《Her Mysterious Life – In love with her secret savior》


 Chapter 1 - Returned After Seven Years.

    In the airport bustling with people, the flight from London just arrived and a girl in her early twenties alighted the plane.


    Tall and slender, she has a perfect figure akin to a model.


    Her long, lustrous, honey blond hair was left bundled on her shoulders as it reached her lower waist. With the dress and accessories she is wearing, one could tell how rich she is and with her good looks she of course attracted a lot of attention


    However, it is not her beauty alone but her aura and the way she carried herself that attracted the most of the attention.


    Confident, poised and elegant.


    She has a certain air of nobility that one could right away confirm that she is not someone ordinary.


    She is a sight to behold and a person to be admired.


    -------


    After alighting the flight, the first thing Kyra did is to search for Starbucks. Being a caffeine addict, she can''t live without having coffee at least four times a day.


    And as a surgeon, a busy businesswoman and a passionate painter, she has to be attentive all the time and coffee always did it''s miracle.


    After ordering her favorite Dark Chocolate Mocha, she sat down at a corner chair and fished out her phone to inform her overprotective brothers and rest of the family that she safely reached the destination.


    It is not like she is a delicate, naive princess who has to be protected but for her brothers and rest of family, she will always remain as the one. It is because she was like that seven years back.


    Meanwhile, as if in sync, Kyra''s phone rang and she is certain that it''s not a miracle. She knows she is being followed by her secret bodyguards.


    However, she pretended not to notice��


    "Reached?" a deep, husky and manly voice came from the other side immediately after Kyra answered the call.


    "Yep. Just now. Otherwise, how would I be answering your call" Kyra chuckled, sipping her drink.


    "Yeah..yeah.", the man laughed, letting her mock him.


    If it was someone else, he would have ended their good days but it is Kyra, the only woman he loves. She can mock him as much as she wants.


    "Having your coffee I presume" he asked after a second.


    "Like always" Kyra chuckled as she answered back.


    "A Grande Dark Chocolate Mocha with extra shot, no fat milk and no whip." he guessed.


    "Very true," Kyra chuckled.


    "Uhmm��is someone following me, Mat" she asked though she knows that it is true.


    "No�� no. I wouldn''t dare," he immediately lied.


    Kyra was about to say something but she stopped as soon as she realized that there was someone else on the other side, listening to them.


    "Bro, are you there too?" Kyra asked. She is certain her brother is there and was being quite so, his best friend Matthew can try to woo his sister, which is her.


    "Yeah..yeah, I am here. Kyra, my assistant is waiting for you outside and please, don''t tell no," her other person said, his voice filled with concern for her.


    The man who called her is her second brother''s best friend, Matthew. But the person who just spoke now, was her second brother, Walter.


    "Should you really do this? I can take care of my own, you know!" Kyra complained with a pout.


    "I can''t leave my baby sis alone in that cruel city, right? What if your trauma resurfaces? We can''t take that risk. You even refused to accept bodyguards, so don''t try to refuse this as well!!" her second warned.


    "If you speak even one word against me, I swear I will leave all my work and fly there to keep you company all day" he added, and it indeed worked on Kyra. She seriously doesn''t want him here...


    Her second brother, Walter is the most overprotective one out of her five brothers and as he doesn''t know one of the reasons she is here, she couldn''t take the risk of luring him here.


    If he finds out what she is up to, she will be in serious trouble because whatever she is planning to do here might turn dangerous.

 Chapter 2 - Wants To Free Herself From Her Past

    "Fine! I will follow your arrangements," Kyra obediently answered after giving it a careful thought.


    She also felt bad for her brother because she could tell just from his voice that he is dead worried about her. If his schedule was not filled with important meetings he would have accompanied her still she settle down here.


    But, she announced her plan to shift to this city all of a sudden at the eleventh hour and in with such a short notice, her brothers were not able to clear their busy schedules. Afterall, they are very busy people whose time is very precious either for their respective companies or country. Yet, they decided to adjust their busy schedules but Kyra insisted on not doing it.


    She wanted to go on this trip alone.


    She wants to free herself from the past that''s still holding her behind from reaching the highest pinnacle of her life.


    And, of course, the main objective to come here is to search for someone very important in her life.


    And, yeah, she also has a secret mission to help her friends with.


    "I will really be fine, guys!! My biological mother and her so-called family are not worthy of my time. As I said, I am here to search for my savior, nothing else" Kyra lied to both the men when she was answered with nothing but a long silence from them.


    As Walter and Matthew couldn''t debate with a stubborn person like her, they could only cave in to her request.


    They know Kyra is quite different from the Kyra who she was seven years back.


    She, who was naive, gullible and shy has turned herself into a new leaf who is persistent, stubborn and bossy.


    She is no longer easy to manipulate.


    "So, you will come back after you find your savior, right Ky?" Matthew asked, for which Kyra hummed in affirmation.


    Yes, her prime objective of this trip is to find the man who helped her seven years back.


    He asked her to find him when she was strong and powerful enough. He told her he has something to tell her��


    Kyra was waiting for that moment for a very long time. Her savior meant so much to her that she could not even describe it.


    She simply couldn''t wait to meet him and find out what connection they share but she could tell that she still had some things to do before she deem herself as emotionally strong.


    To do that she has to free herself from the shackles of her past.


    For that she has to dig deep into her past and for that she has to cross paths with her mother''s family.


    She hates revenge as she believes that it''s useless to cry over a spilled milk. But if it is what will free her from her traumas and make her meet her savior, she is ready to do it.


    But she didn''t tell her new family and friends about that because she knows how overprotective they are.


    They would turn this world upside down if something happens to her and this thought warmed her heart up. It reminded her that she is no longer someone whose absence and struggles are turned blind eye to.


    She is not some street dog which everyone ignores.


    She is now a person with a strong background and connections.


    A little scratch on her and that person who caused it can bid goodbye to his/her good days.


    "All right. But keep your promise, sis! Be careful no matter what you do and call any of us if you want any help. Matthew will always be available to you" Walter, her brother told her after a long sigh.


    "Yes, Kyra. Just give me a call, okay? Whatever you want, I will be there" Matthew said. His voice filled with love, which Kyra pretended to ignore.


    Although she has a very good impression on Matthew, she never felt like that towards him.


    "I will." Kyra sincerely answered with a smile and after a few minutes of talk, she ended the call.. Later, she fished out another phone, an untraceable one and swiftly sent a message.

 Chapter 3 - A Kind And Gifted Doctor.

    Seven years back, Kyra almost gave up on her life.


    But an opportunity knocked on her door.


    It was difficult for her to muster up her courage but with all the courage left in her, she gave herself another last chance.


    And so far, that decision has been the best resolution she made in her life.


    It changed her whole life!


    When she chose to go to Oxford to pursue medicine, she was scared. She lost her faith and was not ready to believe anyone.


    However, when her savior promised to take care of everything, she somehow ended up believing him. It still amazed her but on the bright side, that decision has not only turned her into a new leaf but has also given her the opportunity to find happiness and a family she was craving for. She also evolved into a amazing woman


    It indeed took her a lot of time to accept someone as her family after what she has gone through.


    But God was on her side. These people, her new family, were nothing like her mother''s family and father''s family. All they wanted was love from her.


    Moreover, she had nothing else to lose when she met her new family, anyway. She was penniless and a nobody when she met them.


    In fact, these people gave her a lot and all they asked in return is to trust them and love them.


    She was guarded and didn''t trust them in the beginning.


    Although it took her years to accept their benevolence and selfless love, she felt their sincerity and gave it a chance.


    Giving them a chance is the other best decision that changed her life!


    She is a surgeon now. A gifted and talented one too.


    And her hard work outside her studies didn''t go wasted.


    On her way, she made some really powerful connections and she invested her energy and knowledge in many new things and it made her rich and influential.


    Now, she is a business woman too. Her business started as a small startup but now, it is spread in various fields. Investment firms, real estate, fashion, food, technology and she has no intention to stop here.


    At the same time, she didn''t give up on her childhood dream to become a painter. As someone with creativity and as one who has a tendency to learn really fast, it didn''t take her much to become a painter. Her unique style attracted the attention of many...


    Now, she is a doctor, a business woman and a well known yet mysterious painter. She didn''t stop there but expanded her expertise into many other domains as well.


    Before seven years she was a loser who had given up on her life. She thought she is not worthy but now, she knows that she deserves happiness and a beautiful life.


    All this happened because of the man who saved and helped her seven years back. Not even a single day has passed in these years without her thanking him in her prayers.


    Back then, she swore to come and find her savior by herself without other''s help. And, just like she promised herself, seven years back, she came back to the city which destroyed her life but has also opened another door to a new life.


    With all these thoughts running in her mind, Kyra walked out but a commotion outside stopped her.


    Like others, she too walked towards the crowd and saw a small boy on the floor, struggling to breath.


    He was unconscious and there was white froth in his mouth.


    As soon as she saw the scene in front of her, her doctor instincts immediately kicked in and Kyra rushed to the boy''s side.


    "I am a doctor. Let me see" she said to the police and the boy''s mother who was helplessly holding her son''s hand and crying.


    They already informed management and paramedics are on their way...


    After Kyra examined, she pursed her lips and looked at the boy''s mother. "How long would paramedics take to arrive?" she asked, already looking into her bag for something.


    "They said five more minutes", the boy''s mother answered, sniffling a sob.


    ''He doesn''t take that much time.'' Kyra thought.


    "I will perform an emergency treatment" Kyra said to her mother and when she got the mother''s consent, Kyra broke her black credit card in half.


    Without any delay she used it and opened the boy''s air duct gently and smoothly. Her movements are meticulous but fast just like exports.


    As soon as she finished making a small opening, she took the extra straw the Starbucks gave her and inserted it into his duct take. After making sure she placed it in the right position, she blew air into the straw.


    And after a few seconds the boy gasped and as he did it, Kyra turned his face so he could vomit. Later she used the tissue and stopped the blood flow from the cut.


    All of it happened in a minute or two.


    People had hardly time to respond to the situation. They could only look at her astonished and in awe.


    As soon as the boy coughed out blood and was able to breath, it was only when they realized that he was no longer in danger.


    His mother cried in relief and before she could thank Kyra, the paramedics arrived and helped the boy into the stretcher.


    "Thank you so much. I don..don''t..." the boy''s mother couldn''t help but choke her sobs. She couldn''t even imagine what would have happened to her son if this young doctor was not here.


    Kyra smiled and patted the woman''s hand in comfort. She looked at the boy who was now on the stretcher and she didn''t know why but she blurted out, "I will accompany you to the hospital"

 Chapter 4 - They Meet...

    In Serenity Medical Center...


    Oliver just walked out of the operation theatre after performing a complicated surgery.


    This operation is a breakthrough as no one has ever succeeded in performing this open brain surgery ever before.


    This surgery is one of his many achievements.


    And he never ceased to amaze others. Despite his young age, he accomplished things that were no less than the things the experienced doctors did. He is really the pride of the country.


    As soon as he walked out, everyone started congratulating him. Many of them have seen his surgery from the gallery above while the others have seen it in the monitor placed in the observation hall.


    Meanwhile, the female doctors and other female staff were immersed in admiring him.


    Oliver could be labelled as a walking powerhouse of hormones with the perfect toned body and compelling face he has.


    His blue eyes contrasted exceptionally well with his light toned skin. They were so deep and irresistibly magnetic that one could get lost staring into them endlessly.


    His chiseled jawlines and strong, symmetric features excluded masculinity. His impeccable grooming, his well built figure and long, slender legs made him look even more sexy and undeniably charming.


    He is not only the most handsome and charming doctor but also a famous and talented one as well. Even his aura is noble and charming that one couldn''t help but get attracted and feel intimidating at the same time.


    Meanwhile, Oliver made his way through the group of doctors, occasionally smiling and nodding his head, acknowledging their good wishes and compliments for his success.


    "Dr. Miller, president, wants to talk to you for a minute. He is waiting in his room," one of the president''s assistants informed him.


    "I will be there," Oliver answered in his cold and indifferent tone.


    He was about to follow her, away from the crowd but his entire body froze when he happened to see a face that was very familiar to him. Before he could look back in that direction, the person was no longer there.


    But Oliver continued looking, his mind blank.


    "What happened, sir?" Roger, Oliver''s personal assistant asked, a little concerned. His sir rarely gets distracted like this...


    "I just felt like I saw someone familiar," Oliver answered.


    "Someone we know, sir?" Roger asked.


    "I don''t know Roger. And, it''s not a big deal. Focus on the work I gave you first" Oliver said, before walking towards the president''s office.


    After Oliver left, Roger scrunched his eyebrows. Even he felt like he saw someone familiar just now. And, he couldn''t help but have a bad feeling about it.


    Afterall, Oliver has many enemies and his background is not that simple��


    And it''s his duty to make sure that Oliver is safe.


    So, without any further delay, he went to the monitor room and asked the staff to show him the footage of cctv.


    However, as soon as he saw who that person was, his whole body stiffened. Sweat started to form on his forehead despite the low temperature in the air conditioner.


    "God! Kyra, why have you returned!?" he muttered to himself.


    She shouldn''t be here!!


    She was not supposed to return!


    -------------


    After Oliver finished talking with the president/godfather, he made his way to the terrace.


    It was raining a few minutes back and somehow it became a habit to him to spend some time on the terrace especially after it rained. He enjoys the peaceful vibes and clear sky after the clouds get cleared.


    With his favorite coffee, dark chocolate mocha in his hand, he sauntered into the terrace and leisurely leaned on the railing. A small smile made up his lips as he looked at the sky, which just got cleared and the warm sunlight was appearing back. However, there was a faint wind, still blowing around. A perfect climate he wouldn''t miss.


    While Oliver was enjoying his peace, another person entered the terrace as well. Just like him, she was holding a coffee cup in her hand and was holding her trench coat on her other arm.


    Her long hair was slightly fluttering in the air because of the wind and her supple faintly glowed in the warm sunlight.


    Kyra made her way to the railing as well and stood just a few feet away from him. As she was engrossed in enjoying her favorite climate, she didn''t realize that there was another person standing a few feet apart, now, looking at her.


    With a smile on her cherry lips, he placed her coffee cup and trench coat on the platform and started tying her hair with a tie. As the hospital was a skyscraper, the wind was a little strong, making her hair messy, which made her look even more beautiful.


    Meanwhile, Oliver didn''t mean to look at her but he happened to do it because something compelled him to do so. However, when he looked at beautiful smile and sparkling eyes, he couldn''t help but stare at her and it happened even before he registered what he was doing.


    It is not like he didn''t see a more beautiful woman than her, but something about her attracted his attention.


    She looked familiar strangely.


    However, he is sure that he has never seen her before. There was something about her that weirdly drawn his attention towards he

 Chapter 5 - Staring Competition.

    She looked familiar strangely. However, he is sure that he has never seen her before. There was something about her that weirdly drew his attention towards her.


    Oliver cleared his throat, embarrassed by how he was staring at her as if she was candy .


    Thank God! No one saw him eying a girl��


    Otherwise, it would have ruined his reputation as a cold, indifferent, gentle man!


    Oliver immediately averted his eyes and stared at his coffee but when she lifted her arms up, her top slightly moved up, exposing a small part of her fair waist. And, before he could realize he was staring at her again.


    God! He doesn''t know what''s happening to him. He was never attracted to any woman like this.


    *Cough...Cough*


    A sudden cough out of nowhere almost startled him and it was only when Oliver got out of his trance. Subconsciously, he looked at the source of that sound, and his cheeks reddened with embarrassment.


    Dammit! He was caught red handed in this shameful act!!


    He was always attentive but somehow, his mind went blank and this is the first time it happened to him...


    While Oliver was staring at her, Kyra was tying her hair in a ponytail. But she happened to realize that someone was looking at her.


    She instinctively reached for the gun in her coat which was now lying on the platform of the wall and when she looked around, trying to locate the possible danger, she saw an extremely handsome man in a casual T shirt and jeans, staring at her waist!! Her waist!!


    Not knowing what to do, she slightly coughed, to get his attention away from her waist, although it is covered fully now.


    She never came across a situation like this, never!! So, she didn''t know what to do...


    Meanwhile, even her eyes darted to admire his well toned body. But before she could get caught in her own shameful act, she controlled herself.


    While both of them were busy averting their own eyes, their eyes met midway and they both felt a sudden spark.


    They couldn''t help but stare into each other''s eyes.


    "Pervert", Kyra muttered after a few seconds, shifting her gaze away from looking into his bottomless, deep blue eyes. But she must admit, his eyes are really like magnets, tempting her to look more into them.


    "What did you say?" Oliver asked, unable to believe that she just said that, loud and clear.


    He didn''t think such an innocent, kind looking girl would be this daring and bold.


    But, he liked a bold attitude and this beautiful, alluring woman seems to be the one.


    He would have been impressed if it was not him on the other side of the stick.


    "You were staring at me, sir, like a pervert," Kyra said, for a second forgetting that she stared at his body as well. Technically, she wouldn''t be calling it as staring but taking a quick peek, which most of the people do when they come across such a finest piece like this man.


    ''Damn, Kyra! What are you even saying'' Kyra scolded herself inside. She was always in her best behavior but now, it seems like she just couldn''t control herself anymore. Her eyes were darting around without her consent. Her mouth seems to speak whatever came into her mind.


    "And, you stared at me as well, miss." Oliver said with a lopsided smile on his lips.


    For a second, Kyra fell in trance looking at his smile.


    God! He looks so charming and his smile, uhh, it''s so seducing that, subconsciously a scenario of kissing that lips flashed in her mind. As soon as she registered what''s going on in her mind, Kyra''s cheeks reddened at her sinful thoughts. Why is her brain not coordinating with her today???


    She never had such perverted thoughts before.


    "You are staring at me again. I know I am handsome but please," Oliver said with a grin, making Kyra flabbergasted.


    Such a narcissist!!


    Flustered, Kyra stormed towards the elevator and Oliver chuckled at her cute reaction. It amused him how much he enjoyed this conversation because he never liked having a company of strangers, more importantly a girl!!


    On the bright side, he evaded the awkward situation skilfully.


    She should be the one with the upper hand but he somehow turned the tables and stopped her from making it any more embarrassing for him.


    ''Although you look interesting, I hope we don''t cross paths'', Oliver thought. It''s not because he stared at her waist. Come on! It''s not a crime to admire the beauty but it was first for him. He never gave a damn about appearances before because he was never attracted to a woman. No woman has ever managed to get his attention.


    This woman is first and somehow he could tell that she has a tendency to attract him and it worried him.


    He was not supposed to fall in love...


    Yes, it''s early to worry about such a situation but it surprisingly flashed in his mind. He never thought about falling in love but this time, this small incident popped that thought in his mind.


    Another proof that this woman is not a passing cloud in his life but someone very significant.

 Chapter 6 - Her Devilish Side.

    As soon as Kyra was informed that the boy she saved is out of danger, she went back to the hotel where she is temporarily staying.


    Although she bought a house, the renovation is still going on, so for the time being she is staying in the presidential suite of the hotel her second brother owns.


    "So, you came across a pervert, huh?" her fourth brother, Ryan laughed.


    Now, she is on a video call with her fourth brother and she is telling him what all has happened today but he intervened in the middle when Kyra told him how a handsome man was staring at her.


    "Don''t call him that," Kyra said with slightly pursed lips.


    Her voice was like a sad child''s voice that Ryan burst out laughing. "Why so?" he asked, holding her laughter.


    "Because I stared at him too not once but twice", Kyra said with a pout, making Ryan laugh even harder. His eyes almost teared up with tears and his stomach started hurting.


    "Kyra became a pervert!?" Another voice came from the other side and soon a girl of the same age as Kyra appeared on the screen.


    "Sofi?" Kyra spoke, already shaking her head in regret. There will be no end to the teasing now. She didn''t know that her best friend was listening to her conversation. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have spoken about this.


    "Baby Kyra, Is he that handsome, tell me! Did you at last take a liking to someone. I want to know, is it love at first sight!!!" Sofia asked in her excited tone, starting her drama and like usual, she started exaggerating.


    "What are you doing in my brother''s room? Isn''t it early morning there? Did you both stay in the same room? Oh God! Did I disturb you both?Did I spoil my niece/nephew''s making process? " Kyra asked, imitating Sofia''s drama queen style.


    "God, Ky!! Just because we are in the same room doesn''t mean we are together!" Sofia exclaimed.


    "And, in the same way, just because I stared at someone''s��*cough* body doesn''t mean I fell for him!" Kyra exclaimed too.


    Sofia grunted her teeth, realizing that she fell in Kyra''s trap.


    "Fine! But be careful there, okay." Sofia said her face filled with concern.


    She is one of the few who have witnessed Kyra''s emotional plight when she first arrived at Oxford.


    It still squeezes her heart whenever she remembers her best friend''s miserable past.


    "This is the hundredth time I am listening to those words today, Sofi. And, yes, I will take care of myself." Kyra sighed.


    "We all are worried, Ky. You went to that place all alone and we are worried what will happen to you now," Sofia voiced her concern.


    "You know I can handle this, right, Sofi?" Kyra asked, for which Sofia nodded her head. Of course she knows Kyra''s accomplishments but what worries her is the emotional scars that still make Kyra anxious and scared. Some things never fade...


    Although her friend is strong now, her past was that sad and pathetic and it still haunts her. . People say that the past doesn''t matter but as someone whose own past is tainted, she is aware of the brutal truth that it matters to the person itself.


    Kyra might be acting all strong and indifferent but, who knows what might happen if she comes across person''s of her past??


    "Leave about these, Sofi. Tell me how our little mission went today", Kyra asked, her voice suddenly morphed into business like.


    Sofia snickered.


    "You can expect them to sell the whole company to us anytime this week. The sales went down, the profits dropped to negative and in today''s meeting when they saw these statistics, the stakeholders asked her to step down", she gave a whole report.


    Kyra smiled, her lips curved into a devilish smirk.


    "Buy the company no matter what the price is." she told Sofia, her best friend and business partner.


    "May I know why you are buying that company all of a sudden? Is that because the CEO humiliated me on social media? Wow, my little sis and my girlfriend really love me''" Ryan said, smiling gleefully but soon whimpered when Sofia stomped on his foot.


    "I am not your girlfriend, idiot!" She muttered.


    "Oh yeah! You will soon be," he winked getting near but ran away when Sofia lifted her leg to kick him.


    Kyra smiled at their interaction and then continued, "This company was the first and huge contributor of Blue Star shipments, a bridge my biological mother wants to use to expand her business to Europe. I can''t let her into our domain can I?", she asked.


    "But you had no problem when you let her Banking Company establish its branches here. Why now, all of a sudden?" Ryan asked.


    Kyra laughed, sending chills across his spine. His cute sister could be very scary sometimes just like his twin brother, Ian. She learnt it from him!


    "Bro, that banking company was supposed to be mine, remember? She is helping me by reducing my work, so how can I be cold enough to reject her generosity?" Kyra asked, her tone made Sofia and Ryan gulp. It''s not that scary but when it comes out from her mouth, in her melodious and alluring tone, it''s hard to miss the devilment in her voice.


    But they of course understood where it was coming from.. Kyra''s grandmother, who was a mysterious woman herself, hadn''t even informed Kyra that she was leaving a billions worth company on her name.

 Chapter 7 - Deja Vu

    But they of course understood where it was coming from. Kyra''s grandmother, who was a mysterious woman herself, hadn''t even informed Kyra that she was leaving a billions worth company on her name.


    Kyra didn''t even know her grandmother was that rich let alone to even imagine that she owned such a huge company.


    After all, they lived in a small town, struggling with money every day. Her grandmother worked in a hotel till her last breath as her father was a drunkard and addicted gambler who contributed nothing to the family''s welfare. Her step mother and her two children were always harsh on her and never treated her like a decent human let alone as a sister.


    After her grandmother''s death, Kyra''s life turned into a living hell because her father disappeared and her step mother tortured her endlessly till the day she kicked her out mercilessly.


    Depressed and clueless, Kyra was about to take her own life and it was when her ''kind'' mother reappeared back in her life, offering a home and beautiful life.


    Kyra did enjoy her time there and even got bonded with all the new family of her mother''s but only to get fooled into writing all the company under her mother''s name. It was already too late when Kyra realized the truth. She was already penniless and was sold to human trafficking mob.


    Again, she almost ended her own life...


    And, it was when her savior showed up. She stayed in his care for months before getting sent to study in Oxford under his sponsorship.


    He protected her really well, providing money, emotional support and everything she wanted till she met her adopted family who took her under their wing.


    "Kyra baby, are you fine?" Sofia asked, consciously. Just by looking at Kyra''s lifeless, hazel eyes, she could tell Kyra was thinking of her past again.


    Kyra was startled for a second but shook her head in response. "I am good. Just thinking how to take back what belongs to me," Kyra lied. She is actually thinking how her mother ruthlessly killed her grandmother just for the sake of money and power.


    Her grandmother was the only person who loved her back then. She meant a lot to her and it still squeezes her when she remembers that it''s her biological mother who killed her..


    However, it still amazes Kyra why her grandmother lived such a mysterious yet pathetic life when she owned such a huge company. This is something Kyra ought to find out about and she is sure that it is something complicated .


    "Are you really fine, Kyra? Do you have your meds? Should I call Sawyer and ask him to bring a doctor for you," Ryan, her fourth brother asked, his voice alarmed. His sister still has the trauma episodes during nights.


    "Don''t ask her, dummy! Just do it! Can''t you see her face turning pale..huh?" Sofia scoffed.


    "Guys�� guys, I am really fine. I am not the same Kyra anymore. If I was the same Kyra, I wouldn''t have come here, right?" Kyra questioned, her voice back to normal and so was her voice.


    "But tell me, what are you honestly doing in my brother''s suite?" Kyra asked, diverting the topic which of course worked.


    "Oh, that?" Sofia mumbled, her cheeks heating up.


    "You are blushing," Kyra snickered.


    "I am not!" Sofia denied.


    "Your fourth brother is not my type," she added.


    "Then who is?" Kyra asked.


    "Your fifth brother, of course!" Sofia chuckled.


    "This is insane! I and Ian looks same. Why him? Not me?" Ryan who was staying silent all along asked, pouting.


    "Hey, looks are not the only thing that matters. Your twin brother is mature, responsible and considerate unlike you who is childish, annoying and irresponsible" Sofia responded.


    "I am hot and more charming than him. I am known as the Nation''s husband and the hottest, handsome actor!" Ryan complained.


    "I am the top model and the epitome of an ideal girlfriend! I also own a fashion brand" Sofia rebuked.


    "My sister was the mastermind!" Ryan muttered.


    "Back to the point, I think we are perfect together!" he told her.


    "Oh, no. Your brother is the world''s top tennis player. He is the ideal husband type. Not you!" Sofia and Ryan continued fighting and Kyra couldn''t help but chuckle.


    She is considering enough to cut the call and give them a space to fight. She knows Sofia loves her fourth brother Ryan and so does he. But these both always fight like a cat and dog; however, the chemistry between them is too evident to any naked eye.


    When Kyra thought about the chemistry those both share, she subconsciously thought about the handsome man she met this morning. There was a flicker of sparkle between them but before she could even comprehend why she felt like that,she called him a pervert. She didn''t want to, but somehow she did.


    It was like her brain and heart were not coordinating that time.


    "Why did I get this deja vu feeling for what happened today between us?" Kyra thought.


    ----------


    "She really felt familiar, Nora. I even had this deja vu feeling when I�� *cough*...got caught��*staring* at her wa*cough*ist" Oliver told his sister, Nora that night.


    Nora, who was laughing at him stopped for a few seconds but then, she laughed again.


    "Bro, it''s just that you physically got attracted to her! Don''t make this look mysterious" Nora told her brother playfully.


    "Maybe. All I wish is to keep this shameful act of mine under the sheets forever" Oliver said, massaging his forehead. He didn''t understand why but since that incident between him and Ms. Alluring, he started having a headache.


    Maybe, just like his sister said, it could be nothing. His headache might be because of the embarrassment he was feeling from then.


    "Bro, it''s not a shameful act! It''s natural for a man to get attracted to a woman. This atleast proves that you are a man." Nora told him, breaking into a laugh at the last sentence.


    Oliver rolled his eyes and wished her a goodnight before going back to his room.


    He could see that there would be no end to this teasing anytime soon.


    Meanwhile, after Oliver went back to his room, Nora''s face morphed into seriousness.


    She fished out her mobile and made a call. "I want to find out if the person my brother met on the terrace is Kyra Adams, now known as Kyra Alexandra Collins." she ordered.


    After that, she wheeled herself back to her room.. She has been paralyzed down her waist for eight years now, to be precise, after meeting Kyra for the first time.

 Chapter 8 - He Is Her Idol.

    The next morning��


    Despite her jet lag, Kyra excitedly got ready. Though today is her holiday, she decided to finish all the paperwork and other things so she can start working from tomorrow.


    She is a neurosurgeon and despite her young age, she could be counted as a valuable asset to the hospital. Her conceptual and practical knowledge was top notch and she was no less than an experienced doctor in the operation theatre.


    "Doctor Ria" , the person who was waiting for her arrival, greeted Kyra.


    As she wished to have a peaceful time here, Kyra decided to stay hidden from her biological mother and her family until unless she herself decides to show up. So, with the help of her brother''s, she changed her name and altered a few things in biodata.


    That is what her family and a few of her brothers know. Truth to be told, it is mainly because of her secret mission that she can''t blow up and bring danger not only to herself but her loved ones too.


    Now, her name is Ria Lopez not Kyra Collins now. She is not from prestigious Oxford but from some mediocre medical school. Her background is also simple and very ordinary.


    "Doctor Ron", Kyra greeted him politely.


    "We will first meet our Director and after that, I will show you around, Doctor Ria" Doctor Ron said with a polite smile.


    "Sure. And, what''s the director''s name?" Kyra asked.


    "Dr. Miller." Doctor Ron answered.


    "You can call him Dr. Miller as it is what he prefers," he added.


    "He doesn''t like to be called by his first name. He is very strict, he barely smiles and his face is unreadable. His aura is chilling unlike the warm vibes a doctor must have" Ron added.


    "And, coming to his professional history, he is the youngest Director in the hospital and he is also our head of department. He is actually an interim director till they find a suitable director as he rejected the offer to become director. He loves being our head of department and performing surgeries rather than managing the hospital" the chatterbox, Ron explained.


    "He is also the youngest professor here. So, feel free to ask him for help in your research papers if you need help", he added.


    Kyra nodded her head, attentively listening.


    "But, Ria, I must say, he has a huge girl following here. So don''t anger the possessive fan club  of his. They are insanely protective of him" Ron warned.


    "However, if you have any management related problems, you can contact the senior doctors here and if they can''t help you, they will redirect you to Dr. Miller", he added.


    Kyra chuckled.


    She isn''t new to this fan girl, possessive, protective gang thing.


    She has five handsome, rich, famous men as her brothers.


    She is used to seeing it on a daily basis. There were a few crazy women who even plotted against her because they were jealous of her.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t be getting attracted to him," Kyra said. How attractive will he be? Not more than her brothers right!


    (Author : Let''s see Kyra dear. You are going to be attracted to him like a honeybee getting attracted to flower)


    "Good to hear" Ron said as he led her to the floor in which Dr. Miller''s office is situated.


    .....


    "Oliver Miller!!!" Kyra shrieked when she saw the nameplate on the door.


    He is THE OLIVER MILLER.


    "God Ron! It''s THE OLIVER MILLER. Why didn''t you say so? I read all of his articles, papers, journals and case studies. I am a huge fan of him" Kyra said excitedly.


    After a few seconds her excitement subsided and Kyra froze.


    Oliver...


    The name that always confuses her.


    The name that always makes her heart react strangely.


    She never understood why but she feels for that name. It might sound insane and illogical but yes, it''s as true as it sounds insane, to say that she felt some indescribable bond with that name.


    And, it''s just a coincidence that her idol has that name, all right?!


    "Ahh...another fan girl" Ron sighed, massaging his forehead, when he was her excitement.


    "I am a fan of his intellect not looks" Kyra defended herself. What can she do?


    She loses her control only for two things. 1. When it comes to her savior. 2. When it comes to her idol, Oliver Miller. When it comes to these both, she is no different than a ordinary person.


    "Wait till you see him." Ron muttered.


    Although people in the neurology field are very familiar with the name Oliver Miller, most of them don''t know how he looks.


    During surgeries, he wears surgical masks which cover his face and outside the operation theatre, that''s his private life which is off the charts.


    *Cough*...*Cough*


    The awkward cough made Kyra and Ron turn around and as soon as Kyra saw that person she froze all again.


    ---------


    When Kyra and Ron were standing in front of Oliver''s office, talking, Oliver just arrived at his office room after finishing his surgery.


    At first he heard faint voices but when he was about to take a turn in the corridor to reach his office, the voices got clear and he was startled.


    He heard his name come from a familiar voice.


    He could tell that one of the voices belongs to the chatterbox, Dr. Ron but the other voice is what made him confused and startled. He felt that voice familiar but strange at the same time.


    He might not have heard this voice often but he is sure he knows that voice. More importantly, it confused him because it aroused some unfathomable feelings in his heart.


    However, when he saw who that person was, his ears turned red.

 Chapter 9 - Mr. Handsome/Mr. Perverted Is Her Boss/idol?

    Meanwhile, Kyra felt her world crumble when she saw who her idol was.


    She didn''t research about the staff and doctors before coming here. First reason is, she made the decision in the eleventh hour to continue her practice as a doctor here. However, after giving a serious thought, she came to the conclusion that she shouldn''t neglect her career as a doctor.


    Moreover, it will also provide a perfect cover while she works on her mission.


    As her academic history is already extraordinary and given her working experience at an international medical center, she got a position of fellow here in no time.


    Moreover, this hospital is under the management of her uncle, her first brother''s father in law. So, even her brothers and family felt at ease and didn''t inquire deeply.


    That is the reason she was unaware that her idol, Oliver Miller works here. She is not to blame because only a few of the medical people know where he works and where he lives. Most of them don''t know how he looks as well��


    "Dr. Miller, meet Dr. Ria Lopez, our new fellow," Ron introduced Kyra to Oliver as soon as Oliver walked towards them with his cold expression, like always. Ron didn''t think much because it is a known fact that their head doctor, Oliver, smiles very rarely. He is serious most of the time, just like now.


    Most people say that he looks handsome when he is serious, however, Ron who once saw Oliver smile has a totally different opinion. God! That smile was charmingly seducing.


    On the other side, Oliver, who was trying his best to act indifferent, nodded his head at Ron''s words. But his ears turned red remembering how he stared at Kyra yesterday yesterday.


    His eyes quickly scanned her again, this time he took less time looking at her. She was wearing a Burgundy pencil skirt and Grey shirt which hugged her curvy body perfectly. She coupled it with grey ankle strap high heels and a Burgundy drop earrings.


    ''She looks alluring in office attire as well.'' he thought and subconsciously his eyes stopped at her perfect legs. ''She has such long, toned and flawless legs'' he thought and when it dawned to him that he was ''looking'' at her again, he slapped his cheeks virtually.


    Why should she have such an impact on him?! It''s not like he hasn''t seen more perfect legs than hers, but, uhmm�� her legs looked more beautiful��*cough*


    Although he didn''t want to check her, he couldn''t control himself from doing that alright! This woman is really messing up with his mind!!


    Ahhhh!! Why should she be a doctor?? That too in his department?? He is sure that he is going to get distracted a lot from now on.


    Meanwhile, Kyra was having almost similar thoughts as him. As she was busy in her own thoughts, she didn''t notice him ''inspecting'' her.


    ''He looks even more handsome in white shirt and dark grey pants. He looks hot'' Kyra thought and it almost took away her breath when they unexpectedly stared into each other''s eyes. The mutual attraction they felt was indescribable and everything they are now experiencing felt like deja vu.


    "Ria...stop staring and introduce yourself!" Ron whispered to her. He noticed how annoyed Oliver looked, so he mistook it as Oliver''s anger. This is not the first time a new female doctor was caught eying at him.


    ''Ahh! A typical fangirl type!'', Ron thought.


    Only after Ron brought her out of her thoughts, Kyra realized that she has been staring at Oliver for so long. The worst part is Oliver looks impatient and annoyed.


    ''Why is he, Mr. Handsome/Mr. Perverted my boss/idol??'' Kyra thought, her heart already shedding it''s tears silently.


    When she saw him yesterday, he was wearing a T-shirt and jeans, so she thought he was a visitor!!


    But it turned out he is a doctor. She shouldn''t have judged him that soon��


    "Ria�� stop staring!" Ron muttered, nudging her elbow slightly.


    Kyra gulped, now, totally embarrassed. She got caught eyeing him again!!


    This will surely ruin her reputation if people find out how her IQ and EQ got dropped to absolute zero.


    "Uhmm��. Good morning, sir. I am Ria Lopez and it''s my honor to work with you" Kyra said, not knowing what else to say. She is not that good with strangers, especially with the ones she started on the wrong foot.


    She called her boss a pervert in front of him and got caught staring at him thrice!! She is the pervert here, now!!


    "Best of luck, Ms. Lopez", Oliver hastily responded and hurried inside, closing the door on his way and once he was out of Kyra''s sight, he slumped on the couch.


    God! It''s tougher than he expected.


    It''s not yesterday''s incident that made him flustered. Something triggers in his heart whenever he sees her and especially, hears her voice.


    He felt like he knew her once.


    He felt like he heard her voice once, no, not once but very often.


    But, if that is true, he should have remembered her, right! But, he doesn''t and, he didn''t have any memory loss ever before to accidentally forget her!

 Chapter 10 - He Is The Reason She Became A Doctor In The First Place.

    "He was rude! He never acted like this with other doctors and fellows. Not even with interns and residents."


    "Although Dr. Miller is reticent and indifferent, he was always considerate towards new recruits. He would call them inside, serve them tea and talk with them a little. But with you, he just said, ''Best of luck, Ria''!!" Ron endlessly chatted.


    "He is not a social butterfly but he always gives a warm welcome. It is also to analyze people." Ron added, making it more worse for Kyra.


    Kyra, who was in daze a few seconds back, blinked, at last returning to her usual state. And it was only when it dawned on her!!


    God!


    He seems to be angry with her because she was unprofessional and was staring at him like a fool!! He stared at her too, but only once and she can understand that he didn''t mean to, but it just happened. However, her? She called him a pervert but she turned into a pervert.


    How embarrassing!!!


    Her cheeks instantly turned red with shame and she silently cried inside.


    Oliver Miller is an idol to her in her career field.


    And their first meeting was a disaster unlike what she pictorized it to be. Yesterday''s event is still fresh in her mind.


    ''He should have analyzed me as someone desperate for his attention and would have already added me in on the bad side of his book.'', Kyra thought.


    ''No...no, Kyra. This is bad. Very bad. His first impression on you is the worst of all. You need to make it right'' she frantically thought, crying inside.


    She never gave a damn about what others thought of her but, this is Oliver Miller.


    THE OLIVER MILLER.


    Her idol!!!


    He is the reason she became a doctor in the first place. If not for him, she wouldn''t have thought of becoming a doctor and wouldn''t have applied for Oxford, she wouldn''t have met her adopted family. In one way, he is also her savior, so he really means a lot to her.


    And, she thought of many scenarios of their first meet but this one is totally not in her list.


    ''God! I should work on fixing this. This is not how I want my relationship with him to be,'' Kyra thought. Afterall the first impression he had on her is not at all a good one.


    -------------


    Kyra''s day passed in a jiffy.


    As she has come to take care of all paperwork and other things, she spent all her afternoon doing that.


    Doctor Ron introduced her to other doctors and a few fellows in their department but she is yet to meet her other fellows. The doctors seem friendly but as someone who is aware of inner politics she knows she can''t come to a conclusion that soon.


    She observed everything and analyzed the situation in the hospital quietly.


    She could right away tell that everyone here is very competitive and would do anything to get themselves a good name. Although they spoke to her in a friendly manner, the hostility in the eyes of few of them, didn''t go unnoticed.


    They considered her as a load added into their competition. So, it is obvious that they would give her a tough time.


    Kyra of course understood how things work in corporate hospitals but she was not worried about herself, not at all..


    She is not the same Kyra from seven years back who fell victim to sweet words and kind gestures and made a fool out of herself.


    By the time Kyra left the hospital, it was past seven and her second brother''s assistant Sawyer was already waiting for her outside.


    "How is your day, miss?" he asked as soon as she walked to the car.


    "Fine?" Kyra uncertainly answered. She is confident that she could handle everything here but she is worried about her messed up meeting with Oliver.


    When it comes to the hectic schedule she would be starting, it is not new for her to live a busy life as a doctor.


    Moreover, it''s relatively easy for her here as she is a fellow here. Back at home, she was an attending physician not a fellow and had lived an even more busy life.


    It was not difficult for her to become a main surgeon but it would keep her busy and that would have made her devote less time to her personal projects like, expanding her business here, taking back her belongings from her mother and more importantly, accomplishing her secret mission.


    Besides that, her Uncle who is the Hospital Chief/ President promised her that she won''t be disappointed if she becomes a fellow. He said she would love it in fact.


    Now, she understood what he meant. He was very confident because Oliver Miller, her idol, will be the attending Physician here and she can learn from him directly. It really meant a lot to her.


    But her bad luck knocked on her door really hard. She started on the wrong foot with him.


    Meanwhile, Sawyer noticed Kyra in her deep thoughts and sighed. He knows that his miss would be able to handle busy life and inner politics. So, he was asking about other matters like interactivity with her colleagues.


    She feels it difficult to mingle with others in their first meet because of her past trauma, and it always made her look arrogant. But people who are aware of her tragic past are the only ones who know the reason for her difficulties. Some scars never fade.


    Kyra always sucks at first impressions and would give haughty and arrogant vibes. But it was not her fault.


    "The working structure here is different compared to -" Sawyer was about to say something but his phone started to ring and it was his boss, Kyra''s second brother''s best friend Matthew.


    She might not have answered her phone so he called him.


    "Yes, sir. Miss is safe." Sawyer answered.


    "I just picked her up from the hospital, sir" Sawyer answered another question.


    "Miss indeed look exhausted"


    "Yes, sir, I will tell her" after getting his answers from Sawyer, Matthew ended the call.


    "Miss, Mr. Richards wants you to call him after you are well rested. He wants to talk to you" Sawyer conveyed the information.


    Kyra nodded her head.. That must be something related to her secret mission or, he would have simply called her to know how she was doing.

 Chapter 11 - The Name He Hates Most.

    While Kyra was busy talking to Matthew and other members, Oliver just returned to his place. It is a huge mansion but only he and his sister live here.


    His parents died when he was young and it was his grandfather who raised them. However, because of his deteriorating health, his grandfather retired and went back to his country mansion where he and his other old men enjoy their senility.


    Now, it''s just him and his sister.


    "How was your day, bro?" Nora asked as soon as she saw her brother enter the dining room.


    "Went good." Oliver smiled.


    "Seems like you are in a good mood after a long time, bro. Anything special happened?", she asked.


    "Nothing much, Nora. I just saved a five years old girl from becoming brain dead," Oliver lied. Well, it is one of the reasons for his good mood but he was in a good mood ever since his encounter with Kyra.


    The way she was shocked to find out who he was, how she stared at him twice today and how she became flustered while introducing herself��. It somehow brightened his mood.


    She was cute.


    Meanwhile, Nora noticed her brother''s faint smile and a frown formed on her face. She could tell he was lying to her but she didn''t say anything later.


    She simply didn''t want to ruin his good mood. He rarely smiles��


    "What about you, Nora? How was your day?", Oliver asked, taking initiative.


    "To be honest, it''s hectic, bro", Nora pouted.


    Oliver pursed his lips and looked at her guiltily.


    "Just this week, okay. I will come back," he told his sister.


    Apart from being a neurosurgeon, he is a CEO too. It''s their family business and after his parents died, he was managing the company alongside.


    His sister is the president of the company and she takes care of his work if he is too busy in hospital. ALthough Oliver wanted to hand her the whole company, her health issues wouldn''t let her overwork or travel often.


    And, his sister is not that interested too.


    She prefers painting over this but for him, she works in the company.


    They are pretty connected to each other and they would do anything for each other.


    "It''s fine, bro. We are busy because of M & C automobiles." Nora said.


    "The automobile company based in London?" Oliver asked.


    "Yeah, you know about our partnership I signed a few months back right? It seems like the company is going bankrupt. Their CEO Ms. Davis asked for help," Nora said.


    "I heard about the bankruptcy rumors. I asked Roger to investigate it already and I found out the reason too," Oliver told his sister.


    "When did that happen?" Nora asked, surprised. Her brother is really extraordinary. The rumors about bankruptcy surfaced today and he is already investigating that!


    "Yesterday I asked him to investigate because I was having my suspicions. And, my guess is right." Oliver told her.


    "Ms. Davis is confident that someone is doing this because of personal Vendetta," Nora said.


    "But Ms.Davis was already failing. Someone just took advantage of that and turned it to their advantage. There is nothing wrong about that. Ms. Davis simply isn''t fit to run a company," Oliver simply said.


    "So, who is that ''someone''," Nora asked.


    "The Zenith Corp," Oliver answered.


    "Ahh��. that company??" Nora asked.


    "Yeah," Oliver smirked. This is the company that attracted the attention of many. It was founded five years back and since then, it has been expanding its domain in an exponential manner. Besides being known for its astonishing success, it is also known for its CEO''s ruthless business strategies.


    In the span of five years, he\\\\she took over more than five companies. M & C automobiles will be the sixth one, on record. Who knows how many more companies were acquired using deceptive means?


    "So, should I help Ms. Davis, brother?" Nora asked.


    "Does she still stand a chance?" Oliver asked.


    "Not sure. The Zenith Corp uses unpredictable strategies." Nora pursed her lips.


    "What do you want to do?" Oliver asked.


    "She is my friend and I can''t turn my back on her. I know it''s not professional of me to do so, but.." Nora stopped.


    "This is the last time I am allowing you to be personally biased, got it? I want a daily report on what all you are doing regarding this matter," Oliver warned her before going back to his room.


    "He is really in a good mood," Nora whispered to herself. ''


    Could it be because Kyra is back?'', she thought.


    ''No. That can''t be the case. Grandfather said not to worry about her. He will take care of this matter,'' Nora thought to herself.


    ------------


    Meanwhile, Oliver returned to his room and sat down on his recliner in his balcony garden.


    Sipping on his coffee, he opened the file the president of the hospital/his god father gave him.


    It''s the file about the new fellow, Ria Lopez/Kyra.


    He personally asked for this file because he wanted to know about her. He has seen her resume but he could tell that it''s a fake one.


    One of the doctors in his department met him today and in the middle of a conversation he told her how the new fellow, Ria, helped him in selecting a better surgery procedure. He told him how impressed he was with Ria and was praising her endlessly for her insights and theoretical and practical knowledge.


    However, based on what he read in her resume, Ria didn''t look that exceptional. Besides that, even he had a gut feeling that she is not a mediocre doctor. He heard how she performed an emergency procedure on a boy in the airport.


    "Who are you, really?" Oliver whispered to himself as he opened the file.


    And, when he saw her real name he froze.


    Kyra....


    It is the name he hates the most....

 Chapter 12 - Intelligence Department.

    ''Her real name is Kyra?'' Oliver thought.


    ''Such a shame she was named Kyra'', he thought.


    ''Oxford. Good!'' he thought, as he skimmed through her professional details. His God father refused to provide her personal information nor her surname. And, he didn''t ask for it either.


    "Oh! She is the writer of that journal. Impressive" Oliver spoke to himself as he read every detail. The more he read, the better his impression on her became.


    He must say she is exceptional and hard working.


    What made him amused is why she applied for a fellow position if she is already capable enough to perform her own surgery. Her work records are really impressive.


    "Who knows? It''s none of my business anyway", he thought before closing the file. But it kept on popping in his mind. His mind was filled with her thoughts and just like before, he could not put his finger on it.


    ''Why am I getting attracted to women named Kyra? Ahhh!" he thought annoyingly.


    -------------


    After talking to Mathew and gathering the intel, Kyra discussed her plan with her friends who are helping her with her secret mission. They should have arrived here by today''s morning but due to some issues, it got postponed and she had no option but to work solo till they shift here.


    "Now, I need to get out of the hotel without getting Sawyer suspicious," Kyra spoke to herself and sighed. She hates lying to her brother''s, especially her second and fourth brother but what can she do?


    She doesn''t have a choice.


    This mission means a lot to her personally as well.


    She was after all taken away by human trafficking group seven years back and have experienced how horrifying it will be. She suffered for two days, locked up in a small, dark room with other girls of her age.


    That forty eight hours were the most terrifying days of her life. She was already depressed and it was worse for her than others as she was sold by her inhumane mother to them. Unlike other girls, she had no one searching for her or worrying about her.


    It hit her hard back then and she made a sucide commit by cutting her wrist with the glass shred she found there. She almost thought she would die and that was what she wanted back then.


    But, when she opened her eyes, she was in a military hospital. She overheard nurses talking and found out that she was saved during a military raid. She also found out that the raid was not supposed to happen as it doesn''t come under the military''s job.


    Kyra thought she was saved by coincidence but later she found out something it shocked her to her core.


    Her savior was the person who ordered that military raid just to save her. He did it for her.


    Anyway, coming back to point, her mission is to demolish the human trafficking bussiness which was based in London but is now functioning here.


    When Kyra heard about this mission from Matthew, she insisted on working on it.


    Matthew was against it but Kyra was adamant and stubborn. Those were the times Matthew regretted introducing Kyra to the intelligence department. She is not a regular employee but she works for them if she was given a mission.


    Mostly, she is a strategic specialist who does the brain work but sometimes, she goes into the field as well. Her first brother who is a military officer and her fifth brother who is a fitness freak have taught self defense and other defense arts.


    One day, someone from the intelligence department noticed her proficiency in shooting, defense arts and investigated her. When they found out that she has brains and has also passed all their required qualities, they made Matthew, who is already in a higher position, approach her with the offer.


    Kyra agreed without hesitation. She always wanted to do something which makes her life more meaningful. The other reason was, she was hoping to find her savior with the help of the people here. It was her last option to use her influence here. This is the backup plan if every other plan fails.


    Kyra got ready in the disguise of a man while she thought about how her life was evolving. After all, she started from zero and didn''t even had a self identity.


    Checking herself in the mirror last time, Kyra was pleased. She looked like a regular gangster.


    Praising herself, she used the fire exit and with utter cautiousness, left the hotel.


    At the end of the street, her sports bike was already parked. She made Mathew buy it for her and park it here.


    "I missed this," Kyra snickered as she climbed onto her bike. Today, she doesn''t have much to do. She was only making a small trip to take a glance at how her targets are doing.


    She sped through the streets and stopped at the narrow road. Unlike the downtown, this place looked pretty scary and it somehow made her remember her time in that small cell where she was prisoned for two days.


    But, Kyra already fought this part of her trauma as it was one of her tests while she got trained.


    She was about to make her way into the inner streets but stopped when she noticed a girl around fifteen lurking around.


    ''What is she doing? This place is dangerous especially for people of her age.'' Kyra thought and walked to that girl.


    "Kid, what are you doing here? Are you lost?" Kyra asked, her voice was deep akin to men''s.


    At first the girl was startled but when she looked at Kyra, she took out a pepper spray and was about to use it on Kyra but Kyra was fast enough to grab it away from that girl.


    "Don''t tell me you came here thinking that this spray would save you," Kyra asked, giving it back to the girl.

 Chapter 13 - I Am Searching For My Sister Kyra.

    "Don''t tell me you came here thinking that this spray would save you," Kyra asked, giving it back to the girl.


    "Let me go," the girl said, her voice trembling. It was only when Kyra realized that she was in the disguise of a gangster.


    Kyra smiled gently and took a few steps back. "Relax kid. I am not going to hurt you. I am not one of them," Kyra whispered to her.


    The girl didn''t believe her at first but after a few seconds she nodded her head.


    "Come on, kid. Let me send you back to your family," Kyra said with the same gentle voice.


    "I am not a kid. I am fourteen!" the girl told her, making Kyra chuckle.


    And, when that girl took a few steps forward, Kyra got the clear glimpse of the girl''s face and her body stiffened.


    Her eyes teared instantly.


    "Call me Mia. Don''t call me kid.", the girl said, her cute face a little annoyed.


    "Ok...okay," Kyra sluttered with her words.


    "Wh..what are you doing here, Mia?" Kyra asked, concealing her emotions.


    "I am searching for my sister," Mia said with tears in her eyes.


    Kyra felt her heart tremble. She gulped down the sob that was threatening to escape and said, "Leave it to me, okay, kid? Don''t ever come here again. It''s very dangerous here"


    Mia''s face lightened up and she smiled broadly. "Really? Are you going to help me search for my sister?" she asked.


    "I will," Kyra promised.


    "Are you a police?" the girl asked.


    "Sort of. I am a good guy," Kyra answered with a chuckle.


    Mia giggled and she fished out a pen from her backpack and scribbled down her number on a rough paper she had in her bag.


    "If you find my sister, call me okay? Her name is Kyra and she looks so beautiful just like me. She has the same hair as me and she has hazel eyes.", Mia said.


    Kyra nodded her head, trying so hard not to cry. This is her step sister, her mother and step father''s biological daughter.


    Mia is the only person who loved her selflessly in that whole family. But she never thought Mia would still be searching for her. On the first place, how does she even know that her step sister, Kyra was sold to human trafficking group.


    She heard that her mother and step father faked her death as a sucide. Mia shouldn''t be aware of the truth! It is too cruel for a fourteen year girl to find out how vicious her parents were.


    "Thank you! I will be going on them or else my big brother and big sister will send people to search for me. I escaped my piano classes to come here," Mia said, before getting into a taxi Kyra just stopped.


    "Make sure this girl reaches her home safe'', Kyra messaged her secret bodyguard before going back into work mode.


    -----------


    The next morning Kyra arrived at the hospital and just like the other day, Doctor Ron was waiting for her at the entrance.


    Yesterday night, she just looked around, gathered some basic information and came back. Her heart was bittersweet with incident from yesterday. She felt happy that someone from her past never stopped searching for her. But she also felt bad for her sister Mia because she was so young to experience something like this.


    "Good morning, Ria. Hope you had a good rest yesterday" Ron greeted her with a flashing smile on his lips, making Kyra come out of her daze.


    "Good morning to you too. Yes, I rested well" Kyra reciprocated his warm greeting. She pushed away her thoughts and decided to focus on her work for now...


    "Good to hear. You are going to have a hectic schedule from today onwards" he told her as they walked inside.


    "As a doctor, that''s part of life," Kyra commented. She experienced it after all.


    "So, let''s start with introducing you to our remaining colleagues and staff," Ron said, giving her another smile.


    Others would have felt intimidated by that radiant smile but she is immune.


    Her brother''s are more handsome than Ron here.


    Suddenly, someone else''s face flashed in her memory and she couldn''t help but remember how she felt intimidated by that handsome face.


    "Ria, back to Earth '''' Ron said, when he saw her spacing out a little. If others would have witnessed this, they would think that Kyra got dazed because of Ron. But it was because of a certain person named Oliver Miller, her boss/idol.


    "Uhmm...sorry. What were you saying?" Kyra asked, embarrassed.


    Ahh!! Why is Oliver invading all her thoughts and making her look like stupid every time! He already made a fool out of herself, well, that''s her mistake. Not his, but, still...


    "I am advising you to be careful. The few of the other fellow''s and residents are super rich and arrogant. They could be a little hostile if they find you competing and better looking than them" he told her.


    "And?" Kyra asked, expecting more.


    "Just like I told you yesterday, the female ones are very protective and possessive of our boss, Dr. Oliver Miller. If they see you taking the initiative to talk to him or moving closely with him, they will try to make your life a living hell here" he added.


    "What if Dr. Oliver approaches the other person?" Kyra asked.


    "That''s rare. He manages from upper level and he mostly approaches the attending Physicians if required. But, if he finds someone worthy and hardworking he will observe them and if he is impressed by their work, they will surely have a bright future in this hospital. He takes them as his fellows and trains them personally. But it''s rare and has happened only once but none of us were there at that time" Ron answered her patiently.


    He doesn''t want Kyra to become another innocent victim.


    There was a fellow who was innocent but gifted and hardworking. Oliver once, only once, made a small discussion with her about some surgery because she came up with some innovative idea. He was impressed with her knowledge and agreed to that girl''s request to assist him in surgery.


    Other''s were envious and they couldn''t stomach it. After that day, the girl was tortured by these rich, arrogant fan girls. This girl couldn''t bear it and she applied for another hospital and escaped.


    Kyra is now filling up her position.


    "So, he doesn''t care about the others?" Kyra asked


    "He cares. He is just busy," Ron answered.


    They can''t forget that Oliver is not only a famous doctor but also a successful businessman. He works overtime and is always busy. If he is free, he won''t waste his time spending it somewhere else but with his sister.


    His personal life is private and when it comes to his professional life, he is low key and he keeps it as restricted as possible.


    Kyra nodded her head and didn''t ask any further questions.

 Chapter 14 - Truth To Be Told, He Is Here Exclusively For Kyra

    "She is also a fellow. Her name is Claire" Ron introduced a girl who just entered the office room, exhausted.


    Every fellow has their own desk and bed here as they need to stay overnight sometimes.


    Claire just got out after her night shift and is drained out.


    "Claire, she is our new colleague, Ria" he introduced Kyra to Claire.


    They exchanged smiles but Kyra didn''t talk much. She still feels a little uncomfortable with new people.


    Trust issues and the fear of getting hurt because of her close ones still haunts her. So, she avoids getting close to others at any rate.


    However, the main reason she kept her interaction short is because she could see how exhausted Claire is.


    As soon as they exchanged a few words, Claire climbed up to her bed and fell asleep. She would have gone back to her home but there is an important meeting.


    "She is one of the good ones here. You can trust her" Ron whispered to Kyra as if he knew what was going on in her mind.


    Kyra was momentarily shocked at how he was sure what was going on in her mind but the sound of the door being opened made her look at the person who came in.


    "She is one of the good ones here. You can trust her" Ron whispered to Kyra as if he knew what was going on in her mind.


    Kyra was momentarily shocked at how he was sure what was going on in her mind but the sound of the door being opened made her look at the person who came in.


    "New resident??" that girl who entered asked as soon as she saw Kyra. There is a tinge of arrogance and pride in her voice.


    "No, Teressa. She is the new fellow." Ron answered, annoyed.


    "Oh! Another nerd" Teressa sneered and sat down at her table, totally ignoring Kyra.


    Kyra wore specs, to give the vibe of nerds.


    She also tied her hair in a simple bun and wore simple clothes, keeping it as plain as possible.


    Her long, lustrous and silky hair is one of her main sources of beauty. If she leaves them freely, bundled up on her shoulders, it''s hard to ignore her beauty. She will look beautiful without making an effort.


    With her hair tied up, she could at least make an effort to look normal.


    And, as of her eyes, they are like magnets. She could attract and stun the people with those hazel eyes. If she doesn''t wear specs, it will make her look very alluring and sometimes it will make her look sexy like hell.


    As she also works out regularly, she has a perfect figure akin to model. Even wearing the simple clothes make her look appealing.


    But Kyra doesn''t want that type of attention so, this is perfect disguise.


    "Yes. Another nerd!" another voice came up, making Kyra sigh.


    The hospital is extremely huge and they have the biggest neuro department. There are many fellows and residents working here.


    "Ignore them.", Ron said.


    ''They are the girls I was talking about earlier," he added.


    Kyra nodded her head and after meeting the few others who would be working with her closely, Kyra settled down at her table as well.


    After mingling with others, she had a gut feeling that Claire and Ron are decent people. So, she decided to stick with them.


    As long as they don''t do things behind her back and interfere in her personal matters, they can get along with her with no problem.


    Kyra opened her calendar and her morning schedule was filled with some meetings about a surgery. It''s more like a discussion between doctors to come up with an effective method to treat the patient with complicated issues.


    If there are any complex surgeries, these types of meetings take place. Residents and the fellows can also participate but the prime intention is to teach them and give them exposure.


    "I forgot to tell you. You are asked to go to the meeting room at the farthest right." Ron told Kyra immediately.


    He is in unofficial charge of helping and managing the affairs related to fellows and residents. So, if there is any new person in the team, he must guide them.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    She knows what this is.


    As she is a fellow, she will be allocated to the attending physician. So, it is either they select her or she gets to select.


    With a knock, Kyra entered. The meeting room


    She quickly scanned the room and sighed in relief when she noticed that Oliver was not present.


    She is scared that she will get distracted in his presence and make a fool out of herself infront of all these doctors.


    But, her relief vanished as soon as she saw Oliver and another man walk in.


    That man is none other than president of the Hospital.


    And, she knows him very well. He is her first brother''s dead wife''s father, in short her uncle. He was the one who suggested she become a fellow.


    Meanwhile, Oliver stiffened when he saw Kyra standing in front of the other doctors. Usually, he doesn''t attend these meetings as he doesn''t take any fellow''s or resident''s under him.


    But their president asked him to come with him. Oliver simply followed, not aware of what trap he was walking into.


    Meanwhile, all the other doctor''s were surprised to see their president and director/head of department standing at the door.


    This is simply an introductory meeting with the new fellow. The higher authority like them don''t attend these meetings as they are trivial matters to them


    "We are simply making visits to all the departments as I am here early," the president lied as he could decipher what''s going on in their minds.


    Truth to be told, he is here exclusively for Kyra.


    His son in law, Kyra''s first brother, Andrew, asked him to look after Kyra in hospital. And, he is also aware of how protective Collins'' family is when it comes to Kyra.. They entrusted her with him, so he is adamant to look after her with his best efforts.

 Chapter 15 - Oliver Is Proud Of Kyra!

    His son in law, Kyra''s first brother, Andrew, asked him to look after Kyra in hospital. And, he is also aware of how protective Collins'' family is when it comes to Kyra. They entrusted her with him, so he is adamant to look after her with his best efforts.


    His son in law was just worried that his sister Kyra would cross paths with someone from her past.


    At the same time, he also requested that Kyra work with the best doctor in the hospital so she could learn more.


    She is already experienced, so it would only be meaningful if she works with someone more extraordinary than her. Otherwise, her time and her efforts while working in this hospital will go to waste.


    Even the president felt Andrrew''s request was reasonable. As he knows about Kyra''s skills very well, he thought that Oliver and Kyra would make the best partners at work.


    He hoped Oliver would take her as his fellow and that''s the reason he brought Oliver here. Moreover, he is aware that Kyra admires Oliver the most and would be delighted to work with him.


    Meanwhile, the doctor''s sighed in relief and relaxed a bit after they heard their president''s words.


    They thought Kyra had the support of their president and that''s why he is here but it seems like they are wrong.


    Meanwhile, Kyra was surprised as well. She didn''t think her uncle would bring Oliver here just for her.


    ''What is he thinking? Kyra panicked. She loves to work with her idol, Oliver Miller but the past encounters with him made one thing extremely clear.


    He is a powerhouse of distraction for her.


    "So, shall we start whatever we are doing?" the president''s voice brought both Oliver and Kyra back from their thoughts.


    Kyra comforted her heavy heart and sat down.


    Soon, the doctors started with an introduction and then started asking questions to test her.


    Kyra answered every question in a detailed manner and that impressed everyone. She was confident with her answers and is also a spontaneous decision maker as well.


    Even Oliver was impressed. Although he read about her accomplishments, this is the first time he saw her in action. She is really good in her domain.


    He didn''t understand why but he felt proud of her. It''s his subconsciousness that is making him feel all this!!


    On the other side, Kyra felt distracted because of Oliver''s presence but she controlled herself and answered all the questions that were thrown at her.


    "Are you really from a mediocre university," one of the doctors asked. She is in her early twenties and it''s highly rare to perform this exceptionally. This could only be possible if she is a student from a prestigious university and was trained under the best of all.


    "I am sir." Kyra answered politely, hiding the truth that she is actually lying on their face.


    "It doesn''t matter where she pursued her medicine. Dr. Brown. The thing that matters is her skills", her uncle, the president came to rescue.


    "Of course, that''s what it matters," everyone agreed. They wouldn''t care about the background of their new doctors as long as they excel in their work.


    "Miss Lopez, would you do the honour of working with me?" a doctor in his late twenties asked, really excited.


    This time Kyra didn''t know what to answer. She can''t deny but at the same time, she can''t bring herself to accept it either.


    "Dr. Smith, you have enough fellows and residents under you. It will be difficult for you to focus on each and everyone, so why don''t we assign Miss Parker to someone who doesn''t have any fellow or resident under him" the president said and he has a perfect candidate in his mind.


    When everyone heard their president''s words, their focus shifted to Oliver.


    He never had residents or fellow''s working for him. Whatever surgery he performed till now, the main doctors were the people who always assisted him. It is because Oliver only performs the most complex surgeries.


    In the rest of the time, he either engrosses himself in research or manages his company. But, as their hospital is very well known, the most complex surgeries are always passed to them.


    Oliver will always have a handful.


    Meanwhile, Oliver gulped when he understood the main intention of being dragged to here. He didn''t think his God father would make such a straight request in front of everyone. Now, he can''t refuse as it would look like he is humiliating the president in front of everyone!!


    It made him wonder why his Godfather is going to such depths to help Kyra. What is their relationship exactly???


    With everyone''s gaze fixed on him, Oliver could tell that they were waiting for his answer. He looked at his GodFather/President and then shifted his attention to Kyra.


    To be honest, she is the most eligible one and he has no problem taking such a hardworking, passionate doctor under his wing, but...


    It''s Kyra!


    The only person who can distract him and make his emotions go erratic.


    They met twice till now but everytime they interacted, he got distracted almost instantaneously.


    His godfather wouldn''t mind even if he denied this request but he felt it would be unfair to a worthy doctor like Kyra.


    He can''t let his personal reasons affect Kyra''s career growth, right?


    He could imagine how much time and effort she would have invested to reach this level at this young age. If his calculations are right, she would have worked two folds more than her fellow peers to learn this much.


    "All right, I will take Miss Lopez as my fellow," Oliver agreed.

 Chapter 16 - Please Take Care Of Her For Me, Oliver

    Kyra was taken off guard when Oliver willingly took her under his wing.


    She didn''t expect him to do this, especially after how she messed up his first impression on her.


    Not only her but everyone in the room was surprised. This is the first time Oliver is willingly taking someone under his wing to train them personally. Everytime he was asked to do so, he would right away deny saying that it wouldn''t suit his style.


    Kyra is the only exception.


    But again, someone like Kyra deserves to work with someone as extraordinary as Oliver.


    They both are gifted surgeons despite their young age.


    He, despite being young, performed many astonishing surgeries and published many inspiring papers.


    He is even the youngest professor, director and head surgeon of the neurology department.


    On other hand, Kyra is no ordinary. They have seen it by themselves and besides this, they have also heard how she saved a boy at the airport. They also heard from their fellow doctor how she helped him to come up with a better surgery technique for a complicated surgery


    So others didn''t think much about it except for a few doctors.


    A few of them wanted to take Kyra as their fellow and as some of others hate Oliver as he became director and head of department at his young age.


    But they can''t do anything about it either. Oliver is not someone to mess with. He might look harmless but he is no saint. He is rumoured to be a cold, ruthless person to anyone who goes against him.


    Moreover, he is the owner of this hospital and all its subsidiaries. If he wants, he would have become a president himself but everyone knows that he prefers to perform surgeries more than managing the hospital.


    So, naturally no one dared to speak and. After all, if he wants to fire any doctor, that is not a big deal for him. They could only be cautious not to offend him��


    A few minutes later, everyone dispersed.


    They have to attend the important meeting in a few minutes, so they have to prepare for that.


    Meanwhile, Oliver stood outside the meeting room, clueless of how to initiate the talk with Kyra. He has to give her pointers as she needs to know about all the upcoming surgeries they would be performing together.


    And, when Kyra walked out of the room, his whole body froze.


    That deja vu feeling invaded his mind again but he couldn''t put his finger on why...


    Meanwhile, when Kyra saw Oliver looking at her, she stopped in her tracks.


    Subconsciously, her heart started to beat erratically.


    Something always triggers in her heart when she sees him, but she simply couldn''t comprehend what it is...


    "Please take care of her for me, Oliver. She is like a daughter to me" the president who just walked to them after a brief talk with the other doctors told Oliver and after giving Kyra a smile, he left.


    Now, it''s just Oliver and Kyra standing in the corridor now.


    They awkwardly stood, not looking at each other but looking at the floor as if it''s the most exciting thing to observe.


    It''s obvious that they don''t want to start staring competition again...


    Kyra was happy that she would be working with her idol, but she also felt nervous. His presence has a strange yet intense effect on her. After all, focus is the crucial key to success as a surgeon.


    The same goes for Oliver too.


    "Uhmm...Miss Lopez, meet me in my office after lunch. Till then please look into the file of a patient on bed three in ICU" he told her, trying to sound as stoic as possible.


    "Got it, Mr. Miller'''' Kyra answered, relieved that he didn''t bring up yesterday''s situation. However, they will be working closely so it''s impossible to continue avoiding each other.


    After giving her a brief node, Oliver walked away.


    His heart is already thumping erratically against his ribcage and he could feel his mind acting all jittery.


    Now, they will be seeing each other for more than twelve hours a day and they have to work very closely, more like partners. Their actions should be in sync and they have to be cordial with each other in order to work effectively in operation theatre. Otherwise, they will be putting the patient at risk.


    And, it bothered him more than anything. His emotions seems to spiral out of his control when it comes to her and his erratically beating heart is the proof of it.


    ....


    Meanwhile, Kyra returned back to her office room and slumped in her chair heavily.


    What will happen if these fan girls find out?


    She is not afraid of them but she is worried that they will disturb her and affect her work efficiency.


    ''Working with Oliver is worth it'' She comforted herself. He is her idol after all.


    "Ria..Ria" Ron called her, bringing her back to reality from her memory lane.


    "Uhm.. what?" Kyra asked.


    "You are under which doctor? Dr. Brown? Dr.Smith? Dr.Morgan?-" he was excitedly asking but Kyra interfered.


    She looked around and then dropped a bomb, "Dr. Miller"


    Ron gasped loudly, making everyone turn at him.


    "Don''t overreact Ron. She is from a tier 3 University and her family background is very ordinary. She got here by luck. She would have been alloted to Dr.Watson" Teressa, the arrogant girl said. She is the daughter of one of the heads of departments here. So, she simply pulled up some strings to find out more information about Kyra.


    Kyra smiled.


    This is exactly why her basic information in the database of this hospital is fake.


    She doesn''t want attention.


    If people like Teressa finds out that she is from Collins family and studied in Oxford and was a gold medalist there, they will die with envity.


    Ron rolled his head, annoyed. Then, he ignored Teressa and looked at Kyra.


    "Ria, did I hear correctly? Is it really ''THE'' Oliver Miller?" Ron asked.


    "Unfortunately yes.." Kyra answered.

 Chapter 17 - Are You Feeling Hot, Dr. Lopez (Kyra)?

    The discussion took an hour and there was so much brainstorming which Kyra enjoyed to her best.


    Her dream has come true.


    She has seen her idol in action and she must say, she is pretty impressed. No wonder, he is a prominent figure in the neuro world.


    ---------


    Kyra took a long breath as she took a glance at her wrist watch.


    Oliver told her to meet her in his office after lunch break, that is at 2:00 pm.


    Her heart was beating fast and she could feel the adrenaline pumping up her face. Usually, she is good with her emotions and this is not her first time meeting important and prominent people. Back at home, she used to have one or other encounters with distinguished figures.


    "What''s wrong? I must admit that you nailed it today back at the meeting. I didn''t expect you to be so good", Ron said, as he sat down on the chair next to hers.


    They are now having lunch at the hospital cafeteria.


    "Umm�� thanks. I was just voicing out my opinions" Kyra answered as she took a sip of her broccoli soup.


    "So health conscious!" Claire spoke, sitting across Kyra.


    "I am," Kyra agreed with a smile. Although she loves food, she is systematic when it comes to her health. She has anxiety issues and a PTSD problem as well, not something a surgeon must have.


    However, thanks to her adopted family, she learned how to control these issues. But, it is better to be safe than sorry.


    "I think you would be in trouble, Ria." Ron told her in a low voice as he gestured to her to look to her right, with his eyes.


    When Kyra followed his eye moments, she noticed Teressa and Lilith shooting daggers at her with their eyes.


    "Oh them?" Kyra asked, letting out a slight snicker.


    "During the meeting, Dr. Miller said, '''' I quote ''Good work, Ms. Lopez''" Claire reminded Kyra.


    "So?" Kyra asked, taking a bite of her protein salad.


