had given the wrong answer, so Sammy would definitely use that as an argument.


    "Letta. Why are you so quiet?"


    What could I say? Sammy must have been curious and he was already chasing answers to fulfill his curiosity and he did it.


    "I am eating and can''t speak. Can''t you see it?"


    I continued eating, sick of fighting. How long could I endure being in a rtionship that fights more every time we meet? Fortunately, Sammy was quiet now, so we did not have to fight any longer.


    I heard the familiar sound of music and it came from inside the bag. I put the burger in the bag and then searched for a tissue in the car. When I found a tissue, I took it and wiped my dirty hands.


    Sammy was still driving, but I was sure he would overhear my conversationter. The same music continued to y. Who was calling? Was it Mom? Yes, it could have been Mom, since I had not told her about what Dad had said when we met. I opened my bag and picked up my cell phone. It kept beeping and when I looked at the screen, I realized I was right: Mom. She must have been eager to find out what Dad had to say, even though,e to think of it, it could all be done at home. Huh!Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


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    Without thinking, I answered Mom''s call and deliberately put my phone on speaker, reluctant to put it to my ear. I nced at Sammy, but he seemed to be taking it all in stride.


    Me: "Hello, Mom."


    Hopefully, I will not be having any problems sleeping tonight. Should I have to turn on the light when I sleep until I get treatment from a psychiatrist? I could not sleep with the lights off, because my nyctophobia had returned. Mom: "Hello, Lizzy. How was there?"


    Oh, yeah. Mom had always been impatient and I was not surprised that this happened.


    Me: "Dad was so ridiculous, Mom."


    Mom: "What did he say to you?"


    Me: "Dad asked me to stop working part-time, Mom."


    Mom: "What? What was the reason?"


    Mom''s voice raised slightly. I could sense that she was as upset as I was.


    Me: "Dad was saying to me that-"


    ***

 You Must Introduce Her to Us!

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    "Do Dn and Brandon know about Arletta yet?" asked Francois, seriously.


    I was still at the office of one of the friends I used to hang out with. It was a good thing I did not interrupt his busy schedule too much. I very rarely came to my best friend''s office for personal feelings and this action could also be done after checking the schedule with Thomas.


    "Nope. I have only told you," I replied, calmly.


    Francois was wide-eyed for a moment, but I did not care because that was exactly what happened. "You are crazy, man!" he said, shaking his head.


    "It does not matter. I need the opinion of an experienced person. You are one of them."


    Francois scratched his head, then shook his head twice. I was used to getting a lot of opinions about how strange I was. I did not care about that, because the most important thing was that I knew what to do to approach Arletta. She was one of those women who had a loyal nature because that girl firmly said that she already had a lover. Other women might not be so honest about their status.


    "You should introduce Arletta to Dn and Brandon too. They should know about your girlfriend." Francois seemed to be afraid that I would not bring my girl to the other two friends. Well, that was a stupid opinion.


    "Of course. I will introduce my girl to all of you. Before that, I must make Arletta mine." I emphasized without any hesitation. My n was clear; as soon as possible she must break up with her boyfriend so I could bring her to my friends and my parents. I would do anything to do it!


    "She really is a great girl, for making you like this."


    Francois picked up the cup of coffee on the table. It was already half full. I have not made anyments yet because my mind still remembers how Arletta and I first met. That moment was so sweet. I had never even thought that I would meet such a special girl.


    "I never expected to meet her either. I came to Rayner''s office just to meet about business with him."


    If only the electricity power had not gone out at that moment, then the incident in the elevator would never have happened. Arletta and I would have remained two strangers as we should have been.


    "I have heard from Mom that if a man or woman takes care of himself or herself or does not carelessly associate with the opposite sex, then when he or she gets a partner, then...." Francois did not continue his sentence, which only made me curious.


    "So? So what?" I asked with a suspicious look. Was Francois going to lie and deliberately bring up his mom''s name to make me believe him?


    "Then his struggle will not be easy." He smiled instead, which raised my suspicions.


    "I can''t believe that your mom said that." I refused to believe his nonsensical words.


    "It is up to you. I think Mom has a point, especially since the girl you like already has a boyfriend. You will have to fight hard to win her heart."


    Damn! It hit me hard. I could not deny that fact, but that did not mean I could be giving up! Arletta would be mine and I would never let her go! I did not care about her boyfriend because he was not a tough opponent for me!


    "I will definitely win Arletta''s heart easily. She will definitely fall in love with me."


    Francois burst outughing, causing me to raise one eyebrow. My friend had finished his coffee and put his cup back on the table. I just let Fransugh as much as he wanted because it was useless to do that.


    I felt the phone vibrate with a ring. I immediately picked it up and ignored Frans who was stillughing. When I got the device, I saw a name on the screen and, without hesitation, picked up the call. Me: "Hello. What is going on?"


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    Did something urgent happen at work, so Thomas called me? I hoped it was not. I did not hear Francois''ughter anymore; maybe he realized that I was receiving a phone call, so he chose to be quiet. Great, that means I could concentrate on the conversation at hand.


    Thomas Glekston: "Hello, sir. Sorry to interrupt. I was asked by Brody, the Rtionship Manager. Would you like to have a meeting with him next week?"


    Meeting? What kind of meeting should I attend? I would have better asked my assistant first because there was no way I would have gone somewhere if it had not been clear what the purpose was.


    Me: "What kind of meeting should I attend? Exin it to me."


    Hopefully, the meeting would require my presence or at least Brody would ask for my help in negotiating with the CEO of thepany he was going to, so as not to waste unnecessary time.


    Thomas Glekston: "Brody said that the CEO of Zavana & co. wants to talk about a loan to ourpany."


    Hmm... it was weird. I had never heard that the jewelrypany needed a financial loan. I had not read any documents from Brody about it either.


    Me: "Did Brody ever give you the documents about Zavana & co.? Why am I only hearing about thepany now?"


    My business radar was activated without further ado. I did not want to go to apany without knowing anything about our client, let alone about a loan. Did Brody not give me the document yet or maybe he forgot?


    Thomas Glekston: "Mr. Brody said that the CEO of thepany specifically requested to meet with you. The documents he just gave me have been ced on your desk, sir."


    What? The CEO of Zavana & co. asked Brody to meet with me, but I was not sure why. If I was not mistaken, the CEO was a woman, and neither she nor I knew each other. How suspicious!Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Me: "Tell Brody. I do not want to meet with the CEO of Zavana & co. unless there is a logical reason. A special meeting without any clear discussion is a waste of my time. Time is money."


    I nced at Francois, and he, indeed, listened to my conversation with Thomas. It was not surprising, since I had been in his office the whole time, so Frans must have been eavesdropping. Thomas Glekston: "Yes, sir."


    I returned my attention to the conversation with my assistant.


    Me: "Do you have anything else to say?"


    Thomas Glekston: "That''s all, sir."


    Me: "Good. I will be at the office tomorrow. Do not forget all the important documents on my desk as usual. I will study Zavana & co''s documents. Tell Brody or any Rtionship Manager, next time a client wants to meet without a reasonable excuse, it will be rejected."


    Thomas Glekston: "Noted, sir."


    I ended the call and put the phone back where it had been. I turned to Francois who had notmented at all. "So, where were we talking?"


    ***

 How Can I Tell My Feeling?

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I have arrived home, but the bad memory of the elevator still lingers. Damn! Why was I constantly reminded of that? Was it because two phobias popped up unexpectedly, and that perverted man added to the horror? "Why do you have such a frown on your face, Lizzy? Is there something else you are going through?"


    I, walking without enthusiasm, looked back because someone called my name. It turned out to be Mom. Should I tell her about what was going on with me? I did not want Mom and Dad to fight because of that. What a hard choice! "I am tired, Mom."


    I could not give another answer because I avoided telling Mom lies. I would not say I like that and avoided making white lies. Mom looked at me strangely, but I kept quiet and hoped that this situation would end soon. "Okay. Get some rest, Lizzy."


    I was very relieved by Mom''s words, because it meant that I could go back to my room. I hoped I would never have to experience all the bad events that evoked two phobias at once. Well, at least that was my hope. "Thanks, Mom. I am going back to my room now."


    "You look strange. Are you okay?" Mom was still asking the same thing. I knew she must be doing this on purpose so that I would tell her the truth. But not today, Mom.


    "I''m fine, Mom. Do not worry." I lied to her, for my goodness, because that was all I could do for now.


    Mom was watching me with a worried look. I could not me her, but I needed a space to be alone. I tried to smile, even though inside, I felt the opposite.


    What sane person could be happy if they had experienced the horrible things I have felt? I hope it was all a dream and that all the bad stuff never happened when I woke up.


    "Okay. Call me if you need anything."


    "Sure, Mom. I will do it."


    I turned my body around and then walked away from Mom, who must have been confused by my attitude. What could I say to her now? Nothing. It was better to calm down rather than have to remember annoying things. The major problem was my phobias came suddenly. How could I handle them? It has been nine years since I have had any issues, and a few hours ago, everything changed.


    I walked up the stairs feeling empty. I thought I would have to sleep with the lights on tonight so I did not get scared in the dark. I began to realize one thing: where were the husky puppy and orange cat? They should have wandered into the mansion. Did Ben take them?


    Just when I was arriving on the second floor, I saw a figure of a young man in the middle from twenty meters away, and there were also two other shadows, like the image of a cat and a puppy. I guessed I knew who he was, and I let him there. I kept walking and tried to act as normal as possible so that no one would get suspicious, although it was challenging, especially seeing my expression right now.


    "Hey, Sissy!"


    I recognized who had called me that and forced myself to smile. The puppy I had seen instead ran towards me and then barked excitedly.


    "Yeah, Ben." I waved goodbye to my only brother. Luckily, I had him, so my days in this house were not as bad as I thought. The puppy bumped my right leg and deliberately circled around me. The sight slightlyforted the feelings of sadness, annoyance, and emptiness in my heart.


    I bent down and picked up this handsome puppy. Dex licked my right cheek, so his silly behaviour made meugh, even though I felt the opposite inside.


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    "Are you being a good boy, Dex?" I asked this cute husky puppy.


    He made a strange sound, which could be interpreted as, "Yes, Mom. I am a good boy."


    "Good! That is my boy." I praised Dex. He licked my face again, and this handsome dog''s behaviour was funny, which made meugh. I probably would not be like this if I did not have a pet. "Sissy. Where have you been? Mom said you went to Dad''s office?"


    I immediately turned my head when I heard the question. It turned out that Ben was already beside me with his favourite orange cat. "Yup. I did go there."


    Why did Ben ask such a sensitive question? Oh, well. He did not know yet about what was going on with me. It was better that he did not know either because it would be troublesome for me, too.


    Ben raised one eyebrow, and I was still holding Dex. The orange cat was still near my brother, and our situation was quiet. I must be strong because I did not want to make any suspicious act in my family''s eyes. "Dad''s always on his best behaviour. He never changes," Ben grumbled, annoyed.


    "Exactly. Dad could have said it at home, but he was happy to give his children a hard time and the difficulties as usual." I replied to Ben and tried not to remember the incident in the elevator. Damn! An''s face came back to me, much to my annoyance.


    I tried to get rid of An''s face, which increasingly appeared in my eyes. That pervert was a bastard, but I was hesitant to report him to Mom. She could send anyone to kill him. He deserved to die, but I did not want to get so much trouble with his death, including my guilt.


    "Are you okay, Sissy?" Ben''s question was the same as Mom''s and made me almost want to scream, but I did not because the consequences could be severe.


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    Ever since I was on my way to Dad''s office, my gut feeling had warned of danger, and exactly that was what happened. I unconsciously exhaled rather loudly because all those annoying moments hadn''t gone away. Shit!


    "I want to take a nap. If Mom asks for dinner, tell her that I can''t go to the dining room. Just bring all the food to my room." I told Ben to anticipate this because Mom was very disciplined, especially during meals. She would ask us to eat together unless one of us was out of the house.


    "Alright." Ben seemed to understand, and luckily, he did not ask me more questions.


    "Thank you." I realized that I had been holding Dex. This cute dog seemed to be looking at me expectantly. Would I still bring him to the room? I guessed not. At that moment, I preferred that my good boy was with Ben because I did not want to be bothered by anyone.


    "Ben, please take Dex first," I said as I handed my dear puppy to my only brother.


    "Why? You usually like to y with Dex." Ben epted Dex but cringed as if he had already realized something was off with me.


    "I told you that I wanted to take a nap. When Dex is in the room, he likes to y." I said that on purpose so Ben would not be too suspicious.


    "Okay." That was all he said. Dex looked sad, but I scratched this puppy''s head tofort him.


    I am sorry, Dex. I got so much pressure today, so I did not want to be bothered by anyone, including a pet. Just give me a moment; perhaps my feelings will be betterter. I hoped so.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "Thank you, bro. I am going to my room." I resumed my dyed steps and left Ben alone with Dex and his favourite cat.


    "Why is Sissy being weird? Did she fight with Dad when she was in Dad''s office? Or maybe there was something-"


    ***

 Suspicious

    A well-built young man was seen descending the stairs, followed by an orange cat. The atmosphere inside the mansion was quiet, although he met several times with maids who happened to pass by there. When he was on the first floor, that guy met his mother.


    "Where are you from, Ben?" asked a woman whose face was precisely like Arletta''s, but she was forty-two years old.


    "I was from the top, Mom," Ben replied, pointing his chin towards the stairs behind him.


    "Did you meet Lizzy earlier?" The brown-haired woman asked again, still remembering the eldest daughter''s strange behaviour.


    "Yes, I met her, Mom. What happened?" Ben answered honestly, but inwardly, there was a suspicion about the other person. The young man just watched his mother''s face with questioning eyes.


    "Lizzy looks strange. She was not her usual self." Rayner McDowell''s wife expressed her concerns and shared them with her youngest child.


    "What do you mean, Mom?" That tall guy frowned, not understanding what his biological mother meant.


    "Lizzy seems to be hiding something. When you met her, did you ask her anything?" A woman with shoulder-length hair wanted to know what her children had been talking about, hoping to get some information from there.


    "I also noticed something strange with Lizzy. I was asking her, but she did not want to talk to me about that." Ben still clearly remembered his sister''s behaviour and agreed with his mother''s opinion. However, it was a pity that the intelligent guy did not yet know what caused this.


    Fiona gave her son a severe look, then moved to the puppy Ben had been holding. "Why is Dex with you? Shouldn''t he be with Lizzy?"


    "Lizzy left Dex with me. She told me that she wanted to take a nap alone." The handsome guy also looked at the puppy that Arletta owned.


    Fiona was silent, as if she were thinking about something. Meanwhile, the one-hundred-and-eighty-eight-centimetre-tall man turned his attention to the orange cat that was still standing near his feet.


    I was sure something strange had happened to Lizzy, but I had not found out what caused her to be like that. I will call one of my men after my conversation with Ben is over, Fiona thought, as she asionally nced toward the stairs. However, there was nothing strange there.


    In the midst of the silence, Fiona came up with an idea, and she thought it was a good one. "Ben, can you help me?"


    At this question, the name''s owner turned to his biological mother. "What do you want, Mom?"


    Ben did not answer Fiona''s question as soon as possible but asked his mother again. A woman who passed down beauty to her eldest daughter seemed determined and willing to convey the ideas that had arisen in her mind.


    "I want you to help me to investigate-"Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    Forty-five minutester,


    A slender woman walked by with a sense of unease. Rayner''s wife did not even pay attention to the servants who asionally saluted her when she met them. Before long, Fiona came to a room that was tightly closed, then she ced the palm of her left hand on a ck-shaped device, and then the door opened by itself. Without further ado, she entered there.


    Has something terrible happened to Lizzy? I was sure it must have been like that because whatever it was, she would not have talked to Ben or me. My daughter always keeps anything to herself. I will have to check with my men, thought Fiona, who was still uneasy.


    That beautiful woman kept walking and stood near arge t-screen TV. She said, "Turn on the TV!"


    The TV turned on, and Fiona''s gaze was drawn to the screen. From there came a voice, "Wee, Queen of the Hidden Dragon. May I assist you?"


    "Put me through to Agraz." The shoulder-length-haired woman replied and seemed impatient to talk to her men.


    "Yes, Queen. Please wait for a moment." The sound from the TV screen went silent while Fiona continued to wait.


    There was silence in the room again. In less than twenty seconds, a picture of a short-haired man appeared on the TV screen. "Good afternoon, Queen. Can I help you?" the man asked.


    "Agraz, did anything strange happen this afternoon when Lizzy went to my husband''s office?" Fiona did not answer the question from her opponent, and the green-eyed woman asked her back.


    "A strange urrence to the princess? Nothing happened, my Queen." A skinny man honestly answered Fiona''s question.


    "Are you sure?" Fiona did not believe her subordinate''s answer, so she deliberately asked again to make sure.


    "I am absolutely sure, Queen," Agraz replied without hesitation. However, the forty-year-old man felt reluctant as he saw the piercing gaze of the opposite sex.


    "Lizzy has been acting strange since she came home from Rayner''s office. I knew something must be wrong. Was there someone following my daughter around like usual?" Fiona''s bad feelings had not gone away, so a woman with two children. chose to follow her gut feeling.


    "Yes, Queen. There was a Sergosa who followed the princess. He reported to me that everything was fine when the princess went there." The grey-eyed man answered without any hesitation. Fiona was silent, but she still looked at the other person with an expression of disbelief.


    There was silence in the room as Mrs McDowell had yet to say anything else. Meanwhile, the person whose visuals appeared on the TV screen could not do anything as he waited for ament from his boss.


    I still remember Lizzy''s attitude. She rarely acted strange if there was no cause. Was it possible that Agraz was lying? He could not be, but why do I have the opposite feeling? Fiona thought, her heart filled with both doubt and suspicion. An idea popped into the woman''s mind, who already had two children. She seemed ready to say it to the other person, while Agraz seemed to have understood what his boss was trying to say. However, that man did not dare to start the conversation that had stalled between them.


    "Did you send me the report from Sergosa?" Fiona asked with a probing tone and a look in her eyes as if judging the honesty of her confidant.


    "Yes, I already sent it, Queen. As usual, I have sent Sergosa''s report to you via email and message in the chat app. Is there anything missing?" The crooked-nosed man replied without any hesitation.


    Fiona frowned, which puzzled Agraz. "I have seen that, but something was still missing from your report, which made me suspicious of you."


    "What was that, Queen?"


    "In that report, you had not included-"


    ***

 Afraid of The Dark

    A few hourster,


    A girl was fast asleep in a room inside Rayner McDowell''s luxurious mansion. The atmosphere in the room was tranquil, even dark, because no lights had been turned on. Suddenly, the virgin woke up and saw the situation there, so she spontaneously screamed.


    "No! Help me!"


    That beautiful girl was sobbing. The painful trauma of the past came back to her mind and seemed to terrorize her. Arletta covered her face with both palms. The slender woman paid no attention to anything else and continued to cry. "I just want to die. Somebody, help me." Arletta wailed while keeping her face covered.


    ***


    Outside Arletta''s room,


    A young guy was seen running down a deserted corridor. He seemed to be chasing something very fast.


    "Dex! Hey! Where are you going?"


    A husky puppy kept running at a fast pace as if deliberately ignoring the words of its human owner. Soon, the dog stopped at a door, barking loudly. A young guy who had been chasing the puppy was staring at the same object. "This is Lizzy''s room. Why is Dex here?" muttered Ben, confused.


    That puppy barked loudly and started wing at the door, so Ben, who witnessed this, became very confused. "Hey, Dex. What was wrong with you?"


    The tall guy tried to take Dex, but the puppy refused. He kept barking and scratching at Arletta''s bedroom door, which confused the young man. "What was wrong with Dex? He is really close to Lizzy. Does he want to get into the room?" muttered Ben suspiciously.


    The brown-haired man started knocking on the door, but there was no answer. This moment made Ben frown. "It is weird. Why isn''t Lizzy making a sound? Is she still sleeping?"


    Benedict knocked again, saying rather loudly, "Sissy! Sissy!"


    There was no response from inside the room. Ben reached into his pants pocket for something. After finding the object he was looking for, the young man looked to his left and ced the object he was holding in a ck box. In less than a minute, there was a sound and the door to Arletta''s room opened by itself.


    That cute husky puppy ran straight into the room, with Ben following close behind. He vaguely seemed to hear crying while Dex arrived at Arletta''s bedside and started barking at his master, who did not care about his presence. Ben quickened his pace, and the young man reached Dex. "Sissy. Are you okay?" he asked, worried.


    Arletta did not answer and continued to cry. The husky puppy jumped onto the bed and stood on the master''s left side. Dex licked Lizzy''s hand. However, that slim girl continued to cry, not even turning her head towards her pet. Ben started to look around, then stared at the wall.


    In less than a minute, that room was brightly lit, which caused Arletta''s crying to stop. The slender woman began to look at Benedict, who was looking at her with a confused look. Lizzy wiped away the remaining tears on both cheeks with relief. That husky puppy began to lick the master''s hand, so the girl''s attention was drawn to it.


    "What happened to you?" Benedict asked his older sister, who had stopped crying and started stroking Dex''s head.


    "I just had a bad dream," Arletta replied without turning her head towards the other person. Ben frowned, thinking there was something strange about her attitude and answer.


    "Are you sure, Sissy?" Ben did not believe Arletta''s word for it and still oversaw her.


    "Yeah." That was all Arletta could say to the opposite sex.


    I could not exin what happened to Ben because he would definitely report our conversation to Mom. If Mom found out, then it could be wrong because she would force me to tell her the details of the damn incident, thought Lizzy, who was still stroking the head of her favourite husky puppy.


    "You are not lying to me, right?" The handsome young man kept asking as he was trying to extract information from Arletta, even though he knew it wasplicated to do so.


    "No," Arletta answered Benedict''s question very briefly.


    That twenty-year-old woman remained reluctant to tell the truth, so Arletta only answered briefly. This situation made the atmosphere between them awkward. Ben had not said anything else because he was busy watching his sister''s every move, which seemed to be avoiding looking at him.


