《Bashing Trinity》 Chapter 0 Prologue-Annoy Chapter 0 Prologue-Annoy BASH I am so annoyed with the art teacher who didn¡¯t appreciate my watercolor painting. I hop out of the car without thanking my driver. Sprinting inside the house with my backpack tightly grasp, I stomp my feet to our expansive living room. I was practicing the same conceptst night over and over again until it looked satisfactory. I admit I¡¯m so bad at art, but it hurts my ego because I¡¯m excellent at every subject. I can y the piano, cello, violin, and guitar with my eyes closed. I can solve math in just one look at the problem, but art? Ugh! I grimace at the thought of it. I stop to halt when I notice mom and one of her best friends areughing together. Their voices are echoing in the living room. They abruptly stop when they notice me. I roll my eyes. Mom¡¯s beautiful face lights up and smiles at me. Aunt Zoey, the redhead does the same. I smile timidly back at her. I¡¯m not in a mood to deal with them, especially mom. I¡¯m already eleven years old, she still pecks me on my lips and pinches my face in front of everyone¡ªit¡¯s annoying. Who do girls like a mama¡¯s boy? ¡°Hey, mom. Aunt Zoey.¡± I y cool because everyone knows that I¡¯m a good boy of the King and Hughes. I stride to the carpeted staircase, slinging my backpack over my shoulder. I almost bump into Kiara, whose standing in the middle of the stairs. Her right hand is gripping the rails, and the other is on her sketchpad, pressing against her chest. ¡°Bash!¡± she shrieks in surprise. Her green eyes are big and grow even bigger. Her curly or more or like ringlet redcks is like she has jammed her finger to the electrical outlet¡ªso messy. She reminds me of Nerida. She has freckles all over her face, and she¡¯s too skinny. She¡¯s Aunt Zoey and Uncle Logan¡¯s daughter¡ªour family friends. Kiara¡¯s parents both work in ourpany. ¡°What are you doing here, goldfish?¡± I narrow my eyes, asking her annoyingly. Her lips quiver. She doesn¡¯t like the nickname I give her, but I like to annoy Kiara. ¡°You¡¯re a bully, Bash.¡± She murmurs and doesn¡¯t meet my gaze as she grips her sketchpad to her chest. She didn¡¯t meet my gaze. ¡°Well, you look like goldfish, Trinity,¡± I say mockingly. ¡°I¡¯m not a fish, and my name is Kiara,¡± she says softly with a shaky voice. I know she¡¯s going to cry. ¡°Whatever Kiara or Trinity! You still look like a goldfish. You have orange hair with big eyes,¡± I say, demonstrating how big her eyes are. ¡°And what¡¯s in that sketchpad of yours?¡± I quickly snatch from her grip. ¡°As if you knew how to draw,¡± I grunt as I flip through pages. She tries her best to snatch it back from me, but I¡¯m way taller than her. In the end, she stops when she struggles to reach for my hand that I raise in the air. ¡°Give that to me, Bash, please?¡± Kiara starts crying, eyes filling with tears. She twists her fingers, sliding down herself at the railings of the stairs. ¡°Oh, sorry, Trinity, but this is now mine, and I know there¡¯s nothing worth looking in here.¡± I continue flipping each page. My eyes widen of what I see. ¡°You did all these, Trinity?¡± I can¡¯t believe she can actually sketch like these. ¡°Or your mom did these? Don¡¯t lie to me. You don¡¯t know how to draw, goldfish.¡± Iugh out loud, but deep inside, I feel something unfamiliar. She¡¯s good at something I don¡¯t, and I¡¯m jealous of her. ¡°I did all that. Please, give that back to me,¡± Kiara says between sniffing and twisting fingers. I almost chuckle as I see a drawing of a boy in Manga surrounded by hearts. I look at her for seconds. With a mischievous grin, I point to the sketch of a boy. ¡°And who¡¯s this?¡± She looks at me, wiping her tears on her cheeks. ¡°That¡¯s you.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Chapter 1 Home Chapter 1 Home BASH The chilly air wraps my skin as soon as I step out of my family¡¯s private jet. I inhale deeply the smell of New York City¡ªthe city that never sleeps. Wee Back, Bash! It¡¯s good to be back! The skyline buildings, the noises, the lights, and the New Yorkers¡ªI miss all of them. I get inside of the ck Rolls Royce of my Grandpa Mike. My stomach churns at the thought of being back. When I think I get myself prepared for this, but I am wrong, and the anxiousness starts crawling in my skin. Now that I¡¯m here, I want to go back to London and stay there for the rest of my entire life. But I promised my family that once I finished college, I will be back¡ªthat¡¯s one of the two reasons why I¡¯m here. ¡°Wee back, Sir Bash!¡± The family driver of early forties greets me with courtesy; he turns to me and nods from the driver seat. ¡°I¡¯m Edmund Russell. Your driver, Mr. Hughes.¡± He extends his hand, and I immediately grip it for a handshake. ¡°Thank you, Edmund. Please, call me Bash if you would like to stay as my driver.¡± ¡°Sure, Bash,¡± he says with hesitant, ¡°when your family is not around,¡± he adds with a salute. I chuckle. ¡°Good. Now, let¡¯s head home.¡± ¡°Yes, sir,¡± he replies with enthusiasm. I nce at him one more time before I smile. I can¡¯t help but amaze at the astounding city lights of array colors as we pass by, the colossal skyline buildings that stand tall from afar, the neon lights that flicker in different colors, and billboards sh with advertisements that blur through the car window. My emotions start to swirl in my belly. There¡¯s something about New York that you can¡¯t find in any ce in the world. It¡¯s maybe because I still consider this my home? New Yorkers are still busy even at this past midnight hour. Indeed this city never sleeps. The yellow cabs and the chaotic traffic remind me that I¡¯m finally back in New York. ¡°Bash, your parents directed me to send you to your Penthouse, but first, I will drive you to Hughes¡¯s mansion.¡± His deep voice bashes me out from my thoughts. ¡°Sure. Like you can say no to my dad.¡± He chuckles, ¡°That¡¯s actually from Mrs. Hughes. Your mom, Bash.¡± I roll my eyes. ¡°Of course. Her baby boy is back.¡± In my twenty-one years, she treats me like a nine-year-old boy. I can¡¯t me her, though. I¡¯m her only son, and she almost died giving birth to me. She got intoplications during thebor that resulted in her not getting pregnant again. Her doctors had to remove her uterus. ¡°Let¡¯s go then. I had a long flight, Edmund. I hope we won¡¯t stay long.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± he responses shortly. I lean my head back when Edmund ys a 90¡¯s song. I can¡¯t help but hum as the song ys softly above my head. ¡°Bash, are you sure you know how to braid?¡± Trinity asks, looking up at me. She¡¯s sitting on the floor in her room while I¡¯m on her pink bed. I start separating her tangled curly red hair into two sections, then twist up the second section, and secure it with a hair clip. ¡°You don¡¯t trust me, Tri? I watched it many times on YouTube. So you don¡¯t have to worry. Lizzy won¡¯t let me try it on her hair though,¡± I say, separating the first section into three sections, then twist it and cross it as it is shown on the video. She lets her arms drape on my thighs. ¡°I trust you, Bash. But make sure you do it fast. You still have to help me choose my dress for the Prom.¡± She tilts her head to look at me. I push her head down. ¡°Stay still if you want me to finish this fast.¡± I try to be focused on what I am doing. ¡°Ouch. Easy there, tiger!¡± She whines, hitting me on my leg. Iugh. ¡°It was not strong, goldfish,¡± I say betweenughs. I do the first braid perfectly. ¡°Look at this, Tri. It¡¯s perfect!¡± She looks at her braided hair. Her face lights up. Her eyes glimmer as she looks at me. ¡°It¡¯s perfect, Bash. Thanks!¡± she chirps, hugging my right leg. *** I¡¯ve been sitting patiently in the dress boutique for almost thirty minutes. Trinity has chosen three dresses she likes. I cross my legs and tap my fingers on my knee. I forget to bring my Airpods with me, so I have to hum some songs in my head. Trinity emerges from the fitting room, wearing a baby blue ankle-length dress. She smiles at me. ¡°What do you think of this?¡± I look at her without expression on my face. I shake my head. ¡°But it¡¯s blue.¡± Her shoulders slump. ¡°Trinity, I¡¯m not color-blind,¡± I snap, rolling my eyes. ¡°But we like blue,¡± she insists. I take a deep breath. Since I figured out Trinity can draw, I bribed her to help me draw and sketch. Since then, we started to get along. But I couldn¡¯t help myself not to annoy and bully her sometimes. Okay, maybe most of the time. She cried and hid away from me for days until I apologized. I needed her to help me with my art sses. I¡¯d rather choose her to help me than the art tutor that my parents paid. I can say, I enjoy having her around. ¡°It¡¯s in, Trinity. Try something colorful. You have nice skin color, your hair, and your eyes.¡± She res. ¡°I thought you hate my hair and my freckles, and my skin is translucent.¡± Iugh on my seat as the salesdy approaches us. ¡°I said pale, and I did not say translucent. Ms. Jenna, can you please help my girlfriend here.¡± I stand up and wrap my arm around Trinity¡¯s exposed shoulder. She ends up elbowing me. ¡°Choose a perfect dress for her?¡± The salesdy¡¯s face lights up like she has some idea. ¡°I know what¡¯s perfect for her. She got a beautiful skin with redhead and green eyes.¡± Ms. Jenna scans the dress one by one until she stops and grabs the ck, red, and green dress. ¡°Put these on. The size fits for you, dear.¡± Trinity and I go to the same school from grade school to high school, and we be best friends. Sometimes, I think of her as a lesbian because she never dates anyone. Unlike me, I dated some girls, but I broke up with them when they started to be mean to Trinity, and she got into trouble because of me. ¡°Stay away from Bash, Ugly Kiara. If you don¡¯t want me to ruin your pathetic life!¡± That¡¯s my girlfriend, Alesha yelling at Trinity in the gym during their P.E ss. I just finish practicing football when I decide to talk to Trinity to teach her Calculus. I cross my arms over my chest as I watch them intently. ¡°You tell your boyfriend to stay away from me. Not the other way around!¡± Trinity responds. Her face turns red with anger. She tells me she doesn¡¯t like Alesha since I started dating her month ago. ¡°He will tell you, ugly! He¡¯s just waiting for the right time. That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you now. Do you even have a date for prom? I bet nobody asks you yet, right?¡± Alesha pokes Trinity on her shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t go to that lousy dance or prom. That¡¯s for brainless cheerleaders who want to lose their virginity with drunk horny boys!¡± My lips curve to smile. I can¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re just jealous because Bash chooses me over his loser of a maid!¡± Alesha yells again. Students are already circling while Trinity and Alesha are in the center. My jaw clenches. That¡¯s a lie. First, I didn¡¯t ask Alesha to be my Prom date, and Trinity is my best friend and not my maid. I sprint toward them and push two students to give me away. Alesha¡¯s eyes widen when she notices my presence. Trinity doesn¡¯t look at me in the eye, but I can see the pain in those green orbs. She walks away out of the crowd, but I manage to catch her arm and grip it tightly. ¡°Let go of me!¡± She struggles to loosen my grip and starts crying. My heart just breaks for my best friend. ¡°Let her go, Bash.¡± I hear Alesha¡¯s whining voice at my back. ¡°Stay away from me, Alesha, and stay away from Trinity! If I see you near her again, you will lose your cheerleading team!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± *** ¡°We¡¯re here, Bash,¡± Edmund announces after opening the car door for me. Nothing changed on this mansion. Thest time I stepped in here was three years ago. It¡¯s just me who gets three years older¡ªI gained some muscles, be mature, and more focused in life. I get inside the mansion where I grew up with my sister, Lizzy. A sweet scent, a hint of mixed perfume, and alcohol assaulted my nose. ¡°SURPRISE!¡± I almost jump at the voices and the flickering of lights in the crowded living room. My hand quickly on my frantic chest. ¡°I could die right now with a heart attack.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Wee home, baby boy!¡± Mom literally sprints towards me, and I meet her halfway with a huge hug. ¡°I missed you too, mom,¡± I say, kissing her cheek. ¡°Son, good to see you back home.¡± Dad deep husky voice, one of the strong traits that I got from him. After hugging him, I move to my beautiful sister Elizabeth Catherine, and she¡¯s two years older than me. ¡°Hello, sweet little brother,¡± she sings with the brightest smile on her face. ¡°Missed me, Lizzy?¡± I hug her tight, lifting her from the floor, causing her to shriek. ¡°You weight nothing, Lizzy. Are you even eating?¡± She rolls her eyes as soon as we break our wee embrace. Everyonees to wee me, except for the one person that I longed to see for these whole tormenting three years. I scan the crowd, but I can¡¯t find her beautiful face. I take a long deep breath and swallow hard, pushing back the thought of what I am afraid of finding out. I feel disappointed. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. Lizzy wraps her arm around my waist and whispers in my ear, ¡°she didn¡¯te.¡± I nod, pressing my lips hard into a thin line. Lizzy knows all my secrets. My body suddenly drains out of energy while everyone is enjoying mye back. I take the champagne ss Lizzy offers for the toast when I hear the familiar voice from my back. ¡°Sorry, guys. I¡¯mte!¡± Chapter 2 Expectation Chapter 2 Expectation BASH My head snaps to Lizzy¡¯s boyfriend, Dean. I don¡¯t like him so much, but who am I to judge, and he seems to make my sister happy. But if he ever hurts my sister, I won¡¯t hesitate to break his face. Dean marches to my direction. As a golden boy, I give him a smile that I mastered since I was a kid. ¡°Good to see you again, man.¡± I extend my hand, and he grips it tightly with a manly hug. ¡°Wee back, Bash.¡± ¡°Thanks, Dean. So, how¡¯s the newwyer?¡± His face lights up. Honestly, he¡¯s perfect for my sister. He gets the look that can be the future senator, a built like a ser yer, and a brain that could passws for the country¡¯s future. ¡°Thanks for asking, Bash. Just got a case yesterday. Apany files awsuit against your dad¡¯s company. I shouldn¡¯t be discussing this with you, but I know Liz is filling you somehow. It¡¯s not a big deal. Yourpany will surely win this case. It¡¯s nonsense. They¡¯re wasting their money and time.¡± He seems so confident about what he does for a living. Being graduated as magna cumude at Harvard Law School, he has the privilege. ¡°So, are you going to start your masters here?¡± he asks. I take a breath. ¡°That¡¯s the n. Mom won¡¯t let me go back again. Dad wants me to start working with him. So, I guess I don¡¯t have an escape n this time.¡± Lizzy marches in. She grabs Dean¡¯s head and kisses him like I¡¯m not around. I¡¯m not used to seeing my sister locking lip with her boyfriend. I fake a cough. ¡°What? Can¡¯t I kiss my boyfriend?¡± she asks mischievously. I roll my eyes that makes Dean chuckle and lick his lips. ¡°It¡¯s really not my business, but that¡¯s my sister who just kissed in front of me. Gross.¡± I wrinkle my nose. ¡°I think I need to set you up for a date.¡± Her eyes glint. I shake my head. ¡°Not happening, Lizzy. I didn¡¯te back to date.¡± She rolls her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re no fun. You can¡¯t just lock up yourself in your penthouse after your sses and your training in thepany.¡± ¡°Lizzy, I¡¯ll date when I want to, and don¡¯t worry, I just came out from a rtionship.¡± She snorts. ¡°I told you I don¡¯t like that g.¡± I groan. ¡°Liz, stop it, and we¡¯re over.¡± I throw her a warning look. She shrugs. ¡°Fine.¡± She doesn¡¯t like Dana at all. I dated Dana for a year, but Lizzy never even talked to her or said hi. I can¡¯t me my sister though, Dana and I may be dated, but it didn¡¯t get into a point of going into a deeper rtionship. The sex is good, but the longer we were together, the sex was just like part of the routines every night. She didn¡¯t even mentioning here with me. So our rtionship ended up in London. *** ¡°Mom, I got to get going. It¡¯s almost six in the morning.¡± I yawn as I rub mom¡¯s back. She is sitting on the barstool while I¡¯m still standing in front of her. ¡°Can Ie and see you?¡± she asks, running her fingers on my ck hair that I got from dad. Iugh. ¡°Of course. I know you¡¯ve got my penthouse keys. You don¡¯t have to ask me, you know.¡± She looks at my gray eyes longer, which makes me feel uneasy. ¡°What?¡± I stare back at her beautiful green one. ¡°Are you happy to be back?¡± I nod, releasing a sigh. I can¡¯t help but run my fingers through my hair. My heart still is broken, and I don¡¯t know how to fix it. The scars are still fresh, a constant reminder that I had never moved on. ¡°Bash, did you expect her to be here tonight?¡± I look away, shrugging my shoulders. I take a deep breath when my eyes start to sting. I bite my lip and nod slowly. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect her to be here, but I was hoping that maybe, she would be here.¡± My voice is low, but Mom can feel my emotion in those words. Mom holds my hands and squeezed them. ¡°You two need to talk. You both need a closure.¡± I shake my head. ¡°Got to go, mom. Where¡¯s dad?¡± ¡°Here, son.¡± Dad raises his hand. He¡¯s sitting with Lizzy and Dean. I get in the car waiting for me after bidding goodbye to my family. Edmund quickly closes the door after me and runs towards the driver¡¯s seat. He starts the engine without a word when he notices the expression on my face. He ys another song. This time it¡¯s from Lifehouse. I re and give him a what-the-fuck-look? He only gives me an innocent look. The penthouse is on the fifty-eighth floor. It has a two-floor with a triple-height living room with the views of the most iconic skyscrapers. Its perks with a humongous copper brown kitchen, a balcony, floor wine cer, built-in Hi-tech appliances, and floor to ceiling ss windows. Mom sent me pictures if I like the interior designs, but these are nothing but boring ck and white for me now. ¡°Thanks, Edmund. I can take it from here,¡± I thank him, grabbing my two traveling bags with my Bottega Va messenger bag. I throw myself to the couch. Exhaustion starts to take over me. ¡°Did you talk to your mom abouting with me to college?¡± I ask Trinity whose lying on her abdomen with her elbows propped on the mattress. She¡¯s scribbling something on her sketchpad, biting her lip in concentration while I¡¯m lying down on my bed with my arms under my head. ¡°Not yet, but as long as I received my eptance letter, they can¡¯t say anything.¡± I sit on the bed and cross my arms over my chest. A small smile spread across my face as I look at what Trinity has been scribbling for almost twenty minutes. She¡¯s having fun sketching my face. ¡°We already talked about this many times, Tri. Why aren¡¯t you listening to me?¡± I am annoyed with her excuses every time I mentioned this topic. ¡°Bash, I said I¡¯ming to college with you. Meaning, whether Mom and Dad agree on my n or not, I¡¯m stilling with you. Who can say no to a free house and free food?¡± she responds, grinning at me, showing her perfect teeth. I grin back. ¡°I will talk to your mom and dad, Trinity.¡± She hits me with her sketchpad, and she identally hits me there. My hands quickly cup my throbbing crotch as I curl into a ball. I feel the most painful pain I¡¯ve ever felt in my entire life, and my forehead starts to sweat. I can¡¯t form a word other than groan and whine from pain. ¡°Bash, oh, my god! I¡¯m so sorry. I don¡¯t mean to hit you hard on your balls.¡± She rubs my head down to my back. I blow some breaths before I speak. ¡°Are you trying to kill me, Kiara Trinity?¡± I yell at the top of my lungs. ¡°That hurts like hell. I don¡¯t wanna be infertile, you ugly, goldfish!¡± I gritted between groans. She is still rubbing her hands on me. ¡°I said sorry, Bash. You don¡¯t have to be a bully. I really don¡¯t mean to hit you on your balls.¡± Trinity tries to hide herughter, but there¡¯s still a hint of it in her voice. ¡°Stop saying balls, Virgin Mary. And stop rubbing my back! It won¡¯t ease the pain. You know where did you hit me, Nerida! Goldfish! Stick?¡± I take her hand off of me. The pain lessens a little bit after a few deep breaths. I nce at her. She¡¯s hugging her sketchpad and about to cry. I can see her lips quivering even if she¡¯s biting her bottom lip to control it. Jeez, why does she have to cry every time I upset her? She¡¯s so sensitive. ¡°Sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said that,¡± I apologize, but she doesn¡¯t say anything anymore. She¡¯s going to hide from me again. ¡°Should I rub your balls instead?¡± she asks with hesitation, wiping the tears fell from her eyes. I move closer to her and pull her into a hug. I kiss the side of her head and rub her arms while she shakes to cry. ¡°I said, I¡¯m sorry. It hurts, and I know you don¡¯t mean it, Tri. You don¡¯t have to rub my balls.¡± I chuckle at myst words. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna hide from me, are you?¡± ¡°You can live without me, Bash. You will find new friends. You will have a girlfriend who will not be bothered by our friendship.¡± What the hell is she talking about? ¡°What do you mean, Trinity?¡± I pull away and look at her intently. She sniffs as she wipes her tears with the back of her hand. Why do I feel like she just yed me? We applied to the same college together. We nned all of these together, and now I feel like she¡¯ll leave me hanging. Alone. She doesn¡¯t reply, and it makes me furious. She continues crying and looking down while twisting her fingers. ¡°Trinity, answer me for Pete¡¯s sake!¡± I can¡¯t help but raise my voice. She startles in her seat and sobs more. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. ¡°You didn¡¯t apply, did you? You have no n oning abroad with me?¡± I push. Still, she doesn¡¯t say a word, neither shake her head or nod. ¡°You lied to be, Trinity! You tricked me!¡± I blink when my eyes start to sting and blur. I breathe heavily as I feel like I¡¯m losing my temper. ¡°When are you going to tell me about this? Before the flight? Did you even tell your parents? You didn¡¯t, did you?¡± She just continues crying, and it pisses me off. ¡°You hurt me, Trinity. You hurt me!¡± ¡°I just don¡¯t want to bother you, Bash. I¡¯m only a burden to you and your life. You can¡¯t even find a serious girlfriend because of me.¡± Iugh sarcastically. ¡°Did I everin, Trinity? I chose you over girls because you are more important to me than them. They just want me because I am a Hughes, not because I am Bash like who I am to you.¡± My voice cracks in the end. Jesus, I never cry in front of anyone but my family, but here I am, crying over Trinity. ¡°You can go and study abroad while we still are best friends.¡± Iugh again, mocking the word best friend. ¡°Best friend? No best friend ever lies. No best friend betrayed her best friend, and no best friend will leave her best friend alone!¡± She cries even more, and I want to hug her so badly, but my anger is taking over me. ¡°Bash, I¡¯m sorry, okay? We can still¡ª¡± I cut her off. ¡°What? That we can still skype? Facetime? Chat? Twit?¡± Iugh, ¡°No way! No effing way! I don¡¯t wanna be your best friend anymore, Kiara!¡± I stand up from my bed with my hands on my hips. ¡°Get out of my room, out of my house, and I don¡¯t wanna see your ugly face again!¡± I swallow hard after those words left my mouth. My heart crashes in my chest because I don¡¯t mean what I say. Trinity drags herself out of my bed, takes the sketchpad, leaves me alone in my bed, in my room, and my house. I wipe my tears and walk to my bathroom. I am washing my face when I hear a soft knock on my door. ¡°I¡¯m sleeping, get away from me!¡± I yell and walk back to my empty bed after wiping my face. The face of my sister emerges from the half-opened door. ¡°I said I¡¯m sleeping, Lizzy!¡± My phone buzzes from my pocket. I fish outzily and groan when I see the screen. It¡¯s a text from my sister. LIZZY: Baby bash, meeting tom at Hughes building 9 am sharp. BASH: Stop calling me baby! Can¡¯t I have a day off? LIZZY: Grumpy! No way! It¡¯s time to meet the new CFO. BASH: And who is that? LIZZY: YOU, idiot! I groan. BASH: Impossible! LIZZY: Ask dad BASH: I need some sleep now LIZZY: See you tomorrow, baby bash! *** I wear a white-crisp shirt, a dark charcoal gray suit, and a dark metallic gray tie and match it with ck shoes. I use cufflinks with my initials. I look at my reflection at the wall-size mirror, and I run my fingers through my hair one more time. I grab the keys that I left at the coffee table yesterday. Then I head to the private elevator. After punching some keys, it slides open. I reach the parking area with my driver waiting for me. ¡°Morning, boss!¡± he greets me cheerfully with a smile. ¡°Morning, Edmund,¡± I greet back and get in the car. ¡°To the office, right, Bash?¡± I raise my brows. ¡°Don¡¯t y 90¡¯s music, and how did you know?¡± ¡°Ms. Hughes sent me an email of your schedule.¡± I groan. ¡°Of course, she did.¡± ¡°We will stop at the coffee shop for your coffee, then we can head to the Hughes Tower immediately,¡± he exins. ¡°For a driver, you talk too much early in the morning,¡± I tell him, looking out the window. ¡°y some music.¡± ¡°Sir?¡± ¡°Edmund?¡± ¡°Bash?¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°Right away, boss!¡± I¡¯m definitely loving thepany of my driver. I head to Dad¡¯s office right away after saying hi to his PA, Elle. Nothing has changed in his office, except for the additional family photo and my recent picture taken during my graduation. ¡°Morning, son. Don¡¯t I get a hug?¡± Dad¡¯s merry voice snaps my head at him. ¡°Morning, Dad.¡± I march to his desk when he stands up and puts down the phone receiver. ¡°Why I¡¯m here so early? Shouldn¡¯t I start first my masters, then train with you, but from what I heard from Lizzy yesterday, I¡¯ll be starting right away.