    "Kyra, it''s been so long he praised someone in the open meeting, especially fellows. It looks like our rich spoiled princesses there are envious of you. Be careful, okay." Ron said, for which Claire shook her head frantically.


    Kyra smiled, sensing their genuine concern.


    "I can handle those young ladies.", Kyra said, keeping her words short.


    "I wonder what will happen if they find out who took Ria as the fellow under them," Kyra chuckled.


    Claire was taken aback and her gaze shifted to Ron, requesting him to clarify once again what she just heard now. Oliver Miller took a fellow under his wing??


    When Ron nodded his head, confirming Kyra''s words, Claire chuckled.


    "I really want to see the look on those spoiled bullies faces. Ah! It will be thrilling and Ria, I will be looking forward to a nice face slapping", Claire said, her voice tinted with anger.


    Her best friend was the girl who was in Kyra''s position before those bullies forced her to resign. Claire still feels bad for her friend who was really a good doctor. Now, she couldn''t find the place which she deserves to work.


    "I am not afraid of them." Kyra said, as she stood up to leave. She finished her lunch and she must go to meet her idol/boss/Ex Mr. Pervert.


    -----


    Exactly at 2:00 pm, Kyra knocked on Oliver''s office door.


    She is still nervous but not as much as she was before.


    ''It''s okay, Ky. He is a mature man who doesn''t care about trivial matters'' she murmured to herself, patting her heart. She was comforting herself that he wouldn''t care about her staring encounters.


    Little did she know that he would tease her endlessly about these encounters after they got together.


    With a ''click'' Oliver opened the door and when she saw Oliver she almost forgot to breathe. He was not wearing his blazer and his white shirt had it''s upper two buttons opened, revealing his muscular chest.


    His hair was a little messy, making him look more sexy.


    She gulped her saliva and averted her eyes to look at the floor. ''Damn! Why is he showing off his sexiness like this?? Is he planning to embarrass her again?!,


    Meanwhile, Oliver scrunched his eyebrows after noticing Kyra''s unusual behavior�� wait�� this is her usual behavior.


    Confused, he looked down and then realized his upper buttons were opened.


    Oliver couldn''t help but curse himself internally. He was taking a short nap as he didn''t have much sleep last night. He was doing his pending CEO work and lost the measure of time.


    "Please come in, Dr. Lopez," he told Kyra and after she came inside, he closed the door but didn''t lock it.


    "Please sit. I will be there in five minutes,'''' he said as he walked inside the other room, which is his private room.


    Exactly after five minutes, he came back, properly dressed and neatly combed hair. He let out a silent chuckle when he saw her red cheeks.


    He is sure she must be having some tempting thoughts. She was not blushing when she entered the room so, this blushing thing might have happened while he was in his room, ''dressing''.


    "Are you feeling hot, Dr. Lopez? Should I lower the temperature?" he asked, hiding his smile. He doesn''t know why he is enjoying teasing her but, oh god! It''s really making him happy.


    And, who doesn''t want to be happy?


    "What?", Kyra asked, taken by surprise. She didn''t notice that he was back.


    She was busy scolding herself for thinking of such a sinful scene. Out of nowhere, her brain started to visualize his toned abs and how they would feel if she touched them.


    This time, Oliver couldn''t control his smile which is now visible on his handsome face.


    She looks cute when she is absent minded.


    "I asked, should I lower the AC''s temperature," he answered her, controlling his smile.


    Kyra felt her blood rushing up to her cheeks again.


    Damn! He noticed her blushed cheeks. What could be more embarrassing than this?


    Every Time she meets him, she is doing some or other foolish things.

 Chapter 18 - How She Met Oliver For First Time.

    "I am totally fine sir.", Kyra said out of politeness. Truth to be told, her whole body is feeling hot because of the embarrassment.


    "Ok. I just saw your red face and thought so," Oliver indifferently said, but deep inside he is enjoying this.


    Kyra felt her face reddening more. She is now crimson red��


    "Dr. Miller, you said you wanted to talk to me about something," Kyra asked, keeping her professional facade. Only she knows how much she wants to dig up a hole and hide in it.


    "Yes. As we will be working together on our surgeries I thought I could get you familiarized with our patient conditions and their ongoing treatment procedures.", Oliver told her, sitting down on his chair.


    After looking at her crimson red face, he decided to take pity on her and move on from this blushing situation just like how he did with the ''eying'' situation.


    Kyra nodded her head and opened her Ipad to scribble down her notes. Although she can perfectly remember everything Oliver will say now, she can''t gamble with the patient''s lives. There is nothing she can lose by being more cautious right?


    Oliver smiled again. He was smiling often from these two days and well, it''s not the reason he smiled.


    He is impressed that Kyra takes her job seriously. Some people try to show off to impress him by pretending like they could remember everything he says. They might be having a good memory but this is a matter of life, so he expects everyone to take it more seriously.


    Their discussion extended and by the time they finished, it was already 4:00 pm.


    Oliver was actually expecting to finish it by 3:00pm but Kyra''s enthusiasm and some useful insights extended it to an hour more. By the end of the discussion, Oliver was really impressed.


    He enjoyed discussing his work with her. He felt like he was back in his medical school where he and his friends used to talk enthusiastically like this.


    "You will do a great job, Dr. Lopez. All the best for your time here and I hope it will be fruitful to both you and the hospital," Oliver wished her as he served her the coffee.


    Having a simple chat (more like a personal interview) over a tea/coffee is something he does with all the new recruits. He does it to analyze the recruit and estimate how capable he/she will be.


    His words brought an eye blinding smile to her face.


    What could probably make her happier than getting praised by her idol. Oliver is not only her idol but the first crush as well.


    She saw him for the first time eight years back when he saved a couple who were gravely injured in an accident. That incident was planted in her brain real hard and she was so inspired that she wanted to become a doctor so badly.


    And, it was not some teenage crush for her.


    That attraction, admiration were pretty intense.


    He remained her crush till she met her savior who saved her and took care of her for six months. Her savior was her second crush and is still her crush.


    After she shifted to Europe and started her medicine, she started reading all Oliver''s journals, papers and soon she became his die hard fan. He is the inspiration for her to become a doctor and his works motivated her to become a neurosurgeon.


    Meanwhile, Oliver was in a daze. When he looked at her beautiful, bright smile, he couldn''t help but get tranced by it.


    A short snippet of his memory suddenly flashed in his mind and before he could remember what it was, it was gone.


    "Sir, is something wrong?" Kyra asked when she looked at his frown.


    When Oliver heard her, he realized that he was frowning. He quickly controlled his emotions and gave a short smile.


    "Nothing, Dr. Ria. You can go now and finish the work I gave you. We will be performing that surgery the day after tomorrow." he told her.


    Kyra nodded her head and exited the room. For a second she thought he was regretting what he just told her.


    "It seems like he had no hard feelings on how I was staring at him. Good thing he is professional and didn''t judge me by my embarrassing moments with him," she spoke to herself as she made her way to her office room.


    She is in a desk job for till tommorow and after she makes herself familiar with everything she will be allowed to assist in the surgeries.


    -----------


    Kyra''s second day finished at 7:00 pm and by the time she left the hospital, her brother''s assistant Sawyer was waiting for her.


    "How is your day, miss?" he asked her as he opened the door for her before he went and sat down in the passenger car.


    "It went far better than I expected," Kyra answered.


    "I presume everything went smooth with your idol, miss," Sawyer spoke with a smile.


    "It went fine. I will be working with him from the day after tomorrow, Sawyer. I am very happy," Kyra said, with a sparkling smile.


    For a second, Sawyer was in shock. He never saw her smile like this except for when she was speaking about her secret savior.


    ''I have to warn Mr. Richards that his girl is being stolen away,'' Sawyer thought, mentally putting it first in his to do list.


    Andrew Richards is Kyra''s second brother''s best friend. He has been in love with Kyra for almost five years now.


    They even went out on a date once but some crazy stranger spoiled it for him.

 Chapter 19 - Her EQ And IQ Drops To Zero

    Next morning...


    Kyra woke up with black circles and eye bags around her eyes. She looked lethargic due to lack of proper sleep.


    The reason was her nightmares of course, which she didn''t have from a king time.


    After drinking a black coffee to reduce her headache, she changed into her jogging outfit.


    As expected, Sawyer was at the entrance of the hotel, waiting for her.


    They are going for a run and later, if time permits, they decided to spar a little. It''s been days since she had a good fighting match...


    Sawyer was a athlete turned soldier who at last settled as personal assistant to her brother, Walter who is also a good friend of Sawyer.


    He often accompanied her and her brother''s for workout sessions like these. So, Sawyer is like a brother to her and he was there from the start, helping her and keeping an eye on her for her own good.


    Even though he cared for her like a sister, after he became a personal assistant to her brother, he started addressing her formally.


    Although it wasn''t necessary, according to him it somehow made him stay attentive. It reminds him that she is the responsibility his best friend/boss entrusted him with.


    "Miss, your black circles are too obvious," Sawyer said as they entered a park after parking their car.


    "I couldn''t sleep properly", she told him as they entered the park .


    "Nightmares, miss?" Sawyer asked, worriedly.


    His madam, Catherine, Kyra''s adopted mother, would surely worry if she heard this. As it has been a while, Kyra had nightmares, it was no coincidence they miraculously resurfaced after she came here.


    Something is not right!


    "Not particularly nightmares. Bittersweet dream I guess." Kyra answered.


    She just remembered that that dream was like a happy fairy tale till it abruptly morphed into a nightmare. And, they are out of random, not at all connected to her.


    "We need to inform Madam" Sawyer said, as they stopped at a bench to have some water.


    "And make her rush to me? No." Kyra firmly denied.


    "We will tell her if they become worse." she added after a few seconds.


    "If you don''t mind, what is the dream about, miss?", he asked. She should have remembered the outline of the dream at least, right??


    "Not about me nor my past, Sawyer. There was a happy family and at the end my dream, that family fell apart," Kyra answered.


    "Miss��" Sawyer was about to say something but Kyra stopped him.


    "I know.. I know that it is a byproduct of my nightmares. I wanted a happy family but since I met my adopted family I didn''t had these kind of nightmares. I have a wonderful family now so, this dream doesn''t imply anything. It''s just random!" Kyra made an excuse.


    "If you will excuse me, I want to run alone," she told him and sped up, leaving worried Sawyer behind.


    "What should I do now? Should I tell Collins or not?"Sawyer sighed. After thinking for a while he decided to observe Kyra for a few days and then decided.


    Meanwhile, Kyra, who was running, stopped at a bench, taking a long breath.


    She doesn''t want to admit it but she knows that her dream is related to her past. Yesterday, while she went on a drive in her bike, to scout the place again, she somehow ended up where she once lived with her biological mother and her family.


    It brought so many memories back that she could feel her heart getting pricked by thousands of the needles.


    Apparently, her mother''s family became super rich and moved to the elite society and are no longer staying in that house.


    Seven years back, their business was falling apart and that was when she was saved by her mother from trying to commit suicide.


    Using and dumping her later has been their plan, all along. Unfortunately, she was a naive girl to realise that. She foolishly fell for their sweet words and fake love.


    For two years she stayed with them. And, as soon as she turned eighteen, they made her transfer all the properties her grandmother left for her.


    It includes the billion dollar company, shares of many other companies, expensive private estates, lands, buildings and a millions worth mansion at the elite society in which her biological mother is living with her family.


    Kyra''s blood boiled when she thought about how they are living off her properties now. They sold a few properties to pull their business out of bankruptcy. Then, they took over her grandmother''s company and are living luxuriously.


    They killed her grandmother and are now living with her money.


    How cruel can they be more than this��


    While she was remembering alk the details, Kyra increased her speed, investing all her anger in running.


    However,distracted by the raging pit on her gut, she didn''t see where she was heading.


    "Ahh" she grunted out and stopped on her tracks when she knocked herself into another body.


    She didn''t see another person coming��


    "I..I am so-" Kyra stopped apologizing as soon as she saw who it was.


    Fantastic!


    It''s Oliver�� Oliver Miller.


    Her boss!


    But, Kyra didn''t stop abruptly because he was her boss but because of how handsome and hot he looked in his jogging outfit.


    His rock-like muscles are so obvious and with the tiny beads of sweat covering his handsome face, he looked damn sexy that she gulped. Her anger was long gone, now replaced with attraction.


    And, she couldn''t help but stare at him��. again.


    Everytime they encounter each other, her EQ and IQ drops to zero and her mind goes blank. All she could do is stare at him like a pervert and have perverted thoughts which appear out of nowhere and, without her consent.


    Meanwhile, Oliver coughed.


    Even he is affected.


    He has seen her in casual outfit the first day they met and he saw her in hot, office outfit the day they were introduced. He saw her in her scrubs and white coat yesterday. Today was something on another level.


    Her face was flushed and the tiny sweat droplets made her skin glisten under the sun.


    She is wearing a sports bra, a running capris and she was also wearing a visor cap while her long hair was tied in a high ponytail. And, her perfect, model-like body caught his attention of course.


    There are many women here who are looking more fit than her and are trying to get his attention but he was only attracted to Kyra.


    To be precise, he got attracted to her because she is Kyra. Not the other way around...


    While both of them were busy admiring, their eyes met midways and time froze for them. All they could feel is the depth of each other''s eyes.


    Strangely both of them felt this situation was similar.. And, somehow, it made both of them emotional as well, as if they are some couple meeting after decades.

 Chapter 20 - Is He Someone From The Past?

    "Dr. Miller, it''s surprising to see you here," Kyra said, averting her eyes and of course, trying to hide that she was staring at him.


    "Same here, Dr. Lopez." Oliver immediately responded while he combed his hair nervously. Ahh...he was staring at again and he must say she has beautiful collarbones. So alluring��


    When he registered what he was thinking, his cheeks reddened but thanks to his workout, his face was already flushed.


    "Do you live nearby, Dr. Lopez?" Oliver asked, trying to cover his own embarrassment.


    "No.. No. I am currently staying in a hotel till I get my apartment renovated." Kyra answered, and she was giving a long answer because she was trying so hard not to get caught.


    "Oh. I see. I don''t live nearby as well," Oliver said, only to notice that he was speaking more, as well.


    "This park is beautiful. Great environment for morning walk," Kyra said. It felt a little awkward because this is the first time they were having a casual conversation.


    She didn''t understand why but she felt giddy and jittery.


    "It''s indeed. This park has a pond too but it was in a restricted area," he told her.


    "Restricted area? Wow!" Kyra let out a short laugh.


    After that neither of them found any topic to share. They knew it''s getting awkward but strangely, it felt relieved and refreshing to talk with each other. Kyra''s anger and pain subsided and Oliver''s bad mood was replaced with a good mood.


    "Why did you shift to this city, Dr. Lopez," he asked, remembering that it was not mentioned in her file.


    Kyra was taken aback as it was a personal question which she didn''t expect from Oliver who never showed interest in others personal life.


    "Nothing in particular, sir. I just wanted to have more exposure," Kyra answered, which is partially true.


    "So, this city is not your home, right?" he asked.


    "Uhmm...no," Kyra answered. Although she lived here for two years, this city did more bad to her than good.


    "Sorry for asking your personal stuff, Dr. Lopez. I was just curious as I felt like I saw you somewhere before," he said. He couldn''t put his finger on why he felt like it and that was making him restless. Moreover, her presence was changing him and he was discovering new sides of him whenever he met her.


    "As far as I know, we have never met personally sir," Kyra answered, which was partially a lie. She knew him but she never met him personally. She was teinsting her words because she didn''t want him to find out that he is her idol.


    He might think she was trying to flatter him to get into his good side. He might think of her as a hypocrite.


    Oliver felt disappointed. He was expecting some useful information from her to figure out his feelings.


    "Hmm. It''s good to see you here, Dr. Lopez. Meet you back at work," he said and after bidding his goodbye, he jogged away, leaving confused Kyra behind.


    He said she looked familiar.


    So, did he notice her eight years back?


    "Miss, is he someone from the past?" Sawyer asked as he jogged to her side. He was waiting for them to finish the conversation but it took longer than expected.


    Kyra is not a person who speaks for such a long time with newly acquainted persons. She doesn''t feel comfortable.


    What shocked him more is the smile on her face and her sparkling eyes when she was talking to him. She even tucked her hair behind her ear, which showed that she was feeling giddy as if he was her crush and she just met him.


    So, he could only presume that he is someone important from her past. Otherwise he wouldn''t have been capable enough to cool her anger down.


    "No, he is not from my past! He is my boss about whom I was talking yesterday" Kyra replied, flustered.


    She didn''t understand why Oliver is impacting her this much. He cooled her anger, he made her feel giddy and she even felt shy for a few seconds out of nowhere. Most importantly the headache she was having because of her nightmare vanished after she had talk with oliver.


    "Oliver Miller? So, it is him.." Sawyer said, more like talking to himself.


    "You know him too, Sawyer??" Kyra asked, surprised.


    She specifically asked her brothers not to inquire about the other doctors and staff in the hospital she would be working. So, Sawyer shouldn''t be knowing about Oliver.


    Sawyer coughed, too late to realise his mistake.

 Chapter 21 - Maybe A Girlfriend

    "Not exactly, miss. But I am aware that Mr. Collins, your father, met Oliver Miller at some seminar." Sawyer answered briefly, hoping that she wouldn''t probe any further.


    "Then?" she asked, having the exact opposite intention from Sawyer''s. She doesn''t know why but she couldn''t control her curiosity about Oliver Miller.


    The feeling she felt when she stared into his eyes�� she couldn''t describe it.


    They felt familiar yet alien.


    Besides this, he is her idol and secondly, he is her boss here.


    More importantly, she wants to find out why he is very different when it comes to her. She was told that he asked no one about their personal information, never. But, he asked her.


    And, she was also told that she was the only fellow he willingly took under his wing.


    What is so special about her that he is different around her?


    Meanwhile, Sawyer sighed.


    "Your father, Mr. Collins was aware that you look upto Mr. Miller and admire his work. So, he invited Mr. Miller for dinner hoping that he could cheer you up a little. But, Mr. Miller denied right away. That was kind of humiliating to your father" he honestly answered her.


    That time, Kyra was disturbed and couldn''t concentrate on her studies. She just found out something about her biological mother and her family unexpectedly and was in distress.


    So, her adopted father Mr. Thommas Collins thought it would be helpful to Kyra if she met her idol.


    But it didn''t happen and inturn Oliver rejected his offer right away.


    Her adopted father, Mr. Collins is a famous, very well reputed doctor and scientist. People from the medical field would do anything to have the honour of having dinner with him.


    But getting rejected by some young doctor was indeed humiliating and embarrassing.


    After hearing this, Kyra pursed her lips.


    "Does Oliver have a grudge or misunderstanding with our family?" she asked.


    "As far as I know, there is nothing like that, miss." Sawyer answered.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    Well, she can''t judge someone without knowing the facts.


    Maybe Oliver was having some important work or, maybe he already had some commitments with others.


    She does remember that Oliver used to make constant trips to London during weekends.


    If her memory serves right, he used to visit London at least once a month.


    Maybe he had someone extremely important to his heart living in London, who knows? Maybe a girlfriend��.


    It strangely made Kyra sad but well, she heard that he decided to stop coming to London abruptly and from then, he never made a trip to London nor Oxford again.


    She remembers it pretty well because Oliver was requested to give a seminar in Oxford but he cancelled it at the last minute.


    Kyra was super excited back then because he was staying back for a couple of months in Oxford to do some casework. She was one of the selected students to assist him in his work.


    All her excitement was shattered when she heard he cancelled that case work.


    Anyway, her dream came true now. That''s all it matters.


    ---------


    After a few rounds around the park, Sawyer and Kyra returned back to their respective rooms.


    It''s officially the first day of Kyra''s job as the fellow and on other hand Sawyer has to arrange Kyra''s residence for her.


    Her brother''s insisted on getting her a house with seven bedrooms and a nice view.


    Of the seven bedrooms, one was the master bedroom which is for Kyra and the remaining five are for her five brothers.


    The last one is her parents'' bedroom/guest room. Apart from the bedrooms, there is a study room for her, a gym although she prefers running and a spa room as she loves relaxing in it.


    Her brother''s insisted that they would visit her often as they are not aware of how many months their little sister would be staying here.


    So, they wanted their own rooms as well. They have sent a huge list to design Kyra''s house so that it would feel like home to her.


    Kyra couldn''t deny their request. She is already habituated to their unconditional love for her and it always made her feel like the happiest person alive. She isn''t connected to them by blood but their affection and concern for her are indescribable.


    She has five wonderful, talented, successful and handsome brother''s. She is the only daughter of the most generous and kind people she has ever known.


    Her mother is a renowned psychologist and now, a government official in a higher position. Her father is a neurosurgeon too. One of the top five if she must say. He also owns the chain of advanced, high tech labs across the world.


    Coming to her brothers, her first brother, Andrew is a high military officer. Most of his life is still a mystery to her as he was already in the military when she entered the family.


    Her second brother, Walter is a CEO and is also an architect. He was a famous architect and used to have his own company but his grandfather insisted he take over family business. As an elder, responsible and filial grandson, he didn''t refuse his grandfather''s request. So, he is a CEO of a billion dollar company now.


    Her third brother, William who is the fraternal twin of Walter is a famous lawyer and he owns a chain of law firms. She must also say, he is the best violinist she has ever seen. He used to perform at some high end events as well, but now, he has retired.


    Coming to her fourth brother, Ryan he is an actor by profession, a very famous one with a huge fan following. Sometimes he does modelling and it is mostly because of Sophia, his would be lover. Recently he started his own fitness brand and it is going pretty well.


    Her fifth brother, Ian is an international tennis player who won many medals in various competitions. He is an identical twin of Ryan and he is also famous for his good looks and smartness. He knows around 27 languages and is an interpreter at international conferences.


    Yes, all her brothers are over achievers and thanks to them, she started to become like them.

 Chapter 22 - Special Event.

    Kyra became a doctor just like her adopted parents, she owns many businesses like her second brother though she is more into strategies than management. Her people take care of most of the work for her as she will be busy as a doctor. She just takes important decisions, works on strategies and guides her team.


    She is also great at playing violin, something her third brother taught her. She even gave a performance with him as his partner a few times.


    Kyra also modelled a couple of times for her best friend Sofia''s fashion brand with her fourth brother. That collection is still on top and it was a grand success that Sofia got many calls, requesting to meet the mysterious model.


    She is also a great painter.


    Kyra did most of these things because she wanted to have some common ground with her brothers. Although they were very good to her, her past trauma made her overthink and she was scared that they would leave her if she turned out to be a loser or someone they didn''t expect her to be.


    So, she worked hard and thanks to her genius mind, it didn''t take her much time to master them. But before she could realize, she started enjoying all these side hobbies and they kept her very busy that she barely had time to think about her past.


    And, this has always been her family''s plan and that was the reason they introduced her to these hobbies. As none of the treatment procedures helped her to fight her trauma, her adopted family invented a new treatment procedure for her which was to keep her busy so that she wouldn''t get to think about her past over and over again.


    While they kept her busy, they started her healing process as well. As Kyra always wished for a happy family which she didn''t get from both her parents, they made her spend more family time with them.


    She used to go camping, trekking with her first brother whenever he got time. His twins were her stress busters and she would visit them once in a week at least.


    She used to visit her second brother''s company and they used to talk about business, architecture and all other fun stuff. She even has a record for spoiling his blind dates.


    As for her third brother, he used to take her to his work if there were some good cases she would feel interested in. And in his free time he used to visit her and teach her violin. He is a nature lover like her, so they used to search for some scenic spots to play the violin and have some nice musical picnics.


    Her fourth brother is her favourite. He is more like a crime partner while the other three were more like her mentors.


    If these both meet, there will be a mini cyclone of trouble. He introduced her to a fun side of the world to enjoy her life and live every moment of it.


    They did every adventurous thing together. Scuba diving, skydiving, sky surfing, para surfing and all other dangerous yet thrilling things.


    Her fifth brother is a fitness freak and they used to do all the fitness stuff together. He even taught her how to play tennis and hack. He loves racing. It includes car racing, bike racing, aqua racing and air racing too. She became his companion in these...


    Everyone loved her equally and they all together made her understand that the past is the past and she could still redefine the meaning of her life.


    In short, they made her feel worthy of herself.


    They made her love herself and after achieving all this, Kyra stopped feeling inferior and unworthy.


    The prime motto to transform her into a new person was achieved as well.


    -------------


    "Good morning" Kyra greeted as she sat down at her desk with a coffee cup in her hands.


    "Good morning to you too," Ron wished her back, as he yawned. He was on night shift and there was an emergency case, so he was exhausted.


    "You are in a good mood,"he noted.


    "I am," Kyra said with a smile on her beautiful face.


    She will be shifting to her new house this weekend and that means she can paint and play violin as much as she wants without worrying.


    Not only that but she had an hour long video call with her parents, brothers, her niece and nephew.


    She found out that her first brother will be bringing his twins, her niece and nephew to her place the next weekend as they are missing her. As Kyra is very bonded to them, she couldn''t wait to see them and squeeze them in her tight hug.


    Not only that but her manager who is in charge of her paintings called and informed that her paintings would be auctioned at some important charity event. It made her happy because she the money earned from it will be used to help children and women who suffered because of human trafficking.


    "Lilith, do I look fat? We have an event to attend this weekend!" Teresa, the spoiled, egoistic colleague of them spoke loud enough to grab everyone''s attention. She is


    literally twisting her body, showing all her curves to her friend Lilith to examine her body.


    "What!!?", Teresa asked, scoffing at her, Claire and Ron.


    "Nothing," Claire answered with annoyance.


    "We were thinking what that important event could be to make a beauty like you worried," Ron spoke, but there was a sense of mockery in his voice. To be honest, he doesn''t think Teresa looks beautiful. She looks like a slut in his eyes!


    "Don''t tell me you don''t know!"Teresa scoffed with a proud smile plastered to her face.


    "My bad. How can the low lifes like you know about this event. I forgot, sorry!"Teresa mocked them.


    Kyra only rolled her eyes. ''A typical bitch!'', she thought inside.


    "Then, forget about it. We are not free like you to gossip and gather information," Ron answered with a huge smile, his face filled with mockery.


    Lilith, Teresa''s friend rolled her eyes.


    "There is a charity event this weekend. Serenity, our hospital groups, are hosting it and we doctors are invited too." Lilith said.


    "What''s so special about it?"Claire asked.


    "Yes. Our hospital hosts events like this at least thrice a year," Ron said.


    "That''s why we call you low life. The inside information which I got from my dad who is the director in our hospital is, they are going to present Passion''s art for auction," Teresa excitedly said.


    Kyra, who was leisurely sipping her coffee, almost choked.


    Why is she not aware that her art is being presented in this charity event?? Her manager did inform her but she was in a hurry, getting ready for work and forgot to ask where that charity event was being hosted.

 Chapter 23 - His First Love.

    Kyra, who was leisurely sipping her coffee, almost choked.


    Why is she not aware that her art is being presented in this charity event?? Her manager did inform her but she was in a hurry, getting ready for work and forgot to ask where that charity event was being hosted.


    She thought she could ask this evening but it seems like there is no need for it.


    "Passion? You mean the mysterious painter who surfaced last year and created a storm in the arts world with her unique talent," Ron asked.


    "It looks like you are not totally a waste. Yes, the same artist. My idol," Teresa said with a huge grin.


    "You are acting like the artist is coming here personally. What does it have to do with your looks? Don''t you think you are being dramatic?"Claire asked.


    "Oh, sorry! I forgot that you are queen of dramas", Claire adde with a sardonic smile.


    "You-", Teresa controlled herself. She can''t go against Claire and Ron because they are the best fellow''s here and the doctor''s here love them. As someone new, Teresa and Lilith know that they can''t attack these both directly, verbally or mentally.


    "It''s not only that. Dr. Oliver Miller will be coming to the event as well", Lilith said.


    "And, bringing partners is a must," Ron added, showing the webpage of their official website.


    "So, you are expecting Dr. Oliver Miller to ask you?"Ron laughed.


    "We all know that he comes to these types of events with his sister as his partner," he added.


    "His sister went to Europe on some company business," Teresa beamed.


    "Oh," Claire and Ron spoke at the same time.


    Now, they are worried.


    Who would be the next victim of Teresa, Lilith and other fan club members?


    They could only pray that it wouldn''t be someone from the hospital. Otherwise, that person''s life would be hell from the very next day of the charity event.


    "Who would it be other than me? My dad said he will make sure to get Oliver as my date for that night," Tersa proudly said.


    "Call him Dr. Oliver Miller or Dr. Miller, Teresa! He is not your date yet!" Ron warned her.


    "I will be Mrs. Miller. So keep your filthy mouth shut!" Teresa warned Ron before storming out of the room.


    "I don''t know what that bitch would do if she finds out Dr. Oliver once had a lover whom he loved so much," Ron whispered to Claire.


    "Really?", Claire asked, surprised.


    "Yes. It was before you joined this hospital. I heard from my seniors five years back about Dr. Miller''s love life," Ron grinned.


    "What happened later? Why did they break up?" Claire asked, assuming that the couple broke up. It''s been five years and there was no news about engagement or wedding. So, she could only come to the assumption that they broke up.


    "I don''t know what happened but it was the girl who broke up with him. Our sir was in so much love that he was mentally disturbed and had to take a three months break and attend therapy", Ron spilled out all the information.


    "Wow! I didn''t expect him to be such a soft hearted person. He must have loved her so much", Calire whispered back, pitying Oliver.


    "He changed later. He keeps women away from him because of this reason. I am sure Dr. Miller won''t accept Teresas''s father''s request.", Ron said, sighing.


    "That crazy woman might go insane," Claire agreed.


    Their eyes shifted to Kyra who was busy texting someone.


    "What happened?" she asked. She gave up listening to their bicker for a long time. She was messaging her manager to send all the information related to this event.


    Before they could answer, the wall clock started emitting the bell sound, indicating that it''s time to work. The night shift is finished and these people have to take the work now.


    --------------


    Meanwhile, Oliver was having a headache.


    "Should I really attend, uncle?", he asked his Godfather, who is also the president of the hospital.


    "This charity event is hosted by your family, Oliver. Your grandfather will get angry if neither you nor your sister attend. That man''s wrath is tough to handle," the president answered with a chuckle.


    "Why should everyone bring a companion, uncle? Is it my grandfather?", Oliver asked, massaging his forehead.


    "Yeah. I think your grandfather is trying to set up a blind date for you using this excuse. I can''t help in this matter," his uncle said, lifting his hands up.


    "He doesn''t listen to me no matter how many times I tell him I don''t want to get married," Oliver complained.


    His Godfather, Albert is like a father to him and he shares everything with him. So, he mostly knows everything about Oliver.


    "He wants you to move on from your first love, Oliver. Are you still thinking about her...hmm?" Albert asked.


    "I moved on from her five years ago, uncle. It wasn''t that tough and I don''t think about her but the foolish emotions I had for her back then. I don''t don''t remember her face as well and right now, all I wanted to do is to focus on my career," Oliver said.


    "So, you are not going to marry? Never?" Albert asked, concern filled in his eyes.


    "I don''t know. I will let nature take its course. If I really meet someone who gives me the feeling of true love, I will surely get into a relationship with her. If I am really destined to meet her, I will. So, no hurry, okay!" Oliver answered. Seriously, who wants to die in loneliness? He doesn''t want that!!


    "Then you better go with your grandfather''s arrangements. Take one of those spoiled princesses and dump them after the event. Simple." His uncle suggested.


    "I will ask my sister Nora to come and accompany me instead," Oliver said.


    "I think she won''t be able to come back. Your grandfather was a step ahead of you. As soon as she reached London he allotted her a lot of work in the sub branch. She has to help her friend recover from her bankruptcy as well. Don''t expect help from her." his uncle said,


    "I have someone in my mind already then," Oliver said without hesitation.


    "Who?" Albert asked, really excited.


    He actually wanted to ask him to take Kyra with him but that would not be appropriate as they don''t know each other well.


    Besides this, Kyra might not agree as well. She hates to take a male companion with her except for her brother''s and sometimes Matthew.


    "Kyra of course. Dr. Ria if we use her fake resume." Oliver answered.


    "What!" Albert asked, shocked.


    He didn''t expect he would willingly take Kyra as his partner especially after finding out that her name is ''Kyra'', the same name as his first love.

 Chapter 24 - Will You Be My Date.

    A couple of days have passed since the announcement of the charity event.


    The news of the auction of Passion''s paintings has spread like a wildfire.


    Most of the elites were looking forward to buying her paintings for a long time; however, they have seen them only in pictures till now.


    As she is still a new artist and produces her paintings at a slow pace, there are only limited paintings.


    Besides this, she never sold her paintings before. They were only kept for presentation in her studio.


    This is the first time she agreed to sell because the money would go to a good cause.


    Painting has a deep connection to Kyra compared to her other hobbies/careers.


    Unlike the other skills she acquired, painting was something that has been with her since childhood. She dreamt of becoming a painter from a very tender age and it was something she didn''t do because she was inspired by someone.


    Painting was there with her for a very long time. It was her distraction, a safe haven at the time of her adversities.


    So, selling those for money was something Kyra never appreciated.


    But, this time it is for a good cause, so she was more than willing to pass her painting to the charity auction.


    -------


    "Good work, Dr. Lopez. You did a great job inside," Oliver praised her as they walked out of the operation theatre. Today was her first surgery and was a tough one as well.


    Oliver would have doubted her capabilities as he had never seen her in action before. It was a complicated surgery moreover. But, strangely, he trusted her.


    Even he didn''t know why he felt like that. This time it was not his gut feeling but he subconsciously believed in her from the start.


    "It did my job, Dr. Miller. I am glad we saved the patient," Kyra responded.


    Oliver smiled.


    "Want to convey the good news to the patient?," he asked.


    "I would love to," Kyra answered as they walked into the waiting room where the anxious relatives of the patient were waiting.


    As soon as they saw Oliver and Kyra they stood up and rushed towards them.


    "Come on, tell them." Oliver encouraged her.


    Kyra felt a little nervous as this was the first time she was doing it.


    Yes, this is the first time, though she performed surgeries multiple times, it was other doctors who conveyed the good/bad news.


    She never did it because she was not good with emotions and strangers.


    At some point in her life, she forced herself to stop feeling her emotions as they were heart wrenching. It was her coping mechanism but she changed after she met her adopted family.


    However, seeing others cry makes her extremely uncomfortable as they remind her of herself. No matter if they were happy or sad tears.


    She try to avoid these types of situations most of the time but sometimes it is simply not possible. At that time she controlled her emotions and acted professionally.


    "The surgery was a success. We were able to remove the tumor without any complications and his brain swelling subsided. The patient will be under observation for two days and later, we will shift him to his ward," Kyra told the relatives of the patient.


    -----------


    "There is another surgery in the afternoon at 4pm. Till then you can take a nap." Oliver said to Kyra as they walked away from the waiting room.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    "And, Ms. Lopez, I have something to ask you," Oliver abruptly said as they entered the elevator.


    "Sure, sir. What is it?" Kyra responded. What could he ask? At most, he might ask her to take care of paperwork and report.


    "Have you heard of the Charity event our group is hosting?", he asked.


    "I heard of it, sir. It''s this weekend," Kyra answered.


    As she is new to the hospital and doesn''t know many people, she is not sure whom she can ask to be her partner.


    She decided to ask Sawyer to be her partner that night. Moreover, that would also save her from socializing with the crowd.


    "Have you found a partner?" Oliver asked.


    "Not yet," Kyra subconsciously answered, her mind wandering somewhere else.


    "Then could we go together?" he asked, feeling a little awkward. This is the first time he is asking a girl to be his date for some social event.


    For a second, Kyra was taken off guard. "What?", she blurted out, her mind had not yet registered his words properly.


    Oliver didn''t say anything for a few seconds. If one could observe him closely, they will be able to see his ears reddening.


    ''This is awkward'' he thought inside and cleared his throat.


    "Ms. Lopez, I am asking if you could be my date that night. I would have asked my sister but she is out of town.", Oliver immediately explained, leaving no scope for misunderstanding.


    Although he knows that Kyra wouldn''t take it for another meaning, it''s better to be safe than sorry.


    Meanwhile, Kyra''s mind went blank.


    Did she hear clearly? Is he asking her to be his date??


    She heard most of the female staff have asked and were rejected right away before.


    And, if her memory serves her right, she also heard he has never ever asked anyone to be his date. Never!!


    "I usually don''t want to come but my grandfather wanted some paintings of Passion. He is forcing me to go. I don''t have any option but to go. You are the only prof-", Oliver was about to give a detailed explanation but Kyra intervened.


    There was a faint smile on her cherry lips that Oliver couldn''t help but stare at them.


    A thought of kissing those lips flashed in his mind but Kyra''s words brought him back from his sinuous thoughts.


    "I will sir. I will be your date." Kyra gave her answer. She found him cute when he was trying to explain to her. It was like a child explaining to his mother why he didn''t want to go to school.


    "You will?" Oliver asked, a little surprised but he anticipated her answer.. She is too professional to reject.

 Chapter 25 - Her Savior Is Impossible To Find..

    After performing the surgery that afternoon, Kyra returned to the office.


    The news about Oliver taking her as his student and fellow has already spread throughout the department.


    There are three female neurologists, one neurosurgeon, a dozen of nurses, a few residents, her fellow colleagues Teresa and Lilith from her department, some other female staff from administration department, HR department and all the other department like cardiology, radiology, pediatrics, gynecology who are his fans,


    She was getting hate filled glares, envious looks from almost every woman in the hospital staff.


    "This was way more intense than I expected. I pity the girl who would become his girlfriend and wife later," she said with a long sigh not knowing that she is pitying herself.


    She felt this hate was worth what she is doing. Oliver is a great teacher, a great surgeon and a good person. He was considerate, patient and understanding.


    Although Kyra herself is a good surgeon she is still far from reaching Oliver''s level. That was because she is not as experienced as him and has not done as many surgeries as he did.


    Being a neurosurgeon is not only about being knowledgeable and dextrous. Having experience matters a lot.


    "Tired?" Ron, who just came back from doing his rounds, asked, handing her coffee. They became a little friendly in these few days.


    "Thanks and no. Although I had two complicated surgeries on and on, I was able to handle it," Kyra answered. Working with Oliver made her immune to all these trivial things.


    "A true surgeon," Ron chuckled and sat down across from her, at his desk.


    "And..uhmm...Kyra, can I ask you something?" he asked.


    "Sure", Kyra, who was packing her bag, answered without looking at him.


    "Could you be my date for this weekend?" Ron asked, moving his fingers nervously around his hair.


    "Oh," Kyra didn''t know what to answer. She thought Claire and Ron would go together as they are close to each other.


    "Claire is bringing her boyfriend as her date," he told her, as if he could tell what was going on in Kyra''s mind.


    "Uhmm�� sorry, Ron. I was already asked by someone else and I said yes. If you would have asked a little earlier, I would have accepted." Kyra apologized.


    She didn''t want Ron to feel rejected as she knows how painful it will be no matter how small or big the matter is. That is why she answered him in a detailed manner/


    "No issues. I understand," Ron said with a smile but it is obvious that he is disappointed. However, Kyra''s explanation made him feel better.


    ----------


    "Could we stop at Regal TechPark?" Kyra asked Sawyer who was driving her this time. The actual driver was busy with shifting of her new house. All her cars, bikes and other


    important stuff have been shipped and have arrived. Her people are busy shifting them.


    "Sure, miss." Sawyer answered.


    Kyra is opening a branch of her business here and has rented out five floors in the Real Tech Park which is the tech hub in this city.


    Her employees have sent her the places and she selected this one as it is close to her new apartment. She is visiting it to sign the rental agreement and soon, the preparation will start.


    "Your parents and brother''s are worried, miss," Sawyer told her.


    "Why?" Kyra asked, confused. She talks to them at least one time a day. And, she is also following her healthy lifestyle.


    Morning jog or gym. Meditation. Healthy food. Her anxiety medicines.... She is doing everything properly so as not to worry her family.


    "They are worried you would settle here," Sawyer said with a chuckle. When it comes to their dearest daughter, Collins is sometimes overanxious.


    Kyra laughed.


    "Why will I? God! They are overthinking again," she said in the middle of her laughter.


    "They indeed are, miss. But it''s not surprising they are thinking it this way.", Sawyer voiced out his thoughts.


    "Why is it not surprising?"Kyra asked.


    "You are starting a branch of your company here, miss. And, you are also planning to take back your grandmother''s company as well." Sawyer said.


    "That doesn''t mean I will be shifting here! Every company will have its sub branches overseas right? I will just merge my company and my grandmother''s. I will manage them from home" Kyra explained.


    "That''s not their prime concern, miss. What will you do if you find your saviour and he says he loves you ? What if the secret he wanted to tell you later makes you stay here?" Sawyer asked. As he is also like a brother here, he knows everything about her.


    When Kyra heard his questions, she frowned. She tried to come up with an answer but truth to be told, she never thought this far. Her savior is impossible to find..


    He technically doesn''t exist in this world. There is no single trace of him��


    She had hired the best team however, even though they couldn''t find him.


    "I didn''t even find him and here you guys are already overthinking it," Kyra sighed. Although she sounded normal, her heart was in turmoil.


    What if he tells her that he loves her and that was the reason he saved her? What should she do?

 Chapter 26 - They Could Understand Each Other Without Any Words

    It''s been exactly a week since Kyra joined the hospital. So far it''s going pretty well for her.


    And, despite the short time they had known each other, she and Oliver are getting along exceptionally well. Yes, of course they had a few awkward yet cute situations but that didn''t disturb their partnership in work.


    To their surprise, they could understand each other without a means of communication during the surgeries. It is as if they have performed countless surgeries together and need no words to find what is going on in each other''s mind. They are totally in sync.


    They have performed only four surgeries till now and, all of them were successful. Even the most difficult ones which had a less success rate.


    --------


    A day before the charity event.


    Like usual, Oliver and Kyra made their evening round, enquiring about their patient''s condition before taking a leave for the weekend. They could only hope that there would be no emergency calls during their weekends.


    Kyra has so much to work. Although her people from the main base are working on the new branch of her company, she couldn''t leave everything to them. She decided to go take a look and besides that, she has some virtual meetings to attend as well.


    Not only that but her team is shifting here to work with their humantrafficking mission.


    "I will come and pick you up tomorrow evening? Is it okay with you?"Oliver asked Kyra as they finished their rounds.


    No one knows about this and thanks to that, Kyra was left in peace by his crazy fans. Well, not entirely. She has been getting envious, hate filled glares from most of the female staff in the hospital.


    Oliver has a fan following more than Kyra anticipated and, yes, with his handsome looks, charming personality, noble aura and successful career, it''s indeed hard not to admire. She can totally understand it. After all, she is his only student and personal fellow. Moreover, she is a female who is young and smart.


    The uncomfortable attention she gets worth all her trouble. Although it''s been a handful of days since she is working with Oliver, she totally enjoyed it and besides it, what she is getting to learn from him is priceless.


    "Dr. Lopez?"Oliver called her when he noticed her in daze.


    Kyra blinked her eyes and that was when she remembered that he asked her a question.


    "No, no need", Kyra immediately answered but when she realized that it came out a little harsh she bit her tongue.


    ''So, unprofessional of you, Kyra'' she scolded herself and cleared her throat.


    "I don''t want to trouble you, sir," Kyra spoke in her polite voice.


    "It''s not troublesome for me, Dr. Lopez. I could do this much for all the trouble I am putting you into," Oliver said with a smile.


    When Kyra saw his smile, she felt like her throat was withering dry. For a second, she forgot how to breathe as well. These actions of her are making her go crazy as she couldn''t come up with a reason for this attraction she has towards him.


    Yes, he is her idol but still!


    When Oliver saw Kyra staring at him again, he chuckled. He totally got used to this sudden reaction of Kyra. Strangely he didn''t feel repulsive but quite the opposite to it. He enjoys it and he even wants to tease her but they are in their work and it would be unprofessional of both of them.


    "You are not putting me into any trouble, sir. As it is a masquerade theme now, I can manage to hide my identity." Kyra answered, recovering from the aftereffects of her recent staring trance.


    "It''s final then. I am coming to pick you up. Please send me the address and did you arrange a mask for yourself, Ms. Lopez?", he asked.


    "Yes, I have prepared a mask for tomorrow, sir. I will text you my address tomorrow morning," Kyra answered.


    Oliver nodded his head and after they exchanged a smile, they parted their ways.


    She is excited to go back today as she is shifting to her new house tonight. She simply couldn''t wait to go and paint while sitting in her peaceful balcony garden. She can play her violin as well, looking at the moon.


    -------


    Kyra entered through the huge gates after having a thorough security check. Her apartment is situated in the most expensive, modern and secure society in the city, Crescent Garden.


    As soon as she entered, she was welcomed with the warm lights on either side of the road. The three storey villas of the same size and style were situated with the high compounds and a garden separating from one another.


    After driving for a few seconds, Kyra and Sawyer stopped at house number 12 which Kyra bought for herself. Just like every house in the society she was welcomed by a circular driveway with greenery on either side.


    The night lights are glowing warmly, bringing a cozy, peaceful feeling.


    Sawyer stopped at the front door and informed her, "Miss, you can go inside. As you asked, we only allowed Aunt Eve to stay overnight. The house cleaning staff and gardener will do their work while you are at hospital and will leave before you arrive"


    "Thanks Sawyer." Kyra thanked him. He will be leaving in two days to return back to his work and she will be all by herself from then.


    With a smile plastered to her face, Kyra entered the double doors. What welcomed her is the minimalist, white and grey interiors with floor to ceiling glass walls. There is also the wood touches here and there, making the interior more classy. This is just like Kyra wanted her house to be.


    ''It would have been perfect if mom, dad and my brothers were here'' she thought as she subconsciously walked to the back door which took her to the outdoors. With the wooden floor, on the left end there was a lounge with a fire pit in the middle. On the right end, there was an outdoor dining table that could easily fit twelve people.


    In between these ends, there was a swimming pool.


    Kyra looked around and then she took steps that took her to the lawn.


    She had a gazebo constructed there especially, so she could sit there and paint, play violin. It is a special place for her in this whole house.


    As she took the turn that takes her to her special place, she was flabbergasted that she covered her mouth with her palm.


    Tears brimmed in her eyes.

 Chapter 27 - Eleven Most Important People Are Attending The Event.

    "SURPRISE!!!", the cheerful, exciting screams made Kyra tear up more.


    All her adopted family is here!


    All her brothers, her busy adopted parents, her bestest friends Sofia and Chloe, her second brother friend Matthew and his brother Daniel who stayed quiet, which didn''t surprise KYRA that much. He is a quiet person and everyone knows that.


    "You guys!" Kyra muffled her sib as her face filled with her happy tears.


    "Oh Sweety, why are you crying? Did something happen?" her adopted father, Charles asked, startled.


    Even though he is aware that they are happy tears, he couldn''t help but worry. There were times when Kyra would abruptly start crying but it was in the past when her emotions were unstable and she was in depression. Now, she is totally fine but they couldn''t stop worrying especially when she is in this city where her cruel family lives.


    "I am fine. Just surprised." Kyra managed to control her emotions after seeing her father''s deep concern for her.


    "I didn''t expect" she told him as she gave him and his adopted mother a hug. They caressed her hair lovingly, with a huge smile on their face.


    "How could we not come to your first housewarming ceremony?" her mother Catherine asked, kissing her forehead.


    "You guys are very busy nowadays. I didn''t want to disturb you," Kyra apologized for not inviting them.


    "You never disturb us, Ky," her first brother Andrew said, giving her a hug.


    "How are you?" Kyra asked, touching his forehead where the bandage was covering his recent scar. What worried her more is his lethargic eyes.


    His wife, Heaven died a year ago and he is still mourning for her in his own way, which was to keep himself busy with missions and training. He and his wife were both in the military. She was a doctor there but died in a bombing.


    "I am living," he said with a sad smile and it squeezed her heart seeing him like this. He reminded her of herself.


    "Twins?" she asked with a sad smile. The twins are just four years old now and they are currently having a vacation in their maternal grandparents house.


    "Uncle said he will bring them here in an hour." he answered her. Their grandfather is none other than the hospital''s president/ Oliver''s Godfather.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    "Baby sis, you have six other brother''s and two other friends to welcome," her second brother, Walter said.


    "Hey, how can you add me to her brother''s squad. I am not a brother to her!!", Andrew who is Walter''s best friend, complained almost immediately with a threatening glare.


    "You just said I am your best bro! If you are a bro to me, you are a brother to her as well!" Walter rebuked with a mocking smile.


    ''I will call you brother in law from now'', Andrew thought inside.


    "Guys, stop your petty fight and let Kyra finish with her welcomes! She just came back after a hectic day at the hospital and here you are, acting insensitive" Sofia, who is Andrew''s sister, shouted at them.


    "And, here they are, stating that they love her the most of all. So petty for the CEO''s like them," Chloe, Kyra''s best friend/ Walter''s personal secretary added, giving both the big guys a deadly glare.


    Walter zipped his mouth obediently and Andrew could only sigh.


    Kyra chuckled looking at the trio. Her best friend, Chloe could control these both, the CEO''s of two billion dollar companies with the flick of her finger. While her brother Walter loves Chloe, Andrew was her cousin whom he loves so much.


    "You rejected his love, again?"Kyra asked Chloe as everyone walked inside after Kyra finished with her hugs and hi''s.


    "I did. Your second brother is a big playboy, Ky. I just saw him and that spoiled princess Reena kissing" Chloe said.


    "You know Reena. She would have tricked him into it. She has been trying to seduce him from months" Kyra said.


    "Of course, I know. I am his secretary after all and I know he went there for a meeting with Reena''s brother," Chloe answered.


    "Then?" Kyra asked. Her brother Walter called her yesterday night and bawled like a little boy complaining that Chloe rejected him again. Well, he didn''t bawl but Kyra loves to compare it with bawling.


    "He loves me but doesn''t know how to pursue me properly. He is a coward," Chloe chukled.


    "You will wait for him but?" Kyra asked as she and Chloe climbed upstairs to Kyra''s room.


    Sofia stayed behind so she and Kyra''s fourth brother, Ryan could continue their banter on why she wouldn''t dance with him in tomorrow''s charity event.


    Yes, all of them are coming and that was the reason the theme was changed to masquerade theme. Seeing these eleven important figures at the same place would totally change the cause of the charity event as the people would be busy currying their favours with them instead of donating to the charity.


    "Why would you wait for him if you don''t find perfect for you?" Kyra asked, confused.


    "Silly! No one is perfect and expecting a relationship to be perfect is the most naive thing.", Chloe answered with a small flick on Kyra''s forehead.


    "I find your brother cute, attractive and I admire him. Although he has many female fans buzzing around him, I am always the special one to him. Besides all these, my heart flutters like crazy when we have some moments and my EQ and IQ drops to zero with him around, teasing me which he does very often. I know he is the one so, yes, I will wait for him till he becomes a better person. Now...Now, go and take a bath. You smell like antiseptic" Chloe said, pushing Kyra into the washroom.


    "Hey, I can''t smell anything at all!" Kyra complained from inside.


    "It''s because you practically live in the hospital, dear. Your nose can''t tell the difference" Chloe responded.


    Kyra chuckled, her face glowing like the thousand lights after meeting her family and friends.


    Sliding into the warm water in the bathtub, Kyra closed her eyes in content but what Chloe told her about how she felt for her brother, made her freeze.


    She didn''t think but what Chloe told matches with how she herself feels for Oliver.


    Is that mean, Oliver is special to her in her heart??

 Chapter 28 - Matchmaking Oliver And Kyra.

    After a long bath, Kyra quickly dressed up in a hoodie and track pants. She prefers a camisole and shorts but Andrew and his cousin brother are there as well.


    She knows that Matthew loves her and is attracted to her, so she is cautious not to do anything that would make him get more attached to her. Moreover, she knows his cousin brother, Daniel only a little.


    By the time she came down, the whole living room was brimming with liveliness and festivity. Her parents, first brother Andrew, third brother William, fifth brother Ian are busy in the kitchen, probably cooking.


    Her second brothers Walter, Matthew, Chloe are decorating the house and outdoors with candles, lights and other stuff to make it a proper housewarming. Like always the trio are busy with their banters.


    Her fourth brother Ryan was glued to his ''would be'' girlfriend, annoying her while she arranged the dining table outdoors. Matthew''s cousin Daniel was the only one standing far, talking on the phone seriously. He is a gynecologist, one of the famous personalities just like Oliver.


    Everyone is busy, trying their best to make this event a beautiful memory to Kyra. A smile made its way to her lips as she looked around, seeing her family all happy and laughing now and then. This is the family she badly wanted and she considers herself lucky for meeting them.


    Before Kyra could join any of the three groups, she got a phone call from the security outside to inform her that some guests were waiting for her. After Kyra gave her approval, the security allowed them to pass and within a few minutes, she heard the car parking on the driveway.


    And, before she could open the door, the door got unlocked by itself and the two cute, five year old kids sprinted towards her.


    "Aunt Ky!" Their cheerful screams made everyone in the home stop whatever they are currently doing and look at them. The kids are her first brother Andrew children.


    "We missed you," they pouted, hugging her as she squatted down to receive their hug.


    "Me too, cupcakes" she told as she hugged them back. They kissed her cheeks and Kyra kissed them on their forehead.


    While the trio was immersed in their loving moments, three more people entered the house.


    It was obviously the twins'' maternal grandparents, the president of the hospital and his wife who is the vice president. The other person was someone Kyra knows too well: Her idol Oliver.


    When Kyra saw Oliver, she froze.


    "Aunt Ky...Aunt Ky, meet our favorite uncle Oli. We were telling you about our other best friend, remember? It''s him" the twins said, pulling her hand as they walked towards Oliver.


    Kyra''s cheeks reddened a little as she remembered about her conversation with Chloe. She is really confused about how she feels about Oliver now.


    Meanwhile, Oliver felt his ears redden too. Seeing her laughing so freely with the kids made him stare at her. Her happiness directly impacted his own mood. It made him feel happy as well.


    "I didn''t expect I would meet you here," Oliver said in a faint voice.


    "Me too" Kyra whispered back and all of a sudden she felt shy.


    "The kids forced me to come," Oliver added, not knowing what else to say. It was awkward for him but it also felt good to see her.


    "And... there is no need to send your address tomorrow," he added with a chuckle, remembering that he had to pick her up tomorrow for the event.


    "Yes." Kyra laughed too.


    Subconsciously their eyes met and before they could know it, their gazes were locked on each other. They are of course having a moment.


    Meanwhile,


    "Sis, they know each other!" the five years boy whispered to his twin sister.


    "It looks like you are right, bro. At least this will reduce our work," his twin sister chuckled back.


    "Yes!" the boy giggled. They are trying to matchmake their favorite aunt and uncle.


    Their mother once told them that she would love to see them both become a couple. She told them Kyra and Oliver share a deeper bond than anyone could ever imagine.


    While Kyra, Oliver and kids are having this moment, the hospital''s president and his wife are busy with their greetings.


    ------


    At the same time in an outdoor dining place��


    "It''s Oliver!! He came with uncle Albert, Aunt Linda and the twins," Sofia told her brother Matthew,


    "What is he doing here?!", Matthew asked, totally agitated. He and Oliver are like an arch nemesis to each other. They never get along!!


    "He is the favorite uncle of the twins from their maternal side. Seems like kids insisted him to come," Sofia answered. As the twins lost their mother a year ago, everyone is cautious towards them and no one would ever say no to whatever they ask.


    "Really! Fine then! Just call me after that idiot goes away. Till then I am sitting here!", Matthew said, as he sat down on the recliner.


    "Do whatever you want. He is busy anyway, talking to Kyra. They are laughing and chuckling a lot.", Sofia said, intentionally pissing her brother off.


    "What the hell did you say now?" Mathew asked, jerking back to his feet. He loves Kyra so much and he is already failing as Kyra has her savior in her heart. The last thing he wants right now is another man competing over him.


    "Sofi, isn''t he the ''pervert'' Kyra was telling us a few days ago?" Kyra''s fourth brother Ryan asked as he jogged to them.


    "What!!!" Andrew shouted but like always, his little sister ignored him. As of Ryan, he would prefer to talk to Sofia than answer his questions.


    "Didn''t Kyra tell you not to call him a pervert? She is the one who has been staring at him like a pervert. How many of these situations have happened till date?" Sofia asked, not at all noticing the terror in her brother''s eyes.


    "Ten perhaps! Man, I lost count," Ryan answered to his ''would be girlfriend''.


    "To make it simple, we can tell it happens every time they meet", he added.


    "I just saw them! They are staring into each other''s eyes now. They are certainly having a moment," Chloe excitedly said.


    All Chloe wants for her friend is to enjoy her life rather than waiting for some mysterious savior whose name, face and even the age are not known.


    Matthew walked to the door and peeked at the twins, Oliver and Kyra. When he saw Kyra laughing happily, he felt his heart squeeze. Why is it not him?


    Why is it Oliver?? Why is it always him?


    First, he ruined the only date he had with Kyra a few years back.


    Later, they shared a romantic moment during the twin''s third birthday in London. And, he is totally clueless of how extent these both went later on.


    Now, they met again???


    And, like the above two incidents, he could see the spark in between them!

 Chapter 29 - She And Oliver Are So Similar.

    After having dinner, Oliver left.


    He never imagined that Kyra was the daughter of Charles Collins and Catherine Collins. They are legends in the medical field.


    Now, he understood why she kept her real identity hidden. If others find out that Kyra is the daughter of the famous Collins family, there would be no end of bootlicking and currying up the favors with her.


    Even the attending physicians, head of departments would try to get into her good side and that would make things easy for Kyra.


    But she didn''t want that. It seems like she likes to take the honest road though it could be tough on her.


    "So, she is my fan as well!" Oliver thought as he chuckled. He remembers meeting Kyra''s father four years back at some conference.


    At that time he was not as popular as now and was still on the way to his fame.


    Not many people knew him back then and he certainly didn''t expect the great Dr. Collins to personally invite him for dinner at his home.


    That was a tempting offer for Oliver as Dr. Collins was his idol but he had to decline the invitation as he was having a bad day.


    He just broke up with his girlfriend and vowed to never come back to London ever again.


    It was only later he had found out that Dr. Collins'' precious daughter was his fan and treats him like an idol.


    He felt guilty for rejecting the dinner invitation but he knew he couldn''t do anything to compensate for it as he would not be going back there.


    It certainly is a fate that he got to meet that girl after so many years.


    "And, she is very serious about her work," Oliver told himself.


    If she wanted, she would have gotten a position in her parent''s hospital itself.


    No one would dare to say anything to her and she would have led a happy life however, she decided to go to a place where she would be treated equally with others.


    It is obvious that she is adamant to create her own identity without the tag of her family''s background helping her.


    Not only that, but even in this hospital she is closely related to the president.


    She would have used his name to get a special treatment but she never brought that topic not even with him.


    Even when the spoiled rich princesses in her office are showing off in front of her, she would only smile and do her work.


    It made Oliver very impressed.


    Her type of people are very rare and he is glad he got such a sincere, good fellow.


    He was attracted to her from the first time he saw her and what he felt was not in his control. Now, he is glad he didn''t make the wrong decision of not taking her as his fellow because of his personal reasons.


    Kyra is destined to excel in her career and he is glad he didn''t disrupt it.


    -------


    Meanwhile, back at Kyra''s house


    The twins stayed behind but their maternal grandparents took off after dinner. They had to take charge of tomorrow''s event.


    After almost an hour of chit chat and catching up, Kyra''s adopted parents went to bed as well.


    Kyra and others are now sitting in the lounge. The fire pit was lit and everyone was sitting around it.


    The twins were glued to their favorite aunties Kyra, Sofia and Chloe, already asleep leaning on them.


    Like always, Sofia and Kyra''s fourth brother Ryan are busy bantering while her second brother Walter was trying to talk Chloe out of something but his stubborn secretary was adamant to follow her own plan.


    Kyra was looking at these two duo''s with a smile. She could tell that her best friends would soon become her sister in law''s. No one could be more happy than her.


    "Your work was going smoothly, right?" Matthew abruptly asked Kyra.


    Ever since he saw the interaction between Oliver and Kyra his heart is restless.


    He is worried that Kyra is falling for Oliver. Although he has seen her laugh many times, he never thought she would become this close to a person in such a short time and even flirt with them.


    Yes, he noticed how Kyra was tucking her hair beneath her ear and he had seen how her gaze was constantly fixated on Oliver.


    These are obvious signs that she is falling for him or at least, about to fall for him. Moreover, she admires him and there is a high possibility her admiration could turn into crush and then love. Who knows?!


    "Yes." Kyra answered, her eyes fixated on the sleeping faces of the twins.


    They reminded so much of their mother that Kyra couldn''t help but reminisce her good memories with Heaven, twin''s mother.


    Heaven was also the one who was helping her in locating her savior. The point here is, they are close to each other like sisters and share everything.


    Heaven said she was close to tracking her savior but unfortunately she died.


    "So, Oliver is your boss?" Matthew asked, massaging his neck.


    "Yep," Kyra answered.


    Matthew felt suffocated noticing how short her answers are.


    She was not like this before she arrived here! It''s all Oliver''s fault!!


    "I like Oliver. He is a good person", her second brother Walter abruptly said and that of course got her attention and that made Matthew''s mood more sour.


    So, she can afford to divert her attention when it comes to Oliver but not him? What''s so special about him, again??


    "You know him, bro?" Kyra asked, looking at Walter, her second brother.


    "Of course I know him sis! We were college mates for one year. Me, Matthew and Oliver," Walter said.


    "Oliver was in business school?" Kyra asked.


    "Yes, he was. His grandfather insisted that he had no choice. He did part of his resident program in our parent''s hospital and at the same time, he was pursuing his business management as well.", Walter answered.


    "I know him too. He was my gym mate and he is good at tennis. I asked him to be my partner at some competitions but he already had a busy life", her fifth brother Ian said all of a sudden.


    "He stayed in London?" Kyra asked.


    "For one year according to my knowledge." her third brother, William said.


    "You know him too!" Kyra asked, now surprised.


    "Yes. We met each other by chance through a mutual friend" William answered.


    So, they knew Oliver before they even met her.


    "You guys never told me. I was his fan!"Kyra pouted.


    "We found out that Oliver is your idol four years back. You wanted to work with him but he swore not to come to London ever again. We didn''t want to disappoint you with something that is not possible." her first brother Andrew explained.


    "Why didn''t he want to come there?" Kyra asked.


    "He broke up with his girlfriend and wanted to move on. She lives in London, so he didn''t want to cross paths." This time her second brother answered her.


    Kyra was taken aback by sudden revelation.


    Strangely, she felt a pain in her chest and she knew it made her sad. But she is unaware of why it made her sad.


    Was it because Oliver had a girlfriend or was it because she knows how it feels to break a relationship with someone dearest to heart.


    "But he moved on pretty fast. He just focussed more on his career and I don''t think he took that relationship seriously." this time, Matthew said.


    He didn''t like how her brothers were praising Oliver. That man is a big ego monster!


    "No Matt. Oliver had it hard. He even met with an accident because of that mental stress and was very affected by the breakup. His grandfather was terrified when he saw Oliver in that condition."


    "So, he sent Oliver to take therapy for three months somewhere in Australia. After coming back, he was a changed person but I know it took him a few years to totally move on. He takes relationships pretty seriously, all right!" This time it was Matthew''s cousin Daniel who spoke.


    He stayed calm till now but that doesn''t mean he will stay quiet while someone throws dirt on his best friend Oliver''s reputation.


    "Really? I never even thought he had it this hard. He is totally a new person now", Kyra told Daniel.


    "He is just like you, Kyra. A new leaf" Daniel said.


    "Yeah, we seem to have more in common" Kyra whispered which was only audible to her.

 Chapter 30 - What Is Our Date’s Name?

    "Hey Kyra would you be my date tomorrow." Matthew asked.


    Kyra, who was walking towards her door, stopped and looked at him.


    "You both continue, then. I will send the twins to bed" Chloe said and nudged Sofia to follow her. She didn''t want to embarrass her cousin by staying here to see him get reject by Kyra.


    "Yes, uh...do whatever you are doing now," Sofi told them and followed Chloe.


    Although Matthew and Kyra don''t have any history, it was still awkward as everyone knows Matthew loves Kyra.


    He got rejected so many times but he is still not ready to move on yet.


    Meanwhile, Kyra didn''t know what to do now. She just found out that he and Oliver have a bad past, so it might hurt Matthew if she tells him she is going with his arch nemesis.


    "I don''t have a female partner. My sister Sofia is going with your fifth brother Ian and my cousin Chloe with your second brother"


    "Your third brother snatched away my secretary and your fourth brother was coming with his colleague and I don''t have anyone to go to now", he explained to her.


    If he really wanted a partner, he would have found one just with a flick of his fingers.


    But, he only wants Kyra. Only her!!


    "Actually, someone from work has already asked me, Matt. I didn''t know you guys were coming here, otherwise, I wouldn''t have said yes to anyone and would have waited for you all.", she told him, threading her words carefully so she wouldn''t be giving false hopes to him.


    Yes, she felt bad for rejecting him over and over again but she simply never saw him in that way and she never had any romantic feelings for him. He was more like a brother and good friend to her.


    "Oh", Matthew pursed his lips.


    "Sorry, Matt. If you want I could ask someone-", she was about to continue but Matthew stopped her.


    "It''s fine, Kyra. I will ask my business client," he told her and after giving her a smile, he left.


    Kyra sighed and walked into her room. By then, her best friend Sofia and Chloe are already in their Pj''s, waiting for her.


    "Get changed, girl. We are having a girl''s night!" they said in unison and throwed the matching PJ''s to her.


    Kyra chuckled and said as they did and by the time she came back, many beer bottles, popcorn, and other snacks were already on the table.


    "Like always, let''s start it with a horror movie. No sleep tonight!!" Sofia cheerfully shouted and the girl''s night started with that.


    ----------


    "I think your sister likes Oliver," Matthew told Kyra''s second brother, Walter, who is his best friend.


    "She might be. All she talks about in our video call is about Oliver and her work with him. She was never this happy." Walter said as he leisurely leaned on the headboard of the bed.


    "You never told me, Walt!! You know I love her, don''t you," Andrew sighed, getting on to the bed at the other side while he dried his wet hair with a towel.


    "I didn''t want you to die with jealousy Matt. Moreover, I thought she was happy because she got to work with her idol. Afterall, we all feel happy if we are doing great at our work, right?." Walter said, trying to defend himself.


    Truth to be told, he is aware that his sister Kyra would never fall for his best friend Matthew.


    He knew Kyra never saw Matthew as a romantic choice. So, the last thing he wants for his sister is to get into a half hearted relationship with Matthew just because he is close to the family.


    Kyra is a person who always prioritizes the family, so there would be no surprise if she marries Matthew who was deemed as the perfect groom by the elders of the family. Walter doesn''t want Kyra to be in that position.


    "Yes! You are right dude. Why am I overthinking?? It could be just like you said. She might not be attracted to him. Maybe she still admires him and that''s why she treats him special!!" Matthew exclaimed, totally convinced that it could be the reason.


    But he is simply in denial to think of other possibilities.


    "Dunno bro. I saw many fangirls falling for their idols. Especially the ones who get to work with their idols closely. My sister could be a genius and an exceptional person but she is still a girl with a-" Walter was about to continue but Matthew threw a pillow at him.


    "Stop rubbing salt into my wound, man! It''s not always true that a fan girl falls for her idol. Take you and my cousin Chloe as an example. She used to admire you so much, but now-" Matthew yelped all of a sudden when Walter threw a pillow at him.


    "Don''t rub salt in my wound as a payback, Matt.Your cousin loves me but, uhmm, she is ju..just shy to accept it" Walter responded.


    "My cousin is shy??"Matthew laughed. "You are like a cat in front of her!", he added.


    They  glared at each other and then turned to the other sides and closed their eyes. Pulling as much blanket as possible towards them.


    -------


    The next morning.


    Kyra slept early in the morning because of the girls'' night and woke up only in the afternoon. By the time she woke up, her parents were not there.


    As a doctor herself, Kyra understands how crucial her parent''s time is. They already left her the message that they would directly arrive at a charity event and will spend the whole tomorrow with her.


    "Ky, what is our date''s name? Is it really a ''date'' or just for the event? Do you have feelings for him or -", Sofia the drama queen was about to flood Kyra with questions but Kyra interjected her.


    "You are going with my fifth brother, right? Is it a ''date''," Kyra asked.


    "Of course," Sofia answered. Which made Kyra''s fourth brother narrow his eyes. For how long will this ''would be girlfriend'' of his play around the bush?


    "How come I heard differently? Yesterday night you-" Kyra was about to speak but Sofia closed Kyra''s mouth with her palm.


    "You devil!! Fine! I won''t tease you! Ahh�� you are becoming very heartless", Sofia huffed.


    "Am I heartless, darling? Then I will stop loving you", Kyra imitated Sofia''s dramatic tone.


    "No.. no. Who said you are heartless! Don''t stop loving this beauty!"Sofia exclaimed and both she and Kyra started laughing.


    Kyra''s fourth brother Ryan joined their laughter. He absolutely loves seeing the two most important women of his life play like this.


    Not only him but everyone chuckled at the dramatic yet sweet conversation.


    "But, who is your date really?? You are dodging the question everytime we ask. Is he a special one in your heart, Ky? You won''t hide things unless those really matters to you.", Chloe, the Sherlock Holmes of their group asked.


    This piqued up the curiosity of everyone but Kyra just smiled before answering. "Why so curious? It''s not like I am really dating that person. You will find out during the event anyway,"


    She would have easily answered them that it''s Oliver as everyone here surprisingly knows him. But the questions that might follow afterwards were the things that made her decide to delay the revelation. She just doesn''t know how to answer those questions.


    Does Oliver really have a special place in her heart? She herself doesn''t know the answer as she is uncertain about what those feelings really are.

 Chapter 31 - Oliver Flirted With Her.

    Kyra kept it simple as she is attending the event as a doctor.


    However, as she is also the date of the director/the famous Oliver Miller, she has put just the right amount of grandeur needed.


    Oliver already told her not to take it too stressful and just be herself during the event. When she asked how her appearance should be as his date, it was a simple answer.


    ''Keep it simple and classy, which you already are. So, be yourself''


    Remembering his words, Kyra felt her cheeks reddening.


    She never knew he was such a sweet talker. That was when she also realized that she doesn''t know him as much as she predicted she knew.


    "You are blushing." Chloe noticed while she helped Kyra with her hair.


    "I am not!" Kyra denied, cupping her cheeks.


    "Kyra Alexandra Collins, I have been your best friend for six years. Don''t try to hide your emotions from me and, your secrets are always safe with me.", Chloe told her.


    "If you don''t tell me the reason I will tell Sofia that you had another crush other than your savior." Chloe blackmailed.


    Kyra narrowed her eyes but finally gave up and told Chloe about what Oliver told her before.


    "Silly! How could you take that only as a compliment?? He is clearly flirting with you as well!", Chloe said, shaking her head in helplessness.


    Her friend is a genius but she clearly lacks experience when it comes to men.


    It is because she never dared to date given how bad her past was. She is afraid to make a new relationship just because she finds some man attractive!


    "Hey, Oliver is not like that. He spoke those words in an extremely professional tone!" Kyra exclaimed.


    "My innocent, naive friend, you are beyond saving. Is there a rule a man shouldn''t flirt using a professional tone? Those types of men are foxes in sheep''s clothing. They might act indifferent and it will take a while for us, the girls, to realize their true nature. Once those wolves find their woman, they will be insatiable" Chloe said.


    "Seems like you have already experienced this. Tell me, is it my Second brother, Walter?" Kyra asked, teasing Chloe.


    Chloe blushed and that made Kyra laugh. But her mind is busy with what Chloe told her now.


    However, as it is already time she didn''t dwell on that topic much and left the house using the other door. The last thing she wants is her brother''s safety lectures.


    As she is in this city, they could be more restless than before and even insist on following her to the venue. It would be uncomfortable for Oliver.


    By the time Kyra reached the back gate, Oliver was already there.


    She messaged him to wait at the back entrance rather than the front one as Sofia and her fourth brother Ryan could be waiting to see her date.


    Poor things don''t know that there is a small gate in the garden.


    Meanwhile, Oliver who was waiting felt the gate open and when he saw Kyra, the same usual thing happened. He froze��


    She looked so beautiful and elegant that he couldn''t take his eyes off her. This time he didn''t avert his eyes but took his time admiring her.


    She is wearing a black taffeta retro style, knee length dress as the theme of the event is retro masquerade theme.


    She paired it with a diamond necklace set which enhanced the beauty of her long, slim neck. The pairing ring, a bracelet glowed under the warm sunset, bringing more beauty to hand.


    She was wearing a black high heels and was holding a black clutch.