    "I was thinking that your phobias have returned. But you did not want to confess it. Was I right, Sissy?"


    Such a question surprised Arletta, but she tried not to make it evident that what her younger brother was saying was true. The fair-skinned woman turned to Ben, and they locked eyes. "No. Why are you asking such strange questions?" Benedict kept his eyes on Arletta, and his face looked serious. Meanwhile, the ck-haired girl was trying to act normal to avoid suspicion from the other person.


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    "Your behaviour is very suspicious, Sissy. You have been crying less, and if I am not mistaken, you behaved like you did earlier when your two phobias red up, so that''s why I am suspicious."


    "Nope. I did have a nightmare. I saw myself falling from a high building. I thought I was dead."


    Somehow, Arletta was very good at lying but did not n the situation. Ben just listened to his sister''s words and did notment at the moment. The eighteen-year-old man looked at Lizzy expressionlessly, making the girl anxious, but she did not want to show it openly.


    Ben looked at the bed and saw the husky puppy sitting near Arletta. The young man exhaled, and Lizzy heard his voice. "Well. I hope you are okay. Come on, Dex!"


    The husky puppy seemed reluctant to get out of bed and was still near his master. Arletta turned to Dex, and he seemed to understand what her pet wanted. "Let him stay here. He can apany me."


    "What?" asked Ben, confused.


    That was weird. Why did Sissy even want Dex to stay in the room? Even though when Sissy came home, she said to me that she wanted to be alone? Her attitude was indeed suspicious; it was only fitting that Mom should ask me to spy on her, Ben thought, frowning.


    Arletta turned to the other person. "It is okay, Ben. Let Dex stay here," Lizzy replied without feeling guilty.


    "Sissy, why did you-"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ***

 Party But Empty Inside

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    "Alex, are you okay? What happened to you?"


    I was at a nightclub, precisely in a private room that was booked with three friends. I was mainly silent and had no appetite to do anything else except sipping my alcohol. Two girls apanied them, while I refused to be apanied because the girls were not attractive at all.


    I had been staring at the ss of sparkling wine and could only shake my head. I had no interest in verbally answering the question from one of my friends. The noisy music continued to y, but it all seemed meaningless, as if something was missing in my life.


    My mind was drawn to a girl named Arletta McDowell for unknown reasons. What was that girl doing? Was she okay? I wanted to kiss her more. Shit! I could not take my mind off her! I did not believe in supernatural things, but I had never had this weird feeling for a long time.


    "Hey, dude! Why are you so quiet? Do you have a problem at the office?"


    A different voice asked, and I shook my head again. I usually liked hearing music like this, even in a private room, but now it was different. Arletta, what did you do to me? What kind of magic have you cast so that I keep remembering you? "I warn you; it is useless for you to talk to Alex. He must be remembering someone."


    I knew very well who the voice belonged to, but I ignored it and nced at the watch on my right wrist. It was already midnight. Why was time spinning so slowly? Why was I so anxious? I had not gotten any news about Arletta for a few hours. I never felt this way before.


    "Really? You have got to be kidding me!"


    I wanted to get up from the couch and leave this damn ce, but I could not yet do that. Was Louis starting to move and find information about my girl? It should have been like that, and I could only wait for his report. I wanted to know more details about Arletta. That girl was so exciting, and I wanted to explore anything about her.


    "Yeah. You can try to ask Alex, and he will tell you about that."


    I snorted softly, even though Francois had been told that Arletta would be introduced after she became my girl. Fortunately, the music in the club was louder, so they could not hear the sound of my snorting. I was forced to turn toward my two friends. I could see that they were very curious about my situation. The girls apanying them also simultaneously turned to me.


    "What do you want to know?" I asked my friend without any preamble.


    "Is what Frans said true?" Brandon answered my question with another question.


    I nced at Francois with an expressionless look. Instead, heughed, which annoyed me. It was useless to get angry because it would not solve the problem. I turned back to Brandon.


    "Yeah, he was right." That was my only reply to Brandon.


    "Wow! Tell us her name!" said Brandon excitedly.


    Brandon''s face showed admiration as if he had heard some rare news. Francois ruined everything. If I dared to mention Arletta''s name when we were not yet in an official rtionship, then it would be the same as embarrassing me. What if my approach to that girl fails? Wouldn''t that hurt me more? Where would I put my pride?


    "I will tell youter."


    In my position, being safe with my answer was better than ruining the primary goal. I did not want the ns that had been made to go awry. No matter what, Arletta must be mine!


    Brandon''s face had a disappointed look, but I knew it would onlyst for a short while because he must have been trying in various ways to hear Arletta''s name mentioned by me. "Why do you want to tell uster? You can tell us now." See? Was that not what I thought? Francois caused all these problems, and I could not get angry directly because Dn and Brandon were there. The six women who apanied my friends did not count because, to me, they were cheap whores.


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    "Instead of saying her name, I will introduce my girl to you, but not now."


    I quickly sipped the sparkling wine in my ss and did not want to continue the silly conversation about Arletta. I had never brought up a girl, let alone mentioned the opposite sex, so the topic of discussion was indeed ufortable for me. "When are you going to do that? I want to see the special woman who conquered your heart. She is the lucky girl."


    I could understand why Brandon said that, but everything needs a process. There was no way Arletta could be my girl when we just met this afternoon. Anything in this world took time to blossom, as did the rtionship between my special girl and me.


    "Soon."


    Yeah. I was sure that Arletta would eventually be mine, but now I had to find all the essential information about her, including her boyfriend''s name. I wanted to know who was my rival. Besides, I tried to find a way to get closer to my specialdy.


    The music was stilling from outside. I ced my empty ss on the table and looked to my left. There, a uniformed server was ready to serve us if we wanted to add more drinks or order food. I raised my hand, and the server saw the hand gesture and walked towards me.


    When the waiter was already on my left, I suddenly felt my phone vibrate, so I made a hand gesture asking him to wait. I searched for the phone, and after getting it, I saw a familiar name on the screen.


    "It is interesting. I hope I get what I want," I muttered and mindlessly answered the phone call.


    Me: "Hello?"


    I spoke in a rather loud voice because the music was so noisy. If it were not like this, then the person on the phone would not be able to hear my voice. Did he get the news about my special girl? I hoped so. I could not wait to get the great news!


    Louis Movena: "Hello, boss. I just sent you a report on Miss Arletta."


    Finally! I have been waiting for this! My girl''s information was worth more than a million dors for me!


    Me: "Great!"


    I smiled unconsciously, unable to hide my happiness. Arletta, wait for me, dear.


    Louis Movena: "I apologize for not having enough information at the moment, boss. I will try to gather more."


    I spontaneously shook my head, even though I knew that my trusted person would not be able to see that. I could not wait to read what data Louis had collected.


    Me: "It is okay. When you get more clues, you can send the report to me as soon as possible."


    Louis Movena: "Noted, Boss."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Suddenly, I felt something touching my left shoulder. Without thinking, I turned to it and saw a beautiful woman wearing a red mini-dress. She smiled, but I immediately snorted.


    How did this fucking whoree to be, anyway? Maybe one of my three friends invited her? Damn! They were so such traitors!


    "Hello, Alex. Long time no see you."


    ***

 What The Fuck?!

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    I stared at the red-haired bitch for five seconds, then looked away. There was no way that bitch could havee to the nightclub, let alone the private room where my three friends and I were. There must have been a traitor who told the bitch where we were!


    Me: "Okay. Thank you, Louis."


    Louis Movena: "Yes, Boss."


    Me: "Tell Dominic to pick me up at the front lobby in ten minutes."


    Louis Movena: "Noted, Boss."


    I ended the phone call and returned the object to its original ce. I deliberately ignored the bastard woman and thought back to the server that had been called, and the young man dared to approach.


    "May I assist you, sir?" asked the waiter, wearing Robert''s name tag.


    "Bring me a bottle of Vodka. Ciroc one," I replied without hesitation.


    "Yes, sir. Please wait a moment." Robert quickly walked away from me, and I acted as if I had never seen the bitch.


    Should I have to kill this useless woman? If that girl were Arletta, who showed up, then I would definitely wee her. Damn! She was really disturbing my peace! "Alex. I am here."


    I did not want to look at her at all. Why did I have to give a chance to a woman who pursues a man for money under the guise of love? Wouldn''t it be better for her to sell herself instead of having to deceive all men with her foul words? How disgusting!


    "I want to talk with you."


    I heard that useless woman''s voice again. There was nothing to talk about anymore because it was all over. That whore still had guts. Should I go from here now or order Louis to eliminate herter? If that bitch had an audacity still bothering me, I would do anything to make her stay away!


    "Alex, please let me ex-"


    "Shut up!" I deliberately cut her off in a rather loud voice, not wanting to hear all her nonsense.


    I turned my gaze to the three friends busy drinking with the girls beside them so that none of them looked at my table. I was sure that one of them must be the culprit, and I would not forgive that despicable act!


    A waiter named Robert, who had left, came back. Thank God! I wanted to sip my alcohol in peace, but if that damn woman made another sound, then I could do anything to kill her!


    Robert brought the drinks I ordered and an empty ss for filled with my alcohol. "This is your drink, sir," he said politely.


    "Thanks," I told him briefly.


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    I watched Robert so as not to look at the uninvited woman. Why was she still standing near me? Should I kick her out of the private room if she has not left yet? Who was the loser who dared to bring that bitch here? I had to find out. "Alex. You can''t keep avoiding me."


    I could hear the desperation in the tone of the despicable bitch''s voice. Who did she think she was? If she still acted annoying even more than that, I could not handle my anger anymore. I refrained from doing anything unless that damn woman started it first.


    Robert had served the alcoholic drinks I had ordered on the table, and as soon as possible, the waiter went to where I stood. I nced back at the three friends, who seemed to be engrossed in their conversation, not wanting to invite me at all. I swear revenge on Francois, Brandon, and Dn ifter I found out that they ever proven that they conspired to set me up with that bitch! I felt another touch on my shoulder and poured Vodka into her face until that ss was empty. That wretched woman screamed, but I did not care. Whoever dared to touch my body without permission, especially if that person was not Arletta, then she must be prepared for the heavy consequences. "Never you dare to touch me, bitch." I looked at her shocked face, having gotten a surprise attack from me.


    "Calm down, Alex." I heard Dn''s voice, but I just grinned.


    "I know that one of you invited this prostitute. What do you want?" I asked without looking directly at Dn. He was silent, and I did not hear any rebuttal from them.


    I stood up from the sofa and then looked at the faces of my three friends one by one. "If you think that inviting this bitch over is the right thing to do, then I am very disappointed in you."


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    None of my three friends dared to contradict me. The women apanying Brandon, Dn, and Francois simultaneously looked down and looked scared. I turned to the red-haired woman with a cold expression.


    "If you dare to appear before me again, then I will make your body lie on the ground."


    Her face paled, but she could not defend herself. I quickly walked toward the door, holding back my anger. When I was in the door area, someone opened the door, so I promptly exited the private room.


    I did not want to get close to that despicable whore, because she was not a woman worthy of mypany. What was Arletta doing? Had she gone to bed, or was she at a party? I kept walking until I reached the exit of the nightclub. I saw two burly men bowing to me.


    "Thank you for visiting, Mr. Ainsley," said one of the men guarding the door.


    "You are wee," I replied to them.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The two bodyguards opened the door, and I got out of there quickly, walked three steps to the right side, and waited there. I could not wait to get in the car so I could check the report Louis had sent. Hopefully, the news I was about to read was great news.


    Not long after, my favorite car appeared and stopped near me. A man in the valley opened the car door, and I reached into my pants pocket and pulled out a piece of money. When I got into the car, I gave that money to him. "Thank you, Mr. Ainsley. Have a nice night."


    I just nodded, and the door was closed by the same man. Dominic drove the car and left the nightclub. I searched for my phone, and when I got it, I could see the iing messages from the message notification that appeared there. I opened Louis'' reports one by one, and there was something that made me wide-eyed because I did not expect to find this. "What? Arletta turns out to be-"


    ***

 Not in the Good Mood

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I woke up as the sunlight hit my face, and I felt something heavy on my left arm. It turned out to be my favourite husky puppy, and she was still sleeping cutely. Well, at least I was not alone in the room, especially now that it was not dark anymore, so I felt relieved.


    I was silent for a while, then recalled the disgusting incident that happened yesterday. It made me very upset, but I could not help but find a way out so that the two phobias would not interfere with my life anymore. If only I had note to Dad''s office yesterday, then the whole incident in the damn elevator would never have happened!


    "I hate Dad," I grumbled hatefully.


    I felt something lick my left cheek, so that moment distracted me. The handsome puppy was the culprit. He seemed to know what was upsetting my heart. "Good morning, Dex."


    Dex barked once as if in response to my greeting. Mom bought Dex as a twentieth birthday present, although it was a few monthste. But it did not matter to me. I loved this puppy and named him Dex. When I was not busy studying or working, we always yed together, which was fun.


    "You are a good boy," I said, scratching his head affectionately.


    Dex barked again, so I smiled at his behaviour. "I am grateful to have you as one of my best friends after Gwen."


    I remembered the conversation with Gwen about finding a good and reliable psychiatrist. Was it difficult to find one? I wish not. The sooner I found a credible psychiatrist to handle my two phobias, the better my conditionter.


    I heard a knock, so I turned my head toward the door, and Dex jumped out of bed. The husky puppy ran toward the source of the sound, while I had not moved at all. "Who came into the room? Is it Mom or Ben?" "Lizzy! Lizzy! Are you awake?"


    I heard someone calling me a nickname that only the family knows. Was it Mom or Ben? I could not think of it yet because of the sudden drowsiness. Should I ask that person? I had no idea for now.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes. I just woke up."


    I yawned after saying so, but the palm of my right hand covered my lips, so my mouth did not open wide. What day is it today? I was not excited, especially considering yesterday''s incident that made me cry. After all, I woke up, because yesterday I forgot to turn on the light before going to bed.


    "You do not want breakfast?"


    I had recovered my consciousness this time, so I could tell who was talking outside the room. "Yes, Mom. I aming to breakfast. Wait a minute."


    My puppy barked at the door, and Dex even scratched him. "My good boy knows it is Mom," I muttered, shaking my head.


    I got out of bed and walked over to Dex. Mom did not make a sound, but I was pretty sure that she was still in the same ce. After getting there, I opened the door, and sure enough, it was Mom. She was not alone, because there was Ben next to her. What had happened to make them wait for me?


    "Hurry up! You will bete for ss."


    I frowned. "What? I will bete for a ss?"


    Mom red as if there was something strange about my question just now. "Lizzy, don''t you remember what day it is?"


    "Huh?"


    I could not think clearly, because I remembered that today was Saturday.


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    "There is something wrong with you. Do you need to see a doctor?" Mom''s question made me think back to that damn incident in the elevator yesterday. Why did I have to meet An? He ruined everything!


    I could only shake my head. Mom could not know what had happened, because she would surely do everything she could to find and capture An, even if it were the right thing for that bastard youth, but it was better to avoid him. "I am doing fine, Mom."


    Well, I had no choice but to lie anyway, then turn my back and close the door. I would be trying to find a good and trustworthy psychiatrist on the inte so that I could get therapy for the two damn phobias that appeared without my will. I turned back the way I came and saw Mom and Ben''s faces, which did not seem satisfied with my answer just now. They did not believe I was okay, so pretending nothing was wrong was much safer. "Why are both of you staring at me like that?" I asked, without feeling guilty at all.


    "Your behaviour is really suspicious, Lizzy. I will find out what was going on with you," replied Mom, who never stopped staring at me.


    "Mom, please." I tried to stop this ridiculous conversation that could definitely bring me to ruin.


    I had not received an answer from Mom yet, but even without words, I knew what she was thinking. Ben also seemed to have the same opinion because his expression was the same as Mom''s. They were so annoying! I had to stay calm so they would not be suspicious and stop asking the same questions. Hopefully, they will not prolong this crazy conversation any more!


    "Okay."


    Mom and Ben turned around, much to my relief. They walked first, while I followed behind them. I heard Dex barking. When I looked toward the source of the sound, it was my good boy staring expectantly. I knew what he wanted, so I picked up this cute puppy.


    "I will not forget you, Dex. Thank you for keeping mepanyst night," I said, softly.


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    ***


    A few momentster,


    Mom, Ben, and I arrived at the dining room. There was already a familiar figure sitting at the head. Dad was reading the newspaper, but I was sure he must have noticed using but was pretending not to know. All phobiase from Dad''s coercion. If he were not my biological father, I would kill him for sure!


    We sat in our usual chair without making a sound. I put Dex on the empty seat on the left. Four waiters came over to our ce. They carried a tray of food and drinks. I was not very excited about going about my usual activities. Should I go to campus today?


    "Lizzy."


    I was surprised because I heard the greeting and immediately turned towards the caller. I instantly regretted that action, because it turned out that the person was Dad. "What was wrong, Dad?" I asked tly.


    I hoped Dad did not ask weird questions like he used to. I could not stand his authoritarian nature. Should I leave this ce as soon as possible so he could not disturb me? "I wanted to ask, did you-"


    ***

 Annoying Interruption

    In a luxury apartment, on the twenty-third floor to be precise,


    A well-built man has just finished showering. He was shirtless, and only a towel wrapped around his waist covered his private area. His left hand held another towel that was used on the head area, which was still half wet. The handsome man walked over to the desk, and there was an open document featuring a photo of a beautiful girl. Alex smiled when he saw the photo, and the events in the elevator reminded him of how they met. "Arletta. What is she doing? How can I get close to that girl?"


    A thirty-two-year-old guy continued to scrutinize the picture without blinking, and then he rubbed the target''s cheek area. "I will not let you go, Lizzy. You must be mine forever."


    The young man''s eyes moved to the document, then picked up the paper that he had printed out, and he was silent for a few moments. "Hm... this is both difficult and interesting. I did not expect that the girl I like is the daughter of the Queen of The Hidden Dragon. I should back off, but I can''t do it, because there has not been a girl who has caught my eye except for her."


    That tall man was still staring at the paper he was holding and reading the words carefully. "Full name Arletta Jessica McDowell. Twenty years old and a full schrship recipient at Dumorz University. Besides being beautiful, this girl is also smart. I like her."


    In the midst of the silence, there was suddenly a soundrge enough to distract the young man. He looked toward the nightstand, where a device was vibrating, apanied by the sound of music. Alex was forced to put the paper back on the table and then walked to the source of the sound.


    "Tsk! Who the hell is calling me?" Alex grumbled, unhappy at being interrupted.


    When he got there, the sharp-nosed man picked up the phone and looked at the screen. Alex answered the call, but he seemed reluctant to have a conversation with the caller. Alexander An Ainsley: "Hello."


    The one hundred and ny-five-centimetre tall man still remembered Arletta, especially when they kissed. However, he tried to focus on the conversation on the phone. Someone: "Alex! Where have you been?"


    Alex''s face showed no change, even though he was cheerfully greeted by the other person. He just remained silent as if not interested in responding to the question. Alexander An Ainsley: "Who dared invite that slut to the partyst night?"


    I would not forgive whoever dared to do that. I disliked meeting that damn woman because she reminded me of an incident that should have been forgotten, thought Alex, whose heart was filled with resentment. The caller was silent, which made Alex''s suspicions grow. However, the hazel-eyed man was still waiting for an answer from the other person. A minute passed, so Alex got tired of waiting and tried to get an answer. Alexander An Ainlsey: "Why are you silent? Answer me."


    Who was the asshole who ruinedst night''s party at the club? I swear to get an act of revenge because that incident has made me very angry. That bitch even dared to touch me, so she had to die! Alex was determined, and he would not back down until his goal was aplished.


    Someone: "Come on, Alex. Can''t you just talk about something else?"


    A man who loved swimming grumbled because he could not believe thements from a guy who imed to be a good friend.


    How dare they betray me. I have known three friends for a long time and yesterday they chose to hurt me and did not respect the boundaries, then it is better to stay away from them because they have crossed the line! Alex thought full of hatred.


    Alexander An Ainsley: "Okay if you do not want to confess it."


    Without further ado, he pressed a red phone icon, ending the conversation. Alex grinned, then put the phone back on the nightstand. "He will not want to tell the truth. There is no point in talking to him any more." Alex wiped his head with the towel again. The macho man was reminded of a special girl he had fallen in love with. Their unexpected meeting had made Alex smile, as it had all been a wonderful memory for him. "Should I tell Damien about Letta? I do not want to get any trouble with The Red Opium," he muttered while thinking.


    It was quiet in the room again, and Alex had finished drying his hair. A man who was not easy to fall in love saw the cell phone ring again, but he was reluctant to take the object because he had seen a name on the screen. Alex let the device continue to ring until the caller gave up and the phone went silent again. He felt uneasy, as his longing for Arletta grew. This made him even more restless, but Alex tried to find a way out.


    "There is no way I aming to Arletta''s ce to see her, let alone uninvited. Should I remind Rayner of our agreement?" said Alex, confused. The young guy had yet toe up with an idea to deal with his problem.


    A man with brownish-blonde hair was silent for a long time, and then an idea came to mind. He ced the towel on the edge of the bed, then picked up the device on the nightstand. Without waiting any longer, Alex tapped the screen and got busy with the phone.


    After a few minutes, Alex returned to staring intently at the screen. He had a serious look on his face. "If Louis was not busy, then he would have called me right away."


    Alex quickly made his way to the walk-in closet, and once there he started to get dressed. Just as the young man finished with his activities, the same voice was heard again. However, this time his face did not look upset. "It must be Louis," he said, confidently.


    The sound of the phone ringing echoed in the room. Alex walked towards the source of the sound, and soon he was there. He picked up the phone, pressed the screen, and pointed it at his left ear. Alexander An Ainsley: "Hello."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hopefully, he would give me the information I need, since it was rted to my future with my girl. Alex hoped to himself, as he waited for the other person''s reaction.