¡± I take a seat, facing him. ¡°I will exin that at the meeting,¡± Dad simply says, ncing at the wristwatch given by mom. ¡°In twenty minutes. Would you like to see your office first?¡± he asks, buttoning his suit. I nod, stand up, and button my suit too. ¡°Elle will show you your office just down to the left. You can use the stairs. And son?¡± I stop and look at him. ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°Be nice to your new Assistant.¡± Chapter 3 Surprise Chapter 3 Surprise BASH I feel the instant coldness of the stainless door handle on my office as I push it open. As I enter, I feel a sudden unsettling in the pit of my stomach when a familiar flowery-scent hits my nostrils. A gasp from has my head snap, and my eyes are transfixed on the woman in front of me. Everything stops. My surrounding blurs. The beating of my heart races. My eyes widen in shock, and I am surprised that my jaw still attached to my head. I¡¯m not expecting to see her here in this building, let alone in my office. I wasn¡¯t thinking about her when Dad told me to be nice to my assistant. What¡¯s this supposed to mean? I shut my gaping mouth close and cough awkwardly. ¡°Trinity.¡± Her namees out a whisper, and it feels foreign in my ears. She blinks many times before she clears her throat. She smiles at me¡ªa tight smile; just a in smile; a forceful one. ¡°Mr. Hughes, good Morning, and wee to your new office,¡± she greets with courtesy. Mr. Hughes? ¡°I hope the interior fits your liking, but we can still request and change¡ª¡± I raise my sweaty hand for her to stop. My heart beats faster than before. My lungs expand further, that my ribcage can crack any moment, and it makes me difficult to breathe. I look at her for seconds, and she meets my gaze then breaks it quickly. ¡°You didn¡¯te to the party my family threw out two days ago,¡± I said almost silently. She grabs some files on top of my desk with the iPad on top. She hugs them to her chest gracefully and says casually, ¡°I sent Lizzy a message that I couldn¡¯te. So, as you know, I¡¯m your new assistant; temporarily, and my office is just adjacent to yours,¡± she puts a little emphasis on the temporarily while pointing at the door on my left. Her stares give me shiver; her green eyes are shooting an icy re on me. She changed a lot. Her hair is cut short just above her shoulders. The color is still the same, though. Her face still has freckles, but they¡¯re lesser, maybe from the makeup she applies on. Her lips are still full, painted with red lipstick. She taps on her iPad. ¡°You have a meeting in less than ten minutes.¡± I take a deep breath. ¡°Trinity, just leave the meeting for a while, can you?¡± I move closer to her because I badly want to pull her into a hug and feel her warm wee. She swallows hard. ¡°Okay, you¡¯re the boss. I ced all the paper works that left by Mr. Peter Williams.¡± She gestures to the file on top of my desk. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in that either.¡± I snap. ¡°What happened to you, Trinity?¡± She looks taken aback. ¡°What happened to me?¡± she asks back, pointing her finger to herself. ¡°Nothing bad happened to me, Mr. Hughes. If you don¡¯t want me as your temporary assistant, by all means, please, just ask the HR for my recement,¡± she adds sternly. ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean.¡± Why is she acting like she doesn¡¯t know me? ¡°Stop calling me Mr. Hughes. You¡¯re my best friend for God¡¯s sake¡ª¡± ¡°Were,¡± she cuts me off. ¡°Ex-best friend, Mr. Hughes. You are my boss now, so only it¡¯s proper to address you as¡ª¡± ¡°I am your boss, so do as I say,¡± I tell her in an authoritative tone. ¡°Sure.¡± She looks down at the empty chair in front of my desk. She ces back down the file she took a while ago and smoothens her dark blue pencil cut skirt that ends just above her knees. She wears a white blouse with a dark blue zer. She looks beautiful, elegant, and very professional. ¡°I came to see you before my flight to the U.K, but you were not there. You went to your grandparents in Boston.¡± She doesn¡¯t say anything. I guess she¡¯s listening. I continue, ¡°I wanted to apologize that day and take back our friendship, Trinity, but you didn¡¯t even answer my calls nor replied to my messages.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. That was four years ago,¡± she says coolly. I snort. ¡°That¡¯s it? I mean, you just wasted our friendship for years with just one mistake I made, and you made mistakes too, Trinity.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to be your friend, Bash, Can¡¯t you understand that? Your friends, ssmates, and girlfriends thought I was just your ve. I¡¯m a dog under your leash. Your personal maid!¡± ¡°Did I listen to them even once? How many times did I fight for you against them? How many times did I choose you against my girlfriends? How many times did I defend you against those freaking losers, Trinity? How many times?¡± My voice fills in the room. Before I came, I did not exactly expect to fight early in the morning. It ruins my mood to have an early argument with anyone. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I have friends now. I¡¯m sure you made friends with Brits.¡± She doesn¡¯t look affected. She¡¯s so cold that makes me shiver. ¡°You¡¯re such an immature.¡± ¡°You¡¯re an asshole!¡± I narrow my gaze on her. ¡°Watch your tone and yournguage when you¡¯re in my office, Trinity. I¡¯m still your boss.¡± ¡°My apology, Mr. Hughes,¡± she says silently. ¡°Don¡¯t I get a wee back hug?¡± I ask, hoping she gives in now that we finally talk about the elephant in the room. She rolls her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s inappropriate. Meeting in less than four minutes, Mr. Seb Hughes will introduce you as the new CFO.¡± I grab the iPad from her hand and scroll it down what she jotted down. I stop with brows furrow to the second note. ¡°Dinner with Luke; to discuss the engagement?¡± I read it slowly, and I almost drop the iPad from my hand. My heart just crashes in my chest. ¡°You¡¯re engaged?¡± I grab her hand a bit stronger, and there you go. The fucking engagement ring on her finger. My life is doomed! I stare at her as I try to process what I just find out, but she doesn¡¯t meet my gaze anymore. She just looks down at the iPad that I toss down the chair. I sprint towards the door and mming it behind me. I almost collide with Lizzy when I walk my way to the conference room. ¡°Bash, we are about to start in less than two minutes. Get inside and take a seat.¡± I shove my hand in my pocket and look at the monolithic view of the building outside, ignoring Lizzy¡¯s voice. Pressing my lips into a thin line and slumping my shoulders in defeat, I swallow hard the lump in my throat. I lose Trinity forever. What¡¯s the point ofing back? I don¡¯t answer my sister. ¡°Bash, you okay?¡± she asks with a worried tone of a sister like she used to when we were just kids. I feel a hand rubbing my back. I look down at her five-foot-eight inches framed. I shake my head. ¡°I will never be okay, Lizzy.¡± ¡°You will be, Bash. You will be, and you should be. It¡¯s never been toote,¡± she says and walks away leaving me alone with these ss windows. The meeting went well as I expect, and I can¡¯t help but steal nces at Trinity whose busy writing something on the notepad. I find out that she didn¡¯t follow her dreams to be an architect, instead she chose to study business management. She must have studied hard to pass them because she hated numbers in every way possible. I walk out of the conference door after talking with Dad for a few minutes. ¡°Leaving already?¡± I Look at Dean, marching towards me. I give him a smile and a nod. ¡°Yeah, first day, and still having a jetgged. I think I¡¯m excused, right?¡± Heughs. ¡°Bash, you owned 15% of thispany, and your family owns this. You can work your fat ass at the yacht in the middle of the Caribbean, nobody cares.¡± I shake my head in amusement. ¡°Like my dad would agree.¡± ¡°I¡¯m always free for a good talk, Bash. Just call me.¡± He pats my shoulder. ¡°I keep that in mind, Thanks, Dean. You¡¯re not bad, after all.¡± ¡°I know you don¡¯t like me, or maybe you don¡¯t trust me for your sister, but I can¡¯t me you to be an overprotective brother over her, but man, I love her with all my life, and I don¡¯t care if you are against us or not, and it¡¯s not that you are gonna stop me from loving Liz.¡± ¡°Got to go before we fall in love with each other.¡± Heughs again. ¡°You will be fine. It¡¯s not toote, Bash.¡± Remind me to strangle my big sister. *** N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. ¡°Bash, I think we should go home now. You¡¯ve wasted, man.¡± Edmund grips my arms as he guides me out of the bar. I¡¯ve been drinking my ass, and I get into a challenge with the girls on tequ shots. I¡¯m lightweight. Maybe that¡¯s why the alcohol kicks in quickly. ¡°I can still handle some shots, Edmund boy,¡± I slur. ¡°Shut up, drunk-ass. I¡¯ll lose my job because of you, baby bash.¡± I punch his arm. ¡°Stop calling me baby Bash, or I will light your ass on fire.¡± He chuckles. My half-opened eyes flutter close as soon as I get in the car. ¡°Night, Edmund!¡± ¡°Just shut up!¡± He barks out from the front seat. Then I hear the music y in the speaker. *** My hundred pounds of eyes force to open when I hear the doorbell rings repeatedly. My head is pounding with headaches when I abruptly sit on the edge of my bed. I rub my throbbing temples. Whoever on that door should make sure he has a good reason bombarding into my penthouse. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s my family. They are the only one who has passed to be here without interfering the security. I swallow the two tablets ced on my nightstand and gulp the still cold water in the ss. I feel relief as the water runs down to my dry and achy throat. I lick my dry lips as I walk with azy pace to my living room toward the door, still rubbing my heavy eyes. I hear the doorbell goes off again. ¡°Coming. Damn it!¡± I press some keys to unlock and squeeze the doorknob to open. ¡°Can¡¯t you be a little patient?¡± My voice is still groggy. I leave the door open and walk away without bother looking whoever on the door. I still when I hear a gasp at my back. I turn only to see Trinity looks shocked with her hands on her mouth. I stand frozen in my ce like I just turn into an ice statue. I remember I am not wearing a shirt, and I¡¯m only on my pants from yesterday. She doesn¡¯t move a muscle, but she keeps on staring at me without blinking. I clear my throat. ¡°Trinity, please,e in, and close the door behind you. I¡¯ll just put a shirt on.¡± I walk away from standing still Trinity. ¡°Oh, my God.¡± ¡°Have a seat, Trinity. Be down in a bit.¡± I wash my face with cold water when I feel stings on my back. I stretch my arms wider, and it pricks my skin as if I get a sunburn. I reach my hand to touch my back where it hurts a lot. My eyes widen when the vague of events fromst nightes shing back at me like cold water. ¡°Fuck! What the hell have I done?¡± I turn to let my back face the mirror. My eyes grow wide when I see what¡¯s on my back. A fucking tattoo! Chapter 4 Sucks! Chapter 4 Sucks! TRINITY My life sucks! Let me tell you a brief story of my life. To start, my name is supposed to be Kiera Trinity Mallory, but the registrar might have cross-eyed or drunk. Now my name is officially registered as Kiara Trinity. Number one. I am the only child of Zoey and Logan Mallory. I always dream of having a sibling, but I didn¡¯t get a chance to have either a brother or a sister. I felt jealous every time I saw my friends with their brothers. Two. I have a frizzy red curly hair that looks like orange in the sun and like instant Chinese noodles. I always got bullied when I was a kid because of my hair. No matter how mom tried fixing it with a hundred hair clips, it wouldn¡¯t just stick together. I got plenty of freckles all over my face. I¡¯m sure you know how my face looks like. My eyes are maybe my best asset¡ªthey¡¯re green like a tropical forest, but many girls have green eyes too. Dad loves me so much he calls them emerald. My lips? Just ordinary. Okay, maybe red and full because I have pale skin that makes them stand out? I¡¯m not tall neither short¡ªjust an average, I guess. Ick in the chest size, but I don¡¯t have to use the push-up bra that women are using these days to show off cleavage. So much about my physical appearance. Well, one thing I suck at? Numbers. Who loves numbers, anyway? I hate it because it just gives me a terrible headache at the end of the ss. Thank God, I passed and graduated from college with a Business Management major in Finance. Well, I have to shift my love of Art to Finance to prove that I can still function and solve numbers without his help. Don¡¯t raise your brows because I have good eyebrows that my friends envy me for that. Thank God, they¡¯re not red. I was one of the luckiest students to get a full schrship sponsored by Hughes Industries. Though my parents work with them until now, I do believe that I still deserve the Schrship program. Another suck¡ªmy best friend since grades school hates me to death. He broke my heart, and I cried for months. Not only because he hates me, but because he¡¯s my crush since I learned how to walk. Funny, right? I never had a boyfriend until my senior year in college. Well, that was a year ago. I met Oli, and we clicked right away like jigsaw puzzles until he asked me out. Everything was perfect¡ªweughed, we fought, we reconciled, we made love, and he was so perfect. He was caring, loving, and thoughtful until he proposed. Did I say yes? Of course, I loved him, and he was my first boyfriend and everything, but he was not my first kiss. But like I said before, life sucks! I found out that he was suffering from leukemia. No matter how I cried my eyes out every day and night, nothing is going to change the fact that he is dying. Oli died six months ago when we were about to set a date for our wedding. See? Fate is just ying with me. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I don¡¯t hate my life. I¡¯ve got great parents and great best friends. I love them so much. But my life is about to be doomed when I heard a month ago that Mr. Peter Williams is retiring. I¡¯ve been working with him as his assistance since I started my internship, and I¡¯m about to get a real position at the finance department at Hughes Industries. ¡°K! Sorry, I¡¯mte.¡± My head snaps to the brte of five foot eight inches gorgeous woman wearing a light pink Dior dress, blue Louboutin stilettos with her blue Manolo hnik clutch bag. I stand from the chair to meet her. ¡°It¡¯s just like two minutes and twenty seconds, Lizzy,¡± I say after our girly kisses. Did I mention who Lizzy is? The heiress of Hughes. Well, she¡¯s the boss¡¯s daughter. She runs the marketing and advertising department and my ex-best friend¡¯s big sister. ¡°Where¡¯s Saph?¡± she asks, sitting across the table. I notice her driver/bodyguard always on full alert like one of the Men in ck agents. ¡°She texted me half hour ago. She said she¡¯s on her way.¡± Lizzy chuckles. ¡°Maybe she fought with her twin again. I heard from uncle Phoenix that Xandry doesn¡¯t like Matt.¡± ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t like him too, but who am I to judge. Saph likes him, though.¡± I sip the caramel Frappino that I ordered while waiting for Lizzy to arrive. ¡°I don¡¯t think Saph is serious with him. You know her. She has a thing with bad boys, and he isn¡¯t one of those,¡± Lizzy replies, then she looks at me as if she wants to say something. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°You know he¡¯sing back, right?¡± I freeze in my seat. I feel my surrounding is suddenly getting smaller. I feel ustrophobic, and I shiver as if I just soak into a tub full of ice water. I nod slowly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, K,¡± she says sincerely, reaching out for my hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can handle him as I did before,¡± I tell her as I toy with my engagement ring. I never take this off even Oli was long gone. It reminds me of him. ¡°That was three years ago, K.¡± ¡°four years ago, Lizzy,¡± I correct her. ¡°But you will work with him eight hours a day. Five days a week.¡± ¡°And?¡± I ask. ¡°You¡¯re both kids at that time, and it¡¯s been years since thest time you two see each other,¡± she pushes. ¡°What¡¯s your point? And we¡¯re not kids this time, Lizzy. We¡¯re both adults.¡± ¡°When was thest time you check his social media ount?¡± she asks with scrutinizing looks. ¡°Almost four years ago,¡± I answer slowly with hesitant in my voice. ¡°After he left. Why?¡± I never checked anything has to do with him after that. I know his password, but I never tried even to check if he changed it or not. ¡°See? That¡¯s what I mean,¡± she says before sipping her green tea. ¡°He still hates me, and I¡¯m sure he will make my life in living hell. Ms. Mallory, make my coffee, bring my dry clean, send this, do this, arrange dinner with, fax this, do my presentation, oh, did my whore call? Go fetch my dog, feed ducks, get me a copy of Jack Reacher¡¯s first edition. Oh, Ms. Mallory, did I tell you¡ª¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. Lizzyughs until she turns red while holding her t stomach as I mimick her brother¡¯s voice. ¡°He might have changed his ent into a bloody Brit.¡± ¡°Meh, he¡¯s still the same annoying Bash, but I love him, you know? I hope he¡¯ll break up with that bitch Dana before hees back. I don¡¯t like her for my brother.¡± My heart has been stabbed like a thousand times every time she mentioned that name. I hate the letter D. Ugh! ¡°It¡¯s all my fault that he hates me, Lizzy, and I can¡¯t me him if he will torture me at work,¡± I say guiltily. I¡¯ve cried to sleep when he literally threw me out of his life that night. I was beyond broken. ¡°I don¡¯t think he is that immature to mix the misunderstanding you had before with work. He¡¯s grown up, K.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s even pleased to see me. Does he know that I¡¯ll be his temporary assistant?¡± She shakes her head. *** I sent a text message to Lizzy that I couldn¡¯t make it to the wee party because I had to visit Oli for our 1st anniversary. I know it soundsme because I went in the morning and the party was not until almost midnight. But to be honest, I¡¯m not ready to face him. I still feel guilty until now. I look at the mirror onest time. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I¡¯m bracing myself to whatever Bash is going to throw against me as soon as he figures out that I¡¯ll be working with him for eight hours every day for weekdays. I¡¯ve been practicing my speech since yesterday after arranging his schedule. I get out of thedies¡¯ room while wiping my sweaty palms on my skirt. I¡¯m breathing deeply like every ten seconds. What¡¯s wrong with me? Pretend like he is your new boss who is an arrogant prick who hates women, K. A text from Lizzy. LIZZY: He¡¯s in the elevator now. Crap! After a few minutes, I¡¯m done arranging the file, and that¡¯s when the door swings open. When I think I am ready to face him again, it¡¯s total bullshit. I¡¯m never going to be ready. Ever. Rx. Just y cool. No, I can¡¯t! Oh, boy! He isn¡¯t the young Bash, my best friend once for years. He¡¯s changed a lot! I should have followed what Lizzy has told me. To check out his social media or likely, to stalk him so that I won¡¯t be swooning in front of him and front of my effing boss. Bash Hughes is hotter than the moltenva and like an effing sun in summer! Our gazes meet. There¡¯s a surprising look in his gray eyes. Doesn¡¯t he suppose to know that I¡¯m his personal maid now? He calls my name, Trinity. He¡¯s the only one who calls me by that name, and if I¡¯m being honest, I really miss it. I miss thating from his mouth. I miss his voice. I have to blink many times to push the thought out of my head. I greet him, but to call him by that name, it feels like I just swallow a fish. And I hate fish. It¡¯s nasty. He¡¯s beautiful brows furrow. I continue, ¡°I hope the interior fits your liking, but we can still request and change¡ª¡± He raises hands to stop me from babbling like an idiot, showing me his long fingers. My heart pounds in my chest. I feel my face heat when our gazes meet again. I have to break it because Bash is hypnotizing me with those gray orbs that I once took a closer look at. My lips dry instantly. ¡°You didn¡¯te to the party my family threw out for me two days ago,¡± he says in a low voice. Is he expecting me to be there? Wow! I grab some files on top of his desk that I ced them perfectly. I grab the iPad where I saved all his appointment and my notes. I¡¯m not supposed to do that, but I can¡¯t just fidget in front of him or gawk at him for the rest of the day. I hug them to my chest to somehow calm my racing heartbeat. ¡°I sent Lizzy a message that I couldn¡¯te,¡± I reply nonchntly, then I continue to avoid stuttering, ¡°So, as you know, I¡¯m your new assistant; temporarily, and my office is just adjacent to yours.¡± I point at the door to his left. I look at him like he¡¯s my man-whoring boss who cheated on his girlfriends. I tap on his schedule on my iPad¡ªit¡¯spany property. ¡°You have a meeting in less than ten minutes.¡± I look at his schedule and read it to him like a normal assistant-boss conversation. ¡°Trinity, just leave the meeting for a while, can you?¡± I swallow hard when he moves closer to me. I feel everything around me disappears, and the tension between us radiates. ¡°Okay, you¡¯re the boss. I ced all the paper works that left by Mr. Peter Williams,¡± I agree. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in that either,¡± he snaps. I almost copse. Oh, lord, please? Give me some magic to turn into an ant or at least a portal to transport me to the other world. ¡°What happened to you, Trinity?¡± he asks, looking at me intensely. I can¡¯t help but amaze at how he looks so handsome right now. ¡°What happened to me?¡± I ask back, pointing at myself. ¡°Nothing bad happened to me, Mr. Hughes. If you don¡¯t want me as your assistant, by all means, please, just ask the HR for my recement,¡± I answer with a firm voice. Thank God! I don¡¯t stutter like I always when I get nervous. ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± he says. I act like I¡¯m not affected; it hurts though, and I want to die right now. ¡°Stop calling me Mr. Hughes. You¡¯re my best friend.¡± ¡°Were. Ex-best friend, Mr. Hughes. You are my boss, so it¡¯s only proper to address you as¡ª¡± I answer quickly, but he interjects. ¡°I am your boss, so do as I say.¡± He sounds intimidating. Crap! He¡¯s angry. ¡°Sure,¡± I answer, defeated. I look down at the empty chair in front of me. I ce down the file that I took as my shield. ¡°I came to see you before my flight to the U.K, but you were not there. You went to your grandparents in Boston.¡± He starts talking, and I can¡¯t help but listen to his deep baritone voice¡ªhis sexy voice. I miss it. ¡°I wanted to apologize that day and take back our friendship, Trinity, but you didn¡¯t even answer my calls nor replied to my messages,¡± he continues. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. That was four years ago.¡± I continue my facade. He snorts. ¡°That¡¯s it? I mean, you just wasted our friendship for years with just one mistake I made, and you made mistakes too, Trinity.¡± I face him. Thest time I checked, he was the one who yelled at me and pushed me away from his life. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be your friend, Bash, Can¡¯t you understand that? Your friends, ssmates, and girlfriends thought I was just your ve. I¡¯m a dog under your leash. Your personal maid!¡± Boss or not, I don¡¯t care. I could lose the job that I love, but he keeps pushing me like it was my mistakes alone. ¡°Did I listen to them even once? How many times did I fight for you against them? How many times did I choose you against my girlfriends? How many times did I defend you against those freaking losers, Trinity? How many times?¡± His voice makes me want to sink into the floor. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I have friends now. I¡¯m sure you made friends with Brits.¡± And you have a Brit girlfriend. ¡°You¡¯re such an immature!¡± he snaps. ¡°You¡¯re an asshole!¡± Oops! I shouldn¡¯t have said that. ¡°Watch your tone and yournguage when you¡¯re in my office, Trinity. I¡¯m still your boss.¡± Crap! He sounds angrier. And just his voice almost makes me jump. He did really change a lot. He¡¯s more intimidating, more mature, and hotter. I don¡¯t mean thatst word. ¡°My apology, Mr. Hughes,¡± I say silently by force. ¡°Don¡¯t I get a wee back hug?¡± he asks with a soft voice this time. My head almost snaps as I look up at him. Bipr! This man is unbelievable. ¡°That¡¯s inappropriate. Meeting in less than four minutes, Mr. Seb Hughes will introduce you as the new CFO.¡± I didn¡¯t realize he moves closer to me and grabs the iPad from my hand forcefully. ¡°Dinner with Luke; to discuss the engagement?¡± He taps it and reads slowly. He almost drops it to the floor before he throws it to the empty chair that serves our gap. I watch his jaw clench and breathe so deep before he walks away without a single word. Thest thing I hear is the mming of the door behind him. Chapter 5 Sleepless Chapter 5 Sleepless TRINITY ¡°What am I doing?¡± I ask myself in the mirror. Last night I kept turning in bed for some reason that I didn¡¯t even know. That was the first night that I didn¡¯t think of Oli since he passed away. All I could think of was the gorgeous gray-eyed who ran away from his office and didn¡¯te back after the meeting. What¡¯s his problem anyway? I y with my engagement ring on my finger while I¡¯m humming the song on my phone. My officemates are already rushing to get in the cramming elevator. Some say hi, greets a good morning, and some think that I¡¯m invisible. I know exactly what they talk about, so I keep my volume on my headset louder even it¡¯s already deafening my ears. Enough thinking of Bash! You had all thatst night! I¡¯m sure he isn¡¯t doing the same. I start my routine as soon as I get into my office. Still no signs of Bash. It¡¯s almost nine in the morning when I check the time on myptop. ¡°Wow! Very impressive for the second day. The most punctual Hughes in the History of Hughes!