    She kept it simple but she looked so elegant and alluring. However, Oliver could tell that she is carrying things that could be worth millions.


    Her heels, her clutch has diamonds studded in it and the necklace she is wearing was sold in auction for hundreds of millions a few months back. Her dress was also a limited version of a luxurious brand.


    Although he is not sure as he doesn''t focus on fashion trends, he is aware that Kyra''s brothers buy the expensive things for their sister wherever they go.


    They spend millions and millions in auctions, luxurious high end shops.


    Even her parents bring her one or other things wherever they go.


    While Oliver was looking at her, Kyra had her quick peek as well. He is wearing a black, three piece suit and somehow his outfit matched her outfit. He looked dashing and handsome like usual.


    This time, it was Kyra who exited her trance first. She coughed a little, while chuckling and it was only when Oliver came out of his daze.


    To cover his embarrassment, he pretended as if nothing happened and opened the door for her.


    Kyra quickly entered the car and sat down in the passenger seat. As he is pretending as if nothing happened, Kyra did the same.


    Oliver didn''t waste any time and ignited the engine. But he couldn''t stop but glance at her once.


    "You look so beautiful, Miss Lopez," he said.


    "Or, should I call you, Miss Collins?" he added.


    Kyra smiled to cover her guilt. She was lying about her identity to her mentor/boss/idol. It is something she shouldn''t do but she had no option.


    "Whatever makes you comfortable sir. I didn''t mean to hide my identity but-"


    "You wanted to create your own identity rather than depending on your family''s fame", before Kyra could finish her sentence, Oliver finished it for her.


    Kyra nodded her head. Although it was one of the reasons, the main reason was something else.


    "I appreciate your effort. So, I will respect Miss Lopez," he said, using her fake name to show his respect.


    "I will not let down your respect sir. Thank you", Kyra answered.


    "Here, your mask" Oliver said as he reached out for the box at the back seat before opening it for her.


    They are a couple themed black masks and they perfectly matched their clothes.. Overall, their outfits looked like couple outfits now.

 Chapter 32 - It Seems Like I Am Only Good With You

    The news of Oliver bringing a female partner other than his sister has already caused a huge uproar.


    But once they appeared in a couple outfits, it just blew the upper social circle.


    Oliver Miller is not only a famous, wealthy, handsome young man but is from a powerful family that is at the top of the social hierarchy in almost everything.


    The Miller family has a deep connection and origin roots in the military and they have been in the business field for decades.


    Oliver is the only heir of that family and is also a successful businessman who has been managing the company from his seventeenth birthday.


    To have him as a son in law is the dream of almost everyone in the circle and to their delight, he has not been in a relationship in years.


    They heard of his first love but have never come across any concrete evidence to solidify that rumor.


    But now, seeing some stranger with him, made them burst with anxiety and envity.


    They heard his grandfather had arranged a date for him and they could only hope that the one who came with him was not that girl.


    With the closeness being exhibited by Oliver towards that woman, they could tell that their dreams might burn to ashes if she is the date arranged by Chairman Miller, Oliver''s grandfather.


    ----------


    "Don''t mind if some lady approaches you.", Oliver whispered to Kyra as he pulled a chair for her.


    "I am used to these situations," Kyra answered with a smile as she sat on the chair.


    "Your brothers I presume," Oliver asked while he pulled out the chair that was beside hers.


    "Yes", Kyra answered with a chuckle. She could come up with a handful of these kinds of situations.


    "They indeed had a huge girl following," Oliver responded with a short chuckle.


    "I found out just yesterday that you are well acquainted with my brothers, Dr. Miller," Kyra said.


    "We met coincidentally though we are in different fields" he responded simply.


    It still amazes him how coincidental their meetings were. It is afterall not a small world to meet all those five men of different careers but same family in different situations.


    "Yes. I was indeed surprised, sir.", Kyra said.


    "Don''t call me sir or Dr. Miller. As you don''t want others to find out who you are, calling me Dr. Miller will give out hints that you work at the hospital. Calling me sir will make you my subordinate at work," Oliver explained.


    He just wanted Kyra to have a peaceful time at work as that is what she wanted.


    "I will call you Mr. Miller then," Kyra said.


    Oliver nodded his head. Although he doesn''t mind if she calls him Oliver, it could attract more attention as no one ever called him with his first name other than his friends and family.


    While Oliver and Kyra were busy in their little chat, other women who came exclusively to meet here stared at them anxiously.


    They couldn''t identify the woman with him, so they could only think she was a stranger to them.


    Honey blond hair, hazel eyes, exquisite features she was able to attract others attention with her charishma.


    The way she carried herself, her confident postures, her social etiquette and mainly the level of comfort and proximity she had with Oliver were enough to tell that she is not some white lotus but someone close to Oliver''s status and intellect.


    Soon, the hospital''s president, Oliver''s godfather / Kyra''s uncle, entered with the other couple.


    They are Kyra''s adopted parents.


    "They are Collins. Catherine Collins and Charles Collins!!" someone whispered and the whisper soon became a talk in the crowd.


    "Seems like someone leaked the information. This whole masquerade theme was for nothing" Kyra whispered after hearing the whispers.


    "The main reason for the Masquerade theme is not them. They didn''t want to let others know that you are living here now" Oliver said.


    As the secret owner of this charity trust he got to find out the real reason why Collins requested this theme. But he didn''t get to know the exact reason why, however, he could only respect the privacy of others personal information.


    "Oh!"Kyra didn''t know what else to say.


    Oliver chuckled and then focussed on the speech his Godfather is giving. He should be giving that speech as the rightful owner but he doesn''t like attention.


    Meanwhile, Matthew who came with one of his business partner''s daughters couldn''t help but stare at them.


    He of course recognized Oliver and Kyra who were whispering and chuckling. Those two faces were the one he can''t even forget in his dreams.


    One was the woman he loves. Other was the person he hated his whole life.


    His fists tightened and he clenched his teeth looking at Kyra and Oliver. Although they are just talking and are sitting at a safe distance, the chemistry between them is too intense.


    "It''s Oliver that is with Kyra. Isn''t he?" his sister Sofia asked, excited.


    "They have chemistry. No wonder she was impacted by his charms," she giggled.


    Matthew narrowed his eyes and glared at his sister.


    "What the f.u.c.k, Sofia! You can''t just say that in front of me!!", he gritted his teeth.


    He couldn''t get any more angrier as it is his sister. If it was someone else he would have yelled at them till their ears bleed.


    "I am stating the fact, brother. You might need to move on as it seems like their relationship will progress," Sofia said.


    "Leave about me, dear sister. Look at your man. He is talking so closely to some woman," Matthew said with a smirk.


    When Sofia saw Ryan, Kyra''s fourth brother flirting with some beautiful woman who was now blushing, she narrowed her eyes and glared at him but when she didn''t get his attention, she turned to look at her own date, who is none other than Ryan''s twin brother Ian.


    "It looks like I need to keep your playboy brother in check. Excuse me,", she said, standing up but Ian pushed her back into her seat.


    "Sofi, you shouldn''t be giving up this soon. Let him flirt. We will show him what jealousy tastes like during the dance," he said with a smirk.


    Sofia smirked. "That''s my best friend. Why can''t that idiotic brother of your''s act matured like you," she said.


    "That''s because he is idiotic," Ian said and Sofia laughed. Ian laughed as well and kissed the back of her hand before giving a look at his twin brother who is now glaring at him.


    Meanwhile, Matthew''s date and Ryan''s date exchanged glances. Who wouldn''t be angry if their dates are eying the other woman?


    ----------


    After the welcome speech, dinner was served.


    Soon, one by one joined the dancing stage to dance. After an hour or so, the auction will start but for now, the classic, retro music was being played and the partners were dancing to the slow rhythm.


    Kyra and Oliver joined as well. At first, Oliver felt a little awkward touching her waist but Kyra giggled.


    "You were staring at it in our first meeting. No need to shy off now," she said, making Oliver lift his brow in amusement. Who knew she could be this casual after a few glasses of wine?


    "She gets very casual after a few drinks. She has less alcohol tolerance," Kyra''s second brother, Walter whispered to him as he was about to get on to the dancing floor.


    Oliver nodded his head and before he could say anything, Walter''s date, Kyra''s best friend, Chloe pulled him away from them to give some privacy.


    Oliver chuckled and placed his hand on Kyra''s waist before walking her to the dancing door.


    Once they were on the dancing floor, he placed his hand on her lower waist and took her other hand in his.


    While they did it, they stared into each other''s eyes and for a few seconds, the time around them froze.


    Seconds felt like minutes.


    Again, it felt like a deja vu to both of them.


    "Guys, dance! This is not time to stare at each other!"Chloe, who was just a few inches beside them said, shaking her head.


    She is aware that they both have something going on between them but didn''t think they would do this in front of everyone on the dancing floor.


    They caught enough attention as they were the only couple who were standing still in the middle of the dance floor.


    After hearing Chloe''s words, it was only when they both came out of their daze and started to dance. Surprisingly just like in the operation theatre, they are in perfect sync.


    They didn''t have to put in any effort at all. Their steps were as smooth as water flow and the chemistry they shared is a plus point.


    "You are good at dancing!" Kyra said.


    "You are good as well," Oliver said.


    "I am not. It seems like I am only good with you," Kyra said.


    "I need to ask you something, Ms. Lopez.. Somewhere private if you don''t mind" Oliver whispered and Kyra nodded her head.

 Chapter 33 - Mother Returns.

    "I need to ask you something, Ms. Lopez. Somewhere private if you don''t mind" Oliver whispered and Kyra nodded her head.


    As Kyra and Oliver made their way out of the dancing floor, her brother''s looked at her worriedly.


    They didn''t want her out of their sight but Kyra gestured them not to worry and then followed Oliver into the beach garden. But for safety, her second brother Walter signalled her bodyguards to follow her.


    As soon as Oliver and Kyra were out of the sight of everyone, Oliver turned to look at Kyra.


    "Mr. Miller,"


    Before they could start talking, they heard a female voice and Kyra froze immediately. She can recognize that voice even in her deep slumber as that voice alone was enough to bring all the bad memories back into her peaceful life.


    It is none other than her mother... her biological mother who ruthlessly killed her own mother (Kyra''s grandmother) just to inherit the wealth. It was the same woman who sold her own biological daughter to human trafficking for the same wealth.


    As expected, every single detail that could make her trauma resurface, flooded into Kyra''s mind. And, within no time, her fingers started to tremble and she felt the energy drain out of her body.


    Her face turned pale as well and she felt her head throb with pain as her screams and helpless whimpers reverberated in her mind. Those three days of that vulnerable confinement, that dark and suffocating room, that monstrous laughter of her mother and others came back to her, flooding her heart with panic and anxiety.


    If not for Oliver who was holding her now, she would have collapsed.


    Meanwhile, the sudden change in Kyra didn''t escape Oliver''s hawk-like eyes. He right away inferred that this woman here is the reason for Kyra''s sudden change.


    And, before he could even register what he was doing, he already pulled Kyra into a protective hug. His protective instincts kicked in subconsciously and he was doing everything as if he already knew what to do.


    He pressed one side of Kyra''s face to his chest while he placed his warm palm on her other ear, so she wouldn''t be able to hear even if that woman speaks anything more.


    With his other hand he held her face gently, holding her close to his body so that Kyra wouldn''t be able to see that woman if she appeared in front of them.


    Everything happened in a matter of a few seconds that Kyra''s biological mother Andrea could barely notice the sudden change in Oliver''s attitude.


    With a huge smile on her lips, she dragged her elder daughter Melissa towards Oliver.


    She wanted to introduce her daughter Melissa to Oliver so badly that she didn''t care that he already had a date with him.


    "Mr. Miller, nic-", before Andrea could approach Oliver, her daughter Mellisa stopped her and gestured to look at Oliver''s position.


    He was hugging his date so intimately that they could barely see her face. The girl in his arms had her arms hung around his waist as well.


    They were hugging so intimately and wouldn''t it be inappropriate to butt in?


    However, Andrea just ignored her daughter and was about to approach Oliver again but Oliver had already gestured to Kyra''s bodyguards to stop them from approaching Kyra. It was just like a mother - hen protecting her precious babies.


    At first, he didn''t understand why Kyra''s brother''s insisted on having her bodyguards present at the event but now he understood the reason.


    It is something related to Kyra''s past and it seems to be more personal and serious than he imagined.


    "Do you know who I am?! I am Chairwoman of -", Andrea was about to push her weight but the bodyguards were not some ordinary men either.


    Each of them are handpicked by these five over protective brother''s for their little sister''s safety.


    "I am doing my job, ma''am. Please leave the premises. This garden is a private property and no one except the people with platinum cards are allowed here. If you have that card please show it and you may pass," the first bodyguard told her in an indifferent tone.


    Others have already formed a protective barrier to stop Andrea from looking at Kyra and Oliver.


    Andrea could only narrow her eyes and glare at the bodyguard but she knew she couldn''t do anything more. It has been six years since she and her family got into the upper social circle but they are still not in the inner circle of these elites.


    Not even close! So, she doesn''t have the platinum card the bodyguard asked for.


    Andrea rolled her eyes and she was about to ask Oliver for permission but when she managed to look around, it was only when she noticed that he was long gone.


    Probably, he went away as soon as bodyguard appeared.


    "Who are these security people? I have never seen them enter charity events." Andrea, Kyra''s biological mother, fumed in rage as they turned back in defeat.


    "They might be here because of the Collins family. They are very important people to be left with no security around them", her daughter Melissa answered.


    "But why are they stopping us from talking to Oliver!", Andrea asked, frustrated with the treatment she got.


    "Who knows, mom? I told you it is not a good idea to sneak into this private garden. See now, we got humiliated by a mere bodyguard!! How embarrassing will it be if someone finds out?" Mellisa snapped at her mother.


    "Oh, please!! I am doing all these for you and here you are, complaining! Can''t you be obedient and listen to me?" Andrea snapped back.


    "I am not like your dead daughter Kyra. Nevertheless, Oliver has a girlfriend already. Didn''t we just witness it?" Melissa grumbled.


    "So what if he has a girlfriend, darling? I am sure my daughter can manage this situation. You are my daughter and I am sure you won''t let me down!"Andrea said.


    Andrea and Melissa were about to enter the building but the manager of the hotel stopped them. He received an order from the higher ups not to allow this mother - daughter pair to enter the hotel.


    "Now what???"Andrea scoffed.

 Chapter 34 - Do They Share A Connection Deeper Than This??

    "Now what???"Andrea scoffed.


    "Ma''am, we are honestly sorry but you are not allowed to join this charity event anymore." he told her.


    "What the hell! And, why am I not allowed?" Andrea asked, her face red with anger.


    "It was clearly mentioned in the invitation that trespassing on private properties is strictly prohibited. In case of the violation the immediate termination of the invitation will take place," the manager explained.


    He felt these restrictions are too much but what is there in his hands? This hotel belongs to the Collins and Richards (Matthew family) family and they can do whatever they want.


    "Fine!" Andrea scoffed and stomped her way out of the hotel.


    She is not ready for another humiliation!! These people are not to go against.


    After Andrea and her daughter left the venue, the bodyguard gave a call to Walter Collins, the second brother of Kyra and informed that Andrea and Melissa had left.


    Walter had everything prepared in case Kyra''s biological mother crossed paths with Kyra. He asked Oliver to allow the bodyguards into the venue hall to protect his sister Kyra and fortunately, Oliver didn''t question him and agreed to his request immediately.


    As a co-owner of this hotel, he tightened the rules hoping that he could use them in situations like this. If he wanted, he could have stopped Kyra''s biological mother from attending the event itself but his mother, Kyra''s adopted mother/personal psychiatrist Catherine stopped him from doing that.


    She said she wanted to observe how Kyra will face her trauma of meeting her mother again.


    After all, they have put a lot of effort into healing Kyra''s heart. They have to observe how she handles the situation so that they could come up with a treatment accordingly.


    But after finding out that Kyra was shaken up by the encounter, they immediately ordered the management to send Kyra''s biological family away by using any means possible


    ------------


    Meanwhile,


    As soon as the bodyguard appeared, Oliver took Kyra away from the woman who caused Kyra''s emotional torment.


    He hurriedly took her to the suite that was booked for him and made her sit on the couch. Then he took the blanket on the mattress and covered her with it as she was still shivering. Seeing her in this vulnerable state made him feel terrible but all he could do is take care of her.


    He right away warmed the tea for her before intimating her brother where Kyra is.


    "Here, drink this. It will relax your nerves," he told her as he poured the tea he made now. He always keeps this camomile tea ready wherever he goes as it relaxes his nerves and makes him feel calm.


    Kyra nodded her head and with a shivering hand she took the cup but she was too weak to even hold it.


    Oliver could only sigh and take the cup back. He can see how affected Kyra is because of this woman. He didn''t expect that something like this would happen. Suddenly he felt guilty��


    If he hadn''t asked her to follow him out, she wouldn''t have encountered this situation.


    "Kyra, where are your anxiety medicines?" Oliver asked, guessing that she uses anxiety medicines.


    Noticing that she is still shivering despite the duvet that was draped around her tightly, he took her hands into his and gently rubbed her chilly fingers with his warm palms.


    Kyra was feeling a lot better than five minutes back which was when she encountered her mother. Strangely, Oliver''s embrace gave her the sense of security she never felt before. His hug felt like a mother''s embrace which made her feel protected and soothed.


    She wanted to hug him again as her condition started returning to how it was five minutes back. It looks like his embrace could only calm her down besides the medication.


    "Kyra, your medicines?" Oliver asked again, concerned. He didn''t realize he was calling her with her first name Kyra, as it rolled out of his tongue very naturally. It was as if they were on a first name basis from a long time ago.


    "The...they..are in my purse. I�� I didn''t bring" Kyra managed to answer as she shivered.


    Oliver sighed and he subconsciously took her into his warm embrace as if it was something he always does. It is as if he is aware that his embrace has a calming effort on Kyra.


    Instantly, Kyra started feeling better.


    She just leaned into his body and started taking rhythmic breaths with her eyes closed to calm down.


    If her mind was not flooded with her past, she would have noticed that Oliver is the only person other than her savior who has this kind of effect on her.


    "Here, drink this. Your brothers are on their way. They are bringing your medicine." Oliver told her in a gentle tone as if she is a baby who needs coaxing.


    Kyra nodded her head and took the cup, not breaking the embrace. Surprisingly, her fingers are not trembling as much as they were a few minutes back. She started feeling a lot better all thanks to Oliver''s effect on her.


    While Kyra took the occasional sips, neither of them spoke to each other. Kyra is busy trying to calm her mind while Oliver is immersed in thinking why he is feeling so protective of Kyra all of a sudden.


    Only he knows how terrible he is feeling, seeing Kyra like this. His heart is burning with a strong sense of protective instincts for Kyra that he couldn''t resist the anger.


    On the first hand, he doesn''t even know from where this anger is coming but he could tell that it was directed to the person/persons who caused this pain to Kyra. It is not only him but even Kyra seems to have intense effects on him as well.


    But why is he feeling like that? He met her two years back once and they had a wonderful time but it was only for a night. They shared a deep emotional bond and yes, it felt special but that connection alone shouldn''t be causing these intense emotions right?


    Do they share a connection deeper than this??

 Chapter 35 - I Troubled You A Lot

    The knock on the door broke the peaceful silence in the room.


    Oliver and Kyra glanced at the door and Oliver gently freed Kyra from his warm embrace.


    "It should be your brother," he said before walking to the door and opening it.


    As soon as the door clicked open, Kyra''s adopted mother, Catherine rushed into the room and took Kyra into a hug.


    "Are you okay, dear??", she asked, her worry evident in her eyes.


    Seeing that concern in Catherine''s eyes, Kyra''s emotional wall completely broke down. She hugged her mother tightly and started to sob.


    How good it would have been if her adopted mother was her real mother?


    She wouldn''t have gone through these trauma''s if her biological mother was at least ten percent as motherly and kind as her adopted mother. But she is truly unlucky when it comes to this aspect.


    "It''s fine, dear. It''s fine. You did well. You did better than I expected, honey.", Catherine whispered the soothing words to Kyra as she gently rained kisses on Kyra''s forehead. Even her eyes watered seeing Kyra in this vulnerable state.


    However, as she said now, her trauma seems to have reduced by a bit. If it was Kyra from a few years back, she would have got serious breathing issues, her body would have burned up and she would have lost consciousness as well.


    Walter, her second brother, prepared her medicines in the meantime and Oliver warmed up the water for her. Later they handed it over to her.


    Kyra felt her heart warm up looking at these three extraordinary figures as they took care of her like a child. At these times, she feels like her past doesn''t matter anymore but she was always proved wrong. Her past can''t be erased from her life, right?


    Those traumatic moments are imprinted in her mind and have a deep impact on her whole life.


    "Kyra, if you want you can go home and rest. I will be waiting outside and if you decide to go home, just don''t worry about anything else. I will handle everything", Oliver told her before he walked out of the room to give the family some privacy. Just by listening to their words, he could tell this isn''t the first time Kyra experienced these things.


    If she leaves in the middle of the event and bail on him, people might overthink the situation but what others think is not his concern at all. All he could feel now is deep concern and sorrow for Kyra.


    "I as well recommend you to go back and rest tonight, dear." Kyra''s mother said after Oliver left the room.


    "No mom. I want to be here. Yes, my trauma got triggered but I am fine now, aren''t I? Moreover, I don''t want my life to be disrupted just because that woman showed up in my life again. When I came here, I was ready to face her but I didn''t expect to meet her this soon." Kyra said, her tone firm and back to normal which surprised both her adopted mother and brother.


    "Sis, don''t be stubborn and please go and take some rest. You look tired and shaken up," Walter told her, taking her hand into his. Although she sounded normal now, as someone who has been there with her for six years, he could tell that her stubborn front was just a camouflage.


    "I am really fine! And, I don''t want to miss the first auction of my paintings. You guys know how much this means to me right? Moreover, you guys will be there with me and if I am not wrong, you guys would have thrown that woman and her daughter away" Kyra said, looking at both her mother and second brother with her stubborn eyes.


    Her mother and brother sighed in unison and exchanged meaningful glances. They were worried about her but what she just told them was right too.


    They could only agree with her.


    "Don''t go out of our sight, okay. We will be worried dead," her mother told her with a faint smile.


    "I won''t. I promise," Kyra answered and hugged her mother before giving a hug to her brother as well. Later, she left the room and just as he told her, Oliver was there, standing at the corner of the corridor, waiting for her.


    When she saw him, her heart warmed up instantly. A full blown smile appeared on her lips as she approached him. She could never forget how he took care of her now and most importantly, she could never forget the sense of security she felt with him.


    It felt very similar to how she felt with her savior, seven years back.


    He is the reason why she was able to pass her traumatic stage in this short span of time. He made her feel calm and protected at the same time. The feeling she felt was indescribable.


    "Let''s go. Auction should be starting any time soon" Kyra said.


    "Are you really fine? Don''t force yourself to do this, okay?" Oliver said as he approached her.


    "I am fine now and I really want to be there for the auction. I want to buy a few things and contribute my fair share to the charity," Kyra said with a smile.


    Olive smiled at her and nodded his head before extending his elbow so she could hold it for support.


    Kyra obliged and they leisurely walked towards the venue.


    "I am sorry for earlier, Mr. Miller. I troubled you a lot." Kyra apologized. Her face was filled with embarrassment. She is a strong woman and the way she acted just now made her look so weak and clingy.


    She showed her most vulnerable side to her boss/idol instead of showing her strong, confident side. It is not professional of her.


    "There is nothing to be sorry, Ms. Lopez. Everyone has their fair share of vulnerabilities and I am glad I could be there for you at the time you needed the most," he told her in a gentle tone.


    "I really owe you a lot, sir. I don''t know how to show my gratitude to you," Kyra responded. "I can''t thank you enough for what you did earlier." she added after a few seconds.


    "Just have a walk with me after this event, Ms. Lopez, that''s all I ask you. I have something to ask you." Oliver said.


    "It''s my pleasure, sir.. I surely will," Kyra said and they entered the hall.

 Chapter 36 - Lets Take A Walk.

    "I am surprised you bought three of the Passion''s paintings," Kyra said as she and Oliver walked out of the venue.


    "One is for my grandfather. He likes Passion''s abstract paintings. The other one is for my best friend and the last one is for me", Oliver answered. He is not a fan of art but that particular painting pulled him towards it every time he looked at it.


    His heart felt restless and unsettled seeing that painting but at the same time, he felt connected to it and though it pained his heart, he wanted to keep looking at it.


    That painting''s name was ''First Love''.


    And according to Oliver, that name suited the painting very well. Just like how the first love hurt the heart whenever it was thought of, this painting has the same effect. But at the same time, he can''t stop staring at the painting just like how no one could stop thinking of their first love.


    "You like the last but third painting that was auctioned? ''First Love''?" Kyra asked.


    "Yes. I feel the name suits the painting and it gives that melancholy feel." he voiced his opinion.


    Kyra was indeed surprised that she couldn''t help but look at him in surprise. When she painted that painting and named it ''First Love'' everyone said that name didn''t suit the art. Only she felt the name suited her painting and it seems like Oliver thinks just like her.


    "Let''s take a walk in the park near your new house?" Oliver asked after a few seconds.


    Kyra nodded her head, remembering that he had something to ask her privately.


    "I will tell my family that I will be late," Kyra said.


    As she can''t directly go and ask them now, she was about to message but she noticed her first brother waiting in the parking lot. He didn''t come to the event as he preferred to spend that time with his twins. The other reason was, ever since his wife Heaven died, he lost interest in all these social stuff.


    He couldn''t come to the event so, to make it up to her, he came to pick her up.


    "My first brother came. You want to meet him?" Kyra asked Oliver.


    Oliver is like a brother to Heaven, her first brother''s wife. She heard from the twins that Oliver and Heaven were pretty close since childhood.


    But as she was in the military and he is a busy doctor, they didn''t get to meet often in the past few years. Because of this Oliver met the family only a few times but he visited twins often.


    "Yes. Let''s go." Oliver said and they together approached Andrew.


    Andrew was waiting with his back leaned on to his Ashton Martin. With his well built body, his charismatic yet serious face he of course attracted attention. But, Andrew simply didn''t cared as he just came to pick up his sister.


    "Brother." Kyar called him with a smile and then gave him a light hug.


    "Sorry, I couldn''t come to the event, Kyra. You know I-" Andrew was about to apologize but Kyra intervened.


    "Don''t be sorry brother. I understand and I am not disappointed. Take it slow, okay?" she told him, patting his back gently.


    If there is someone who can understand how Andrew is feeling, it is her. She knows how it feels when the important person in their life dies. She lost her grandmother when she was sixteen and that void was there for years.


    As it is the love of his life who died, Kyra could understand how heart broken and depressed her first brother is. It gets more difficult as he has twins to raise.


    Andrew smiled at his understanding sister and then shifted his attention to Oliver.


    "Long time, Oliver. Twins have missed you a lot." Andrew said, giving a handshake to Oliver.


    "A long time, indeed, Mr. Collins. I missed those cuties as well. I will visit them as often as possible from now on," Oliver responded.


    It often surprises Kyra how Oliver''s personality takes one eighty degree turn when he is interacting with other people. He prefers to speak less and he is mostly serious and indifferent. But with her, he smiles often, he speaks freely and sometimes he compliments (flirts) with her as well. It is like, he is a different person when he is with her.


    "They will be happy for sure. And, thanks for taking care of my sister. I heard what happened." Andrew thanked Oliver. It seems like his wife was right. But he didn''t understand how his wife had accurately predicted that these both will meet in the future.


    In her personal diary she wrote, ''Trust Oliver when it comes to Kyra. Please trust him and don''t interfere no matter what,''


    What Andrew never understood is why she wrote this just a few days before she died.


    Is it that important?


    "I am glad I was there for her." Oliver answered simply as he glanced at Kyra with a smile which Kyra returned with the same warmth.


    Their brief interaction didn''t miss Andrew''s eyes. Whatever his wife said seems to be happening. She once told him that Kyra and Oliver will make a great pair. She said, they are meant for each other and they can make each other better versions of themselves.


    Now, looking at his sister, whose face is glowing with happiness, he could tell Oliver is indeed special in her heart. Afterall, she never got close to a person to this extent in a short span especially after what happened to her seven years back.


    And, it seems like she has subconsciously allowed Oliver into her personal life. If it''s true, then she is taking a huge step in her life. It''s good for her but at the same time it is risky as well. However, Andrew decided to trust his wife and give these both a chance.


    "Mr. Collins, if you don''t mind I would like to take Kyra to walk. I will drop her back in an hour," Oliver told Andrew.


    Andrew thought for a few seconds and then nodded his head. "One hour. Bring her safe," he said.


    For a second, Kyra was stunned. She didn''t expect her first brother to agree so quickly. Of all the five brother''s her first brother is the most protective one. Well, her second brother comes first but with a proper convincing, he caves in to her requests. But with her first brother, it is totally a different thing.


    "Thank you, Mr. Collins. I will surely bring her back safe," Oliver said and he gestured to Kyra to follow him to his car.


    "Tell others not to worry," Kyra told her first brother before following Oliver.

 Chapter 37 - So, Our First Meeting Is Special To You As Well?

    "What is it that you want to talk to me about, Mr. Miller?", Kyra asked as they strolled in the park.


    "We met before, Ms. Collins. Do you remember?" he asked as he turned to look at her straight in her eyes. As they already removed the masks, her beautiful face glowed under the moonlight, making her more appealing to look at.


    Kyra stopped in her tracks as well and this time, she didn''t avert her eyes but looked at him.


    "Twins birthday party?", she asked. Even she felt they met before when they were dancing earlier.


    She danced with some stranger on twin''s birthday party and it was a very special dance to her. The level of attraction she felt towards that stranger was indescribable. It was not a mere physical attraction she was talking about but something beyond that.


    She was pulled towards him like a magnet in every way possible. She was infatuated by his aura, his exquisiteness, his unrivalled charm back then that she herself went and asked him for a dance.


    However, that party was masquerade themed as well so she didn''t get to look at his face during their dance. But, today, when she was dancing with Oliver, the sudden realization dawned on her and it was when she was finally able to point out why Oliver felt familiar to her.


    It was him two years back. No wonder she felt the same level of attraction when she met Olver here.


    However, as he is her boss, she has been suppressing her feelings. If only she would have let them flow unhindered, she might have recognized him long back itself.


    "Exactly! So, you remember." Oliver asked, pleased that she remembered him. So, it was not special to him alone but to her as well.


    After his break up he lost his interest in women and everytime someone approached him, he right away turned them down. But Kyra was different.


    When she approached him for a dance, he didn''t feel like denying. It was not because she was beautiful but it was something beyond that, that it made him agree. Simply put, he didn''t know why but he agreed.


    And, he still couldn''t put his finger on why he agreed right away without any further thoughts. Nevertheless, his decision to dance with her never regretted him. It was the other way around.


    While dancing they spoke and it was the best conversation he had with anyone so far. That few minutes alone left a deep impression on her. It is not about the amount of speaking they did but how the few words alone left a deep impression.


    Even after being in love with his first love for years, he never felt this kind of emotions with her.


    Oliver felt extremely comfortable talking to Kyra. She was able to open his heart in just a few minutes and the level of trust he felt towards her was as if he knew her for years. It might sound lame and illogical but honestly, it was how he felt. They didn''t talk much but these feelings alone were enough to make their encounter special.


    As it was just a dance, they had to part and before doing that they decided to meet in the bar after the party was finished.


    "Why didn''t you meet me in the bar, then?" Oliver asked. It is evident from his voice that he waited for her and left in disappointment.


    "I came! You weren''t there. Instead of you, a man who was with you during the party came to me and said that you left to meet your lover!" Kyra said, anger obvious in her voice. She is an emotionally sensitive person and she always avoided getting close to people, especially the people she just met.


    But when she met Oliver back then, he became an exception.


    She wanted to get close to him. It confused her back then but still she decided to take the risk and what happened upsetted her and left her heavy hearted. He already had a lover and he still danced with her. She shouldn''t be feeling that way as it was just a dance and it was her who asked him. He might have casually agreed to dance with her however, she still didn''t understand why she felt heart broken.


    "Lover? I was single back then!! Honestly, I lost interest in women long before that." Oliver exclaimed. ''It was you who reignited that interest'' he left this untold as it is not the time nor situation to bring up.


    "And, who was that friend who told you that? Can you recognize him?" Oliver asked. He waited for Kyra that day.


    What can he do? His mind was saying not to get hurt by women again but his heart was adamant to meet her, get to know her more.


    He wanted to talk to her more. He somehow felt like their hearts got connected just with that single dance. So, he wanted to get to know her more and understand why he felt towards her this way.


    Most importantly, he wanted to know if that feeling was mutual. Till today, that question bothered him and now he got his answer.


    "I can''t recognize him as he was still wearing a mask. He told me that you asked me not to wait for you and it was a mistake." Kyra said, her voice choked a bit. It still hurts whenever she thinks about that. Knowing that the special feeling she felt was not mutual made her sad.


    "It was not a mistake, Kyra. I waited for you almost an hour and when I inquired around, they said you left long back. I think someone tricked us or it could be a miscommunication." Oliver said.


    "So, the dance was special to you as well?" she asked, happiness evident in her eyes.


    "Yes.", Oliver answered with a smile.


    "For you?", he asked as they sat down on the bench.


    "It is." she answered with a smile.


    For a few seconds neither of them spoke but that silence was sweet.

 Chapter 38 - I Think It Is Fate We Met.

    "You said your name was Alexandria when I asked you back then.", Oliver said, breaking the silence between them.


    If she didn''t give him a wrong name he would have tracked her down. When he checked the guest list there was no person with that name and he lost the chance to track her as there was no other means to track her down.


    "It''s the name my maternal grandmother used to call me. Not many know that and no one calls me that anymore. And, it is still my name.


    Well, my middle name.", Kyra told him.


    She used to like that name but after her grandmother died, she prefered not to use that name anymore. It makes her remember her grandmother.


    "You said your name was Thomas!", Kyra said after a while, looking at him.


    "This looks like a coincidence.", Oliver chuckled.


    "My parents used to call me that and it''s my middle name too. Not many people know that and no one uses that name anymore.", he added.


    Kyra looked at him, a little suspicious.


    Oliver laughed at her expression. "Hey! I am not lying. You can verify it with the president if you want!" he said and they both laughed.


    When Oliver told she was able to make him feel comfortable, he was not lying. He never had such a refreshing and casual conversation with anyone for years. He subconsciously let himself open up for her.


    "You are not like what people have described you. In the hospital they call you aloof and cold. They say that you are hard on the residents, fellows and interns"


    "They say you barely smile and never strike a casual conversation with others. They say that you only maintain professional relationships and never bother to talk about anything personal", Kyra said.


    "It is who I am, Kyra.", Oliver answered.


    Kyra was stunned for a moment as it was just now she realized he had been calling her Kyra today. Not Dr. Lopez or Ms. Miller.


    "But you are different towards me." she muttered.


    He smiled with her very often and they had plenty of casual conversations. They also talked about things that are personal.


    He is not cold and aloof towards her but quite the contrary. He is warm, protective and caring towards her. He never went hard on her and everytime she asked him a question or a doubt, he answered her with patience.


    She could never forget how he took care of her today. His warmth, consideration and patience towards her were off the charts.


    "Yes. I am different towards you. Honestly, I don''t know the reason. When we had our *cough* first meeting at hospital, I decided to treat you like others but I couldn''t", he answered her, his ears turned red when he recalled how awkward it was for him when they first met in hospital.


    Kyra chuckled a bit when she saw his red ears but controlled it.


    After that, they didn''t speak for a few minutes. They just sat there, looking at the beautiful sky enjoying their time together.


    Their shoulders brushed against each other''s and the back of their hands were touching but neither of them made attempts to retrieve unlike before.


    "It''s almost time. If I don''t get you home your brother''s will kill me." Oliver said, glancing at the time after a few minutes. He had a pleasing smile on his face and he felt refreshed after their conversation.


    Kyra glanced at her watch and nodded her head. "Let''s go then. I don''t want my brother to kill my boss either" she chuckled.


    Oliver let out a small laugh and then, they walked out of the park.


    Though both of them felt a temptation to hold hands as their hands are now brushing with each other and are creating some kind of spark, they didn''t cave in. Neither of them wanted to freak each other out��


    ----------------------------------


    "I have anxiety problems. But I promise that I won''t let it affect my work in the hospital." Kyra said all of a sudden as they drove to her house.


    "How bad is your anxiety on a scale of ten.", Oliver asked, his doctor instincts kicked in.


    "Uhmm...it''s hard to scale down. When�� when my truma hits, it could be around seven to eight. Otherwise, I got it totally controlled." Kyra said. As she is a fellow under his monitoring, she must come clean or it might someday endanger the patient''s life.


    Till today, she thought she could control her trauma even if she encountered the monsters of her past. But it seems to be just wishful thinking.


    She has to work hard to put these in check but she knows it might take some time. But it''s a safe sail as her trauma triggers only when she comes across those people. But, her biological mother and her family won''t appear at surgery right?


    Well, only if they are patients they might come to a surgery but if Oliver could stop her from going into OR she will be fine.


    "I am telling you this so one day if I show the similar reactions, stop me from going to OR okay. I know anxiety makes us a bad surgeon but I have been controlling them for years. I can do it again but I need time. My anxiety shows up only in specific situations and those situations don''t appear during surgeries, " Kyra honestly said.


    "I realize that we are talking about work now." Oliver said, looking at her.


    "Not entirely. I am asking you for a favor outside of work." Kyra answered with a smile.


    Oliver looked at her for a few seconds and nodded his head. He somehow believed her. Deep down, he always trusted her and it is no different this time.


    All he could wish is that she will keep these trauma episodes in check. It totally freaked him out when he saw her like that and it made him extremely sad and shattered.


    "Leave these to me, Kyra. I got scared looking at you like that so, please work on getting well.", Oliver said.


    "I am sorry. I didn''t mean to" Kyra apologized.


    "I will try my best to not let this happen again." she added. Now, she is determined to end this chapter of her pathetic, horrible past forever. And for that, fighting trauma is not the cure but getting her revenge is.


    "It''s fine, Kyra. Just work with controlling those episodes. See you." Oliver said as they alighted the car.


    "See you the day after tomorrow. And, thanks again for today.", Kyra said as they stood in front of each other, just a few inches apart.


    "Don''t thank me. And, I think this is fate we met again.." Oliver told her.

 Chapter 39 - I Hope You Are Her Cure.

    "Don''t thank me. And, I think this is fate we met again." Oliver told her.


    When he met Kyra at twin''s birthday, he didn''t move on from his first love, not completely. Not yet...


    It still pained him a lot when he thought of his first love and he badly wanted a strong push, a motivation to move on and not finding that motivation frustrated him a lot.


    It was exactly when Kyra showed up and the short time he spent with her made him realize that he never felt like this with his first love.


    What he felt for Kyra was magical and that spark was not there in his first relationship.


    Then, he understood he had nothing else to hold on to his first love anymore and it was time to move on with his life.


    In short, Kyra helped him at the time he needed the most. He felt indebted to her and today, he was there when she needed the most.


    What could it be if it isn''t fate?


    "Yes. It''s indeed fate we met.", Kyra said with a sweet smile. When she met Oliver at that time, she was confused about what she felt for her savior.


    Is it just gratitude or more than that? Do both of them really share a special bond or, was it simply her imagination? Did she really feel different towards him?


    These kinds of questions bothered her a lot and when she met Oliver, she realized that she and her savior didn''t have any special, one in a million bond as she thought.


    She felt the same type of special bond when she danced with Oliver.


    Even today, the sense of security she felt when he was with her just proved that it could happen with anyone if she holds them special in her heart.


    "Good night," she told him and after exchanging a few words, they parted their ways.


    When Kyra entered the house and everyone was sitting, waiting for her.


    They are worried about her and the recent traumatic episode she had made everyone even more worried about her.


    What if her traumatic episodes become frequent from now on?


    "Hi guys.", Kyra greeted them as she took a quick glance at the ten figures in the room who were now looking at her.


    "You fine, Ky?" Sofia, her best friend asked as she hurried towards Kyra and hugged her.


    Chloe, who is also her best friend, is worried but she is not the type of person to show physical affection in public so, she sat down, with her eyes intensely looking at Kyra.


    ''I am fine, Sofi. See, I am never this better." Kyra smiled, her happiness evident in her sparkling eyes.


    Everyone could only look at each other in confusion. Here, they are worried that she would break down as soon as she comes home but she is smiling instead!!


    "Mom, I think my little sis is going through some emotional stress. She is acting weird", Kyra''s fourth brother whispered to his mother.


    "I think the same." his identical twin, Kyra''s fifth brother agreed for the first time with his brother in ages.


    "Honey, there is no need to pretend like you are fine. We are your family and we are here to help you. Don''t try to be strong for us" This time her step father Charles spoke, kissing her forehead.


    "Dad, I am really fine. I was not fine before but I am totally fine now. Actually, I am happy," Kyra explained patiently.


    "Are you sure, Kyra?", her third brother William asked.


    "I am. Honestly, I am disappointed that I am not strong enough to face my biological mother but I realized that all I need is time and patience. I overcame my nightmares and I can overcome this as well." Kyra said with newly found optimism.


    Her words amazed everyone. She is not like this, not usually. When it comes to her past, her strong, stubborn nature morphs into a pessimistic and fearful one. But this time she doesn''t look that affected.


    "Fine. But please tell us immediately if anything happens.", her second brother said.


    "I promise.", Kyra smiled.


    "Tomorrow the twins are asking for camping. Is it okay for you, dear?", her mother asked Kyra after a few seconds.


    "It''s sunday and I don''t have any shifts in the hospital. So, I am free.", Kyra answered.


    "Tomorrow at 10 am?" her first brother, father of the twins asked.


    "Okay."  Kyra answered.


    -----------------


    "So, you were with Mr. Oliver till now?". Chloe asked as soon as Kyra came out from the bath.


    "Yep.", Kyra answered with a smile.


    "And??" Chloe enquired as she moved close to Kyra as they settled on the bed. Sofia just went to bathe, so they were alone.


    "He is that stranger I met at my twin''s birthday party a few weeks back. The highlight here is he felt our short meeting was special and the feelings we had were mutual. Even today, while I encountered my mother, he was there with me and I have to tell, he gave me a sense of protection which I thought was exclusive to me as a savior", Kyra filled her best friend.


    Chloe was excited that she wanted to interject in the middle but when she saw the sparkle in Kyra''s eyes and how her lips widened with a loving smile, she didn''t have the heart to do so. Instead, she observed how Kyra''s emotions  were morphing into.


    "Is that the reason why you are so happy now?"Chloe asked.


    "Of course." Kyra answered as she snuggled into her blanket and closed her eyes.


    Chloe smiled. ''It seems like Oliver impacts Kyra''s emotions more than I predicted.'' she thought inside. He was able to erase the after effects of trauma episodes in Kyra totally that she was smiling so happily.


    ''I hope you are her cure.'', she thought before closing her eyes.

 Chapter 40 - He Remembers Every Moment They Spent A Few Years Back

    The next day��


    It was almost ten in the morning when Kyra and others started.


    They are heading to the private camping site that is four hours away from the city. They will be staying overnight and will be returning the next morning. Though Kyra didn''t want her uncle to show partiality towards her, she made it an exception only for once and took a day off the next day.


    Twins wanted her to spend some more time, so she couldn''t say no.


    "Am I driving?" Kyra asked when no one except twins boarded her car.


    "Yes. For two hours you will be driving and the next two hours Oliver will be driving.", her first brother said.


    "What??", Kyra asked, shocked. She didn''t know that Oliver would be joining them.


    "Aunt Ky, we invited him. If you don''t want��" twins said at the same time, showing their sweet pouts and blinking their innocent and cute eyes.


    "No.. not a problem, pumpkins.", Kyra right away gave in. Who could resist the cute children? Well, she can''t.


    Twins smiled at each other in triumph.


    For now, their only and top most quest is to matchmake their favorite aunt and uncle.


    Kyra felt her heart beat erratically as soon as she realized that she would be driving in the same car as Oliver for four long hours. She doesn''t have a problem with the arrangement and in fact, she felt giddy and excited but she also felt nervous.


    She drove to Oliver''s apartment which is a penthouse in a skyscraper by following the GPS and by the time she reached, he was waiting outside with a hiking backpack. He is wearing a turtleneck, full sleeve T-shirt and nylon hiking pants. He was holding his jacket in his hands and was having his sunglasses on.


    He looked so handsome and charming that Kyra was stunned for a second but she quickly managed to regain her composure and alighted the car.


    "Hi.", she greeted and she clicked a button to open the trunk of the car.


    Meanwhile, just like always, Oliver was affected as well. It seems like no matter how Kyra get dressed, he would be affected by it.


    "Hi.", Oliver responded and placed his bag inside.


    After that they boarded the car at the same time.


    "Hi, little fellas. Just like you asked, I am here so don''t be angry anymore. Got it?" he asked them in a gentle tone.


    "We are not angry." the little boy said.


    "You came uncle Oli. You are forgiven", the little girl added.


    Kyra chuckled seeing their interaction. It looks like the twins have the almighty Oliver wrapped around their little fingers as well.


    "They are spoiled", Kyra whispered to him, looking at the twins from the mirror.


    "That''s true. But they deserve it.", Oliver responded in a faint tone, looking at the twins who are looking at Oliver and Kyra with sheer concentration.


    "Uncle Oli, Aunt Ky you are wearing matching outfits.", the girl noticed.


    "Yes. Just like mom and dad wore during our hikings.", the boy said, hiding his sadness as he remembered his deceased mother.


    Only when the boy spoke, did Kyra and Oliver notice it.


    "A coincidence again," Kyra said with a slight blush on her cheeks.


    Oliver chuckled in response as he looked into her hazel eyes. Kyra was soon attracted by his magnetic blue eyes and she couldn''t avert her eyes as well.


    Meanwhile, the twins smiled in victory.


    However, their happiness was short-lived as Matthew knocked on their window.


    Twins furrowed their eyebrows in disappointment while Kyra broke her eye contact and hurried to look at who it was.


    When Oliver noticed that it was his arch enemy Matthew, he narrowed his eyes.


    "Matt?" Kyra looked at Matthew with a questioning gaze.


    "I just wanted to tell you that you could swap the cars with Walter if you feel uncomfortable." Matthew told. All he wanted was to travel alone with Kyra.


    "No, aunt Ky. You have to travel with us," the twins interjected.


    Kyra pursed her lips and gave an apologizing smile. Oliver smirked at him. Twins blinked innocently at him.


    Matt was left speechless. Seeing these four people, he felt more and more like they are family.


    "OK then. Meet you all in four hours." he said and went back to his car in defeat.


    The more he wanted to separate Oliver and Kyra, the more they were bonding up. He couldn''t help but feel helpless and frustrated.


    Why should Oliver compete with him in each and every thing??


    ------------


    The four hours passed and they soon reached a beautiful mountainside. It is a private hiking spot exclusively for the people who own the mountainside villas there.


    As Oliver has one and so does Kyra''s first brother, they selected this spot. There will be no crowd and the twins can enjoy nature in peace.


    Oliver stopped at the security terminal to show the access card. Kyra was peacefully sleeping with her head leaning on the window. Even twins are asleep leaning on each other.


    After showing the access card and getting the access, Oliver looked at Kyra helplessly. He wanted to wake her up as they reached the destination but looking at her beautiful face, he didn''t have the heart to do it.


    She had a serene smile on her lips and her long eyelashes were gleaming under the warm sunlight. She is radiating with tranquility that he felt content looking at her. She gave him the feeling of calmness and bliss he was missing from a long time.


    A carefree smile reached his lips and subconsciously he tucked the strands of her hair behind her ear. His grey, stormy eyes turned gentle and he slightly caressed her cheek.


    Suddenly, he felt a vague memory but it disappeared as soon as it appeared.


    He was about to try to remember but Kyra woke up, still groggy. Oliver immediately retrieved his hand and pretended as if he did nothing.


    "We reached?" Kyra asked in her sleepy voice.


    Her voice was raspy and sexy that Oliver was taken off guard. He felt like he had heard the same line and same voice somewhere at sometime. But he is sure he never came across such a situation.


    Although he had a girlfriend, they were not intimate and to be frank, those memories he had with her are foggy and sometimes he feels like they were not that real.


    However, with Kyra, he remembers every moment they spent a few years back. He remembers how he felt for her everytime they crossed paths.


    She is so special in his heart and it started becoming more and more clear every time they had moments.


    "Yes, we reached..", he answered her in the gentle tone and a loving smile.

 Chapter 41 - You Are My Inspiration.

    The day passed in a blink of the eye. Everyone had fun and Kyra, Oliver bonded up quite well.


    After a long hiking, they decided to camp at the hill top. A few built the camp fire while the others worked on tents and preparing food.


    ________


    "An Awake craniotomy surgery?", Kyra asked in excitement. They just finished eating and we''re sitting around the bonfire, chatting and joking around.


    However, Oliver got an emergency phone call and it was about some emergency surgery.


    "Yes. It''s Dr. Green''s patient. He wants me to help him with it. You can scrub in if you want. It''s a good opportunity for you as you want to specialize in Craniotomy." Oliver responded.


    "I would love to join. It''s a good opportunity indeed.", Kyra answered immediately. She has seen a few awake brain surgeries before but, the more she assists, the more experienced she will become.


    "So you both have to go now?" Kyra''s mother asked after listening to all their conversation.


    She wanted to spend some time with her dear daughter but after seeing the excitement in her eyes she decided to let Kyra attend the surgery.


    "Yes, Mrs. Miller. The surgery is scheduled for early in the morning. We will be able to reach and have some rest only if we leave now.", Oliver answered.


    Kyra''s father looked at the sky and pursed his lips. It looked like it might rain as the weather took a sudden change this evening.


    "Be careful.", he said, handing the jeep''s keys to Oliver.


    "We will.", Oliver answered and looked at Kyra who was giving a hug to her mother and saying her farewell to others.


    "Let''s go?"he asked, taking both of their hiking bags in his hands.


    Kyra nodded her head and followed Oliver to the jeep.


    Just like that, in a few minutes they vanished from sight.


    "Aunt, Oliver is still a new person to Kyra. I think we shouldn''t believe Oliver so soon with her." Matthew said, reeking with jealousy already. Six to seven hours of long, night journey with Kyra is something to feel envious of.


    Sometimes wonders happen overnight and he didn''t want Kyra to have such a moment with Oliver, especially him.


    ------


    "It is looking like it will rain. Are the roads safe?" Kyra asked in worry as she looked at the sky.


    "Roads here are a little sloppy and it''s a mountain range. But, don''t worry. I drive very well.", Oliver said, giving her his signature smile.


    Kyra was in a trance for a few seconds but she quickly recovered from it and nodded her head.


    Looking at her reaction, Oliver let out a small laugh.


    "You always blush when I am there.", he said. With that, Kyra blushed more and it made Oliver laugh again.


    He doesn''t know why but he always felt conversing with Kyra was refreshing and interesting. He felt unrestrained with her as if they knew each other from years.


    "I don''t know. Maybe it was because you were my Teenage crush." Kyra said, pouting subconsciously.


    Even before she could notice, her bubbly side always resurfaces when Oliver was there with her. Just like him, she let her true self take action subconsciously.


    "Teenage crush?", Oliver asked, surprised. His brows slightly furrowed as the rain started to suddenly pour but his attention was on Kyra.


    "Yes. I was your fan even before you became a renowned doctor.", Kyra said, smiling at him as she rolled up the windows. The wind is heavy as well and as it''s night, the view of road is not clear as well


    When Oliver heard Kyra, he was even more surprised. He knows that she is his fan but he thought it only started when he created his own history as a doctor. He never thought that he had fans for a long time.


    "So, we met many years ago. I don''t..", before he could continue, Kyra interjected.


    "We didn''t meet. I saw you performing emergency treatment on some accident victims when I was sixteen. I was so inspired and that memory of you saving them was imprinted in my mind so much that it became a driving force for me to pursue medicine. So, you see, you are my inspiration", Kyra told him with a dazzling smile.


    "So, it''s very natural for me to blush in front of you. You are my idol!" she defended herself.


    Moreover, if she hadn''t got inspired by him to become a doctor, she would have studied whatever her biological mother would have suggested and if that would have happened, she might have never met her adopted family.


    She wouldn''t have been alive as well, who knows??


    "I am flattered, Kyra. I didn''t know I had this much of an impact on you. I am honored that I was the inspiration of a gifted doctor like you." Oliver said and he really meant it.


    "It is you who is flattering me now, Oliver." Kyra said, for the first time calling him with his first name. Not some Dr. Miller or Mr. Miller or sir.


    They were already talking casually with each other and with every passing day, the closeness they have is becoming stronger and stronger.


    That name sounded so, so familiar and pleasing to his ears that he was taken off guard for a split second. A strong memory from the back of his head has suddenly flooded his mind.


    He was kissing a forehead and the female voice very similar to Kyra''s called him Oliver.


    The remaining details of that memory are still foggy and he doesn''t even know who that girl is. He doesn''t know if it''s Kyra or not but what troubled him was, he couldn''t recollect that memory.


    "Oliver!!!" Kyra screamed when she saw a sports car racing on the road, dangerously closing towards them.


    Oliver in quick reflex escaped that sports car but because of the sloppy and wet roads, their jeep skidded off the road. No matter how much Oliver tried, the jeep didn''t regain it''s control but raced into the forest and because of the speed, slope of the mountain and wet mud, it flipped.


    After that, the jeep soon collided with a tree.


    With that, the window glasses broke and the engine started to smoke as well.


    Everything happened in seconds.


    Oliver opened his eyes, blood dripping from his forehead. Thanks to the airbag his injuries are only scratches and superficial.


    However, when he looked at Kyra, his heart almost stopped.


    She is unconscious and as her side of the car is the one which took the impact more than his, she has more injuries than his.

 Chapter 42 - Let Me Carry You.

    "Kyra, wake up!", he said in urgency as he patted her cheek gently. He didn''t shake her, afraid that there would be some internal injuries which he couldn''t detect now. Not without examining.


    But to his fear, Kyra didn''t move but just grunted in pain. She opened her eyes briefly but lost consciousness again.


    It could be because she hit her head on the side door during the accident. Thanks to seat belt, the head injury wouldn''t be that serious


    When Oliver noticed the smoking engine, his expression turned serious. They need to get out, now! He can wake her up after they are in safe distance from the jeep which might even blast anytime soon.


    He hastily struggled his way out of the upside jeep but he winced in pain as well. It seems like his legs are numb but he fought against them and hurried to Kyra''s side. He threw the door open and gently pulled Kyra out.


    The glass shreds have bruised her right arm and there were small lacerations on her right side of face as well. But thanks to the air bag, nothing much serious happened except for these few injuries.


    After successfully pulling her out without causing her any more pain he cautiously placed her on the ground and tried again to wake her up and Kyra did.


    "You okay?" he asked.


    "Yes. I am fine." Kyra answered in a faint tone.


    "Can you see properly?", he asked, moving his fingers slowly in front of her eyes.


    Kyra''s eyes followed his moments and Oliver sighed in relief. Thank God, she could hear and see properly. She sounded weak but not confused.


    After making sure that Kyra is fine, he was about to go to collect their bags and phones but the jeep''s engine erupted into flames. It soon reached all the parts of the jeep and it became unapproachable.


    "F.u.c.k", Oliver cursed looking at the jeep. His phone, Kyra''s phone, their luggage, everything is stuck in the jeep. How will they contact the outerworld now??


    He has only a small backpack which he accidentally kicked out of the jeep when he was making his way out of it.


    Left with no choice, he collected it and left the jeep.


    But the serious issue here is not that but the shelter. The rain is pouring like anything and the wind is terrible.


    He can''t risk exposing their wounds to water and dirt here. They must clean them up and cover them as soon as possible.


    But where will he get the first aid box now?


    Most importantly, he is worried about Kyra. What if she has hit her head harder than he imagined?


    What if there is an internal injury in the head?


    "Is your head hurting?" he asked Kyra as he kneeled next to her. She was now lying flat on the wet grass as they couldn''t move her carelessly.


    She was the one who had a direct impact when the car hit the tree and who knows what would have happened internally?


    "I feel okay. It hurts a little but I don''t think it''s serious. I was protecting my head with my arms, so it is just some small injury. Don''t worry about me", Kyra said with a smile, looking at his concerned face.


    She wanted to relax his creased forehead but she felt weak. Her body is not as strong as it looks. So, it''s not a surprise she fainted for a few moments.


    "How are you feeling? You are injured.", Kyra asked, looking at him. She extended her hand and moved the strands of his hair from sticking to his forehead wound.


    Oliver smiled and caressed her cheek subconsciously. "I am fine. It''s just a superficial wound.", he told her.


    Their eyes got interlocked and for a second no one made an attempt to ruin that moment. It was the heavy rain that disturbed them.


    "We need to get you somewhere safe," Oliver whispered to Kyra. As she fainted and she had an injury on her forehead, he didn''t want to take chances.


    After hearing him, Kyra tried to stand up but she felt light headed and weak.


    "Don''t move recklessly. Let me carry you." he told her and stopped her from making any further moments.


    Kyra didn''t trouble him anymore and nodded her head obediently.


    Oliver wore the backpack and he was about to hold her in princess style as it was convenient. But Kyra moaned in pain as soon as he wrapped his hand around her stomach to lift her up.


    Oliver instantly retraced his hand and with gentleness, he made her lay down again. "Your ribs. Are they hurting?" Oliver asked, examining it by pressing there a little bit.


    "Yes.", Kyra said, moving her hands to her stomach.


    It made him more worried. His face morphed into guilt and concern as he looked at her pained face. It''s his fault that she got into this accident. If only he would have been a little more careful!


    A helpless look flashed in his eyes.


    It''s midnight. It''s raining and they are in the middle of the forest with injuries and no cars.


    Suddenly, an idea came to his mind. He just saw a board before the accident and it mentioned the name of the region they are currently in.


    If his memory serves right, he remembers that there is an old guest house nearby.


    He saw it when he came here last time. His sister told him that it was a small and old guest house and she insisted on going there as there will be fireflies at night.


    So, he remembers the way and it is around a quarter of a mile from here. Although it is a little far, it is the only choice they have.


    First of all, they need a roof on their heads and secondly, he needs to bandage Kyra''s and his injuries. Later, he needs to examine whether Kyra has any internal injuries or not. Then, they had to wait patiently for his rescue team to arrive.


    Yes, his rescue time.


    The jeep had a tracker and it should have already alerted his people before blasting. They will be here anytime soon. But he could only hope that the network didn''t go down because of this rain.


    However, it would take a minimum five hours to reach here by road.. Because of this weather, they can''t use choppers and have to take the road.

 Chapter 43 - How Do You Know That??

    By the time Oliver carried Kyra to that guest house they were soaking wet.


    There was no furniture in that one bedroom house. Only an old sofa.


    It looked like a haunted house from outside but Oliver stepped inside hurriedly and removed the white cover on the sofa and deposited Kyra on it.


    Kyra was asleep by that time. She was talking with him as they walked but she was yawning in the middle and he knew that she just fell asleep.


    Not fainted. He made sure of that...


    First of all, Oliver went to search for the first aid box, hoping that he will find one. Fortunately, he found it in the backpack he carried here.


    He didn''t delay anymore and he first tended to Kyra''s arms and forehead cleaning those lacerations and then bandaiding it. However, he stopped midway.


    She has lacerations on top of her chest as well because of the glass shards from the window''s glasses. And she has to change her clothes too as they are too wet and she might get cold.


    Oliver wanted to wake her up and he tried to do so, but Kyra seemed so tired that she refused to wake up. He is left with no option...


    He did hesitate at first but after contemplating, he decided to clean those wounds and examine her swelling on her waist. If it is something serious he has to react fast, right?


    This is the first time he is changing the clothes of a woman. But he took a deep breath and then unbuttoned the first few buttons of her shirt, just enough to see her injuries.


    Though her cleavage is visible it didn''t attract much of his attention as he is more worried about her. However, he stopped midway when he saw a tattoo on her shoulder. It is a tattoo of three butterflies flying towards her shoulder blade.


    The tattoo is beautiful but what stopped him is not its beauty but it''s because of its familiarity.


    Why Kyra has the same tattoo as his first love whose name is by ''coincidence'' Kyra as well.


    But he didn''t get much time to dwell on that topic. It''s getting chilly and because of that and the wet clothes, Kyra started to shiver.


    Afraid that she would get cold, he could only push his questions aside and quickly mend her remaining injuries.


    Ans, after examining her stomach, he came to the conclusion that her swelling is just superficial. Only after that he sighed in relief.


    He wanted to wake her up as she needed to change her shirt but his efforts were in vain. She is in a deep sleep. He was left with no option this time as well.


    He has to find some dry clothes for Kyra as he can''t leave her topless. But somehow, he felt like Kyra wouldn''t appreciate wearing someone else''s clothes, especially the clothes which are not recently washed.


    So, he didn''t try to search for clothes in this old house and he also knew that even if he searched, he wouldn''t find it.


    Fortunately there was a blanket in the backpack he carried. The backpack had a blanket, water bottle and the first aid box he just used.


    Quickly, he wrapped her in the blanket and after making sure she was totally covered, he sat down on the floor to tend to his own injuries.


    Fortunately, he didn''t have as many glass cuts as Kyra because It was Kyra''s side of the car that took the most of the impact.


    While he was busy with his injuries, Kyra woke up.


    She fell into a deep sleep when she was in Oliver''s warm embrace and only woke up now.


    She had no energy left and as it was chilly she couldn''t bring herself to wake up but after she got wrapped in a warm blanket, she felt a little better and woke up by herself.


    "Need help?", she asked in a hoarse voice.


    "You woke up." Oliver said in surprise. He didn''t expect her to wake up this soon as she looked pretty exhausted. She was yawning from the beginning of the journey.


    "I can''t sleep well during rain." she said as she hugged herself. It was only when she realized that she had nothing on her upper body except her bra.


    "I had to clean your wounds and check the swelling on your stomach. You didn''t wake up so I had to do it myself", he told her, noticing her confusion.


    Kyra nodded her head in understanding. She felt a little guilty that she troubled him again but she didn''t forget to notice how deep her sleep was when she was in his embrace or when he was around her.


    It''s like she subconsciously lowered her guards that she felt safe and unconcerned even when he was removing her top.


    She, by default, hates any physical contact that she was always alert when people were around her. She only let her guards down near the people she trusts the most.


    So, is Oliver the one among them?


    "There was an old t shirt of your size in the closet but I thought you wouldn''t like to wear other''s clothes.", he added further, so that she wouldn''t misunderstand him for leaving her topless like this.


    Kyra was surprised as not many people know about this habit of hers. She never told others as they would think that she is arrogant but the truth is she might develop rashes if those clothes smell or feel repulsive. It is one of her trauma effects.


    So, she only wears the clothes that were properly and freshly washed. She, most of the time, prefers to wear the clothes she owns.


    "How do you know that?" Kyra asked in surprise as she is sure that she didn''t tell it to anyone except her adopted mother/ personal therapist.


    Yes, not even her brothers.


    So, she is sure that she didn''t mention it anywhere for Oliver to find out.


    "I don''t know. I just felt like you wouldn''t appreciate it.." Oliver answered her, band aiding the last wound on his arm.

 Chapter 44 - Fatal Attraction Between Them...

    Kyra was surprised but nodded her head. She somehow believed him��


    There was a silence for a few moments as Oliver finished with his first aid and placed their wet clothes to dry near the window.


    Later he sat down on the floor, shirtless as there is nothing to cover himself with.


    He shivered a little and it didn''t miss Kyra''s eyes. It was when she noticed that they have nothing in this house to make themself warm except for the blanket she is wrapped with.


    Warmth spread across her heart.


    How Oliver placed her above himself made her feel warm and lucky. He is her idol and not many people get an opportunity like this. Mostly no one��


    "We can share the blanket you know.", she said in that elated moment, not thinking about anything else.


    Oliver raised his eyebrow in amusement and surprise. She has nothing on, except for her bra and he was topless. Sharing a same blanket means practically sitting so close to each other that their bodies will be in contact intimately.


    "You sure, Kyra?" he asked in his sexy tone with a raised eyebrow that Kyra blushed immediately.


    She could feel butterflies fluttering in her stomach��


    Looking at her red face, Oliver chuckled and didn''t tease her anymore. Truth to be told, he realized that Kyra is not someone who allows people easily into her life.


    He is lucky enough that she got comfortable with him easily. He didn''t want to push it anymore, taking her trust in him as granted.


    Kyra covered her face with her palms and that made Oliver chuckle.


    The pitter- patter of the rain coupled with the earthly scent filled the air with pleasant and sweet vibes.


    Kyra closed her eyes with a smile on her lips. She doesn''t know why but she felt happy and peaceful, despite the pain in her head and abdomen.


    Oliver''s company always made her happy and it did wonders on her.


    "You have a cold body and staying like this, you might catch a cold. Are you really fine with staying like this?", Kyra asked after some time, concerned.


    "I don''t have a cold body," Oliver said. He tried his best to hide it as it might put Kyra in an awkward and guilty position. They only have one blanket and she is using it��


    "You do. Don''t lie, Oliver.", Kyra said, calling him by his name for the second time.


    It made Oliver''s heart flutter and a warm smile formed on his face, despite the cold freezing his body.


    "Why are you smiling? See, you are freezing!", Kyra said as she touched his shoulder, now seriously worried.


    "I like it when you call me by my name, Kyra and, how do you know that I have a cold body. I was not shivering now. Yet you found out." Oliver asked, looking at her.


    It often made him wonder how they know about each other so much though they have known each other personally for only a few days.


    Kyra felt her cheeks redden when Oliver said that he likes it when she calls him by her name.


    Oliver is her favorite name since childhood and she doesn''t know why, not yet. She likes how it rolls out of my tongue.


    "I don''t know. Maybe I sensed that you had a cold body when you were carrying me. And�� thanks for everything." Kyra thanked him.


    "I should be apologizing to you, Kyra. If not for me, you wouldn''t be in this accident.", Oliver said with pursed lips.


    "You didn''t see this coming. Don''t apologize. And, I am thanking you for everything. Not only for today.", Kyra said.


    Oliver raised his eyebrow, confused. However, remembering that he is the one who inspired her to become a doctor, he nodded his head with a smile.


    Their eyes met and everything around them faded. They kept staring into each other''s eyes and the environment around them heartened up.


    The sudden lightning that has struck the sky made Oliver shiver, disrupting the love bubble that was developing around them.


    Lightning makes him nervous and shiver. He feels as if his heart is weighing down on him..


    In simple words, he feels sad and gloomy.


    It didn''t miss Kyra''s eyes and it made her guilty and concerned.


    "If you don''t warm your body now you wouldn''t be able to perform surgery in the morning. Health comes first so, let''s share the blanket.", Kyra said, sitting up on the couch to make a place for him to sit beside her.


    Oliver was freezing already and was reluctant at first because he didn''t want to make Kyra uncomfortable. After listening to her genuine words, he didn''t refuse anymore.


    As soon as he wrapped the blanket around him, Kyra shivered because of the coldness his body was emitting.


    "Why did you endure for so long? Mr. Miller, you are putting your health at risk.", Kyra chided.


    She didn''t know why but she felt so concerned that she didn''t realize that she was scolding him.


    Listening to her words, Oliver smiled warmly.


    Except for his sister and his best friend, no one dared to scold him like this but, it didn''t feel repulsive when it came for Kyra now.


    In contrast, he could sense the genuine concern in her words which warmed his heart.


    They care for each other to the extent that they placed each other above them.


    They know about each other as if they have known each other for years. This only implies that they understand each other and could tell what is going on in their minds.


    They feel special about each other and in the brief time they have spent, they become close to each other subconsciously.


    Despite their constant effort to stay professional with each other, the fatal attraction between them is so strong that it made each other reconsider their preferences.


    Oliver, who took an oath to stay single, started to like getting close to Kyra.


    Kyra who was stubborn not to date any man till she met her savior is loving Oliver''s company so much that she started wavering....

 Chapter 45 - Open Hearted Conversation

    "You don''t like physical contact, so I didn''t want to force you to share the blanket and do something that is not comfortable to you.", Oliver honestly answered.


    Kyra felt touched by his consideration. It made her wonder again how he knows this much about her.


    It also made her nervous as this trait of hers is not appreciated for surgeons like her. What would he think about her??


    "People have their preferences, Kyra. I have seen how you have put all these things aside when it comes to your work. You will make a good surgeon." Oliver said, as if he could read her like an open book.


    Kyra smiled gratefully. Listening to this from her idol means a lot to her.


    "I have many flaws. I am working on them", she said, suddenly feeling to express her heart out, which she doesn''t do often.


    "No one is perfect. You are already one step ahead, working on them openly. I think you are doing a great job." Oliver told her.


    "I had many flaws as well. For instance, I was afraid of blood when I started pursuing medicine. I had a hard time but eventually I overcame that fear.", he told her.


    He doesn''t talk about it much but it started after his parents died in a car accident. Seeing them surrounded by a pool of blood made him fear it.


    It took time but he overcame it. The result is what matters.


    "You must have had a hard time." Kyra said, looking at the rain from the window. She had a hard time as well when she joined Oxford.


    She couldn''t concentrate on her studies and she was scared of the new people so much that she had a hard time interacting with them.


    She got bullied for being meek and asocial.


    She didn''t have any friends or any relatives to rely on. It was very hard on her and she even thought of giving up but again, her savior helped her.


    He referred to her adopted mother and she took her under her wing and started giving her therapy. It was her turning point but even during then, she had many hardships.


    "I did. While pursuing medicine, I was not the top student. I had to manage my family business, look after my little sister and I had my plates full. Besides this, I was afraid of blood and trauma and emergency ward patients.", he told her with a smile.


    "But you overcame everything and now, you are one of the top five neurosurgeons." Kyra said, proud of him.


    "And, you will as well. Work hard." he encouraged her.


    Kyra nodded her head enthusiastically.


    Oliver smiled back and patted her head. He strongly believed that Kyra would become a great surgeon.


    Kyra blushed a little as his gesture is sweet and touching.


    "You blush a lot Kyra. I didn''t expect you to be a person who blushes a lot" he laughed. He resisted his urge to pinch her red cheeks though they looked so cute.


    Kyra hid her face with her palm and shook her head in embarrassment. "Should you really mention that?" she asked.


    Oliver laughed. He felt his heart lighten and refresh looking at Kyra who looked kind of cute now.


    "I was just curious." Oliver told her.


    "I didn''t know that I would be able to blush this much. It could be that you are my idol. I am acting like this.", she told him.


    Oliver didn''t say anything and let out a small yawn. It is midnight and he is warm enough now because of the blanket that he started feeling cozy enough to relax and sleep. Kyra''s body was warm and it was emitting heat that was enough to heat his cold body.


    Even Kyra blinked her sleepy eyes. Under the circumstances like this, she wouldn''t be able to sleep at all but as she is with Oliver, she felt secure enough to let her guards down.


    "Kyra, can I ask you something?" Oliver asked, all of a sudden, stirring her curiosity.


    "Sure. Ask out.", she answered.


    "The tattoo on your shoulder. Was it famous?" he asked her. It is still bothering him how his first love and Kyra had the same tattoo''s.


    Kyra was taken off guard for a second as this is something totally out of the context she was expecting.


    "It was.", Kyra answered.


    "You remember my friend Sofia right?" she asked.


    Oliver hummed in response.


    "She is a famous model and six years back, when she got it for herself, many of her fans got it as a token of support. I got this tattoo two years back because Sofia didn''t let me go till I got it. My other best friend Chloe got it too for the sake of Sofia" Kyra explained.


    Oliver nodded his head. He saw the same tattoo on his first love''s shoulder too but it was around five years back. ''It seems like a coincidence'' he thought and didn''t think any further.


    They chatted for a little while, not anything particular but interesting enough to converse with.


    They realized that they have many similar things to continue the conversation and if not because they are exhausted, they would have continued talking.


    While talking, Kyra dozed off, her head resting on Oliver''s shoulders.


    It made Oliver smile. He didn''t know why but he felt so happy looking at her now. It made him want to pamper her, dote on her like a princess.


    But, he knows that he can''t cross the boundaries even though Kyra is comfortable with him. She trusts him and that is the reason she is herself in front of him. He didn''t want to spoil that.


    However, he realized one thing. He is falling for her.


    And, he didn''t resist it and surprisingly, he is fine with it.


    Oliver fixed the blanket around them so that she wouldn''t be cold. After that he stared at her face. He couldn''t get enough of it as she looked so peaceful and carefree while she was asleep.


    "What did you do to me?" he whispered to her, caressing her cheek.