    Louis Movena: "Hello, boss. I just found out some interesting news about Miss Arletta."


    Alex''s t expression changed. The sturdy-armed man even smiled, though such actions were rare.


    Alexander An Ainsley: "What was the news? Tell me quickly."


    I knew that Louis would not y games with me. He always did everything I told him to do and it was the best of his ability! Alex thought happily.


    Louis Movena: "I heard that at Mr. Rayner''s house there will be-"


    ***

 An Awkward Situation

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    "I wanted to ask, do you have ns to get married anytime soon?"


    "What?" I was wide-eyed when I heard Dad''s question which was really out of the ordinary.


    Lord, why do I even have a father who was as obnoxious as he was? What sins did Imit in my past life that have caused me to get in trouble with Rayner? Could I live a simple life like others and have a pair of sane and normal parents? "Yes. You heard me right. You are already old enough to think about it."


    I could not stand Dad''s authoritarian attitude anymore. How could Dad say something like that so easily? Has he lost his mind?


    "No. I still want to study and do not want to marry anyone."


    I did not want to be outdone by this crazy situation. I nced at Mom and Ben and their faces looked unhappy with Dad''s question. I hoped they would defend me in this situation.


    "Honey, what did you mean? Lizzy is still young. She has not graduated from college yet and needs to focus on her studies."


    Great! Now I heard Mom''s voice. Thank God she helped me. Dad has indeed lost his mind and could not be left alone!


    "It was a fair question. Who knows, Lizzy really wants to get married at a young age, but she was afraid to tell us."


    It was easy for Dad to talk like that. He thought that I wanted to get married at a young age. Seriously! I could not imagine being married to Sammy, especially since we often fight over trivial things. How could a household be happy if a husband and wife were always fighting?


    "I never thought so, Dad. Studyinges first." I had to stop this crazy conversation. Somebody, please help me! Hopefully, this was just a dream, and when I woke up, everything was back to normal.


    "You should start thinking about it, Lizzy. Time will fly by, and you will be graduating soon. You must think about it." Dad was still Dad. He would not budge, let alone listen to anyone else''s advice.


    Sometimes, I wonder why Mom wanted to marry Dad. A man like that did not deserve to be a life partner, let alone a father.


    "Lizzy is still a little girl. I do not agree with her getting married."


    Thanks, Mom! I really appreciated your help, and it meant a lot to me. Dad picked up a cup of coffee and sipped slowly. Because of his absurd behaviour, the atmosphere in the dining room became tense. We remained silent as if we were waiting for Dad to say something.


    "I am not asking Lizzy to get married tomorrow. Our daughter is the first child and already has a boyfriend. If her rtionship with Sammy is not serious, then their rtionship should end."


    I almost pounded the table, not believing what I had just heard. What? Dad just told me to break up with Sammy! What was Dad''s brain made of, anyway?


    "That is nonsense, Honey. Lizzy and Sammy are still young and definitely not thinking of getting married anytime soon." I could hear Mom''s voice, which was indeed annoyed but still polite.


    I gripped the edge of the chair I was sitting on. What did I dreamst night? Why did I get a strange question about marriage this morning? What year is it that children are required to get married at a young age? I could not think of anything


    now.


    "I did not ask for your opinion, Wifey." Dad turned to me and gave me a serious look.


    "Lizzy. You are the eldest child. You have to think about the future. If there is no certainty in your rtionship with Sammy, then just leave him."


    "No way!" I blurted out, causing Dad to re at me.


    Well, I did not fucking care about him! I did not want to follow Dad''s silly wishes, because the marriage topic was scary and very serious. Could Dad, for once, think about his children''s feelings, especially me?


    "Just think about that. I will ask you this again three monthster and you should be able to give me a definite answer."


    Damn him! I was about to open my mouth to argue, but I heard Mom''s voice. "Honey. Please do not ruin this breakfast."


    Dad paused, then exhaled heavily. He did not say anything else. That crazy man seemed disappointed with me, but in reality, I was the one who felt that way! "Okay." That was all Dad said.


    Dad stopped talking and started eating, while I had lost my appetite. Dex was barking, so I turned my attention to him. My good boy seemed to know when I was upset or sad, and I thank God that I had him in my life. Dex would be always be my precious dog.


    I rubbed Dex''s head a few times. I nced at the back of the chair where my dog was sitting, and there was already an empty bowl. He must have devoured all his food while Dad and I were arguing. "Good boy," I muttered, smiling.


    Dex stared with sparkling eyes. I smiled slightly because I saw his funny behaviour, even though I had been angered by Dad''s attitude earlier. After finishing rubbing the puppy''s head, I looked at the te that was still filled with food. Could I eat this in my room? I did not want to see my dad.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I wish Rayner was not my biological dad or I was not their daughter! Could I just ask Mom and Dad for a DNA test to prove my wish? Would they agree or would they get angry? I am the one who should be angry!


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    I nced at Mom, and she signalled with her eyes that she wanted me to eat breakfast here. I had to nod, not wanting to antagonize Mom. After all, she had helped, so I didn''t want to cause trouble with her.


    I ate my food reluctantly. The atmosphere in the dining room became awkward, and this was what made me not feel at home when Dad was around. He always opened up silly conversations that led to arguments, and Ben and I were very distressed by his attitude.


    When I identally turned to Ben, he motioned for me to leave the dining room as soon as possible. I nodded, and he stood up first. I followed my only brother, carrying Dex. We walked out of the room without saying a word to Mom or Dad. "I do not like what Dad was talking about earlier." Ben started speaking in a low tone, once we were far enough away from the cursed dining room.


    "Yeah. I do not know why Dad is even asking about marriage when he knows I am still in college." I replied to Ben''s words because Dad''s behaviour was strange.


    Ben did not respond, so we walked in silence. The sunlight was already here, but I still felt irritated. "Sissy."


    I looked back, and there was Ben. Why was he even there? Wasn''t my brother next door?


    "What was wrong?" I asked, raising both eyebrows.


    "I have my suspicions. Perhaps Dad has nned-"


    ***

 Sibling Conversation Part One

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    "I have my suspicions. Perhaps Dad has nned something bad for you, Sissy." Ben answered my question with a serious look.


    I could notment yet, because what Ben said seemed strange. Dad was annoying, and I often wished for him to die quickly because I could not stand his authoritarian behaviour. Despite all that, it never urred to me that Dad would do something crazy to us.


    "Did you think so?"


    I still did not dare specte further. Dad''s attitude in the dining room did show some irregrities because he never discussed my marriage.


    "Yes. I was thinking about it. The red g I noticed was the way he talked about your rtionship with Sammy, and he suggested you must break up with him if he was not serious with you. Dad is crazy, but everything he said when we were about to have breakfast was beyond logic."


    Ben was smart and analytical. He was indeed a great guy. It was a good thing, yet a blessing, that I had him as my only brother! If Ben had inherited Dad''s madness, I would have killed him!


    "I was thinking the same thing, but what makes Dad have to do that?"


    I did not want to jump to conclusions if I had not found evidence or witnesses to support Ben''s suspicions.


    "I still do not know, Sissy. You have to be careful because Dad has warned you to give an answer in three months."


    Damn! I had forgotten about Dad''s threat, but as soon as possible, I remembered it again because Ben reminded me. Why did Dad want me to get married? Maybe he wanted to set me up with someone just like in the novels or movies?


    I could only sigh heavily. Well, I never wanted to be born into this family. Err, I mean I did not want to have a crazy father like Rayner. Dad had been making so many demands on his children that we could not anything even argue. Living in this mansion was like living in hell!


    "I have no idea. Hopefully, Dad is not that bad, but we all know what he can do."


    What could I say? I could not make any usations, even though suspicions were already arising in my heart, let alone Ben who felt it first.


    "Be careful, Sissy. I will try to look into it, even if it seems impossible."


    I nodded, out of respect for his opinion. Ben and I did fight sometimes, but not as badly as with Dad.


    "Thank you, Ben. I am tired of all of Dad''s actions, especially since he was already asking about marriage. It was beyond my imagination because that was a sensitive and serious topic."


    None of my peers are married yet. Most of them prefer to stick to their studies and part-time jobs. I have never heard them talk about a long-termmitment, and none of them talk about when the right time to get married was. "You are not alone, Sissy. Dad also forced me to get into business administration and management, while I wanted to major in chemical and physical biology." Ben began to pour out his feelings, and I just listened.


    Sometimes, all we need is someone who is willing to hear all our stories without judgment. That was what I did for Ben, and he did the same.


    "When did Dad force you?" I asked as it was a topic I had never heard before from Ben.


    "Two days ago, before you went to his office, Sissy," Ben replied with a troubled face. I felt sorry for my only brother because, since childhood, he had always received the same treatment from his Dad. "So?"


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    I wish I could do more for Ben and me. Our lives were veryplicated, and not everyone could understand. I thought to myself, how long could I hide my identity from Sammy? He did not know about my extraordinary family, especially Mom. Mom was not an ordinary woman and housewife.


    "I refused and Dad was furious. I did not give a fuck and left him alone."


    Wow! Ben was very brave, and I appreciated the action by whistling once. My brother smiled bitterly, probably because he remembered that bitter event. I did not me him.


    "That was great! I wish I could do it too." I praised Ben because he deserved it.


    My only brother walked towards me and I just watched him. Now Ben was standing on my right. Ben was taller, so I had to look up while he looked down. "We would better chat in your room, Sissy. Here, even walls have ears." "Okay."


    We walked back, and Dex was still in my arms. An''s face suddenly appeared, which annoyed me so much that I almost swore. Why did that bastard''s face always appear at unexpected moments? I needed to find a psychiatrist soon so that it could not interfere with my daily activities, including sleeping.


    Ben, Dex and I arrived in front of a room. I opened the door, and it opened by itself. We entered the room, and my brother closed the door.


    I walked to the left, where there was a rectangr wooden table. There was a long sofa and two single sofas ced on the left and right sides of the table. When I got there, I sat on the long sofa and then put Dex on myp. Ben came over and chose to sit on the single sofa on the right.


    "Sissy. May I talk something serious here?" Ben opened the conversation, which made me frown.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Go on. What would you like to talk with me?"


    I was curious because Ben rarely acted like this. My brother always talked about everything, including girls who tried to get close, but never asked formally like this. What had happened to him?


    "Were you and Sammy happy during the rtionship?"


    What? What was going on? Why was Ben suddenly asking about my happiness with Sammy? Had Mom told him to find out about my change in attitude yesterday, so he assumed that it was because we had a fight? I would better see where this conversation going.


    Iughed spontaneously in order to distract Ben, and it turned out that my efforts were indeed sessful. "What is so funny, Sissy?"


    "You are the funny one, Ben. Do you have a crush on a girl, so now you want to know what it is like to have a girlfriend?"


    Ben shook his head. "I have not thought about that kind of thing. I am asking because I have noticed that you are sometimes happy, but at other times you seem annoyed."


    He was right. Sammy could be fun at times, but at other times he could be a real pain in the ass!


    "Dating is not always fun, Ben. Sammy often fusses over little things, so we fight a lot."


    "Hm... is that really it, Sissy?" Ben did not seem to believe my answer just now.


    "So, what do you want to know?" I deliberately provoked Ben''s curiosity.


    "Have you and Sammy doing-"


    ***

 Sibling Conversation Part Two

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    "Have you and Sammy doing something crossed the line like had sex?"


    I red when I heard Ben''s question. "What? Are you out of your mind?"


    "Yes, it could be that you are doing so and are afraid of being found out by Mom, which makes your attitude strange."


    Yeah, my guess was proven. Ben had deliberately asked that question because he saw the change in my behaviour yesterday. I was a little relieved that he did not mention my two phobias.


    "I am a virgin until now. Did you think Sammy and I had that such audacity?"


    Ben''s spontaneous questions were sometimes beyond logic because Sammy and I did not go as far as my brother alleged. We like to hold hands, hug each other, or kiss and nothing more than that.


    "Who knew you were forced by Sammy? If it was true, tell me. I will kill him."


    Oh, well. I did not me Ben, but Sammy''s not that low. He never forced me to have sex.


    "No, he never asked me like that. Sammy does have a lot of annoying sides, but he''s not a yer, let alone a sex criminal."


    I was not defending Sammy, but he was not what Ben thought he was. My boyfriend never asked for sex, especially since he knew that it was strictly forbidden by Mom. I still remember when I brought him home, Mom hadid out all the family rules, including that we had to remain virgins and that we could only have sex when we were married.


    "Are you sure?" Ben asked, but his gaze still showed no trust in me.


    I quickly shook my head. If Ben still thought so, then it could be bad. My silly brother could report this crazy conversation to Mom. I knew him so well.


    I was lucky because Mom was not the type of person who trusted anyone easily. Before deciding anything, Mom always investigated what happened to her subordinates.


    "Yes, I am. Why would I lie? You think Mom does not know what we are doing in or out of this house?" I answered with confidence.


    "I hope you are telling the truth, Sissy. Do not let me see you crying and you admit you''re pregnant with Sammy''s child."


    I threw the pillow on the side of the sofa at Ben. It hit my brother in the face. "Are you crazy? I can''t possibly lose my virginity that easily!"


    Damn it! Were there so many girls pregnant outside of marriage at Ben''s school that he could say that? I knew that having sex with your boyfriend or fianc¨¦ was amon thing in Dumorz, but that did not mean that everyone behaved the same way. Our family was one of them.


    Ben did not throw the void back but instead put the object on hisp. His t face seemed to indicate that everything was fine. "I am not crazy, Sissy. I have often heard girls'' stories about how they got pregnant, then their boyfriends did not want to take responsibility, so they had to abort the fetus in the womb. I do not want that to happen to you."


    "How can you listen to the girl''s stories when you are so cold to them?"


    This time, I was suspicious of Ben''s exnation. He was known as one of those young men who was not easily approached by any girl.


    My brother shrugged both shoulders. "How could I not hear that, they are always looking for a quiet ce, and I was there."


    I tried to digest everything Ben said. He seemed serious, and I was aware of my brother''s attitude. "So, did you think that I did the same as them? How long have you known me? We have been siblings since you were born."


    I did not me Ben, but the crazy topic of pregnancy had to be stopped as soon as possible before the chaotic assumptions got any wilder. Ben was just making sure that I, his sister, was okay, although his method was very strange, even beyond my imagination.


    "It is precisely because I have known you since birth that I am asking honestly." Ben said earnestly.


    There were times when everything was fun, especially when you had an attentive little brother, even though he was quiet. It was just that Ben''s ways were magical. Not everyone could understand his different way of thinking. I hoped that whoever became my brother''s girlfriend would be ready with all of Ben''s sometimes antique, critical, and strange behaviour.


    "I do not want to be naked in front of my boyfriend, Ben. That is my life principle."This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I was not a hypocrite; the temptation to do more than kiss Sammy existed. However, when good family rules had be part of my life''s guidelines, they would control me, and I was happy to live by them.


    Ben kept quiet, while still watching me. Was this a good sign or the opposite? Hopefully, my brother would not ask the same question, or he would find an unexpected source of new questions. Ben''s attitude was really suspicious! "In that case, why were you acting strange yesterday when you came home from Dad''s office? If I am not mistaken, you were driven home by Sammy, right?" Ben asked many questions, and I was not surprised.


    "I was fed up with Dad''s attitude, plus Sammy and I fought all the way home. It put me in a bad mood and I just wanted to be angry. I had to see a psychiatrist, because I could not take all the stress." I answered calmly, not wanting to mention the core problem that caused the real reason.


    Yeah, they did not need to know about the damn incident in the elevator. I wish that part were gone forever from my mind, but was that possible? I wish I could turn back the time. I would note to my dad''s office, or at least, I coulde at a different time.


    Ben frowned. "Why do you need therapy? You are perfectly healthy!"


    I grinned, but only briefly. "Therapy is important, Ben. If we are under so much pressure that we can''t think or there are other reasons, it is better to go to an expert. Do not take your mental health lightly."


    I disagree with my brother''s assumption. Everyone needed therapy, including Ben and me. Since our childhood, we have been under pressure from Dad, so all the hurt, trauma, stress, and anxiety that had long settled in the soul must be healed immediately by someone who waspetent in their field.


    "Then have you found a psychologist or psychiatrist in Dumorz?"


    That was a good question. I myself had not found that person at all, not knowing where to look. "I have not found one yet. Do you have any rmendations or perhaps have heard your friends talk about a good psychiatrist?"


    Ben shook his head, so my hopes of going to a psychiatrist were dashed.


    "Sissy, why do you not ask Mom?"


    I shook my head, as the idea was not a good one. "No. I do not want to trouble her."


    "In that case, how can you-"


    ***

 Anxiety Attack

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    "Then how can you go there if you have not found a good psychiatrist yet?" Ben asked with his usual t stare.


    "I will look for information in newspapers, magazines, or anywhere else until I find it. I need a psychiatrist as soon as possible, especially since Dad is acting up again at breakfast." I answered Ben''s question, but the feeling of annoyance with Dad still lingered in my head.


    "I understand. Tell me if you need anything."


    Thank God he had stopped asking weird questions. I became relieved but did not lose my guard. I did not let my brother ask about the topic of pregnancy outside marriage. Besides, it was a sensitive subject here, and I was afraid that I would let Ben in on the truth.


    "Okay. I will do it."


    There was no harm in saying that to reassure my brother. Ben would have felt strange if he knew his sister did not respond to his words as usual. We did not speak to each other, but I nced at Dex. My good boy was silent, but he was looking at me with a funny look.


    "I have to go now. Take care, Sissy."


    I turned to the sofa where Ben was sitting. He had risen to his feet and was walking towards the door. I smiled with relief because the conversation had stopped, and he was not suspicious at all. "Thanks, Bro."


    Ben nodded in response. He reached the door, opened it, and walked out of the room. Now, it was just Dex and me. I still vividly remember all the conversations with my only brother.


    "I feel bad for Sammy because he got a negative judgment from Ben," I murmured while stroking the head of my favourite puppy.


    "But, if Ben did not think like that, then things could get serious for me. Ben must have been sent by Mom to ask what made me behave strangely yesterday and of course, all our conversations were reported to her." Somehow, I even felt that something was missing, but I could not find what it was, so now I tried to remember. "Ah, I forgot my cell phone!"


    Without waiting any longer, I quickly stood up from the sofa. "That was bad. Did I charge my phonest night? I can''t remember at all."


    I reached near the bed and started to grope the area where I had beenst night, but there was nothing there. No. It could not happen, but I did not want to give up! I wish I could find a cell phone because that thing is crucial in life. "Where is my cell phone? Oh, no! I hope I did not lose it. Damn! Why did I forget such an important thing, anyway?"


    I almost cried because I could not find my cell phone. All the important phone numbers, including the restaurant where I worked, were there. What should I do? I could not find it, so panic set in. The two phobias that appeared at night actually made me careless because I ignored other things, including my favourite gadgets.


    I kept trying to search all sides of the bed but could not find it. Where else to look? I stopped looking and then nced around. "I am sure the cell phone is not missing, I just forgot where I put it. I hope to find it soon."


    For some unknown reason, I felt like all roads were closed. I did not want to be defeated by the situation, so I tried to stay calm by inhaling through my nose and exhaling from my mouth for one to two minutes. Suddenly, I had an idea, which brought back the hope of finding a cell phone.


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    "Yes! I know what to do."


    I started walking towards the desk that was used for studying. When I got there, I picked up a bag that I had brought with me when I went to Dad''s office and opened it. I was very relieved because the thing I had been looking for was there. "Great!"


    I checked my phone, and the battery showed fifty per cent. So many messages appeared on the screen, two of which were from Gwen and Sammy. My boyfriend even called, but I did not answer because I did not know. "Sam must be angry, but I do not care."


    I quickly tapped the screen and started concentrating on it. I typed the message for a minute, and after I finished, I reread it as soon as possible to minimize typing errors, aka typos. Once it felt okay, I sent the message to the destination number.


    I did not know why my heart beat faster. Damn! If only the electricity in the elevator had been working properly yesterday, then I would have been safe, and even able to do my usual activities. Fate was strange; hopefully, I would never experience the same bad event as in Dad''s office again!


    "I have to stay strong, so Mom and Ben don''t get suspicious. You can do it, Lizzy." I tried to encourage myself because that was all I could do at this point. There was no point inmenting because the unfortunate incident had happened. I heard the sound of the device. It was Professor Grommer and Professor Gathroz. I opened the messages with great anxiety. Thank God they were able to ept my excuses and allow me to skip the lecture.


    My index finger identally pressed the ''back'' option, bringing me back to the main menu. I remembered my usual part-time job, so I quickly checked my work schedule. I tapped my forehead, realizing that I still had to work as normal today. "Now to contact Mr. Meier."


    Yeah. Jonathan Meier was the manager of the restaurant where I worked. He was always firm and friendly. Hopefully, when I asked for permission to be absent, he would understand the situation and would not object to my absence.


    I searched for the restaurant''s name that was already stored in my phone''s memory. After finding it, I immediately pressed a green phone-shaped icon and waited for a dial tone. If I am not mistaken, the restaurant opened at nine in the morning, but the employees on the morning shift had to be on standby since seven to prepare everything, including cleaning the ce.


    I was relieved when I heard the dial tone from the other side and was already preparing to speak to the manager. Someone was picking up the phone, so I was looking forward to starting the conversation first.


    Me: "Hello."


    Ah, I almost forgot. Maybe I should have asked the old staff at the restaurant. Could I ask Mr. Meier for permission directly, or should I go to the server captain? I was afraid if I went directly to him, the captain would take offence. Someone: "Hello, this is Aloya speaking. Gran Pasta and Pizza. May I help you?"


    I had never heard of a name like Aloya''s before, and I noticed that. Was she the new kid there? Yeah, she probably was.


    Me: "Hello. This is Arletta. Can I talk to-"Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ***

 Ask for Permission

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    Me: "Hello. This is Arletta. Can I talk to Mandy?"