¡± I slump my ass back to my chair dramatically. ¡°Well, thank you, sweetheart.¡± I jerk in my seat andpose myself when I meet the gray-eyed old version of him. ¡°S-sorry. Um, good morning, Mr. Hughes!¡± I say and raise from my seat as the heat creeps on my cheeks. I am sure he knows who I am talking about. ¡°Kiara, Bash won¡¯t be here. His driver just informed me that Bash is still in bed and not feeling well. I guess he has jetg. I will let him work from his home, or he can take off for the rest of the week,¡± he says politely. He is the best father to Lizzy and Bash. Though he¡¯s very strict as boss while at work, but he¡¯s nothing like when he¡¯s out of his building. ¡°So, he won¡¯t be here today?¡± I ask, and my voice sounds disappointed. Jeez! He chuckles. ¡°I need him to sign some papers, and you have to go to his penthouse. I need the documents at the end of the day.¡± He pauses and fishes out something in his pants pocket. ¡°Take this key if he will not open for you, and I will write down the passcode on his security system.¡± I take the key from his hand, unsure. My brows meet as I look up at him. He¡¯s smiling at me, and I can¡¯t help but smile back and nod in understanding. *** I meet Bash¡¯s driver, Edmund at the lobby. He helps me up to the penthouse, then he goes down when I¡¯m already at the front door of Bash luxurious den. I press the doorbell; Daddy Seb said if he won¡¯t open for me, then that¡¯s the time I will use the key and the passcode. I start tapping my ck high heels on the floor patiently, a gift from Lizzy when we went shopping two weeks ago. That¡¯s one of the perks of having a best friend and the daughter of the Billionaire, always having gifts. I press again, no answer. I roll my eyes and press it repeatedly. Jeez, is he deaf? Is he really not feeling well? Did he happen to eat peanut butter or strawberries? I know he has allergies to them. Before I can press again, I hear him from the other side saying he¡¯sing. I stand straight and hug my file manager tightly to my chest and take deep breaths. My heart starts thundering in my chest. The shiny dark wooden door unlocks and swings open. Wow! If he looks hotter than the moltenva, now half-naked Bash looks hotter than hell. How does it even possible? His ck bedhead hair looks good even it shouldn¡¯t. He looks tired, though. With half- closed eyes, he rubs his face with his long fingers. ¡°Can¡¯t you be a little patient?¡± hements with his sleepy voice. He opens the door wider for me and walks away without looking back. I want to inspect his body, but he¡¯s already leaving me standing glued in front of his door. He ignores me. Great! What are you expecting, Kiara? A gasp escapes my lips as he turns his back on me, and I am sure he hears it because he stops and freezes. He turns around and looks at me with my hand already on my mouth. My green eyes widen, and I can¡¯t say anything like I lose all my thoughts. ¡°Trinity, please,e in, and close the door behind you. I¡¯ll just put a shirt on,¡± he says after clearing his throat. He walks away again while I¡¯m still standing frozen. I blink many times and swallow hard before I get my voice back. ¡°Oh, my God.¡± ¡°Have a seat, Trinity. Be down a bit,¡± he says as he walks away. From his torso to his back are muscles-ripped, and they look sexier when he moves. He must work out a lot to gain that. He took care of himself while he was away. Unlike me, I have azy ass to even run on a treadmill, but my body never gained weight since I was a kid. Finally, I able to move when his back is finally out of my sight. I walk toward his enormous and modern living room. I ce down the folder on the coffee table that I¡¯ve been gripping tightly against my chest. I sit down and rest my back on his expensive couch. I let my eyes wander around. I¡¯m used to seeing a luxurious home since I¡¯m close to his family. The living room has a ck brick wall decorated with modern and stylish furniture with enormous floor to ceiling ss windows. Raindrop¡¯s inspired chandelier is hanging at the double high ceiling room. I hear footsteps get closer, so I am quickly on feet as I draw a deep breath to face my gorgeous boss. ¡°Morning, Trinity!¡± He smiles that makes a school girl daydream, showing his dimples and straight pearly white teeth as you¡¯ve seen on toothpastemercials. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Hughes. Your dad sent me here for you to sign some documents that he needs to be at his desk at the end of the day.¡± I bend down to grab the folder from the coffee table. He slumps his body down to his couch with a loud whoosh. He rubs his temples with fingers, then he releases a sigh, tapping the space between us. I stand still with furrowed brows, ring at him. He stops rubbing his temples when he notices me not moving. ¡°Tri, I have a terrible headache. Can we talkter about what Dad told you?¡± He¡¯s feeling close to me, huh? Tri, my ass. I have a terrible and horrible heart. It beats faster like I run three miles on a treadmill. ¡°Why do you have my name tattooed on your back?¡± I ask out of curiosity, but more likely an interrogation. He sits straight, and he is on his feet in a second. ¡°Follow me. I need caffeine,¡± he says, but it sounds like amand. He saunters away. I groan, kicking off my high heels when I saw him barefooted. ¡°Mr. Hughes!¡± I yell as I follow him like a puppy. He stops abruptly, so I halt to stop to avoid bumping into him. ¡°Call me Mr. Hughes again¡ª¡± ¡°Or what?¡± I cut him off. ¡°Trinity,¡± he warns. ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me.¡± ¡°Bash,¡± he responds. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me, Bash,¡± Rephrasing, I emphasize his name. I pout and follow him to his copper colored-wall kitchen. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go to work?¡± I ask while he¡¯s busy filling up the coffee machine. He has a perfect and muscr athletic body. He was physically fit before he left, but now he looks more mature, muscle-ripped, and hotter that every woman daydreams of taking him into their beds. Shitty brain! He doesn¡¯t answer me. Instead, he opens the wall-mounted fridge, taking a transparent stic container. He opens the microwave, cing two croissants inside, then he closes and presses the screen to set the timer. ¡°Take a seat, Tri,¡± that¡¯s all he says, and I feel annoyed. I do what he said. He ignores my questions then I will ignore his. He ces a te with pastries, a mug of ck coffee, and another mug in front of me with cream. I am kind of touched that he still remembers what I like. ¡°I put sugar on that,¡± he says. I lift my eyes to look at him, and it¡¯s a mistake because he¡¯s staring at me. He raises his brow like asking me. I shake my head, grab the steaming mug, and sip it silently. It tastes like what I really like. ¡°I was drunkst night when I got this tattoo. I can¡¯t remember what happened. It¡¯s vague, but I remember something that I got into some tequ shots challenge.¡± I don¡¯t look at him. He sips his coffee. ¡°I was surprised to see it in the mirror when I went up to grab a shirt,¡± he adds. Why do I feel it isn¡¯t awkward talking with him? ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will ask for an appointment for cosmetic surgeons. Maybe they can remove it while it still fresh.¡± I look at him and nod. ¡°I will work here today. I don¡¯t have the strength to go to the office.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°It means you stay here too. I have an office here from the door to the left.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Where is he?¡± all of a sudden, he asks. My brows furrow. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Luke.¡± He looks at my fingers. ¡°Your fianc¨¦.¡± My eyes widen before I burst outughing. ¡°Luke? My fianc¨¦?¡± He looks confused, and looks hurt? ¡°Luke is not my fianc¨¦, Bash. I¡¯m not marrying a gay.¡± I press my lips together to contain my smile. ¡°Then, who is your fianc¨¦?¡± he asks. My smile fades. ¡°Luke is my gay roommate since college, and he¡¯s engaged to Ryker.¡± I feel like I just drained all my energy. I can¡¯t believe he doesn¡¯t know what happened to my fianc¨¦. I guess Lizzy didn¡¯t mention anything to him about me. My shoulders droop. ¡°My fianc¨¦ died six months ago,¡± I say slowly. His eyes widen in shock. He swallows hard and blinks rapidly. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Tri. I¡¯ve no idea.¡± ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t. Why would you even care about my misery when you are living the life that you deserve in a foreign country?¡± ¡°Of course, I care, Tri,¡± he says, sounding sympathetic. ¡°Like you are.¡± ¡°Tri,¡± he says, grabbing my left hand, causing me to gasp. He does too, but he doesn¡¯t let go. Instead, he tightens the grip. The heat from the contact spreads through my toes that I curl unbeknownst. My heart swells, which makes my breathing catch. I pull my hand, but Bash manages to tighten it even more. I look at our hands slowly up to his taut arm, to his chest that is breathing heavily, to the throat that swallows, to his red slightly parted lips, to his straight nose, and to his gorgeous and mesmerizing gray eyes that are looking straight back at my green ones. We look at each other for as long as I can take his gaze. He never breaks it until I surrender. I feel his thumb moving and gently caressing my knuckles. I almost moan at the sensation of the caress he is giving me. I can¡¯t help but grip his hand back tighter as if I¡¯ll fall from the stool if I let it go. ¡°Trinity.¡± My breath holds in my lungs. ¡°I¡¯m here now.¡± I can feel the concern in his tone, but what I can hear is the longingness so thick. His voice turns huskier and deeper. I pull my hand abruptly when he loosens it a bit. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to work,¡± I announce before I stand, taking my coffee with me. I walk back to the couch. His office is bigger than my room and cozier than his main office. With dark wooden walls, his mahogany desk is ced at the center with nothing but only hisptop on top. From my left are the two opposites shelves of hardback books. From his back are the cabs and drawers where he probably ces some files. One long brown L-shaped leather couch and a brown chair are at its left side, and a small liquor cab aligning the couch. What catches my attention is the sketched of his face that I still remember he stole it from me, and now it¡¯s framed and mounted on the wall just above the couch. ¡°Is that the sketch that you stole from me?¡± My heart melts. How does he even keep this for so long? He smirks. ¡°Seat on the couch, Trinity, and give me the papers that Dad wants me to sign. Anything important for my schedule today?¡± I offer a folder that has documents in it. ¡°You don¡¯t have an appointment for today. Your dad said you can take the rest of this week as your off if you want to, or you can work from here. As you wish.¡± He looks at me. ¡°Really?¡± I nod. ¡°Ask your dad to confirm.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not how to answer your boss, goldfish,¡± he says casually. I stay still. ¡°It still affects you, Tri.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not right to bully your assistant, Mr. Hughes!¡± I say firmly before I walk toward the couch. He only chuckles. I sit on the couch, frowning. Why my life has to be this sucks? What I did that God has to punish me since birth? N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. ¡°Trinity?¡± My head snaps. ¡°I mean it.¡± ¡°About what?¡± ¡°That I¡¯m here now.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need you.¡± He rises from his chair and walks to my direction, taking a seat beside me. My heart canbust in my chest as he leans closer to me, wrapping his strong arms around me. He nts his chin on top of my head. I can feel his body press against mine. I can smell his masculine cologne scent. I can¡¯t help myself not to wrap my hands on his arm as I press it closer to me. I close my eyes and feel him and just listen to his breathing and heartbeat at this moment. I¡¯m sure he can hear how my heart is beating too fast. For him. ¡°I need you, Trinity,¡± he says, kissing the top of my head. I don¡¯t let him go because I know that I need him too. Chapter 6 Position Chapter 6 Position BASH ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that her fianc¨¦ died? I could have avoided asking her about him, Lizzy.¡± She sighs from the other line. I couldn¡¯t sleep after what I just found out about her rtionship. It breaks my heart to see her in such pain, and I can¡¯t do anything to help her. ¡°Bash, she needs you. She mayugh, jokes around, or pushes you away, but she suffered a lot losing her fianc¨¦. She needs the Bash that she used to know. She needs her best friend,¡± Lizzy says softly, convincing me. ¡°She doesn¡¯t need me, Lizzy. You can¡¯t push her on me if she doesn¡¯t want me, and I can¡¯t force what we had to be back to normal. All she needs is to ept her loss and move on. She has you as a friend.