    When Kyra felt his touch, she snuggled against him subconsciously and a stunning smile appeared on her face.

 Chapter 46 - This Woman Here Could Soon Become Their Madam.

    Oliver didn''t know when he slept but he woke up when he heard the noise around the house.


    The first thing he noticed was his and Kyra''s position. She was having her arms wrapped around his waist and her face wad resting on his left shoulder.


    She had a pleasant smile as if she was dreaming something blissful.


    Instantly, his face turned gentle and a doting smile reached his lips.


    Subconsciously, he brushed the strands of her hair that were obstructing his view. He tucked them behind her ear and then, he fixed the blanket around her.


    If there was an onlooker, he or she could have mistaken them as a loving couple.


    Oliver''s gestures were that caring and gentle.


    "Sir?", a voice from the door disturbed Oliver''s flow.


    Hearing the familiar voice, Oliver turned his head towards the source of the voice and as predicted, it was his secretary/ personal assistant Roger.


    Meanwhile, Roger was in sheer shock.


    Well, no one can blame that poor guy at the door. How could he have predicted that his sir was having a female company, that to at this time?


    Moreover, their upper body clothes were hanging near the window, making it obvious that inside the blanket, they had none but a thin cloth separating their upper bodies.


    That was shocking enough for the poor secretary but God had no mercy on him.


    His eyes would have popped out of the sockets if it was literally possible and it is because he didn''t miss the scene where his boss was caring for the woman who had her face comfortably snuggled against his chest.


    Roger''s astonishment reached the next level when he realised that the woman in his boss''s arms is none other than Kyra, the one who shouldn''t have gotten this close to his sir.


    "Got any extra pair of clothing for me?" Oliver asked the stupefied assistant in a hushed tone as he didn''t have the heart to wake up Kyra with Lou''s noises��


    "I got two pairs, sir." Roger answered, managing to sound normal.


    "Bring them fast." Oliver ordered.


    Though they are wrapped in a blanket, it is not enough to cover them totally. The soon they get dressed warmly, the better...


    Still baffled, Roger stumbled his way to the car and brought the bag which had two pairs of white shirts and grey pants.


    "Wait outside. We will be there in ten minutes." Oliver said in a low voice and he only woke Kyra after they were left alone.


    Kyra never had a peaceful sleep such as now, at least not from years. There were no nightmares, no unpleasant feelings. Simply put, she had the deep, pleasant sleep she didn''t have for years


    She didn''t want to wake up as she felt very comfortable and cozy. In a habit, she snuggled against her ''pillow'' and tightened her grip on her human sized ''teddy bear''.


    "When did you become hot and toned, Mr. Hotty?" she asked, touching the hard chest of Oliver who is now looking at her with an amused surprise.


    But he understood that she is referring to her soft toy, a Panda which she hugs to sleep. He doesn''t know how he could tell that it is a Panda bear but strangely, he is sure that it''s a panda soft toy.


    "I guess Mr. Hotty you are talking about is not me." Oliver whispered in Kyra''s ears, making her eyes fly open in shock and realization.


    "Oliver", she gasped, taken off guard after registering what just happened.


    Why is she embarrassing herself again and again in front of him, her idol?


    He would be thinking that she is a perfect epitome of pervert now!!


    "I�� I��" Kyra tried to explain herself but no words came out of her mouth. She simply didn''t know how to explain her previous words.


    Oliver laughed looking at her. He had an urge to pinch her cheeks but resisted it in and stood up, cautious enough to make a blanket stay put around Kyra.


    Kyra blushed even more.


    First of all, it''s his topples, toned and sexy body that made her blush.


    Second, it was her realization how intimate their positions had been till now. They were cuddling each other till now!!


    Oliver took a glance at now in trance Kyra and let out a chuckle. He used to frown in disgust if any woman stared at his body like this. But with Kyra, he felt like showing off more and impressing her like this.


    He wore the newly brought shirt, taking his time while he gave a free show to Kyra.


    Once he was finished, he squatted at her side of the couch and snapped his fingers in front of her face, bringing her back from her dreamland.


    With a teasing smile, he handed her the other pair of dry clothes.


    "Your top is still wet. Wear these clothes for the time being." he told her and then left the house closing the door on his way out.


    By the time Kyra returned to normal, she was alone in the house.


    Her whole face reddened in embarrassment.


    "Ahhh!! You stupid Kyra! It is not like this is the first time you are seeing a handsome man shirtless!! Stop staring!" Kyra scolded herself as she changed her clothes.


    Though they are oversized, Kyra managed to wear them. Getting dry clothes is a big deal for now.


    After ten minutes, Kyra knocked from inside, signalling Oliver that he can come inside.


    And, as soon as Oliver saw Kyra in his clothes, he felt happy and satisfied. It surprised him but he pushed that thought aside as he still has to change his pants.


    As Kyra was in the room earlier, he didn''t get to change. And, he wanted her to change first as he is worried about her more than him.


    "Heater is turned on in the car. Warm yourself first. I will join you later.", he told her with a gentle smile.


    Kyra nodded her head and Oliver subconsciously patted her hair.


    Their interaction shocked everyone outside.


    It was already a huge shock when they found out that their sir had female company.


    It escalated to the next level witnessing their PDA. And, that woman is wearing their sir''s clothes��


    Some of their thoughts took a detour to what would have happened between their sir and the woman tonight.


    Others wondered how their sir could care for a woman like this. They have never seen it before, excluding his sister, their young miss.


    But, one thing was clear for all of them.


    This woman here could soon become their madam.

 Chapter 47 - Who Would Have Thought That Their Relationship Will Advance At This Rate??

    "Take us to my research institutes first.", Oliver ordered as soon as he got into the car.


    Kyra looked at him with a questioning gaze.


    She didn''t forget that they have a surgery to perform. It is already early in the morning now and they would be able to reach only if they drive fast without any detours.


    "Though we both are fine now, we can''t ignore the fact that we were in an accident. Most importantly, you.", Oliver said to Kyra, reading her thoughts.


    "But, I am fine. Aren''t I?" Kyra complained. She badly wanted to attend that surgery. If not as a surgeon, at least as an onlooker.


    "Kyra, you fainted last night, remember? That means you had a head injury during the accident. It''s for your own safety I am telling you to have a check up.", Oliver said to her in a gentle tone, concern evident in his eyes.


    After a few seconds, Kyra gave up. "Fine. But you should too. Though you didn''t faint, you were in an accident too." Kyra told Oliver.


    Hearing her words, Oliver smiled warmly at her. He could see the concern in her eyes and that warmed his heart.


    Now, he understood what it feels like to have a woman in his life. The genuine one who really cares for him��


    "For you, I will", he answered in a flow. It made the driver and Roger almost cough blood.


    This PDA is still new to them!!!


    Even Kyra was taken off guard but she smiled instead. Though this is totally new to her, it felt so good to hear that the sudden sense of immense bliss flooded into her heart.


    Oliver took a glance at Kyra, not sure how she would react. After all, she is afraid of fast paced relationships and his word''s made it sound like he is wooing her.


    But seeing her smile, his lips curved up into a full blown smile as well.


    The pink bubble around them was too obvious that the certain singles in the front couldn''t take the sweetness.


    They could only share a glance and sigh. For Roger, it was more than a shock.


    More than this sudden surprise, he is more worried about what would happen once Oliver''s grandfather finds out about this.


    Thinking about it, Roger shivered. It is a tough road ahead. Not only for Oliver but for him as well.


    Before taking a vacation, Oliver''s grandfather, Chairman Miller asked him to keep an eye on Oliver and Kyra.


    And, he did. But who would have thought that their relationship will advance at this rate??


    Besides that, he was not able to keep an eye on Kyra as her family is here. If they find out someone is spying into their precious princess''s life, it would lead to the worst consequences.


    Roger felt his head go haywire looking at Oliver and Kyra who were having a loving smile plastered to their faces.


    Though they are sitting on either side of the car, their hands which are resting on the car seat are brushing each other''s. But neither of them made an effort to retreat.


    Roger felt like crying in helplessness.


    A day before yesterday, that was before the charity event, Oliver and Kyra were still in last name bases. Something which was happening from the time Kyra joined the hospital.


    During the charity event, they paired up. Though they looked a little close, it was something natural and professional for co workers.


    So, he didn''t feel like their relationship was progressing out of the ordinary. However, he reported it to Oliver''s grandfather.


    The old man told him to be extra watchful.


    However, who would have thought that Kyra''s and Oliver''s proximity would take a steep turn just with a single walk in the park. So, Roger didn''t predict it as well.


    The next day, which was yesterday, they became casual and friendly towards each other.


    But, Kyra was still calling him Mr. Miller and sometimes by mistake she was about to call him Oliver but stopped herself.


    He thought that it was not something too alarming to disturb the old man. Oliver and Kyra were not at work so, it was natural for them to talk a little casually.


    After all they are the Godmother and Godfather of the twins. Simply put, family friends.


    Besides that, they were having a weekend trip and it would be awkward to call each other Dr. Miller or Dr. Lopez.


    But, just on this single night, in a few hours, they have become too close that they are openly caring for each other and are calling each other with their names so comfortably.


    It was as if their relationship escalated to a next level.


    Roger didn''t know how that old man would take this information.


    He knows how much that old man hates Kyra. The last thing he would agree to, is this relationship, which is looking like it would progress anytime soon.


    He sighed and could only pray to the almighty that the old man wouldn''t explode because of this news.


    --------

 Chapter 48 - It Is Already Heart Touching For You To Do It For Me

    After a couple of hours or more, the car entered the huge gates. It was still pouring and the climate was gloomy. If not because of this bad weather, they would have taken a chopper.


    Kyra and Oliver were working in the car. Oliver is examining all the files related to the patient as a standard procedure and Kyra is researching more about the surgery Oliver will be performing today.


    They would discuss it once in a while and like before, their rhythm was in sync as if their thought processes are the same. For Roger and the driver, they looked more like a couple who works together than the co-workers who know each other just from a few days.


    The understanding they have towards each other was that obvious and it of course gave away the feeling as if they know each other from years, however, in reality, they have only known each other for days.


    "I am missing such an awesome surgery.", Kyra said in disappointment as the car drove into the huge compound of Oliver''s own research institute.


    "If you are totally fine, you could return to the hospital as soon as possible.", Oliver told Kyra with a small smile on his lips. Looking at her, he found himself in her. That curiosity, that passion in her is similar to his when he was in the same stage.


    "I might not be able to scrub in even if I return as soon as my tests are done. I will get to sit in the gallery and observe, but it''s fine. Something is better than nothing.", she told him.


    Oliver smiled and nodded his head.


    "If you don''t get to see the whole surgery, I will bring the recorded video of the surgery for you to see, okay? Now, don''t be so disappointed." he told her in a doting tone that made the two persons in front almost puke their blood.


    First thing, Oliver hates to share the video of his surgery with others. He prioritizes his patient''s privacy the most. Second thing, they never saw him doting towards anyone, not even his sister. Only they know how short tempered Oliver is.


    Hearing his words, Kyra smiled brightly. She nodded her head happily.


    "Thanks, Oliver.", she told him. His sweet voice made Oliver''s heart beat faster.


    She would have gone to the hospital itself for the checkup but she knows that it would risk exposing her closeness to Oliver.


    No matter how cautiously they act, one or other person will notice them. Not only that but if she and Oliver appear at the same time with the same kind of injuries, it wouldn''t take much time to understand what happened.


    It would lead to some disgusting rumors about her and him and Kyra knows the best about the politics that will be played if it happens. She didn''t want to ruin his and her reputation��


    Mainly his as it is his hospital and his years of hard work is poured into building a reputation there. She didn''t want to be a reason for others to talk low about him.


    "Don''t thank me. It''s not that tough.", Oliver told her. But in reality, it is. This is the VIP patient and getting his consent is not that easy. And, if anything related to his surgery leaks, Oliver will be held accountable for it. It will smear his name.


    "It''s not easy. I know.", Kyra told him. She already knows the inside out of every procedure in the hospital. She is a surgeon too��


    "I can ask the patient. He wouldn''t say no to me", Oliver said.


    "It''s fine if he disagrees. Don''t insist on it. I can understand. I am a surgeon too." Kyra said with a smile.


    "It is already heart touching for you to do it for me.", she said, actually touched by his consideration.


    Oliver smiled. Strangely, his decision on getting the recorded video strengthened despite Kyra''s words. It is only when he understood that he could never bear to see Kyra sad or disappointed.


    Meanwhile, the people at the front couldn''t take the dog food anymore. It''s so much to handle for them. Oliver wants to make Kyra happy while Kyra doesn''t want him to get into trouble because of her.


    ''Putting each other''s happiness and comfort over theirs. So sweet and touching for stubborn people like them. It''s a shame that their relationship will never sail smoothly.'' Roger thought, actually feeling bad for them. Looking at him like this, smiling and actually caring for others, he could tell that this is a good thing for Oliver.


    But he also knows that she is not a good option for Oliver in the long run if they see a bigger picture. Roger could only sigh and convince himself that Old man is right.


    --------


    "The institute is very big and advanced.", Kyra noticed as soon as they entered. Everyone here has signed confidentiality agreements and they wouldn''t dare to disclose what happened here. That means, her trip here with Oliver will remain under the wraps.


    "Not more than your father''s research institute in London.", Oliver told her. Her adopted father is his role model and Idol. It always made him smile whenever he thought about how his idol''s daughter became his fan.


    "It is his thirty years of continuous hard work. You just started yours and you are already doing a lot better. You will reach his level very soon." Kyra told him and she actually meant it.


    Her father''s achievements makes her proud everytime she thinks about it. She always admired him but now, Oliver is making her even more proud and she actually started to admire Oliver more.


    "Are you saying that I am better than him to you?"Oliver whispered in her ear in a playful tone. But it made him very happy and she inspired him to work even more harder. Her compliments and admiration made him feel like his hard work is bearing its fruits��


    Kyra was left speechless. His playful tone near her ear made her cheeks blush.


    "That''s a dangerous question and I am going to pretend like I didn''t hear it.", Kyra said with an equal playfulness which made Oliver laugh.


    Kyra joined it as well.


    Looking at them, everyone was left speechless and utterly shocked. They never saw Oliver bring a girl with him except his sister and his best friend.. More shocking than that is, they found out that their boos Oliver is actually capable of smiling and joking aroun.

 Chapter 49 - Just Say That You Want To Spend Some Time With Her

    After he handed Kyra''s responsibility to one of his trusted subordinates, Oliver left. He didn''t have time to accompany her, otherwise, he would have surely done it.


    He really wanted to be by her side and if possible, show her around the research institute and spend some time with her.


    However, there is a life at stake and he must rush there as soon as possible. Otherwise, he would have preferred to stay by her side and personally take care of her.


    Driving for another hour, Oliver reached the hospital and by that time most of the preparations for the surgery were already done. However, after seeing Oliver covered in bandages, there was a pin drop silence in the hall. All the surgeons and fellows are already present and after noticing Oliver like that, they could only worry.


    Some started to gossip about what would have happened to him while some others started to worry about his condition.


    "He said he was camping when Dr. Green called him yesterday night.", the fellow under Dr. Green whispered to other fellows.


    "Maybe he got into an accident while driving back,'''' another fellow said. "I heard there was a heavy cyclone on the northside of the city,'''' she added.


    "It''s good that Oliver is fine. God! He looks sexy even with the injuries and the messy look. See that sexy hair and fierce eyes.", Teressa said, looking totally infatuated.


    "Yes..yes. He looks seducing with the messy hair and casual outfit. However, it''s sad that he has few injuries", her friend said in disappointment. .


    Oliver has just entered the surgery department and many people have already swarmed around him, asking if he is fine and whether he will be able to perform the surgery.


    However, before he could answer, the president of the hospital rushed towards him, concern and fear evident in his eyes.


    As soon as he approached Oliver, he asked in a hurry. "Is Kyra fine? We couldn''t reach either of your phones. We were so worried about you both. Where is she, now? Are her injuries serious?"


    Those questions brought silence across the room.


    Who is Kyra? Is she so important that the president himself rushed here to ask about her whereabouts? Not only that, but instead of asking about Oliver''s condition, he right away jumped to Kyra''s condition.


    Besides that, what is she doing with Oliver during the accident? Most importantly, what is her relationship with him and the president??


    "She is fine. You couldn''t reach her because our phones got destroyed in the previous night''s accident. She had some injuries but not very serious ones. Currently, she is having her check up in my research institute."


    "You can contact my assistant to get into touch with her now. And. he will be taking her back after she is done with the check up. So, don''t worry much", Oliver answered everything in one go. But the concern in his eyes is too evident that it increased everyone''s curiosity.


    Hearing his answer and witnessing the concern in Oliver''s eyes, a mini storm brewed among the group.


    So, he and that girl are travelling together at night?? So, they were having a private camping trip before Dr. Green called him to assist with the surgery. They met with an accident while driving back and had an accident.


    Now, he dropped her at his research institute just for a simple, routine checkup!? That research institute is for advanced research not for some basic tests!! So, is that woman so special that she opted to go for some advanced research facilities rather than the international hospitals like this one?


    These types of questions filled everyone''s minds. They are nosy than usual because they have never seen Oliver with a girl. Now, hearing these directly from him made everyone curious.


    "Thank God�� Thank God. You guys are fine.", the president sighed in relief and wiped away the sweat on his forehead after getting Oliver''s assurance.


    As soon as the cyclone started, Kyra''s family went to the nearby cottage houses which accommodate the guests. They tried to call her but there was no signal at her side. After a while, they had network issues and it got solved only a while back.


    As soon as they got their phone signals back, they tried to call Kyra and Oliver but none of them answered the call. It made everyone anxious as the cyclone was intense��


    They have also heard that these mountain roads are dangerous and many accidents take place here, especially during rainy nights. As they could not reach her even after many attempts, they gave a call to him, the president of the hospital.


    It took almost half an hour for him to get the news about the accident. By the time he conveyed it to Kyra''s family, Oliver arrived.


    "After surgery, I would like to take a day off.", Oliver said.


    "Are you tired and want to catch some sleep?" the president / his Godfather asked.


    "I had a good night''s sleep the previous night. I want to go back to the research institute and give a tour to Kyra, if her tests come back normal.", Oliver answered his God father while he skimmed through the recent test results of the patient.


    "Just say that you want to spend some time with her.", his godfather said with a chuckle.


    "Didn''t I say the same?? Now, give me some time to fresh up. In the meantime contact Roger and ask how Kyra''s tests are going on." Oliver said. Although he knows that Kyra didn''t have any major injuries to worry about, he couldn''t bring himself to do that.


    It felt strange for him to act like this but, his emotions are simply not in his control anymore. All he could think now is Kyra!!

 Chapter 50 - Worried About Her...

    By the time Oliver is done with surgery it was afternoon. Due to some complications, the surgery duration has extended, however, the most important thing is that they were able to remove the tumor from the brain without affecting vision, speech and movement.


    "Did Kyra come with you?"Oliver asked his assistant, Roger as soon as he came out of the operation theatre. His thoughts were revolving around Kyra even during surgery.


    Moreover, she said that she would come back to the hospital if her scans come back normal but he didn''t see her in the gallery. It made him worry that her scans are not favorable.


    "No sir. Miss Kyra had a brain concussion and she also suffered from seat belt syndrome. Her abdominal pain is because of the excessive force applied by the seat belt on her chest and abdomen during the accident."


    "Fortunately there was no internal bleeding or bruises however there was a slight swelling because of the muscle strains. She shouldn''t physically exhaust herself for a week and she will be fine", Roger gave the total info as he handed Kyra''s reports.


    Oliver nodded his head as he looked at her reports. He didn''t know why but he felt his heart was very heavy and suffocating after hearing this. He couldn''t help but worry about her.


    "Where is she now?" Oliver asked, concern evident in his face.


    "We met her family halfway while returning to Miss Kyra''s house. They picked her up from there.", he answered.


    "Clear all my schedule for this evening and help me apply for a half day at the hospital,'''' Oliver ordered Roger. All he wants now is to go and see her.


    Though he didn''t understand why he is overreacting now, he didn''t try to resist it. He didn''t want to do it as well and that was because he realized from their previous interactions that she holds a very special place in his heart.


    "Sir, there are some emergency cases you couldn''t reschedule today. It is your outpatient''s day and some have already arrived here from long distances.", Roger said.


    He already informed Oliver''s grandfather about the recent progress in Oliver''s and Kyra''s relationship.And that old man got furious. He was placated only after a lot of reassurance from him.


    All Roger could pray for is to keep his word now. And, he is trying his best now!


    "Fine. But reschedule all the meetings after seven.", Oliver said. As he can''t neglect his patients, he could only compromise for now.


    "Sir, your grandfather is returning. He called me earlier and asked to schedule a dinner meeting with you tonight," Roger interrupted Oliver''s plans again.


    Oliver frowned, clearly disappointed. He really wanted to see Kyra now!


    "Shouldn''t he be returning next week? Why did he return so soon?" Oliver asked.


    After a few seconds, he couldn''t help but sigh and give up.


    He can''t say no to that old man as he pity him. He lost his only son and the Goddaughter who was also his daughter in law.


    So, he is extremely sensitive when it comes to his grandchildren, especially his grandson, Oliver.


    As Oliver had suffered a lot when he had broken up with his first love, ever since then, the old man was worried about him.


    "Inform him that I would be there by eight.", Oliver told Roger.


    Roger nodded his head and smiled inside victoriously. But it didn''t last long when Oliver burst his happy bubble.


    "We will visit Kyra around seven and then go to meet my grandfather." he told Roger before going to have his own check ups.


    ---------------------------


    "I am fine, mom. Just concussion and some injuries.", Kyra comforted her adopted mother whose eyes brimmed with tears looking at her like this.


    "We�� we were so.. worried.", her mother''s voice cracked as her fingers brushed Kyra''s bandaid on forehead.


    "I just saw the reports, love. Our daughter is lucky that she didn''t have any major injuries.", her adopted father comforted his wife.


    "See, even dad confirmed. Stop worrying mom. I am here, safe and sound.", Kyra comforted her mother who is known as the strongest woman in the outerworld world. But to the family, she is a sensitive and emotional person.


    "God forbid but what if something serious would have happened?? Kyra, be careful from now on and don''t travel in these circumstances ever again.", her mother chided her after controlling her emotions.


    "How is Oliver?" her first brother asked after giving her water to drink. He was in the car with her while returning from Oliver''s research facility so, he has shown his fair amount of concern already.


    "Don''t know. He said he will have his check up after the surgery. I want to call but I didn''t want to disturb him ", Kyra answered, her voice filled with concern. He looked so exhausted that she couldn''t help but worry about him.


    "He should have been more careful while driving!"Matthew said, anger and jealousy evident in his voice.


    He has known Kyra for years but he never saw her this worried for him. It made him very envious of his arch enemy Oliver.


    "It''s not his mistake. The reckless teenagers in that sports car are to blame. He took great care of me yesterday night. I am grateful to him" Kyra immediately defended Oliver.


    "Someone is very protective of Oliver. What''s going on between you both.", her fourth brother, Ryan teased, for which Kyra blushed remembering the night. They shared the same blanket topless. She was hugging him when she woke up��


    They even had an open heart conversation and they talked about things they never shared with others. It was heartwarming and empathetic.


    "Nothing is going on! He is my idol and teacher. Can''t I worry about him?", she asked, trying to sound indifferent but her face gave up. Her face is now looking like a ripe tomato.


    "And, you are blushing!", he teased again.


    "Yeah Kyra. Having feelings for your teacher is cliche", her best friend, Sofia played along.


    "Guys stop! If you speak even a single word about us, I am gonna leak a scandal about you both to the media", Kyra blackmailed them.


    It works so well on Ryan and Sofia that they zipped their lips.. Being a top actor and famous model they know how terrifying it will be to have scandals.

 Chapter 51 - She Knows Oliver Is Special To Her And It Is Mutual.

    After a lot of discussion and convincing, everyone left for London except for Kyra''s fourth brother Ryan and her best friend Sofia.


    They stayed behind to take care of Kyra as she needed to take rest for a week. Everyone decided to leave only after they both assured them that they will take care of Kyra.


    After having lunch, Kyra returned to her room to take a rest and it was her first time alone after meeting with an accident. The first thing she did is to text Oliver.


    ''How are your scans? Is everything fine?", she texted him as kept her mobile aside, deciding to sleep. She thought he wouldn''t be answering anytime soon as he will be very busy to see his phone. However, she got a reply as soon as she left the message.


    On the other side, Oliver was in his office room, attending his outpatients.


    As soon as his mobile vibrated on the phone, he took a look at it and once he noticed that it''s Kyra he unlocked his mobile to text back.


    Attender was taken off guard as Oliver never checks his personal mobile while the patient is there in his office. He gives all his attention to the patient.


    ''My scans came normal. On the other hand, you need rest. Why are you looking at your phone?", he chided her.


    He strangely felt pleased as Kyra asked about him first and not about the surgery the patient.


    She was, after all, very interested in this surgery��


    ''I was very worried about you, so I couldn''t help but text you. I will sleep now!" Kyra replied with a puppy eyes emoji, signalling that she has been wronged.


    After seeing that Oliver smiled.


    ''Good girl. Now sleep. I will come to visit you later.'' he texted her with a smile on his lips.


    He used to think that texting is something idle people do��


    Now he understood why many people are so addicted to texting others, mainly ones who are close to their hearts. It gives them a sense of happiness and makes them feel close to the person on the other side.


    Kyra blushed as soon as she received the message from Oliver. It somehow felt intimate to her.


    ''Ok. Bye for now'' she texted back with a smiling emoji and patted her blushing cheeks. She could feel her heart racing up��


    At the same time, Sofia came into her room to check whether Kyra was sleeping and, of course, noticed Kyra''s red cheeks and ears. She could see the warmth and happiness in Kyra''s eyes.


    ''Someone is blushing again. I presume it''s Oliver, the thief of your heart.", she teased as she sat beside Kyra and peeked into her phone.


    Kyra, by reflex, hid her phone from Sofia.


    ''You became secretive! You never stopped me from looking at your phone. Kyra baby you changed.", Sofia got into her drama queen character, wiping her non-existent tears.


    Kyra rolled her eyes and before she could lock her mobile and place it on the table, Sofia snatched it and glanced at it.


    "Ooooooo.", she cheered.


    "You both are chatting as if you are in a relationship.", Sofia said, giving a teasing look to Kyra.


    "No! In my eyes it looks normal!" Kyra said.


    "Says the one who is blushing furiously.", Sofia smirked.


    "Sofi!" Kyra said. Her voice was chilly enough that Sofia immediately stopped.


    "Kyra, you can lie to us but don''t lie to yourself. If you like him don''t resist it because you will regret it later, just like Chloe." Sofia said before leaving the room.


    Kyra kept staring at the door and after sometime she sighed. Chloe, their best friend, fell in love with a man when she was in college, however, she didn''t tell him about her feelings


    That man soon got into a relationship with another girl and Chloe couldn''t handle that. She got close to him intentionally and even he started liking her, making his girlfriend jealous.


    It didn''t end well for Chloe. Everyone started calling her home wrecker, bitch, slut etc, though she didn''t try to harm his girlfriend. It was his girlfriend who smeared her name and made everyone hate her, even that man with whom she was in love


    Now Chloe is still afraid to get into relationships and it became her trauma to get into a relationship


    No matter how much Walter, Kyra''s second brother tried to woo her, all his attempts were in vain.


    "I will ask you one thing, Ky.'' Sofia said as she came inside with Kyra''s medicines.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    "Let''s think that you like Oliver but by the time you realized that and could tell that to him, he got into a relationship with another girl. What will you do? Will you be able to let him go? What if you can''t? Could you handle that?" she asked, giving the warm water and pills.


    "You already went through enough and you deserve all the love. So, do what your heart desires, okay? Don''t hurt it any more than this.", she said looking at Kyra.


    "No need to answer to me, Ky. Answer to yourself, okay?" she said, before standing to leave.


    "See me, I am getting too emotional", Sofia said, giving a small laugh before going out. But Kyra could hear the sorrow in Sofia''s voice. Sofia likes Ryan, Kyra''s fourth brother but because of some hurdles, they are still not in relationship with each other.


    They are attracted to each other but are not brave enough to come clean with each other and are still playing around the bushes.


    Kyra pursed her lips and looked at the ceiling, thinking about what Sofia just asked her.


    She knows Oliver is special to her and it is mutual.


    The chemistry they had and the interactions between them made Kyra realize that she likes him. But, she is not yet sure if she is ready to take it to the next level.


    Liking someone is not the only criteria to take into consideration for getting into a relationship.


    But how Sofia has put this made her think.


    What if it will be late by the time she realizes?


    Could she really handle it if the person she likes gets into another relationship?


    She already knows the answer and it''s a big NO.

 Chapter 52 - Mr. Miller Is More Considering And Caring Towards You Than Me.

    It was around eight pm when Oliver arrived at Kyra''s house.


    He initially planned to arrive at Kyra''s house by seven, however, his grandfather made him run some errands and he just became free.


    As soon as Oliver arrived, security people called to Kyra''s house to confirm whether he is the expected guest or not.


    Sofia was the one who answered that call and she gave confirmation to security people.


    "Hello Mr. Miller.", she greeted as she invited him inside the house.


    "Ms. Richard," he greeted politely.


    "Kyra is in the garden house. I will lead the way", Sofia said. Kyra waited till past the seven but Oliver didn''t come, so she thought he had cancelled his plan. As he already had a tough, long day, she decided not to disturb him by calling him.


    Oliver nodded his head and followed Sofia outside.


    Ryan, Kyra''s fourth brother, was sitting on the couch near the fire pit, working on his laptop. He smiled and gave a friendly nod to Oliver before continuing with his meeting.


    Meanwhile, Oliver looked around. The swimming pool, the outdoor dining area, the fire pit and lounge, the huge garden with a garden house at its end corner. The compound is huge and filled with greenery and white, warm garden lights.


    As they walked towards the garden house, Sofia said, "I will prepare quick snacks for you both, Mr. Miller. Please feel at home.", she politely said and she couldn''t but chuckle silently when she noticed his reaction.


    He is not even in a position to answer her as he is busy looking at the sight in front of him.


    Kyra was in the garden patio sitting on a stool. There was a huge canvas in front of her, hanging on the wooden canvas board and she was busy painting on her canvas.


    She is wearing an oversized sweatshirt and night shorts which are barely visible under her sweatshirt. She has her long, lustrous blond hair tied in a messy bun and the specs were resting on her nose bridge.


    She looked beautiful and serious at the same time that it made her look extremely sexy and alluring.


    Sofia looked at Oliver and could only shake her head with a smile on her face. She could tell that even Oliver is interested in Kyra.


    ''These both! Without external push, it looks like they won''t confess to each other'' she thought and walked towards the house.


    Meanwhile, Oliver kept staring at Kyra who is immersed in painting. She couldn''t finish this painting for very long as she couldn''t find proper inspiration and motivation to put her soul into it. It was lying in her collection, incomplete from months and today, especially after the last night, she at last, found motivation to finish it.


    Though it might take a few days to finish it, she at least knows how to finish it.


    Oliver lost track of time as he fixed his focus on Kyra. His eyes followed her hand movements, her touch so delicate and cautious on canvas. Once in a while, his eyes shifted to her face, observing and appreciating her unrivalling focus and unparalleled beauty.


    Kyra was the first one to notice. She was painting for almost a half an hour and she stopped as she had to rest now. As a doctor herself, she knows that she knows that she shouldn''t overexert herself.


    She smiled in content, happy with her work.


    "Enough for today, Kura. You did a great job, thanks to Oli-", she stopped midway when she saw Oliver standing a few feet away from her.


    "Oliver," she gasped in surprise. She didn''t expect him to keep his word as he had a long, tiring day today. She thought he would have gone back to rest as he hadn''t had a good night''s sleep last night.


    "You are great at painting, Kyra. No wonder," he said, approaching her with a smile on his lips.


    "It''s my passion and a childhood dream.", she said, following his eyesight to her painting which is in progress.


    "You really have good control over your hand moments. You are bound to become a great painter as well as a gifted surgeon," he told her, examining the painting.


    "You are flattering me again.", Kyra said with a smile.


    "I mean it.", Oliver answered with a warm smile.


    "How are you, by the way?", he asked while Kyra led the way to the garden patio connected to this small garden house. As it was lit with outdoor, garden lanterns and candles, it looked cozy and romantic.


    "I am feeling a lot better after a proper sleep.", she answered, as she sat down across from him on the couch.


    "I have officially allowed a one week holiday for you. Rest well, okay?", he said with a doting smile.


    Kyra nodded her head, looking at him with warmth filled eyes. She was about to ask him for a week''s holiday but he already did that for her. He is doing all these sweet things for her even before she could mention them.


    How could she not feel touched by it??


    "Thanks.", she thanked him and shivered a little as it was cold and she was only wearing shorts.


    Oliver noticed her discomfort and looked around. He found a blanket lying on the recliner and he handed it to her so she could cover her legs with it.


    Exactly at that same time, Sofia came with two cups of hot chocolate and a plate filled with different fruits.


    "I was about to get you a blanket, Ky. Seems like Mr. Miller is more considering and caring towards you than me," she said in a half serious and teasing voice.


    Kyra is tempted to roll her eyes and kick her friend away but control that temptation. She has a reputation to protect, especially in front of Oliver.


    Oliver smiled in response, not knowing how else to reply to Sofia. But he felt content listening to her praising his actions towards Kyra.


    "Kyra speaks so highly of you, Mr. Miller. She simply can''t stop talking about it and it is really a great honor to have you here. Please visit often. My Kyra will be happy", Sofia said, giving a flashing smile at Oliver.


    Kyra could only slap her forehead with her imaginary hand. This friend of hers is really shameless and sometimes embarrassing enough.


    "Sofi, my brother is calling for you", Kyra said, signalling Sofia to shut her mouth and go away.


    But Sofi didn''t cave in when Kyra pointed to her phone, indicating that she would send some pictures to the media and make her life exhausting at least for a week, so Sofia gave up. This girl here will really do it if she gets angry!!

 Chapter 53 - Falling In Love

    Oliver chuckled, noticing the silent conversation between Kyra and her best friend, Sofia. He could tell that Kyra is blackmailing her best friend in order to send her away.


    "Sofia is childish. Don''t take them to heart.", Kyra said, hiding her red cheeks. Sofia made it sound as if she fantasizes about Oliver all the time!


    "Then why are you blushing?", Oliver asked in his teasing voice.


    Kyra felt heat rushing to her face. "It.. it''s just cold here.", she said, taking a sip of her hot chocolate to hide her embarrassment.


    "Really?", he asked, chuckling.


    "Of course.", Kyra answered.


    Oliver took pity on her and decided to let go of this topic. Nevertheless he can''t deny that he loves teasing Kyra. He felt all his lethargy washing away looking at her peaceful and vibrant face.


    Talking with Kyra even if it is for a few minutes reduces his exhaustion and makes him energetic.


    ''How good it would be if we could do this everyday after work'' he thought inside.


    ''Then get into a relationship with her'', his subconscious talked to him.


    Oliver actually felt that it''s not bad.


    Though he got hurt by his first relationship and decided never to get into another relationship, it didn''t feel repulsive to think about being together with Kyra.


    In contrast, he felt excited and it gave him joy thinking about the future they might have.


    However, the wounds from his first love are still fresh that he subconsciously decided not to think about this now.


    "How was the surgery?" Kyra asked as the silence took over.


    "It went very well. We removed ninety percent of his tumor and we were able to spare the patient''s musical talents."


    "He is now ready to begin his radiation treatment and it looks like we can eliminate the cancer completely", Oliver said.


    The patient is a music prodigy and that was why they opted for awake craniotomy surgery to preserve his music talents.


    "I was worried before.", Kyra said.


    "For me or for the patient?" Oliver asked playfully, which came naturally.


    Kyra was taken off guard but recovered soon. Though he is playful with her she is yet to get habituated to it.


    After all, she has known him only as a serious, strict person all these years.


    Seeing her dazed expression, Oliver laughed. It seems like he is addicted to teasing her and enjoying that blush.


    "Of course the patient! You were exhausted and the surgery was complicated one." Kyra played along, embarrassment evident in her slightly angered voice.


    "If so, the patient is doing well", Oliver said, deciding to let go of teasing her.


    "And, here is the footage of the surgery. You can see it when you are feeling bored.", he told her, diverting the topic as he handed the pen drive to her.


    "You really brought it.", Kyra said in surprise and took it, before slipping it into her pocket.


    "Of course. I keep my word and I know how excited you were for this surgery. I wanted to compensate somehow" he answered her, giving a warm smile.


    "Thanks Oliver.", she thanked him as she looked at his flawless face which was being illuminated by the warm golden light from lanterns.


    "Don''t mention. Just get well soon and come back, okay?" he said with a doting smile and leaned forward to pat her head affectionately.


    Though they have been working together only for a week or two, a day without her presence made him feel empty and dull.


    He was habituated to working alone without much interactions but, Kyra changed his priorities.


    He really missed her a lot��


    Kyra nodded her head, her face brimming with happiness. She couldn''t help but feel touched by him again and again.


    Getting permission to have a video of surgery that too of a VIP is not an easy task, especially when that patient wanted to keep it hidden from the media and public.


    Oliver should have gone through a lot to bring this exclusively for her.


    "Then, I will get going. I have some other things to take care of.", Oliver told her, raising to his feet.


    Though their interaction was only for around an half an hour, they felt refreshed and blissful. Talking like this with each other, all those small yet warm gestures were enough to rejuvenate their exhausted souls.


    "I will walk you out," Kyra immediately said, standing up.


    Oliver nodded his head, his smile intact. They walked in total silence, occasionally looking at each other.


    However, the happy bubble around them was obvious as it can be seen on both their faces.


    "I never saw her this happy!"spoke Ryan as he peeked at them from the huge window connected to the garden.


    "I told you she likes him. Have you seen her getting close to a person in a short span like this?"Sofia asked, taking a look at Kyra and Oliver.


    "I didn''t believe it when you told me that my sister is falling in love. God! That''s big news!"


    Ryan exclaimed looking at Oliver and Kyra who were walking at the same pace with their hands brushing each other but neither of them tried to move away. This is enough to tell...


    Because, his sister, the one who hates physical contact and is extremely scared of getting close to a person, is actually breaking her base rules with Oliver!!


    Ryan couldn''t help but get envious of Oliver!


    She took literally months to get comfortable with him. And another few more months to talk casually with him and it was overall a one and half year journey from stranger to making her treat him like a family and trust him.


    But this Oliver is already past the seventy percent of this journey that too just in this few days!!


    "Don''t get jealous, you idiot actor! You should be happy that she is trying to fight her fears. Oliver must be the cure.", Sofia said watching how Kyra was happily smiling looking at Oliver.


    "I am not jealous, stupid model! I am just afraid. What if he is not the cure but poison? What if he breaks her heart?? She is already a broken soul.", Ryan said, his eyes filled with concern.


    "Ryan, you shouldn''t be overprotective. You should let her do whatever she desires. Only like this can she have a breakthrough and let go of her past..", Sofia argued.

 Chapter 54 - Date? Marriage?

    "You are late.", Oliver''s grandfather said as soon as Oliver entered the living room.


    "I had prior commitment.", Oliver answered briefly taking the seat across his grandfather.


    Although he could tell his grandfather that he went to meet someone special to his heart, he knows his grandfather will panic as that ''someone special'' is a woman.


    "Hmm, I see," Oliver''s grandfather said, already worried that Oliver is trying to keep things from him.


    "I heard you had an accident. How are you feeling now?" he asked, trying to get information about him and Kyra.


    "I am good. I went for a checkup and my wounds are just superficial.", Oliver answered.


    Oliver''s grandfather grunted silently. He couldn''t help but feel restless.


    "Good.", Grandfather Miller could only say that.


    "You came earlier than planned. Anything wrong, grandfather?" Oliver asked trying to escape this topic.


    "Nothing is wrong with me, Oliver. It''s you!", he said, sighing at last.


    "Me? What have I done now?" Oliver asked, exasperated. This old man always complains a lot that he couldn''t help but feel vexed by this overprotective nature,


    He couldn''t help but wonder how Kyra could handle her five over protective brothers.


    A smile invaded his lips thinking about how bossy she could be with her brother''s if she gets angry. He saw it during her house warming ceremony.


    "You are smiling now?!" Grandfather Oliver asked angrily at his grandson. That smile, that dazed expression on his grandson is already telling him that what he feared is not far from now.


    "Nothing. Please continue what you were saying earlier.", Oliver said, morphing back to indifferent self.


    He couldn''t help but wonder why Kyra was all over his thoughts. He couldn''t stop thinking of her...


    "For a charity event I have arranged a blind date for you but you didn''t even go to pick her up. It was so embarrassing for me!" Oliver''s grandfather huffed.


    He is not angry because his grandson didn''t follow his arrangements but because he chose to go to that event with Kyra.


    This is not the first time his grandson escaped the blind dates so, it was fine.


    What troubled him is this is the first time his grandson has taken the other woman as his partner to social gatherings like these.


    "I already told you that I am not interested in blind dates, let alone taking them as my partner to social gatherings,'''' Oliver answered frustrated.


    "So, are you not going to date anyone?Are you not going to get married?? Tell me one thing, did any girl ever succeed in making you interested in her??" grandfather Miller asked, though he knows the answer his grandson always replies with.


    Oliver would say he doesn''t have time to date anyone nor energy to waste by investing into marriage.


    He would say that he will let him know if he gets interested in any girl. Grandfather Miller only wanted to know if Kyra''s involvement in Oliver''s life might bring change to these routine answers.


    He could only hope that his fear''s weren''t going to come true!


    Meanwhile, just like his grandfather hoped, Oliver was about to answer exactly the same but Kyra''s face flooded into his thoughts.


    ''Dating?'', he thought.


    All of a sudden he didn''t feel like it''s waste of time to date her. In contrast he felt like spending time with her was worth his time.


    Marriage?


    He never thought of it till now. But coming to think of it, he could only imagine Kyra in that position. Till today, he didn''t give it a thought because he felt like no one would be able to convince him into it.


    And, Kyra succeeded in making him interested in her. She never made any attempts to do it but he was already thinking about her every time. With no effort, she succeeded in doing something impossible in his dictionary.


    "Grandfather, I am hungry. Let''s eat fast. I have an early day tomorrow.", Oliver said, already rising to his feet.


    Meanwhile, his grandfather sat, rooted to his place, surprised and restless than ever. His grandson has actually evaded this question and this is the first time he did so.


    That means, he has changed his perception towards dating and marriage. If this would have happened in a normal situation, he could have been the happiest person alive.


    After all, which grandfather doesn''t want to see his grandson marry and start a family of his own??


    Only if it was not Kyra who made him change��


    ------------------------------------


    "You like him?" Ryan asked Kyra. He was about to go to sleep but found his little sister sitting near the fire pit, deep in thought.


    She had her laptop turned on and the video of the morning surgery was being played but her mind was focussed elsewhere.


    "Huh?", Kyra said, taken off guard by her brother''s sudden question.


    Then she looked at the screen of laptop and then turned to look at her brother. "You mean the singer in the video?", she asked.


    She didn''t think that this VIP patient is none other than a famous singer. No wonder the information about this patient is kept hidden till the day of surgery.


    Ryan laughed. His sister could be really stupid sometimes, especially when it comes to men and reationships.


    "No silly. I am referring to Oliver. Do you like Oliver?" Ryan elaborated his question.


    Kyra looked at his brother for a second and then answered, "I don''t know, I... I think I do. But at the same time I can''t rush into making conclusions because it''s too soon."


    After what happened to Kyra in the past, it is reasonable for her to think that way. After all, she started trusting her mother from their very first meeting and that was why she got betrayed and harmed by them.


    If only she would have observed their every action and taken some time to judge, she wouldn''t have had such a bad past. She might have seen into their actions however, because of her blind trust at that time she failed to do so.


    Now, even though Oliver is very good to her and is taking care of her sincerely, she just couldn''t bring herself to jump into conclusions.


    Meanwhile, Ryan nodded his head in agreement, secretly pleased that his sister is thinking rationally.. He almost thought she would think with her heart and give Oliver all her trust and love.

 Chapter 55 - Otherwise, He Is Dead.

    Ryan nodded his head in agreement, secretly pleased that his sister is thinking rationally. He almost thought she would think with her heart and give Oliver all her trust and love.


    "What is your current opinion on him, Ky?" Ryan asked his sister.


    All he wanted to do is to prepare himself mentally so that, one day, if his sister introduces Oliver to him as her boyfriend, he would be able to judge whether to trust Oliver with Kyra or not.


    For that he needs to do his homework on Oliver and his full background. The answer to his current question will make him decide whether to do this background check or not.


    "My current opinion?" Kyra asked.


    When Ryan nodded his head, she smiled to herself.


    "He is a good person. He might look cold and indifferent but with me, he is kind and unbelievingly friendly. And, I feel like I can be myself in front of him. Honestly, I don''t know why but I feel like I can trust him." Kyra said, remembering the moments she had with Oliver till now.


    "His actions often touch my heart and his presence makes me feel blissful and serene. I smile more often with him and our conversation never bored me. " She continued with a pleasant smile dancing on her lips.


    "I like his company and I actually look forward to meeting him. I don''t know how but after talking to him all my worries and sorrows wash away and I feel refreshed."


    "Sometimes we don''t need any words to communicate. We just know what is going on in each other''s minds and we are always in perfect sync while performing surgeries as if we were working together for years."


    "However, sometimes I feel like this is too good to be true. All his actions and kind gestures towards me make me freak out. How could he be so good to me when it has been only a few weeks we have known each other?" Kyra asked, fear and anxiety taking over her.


    It reminded of her time when her mother came to take her with her. Her mother''s family were so good to her and their gestures and actions made her feel blessed and blissful that it was really too good to be true.


    However, she thought she was lucky and didn''t think much before trusting and loving them blindly.


    Later it turned out they did all those for her because they needed something from her. Now, seeing Oliver be this good to her makes her feel like history might repeat.


    Why would one person be so kind and caring to a stranger and not ask anything in return?


    ''It''s because he likes you too,'' a voice in her mind said. But Kyra''s past is complicated enough that she lost faith to believe in things like this.


    "So, you are saying that you like being with him but at the same time you are afraid that this could hurt you?" Ryan asked and Kyra nodded her head and leaned on his shoulder.


    Now, after talking to her brother, she realised that her past is still affecting her life tremendously.


    "It''s okay to be afraid sis. Don''t panic and do what you feel like it''s right. This time history won''t repeat itself because we are there with you this time, unlike before. We wouldn''t let you get hurt", Ryan comforted his sister, kissing her forehead.


    "Before he could hurt you, he has to get past us and I can confidently say that he wouldn''t be able to make it. Rest assured, history won''t repeat again." he said, brushing her hair affectionately.


    "So, my little, sweet sis, we will be always there for you in every step if you want to try getting together with Oliver, if it is what you want." Ryan told her.


    Seeing her helpless and scared, makes his heart restless but he knows that this is something his sister should face in order to let go of her past and the traumas it brings along. All he and others in the family could do was to stand with her.


    Kyra nodded her head, gratefully and continued to stare at the firepit. Even Ryan stayed calm, his fingers brushing his sister''s silky hair as she rested her head comfortably on his shoulder.


    Sofia who just came down to check on Kyra saw this heartwarming scene and smiled. One is her best friend while the other one is the man she loves.


    She got tempted to join them and rest her head on his other shoulder but she controlled herself.


    Sofia stood there for a few minutes and smiled sadly before going back to Kitchen to boil some milk for her best friend, Kyra.


    ------------


    "I want you to put all your focus on Kyra and Oliver from this day forward. Update me with each and every interaction they have." Oliver''s grandfather told Rogue, Oliver''s personal assistant/ secretary.


    "Sir, she is from the Collins family. It''s�� difficult", Rogue said.


    "What if she is now a Collins? I don''t care! If you can''t do it, you better resign." he fired up on Rogue.


    "Remember one thing, Rogue. If Kyra and Oliver will get together, you know what will happen. Do you want that history to repeat?" Grandfather Miller asked.


    "I am giving you the last chance to prove yourself worthy. Now, get out of my room." He said while making a call.


    Rogue nodded his head, politely and left the room. When he was leaving, he heard a female voice.


    Rogue could right away tell who she was and a chill ran through his spine.


    Yes�� he should never let Kyra and Oliver get together. Otherwise, he is dead.

 Chapter 56 - She Has A Huge Man Following.

    After having dinner with his grandfather, Oliver went back to his penthouse. He would have usually gone to his mansion but as his sister is overseas, he is currently staying in the penthouse near to the hospital.


    The dinner was not like he expected. His grandfather has been poking about his personal affairs, insisting him to go on blind dates with his friends'' granddaughters.


    But Oliver could only deny. He didn''t know why but everytime his grandfather brought up about blind dates and marriages, he could only think of Kyra.


    "Bro, it seems like you are in a bad mood. Dinner didn''t go well with your grandfather?" Daniel, Matthew''s cousin and Oliver''s best friend, asked as soon as Oliver entered the house.


    "Daniel, when did you come?", Oliver asked, surprised to see his best friend here. Shouldn''t he be with Collins'' family travelling back to London??


    "A couple of hours back. I will be staying here for two days or so", Daniel said, sipping his beer.


    "Have any work in the City??", Oliver asked, pouring orange juice for him. As he has surgeries to perform, he avoids drinking during weekends.


    "Bro, I will be staying in your house for two or three days till renovations will be done in my house", Daniel elaborated, as his friend had mistook his words.


    "You are shifting here from London??", Oliver asked, surprised. Daniel is a very important figure in Collins Hospitals. He would never leave his work there just to work here.


    "Yes. I will be officially joining the day after tomorrow.", Daniel said.


    "Why so sudden??", Oliver asked, suspicious of this sudden decision of his friend.


    "I think I might appreciate the change in environment once in a while. Moreover, your uncle. The president of the hospital has offered me a good deal.", Daniel answered.


    "It was a couple of years back. Why did you decide to take it now??"Oliver questioned, still not convinced.


    "Bro, I wanted to get away from London, all right?? And, Gynecology department is more challenging here rather than there.", Daniel said.


    Oliver decided to let go of the topic and nodded his head. He is suspicious because Daniel decided to shift here just a few weeks after Kyra decided to work here. Yes, he knows that Daniel only sees Kyra as his best friend (Ryan, Kyra''s fourth brother)''s sister and his cousin(Matthew)''s crush.


    But, this is too coincidental.


    "Where will you be living and for how long?"Oliver asked.


    Daniel was working in Collins Hospitals from his residency and has never left it. He is a director and head of the surgery department.


    He is famous for both his looks and work as a gynecologist. He is treated the same like Oliver is being treated here.


    "Crescent Garden. I will be staying here over a year", Daniel answered.


    "Crescent Garden? Isn''t it the same place as Kyra''s??"Oliver asked.


    "Yes. I bought the next house to hers.", Daniel replied with a smirk, raising to his feet.


    "And, bro, I am not gonna snatch your girlfriend. Don''t worry!", he teased.


    "What girlfriend?? Don''t talk nonsense.", Oliver immediately chided. But the change in his voice and that expression on his face only made Daniel laugh more.


    "When I told you that I bought the house next to hers, the expression on your face is priceless. You were looking as if you were envious of me", Daniel chuckled.


    "Are you really jealous?? Do you really like her that much?? I have never seen you care for a girl this much after your break up.", Daniel said.


    Oliver didn''t answer but gulped all his juice in one go and slumped on the couch.


    "To be honest, my heart is in a mess right now, Dan." Oliver said.


    "The connection and emotions I feel with Kyra is��", Oliver stopped and looked at the horizon.


    "Man, I can''t describe it," he added, failing to describe them.


    "So, you like her??", Daniel asked, more like demanding the answer.


    "I��", Oliver stopped for a few seconds.


    "She is all over my thoughts. Her face, her voice, that magnetic smile�� they even come in my dreams. I won''t deny that I am attracted to her, Daniel.", Oliver stopped again.


    "Go on. Split it out.", Daniel urged.


    "I can''t see her getting sad and I couldn''t stop myself from caring for her. Sometimes, it is like I could feel her pain if she is in pain. I get happy if she is in a good mood. She impacts me a lot and I freak out because of it. I can''t control myself in front of her.", Oliver said.


    "All my facade gets stripped out in front of her. Though we have known each other just for a short span of time,", Oliver was about to continue but Daniel completed it for him.


    "You feel like you know her for years. You feel like you could trust her and open all your emotions to her without any restraints and hesitation. You feel comfortable with her.",


    Oliver was stupefied for a few seconds. This is the first time he was left speechless like this. Honestly, this time it really took him off guard after hearing Daniel''s words.


    How could Daniel be so precise??


    "How??" Oliver asked.


    "Bro, I heard the same words from my cousin Matthew. Kyra has that charm that could make you feel like this.", Daniel answered, chuckling as if this is nothing new.


    "She has a huge man following, bro. And, she has so many friends who feel the same as you. I can understand why you are swayed by her. Seems like you are not the exception as well.", Daniel laughed before walking back to the guest room.


    Oliver sat there, all again taken aback by Daniel''s words.

 Chapter 57 - It’s Not Appropriate To Send A Man To A Woman’s House At This Time.

    Two days passed by however, Oliver never brought up Kyra''s topic in front of Daniel. It made him nervous to even think about what Daniel might say.


    What if he is not special to Kyra as much as she is to him??


    It made him extremely restless.


    Due to this, Oliver couldn''t bring himself to contact Kyra in these two days. Though his thoughts were revolving around her, Daniel''s words stopped him from contacting her. It is not like he is angry or sad but he is simply confused and uncertain.


    On the other hand, Kyra didn''t make a call however, she texted him a few times but as they could only pull up the short conversation, she understood that he is busy and didn''t disturb him anymore.


    Meanwhile, Daniel joined the hospital and it stirred up excitement and anticipation in female doctors and staff. Daniel is not like Oliver who speak and interact less with opposite sex. He is friendly and charming with girls.


    But, Oliver is still the most famous and handsome doctor of the hospital. After all, he is devilishly charming and has a strong, manly aura. His coldness and stoic nature is the one that attracts the ladies more towards him.


    Only if they would have seen his irresistible smile and magnetic, gentle eyes��


    On the other hand, it''s been five days since everyone has seen Kyra. So, the rumors started to spread that Oliver''s fangirls had done something to her.


    "Maybe she couldn''t handle the pressure of working together with Mr. Miller. He is, after all, very particular and strict. He would have scared her out," said Teressa, smirking as she mocked Kyra.


    "Yeah. Only you can handle the pressure. Ria graduated from a low tier medical school and worked in some rural area, so of course she couldn''t handle this" Lilith, Teressa''s best friend, badmouthed Kyra who is called Ria in the hospital.


    If only they would have known that she graduated in one of the top three medical schools across the world and had worked as the attending physician in one of the top five hospitals in the world, they would have kept their mouths shut.


    "Ria is just a country bumpkin and a typical nerd. She is not worthy to be compared with our queen who is from a rich family and has a father who is the director/ head of the department of gynecology.", the other follower of Teressa boosted.


    "Not to mention that her mother is a shareholder and a board member of Miller''s corporations. Her family is close to Mr. Miller''s family and they have equal background. Ria can''t compete with our Teressa in any way.", another person added.


    Teressa has been sulking and was green with envy whenever she saw Oliver and Kyra talking and interacting. Their extraordinary coordination in the surgery room made her even more jealous and insecure. How could some commoner from some unknown medical school reach this level when she, the one with extraordinary background can''t???


    Only if she would have known that Kyra is from the Collins family, the most prestigious and powerful family which has very powerful connections and has a good relationship with Oliver, would she have died with envy.


    Meanwhile, Ron and Claire, Kyra''s new friends could only roll their eyes listening to Teressa and her lackey''s blabbering. But, even they are worried that Kyra quitted��


    "Don''t spread rumors as we don''t know what happened to Ria yet.", Ron said, not able to tolerate it.


    "If that is the case, she would have answered your calls. She should be embarrassed that she turned off her phone," Teressa laughed mockingly as they sat in the meeting room waiting for Oliver.


    Oliver entered the room and the room turned chilly all of a sudden. He looked like he was in a bad mood.


    No one dared to speak anymore. Teresa, who was bluffing just a few seconds back, turned into a statue, scared of Oliver. Oliver is formidable and aloof by nature but given his bad mood, it has gone to another level.


    "I will be needing someone to assist me in surgery tomorrow. Ron you will be scrubbing in for Craniectomy.", Oliver directly jumped to the point without any delay. Kyra should be doing it but she is on leave.


    "Yes, sir. Could I ask what happened to Dr. Lopez?" Ron asked about Kyra, mustering all his courage.


    Oliver stopped for a brief second. Kyra''s beautiful smile and pleasant sleeping face appeared in his thoughts.


    The time they spent on that rainy night, opening about each other flooded back into his mind. It was a heartwarming and empathetic time for him.


    But is it the same for Kyra??


    Daniel''s words reverberated in his mind but his guts were telling him that Daniel is wrong this time.


    At least, he hoped so.


    He is in a bad mood and is frustrated because of this. He couldn''t understand why Daniel''s words are bothering and hurting him so much.


    "She is on leave for this week,'''' Oliver said. Not bothering to elaborate why.


    The meeting finished in fifteen minutes. All Oliver did was distribute Kyra''s work to others.


    As soon as he exited the room, he saw his Godfather, The president, waiting for him.


    "Oliver, do me a favor. Pick the twins for me will you? I have to attend a last minute meeting", he directly came to the point as he was in a hurry.


    "Sure. Where are they now?", he asked.


    "They are with Kyra. They are insisting to stay for night but Kyra has to rest so, convince them to come back.", his uncle answered and bid him goodbye before rushing back.


    Meanwhile, Ron, Claire, Teresa and others, who were about to leave the room, have heard all the conversation.


    "Kyra...Kyra...Kyra! Who is this woman?"Teressa grumbled.


    "Don''t know but she look so close to Dr. Miller and our president.", Lilith, her lackey said.


    "Is This Kyra the one who was in the car with our sir during the accident?", another girl from Oliver''s fan girl group asked.


    "Yes," Lilith answered.


    "Rumors are that she is also his date during the Charity event the previous week", she added.


    "It''s not appropriate to send a man to a woman''s house at this time! What is our president doing!!", Teressa complained, jealous of whoever this Kyra is.


    "Maybe our president is matchmaking our sir and this Kyra.", Claire said, adding fuel to Teressa''s jealousy.


    "Don''t spread rumors without understanding the full picture!", Teressa scoffed.


    "Hey, I know..I know. I heard that Kyra was Dr. Miller''s first love name.. Maybe they reconciled.", Ron said, all of a sudden,

 Chapter 58 - Your Kyra Was Sad That You Didnt Come.

    Oliver left as soon as he finished meeting with the fellows. By that time it was already past seven and after thirty minutes of driving, he reached Kyra''s place, The crescent Gardens.


    It is the elite community surrounded by greenery and the best mountain view. It is a little far from the busy city and the pollution, a perfect place for nature lovers like Kyra.


    He has seen how much she has enjoyed nature when they were hiking. Even her garden and the garden house is filled with plants and paintings of nature.


    He couldn''t help but appreciate how vibrant and cozy her house looks, unlike his which is of neutral and dark colors.


    As soon as Oliver arrived at the entrance of Crescent Garden, the security staff made a call to Kyra''s house and like the last time, it was Sofia who answered.


    When she found out that it was Oliver, she gave a green flag for him to enter.


    One thing Oliver couldn''t understand is why Kyra''s security was the first priority of the Collins family. He has heard that ever since Kyra moved to this place, the security around this community has increased two folds.


    He knows that they are overprotective of her as she is the only girl in the family but at the same time he could tell that there is something fishy with Kyra''s stay in the city.


    "Mr. Miller, what a surprise!" Sofia said as soon as she opened the door for him.


    This time Oliver could notice the sarcasm instead of warmth in her voice.


    "Sorry for coming unannounced, Ms. Rich6", he told her as he entered the house.


    "That''s not an issue, Mr. Miller. My Kyra says that you are always welcome to her house." Sofia said, but just like before she was sarcastic.


    "Did I offend you anyhow, Ms. Richard?" Oliver asked. He is already in a bad mood and Sofia''s behaviour isn''t helping at all.


    "Oh, not me, Mr. Miller. My Kyra was sad that you couldn''t keep your word.", Sofia told him.


    He promised Kyra two days back that he would visit her the next day. But he didn''t.


    Kyra was a little disappointed but she understood that he was busy. However, Sofia couldn''t see her friend looking disappointed like that. This time she saw how much Oliver meant to Kyra but this friend of hers is as slow as snail when it comes to realizing her feelings.


    As her friend, Kyra is bad with this, as a best friend, Sofia could only take this matter into her hand.


    Meanwhile, Oliver pursed his lips. Yes, he remembers telling Kyra that he would visit her whenever possible.


    "I was very busy," he lied.


    Though he wanted to visit Kyra and find out how she is doing, something stopped him from doing so. It was the fear of unwantedness.


    Just like Kyra has fear of betrayal and abandonment, he has fear of this. His first love left him because she no longer felt he was special to her.


    What if Kyra feels the same?? Till now, he believed that he is special to her as much as he is to her. But after what Daniel told him, that belief crumbled into ashes, leaving this fear and restlessness.


    He could only try not to hurt himself by getting close to her if that was the case.


    He knows that he is being unreasonable but logic was always thrown out of the window when it comes to fears and traumas.


    Coming to think of this, he and Kyra are not different. He was hurt and so was she. Although his was not as painful and traumatic as hers, it is still related to heart and emotions. So, that was enough to leave the scar on his heart.


    "Yes, she knows. That''s why she didn''t bother you much. If you came for Kyra, she is in the garden house. Even the twins are with her, if they are the reason you are here. I think you know the way, Mr. Miller. I will be going then.", Sofia said and walked away.


    Oliver looked at her with slight amusement.


    But he understood that Sofia is protective of Kyra. So, he didn''t get offended by her attitude.


    It surprised him why everyone around Kyra is so overprotective of her. Was she hurt to the extent that no one around her wanted any distress and anguish to touch her ever again??


    If it is the case, then Sofia''s behavior towards him could only be justified if he has made Kyra sad and disappointed.


    Is she sad because he has not come to meet her??


    If Kyra is really in a bad mood because of a small matter like this, he should be special to her, right??


    With all these thoughts, he walked to the garden house that is at the other side of the villa. He saw her sitting on the patio, wearing a camisole and shorts. She is also wearing a long winter shrug to cover her arms.


    Her eyes are lying on her nose bridge and she is so focussed in reading something on her iPad that she didn''t even notice him. She is holding a pen in her hand, underlining a few things once in a while.


    She looked so serious and cute at the same time that a smile curved up on his lips.


    But, he didn''t see the twins anywhere. They are alone in this garden and the weather was so good. Lanterns which were hung around the patio are glowing in golden, warm light.


    The ambience was so good that he felt refreshed.. Seeing Kyra washed away his lethargy just like how it has always been.

 Chapter 59 - All Day, She Would Wait For Him To Contact Her.

    "Oliver!" Kyra called in surprise when she noticed him standing a few feet away from the couch.


    He was still wearing a suit and he looked tired. It is obvious that he came directly from the hospital. But it is already late at night so, did he work till now?


    It made Kyra happy and guilty at the same time.


    Here, she was thinking that he is avoiding her on purpose but it seems like he is really busy and worn out. She felt relieved that he didn''t do this on purpose and it made her guilty for overthinking.


    "Kyra." Oliver called back, with a pleasant smile.


    His eyes filled with warmth instinctively and, even his voice turned as gentle as snow.


    Kyra lips curved up into a full blown smile, hearing his voice, Her eyes lighting up with pure bliss when they met his warm eyes. Her bad mood was thrown out of the window, just like this.


    Patting the place behind her, she made a gesture signalling him to sit.


    Oliver smiled in response and sat down, pleased that she was happy to see him. His exhaustion evaporated into thin air seeing her beautiful smile.


    Just a few minutes back, both of them were in a bad mood. But, after seeing each other, it just took one eighty turn.


    "Research paper?", he asked, noticing that Kyra is reading research papers related to neurology. Though he wanted to talk about something else other than work, he simply didn''t know what else to talk about.


    He didn''t contact her in these two days even after knowing that she is not well. It made him guilty. And, for the hundredth time, he scolded himself for letting Daniel''s words influence him.


    But what can he do? His past makes him overthink.


    "Yes. I am working on research.", Kyra said, taking a look at the notes she prepared. .


    "Research?", Oliver asked in surprise. He is not aware that Kyra is into research as well. He thought she loved doing surgeries more. It seems like there is so much to learn about her.


    "Yes. My friend back in London is working on this. I was helping him before coming here, so I still have some part of my work left," Kyra explained.


    "Impressive.", Oliver said. But his mind was elsewhere.


    To be more precise, his thoughts have stopped right at ''him''.


    Daniel''s words reverberated in his mind. ''She has a huge man following, bro. And, she has so many friends who feel the same as you. I can understand why you are swayed by her. Seems like you are not the exception as well.''


    ''So, is this friend she spoke of, feels the same too? And, she is so nice to him that she is even helping him while she is sick. So, is he special to her?'', he thought.


    "Wanna see what I am working on?"Kyra asked, giving her iPad to him, making Oliver cut his thoughts short.


    Oliver took the iPad from her hand and moved a little close to her as he took a look at the research paper on her screen.


    "What a coincidence. I am working on this as well. My new research that just started is on the same topic.", Oliver said, taking a detailed look.


    "Really?"Kyra asked, surprised and excited, moving an inch closer to him to look into the iPad. They are now sitting so close to each other that their shoulders are brushing with each other.


    "Yes. You can come and take a look if you want. And, if you are interested, you can assist me in that as well.", Oliver told her.


    The excitement and passion in her eyes instantly melted his heart that he couldn''t resist it.


    "I can?", Kyra asked in surprise.


    Oliver laughed, his eyes twinkling like stars under moon light.


    "Of course. Only if you are interested, but. No pressure.", He said.


    "I am interested!! It''s an honor to work with you! Why would I let a precious opportunity like this slip?"Kyra responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    Oliver didn''t know why but he felt happy seeing her excited like this.


    Maybe, she is so passionate about her work and he was only overthinking, assuming that her ''male friend'' is special to her.


    ''Then, you are not special to her as well. You are her idol, that''s it. Nothing much'', a voice inside his head said.


    "I am free this week, so I am thinking about working on this. Could you help me? I still have so much to research and your previous papers on this topic are really good,", Kyra said after some time, her voice a little hesitant.


    In these past two days  when Oliver didn''t contact her, she felt as if a part of her life was missing.


    She missed talking to him, seeing him and spending time like this. All day, she would wait for him to contact her.


    It made her realize that she might actually like him more than she thought.


    When she told about this to her best friend Sofia and her favorite brother, Ryan, they suggested she take initiative if she really wanted to give her feelings a shot.


    But, Kyra was hesitant. Making new relationships scare her, especially the ones that could affect her drastically.  She was already hurt twice by the people she loved and trusted.


    She didn''t want the history to repeat but at the same time, she couldn''t bring herself to control her feelings and emotions that are connected to Oliver.


    She knows that she would regret it if she cower like this. Moreover, she is trying to break through her trauma and it looks like this is the right chance for her.


    After taking all these into consideration, she decided to take an initiative to get to know Oliver better.


    She was reluctant but after talking to Oliver now, she knew that she would surely enjoy the process of getting to know him better, no matter if their relationship progressed or not.


    He is worth the risk.

 Chapter 60 - Was She Expecting To Die?

    He is worth the risk.


    Oliver was in shock for a few seconds.


    This is the first time Kyra was taking initiative to spend time with him.


    He could clearly see right through her as he was about to ask her the same, with the same intention in mind.


    Though Daniel hinted to him that Kyra might not be harboring any special feelings towards him, Oliver didn''t want to believe it. There was an internal battle going on in his head for a couple of days.


    But, he decided to give it a chance after coming here and talking to her now.


    He couldn''t ignore all the feelings he experienced now.


    The happiness of seeing her, the excitement while talking to her, the desire to spend more time with her, the liviliness she brings into his life and especially the familiarity and comfort he has around her��


    Their chemistry was hard to ignore.


    He simply doesn''t have words to describe his feelings now. She is like a magic in his life.


    "It''s my honor to help you.", Oliver said in his deep voice, looking right into her eyes. The intense emotions in his eyes were so obvious��


    Kyra held her breath, staring right into his deep eyes. Only now has she realized how close they were sitting. She could feel his hot breath which made her heartbeat erratic.


    His hand which was resting on his lap slowly made its way to her hand. Though the sudden coldness of his hand made her flinch, Kyra didn''t break their eye contact.


    With the influence of the surroundings - the starry night, the cold breeze, the golden warm lights, the aroma from the candles, the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds, they moved closer, their lips only a few inches apart.


    "Guys, your -", Sofia stopped in tracks, realizing that she came at the wrong time. Just by seeing them, she could tell what was about to happen.


    "Uhmm.. I will come later. Continue please," she hurriedly said before running away.


    Only then, Oliver and Kyra realized what they were about to do. Blame their poor control over their emotions, neither of them were in their clear mind.


    They immediately moved apart. Kyra''s cheeks reddened and so did Oliver''s ears. Though they had situations like this in the past, this is the first time they got caught by others.


    "I�� I was told that twins are here with you. Wh...where are they?" Oliver asked, hiding his embarrassment.


    He got vexed, scolding himself for losing his control, so he decided not to do that anymore.


    He could only cave in��


    "They went inside just before you came." Kyra said, tucking her hair beneath her ear while avoiding his gaze.


    --------


    "I told you not to let anyone go, right?" asked Addison, the twin sister complained to her twin brother Aiden.


    "I was in charge of keeping uncle Ryan busy. You were in charge of aunt Sofia." Aiden said to Addison.


    "Aunt said she would go to the washroom. I didn''t expect her to spy on our uncle Oli and Aunt Ky." Addison told her brother.


    They are trying their best to matchmake their favourite aunt and uncle by creating situations to make them meet.


    The hiking, this night meeting��


    "They were about to kiss but aunt Sofi disturbed them." Addison pouted.


    She and her brother Aiden were with their aunt Kyra but after getting a text message from their grandfather that their uncle Oliver had reached, they made an excuse and left.


    They wanted to give some privacy to their aunt and uncle.


    "That means they like each other right?" Aiden asked. His mother once told him that people only kiss the ones whom they love.


    It was because he kissed a girl just because she looked cute.


    "Of course. But, just like mom said, our uncle Oli and Aunt Ky are shy to express. Only when they spend time together will they be able to express" Addison said.


    Their mother used to say that spending time together will make them fond of each other.


    And, one of her last wishes was to see Oliver and Kyra together.


    In the diary she wrote her last wishes and her kids found it in their book shelf, mixed in their bedtime storybooks.


    Those last wishes were directed to them, her twins, Addison and Aiden.


    She even mentioned not telling their father about this book. The one thing that is suspicious is, why did she write her last wishes?


    Was she expecting to die?


    And, why did she emphasise so much on Oliver and Kyra and even asked to keep it as secret.

 Chapter 61 - Are You Missing Me That Much?

    Meanwhile, Kyra and Oliver returned to the house only to see the twins whispering to each other.


    "It makes me sad when I think of their mother. She was like a sister to me." Kyra said, her eyes turning gloomy.


    "She was a kind soul. She was the elder sister who stayed by my side when my parents died." Oliver said, sighing sadly.


    "She took care of me as well," Kyra told him. Her sister in law was the one who was helping her to find her savior and not only that but she has helped her in many other ways.


    "I want to return that favor by looking after Addison and Aiden." she added.


    "Looks like our thoughts match as well." Oliver said with a smile.


    Kyra smiled in return, however, she couldn''t forget what happened earlier.


    They almost kissed and she still couldn''t comprehend how it happened. It was as if they were different people when they were alone together.


    Now, there will be no end to the teasings her best friend will throw at her.


    "I actually wanted to take the twins back to their grandparents'' house. Their grandfather asked them to bring them back." Oliver said after a few moments.


    "Uncle already called to inform me about that. Don''t worry, I convinced him to let the twins stay." Kyra replied.


    Oliver nodded his head.


    He wondered why his godfather/uncle asked him to go then.


    However, he doesn''t regret coming here, anyway.


    Thanks to spending some time with Kyra, his sullen and bad tempered mood has not only returned back to normal but has also made him feel happy and revitalised.


    "Then, I will go now. It''s already late at night." Oliver said, turning to look at her.


    Kyra nodded her head. "I will walk you out.", she added, not wanting to miss even a second they could spend with each other.


    Oliver gladly agreed. He wants to spend as much time as possible with her.