    If I am not mistaken, Mandy was the captain server at Gran Pasta and Pizza. We were not very close, because Mandy seemed to keep her distance from all the servers there. Many of her coworkers did not like her overbearing attitude. Aloya: "Mandy? Do you mean that Mandy is Veriza Mandy?"


    Why did this girl have to say Mandy''s family name first and then her first name? She was so weird! Was it happening because she was a new employee?


    Me: "Aloya, the right one is Mandy Veriza. Please give this phone to her. Urgent."


    I tried to remain patient. Why did this strange girl seem to be prolonging the conversation unnecessarily? How many Mandys worked at Gran that she had to mention her full name? If Mandy had known it, she might have been unhappy with Aloya.


    Aloya: "Wait a minute please."


    Soon, another voice was recognized as the waiting tone often used when calling the intended person. I rolled my eyes, annoyed with Aloya. I hoped Mandy would not make it difficult to get permission so I could find a reputable psychiatristter.


    "I have to tell my mom that today I am absent from ss. I can''t be absent for too long because it could affect my grades. I do not want to lose my full schrship," I mumbled while thinking about what to do. Someone: "Hello?"


    Hey! Why am I hearing a male voice and not a female? Mandy was a female, and we met several times and worked together. Was I dreaming, or was it the other way around? Me: "Excuse me. My name is Arletta. Can I speak with Mandy?"


    I had to repeat the purpose of contacting the workce. Who knows if the person answering the phone was someone else who did not know my problem, or maybe Mandy did not want to talk to me?


    Someone: "I see. Letta, why do you want to talk to Mandy? What do you need?"


    This man did not tell me his name, making me curious and confused. Would it be polite of me to ask who he was?


    Me: "I would like to request permission to be absent from work, so I need to talk with Mandy. Is she there, sir?"


    I spoke politely because who knew it was Mr. Jonathan Meier? Even if it was not him, I still had to be polite as usual.


    Someone: "Why do you want to miss work? Has something happened to you?"


    I was stunned to hear those two questions. Perhaps my guess that the man was Mr. Jonathan was correct. I did not want him to ask me so many questions that I would make it difficult for myself. Me: "I am sick and will go to the doctor, sir."


    Did my voice sound convincing? I actually did not like doing this, but yesterday''s incident messed everything up!


    Someone: "Okay. How long have you been absent? So I can tell Mandy and change the schedule."


    Hm... this man was indeed Mr. Jonathan! But what if he was someone else? He still would not reveal his name. Was now the right time to ask, but how?


    Me: "About three days, sir."


    Somehow my lips ended up saying three days, even though I was still confused about how long it would take to calm down.


    Someone: "Three days? Okay. Get well soon, Letta. If you need an extra day off or anything else, do not be afraid to let us know."


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    If I thought about it, this firm but the formal tone of voice was something only managers have. I rarely met Mr. Jonathan because he was busy at the restaurant. The captain usually delivered the briefing unless there was a special event. I rarely receive calls from Mr. Jonathan, so I did not know his voice, but if I did not check, I would never know.


    Me: "Thank you, Mr. Meier."


    I was desperate to say the manager''s name, and hopefully, the man was indeed Mr. Jonathan. There was no harm in trying, even though I was still unsure about the identity of the person who answered my phone. Someone: "You are wee. Do not forget to include the doctor''s statement."


    Dheg! How did I get that letter, huh? I would have to cooperate with Mom at this rate, but was that the right solution? I did not think so.


    Me: "Yes, sir. I will give the doctor statement after I go back to work."


    I had no other choice. I had to ask Mom for help, because The Hidden Dragon group had facilities that could be used for the public, such as hotels, schools, and hospitals. Mom would want to know the details, and I hoped that all the ns would go smoothly without being suspected by my parents, let alone Mom. She could kill anyone who hurts her family, especially her children.


    Someone: "Good. Get well soon and have a nice day."


    The man I had been talking to did not object when I referred to him as Mr Meier, which meant he was the one. He would have denied it if it was not him and told me his real name. Me: "Thank you, sir."


    Someone: "You are wee. Is there anything else you want to tell me?"


    Aha! This was a golden opportunity! I thought back to the restaurant''s licensing, and while Mr. Meier was the one who opened the question, I realized that it was certainly not going to be wasted!


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    Me: "Pardon, sir. If I want to ask for permission or maybe change shifts, should I go to Mandy, or can I go to Mr. Meier directly?"


    I hoped Mr. Meier would answer because I did not want to be judged as jumping the fence, aka preferring to go to the boss, without regard to the hierarchy of positions.


    Someone: "You should tell Mandy. She is the leader on the floor, so unless she is on vacation, you can tell me directly. After that, you keep her informed."Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Great! I rarely ask for permission or swap shifts, so Mr. Meier''s answer was reassuring.


    Me: "Am I required to fill out a form, sir?"


    I had almost forgotten about the forms or anything else rted to administration. If I am not mistaken, Mandy or anyone else rarely talked about these things, so I was confused. Someone: "You can ask Mandy. She will give you the form ording to your request."


    Me: "Thank you for your exnation, sir."


    One problem after another had been solved. Now, it was just a matter of figuring out how to talk to Mom to get some doctor''s letters stating that I was indeed sick, which were addressed to the university, including to the professor and Mr. Meier, and of course, finding a credible psychiatrist.


    Someone: "You are wee, Letta. Anything else you would like to ask?"


    Me: "Mr. Meier, I-"


    ***

 Try to Focus

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    I just arrived at the office, but could not concentrate because I arrived too early. I kept thinking about Arletta. It turned out that she did have ustrophobia and nyctophobia, but they rarely recur. Perhaps yesterday''s incident had awakened both phobias? I had never seen a girl act strangely like that, so I did not know what to do.


    "Is my girl home? Who dropped her off at the college? Shit! This is the first time I''ve ever thought about a girl so much," I muttered, agitated.


    I looked at the clock on the wall. It was already ten in the morning. Ah, I thought back to yesterday''s events. If I am not mistaken, Arletta and I also met around ten o''clock. Fortunately, there was no important meeting today, so it did not interfere with my activities.


    I heard a knock on the door. Was it Tom? No one was allowed to enter here at random unless he had made an appointment first. "Who is that?" I asked, unenthused.


    "This is Tom, sir," my assistant answered from behind the door.


    "Come in." I allowed Thomas to enter my room. Perhaps he wanted to give me some important documents or other information.


    "Yes, sir."


    I turned my head towards the door, which opened from the outside when Thomas got in there and did not forget to close the door, while I watched his actions.


    Thomas walked over to me, and in his hands were some documents that looked like they needed my signature. I would let the assistant exin, and working is a great way to distract myself from thinking about Arletta. Thomas was already standing in front of me, separated only by a desk and two chairs. "Sir, here are some documents that require your signature."


    Thomas handed over the documents, and I epted them. I want to work more and earn money for the future, especially if I get married to Arletta. As a man, I would not let my woman get hot, cold, and hungry if we lived together. Arletta had to live happily with me, so there was no room for another man toe into our lives! Now was the perfect time to prepare everything, even though I was still confused about how to get into my girl''s life. "Tom, are there any meetings with clients or MOU signings this week or next week?" I asked seriously.


    I did not want to lose a single business opportunity. Time was money, and I did not want to waste the golden opportunity that came my way! I needed more money because I wanted to get serious with a girl, Arletta. She encouraged me to work even harder, but on the one hand, there was no official rtionship between us.


    "There are no more meetings with clients this week, sir. In the next week, there are three meetings: two have fixed dates and one is still tentative." Thomas answered my question, leaving me speechless and thinking of something I might have forgotten.


    "Did you update my schedule on the calendar as usual?"


    Thomas must know what I meant, and he usually did.


    "I updated your schedule this morning, sir."


    I was d to hear that answer. Thomas had been paid to do the job professionally and had been working with me for quite some time. His performance was also quite good.


    "Okay. I want to ask you something else."


    Was this a good time to pry into how to get along with a woman? Thomas was a man and probably had more experience with that than I did.


    "What is that, sir?"


    I have not told him yet because I did not know where to ask. Honestly, it was difficult to open up about my feelings to my assistant because it was something personal, and not everyone knew about it.


    I shook my head, not ready to ask about how to approach a girl. Arletta and I were still two strangers, even though I had forced her to tell me her name in the elevator.


    "Have othermissioners evere to the office in my absence?"


    Why did I ask something stupid like that? Ah, never mind. Rather than not asking Thomas anything at all, I had already said that.


    "None of the othermissioners havee yet, sir. Usually, their secretaries will call me first if they areing here."


    Thank God Thomas was not suspicious and answered ording to my silly question. I didn''t want to lose my authority in front of anyone, especially my men. Without asking, I already knew that the other fourmissioners were very busy and rarely visited the office. Sometimes we meet at restaurants and talk about business, including thepany''s development, which they entrusted me to manage.


    "Okay. Thanks, Tom."


    I did not know what else to ask, so decided to end the conversation. Before knowing Arletta, I was a workaholic. After getting to know her, my attention began to be divided even though I had to prioritize work, which was my source of ie and responsibility.


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    "Yes, sir. I have to be back in my room." Thomas asked permission to leave the room, and I nodded in response.


    I turned my attention to the documents that were waiting to be signed. Before doing so, I had to check all the writing, so that there were no mistakes, let alone fatal ones. Business is business; there was a risk of loss, and preventing big losses was my job.


    I opened the topmost document, and then carefully read what was on the paper. I continued to do so until the tenth sheet. I sighed, then picked up a pen on the table.


    "I will not approve this document. RM [1] should revise it." I muttered, as I drew lines on sentences that seemed strange and made the necessary notes.


    After finishing writing the points that needed to be changed, I put the document to the left, and picked up another document. I went back and read everything written on it and did not miss a single thing. I agreed with what was written for this new one, so I signed it without hesitation.


    After struggling with the documents for quite some time, my work was finally done. Well, not quite finished, because the working hours were still long and would be cut short by lunchtime. I rejected three documents because they had to be corrected and signed three more.


    "It feels like something is missing. Have I forgotten-"


    ***


    [1] RM = Rtionship Manager

 Crossed Finger Part One

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I have finished talking to Mr. Jonathan Meier, or at least that man might have been him because he did not deny being called that during our conversation. Now, I need to be able to talk to Mom, especially regarding the sick letter requested by the manager.


    "If it is just asking for a doctor confirmation, it should be easy, because The Hidden Dragon has several hospitals spread across Dumorz. In the past when I went there, all the staff, including the doctors and hospital directors recognized me and gave me VVIP treatment, because they all knew I was Mom''s daughter."


    I still remember when I was sick with a fever that turned out to be caused byryngitis. Mom took me to one of the hospitals, and it turned out that they were honouring us, but it confused me. Yeah, if anyone thought the mafia was a lie, they should meet Mom because no one would ever guess that she was the top leader of an influential mafia group in this country.


    "If I am not mistaken, my parent was in the dining room. Is Dad still there or has he gone to the office? I need to see Mom, but what will I say?" I kept muttering while thinking of what would be an effective way to carry out the mission safely, even if it seemed impossible.


    I looked at the screen of my phone which had a digital clock on it. It was already 11:30 AM, and I had not gotten some good ideas. "How should I be-"


    Before I could finish mumbling, there was a knock on the door. My attention was drawn to it. Why would anyone want to enter the room? Who was it? I have told all the servants not to clean the room while I was still here. "Who is that?" I asked in a rather loud voice, havingzily walked that way.


    "Lizzy! Aren''t you going to college?" I recognized Mom''s voice answering my question, which wasing from behind the door.


    Gosh! Mom was here, and it was like she had telepathy. She could suddenly appear, even though I had not called or met her at all. Was this a good or bad sign for me? I had no idea.


    "Wait a minute, Mom!" I had to lie, and hopefully, she would not catch on.


    I crossed my index finger over my middle finger as a sign of wishing for good luck, then walked towards the door with a bit of haste.


    "Lizzy! You will bete getting to college! Come on! Get out from your room!"


    Mom sounded impatient, and that was just how she was. I must be prevented from getting angry with her, because for Mom education came first. "Wait, Mom!"


    I tried to get to the door as quickly as possible because she''d be even more chatty if I did not. It was not umon for Mom to knock relentlessly until her son opened the door. If that happened, then the situation would have be very serious because she was already in a state of anger.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Finally, I arrived at my destination and opened the door. Mom was standing there looking annoyed, but still safe. She looked at me strangely as if there was something wrong with my appearance.


    "Why are you still wearing the same clothes? Did you not take a shower? What was wrong with you?" Mom peppered me with three questions, and they all answered very quickly. Fortunately, I understood what she was asking. "Mom, can we talk for a while?" I purposely did not want to answer all her questions, because I had to talk about something important about my n.


    Mom raised her eyebrow and did not want toment yet. Instead, she looked left and right as if she was monitoring the situation around my room. "What do you want to talk about?" asked Mom in a low voice. "Can we do it in my room for our safety?" I asked, gesturing toward the couch that Ben and I had been using. "Sure."


    Mom came into the room, and I closed the door. I was grateful that she epted the invitation right away because the safety of conversation was everything to us. Mom walked towards the sofa, while I followed her behind. I hope I did not misspeak because the consequences could be fatal. Using the same excuse as I talked to Ben was better so Mom did not get suspicious. Yeah, that was a really good idea.


    Mom sat on the long sofa, and I sat next to her. I hated lying, but it was something I had to do to avoid getting into trouble again. I just wanted to live a normal and happy life, even though the biggest disturbance came from Dad. "Just talk."


    My heart beat faster because Mom asked me to talk. I was not good at lying, but this time, I had to try so that my white lies would not be detected by her. "Mom, I skipped college and worked part-time for three days." I started the lie, already feeling stuck with the problem at hand. All of this was because of Dad!


    Mom red, but she did not interrupt me at all. I was grateful to have a mother who allowed her children to exin things to her until the end.


    "I am not doing this out of my own free will, but my head is about to explode, especially since Dad acted up this morning in the dining room. I can''t think and my mood is ruined. It is impossible to concentrate on studying or working, so I need some days for rest."


    I was surprised at myself for being so good at telling lies. Hopefully, this was a good start, even if it was the wrong way. Mom had notmented yet, as if she was still waiting for additional exnation and I had to find a way to achieve the goal even if it was difficult. May the universe bless this action even though it was wrong.


    "I have contacted the two professors who will be teaching today and Mr Meier, the manager at the restaurant where I work part-time. I only need about three to four doctor''s statements stating that I have a fever and need to rest for three days."


    "Why do you need that many letters?" Mom finally asked but in a probing tone. I was familiar with her habits, so I did not feel that the question was a burden.


    "I need four letters because two letters are for professors, one letter is for the academic department of the college which will be submitted online on the website, then the original must be requested by them. Thest letter is for Mr. Meier, the manager of Gran restaurant." I answered honestly because that was what I needed.


    All ces had rules regarding the absence of their members, including the university where I studied and the ce where I worked.


    "Then where are you going?" asked Mom, after a few minutes of silence.


    "The n is, I will-"


    ***

 Crossed Finger Part Two

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    "The n is, I would to go to one of the clinics or hospitals we usually go to, Mom," I replied, without any hesitation.


    Mom had notmented yet, but her gaze was piercing as if she was trying to get to the bottom of things. I tried to stay calm and act normal, because if there were any suspicion, then Mom would easily know which part was a lie and which part was true.


    "You can''t stand Dad''s attitude anymore, right?"


    I was stunned as Mom''s voice became softer, and not only that, but her face also looked sad. I almost felt guilty for not beingpletely honest, but I had no other choice right now.


    "Yes, Mom. Dad is always forcing me and Ben to do what he wants. We are not robots."


    There were more negatives when I thought about all of Dad''s words and actions. He was supposed to be a good father, but instead, he made us miserable. Mom looked down, so I did not know what to do. Could it be that she felt sad about her husband''s bad behaviour?


    "Mom?" I tried to greet her, but she was silent.


    I did not dare to touch Mom''s shoulder. What should I do? She still remained silent, so I became very confused and could only stare without doing anything else.


    The room was quiet, but I was even afraid that something had happened to Mom. Was she okay? What if she felt something or got sick suddenly?


    "Mom, are you okay?" I asked again and looked down. There were no tears there, and Mom must have been crying inside.


    "I am okay." Mom replied in a trembling voice, but her gaze remained on the tiled floor.


    I knew that Mom felt the opposite and had deliberately said the words just now so as not to worry her. I have been her daughter for twenty years, so I havee to understand her traits, including that one.


    Time went slower for me, because of Mom''s strange behaviour. Dear universe, please forgive me, because that little lie made Mom sad. I did not do this to protect An, but to avoid bigger problems, and to live a normal life without fear. Mom straightened her head, so I spontaneously did the same. What would she say to me?


    "Lizzy, you can go to our usual hospital. I will contact them and make sure you get the four doctor''s letters as you requested."


    I gasped, not believing the words. Wow! Mom approved my request. Why did it happen so soon? I was still confused, but on the other hand, I was happy that she did not ask me more questions.


    "You can take three days off to rest at home or go elsewhere. Use that time for resting your body and mind wisely. I will make sure the situation is safe and that no one knows where you are going."


    I spontaneously hugged Mom, because felt happy mixed with guilt. I rarely skipped sses; I could say this was the first time I had done it. I have been a good student at Dumorz University and have always been like that. Hopefully, within three days, I would have found a trusted psychiatrist and undergone therapy, though I knew that was not enough time.


    "Thanks, Mom." That was all I could say as I tried to keep myself from crying.


    "It is okay. You can undergo counseling with a psychologist or psychiatrist in the hospital, so that you can release your pent-up negative emotions." Mom said as she rubbed my back.


    Damn! Guilt filled my chest even more, especially when Mom mentioned psychiatrists and psychologists. Was it safe to tell them all the problems that had happened? Let''s see. I did not want to take the wrong step, because it could be dangerous. Personal problems should not be told to random people, because someday they could be used to attack us.


    "Yes, Mom. But before going to a psychologist or psychiatrist, I want to go to a general practitioner first."


    Yeah, I would need four doctor''s certificates with sickness information, as I exined to Mom.


    "No need. When you arrive, the receptionist will give you the letter. You just need to choose a senior psychologist or psychiatrist."


    I did not know whether to feel happy or sad when I heard Mom''s exnation. Being a top leader of The Hidden Dragon did have its positives and negatives. One of the advantages was controlling many ces like the hospital, and no one dared to refuse Mom''s orders, because they were gang members too.


    "Noted, Mom. I wish there was a senior psychologist or psychiatrist. If I may, I prefer a psychiatrist instead, Mom."


    I knew that I would be given some drowsy medicine, but I would take it because I didn''t go anywhere for three days unless Gwen or Sammy came to the house.


    "You will get whatever you want, including a senior psychiatrist, Princess. Do not worry."


    To be honest, I was always afraid when Mom called me that. The princess here was not like a princess who leads a kingdom, but the second highest position that would rece Mom in the future. What would my future look like? "Thank you, Queen." It felt so hard to say those words, but I had to do it anyway.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Though I felt bad, I did not want to think about anything else. Hopefully, the senior psychiatrist would cooperate, so that he could provide appropriate therapy and medication for my phobias.


    "Do not be sad anymore. You must stay healthy and sane for the sake of our n''s future."


    At this time, could Mom not remind me of her mafia group? Ben and I did not get to choose what kind of family we were born into, but from a young age, we were burdened with a lot of responsibilities that we were obligated to carry on without our consent.


    "Yes, Mom."


    What could I say? I might not be financially strong enough to live without my parents, but that did not mean I was giving up.


    "Good. Dad has already left for the office so that you can be dropped off by a driver. The shadow guards will always be watching over you, so you do not have to be afraid. If there''s an emergency, just call me."


    Mom seemed to be afraid that the Hidden Dragon''s enemies would suddenly appear. I was also scared that happen because they could act beyond imagination, but I kept a positive mindset that everything would be fine and safe. "I understand. I will do it."


    Mom hugged me tighter and tighter, while I held my anxiety alone.


    ***

 How Is She?

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    It was already 12:20 PM. I was enjoying lunch at a restaurant not far from the office building, to save time. I was in a corner covered by a pole, so not everyone could see what I was doing.


    The waiters at the restaurant seemed to have memorized my habits, so this ce was always vacated, and I was grateful for not having to bother looking for a seat like everyone else. I could not eat my meal peacefully because I was reminded of Arletta. That girl was indeed extremely attractive, so my attention could be drawn to her.


    "You and I were supposed to have lunch together yesterday, but you declined my invitation." I muttered and became annoyed.


    I stared at the scenery outside through the ss that separated my seat from the outdoors. The sun was so strong that many people felt hot. I imagined Arletta''s beautiful face.


    "Is my girl on the Dumorz University? How about I show up there? No. That is not a good idea. She will get really mad, and then just leave. I do not want to be rejected by her if I get there."


    I felt something vibrating and when I looked up at the table, it was my cell phone. I picked it up and saw Louis'' name on the screen. Was he going to deliver some exciting news about Arletta and her family? I hoped so.


    I answered the phone call from Louis, eager to hear the information that the confidant would provide.


    Me: "Hello, Louis."


    I ignored the half-eaten food. This was the first time I had had such special feelings for a girl that I did not want to lose Arletta!


    Louis Movena: "Hello, boss. The woman fromst night has been taken care of."


    I had almost forgotten about the prostitute, being busy working, and remembered Arletta. It was good to hear that the damn woman is out of the way.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Me: "Great! Do not leave a trace."


    As soon as possible I grinned, unable to hide my happiness. This was indeed good news that needed to be appreciated.


    Louis Movena: "Yes, boss. Everything has been done. All was clear."


    I smiled. It was not wrong to hire Louis as a confidant because he was reliable.


    Me: "Good job! Is there any other good news?"


    I hoped Louis said something about my darling. If only I were on vacation, then I could have been desperate to visit the campus or Rayner''s house! Louis Movena: "Miss Arletta did not go to the college, boss."