¡± The frown deepens on my forehead. Honestly, I don¡¯t want to be just her friend anymore. I want to be wanted. I want to be someone she needs, not because she was my best friend. ¡°You didn¡¯t get it, Bash.¡± ¡°Tell me then, Lizzy.¡± I close my eyes. ¡°You can bring back the old Trinity. Haven¡¯t you notice? She is trying to be strong, but it doesn¡¯t feel right because she is fooling herself. Deep inside, she is broken. You broke her, and then, she¡¯s broken again when her fianc¨¦ died.¡± Lizzy mes me. I know it, and a part of me, I med myself too. ¡°I didn¡¯t break her, Lizzy.¡± I ignore the pang inside my chest and the fact that she shoves into my face. ¡°Do tell, Bash. Aren¡¯t you broken too?¡± she asks, demanding an answer. ¡°Just drop it, Lizzy. My case is different. It¡¯s not like that,¡± I rify awkwardly. ¡°What is your case then? And how it isn¡¯t like that? You jumped into conclusions, and then you didn¡¯t come to visit again for over three years, and you avoided anything about her. You always walked away when we were talking about her. Tell me, baby brother.¡± She sounds pissed. She has the right to because she cares a lot about Trinity. They became best friends while I¡¯m gone. I don¡¯t know what to tell her because I know she¡¯ s right. I didn¡¯te to spend a vacation for three years after what I saw on my first visit. Since then, I stayed in London and let my familye to visit me. I never asked anyone about her or even checked her on social media. I didn¡¯t realize how much I was hurt when I saw her that night. ¡°Whatever, Lizzy, and I didn¡¯t call you to lecture on me. I remember asking you why didn¡¯t you tell me,¡± I retort. ¡°Bash, didn¡¯t I mention you that you avoided anything has to with her?¡± I slump myself to the couch, defeated. I can¡¯t fight with Lizzy. ¡°Remember I told you that it isn¡¯t toote? It isn¡¯t, is it? Now, it¡¯s time for you to be a better friend or better be more than a friend.¡± She starts giggling. ¡°Lizzy, it¡¯s not the right time for that.¡± ¡°Oh, really? So, when will it be?¡± she asks, sounding hopeful. ¡°She doesn¡¯t even trust me, and I don¡¯t even know how to befriend her.¡± I don¡¯t even know what to do or how to start. Trinity seems so close to me¡ªshe¡¯s a grasp away, but her heart and mind are so far. ¡°Yay! My baby brother needs his big sissy¡¯s help. Leave it to me, baby Bash.¡± ¡°Whatever.¡± I roll my eyes with that annoying nickname. *** ¡°Morning,¡± I greet her with enthusiasm. I didn¡¯t sleep wellst night. I kept turning in bed after my phone call with my sister. I don¡¯t know how to get back the old Trinity, but I want her back pretty bad, and I will ept anything she can offer even if it¡¯s just an acquaintance or an officemate for as long as I can talk to her every day. I know it sounds desperate, but I need her help too. But seeing her today is worth a sleepless night. She¡¯s already in her office, hustling on the keyboard, and her green eyes are focused on the screen. She turns her swivel chair when she hears me. She¡¯s wearing a cream-colored blouse with ruffles in front and a dark red knee-length skirt and white four inches high heels. Her hair curled messily. I guess the red lipstick is her signature because she looks gorgeous. ¡°Good morning, Boss.¡± She rises from her seat, pulling down her skirt, then smoothens it. She smiles tightly without showing her perfect teeth. But she looks better todaypares to ourst encounter in this office. Trinity is jaw-droppingly beautiful. ¡°You¡¯re here early.¡± I check my watch. It¡¯s twenty-five minutes after eight. ¡°I¡¯m always here before the eight-thirty, boss. Our reporting time is eight-thirty while boss like you is nine sharp,¡± she says, picking up the iPad, tapping her red-manicured finger on the screen. ¡°What¡¯s with the boss thing, Trinity? I thought we already agreed about it in our first meeting.¡± ¡°I have a good memory, Hughes,¡± she answers with a hint of a smile on her lips. ¡°Good because I have a good memory too.¡± I finally break into a smile. She smiles back at me. ¡°Okay, then. Can I get you a coffee or something? We have the coolest high- tech coffee machine here in your building.¡± I grab the iPad from her grasp. ¡°I know my calendar for today, Tri. You already sent me an emailst night about my schedule unless you made some changes.¡± I put down the iPad back on her desk. She¡¯s still standing like a runway model. I grab her left hand, and she freezes. ¡°We¡¯ll go out to buy coffee,¡± I tell her, but she doesn¡¯t move. I look at her, and she¡¯s looking at me with slightly wide eyes. She blinks and licks her lips. I can¡¯t help but look down at her full red lips when a pink color starts to bloom on her cheeks. Shit! ¡°Um, I can go and buy if you don¡¯t like the coffee in the building, or we can just ask your driver to buy for us,¡± she suggests with uncertainty. ¡°Trinity, I could¡¯ve bought for us if I wanted to, but I want to walk with you to buy coffee.¡± She rolls her eyes. ¡°You know, I don¡¯t do that kind of thing.¡± ¡°I know. Now move yourzy ass, and you¡¯reing with me.¡± She¡¯s still not moving as she tries to slip her hand from my grip. Her features change instantly from the sweet Trinity to a distant one. ¡°Trinity, you can lower your guards down now, and you don¡¯t have to put up walls between us. It¡¯s just me. and I¡¯m not gonna hurt you.¡± ¡°Hurt me? You hurt me once, Bash, and if I let you in into my life again, there¡¯s a possibility that you can hurt me again. I just celebrated my first anniversary with my fianc¨¦, and I have to celebrate it alone in his grave instead of doing it in the restaurant with him or in our hotel room.¡± I loosen the grip. My face falls, and my heart hurts. She pulls her hand quickly as soon as she gets the chance. She walks past me. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I still have work to do.¡± Following her, she strides out of my office to my dad¡¯s private elevator. She gestures her hand. I slide the key card that¡¯s exclusive only for my family. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna hurt you intentionally, Trinity.¡± She gets in the elevator and mutters under her breath, ¡°I wish.¡± We both silently standing side by side as the lift shuts close in front of us. I can sense the tension in the small gap between us. The only things I can hear are my breathing and the whirring of the elevator as it brings us down. I can smell the flowery fragrance of her perfume¡ªthat¡¯s how close we are, but the distance seems so miles away. ¡°You look beautiful today, Trinity.¡± I nce down at her beside me. ¡°Thanks.¡± My lips curve to smile. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you wear taller high heels?¡± Her head snaps, ring up at me with a cocked brow. ¡°I love my shoes, and what¡¯s with the judgment, Mr. All-perfect?¡± She¡¯s gorgeously sassy. ¡°I¡¯m not judging you, Tri, but we will walk down the street. Your feet might hurt, you know,¡± I chuckle. ¡°Making fun of me already, huh? Just so you know, I wear high heels just right.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not making fun of you, in fact, I think I should pass a regtion in banning you on wearing high heels,¡± I say, without breaking eye contact. Her face turns pink, and her lips slightly parted. Tempting. And there¡¯s a part of me that notices her. I can just push her against this elevator wall and kiss her lips until swollen, but I value the little trust she¡¯s giving me. If there is any. ¡°Don¡¯t flirt with me. You are my boss, and we¡¯re best friends.¡± My heart thumps in my chest. A full grin spreads in my lips. ¡°It only takes a single flirt to prove, huh, Trinity?¡± Her face lights up and smiles at me. A lovely smile. she bumps her elbows on my arm. ¡°Shut up, Bash!¡± God, how I missed this. I let her out first as soon as the elevator slides open. Following her to the ss revolving door out of Hughes Building, I press my hand on her back to let her moves closer to me since it¡¯s still rush hour, and we can¡¯t help to bump with people in suits, rushing against the time. The honking of vehicles and the smell of fumes are everywhere as we are getting far from the building. ¡°Tri, are you sure it¡¯s okay for you to walk? I¡¯m worried about your feet.¡± I notice my driver Edmund following us. Her legs look sexier and longer on those heels. I guess, I just like women wearing high heels. ¡°Oh, just now you are worried when we are near the shop?¡± she gives me an odd look. I can clearly see her green irises. She coated some mascara on hershes, although they¡¯re thick enough not to notice them. ¡°You don¡¯t want me to carry you, Tri. I¡¯ve no problem carrying you piggyback though,¡± I joke. ¡°You did that before, remember? When we sneaked out to watch Maroon 5 concert?¡± Iugh. ¡°How will I forget when you wore that tiny purple dress to impress Adam Lavine. What were you thinking? We¡¯re going to a concert, not to a nightclub.¡± Sheughs. God! I always love herugh. So rich and free, and it always makes my heart flutter. ¡°Then my car broke down. We can¡¯t find a taxi, and our phones were shut off.¡± I cut her off. ¡°Because you consumed our phone batteries just to take video and photos of them.¡± Sheughs boisterously and grips my arm. ¡°Then my feet hurt like hell. I had blisters. Oh, my god! That didn¡¯t happen again.¡± ¡°At least you got a best friend to carry you.¡± ¡°Oh, and you almost punch that beggar when he said, ¡°Yo! Watta ass there, folks!¡± she mimics the beggar¡¯s voice. Iugh with her. We decided to take our coffee and blueberry muffins to the office. My phone vibrates in my pocket when we are halfway back to the building. ¡°Dad, good morning,¡± I answer cheerfully. ¡°Is that you that I see walking down the street?¡± Dad asks over the phone with a hint of a tease. I let my eyes scan the crowd, but I can¡¯t find him anywhere. ¡°Maybe? Maybe not?¡± I reply with a smirk. ¡°I think I just saw you, son, with a redhead beside you,ughing.¡± I bite my lip to hide my smile. ¡°A redhead? I¡¯m with Trinity, but her hair is orange.¡± Dadughs as I look down at Trinity with creased brows. I wink at her, causing her to blush. I mouth her cute, and she rolls her eyes. ¡°You seem to get along now, son. Can I give her a proper position now? You know she¡¯s just your temporary assistant, right?¡± I stomach rolls. My smile fades instantly. ¡°Dad, can we talk about itter. I¡¯lle to your office whenever you¡¯re free,¡± I say profoundly. ¡°She needs a position, Bash. She worked hard since her internship. Don¡¯t be selfish. She deserves this position that she worked hard to earn it. You can still see each other outside the work,¡± Dad says with an authoritative tone. ¡°Dad, please? Let me get to my office. Give me three minutes of your time, please.¡± ¡°Bash, I can¡¯t let the position empty for long. She is needed there. I won¡¯t let that happen for your own self-interest.¡± I know Dad very well. He¡¯s ruthless and strict when ites to work and business. ¡°What¡¯s the position?¡± ¡°Financial Analyst.¡± My eyes grow a little bigger. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll be in your office in less than five minutes.¡± I look at my wristwatch as I enter the elevator. Dad hangs up the phone call. He can¡¯t put her in that position. She just graduated with less experience. She may be my best friend, will be on my team, under my wings, but I need someone who is more experienced than her. Oh, is that really what you want, or you want her all to yourself? ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I blink off the jumbled thoughts in my head. She¡¯s still carrying a bag of our muffins while I have our coffee. ¡°Yeah. Everything is alright, beautiful.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Stop saying like that every time we are in the elevator.¡± ¡°Do you think I will only say that if we are in the elevator, Trinity?¡± ¡°Answer that, Bash,¡± she snaps. ¡°You know that was not the first time I said you are beautiful. You must have forgotten it already.¡± ¡°Lizzy¡¯s eighteen birthday,¡± she responds. ¡°Nope. Your eighth birthday. You were wearing a tinker bell costume.¡± Her eyes grow wide as if it finally clicks together. ¡°You can¡¯t remember that, can you?¡± She shakes her head. We enter my office, and I put down our coffee on my desk. She ces a bag beside our coffee. ¡°Sit down, Tri. I¡¯ll be back.¡± ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°To see dad.¡± I stride my way upstairs to dad¡¯s office when Elle said he¡¯s expecting me. I push his office door open without knocking. My jaw drops with my eyes almost pop out from each socket. ¡°Fuck me.¡± Chapter 7 Awkward Chapter 7 Awkward BASH ¡°Fuck!¡± Dad curses. I turn around quickly when I realize what they¡¯re doing. Heat creeps in my cheeks with embarrassment. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve just witnessed what Dad and Mom are doing in his office. It isn¡¯t easy to be in this awkward situation. I grip the door handle when I hear my mom giggle. ¡°Bash, I¡¯m sorry. We shouldn¡¯t be doing it here,¡± Mom says,ughing. I stay still. ¡°We¡¯re not having sex, Bash. You can turn around now,¡± Dad says who finds everything is okay after their son just caught them almost having sex. I face them slowly just to make sure they are both dressed because when I entered moments ago, mom¡¯s dress zipped down from her back, and dad¡¯s shirt unbuttoned while they were making out on the desk. ¡°Can¡¯t you at least lock the door before you start eating each other¡¯s face? Or at least tell me not to come?¡± I ask annoyingly and amused at the same time. I can¡¯t believe them doing that with an unlocked door, but I am happy that they¡¯re still in love. I know they love each other very much. I never hear them fight about a third party involved. I hope to have a married life like them when I settle down. ¡°Is that how you call it now, baby Bash? Eating each other¡¯s face?¡± Mom asks, recoating her lipstick while dad is fixing his tie. I walk towards them, kissing mom on her cheek and hugging Dad. ¡°Whatever. Thank god, I¡¯m the one who entered. Or this is not the first time someone caught the both of you doing something here?¡± I ask, scrutinizing their reactions. Mom smiles sheepishly. ¡°Oh, Jesus. Don¡¯t answer that,¡± I say, raising a hand in surrender. ¡°Bash, I will let Kiara start her proper job next week. No arguments,¡± Dad imposes. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too early for her? She doesn¡¯t have any experience in her new position,¡± I resist. ¡°She has proven herself, son. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re too selfish?¡± Dad argues. I know I don¡¯t have the right, and I will end up following his order. ¡°I¡¯m not selfish, Dad,¡± I say defensively. ¡°But I want an experienced employee on my team. She¡¯s a fresh grad.¡± Original content from N?velDrama.Org. ¡°So do you,¡± Dad points out. ¡°That¡¯s the point. I need a well-experienced because I am an inexperienced too,¡± I insist. ¡°You will learn, Bash. And so as she. She graduated cumude from an exclusive university. Give her a chance, and I trust and believe in her,¡± Dad says adamantly. ¡°Why so soon?¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Dad.¡± ¡°Bash, listen to me, son. You can still talk to her, date her. She¡¯s only a floor away.¡± I blink repeatedly. I can¡¯t believe Dad is okay with me dating his employee. ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± I say awkwardly. ¡°Then why are you against my decisions? I already arranged for your masters. You two will go together on Thursdays and Fridays both for your masters. Mondays thru Wednesdays, you both will be at work.¡± My mouth hangs open. I sit on the empty chair like I lose my strength. ¡°Baby Bash, don¡¯t you agree with your dad¡¯s n?¡± Mom is squeezing my hand. I look at her, and I see her green eyes full of concern. ¡°You will thank meter, son,¡± Dad says and sits back on his chair. I manage to nod with a small smile, though deep inside, I am against all of these. I¡¯m a grown man, and I wish he waits for me to do it myself. I am capable of deciding what¡¯s right for me. But toote for that, he ns everything ahead of me. I walkzily back to my office. Why this has to happen to me? How can Ist for so long when she¡¯s with me every day? Dad thinks that¡¯s what I want? If I follow my heart, that¡¯s exactly what I want, and there¡¯s no way I can run away from this. I just start our friendship, and I¡¯m going to end up ruining it again. ¡°Bash, you okay?¡± Trinity asks cautiously. I feel a hand on my arm. Even in my shirt and suit on, I can still feel the warm touch on me like skin to skin. Everything starts to be difficult, and just being with Trinity in this office is torture for me already. ¡°Did you have your coffee?¡± I ask her as I sit down. ¡°No. I¡¯m waiting for you.¡± I look at her; her eyes glimmer. She takes a seat in front of my desk and looks at me with furrowed brows. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have waited.¡± ¡°Do you want hot coffee?¡± I don¡¯t want hot coffee. You¡¯re way hotter, that I can burn myself just by your touch. I shake my head. I can¡¯t talk because it might slip what¡¯s in my head right now. I grab the muffin she offers. Our fingers touch. Shit. Why do I feel this way? I take a bite without looking at her. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you, Bash? Looks like you just lost millions.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be reced,¡± I simply say. Her hands drop down herp with the muffin still in her hand. Her jaw drops, and her shoulders just droop. ¡°Tri, you¡¯re not fired,¡± I tell her slowly. ¡°Then why am I being reced?¡± she asks quickly. ¡°Because you deserve a position.¡± She¡¯s quicker on her feet and grins with excitement filling in her wide eyes. What I am not expecting is, she dances. Christ! She looks pretty even she¡¯s like eight years old who just receives a new doll. ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna ask your position?¡± I ask, and I can¡¯t help but smile at her. I am happy for her, truly. ¡°I don¡¯t care as long as I¡¯m not gonna map the floor, Fourth,¡± she replies and moves beside me as she wraps her arms around my neck. She presses her face on me like how she did it many times before. I freeze in my seat. That¡¯s the first time Trinity calls me fourth since I came back. My heart is pounding hard. I felt like this before, but this time, it¡¯s a million times stronger. I can smell her. Her warm body awakens my unconscious senses. ¡°Thank you, Bash!¡± she chirps. ¡°Thank dad, Tri. Don¡¯t thank me,¡± I whisper. She unhooks her arms around me and takes a few steps away. ¡°You don¡¯t sound happy about your dad¡¯s decisions, do you, Bash?¡± My stomach churns sickly. ¡°Like I can stop Dad, Tri,¡± I reply, annoyed. ¡°I¡¯m not taking your position, am I? And you know that¡¯s impossible. Then, are you not happy for me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it, Tri,¡± I say with scattered thoughts. ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem? Do you want me to be your assistant for so long?¡± Trinity demands, sounding pissed. ¡°Of course not.¡± I re at her. ¡°Then what¡¯s wrong?¡± Panic invades her voice. ¡°You will be the new financial analyst,¡± I sigh. ¡°Really?¡± She seems so surprised, but I can see that she¡¯s pleased to hear that. That must be her dream position that¡¯s why she worked hard to prove herself that she belongs to thepany. ¡°Yes,¡± I confirm silently. ¡°Wait. I¡¯ll be part of the financial department team? Yes!¡± She¡¯s so excited, and I nod glumly. ¡°Don¡¯t you want me to be a part of it?¡± Her smile fades from her beautiful face. ¡°It¡¯s not like that, Trinity.¡± My belly flips over. Jesus, I am going to ruin her moments. ¡°But why I feel it¡¯s like that, Bash. Is it because I¡¯m a new grad, and I don¡¯t have much experience? But I have proven myself. I graduated with honor. I dedicated and spent most of my time as an intern just to be a part of this.¡± I take a deep breath, and she looks hurt, and now it¡¯s killing me. ¡°Tri.¡± She raises her hand, shaking her head. An awkward silence hangs between us. ¡°I will not take that position anymore. If you want a well experienced, I understand,¡± she says quietly. I feel a pang on my chest. ¡°And I resign,¡± She adds. ¡°Trinity, you will not resign,¡± I say fiercely. ¡°I just did, Mr. Hughes!¡± She moves away to her office adjacent to mine. I quickly follow her, grabbing her arm to stop her. ¡°You are not fired, Trinity. I am not epting your resignation. Technically, I am still your boss, and you will do as I say.¡± She pulls her arm from my grasp. ¡°I am not working for you anymore. Expect my resignation on your desk tomorrow.¡± She faces me with fierce. She¡¯s definitely not the Trinity that cowers. She¡¯s now the strongest woman I¡¯ve ever met, and I¡¯m so proud of what she bes. I¡¯m not surprised why Dad chose her to be on my team. She has proven herself, indeed. ¡°You will not do that!¡± She enters her office, ignoring me, and I am still following her. ¡°Stop! Just stop, Trinity!¡± My breathing catches. I am more pissed and terrified of losing her at the same time. She stops abruptly. ¡°What?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care, Mr. Hughes.¡± ¡°Say that again.¡± I hiss. She faces me. Her eyes filled with anger. ¡°Or what?¡± Jesus! This woman is infuriatingly sexy when she¡¯s mad. Her hands are on her hips, ring at me. I want to grab her head and kiss her like crazy. My eyes fall to her sulent lips, and she suddenly blinks and swallows hard when she notices where my eyes transfixed at. ¡°Don¡¯t test me, Trinity. I might do something that you might not like,¡± I say calmly despite the rage is boiling in my veins. ¡°You just did,¡± she replies. Anger shes across her beautiful face, and I hate the feeling that I just make her angry. ¡°I just got you back, Tri,¡± I say with a hint of pain in my voice. ¡°Forget it!¡± She yells. ¡°Don¡¯t shout at me!¡± I demand respect. I am still her boss and her best friend. She grabs her bag, tosses her phone inside, and walks past me. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± I ask quickly. Panic grows in the pit of my stomach. She doesn¡¯t answer me and just walks away. ¡°Trinity!¡± Thest thing I hear is the door mming a momentter. ¡°Fuck!¡± My fist hits the wall before I even realize it. What have I done? My heart aches than the pain on my knuckles. I bump my forehead against the wall in Trinity¡¯s office. I¡¯m going to lose her again. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves, but it does not work that way. I need to talk to her. My phone vibrates, diverting my attention. It¡¯s Lizzy. ¡°What do you-- what?¡± ¡°What did you do, Sebastian Hughes, IV?¡± My sister¡¯s angry voice is deafening my ear. ¡°What did I do?¡± I ask back, still pissed off. ¡°I just received a text from K, Bash. Exin to me why she texted me this; I need a rmendation letter from Uncle Seb. Exin, or I swear to God you will not get our help this time.¡± I bite my lip while shaking my head. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know, Lizzy,¡± I say, defeated. I walk out of her office, looking back once again before closing the door behind me. ¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t know?¡± she¡¯s still yelling into my ear. ¡°Lizzy, calm the freaking down! You are damaging my eardrum.¡± I hear a beep. When I check my phone screen, she just hangs up on me. Secondster, my office door swings open. Dad walks in first. Mom follows, and then my sister. I sit on my desk, cross my arms over my chest, and prepare myself for the inevitable. I¡¯m ruining everything I started. I know it. ¡°Talk!¡± Dad¡¯s deep voice startles me. I look down. What should I say anyway? I am guilty as fuck. ¡°What did you do, Bash?¡± My sister¡¯s angry voice has me scratched my head. ¡°It just happened so fast, okay? She didn¡¯t give me a chance to exin.¡± I take a shaky breath. Everything really happens so fast that even my family is turning against me. I can¡¯t me them. They love Trinity like their blood. ¡°Get out of this office and solve your problem, Sebastian! I don¡¯t wanna lose a good employee because of your personal issue!¡± I look at Dad. He looks angrier than ever. He¡¯s ring at me, and that never happened before. ¡°Baby, didn¡¯t daddy told you that you would thank himter? You should¡¯ve listened to him.¡± Mom walks closer to me and rubs my arms. She kisses my cheek and whispers, ¡°She will go to see her fianc¨¦.¡± I nod slowly. ¡°I¡¯m so disappointed with you, brother,¡± Lizzy continues. ¡°I know. I know, and you can stop now.¡± I grab my keys on my desk, stomping my feet closer to them. ¡°Wish me luck.¡± I grit my teeth. I have hope, and there¡¯s a part of me believes in a fairytale. When I left back to the U.K, the pain I felt that night was worse, and the cut was so deep than the day I left four years ago. Damn! I¡¯m so fucking emotional when ites to her, but I will do everything to take her back to my team no matter how much pain I will endure, and no matter how hard I should try. I won¡¯t give her up this time. *** ¡°Are you sure this is her apartment?¡± I ask Edmund before stepping out of the car. I button my suit and look up at her apartment building. The six-story brownstone apartment building looks decent and in a safe neighborhood. ¡°Yes, Bash. Follow me,¡± he says. ¡°I am your boss, Edmund,¡± I remind him. ¡°I know, but as a precaution, I have to check first the area to know that you are safe in the ce like this,¡± he answers with courtesy. I know he¡¯s just doing my job. and I shouldn¡¯t just throw my anger on him. ¡°Fine.¡± Earlier, I received a text from Lizzy that Trinity came back to her apartment from visiting her fianc¨¦. Lizzy advised me not to text or call Trinity, and that¡¯s what I¡¯m doing. I am such an idiot, and I made her angry again. ¡°Bash, I have to lie to the guard that you are Ms. Mallory¡¯s new boyfriend.¡± He smiles and winks at me. I roll my eyes. ¡°Thanks, I guess.¡± My heart thunders in my chest when I reach her apartment door. I have to take a few deep breaths to calm my heartbeat. ¡°Just rx, boss.¡± I scowl at him. ¡°Why won¡¯t you go to the car and wait there? I can¡¯t see any danger here. Go back, and listen to your crappy music.