    After he gave a good night hug to the twins, Kyra and Oliver leisurely walked to his car.


    Both had smiles plastered on their faces and their eyes were twinking with ecstasy.


    "I will meet you tomorrow then.", Oliver said.


    As he agreed to help her with her research, they decided to meet at her house everyday after his shift was done.


    A perfect way to see each other even when she is on leave.


    "Hm.", Kyra hummed in agreement but pouted a little when she realized that she had to wait for another twenty four hours or so to see him again.


    It made her sad but she knows that she would be asking for too much if she asks for any more favors from him.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t bail like before." Oliver said, when he saw a hint of disappointment in her eyes.


    He could only assume that she is sad because he didn''t keep his word of visiting here.


    Only if he could read her mind, he would be elated to know that she is thinking the same as him.


    Subconsciously, his hand reached for her head and he patted it affectionately.


    She looked cute when she pouted that he couldn''t resist doing that. Even his self control will be at a disadvantage in front of her.


    Kyra was taken off guard but his warm, doting gesture only made her smile and she nodded her head excitedly.


    Oliver let out a short laugh seeing her excitement.


    "It''s a bye for now, then.", he said looking into her eyes.


    "Rest well. Hope to see you return to your work as soon as possible,", he added, remembering how much he missed her at the hospital.


    "Are you missing me that much?" Kyra tried to joke.


    "I am.", Oliver seriously said, his voice hinting at the longingness.


    But before Kyra could come out of her daze, Oliver had already driven away. She didn''t expect him to  admit it so openly!


    A full blown smile made its way to her lips and her cheeks flushed.


    "This is exciting,", she giggled like a little fangirl, patting her red cheeks as she walked back to her house.


    --------


    While Kyra and Oliver made a little progress in taking the baby steps, some people were not happy with it.


    In the next house, Daniel sat at the floor to ceiling window, frowning deeply. It is evident that he is not happy with what he witnessed now. Beside him, there was a military binoculus chucked away on the table.


    "So, they will be meeting daily!!" he muttered, pulling off the ear piece and throwing it away on the table. He installed a hidden microphone in the antic vase he has gifted Kyra on her house warming party which is now placed in Kyra''s garden patio.


    He has heard what Oliver and Kyra spoke now and he has also seen them using the advanced binoculars.


    So, he didn''t miss the part where they were sitting closely and flirting. Not to mention that they almost kissed and, if not for Sofia''s intervention they would have successfully done so.


    Daniel sighed and slumped back, taking a long breath.


    He has tried to scare off Oliver from meeting Kyra and he almost thought that it is as easy as this.


    "It''s just my wishful thinking! Breaking them off is no easy task" Daniel said with a scoff.

 Chapter 62 - What Brother In Law?? Don’t Overthink!!

    The next morning Kyra woke up with excitement she never had before.


    It was because while she and Oliver were texting last night, he promised to take her to his research facility to show her around.


    Though she went last time, it was right after their accident and she was in a hurry to look around. Now, she couldn''t control her excitement...


    "Why do you look so happy today?"Ryan, her fourth brother, asked from the kitchen as he saw Kyra descend from the steps.


    "Can''t I be happy for no reason?" Kyra asked as she sat on the chair, facing the kitchen island.


    "Of course not. I would be more than happy if you do so.", her brother replied, tousling her hair affectionately.


    "Hey, don''t mess my hair!!" Kyra complained, slapping his hand away. But the smile on her lips is enough to tell how much she appreciates her brother''s affection for her.


    "Don''t worry sis. You look beautiful and I am sure my future brother-in -law Oliver will love your messy hair look," he added, teasing her with a wink.


    "What brother in law?? Don''t overthink!! We�� we are not like that", Kyra feigned her anger. But her blushing cheeks gave away.


    Ryan laughed looking at his sister''s fake anger. She looks cute when she is angry and it also makes him sad because he didn''t get to see her grow up.


    She would have been cuter and lovely as a kid if her childhood was not a disaster.


    "They are not like that yet. But soon they will be!" Sofia, who just came downstairs, joined the teasing.


    "Did something juicy happen?? Did I miss it?!" Ryan asked, totally excited to gossip.


    Kyra could only sigh. These both are such natural actors that they often exaggerate everything��


    "Yeah, I totally forgot to tell you!!", Sofia exclaimed in total excitement as she sprinted to sit behind Ryan.


    As soon as she sat, she leaned her face so near to his that it was just a few inches away.


    "They were sitting this close and their lips were so near as if they were about to kiss," she told him, not at all realizing that she is actually giving a demo of the scene.


    "I.. I can feel i..it", Ryan''s voice stuttered as he was taken off guard. Her sweet smell and her flawless beauty made him go into a trance.


    How can she do this to him even after knowing that he has feelings for her??


    She is really cruel!!


    "What a precise demonstration, Sofi!" Kyra teased, chuckling.


    Sofia''s plan backfired and what could be the better time to tease her if not this? So, Kyra didn''t let go of the precious chance she got.


    "I know that you would do anything to kiss my brother. But get a room, will you?" Kyra said, making fun of her friend.


    "Huh?" Sofia made a confusing face but when she realised what she just did, her cheeks blushed to the color of ripe tomatoes.


    When Ryan saw her like that, he got tempted to tease her more.


    "I wouldn''t mind even if you complete the kiss, you know." he said with a devilish smirk.


    "I will give you guys some privacy. I wouldn''t mind getting a niece or nephew after nine months", Kyra teased.


    Although she knows that she is exaggerating too much, she is just imitating Sofia.


    " You thugs!!" Sofia muttered as she clumsily retreated.


    "I will get my chance, Ky. Just wait!" Sofia retorted, hiding her blushing cheeks.


    "I will be waiting. But I think I will get more chances than you." Kyra winked.


    "Let''s see!!" Sofia said with a lopsided smirk.


    By what she saw yesterday, she could tell that Kyra and Oliver have mutual feelings. And, she can confidently say that they would be dating each other in no time.


    "Stop betting on each other''s love. Where are the twins?" Ryan asked.


    "I told them that I would give them swimming classes. They are getting ready.", Kyra said.


    "Can you do that? You should be resting, right?" Ryan asked, concerned.


    "I am fine, bro. It''s just a fun session with my babies." Kyra replied.


    "She will make a great mother, won''t she, Ryan?" Sofia asked, trying to make fun of Kyra.


    "Of course she will!" Ryan boosted. He can''t control himself when it comes to praising his sister.


    "See Kyra, we all have great expectations from you. Go and make babies with your idol/crush/soon to be boyfriend and husband", Sofia added with a smirk.


    "Why are you rubbing your fantasies on me, Sofi? My brother is here and there is a room upstairs with a romantic view. Why don''t you start first?" Kyra said, not wanting to lose to her bestie Sofia.


    "House romance wouldn''t be fun. However, hospital romance is thrilling. It''s more convenient for you." Sofia retorted with a smirk.


    "You are indirectly asking me to go back to work so you and my brother can have some quality time?" Kyra asked, raising her left eyebrow.


    Meanwhile, Ryan sat there, looking at his sister and his crush, Sofia bickering like kids.


    "I miss Chloe now. Only she can control you guys��", he said, totally helpless.


    But Kyra and Sofia are so involved in their banter that they treated Ryan as thin air.


    "I pity me and Oliver." Ryan muttered before getting busy making breakfast.


    Only if he would have known that this bickering would turn into so much fun after Oliver joins, he would have helped the twins to matchmake his sister and Oliver.

 Chapter 63 - I Am Going To The Research Center! Not To Some Date!!

    Meanwhile at the hospital��


    "I saw you yesterday night at Kyra''s house." Daniel said to his best friend as they sat down for a coffee.


    "I am staying just beside her house and you didn''t even come to say hello to your best friend", Daniel complained.


    Asking directly about the details would look like interrogation. So, he could only make it look less suspicious like this.


    "I went to fetch the twins. Moreover, it is your fault that you didn''t have a housewarming party.", Oliver told him.


    "Okay...okay. it''s my bad. But bro, why do I feel like I will get a sister in law soon?" Daniel teased, well, pretended to tease as he sipped his coffee.


    "Isn''t she already your future sister in law?" Oliver asked.


    As soon as Daniel heard that, he started coughing vigorously.


    "I mean, your sister, Chloe (Kyra''s best friend) will soon marry Walter (Kyra''s second brother), right?" Oliver asked.


    Only after hearing Oliver''s explanation, Daniel''s cough subsided. He almost thought Oliver knew something about the past��


    Seems like that is not the case.


    "Yes, it''s true that she got betrothed to Walter but they will marry only if both of them fall in love with each other.", Daniel said. He just doesn''t want Oliver to ask why he was so startled earlier so he tried to sound indifferent.


    "It''s somehow cute that both the girls from your family, Sophia and Chloe are going to marry into the Collins family.", Oliver said.


    Daniel is his best friend, the one with whom he could be very comfortable with. So, Oliver never minded to filter his words or talk only what''s necessary.


    But little did he know that this would cause so much pain and trouble for him.


    "Yeah, I feel the same too. Actually our families decided to marry their daughters into each other''s family." Daniel told him.


    "My cousin, Matthew (Walter''s best friend) loves Kyra so much, you know. Even our families are totally fine with that and if everything goes smoothly, they might get married by the end of this year" Daniel told Oliver, observing Oliver''s expressions carefully.


    When Oliver heard that, he furrowed his eyebrows and his eyes turned a little dark.


    Daniel''s smile almost resurfaced but it quickly subsided when Oliver returned back to his normal state and gave a smile.


    "Yes, I can see that Matthew is trying his best to woo Kyra." Oliver said. There was a tinge of jealousy but Daniel was in no state to realise that.


    He thought Oliver would be bothered and get restless because of this. He thought he could add fuel to these emotions in him and make him break apart from Kyra even before they could get together.


    After all, Oliver''s first love experience was a disaster and he is expected to be paranoid when it comes to this manner.


    But he didn''t expect Oliver to stay calm and collected like this. It is as if he is confident that he could win Kyra no matter how many hurdles are involved.


    "I got paged, Daniel. Meet you tomorrow.", Oliver said, standing up.


    "Hey, how about dinner at my place? I will compensate for not giving a housewarming party," Daniel said.


    He is adamant to sow the seeds of disruption between them.


    "Next time, Dan. I have prior commitments," Oliver replied. The smile on his lips is enough to tell that this ''prior commitment'' is with Kyra.


    Daniel watched Oliver leave and once he was out of sight, Daniel fished out his mobile and texted someone before going back to his work.


    --------------


    "You look beautiful, aunt!!" Addison said, clapping her hands cutely.


    "Yes, aunt Ky. You look so beautiful", Aiden followed his twin sister.


    "Thank you pumpkins," Kyra said, kissing their cheeks.


    "You look as if you are going on a date. Are you really going to meet him for work related matters or, is it just an excuse?" Sofia asked after having a full glimpse of Kyra.


    Donned in a black jumpsuit, Kyra made her blonde hair in a messy bun, showcasing her flawless and sexy nape.


    She had a light, almost no makeup but her cherry lips, arched eyebrows and her golden hazel eyes were enough to make her look attractive and mysterious.


    Though she kept it simple, the extra effort she has invested in grooming herself this time has not only increased her exterior beauty but also inner beauty.


    She is so graceful and charismatic that she could attract the attention of just anyone.


    "Hey, I got ready like I always do. Nothing special." Kyra said, applying hand cream to her hands.


    "Wow, someone is applying hand cream so that she could hold hands with a certain ''someone''.", Sofia teased.


    The twins giggled and Sofia joined them but facing Kyra''s glare, they stopped for a second and then started laughing loudly. Kyra''s expression right now is priceless that they couldn''t control themselves.


    Kyra pouted and then concentrated on getting ready.


    "Vanilla flavored perfume. To tempt someone, Ky?" Sofia asked again, chuckling.


    Kyra ignored her.


    "Chocolate flavored lip gloss. Want someone to taste it?", Sofia added.


    "Shut up, Sofi. Kids are here!!" Kyra chided her best friend looking at how kids are making innocent, confused faces.


    But she could tell that they were pretending. These little fellows here are no ordinary kids. However, as their aunt it''s her responsibility to protect their innocence.


    "So, if twins are not here, you don''t mind me teasing?" Sofia asked, smirking at Kyra.


    Kyra rolled her eyes and walked out of the room after taking her bag.


    Sofia of course followed her not wanting to miss any chance to tease her best friend. After all this is the first time Kyra is getting ready for a man.


    "I suggest high heels. If you trip, Oliver will be there to catch you." Sofia spoke again.


    "You better not say anything more, Sofi." Kyra warned as she took the flats out to wear.


    "Why not? Wouldn''t it be so romantic and cinematic?" Sofia asked.


    Kyra couldn''t help but imagine it. A small smile made up her lips however, before she could control it, Sofia had already seen it.


    "See.. you are looking forward to it. Wear heels now," she said, winking mischievously.


    "I am going to the research center! Not to some date!!" Kyra told Sofia, feigning her anger.


    "Exactly!! But you get ready as if you are going on a date. You see, that''s you who was having ulterior motive" Sofia said, her voice filled with victory.


    "I am gonna make a public announcement that the supermodel Sofia is intentionally living in the same house with the Superstar Ryan." Kyra said, her tone calm but a little scary.


    "Let''s see what would happen then." Kyra added, winking at Sofia before leaving the house.


    "Hmph! She always outruns me. Wait till you get into a relationship with Oliver.." Sofia muttered as she pouted.

 Chapter 64 - Look At The Road, Not Her This Time.

    Oliver packed up everything and got ready to leave from work. But, before that, he didn''t forget to take a shower and change into a casual T-shirt and jeans.


    He even combed his hair upwards, which he rarely does, that too for only special occasions.


    It totally gave him a sexy and cool look, unlike his indifferent and aloof look. The only similarity is that he is handsome in both ways.


    "He is really Prince Charming!! He is so sexy, irresistibly tempting and devilishly cool in this look." his fan girl who just saw him talking to the president messaged in their fan group.


    "This look? Wasn''t he wearing his usual grey suite?" another person immediately messaged.


    "I just finished my shift and I was about to leave. But saw Dr. Miller in casuals. CASUALS. He seems to be leaving too " another girl texted.


    "Leaving? He usually leaves after eight." Teressa messaged, surprised that he is leaving early.


    Until yesterday he was in a bad mood and was also working overtime. But today his mood took one eighty degree turn.


    "I overheard our president saying something and it sounded as if our Dr. Miller is going on a date." the first girl texted.


    "Could be. Only that could explain why Dr. Miller dressed casually." the third girl agreed.


    "As he has put so much effort, I think he likes that girl." the second girl said.


    "Don''t overthink as it could be anything!! Just go and do your work.", Teressa texted, her face sour.


    Her father invited Oliver for dinner but he rejected the invitation saying that he has something important to do.


    So, that ''important work'' is going out with a girl??


    It made Teressa extremely jealous. She thought she could get close to him during this dinner but whoever that girl he is going out with ruined everything.


    "We are going to see how he is looking. He is now on his way to entrance," another girl texted.


    It is after all so rare, almost impossible to see Oliver in casual attire.


    "Let''s go and see sir!" Lilith, Teressa''s friend, insisted.


    "We are asked to meet the president." Ron said, sighing.


    This fan girl gives him a headache!


    "Five minutes, Ron!!" Lilith said.


    "If you want you go first, bootlicker," Teressa said, rushing out.


    -----


    Kyra drove her favorite black Buggatti this time.


    The actual plan was to let Oliver pick her up from her house but as it is already past six, Kyra said that she would pick him up instead.


    Her house is in the opposite direction to his research facility so it would be a waste of one hour.


    "She shouldn''t be allowed to drive! She might still have the post-concussive symptomspost concussive symptoms." his uncle/President said. He and Oliver just reached the entrance and just by looking at the car they could tell that it''s Kyra.


    Kyra loves cars and she just brought this limited edition car. Both he and Oliver had seen it at her house when they went.


    "She is fine. And, I don''t think she drove here unsupervised," Oliver said, pointing his eyes at another car that was a few feet away from Kyra''s.


    "Of course. How could I assume that her overprotective brothers will let her take the risk," his uncle chuckled.


    Oliver smiled as well, thinking of the scenario of Kyra arguing with her brother to drive here by herself.


    "Look at you. So smittened to my little child there." his uncle teased.


    "Drive safely okay! If you both get into an accident again, I will be doomed. Look at the road, not her this time .", he added.


    "Kyra is driving. Not me. Tell her by yourself.", Oliver said with a sly tone before walking towards the car.


    His uncle could only chuckle and leave.


    Meanwhile, the fan girls who came to see Oliver are already in shock. Firstly, Oliver looked so sexy and cool that they couldn''t take their eyes off. Secondly, they just saw his smile and the sly, mischievous smirk which almost took their breath off.


    It didn''t stop there.


    When Oliver walked to the car, the window slid down and they could see a woman. Although they couldn''t see her properly because of the distance, they could make out that she is beautiful.


    "It''s a limited edition car." one girl muttered.


    By that time Oliver reached the car and leaned towards the girl inside to talk something. Even from the far they can see how his expressions turned gentle and doting. The smile on his face is enough to tell how special she is to him.


    After a few seconds of talk, Oliver went to the other side and sat down in the passenger seat. Even before anyone could register what''s happening, the car is out of his sight.


    "Damn, I didn''t get time to take a picture of him smiling.", a girl sadly said.


    "That''s not the priority! Our idol got taken away by a woman. Why do I feel like he will be off the bachelors list soon?", another girl said.


    "You people should stop overthinking. She could be his new secretary or maybe she is a cousin or maybe a friend.", Teressa said, her voice filled with anger. However, anyone could tell that the reason behind that anger is none other than jealousy.


    "The way he smiled, the way he looked dotlingly at her and how his whole face softened at the sight of her is enough to tell she is something more to him. Now, stop wasting time and let''s get back to work." Claire said.


    She didn''t know why but she felt like she had seen the woman in the car before.. Her eyesight is better compared to the average person, so she was able to see more clearly than others.

 Chapter 65 - If You Keep On Staring At Me, We Will Get Into An Accident.

    "Do you know that you have a huge fan group in our hospital? It mostly consists of females.", Kyra told Oliver after they drove out of the hospital''s premises.


    She didn''t miss the scene of the hospital entrance when she was waiting for Oliver.


    She saw around ten to fifteen girl''s standing at the entrance, staring at Oliver with their hungry eyes.


    And she is aware that those girls are only a part of a big fan group. As many others are busy either attending their patients or performing operations, they couldn''t leave their work and come to enjoy the view of Oliver in casuals.


    Although Kyra knows that Oliver is an idol of many, including herself, she didn''t like how other girls were eying him.


    ''Maybe this is the possessiveness Sofia talks about whenever my brother Ryan goes for fan meetings'' Kyra thought.


    As she already accepted the fact that she has feelings for Oliver, realizing her emotions have become easier compared to before.


    Meanwhile, Oliver looked at her amusingly.


    As these are the first things Kyra said after he got into the car, it was obvious that she was jealous.


    "I know.", Oliver said with a mischievous smile on his lips.


    "So, you pretend as if you don''t care.", Kyra said.


    The smile on Oliver''s lips widened as he could sense the tinge of jealousy in her voice.


    He used to think that jealousy is a useless and unnecessary emotion but today he realized that it is a very strong and intense emotion, sometimes dangerous as well.


    When Daniel told him how much his cousin Matthew loves Kyra and how their families are happy with that, a sour feeling aroused in his heart for the first time.


    He didn''t like that feeling at that time but now seeing Kyra going through the same made him feel thrilled.


    Now, he realised that jealousy is not something one would like to feel but it is something one can enjoy if the person on the other side is going through.


    "I don''t pretend. I actually don''t care," Oliver said, looking at her with the same smirk. But there was sincerity in his words.


    He also knows that jealousy could make a person overthink if it is not stopped when necessary.


    He doesn''t want Kyra to be jealous or feel insecure because of some girls whose faces he doesn''t even remember. She is the only one who can do wonders to him, not them�� so, he must cherish her.


    "Mr. Miller, you are more heartless and sly than I have imagined," Kyra said. But there was a smile on her lips.


    A smile which Oliver considered as a smile of satisfaction. She must have been pleased with his answer.


    "I agree with being sly but am I really heartless, Ms. Collins?" Oliver asked, imitating her by calling her by her first name.


    He just wants to tease her more. What can he do? He just loves doing that.


    Meanwhile, Kyra made a mistake by looking at him because it made her heart beat erratically.


    He was leaning towards her and the proximity between them made her lose her breath.


    His face was just a few inches apart so she could see his mischievous smile, his deep, naughty eyes and his handsome contours.


    The tease in his blue eyes made butterflies flutter in her stomach. His moist lips made her remember the last night when they almost kissed.


    "Careful, Ms. Collins. If you keep on staring at me, we will get into an accident." Oliver said, teasing her more when he saw her awestruck expressions.


    "I know I look handsome and it''s tough not to look at me, but driving is the first priority", he whispered as he leaned closer to her ear. At the end of his sentence, he didn''t forget to wink at her making Kyra more


    Kyra let out an awkward, tiny cough and hurriedly shifted her attention to the road.


    Her reddening cheeks and the sweet embarrassment in her eyes made Oliver laugh.


    Like always, all his exhaustion flew out of the window in just a few minutes of spending time with her.


    And, he is even getting to see the shades in himself which he doesn''t even know that they exist in him.


    "By the way, you look very beautiful, Ms. Collins." he told Kyra, playfulness dancing in his eyes.


    But, he really meant what he said. Her vanilla flavored scent and her natural warmth made his blood boil with desires. He is tempted to hug her and bury his face in the warmth of her neck.


    Her lips are calling him to devour them and her golden hazel eyes are pulling him to stare into their infinite depths.


    He didn''t forget to appreciate her beauty when he saw her while getting into the car but her question shifted his attention.


    Now, being in close proximity with her awakened those desires again.


    He gulped and and his hand went to his neck to loosen the necktie in habit but later he realised that he is wearing a T shirt and his neck is not covered.


    ''But why am I feeling so suffocated?'' he thought.


    Even Kyra was in the same situation.. Both of them were having the thoughts they shouldn''t have.

 Chapter 66 - How Can He Be So Handsome Even When He Is Bossing Around Like This?

    After a half an hour of silent journey, they finally arrived at Oliver''s research facility.


    It is a huge compound with sea on one side and greenery on the other three sides. Overall, it has a serene environment in which scientists can work in ease.


    As soon as Oliver and Kyra went through security checking, Oliver handed her the lab coat and mask.


    "Everyone here is treated the same irrespective of their position here, including me." Oliver told Kyra as they walked beside each other.


    "This reduces a lot of complexity." Kyra commented. Her father''s research facilities, despite being the best, have an unnecessary ranking system.


    The junior researchers and scientists have to go through a hard path both emotionally and mentally.


    Oliver smiled and straightened the crooked collar of Kyra''s lab coat.


    "Which department of the facility do you want to see first?" he asked her, ignoring all the shocked expressions around him.


    Although Kyra knows that he cares for her, she didn''t expect him to do it so openly. The gentleness in his voice is hard to ignore and his eyes are looking at her dotingly.


    How did she feel?


    She of course felt touched and it is somehow exciting and scary at same time.


    Scary? Whenever he starts being very good at her, it reminds her of her past. Her mother and her family were very caring that they betrayed her in the end and hurt her very badly that she still has not recovered from that blow.


    She is not ready to take another one especially when her life started to fall into place.


    She became a doctor after a lot of effort.


    She is now fulfilling her childhood dream to become a famous painter.


    She has started business with her friends and she is now earning that power and wealth for which she got betrayed by her own blood.


    It would be very good if she can find love as well, but she is afraid of going back to square one. This time she wouldn''t be able to raise like a phoenix.


    "Kyra." Oliver called her as he shook her shoulder gently.


    It is only when Kyra comes back from her thoughts.


    "Are you fine? Are you not feeling well? Should we-" he is about to ask if she has to rest for a bit, Kyra interjected.


    "I am fine. I was a little occupied with the thoughts", she told with a tight smile which made Oliver more worried.


    "You sure?" he asked, taking her hand into his.


    Kyra got startled a bit when she felt his touch but didn''t retrieve her hand immediately. She could see the sincerity in his eyes and his worry was genuine.


    "Yes.", Kyra said and then retrieved her hand.


    "Are any clinical trials going on recently?" Kyra asked.


    "Yes. There is one trail that might interest you." he said and turned to look at the people who were waiting for him.


    All of them are still in shock looking at how their sir is actively pursuing a woman and have even brought her here.


    This is a restricted research facility with only access to selected people. A few researches and trails here are collaborated with the government and are classified.


    "We will take it from here. You all can go back to your work. I will come some other time to look", he said.


    Reluctantly everyone nodded their heads and dispersed.


    "Which floor?." Kyra asked as the elevator opened.


    "Third floor. It''s restricted." Oliver said as he joined her in the elevator after giving his retinal scan to access that floor.


    This left more people in shock as they themselves have never gone to that floor. Only a handful have been there and they were all famous and experienced figures in medical fields.


    Who is this woman exactly?


    Meanwhile, Kyra herself is taken aback.


    Restricted floor?


    He is taking her there? He shouldn''t be trusting her this much.


    She knows what restricted access implies. It either has to be classified research or something too personal to risk exposure.


    "Oliver." Kyra called.


    "Hmm?" Oliver looked at her, gesturing to her to continue.


    "This is a restricted floor and I am an outsider. I don''t think people here would appreciate it. They might think you are throwing your weight around." Kyra said.


    She didn''t miss the looks on the other scientist''s here. They were clearly in disapproval of Oliver''s actions.


    Oliver smiled and patted her head. The same gentleness in his eyes, taking away Kyra''s breath for a brief moment.


    "This is my research facility and I can throw my weight around, sometimes." he told her with a wink, which made her heart beat even more erratic.


    How can he be so handsome even when he is bossing around like this?


    "This��", Kyra didn''t know what to say, making Oliver laugh.


    "Don''t worry, Kyra. What I am showing you now is not some classified work.. It''s my personal project" he explained.

 Chapter 67 - ‘Why Do You Trust Me This Much?”

    "This��", Kyra stopped in her tracks as she took some time to observe the surroundings.


    This floor looked like every other floor but there were very few people working in this unit. She could recognize most of them as they are famous in the neurological field and have done many useful researches and have helped in developing advanced and sophisticated methods.


    She could also see the traces of hardwork and effort everyone has put in. The advanced equipment, the filled white boards, bunches of research copies are the evidence of how important this project is for Oliver.


    "I either spend most of my time in the hospital or here." Oliver said as he walked her deep into the floor.


    They stopped at the observation room and through those one way glasses, Kyra could see a paralyzed person sitting on a wheelchair. But he has some microchips being implanted on his nape and other parts of the body.


    There were doctors and scientists overseeing the whole process with hawk-like focus.


    Meanwhile, Oliver looked at Kyra who was looking around with curiosity.


    "My sis..sister.", his voice quivered which got Kyra''s full attention. This is the first time she sensed the vulnerability and helplessness in his voice. And, from his eyes she could tell that he is sad and troubled.


    "She is paralyzed down her waist for the last eight years. She had a weak nervous system from childhood but, I�� I never thought she would get paralysis.", he told Kyra. Usually he doesn''t talk much about this but, with Kyra it is different.


    It indeed feels good to talk to someone rather than storing them deep in their heart.


    Kyra could only purse her lips and pat his shoulder in comfort. She knows that no words could make him feel better.


    "I noticed that there is a nice sea view. Why don''t we have a cup of coffee sitting there?" she asked after a few moments. The more they stay here, the more painful memories will be flooding into his mind. So, Kyra could only make this excuse.


    And, Oliver has of course understood what she is trying to do. He could only smile and nod his head.


    ---------


    After making their own coffee, Oliver passed one cup to Kyra and they stood at the railing, looking at the sea. As it was evening, the sunset is an additional decoration to the beauty of nature.


    "One of the reasons you became a doctor is your sister, isn''t it?"Kyra asked.


    "It is not one of the reasons. It was the only reason but fortunately it turned out that I am good at it.", Oliver said with a smile.


    "Your sister is lucky.", Kyra said.


    "She is the only close family I have excluding my grandfather.", he told her.


    This is the first time their conversation has touched the personal stuff. Thinking of it, their lives were not as different as she thought. Both have been through rough paths and it is still going on. It is just that they are the silent ones, not showing it outside.


    "I know her. Eleanora Miller, the vice president of Miller Corporations. Although you are the face of the Miller corps, she is the actual brain.", Kyra said, sipping her coffee.


    "I see that you have done your research, Ms. Collins.", Oliver said with a smirk. But he is pleased to hear the praises of his sister from Kyra. Who wouldn''t be happy to hear compliments about their little sister, especially if those come from the special woman of his heart?


    "Of course, I did.", Kyra said.


    "So you are confirming that you did a background check on me, Ms. Collins?" Oliver asked in his playful tone as he leaned towards her and whispered in her ear.


    Because of their close proximity, Kyra held her breath. His mauscline fragrance wafted her nose, making her more infatuated.


    "I�� you.. are overthinking!", Kyra said, her breath already short because of Oliver''s teasing.


    "Then?", he asked, now looking into her eyes. His deep blue eyes danced with playfulness.


    "I did that for business related things, okay? Not because I was curious about you.", Kyra answered but her voice stuttered a little.


    "If you are curious about me, you can directly ask me. I will tell everything, Kyra.", he told her, this time there was seriousness in his voice.


    Kyra was taken aback as she could see that he is serious now.


    He would tell everything to her?


    Really?


    Does he trust her this much??


    "Oliver, can I ask you something?", Kyra asked, her voice mirroring seriousness in his voice.


    "Anything Kyra.", Oliver said, placing his coffee mug aside. He could sense that their conversation is taking a serious turn, something important to progress.


    ''Why do you trust me this much?", she asked. As she has trust issues, she really can''t stop feeling restless whenever he acts so carefree with her and trusts her tremendously. He has brought here to his research facility, showed his personal project and even opened about his vulnerabilities.


    Isn''t he afraid that she would take advantage of him using this information? After all, they have known each other roughly for a month.


    Oliver looked into her eyes. His deep blue eyes to her golden hazel eyes��


    "Can''t you tell?" he asked as he placed his hand gently on the side of her head, caressing the strands that had escaped her messy bun.

 Chapter 68 - At Last He Finally Confesses!

    Oliver looked into her eyes. His deep blue eyes to her golden hazel eyes��


    "Can''t you tell?" he asked as he placed his hand gently on the side of her head, caressing the strands that had escaped her messy bun.


    Kyra gulped. She could feel his hot gaze and his hot breath. The warmth of his palm made her close her eyes but his question brought her back. But, she was not able to respond given how sudden this question was.


    "You are special to me Kyra. So special that I lose all my rationality around you and I just listen to my heart. You have brought the shades in me which I don''t even know that they exist.", Oliver told her, never breaking eye contact with her.


    Kyra held the wrist of his hand which is caressing the side of her hair. For a second, Oliver thought that she would free herself from his hold and leave. But that didn''t happen��


    He looked at her hand and then he shifted his attention back to her. Just in this short time, Kyra''s eyes have reddened and they were brimmed with tears. Her lips are quivering as well.


    "I�� I��" Kyra didn''t know what to reply. It is not like she doesn''t want to but she is not ready yet. If she confesses her feelings as well, their relationship will no longer be what it is now. She wants their relationship to be more than ''friends'' but she is just scared...


    Yes, his words have partially erased many of her doubts and fears. She felt happy listening to those words and she could also tell that he is genuine.


    She could say that ''I feel the same'' but it is not that simple for her given with her past trauma.


    "You don''t have to respond to my words, Kyra. Just�� just tell me one thing." Oliver said.


    Kyra nodded her head, her heart beating erratically.


    "I won''t ask you how you feel about me. Just tell me, am I special to you?" Oliver asked. Just like Kyra, he has his own insecurities. What if they get into a relationship and the feelings she had for him will fade away, leaving him broken hearted again??


    Though he already knows that Kyra likes him, he wants to know if it is just attraction and infatuation or, more than that. Listening to the answer from Kyra will erase his insecurities.


    "If you were not, I wouldn''t have come to this extent.", Kyra answered, looking into his eyes.


    It looked more like she confessed her feelings already by saying this but there is a difference between confessing it directly and indirectly.


    If a person is not yet ready to confess directly, that means she needs more time or courage or assurance. In her case, she needs all these three.


    Oliver smiled in relief. Though this answer is not a complete confession, at least he is special to her. It is not like how Daniel told him a few days back.


    But that doesn''t mean that he has won Kyra over.


    There could be more than one person special to everyone and in the same manner, Kyra might have more than one person special to her heart. Making him the only person special to her is how he could win her over.


    At least, he is sure that she treats him special compared to most of the others. And, they have all the time they want to get to know each other.


    Liking someone is not enough to get into a relationship and fortunately both of them know that by now.


    "That''s all I need to hear", he whispered.


    He touched his forehead to hers, their eyes closed instinctively. There is a sweet smile on both of their lips. In the background, the golden rays of sunset illuminated on them, outlining their silhouettes.


    With the sea as the background, it really looked romantic.


    One of the scientists who came searching for Oliver found them having this moment. She immediately captured the image however, as she was standing far away, she could only capture their silhouettes. Forehead''s touched and hands intertwined.


    "Romantic. I never thought he would get together with another girl after his first love." she muttered. As she is his classmate in university and was one of his close friends, she knows about his first love and their breakup.


    She glanced at the picture she took and immediately shared it to two people.


    --------


    A woman just walked out of the operating theatre after cleaning up. She opened her messy bun, letting her long, blonde hair loose as it fell to her waist. She then combed her hair with her fingers, bringing all of that to her left shoulder.


    "At last I can rest," he happily hummed as she stretched her arms while walking towards her office. Many people smiled at her in her way and some nodded at her respectively, which she answered with the same gestures.


    After reaching her office, she jumped on to her sofa and she was about to take a nap but her personal phone buzzed, indicating that she got a message.


    Jennifer swiped her phone open and as soon as she saw the picture sent by her friend, her hand stopped in midair.


    By seeing the silhouette alone she could tell that it''s Oliver....

 Chapter 69 - Otherwise, She Has No Right To Be Angry…

    The other person to receive the picture is Daniel, Oliver''s best friend/university friend.


    "The hell!!", he exclaimed in shock, attracting the attention of every other doctor in the meeting.


    "Excuse me. I have to take this��" he said and rushed towards the entrance.


    As soon as he got out of the sight of others, he made a call to his friend who sent this to him.


    "Ava, is this Oliver?" Daniel asked as soon as she answered.


    "Yes. He brought a girl with him this time and even brought her to see his personal research he is doing for his sister. I didn''t expect to see him this intimate with another girl, you know.", Ava said, partially complaining and partially stunned.


    "That girl, describe her��" Daniel asked, his voice urgent.


    "Long, blonde hair tied in a messy bun. Around 5''8 height with a slender, hourglass figure. Hazel eyes, porcelain skin." Ava fastly described Kyra.


    ''Kyra��'' Daniel muttered to himself. He already knows that it is Kyra but the first thing he was taught is not to come to conclusions by guessing.


    "What are they doing now?" Daniel asked.


    "Uhmm�� they were walking towards the sea shore." she answered.


    "Oh, wait. They are leaving the institute. I think they are going home��" she added as Oliver and Kyra walked towards another direction.


    "I see. And, Ava to whom have you sent this picture? Don''t tell me you sent it to all our friends!" Daniel said.


    "I am not dumb! I sent it to you and Jennifer as you both are the closest to Oliver. I wanted to send it to Raymond too but you know that he never responded to us" Ava said.


    Daniel is not Oliver''s best friend but Raymond is. He is the psychiatrist by career and was Oliver''s roommate during their university time. However, he disappeared a few years back and from then he has just vanished into thin air.


    "Wait, you sent the picture to Jennifer??" Daniel asked, pinching the space between his eyebrows.


    "Yes, I did. Did I do anything wrong by doing it?" Ava asked.


    "You already did it and there is nothing we can do about it now. I will handle it.", Daniel said, taking a long breath.


    He stood at the window, looking at the sunrise. He didn''t expect Kyra and Oliver to progress this much. He really underestimated them!


    It seems like true love can dominate the deepest fears and traumas one holds in their heart. Otherwise, these both wouldn''t have taken such a dare step.


    "What should I do now?" Daniel thought and after contemplating a little, he gave a call to Jennifer. She is now in Australia doing her fellowship there.


    "Thank God, you answered my call, Jenny.", Daniel said.


    "How long has it been since you talked to me? One month? Oh, sorry! It''s been three months.", that was the first thing she said.


    Jennifer is Daniel and Oliver''s junior in their medical school. Although Daniel is not that close to her, he used to talk to her at least once in a month to know about her whereabouts and how she is doing. However, on the other hand, she is close to Oliver as they are family friends and have grown up together. It is how they got to know each other.


    "I was busy. I relocated." Daniel said.


    "I know. Oliver said." Jennifer said.


    "You talked to him?" Daniel asked.


    "A few days back. He said he was going camping with Collins'' family and after that I got busy.", she answered.


    "Uhmm�� Jenny, have you got any photos or anything like that?", he asked.


    "The one with him holding hands with a girl?" she asked.


    "Yes. Their foreheads were in contact as well.", Daniel said.


    "I have eyes and I have seen it as well.", Jennifer snapped.


    A smirk fell on Daniel''s lips. He could sense her anger and that only implies that she loves Oliver, right?


    Her anger is justified only if it originated from jealousy. Otherwise, she has no right to be angry��


    He always had a hunch that she had feelings for Oliver. Moreover, as their families are very close, there were rumors that they would get married. After all, they get along so well and she could be considered as Oliver''s only closest female friend.


    "I am coming.", she said after a few seconds.


    "You are coming here, why?" Daniel asked, his voice bittersweet. Jenny could either be an ally or the roadblock to him.


    She might successfully break Oliver and Kyra''s relationship or she might also become a catalyst, making Kyra jealous and act fast.


    "My fellowship ended. I was about to come next month after taking a month long vacation here but I changed my mind", she replied.


    "Oh. When are you coming then?" Daniel asked.


    "My flight is in a few hours. I will see you tomorrow..", she said, ending the call.

 Chapter 70 - Please Accept Him

    The next morning��


    Kyra was the first one to wake up.


    She simply couldn''t stop herself from thinking about the previous day''s events and, she was seeing those even in her dreams.


    Oliver confessed his feelings and she almost did hers as well.


    The way he touched the side of her head, caressing her hair. The look in his deep blue eyes when he confessed, the way he touched his forehead to hers��


    She simply couldn''t forget them as they were repeatedly flooding her brain.


    The happiness she felt every time, remembering those events is simply indescribable. She has never felt this happy in her entire life!


    She is going through many other feelings and they are new to her. However, she felt good and totally energetic because of those��


    Maybe it is how it will feel when someone confesses how special they are to him/her.


    Kyra cautiously woke up, not making any sounds. The twins are sleeping in the middle and at the end of the other side, Sofia is in a deep slumber.


    Her fourth brother Ryan is sleeping on the window sofa, holding a teddy bear which is actually Addison''s (The twin girl). He was also wearing a monkey cap with dinosaurs on it which is Aiden''s.(The twin boy).


    Kyra chuckled. Twins would have done this to their uncle after she fell asleep.


    All of them had a movie night in her bedroom and while talking and having fun, they all fell asleep.


    Ryan must have covered them in blankets before going to sleep. Twins must have woken up later to have their own fun.


    Kyra looked at Sofia and as she expected, the twins drew a moustache on her face. They have also written ''I am a man'' on her forehead.


    Kyra could only stop herself from laughing aloud. These twins are really mischievous!


    But she also knows that they are sad inside. Their mother''s death is still haunting them and their father''s absence at this time is making them more miserable.


    Thinking of it, Kyra sighed. Her first brother is broken but he has not yet mourned for his wife. He said he would do that only after investigating his wife''s death and take revenge if there is foul play in it.


    Kyra could only pray that he would return soon and be there for twins. Although she and everyone in family are taking care of them, father is still a father, right?


    No one can take his place.


    Kyra applied toothpaste to her brush and looked at the mirror only to see that twins have not shown mercy to her as well.


    They have written something on her forehead in French.


    veuillez l''accepter


    It is translated as, ''Please accept him''. in English.


    It took her a few moments but she understood that they were talking about Oliver.


    They must have found out that Oliver has told her about his feelings. But how?


    How do they know it? She didn''t tell Sofia or even Ryan about what happened.


    When she told them that she will talk about the details later, they didn''t insist on it anymore. It is the best thing about her family and friends. When she asks for time, they give her how much time she wants.


    After washing her face and getting freshened, Kyra changed into her yoga outfit.


    As today is Friday, it''s yoga day for her.


    2 days yoga, 3 days gym, 2 days of walking/running/cycling in the park. Every evening she goes swimming if possible.


    She was about to go to her garden to start her yoga session but like everyday she has first opened the Hospital''s website, logged in and saw the surgeries she got assigned for next week.


    She then downloaded all the files of the patient and then made her day plan.


    She will study the cases, do the research she has to do on the surgery procedures and other stuff. Then, she will work on the research she is helping her friend with.


    After noon, she will visit the building in which her branch office will soon start and then in the evening, she will paint till Oliver comes to visit her.


    After that, she will have dinner, spend some time with twins and then go to sleep.


    After writing them down in her iPad, she was about to take her yoga mat and leave but Oliver''s call stopped her.


    A smile blossomed and she immediately answered it.


    "Good morning." he greeted her in a husky voice.


    "Good morning", Kyra greeted back. But there was shyness in her voice that made Oliver chuckle.


    "How did you know that I woke up?" she asked after a few seconds.


    "You logged in and downloaded the files. As they were uploaded by me, I need to give access, remember?" Oliver said, amused.


    Kyra closed her eyes and shook her head in embarrassment. Why should her IQ drop to zero?


    She already knows the process, so there is no need to ask him a question as silly as this!


    "What are you doing now? I presume you are about to exercise." Oliver said.


    "Uh..huh" Kyra agreed.


    "I am going cycling. You wanna join?" he asked.


    "But you go to a different place. It''s on the other side of the city for me and it will take time for me to arrive." Kyra said.


    She wants to join him but he has to wait for her to arrive and it will make him late to his work. If he does that, he will have to work overtime and that will make him late to their evening rendezvous.


    Then, he will only stay for half an hour or, around an hour. It''s very less time, right?


    "I stayed in my mansion yesterday and it is near to the place you usually go. I am going there to cycle today and as it is near to your place, I wanted to ask if you wanna join." Oliver said.


    But the truth is he has stayed in his penthouse, not the mansion.. And, that penthouse is far from the place Kyra goes for her morning jog/cycling.

 Chapter 71 - Welcoming The Sunrise Every Morning And The Moon Every Night…

    But the truth is Oliver has stayed in his penthouse, not the mansion. And, that penthouse is far from the place Kyra goes for her morning jog/cycling. He told a white lie this time because he wanted to see her before going to work.


    After telling her his feelings for her, he felt more relieved and liberated. And, her assurance that she feels special about him has wiped away his insecurities, which made him more brave to pursue his happiness.


    He couldn''t sleep last night as he was repeatedly thinking about yesterday''s events. One thing was clear and that is, he couldn''t miss her.


    -----------


    After talking to Oliver, Kyra swiftly changed her outfit and jotted down where she was going. Then, she quickly drove to the park. If it was a normal day, she would have jogged but she didn''t want Oliver to wait for her.


    And, by the time she reached, Oliver was already waiting for her with two bicycles. He wouldn''t have reached this fast if he hadn''t left early from his mansion. And, he called her only after travelling half the distance.


    "Hi.", Kyra said and subconsciously, her voice was tinted with shyness.


    "Hello to you too," Oliver said, looking at her with his soft eyes.


    "You already rented the cycles,"Kyra noticed.


    "Hmm.", Oliver hummed in response as he passed her one of the cycles.


    "It seems like we both wear the same color every time." he said as he embarked his bicycle.


    It was only when Kyra noticed it. She is wearing a black cycling outfit and so was he.


    "This is not a rare coincidence. We both prefer minimalistic colors and especially black.", Kyra said.


    Oliver smirked. He doesn''t know why but he likes her bossy and sharp attitude more��


    "Well, it is true but how do you explain the red piping and the same brand?", he huskily asked as he cycled close to her.


    Kyra smiled, enjoying the simple, trivial talk.


    "Mr. Miller, this brand is a famous clothing line and black, red is the best and most frequently used combination." Kyra said.


    "You are the best party pooper, Ms. Collins. Do you know that?" Oliver asked playfully.


    "People often say that, Mr. Miller. Seems like it is my specialty.", Kyra said, as she sped forward.


    Oliver laughed and cycled to reach her pace.


    They cycled leisurely, enjoying each other''s presence and nature''s beauty.


    They had short, fun talks like this once in a while, laughing and smiling all the way.


    After a half an hour or so, they stopped at the river side, where they could see the sunrise. Parking their bicycles, they sat down on the grass and Oliver passed her water bottle and clean towel.


    "It''s fun cycling with you," he said, wiping his sweat away.


    "But someone just said that I am a party pooper.", Kyra said with a smirk, raising her left eyebrow at him, her eyes playful.


    "Seems like Ms. Collins loves holding grudges as well.", Oliver said, imitating her gestures and tone.


    Kyra laughed and looked at the horizon filled with warm, golden rays.


    "It''s actually fun and I love spending time like this with you." she said, lost in the happiness and serenity.


    Oliver was taken aback as Kyra is not someone who openly talks about her feelings.


    But, when he saw her, he realized that she said it subconsciously and had not yet registered what she had just said.


    But a smile made it to his lips. As she said it subconsciously, it means she really meant it.


    Oliver didn''t reply and focussed on enjoying the sunrise with her. How good it would be if they could do this every day�� welcoming the sunrise every morning and the moon every night��


    -------


    Meanwhile, Oliver''s grandfather was in no mood to see the sunrise unlike this grandson who enjoyed it to his fullest and was now on his way to work.


    "They progressed this much and you didn''t know??", he yelled as he threw the iPad at Roger.


    Roger was startled and he felt a lump in his throat when he saw two pictures in Chairman Miller''s iPad.


    First one is Oliver and Kyra holding each other during the sunset. From the surroundings he could recognize that it is Oliver''s research facility.


    "This..", Roger stuttered, his voice trembling with fear.


    "It''s taken yesterday evening," Oliver''s grandfather yelled.


    Roger nodded his head and swiped left to see the other picture.


    It is Oliver and Kyra sitting on the grass, enjoying the sunrise with smiles on their lips. They were sitting closely, their shoulders touching.


    "It was taken this morning, just a few hours back." Oliver''s grandfather yelled.


    "Sir, Mr. Miller assigned me business work and has kept me on a tight schedule. I have not followed him for two days.", Roger said.


    As Oliver has not texted or went to see Kyra, he presumed that they had some misunderstanding. But who would have thought that their relationship will bounce back with 2X speed?


    And, he is not a spy to keep track of his boss''s every move! He is a personal secretary for God''s sake who has to follow his boss''s orders and relieve from his work after working hours.


    If Oliver is meeting Kyra at work hours and doing all these, he might be able to watch them and do something but, his boss meets Kyra only after working hours!!

 Chapter 72 - I Like Him More...

    At last the clock ticked six and by then Oliver had made sure that he finished all his work. This week was relatively less hectic compared to other weeks as he has not scheduled many surgeries. So, he was able to leave early.


    He quickly freshened up using the personal room that is attached to his office in the hospital and then directly drove to Kyra''s house. And, by the time he reached her house, it was around seven.


    Like always, Sofia greeted him at the door.


    "Ms. Richard," Oliver greeted politely as Sofia opened the door for him. .


    "Mr. Miller," Sofia imitated his formal greeting as she welcomed him inside.


    "Kyra is at her garden house like always, painting. By now you should have remembered the way there." she casually told him.


    Though Oliver was slightly taken aback by the sudden change in her tone, he didn''t find it repelling.


    By now he realised that Sofia holds an important place in Kyra''s life. So, it is inevitable for them to become friends and he knows that.


    Moreover, seeing Sofia take care of Kyra like a mother Hen protecting its babies, he started to respect her. Which friend would be this caring and protective?


    Sofia is a supermodel, renowned across the world. Her schedule should be pretty packed but she gave her first priority to Kyra and stayed behind to take care of her.


    What else is needed to prove that she is a good human?


    "Should I take a blanket for her?" Oliver asked, trying to converse casually.


    He has noticed that Sofia always brings a blanket for Kyra whenever she sits outside with him.


    He doesn''t know how but he knows that Kyra prefers freshly washed blankets everyday.


    Meanwhile, Sofia smiled hearing his question. She should say that she is impressed by Oliver''s insightfulness towards Kyra''s preferences.


    Not everyone notices tiny details like these.


    This is part of Kyra''s trauma post effects that she needs fresh blankets and fresh clothes every time.


    The reason behind it is, she was kept captive in an untidy and shady place for a few days after she was betrayed by her mother. That experience was a nightmare for eighteen years old Kyra...


    From that time, whenever she was covered in some old, used clothes or blankets, it triggered her trauma. She starts to remember that place, that stinky smell, those people and that triggers her trauma.


    "Please sit down for a minute. I will bring her blanket" Sofia said with a smile and then walked to Kyra''s room.


    "Hi, Oliver." Ryan, Kyra''s second brother, greeted as he walked inside with twins already sleeping on either of his shoulders as he carried them in both arms.


    Oliver smiled and nodded his head, not wanting to wake up the devil''s from their slumber.


    "Don''t worry. These devil''s played in amusement parks till they dropped out because of exhaustion. Even if you play their favorite cartoon, they are not going to wake up." Ryan proudly said.


    Oliver chuckled.


    "So, you found the trick at last," he said.


    "At last, I did. Let them tire themselves out." Ryan replied with a grin


    "Exactly." Oliver agreed with a smile.


    "I will put these both to bed first. They gained weight after getting pampered by their aunt Ky. " Ryan told him and Oliver nodded his head.


    But before Ryan could come, Sofia had already handed a blanket to Oliver and he left the main house to meet Kyra at her garden house.


    "I like him more than your brother Matthew or Kyra''s best friend Luther." Ryan commented when he saw Sofia staring at Oliver''s receding figure.


    "I prefer-" before she could finish, Ryan interjected.


    "Oh please. Don''t tell me you still prefer your brother over Oliver." he mocked.


    "I was about to say Oliver too." Sofia said and then angrily walked away.


    Luther is Kyra''s best friend and is also one of the people who stayed with her from the start.


    He knows her the best, excluding the Collins family and Kyra''s best friends Sophia and Chloe. But till now, he never showed any love interest towards Kyra but there are people who ship them as he and Kyra make the best partners during surgery and also during the fun times.


    ------


    Meanwhile, with a blanket in his hand, Oliver walked towards the garden house.


    Like always Kyra was painting. This time, she was not wearing her night clothes but was in a comfortable woolen, turtle neck dress that reached her knees.


    Her hair was tied in a messy bun and her hazel eyes were intently focussed on canvas as she gave a nimble strokes to her painting.


    ''She looks more beautiful when she is serious'' Oliver thought and walked to her.


    The small porch that was connected to her garden house was warm as there were heaters installed and it was filled with Kyra''s painting stuff. He could clearly see that Kyra spends most of her free time here, painting.


    "Hello��" Oliver said from a little far itself. Although they are close now, he knows that he should respect her privacy.


    He didn''t want to sneak into her work without her permission and, most importantly, he didn''t want to disturb her. So, he waited till she put her paintbrush down.


    Kyra was startled by his sudden deep, husky voice but recovered very soon.


    "You are early." She said as she hurriedly stood up in an attempt to hide the painting she was doing.


    "As I promised, I came here as soon as I finished my work." he told her, pretending to not notice her unusual behaviour.


    Why is she trying to hide her painting? Did she not want him to see it??


    Although he is disappointed, he hid it well from her. By now, he realised that Kyra is not someone who gets comfortable with people easily, let alone share her personal space with them.


    So, he is well aware that he has to be patient in order to let her allow him into her personal life. And, he is willing to do it as Kyra is worth his time and patience.


    "I was only joking when I said that. You should have rested before coming." Kyra said, guilty.


    Yesterday, she asked him to come as early as possible. But she didn''t think that he would take it this seriously.


    It is sweet of him but rest is very important for surgeons.


    "I rested in the office. Don''t worry." Oliver told her as they walked to her garden patio.


    After they sat down, Oliver immediately handed her the blanket so she could cover her bare legs with it.


    Kyra smiled but the surprise in her eyes was hard to ignore. Her best friend usually brings it herself if she forgets to take it with her. Sofia would never let a guest bring it for her unless Oliver himself reminded her of it.


    So, Oliver knows about her weird habits?


    Even when they had an accident, he told her that he knows about her habit to wear fresh clothes only. Even now, it seems like he knows about her habit to use fresh blankets.


    But how?


    It is explainable when it comes to this blanket thing. We can assume that he is a very good observer and has noticed before.. But how can we explain the fresh clothes thing? At that time, they are not even close and, moreover, it is impossible to notice even if they were close.

 Chapter 73 - We Should Get To Know Each Other, Dont You Think So?

    "So, you like to paint." Oliver said.


    "Hmm." Kyra agreed.


    "What else are your hobbies?" he asked, suddenly interested in it.


    Kyra looked at him in surprise. Didn''t she come here to talk about work?


    "We should get to know each other, don''t you think so?" Oliver asked, hopeful to get a positive answer from her.


    Kyra smiled looking at his hopeful eyes


    "I think we should.", she said after a few seconds. She knows that this is not a simple question.


    Although it looks simple, there is a deep meaning in this one. If she answers what he wants to listen, that means she is already agreeing to give their relationship a chance.


    A relationship that might make her or break her life.


    She, the one, who is afraid of new relationships no matter how less they affect her has to take a risk of making an important, significant relationship.


    And, after thinking so much, she agreed to give it a chance but was still afraid. Afraid but not hesitant��


    Hearing the answer he wanted to hear from her made Oliver smile.


    "Talking about my hobbies, you already know that I like to paint. Whenever I feel like I need some personal time, I sit alone and paint till my mind clears." Kyra said, coming back to answering his question.


    "Besides painting, I play Violin too. I am just an amateur and I mostly do it for therapeutic effect.", she told him.


    "Your third brother is the best violinist I have ever seen." Oliver said.


    Kyra smiled. "Yes. However, he chose to be a lawyer." Kyra told him.


    "What matters is, he is good at what he does." Oliver said, his voice hinting nostalgia.


    "Are you doing what you love. Mr. Miller?" Kyra asked.


    Oliver looked at her and pursed his lips before shaking his no. "However, I am good at what I do," he told her.


    "Then, what do you love?", Kyra asked, looking at him.


    "You better not laugh.", Oliver said with a chuckle.


    "I won''t dare to." Kyra responded.


    "Maybe because I was just a kid at that time, I always wanted to become a professional E- sports player. However, not everyone gets the luxury to pursue what they love. My parent''s death left all the responsibility on my shoulders." he said.


    "I started working in the company from my teenage under my grandfather''s assistance. However, I chose to go to medical school rather than a business school because of two reasons. I wanted to help my sister get her normal life back as she was already suffering from a weak nervous system. And, I wanted her to take over the family business as she was naturally good at it." he added.


    "But God had other ideas. When I was away and was busy with my own studies, an incident left her paralyzed down her waist. She refused to take over business as she has to represent the company. She didn''t want to appear, sitting in a wheelchair. So, I ended up becoming the CEO but my sister does most of the work. Just like you said, she is the brain behind the success of the company and I get involved in it only when it is necessary.", he told her.


    Kyra listened intently.


    But she knows that Oliver is not just a face of the company. He is more than that. She has heard from her brothers and Mathhew that Oliver is very good at his work as the head of the company.


    He is too busy to become more involved in it. His first priority has always been curing his sister, so he spends more time in his research facility than the company.


    After telling his story, Oliver looked at Kyra who was already looking at him.


    "What do you think?", he asked.


    "I started to respect you more. You love and prioritize your sister more than yourself." she said.


    ''It means he values the relationships and people around him more than he values himself.'' Kyra thought .


    "I am doing what I have to do as an elder brother. Your brother''s do the same for you.", Oliver said with a gentle smile.


    "Of course.", Kyra agreed. Her brother''s, though not related by blood, have done so much for her and she knows it very well.


    "So, you love E-sports.", Kyra said with a smile.


    "Hey, don''t laugh. I was a kid at that time, okay! I was just thirteen." Oliver said with a little pout.


    "I am not laughing!! What''s wrong with it? I wanted to ask you if you still play." Kyra said.


    "As you know, my schedule is fully packed. But, I play when I am free and need some time away from this hectic life.", he answered.


    Kyra smiled and nodded her head.


    "As for my hobbies except for playing video games. I enjoy reading books and I do photography as well. I like programming too. You might have already noticed that I like camping and exercising.", he said.


    "I also like long drives and cooking as well.", he added.


    "You are more like an indoor guy. And, an introvert too. But, why do I feel like you are not an introvert like you described?" Kyra asked.


    "Well, you can say that I am a selective introvert. I only mingle with people I like and I don''t care about the rest.", he answered.


    "Are you an introvert, Ms. Collins? To me, you look like one.", he said. Though she talks to him, she keeps their conversation limited to a few topics and she is not a natural talker.


    "I am a selective introvert too. I spend time only with people I trust and I feel comfortable with.", Kyra said.


    "Our tastes look similar but at the same time, different.", she added.


    "Isn''t it good?", Oliver asked, leaning towards her.


    "How?", Kyra asked, holding her breath. Why should his eyes be so compelling??


    "We share some common interests to start a conversation with and many different interests to talk about and continue that conversation.", he told her with a grin.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "Yes. And, it''s been almost thirty minutes since we started talking and I didn''t feel like time has passed at all..", she told.

 Chapter 74 - The Time My Heart Got Stolen...

    "Sir, Mr. Miller has again gone to meet Ms. Kyra.", a call disturbed Oliver''s grandfather from playing his evening golf.


    "Again?" Oliver''s grandfather frowned.


    "It looks like they decided to meet everyday outside of work, sir. Ms. Kyra is currently taking a holiday, so they are meeting in her house for now.", the person from the other side said.


    "What is Oliver''s schedule this weekend?", his grandfather asked.


    "Saturday, he has business meetings on and on. And as of Sunday, he has to work on his research all day but, Roger just informed that Mr. Miller asked to clear his whole schedule on Saturday and a half day of Sunday." Oliver''s grandfather heard from the other side.


    A frown appeared on his lips after hearing it.


    Why should his grandson be so adamant to woo this woman??


    There are many beautiful, rich and smart women outside, ready to devote all their life''s to him. But, why should he select a specific woman who can make his life a living hell??


    The worst thing is, no one can tell that to Oliver and make him leave her. He has to learn it by himself and, wouldn''t it be too late by the time he realizes it??


    However, all they could do is to try their best to break them apart.


    And, it''s not that easy as Kyra has Collin''s unwavering support and protection. If they find out what is happening, Collins'' family is not going to leave it alone till they dig everything out.


    Digging the past could only complicate things and make it more dangerous for everyone getting involved.


    "Schedule a meeting with any overseas branch and create a situation there, so that he will be left with no option but to go there this weekend. Do it quickly!!", Oliver''s grandfather ordered before ending the call.


    "Discussing something so seriously. Is it company related again?'', his old friend asked as he golfed.


    "Yes. Our grandchildren chose other career''s, making us work even at this age." Oliver''s grandfather swiftly lied.


    "What can we do? We need to respect their choices. At least your granddaughter Nora is there to help you. My granddaughter Jennifer wouldn''t even care if my company goes bankrupt.", his friend said, complaining about his granddaughter.


    "Though I have a granddaughter who can take care of the company, she is weak physically. I feel worried to pressurize her with the responsibilities.", Oliver''s grandfather said, worrying about his handicap granddaughter.


    "She is not a weak girl, old man. She has the capability to shoulder the company. About her physical disability, aren''t your grandson and my granddaughter working on a cure for her?", his friend comforted him.


    "Yes, they are trying their best. I should really thank your granddaughter Jennifer for being there for my grandchildren.", Oliver''s grandfather said.


    "She is family. No need to be thankful.", his friend said, making Oliver''s grandfather smile.


    "Isn''t she in Australia now, doing her fellowship? How is she?", he asked.


    "She came back yesterday. Her fellowship is finished and this time she seems to be confident about helping Oliver with Nora''s research.", his friend answered. Jennifer went to do fellowship in Australia hoping to learn more about Nora''s condition so she could help.


    "She came back? I have always wanted Jennifer and Oliver to marry, you know. But, it''s a pity that your wife doesn''t agree with it.", Oliver''s grandfather said, disappointed.


    If Jennifer''s grandmother is happy with the alliance, he wouldn''t have sent Oliver to all these blind dates at all. Jennifer and Oliver are the perfect pair and moreover, Oliver owes Jennifer for helping him in Nora''s condition. And, Jennifer is his only female best friend with whom he goes along pretty well.


    "I am trying to convince my wife. If she agrees, it won''t be a big deal." his friend assured Oliver''s grandfather.


    Oliver''s grandfather smiled cunningly. Oliver owes Jennifer so much and it would be easy to break Kyra and Oliver with Jennifer''s help.


    "Why don''t you ask Jennifer to come for lunch the day after tomorrow? Oliver will be there too.", he said.


    "Sure. I will ask Jennifer about it.", his friend agreed.


    -------------


    Meanwhile, Kyra and Oliver walked to his car as they talked.


    "Twins will be really excited for tomorrow.", Kyra said.


    They decided to take Addison and Aiden for camping tomorrow as they didn''t spend the last week''s camping with them. The only difference this time is, it will be Kyra and Oliver alone with the twins.


    Though they asked Sofia and Ryan to come with them, those both have cleverly rejected. It is obvious that they are giving him private time for Kyra and Oliver to bond up.


    "For sure they will be.", Oliver agreed. ''But, I am the most excited one.'' he thought.


    "Then, meet you tomorrow afternoon," Kyra said, smiling at him.


    Oliver nodded his head and patted her head before getting into his car.


    Later, Kyra went back to painting. As she saw the painting that was half way, she sighed in relief.


    She is actually painting the moment she and Oliver had yesterday evening.


    The background was filled with golden orange sunset and there was a sea, illuminated by that warm light. And there are silhouettes of a man and woman standing at the railing with their foreheads touched. She finished it in a day as she had only been painting since last night. Only the finishings are left.


    She even named it ''The time my heart got stolen..''


    -------


    Meanwhile, in an old yet big palace, a woman in her eighties is sitting on her balcony, looking at the sunrise.


    Her wrinkled skin and big round glasses are not enough to reduce her natural beauty. Despite being rich and having power to do what she desires, her eyes are filled with sorrow and loneliness.


    "Madame, we came across something you might be interested in," a polite voice disturbed the old lady from seeing the sunrise.


    Using her control panel, she moved her wheelchair to see the man who just spoke now.


    The middle aged man slightly bowed in respect before passing the iPad he is holding.


    The old woman took it and saw the picture.


    "You can leave.", she said before going back to see that photo.


    "Where did you get it?'' she asked immediately.


    "Our people find this getting shared by some scientists in the USA to other two people, one in the USA and other in Australia.", he answered.


    "You can go now." she said and after that man went, she moved her wheelchair towards a secret door and opened the digital lock. As soon as the door sprang open, she moved her wheelchair inside and stopped at the old painting.


    It is the exact mirror copy of the photo but painted.


    The name of the painting was written in small fonts at the left bottom corner.


    ''The time my heart got stolen...''

 Chapter 75 - First Love.

    It is the exact mirror copy of the photo but painted.


    The name of the painting was written in small fonts at the left bottom corner.


    ''The time my heart got stolen..''


    She looked at the sixty years old painting and then at the picture that was taken yesterday.


    They looked exactly similar. Not even a single detail was different. It is as if the painter from sixty years back has painted it by seeing the photo in her hand.


    One could explain the similarity by saying that this is not an unique idea and could be born in the minds of many other people as well.


    But what about the title?


    The old woman continued to look at the painting and after God knows how long has passed, the woman let out a sigh and then left the secret room which is filled with many paintings and other antique things.


    She stopped her chair at her study table and wiped the tears that brimmed at her eye rims. Then, she pressed the button on her study table and a man from before walked inside and bowed to her.


    "I want this picture totally wiped away from everywhere. You have one hour to do that and keep track of the people who have got this picture.", she ordered.


    "As you wish, madame.", he said and then left the room.


    In one hour, Daniel, Jennifer and Ava found the picture mysteriously erased from their devices and every other backup storage.


    But they couldn''t suspect it because the strange virus has wiped away the data in many other people''s phones as well.


    --------


    That night��


    Oliver reached his penthouse in a very good mood. He would have gone to the mansion but he has to go camping with Kyra tomorrow and this penthouse would be convenient for him.


    He took a warm shower and sat down at his study table, thinking about today''s events.


    Taking his dairy, he wrote down everything.


    The morning with Kyra as they enjoyed the sunrise together. The open heart conversation they had and how Kyra is slowly opening up to him��


    How, his life used to revolve around the hospital and his research facility before Kyra came into his life. And how the dynamics of his life have totally changed.


    His life felt more colorful and exciting. He felt like he was living his life at last��


    A smile blossomed on his face and Oliver looked at a huge painting hung to his bedroom wall.


    It is one of the paintings Kyra created. He bought it at the auction last week because he felt connected to it. At that time, he is not aware that Kyra is the mysterious painter, The passion.


    ''First Love'' he muttered the name of the painting as he looked at it. Like always, when he saw that he felt as if his heart was in turmoil and at the same time he could feel the sweet connection towards it.


    Mixed feelings invaded his heart.


    Oliver closed his eyes and a smile reappeared on his lips as he remembered how Kyra was hiding the painting she was painting today.


    But, he happened to have a glimpse of it and he found out that she is painting the moments they had yesterday.


    Only if he would have seen the name she gave to it, he would be over the moon now.


    "She is painting it so she could remember that moment?", he asked the question particularly to no one.


    "Though she is not showing it outside, she has already fallen for me, right?", he spoke again.


    However, instead of the answer, he was brought back from his thoughts by a phone call.


    It''s Jennifer, his best friend.


    "Jenny, how come you are calling me now? Is something wrong" Oliver asked in concern. It should be early morning for Jennifer there so, of course she scared him by calling at the odd time.


    "I am back, Oli. I came back yesterday.", Jennifer answered.


    "Came back? And, you didn''t tell me?!" Oliver questioned.


    "Even if I would have informed you, you will be too busy with your girlfriend to pick me up." Jennifer complained, her voice sounding like a spoiled child.


    "Daniel seems to be gossiping a lot,'''' Oliver said. If not from Daniel, Jennifer wouldn''t have found out.


    "Leave about how I found out. The main point here to emphasise on is that, I didn''t hear it from you!", Jenny said, anger evident in her voice.


    "I always thought I am your best friend with whom you share everything. Seems like I am not!", she yelled.


    Oliver moved his phone away from his ears and closed his eyes. Only after Jennifer stopped shouting, he spoke.


    "Fine...fine. I will explain myself. Tell me where you are now. I will come��" he told her.


    "I am eating at our regular hangout place." she said.


    "Wait there. I got a gift for you." Oliver said and then ended the call before changing into casuals.


    ------


    Jennifer is also a fan of Passion''s paintings, so Oliver bought one for her in last week''s auction.


    It is not a typical large painting but a medium sized one which can be easily carried.


    Taking that with him, Oliver reached the restaurant in which Jennifer is waiting.


    As soon as they saw each other, they shared a brief hug and after that sat down.


    "Here is the gift I told you about." Oliver said, giving it to her.


    "The painting you bought last week?" Jennifer asked as she opened it.


    As soon as she saw it, a smile appeared on her lips. "It''s beautiful, Oli." she said in sheer delightment.


    "I know you would like it." Oliver chuckled, ruffling her hair.


    "Oh please. Don''t try to change the topic here " Jennifer said, closing the gift box and keeping it aside carefully.


    She will hang it in her bedroom later.


    "Who is she? Is she someone I know?" Jennifer asked.


    "No. You might not be knowing her" Oliver said.


    "So, she is really your girlfriend!" Jennifer said, emphasising ''girlfriend''.


    "Jealous?" Oliver asked, chuckling.


    "Oh please. Why will I be jealous. I am actually pitying her for falling in love with a boring person like you." Jennifer said.


    "You are calling the person on whom you once had a crush as ''boring''?" Oliver asked, raising his eyebrows.


    "I once had a crush on you because I was ignorant," Jennifer said with a smile, mocking him.


    Oliver shook his head, smiling at her childishness.


    He has always treated Jennifer like a little sister as she is of the same age as his own sister Nora and is her best friend.


    But he didn''t know that Jennifer had a crush on him. He found it only after Jennifer followed him to Stanford.


    She proposed to him and was broken when he rejected her right away. It took him a lot of effort to make her understand but fortunately, Sofia understood what he wanted to explain to her.


    Forced love is never gonna be happy.


    After that, they lost contact because Oliver graduated. Three year later, she did her residency under him and they have become best friends again.


    By that time Jennifer had already moved on and was enjoying her life. She realised that sticking to the one person who is never going to be hers would do nothing but waste her time and youth.


    "I want every detail now. How did you meet her, how did you realise that she is the one and most importantly, has she agreed?"

 Chapter 76 - She Is Very Special Person In My Heart.

    "Is she really that good? For the first time in years, you have shown interest in women.", Jennifer continued her questions.


    "Did you fall for her beauty?"


    "No..no. You are not a superficial person so, it''s not her beauty. What else is worthy in her that you got smitten by her like this.", Jennifer didn''t stop.


    Oliver could only chuckle at Jennifer''s excitement. A few moments back, she was enraged but now, she is like a kid, filled with excitement and curiosity.


    "You will meet her the day after tomorrow anyway. You can see bt yourself.", Oliver answered.


    "Day after tomorrow? We will be busy in the research facility at that time", she mused.


    "You are going to bring her there or what?", she asked. The photo she saw earlier was taken at the research facility so, it didn''t come as a shock to assume that he would bring some outsider to the research facility.


    "Yes, she will be there the day after tomorrow. ", Oliver replied.


    "Oliver, I got that you like that girl so much. But bringing her to a research facility as a date is not a good option. It will not only risk confidentiality but it will also make that girl feel bored. Take her to some fancy restaurant or a romantic movie if you want to spend time with her," Jennifer said.


    "And, she might not be accustomed to the environment and circumstances in the research facility,'''' Jennifer added.


    Oliver could only laugh.


    Not accustomed??


    Kyra''s father owns many research facilities. The Collins research laboratories are one of the highly established and esteemed laboratories across the world. Many people would do almost everything to get into it and he is sure that Kyra has been to those laboratories many times and would also have worked on a few projects.


    "Don''t worry about that. If there is anything she would enjoy to the fullest, it would be coming to our research facility and spending time there.", Oliver told Jennifer.


    How could he forget the sparkle in her eyes when he invited her to his research facility? There is no doubt about that...


    "Oh. So, uhmm�� is she someone from our field?''Jennifer asked. She would have asked Daniel and he would have spilled all the information about Oliver''s girlfriend but she wanted to see the expressions of Oliver.


    "Don''t be so curious. As I said, you can meet her by yourself." Oliver said. Like every person, he wants his best friend and girlfriend to become good friends. And, he doesn''t know why but his guts are telling him that Kyra and Jennifer will get along very well.


    "So, she is really someone from our field!! Is she famous and talented like you? From where did she graduate and what is her speciality?" Jennifer asked. If it was someone from a totally different career, she wouldn''t be this restless as now.


    All she wanted to know is what is so special about that woman that isn''t there in herself.


    She graduated from one of the best medical schools. She is one of the youngest doctors to accomplish so much at this age. She is beautiful, intelligent, comes from a well reputed and wealthy family and most importantly, she has always been beside him, supporting and helping him at his lowest.


    Oliver turned to look at Jennifer who was clearly feeling jealous.


    "Don''t overthink, Jennifer. You are a great person and I am proud of you, very proud of you but as a brother. We have already gone through this years back, haven''t we? Don''t hurt yourself by overthinking and you know that I can''t be at peace if you do this, right?", he asked, patting her head as he gently explained to her.


    Jennifer pouted with tearful eyes.


    "I am not having any ulterior motives, Oliver. It''s just my lady ego that is pushing me to know what is so special about her that it is not in me.", Jennifer admitted.


    "Silly. No one can compare you both, okay! You both are smart, beautiful and kind but different in my eyes. It''s just that I have never seen you like that in the first place to even-" before Oliver could finish, Jennifer interjected.


    "I know. I know. As I said, I was curious, that''s it. Don''t overthink and I will do the same. See you the day after tomorrow.", Jennifer said.