    What? What happened to my girl until she did note to university? I hoped Arletta was healthy and safe.


    Me: "Are you sure? How is she?"


    I was very curious and hoped that my girl was okay. I know she had Saturdays and Sundays off. Was she going somewhere so she did not go to the college? Louis Movena: "I do not know yet, boss. I saw the car carrying Miss Arletta juste out of the mansion."


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    I had no appetite to continue my lunch. This could not be allowed! In that case, where would Arletta go? If only I could see what my girl was doing twenty-four hours a day, my heart would be at ease.


    Me: "Follow that car, Louis. Keep your distance, because Arletta is the Princess of The Hidden Dragon. The shadow troops must be numerous and always following her."


    I hate having to say thest two sentences, but unfortunately, it was the truth. My girl was the enemy''s daughter, but I fell in love with her! It was tantamount to defying death.


    Louis Movena: "Yes, boss. I have been following her and keeping my distance. I also saw that there were three other cars waiting at some point."


    I would not be surprised if that happened. Three cars following Arletta? I was sure there must be more, but the distance was hidden from the first three cars. The Hidden Dragon Queen protected her princess from harm since my girl was the sessor to her throne. How would Fiona react if she found out that I would be marrying her lovely daughter and bing her son-inw?


    Me: "Do not let your guard down. The Hidden Dragon''s shadow army is everywhere, let alone Dumorz under their rule."


    I gave a warning on purpose because it was better to prevent Louis from being discovered by Fiona''s men. They could kill him, and I did not want that to happen.


    Louis Movena: "Noted, Boss. I was also using another car, so it did not attract attention."


    I knew what Louis meant. The car he was using was safe-looking, so it looked like an ordinary person.


    Me: "Stay careful. Do not forget to report everything you see and hear."


    If Arletta and I had officially be lovers, it would have been better for us to live together, so that if anything happened, I could handle it.


    Louis Movena: "Yes, boss."


    I was not at ease, because I had not gotten any reassurance about my girl. Could she have gone on a date with her boyfriend instead? I did not think that was possible, because Fiona would be furious. The Queen of The Hidden Dragon put a lot of emphasis on education, even from the report sent by Louis I saw the names of the top schools where Arletta and Ben had studied. Dumorz University was also one of the best universities here, and it was very difficult to get epted there.


    Me: "Okay."


    I ended the call and put the phone on the table. The atmosphere in the restaurant was crowded. Fortunately, the customers did not choose the same area as me, so all conversations on the phone remained safe.


    "Arletta, where are you going? You are making me curious and worry." I muttered quietly, so as not to be heard by others.


    I turned towards the table and decided to finish the food that I had ordered. My girl''s face came back to mind. Was she a witch? Because I always remember her most of the time.


    "I have to stay healthy, so I can be with Arletta every day. I have to find out how to be her forever man."


    I continued my dyed lunch. I heard music ying in the restaurant. Was it not weird that they were ying music or was I just not paying attention? Ah, I did not give a fuck.


    I had finished my meal, and when I turned to my phone, I noticed that there were several new messages on the screen. I picked it up and tapped the screen, wanting to read the messages. Boss, the car carrying Miss Arletta entered the hospital owned by The Hidden Dragon. I could not go in, because there were many of their members.


    From: Louis Movena. 12:37 PM.


    I frowned and reread the message. "Hospital? Is Arletta sick or is she even-"


    ***

 A Special Treatment

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    The car carrying me had already entered the hospital grounds. I felt uneasy, and for some unknown reason, I saw An''s damn face, even though I did not remember him. Why did I remember him at a time like this? "Princess, we have arrived."


    I was stunned when I heard such a greeting, so I turned to the driver as soon as possible. He was looking at me from the rearview mirror, close to the driver.


    "Thank you, Mr. Moon." I thanked you for getting me to the hospital safely.


    When Dad was around, Mr. Moon or whoever worked at home would not call me ''Princess'', because it was a code that only the members of The Hidden Dragon understand.


    "You are wee, Princess. I will wait for you here."


    As a part of the Queen of The Hidden Dragon family, Ben and I had all the best facilities, including parking in the front of the building, so we did not have to look for parking like the regr visitors. "Okay. I wille out when I am done. Thank you, Mr. Moon."


    I looked to my left and the door was already wide open. I got out of the car, thanked the attendant who had helped open the door and walked towards the lobby. This hospital always had patients and visitors, so it did not feel lonely.


    I saw two men wearing ck uniforms standing guard at the door. When I arrived near them, both of them simultaneously said, "Good afternoon, Princess."


    It felt ufortable to be treated like that, but I could not help but get used to it. I just nodded at the two men, smiling at them. What I was doing was in ordance with what Mom had taught her children, so that was what we have been doing until now.


    The door opened by itself, and I went inside, walking towards the receptionist. Two young women immediately stood up to greet me with smiles. They seemed to know what to do.


    "Good afternoon, Princess. This is the documents for you," a woman with short bob hair said kindly, handing me arge brown envelope. I nced at her name tag, which said Daverz.


    When I received the envelope, I felt that there were four envelopes inside. Mom really proved everything she said when we talked at home. Please forgive your daughter for lying on purpose, Mom. "Good afternoon, Daverz. Thank you for the documents. I asked for a rmendation for a good senior psychiatrist."


    "We have five senior psychiatrists, Princess. You can choose one here." A brown-haired girl standing to my left said. She handed me a tablet, and I took it.


    I read one of the profiles of the senior psychiatrists in this hospital,plete with their work experience. After a few minutes, my heart was inclined to choose a psychiatrist named Edward Wanxiu. He was seventy years old and was already a professor.


    I raised my face, and then looked at the two receptionists in front of me. "Is Professor Edward Wanxiu practicing today?"


    "He is in the hospital today, Princess. Would you like some counseling with him?" Daverz asked as if confirming my choice.


    "Yes. I want counseling with Professor Wanxiu." I replied with a nod. I hoped I would made the right choice because I would never done therapy with her anyway.


    "Wait a minute, Princess." Daverz seemed to pick up the phone and put it to his right ear.


    I just nodded and did not mind waiting a little longer, having already arrived at the hospital. There was no way I could go home because Mom would get a report from the receptionist about what I did, and she might ask the other hospital staff, especially the director. I did not want to get into troubleter.


    "Would you like some tea or coffee, Princess?" The second receptionist asked me, and I shook my head, not being in the mood for a drink at the moment.


    "No. Thank you." I replied politely, out of respect for his offer.


    I turned towards Daverz, and he was talking to someone. I waited for the receptionist to finish the call so that I could get confirmation about Professor Edward Wanxiu.


    Honestly, I would rather go to college and study as usual than have to go to the hospital and meet with a psychiatrist. It was all happening because of Dad, and my situation changed for the worse.


    "Thank you for waiting, Princess. Professor Edward can be found on the third floor. He has just finished counseling." Daverz informed me about the psychiatrist I had chosen, and I was pleased with her exnation. "Okay. I will be there now. Thanks."


    I handed the tablet containing the senior psychiatrist''s profile back to Daverz, who epted it with both hands.


    "You are wee, Princess."


    I smiled, then turned around, and walked towards the executive elevator. The few hospital staff who met me looked down as a sign of respect. I only nodded once every time I received such treatment. It was done as a sign that I had received their respect.


    Before long, I had arrived in front of the executive elevator. This elevator was exclusive, as it was only for the hospital director, Mom, Ben, and me. Dad could use it too, but he rarely came to the hospital when he was here. I saw two men in their thirties with big, burly bodies guarding the ce.


    They looked down at me, and it was only natural. I smiled back, eager to get into the elevator. "Wee, Princess. What floor would you like to go to?" a security guard politely asked.


    "I am going to the third floor," I replied, without hesitation.


    "Yes, Princess."


    The man pressed a button, and the elevator doors opened. He took out a card from his pants pocket and stuck it in a special box-like but transparent ce. On the inside, above the buttons, passengers could select to go to their destination floor.


    The security pressed three and turned back to me. "Pleasee in, Princess." "Thank you."


    Yes, this was one of the virtues of being a child of the Queen of The Hidden Dragon Queen, although I still had to be careful because not everyone could be trusted. There were times when traitors came from their own members, especially those with lower ranks. I remained vignt because not everyone who smiled in front of me was someone who supported me; it could be a hidden enemy.


    I got into the elevator and pressed the button. The door closed by itself, and I was alone. As the elevator moved, my heart beat faster, and for some reason, I was reminded of yesterday. I panicked, even though there was nothing suspicious there.


    "Noo!"T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ***

 Please Help Me!

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I squatted on the floor and cold sweat started to break out from my forehead. Shit! The room was not dark, but I could not stand it and felt like I could not breathe. When did the elevator stop, anyway? I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible! Help me!


    Ding!


    I felt that the elevator stopped by itself, and then the doors opened wide while I was still in a squatting position and almost crying because I was so scared. I could have gotten to Professor Edward''s room in a few minutes, but the phobias just came out of nowhere!


    I could not pay attention to anything else because the fear was so great inside, and it was killing me. "Help me," I muttered, softly.


    "Princess, are you okay?"


    I realized a male voice but could not hear the words. Damn! At this moment, Mom would find out about this incident from the security guards at the executive elevator on the third floor. Before I got home, Mom would call and ask many questions.


    I tried to act normal, but I could not. "It looks like Princess is sick. We should take her to the emergency room immediately."


    Another male voice was heard, and I could only surrender, not being able to stand normally. I heard other voices, but they did not lessen the fear. If I had known it was going to be like this, I would have used the stairs instead! "I am scared," I said, trembling.


    I closed my eyes to reduce the fear that arose, but that action was in vain. I felt the elevator stop moving, and then there was a sound from inside, and the doors opened.


    Oh, God... please help me up, so that Mom did not hear the news about her daughter in such a sad state. I could only pray inwardly.


    "Princess, are you okay? Can you walk?" I heard someone ask, but I still could not answer.


    Rx, Lizzy. Do not let everyone watch you, especially since you were still in a public hospital where everyone could watch you.


    I struggled to stand up, as fear still dominated. Fortunately, someone was holding my right forearm, so I did not fall and could stay standing. Outside the elevator, there were already several people and a wheelchair. Was it prepared for me? "I have a headache." I spontaneously answered that person''s question, because it was the only answer that suited my situation.


    "Please sit here, Princess." A woman wearing a nurse''s uniform came forward, pushing a wheelchair.


    "Okay."


    I tried to walk and was lucky that the person who had been holding my forearm was still the same. I was finally able to get out of the elevator and sit in the wheelchair that had been provided. I felt something on myp, and when I looked, it was a brown envelope containing three doctor''s letters.


    I could only look down, unable to see people''s faces. In all the time I had been visiting the hospital, this was the first time something like this had happened. Usually, everything was fine, and no incidents embarrassed me. "Princess, I will take you to the emergency room." The same woman told me, and I just nodded.


    I was not sure I could answer people at this point, at least until the fear had worn offpletely. The wheelchair started running, and in less than an hour, the hospital staff would definitely contact Mom. At that point, she would have panicked a lot and insisted on talking to me.


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    What I went through was humiliating, but it was toote to regret it. I felt empty and useless. I hoped Mom did not call me a few minutester so I could calm down.


    I felt the wheelchair turn a corner and enter a room. There was already a doctor and two nurses there. I knew that this was not an ordinary emergency room because usually the rooms for ordinary patients and family members of The Queen of The Hidden Dragon were deliberately separated so as not to mix. Honestly, it was only now that I entered this ce and I hoped I would not have to linger too long.


    "Good afternoon, Princess. I heard you were sick?" Doctor Joshua asked with a worried look.


    I often meet Doctor Joshua when I go to the hospital. He was quite handsome despite being in his forties. Maybe he was approaching fifty, but he looked like he was in his thirties, and I was sure he must have been even more handsome when he was younger.


    "Yes, Doc. I feel weak." I answered Doctor Joshua''s question and again had to lie so that when Mom got the report, she would hear that it was all due to physical health alone.


    "Did Princess eat beforeing here?" Doctor Joshua asked in more detail while observing my face.


    "I already ate, Doc," I answered honestly because I had eaten lunch before going to the hospital.


    "I would like to check your blood pressure first, Princess."


    "Okay, Doc."


    Hopefully, my blood pressure was low, supporting the im that I was feeling weak. I held out my left arm to the doctor, and he took the tensimeter and attached it to my upper arm. Once that was done, Doctor Joshua pressed the object on the device, so that the upper arm felt a pressure that became tighter and tighter.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Doctor Joshua''s face was serious, but he had not said anything yet, and I could only wait for the examination results.


    "Your blood pressure is low, sixty to eighty. You should carry snacks in her bag so you can eat them right away when you feel weak. I will give the medical prescription, Princess."


    Thank God! I was so happy to hear Doctor Joshua''s exnation. If Mom had heard this report, then she would have been even more nagging to remind me to eat more. "Thank you, Doc."


    "You are wee."


    I waited for Doctor Joshua to write and said nothing. The smell of medicine wafted through the room, which was unsurprising to me since this was a hospital. It was good that I had not experienced any horrific events whileing here. "Here is the medical prescription, Princess."


    I was stunned and then returned my attention to Doctor Joshua. I took the piece of paper he gave me. "Thank you, Doc. Can I go straight to work after this?"


    Yeah, I had to go to Professor Edward, but I did not want to use the elevator this time because the phobias mighte back. I needed to be apanied by one or two people because I could do much by myself right now. All the old problems came about because of Dad!


    "Princess should eat something and take vitamins first. If you have recovered her strength, then you can do some activities."


    I was silent for a moment, then looked at the nurse in the room. "Can you help me to-"


    ***

 Why Did You Keep Silent?

    On the frontwn of Dumorz University,


    "Are you sure Lizzy missed ss because of a fever?" A handsome young man asked in a probing tone. The brte girl nodded. She was not alone; a man was sitting on the right, and they were holding hands.


    "Yesterday, Letta told me that she was already feeling feverish and it happened when she left her father, Rayner." The twenty-year-old girl answered casually and seemed so convincing that the interlocutor did not doubt her statement. "Why are you only telling me now that Letta is sick, Gwen?" The same young guy asked again, but his tone was usatory of the opposite sex. The girl red at the person who was talking to her.


    "You are so weird! That question should have been directed at yourself. How can you not know what Letta is going through when she is your lover?" Gwen replied curtly, so her lover, who had been listening to the conversation, rubbed her right upper arm spontaneously.


    "How could I know when she did not tell me anything!" That guy did not want to lose the argument, so the young woman snorted.


    "What kind of boyfriend are you? Every time you see Letta, you fight! If that was the case, how can she talk to you freely? You idiot!" Gwen could not help swearing, irritated by the other person''s words. "You-"


    Before he could continue, Gwen''s boyfriend cut him off. "Sammy, enough! I do not mind you arguing but do not me my girl. She was right. You should know more about Letta''s news than we do."


    Sammy red, but he did not seem to dare argue. The situation in the front yard of the university was busy. Not even a few of the students and female students who were there were chatting. Some were reading books, and some were making out with their lovers. Gwen turned to her boyfriend, and he did the same. They smiled at each other as if they already knew what was on their minds.


    A breeze blew through Sammy''s hair. The young man became sad but did not dare express his feelings openly, while Gwen returned her attention to Arletta''s lover. However, the Aries woman remained silent, as if allowing Sammy to start first. Jeremy was right. I did not understand what was going on with Lizzy because we had been fighting more often. Just this morning, she answered all my messages and said she was sick, so she would not show up at the college. I felt so guilty. Sammy thought back about what he and Letta had been through, so the moment made him sad.


    "Gwen."


    The long-haired girl turned her head when she heard her name being called. It turned out that the person calling her was Sammy.


    "What?" Gwen asked as she raised one eyebrow.


    "Did Letta tell you anything else that I might not know?" Sammy asked seriously.


    Gwen was silent, then without hesitation shook her head, although in reality the girl did know something, but she had promised Arletta not to say anything, especially to her mother. Sammy looked incredulous. However, the short-haired man waited for an answer from the other person.


    "No, she did not tell me anything new." Gwen answered without feeling guilty at all.


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    Sammy paused as if remembering something. He turned his attention to the opposite sex, who was still in the same area. "If I am not mistaken, Lizzy had let slip that she wanted to see a psychiatrist. Did she have a mental breakdown recently?" Gwen shrugged her shoulders in a sign of ignorance. "Letta did not say anything about a psychiatrist or having a mental breakdown. Yesterday she told me that she felt sick and hated her dad so much. That was all."


    Oh my God! How could Sammy have hit on that, anyway? Letta was so careless that she had blurted out unnecessary things! Gwen could only curse inwardly and tried to act as normal as possible so that Sammy would not get suspicious. "It is weird. You should know that." Sammy began to use Gwen, causing the pretty girl to chuckle.


    "I could not possibly force Letta to say something unless she wanted to do it herself. She is not a child or a robot who must obey all your silly wishes."


    Sammy seemed stunned by Gwen''s rebuttal, but he did not want to argue about the same thing.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I was not sure about Gwen''s statement. Girls usually gossip about many things and that must include Lizzy and Gwen. I could easily pressure her if only Gwen was not my cousin! Sammy muttered in annoyance at not getting the information he wanted.


    "You would better call Letta instead of thinking weird thoughts. If she were really sick, she would be at the doctor''s right now," Gwen suggested, so Sammy''s attention was diverted to the other person. "It is easy for you to talk like that." Sammy disagreed with Gwen''s idea, which made the girl frown.


    "Why won''t you talk to Letta? Do not tell me that you fought again!" The young woman who liked red and gold already had bad thoughts, especially since she seemed to understand Sammy''s attitude. The young man had not answered, so Gwen''s suspicions grew. However, she was still waiting for an answer from the other person.


    Sammy was such an idiot! If I had a better cousin, I would have introduced my best friend to him. Why did I have a stupid cousin like him, anyway? Gwen grumbled internally, and her face looked annoyed. "Honey, do you have any more sses after this?" The question made Gwen turn her head to the right, and her boyfriend scrutinized her face intently.


    "Yup. I have a ss at three in the afternoon. How about you, Babe?" Gwen answered the question honestly, but not so enthusiastically.


    "I am the same way. Do you still want to be here? We will beteter." The red-haired man invited his girlfriend to leave as soon as possible and ignored Sammy, who was still busy with his own thoughts. "Okay."


    The couple immediately stood up, while Sammy remained silent, unaffected by the situation. Before leaving the area, Gwen turned to Arletta''s boyfriend. "How long are you going to be there? You have to go to ss, right?" Sammy was stunned and spontaneously looked at Gwen. The slender girl frowned at her cousin''s strange reaction. "Why did you keep silent? Hurry up!"


    "Wait!"


    ***

 She Made Me Worried

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    I looked at the clock on the wall; it was already two in the afternoon. The work was usually done, but there would still be additional work, and I had to stay on standby until after work unless there was a sudden meeting. The atmosphere in this office was very boring, like something was missing in life.


    I deliberately looked at myptop. On the screen, Thomas had already updated the schedule, but there was no sign of additional internal or client meetings.


    "Am I going to have a meeting outside today? The schedule has not changed yet and I am tired of being here all the time." I muttered in annoyance.


    I quickly picked up the phone and pressed two. It was the assistant''s number, and soon, there was a dial tone at that number. Before the third ring, I heard a voice on the other side, which meant Thomas had picked up the phone. Me: "Hello, Tom."


    I felt like I was approaching boredom. Would it be better for me to buy coffee outside? No, I could not do that. That would set a bad example for thepany''s employees. A small mistake could have a big effect, as it could lead to a loss of authority as a boss and, of course, be a hot topic in the office.


    Thomas Glekston: "Hello, sir."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I need to stay active to avoid boredom. If Letta were an employee of thispany, then I would have told her to work in the same room so that whatever she did would always be in my sight. What was my girl doing at the hospital? She made me worried.


    Me: "Are there any other documents I need to sign or is there a RM [1] who wants to see me?"


    Whatever work was avable and suited my duties, then I would do it! I felt restless because working was the only way to take my mind off Arletta. For me, business was still a business, so it should be separated as much as possible. Thomas Glekston: "There are no new documents yet, Sir. RM has also not contacted me to request a meeting with you."


    I was disappointed when I heard Thomas'' answer, but I could not linger. Why had work note when I wanted to kill time? Whenever I tried to rx for a while, work showed up so often that I was confused.


    Me: "Okay. If nothing changes, maybe I will leave the office early. I have another appointment outside."


    Thest sentence I said was a lie. How could I have another appointment? I wanted to leave the office early, curious about what had happened with my girl. Louis had not given me a report yet, so my curiosity was only growing. I would go crazy if I did not know about Arletta''s progress!


    Thomas Glekston: "Pardon me, sir, what time do you want to leave the office?"


    I spontaneously turned to the clock on the wall. It was already half past three in the afternoon. What time should I leave? My work hours ended at five in the afternoon, but I felt like following Arletta to the hospital. Should I do it? The members of The Hidden Dragon did not know that I was the Godfather''s adopted daughter because they did not want to be directly involved in The Red Opium. Still, Fiona''s group and our group were enemies. Me: "I might leave around half past four in the afternoon."


    I did not give a fuck with lying because there was no work today. I wanted to find a way to see Arletta again but in a safe way. That girl made me think of her all the time; this was the first time this had happened! Thomas Glekston: "Noted, sir. In that case, today I block your schedule from half past four in the afternoon until twelve at night."


    Me: "Yes, just do it. If you want to sign a document or have a short meeting, you can do it right away. I do not ept anyte submissions, let alone urgent ones."


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    Sometimes, RMs would ask Thomas to sign documents on the spur of the moment, even though I was already out of the office; this did not happen once or twice, but many times!


    Thomas Glekston: "Yes, sir. If you have RM or want to see you, then I would saye here tomorrow, since you have a meeting outside."