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just trying to help, you know.¡± He looks amused. ¡°Well, you are not helping. You are annoying me.¡± ¡°Fine, but if she punches your face, don¡¯t call for help.¡± He grins. ¡°Get the fuck down to the car, and wait for me there, Edmund.¡± ¡°Fine, fine. Just knock already,¡± he says as he marches away, but his eyes are still on me, and I know he won¡¯t go far. ¡°Get your ass away from here,¡± I growl. The door unlocks, and I glued in my ce. When the door swings wide, that¡¯s when I see a sweaty and half-naked man at her door. Who the fuck is this guy? A lot of images sh in my head, and most of them are inappropriate. My nose res. ¡°Who are you?¡± Chapter 8 Rejection Chapter 8 Rejection TRINITY I felt insignificant. That¡¯s what I felt earlier, but who am I to fight? When the head doesn¡¯t want me, then so be it. I worked hard to be a part of thepany, but my hardship and experience are all gone to waste. I guess I just don¡¯t belong there. There¡¯s a little regret on the part of my brain. If I only follow my passion as an artist or an architect, I won¡¯t be here alone jobless in the middle of these graves. My heels dip in the soft green grass as I saunter toward Oli. I always came here when I missed him. Being with him, I find itforting. N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. I wrap my arms around myself when the wind blows my hair. I slow my pace when I¡¯m a few steps closer to Oli. The flowers I ced on the granite test week are still here, and they start withering. cing another grasp of white ca and stargazer, I set aside the old one. I wipe away the withered petals that fell on the te. I trace my fingers where Oli¡¯s name is engraved while feeling the pang inside my chest. ¡°Hey, Oli. How are you? Missed me, huh?¡± I sit down on the grass and lean my palm to support my weight. I tuck my hair behind my ear as I blow a breath. ¡°Guess what Oli? Remember my best friend that I told you? Well, he¡¯s back, and he¡¯s still mean, but he looks different though. More mature, I guess, but he¡¯s still a bully.¡± I chuckle when I remember Bash called me goldfish. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want me in finance, though. It¡¯s sad, isn¡¯t it? I guess I should start sending resumes and start job hunting. I¡¯m sure Mom and Dad won¡¯t be pleased with what I did. I kinda quit, eh.¡± I blow the strand of hair away from my face. ¡°I just quit the job that I worked hard for years.¡± I look down at his name, hoping he will tell me not to give up. My tears are running down my nose. I wipe them away with a sniff. ¡°I missed you so much Oli.¡± I sigh. ¡°I wish you¡¯re here tofort me, you know. I¡¯m so lost without you. I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. I thought I¡¯m so strong, but I know I¡¯m not. I¡¯m still the weak Kiara and never changed. I¡¯m still the coward, the weakling, and a loser.¡± I lift my eyes and stare far for as long as my sight can reach. ¡°Take me Oli, I need to be with you,¡± I tell him slowly as I look back down. ¡°I¡¯ll be here soon. I love you so much, Oli.¡± *** I fish out the keys from my red Selena Grace coach bag. It¡¯s from my best friend Lizzy because I can¡¯t afford to have one. I need a good rest before I start job hunting. I unlock the door open only to freeze in my ce. ¡°Jesus Christ!¡± I cover my eyes with my bag, and I can still hear shuffles and clinking of the belt. My face heats with embarrassment. ¡°K, what are you doing here?¡± Luke is still panting. ¡°Since when are you doing that on the couch, Luke?¡± I groan, and I still can¡¯t see their faces. ¡°Poor innocent eyes, K. We¡¯re decent now.¡± Ryker sounds amused. I lower my bag slowly with half-closed eyes just to make sure they have clothes on. cing my hands on my hips, I re at them. ¡°Aren¡¯t you two supposed to do that in your room? Do we need to disinfect that couch?¡± I love them both, and they never cross the line. We both respect everyone¡¯s privacy, but I don¡¯t know what to think after what I just witnessed. ¡°K, we¡¯re not having sex,¡± Luke answers, rolling his eyes. ¡°Yet, but if I didn¡¯t show up in like ten seconds, you might ruin the couch or worse, I need to call the sperm exterminator for the that!¡± ¡°We always did that in my room.¡± Ryker doesn¡¯t say anything as he sits down opposite of Luke. ¡°But that¡¯s not what I just saw a moment ago.¡± Ryker chuckles. I scowl at him because they still think it¡¯s funny. ¡°We¡¯re about to go there. I swear. Why are you here early? To catch us?¡± My stomach churns. ¡°I resigned. Clean your mess, and Ryker put your shirt on. No walking half-naked in this apartment.¡± ¡°Got to get another shirt.¡± I raise my brows, and I see a hint of a smile on his face. ¡°Oh, god! Gross.¡± I wrinkle my nose. ¡°Like you never did that.¡± Lukeughs. ¡°Did what?¡± I raise my voice a little bit. Okay, I did raise my voice. ¡°Blow a dick, duh.¡± My eyes widen. My mouth gapes. Unbelievable. Ryker¡¯s richugh is echoing in our living room. ¡°Not funny, Ryker! Go take Luke¡¯s shirt, please?¡± I beg because I can¡¯t take any more of this conversation. I just cried at Oli¡¯s grave, and now I am talking about sex with my friends. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m inexperienced, but I had only sex with one man. ¡°His shirt is too small for me, K.¡± Luke is a half foot shorter than Ryker with a runway model frame, unlike Ryker, he¡¯s bulkier and taller, but they¡¯re of the same age. ¡°Ugh! I should get inside my room.¡± I stomp past them to the hallway. My room is at the opposite end of our apartment. We¡¯ve been here in this apartment since our senior year in college, and it¡¯s the closest to the Hughes Building, but right now, it¡¯s useless no matter how close it is. It has three bedrooms and two baths, a spacious living room, a small kitchen, and a small balcony. ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question, K? Why are you here so early?¡± I stop. ¡°I told you I resigned. Clean your mess, guys!¡± I yell and walk to my room. I change to my blue cotton short shorts and a white t-shirt with a glittery kitten printed in front. I head out to our kitchen after washing away the stain of tears on my face. I stop to halt when I hear Ryker is yelling in our leaving room. I can¡¯t quite understand what it is about, but why are they fighting? Not just a moment ago, they¡¯re BJ-ing on the couch. My brows furrow when I hear another familiar voice, and it¡¯s not Luke. It¡¯s Bash. How did he know my apartment? Did hee for me or he¡¯s lost? I faster my pace to the living room when I see him, his driver is already in between Bash and Ryker with wide arms to stop the two from exchanging blows. They both look pissed. ¡°What the hell is going on here? I just left to change for a few minutes, and now you¡¯re all about to rip everyone to shred!¡± Pissed Bash blinks and swallows when he sees me yelling. Edmund let go of his arms on Ryker and Bash. Ryker is still half-naked with a flushed face while Luke seems amused as he crosses his arms over his chest. . Ryker coughs. ¡°This asshole was asking about Trinity. He pushed me off the door when I didn¡¯t allow him to get inside,¡± he exins while ring at Bash. Bash jaw clenches. ¡°Ms. Mallory, I apologize for the sudden interruption,¡± Edmund says politely. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Edmund. Mr. Hughes, care to exin what are you doing here in my apartment? Thest time we talked, I already have no business with you, your office, and yourpany,¡± I say as I cross my arms over my chest. He looks taken aback. ¡°Oh! So, you are the Bash Bash!¡± Luke chirps. I clear my throat. Seriously Luke? ¡°Trinity, I am here to apologize for my actions. I admit I judged you, and I shouldn¡¯t have done that. You proved that you deserve to be part of thepany, so who am I to judge you when I wasn¡¯t there to see your work. My apology, Trinity,¡± he says with pride. My jaw almost drops. Wow! Did he just apologize? What happened to the arrogant prick Bash I knew? Luke is giggling with his hand on his mouth to suppress his voice. ¡°I would like to see you on Monday at your new office,¡± he adds with a tight smile. ¡°Wait, this douchebag fired you? That¡¯s why you¡¯re here early?¡± Ryker roars. My eyes fix on him. ¡°Watch yournguage, asshole!¡± Bash snarls. Edmund is back on full alert. ¡°Ryker, Bash, enough! Luke, take Ryker to your room, and I need to talk with Bash, alone.¡± Instead of answering me, he grins and walks toward Ryker who is still ring at Bash. Bash is doing the same. Luke holds Ryker¡¯s hand, dragging him away from Bash. ¡°Bash, I¡¯ll be outside. Don¡¯t do¡ª¡± Edmund says. ¡°I know, I know. I don¡¯t need your daddy role here,¡± Bash grits his teeth. Edmund walks away after giving me a tight smile. I nod, smiling back at him. ¡°Let¡¯s talk in my room,¡± I say before I walk toward my room. I hear his footsteps following me. ¡°What¡¯s wrong in the living room?¡± he asks, may be out of curiosity/ I stop and face him. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna rape you, boss.¡± I look at him from head to toe. He looks deliciously hot. Then he smiles. Jeez, Bash! I just met my fianc¨¦ not hours ago. ¡°Let¡¯s head to the kitchen then,¡± I suggest. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your room?¡± he asks, but this time, there¡¯s a glint in his eyes. I lead him to the kitchen without answering his question. ¡°Coffee?¡± I offer. ¡°I¡¯ve got a Java coffee, and I think I have pastries here.¡± I open the cupboard where I stock the coffee canister and grab two coffee mugs. I press the button to start brewing after filling them with coffee granules and water. ¡°Just a coffee for me, Tri. Thanks.¡± I face him. He¡¯s leaning on the kitchen ind. ¡°I arrived earlier when I saw the two busy with themselves on the couch, that¡¯s why I suggested for us to talk far from there.¡± Heat creeps on my face. I notice Bash jaw clenches. ¡°No need to be violent, Bash. They¡¯re good people, and you don¡¯t have the right to treat them like how you did a while ago.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Don¡¯t they have a room?¡± Bash asks silently. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about them. What changed your mind?¡± I ask, searching an answer from his gorgeous face. ¡°Dad just dropped the bomb. I wasn¡¯t ready to hear that from him. I asked him for a month before I let you work in your office, but he disagreed.¡± I already knew the answers when his dad called me while I was on my way to visit Oli. ¡°Do you want me to be your temporary assistant for a while?¡± He looks at my eyes then shrugs. ¡°What does it mean?¡± ¡°You seemed so excited. So I can¡¯t hold you for too long. Dad surely requests for an assistant position from the HR as of now.¡± He chuckles. ¡°So, that guy?¡± I roll my eyes. ¡°Yes. The fianc¨¦.¡± He nods and seems to rx. I pour us two mugs of coffee, then I put a spoonful of creamer and a little sugar on my mug. I give him his coffee. I know he used to drink ck. He starts sipping his coffee while I¡¯m just holding a hot steaming mug in my hand. I look at his beautiful face. Why do I have to have such a perfect best friend that I can¡¯t even daydream about? We¡¯re best friends, but we¡¯re from two different worlds. He¡¯s like the white while I am ck. He¡¯s the fire and I am the ice. He is gorgeous and I am insecure. I am in love with him, and he is not. ¡°Tri, what¡¯s with that look?¡± his voice brings me out from my thoughts. ¡°Huh?¡± I ask, blinking. ¡°I ask you why are you looking at me like that?¡± ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°You look sad?¡± he says with uncertainty. Because I am. ¡°Did you visit him?¡± he asks with hesitation. I nod slowly. ¡°Yup. I went to visit him every time I felt alone and sad. But I also visited him when I am happy.¡± I smile at the thought of Oli, but there¡¯s a twist in the pit of my belly. Why do I feel like I¡¯m not supposed to share this with Bash? When we were still in high school, I felt so jealous of all the girls he dated. Sometimes I cried at night when he couldn¡¯t see me because he went on a date. I felt my heart crashed a thousand times when I saw him kissing another girl, but he never kissed me on my lips even once. I shrug and sigh. I feel a thumb on my cheek. I jar back from my thoughts. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Tri. I am here, and I will never go away from you again,¡± he says while wiping my tears that fall unknowingly. I grab his hand and press it against my face while I shut my eyes close. I nod curtly, kissing the palm of his hand. His lips slightly parted when I open my eyes. Our gazes meet. I feel like I¡¯m hypnotized by his stare. I can see yearning and care in those gray orbs. I feel safe with his palm on my face; his thumb caresses my bottom lip. Butterflies start to spread wildly in my stomach that I have never felt it in a long time. My body ignites, and Bash never breaks his gaze on me. The doorbell goes off, and his hand is gone. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!