    "Let''s meet the day after tomorrow, then." Oliver agreed.


    He knows that Jennifer doesn''t mean any harm but he also knows that he can''t take risks especially with Kyra. He can''t let her misunderstand him and most importantly, he can''t risk losing her trust.


    After that, they parted ways and while on the way back to his home, he decided to tell Kyra about Jennifer during their camping trip tomorrow.


    But, before he could even plan on how to explain it to Kyra, his assistant called him to inform that something went wrong with the bidding of one of the projects at the branch company and it needs his immediate attention.


    He couldn''t say no as this is the project his sister Nora has been working very hard. He couldn''t let her down��


    ------


    Meanwhile, Kyra is helping the excited twins in packing things for tomorrow''s camping.


    They are very excited and their happiness knows no bounds as they are going with their favorite aunt and uncle to the camping, alone.


    "Guys, don''t forget your socks and gloves," Kyra reminded the twins who are now running from her room to theirs.


    "I think you need to take this with you," Sofia said, handing out contraceptive pills.


    "What the-" Kyra was about to curse but didn''t. She doesn''t want kids to listen to it.


    "Oops...sorry. I should give this one first.", Sofia said, giving a sexy night dress.


    Kyra could only pinch the space between her eyebrows.


    "I just said that I wanted to give our relationship a chance. That means, we are still in the phase of getting to know each other, okay?" Kyra patiently said.


    "You should also know how good he is in bed.", Sofia winked.


    "Don''t tell me you do the same before getting into a relationship." Kyra said, as she packed her thermal wear.


    "Of course, I do!" Sofia agreed.


    "What the hell!" Ryan, who just entered the room, yelled. He can''t imagine another man with Sofia let alone imagine them doing it....

 Chapter 77 - He Is Determined To Woo Her.

    "So, the plan got cancelled?" Addison asked, disappointment evident in her eyes.


    "Sorry, sweety. Your uncle has to cancel because of work." Kyra comforted the twins.


    "How about we three go camping?" Kyra asked, not able to see the twins sad.


    "No. I won''t agree to send you three alone.", Ryan firmly said.


    "We four can go." Sofia offered.


    "Still, it''s a no." Ryan said.


    Two kids and two adults who bicker like kids.


    This group needs adult supervision.


    "Then, you tag along too.", Sofia scoffed.


    "I have agreed to be a language interpreter for an international conference tomorrow. I can''t cancel on that one." Ryan said.


    Although he is an actor, he is also a language interpreter fluent in more than ten languages. He only agrees to the conferences he is interested in and coincidentally there was one of his favorite conferences tomorrow.


    "As your uncle is refusing to send four of us, we can only make our garden a camping spot. We can fix a projector to watch a movie. We can make a bonfire and we can do everything we decided to do" Kyra said.


    "I am okay with it. What do you kids think?" Sofia asked. All that matters in the vibe for her. As long as there are camping tents, bonfire, barbeque and an outdoor movie night, she is all green for that.


    "I have a better idea." Daniel who just came in spoke.


    He just found out what happened and he thought why not execute his mission from Kyra''s side.


    After all, Oliver is being adamant in pursuing her and somehow, Daniel understood why Oliver couldn''t let go of Kyra.


    But on the other hand, Kyra is not that determined to get together with Oliver. She just wanted to give it a try.


    Till now, he was trying from Oliver''s side because it was less risky. However, he couldn''t achieve what he wanted.


    "What is it, bro? The twins were really excited for the camping." Sofia said to her cousin, Daniel as she pouted cutely.


    Daniel ruffled her hair. "I can tag along with you four. Even I need some dose of nature amidst all this stress." he told her.


    Sofia is fine with it but she looked at Ryan and Kyra for their approval. Though Daniel is also a close member, in fact the closest to her, he never bothered to mingle with Collins family much.


    So, he doesn''t have a close relationship with Kyra nor her brothers unlike her sibling, Matthew.


    "I am fine with it." Ryan agreed. Though he is close to Daniel, he at least knows that he is a good person and wouldn''t harm his sister, Kyra by any chance.


    Kyra contemplated a lot but after remembering how sad the twins were earlier, she couldn''t bring herself to say no.


    So, she nodded her head, gesturing that she is fine with it as well.


    The twins looked at each other, disappointment evident in their eyes. They planned this trip so that their aunt Ky and Uncle Oli can bond up. But they didn''t think it would turn out this way.


    Now, they can''t even say no as it would make them look arrogant and spoiled.


    Meanwhile, Daniel smiled cunningly.


    -------------


    The next morning....


    "Sofia, could you let Kyra ride with me for this trip? I want to discuss something related to one of my patients. I can use her expertise." Daniel said as they finished loading the luggage in two cars.


    "Not a problem." Kyra said as she walked towards them.


    "Then, I will ride with the twins. See you at the camping site." Sofia said.


    After getting into the car, Daniel and Kyra discussed some things related to their work. That stretched for half of their journey.


    "Thanks for agreeing to help, Kyra.", Daniel thanked her at the end of the discussion.


    "I would have asked Oliver himself but he is well, you know, busy.", Daniel chuckled.


    "And, I don''t know anyone but you in this hospital," he added. Like always, he is covering up his intention with the excuse.


    "That''s fine. Just give me a call when your patients come. I will be there.", Kyra said.


    "Thinking of it, how''s it going with Oliver? He is acting sneaky nowadays." Daniel asked, pretending to sound as casual as possible.


    "You seem pretty curious about us." Kyra said. She couldn''t shake off feeling that Daniel is being nosy and suspiciously curious about her and Oliver.


    For a second Daniel felt a cold shiver across his body. But, he recovered soon.


    "Of course I am curious, Kyra! Oliver is my best friend, only best friend to be precise. And, you... you are my cousin''s one sided love."Daniel quickly covered.


    "Besides that, I�� I never thought Oliver would be interested in you. Not even in my dreams had I imagined that you both would get together.", he said, carefully weaving around the words. He wants to plant a bad impression on Oliver but at the same time he shouldn''t be too obvious as well.


    It of course attracted Kyra''s curiosity.


    Why specifically her? Why did Daniel think that Oliver wouldn''t be interested in her??


    What exactly is the backstory for Daniel''s prejudice?


    Noticing her confused state, Daniel smirked inside. Though he wants to continue what he is doing now, he knows that anything excessive could become poison. He doesn''t want to slip his tongue and ruin all the effort his boss has put in.


    "Why am I telling all this. Sorry, Kyra�� I was thinking too much. It is just that I can''t believe he has moved on from his first love now.", Daniel said.


    Kyra took a glimpse at his face and then shifted attention back to her phone.


    "We are not together, not yet. We are still in the phase of getting to know each other and�� I don''t think it''s a crime to move on. Moving on is one of the best gift human were gifted with." she told, looking at the clear sky.


    If not because of this beautiful gift, she would have already been dead or probably have gone crazy.

 Chapter 78 - Numerous Love Confessions

    The camping went pretty well.


    Kyra has always thought that Daniel is some serious, no fun guy but it turned out he is an exact opposite.


    He is a jovial, humorous person just like his cousin Sofia.


    After their little talk about Oliver and his relationship with Kyra, Daniel didn''t risk bringing it up again. Kyra is already suspecting his actions.


    The day soon passed and by the next afternoon they had come back. Kyra was about to get ready to go to the research facility but she decided to give a call to Oliver once, before starting.


    -------


    Meanwhile, Oliver is still in a meeting. He thought he would be able to solve this problem by night but he didn''t expect it to stretch this long.


    He personally has to go and check on the situation though he didn''t have to. His sister was so upset about what happened, so he didn''t have another option but to promise her that he would take care of everything personally.


    The whole conference room was silent as Oliver spoke in his serious tone. And, all of a sudden his phone started to ring on the table, attracting everyone''s attention.


    Everyone in the room knows that Oliver is a doctor who often gets emergency calls from the hospital. But they also know that his ringtones are different for personal and work related reasons. Now, it is clearly a personal call..


    Oliver took a glimpse at his phone screen and once he realized that it was Kyra. His eyes misted with guilt and gentleness at the same time.


    "Meeting adjourned." Oliver said as he hurried out of the room to pick up her call, leaving the shocked executives in the room.


    "Hi, Ky." he said as he stood beside the window. By now he should have already gone back if not because of this last minute meeting.


    "How was your trip? I am sorry I couldn''t keep my promise." he added.


    "Daniel tagged along and he was pretty fun. And, that''s fine. I understand how busy you are. Twins are not angry as well. We can just reschedule the camping", Kyra said, a smile already plastered to her lips. His deep, husky voice has that soothing effect on her.


    "Yes, it would be really nice to reschedule our camping. This time I will really keep my word." Oliver said with a smile. His eyes were already twinkling with excitement.


    "Me and the twins will be waiting." Kyra said.


    "And�� Kyra, I am struck in the meeting. I might not be able to meet you in the research facility. I can ask my assistant to show you around-" before Oliver could continue, Kyra interjected.


    "It''s fine. I can go later. I will rest a bit as I have to return to the hospital tomorrow. You try to return soon and take a good rest.", Kyra said. She can''t deny that she is disappointed but as someone who knows how stressful it is to manage two careers at the same time, she can only be understanding.


    Oliver felt his heart squeeze.


    He felt sad and angry at himself for not keeping his promises.


    "I am really sorry, Ky. I didn''t think I would get struck here.", Oliver apologized again.


    "It''s fine, Oliver. I understand how helpless we could be in these kinds of situations. Don''t feel guilty as we can go to the research facility even next weekend.", Kyra comforted him after listening to his guilt filled voice.


    Only after sensing that Kyra really meant what she had said, Oliver felt relieved. He felt at ease only after that.


    "Yes, yes.. We can reschedule that as well. You are very understanding, Ky. Thanks for not getting angry.", Oliver said.


    Kyra laughed.


    "I have five brothers who always ditch me like this. I already got accustomed to this.", Kyra said.


    "Hey..hey, when did I ditch you, Ky. None of us five have ever done that!! We have ditched many important things just to be with you and keep our word of spending time with you. I gave up one of the films to be at your side during one of your semester exams and that film won an Oscar.", Ryan shouted from the kitchen.


    "Bro, you better finish cooking mac and cheese before I finish my call.", Kyra shouted in return.


    "Yes, madame." Ryan shouted in response, making both Kyra and Oliver laugh.


    "I will meet you tomorrow, then. Take care and enjoy mac and cheese." he said, chuckling.


    "Yes, doctor." she playfully said before ending the call.


    "Do you know, you guys talk like an old married couple?" Sofia commented.


    "Old??", Kyra scoffed. She could let go of Sofia for calling them ''married couple'' but old???


    "Yeah. It is as if twins and you both are a happy, small family. The way you spoke sounds as if you are a wife and your twins are kids who are waiting for a busy husband to come home." Sofia said, chuckling.


    When Kyra imagined it, it didn''t sound that bad.


    Having her own kids, a girl and a boy with genes of both her and Oliver. She, waiting for him with her kids holding her hands with their tiny, soft hands.


    A smile plastered her face as she imagined the peaceful dinner with her small family of four.


    "Ky, are you imagining that scenario? It seems like it warmed your heart. Your eyes are twinkling now.", Sofia teased.


    Kyra shook her head, pulling herself out of that beautiful imagination. Just now, she realized that there is another dream she didn''t realize till now. Desire to have her own family.


    Although Collins treats her really well, they are not related to her by blood. She wants to know how it would feel like to have a family related by blood who cares for her.


    "Don''t fill my sister''s innocent mind with dirty thoughts, Sofia.", Ryan said, serving mac and cheese to her and Kyra.


    --------


    The next morning��


    After a week, Kyra is returning to the hospital.


    "You look like a nerd!!" Sofia started laughing as she saw the total new version of Kyra.


    "I know." Kyra agreed as she fixed her specs.


    Her long hair is tied in a tight bun and she hid her golden, hazel eyes with black eye lens. She made her eyebrows a little thick and applied her makeup to hide her perfect high cheekbones and her sexy face contour.


    She also wore loose clothes to hide her perfect glass hour figure.


    "I don''t want to get any unnecessary attention, Sofi. I am just trying to do my work in peace without any other interruptions." Kyra said.


    "Yes. How can we forget how you became a celebrity and got numerous love confessions in Collins Hospitals as soon as you joined." Ryan said while he secretly took pictures of Kyra in her baggy clothes.


    "How can we forget how it started to get on your nerves after a few people found out that you are the only precious daughter of the Collins family. I can understand that you are trying to avoid that disaster but, why should you hide your beauty?? What if Oliver finds another beautiful woman and leaves you?", Sofia said.


    "If love comes only from looks, I don''t want it as it doesn''t last long.", Kyra said, stroking Sofia''s cheek as she gave her sexy smile.


    Sofia gulped. "Your charisma can''t be concealed anyway. I think you need to stay low key and don''t act like this.", Sofia said, slapping Kyra''s hand which is teasing her.


    "I will listen to you then. Bye for now.", Kyra said, waving to her brother who was enjoying Sofia''s flushed face.


    "See you in the evening, dear sis. Eat well and if someone gives you a hard time, just text me, okay? I will take care of him or her." Ryan said.


    "I don''t want history to repeat please.", Kyra said, before going away.


    How can she forget how her fourth brother broke a person''s arm just because he tried to touch her hair and spoke inappropriately. It is after this incident, everyone in Collins hospital found out Kyra''s family background and were warned not to trouble her or expose her identity.


    Her brothers are indeed protective of her. So, she started learning to protect her so they won''t have to worry about her. This is one of their ways that made her strong.


    -------


    Soon, Kyra reached the hospital in her low key car and walked into her department.


    "Ria!" Claire, her fellow fellow, was the first one to notice her.


    "Oh god! I heard you were in an accident. Are you fine, now?" Ron asked as he and Claire rushed to Kyra.


    Noticing the genuine concern in their faces, Kyra smiled.


    "I am fine. It''s just a minor accident but I had a little concussion.", Kyra said, taking her seat.


    "Oh see, who is here. Our nerd fellow, Ria Lopez.", Teressa who saw Kyra mocked.


    "Hello to you too." Kyra said.


    "Guys, a new fellow is joining us today. And, Oh my God, she is very, very pretty!!", Lillian who just entered, spoke.


    Not long after that, Jennifer entered.


    Her long blonde hair in a high pony, her chocolate brown eyes, glowing under the light. She had very little makeup on but she is a natural beauty. With her black pencil skirt and blazer on, she looked formal and sexy at the same time.


    "Good morning everyone. I am Jennifer. Jennifer Anderson. You can call me Jennifer..", she introduced herself.

 Chapter 79 - Competition.

    Kyra looked at Jennifer and her forehead scrunched as she fell into s deep thought.


    Why does she look familiar?


    A flash of memory blinked in the back of her head but it dimmed with the same fastness.


    "Hi." Jennifer''s sweet voice brought Kyra from her thoughts and it was when Kyra realised that Jennifer''s desk is just next to hers.


    "Hi." Kyra greeted with a tinge of awkwardness. She is yet to master the skill of socialising. So, she is not good at communicating with strangers.


    Unlike Kyra, Jennifer is an extrovert who loves meeting new people.


    "I am Jennifer Anderson. Call me Jennifer or Jenny." Jennifer said, extending her hand for a handshake.


    The way Jennifer introduced herself made Kyra''s subconscious mind trigger again but just like before it vanished as soon as it came.


    "I am Ria Lopez. You can call me Ria." Kyra said, introducing herself with her alias.


    Jennifer smiled and started to introduce herself while Kyra organized her table. It''s been a week since she was at work, so she is left with many things to do.


    However, Oliver took care of most of it by dividing her work to other fellows. They couldn''t even deny it because Oliver was in a bad mood then.


    Ten minutes after Jennifer entered the room, she was called to the conference room just like how Kyra was called on her first day.


    It is to introduce herself and choose the doctor under whom she will be working.


    Meanwhile, Teressa managed to get Jennifer''s profile. Thanks to her father who is a director and head of the department of gynecology.


    "She graduated from Stanford. Gold medalist. And, she is also a junior of Dr. Oliver Miller who has also done her residency in the same hospital as he did. So, they must know each other" Teressa said, gritting her teeth.


    "If it is like that, he would take her under his wing." Lillian said, giving a look to Kyra who is the only fellow under Oliver.


    "What if she seduces our Dr. Miller?" another fan of Oliver pouted as she looked at Jennifer''s empty desk.


    "How could it be? It looks like Dr. Miller is in love with another woman." Ron said.


    When Kyra heard it, she started choking on her water.


    What girlfriend??


    She didn''t know if it is something to get jealous or feel happy about. If that rumored girlfriend is her, she would be relieved and if it is someone, she would get jealous.


    "Woah�� Ria! What happened??" Ron exclaimed as he immediately patted her back.


    "Girlfriend?" Kyra asked, patting her chest to ease her lungs.


    "In this span of a week, so many things have happened. We all were walking on eggshells thanks to Dr. Miller''s mood swings" Ron complained.


    "First thing, during the charity event which you missed, Dr. Miller has brought a beautiful woman as his date and they were acting very close. From the intel we got, it is the first time he ever brought a woman with him to events like these"


    "By her looks, he partner looked like a perfect match to Dr. Miller, in beauty, intellect and background wise." Ron told her, making Teressa, Lillian and others from Oliver''s fan base glare at him.


    "And, on that Monday, he was injured in surgery. He got into an accident while returning it seems. However, more than him he was worrying about the woman who travelled with him in his car."


    "He looked restless and worried all day and it was also the first time I saw him distracted during the surgery. And it is rumored that his partner from the charity event is the same woman who was in an accident with him."


    "Someone heard Dr. Miller and our president talk about that woman and it seems like she is close to our president as well."


    "I almost thought that our good days have started as Dr. Miller found a woman for himself. What I mean is, it is said that men get soft hearted after falling in love" Ron corrected himself when he saw the sharp glares of the girls.


    "But the very next day, Dr. Miller started with a very bad and short tempered mood. For the next two days, he was like that, surrounded by dark clouds, sending shivers down our spines."


    "We were literally shivering whenever we crossed paths with him. We would have got blood pressure for sure if it continued for another one more day."


    "But again, some miracle happened that night and our Dr. Miller was in a great mood from the next day. It is rumored that he went to meet that woman, the one from the charity event and car accident.'' Ron finished his reporting.


    "Hey, we can''t forget about last Friday! Some gorgeous lady with a limited edition car has picked him up at our hospital entrance." Claire reminded him.


    "Yeah! He was wearing jeans and a black T-shirt. He looked hot and sexy!!" a resident said with dreamy eyes.


    "You shouldn''t also forget that his whole demeanour changed after he talked to the woman in the car. His gentle eyes, that heart melting smile and that soft expressions he portrayed." Ron offered with a smirk.


    Everyone glared at him but no one said a word. They have argued about this mysterious woman again and again that they got vexed with it.


    Meanwhile, Kyra was in deep thought.


    She never heard the story from third party and somehow it felt good to hear about how Oliver cared, worried about her in her absence.


    She didn''t miss the part when Oliver was in bad mood because they couldn''t communicate well with each other.


    That day, when she met him in the evening, she thought that he was in a bad mood because something happened in the hospital.


    Kyra never thought she would be the reason for his bad mood. It surprisingly made her happy because she has the same impact on him as he has on her.


    She was in a bad mood at that time and it was because Oliver didn''t come to see her. So, Oliver felt the same as her!


    And, only after meeting her that evening, his mood has changed. She was able to erase his bad mood and exhaustion just like how he did to her.


    All these revelations made Kyra feel blessed and happy.


    Who would have thought that listening to their story from another point of view would give this much understanding??


    "Ria!!" Ron called as he waved his hand in front of her eyes.


    "Yes?" Kyra said, coming back from her dream world.


    "What do you think? Is Dr. Miller finally in love?" What are your thoughts on this?" Ron asked.


    Kyra didn''t know what to say.


    "Maybe. Or, it might be someone special to him." Kyra said.


    "Who could be more special than the woman he loves?" Claire asked.


    Before Kyra could say anything, Jennifer entered the room.


    "You will be working under whom?" Teressa asked, not able to hold her jealousy.


    "Who else? Dr. Oliver Miller." Jennifer said, sitting in her place. She couldn''t help but smile brightly.


    "And, I heard there is another person who is working under Dr. Miller. Who is it?" Jennifer asked, clueless.


    "It will be me." Kyra said as she flipped open the file to look into it.


    Jennifer took her time to stare at Kyra.


    Glasses. Hair bun. Simple and ordinary clothes.


    She looked like a typical nerd who didn''t care much about anything except her work.


    As someone who knows Oliver, Jennifer never expected him to take someone under his wing.


    He hates it as he has to teach them, work with them. He always thought it would interrupt his work.


    So, this woman here, Ria Lopez must be a gifted surgeon to attract his attention.


    ''I should check her profile once'' Jennifer thought.


    She just heard that there will be one opening for a professor''s post in the neurosurgery department and all the fellows will get a chance to be promoted.


    But only one will be elected after thorough monitoring.


    And, if there is anyone who will be given first priority, it will be her or Kyra. They are after all picked by Oliver himself.


    So, Jennifer couldn''t help but look at Kyra as her competition.


    "I hope we will get along." Jennifer said with a smile.


    "Me as well." Kyra said but she could detect something fishy in Jennifer''s attitude.


    "Dr. Lopez, Dr. Miller is looking for you. He wants you to meet him in his office with all the files on your desk." a nurse knocked on the door and said.


    Kyra nodded her head and picked all the files in her arms before leaving the room.


    ''She doesn''t look like a normal nerd. She was very calm and didn''t jump in excitement like these fangirls and she didn''t get anxious like the other guys who are afraid of him.'' Jennifer thought, looking at Kyra''s receding figure.


    "It looks like I have to compete in both work and personal life too. Here I have one competition and there, I have another competitor, his girlfriend. Life is getting tough" Jennifer muttered to herself before leaving the room.


    She and Daniel decided to meet for coffee.

 Chapter 80 - My Girlfriend Is In Flirty Mood.

    "Good morning." Kyra greeted as soon as she knocked the door and opened it a bit.


    "Good morning to you too." Oliver said with a bright smile. Only he knows how much he missed her these two days!


    Her smile, the look in her hazel eyes, her laughter��


    These were revolving in his mind, constantly making him remember her.


    "How are you feeling now? Everything, fine?" Oliver asked as Kyra took a seat.


    "I am fine, Dr. Miller." Kyra answered, her tone all of a sudden morphed formal.


    Oliver raised his left eyebrow but smiled knowingly. She already told him that they have to separate their work and personal life.


    So, it is no surprise for him.


    "Good to hear that, Dr. Lopez. So, shall we discuss the patients you will be looking after?" Oliver asked, imitating her politeness and formal tone.


    Kyra nodded her head and they started discussing the work which lasted for half an hour.


    "Then, I would be going, Dr. Miller." Kyra said as she stood up to leave the room.


    "Wait.", Oliver immediately said, getting a hold of her hand.


    When Kyra felt his warm touch on her wrist, she turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow. She could feel the hotness of his palm which made her flinch a bit.


    "Sit for a few minutes, please." Oliver said.


    Kyra looked at him in surprise but complied with his request.


    "What happened?", she asked in a gentle voice.


    "Nothing much. I just wanted to spend some time seeing you." Oliver shamelessly said, as he moved his hand to hold her hand.


    Kyra almost choked on her saliva as this is the first time Oliver said these types of romantic things loudly. Even she wanted to stay and spend time with him but she is too shy to confess that openly.


    Oliver used to be like her but it seems like he changed a little bit and is more outgoing with her now.


    Meanwhile, noticing Kyra''s smile, Oliver felt his lips widen into a smile.


    "How was your work? Is everything fine now?", Kyra asked as the room filled with silence.


    "It''s exhausting and thankfully, I was able to solve it sooner. I just returned and came directly from the airport.", Oliver said, answering more than what he was questioned about. It felt good to share all these trivial things with Kyra.


    "Did you sleep?" Kyra asked, leaning forward to observe his eyes.


    Those blue eyes are as magnetic and irresistible as always but the signs of sleep deprivation and exhaustion are evident as he looked tired.


    "Not much. I�� I don''t lik.. like flight journeys." Oliver admitted, his voice having a tinge of fear in it.


    As his parents died in a plane accident, he somehow developed fear of air travel.


    "Oliver, you need to sleep then! You don''t have any surgeries scheduled before noon. Take a nap." Kyra said, really worried about him.


    Oliver smiled and his fingers brushed her soft palm, as he gazed into her hazel eyes. His heart warmed up and it really, really felt good to have her here.


    Kyra felt butterflies in her stomach when he stroked her palm with his warm fingers. She gulped and her heartbeat raced, however she didn''t break their eye contact nor retrieved her hand.


    They didn''t know how much time had passed but none of them got bored by the utter silence in the room. They are thoroughly enjoying the time with each other.


    A knock on the door broke their love bubble and Kyra retrieved her hand immediately, her cheeks a little flushed.


    "Come in.", Oliver said, his voice back to it''s aloof tone.


    Jennifer entered with a file in her hand.


    "I am sorry to interrupt, Dr. Miller. This patient is being brought because of an emergency. The doctor from the patient''s previous hospital just talked on the phone and it looks like we need to perform surgery as soon as possible. The president wants you to take up this case." Jennifer spoke.


    While speaking, she took a quick look at everything. Though the files are on the table, they are not open. It means Oliver and Kyra here are not discussing the surgery.


    She has also seen how Kyra was distracted for a few seconds when she entered the room. Even Oliver looked a little different.


    ''Would something be happening in between them?'' Jennifer thought. Oliver is not a type of person who likes working with others. He took her in because she asked him, to be precise, she made use of their friendship to make him agree. But why did he take this woman as his fellow??


    As someone close to Oliver, she knows that Oliver is not acquainted with this woman here. So, what exactly convinced him?


    Her family background?


    From the hospital records, Ria came from a middle class family.


    Her academic background?


    From the hospital records, Ria graduated from a two tiered medical school, nothing great about it as well.


    Her experience?


    By her age, she and Ria are of the same age so, not a lot of field experience!


    Her beauty??


    Well, Oliver is not someone to fall for looks. Even if she considers him really for Ria''s looks, Ria is not that beautiful.


    "Prepare the surgery room, Dr. Anderson. And, Dr. Lopez, you go and bring the files related to this patient. Tell Dr. Brown to send all the reports and scans to my mail, as soon as possible." Oliver instructed both Jennifer and Kyra.


    Kyra was the first person to react. She nodded her head and hurried out.


    "Dr. Anderson, wait!?, Oliver said, walking to Jennifer.


    "Stop overthinking everything and focus on work, all right?" he warned in a possible gentle tone he could manage right now. He didn''t miss to notice how Jennifer was more interested in him and Kyra more than the patient on death bed.


    Jennifer gulped a lump of saliva and nodded her head, a little frightened by the anger in his eyes.


    ---------


    After a few hours, Oliver, Kyra and Jennifer walked out the surgery room, tired.


    They managed to stabilize the patient''s condition for now but they have to roll him back into surgery after a few days.


    "It''s already noon. Let''s have lunch?" Jennifer asked, while three of them washed their hands.


    Oliver looked at Kyra and Kyra did the same.


    Their eyes got interlocked for a brief second and then Oliver shifted his attention to Jennifer.


    "All right.", he said.


    If eating lunch would buy him more time to spend with Kyra, he is willing to do it. He actually prefers to eat alone and take rest but his preferences have changed now. Spending time with Kyra is more refreshing than taking a rest, alone in his office room.


    "What about you, Dr. Lopez?" Jennifer asked Kyra.


    "Sure.", she said.


    Although she and Oliver worked together before the car accident, they never had lunch together. One of the reasons is, they were confused and uncertain about the feelings they developed for each other. The other reason is, he didn''t want Kyra to get bullied by his crazy fans for having meals with him.


    Now, he knows who Kyra is, so he is not worried about her getting bullied. As his feelings for Kyra are more clear, all he wants to do is spend more and more time with her.


    Three of them walked into the hospital canteen and they got their food as soon as they got in.


    "You have to eat more vegetables.", Oliver texted Kyra who filled her plate with spicy food.


    "Now you sound more like my brothers." Kyra texted back.


    "Am I? Why do I feel like I sound more like a boyfriend??", Oliver texted, with a smirk.


    When Kyra got that text, she started coughing. Boyfriend??


    How did Oliver become this shameless?


    "What happened? Are you okay?" Jennifer asked as she passed the water bottle to Kyra.


    "Nothing. Just a message from a brother - like person." Kyra said and once Oliver heard that he almost choked on his food but controlled it.


    "Are you fine, Dr. Millers?" Jennifer asked, now, really confused. She saw Ria texting someone and Oliver was doing the same. Could it be that they are texting each other.


    "Yes, I am fine. Just texting my girlfriend and she was in the mood to flirt a lot." Oliver said.


    After confessing how he feels for her, his attitude towards her has changed. He started making gestures to express his feelings. He became more flirty and most importantly, he started opening up to her. Kyra could now tell that this aloof and indifferent attitude is just a facade to protect his wounded heart. By heart, he is someone jovial and sensitive.


    What impressed Kyra the most is, he never tried to pressurize her with them. He was still in boundaries, trying to give her more time to reciprocate his feelings openly.


    Meanwhile, Jennifer looked at both Kyra and Oliver.


    She never thought Oliver would really say something like this, that too, in front of work colleagues. She is his friend, so it''s okay. But�� Ria??


    ''Why do I feel like Ria is not someone she claims??'' Ria thought. She didn''t fail to notice how Oliver and Kyra were in sync as if they have known each other for years.. Most importantly, Kyra''s demeanor has changed totally in the surgery room.

 Chapter 81 - I Wont Do Anything Without Your Consent.

    Afternoon passed in a blink of an eye.


    She had a surgery to perform and by the time it got finished, it was already time to leave.


    However, before going back, Kyra went to meet Oliver in his office.


    Like always, she knocked the door and when she heard Oliver''s approval from the other side, she opened the door and entered the room only to get startled.


    Oliver is changing his shirt and he was shirtless when she entered the room.


    "Yo.. you should have told me to wait.", Kyra huffed as she felt her cheeks flush a little. She couldn''t control but peek at his well toned upper body.


    "What''s the use? You already saw me like this.", Oliver said in a husky tone as his eyes sparkled with playfulness. This side of her always makes him enjoy teasing her. Cute, shy but angry and flustered.


    "When?? I.. I don''t remember!" Kyra swiftly lied, averting her eyes as she tried to control her racing heart. Why did she start feeling hot all of a sudden?


    "You don''t remember?" Oliver asked, taking steps towards her, taking his sweet time.


    "I...I", Kyra felt her IQ and EQ crash to negatives, thanks to the visual in front of her.


    "How can you forget that night, Ky? We were sharing the same blanket, both shirtless. And, not to forget-" before Oliver could say anything more, she closed his mouth with her palm, her cheeks akin to ripe tomatoes.


    How could she forget that night? Though they were in an accident that day, that was also the day they had an open hearted conversation and managed to understand their feelings for each other.


    Besides that, they shared a blanket while their shirts were kept for drying due to the rain. As it was so cold and she was worried that Oliver might catch a cold, she insisted that he could get under her blanket.


    Meanwhile, when Oliver felt her palm on his mouth, he stopped talking. His breath quickened and he felt his body heat up because of the close proximity. She was standing at his work desk and he was standing just inches apart.


    Subconsciously, he moved closer and placed his hands on the desk. It made Kyra stumble a bit, which made her lean against the desk for support.


    She was about to retrieve her palm but Oliver took her hand into his and entwined their fingers before placing their hands on the desk. Looking into her eyes, he reached to caress her red, smooth cheeks with his other hand.


    Kyra felt her eyelids getting heavy as her breath ragged as if she ran a marathon. Her body started feeling hot under his ministrations.


    Not able to resist the intensity of his eyes, she could only close her eyes. However, instead of cooling down her heart it made it even more worse. Her lips puckered in anticipation, making Oliver''s self control scatter into ashes.


    His heart started beating loudly and his eyes scorched with desire. He has never felt this deep desire ever before. Not even once. It''s Kyra and Kyra alone who could make him go crazy like this.


    He was about to caress her lips with his own but his phone started to ring, making Kyra startle. She opened her eyes and looked at Oliver who didn''t even move an inch. His attention is still on her and that made Kyra nervous.


    "Oli-", Kyra was about to say something but Oliver placed his finger on her lips, gesturing her to stop whatever she was about to say.


    Although Kyra didn''t want to restrain, she didn''t know what was making her hesitant. It is evident that she likes him and this close proximity and intimacy didn''t irritate her but in contrast, she wanted it to last long.


    But her mind is not coordinating with her heart. She couldn''t help but feel nervous and hesitant.


    "I�� I won''t do anything without your consent so�� so, don''t get this tense.", Oliver said, taking rapid breaths as he relaxed her tense forehead gently with his fingers.


    "And, I won''t be coming to meet you later tonight. I have dinner with my grandfather." Oliver said, holding their gaze intact.


    "Hmm.", Kyra hummed in approval as she couldn''t bring herself to speak because of her overwhelming emotions.


    "Take care", Oliver said as he leaned his forehead against hers for a brief moment before walking away to pick the call that''s ringing continuously.


    After Oliver went away, it took a few moments for Kyra to return back to normal. She took a deep breath and straightened her clothes in case they got dishevelled. Only after her face returned to it''s normal color, she left Oliver''s office.


    However, she first went to slash some cold water on her face. While doing so, she couldn''t help but linger her fingers for a few moments on her cheeks and forehead. She could still feel his warm touch and she really wanted to keep the traces of his touch but she has to go back to her office to pack up for today.


    She didn''t want others to have any kinds of suspicions on her and Oliver.


    --------


    "It''s raining a lot." Jennifer commented as she and Kyra walked to the exit. Kyra was about to leave when Jennifer tagged along with her.


    "Yes, it is.", Kyra said, her voice a little faint. She hates rain as it brings back horrible memories from her past. For instance, the night her own mother betrayed her sold her off to some human trafficking gang.


    "Are you fine with travelling now?" Jennifer asked. She didn''t fail to notice the look in Kyra''s eyes. It is clear that she has trouble with the weather now.


    However, before Kyra could answer, her phone buzzed indicating a text message.


    ''I am at the exit. White sedan.", her brother Ryan texted her.


    When Kyra looked around, she found her brother standing at the car with an umbrella. He waved at her and she waved back as he started walking to her.


    "My ride came. I will be going. Be safe.", Kyra said to Jennifer and as soon as Ryan approached, she got under the umbrella and left.


    Meanwhile, Jennifer kept looking at the receding figure of Kyra and the handsome man. She didn''t miss to notice that Kyra disappeared for almost half an hour after the surgery. She said she would hand over the file to Oliver and went but didn''t come back for a long time.


    So, was she in Oliver''s cabin for this long?


    If so, why? What is there to talk about for half an hour??


    If it is really something related to work, she should be invited as well, right??


    "What is going on??", Jennifer thought.


    A BMW stopped in front of her and a driver rushed to hold an umbrella for her. Jennifer hurried inside as she had to get ready and go for dinner at Miller''s mansion, Oliver''s grandfather''s house.


    ------


    "I would have come by myself.", Kyra said to her brother as she took the jacket her brother brought for her and wore it.


    "It''s raining this heavily and I know how much you hate rain. How could I let you travel alone?" Ryan dotingly said.


    Kyra smiled, feeling really blessed to have a brother like Ryan. He was exhausted as he travelled back just this morning and besides that, he was having jet lag. Yer, he came for her and even brought a jacket so she wouldn''t catch a cold.


    "You should have let Sofia come then?" Kyra said.


    "I can''t trust her driving skills when it comes to you!", Ryan exclaimed, making Kyra laugh.


    "I will tell her what you just said now.", Kyra teased her brother.


    "Who is scared of her?", Ryan said, pouting.


    "Let''s see." Kyra tried to tease but when she remembered how she was hesitant when Oliver tried to get close to her, her mood dimmed drastically.


    Ryan immediately noticed the change in his sister''s mood and looked at her, only to notice that she was staring out of the window, looking at nothing in particular but deep in thought.


    "What''s wrong, Ky?", he asked.


    Kyra didn''t answer but leaned against his shoulder and took a deep breath.


    It made Ryan''s forehead crease in worry. He immediately drove the car to a side and stopped, giving his full attention to his sister now.


    He didn''t speak anything, giving her the silent comfort as he patted her head soothingly. This is not new to him. His sister has gone through so much and has managed to return to a normal state, but she is not healed totally.


    She often feels low and though nothing bad happened to her, she cries all of a sudden. Her past is a part of her life that affects her present and future in ways they wouldn''t have imagined. So, everyone around her is always ready to protect and comfort her whenever she gets negatively affected like this.


    "You want to do something so badly but when it is finally happening, you can''t bring yourself to do it.. Have you ever come across situations like these?", Kyra asked after some time.

 Chapter 82 - This Is How A Relationship Should Start Like

    "You want to do something so badly but when it is finally happening, you can''t bring yourself to do it. Have you ever come across situations like these?" Kyra asked after some time as she looked at her brother.


    Ryan frowned, a little confused and surprised by the question. Though her question is vague, he could tell that the answer to this question is something very important to his sister Kyra.


    So, he didn''t dare to answer it lightly.


    "It happened to me many times, sis. I often face it regardless of whether it is my personal or professional life. However, my answer will depend on what exactly you are implying by that question." he answered.


    He badly wanted to work in some movies but due to the risks and dangers, he had to stop himself from doing them.


    There are many rumors about his love life. Netizens and his fans often ship him with many other actresses and models.


    He badly wants to announce to the world that he already has someone in his heart and the tumors are false. But whenever he decides to do it, some or other things convince him to not do it.


    Meanwhile, Kyra took a deep breath. " It�� it''s about Oliver." She managed to speak.


    "What did he do? Did he pressurize you into anything?" Ryan asked immediately as his protective instincts kicked in.


    "No. No, bro. He didn''t." Kyra immediately retorted.


    Ryan is surprised to see how she is defending Oliver. It made him jealous but he also felt happy because his sister is taking steps to invite someone willingly into her life and her heart.


    It also worried him as there are chances that she might get hurt in the process.


    "We�� we were talking about something and somehow the situation turned a little he.. *cough*.. heated." Kyra said, a little awkward as this is the first time she is talking about her love life.


    She never got a chance to talk about this as she never had a love life before Oliver came into her life.


    "Oh" Ryan managed to utter. As this is his first time talking about this, even he felt a little awkward. They have teased each other many times but they never spoke seriously about this stuff.


    "Then?" Ryan added as Kyra didn''t continue speaking.


    "Well�� uhm�� we were about to kiss. This time, both of us knew what we were doing and, deep inside my heart, I wanted to kiss him as well."


    "I just wanted to confess that I have feelings for him and that I want to give a chance to our relationship." Kyra said, her voice, emotional.


    "That situation was perfect! It was perfect timing to confess everything just with that kiss. No words would have expressed my feelings for him more clearly than that kiss but, I�� I ruined it at the last minute" Kyra continued.


    "I couldn''t do that and I started becoming stressed by that. My nervousness was very obvious that Oliver could only back down."


    "I could see in his eyes that he is disappointed. Maybe he got frustrated and angry as well. I flirt, I give hints and I let him get close to me but I just stop there. Who wouldn''t get impatient ??" Kyra continued pouring all her worry into her words.


    "It''s obvious that he knows about how I feel for him. However, Oliver is understanding and is giving me all the time I want to confess back. He is a gentleman but every person has a saturation point to their patience."


    "What if he gets tired by waiting and misunderstands that I am only playing with his feelings? What if he moves on?? Even imagining it is making my heart break."


    "Why am I not able to confess bravely?" Kyra asked, her voice choked as she sobbed into her hands.


    Seeing his sister cry, Ryan felt as if his heart got pierced by thousands of needles.


    If there is something he never wanted to see, it is his sister crying. It brings back the memories of how fragile and broken his sister was, when he met her for the first time.


    "Kyra " could only call her in vain as he didn''t know how to comfort her. He was there by her side at many situations like these but those were situations that had her past, her trauma and the scars her family left behind.


    This is the first time she is crying for a man.


    "You know I like Sofia right?" he asked and that made Kyra look at her brother.


    She nodded her head as her red eyes fixated on his face.


    "And, I know that she likes me back. I know that she is pretending to like my twin brother, so she could make me jealous and confess my feelings for her." he said.


    "You know?" Kyra asked. She always knew that Ryan liked Sofia. And, she is also aware that Sofia loves Ryan.


    But when she asked Sofia why she is staying quiet and is pretending to be close to her fifth brother, Sofia replied that she wants to play for a while with Ryan.


    Kyra didn''t interfere anymore as it is something too personal to Sofia and Ryan. She didn''t want to disturb her best friend Sofia''s plan��


    "I know. Of course I do. And, I badly want to confess to Sofia but I am not able to do it no matter how many times I try."


    "So, you see, it is not only you. It happens to many people and I think Oliver is understanding enough to understand what you are going through." Ryan said.


    "Why are you hesitant to confess to Sofia?" Kyra asked. She wants to understand why she is hesitant and she might be able to realise if she gets to understand why other''s are hesitant like her.


    "Well, what I and Sofia has is complicated, Kyra. There are many things I have to consider before I take any action. Our past, well, it''s not that simple and I have something''s I have to clear before I can confess to her." Ryan said, keeping the details brief. They are not things he is comfortable to share.


    He is an idiot, a fool in past and did something''s he is not happy with.


    Kyra pursed her lips.


    "But things are not complex in between me and Oliver. I just have to say, ''lets give our relationship a chance'' and everything will be sorted out. There are no external factors stopping me. So, why am I hesitatant?"


    "I decided to give it a chance but I am not able to confess it. I think I am ready but I am not and, I really don''t understand why!!" Kyra said.


    Ryan patted his sister''s head.


    "Are you worried that Oliver might get impatient?" He asked. He knows how it feels because he is worried about same when it comes to Sofia.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    "Sis, he needs to be patient if he really wants to get together with you. This is not a one-time situation for him and I think you need to tell him that your past is complicated and it might take extra effort and time. Ryan said.


    "I don''t want him to know. It might look like I am trying to buy time, which I am clearly not trying to do." Kyra said, her voice filled with disappointment.


    "Sis, let me tell you something. You guys have to have a proper communication about everything in order to have this relationship work. If not now, you have to tell him about everything at one or other point of time." Ryan said.


    "And, are you really ready for that?" he asked.


    Kyra pursed her lips.


    "Why am I feeling like you are making this even more worse for me?" Kyra pouted.


    She didn''t think of this until now. It made her nervous as her past is not something she is comfortable to talk with.


    When Ryan saw the look on hid sister''s face, he could only scold himself for letting his tongue slip.


    "Stop thinking about future and for now, just let everything flow naturally. If he is really ''the one'' for you, he will understand and wait for you patiently."


    "Just like Sofia is waiting for me, he will do the same for you. I think Sofia knows how I feel about her and I think she is already aware that I have something to do before I can confess to her."


    "Just like her, Oliver will understand that you need some more time and wait for you to come to him. So, stop worrying about the rest and focus on getting to know him."


    "Maybe, once you understand him totally, the hesitation you are subconsciously feeling will get erased and you will be able to confess."


    "This is how a relationship should start like, in order to bear the fruits of love. You can''t force yourself to take a step forward and start dating him. If you do that, everything will be just as stressful as it is now for both you and Oliver."


    "It will only fail the relationship you are trying to build" he said.


    Kyra looked at her brother, slightly surprised that he could think this maturely when it comes to live and relationships.


    She always thought he is failing to win Sofia because he don''t understand how love works.. But it seems like he is pretending to be foolish.

 Chapter 83 - Jealousy.

    After having this discussion with her brother, Kyra felt relieved. She felt as if a huge burden was removed from her heart.


    In addition to that, she has also started to look at her fourth brother in a different light. Her playful, clueless brother is actually a lot more mature and insightful!


    She couldn''t help but wonder what he wanted to do before confessing to Sofia.


    However, she decided not to ask as it is evident that he is not comfortable to share them yet.


    "Feeling better now?" Ryan asked when he noticed Kyra''s peaceful expression.


    "Yes. Better than compared to before. After letting out everything, I feel relieved." Kyra said.


    "Glad we had this conversation, sis. I don''t know why but I am feeling quite relieved as well."


    "And, from now on, you can share your love matters with this loving brother of yours. He is always at your service." Ryan said, making Kyra chuckle.


    She looked at him with a smile, her eyes filled with gratefulness.


    "The same goes to you, my dear bro. This little sister of yours is all ears as well." Kyra said, leaning on his shoulder.


    Ryan kissed her forehead and started the car again.


    "How''s your work?" Ryan asked, worried that she might exhaust herself.


    Personally, he wouldn''t have prefered to let Kyra come here to work. Collins Hospitals would have been a lot more sophisticated.


    Speaking of which, he would have preferred if Kyra focussed only on one career. Be it bussiness or painting rather than surgery.


    There are relatively easy and less stressfull compared to being doctor. But, by the time his family met Kyra and decided to adopt her, she was already in medical school.


    And, she was really passionate about it so, he could only encourage her and silently support her.


    "It''s not bad. I like it here." Kyra said, leaning against the cushions as she closed her eyes.


    Ryan felt his heart drop a beat.


    Liked it here??


    Is that means, she decided to stay here??


    Would she not be returning to London anymore???


    Though his mind is filled with these questions, he decided not to voice them out.


    She was in bad mood just a few minutes back. He didn''t wanted her to think about this matter right now.


    But it started troubling him.


    If his sister Kyra falls in love with Oliver and decides to marry him, she should move to this country permanently!!


    Though his sister had bad memories while living here, he can''t deny the fact that this is once her home.


    Her maternal grandmother''s company and properties are situated here and if Kyra wants to reclaim them back, she must stay here right??


    "What are you thinking? Your face is looking as if you just gulped bitterguard juice." Kyra said, noticing his expression.


    "Nothing serious, Ky. Just this and that." he lied.


    No wonder everyone were so reluctant when Kyra announced her decision to return back to USA. They were expecting that something like this would happen.


    Even the same thing crossed his mind but he waved it away, confident that Kyra would give priority to the family more than the anything else.


    But now with Oliver added to the equation and how much she values him, Ryan started to doubt his confidence.


    While Kyra and Ryan or busy in their own thoughts, Sofia called.


    Ryan recieved the call and turned on the speaker.


    "It stopped raining and weather is so good. I am craving to eat something spicy and hot." Sofia said.


    "You want take out?" Kyra asked.


    "No. Let''s go somewhere to eat. Ky, you said there is some famous Japanese restaurant, remember? Let''s go there��.pleeeaaassseeee." Sofia pleaded.


    "Sofia, Kyra must be tired. Let''s-" before Ryan could finish his sentence, Sofia interjected.


    "Please��.please��.please." she asked, acting cutely.


    Ryan could only sigh helplessly. How can he say no now?


    Kyra gave him a ''I am sorry for you'' look and said, "Fine. Let''s go. Be ready by the time we arrive" she said and cut the call.


    "Are you really fine going there? If you are not, let''s just-" Before Ryan could complete Kuta shook her head horizontally.


    "I am fine with it. For how long would I be able to escape from my past? I should face it and maybe if I can do this, I would be able to be brave enough to confess to Oliver too." Kyra said.


    "That''s the spirit!" Ryan praised his sister but deep down he could only worry. Sometimes Sofia acts without thinking much and she sometimes act insensitive as well.


    ------


    After returning to her house, Kyra quickly freshed up and got dressed in a knee length sleeveless top and coupled it with a trench coat. She simply left her hair bundled on her back as it reached her waist.


    Sofia, who by birth is a natural model, styled herself in different layers of clothing.


    Kyra looked elegant and stunning while Sofia looked fancy and glamarous. Both opposite but beautiful and lively.


    Ryan was in his jeans and T shirt like always.


    "Only if Luther was with us now, it would have been awesome." Ryan said as three of them got out of the car at restaurant.


    But Kyra got a call, work call so, she excused herself.


    "What''s that for?!" Sofia asked, slightly angry.


    Luther is Kyra''s best friend and also someone who knows her the best. So, everyone used to ship them together.


    Ryan and her themselves shipped them once upon a time. But Sofia is now in support of Oliver and Ryan was once in support of Oliver as well.


    Once, but not now.


    "What? I still think Luther is well suited for Kyra." Ryan answered.


    "Were you not at Oliver''s side a few days back?" Sofia asked.


    "Once. Not now." Ryan replied.


    "Why? What made you change your heart all of a sudden?" she asked, folding her hands in front of her chest.


    "He made her cry!" Ryan complained.


    "It means, Kyra is having a breakthrough. She should have denied to come to this restaurant as it holds memories of her past. But she didn''t."


    "Why? It is because she don''t want to be held behind her past and wants to build a new life with Oliver. It''s good thing." Sofia said.


    She intentionally asked Kyra to come to this restaurant. It was a lucky try and Kyra agreed.


    "And�� Oliver would take away Kyra from us." Ryan said, pouting.


    "So will Luther!" Sofia retorted.


    "At least he lives in London and works in Collins Hospitals. We get to see her often if she is with Luther." Ryan said, voicing out his concern.


    "What the-" Sofia is about to curse but controlled herself.


    "If you really love your sister, don''t be selfish like this. Her happiness matters the most! Let her select by herself" Sofia lectured Ryan.


    "Wait! There is no option of selection on the table anymore. Kyra already selected Oliver!" with that Sofia walked away in anger.


    Ryan could only sigh and follow her.


    However, both of them failed to notice that their picture got clicked by the paparazzi.


    Famous model and renowned actor together on a date! Who wouldn''t like it??


    Booking the private room, three if them ate in relaxed pace. The 3 sides of the room are one way glasses, allowing them to look at a small lake and the beautiful garden.


    It''s been almost eight years. Nothing had changed in this place. It is just the same when Kyra visited it last time.


    "Is this the lake in which a girl fell down?" Sofia asked as she looked at the lake.


    "Yes." Kyra answered.


    Once she was having a dinner with her step sister Mellissa and her friends. As she ate so much, she decided to take a walk and by chance she happened to notice that a girl drowning in the lake.


    Kyra, by instinct, jumped into the lake and saved the girl.


    It was funny how that girl''s brother''s people blamed her instead of thanking for saving their miss.


    Kyra chuckled, remembering that incident.


    She didn''t get to see the girl carefully but she got the feeling that girl was trying a suicide attempt back then.


    Kyra would never forget this incident because she saved a life.


    It is the first time she felt like she had done something meaningful in her life. This incident is one of the reason she decided to become a doctor.


    Saving people made her feel like her life is worth of something. The incident made her realize it and motivated her to apply for medical schools.


    "I don''t even remember her face but I feel indebted to her. If I wouldn''t have realized what I wanted to become back then, I would have never met you guys. Wherever she is, I hope she is doing well." Kyra said with a smile on her lips.


    "To her happiness." Sofia said and they toasted.


    As they did it, Ryan took a picture and sent it to Luther.


    ''Miss you, bro. But don''t worry, I toasted on your behalf." Ryan sent the voice message.


    ''And, I ate instead of you,'' Sofia shouted after that.


    "And, I ordered with your credit card, sorry!" Kyra joked.


    Then, they sent the photo and that message to Luther.

 Chapter 84 - Add Her In Your Prayers.

    "To her happiness." Sofia said and they toasted.


    As they did it, Ryan took a picture and sent it to Luther.


    ''Miss you, bro. But don''t worry, I toasted on your behalf." Ryan sent the voice message.


    ''And, I ate instead of you,'' Sofia shouted after that.


    "And, I ordered with your credit card, sorry!" Kyra joked.


    Then, they sent the photo and that message to Luther.


    ��-----


    Meanwhile in London��


    "Is this for mw?", a little girl around five years old asked a man who gave her a huge cover of chocolates.


    He is wearing a white coat and he has a stethoscope around his neck.


    "Of course, it''s for you, sweety/", he answered, ruffling her hair as he crouched to her height.


    "Thank you. But Dr. Hunt, how do you know I love this chocolate?", the girls asked.


    He is called Dr. Hunk by almost everyone in the hospital. It is the nickname given to him by the hospital staff and the patients.


    He is handsome and extremely sexy, so he is famous with that name.


    Around 6 feet 2 inches, he has deep gray eyes akin to a storm. He is very well toned and has medium long blonde hair. His demeanor is outgoing, playful and jovial. Wherever he goes, he brightens up the environment and makes it lively.


    There is almost no one in this hospital who hates him. Everyone loves to talk to him and besides being vibrant and exuberant in nature, he is also known for his generosity and kind nature.


    However, he is not someone to mess with. Jovialness and kindness is only one side of him. But, when he gets angry or annoyed, he could be dangerous and fearful as well.


    In short, he is respected, loved and looked up at.


    "I know everything.", Luther said to that little girl as he smiled.


    While he was talking to her, her parents entered the room. They were clearly moved to tears as they looked at Luther.


    "Dr. Smith, we can''t thank you enough. Wha��what you did for us��us is-", they were about to thank but Luther interjected.


    "Please don''t thank me. I helped you people because it felt right to do.", Luther said, patting their shoulders to comfort the parents of that little girl.


    Luther paid all the hospital fees of that little girl. He paid for her surgery, accomodation, medicines and almost everything. As her parents were not able to afford it, Luther realized it and extended his help.


    "It''s not a small amount, Dr. Smith." the girl''s mother said.


    "That''s fine, madam. Moreover, your daughter reminds me of someone very special to me.", Luther said looking at the girl who was busy enjoying eating chocolate.


    Seeing her, Luther chuckled.


    The little girl has hazel eyes, honey blond, long hair and most importantly the way she talk reminds him of Kyra.


    "Someone special?", the little girl asked.


    "Yes, someone very special.", Luther answered.


    "Is she your girlfriend?" the girl asked, her eyes bright.


    Luther chuckled and his heart warmed up looking at those eyes. How much he is missing Kyra!!


    "Unfortunately, she isn''t. But I hope she will become my girlfriend in future.", Luther said, pursing his lips.


    He has known Kyra for almost eight years now. He was her senior in their medical school. She did her residency under him and was once a fellow who worked with him before she decided to go to the USA.


    In short, they were close.


    And, besides Collins'' family, only he knows about Kyra''s past and her trauma. While Collins'' family used to protect her outside the medical school, he used to protect and look after her on the campus.


    In fact, he fell for her long back and to be more precise, he doesn''t know how he fell for her or when he fell for her. It should have happened when he started to see the ''real her''.


    At first, when he met for the first time, she was a freshman, a silent shadow whose existence was not known to most of her classmates. She was scared to mingle with people and used to be alone most of the time. He was the first one to notice her though he was not from her year.


    At first, he thought that she was like that by nature but later realized that she was actually showing signs of depression. At that time he was unaware of her past and only tried to help her so she could become normal again.


    In short, his first feeling towards Kyra was pity. Being a kind person by nature, he only wanted to help her.


    However, as the time passed by, he started to understand her more and more. That pity he had for transformed into fascination as he was the first person to recognize how intelligent and underrated she is.


    It made him more adamant to help her to shine brightly.


    At the beginning, Kyra didn''t encourage his help. All she wanted at that time was to stay away from people. Only after a while, he found out that she had a disturbing past which made her stop trusting people.


    He got to know glimpses of her past from the assistant of Kyra''s psychiatrist who was his friend back then. And, when he got to know how miserable and horrible her life was, his determination to help her to fight back started becoming stronger and stronger.


    Slowly, step by step he earned her trust and he was her first friend in the medical school.


    It was also the time Kyra started interacting with Collins.


    While Collins helped her to return to her normal condition, he had his own share of efforts in it.


    At last, their efforts started to bear fruits and Kyra started becoming a normal person. In fact, she exceeded their expectations and accomplished many things. For that, Luther couldn''t be more proud!!


    She and a few other friends of hers started their own business together and they managed to make it successful. When it started earning profits, Kyra was still a student.


    He helped her in his own way and he was silently supporting her in each and every step of hers.


    When she decided to resume her painting, he encouraged her by introducing her to his uncle, one of the famous painters worldwide.


    In short, he was that friend she wanted the most at that time.


    In this process, he didn''t realize when he fell for her.


    He wanted to propose to her but he was scared that she would break her ties with him and stop talking to him completely. He could only expect the worst because he knows how scared Kyra is when it comes to starting relationships of this kind.


    And, he saw it for real when Matthew, her second brother''s best friend proposed to her. She stopped talking to him and she started to talk only after Matthew promised to not bring it up again. Ever Since then, she ''friendzoned'' Matthew.


    It is not like he wants to back off. He is just trying for the right time. The time when Kyra is no longer held by her past and her fears.


    Till that time comes, he could only be her friend and protect her from the side.


    "Why don''t you make her your girlfriend? I am sure that pretty sister will accept you, Dr, Hunk." the little girl said, bringing Luther back from walking the memory lane.


    "You think so?", Luther asked, his eyes twinkling.


    "Of course, she will!! You are handsome, kind and rich. My mother tells that this type of man is the dream guy for everyone.", the girl said, making Luther laugh.


    "You, my dear, are too intelligent for your age.", Luther said, ruffling her hair.


    "So, can I expect my little girl to take her medicines and food properly and get ready for her surgery?" Luther asked.


    The girl nodded her head cutely. "I promise.", she promised.


    "Good.", Luther said and looked at her parents.


    "I scheduled her surgery for next monday at 9 Am. The nurses will be taking her food and supplements, so, don''t worry about that. Just keep an eye on Lily and report back immediately if she has any seizures." Luther said.


    Her parents nodded her head as they heard his every word attentively.


    "Is�� is there anything we could do to show our gratitude?", they asked.


    Luther smiled.


    "Just add the woman I love in your prayers and wish for her happiness and safety. It would be sufficient as there is nothing more I wish for.", Luther said, leaving the room.


    Since the time Kyra went back, his heart has not been at peace. Though she had her brother and best friend with her, he still couldn''t help but worry. It became worse when he heard that she got into an accident recently.


    If only he could go to see her, he would have done it long back. However, his schedule is tightly packed with surgeries and conferences.


    When Luther reached his office, he heard his phone vibrate and when he saw who it is, a huge smile made up to his lips.

 Chapter 85 - His Silent Love.

    When Luther listened to the audio message Kyra and the gang sent, a doting smile made its way to his lips.


    ''You can use my credit card as much as you want, Ky. And, I miss you guys too'' he sent the audio message. ''I miss you more.'' he thought inside as he looked at his wallpaper.


    It is Kyra and him on her graduation day and she is smiling with the brightness akin to that of the moon.


    Anr, he had his hand hooked around her neck and he was laughing. The photo is candid and was actually taken randomly.


    But it is his favorite picture because Kyra''s face is glowing with happiness, pride and self-esteem. It is something he had waited very long to see in her and it was the day he got to witness it at last. On her graduation day.


    Luther traced her face with his fingers gently, his eyes shining with the bliss as if he was really caressing her face.


    ''How much I am missing this smile of yours!" He whispered to himself, clearly love sick.


    Before he could walk down the memory lane any further, his phone lit up with the notification of an incoming video call. .


    It is a video call from Ryan, Kyra and Sofia.


    With no hesitation, Luther answered it and his whole face softened as he looked at Kyra who was now concentrating on her dessert.


    As a sweet tooth himself, he could only pout. "Eating without me, Ky??" he asked but he didn''t get any answer from the other side.


    Kyra seems like she didn''t hear him.


    Only after a few moments of observation, Luther looked at the screen quite confusingly.


    He thought they were video calling him but no one was actually focussing on the phone. They are doing their own work.


    Kyra is eating while Sofia is scrolling through her phone and he couldn''t see Ryan because the call came from him.


    It is only when Luther realized that Ryan did the video call so that he could show how Kyra is enjoying the time.


    In fact he and Ryan are good friends. Four of them often hang out, especially on weekends either going camping, partying or roaming around.


    At first, it was Luther who used to make video calls to let Ryan watch how Sofia and Kyra are spending their weekend in case Ryan was away.


    He and Ryan were getting along pretty well, however, when Ryan found out that Luther likes his sister, he was not very encouraging,worried that Kyra might get hurt.


    But seeing his sincerity, Ryan made a deal with him.


    Luther would help Ryan when it comes to Sofia and Ryan would allow Luther to woo Kyra when the ''right time'' comes. Emphasis on the right time because Ryan thought it was not the right time for his sister to get into a relationship.


    This video call Ryan made right now made Luther happy as this is the first time Ryan made a video call to show Kyra to him.


    He did it for Ryan many times but this is the first time Ryan did this for him.


    ''So, does that mean he is fine with me and Kyra being together now?'' Luther thought.


    Ryan never helped him when it came to pursuing Kyra and at the same time, he didn''t come into his way either. He has been neutral but he was not happy with it as well.


    So, this is the first time Ryan showed some support to Luther.


    And, it of course made a day for Luther. Patience always get rewarded!


    Getting approval from her family is the most important thing according to Luther and it is also the best way to reach Kyra''s heart.


    After spending these many years with her, he is more than aware that Kyra sucks when it comes to love.


    If not because of that, his feelings would have been very obvious to her. It is just that, Kyra is bad when it comes to reading someone''s heart and analyzing their sincere feelings.


    She could think logically, analyze and interpret thing''s but they work only for situation''s that don''t include love and feelings.


    ''Maybe the right time to express my love is not as far as I predicted.'' he thought as he looked at Kyra who was eating her dessert while talking to her brother and Sofia, laughing and smiling more often than before.


    Luther observed Kyra as if she is the most fascinating thing to see.


    He could see that she changed a lot after going there. She seems to be more outgoing and expressive. And, she seems to be carefree and he didn''t know why but he felt like Kyra became more beautiful.


    It is evident that she is a lot happier and peaceful than before which made her demeanor and beauty enhance more.


    Maybe letting her go back was not as bad as he thought. At least, like this she will be able to fight back and forever erase the path she is still holding on to.


    With many thoughts surfing in his mind, Luther continued staring at Kyra for a few more minutes until the fellow working with him knocked the door.


    "Come in", he said and a girl entered the room.


    "Dr. Smith, the reports you asked." she said, handing him the file. Luther nodded his head and gestured to her to leave.


    Though the girl wanted to talk to him, she could only oblige.


    He is friendly with everyone but it fades when Kyra is around. He tends to neglect others and focus everything on her.


    After Kyra left, which was totally unexpected and unannounced, she tried to get closer to Luther but he didn''t even look at her once in that way.


    It frustrated her but she was helpless. Not only her but many others envy Kyra.


    Luther is like Oliver in that hospital. He has many fans, mostly girls.


    And, everyone envies Kyra because of her closeness to him. However, the only difference is they all know how awesome Kyra is, by both looks and intellect.


    Though they hate to admit it, they are aware that Luther and Kyra make the best pair, as doctors and if possible, life partners as well.


    They say opposite poles attract and it is the case between Luther and Kyra. Luther is an extrovert kind and Kyra is an introvert.


    Not only things but many things about them are like that.


    "Bro, how long are you going to hide your true feelings? You are already friend zoned by her and now, you just decided to let her leave to that place."


    "Have you ever thought that there might be a possibility of Kyra falling in love with others?" one of Luther''s friends asked as he walked inside.


    .....


    In fact, he fell for her long back and to be more precise, he doesn''t know how he fell for her or when he fell for her. It should have happened when he started to see the ''real her''.


    At first, when he met for the first time, she was a freshman, a silent shadow whose existence was not known to most of her classmates. She was scared to mingle with people and used to be alone most of the time. He was the first one to notice her though he was not from her year.


    At first, he thought that she was like that by nature but later realized that she was actually showing signs of depression. At that time he was unaware of her past and only tried to help her so she could become normal again.


    In short, his first feeling towards Kyra was pity. Being a kind person by nature, he only wanted to help her.


    However, as the time passed by, he started to understand her more and more. That pity he had for transformed into fascination as he was the first person to recognize how intelligent and underrated she is.


    It made him more adamant to help her to shine brightly.


    At the beginning, Kyra didn''t encourage his help. All she wanted at that time was to stay away from people. Only after a while, he found out that she had a disturbing past which made her stop trusting people.


    He got to know glimpses of her past from the assistant of Kyra''s psychiatrist who was his friend back then. And, when he got to know how miserable and horrible her life was, his determination to help her to fight back started becoming stronger and stronger.


    .

 Chapter 86 - She Saw Jennifer.

    After having this discussion with her brother, Kyra felt relieved. She felt as if a huge burden was removed from her heart.


    In addition to that, she has also started to look at her fourth brother in a different light. Her playful, clueless brother is actually a lot more mature and insightful!


    She couldn''t help but wonder what he wanted to do before confessing to Sofia.


    However, she decided not to ask as it is evident that he is not comfortable to share them yet.


    "Feeling better now?" Ryan asked when he noticed Kyra''s peaceful expression.


    "Yes. Better than compared to before. After letting out everything, I feel relieved." Kyra said.


    "Glad we had this conversation, sis. I don''t know why but I am feeling quite relieved as well."


    "And, from now on, you can share your love matters with this loving brother of yours. He is always at your service." Ryan said, making Kyra chuckle.


    She looked at him with a smile, her eyes filled with gratefulness.


    "The same goes to you, my dear bro. This little sister of yours is all ears as well." Kyra said, leaning on his shoulder.


    Ryan kissed her forehead and started the car again.


    "How''s your work?" Ryan asked, worried that she might exhaust herself.


    Personally, he wouldn''t have prefered to let Kyra come here to work. Collins Hospitals would have been a lot more sophisticated.


    Speaking of which, he would have preferred if Kyra focussed only on one career. Be it bussiness or painting rather than surgery.


    There are relatively easy and less stressfull compared to being doctor. But, by the time his family met Kyra and decided to adopt her, she was already in medical school.


    And, she was really passionate about it so, he could only encourage her and silently support her.


    "It''s not bad. I like it here." Kyra said, leaning against the cushions as she closed her eyes.


    Ryan felt his heart drop a beat.


    Liked it here??


    Is that means, she decided to stay here??


    Would she not be returning to London anymore???


    Though his mind is filled with these questions, he decided not to voice them out.


    She was in bad mood just a few minutes back. He didn''t wanted her to think about this matter right now.


    But it started troubling him.


    If his sister Kyra falls in love with Oliver and decides to marry him, she should move to this country permanently!!


    Though his sister had bad memories while living here, he can''t deny the fact that this is once her home.


    Her maternal grandmother''s company and properties are situated here and if Kyra wants to reclaim them back, she must stay here right??


    "What are you thinking? Your face is looking as if you just gulped bitterguard juice." Kyra said, noticing his expression.


    "Nothing serious, Ky. Just this and that." he lied.


    No wonder everyone were so reluctant when Kyra announced her decision to return back to USA. They were expecting that something like this would happen.


    Even the same thing crossed his mind but he waved it away, confident that Kyra would give priority to the family more than the anything else.


    But now with Oliver added to the equation and how much she values him, Ryan started to doubt his confidence.


    While Kyra and Ryan or busy in their own thoughts, Sofia called.


    Ryan recieved the call and turned on the speaker.


    "It stopped raining and weather is so good. I am craving to eat something spicy and hot." Sofia said.


    "You want take out?" Kyra asked.


    "No. Let''s go somewhere to eat. Ky, you said there is some famous Japanese restaurant, remember? Let''s go there��.pleeeaaassseeee." Sofia pleaded.


    "Sofia, Kyra must be tired. Let''s-" before Ryan could finish his sentence, Sofia interjected.


    "Please��.please��.please." she asked, acting cutely.


    Ryan could only sigh helplessly. How can he say no now?


    Kyra gave him a ''I am sorry for you'' look and said, "Fine. Let''s go. Be ready by the time we arrive" she said and cut the call.


    "Are you really fine going there? If you are not, let''s just-" Before Ryan could complete Kuta shook her head horizontally.


    "I am fine with it. For how long would I be able to escape from my past? I should face it and maybe if I can do this, I would be able to be brave enough to confess to Oliver too." Kyra said.


    "That''s the spirit!" Ryan praised his sister but deep down he could only worry. Sometimes Sofia acts without thinking much and she sometimes act insensitive as well.


    ------


    After returning to her house, Kyra quickly freshed up and got dressed in a knee length sleeveless top and coupled it with a trench coat. She simply left her hair bundled on her back as it reached her waist.


    Sofia, who by birth is a natural model, styled herself in different layers of clothing.


    Kyra looked elegant and stunning while Sofia looked fancy and glamarous. Both opposite but beautiful and lively.


    Ryan was in his jeans and T shirt like always.


    "Only if Luther was with us now, it would have been awesome." Ryan said as three of them got out of the car at restaurant.


    But Kyra got a call, work call so, she excused herself.


    "What''s that for?!" Sofia asked, slightly angry.


    Luther is Kyra''s best friend and also someone who knows her the best. So, everyone used to ship them together.


    Ryan and her themselves shipped them once upon a time. But Sofia is now in support of Oliver and Ryan was once in support of Oliver as well.


    Once, but not now.


    "What? I still think Luther is well suited for Kyra." Ryan answered.


    "Were you not at Oliver''s side a few days back?" Sofia asked.


    "Once. Not now." Ryan replied.


    "Why? What made you change your heart all of a sudden?" she asked, folding her hands in front of her chest.


    "He made her cry!" Ryan complained.


    "It means, Kyra is having a breakthrough. She should have denied to come to this restaurant as it holds memories of her past. But she didn''t."


    "Why? It is because she don''t want to be held behind her past and wants to build a new life with Oliver. It''s good thing." Sofia said.


    She intentionally asked Kyra to come to this restaurant. It was a lucky try and Kyra agreed.


    "And�� Oliver would take away Kyra from us." Ryan said, pouting.


    "So will Luther!" Sofia retorted.


    "At least he lives in London and works in Collins Hospitals. We get to see her often if she is with Luther." Ryan said, voicing out his concern.


    "What the-" Sofia is about to curse but controlled herself.


    "If you really love your sister, don''t be selfish like this. Her happiness matters the most! Let her select by herself" Sofia lectured Ryan.


    "Wait! There is no option of selection on the table anymore. Kyra already selected Oliver!" with that Sofia walked away in anger.


    Ryan could only sigh and follow her.


    However, both of them failed to notice that their picture got clicked by the paparazzi.


    Famous model and renowned actor together on a date! Who wouldn''t like it??


    Booking the private room, three if them ate in relaxed pace. The 3 sides of the room are one way glasses, allowing them to look at a small lake and the beautiful garden.


    It''s been almost eight years. Nothing had changed in this place. It is just the same when Kyra visited it last time.


    "Is this the lake in which a girl fell down?" Sofia asked as she looked at the lake.


    "Yes." Kyra answered.


    Once she was having a dinner with her step sister Mellissa and her friends. As she ate so much, she decided to take a walk and by chance she happened to notice that a girl drowning in the lake.


    Kyra, by instinct, jumped into the lake and saved the girl.


    It was funny how that girl''s brother''s people blamed her instead of thanking for saving their miss.


    Kyra chuckled, remembering that incident.


    She didn''t get to see the girl carefully but she got the feeling that girl was trying a suicide attempt back then.


    Kyra would never forget this incident because she saved a life.


    It is the first time she felt like she had done something meaningful in her life. This incident is one of the reason she decided to become a doctor.


    Saving people made her feel like her life is worth of something. The incident made her realize it and motivated her to apply for medical schools.


    "I don''t even remember her face but I feel indebted to her. If I wouldn''t have realized what I wanted to become back then, I would have never met you guys. Wherever she is, I hope she is doing well." Kyra said with a smile on her lips.


    "To her happiness." Sofia said and they toasted.


    As they did it, Ryan took a picture and sent it to Luther.


    ''Miss you, bro. But don''t worry, I toasted on your behalf." Ryan sent the voice message.


    ''And, I ate instead of you,'' Sofia shouted after that.


    "And, I ordered with your credit card, sorry!" Kyra joked.


    Then, they sent the photo and that message to Luther.

 Chapter 87 - Adding Fuel To Sleeping Beast.

    (Please read the chapter 85. ''Silent live'' before reading this chapter. It''s been replaced.)


    Luther raised his head to look at his friend, Mark.


    Mark is also a doctor, in fact, senior to Kyra in medical school and he is also one of her friends back in London. He is one of the few people who knows how much Luther loved Kyra.


    "I don''t think I have to worry about that.",


    Luther answered. Mark has asked if he never worry about Kyra falling in love with another man in the USA.


    "And why is it like that?", MArk questioned sitting across Luther.


    Luther looked at the screen for the last time as he imprinted her happy face in his mind before ending the hideous video call Ryan did for him.


    "You know how Kyra is. She takes years of time to develop trust in someone so, how could you expect her to fall in love with someone she just met? Even if she meets someone worthy of it-" Ryan stopped abruptly, to give a thought about it.


    "Nah. After what happened in her past, I don''t think she will make hasty decisions in something as important as this.", Luther finished, completely convinced by the answer he gave.