    I did not want to go back to the office just to sign a document, even if it was essential! RMs should be able to make the best use of their time; even if they have a lot of work, they should still know how to prioritize things. Me: "Yes. Thanks, Tom."


    Thomas Glekston: "You are wee, sir. Is there anything else I can help you with?"


    I actually wanted to ask about how to approach Arletta with Thomas, but I was still unsure. Was it the right thing to do? What if she thought I was weird?


    Me: "No. That is all."


    I would better save all my questions until I get into Arletta''s world. Approaching a girl, especially if she was Fiona''s daughter, required a precise strategy to minimize failure. Arletta was a special girl; I must get her whatever it takes!


    I quickly hung up the phone, looked back at the clock, and exhaled heavily. I reached for the cell phone that had been deliberately ced on the table, but there was no message from Louis. Was there a problem at the hospital? There was no way I was telling him to barge in there; it was too dangerous. It was like voluntarily giving your life to the enemy.


    "Why do I feel strange? Has something happened to my girl? Louis has not texted me yet."


    I looked at my phone again, and there were already many messages on the screen from people I had called ''friends''.


    "What do they want? After bringing in that fucking whore in the club, no one apologized." I grumbled, looking away from myptop.


    I checked all the work emails and opened the unread messages. If I felt that an email needed to be replied to, I responded to it, but not all were treated that way. Most were CC[2] from RMs who sent important emails to clients.


    From all the emails I have read, more and more RMs were chasing monthly targets, which was their obligation. Hopefully, every month, the RMS could try to sign MoUs with clients so that the products in thispany were still sold and thepany still got a high profit.


    I rechecked the schedule, and it was blocked ording to the time my assistant chose with the caption DND. I smiled because it was as expected. "Good. Thomas did a good job."


    I heard a familiar voice on my cell phone. When I looked at the screen, I saw Louis''s name on it. Without waiting any longer, I answered the call.


    Me: "Hello, Louis. What happened there?"


    ***


    [1] RM = Rtionship Manager


    [2] CC


    Carbon Copy

 I Want to See Her

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    Me: "Hello, Louis. What happened there?"


    I hoped Arletta was doing well. I expected Louis would give me good news, not the other way around.


    Louis Movena: "Boss, Ms. Arletta is really sick. I heard that she was taken to the emergency room."


    I paused. No wonder I felt something strange; it turned out to be a sign. Why was my girl brought to the emergency room? What was wrong with her?


    Me: "Did you get any other news about Arletta''s illness?"


    How could I calm down after hearing the news that my girl was sick? I could not concentrate on my work because I wanted to see Letta''s condition firsthand. Damn! Why did, at a time like this, I could not do more for the girl I love? Louis Movena: "I have yet to find out what ails Miss Arletta, boss."


    The left hand was clenched. Shit! I did not want to do anything, especially when it came to Arletta. Did I have to catch up with her there when yesterday she did not like being around me?


    Me: "How did you know that Arletta was sick?"


    I needed to make sure that Louis''s information about Arletta''s health was correct. Even though he''s experienced in this matter, I did not want Louis to get the wrong news. I was very worried about the girl''s condition and was still thinking of ways to get to the hospital.


    Louis Movena: "I paid someone, boss. He snuck in and gave me the news."


    How could I meet Arletta in this situation? Was my girl still in the hospital, or had she gone home? If my girl had not been Fiona''s daughter or an ordinary person, then everything would have been very easy for me. Me: "Is Arlettta still there?"


    I wondered where my girl stood. I have never cared for a girl as much as I did Arletta. What illness did she have?


    Louis Movena: "Miss Arletta has not left the hospital yet, boss. The car that took her is still in the VIP area."


    I knew what Louis meant. He said the VIP area was only for the family members of the Queen of the Hidden Dragon and the hospital directors.


    Me: "Keep your eyes on your surroundings. Do not let your guard down!"


    Should I call Damien to handle this situation? I did not want to trouble him, because he must be busy with the Godfather.


    Louis Movena: "Yes, boss."


    I should have been able to track Arletta''s progress, but no one was aware except those who were used to acting in dangerous missions. I just needed to find the right idea or perhaps a tool. Yes, that was it: the right tool! But what kind of tool? What should it be, and how should it be ced?


    Me: "If there is any other information, whatever it is, you know what you have to do."


    I needed to find the easiest tool to get information about my girl. At this moment, I would go to The Red Opium headquarters and meet with the scientists there. Who knows, they could give me advice or even find the right tool for my problem.


    Louis Movena: "Yes, boss."


    I did not think there was anything else to discuss with Louis. After our conversation was over, he could go back to work, and I would contact the Red Opium office. Me: "Good."


    I hung up the phone and then started searching for someone''s name in the phone book on the cell phone. "If I am not mistaken, I know to keep the number of the chief scientist over there. Hm..."


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    I kept scrolling through the names in the phone book intently and... "Finally!"


    Without hesitation, I dialled the number and waited for the dial tone. "Hopefully, the head scientist at the headquarters will not be busy, so I can consult with him directly."


    I heard a dial tone, and that was a relief. Before the fourth ring, there was already a voice from the other side, so I was prepared to start a conversation, despite the fact that they must have been the ones doing so. Brenda Laurens: "Hello, this is Brenda speaking. May I assist you?"


    I met Brenda a few times. I heard from Damien that she liked me, but she was never my dream type. Fortunately, Brenda was not a flirty girl, but she often watched from afar, and I knew it.


    Me: "This is Alex Ainsley. I want to talk with Garry."


    Brenda had worked there for five years, so she should know everyone who worked there by heart. There was no one else named Garry except Garry Chapman, the leader of all the scientists at The Red Opium office in Dumorz. Brenda Laurens: "Yes, Mr. Ainsley. Wait a moment please."


    I said nothing, then heard a song that was a dial tone to the number. "I hope Garry is in the office and not busy."


    I was a little surprised to hear a voice on the other side. I hope she did not hear my mumbling earlier.


    Garry Chapman: "Hello, Mr. Alex Ainsley. This is Garry speaking."


    Great! This was the person I had been looking for, and luckily, Garry was not out of the office or busy with work.


    Me: "Garry, I need your help."


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    He could definitely give sensible advice for my situation at this point.


    Garry Chapman: "I would be happy to help. What kind of help do you need, sir?"


    Me: "If you want to know what a person is doing, what is the right tool which can be used for that situation?"


    Garry was silent, and I waited for his answer. I needed a suitable object, one that was small and could be carried anywhere, especially by the target.


    Garry Chapman: "I guess a mini CCTV will suitable for that, sir."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A mini CCTV? I just heard about that. I became interested and wanted to know more about it from Garry. He suggested it, so he should be able to tell me more about it. Me: "What is that? Exin in detail."


    Garry Chapman: "A mini CCTV is a small CCTV. It can be attached to things like on paintings, on TVs, or on doors, sir."


    Hmm... I wanted the supermini CCTV to be able to be attached to Arletta''s bag for example. If it could be installed, then I could monitor my girl wherever she went.


    Me: "Are there any that are really small, so they can be attached to other things like bags?"


    I knew that question sounded silly, but there was no harm in asking rather than assuming. I did not want to ask the three damn friends who had betrayed me about this, because they could not be trusted! It was a good thing I had not openly told the other two about my girl.


    Garry Chapman: "To attached to a smaller stuff like bag? Yes, we have. We have another product. The name is the supermini CCTV. It could be using-"


    ***

 Ask for A Help

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    Garry Chapman: "To attach to a smaller stuff like a bag? Yes, we have. We have another product. The name is the supermini CCTV. It could be using for the smaller stuffs, but I would advise you to adjust it to the object. For bags, it can be installed, but it is better to put it on the inside so that it does note off."


    I did not have any idea what the supermini CCTV looked like and how it worked when attached to the bag. Should I juste to the headquarters directly so that I can discuss it further with Garry? Who knows, I might get some additional insight from him.


    Me: "By the way, what time do you get off work? I want toe there to talk about this."


    I could have gone there and told Garry to stand by, but I could not do it. Not only was he not a full-time member, but he was not on my staff, so there was no way I could do that, even though the Godfather and Damien always let me do whatever I wanted.


    Garry Chapman: "I workedte today until seven in the evening. If you want toe here, I''m still in the office."


    I was relieved to hear Garry''s answer because meeting in person was better for getting more information. I did not want to live in uncertainty, especially about Arletta. We should be able to establish a closer rtionship and get rid of her boyfriend from my girl''s life as soon as possible!


    Me: "Good! I will be at the headquarters in a moment. Thanks, Garry."


    I would not waste this golden opportunity. The supermini CCTV might be the best solution to my problem.


    Garry Chapman: "You are wee, sir."


    I quickly hung up the phone. I looked at the screen, and there was still thirty minutes left. "If there are still no documents to sign or RM calls for a quick meeting, then I can leave this ce immediately."


    I heard the sound of knocking, so as soon as possible I turned my head to it. "Who is that?" I asked, curious.


    "Mr. Ainsley. This is Thomas," my assistant replied from behind the door.


    "Come in!" I allowed Thomas to enter my workroom.


    What a strange coincidence; I had just finished mumbling when suddenly Thomas appeared. At least I kept up the good work before leaving the office.


    My assistant appeared with three documents. I was grateful because Thomas did not bring too many documents.


    "Mr. Ainsley, here are three urgent documents from three RMs." Thomas said as he handed over the items in both hands.


    I received all the documents properly and then ced them on the table. When I looked at the front of the papers, I could immediately recognize that they had been checked beforehand, and I had requested that the wrong parts be revised. It was not really my job to check if there were any sentences that were not quite right, but sometimes, if there were not too many mistakes, I deliberately marked and noted them.


    "Thanks. You can take all this after I get out of the office."


    I wanted to finish all the work as quickly as possible so that I would not bete for the Red Opium headquarters. The supermini CCTV must be resolved. Who knows, it might be customized for me, but still worked optimally. "Yes, sir."


    I nodded and started looking at the documents on the table. I read everything written until thest page. I could hear the sound of the door opening from the inside and closing from the outside, indicating that Thomas had left.


    The documents were read and signed one by one. I put everything on the table, but theptop was still turned on. I checked the schedule again; it was still the same. Finally, I checked my e-mail, and luckily, there was no urgent new e-mail.


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    "All is good. I am ready to go." I muttered while closing all the windows on theptop screen.


    When all the windows were closed, I shut down theptop, and soon, it shut down. I picked up the cell phone that was on the table, and there was already a message from Louis, but it was not the right time to open the message, so I put the phone into my pants pocket.


    I got up from the chair and walked towards the door. Theptop screen was left open, as I was not used to closing that thing while it was still hot. I could not wait to get to The Red Opium''s headquarters because from there, I could determine what kind of supermini CCTV would be suitable for Arletta.


    I walked out of the room, and the office was quiet. I kept walking until I waspletely out of the office. My right hand reached into my pants pocket and grabbed my cell phone, remembering to contact my driver.


    "I almost forgot to call Dominic."


    I stopped walking and concentrated on my cell phone. I put it to my left ear and waited for Dominic to pick up the phone, so I would not have to wait long when I went down to the first floor.


    Me: "Hello, Dom."


    I was relieved that my driver answered the phone right away, even though it was only the second ring.


    Dominic Luzzos: "Hello, boss."


    I did not want to stay long in the office because I had to carry out a mission to get to Arletta, even though there was not much work there. If work were hectic, I would not even go there, and I could not think about my girl at all! Me: "Pick me up in the lobby. I am going to headquarters."


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    My driver must have understood what I was saying because he was also part of The Red Opium. Dominic had faithfully worked for me for eight years, and I was grateful for that.


    Dominic Luzzos: "Yes, boss. I will be there now."


    Me: "Thanks."


    I ended the conversation as soon as possible and returned my phone in my pants pocket. I walked back to the elevator and pressed the button. The doors opened by themselves, and I got in. After pressing the button by the door, it closed, and the elevator moved to the first floor.


    I was reminded of Arletta. We met for the first time in the elevator, and it was an unforgettable moment. My girl was at The Hidden Dragon''s hospital and went to the emergency room instead, meaning she was sick.


    "I can''t keep quiet. I have to find a way to keep an eye on Arletta without her or Fiona knowing."


    The elevator stopped moving, and the doors opened. I stepped out and walked towards the lobby, and from twenty meters away, I could recognize the car that was being used. I quickened my pace so that I could get there quickly. "Dom is right on time. Great," I muttered softly.


    I reached the ss door that opened automatically when someone was there. I walked out of the building and got into the car. Dominic drove off, and I thought back to Louis''s message. Now was a good time, because I had free time. I looked at the screen and selected Louis'' message. When I opened the message, I saw several pictures and one of them was of Arletta kissing a man. The sight made me so angry that I clenched my left hand into a fist. "Asshole! Who is he? How dare he kiss my girl!"This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ***

 I Am Still Here

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I had just finished therapy with Professor Edward and was sitting in the VIP waiting room. I was holding a piece of paper containing Professor Edward''s prescription medication, and then there was arge brown envelope in myp. The medicines prescribed by Doctor Joshua had been paid for and had been put into a bag.


    I looked around. One woman guarded the food and beverage stations, and a man was busy organizing the drawers. There were many empty tables and chairs, as this room was inessible to regr visitors.


    "I am toozy to go home. I want to stay here longer." I said to myself and exhaled heavily.


    I did not like taking medication, even though it had been prescribed by a psychiatrist. I did not know why I was feeling restless for no reason. What was going on? Was something going to happen to me? I hoped it was not a bad premonition. I shifted my gaze to the medium-sized wooden table in front of me. There was already a cup of hot tea and a bowl of chocte cereal with fruits like kiwi, banana, and strawberry. I took the cup and sipped the contents. "Princess."


    I turned my head because someone called me with such a familiar nickname. What a silly nickname, but I must ept it because all the members of The Hidden Dragon must call us Mom, Ben, and I with a special but ridiculous nickname. Damn! It was annoying every time I heard people say that to me unless our familyes from a royal family.


    "Yes?" I said to her, and another girl was standing on the left.


    Since when has that woman been here? Why did I not hear any steps? Could it be that I did not realize it because I was staring at myself too much? Yeah, that was probably the case. I did not continue drinking the tea because I wanted to know what she was saying.


    "Pardon me, Princess. There is a call from the Queen of the Dragon." A woman, who was wearing the name tag, Ste, answered my question, and she handed me a phone.


    Oh, Lord! It turned out that the strange premonition I had earlier came true: Mom called here instead. The news about me being admitted to the emergency room had reached her ears. Well, what could I say to her? I picked up the phone feeling uneasy, but in front of Ste, I acted like everything was fine.


    "Thank you, Ste."


    I put the cup on the table, then put the phone to my left ear. Should I say something now? I guessed so.


    Me: "Hello, Mom."


    I could only surrender and hope that Mom did not ask too many questions. Dear God, please enable me to get through all these phone conversations well. If possible, do not let me lie even more. Mom: "Lizzy. I heard that you were admitted to the emergency room. Is that true?"


    Me: "That was true, Mom."


    Yeah, any news was bound to reach Mom, especially when the embarrassing event happened at The Hidden Dragon''s hospital. There was nothing hidden here. All the members were very loyal to Mom, so they would definitely do everything she said without question.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Mom: "What are you feeling that you can be like that?"


    Mom would definitely ask me all the things she wants to know about the news she has heard directly from me. Usually, Mom listened carefully and did not want to judge, but this did not mean there would not be any trick questions from her. Mom always found a way to get through, no matter how small, and I must be ready for it.


    Me: "I felt very dizzy and immediately squatted down because I could not stand up, Mom."


    In that one sentence, fifty percent was a lie, and the remaining fifty percent was true.


    Mom: "Didn''t you eat before going to the hospital? Your phobias were not ring up, were they?"


    When I heard thatst question, my heart stopped beating. As soon as possible, I shook my head, even though Mom could not see my actions.


    Me: "You were right. I was checked by the doctor earlier. He said my blood pressure is low, so that was causing the dizziness, and it had nothing to do with the phobias, Mom."


    I almost swore at Dad, but I tried my best not to on the phone. He was a jerk, and all my phobias that had been well-controlled suddenly surfaced! Mom had not said anything yet, so I became a little anxious. What was she thinking? Mom: "Who was the doctor who examined you in the emergency room?"


    Oh, yeah. I did not forget the handsome and kind doctor who checked my blood pressure while I was in the emergency room. He was deliberately ced there, specifically at Mom''s request.


    Me: "Doctor Joshua, Mom."


    Mom: "Okay, I will question him. Also, have you been counseling with a psychiatrist?"


    Me: "Yes, Mom. I already did."


    For that one, I had managed to force Professor Edward a little bit not to tell the real problem to anyone, including Mom, if she asked him. I just wanted the problem to be a conversation between the two of us. Mom: "How was it going?"


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    Me: "The professor gave me a prescription, Mom. He told me to stay rxed and take the medicine."


    I only took it on holidays and at night. Taking it every day would definitely interfere with my activities because it caused drowsiness, and I could fall asleep immediately.


    Mom: "Okay. Are you still there?"


    I nodded again because that was the truth. To be honest, lingering here was not bad. I had peace of mind, and no one dared to bother me because all the staff knew who I really was. They would be afraid to do anything unless Mom called or got orders from her.


    Me: "Yes, Mom. I am still at the hospital, in the VIP waiting room, to be exact."


    Mom: "Good. I am d you are in our safe ce. If you want something to eat, you can ask the staff in the room, and they will definitely give it to you."


    Thest sentence Mom said made me want to eat here only, and then after I finished, I went home. I did not want to see Dad. When I get there, I would better go straight to my room and note out until morning. Mom would understand and exin to Dad why I was acting like that.


    Me: "Yes, Mom. I will do it. I think I just have dinner here without any disturbance. I do not want to eat at home."


    Mom: "I can take care of it. Do not forget to-"


    ***

 VIP Waiting Room

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    Mom: "I can take care of it. Do not forget to obey the doctor''s orders and go home immediately after dinner."


    I smiled because I was happy to have Mom''s support. Yeah, my n finally worked out well, so I had to make sure it stayed that way.


    Me: "Thanks, Mom. Do I have to pay if I eat here? I have never ordered before."


    If I was not mistaken, I had not paid for anything, including when I asked the nurse to redeem the doctor''s prescription for medicine. We have never paid for medicine but have never ordered food and drinks at the hospital because the drivers usually deliver them here.


    Mom: "No. You do not need to pay anything. You just tell me that I authorized you to order food and drinks."


    Great! Mom was the best, but I must not let my guard down because she would definitely ask me many questions as long as the conversation had not ended.


    Me: "Alright. I will tell them."


    Mom: "Take care. I will call you back if there is anything I must ask you."


    It turned out that Mom really did not want to give me peace of mind, but I still had to act normally so that I would not be suspected by anyone, including her. At least the conversation with Mom ended soon, and my annoying boyfriend did not call, so I could calm my mind for a few hours here without being disturbed by him.


    Me: "Yes, Mom."


    I had to say that to keep things safe. I did not let Mom realize that I was telling more lies because she would be furious.


    Mom: "Take care. Do not forget to ask for help there if you need it."


    I was sluggish to bother others. As long as I could do everything myself, I would not ask for help. People could not always help, so standing on your own two feet, and being independent, was so important. God, I wanted this ridiculous conversation to end soon!


    Me: "Okay, Mom."


    Mom turned off the phone, and it gave me relief. I looked to my left and saw Ste standing by the main door. She was giving me space and privacy while having a conversation with Mom. I raised my right hand, and she saw the gesture and walked towards me.


    "Yes, Princess? May I assist you?" Ste asked after she stood to my left.


    "I am done using the phone. I want to have dinner here. Queen said I can order anything." I replied as I handed the phone to her. Ste took it back and looked back at me.


    "Yes, you can, Princess. We have a menu book. Would you like one?" This girl even offered to help me with the menu book. I was happy with her service, so that I would tell Mom about itter.


    "Sure. Please bring it to me." I agreed to Ste''s idea, wanting to see what food and drinks they had for the Queen of The Hidden Dragon''s family.


    "Wait a moment, Princess."


    "Okay."


    After hearing my answer, Ste turned around and left from the left side as soon as possible. I turned my gaze to the front and looked at the scene outside the window. There were so many cars on the road that I felt something was missing.


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    The weather was sunny even though the sunlight was less hot than this afternoon. If under normal circumstances, I would really enjoy a situation like this. Unfortunately, I could not enjoy it because my mood was still a little messy, and I remembered the incident that happened in the hospital elevator.


    "People say being a Princess of the Hidden Dragon is good, but not me. If only I had a lover to discuss things with instead of always arguing over petty things." I mumbled, but the empty feeling did not go away.


    Suddenly An''s face appeared in my eyes. Damn! Why did that damn man''s face suddenly appear, anyway? There must be something wrong with me! I hoped I would never see him again because he was so scary! A man who liked him must be like me, a mafia gang member, but from an important circle like Mom.


    "Pardon me, Miss. This is the menu book."


    I woke up from my mind, which was still filled with An. That bastard was very dangerous, especially since he was Dad''s client. What if one day, An came to the house? It could happen to me, right?


    I saw Ste reappeared carrying a silver-bound menu book on which a sentence in gold-colored ink was clearly printed: Special Menu for Queen of The Hidden Dragon and Her Family. I received the book kindly and smiled at her. "Thank you." "You are wee, Princess."


    I started flipping through the book''s pages until I reached thest page. All the menus were written in full here, making me wonder and marvel. How could they possibly prepare the food and drinks written on the menu? Let me test them first to learn more.


    I looked back in the same direction and this time Ste had not moved from there. She was still standing in the same spot, so I did not bother calling out to her. She seemed to know that I would not be long in ordering food.


    "I would like to order arge pizza pie filled with meat, then creamy soup with mushroom and lychee tea," I told Ste all my orders.


    It turned out that Ste had brought a small book and a pen and was taking notes on all my orders. As a server in a restaurant, I praised her actions in my heart because carrying these two items was very good in preventing any orders from being missed.


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    I waited until Ste finished taking notes and did not say anything. She finished taking notes in less than two minutes and looked straight at me.


    "I repeat the order: arge pizza pie filled with meat, then creamy soup with mushroom, and a ss of lychee tea. For the drink, would Princess like hot tea or ice tea Lychee with its fruit inside?"


    "I want lychee ice tea with its fruit inside. I want a banana split for my dessert."


    I had not had banana splits in a long time because we did not have them at home. I hoped the banana split made by the hospital chef tasted good and not nd.


    "Noted, Princess. The addition is a banana split. Would you like to order some more?" Ste looked excited, and she was writing fast. I just smiled slightly, seeing her cute behavior.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    "No, it is enough for now." I would just order the food and drinks I want.


    "Yes, Princess. I would get the menu book again." Ste said, putting the small notebook and pen into her pants pocket. I nodded, then gave the book to her.


    "Thanks."


    "You are wee."


    Ste left from my left side, then walked towards the staff who had been in the same room as me. They seemed to be chatting, and then Ste left them and walked out of the VIP waiting room. I just watched their movements in silence. Music was ying here, so it was not as quiet as before.


    I felt a vibration from inside the bag. It made me confused. Did Mom call back like she said earlier?


    ***

 He Always Creates a Drama!

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I quickly opened my bag and looked for my cell phone. After getting it, I saw my annoying boyfriend''s name on it. Why did he call all of a sudden? What did he want? Hopefully, Sammy would not pick a fight with me, although I was pessimistic that we would talk nicely.


    I was forced to take a phone call and stick that thing in my left ear. Why did happiness end so quickly? Did the universe not like seeing me happy for longer than usual?


    Samuel Helligoz: "Hello, Lizzy. Where are you? I am so worried!"


    Instead of Dad, I got a girlfriend who was not only chatty but also annoying. I just rolled my eyes, annoyed, and did not make anyments at all. What should I say? Could I tell him not to bother me for a few hours? Me: "Rx, Sam. I am in the hospital now. I am okay."


    From the beginning of our courtship until now, Sammy had been frantic. I wondered how a man could make such a big deal out of little things. Before leaving here, I told him in the hope that he would not ask again, but I was wrong. Samuel Helligoz: "Why are you still there? Are you seriously ill?"


    I shook my head to keep myself sane. It was useless to exin everything because the more I told, the more Sammy would ask difficult and nonsensical questions. This useless conversation was going to get really long and boring! Me: "Do not be panic. I ordered food and drinks earlier, so I still have to stay here. You do not have ss anymore?"


    How could Gwen have a cousin like Sammy? Gwen was a nag, but she was not like that. I did not understand my boyfriend''s attitude, and we often fought because of his attitude.


    Samuel Helligoz: "How can I not panic if you do not keep me updated on your health? I am your boyfriend, Lizzy!"


    I hated hearing Sammy''s high-pitched voice the most. If another man had better traits than my current lover, I would choose him instead. I hated arguing every day, and it made me dizzy.


    Me: "We have been dating for three years, but you still do no know my habits. I will definitely let you know when it is over and it has not been six hours, but you are freaking out."


    I did not want to be unable to eat because of what Sammy said. If we were still dating and we were always fighting, what about the future of this rtionship? I was not sure I could marry him. Samuel Helligoz: "Tsk! Lizzy! You do not know how worried I was! Was I wrong to ask how my girlfriend was?"


    I was speechless from hearing Sammy''s words, especially thest sentence. Why did I have a lover who likes drama? I could only massage my forehead while holding back my frustration. I did not let my voice be raised here because they might have reported this to Mom.


    Me: "Stop. You are making my head spin. Let me rest. I will contact you soon."


    I could not bear to continue this crazy debate because I always lost in the end. It was better to enjoy the afternoon with a view and dinner. Dear God, why did you give me two very annoying men in my life? What kind of mistakes had I made in the past that Dad and Sammy were always torturing me?


    Samuel Helligoz: "You are always so evasive when I ask you, Lizzy! When did you change?"


    I wanted to throw this phone against the wall, but I remembered that I was still in The Hidden Dragon''s hospital. Mom always taught me to behave anywhere and anytime unless there was a surprise attack from the enemy. Me: "Stop babbling! You are so annoying!"


    I pressed a red phone icon, and the conversation stopped. I did not care if we would have a big fight after this because I could not stand his pushy and overprotective attitude.


    "Fuck you, bastard! You are a man who does not want to understand the situation. You selfish human being!" I cursed in a low voice so as not to be heard by the two staff in this room.


    I did not want to give the staff something to gossip about because they would be happy to find out that the Queen''s daughter had a fight with her boyfriend. I turned my cell phone off as soon as possible, so it would not get any messages until it was turned back on.


    I put the cell phone in the bag, and then I closed the bag again so that all the luggage would not fall out or scatter on the floor. "Yeah, this is better. I want to enjoy this beautiful afternoon in peace without being bothered by Sammy." I took back the cup with the cooled tea and drank it slowly. I stared at the scenery outside with an empty feeling. The music was still ying, and the song seemed familiar, but I could not remember where I heard it. "Excuse me, Princess. This is your food and drink."


    I spontaneously looked to my left and saw two people there. They were carrying a tray of food and drinks I had ordered earlier. How long had I been lost in thought that I did not notice them appear? I guess I would been too stressed and daydreaming for too long, so I ignored the situation in this room.


    "Thanks. Please put it on the table."


    I gave them permission, and the two staff members immediately carefully ced the food and drinks. I tried to be happy but still could not bring myself to do so. The only constion was the smell of cooking which was starting to whet my appetite.


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    "Is there anything else we can help you with, Princess?" Ste asked politely while another server stood silently next to her.


    "It is enough for now. If Queen calls to look for me, please tell her that I am eating now." I answered Ste''s question, thinking of Mom''s face.


    I thought of Mom, who could have called the hospital unexpectedly. If she did not call, that was good; but if it was the other way around, I had already given the news in advance. "Yes, Princess. I will convey your message to the Queen."


    I nodded as I was looking forward to eating the dishes already served on the table. "Thank you."


    "You are wee, Princess." They bowed to me, and then after finishing, both straightened up and walked away.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I focused my attention on the table, then picked up a slice of pizza pie that was still hot and ced it on the te. "From the looks of it, it is tempting. I hope it tastes good."


    I took the pizza pie and chewed slowly. It was surprisingly delicious. I wanted to make this kind of food at home for variety. I was enjoying the food with a happy feeling, but from fifty meters away, I saw a familiar figure in the distance. I frowned, not feeling strange about the figure, but not sure who the person I had seen was. "Who is that? Is she the-"


    ***

 Garrys Suggestion

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    "So, this supermini CCTV can be installed in the bag only or is the object unlimited?" I looked at a small object that Garry was holding.


    "Yes, sir. Our supermini CCTV can be installed anywhere and no one will notice. You can see it directly." Garry exined and handed me the object he had been holding. I epted it carefully so as not to drop it.


    I knew that the Red Opium always produces its own weapons, including CCTVs. If there were other products, they were usually their allies'' products. I never interfered in the gang''s business directly, but Godfather and Damian always allowed me to ask for favors from them, but I rarely asked.


    I looked over at the table, and there were CCTVs of various sizes and colors. Looks like I have found some suitable items. I would not be satisfied if I did not put a CCTV in Arletta''s room, but how could I do that? Her room was my first destination for cing this CCTV.


    "Garry, does this CCTV need wires? If it needs to be wired, then the target must be aware of it and can be tracked by them." I asked because I wanted to know more about this issue before purchasing products from The Red Opium. "No need, sir. All thetest CCTVs are battery-operated, so there is no need for cables so that no one would know." Garry answered my curiosity, but there was still something missing.


    "What about wifi? Can the CCTV record images if there is no wifi or intework?" I asked again while observing the CCTV. I became interested in buying things like this because I needed it.


    Ah, I guessed I would be buying a lot of this stuff, especially if I managed to get into Rayner''s house. I had to get ess to his house, especially Arletta''s room! I would go crazy if I did not get news about my girl.


    "All of our CCTVs are designed to record when the inte is down, sir." Garry did not tire of answering, and he knew that if I had asked many questions, my interest in buying the product would have grown.


    "What if the bags or objects on which these CCTVs are installed are exposed to water? Will they not be damaged?" The price of one CCTV made by The Red Opium was not cheap. I did not mind buying it if it matched the quality and should be durable.


    "Our CCTV is waterproof, sir. We can provide some samples for you to try for yourself."


    Aha! I could try it myself? That was a good idea, but where should I put this thing? I have not gotten into Arletta''s life yet, so how could I put a CCTV into her bag?


    "Are all CCTVs always ready or do I have to preorder to get them?"


    This was one of the important things when buying a product, especially if I knew who thepany''s owner was: I always asked about avability to estimate when to receive the desired product and, of course, the price.


    "If you want a customized CCTV ording to the objects you want to ce, you have to preorder first. We also have products that are ready, so you can just take some samples ording to product avability."


    I listened to Garry''s exnation carefully. I really wanted to order, but I did not know yet how many CCTVs were avable and what suitable CCTVs were. I put down the object I had been holding and then looked at the other CCTVs on the table. What if I buy one product and put it in my penthouse?


    I could not decide yet, because I had to estimate how many pieces of products were needed, where they would be ced, and many other considerations. The phone suddenly rang while I was still thinking, and Garry and I were distracted. Garry approached the desk and found that the sound wasing from there. I turned my attention back to the table with many CCTV cameras. Arletta''s face appeared in my mind. How was my girl''s condition? I have not gotten any updates on her.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "If only Arletta and I had gotten along, it would have been easy to buy all these things," I muttered.


    "Mr. Ainsley."


    I turned to Garry. He seemed to be holding a phone, and I frowned. "What was wrong?" I asked, confused.


    "Mr. Damien would like to speak with you," Garry replied, handing me the phone.


    "Thanks." I took the call and did not expect Damien to call here.


    Could something have happened to Damien or the Godfather? I hoped they were okay because both have a huge role in our lives.


    Me: "Hello?"


    I could not concentrate if Damien called because he would ask many unusual yet stupid questions, especially since I rarely came to The Red Opium headquarters. Someone must have reported my arrival to him. Damien Xaverius: "Hey, Monk! I heard you went to the office and I was curious to check it out in person."


    I heard Damienugh, but I did not take offense. I was deliberately silent, having let hisughter stop. It was useless to exin at this point because Damien only believed what he wanted. At least he was not a traitor who deliberately invited someone I hated to a nightclub just to ruin my night and mood.


    Damien''sughter had stopped, so I could use this chance to talk seriously with him.


    Me: "Are you doneughing or not?"


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    It was good that Damien called just as I was thinking about buying a CCTV, even though it could not be done today.


    Damien Xaverius: "You are apassionate guy, Monk. Tell me, what brought you there? Have you decided to help the Godfather like me?"


    I did not want to be the sessor to the number two throne in The Red Opium yet, because business was more interesting. Besides, Arletta was Fiona''s daughter, the group''s sworn enemy. If someday my girl and I got married, what about our little family? I did not want the children to be victimized; as much as possible, they should be able to live a little normal life.


    Me: "No. I came here to ask about the CCTV with Garry."


    Damien was an asshole because he fucked a lot of women, then left them when he got bored, but beyond that, he was a very loyal friend. He and The Godfather had helped my business from nothing to what it is today. I really appreciated all that they had done for me, so even though I sometimes got annoyed with Damien''s attitude, I did my best to keep my word so that the family rtionship remained good.


    Damien Xaverius: "CCTV? Why are you asking about that? Don''t you have a vendor for that?"


    I did not want to tell Damien about Arletta because it was not the right time yet. If we were already in an official rtionship, then I would definitely introduce my special girl to Damien and the Godfather.


    Me: "I was-"


    ***

 Interruption in the Middle of Conversation

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    Me: "I was considering buying CCTV from the headquarters for a secret project."


    I did not fucking care about Damien''s responseter, and the important thing was that I did not mention Arletta''s name prematurely! That girl had to be all mine because she had already managed to awaken a pent-up passion. Damien Xaverius: "What? What kind of secret project are you putting together? Tell me the details."


    If I told you, the project would not be a secret anymore. If only Arletta had not been Fiona''s daughter, things would have been easier. I did not want to act rashly, so approaching my dream girl had to be carefully nned. Me: "I will tell youter."


    I did not want to talk about my secret project at the moment. I had not had any experience approaching the opposite sex yet, but after asking Francois, I already had an idea of what I wanted to do with Arletta. Damien Xaverius: "Come on, Monk! Why do you like being secretive with me?"


    I just grinned, but only for a moment. I knew Damien would offer to help, but that did not mean epting all of his offers unless it was absolutely necessary.


    Me: "I will not tell you now, because my secret project requires more research. When it is fixed, I will tell you directly and send you an official purchase quotation."


    I wanted to gain ess to the Rayner mansion and ce CCTV in strategic rooms, including my girl''s room. I needed to know what Arletta was doing and the conversations going on there, so I did not miss out on any information.


    I heard Damien whistling like there was something that interested him. I did not care about anything else because Arletta was the main goal other than raising a lot of money for our future.


    Damien Xaverius: "You want to send us an official purchase quotation? Wow. Your secret project must be important, because you''ve never done that before."


    Yeah. My secret project was significant because it concerned the future. If this project went ording to n, Damien and The Godfather would have to face Fiona. The Queen of The Hidden Dragon must be furious and did her best to thwart the marriage of Arletta and me, her daughter.


    Me: "Yeah. I do not mess around with my own project. If everything is ready, at least eighty percent is fixed, then I will immediately tell Thomas to make a purchase quotation and send the soft copy by e-mail. Is the CCTV price still the same or has there been any change?"


    I did not like wasting time on uncertain things. A man should talk less nonsense and prove his affection more with actions. Everyone could say ''I love you'', but not all could give real proof, aka lip service only.


    Damien Xaverius: "There is indeed an increase in price, because it follows the raw materials and others. For the custom CCTV, especially thetest releases are expensive, unless you want to buy ordinary CCTV, then the price remains the same." The high price was not a problem if the quality of the product was good. I did not want to buy cheap goods, but they broke easily, so I had to buy moreter, which definitely added to the cost. I built my business with a lot of hard work, so I valued every penny spent.


    Me: "Just send me the price list of custom andtest CCTV, so that it will be easy to estimate the cost. I do not mind with the price."


    Money was not a problem because I had plenty in my personal ount and the safe in the penthouse, but that did not mean it could be used carelessly. I wanted to have a serious rtionship with Arletta, especially since I told Rayner that I wished to have his daughter as my wife.


    Damien Xaverius: "Okay, I send it now. Jack, please send the price list of the custom CCTV and thetest output to Mr. Alex via e-mail."


    I heard Damien mention someone''s name. If I was not mistaken, Jack was the name of his assistant. That means he was in the office because Jack was never brought along when Damien was going to nightclubs and only dealt with work matters.


    Me: "Thanks."


    I was sure there must be a way to ce CCTVs inside the Rayner house, especially inside Arletta''s room. If that was the case, then I needed to know where to put the CCTVs and how many of them were required so that the cost would be more efficient. It would be great to get the floor n of the mansion, so it would make things easier.


    Damien Xaverius: "Okay. It is been sent to your e-mail. You can check it."


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    Good. I loved doing business with Damien because everything was done professionally, and the products made by The Red Opium were of high quality. Me: "I will check itter."


    I did not want to open the e-mail now, as that could be done after I got to the penthouse.


    Damien Xaverius: "You are still a workaholic as usual, Monk? Why did you not get a girlfriend, so she can warm your bed?"


    I heard Damien''sughter over there. I was not affected by his words because when it came to women, I was not a man who liked to fuck women for the sake of sex. I wanted a loyal beautiful wife, not a hooker. Me: "I do not need a temporary rtionship. It is a waste of time and money."


    Most of the women who tried to get close to me are only after money, including that damn bitch Louis killed. I would not give anything to those women because I was not an ATM machine. If they wanted money, they must work hard. Nothing was free in this world.


    Damien Xaverius: "Have you found that special girl yet?"


    Finally, I listened to this trick question. Fortunately, I was used to hanging out with Damien and The Godfather, so I had already guessed that this would happen.


    Me: "Nope. I would rather make money than look for a woman."


    It was better to give a temte answer so Damien did not get suspicious. What I said just now was true. I did not have to exin about the special girl in my heart to anyone.


    Damien Xaverius: "Would you like me to introduce you to Isabelle or Miranda? They are beautiful supermodels who are famous. Who knows, one of them might suit you."


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    This time, Iughed, finding Damien''s words funny. Supermodels? No. They were not my type. Most of those women only targeted rich men so they could get money from them, although not all of them do that.


    Me: "No. I do not like supermodels."


    I have been asked that question before and always refused with the same excuse.


    Damien Xaverius: "So, what type of woman do you like?"


    I held back myughter so Damien would not take offense. Why was it that everyone I knew was always busy looking for a mate for me when I did not need one?


    Me: "I will find that girl by myself. Thanks."


    I just wanted Arletta. She was the type I liked and no one else. I did not give a fuck with supermodels, artists, or other famous people, because they did notpare to my girl. She was not flirtatious, even refusing my hugs and lunch invitations. I liked that!


    Damien Xaverius: "Tsk! You are so stingy with that information, monk!"


    I ignored the protest. How was Arletta? Was she home from the hospital yet? What was wrong with my girl? I was so worried!


    Me: "Where is The Godfather?"


    I deliberately shifted the conversation because I did not want to keep talking about the same thing. It was annoying!


    Damien Xaverius: "Ah, you asked the Godfather? He is in the-"


    ***T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Leaving This Place

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I just finished eating all the food and drinks. I did not expect it to taste so good, but I was satisfied. "Is it okay to take away? But is that allowed by Mom?"


    I wiped my lips with a napkin and stared at the scenery outside the ss. It was about to be dusk. I did not know why staying here made my heart calm because the atmosphere was calm and peaceful.


    "I want to take away, but with a different menu. I hope it tastes as good as before."


    I deliberately looked to my left, and there was Ste standing alone. As a server, I understood that standing without sitting at all, especially for more than three hours, was tiring. "Have a little patience, okay? I will not be long." Hopefully, Ste would not mind if I ordered more, but now it was for takeaway. Who knew, if I got home and bored, I could eat the food without leaving the room again.


    I raised my hand, and Ste saw it and quickly walked over here. Well, after the food and drinks for take away were ready and given to me, I would be going home.


    "May I assist you, Princess?" Ste greeted me kindly after standing to my left.


    "I want to take away food and drinks. Can I?" I asked first to make sure that it was indeed permitted.


    "Yes, you can. I will bring the menu book for you. Wait a moment." Ste replied politely, and I nodded to her.


    "Sure. I will wait."


    Ste walked away from me, and I turned toward the ss that showed the scenery outside. "I hate taking medicine, but for the past three days I can''t help but take it regrly."


    For some unknown reason, suddenly, I remembered Dad, especially his silly questions about marriage. Dad never once talked about it, let alone asked his two children to get married.


    "Why is Dad saying that? Is he already nning to introduce me to someone? There can''t be smoke without fire."


    Could this all be rted to An? Had that perverted man influenced Dad? He even promised me that we would see each other again, and I had to prevent that from happening.


    "Dad said that he would ask me the same thing in three months. I am getting suspicious. There must be something to hide." I muttered as I recalled the ridiculous arguments at the dinner table caused by Dad.


    How could I not get angry if I was forced to get married at a young age? Besides, I was still young and still in college, so I focused more on my education for a better future. Being Mom''s sessor did not mean I had to do nothing. She always told Ben and me to study.


    "Excuse me, Princess. This is the menu."


    Ste''s voice interrupted my thoughts, so I turned to her. She was already carrying the same book and handed it to me with both hands. I smiled slightly and epted the menu book.


    "Thank you. You wait here. I will not be long." I said as I opened the page of the book.


    I said that on purpose so that Ste would not have to go back and forth here and that after I finished ordering, she could leave as soon as possible.


    "Yes, Princess."


    I wish I could change the rule so that the children of the Queen of the Hidden Dragon did not have to be called ''Princess and Prince''. That nickname was given to us as if we were just from the royal family, even though we were not.


    I flipped through the pages and found some suitable food and drinks. I told Ste all the orders, and she took notes. After she finished repeating all the orders and I confirmed them, she left immediately.


    "It is good that this waiting room is on the first floor, so I do not have to use the elevator."


    I was d I remembered that because I might have developed a phobia if I had to use the elevator again. If so, then Mom would definitely get suspicious, and all the lies would be exposed. I shook my head and concentrated on the view outside. It was a beautiful sunset, and soon the sun would set.


    "If only my family was normal... never mind. Normal is not part of me since I was born on this earth."


    ***


    Forty-five minutester, it was night, but the lights illuminated the street and the buildings outside. No other visitors were in the room, and the music could still be heard. It was good that it was like this. I checked the table, and no personal belongings were left there. After that, I checked the contents of my bag, and everything was safe.


    "Princess, here is your food and drink."


    Ste had appeared with a ratherrge bag of choctes. The smell of food returned, and I stood up, carrying the brown envelope. The bag was crossed over my right shoulder, and I took it happily. "Thanks. Where am I supposed to pay for all this?"


    Mom did not exin whether I needed to pay because they always refused to give me any money every time I came here, especially when I was getting my medicine. I did not know if the same applies to food and drinks, but I could pay for everything. I brought some cash, and the amount was quiterge.


    "You did not have to pay, Princess."


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    I frowned. Didn''t I hear it wrong? I ate and drank a lot but did not have to pay them? It seemed wrong for me.


    "Are you sure? I can pay them now. Where can I make the payment?"


    I did not want everything eaten to be made free unless there was a special rule where only our family was privileged. Let me hear what Ste''s answer would be. Hopefully, the hospital would not lose money, even though Ben and I rarely came here to utilize the gang''s facilities.


    "I am sure, Princess. You do not have to pay because you are our Queen''s daughter."This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    "Okay. I understand. Thank you."