    Mark sighed.


    Sometimes Luther can be so full of himself and overlook important matters like this.


    "But bro-", Mark was about to persuade Luther but Luther interjected in the middle.


    "I am afraid, okay! I am scared that she would reject me.", Luther at last spilled out the real reason for delaying his love confession.


    "If she rejects me, I might not be able to persuade her into it. I can''t bring myself to force her into giving me another chance if that makes her uncomfortable. So��I on��only have one chance and if��if she rejects me, I�� I can''t take it.", Luther said, fear evident in his stormy grey eyes.


    "I understand what you are trying to do bro and that is very sweet of you. You are considerate and very caring towards Kyra. You are the only one who really knows and understands her excluding her family. You are a very important person to her, so I think she would reject you right away."


    "She might be willing to give you a chance as she knows how sincere and genuine you are towards her. However, if she starts falling for someone, she might not be able to give you a chance to prove your love towards her.", Mark told his friend.


    The reason Mark made a visit is to tell this to Luther.


    He started getting a bad feeling when he heard that Oliver and Kyra work together now. It is just a gut feeling as he is not sure whether Oliver is still Kyra''s crush. He heard from his girlfriend, Kyra''s one of the closest friends in the hospital, that Oliver Miller was Kyra''s crush back in the US.


    "What are you trying to imply, Marl?", Luther asked, clearly puzzled why Mark brought this matter out of nowhere.


    "What I meant is that, you need to hurry with your confession as there are chances she might find someone who might move her heart.", Mark said, emphasising ''someone''.


    Luther narrowed his eyes.


    "Why do I feel like there is something more to this?"Luther asked.


    "Oliver Miller.", Mark said. He promised his girlfriend that he would keep this as secret but he can''t see his best friend, Luther getting hurt. He has spent seven years of youth taking care of Kyra and he hasn''t seen another woman for five years.


    It would really be a pity if Luther had to give up even before he could confess his feeling to Kyra.


    "What about Oliver Miller?" Luther asked. He is clueless about Oliver being Kyra''s crush because he never asked her about that and Kyra on other hand didn''t get an opportunity to bring it up.


    "You might not know but Kyra knows Oliver Miller from before. He�� he was her inspiration who drove her to become a doctor and he��he was her first crush.", Mark said.


    "What?"Luther asked. He remembers asking Kyra why she chose to become a doctor. At that time Kyra told him that she got inspired by some doctor who saved two people at the accident site.


    Luther didn''t ask that doctor''s name back then because he thought it was impossible for Kyra to know that doctor by person. Kyra actually didn''t know Oliver''s name back then and only found out later when she got to see him in the news.


    "Yes. And, Oliver is her boss. Kyra is a fellow under him right now.", Mark told Luther.


    "Yeah�� yeah, I know that." Luther said, a little worried now.


    "What if she gets attracted to him again? What if Oliver starts liking her as well?" Mark asked. Kyra is really beautiful, interesting and smart. Who would not like her?? If he didn''t have a wonderful girlfriend, even he might have liked Kyra, who knows??


    "Just because he was her crush once upon a time, we can''t conclude that Kyra might fall for him. He was her crush before her life turned upside down. She was just a sweet, innocent teenage girl back then and I think he was just some good memory of past, that''s it.", Luther said. But it sounded like he was convincing himself.


    Mark sighed.


    "Fine. If you think like that, I can''t do anything! Don''t come to me heartbroken afterwards.", Mark said and he was about to leave when Luther stopped him with a question.


    "Why told you that Oliver was Kyra''s first crush?", he asked.


    "My girlfriend Maya." Mark answered.


    "Is it legit information?" Luther asked.


    "Yes, it is.", Mark replied before leaving the room.


    Luther felt uneasy after this conversation with Mark. He never thought Kyra had serious crush who was in fact the reason why she took medicine as her career.


    He couldn''t focus on anything else, so he could only call Maya and enquire about the details. However, the details left him more restless.


    ''Daniel is Oliver Miller''s best friend and is working in the same hospital. Why don''t you ask him?", this is the last suggestion Maya gave to Luther before ending the call.


    After hesitating for a while, Luther gave a call to Daniel.


    "Dr. Smith.", Daniel greeted with a smirk. He was expecting this call for a while now.


    "Good evening, Dr. Richard.", Luther greeted Daniel formally. They are not that close to drop honorifics but they are not total strangers either.


    "To what do I owe the honor of your call?" Daniel asked as he took a look at Kyra''s empty house. If Jennifer didn''t come back to the country, Oliver wouldn''t be struck having dinner with her family and his.


    If he was not having family dinner, he would be here, in Kyra''s house, spending time with her. ''The beauty of the butterfly effect. A little provocation of third wheels and Kyra, Oliver are not able to spend time together as often as before.'' Daniel thought as he patiently waited for Luther to jump to the topic.


    All he has to do now is add Luther into the equation and he is confident that it will change the course of love birds. After all, Luther is a very important person to Kyra. MAybe more important than Oliver himself.


    "Not much, Dr. Richard. As you know, my best friend Kyra is working in same hospital as yours.", Luther said.


    ''Yes, of course. I am here because of her!'' Daniel thought.


    "Yes.", Daniel said, pretending to sound clueless and confused.


    "I just want to ask how she''s doing. She won''t tell me anything worried that I will be restless.", Luther said, playing around the bush. He can''t bring himself to ask directly because it would really sound silly.


    ''Hey, I want to know if Dr. Miller and Kyra are getting close to each other''.


    It would sound really silly and awkward.


    "What a ''good friend'' you are, Dr. Smith. You are just like her ''brother'', always worried and concerned for her.", Daniel said, adding fuel to Luther''s resting beast as he emphasised ''good friend'' and ''brother''. These are the two roles Luther don''t want to play for Kyra. Good friend is okay but it is also called getting ''friend zoned'', which means, in Kyra''s eyes, he is not some man but a friend.


    Luther fisted his hands, feeling annoyed to hear brother and good friend.


    "Well, she is doing fine. She got herself a few trustworthy friends", DAniel said, giving a pause after that.


    "It actually doesn''t matter if her friends are trustworthy or not. She spends most of her time with her boss, Dr. Miller. They seem very comfortable with each other and it turned out Oliver Miller is the Godfather of her Godchildren. So, during her work time, she is in safe hands.", Daniel said, smirking cunningly.


    Luther felt his heart stop when he heard Daniel''s words.


    Very comfortable??


    How could Kyra get close to someone in this short span of time?? This is not who she is!! She should be taking at least two years or so to get comfortable with a total stranger.


    ''Well, Oliver is not a total stranger.. He was her crush'' Luther''s subconscious mind reminded him, rubbing salt to his wound.

 Chapter 88 - She Blushed At The Sight.

    After talking to Daniel and finding out the disturbing news, Luther''s whole mood took one eighty degree turn.


    He still couldn''t believe that Kyra and Oliver are close! This is not Kyra''s style to get too close to someone, especially a man, that too, a man from her past.


    "I never saw you this grumpy. What made you feel off?" Maya, Mark''s girlfriend and Kyra''s friend asked as she noticed his sullen expression.


    "Nothing.", Luther lied as he prepared himself for the surgery.


    "Don''t lie! Is it because Dr. Miller is Kyra''s ex-crush?" she asked. As she is the one who told her boyfriend about Kyra''s crush, she knows what made Luther sad.


    ''Not ex. He seems to be her crush even now'' Luther thought. But he decided to confirm it from Kyra before concluding the relationship between them.


    He won''t ask directly and he is scared to do that. At the same time, he doesn''t want to blindly believe Daniel''s words. He needs to hear from Kyra.


    "So, it is really that." Maya chuckled.


    "Don''t be like this, dude! You really need to act fast and don''t be magnanimous and give up your love on Kyra just because she seems to find a man."


    "Everything is fair in love and war. Be selfish and pursue Kyra if you want to be with her. If you ask me, she will be safe and happy with you rather than someone who doesn''t know her well."


    "He doesn''t know anything about her or her past, so he should be clueless about her truma and what it does to her if it gets triggered. What if he gets vexed by it and decides to leave her after making her fall in love with him." Maya said.


    "So, you know about Oliver and Kyra? That they are getting close now?" Luther asked.


    "I heard from Daniel. I was on a call with him a few days back to discuss some surgery and we somehow ended up talking about it." she honestly answered.


    "If you don''t want to ask her, why don''t you go and see by yourself? We can''t conclude everything by ourselves without knowing what actually is going on between themselves."


    "They could be friends or simply colleagues who share the same passion. Or, Oliver might be treating her like a sister, a junior who he admires."


    "We can get to know the actual relationship only after observing them for a while. If they don''t share any romantic feelings, you need not worry and go by your actual plan."


    "If Oliver is having feeling for her, you have to be the first person to propose to Kyra rather than him. I really don''t want Kyra to get hurt." Maya said.


    She was also Kyra''s roommate when they are freshman. So, she kind of knows Kyra''s past and what followed after.


    Though Kyra is fine now, she was different back then. Whoever have gotten close to her have automatically started to feel protective towards her.


    And, she is one of them.


    As she has also seen how Kyra fought with her inner demons to mould her into what she is now, she knows how important role Luther has played in it.


    There is no one who deserves Kyra more than him!


    "You are right, Maya. After hearing about them my mind started going blank. I couldn''t think of anything."


    "Thanks for helping me with it. Thank you" Luther said and gave her a brief hug and walked into the operation hall.


    Maya looked at his receding figure and sighed.


    She felt bad for him and wt the same time she felt guilty too.


    Guilty for using him like this.


    But it is for the right cause.


    ''My part is done.'' she texted Daniel.


    ''Good job.'' Daniel replied immediately as if he was waiting for her message.


    "I did this for Kyra. If what you said is right, I think I did it to keep Kyra safe. I promised to protect her." Maya said as she stared at her pendant.


    "You did the right thing, Maya." Daniel texted back.


    "I did this for Kyra. What about you?" Maya enquired. She has to convince herself that she didn''t do anything that would cause pain to Kyra.


    When Daniel read that text, his face morphed with pain and anger.


    "You need not know." he crudely replied and went offline.


    "Always mysterious!! I�� I hope I did the right thing." Maya thought worriedly.


    "Luther is my friend. I�� I am just helping him by pushing him towards Kyra. I�� I am doing something a friend has to do. Nothing else." she convinced herself.


    "He deserves Kyra. He could keep her happy." she thought.


    Although she knows that Daniel only told her a fraction of the story, that alone was enough for her to decide.


    She is protective of Kyra because Kyra is the friend who helped her at her lowest.


    ------


    Clueless of the storm that''s brewing towards her, Kyra was enjoying the resort with Ryan and Sofia.


    They both are drinking while Kyra sipped her fruit juice. As she has surgery to perform tomorrow, she decided not to get drunk.


    "I need to use the restroom. You guys continue." she said as she stood up to leave the private room.


    Sofia and Ryan are busy singing karaoke so they just nodded their heads.


    Kyra smiled and left the room. She could clearly see that they love each other but it''s frustrating that they just play around the bushes like this.


    Soon, she reached the restroom and finished her business. As she went to wash her hands, she noticed that Jennifer was there as well.


    Dressed in a beautiful evening dress, she looked fantastic.


    ''Maybe she is having a date'' Kyra thought as she washed her hands.


    Though Jennifer noticed Kyra, she didn''t recognise her. It is because she is not wearing spects and is having her long hair styled in a different hairstyle from the one she does to her work.


    And, she is not wearing her loose clothes but a beautiful dress.


    ''She looks beautiful'', Jennifer thought while looking at Kyra.


    ''Her aura is different as well. Will Oliver''s girlfriend be better than this girl?'' she thought.


    ''But why does she look familiar?'' Jennifer wondered.


    ''Could be a celebrity. The way she carried herself is similar to the models.'' Jenny thought.


    Kyra chuckled inside. It might sound unfair and superficial but looks always matter.


    People start judging anyone by their looks and Kyra knows it too well because she faced it when she was living with her mother here in this city.


    Before coming to live with her biological mother, she used to live with her father and his family in a town.


    As she was not taken care of properly, neither figure nor her looks were attractive. And, even when she was living with her mother, it took some time for her to understand how much outer look matters.


    But by that time, she has already faced body shame for her clothing style, her looks and her body.


    Kyra gave a smile to Jennifer who was staring at Kyra through the mirror and gave a wink making Jennifer blush a little.


    ''How cute.'' she thought inside.


    Meanwhile, embarrassed for what happened, Jennifer hurried out of the restroom. She got caught staring at a woman! Woman!!


    Kyra chuckled and followed Jennifer outside to go back to her private room but happened to see something which made her freeze.


    Oliver was leaning against the wall and after Jennifer walked out of the restroom he walked to her and wrapped his hand around her shoulder as if he wanted to support her.


    ''Got your periods?'' he asked for which Jennifer nodded her head with a pout.


    Her periods are the most painful time of the month when she barely can do her daily work. Though she is under medication for that, her condition has not improved.


    "Finally!" Oliver said. Her periods were irregular and her gynecologist asked her to take medication but Jennifer refused.


    If it didn''t come this month, she would have been forced to follow her doctor''s orders and she didn''t want it because she knew it''s not good for the long term.


    "I will take you back home?" Oliver asked Jennifer for which she nodded her head.


    "What about your grandfather? He wanted to have dinner with me for a very long time." Jennifer said.


    "I will bring you to the family mansion next week. I will explain to him and he will understand, okay!" Oliver said, genuinely worried.


    "And, take a holiday tomorrow. I will divide your work for others." he said as they walked away.


    "Oh God!!" Kyra heard a familiar voice from behind and when she saw Sofia standing behind her, equally shocked, she immediately closed Sofia''s mouth with her palm and dragged her away in the opposite direction.


    Meanwhile, Oliver turned to look at the source of the sound but he only saw the back of two ladies leaving the restroom.


    "That woman there was beautiful. Maybe more beautiful than your girl." Jennifer said.


    "But, in my eyes my girl is the best." Oliver shelessly declared.


    ----


    "What the hell was that!!" Sofia fumed in anger as they entered their private room.


    "He...he is with another girl, Ky! And, he is very caring towards her just like how caring he was towards you!" she added.


    "What happened?" Ryan asked, confused but he could already guess it.

 Chapter 89 - Do You Know Her??

    "What happened?" Ryan asked as he looked at them alarmingly.


    He could see that Sofia is fuming with anger and as of Kyra, her face remained expressionless.


    And, it made Ryan even more worried. If his sister was angry or sad, he would have atleast managed to see through her.


    But seeing her void of any emotions only triggered his overprotective nature.


    "That scumbag-" Sofia was about to curse but Kyra interfered.


    "Sofia, you can''t judge a person just like that!" she chided her friend but Sofia and Ryan could see her forehead scrunch in stress.


    "I saw with my own eyes! What else is needed, Ky?" Sofia asked as she sat down, throwing a fit of anger.


    "Sofia, it is too soon to judge. She could be a friend or maybe someone he treats as a sister." Kyra told her.


    "Or, she could be a girlfriend or a fiancee." Sofia said.


    Ryan, who was looking at them, sighed. Sofia is sometimes immature and childish. She judges a person too soon and that was one of the reasons why he is afraid to come clean with her.


    "What happened? Could anyone feed me details?!" he asked.


    "Well, I followed Kyra to the restroom as I was worried she might cross her paths with someone from the past." Sofia started narrating. Kyra didn''t butt in because there are many things going on in her mind.


    She couldn''t help overthinking because of her past. She didn''t want to but she couldn''t help.


    "I was about to return but I happened to see Oliver with another girl. He was very affectionate towards her and you should have seen the relief that has spread across his face when he heard that she got her periods!"


    "He might have impregnated her and was worried about that!" Sofia said in anger.


    "Sofi-", Ryan was about to say something but Sofia cut him off with her words.


    "And, she is here with Oliver''s family. Maybe he is serious with that girl and Kyra was just for time pass " she added.


    "Enough, Sofia!" Kyra snapped, her voice low yet angry enough to make Sofia shut her mouth.


    "Do not you ever show prejudice against anyone without knowing the whole story, got it?"


    "Yes, I do get that what we saw right now is screaming everything you are thinking right now. But, let''s not judge him too soon, okay?" Kyra asked, her voice breaking at the last sentence.


    Ryan and Sofia felt guilty for making Kyra emotional like this.


    "I am sorry, Ky. I�� I just lost my cool." Sofia apologized as she immediately hugged Kyra.


    "It''s okay." Kyra said, leaning into her friend''s protective embrace.


    "I�� I have seen many situations like this in my field and I am sensitive when it comes to double timing. I didn''t mean to suspect Oliver but-" Sofia was about to apologize but Kyra smiled.


    "I get you, Sofi. Just don''t do it again, okay?" she asked and Sofia nodded her head with a cute expression which made Kyra smile. But the pain in her eyes is obvious.


    People might think that Kyra is overreacting but her past simply made her like that.


    She is utterly insecure and emotionally fragile when it comes to relationships.


    Ryan patted Kyra''s back giving her comfort and support she needed. The things he fretted the most have occurred sooner than he expected.


    It always made him worry whenever he thought about how Kyra would react if she got hurt by Oliver emotionally.


    But, he didn''t think that it would come this soon. It doesn''t matter whether what the girls saw is true or not as this is just the beginning.


    Every relationship is bound to have some rough road ahead and his sister is one of those who have the hardest.


    "Let''s not think too much. Just like how Kyra said, it could be anything. She might be a cousin, a friend or a relative. But at the same time, what Sofia said could be true as well." Ryan said.


    Kyra nodded her head as she fidgeted her fingers.


    Yes, one could never say with confidence that he or she knows the person they love well enough.


    Maybe there will be people who could do that but, unfortunately she is not one of them.


    She might have been that person if her biological mother and her family didn''t back stab her after being so nice to her.


    She couldn''t see through their ulterior motives that time so, it got imprinted in her mind that she is naturally bad at reading the person''s real self.


    "Do you know her, Kyra?" Ryan asked, his voice serious.


    "Uh-huh. She is the new fellow who joined today. Her name is Jennifer and she is the second person Oliver took under his wing." Kyra answered.


    Sofia gritted her teeth.


    "He took you in because he felt attracted towards you. He did the same with her so-" Sofia was about to say something but Kyra glared at her which instantly made Sofia silent.


    "So, you are saying that she is your colleague." Ryan asked and Kyra nodded her head.


    "Oliver took Kyra as the fellow under him because our uncle asked him for that favor. Maybe Oliver took that Jenny girl because he knew her family. So, we can''t judge who got it, Sofi?" Ryan said.


    "And Ky, what do you think is happening between them?" Ryan asked. He wants to know if Kyra is serious about Oliver to the extent that she wants to believe he is innocent.


    If she is, then, he would try his best to find the truth. If this is another person, Kyra would actually opt to keep distance from that person because she doesn''t want to get hurt.


    "I�� I don''t think he looks at her like that. He looked at her just like how you look at me. A sisterly love." Kyra said.


    She had seen how Oliver looked at her, so she could tell the difference. It is just like how her brother Ryan treats her and Sofia differently.


    "But, I can''t take risks, Kyra. I promised everyone that I will take utmost care of you. I can''t let this thing pass just because you think differently."


    "If what you said is the truth, there would be no one happier than me." Ryan said. If what his sister observed is true, that means she became good at reading people and their real motives.


    If she is not, it means he has to take everything in his hands and protect his sister from breaking her heart again. He doesn''t have patience nor heart to see her suffer again.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    In situations like these, she is no different from a kid, thanks to her biological family.


    So, she could only let her brother''s take care of her. Yes, she is not perfect, not even close to it.


    She is independent and strong when it comes to her career and professional life but she is very dependent and vulnerable when it comes to personal life.


    When she said she has many things to change in herself, she is not lying. This is one of the many things she wanted to change.


    When Ryan looked at his sister, he could only ball his fists. He knows what his sister is exactly thinking of.


    She would be thinking that she is nothing but a burden to him and her other four brothers, which she is not.


    She should be cursing and hating herself for being weak and insecure like this.


    She is causing pain to herself and that is why he was scared to trust Oliver who doesn''t know anything about his sister.


    If it was Luther, he would have told Kyra who that girl is. In the first place, it wouldn''t have reached till there because Kyra knows almost everyone in Luther''s life.


    And to be even more precise, Luther wouldn''t even take another girl out to meet his family because his family already loves Kyra and they would cut his legs if he betrayed Kyra.


    This is not the only case where he prefers Luther over Oliver as this is not the only situation which could bring pain to his emotionally fragile sister.


    As he said, this is just the beginning.


    After having this conversation, Kyra, Sofia and Ryan left the resort. Their plan to enjoy the night in this beautiful weather has gone sideways.


    -------


    Meanwhile, Oliver who is clueless of what happened came back to his house after driving Jennifer back to her house.


    He felt relieved as Jennifer didn''t have to start a medical procedure for her irregular periods and the pain it causes. His sister Nora has the same issue and is taking treatment, so he knows how much girls suffer in those times.


    After taking a bath he stood on the balcony with his bathrobe on.


    "What would Kyra be doing now?" He asked himself. It started to drizzle and it is now turning into a rain, so it made him remember the time they had after the accident.


    He took his phone and was about to call her but decided not to. What if she is sleeping? Or, what if she is painting and his call disrupts her flow?


    "Ahh, why do I miss her so much?" he thought of combing his wet hair with his fingers.


    "God, I have to introduce Jennifer to Kyra before any misunderstanding takes place.." he thought all of a sudden, concern evident in his eyes.

 Chapter 90 - They Are Much Closer Than Expected.

    Oliver couldn''t help but text Kyra.


    ''What are you doing, Ky?'', he asked her.


    He couldn''t help but remember the quality time they had in the hospital. After today, all he wanted more and more was to get close to her and win her over forever.


    He waited for her to answer back but it didn''t happen. Seconds turned to minutes and soon it was more than half an hour. Kyra won''t take this time to reply as their conversation will be almost spontaneous.


    ''Maybe she slept.'' he thought and continued doing his work. He has a complex surgery scheduled tomorrow so, he is surfing through the videos of the surgeries similar to the one he will be conducting.


    When he was about to download a video from the hospital''s dataset, he somehow ended up noticing that Kyra downloaded the same video a few seconds back.


    ''So, she is awake.'' he thought.


    ''Maybe she wants to focus on work.'' he assumed and didn''t disturb Kyra any further. However, he didn''t forget to send the last message. ''If you have anything to discuss about the surgery, feel free to message or call.''


    ��------------


    Kyra was sitting at her usual place, in her garden patio as she went through the videos of the surgeries to research more about the surgery that has to be done tomorrow.


    Not very far from where she sat, Sofia was sitting, going through the details of the tour she would be busy with from next month. She is a model, a super model in fact, so her schedule will be packed at this time of the year.


    Across them, Ryan sat in a recliner as he worked on his own laptop, so serious that neither Sofia or Kyra made a sound. He was like this from the second they came back.


    Kyra yawned a little and snuggled into her cozy blanket. She was trying to focus on her work as she didn''t want to think about the things that happened in the resort.


    "Kyra, sleep." Ryan said.


    "I have some work left." Kyra said.


    She already saw the notification of Oliver''s message but she didn''t reply anything as she is in no mood to do so. She thought he would assume that she was sleeping and leave her alone. But it didn''t last long when he messaged her, saying that she is free to contact him in case of queries regarding the surgery.


    She felt bad for avoiding him like this but at the same time she couldn''t talk to him like nothing happened.


    "Oliver texted?" Sofia asked when she saw the look on Kyra''s face.


    Kyra nodded her head, deep in thought.


    "What do you want?" Sofia asked, a little angry. As she is sensitive when it comes to situations like this, she couldn''t control her emotions well.


    "Sofi, he is just trying to help.", Kyra said, tired of everything. Sometimes her overprotective brother and her best friend could be a handful. No one is perfect so she could only take this patiently just like how she enjoys the fun they have together and bathe in the care and warmth they shower for her.


    "I have done some basic hacking on that Jennifer girl''s background. So, here is what I got.", Ryan said, stopping Kyra''s and Sofia''s conversation.


    "Basic hacking??" Sofia chuckled, mocking him.


    "I wouldn''t be surprised even if CIA people come knocking on our door tomorrow.", she added as she crossed her leg across her other ankle, making Ryan lose focus when he saw her sexy, long legs.


    He coughed and averted his gaze to only look at his sister who was giving him a ''I know what is happening'' look.


    "So..well�� I just took a peek into her background and here it is," he said, focussing on his sister rather than the woman he loves who is currently seducing him unknowingly.


    "She is from Russell''s family. An aristocratic family who has good connections with Miller''s family, another aristocratic family. So, Oliver and Jennifer know each other from their childhood. It is evident because they have studied in the same school and even went to the same university. Stanfords." Ryan told her.


    "As Oliver is older than her, it seems like she followed him everywhere he went. That clearly tells that she likes him.", Sofia butted in.


    "Or, she could have got inspired by him just like me." Kyra muttered. Even though she doesn''t know why, she couldn''t stop herself from looking at Oliver in a good light. Always.


    "Why do you like protecting him??" Sofia asked.


    Kyra didn''t answer but continued to look at the surgery video, well, pretending to do so.


    "She did her internship and residency in the same hospital where Oliver was working.", Ryan continued.


    "So, they are much closer than we expected, hmm?" Sofia asked which both Kyra and Ryan ignored.


    "This is the basic info I could get on her. I asked our third brother, the techy one, to dig a little deeper. And, our brother has sent me some news just now." Ryan said. Their third brother is good at this stuff as he learnt hacking to make it easy and handy during the tough cases.


    Sometimes he runs errands for his siblings as well. Especially if it''s something related to his one and only sister, Kyra. He asks no questions so no one would feel awkward��


    "What''s that news, Ryan? Why are you making that face?" Sofia asked. Ryan stopped talking and focussed on the screen of his laptop and it only made Kyra and Sofia more anxious.


    "Here.", Ryan said and showed the screen to the ladies sitting in front of him.


    When Kyra looked at the picture, she literally felt her heart stop.


    It is Oliver and Jennifer and they are standing in a ballroom. In Stanford university perhaps. And, Jennifer was standing on her toes, as her lips brushed Oliver''s lips.


    "See, I told you!!", Sofia exclaimed, her face red with anger.


    "I need some air. Could you leave me alone for a bit?" Kyra asked.


    "But, Ky-", before Sofia could say anything, Ryan placed his hand on Sofia''s shoulder and signalled her not to argue any further.


    "We will be at the swimming pool. Call us if you need anything, okay?", Ryan said and Kyra nodded her head.


    "And, we still don''t know everything, Ky. Our brother is still working on it as it could be difficult not to leave any traces." Ryan said.


    "Okay.", Kyra muttered and getting the cue, Sofia and Ryan left her to have some private time.


    After she was left alone, Kyra looked at the starless sky. There is no moon and it was all dark and gloomy, just like how her heart is feeling now.


    Maybe because she is too tired or maybe because she is habituated to put herself into sleep at times like these, Kyra fell asleep. When she was in rehab to where she was sent right after she got betrayed by her biological parents to get treated for her depression, she understood that sleeping is the best cure for everything.


    ----------------


    The next morning��


    Kyra woke up in her bed, cozily wrapped in her blanket. As she looked around, she saw the traces of her brother on the couch. He would have slept here on the couch worried that she would wake up at midnight and experience something emotionally bad.


    Getting up, she quickly got ready as she had to go to work. Maybe if it is another girl who is insecure like her, she would have taken a day off. However, as a surgeon she has to be responsible, so she could only keep everything aside and go to work.


    By the time she made her way to the kitchen, her brother had already prepared breakfast, Her favorite.


    "You are going to work?" Ryan asked, a little surprised.


    "I must. I have two surgeries on and on. Both critical and urgent." she said as she sat on the chair to dig into her breakfast.


    "You need any help, sis? About yes-" before Ryan could speak anything more Kyra interjected.


    "I am hungry and I am kind of late as well. So, sorry bro. Need to hurry." Kyra told as she stuffed her mouth with the pancakes.


    Ryan could only sigh.


    "I will wait for you to talk. No hurry." Ryan said, kissing Kyra''s forehead.


    "Maple syrup?", he asked.


    "Coffee would be better.", Kyra said, smiling at her brother. With her friends and family around, she feels a lot better even when her mind is in a mess.


    "I got it covered.", Sofia who just entered the kitchen said, giving Kyra her favorite dark chocolate mocha she bought from starbucks just on her way back from jogging.


    "Woah��VIP treatment. I like it.", Kyra said, as she took the coffee cup on which her name is written with a smiley emoji beside it. It was also written, ''We are here for you''.


    "You will get it for as long as you want. We just want you to be happy.", Ryan said, ruffling Kyra''s hair dotingly. All he wants now is to pull her sister far away from the sadness that might consume her if left behind.


    "I will be. Don''t worry guys." Kyra said as she finished the last bite of her pancake and took the coffee with her.


    "Wait, Ky. I will drop you.." Ryan said, as he rushed towards the other room for car keys.

 Chapter 91 - She Knew That They Are Not....

    Kyra remained quiet as her brother drove her to her work. Though he wanted to asl something, Kyra didn''t give him any chance at all.


    After last night''s incident, no one talked about it and it worried Ryan. His sister is not someone who takes things lightly, especially when it is something related to her emotions. So, despite knowing that she is struggling inside, he could only stand at the side and see her helplessly.


    The few minutes of drive felt as if hours have passed as he stopped at the entrance of the hospital.


    "Be safe, okay?" Ryan asked, dead worried that seeing Oliver might make her more devastated.


    When Kyra didn''t respond, it only made him more worried.


    "You can take a day off, you know? I can ask our uncle to manage without you for a day.", he suggested. As the president of the hospital is the father in law of their first brother, asking favors like these are no big deal.


    "I know that you are worried but I can handle this, bro. Trust me." Kyra said, giving him an assuring smile.


    "I can''t escape everything that is thrown towards me, right? You are here to help me this time but I might not be this lucky the next time. So, I decided to face everything from now on.", Kyra added to convince her brother to do something extreme.


    Ryan looked at Kyra full of pride and love.


    He nodded his head and patted her head once, before allowing her to alight the car.


    By the time Kyra got out of the car, her fellow colleagues had arrived just in time. Ron, Claire who are housemates and Jennifer who just got dropped by her driver were at the entrance and happened to see Kyra getting out of the ''lowkey'' car.


    "Boyfriend?" Ron asked Claire.


    "Maybe or may not.", Claire answered.


    "She got into a different car last night." Jennifer said. She remembered the car from last night because she had seen it.


    "But the person looks the same.", Claire said. Even she saw yesterday as it was hard to miss such a handsome man.


    "Why is he wearing a mask??" Ron asked.


    "Who knows? Maybe he is allergic to hospitals.", Claire shared her mind.


    "Or, he doesn''t want to get caught by his real girlfriend." a voice came from their behind as Teressa walked to them.


    "Whatever it is, that''s none of your business. Let''s go inside before things get awkward.", Jennifer said as she caressed her waist to soothe the pain her periods are giving her. Oliver has given her a day off however, she didn''t want to look irresponsible on her first week of work itself.


    Teressa was about to say something but she stopped when she saw Oliver walking to the entrance.


    "Seems like you fellows have a lot of free time. Maybe you all need more work to do.", he said, the warning obvious in his tone.


    Ron, Claire and Teressa hurried inside without any delay but Jennifer stayed behind for a monet to share eye contact with Oliver. After a second or so, she broke her eye contact and walked inside.


    Oliver stood there for another few seconds as he looked at her receding figure and sighed. He was about to go inside but got a glimpse of a familiar figure.


    ''Kyra'' he thought as he looked at Kyra who was standing at the car looking into her bag for something. It seems like she didn''t notice his presence but Ryan did.


    His eyes are glowing with anger and when his eyes met with Oliver''s, he averted with his eyes filled with hate.


    ''What happened?'' Oliver thought. Ryan, who always smiles warmly, glowered at him.


    Meanwhile, Kyra finished searching her bag and fished out the key card and was about to hand it to her brother but followed the line of his sight and there he was, Oliver, looking at them.


    Ryan came back to his consciousness and took the key card from his sister who is now looking at Oliver who is also looking back at his sister.


    He sighed and patted Kyra''s head which made her look at him, cutting the look she was sharing with Oliver.


    "I will be here by seven, okay? Sofia booked some spa after that, so I will drop you there directly and I will be coming to pick you both only after ten at night." he told her, indirectly telling her that she can''t invite ''certain someone'' to her house for afterwork discussion.


    Kyra nodded her head. She already saw through her brother''s intentions but didn''t say anything because even she felt like she deserved some spa time to relax.


    After that she turned around and Oliver was still there, trying to make eye contact. However, Kyra avoided it and walked inside.


    Confused, Oliver looked to Ryan for help but ended up getting the cold shoulder. He didn''t understand why his siblings are acting strange and grumpy today. He almost got tempted to go and ask Ryan but after looking at time, he could only kill that idea and hurry inside.


    ��-------------


    Kyra sat down at her desk and heaved in relief.


    She felt drained mentally.


    She felt like this because she couldn''t help thinking.


    "Good morning, Ria." Jennifer who just changed into her scrubs and returned to the room greeted Kyra.


    Kyra was startled for a second as she was enjoying the peace of being alone in the room.


    "Good morning?" Kyra greeted her back in surprise. Jennifer shouldn''t be in the hospital as she was given a day off by Oliver.


    "Not feeling well?" Jennifer asked.


    "Just exhausted." Kyra answered.


    "Want coffee?"Jennifer asked.


    ''She is friendly and outgoing. People would like her by default.'' Kyra thought.


    "I just had before I came. Thank you." Kyra said with a smile.


    "I want it tho. God, my cramps are killing me." Jennifer said, slumping on her chair.


    "I have painkillers for relief if you really can''t take it.", Kyra offered.


    "My gynae would kill me if I do so. I should be taking the medications she prescribed or, I shouldn''t be taking none." Jennifer said.


    Kyra didn''t say anything but closed her eyes, feeling the silence.


    "Hey, you have a sister?" Jennifer asked.


    "No. Why?" Kyra asked.


    "Nothing. I just felt like I saw someone who looked like you.", Jennifer answered. As she saw Kyra yesterday closely and as she is seeing Kyra now, she could tell that they are similar.


    "Maybe you saw someone who looked similar to me.", Kyra said.


    "Maybe.", Jennifer said.


    "Take a rest.", she added and left the room.


    Kyra closed her eyes but it didn''t last long as she was asked to assemble in the conference hall.


    After the conference, Kyra had surgeries to attend to. As she is the main surgeon in the first one, she escaped from crossing paths with Oliver. As he is busy as well, he didn''t have time to search for her.


    However, the one in the afternoon, Oliver is the main surgeon, and she and Jennifer are assisting him in it.


    "Ate lunch?" Jennifer asked as she saw Kyra coming out of the restroom.


    "I am going to.", Kyra answered briefly. Although she knows that Jennifer is not someone on whom she could channel her frustration from yesterday, Kyra couldn''t help but remember the kissing picture of Oliver and Jennifer Ryan shown to her.


    "Join me. I don''t have any friends to eat with and I don''t like eating alone." Jennifer said, smiling friendly.


    Kyra, who always likes eating alone, felt a little frustrated but nodded her head. She can''t turn her down just because she was angry.


    "Thank you." Jennifer thanked her.


    ��-------------


    "Can we join?"Jennifer asked Oliver who was sitting in the canteen and eating his own food.


    He like to eat alone but he wanted to try his luck in crossing paths with Kyra and who would have thought that Jennifer would actually bring her to him.


    Oliver looked at Kyra first, who is apparently trying to avoid his gaze. He didn''t avert his eyes for a few seconds.


    "Dr. Miller?" Jennifer called again when he didn''t answer her.


    "Yes, yes. Sure.", Oliver said.


    Kyra wanted to deny it but she couldn''t do so. It would make Oliver obvious that she is avoiding him. Yes, he would find it later but she didn''t want it to happen before the surgery because it would disrupt the sync cooperation during surgery.


    Meanwhile, Jennifer looked at Oliver who was stealing glances at Kyra who was not even lifting her head up and was pretending to be interested in the contents in her plate.


    ''Something is definitely going on between them.'' she thought. SInce the day she came, she noticed that the equation between Oliver and Kyra is different from what Oliver has with the other fellows.


    First she thought that it is purely work related but the tension between them today only gave her more clarity that there is something going on between Kyra and Oliver.


    The lunch went awkwardly silent as Kyra didn''t want to talk while Jennifer was in her own world, thinking about Oliver, his girlfriend and the girl sitting beside her.


    "Dr. Lopez, can you drop by at my office before the surgery?"Oliver asked as they finished lunch.


    "What about me, Dr. Miller?" Jennifer asked.


    "You are not needed to, Dr. Smith." Oliver said and Jennifer only shrugged her shoulders.


    Kyra saw their interaction and all these things are only strengthening her opinion that there is nothing romantic between Oliver and Jennifer.


    Then what is the explanation of the picture of them kissing?

 Chapter 92 - He Kneeled At Her Side.

    Kyra didn''t want to go to Oliver''s room as she is very aware of what will happen if she does so.


    It is not that she wants to avoid him or the situation they are facing but, all she needs is some time for her heart to ease down a little so that it would be in a position to take the blow if it comes to the worst.


    But she can''t say no as he is her boss now. She is left with no choice but to nod her head.


    Meanwhile, Jennifer could only sigh and leave to take a short nap before the surgery. As she is in her periods and she has to stand for hours during the surgery, this rest is mandatory to her.


    Kyra returned to the office and slumped on her chair as she massaged her head.


    How Oliver behaved around Jennifer didn''t look like they were having a relationship or having any romantic entanglements.


    As he didn''t hide his intention to call her to his office from Jennifer, she could tell that he is not keeping any secrets from either of them.


    ''Maybe the photo I saw is false'' Kyra thought.


    ''But my third brother has never made this kind of silly mistake. The photo I saw was directly taken from the CCTV footage. So, it has to be authentic.'' another thought crawled into her brain, kicking the previous opinion out of the window.


    ''Maybe the situation is not what it seems like. Maybe he isn''t kissing but she is.'' She tried to convince herself.


    ''If that''s the case he would have cut his ties with her. At least, he would have maintained some distance from her. However, he is too close and unbelievably concerned about her.'' her insecure self thought again.


    Kyra could only shut her eyes tightly and take deep breaths to control herself from getting too anxious.


    "You, fine?" Jennifer, who just entered the room to take her pager, which she forgot on her table, asked, a little concerned.


    "I am okay. It''s something I am going through."


    "Something personal." Kyra added.


    "If it is bothering you too much you just have to face it and get done with it. It is how we can restore our peace of mind." Jennifer advised. Though she doesn''t know what Kyra is going through, she knows how situations like these effects emotionally.


    She faced it when she was madly in love with Oliver and he dodged all the hints she was giving back then. Many thoughts and scenarios kept playing in her mind, disrupting the peace of her mind.


    When she was at the brink going insane with all those thoughts, it was when she took the advice of one of her friends and came clean with Oliver.


    Although it didn''t go like how she has planned, it at least took away all the weight she was shouldering.


    Kyra looked at Jennifer who was smiling at her but in her deep thoughts, she could only sigh.


    Should she really ask Oliver about what she saw yesterday?


    It might sound easy but it is not as easy as that, especially to her.


    But at the same time, Jennifer is right. It would take away the emotional burden she is currently going through.


    -------------


    After her brief conversation with Jennifer, Kyra took the file and walked to Oliver''s office.


    Oliver was anxiously waiting for her and he swear, he was never this tense, not even when he had to operate on the most complex tumors.


    As soon as Kyra knocked on his door, he felt his breath quickening up.


    "Come in." he managed to speak.


    On the other side of the door, Kyra was in the same situation.


    ''It''s okay Ky. He is not going to hurt you. He is good, remember?'' she muttered to herself and pushed the door open.


    And, as soon as she came into his line of sight, their eyes met. His blue eyes to her hazel eyes.


    For a brief moment nothing mattered to them. Oliver searched anxiously for something, something that could cease him from getting anxious. Meanwhile, Kyra couldn''t break the gaze as she is getting sucked more and more into his deep, bottomless eyes.


    All she wants now is to seek his comfort. She wanted to hug him, cry her heart out.


    This is only when she realized how much she dammed up her emotions in her heart.


    She was waiting for the right shoulder to lean on and unfortunately, she couldn''t do it now because the one who caused her pain and the one from whom she is seeking comfort are the same.


    ''Control Key.'' she told herself as she pushed herself out of this comforting silence.


    "Why did you want to see me, Dr. Miller? Is anything wrong with the patient?" she asked, trying to sound as polite and distant as she can.


    Only she knows how much it is hurting her to do it. From one side, her heart is screaming to forgive him already and hug him tight.


    However, from the other side, her mind is pushing her to remember what she saw yesterday, reminding her that she can''t let this matter go.


    Meanwhile, when Oliver heard her formal and almost distant tone, he felt his heart being pierced with thousands of needles.


    So, it is how it hurts when true love hurts. This pain is more deadly than being shot with poisonous bullets.


    "Sit, first." he told her, giving the gentle smile.


    Kyra contemplated but sat down across him, nervous and anxious.


    Oliver poured her chrysanthemum tea to reduce her stress and anxiety.


    "Have this tea first. Let''s talk after you calm down okay?" he asked, his eyes filled with all the gentleness in the world.


    Kyra almost melted looking at those eyes filled with love. ''Why will a person who loves you this much will dare to hurt you? He is innocent.'' her heart screamed from inside, getting infected by that love.


    ''You thought the same for your biological mother. What happened? You got betrayed! Don''t fall for things like these!'' her logical self retaliated.


    "I need to prepare for the surgery, Dr. Miller. If there is nothing, I would like to go back." Kyra said as her logical self won over her emotional self.


    It made Oliver even more sad and nervous. What exactly happened??


    Did he do anything that has hurt her indirectly? He wouldn''t dare to hurt her directly, so he is sure that''s not the case.


    "Why are you distant and anxious? What happened?" he asked.


    With that question, Kyra started to become nervous. She fidgetted her fingers as she curled her toes.


    "It''s nothing related to the surgery, Dr. Miller. I will be going then." she said as she was about to stand up to leave.


    She could feel that her facade is getting weak by every second she spends with him. If this strong and nonchalant facade of hers get shredded off, she knows that it would make both her and Oliver more sad.


    "It has everything to do with the surgery, Dr. Collins. Sit!" Oliver said, his voice was a little strict so it would sound bossy. As she is not caving in to his pleading tone, he can only order her as her boss.


    And, it worked.


    Kyra didn''t try to leave. She sat down as she looked at the floor, trying to avoid his eyes at any cost.


    If she looks at them, she is sure that she is going to break down.


    Seeing her like this only made it worse for Oliver. He knows that her facade of strong, independent self is layered upon layers of scars.


    He didn''t want to add another layer to it.


    He stood up and the first thing he did is to lock the door and pull down all the blinds, cutting themselves from the outer world.


    After making sure that no one is going to barge in or see anything that is going to happen now, he walked to her and did the thing Kyra never imagined him to do.


    He kneeled at her side and looked at her face.


    Seeing her shocked face which also had the red, teary eyes and quivering lips, he gently held her chin and made him look at her.


    "Kyra, what happened exactly? Talk to me, please?" he asked. He no longer tried to hide his emotions from her and right now, Kyra could see how much pain he is in.


    She could see that he is vulnerable just like her. And, it was all she needed to break the dam that was holding her melancholy.


    Seeing the tears rolling down her eyes, Oliver stood up and sat beside her giving her the shoulder she wanted.


    He didn''t try to stop her as she needed to vent it out in order to get into peace with herself. He doesn''t know why but he felt like this is the right thing to do.


    He felt like Kyra needed a shoulder to cry on, rather than the sweet consolments.


    He caressed her hair as she sobbed in his embrace as her tears wetted his shirt, which he least cared about.


    After how long God only knows, the lump of sorrow in her heart degraded and she stopped crying.


    "Now, tell me what happened, Kyra. Is it me or is it something else that made you this sad.." he asked as he caressed her hair.

 Chapter 93 - At Last They...

    When Kyra heard Oliver''s question, it was only when she raised her head to look at him.


    She couldn''t help but contemplate on how to answer the question. It is not him who has hurt her but at the same time she is hurt because of him.


    Oliver smiled and relaxed the lines on her forehead. "You can tell me everything, Ky. Even if it is something I unintentionally did and it has hurt you, you can directly demand an explanation from me."


    "I will tell you everything as there is nothing more important and more precious to me than you. I don''t want anything from my side to hurt you Kyra. I would never dare to even think about hurting you."


    "So, please tell me what happened. I can tell from your behavior that I have something to do with your current bad mood. It hurts my heart to get a cold shoulder from you." Oliver said as he looked into her eyes.


    He might lie but his eyes won''t. He wants Kyra to know how sincere he is towards her.


    Meanwhile, Kyra teared up.


    His sweet words touched her heart and she couldn''t help but purse her lips and look at him.


    She wants to tell him but why is she hesitating?


    Oliver waited patiently as he caressed her hair. They are still hugging each other. She had her face leaned against his chest while she hugged him with his waist.


    He has his arm wrapped around her waist while his other other hand is caressing her hair.


    Oliver is aware of their position but Kyra isn''t. Maybe she is, but as his hug is warm and is giving her a sense of security, she didn''t want to break apart from it.


    "Yesterday�� I��" Kyra was about to tell but she stopped. It is only when it hits her that they aren''t a couple yet. She didn''t even confess to him so she doesn''t have any right to demand an explanation.


    "What happened yesterday, Ky?" Oliver asked.


    "Remember. You can ask me everything. You have the right to do so as you are the only woman who managed to make me go crazy." he said.


    Kyra looked at him with surprise. How the hell is he managing to read whatever she is thinking inside?


    "How do you know what I am thinking?" she asked even before she could register what she did.


    Her voice is so cute that Oliver couldn''t help his chuckle.


    "Don''t know. I just do it" he told her as his lips lingered at her head.


    "So, it is really me. I don''t remember doing anything that might hurt you. Is it because I refused to come to your house yesterday after work?" he asked. He recalled everything he did yesterday but there is nothing he could point at.


    Kyra pursed her lips and averted her eyes.


    "It''s not that." she said.


    "Yesterday I was at the resort and I�� I saw you with another woman." Kyra at last said.


    Oliver frowned in confusion. Another woman? At a resort??


    Then only it has hit his mind that he went to dinner with his grandfather, Jennifer and her brother.


    He remembered seeing a familiar back near the restroom when he was going back with Jennifer.


    ''Maybe Kyra was with her brother and friend and coincidentally saw me and Jenny in the restroom'' he immediately thought.


    He couldn''t help but recall what he said to Jennifer in the restroom. Her periods and how he felt relieved she got them.


    Their conversation is really misleading. Onlookers might think he was relieved because she isn''t pregnant.


    As that silly realization had just hit him, Oliver started laughing.


    No wonder Kyra was angry. He has not only acted close to a woman but has also misled her into thinking something else.


    His laughter has only made Kyra more angry. She gave a little shove to his stomach with her elbow and that only made Oliver laugh.


    "Sorry...sorry", he said as he suppressed his laughter.


    "It''s funny to think of me and Jennifer like that. It is just like Sofia getting jealous seeing you and Ryan acting close." Oliver said, giving her an analogy of her, her brother and her best friend, Sofia.


    When Kyra heard it, she couldn''t bring herself to digest it. What about the photo then?


    Although she is almost convinced that Oliver is not lying, she needs an explanation. But how will she ask him about the picture?


    He might think that she is digging into his past and stalking him. She didn''t want him to think like that��


    Getting no response from her, Oliver looked at her, who is deep in thoughts and has worry still lingering in her eyes.


    "Let me tell you the whole story." Oliver said, understanding that Kyra is not convinced.


    "I knowJennifer since my childhood. She has been my sister''s best friend since they were in the age of wearing diapers."


    "So, I have known Jennifer from the time she was a baby. She was my junior in primary school, middle school and as well as high school. She followed me to my med school too."


    "I am attached to her as a brother, Kyra. She literally grew up in front of me into this smart, beautiful woman. I am proud of her just like how other brothers would like to see their sister become successful." Oliver explained. From his voice it is evident that he loves Jennifer as a sister.


    She has been listening to the same tone from all her brothers.


    But what about that kissing picture then? No brother and sister does that!!!


    "For me Jenny has always been like a sister. Unfortunately, for her I was not a brother since a few years back. After getting into medical school she confessed that she likes me in a romantic way."


    "My rejection didn''t go well for her. She was disturbed and took it hard. However, after my relentless explanations, she understood that I could never accept her as anything but a sister."


    "We lost touch for the next three to four years as I finished my med school and left the university. We didn''t contact each other and didn''t cross paths even when we used to come home."


    "I wanted her to move on and she did. She understood that she admired me and it was only attraction. She understood that she could never be happy with the forced love and finally, we went back to our normal relationship. I am her brother and she is nothing but a sister to me. Oliver said in a single go.


    Kyra heard everything attentively.


    And, it didn''t sound unbelievable. This kind of scenario has crossed her mind but she was tangled in her insecurities to give it a serious thought.


    Oliver is really someone who could make most of the girls fall for him. His charm, his aura and well he is good at most of the things.


    It is not a surprise that Jennifer liked him and wanted to be with him as his better half.


    "So, what I saw was just a brother caring for sister?" Kyra asked.


    Oliver chuckled against her hair and gave a brief peck on her hair.


    "Yes. You were just overthinking!" Oliver answered. He felt very happy now.


    So, Kyra is really serious about him. Until yesterday he had been drowning in the wave of anxiety. She lets him get close but doesn''t confess.


    Now, seeing her get jealous is the obvious answer to his question. She does like him and is very serious about him.


    Kyra suppressed her smile and looked at Oliver who was smiling like a bright sun and was actually suppressing his laughter.


    "What is so funny that you are getting tempted to laugh?" Kyra asked, feigning her anger.


    She could feel his happiness and it made her happy too.


    "You are cute when you get jealous." Oliver said, now laughing.


    "Jealous?? Who is jealous!" Kyra hurriedly said.


    "You have actually taken that to another level that I almost got a heart attack with anxiety. From yesterday night to now, several thoughts have crossed my mind and I have never been this scared, Ky. Never." Oliver said, as he moved his hands down her hair.


    Kyra pursed her lips feeling guilty.


    "I think this happened for my own good." Oliver said, making Kyra''s heart drop.


    Is he saying that she is so suspicious and insecure that he couldn''t take it? Is he saying that he can''t handle her anymore and wants to let her go??


    Noticing Kyra''s frightened expression Oliver hurriedly explained.


    "It''s for my own good because I understood that I should never keep anything from the girl I want to woo. I wanted to tell you about Jennifer, Ky but I had to leave for a business trip and we didn''t get to meet until yesterday."


    "I should have said yesterday but-" before Oliver could hurriedly explain, Kyra placed her palm on his mouth.


    "Don''t. Don''t make me feel guilty anymore.." she said and did something Oliver never expected her to do it now. It made him widen his eyes��

 Chapter 94 - Best Friends.

    "Don''t. Don''t make me feel anymore guilty than this." Kyra said and did something Oliver never expected her to do it now. It made him widen his eyes��


    She kissed his cheek and before he could register what just happened, Kyra had picked the file from the table and was long gone.


    Oliver smiled as he touched his cheek which is still warm from her kiss.


    Although it was anxious and nerve wracking for him, the ending is worthy enough.


    "She is cute," Oliver thought as he looked at the door through which Kyra had left.


    Meanwhile, Kyra hurried to the restroom at the end of the floor. Maybe when she was hugging Oliver and when he was brushing her hair, the bun had loosened and her long, thick hair got freed.


    She didn''t want others to see her like this as it might make her look somewhat similar to the mysterious girl who dances with Oliver.


    ''So, Jennifer is not his romantic interest. His story explains the kissing photo of them.'' Kyra thought as she combed her hair and made the bun.


    When she remembered how they were hugging each other and how his lips were touching her hair while he caressed the waves of her hair, she couldn''t help but smile.


    ''I just kissed him.'' she thought as she blushed.


    ''At least he is not a bad guy'' she told herself as she let out a sigh.


    ---------


    After an hour or so, Kyra, Oliver and Jennifer changed into their scrubs and got ready to perform the surgery.


    After what happened at lunch time, Jennifer started to worry. What if the tension between Oliver and Kyra disturbs the process of surgery??


    There were many cases in the past where a patient had died in the operation table itself just because the surgeons were not in sync with each other.


    She didn''t want that to happen in this case.


    Jennifer could only wait for Kyra and Oliver to arrive as she came here early to look into the arrangements personally.


    She had promised the husband of this patient that she would try her best to save her, so she wanted to keep that promise. That is why she has come to work though Oliver told her to rest.


    Until today morning, she was confident. But after seeing the tension between Oliver and Kyra, it started to waver.


    Kyra was the first one to arrive. She gave a polite smile to Jennifer and went inside to scrub her hands, wear a mask and other stuff.


    ''She is smiling?! Wasn''t she in a sullen mood an hour back?'' Jennifer wondered.


    ''It doesn''t matter. As long as she is in a good mood the surgery will go smoothly'' she thought.


    After a few minutes Kyra came out and went inside the operation theater to see how the patient is getting prepped for the surgery.


    While Kyra was in that task, Oliver came to scrub his hands. Just like Kyra he gave a friendly smile to Jennifer and went inside.


    ''Even he is smiling! What would have happened??'' she couldn''t help but wonder as Oliver is not a big fan of smiling.


    But when she remembered the promise she gave to the patient''s family, she couldn''t help but walk inside to talk to Oliver.


    When Oliver saw Jennifer approaching him, he stopped scrubbing his hands and looked at her with a questioning gaze.


    "I don''t know what happened between you and Dr. Lopez but don''t let it affect the surgery, got it?" she asked, dropping all the formalities.


    "I am not an amateur like you, Dr. Smith. I never let my personal things affect my work." Oliver said. Although his voice is not gentle, it is not that hard as well.


    "Amateur? How am I an amateur, huh?" she asked, angered by his words.


    "You shouldn''t give the promises to the family of the patient, Jennifer. How many times have we talked about this, huh?" he asked.


    "Everytime you get connected to a patient and something bad happens to them, you get distressed. It''s hard to make your heart a rock but it is one of the consequences a surgeon has to face." Oliver said.


    "I know. I just can''t bring myself to turn away when the family of patients desperately asks me." she answered.


    Oliver smiled.


    "It''s tough. You will learn it gradually, okay? Now, don''t get too stressed and let''s focus on the surgery, get it?" Oliver asked. His voice is gentle just like how an elder brother persuades his little sister not to be sad.


    Jennifer smiled and nodded her head.


    "Let''s go to our usual spot for dinner if the surgery is successful." Jennifer asked.


    "Let''s see." Oliver said. He didn''t want to give her a promise which he might not be able to keep.


    "Hmph!! After getting a girlfriend, men forget about their best friends. So unloyal!!" Jennifer said, stamping her feet in anger.


    Oliver just laughed and continued getting ready for the surgery.


    Meanwhile, Kyra was about to enter but when she heard them talk, she halted at the door.


    She didn''t want to listen to them but she couldn''t help it as well. The good, naive part of her wanted to believe Oliver and give them the privacy but the suffering and scared part of her wanted to eavesdrop and confirm Oliver''s words.


    She believed her biological mother''s as well, but what happened? They betrayed her and left a scar on her innocent heart.


    So, the part of her wanted to confirm it with her own eyes and ears before she could rest this suspicion forever.


    Although she didn''t like the process of doing it, she decided to do so, so she could be at peace. But who would have thought that this would happen the same day she came up with this plan?


    Maybe God didn''t want her to suffer and took pity on her. The conversation she just heard has thrown all her suspicion out the window.


    Smiling to herself, Kyra didn''t disturb them anymore. She felt a huge relief flooding to her heart.


    ------


    The surgery was a success. Although there were many complications in the middle, three of them together have managed to overcome them with their teamwork and hard work.


    "Thanks guys. Because of our proper communication and teamwork we were able to save the patient. You helped me to keep my promise." Jennifer thanked both Oliver and Kyra as soon as they finished the surgery.


    Oliver smiled and walked out to clean up.


    Kyra patted Jennifer''s shoulder, giving her a friendly smile.


    From what Oliver said, Jennifer had a smooth childhood so she is emotionally sensitive and easily gets carried away.


    She is kind and generous. From what Ryan has managed to get about her, she leads a lot of charity events and helps the patient''s in need.


    All the money she earns from being a surgeon goes to charity. So, Kyra couldn''t help but start admiring her.


    Jennifer gave a friendly smile to Kyra. "Ria, how about joining me for an after work drink? We earned it." she asked Kyra using her alias.


    "And, I have noticed that you have already managed to notice that I and Dr. Miller is close. So, I will not keep it from you. I kno6 him since my childhood as we are family friends."


    "So, I am already familiar with him. I am thinking of inviting him as well if you are comfortable with it." Jennifer said.


    Kyra contemplated. Would it be fine if she comes clean with Jennifer?


    If she tells her about her real identity, it would be impossible to hide her budding romance with Oliver from Jennifer.


    What if that affects their teamwork?


    After all, Jennifer was once in love with Oliver.


    After thinking for a few more minutes, Kyra smiled apologetically.


    "I have prior commitments, Jennifer. How about we do this another day when we all three are free?" Kyra asked.


    She first has to ask Oliver if he is comfortable with Jennifer getting to know about her and Oliver''s relationship soon.


    If he is okay with it, she will think about the pros and cons and then come to a decision. Otherwise, it''s better to tell her after their work relationship stabilizes.


    "It''s fine. Next time then. Have a safe journey." Jennifer said and walked to clean up and inform the patient''s relatives about the good news.


    After half an hour or so, Kyra walked out of the hospital with a smile. And, as she expected, her brother and her best friend are waiting for her at the parking lot in their low key car.


    "Hi guys." Kyra said as she got into the car, humming happily.


    Ryan and Sofia looked at her, puzzled. They expected her to be more stressed and sad and that is why they have racked their brains to come up with a perfect evening plan to distract her.


    They didn''t think her mood would turn one eighty degrees turn.


    "Sis, are you really fine?" Ryan asked.


    "What if she is too sad to handle this and has started hallucinating that nothing from yesterday happened." Sofia worriedly whispered to Ryan.


    Anything is possible with Kyra.. She is, after all, too fragile when it comes to handling emotions.

 Chapter 95 - I Like To See All The Shades Of You.

    "I am really fine, Sofia.", Kyra chuckled when she heard Sofia''s whisper to her fourth brother, Ryan.


    "Really?" Sofia asked for which Kyra nodded her head.


    "Then tell me what happened yesterday." Sofia questioned.


    "Sofia!" Ryan called her with a warning tone. He didn''t want Sofia to disturb his sister Kyra''s mood. She is happy and that is what it matters for now.


    "Yesterday, we saw Oliver with Jennifer and it led us to overthinking." Kyra said.


    "Overthinking, Ky?" Ryan frowned.


    "We did a background check for your safety!" he chided her.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "Of course I understand my dear bro. What I am telling is, Oliver is not a bad guy. We solved the misunderstanding like mature adults by communicating." Kyra said, her happiness too evident in her words.


    "What?" Sofia asked.


    When Kyra gave a confusing and frustrating look, Sofia said, "What I meant is, how did he explain himself to you?"


    "He told me that he and Jennifer grew up together, so she is like a sister to him. He even gave an analogy saying that I getting jealous over them is like Sofia getting jealous over me and Ryan." Kyra explained.


    "He treats her like nothing but a little sister." Kyra gave an explanation again.


    "The way he overreacts about that woman''s periods is not anything like what you said!" Sofia said.


    "Jennifer herself said that she has some problem with her menstrual cycle. This period gave a sense of relief to her as they are getting regular again. Oliver felt relieved because she is getting better. That''s it." Kyra explained.


    "What about that picture then??" Ryan asked.


    "Jennifer actually liked Oliver once. She proposed but he said no to her. That was all in the past as she moved on and treats him like a friend." Kyra gave an explanation again.


    She didn''t get annoyed because her brother and best friend have all the rights to feel protective towards her.


    Ryan and Sofia shared a worried look. However, they decided not to bring it up right now as Kyra is really in good mood.


    They don''t want to be party poopers this evening and let her enjoy what they planned for her.


    "It''s good. It''s really great that you guys patched up again." Sofia said, forcing the smile.


    "It calls for celebration then. So, let''s continue with our usual plan." Ryan added.


    Kyra nodded her head and continued to hum her favorite song.


    ---------------


    After a journey of an hour or so, three of them reached the ranch.


    This ranch is special as it is more attractive at nights than the days. Filled with the glow of lights everywhere, it looks like a pool of tiny stars.


    "Ranch?" Kyra asked as they stopped the car at the parking lot.


    "Yes. We are staying overnight and you are taking the day off tomorrow." Ryan told her.


    "Day off? When did you arrange this?" Kyra asked.


    "You don''t have any surgeries tomorrow, right?" Ryan asked.


    "Yes. How do you know that?" Kyra asked.


    "I was on a call with our uncle, the president of your hospital and I told him that you are in a bad mood , so he checked your schedule for tomorrow and told me that he gave you a day off." Ryan said.


    Kyra narrowed her eyes. "How many times should I tell you not to take advantage of your connections like this!!!" she said with an angry look in her eyes.


    "Hey, I am not to blame. Uncle was the one who gave you the day off. I didn''t ask him to do that." Ryan escaped from his sister''s scoldings.


    "I know what exactly would have happened there." Kyra said, rolling her eyes.


    This is not the first time. Ryan did this many times when she worked in the hospital in London.


    "Tonight, you get to see fireflies here. You can do horse riding, play with guns, pet all the different animals tomorrow and tonight there is a meteor shower. Here, with all this clear sky, we can see them very clearly."


    "I already booked the cottage sis. Let''s enjoy it, please." Ryan said.


    Kyra nodded her head. She is just feigning her anger till now and after listening to all this, she couldn''t say no to that.


    "That''s my favorite sis. Here, these are the keys to your cottage. Go and freshen up. Me and Sofia will wait at the main hall for you." Ryan said.


    After Kyra went to get ready, Ryan looked at Sofia.


    "What do you think?" he asked.


    "About Oliver?" Sofia asked and Ryan nodded his head.


    "I don''t want to burst her happy bubble but it is still suspicious to me, Ryan. If that was someone else I wouldn''t have insisted much on being cautious but it''s Kyra."


    "She has this trait of believing people too soon if she starts liking them. She automatically filters the things she doesn''t like to dwell deeper into and this causes her to suffer."


    "So, I say that we have to investigate more about Oliver and Jennifer." Sofia finished.


    "I think the same too. We can''t believe him just because of his words. Let''s hide it from Kyra that we are investigating deeper into those both people." Ryan told Sofia.


    "Let''s do that. It''s for her own good, so even if she finds out she will not get too angry." Sofia agreed with Ryan.


    "I asked my third brother to look more into Jennifer and Oliver." Ryan told her as they walked towards the main hall from where they would be going to the bioluminescent flower garden.


    ------


    That night, Kyra, Sofia and Ryan had super fun. After spending time in a bioluminescent flower garden they went to have dinner in the underground cave garden event which is filled with greenery and the robots, the perfect combination.


    After dinner they rested at the cottage as they got surrounded with the fireflies. And at the time of the meteor shower they enjoyed it as they drank the beer.


    Around midnight, everyone went to sleep.


    The next day��


    Kyra woke up with her phone smoothly buzzing on the table.


    Getting drunk last night, Kyra was having a hangover.


    "How the hell calls this early..huh??" Kyra huffed as she answered the call even before seeing the caller id.


    "Seems like someone got drunk...hmm." a deep voice from the other side made Kyra almost jerk.


    "Uhm..hi...Oliver", Kyra greeted as she scolded herself while holding her hair in her fist.


    " Hello to you too," Oliver said, chuckling. The way she spoke right now is so cute that he felt like seeing her now itself.


    "Sorry for..uhh.. shouting at you." She apologized.


    "Don''t apologize. I like to see all shades of you." Oliver said, being open with his wooing process.


    Kyra smiled as she felt her cheeks warm up. Everytime he says these cheesy words, they always surprise her and they also make her happy because this side of him is only for her.


    Not getting any answer, Oliver chuckled. He couldn''t help but imagine her sitting on her bed with her disheveled hair and night dress.


    Just that imagination alone was enough to drive him crazy to see her. It amplified when he imagined her with warm cheeks and cute expressions.


    "I called to ask if you want to go cycling with me at the park. But, it looks like you are drunk. So, I think it would be best if you get some sleep. As we don''t have any surgeries to perform, take a half day off." Oliver said. He knows he is taking advantage of his authority now, but he couldn''t help it.


    He doesn''t want to see her get sick or suffer even a little bit. So, he could only misuse his authority. If not for Kyra, for whom can he do these?


    Kyra chuckled. Her eyes brimmed with warmth as his words touched her heart.


    The way he cared about her made her remember her selfless brothers who asked nothing but her own happiness from her.


    "I drank because I am on leave today. Otherwise, I wouldn''t dare to get drunk on working days. And, I am not at my house, so I can''t join you for cycling as well." Kyra said.


    Oliver smiled, his eyes filled with pride when she said the first sentence. It shows her passion and sense of responsibility towards her patients.


    "Not at your house?" he asked. Just to see her in the morning, he drove across the city from one end to the other.


    "Yeah. My brother planned some sightseeing and fun activities at the ranch for me. I couldn''t say no as he did this just to cheer me up." Kyra told him.


    "Sorry for making you sad with that misunderstanding. I shou-" before Oliver could finish, Kyra cut him off.


    While on the call, she climbed off from the bed and walked to open the door of the cottage. It


    "It''s not your-" she stopped in the middle as she heard the deep, husky voice of a man standing at the door.

 Chapter 96 - For Their Own Good.

    "It''s not your-" she stopped in the middle as she heard the deep, husky voice of a man standing at the door.


    "Kyra, I missed you!!" an excited voice boomed from the other side, making Oliver narrow his eyes.


    Kyra didn''t know what to say. Infront of her stood her bestest friend Luther and her second and third brothers Walter and William are standing at the door.


    The one who spoke now is her bestest friend Luther.


    "Ky? Too shocked to see me..hmm? I know you missed me." Luther said as he chuckled.


    Kyra felt tears brimming in her eyes.


    She didn''t expect these three to come as well. Why do they love her so much that they have traveled for long, long hours and came here just to see her.


    Meanwhile, Oliver could hear Kyra''s breathing pattern from the call. He could tell that she is pretty emotional now.


    Who exactly has come that she is going through all these emotions??


    By the voice, Oliver could tell that it is not her brothers. He somehow could recognise her brother''s voice, all their voices.


    "Kyra?" Oliver called. His guts are telling him that something bad is going to happen.


    Just now they have cleared the misunderstanding and Kyra started to show her affections. If there is another obstacle coming, it would delay things again.


    When Kyra heard Oliver''s voice, she realized that she kept Oliver hanging.


    "I am sorry. I am sorry. I will call you later. My brothers and friends are here." Kyra said.


    "Enjoy the day off, then. I will see you tomorrow." Oliver said before ending the call.


    Friends?


    Male friend??


    He felt a little jealous. They should have spent so much time together and would have got to experience so many things in life together. Why didn''t he get to meet Kyra early?


    ''It''s fine. I get to spend the rest of my life with her.'' he thought as a doting smile made its way to his lips.


    After ending the call, he got out of the car and went cycling alone. It would have been more beautiful and lively with Kyra but as he is already here, he didn''t want to go back.


    "Someone is appearing in this area too often. What''s going on, huh?" a voice came from behind, making Oliver turn.


    "Daniel." Oliver greeted his best friend.


    "Oli, you came all the way just to cycle here? I recall that your place has a more beautiful park to enjoy the morning exercise." Daniel said.


    Oliver smiled.


    "I feel like the sunrise here is better than the park near my house." he told his friend as they both embarked on their cycles.


    "Yeah, yeah. Here you get to meet a beautiful woman and have some early romance." Daniel teased.


    Oliver raised his left eyebrow but ended up chuckling.


    "What romance? I am still stuck in wooing her." Oliver said.


    "You will eventually warm your way into her heart, bro. But it will take effort and time." Daniel said.


    "I know. I feel like I know so little about her and that puts me at a disadvantage." Oliver said.


    "Kyra is tough to understand and it is really tough to get her trust. That''s why she has very limited friends but they are pretty close to her. And, if you really want to get together with her, you have to pass her brothers, her friends and her admirers." Daniel said.


    "I know it''s going to be tough but I think I can get her brother''s favor. It seems like I will have much more to figure out even after excluding this." Oliver sighed.


    Meanwhile, Daniel looked at his best friend who was telling him everything without filtering his words. ''I am doing this for your own good, Oliver. I know you would be hurt by what I am doing but you will be hurt more if I let you continue with Kyra."


    "I am sorry that I had to ruin your name in front of her brothers and I am sorry for creating obstacles at every step. I can''t let my other friend get hurt. One is enough.", Daniel thought as he saw Oliver who was in a good mood.


    ��------------


    Meanwhile, Kyra quickly excused herself to freshen up. She couldn''t help but get excited after seeing her three favorite brothers, her best friend''s Luther and Chloe.


    "I couldn''t believe you guys came here all the way just to spend some time with me. Thank you guys.", Kyra said as she came out wearing black skin fit trousers and a T-shirt coupled with leather jacket and boots.


    "Don''t thank us, Ky. I don''t know about your brothers but I missed you like hell. I wanted to come earlier but you know how busy I got right. After you left me, I got a new fellow but that girl is really troublesome. I missed you, my partner.", Luther said, giving Kyra a tight hug.


    "I missed you too, Luther. All our weekends and fun times at the hospital." Kyra said, giving him the hug.


    "I will be staying here for a week.", Luther said, giving his signature lopsided smile.


    "One week? Wow!! We can have fun!!!" Kyra jumped in excitement.


    "Yeah, one week. I have a meeting with the diagnostics team in your hospital about some surgeries. There was a vacancy and the president was looking for the person to fill up. I volunteered to help him till they fill that position and the new team number would be coming after a week.", Luther said.


    "It''s great. You always loved this side of the surgery more than performing. You will help that team.", Kyra said.


    "Yeah. That''s why we make a great team. You love to operate and I love to diagnose and come up with a surgery method. I miss our combination Ky. Why don''t you come back with me? Mark and Maya miss you as well.", Luther said.


    "Not for now, Luther.", Kyra said.


    "You like it here?", he asked, giving her a gentle smile.


    "I do. It''s different from our usual work environment, so I get the exposure and I like how I get treated normally here.", Kyra said.


    "If you really like it here, I can''t bear to force you to come back though I miss you.", Luther said, giving her a smile.


    "Thank you, Luther. You are the best.", Kyra said, giving him a brief hug again.


    "Am I still your favorite person?", he asked, really worried but pretended to make it a playful question.


    "Guys�� we are still here!! Give us some attention, Ky. Not only your favorite guy right there but we have also postponed our commitments to come here.", her second brother Walter said.


    "Someone getting jealous here, Ky deer. Give these guys a little of your attention too." Chloe, her other friend, said as she rolled her eyes at the boys who were acting like kids for Kyra''s attention.


    "Sorry." Kyra apologized as she went to sit with her brothers, giving all of them brief hugs. After talking with all of them, everyone had breakfast. While coming, Luther and others bought the groceries so they cooked together.


    After that they went to do some horse riding but ended up playing Horse Polo with the other people who came to visit the ranch.


    That went for an hour or so and after that, Kyra, Luther and Chloe went to play with dogs as they are dog lovers which left her three brothers Walter, William and Ryan along with Sofia to have some talk.


    "Why have you asked me to look into Oliver and that girl Jennifer?? At first, it was easy to do so but when I wanted to dig deeper, it became very risky Ryan! Those both don''t have a simple background and their traces and life was protected very well."


    "I was reluctant but as you said it is for our sister, I decided to take a little risk though it is hard to cover my tracks. However, this Oliver guy has very deep connections with the military and the other powerful parts of society so his past is very, very well hidden. I couldn''t dig into it at all as it is not a one man task anymore."


    "The same won''t go with Jennifer but her father and her brother are powerful people so, digging into her life is not that easy as well."


    "I was about to call you to say that but you told us that our sister is not in a good mood and it might trigger her depression again if we don''t stop it at this stage. So, we two rushed here by postponing all the important things. However, our sister seems very happy and she is looking very lively as well."


    "What''s happening exactly?", their third brother asked. He and the fifth brother are the serious, strict guys of the family. And when it comes to situations like these, they get affected more.


    "She was sad, bro. And, then she became happy. For many days this has been happening. Her moods shift so often that I am getting worried.", Ryan said.


    "What is making her like that? Is it that guy Oliver?", their third brother asked.