    I would not insist on paying if that was the stiption of The Hidden Dragon.


    "Thank you foring, Princess."


    Ste''s face looked cheerful, even though I had been in the waiting room for a while. I liked this girl''s positive aura and would rmend her name to Mom. I nodded and smiled at her. "Thank you for your service."


    I quickly walked towards the door and was anxious to get home. After I came out of the waiting room, many of the staff saluted me upon meeting me, and I nodded in response.


    I got outside the lobby, and the driver saw me and entered the car. The car was in front of me in less than a minute, and I got in. I hoped nothing bad happened on the way and when I got home.


    ***

 Thinking About Her

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    "Thank you, Garry. I am not buying anytime soon, because I need to be able to get into the enemy''s gap. When I get there, I will do the calctions, then contact you."


    I did not want to bother Garry for too long, especially since he was not my employee. He also had a job, so I had to leave the headquarters as soon as the business was done. Garry nodded as if he understood what I meant. "Sure, Mr. Ainsley. If you need any assistance or may have any further questions regarding the supermini CCTV, you can contact me."


    I could see Garry''s sincerity. He did not seem to mind when he found out that I had not bought any of his team''s products and instead offered to help with consultations. He was really dedicated to his work! "Thank you. I-"


    The phone''s sound cut me off, especially since it came from my pants pocket. I raised my right palm towards Garry, which meant asking him to wait. Afterward, I took my phone out of my pocket and saw Louis''s name on the screen. Were there any updates on Arletta? I hoped so. I could not wait to find out what happened to my girl.


    Me: "Hello."


    Fuck it if Garry heard my conversation with Louis. I did not overtly mention Arletta''s name, so let him guess who the person we mentioned on the phone was. Louis Movena: "Hello, boss. Miss Arletta has left the hospital."


    I was relieved when I heard the news, but not too satisfied because I did not see Arletta''s face. I missed her and wanted to do anything to make her mine. Me: "Is there a shadow army around you? Watch your surroundings. Do not let your guard down!"


    I did not want to let Fiona''s men find out about Louis following Arletta. They would kill Louis, and that was very dangerous. It was better to keep a distance so the situation remained safely controlled. At that moment, I did not want to find trouble with The Hidden Dragon because their queen''s daughter would be my wife.


    Louis Movena: "I am staying at a safe distance, boss. The shadow troops are increasing, and I suspect it has something to do with Miss Arletta who was admitted to the emergency room."


    It made sense. It could be that Fiona was afraid of something happening to her daughter, so she tightened the security even more. If Arletta had be my wife and we were living together, I would have cared for her and protected her at any cost.


    Me: "Perhaps like that. Did you see anything or anyone suspicious when she came out of there?"


    I wanted to know what happened there, especially when Arletta left the hospital. This was why I needed to buy a supermini CCTV and sneak it into Arletta''s bag.


    Louis Movena: "Nothing unusual, boss. I just saw that Miss Arletta seemed to be carrying something in her hand."


    I frowned. What kind of thing was Arletta carrying? Who gave it to my girl?


    Me: "What do you mean?"


    I needed to get some answers because I would go crazy like this!


    Louis Movena: "If I am not mistaken, Miss Arletta was carrying a brown envelope, and then there was a fairlyrge bag. It probably contained food and drink."


    I hoped what Louis said was true. What was in the brown envelope? I wanted to know everything about Arletta, from the smallest details.


    Me: "Okay. Just keep following him and you should always be on your guard."


    It would have been great to start approaching her, but Arletta was sick. My girl was definitely not going to college and working part-time, so it was even harder to get into her life.


    Louis Movena: "Yes, boss. I have sent the report on Mr. Rayner and his family as usual."


    I was a little relieved to hear Louis'' words. The more and more detailed news about my target, the better the result. I could not just stand by, especially since Arletta still had a boyfriend. That boy would be my rival to get her heart! Me: "Okay. I will checkter. Anything else?"


    I was still at the base, so it was not safe to open important documents here. I just wanted Arletta''s identity to be hidden first so that everything went smoothly without anyone interfering.


    Louis Movena: "Nothing yet, boss. Miss Arletta''s car is now nked by five shadow troop cars. I am deliberately keeping my distance because I do not want to be noticed by them."


    Fiona did not mess around when ites to keeping her daughter safe. If Arletta and I were in a serious rtionship, would she agree? I did not think so.


    Me: "Good. Keep your distance if you have to be separatedter because you can''t get closer to the car. Do not be forced. Do not sacrifice your safety."


    What time was it? I wanted to return to the penthouse as soon as possible and read all the reports from Louis. Who knew, I might get an idea from there to organize a concrete strategy to win Arletta''s love. Louis Movena: "Yes, boss."


    I ended the call and put the phone in my pants pocket. I turned to Garry. He was arranging the CCTV on the table so he was not looking at me. I did not know if he had listened to the conversation or not, but I did not care. What I had nned must go on no matter what!


    "Garry." I called out and he turned around.


    "Yes, Mr. Ainsley?" Garry said. He was no longer focusing on the CCTV.


    "Thank you for your help. I''ll leave first."


    Tonight my business was done and I had to return to the penthouse immediately. Garry could also continue his pending work as he answered all my curiosities.


    "You are wee, Mr. Ainsley. Let me walk you to the front door." Garry invited and I palmed his right hand open and directed it towards the elevator. "Thanks." I agreed to her idea.


    Garry and I walked together, then out of his room. I saw that most of Garry''s men were still there and they were busy with their own work, so they did not notice us passing in front of them, but it did not matter.


    We reached the elevator, and Garry pressed the down button. The doors opened by themselves. Garry looked at me and said, "Thank you for visiting us, Mr. Ainsley. Good evening."


    "Thanks for your help. Good night." I hoped Garry''s work would get done quickly so he did not have to work overtime for too long.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I never thought of bing a scientist like Garry. It must be a veryplicated and confusing job. I got into the elevator, and the doors closed.


    Being here reminded me of Arletta. If the power had not gone out, then we would not have kissed. Wait a minute... if I was not mistaken, Letta had two phobias: ustrophobia and Nyctophobia. Maybe my girl went to the hospital to see a psychiatrist because of that? Damn it!


    ***

 Mom and I Part One

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    I have arrived home. I have heard the phrase ''home sweet home'', but it did not apply to me. I wish I had enough money to leave this damn mansion, and Dad never disturbed me anymore. "Lizzy! Wee back!"


    I knew whose voice it was but tried to ignore it. I was already too tired to give a damn. But, without her help, I probably would not have been able to enjoy all the VIP facilities, including free medical treatment. Well, life was too damn hard for me, and I had topromise with Mom.


    I looked up at Mom''s face and forced myself to smile. "Yes, Mom. Thank you."


    I could not deny that I enjoyed my time in the hospital''s VIP waiting room more than in this crazy mansion. Mom nced at my hand, and she must have realized that I was carrying a bag of food and a brown envelope containing four doctor''s letters.


    "The food there is so good, until you take it away?" Mom asked without looking at the two objects she had mentioned earlier.


    "You were right, Mom. I did not expect the hospital food to be so good. Maybe it''s because they know that I ordered it, so all the food is specially made. Even the menu book that was given to me was different." I answered honestly because that''s exactly what happened when I was about to order food and drinks at the hospital''s VIP lounge.


    "That was good. They knew that I would be furious if you got sick after eating there." Mom turned her attention to me, so we locked eyes.


    "Maybe so, Mom."


    I did not dare specte, but it could be that what Mom said was true. At least I tasted the delicious food and drinks in the hospital and did not even have to pay. "Let''s go to your room," Mom said, taking my left hand, which was not holding anything.


    I could not resist Mom''s wishes. It was better to be safe than to get into trouble. Mom also helped me get four doctor''s letters easily; even all the facilities I enjoyed while in the hospital came from her power. Mom and I arrived in front of a familiar-looking door. As soon as possible, I recognized that it was the elevator door. Mom did not say anything, but she pressed the button, the door opened, and we went inside. Mom pressed the button again, and the doors closed. The elevator moved up, and I was relieved not to be alone. Hopefully, Mom would not suspect that my two phobias had rpsed. "Lizzy."


    I was startled by Mom''s voice, so I turned my head to the right.


    "Yes, Mom? What happened?" I asked, feeling that there was something she wanted to talk to me about.


    "How is your rtionship with Sammy?" Mom asked back, causing me to frown.


    "What do you mean, Mom? Why are you suddenly asking about my rtionship with him?" I did not want to answer her question because I wanted to know her hidden purpose.


    Mom kept staring at the door, which stopped by itself and opened wide. Mom and I got out of the elevator, but curiosity filled my heart because she did not usually pay attention to my rtionship with my boyfriend.


    Did Mom remember Dad''s question? Honestly, I had no intention of marrying Sammy because we fought so much. How could I marry him if we never got along daily? Fought with your lover daily without a solution was not a good sign in a rtionship. Mom had not answered the question yet, so I was curious.


    We kept walking, and our steps echoed in the hallway. The mansion felt like a haunted house because it was so quiet. Why did not Mom and Dad just have more children to make it more lively? I had no idea. They must have had their own reasons, and I did not want to ask them directly.


    We arrived in front of a door, and I recognized it as my room. I opened the door and realized it was dark, so I took three steps back. That''s bad! Nyctophobia could re up, and Mom would definitely notice. "Whatis wrong, Lizzy? Why will you note in?"


    See? Just as I was thinking about that, suddenly Mom asked me. What kind of answer should I give her?


    "It is okay, Mom. I just feel a little dizzy, probably because I remember not taking my medicine from the doctor."


    Why did I say such a ridiculous thing in response to Mom''s question? I hope she did not mind that strange sentence. I crossed my fingers to get my luck.


    Mom turned around and looked suspiciously at me. Dear Universe, please help me!


    "How can you be so careless? Should you not take your medicine right after eating at the hospital?" Mom asked again in a probing tone.


    "I am sorry, Mom." I replied with an apology.


    I did not want to prolong my words so as not to get into trouble. I would rather win than have to argue with Mom. She definitely did not want to lose and will keep looking for ways to win the argument.


    Mom stared intently for a few seconds while I said nothing. Then she went straight into the room, and I waited outside until Mom turned on the light. My room was lit soon, so I dared go there with a relieved feeling.


    The room was quiet. Where was my good boy? He was not here, and I could not remember where I put him before going to the hospital. Was Dex in Ben''s room? Usually, my only brother took Dex there, so his orange cat had a ymate. I could ask himter after I finished talking with Mom. I hoped it would not be so long.


    Mom and I sat next to each other on the long sofa in my room. I waited for her to start the conversation because it was better and safer in this situation.


    "Lizzy."


    Mom called my name and did not say anything else. For some unknown reason, I was afraid that she would ask strange questions that might be difficult to answer. "Yes, Mom?"


    I replied politely, not wanting to hurt Mom''s heart. She was not a perfect mother, but at least she had been giving me the best facilities, even though it was very expensive to use them.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Did Sammy contact you while you were in the hospital?" Mom asked in a soft voice.


    "Sammy called while I was in the VIP lounge, Mom. What was wrong?" I answered her question honestly because that was exactly what happened.


    "Is it true that you intentionally turned off the phone while she was talking to you?"


    Damn! How did Mom know about that incident? Did Sammy deliberately tattle on our problems to Mom?


    ***

 Mom and I Part Two

    Arletta Jessica McDowell POV


    Damn! How did Mom know about that incident? Did Sammy deliberately tattle on our problems to Mom? "How did you know?"


    I did not want to answer Mom''s previous question because I wanted to know how she knew and wanted reassurance from her. I did not like the way Sammy always reported our arguments to Mom. Were we little kids who needed our parents'' help to solve every problem? How ridiculous!


    Mom smiled at me. She did not seem to me me. "Sammy called here earlier. He asked if you were home yet."


    "So?"


    Why did Sammy call Mom when he clearly knew that I was still in the hospital waiting room? He was such an ignorant man!


    "Sammy said that you did not give him a chance to exin what he said when you argued on the phone. You also deliberately turned off the cell phone, even though he had tried to call back more than ten times."


    How could I possibly put up with Sammy''s behaviour? He was no different from Dad, and I did not want to marry a man like that! How did I break up with Sammy?


    I snorted, unable to bear the thought of Sammy''s behaviour. I was fed up with my boyfriend''s childish behaviour! Why did he bring Mom into our problems? He was such a shameless guy.


    "He started the fight, and I was tired of his bad behaviour."


    I was just being calm, but he threw a tantrum. How could I not be annoyed by Sammy''s obnoxious behaviour like that? He knew where I was; instead ofing there, he called and raised a ruckus on the phone! "What did he say to you?" Mom asked with a serious look.


    I wanted to forget the unnecessary fight with Sammy, but I had to answer since Mom asked.


    "He med me for not informing him about the progress of her health, even though I told him that I would go to the hospital, and I messaged him before going there." I answered Mom''s question while putting the luggage on the table near the sofa.


    "Was that all?" Mom asked an additional question, and I turned to her.


    "I told him not to panic, but he kept stirring up trouble. I deliberately disconnected the phone because I was annoyed with him and our conversations." I still answered Mom''s question as politely as possible, even though the urge to end this ridiculous conversation grew bigger than ever.


    "Lizzy, what Sammy was doing was a form of attention. If he did not love you, then he would not have contacted you." Mom started to advise, even though I disagreed with her opinion.


    What kind of love made a partner ufortable? If Sammy had cared so much about me, he could have said it nicely, and we would not have fought likest night. "Sammy is selfish, Mom. Please stop defending him."


    I could not stand hearing Mom defend Sammy. If I had known another man better than him, especially in his attitude, then surely I would have chosen him instead.


    "I am not defending him. Sammy is a good guy. If he was a trouble maker, then since you guys got close, I would have known right away." Mom exined with a smile. She did not seem offended by my statement, but I was worried. Did Mom really want to reconcile us because she could not bear Sammy''s whining?


    I exhaled, then looked the other way, holding back my emotions. I was not angry with Mom but with Sammy. He was deliberately seeking Mom''s support so that he could make up with me again.


    "What food did you take away from the hospital, Lizzy?" Mom seemed to divert the question deliberately, so she asked about food. I refocused my attention towards Mom.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I took away the signature triple cheeseburger, onion fries, avocado juice mixed strawberry, and chocova." I mentioned some of the names of the food that had been ordered from the hospital and did not regret that action because I did not want to go down to the dining room to have dinner there.


    "You ordered so much food. Does it taste good?" asked Mom enthusiastically.


    I was grateful that Mom had stopped talking about the boring topic of my fight with Sammy. We would rather talk about food.


    "Yes, Mom. The food and drinks they cook are delicious. The chef there deserves an award. The service I received was also very good," I replied, matter-of-factly.


    I thought of Ste. I wanted to promote that girl in front of Mom, so that she could be promoted or be a permanent employee at the hospital, so there would be an increase in ie. I knew it was very difficult to be permanent staff there, as they had to pass a rigorous selection process unless luck was on their side.


    "Ou, really? Can I taste it a bit?"


    If Mom asked for something like that, it meant that she was interested in trying it out. This was a good sign, because who knew, this could be a golden opportunity for workers who deserve it.


    "Sure, Mom. Wait a moment."


    I turned to the table, opened the brown bag, and took out the contents one by one. I ced all the food and drinks on the table and then looked at Mom, who had been watching my actions. "What do you want to eat?"


    "I want to taste everything, but only in small portions."


    Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you''re on ?e5s.org to catch every twist and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now!


    I nodded. "Alright. I will be looking for cuttleries here, Mom. They should be prepared for it."


    For some reason, I even held the same brown bag and took out the contents again. As it turned out, gold-coloured spoons, forks, and knives were wrapped in transparent white stic. In addition, several packs of napkins and paper towels were in luxurious gold-coloured packaging.


    Not only that, I noticed there was a light pink card that said: Thank you for the order, Princess. Enjoy the meal, and we wish you a speedy recovery.


    "Wow."


    I did not expect to be given all these things, and somehow, the hospital''s concern touched me. This was my first time getting special treatment from them. Yeah, this card and the sentences written there were beyond my expectation. "What was wrong, Lizzy?" asked Mom, which stunned me.


    "Look at this, Mom," I replied, turning to her.


    I gave the card to Mom, who epted it. She read what was written there but has notmented yet. Was Mom wondering who gave me the card and put it in the brown bag I had been carrying before leaving the hospital? "Lizzy, before you left there did you check what was in the bag?" Mom asked, holding up a card. Her gaze was fixed on me, but I did not feel intimidated at all.


    I shook my head. "No, Mom. I did not check and went straight out of the VIP lounge," I answered confidently.


    "Hm. Are you-"


    ***

 Photos from Louis

    Alexander An Ainsley POV


    I arrived in front of the penthouse, opened the door, and turned on the light. I stared at the empty living room and thought of my girl and how we met.


    "I would not be surprised if Letta went to the hospital. She must have seen a psychiatrist and had therapy for her two phobias. Is my girl feeling better?" I mumbled and could not hide my anxiety.


    My stomach started to hurt. I just remembered that I have not eaten dinner yet, but has my girl eaten yet? I hope she had it.


    "If Letta and I had lived together, then we would have had dinner together. I can''t keep quiet and wait for a miracle for us, but how?"


    My brain kept working and thinking of all the possibilities, but I still could note up with a brilliant idea. How could I ce a secret CCTV in Arletta''s room without getting caught? Where was my girl''s room? Damn! I was so curious about what was going on inside the Rayner''s house.


    "Think, Alex! You usually like to get extraordinary inspirations. Why can''t you get one at a time like this?" I grumbled, annoyed with myself.


    I could only take off my shoes and socks and put them on the shoe rack not far from me. Why is it so boring inside the penthouse? What''s wrong with me?


    Wait a minute. I felt my pants pocket vibrate and reached in to retrieve my cell phone. I was curious about who tried to contact me outside of working hours. Usually, I ignored all the phone calls rted to work, except there was a special case. "Who is calling? Could it be Louis?"


    I got my phone, and the screen showed Louis'' name. Great! I could not wait to hear from him. I hope it''s good news this time!


    Me: "Hello, Louis? How is it?"


    I could not mince words because that was the way it should be. Was there an update on my girl, or perhaps was there something else Louis wanted to say? Whatever it was, I needed to know!


    Louis Movena: ''Hello, boss. I managed to take a picture of Mr. Rayner''s house."


    Aha! I was thinking about how to ess my future inws'' house, but now after hearing Louis'' report, I thought that I was one step closer!


    Me: "Good job! Other than the photos, did you get any other information?"


    I must be able to find a way to ce the CCTV in Arletta''s room. If it was in another area, then it could be dangerous because, as far as I knew, everyone who worked at Rayner''s mansion was a member of The Hidden Dragon. I wondered if Rayner never realized that there was something strange about Fiona, his wife. Was she too smart, or was her husband too stupid?


    Louis Movena: "I am looking for a way to get acquainted with the butler here, boss."


    Aha! Got acquainted with the butler? That was a brilliant idea! He usually knew what was going on inside the mansion, including renovations. Wait! Renovation was the key! If the ce was renovated, the chance to smuggle the CCTVs was even greater!


    Me: "Great! Louis, if you are already acquainted with the butler, you should be able to find out when the Rayner mansion was renovated. If necessary, you can suggest that, so that he can convey it to his master."


    If I was not mistaken, I had a contractingpany that could handle home and office renovations, and I would find a way for them to handle the project. Yes! Finally, I had a suitable solution to my problem! Louis Movena: "Yes, boss. I will try to do it."


    I believed in Louis''s ability. Hopefully, the n would be working smothly, and I could buy CCTV from The Red Opium.


    Me: "I trust you, Louis. You know what you have to do."Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    If Arletta and I could have an official rtionship or at least live together, then I would give Louis a bonus. I had to get that girlpletely, and no other man could have her!


    Louis Movena: "I will do my best, Boss. I will keep you updated on the progress of Mr. Rayner and his family."


    I nodded spontaneously. Arletta, I was not messing around with everything I said when we were in the elevator and I would prove it to you!


    Me: "Good. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Stay alert wherever you are."


    The Hidden Dragon''s shadow troops were everywhere, and I did not want Louis to be caught off guard. I tried to minimize the failure of my n. I did not let Fiona find out prematurely because it could be dangerous for me and The Red Opium.


    Louis Movena: "Thank you, Boss."


    I think I have had enough conversations with Louis. I have not eaten dinner yet, and my stomach hurts again.


    Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you''re on ?e5s.org to catch every twist and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now! Me: "You are wee."


    I ended the call and put my phone in my pants pocket. I walked towards the kitchen and asionally stopped to turn on the light so it would not be too dark.


    "Hopefully Rayner will renovate the mansion, so I can propose a contractingpany that is a subsidiary of mine to have them do the work."


    ***


    Forty-five minutester,


    I had finished dinner and was looking at the pictures that Louis had sent. The Rayner mansion was huge and had arge courtyard. There were bodyguards guarding every ce. I wondered, where was my girl''s room? There was no way she lived on the first floor because, as far as I knew, the children of rich people like Arletta were deliberately ced on the second or third floor by their parents.


    Louis sent me about fifteen photos with different angles so I could imagine what was there. A shadowy army stood guard outside the fence of the Rayner mansion. They were in cars and about fifty, one hundred, and one hundred and fifty meters away from the Queen of the Hidden Dragon''s residence.


    "Hm... I thought they only appeared when my girl or Ben or Fiona came out, but I was wrong. They are everywhere."


    I looked at each photo carefully, often zooming in to see more clearly. But I was still not satisfied because I did not know where my girl slept. I could not wait to find out, even if it were just through a photo.


    "I need to know Arletta''s room. How big it is and what things she has, including the size of her clothes. If we live together, then I already know everything she needs."


    After looking at the photos, I remembered the conversation with Garry and it gave me an idea. "A miniature CCTV can be ced in Letta''s room, and then also other things as long as they are not caught. When sending the gift, I can-"


    ***


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