    "I thought Oliver was just a mere attraction. When did this get serious and why the hell are we not informed of such an important thing??", their second brother exploded.


    They never think they are interfering more into their sister''s life because they know that it is inevitable.. Their sister''s mental health is more important to them, so they gave themselves the right to interfere now and then.

 Chapter 97 - History Repeats.

    "I thought Oliver was just a mere attraction. When did this get serious and why the hell are we not informed of such an important thing??", their second brother exploded.


    They never think they are interfering more into their sister''s life because they know that it is inevitable. Their sister''s mental health is more important to them, so they gave themselves the right to interfere now and then.


    "Even I was of the opinion that they are just attracted to each other. But things started to get clear just a few days back, third brother."


    "Our sister Kyra is seriously attracted to her boss, Oliver Miller." Ryan said.


    "So, what''s the problem? Why is she not in a good mood recently?" their third brother asked.


    "What else could happen, third brother? Our Kyra is sensitive to almost every aspect when it comes to relationships."


    "So, she started to hesitate when he started getting near to her. It made her sad for acting like a coward in front of him." this time, Kyra''s best friend Sofia said.


    "It''s not why I asked you to dig into his third brother. Recently, even our shy sister started to transform herself for Oliver. We all were happy as he was caring and loving towards her."


    "Not too long back we saw him with another woman. They were acting close and it broke our sister''s heart. It started bothering her, making her insecurities and other things resurface."


    "So, we wanted to know whether those both are in a relationship. Too bad that you found a photo of them kissing."


    "I wouldn''t have worried even if Kyra starts to cry or make a huge fuss out of it. I started to panic because she handles it too well."


    "Not too well. She bottled up all the emotions inside and she was collected and calm when she faced us. She didn''t let us speak about anything about this and acted as if nothing happened." Ryan worriedly narrated all the story.


    "This is how her trauma gets triggered. Acting as if nothing happened and then she gets overwhelmed with all those feelings and it leads to overthinking which in turn leads to recalling her past. That bad things happened in her past trigger her trauma and our sister suffers for days, if worse months."


    "It drains all the energy out of us and herself to bring her back to normal. This shouldn''t happen!!" her second brother, Walter fired.


    "Yeah, that''s why I panicked and called you both here. As I wanted her to have a distraction, me and Sofia came up with this plan." Ryan said.


    "Shouldn''t she be sad now if what you said is true? I don''t see any traces of sorrow on our sister''s face. She is no way near being sad. Her face was glowing like a thousand watts bulb when we saw her."


    "Did something change while she was in the hospital?" their third brother, William interfered.


    "Yeah, something indeed happened, third brother. Oliver and Kyra had a talk. He told her that Jennifer is like a sister who was actually in love with him once but moved on after getting rejected." Sofia answered after noticing that Ryan was too emotional to answer.


    She sometimes feels like these guys here are pretty obsessed with their sister. Even over protectiveness and overbearing behavior could lead to some problems in future.


    In her opinion, they should have led her explore life while secretly helping her to stay in the right line. But these guys here are too cautious that they wouldn''t let Kyra explore.


    They had to explore and make sure that everything was safe before letting Kyra take that path. It makes Kyra very dependent and naive.


    Dependent and naive.


    These two are the very reason why she got betrayed eight years back by her biological family.


    Now, these guys are making this same mistake which could lead to history repeating itself.


    They won''t be here to protect her, right?


    Yeah, now, she is their first priority. The person they love the most.


    But at some point in the future, they are going to fall in love with some other woman. They are going to marry, have kids and it is impossible for them to treat their sister as the first priority.


    It could lead to disturbances between wife and husbands. If worse, their sister could start feeling insecure!!


    It is the most deadliest thing for Kyra because she loves her brothers too much and would be habituated to get all the attention, love and care for them.


    "And, our sister actually believed it blindly??!" Walter asked.


    "That''s the problem bro. She did." Ryan sighed.


    "This is just like how she believed in her biological mother''s empty words and affections. Isn''t she making the same mistake she did all the years back??" their third brother asked, nor feeling the headache crawl up.


    "I just hope what Oliver said is true. I pray that he is not a bad person and really loves Kyra." Sofia said.


    "That''s not the case here, Sofia. What has she learned all these seven years? What is the use of all the effort she and all us have invested?"


    "She ended up doing the same. Believing someone''s words blindly just because she likes them." their third brother said, shaking his head in disapproval.


    "Kyra wants Oliver. She is serious about him and I think she is already falling in love with him."


    "This is something she always wanted. To have her own family where there is no need to fit along. Maybe Oliver started giving her the hope to have it. It made her trust him blindly because he could give her something she wanted." Walter, her second brother said.


    "Just like how she longed for the family eight years back and her biological mother was able to give her that. It made her trust her blindly." Ryan added.


    "History seems to be repeating. We can''t let this happen." William said.


    "So, you are going to break her heart, huh?? Will you be those brothers who keep her in a tough position and force her to leave Oliver?" Sofia asked, her eyes red with anger.


    She knows that Kyra''s brothers would never harm Kyra but she felt like this is wrong. She didn''t know why but her guts are telling that Oliver is the one for Kyra.


    In every relationship, the hardships are inevitable. They make the relationship strong and bond faster. The key here is to endure it till that hardship passes. According to her, past these hardships lies the happy, pure relationship which lasts long.


    Kyra and Oliver are going through these hardships. That''s it.


    They are going through it because they want their relationship to be serious. It is already a big thing for Kyra. She transformed herself into a better person to take that step.


    All she has to do now is hang in there and endure it. But, her brother''s are too protective of her to let her go through that phase.


    If she doesn''t, then how will Kyra ever get what she wants? Her own family could be built only with a strong base of love and trust.


    In order to develop those, Kyra and Oliver have to go through these tough roads.


    ''Guys, please hang in there for a while. Please.'' she thought.


    "We are not going to force her to leave Oliver. It will make her suffer which we don''t want our sister to go through." William, Kyra''s third brother said.


    "How about we take her back to London with us? As their relationship is still in a starting phase, she might forget him if she is surrounded by all of us." Walter, the second brother suggested.


    "But she wouldn''t come back, bro. She is adamant to stay here and in order to take her back with us, we have to force her. Which we don''t want to do." Ryan told his brother.


    "Moreover, if Kyra wants her relationship with Oliver to work, she can make it happen. Sometimes, distance makes the relationship strong. We don''t know what will happen."


    "What if Oliver shifts to London to be with her? It will only make Kyra love him more. So, taking her back to London is not the best option" Sofia said.


    She doesn''t want Kyra to go back to London because she won''t get to evolve there. She has seen how much her friend has changed after moving here. A few more months and Kyra could become a total new person, a better person.


    "Sofia has a point." Ryan said.


    "I have a better idea." He added.


    Walter and William looked at their young brother, gesturing to him to speak.


    "What do you guys think about Luther?"


    "I think Luther is the best distraction to have Kyra move on from Oliver."


    "Not only that but he understands Kyra the most. He would never dare to hurt her and more importantly, we know him very well. We know his background, his lifestyle, his past and everything. So, there is no uncertainty." Ryan said.


    "And, he lives in London as well. Our sister will be in front of our eyes, so we need not worry. Even Luther will be scared to do anything that harms Kyra if we are near to her.." he added.

 Chapter 98 - She Fell For Him Long Back.

    Just after her brothers finished their discussion, Kyra, Luther and Chloe returned.


    "Why are you guys sitting with that long face? Did something happen??" Kyra asked as she sat on the arm of the couch, wrapping her arms around her second brother.


    "Nothing Kyra. We are talking about business and stocks." Walter answered as he ruffled her hair.


    "Oh." Kyra said and looked at Sofia who was having a blank face.


    "What happened to you?" Kyra asked. She could feel that something was off. The vibes in this room are not cheerful and lively.


    "What else would happen? My dear devil mother sent a warning to me, asking to get married soon." Sofia lied. Although it''s a lie, her mother is actually pressuring her to find a husband.


    "So, what will you do?" Kyra asked. If Sofia and Ryan don''t get together, her mother would surely force Sofia to go to blind dates with others.


    "She would probably arrange blind dates for me and ask me to select one among them. It feels like I have no way to escape this time." Sofia said, pouting.


    Kyra gave a look to her fourth brother Ryan who is worried and restless now.


    "What she is doing is right. With all those scandals getting thrown your way, your marriage would be a good slap in the face slap to all those keyboard warriors." Kyra said.


    "Maybe. I will listen to her this time. Let''s see." Sofia stood up and walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water for herself.


    "You want to make your brother jealous huh?" Luther asked Kyra as she sat down on the dining table.


    "Yep. He is such a coward that he can''t express his feelings to her. They have known each other for many years and he is still hesitating." Kyra complained.


    After listening to Kyra''s words, Luther felt suffocated. It is as if someone is squeezing his heart.


    "Maybe he is hesitating because he doesn''t want to put her in a tough position. His proposal may open the door to many questions he is afraid to answer." Luther said.


    "What do you think, Kyra? Should Ryan forget about the consequences and go with his heart or should he hide his feelings for Sofia for her own good?" he asked.


    Although he is using Ryan and Sofia''s names, he is actually asking the questions that have been haunting from the time he fell for her.


    "What do I think?" Kyra asked, deep in thought.


    "I think he should bravely propose to Sofia. His confession might make things hard for them but it''s temporary if their feelings are mutual."


    "Moreover, I think secrets can''t be hidden under the carpet for so long. At one or other point of time they will come out and maybe by that time, it will be too late for a second chance." Kyra answered what she thought.


    While she was answering this question, she thought of herself and Oliver.


    Maybe she should tell him that she is willing to date him officially and give their relationship a chance.


    Although they have found that their feelings are mutual, they couldn''t move to the next phase because she has been acting like a coward, playing around the bushes.


    ''I have to tell Oliver about my feelings and agree to date him. I have to do this first thing tomorrow.'' she thought.


    While Kyra was thinking about herself and Oliver, Luther was thinking about him and Kyra.


    ''If this is how Kyra feels like, I shouldn''t keep my feelings a secret anymore. Before I leave for London next month, I will tell her. I just tell her and if needed, I will beg her for a chance.'' he thought.


    "What are you two besties gossiping about? Can I join??" Sofia''s voice came from behind as she sat down in the middle of them, separating them.


    "We are talking about nothing in particular, Sofia. I will go and see if others want a hand in cooking lunch. You girls have a good time." Luther said as he stood up.


    He doesn''t know why but Sofia is acting distant from the time he came here.


    ''Maybe she is jealous that I am stealing Kyra''s attention from her. This girl is really possessive of Kyra!'' he thought while he walked towards the kitchen.


    "So, Kyra�� have you ever felt anything for Luther? I mean, he is handsome, rich, intelligent and most importantly caring towards you."


    "I know�� I know that he is your best friend but have you really never got attracted to him? Like never?" Sofia asked.


    Kyra looked at her, gauzing the situation.


    "My impression towards him started with annoyance. He was very stubborn in talking with me and I didn''t want to talk to anyone."


    "I should have thought that he likes me and that''s why he was following me. But that thought didn''t cross my mind because he was way out of my league."


    "He was a famous and top student who had fans everywhere. I was just a ghost whose existence is not known to most of my classmates let alone the whole Medical school. And, I was not charismatic and attractive at that time."


    "So, it didn''t take me much time to realize that he pitied me. As the time passed by, he became the only person in my med school to whom I could talk to. I admired him a lot."


    "If I was in my normal state and my heart was not filled with scars and fresh wounds, maybe I would have gotten attracted to him at that time."


    "At that time we were yet to become friends. He was someone I admired and relied on while I was just one of many who he helped and supported."


    "I knew I was special to him among all those people who he helped but I was not that kind of special person."


    "I was too exhausted and emotionally broken to develop attraction or crush towards him, though he was someone I admired. And, he never saw me in that way as well."


    "That transition time has passed and we became good friends. So, yep, I never had any other feelings towards him and so does he."


    "Many of our friends used to suspect that something was going on between us but Luther always refuted. We are friends and neither of us have ever felt anything else than that." Kyra said.


    "Why did you ask me this, Sofi? You never asked this question." Kyra asked.


    "I never asked because I always thought you are not interested in love stuff. Only after seeing how you feel for Oliver I got to know that you have this shade as well."


    "That is why this question popped up in my mind." Sofia said.


    Kyra smiled when she heard Oliver''s name. That name was enough to make butterflies flutter in her stomach.


    That name always triggers something deep in her heart but before she could analyze what those feelings are, they would long disappear.


    "See how you are blushing just by hearing that name! See that glow in your eyes. God! You are falling for him!" Sofia teased.


    Kyra felt her cheeks warm up.


    "I think I have already fallen for him, Sofi. I was too scared to admit that to myself. And��. I kissed him." Kyra said, making Sofia cough on the water she is drinking.


    "What?!" she asked.


    "I kissed his cheeks." Kyra said, remembering that moment. Being in his warm embrace and the feeling of his finger tips touching the strands of her hair, the warmth his chest emanated when she was leaning on it�� those are the one of the best moments she had.


    She just wants to feel that again and again, if possible, every day till she leaves her last breath.


    This is when she realized that she fell for him long back and wants to spend the rest of her time with him.


    "So, it''s official now. My bestie is dating the hot doctor!" Sofia said, bringing Kyra back from her dream world.


    "Not official. Not yet. However, it soon will be. After we go back, I will just tell him that we could start seeing each other while we get to know each other." Kyra answered.


    "I am happy for you, Ky. I hope he is the right guy. I hope he won''t hurt you. I vouch for you both." Sofia said, giving a small smile.


    "Thank you, Sofi. Have you ever told you that you are the best friend in this whole world?" Kyra asked, hugging her best friend.


    "Tell me something I don''t know, dear." Sofia said as she winked.


    Kyra laughed and her whole face continued to glow with the brightness of a thousand watts bulb.


    Sofia looked at her friend and could only pray to God that Oliver is really a good guy like how her guts are telling her.


    After eating lunch, everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest till the late night and then, Walter, Chloe and William went back to the airport.


    They have postponed all their work to this weekend so the work following this week won''t get delayed. Though they want to spend more time here, they don''t have any option but to go back.


    They after all hold responsibility for multi billion companies.


    After those three went back, Sofia, Ryan, Luther and Kyra returned to her house.. She has to go to work tomorrow.

 Chapter 99 - She Has Something To Tell To Oliver.

    By the time Kyra, Luther, Sofia, Ryan returned, it was almost middle of night.


    Kyra was long asleep and so was Sofia.


    "I will carry Sofia to her room and can you do that for Kyra?" Ryan asked, taking Luther by surprise.


    Kyra''s brothers are so possessive that they hardly let others do things for their sister.


    Carrying to bed?


    He never thought he would listen to this from Kyra''s most possessive brother, Ryan.


    "What?" Luther asked.


    "Carry Kyra to her room. I would have done it but I am feeling weak and after I carry Sofia, I would be drained." Ryan replied.


    "Ok�� okay" Luther agreed as he gingerly lifted Kyra in the princess position.


    "Which floor and which room?" he asked Ryan who was already walking towards the door, with Sofia in his arms.


    "First floor, the right most room." Ryan answered.


    Luther nodded his head and looked at Kyra. She usually wakes up even with the slightest disturbance.


    She only lets her guards down when she is with the people she trusts the most. This is her subconscious reflex that got developed after she went through her trauma.


    Looking at her peaceful face, he could tell that she trusts him very much. Otherwise she wouldn''t be this guardless.


    ''Will my confession to her change her trust towards me if she rejects it?'' he questioned himself as he carried Kyra to her room.


    Opening the door, he walked to her bed and deposited her on it. After that, he tucked her carefully under her duvet.


    He was about to leave but looking at her peaceful face, he couldn''t help but sit down on the edge of the bed.


    With uttermost cautiousness, he tucked the strands of her hair beneath her ear.


    With a doting smile, he caressed her hair. ''Kyra, I hope you give me a chance. I promise that I won''t disappoint you. I will treat you like a queen'' he thought.


    After looking at his sleeping beauty for God knows how long, he stood up and walked around.


    He could see the traces of her hardwork on the bundles of the printed papers lying on the table of the small study room joined to her room.


    She has underlined many important points and scribbled a few of her own, here and there. They are all the research papers, documents of the surgeries and conferences.


    "She is still the same" he whispered to himself as he scanned the document that was lying on the floor too.


    Then he walked to the wall where a small board was filled with the remainders and her upcoming schedule.


    Although she has electronic copies of everything in her laptop, iPad and phone, she loves to write things down on paper.


    She says that it gives her the vibes to work more diligently.


    Luther''s attention was caught by the paper which contained Kyra''s surgery schedules of the week.


    "Dr. Miller, Dr. Lopez, Dr. Smith." he read as his finger stopped at the slot of the morning schedule of the next day.


    "Dr. Miller again." he said as his finger moved to the afternoon surgery.


    "Dr. Miller, again" he said as he saw the day after tomorrow''s schedule.


    "Dr. Miller, Dr. Smith." Luther read as his finger stopped at the schedule of the day two days from now.


    Kyra''s plan is packed. It mostly consisted of surgeries and besides that, some diagnostic meetings, fellow meetings were also there.


    Luther''s focus was, however, on the surgeries scheduled. It bothered him that Kyra is performing almost ninety five percent of her surgeries with Dr. Oliver Miller, the suspected competition to him.


    "They should be having a pretty good partnership. Otherwise they wouldn''t be assigned together for complex surgeries like these." He muttered to himself.


    Although Kyra is a gifted, hardworking surgeon, she is not considered an expert. She started her career as a surgeon not long ago, so she might need two to three years or so to become an expert.


    So, letting her into these many surgeries only means that her and Oliver''s partnership has started giving a very good success rate.


    Luther curled his fingers into fist.


    He and Kyra used to be such partners. Now, Oliver snatched his position!


    ''It won''t be long till he takes my position as Kyra''s favorite person outside her family.'' Luther thought and his eyes brimmed with determination.


    Meanwhile, Ryan had seen everything that has happened now. The main objective for allowing Luther to go into his sister''s room is to let him see it with his own eyes.


    ''Hope I am doing the right thing.'' Ryan thought and walked to Luther.


    "Looking at her schedule? It''s pretty hectic, isn''t it?" he asked, making Luther startled for a bit.


    "Ryan, you startled me." he said as he patted his heart.


    "Yeah ..yeah. It is. Her schedule was not this packed when she was working in London at Collins." Luther answered Ryan''s question.


    "Yeah. We all were protective of her and pampered her a lot that we couldn''t bear to see her overwork." Ryan said and both chuckled at the same time.


    "I think my sister didn''t like it. Maybe that is the reason she wanted a change. She might have wanted to experience the real, stressful life of a surgeon." Ryan added.


    "Maybe." Luther agreed as he looked at Kyra through the glass wall that separates her bedroom and this small working place.


    "It seems like she doesn''t want special treatment. But what can we do? After seeing her suffer, we all are reluctant to let her out of comfort. That''s why we are at a disadvantage."


    "Sometimes, knowing too much about the person we love could put us at disadvantage. We won''t dare to make any move that could possibly hurt them."


    "Being so meticulous and cautious would take us nowhere in these types of situations. Whereas the people who don''t know too much about the person would be able to progress faster compared to us "


    "Don''t you think that is the reason a girl falls for the man she met not very long ago compared to the Nan she knew from years ago?" Ryan asked.


    "What?" Luther asked, take off guard. What is Ryan trying to tell him??


    "I am talking about Sofia, Luther. I have known her for so long. I have known her for years, yet I can''t move her heart. Whereas that famous designer was able to attract Sofia''s attention more than me."


    "I am meticulous towards her as I know that she is sensitive and has gone through some mishaps."


    "However, that designer doesn''t know much about her and that''s why he is able to make some dashing moves towards her, making her feel special and adventurous. I hope I can put aside my cautious nature and make my move before it''s too late." Ryan ended his speech.


    "Thanks bro. Thanks for listening to me, patiently. You are the only one who I can talk to." Ryan said, patting Luther''s shoulder.


    Luther, who was deep in thought, returned to his normal state and nodded his head.


    "Anytime, bro " he quickly answered but the storm in his mind is evident from the look in his eyes.


    "Come on, I will show you your room. Feel free to stay as long as you want. After all, you are Kyra''s best friend." Ryan told Luther as they walked out of Kyra''s room after turning off the lights and ensuring that Kyra had her duvet on.


    "Good night." Luther said as he put his bag in the guest room.


    "Good night. And Luther, I will be accompanying Sofia on her trip and I would be returning only after a couple of days or so. Please help me look after Kyra, will you?" Ryan asked.


    "No need to mention that, Ryan. I will always be there to look after Kyra." Luther sincerely answered.


    "I know that, bro. However,I can''t rest in peace as this city is where Kyra''s mother and her family lives. We don''t know what might happen, right?"


    "I wouldn''t be going if not for that designer!! He is the personal designer of Sofia and he is part of this tour. What if he makes a move on my girl??"


    "It''s my responsibility to keep her from other men." Ryan said and with a wink, he closed the door.


    ''I hope you understood my hidden message, Luther. I hope you will leave being cautious towards Kyra and make a move.''


    ''As long as you are the first person to ask her for a chance, she will give it to you. She owes you so much, she won''t say no. You are my last hope.'' Ryan thought.


    He would have told Luther directly but he can''t. He can''t risk saying everything directly as it is risky. The person on the other side of the stick is his sister and if any mishap happens, it would ruin his relationship with his sister.


    Meanwhile, Luther has actually decoded Ryan''s hidden message. But, he didn''t suspect that Ryan told everything intentionally. After all, Ryan and Sofia''s situation is not very different. The story fits perfectly��


    ...


    The next morning.


    Kyra has actually kept the alarm and woke up early.


    It didn''t surprise her that she was on her bed. Her brother should have carried her here.


    And, the reason she has turned her alarm on is because she wanted to invite Oliver to morning cycling even before he could get ready and go somewhere else to do that.


    She has something to tell him....

 Chapter 100 - I Dont Mind.

    The next morning.


    Kyra has actually kept the alarm and woke up early.


    It didn''t surprise her that she was on her bed. Her brother should have carried her here.


    And, the reason she has turned her alarm on is because she wanted to invite Oliver to morning cycling even before he could get ready and go somewhere else to do that.


    She has something to tell him...


    "Let''s see how you will react.", Kyra whispered to herself, chuckling.


    Straightening her messy hair, she sat down on the bed, still in her evening dress from the last day.


    Feeling excited, sge clicked on the call button of Oliver''s profile.


    ��-------


    Meanwhile, Oliver was still asleep.


    He had to work overnight as he had some business work to attend to. His sister should have taken care of that work but she is busy overseas, looking into one collaboration.


    The peaceful silence in his bedroom got disrupted suddenly when his phone started to ring.


    "It better be important" Oliver grumpily muttered as he extended his hand to take the phone on his bedside table.


    Swiping up, he placed it in his left ear.


    "What??", he asked, angered. He was getting calls from his assistant all night that it angered him to the saturation point.


    Kyra was startled for a second. She never heard this tone of Oliver as he is very kind, gentle to her.


    "Uhmm��I think I called at the wrong time. I will see you in the hospital then.", Kyra hurriedly said. After hearing that harsh voice, she couldn''t muster up her courage to ask him out.


    When Oliver heard the sweet, melodious voice of a certain someone, all his sleep vanished into thin air. His eyelids swiftly opened and his blue eyes widened in surprise.


    He hurriedly sat down and turned on the bedlight to look at the caller id in case he got mistaken.


    Kyra, calling him at this time?? It''s almost impossible!!


    ''It is really Kyra!!'' Oliver thought to himself in surprise when he looked at the caller id. It is Kyra!!


    However, before he could reply, Kyra had already ended the call.


    "Damn! I sounded really harsh. Did she misunderstand?" he chided himself as he made a call to Kyra.


    However, no one answered. It did make him nervous and restless.


    What if she really misunderstood and decided not to answer??


    "You idiot!! Learn to check before answering," Oliver scolded himself as he jumped out of the bed to freshen up.


    Within ten minutes, he was dressed for cycling and was already on his way to the parking lot.


    ��-------


    "He must be exhausted. I shouldn''t have called him this early. I disturbed his sleep.", Kyra thought as soon as she ended the call after excusing herself.


    She looked at the time and sighed. It''s really early.


    She must be so excited that she didn''t realize that she would be disturbing the sleep of one of the busiest people she knows.


    "As I woke up, I better exercise. I have already missed the morning exercise from the past three days.", Kyra told herself and reluctantly stood up.


    As she was still in the evening dress from the last day and could smell the traces of drunkenness, she decided to take a bath before going to do exercise. So, she hurriedly went to the bath and didn''t notice that Oliver called her.


    It took her almost half an hour to finish her relaxed hot water bath and then another twenty minutes to dry her hair and get dressed up. She wanted to enjoy the sun, so she could only decide to go to the park.


    One of the other reasons is, she hopes to see Oliver there though she knows that he would be sleeping now.


    Taking the key of her low key black sedan, Kyra left the house.


    However, when she was about to fetch the car from her garage, she heard the sound of the car stopping at the entrance. So, she could only open the app in her mobile and look at the live footage of the CCTV''s placed outside the house.


    And, when she saw who it was, her jaw would have dropped to the ground if it was really possible.


    It''s Oliver. He just aligned the car and was leaning on it''s side as he took his phone out to call Kyra. And, it is only when Kyra realized that she didn''t look at her phone after returning from the bath.


    So, she could only turn on the screen and as expected, there are five missed calls from Oliver.


    "Ahh!! How could I be this reckless. He would have thought that I misunderstood him and didn''t answer. Poor him, he has to get ready and hurry here.", Kyra thought as she continuously chided herself.


    Placing her phone back into her bag, Kyra opened the gates and rushed towards Oliver.


    When Oliver noticed her, he ended the call and looked at her with his gentle blue eyes.


    "Good morning.", he greeted.


    "Good morning." Kyra greeted him as she scanned his face. How much she remembered him the last day!!


    "Anything wrong with my face, Ky?" Oliver asked in his teasing tone. He could already tell what Kyra is thinking just by looking at her face.


    "Yes. You look tired." Kyra said.


    Oliver smiled. If it was before, Kyra used to blush with embarrassment for getting caught while staring at him.


    Now, she learned to answer without any hesitation. Though these are tiny improvements, they are significant for Oliver.


    "I just had a lot of work to do." Oliver said.


    "You should have rested! Why did you come all the way here!?" Kyra scolded him, her eyes brimmed with genuine concern.


    "It was because someone didn''t answer my call. It worried me." Oliver said in a playful tone.


    Kyra pouted.


    "I didn''t do it deliberately. I�� I was taking a bath." she said, making a sad face.


    Oliver let out a small laugh.


    "I was just teasing you, Ky." he said, ruffling her hair.


    "So, are you up for cycling?" he asked as he rested his hand on the side of her head, brushing the curls that were lying on her forehead.


    "I am !!" Kyra said, rolling her eyes as she walked to the other side of the car


    "Did you just roll your eyes at me, Ky?" Oliver asked, his voice playful as he walked to open the door for her.


    "I did." Kyra said as she sat inside.


    Oliver leaned closer to her, his face in the same height as hers. "I don''t mind.", he said, winking at her before closing the door for her and walking towards his side.


    After that, they drove to the park which is just five minutes from Kyra''s place.


    ��------


    Meanwhile, Luther was awake when all this happened.


    He was sleeping in the next room of Kyra''s so he woke up when he started hearing the noises from her room. Though the rooms are sound proof to some extent, he is a light sleeper and his hearing ability is really good.


    He was quietly sitting on his bed as he wondered why Kyra woke up this early. She was drunk and was exhausted, so he expected her to wake up just at the right time to get ready for work.


    And, when he heard her door opening, he waited for her to go downstairs and only after that he followed her.


    It is not that he wants to stalk her. He just wanted to know where she was going in order to make sure she would be safe.


    "Where would she be going at this time? Don''t tell me she is doing something risky again.", he thought when he saw her walking towards the garage. He had seen her sneaking out and returning with a few injuries a handful of times.


    All his thoughts came to halt when he heard another car stopping at the gate.


    It started troubling him when he saw how Kyra started getting excited. He could see her excitement when she ran to the gate and opened it to him.


    "Who could it be?", Luther thought. He could only hope inside that it was not a man. Not Oliver especially.


    But his worst fears came true when he saw Oliver standing at his car side, looking dashing and handsome.


    And, what happened next is like a nightmare to him. Every second felt like a minute and every sweet gesture between Oliver and Kyra were like punches, hurting his heart. He could only stare from the corner till their car was out of his sight.


    "From their dresses, they look like they are going to some park to walk and cycle. But, why do they have to go together!! Can''t they just do it separately!!", Luther thought, scoffing in jealousy.


    ''They are acting like a couple who can''t stay apart even for a day.'' this thought indeed came but Luther could only stop himself from thinking in that way.


    If possible he would have followed them but he could only stop because he don''t know where the car keys were kept in this vast house.. By the time he find them, Oliver and Kyra would be long gone and he doesn''t know where they are going.

 Chapter 101 - They Are Officially Dating Now.

    Meanwhile, Kyra and Oliver reached the park. During their journey, all they did was exchange looks and smiles at each other.


    Kyra is nervous. She is going to tell Oliver that she is willing to date him. It is a big step for her but surprisingly it didn''t scare her.


    When she decided to give Collins a chance to become family, she was very scared. She was too afraid to take that big step even after seeing their sincerity towards her for years.


    It didn''t vanish even after she became Collins. But with Oliver, she didn''t feel that scared. It surprised her a lot because this is not the first time she is feeling this with Oliver.


    Meanwhile, many thoughts are running in Oliver''s mind. He started to feel as if something big was going to happen.


    It started to make him restless.


    What if Kyra wants to tell some bad news? What if she doesn''t want to be with him?


    Because of their occupied minds, neither of them spoke. A few minutes of drive felt like hours as they reached the park.


    Quickly they alighted the car and they rented the cycles.


    "How many laps?" Oliver asked.


    "Five?" Kyra asked and Oliver nodded his head.


    Soon, they started cycling around. However, they couldn''t strike a conversation because of the thoughts they are having.


    "Oliver, uhmm...let''s stop at the lake for a few minutes to rest?" Kyra asked when she realized that she was making Oliver restless with her silence.


    Oliver nodded his head in agreement. Even he was thinking of asking the same but Kyra beat him up to it.


    "You are so quiet. Exhausted?" she asked as they stopped at the beautiful lake. The sunrise had just started and the scenery looked beautiful.


    "I am fine. You enjoyed the day?" he asked.


    "I did. My brothers and best friends made a surprise visit. The ranch was good and unique. A day in nature is worth spending." Kyra answered.


    Oliver nodded his head.


    Best friends?


    Not ''best friend''?


    So, besides Chloe, someone else has come as well. Could it be the guy from the call?


    "How was your day at the hospital?" Kyra asked.


    "As usual, Ky. There was an emergency case. We had to perform surgery as soon as the patient was rolled in."


    "Except for that, everything was as usual. I left early as I had to make a visit to the headquarters of my company for a meeting."


    "It ended around nine but I had many documents to look at. I could only sleep at midnight." Oliver answered as they sat down on the dewy grass.


    "Are you trying to make me feel guilty?" Kyra asked, raising her eyebrow at him.


    Oliver chuckled.


    "No. It''s not my intention. I was just answering your question." He said.


    "I see." Kyra said, pouting.


    Oliver let out a laugh and tucked the strands of her hair beneath her ear.


    "You are easy to tease," he said with a smile.


    "I am. You are right."


    "I agree that I am over sensitive, Oliver." Kyra said.


    Oliver was startled because of the sudden change in Kyra''s tone. She was playful until now but it changed into a serious one.


    "I didn''t mean that." Oliver hurriedly explained.


    Kyra smiled as she placed her hand on his, making Oliver look at their hands. His worried expression relaxed a little.


    "I saw you with Jennifer and gave you a cold shoulder without any knowledge of your relationship with her."


    "I acted unreasonably and worried you a lot. I shouldn''t have done that but I did."


    "If I could reverse the time and go back to that day, I would still be doing the same, Oliver." Kyra said as she lifted her eyes to look at Oliver.


    Oliver was attentively listening to her and when he heard the last sentence, he looked at her in surprise.


    "It is who I am, Oliver. I am insecure and emotionally sensitive. I get affected even for a small thing and sometimes I overthink. Not sometimes. Many times in fact." Kyra added.


    "This won''t be the last time I will act like this. I will need time to trust people blindly."


    "When the Collins family adopted me, I was really in a very bad position."


    "Yes, I am adopted. I am not Collins by birth." Kyra said when she saw Oliver''s surprised face. Not many people know that as Collins never disclosed it.


    They covered it by creating the story around her adoption, saying that they have sent her, the only daughter in Collins family to grow up with her maternal grandparents till she started her graduation.


    So, in the public eyes, she is the blood daughter of Collins. But the truth is she is adopted.


    "Before they adopted me, I... I went through so much emotional trauma. It broke my heart. I am still a broken soul and I have many scars and some are yet to fade away."


    "My past made me like this. I could overreact to even a small thing and I could get hurt even by a trivial misunderstanding. I am scared of getting betrayed and backstabbed by the people closest to me."


    "I got betrayed not once but twice by the people I took as my family. I thought they were the closest to me and I devoted myself to loving them. But I got betrayed by them in a way I never even imagined in my worst nightmares." Kyra said, pain evident in her eyes and her face.


    Oliver felt as if his heart got pierced by thousands of needles. But, he could only stay quiet and let her finish.


    He knows that it is common sense to comfort and console her now. But he could tell that no words or no gestures can ease the pain she is suffering from.


    "I am saying all this because I want to take our relationship to the next level. I am willing to give us a serious chance."


    "But, it is not going to be easy on you, Oliver. You might have to go through the same as what you went through a few days back when I misunderstood you and Jennifer."


    "I know you don''t want to hurt me or disappoint me. But if you try to be like that, you will get suffocated and vexed because of me. Our relationship might become toxic and both of us would end up getting hurt."


    "I know that your first relationship ended as a painful experience for you. You are willing to try it one last time with me. So, I didn''t wanted to give false hope to you."


    "I will try my best to change myself. I will try my best to make our relationship work. I will try my best to make it a peaceful, sweet and wonderful experience for you. But, I can''t promise all these with certainty as I, myself, don''t know how I would react." Kyra said and looked into his blue eyes.


    "You can reconsider your decision, Oliver. If you are still willing to take a step ahead with me, I am willing to give my best to you." she added.


    For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. The silence started to develop the restlessness around them, making Kyra more anxious and nervous.


    She is not perfect. Nowhere near that. She has many flaws and many more scars that makes her the most complex person to handle.


    If a relationship is going to be complex and stressful, no one would be willing to get into it. Who wants to walk on eggshells each and every day of their life?


    Each person has a saturation point.


    She always knew that she is not relationship material, especially when it comes to marriage and love.


    But Oliver''s entry in her life has changed many things in her. She is willing to do something which has a high chance of failure.


    Meanwhile, Oliver was still in daze. However, it is not because he is contemplating whether to go ahead or retrieve himself. He is in daze because he was stuck thinking why God was so unfair to Kyra.


    Only when he saw her anxious face and worried eyes, he snapped back to reality.


    And, it is when it has hit him. She wants to date him!!


    She indirectly confesses that she is serious about him and is willing to give their relationship a chance.


    What could make him more happy?


    "I am willing to suffer, Kyra. I will try my best to heal those scars and make you the person you want to be."


    "Yes, even I was hurt during my first relationship. It was because effort was out only from one side. However we both are willing to pour all our effort. So, it won''t be that hard to make our relationship work."


    "We can get to know each other. And, I am sure that we can avoid hurting each other by getting to know each other."


    "So, what I am saying is, I am not interested in reconsidering. I am willing to give our relationship a chance." Oliver said with an assuring smile.


    Kyra looked at him and she has to say, she is moved by his sincerity.


    So, they are officially dating now!!

 Chapter 102 - First Date.

    "So, we are officially dating from now?" Kyra asked.


    "Hmm.", Oliver hummed in response as he entwined their fingers and rested them on his lap.


    "I am your girlfriend from now on.", Kyra said. She still couldn''t believe that this was happening. Part of her was still uncertain till now as there were chances of him backing off. After all, what she said is scary and no one wants a girlfriend who is insecure, sensitive and pesters everytime.


    So, she was not confident that Oliver would want her even after what she said to him.


    Maybe Oliver is sent by God to heal her heart. Maybe God has taken mercy on her and decided to give a loving life partner.


    "Yes. You are my girlfriend and I am your boyfriend officially starting from now.", Oliver answered as he moved close to her and wrapped his hands around her shoulder.


    "I can''t believe this, Oliver. Love and relationship were not in my plan till a few months back. I never thought that I would be capable of forming relationships in such a short span of time. Everything seems so surreal to me but in a good way."


    "I think I changed a lot after meeting you.", Kyra said as she looked at the beautiful sky.


    The sun has risen and the sky is filled with the golden glow. The birds are chirping and their peaceful singing has filled the air with soothing vibes. The lazy breeze wafted the fresh scent of the morning while the leaves slowly rustled with the movement of the wind.


    Overall, the environment is romantic and refreshing.


    Oliver smiled listening to Kyra''s words. Those words are the evidence of how significant he is to her. She is telling that his presence in her life has brought many changes in her.


    "I hope that those changes are mostly good in nature.", Oliver whispered.


    "They are. I am glad I met you Oliver.", Kyra sincerely said, making Oliver fly to the cloud nine.


    He could pull her into an embrace and kiss the top of her head. "You have brought many changes in me as well, Ky. You have actually broken the barriers I have built around my heart. You changed my beliefs towards love and relationships and that is only possible because you have started to heal my heart."


    "I am glad as well. I am thankful to God for sending you to me, Ky. Thank you for giving me this chance. I promise to cherish it." Oliver replied,his lips still lingering on her hair.


    Kyra snuggled in his embrace as she rested her head on his chest.


    ''I just hope that I won''t hurt you, Oliver. I can never forgive myself if I do that.'', Kyra worriedly thought.


    "This is our first day as a couple, Ky. Any suggestions on how to spend it?" Oliver asked. Ever since they started talking, their discussion was serious. It is not how he wants it to be. So, he could only change the topic.


    Even Kyra realized that they are not utilising this romantic time properly. Instead of spending it in a sweet and loving manner, she started to ruin it by speaking about her.


    Kyra looked up, just in time to lock her eyes with him. They are sitting on the grass and they snuggle in each other''s embrace. He had his face resting on her hair while she was leaning her head on his chest. They looked like a sweet and happy couple.


    His blue eyes captivated her and the same goes for Oliver as well.


    "Let''s go on our first date today.", she told him after a few seconds.


    "Sounds perfect. So, where do you wish to go, Ms. Collins?", Oliver asked in a teasing tone.


    "Surprise me, Mr. Miller.", Kyra said, winking at him.


    "Is it a challenge, Ms. Collins?" Oliver asked.


    "My first challenge to my boyfriend.", Kyra playfully said.


    "I won''t disappoint you, girlfriend," Oliver said, a playful smirk on his lips.


    "I know that.", Kyra said as she went back to looking at the beautiful lake while she continued to rest her head on his embrace as they cuddled.


    Neither of them spoke. They enjoyed the warmth of their embrace as they snuggled against each other. This peaceful silence got disturbed only when Kyra''s phone started to ring.


    Kyra was startled for a second ad then fished it out from her sling bag.


    It''s Luther.


    Before she could swipe up and place it near her ear, Oliver happened to look at the background of the caller id. There was enough time for him to analyze the picture.


    Luther had his arms wrapped around Kyra''s neck and his chin resting on Kyra''s head. He had a loving smile on his lips and his eyes were fixated on Kyra. Meanwhile, Kyra''s face is glowing with the happiness Oliver had never seen. Her hand was holding Luther''s arm and they were actually in the middle of some conversation. Kyra looked very beautiful and overjoyed in that picture.


    By her dress, he could tell that it was taken on her graduation day. And, by the way the photo was taken, it looked candid and genuine. Neither of them are posing and it is obvious that they are enjoying each other''s company.


    Oliver felt jealous and possessive. Jealous because he didn''t get to see her graduation day which is one of the most important events of her life.


    Possessive because he could see that Kyra is more than a friend to Luther. He came to that opinion by looking at Luther''s eyes. The emotions in his eyes felt familiar to Oliver because they are similar to the emotions Oliver feels when he looks at Kyra.


    Proud, loving, doting and caring.


    "I am coming in ten minutes, Luther.", Kyra''s answer brought Oliver back from his thoughts.


    "I didn''t notice the time, idiot!!", Kyra said, rolling her eyes.


    "Fine��fine. I will bring his highness his favorite cappuccino from Starbucks. Happy?" Kyra asked, shaking her head.


    "I am not a kid! I know how to get back to home safe.", she said in disbelief before cutting the call.


    "We need to go. We will be late to work, otherwise. Time indeed flows fastly with you.", Kyra said, looking at Oliver.


    "I know right!", Oliver said as she stood up.


    "And, can we stop at Starbucks? That coffee addict friend of mine wants coffee from there.", Kyra said, looking apologetic.


    "It''s fine." Oliver said as they pushed their cycled with them as they started to walk


    "We can have one each as we are going there anyway.", Kyra said.


    "Nope. It would become our first date if we do so. I can''t let our first date become so simple!" Oliver said.


    Kyra chuckled and could only shake her head.


    After picking up Luther''s coffee, Kyra ordered her own takeout.


    She said, ''If we sit here and spend time while we drink this coffee, it will be treated as the date. Taking takeout won''t be considered as a date'' before ordering for her, Ryan, Sofia and for Oliver as well.


    As Oliver knows that Kyra is a coffee addict he could only chuckle at her logic and let her do as she wants.


    Later, he drove Kyra to her house.


    "See you in two hours.", Oliver said, kissing the back of her hand.


    "Drive safe.", Kyra said as she entwined the fingers of her hand he just kissed with his.


    "I am not a kid! I know how to get back home safe.", Oliver said, imitating the words which Kyra used when Luther said ''Drive safe'' in the call.


    "I can''t bear to see you get hurt.", Kyra said before alighting the car.


    Oliver chuckled at her words but he couldn''t help but wonder if this is the answer Luther said to Kyra when she said those words.


    ''It''s okay, Oliver. She treats him as a friend.", he told himself and ignited the engine, before driving back to his place.


    Meanwhile, Kyra entered her house with a smile on her lips. She couldn''t believe she was dating her idol. She couldn''t believe that he is willing to be in a relationship with a woman who has many flaws and conditions.


    ''I am not single anymore'', Kyra thought in disbelief as she entered the living room.


    "I bought coffee for everyone", she shouted as she placed them on the dining table.


    Luther was the first one to hurry. Not for coffee but for Kyra.


    "Where have you been. Ky? It''s cold outside and you left early!! What if you catch a cold, huh?", he asked.


    Kyra smiled and shrugged her shoulders.


    "It''s not that cold! And, I went cycling. It''s so refreshing and it''s a good kickstart.", she answered as she passed him his coffee.


    Luther wanted to ask if she had gone alone but he didn''t. What if she starts talking about Oliver and confesses her feelings for Oliver?? If that happens he can''t confess his own feelings for her and ask her for a chance.


    "Ryan and Sofia didn''t wake up?" Kyra asked.


    "They are sleeping. They don''t have to get ready for work. We have to.", Luther said and they both sighed at the same time. Sometimes, they feel jealous of the two guys who are happily sleeping upstairs. However, as they love their career they don''t regret choosing this profession.


    "You get ready. I will prepare a quick breakfast for both of us.", Luther said.


    "Okie.", Kyra said as she started to walk towards the stairs.


    "And, Ky. Are you free this evening?" Luther asked. He doesn''t want to delay anymore.. After seeing Oliver and Kyra this morning, he knows that he can''t delay his confession anymore.

 Chapter 103 - His Planned Proposal.

    "And, Ky. Are you free this evening?" Luther asked. He doesn''t want to delay anymore. After seeing Oliver and Kyra this morning, he knows that he can''t delay his confession anymore.


    He has booked the garden venue in a high end hotel. And he already ordered his people to prepare everything and discussed his thoughts with his assistant who has already started preparing everything.


    As Kyra loves the nature, he made sure his confession has nature as the main element. He has also made a video by including all the memorable moments they shared.


    He recorded the video of him as he confessed how he fell for her and why he couldn''t express it till now.


    He could only hope that everything will go well and Kyra will give him a chance.


    "Evening?" Kyra asked, troubled.


    "Yes. After your work." Luther said.


    ''Oliver might be taking me on our first date after the work. What if I couldn''t make it in time.'' Kyra thought.


    As it is the first date and they have decided to give their best for making their relationship work, it would be very irresponsible of her if she come late or cancel the date.


    Luther is her best friend and having dinner with him is something she often does. It is not that important compared to what she and Oliver are having now.


    "I wouldn''t be able to make it, Luther. I already have prior commitments." Kyra said.


    Luther pursed his lips and he is clearly disappointed. But he could only nod his head and give her a smile.


    As someone who is very understanding and caring, he could only let her do what she likes.


    "How about tomorrow?" Kyra asked. She doesn''t want to disappoint Luther. He is a very important person in her life. So important that he is the immediate next to her family.


    "Maybe." Luther said and after that they seperated their ways to get ready.


    Luther continued to look at Kyra''s receding figure and sighed. After she was out of his sight, he fished out his phone and sent a message to his assistant to stop preparing the stage.


    "Next time it is." he whispered and walked towards the kitchen to make a quick breakfast for him and Kyra.


    He has already asked his assistant to prepare hangover soup for Sofia and Ryan. As of breakfast, Ryan said he will take care of it once he wakes up.


    -----


    Luther prepared protein pancakes and squeezed fresh orange juice. Along with that he has made a vegetable salad and scrambled eggs.


    "Trying to make me fat, huh?" Kyra asked when she looked at the breakfast that was spread on the dining table.


    Luther chuckled.


    "I am trying to keep you healthy." he said as he poured the juice.


    Kyra smiled and sat down to dig into the breakfast. Luther is a good chef and she missed eating the breakfast cooked by him.


    "How about lunch, Ky?" Luther asked.


    "I would love to. But I am keeping a low profile here. Dining with you, the famous, high profiled doctor will push me into the limelight." Kyra said as she started to cut her pancakes.


    "Fine�� fine. So, should I act like a stranger?" Luther asked.


    "I know that you hate it but I don''t have any option. Don''t be so angry" Kyra pouted and made a puppy face.


    It melted Luther''s heart. How could he handle such cuteness?? Everytime he looks at her like this, he falls more and more for her.


    "I am not angry. Eat now. It''s getting late." Luther said and patted her head before putting another pancake on her plate.


    Kyra smiled.


    She should be so lucky to get a friend like Luther. Maybe God is making it upto her by sending good people into her life.


    They finished their breakfast and as Kyra requested, they took different cars to the hospital.


    -------


    "Ria, you took another day off!! I have never seen a lazy, irresponsible doctor like you!!" Teressa scoffed when she saw Kyra.


    Her anger is actually directed towards Kyra not because she took the day off but because she saw Kyra having lunch with Oliver in the canteen the day before yesterday.


    "I took the day off only after getting permission from my attending. He didn''t have any problem with me taking a leave. So, why is it a problem to you?" Kyra asked. Her voice is gentle and polite but there is a tinge of authority in it.


    "I am just wondering why Dr. Miller took a liking to an irresponsible doctor like you and took you as his fellow." Teressa scoffed.


    "I do my work on time. I am a good surgeon and I am capable of meeting Dr. Miller''s speed in the operation theatre. What else is needed?" Kyra asked.


    "You-" Teressa couldn''t say anything anymore. She wants to crush Kyra''s confidence and kick her out of this hospital. She can''t let any female doctor get closer to Dr. Miller.


    He belongs to her alone.


    "Ria. You are here." Jennifer said as she walked towards Kyra.


    "Jennifer." Kyra greeted in acknowledgement.


    "How''s your day off?" Jennifer asked, ignoring the fuming Teressa.


    Teressa couldn''t dare to fire on Jennifer because she knows Jennifer''s background.


    Graduated in one of the top 5 medical schools of the world, she finished one fellowship in the best hospital in Australia.


    Besides all this, Jennifer is from a powerful family with background way out of league compared to hers.


    She wouldn''t dare to offend Jennifer. So, she could only stay quiet.


    Only if she would have known Kyra''s background, she would pee in her pants and never dare to even look at Kyra for trouble.


    "My day off was refreshing. I hope I didn''t increase your workload because of my day off, " Kyra asked.


    "No...no. Yesterday was relatively peaceful and Dr. Miller helped me with the workload." Jennifer answered.


    Kyra smiled and nodded her head. Oliver helped Jennifer so she and his best friend won''t have to suffer. He takes care of his people pretty well.


    "I hope everyday will be as peaceful as yesterday," Jennifer said as she sighed and sat down.


    "We won''t be that lucky everyday." Kyra said as she looked into her schedule.


    One word to describe it.


    Hectic.


    "I know. I know." Jennifer pouted.


    "I don''t know what is happening to our hospital, Claire." Ron said to Claire as they walked inside.


    "What happened now?" Claire asked, yawning. She had night duty again.


    "First, it was Dr. Daniel Richard. Now, it''s Dr. Luther Smith. Why are these top doctors visiting our hospital as guest staff?" Ron spoke as he sat down at his table.


    "Our hospital is one of the top five in our country. It is not that surprising that famous doctors want to work here." Claire said as she climbed on to her bed.


    "Why now? And, those both are from the main branch of Collins Hospitals and they were in that hospital from the starting of their career."


    "I heard they have a very close relationship with the Collins family, especially with those genius five brothers. Why are they leaving Collins Hospitals??" Ron expressed his suspicion.


    "Maybe they needed change. They are just guest staff here, so they will be going back to London after a few months." Jennifer said.


    "Dr. Oliver Miller. Dr. Luther Smith. These both are one of the best surgeons in the neuro department. They both are handsome, famous and are from a strong, wealthy background." Teressa said.


    "I smell competition." Ron said as he smirked.


    "It will be exciting." Claire chuckled.


    "Dr. Miller will be the best in my heart." Jennifer said.


    "What about you Kyra? Who is the best in your heart??" Ron asked when he noticed that Kyra is keeping her silence since the starting of this discussion.


    "Uhhh�� I don''t know." Kyra said.


    One is her best friend, the one who has been supporting and encouraging her for seven years.


    He is the best in her heart. The one she looks up to.


    Another is her idol. He is her idol because he is the one who showed her this path and inspired her to become a doctor.


    If she hadn''t seen him saving the people from the accident that day, she would be leading a different life now.


    Maybe, she wouldn''t have got to meet Collins and lead this life. Maybe she would have been dead already.


    So, Oliver is also the best in her heart.


    How can she choose between these two people? It is almost similar to asking the parents which child of theirs they love the most.


    She would never be able to answer this question.


    "Come on. Just choose. It''s for fun." Jennifer insisted.


    "How can we judge? They both are best in their own ways." Kyra said.


    All of a sudden it started to bother her. This question has created a small storm in her heart.


    What if Luther and Oliver don''t get along? What would happen if they start hating each other to the extent they can''t stay in the same room??


    She knows she is overthinking but it is very common to see the rivalry between the two people of same caliber and intellect, especially if they are people working in the same field.


    Moreover, Luther is protective of her and he might not like Oliver at first because of his protective instinct towards her.


    On the other hand, she is aware that her relationship with Luther is always misjudged by outsiders. They are closer than the typical best friends.


    So, coldness and jealousy from Oliver is expected.


    However, like every girl Kyra also wants her best friend and boyfriend to get along.


    She can''t lose either of them.

 Chapter 104 - The Rivals Meet.

    After discussing the possible rivalry between Oliver Miller and Luther Smith, everyone went back to their work. It was a casual discussion for everyone and they didn''t give much heed to it except for Kyra,


    The thought of rivalry between Oliver and Luther started scaring her.


    However, for now, she could only push them into the back of her head and start focussing on her work. But the concern is evident in her eyes.


    "Dr. Lopez, Dr. Miller has asked you to bring the file of patient eight to his room," a nurse told Kyra when she was about to leave the office to inspect her patient''s conditions.


    Kyra nodded her head and fished out the file from her desk and left the room. However, she could sense the envious gazes of Teressa, Lillith and other fellows who are crazily possessive of Oliver.


    "I still can''t digest that this girl from some low tier med school got lucky enough to work with Dr. Miller!! It''s unacceptable.", Teressa huffed.


    "But, her skills say otherwise. Did you see how fast she has worked on the patient from the day before yesterday?? She saved his life!!" Ron, who is very fond of Kyra, came to her defense.


    "So what?? She just got lucky!!" Teressa rebuked.


    "I heard she changed the operation procedure in the middle of the surgery. That''s so unprofessional. I expected Dr. Miller punished her for that but he didn''t. It''s so unfair," she added.


    "If she wouldn''t have detected the problem and changed the procedure that day, the patient would have lost his vision and would have become permanently blind!! She was able to save a person''s vision by avoiding the damage to his optic nerve and she could do that because she is skilled enough to detect the issue before any harm is done."


    "Why would she get punished for saving a person''s quality of life? If it was us, I don''t think many of us would have been skilled enough to do that! We should never judge a person because of their background!", Ron said, his voice pretty serious.


    "Someone is getting too emotional. I wonder why he is taking it so personally.", Teressa mocked.


    "I think he loves her, Ter.", Lillian said.


    "Whether I do or not is none of your business. Don''t act in unprofessional way and bring shame to us.", Ron warned and left the room.


    "Even if it is not Ria, you have Jennifer as an obstacle, Teressa." Lillith said to her friend Teressa.


    "I heard Dr. Luther Smith is wealthy and powerful just like Dr. Oliver Miller. There are rumors that Dr. Luther Smith is actually from a royal family. He is single as well.", she added.


    "Royal?" Teressa asked.


    "Yes. Handsome and charismatic as well." Lillith added.


    Teressa smiled.


    If not Oliver, it could be Luther.


    ��-------------------


    Meanwhile, Kyra entered Oliver''s office room after knocking on the door and getting his approval.


    When Oliver looked at Kyra, he could only smile sweetly. He couldn''t help but reminisce about the wonderful mourning they shared and how they officially became a couple.


    Kyra forced a smile in response and sat down across from him. And, Oliver has of course noticed it.


    ''Is something wrong?'' he thought.


    ''Is it anything related to today''s morning? Is she regretting what she did?'' he thought and it only made him panic.


    "Is something wrong, Ky?", he asked as he took her hand into his.


    When he didn''t get any response he could only walk to her and sit on the arm of her chair.


    "You can tell me. You know it right?" he asked as he entwined their fingers.


    It is only when Kyra realized that she is making Oliver nervous with her behavior.


    "Nothing is wrong. I was preoccupied with something.", Kyra said and brought their entwined hands towards her cheek and placed it on her soft skin.


    Her move surprised him but it felt sweet. It made him smile more and it reached his eyes. Seeing her get expressive with her feelings like this made Oliver happy.


    "Anything I could help?" Oliver asked as he caressed her hair with his other hand.


    As she is sitting on the chair and Oliver is sitting on the arm of that chair, her head is at the same height as his heart.


    Kyra snuggled closer and closed her eyes. His presence had a calming effect on her and when she felt his warmth, all the worry she had till now vanished into thin air.


    Resting her head against his chest, she smiled.


    "This is enough.", she said.


    Oliver kissed the top of her head and rested the side of his face on her head. Being like this in embrace, he felt content and happy. And, the thought of getting the time to do this everyday made him even more happy and he couldn''t help but look forward to it.


    "We are violating the rules.", Kyra whispered after a few minutes.


    "Rules?" Oliver asked, looking at her.


    "Separating our professional and personal life.", Kyra said.


    While they drove back this morning from the park to Kyra''s house, they had set some rules. As they work together and they spend most of their day in hospital, it is necessary to have some rules set.


    "Yeah. Yeah.", Oliver said but didn''t make any move to retreat.


    "When we came up with this rule, I thought it was possible to follow. I didn''t expect that it would be this tough. Ky, can we have some exceptions now and then?" Oliver asked.


    Kyra chuckled when she noticed Oliver''s face. He looked cute��


    "Sometimes maybe," Kyra said.


    "Let''s have one of those exceptions today?", Oliver asked, resting his face on her head.


    Kyra smiled.


    "We can", she said and they both chuckled for a bit.


    They stayed like that for God knows how long they enjoyed their sweet time together.


    The knock was the one which disturbed them.


    Kyra immediately straightened her clothes and organized her hair.


    Oliver cleared his throat and straightened his tie and he was about to go to open the door but Kyra held his hand.


    Oliver stopped and looked at her.


    Kyra pursed her lips and gestured to look at his shirt. Oliver followed the line of her sight but looked confused.


    Kyra cleared her throat and gestured to him to come near her. When he did, she picked the fallen hair of hers that''s sticking to his shirt.


    When Oliver realised what just happened, he couldn''t help his laughter.


    "I feel like we are having some affair. It''s exciting." Oliver whispered to Kyra.


    Kyra rolled her eyes and shook her head.


    This guy��


    The one waiting at the door is none other than Luther and the president.


    "Why is he taking a lot of time? This doesn''t happen." President said as he and Luther waited.


    As Oliver is also a member of the diagnostic team, it is formality for Luther to meet Oliver.


    "Maybe Mr. Miller is busy with work." Luther said and just at that time Oliver opened the door.


    And when Oliver saw Luther, he could only narrow his eyes.


    What is the guy from Kyra''s phone doing here??


    But, pushing his thoughts aside, he welcomed his Godfather and Luther.


    When Luther saw Kyra sitting on the chair, he couldn''t help but narrow his eyes.


    What is Kyra doing here??


    "Kyra, you are here as well." her Uncle said, getting Kyra''s attention.


    And, when Kyra turned around, she couldn''t deny that she was surprised and shocked at the same time.


    Ahh! Why should Luther come now at this time??


    "I am here to discuss the surgery." Kyra answered.


    She looked at Luther and then at Oliver before averting her eyes.


    However, she didn''t miss the hostile look Luther and Oliver shared.


    "When Oliver took this long to open, I thought he was busy with his work. Seems like he is busy with you. Cough...cough... discussion" her uncle teased her.


    "We were really busy with discussion, president" Kyra said but she couldn''t help but look at Oliver who gave her a small, mischievous smile.


    "I forgot to introduce Dr. Smith here. I think you are familiar with him, Kyra." The president said.


    "Of course." Kyra said.


    "We are familiar with each other." Luther said and it made Kyra look at him.


    Familiar?? They are best friends for God''s sake!!


    "Good...good." president said and focussed his attention to Oliver.


    "This is Dr. Luther Smith from Collins Hospitals. I think you heard of him, Oliver." The president introduced Luther to Oliver.


    "And, this is Dr. Oliver Miller. The head of the neurology department and also the director of the hospital. You might have heard about him, Dr. Smith" he introduced Oliver to Luther.


    "I might have heard. Anyway, nice to meet you, Dr. Luther Smith." Oliver said.


    "It''s my pleasure to meet you, Dr. Oliver Miller. Though I didn''t hear much about you, I will keep you in my mind." Luther said.


    They shared a handshake but both their grips are tight. The hostility is visible in it.


    Meanwhile, Kyra looked at them with worried eyes. He''s sure they have heard a lot about each other. After all, they are famous and work in the same field.


    Why the hell are they pretending like this??

 Chapter 105 - Adding Fuel To Jealousy.

    Luther avoided Kyra''s glare. He could see that she was angry at him for calling her as a mere acquaintance rather than best friend.


    And, Oliver did the same. He knows that Kyra and Luther are best friends and she is aware that he knows Luther''s fame and name in the neuro field, yet he lied that he doesn''t know Luther.


    Meanwhile, the president and Luther sat down and Luther looked at Kyra.


    He wants to analyze how comfortable she is with Oliver and by her body language he could tell that she is pretty comfortable. There is some strange glow in her face which he didn''t see in her till now.


    "So, Dr. Smith is here as a guest staff member in the diagnostic team?" Kyra asked, looking at the president.


    "Yes. He is kind enough to offer his help. After Dr. Wing retired, no one was able to assist the help we wanted. Dr. Miller is already busy enough and the new doctor we recruited would be coming after a week or ten days."


    "Dr. Miller assured that he could handle but he is already pressurized enough and an extra role would exhaust enough." the president explained.


    "It would have been very exhausting indeed. It''s good that Dr. Smith offered to help," Oliver said.


    "It''s not that troubling work. I came here for a change in environment and I am glad I could help." Luther said, giving a smile to Oliver who also smiled in return. But it is evident from their eyes that it is nowhere near to a friendly smile.


    They are glaring knives at each other. It was so intense that the air around them started to boil.


    "Why am I feeling like they will become archenemies?", the president whispered to Kyra.


    "Is it that obvious?" Kyra asked her uncle.


    "Crystal clear, kid." her uncle, the president answered.


    Kyra pursed her lips.


    "It seems like you are here for important work, president. I will be taking my leave then.", Kyra said and stood up to leave.


    "Dr. Miller, I will come later.", Kyra said and Oliver could only nod his head. He didn''t forget to shoot a glare at Luther who was the one that disturbed the quality time he and Kyra are having.


    If this pain in the ass didn''t disturb them, they would have had a wonderful time.


    "I will be going then, Dr, Smith. It''s nice to see a familiar face here", Kyra said as she gave a sharp smile before leaving the room.


    After coming out she sighed.


    She has been through a roller coaster ride ever since she met Oliver. Her emotions, mood swings, her feelings and the people around them have made her go through all this and only after she realized her feelings she was able to feel at ease.


    After confessing openly, a knot in her heart untangled at last she felt like a huge weight was taken away from her shoulders. However, it didn''t last long.


    Now, she has to see her best friend and boyfriend play daggers at each other.


    "Life is not easy.", she said to herself and went to do her work.


    Morning went in peace. Kyra did her rounds and went through the files of the future surgeries scheduled and did some research and made some notes on it. There will be a meeting on it later.


    Then she had surgery to perform at noon. Her, Jennifer and Oliver. It went for six hours and by the time they are done, it is around seven.


    Before Kyra and Oliver, Jennifer left the operation theatre and like always, she took the responsibility to inform the condition of the patients to the family members.


    As she is sympathetic, expressive and kind, she is the best person for that job compared to Kyra and Oliver who speak less and are often indifferent.


    After handing over the stitching process to the residents, Kyra and Oliver went to the adjacent room to wash their hands and clean up.


    However, when they entered the room, Luther was waiting inside.


    When Kyra saw him she smiled. But her anger is evident in her eyes but it is obvious that she is feigning it.


    However, Oliver narrowed his eyes and pretended that he was not present in the room.


    Luther did the same. His attention was on Kyra and Oliver is like an invisible man.


    Kyra could feel the hostility in the air but she could only sigh.


    "Ky, I forgot to ask for the password for the door lock of your house." Luther spoke.


    Kyra glared at Luther but caved in when she noticed his innocent expression.


    "It''s 31071109," Kyra said.


    "31st of July. The day we met first. 11th of September. The day we got our first gold medal in the international medical quiz competition." Luther said, giving a proud look to Oliver.


    He already knows the passcode yet he asked because he wanted Oliver to know that he, Luther, is the important person in Kyra''s life.


    And, it is not a fake claim. He is indeed an important person in her life.


    Oliver pretended to not listen to the conversation but, truth to be told, he is really jealous of Luther.


    He is jealous because Luther has been with her in every important event of her life. But he didn''t get to be a part of it.


    From this morning, he has been looking at how important Luther is in Kyra''s life and that added fuel to his jealousy. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be acting this way towards Luther.


    He is simply jealous.


    "And, Ky, can I use your garden house tonight? I know you won''t allow anyone inside but make an exception to me like you always do." Luther spoke again.


    Kyra didn''t find this behaviour of Luther anything suspicious. He is always like this. He is her best friend for whom she can make any exceptions just like how he does for her.


    "Sure." she answered but her brain is occupied with different thoughts. She is thinking about her date with Oliver.


    It''s already past seven and Oliver hasn''t informed her anything regarding it. Moreover, she doesn''t know how her possessive brother and protective friend would react if they find out.


    She prefers if they find out about her relationship only after her relationship gets stable.


    "Thank you, Ky. See you tonight." Luther said and he was about to hug her but Oliver coughed.


    "This is still your workplace, Dr. Smith. Please maintain professionalism." he said politely.


    And, when Kyra heard it she almost coughed out a laugh.


    Oliver is lecturing about something he himself doesn''t follow. Such an irony!


    Luther narrowed his eyes but left the room.


    As Kyra got some alone time with Oliver, she was about to ask something but Oliver followed Luther out.


    ''Does he still remember about the date he promised? Could it be that he is angry at me because of Luther?'' she thought.


    ---------


    After that surgery, it was almost time and everyone started leaving. Luther went by himself because Kyra has already told him that she would come late because of work.


    ''He forgot or what??'' Kyra thought when she noticed that Oliver''s already left the hospital.


    Disappointed, she walked out of the hospital however, to her surprise, Sofia is already sitting in Kyra''s car, waiting for her.


    "What are you doing here, Sofi?" Kyra asked, startled.


    "I want to take you somewhere, Ky. Hop in, hurry!!" Sofia said, gesturing to Kyra to hurry up.


    Kyra shook her head at her friend''s over excitement and went to the other side to sit.


    And, as soon as Kyra embarked the car, Sofia sped up.


    "At Least tell me where you are taking me, Sofi!!" Kyra asked. She has a date with Oliver and what if he surprises her by waiting at her house and she returns very late??


    "It''s just a few minutes from here, Ky. Patience please." Sofia said and after a few minutes they stopped at the huge apartment. More like a skyscraper than an apartment.


    "Why are we here?" Kyra asked, surprised.


    "Patience!" Sofia reminded her and pressed on the 37th floor.


    And, when they reached the floor, they walked to a door of one apartment and Sofia entered the passcode.


    With a click sound, the door opened and a magnificent house with beautiful interiors came into display.


    "Come on, enter." Sofia said as she entered the house.


    Still surprised, Kyra went inside.


    "Whose house is this?" Kyra asked.


    "Mine." Sofia beamed.


    "When did you buy it?! You didn''t tell me at all." Kyra complained.


    "I didn''t buy it, Ky. This is the gift given by the company that owns this building. I asked for a house instead of money for doing their commercial." Sofia answered.


    "And, we are here to get you ready for the date." She added.


    "What?" Kyra asked, surprised. She didn''t tell Sofia about her date so, how come she knows it?


    "I know about your date, idiot. I can''t let you go in these baggy clothes and a plain face.. It''s your first date for God sake! Little makeover is a must!" Sofia said as she dragged Kyra with her into the room.

 Chapter 106 - I Might Not Be Able To Control Myself.

    Sofia dragged Kyra into her closet. It is almost as big as a living room and is filled with clothes.


    "When did you have time to buy these many clothes, Sofi? I feel like you are hiding so much from me, your best friend." Kyra pouted.


    Sofia hugged her friend by wrapping her arms around her neck and giggled.


    "A half of these are sent by the fashion brands I collaborated with. And, the other half are bought by me Even since you shifted here, I have been giving the address of this house to those people."


    "I already have tons of clothes and I buy a lot. However, on the other hand, you barely go shopping, so I thought that this would come handy to you at important yet sudden events like these."


    "I know that your brothers buy you a lot but you have left them in London. Moreover, I feel like my taste in dresses is more suited to you." Sofia said.


    Kyra felt very touched.


    She is really lucky to meet wonderful people like the Collins family, the Richards family and Luther.


    [Note :


    Richards family : Sofia and Chloe (her best friends)


    Daniel (Oliver''s best friend) Matthew(Kyra''s second brother''s best friend/another person who loves Kyra)]


    "Thank you, Sofi. You are really my best friend and Savior. I love you, you know", Kyra said, hugging her friend.


    Sofia smiled. Her eyes filled with love for her best friend.


    "I know. I love you too, bestie. Now, you need to get ready!" Sofia said as she blinked away her tears.


    Kyra nodded her head. Even her eyes have traces of happy tears.


    "Select any outfit from this, Ky. The next room has jewellery and other accessories. We can choose those after you are done with your makeup." Sofia said.


    Kyra nodded her head and looked around. Most of the outfits here are to her liking.


    Simple yet elegant.


    Most of the outfits here are perfect to enhance the attraction of her long legs, thin waist and sexy collarbone.


    After a long contemplation, Kyra selected four outfits.


    One is black jumpsuit, a V neck and strapless.


    Another is a one shoulder, full length dress with a slit from the upper thigh to the hem.


    The third one is black knee length off shoulder dress with a golden thread design on it.


    The last one is a turtle neck, full sleeve dress that reaches till thighs.


    "I can''t understand your immense liking towards black color!" Sofia exclaimed.


    "I just love that color, Sofi. Lemme wear all these and check." Kyra said as she walked to the changing room to check.


    "I am waiting to see." Sofia said.


    One after another, Kyra tried all the dresses. The problem is, all the four have suited her very well.


    "If you want to seduce him, wear the jumpsuit, Ky. You look so sexy in it." Sofia said.


    "If you want to look reserved, wear that knee length dress. But it looks semi formal."


    "If you want to look simple and classy, I suggest the turtle neck one." she added.


    "As of the second one��" Sofia paused.


    "He might go crazy if he sees you in this. You are looking hot!!" Sofia giggled.


    "I liked the second one from the very beginning." Kyra said.


    "Someone wants to seduce her lover...hehe." Sofia teased.


    "Shut up, Sofi!" Kyra warned but there is a tint of pinkness in her cheeks.


    After wearing the dress, Kyra and Sofia went to the other room which is filled with many sets of jewelry.


    After a careful consideration, Kyra selected a simple diamond set which suited her black dress.


    After that, she selected a black heels.


    Getting ready, she did a very simple makeup and left her hair free.


    "You are looking so hot and beautiful, Ky!! You should become a model you know. You will reach my fame in no time." Sofia said.


    "Modelling is not only about appearance, Sofi. It needs more than that." Kyra said as she walked towards the exit.


    "You have that charisma. However, you love to work as a surgeon and you are happy doing it. Your happiness matters the most." Sofia said as she gave a hug to Kyra who is about to leave.


    "Enjoy your date and ''if'' you are not coming back at night text me. I will handle the situation with your brother and Luther." Sofia teased, emphasising the word ''if''.


    Kyra rolled her eyes.


    "I will come back." she said and walked to the elevator.


    After the elevator opened, she didn''t look at the person in the elevator and entered it. She just realised that Oliver doesn''t know this address and the matter to be concerned with the most is, he didn''t speak anything about the date itself!!


    "You look really beautiful, Kyra." a voice from behind startled Kyra and she almost jumped in fright.


    She swiftly turns around and the person standing there is none other than Oliver.


    He is wearing a white, full neck T shirt, a black blazer on it and a black slim fit pant.


    He is looking irresistibly handsome and hot.


    "Oliver, you startled me", Kyra said, giving him a slight push as he was standing too close to her.


    "Surprise is the accurate word I think" Oliver said and winked at her.


    Kyra was taken off guard all again as there is a mischievous aura around him now.


    "Yes...yes." Kyra said.


    "And, how come you are here??" she asked. She didn''t tell him the address as she herself didn''t know about this house''s existence.


    She told him to surprise her when he asked her about their first date. What she meant by that is that she wanted him to surprise her.


    "Most of the people wait for their date in their car. I want it to be a little different, so I picked you in the elevator." Oliver said.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "So, you were waiting in this elevator for me." Kyra said.


    "Yes. Just for you." Oliver whispered from behind as they walked out of the elevator.


    "How come you are aware of this address?" Kyra asked.


    "I had help." Oliver said as he walked towards the section where owners park their car.


    "This is the owner''s parking section." she said. Isn''t he a visitor? He should have parked his car at the visitors parking section. Not here.


    "I live here, Ky. One floor above Sofia''s." Oliver said, smiling at Kyra.


    "Penthouse?" Kyra asked. She remembers from their conversation that Oliver lives in a penthouse when his sister is not in the city and at the mansion otherwise.


    "Yep." he answered.


    "It''s such a beautiful coincidence." Kyra said.


    "It indeed is." Oliver chuckled and opened the door for Kyra.


    Just like their dresses, they are now using a black Jaguar.


    Kyra sat down at the passenger seat and Oliver walked to the other side and took his seat.


    "You look more beautiful than I imagined, Kyra. This dress suits you." Oliver didn''t forget to praise her.


    "I am glad you like it. And, we are wearing the same color again." Kyra said.


    "A beautiful coincidence." Oliver said as he took her hand into his.


    To be precise, they are wearing a couple dresses. Yes, a couple dresses.


    And it is possible because he was the one who selected this dress and sent it to Sofia.


    Truth to be told, all the four dresses Kyra shortlisted from all those dresses were sent by Oliver yesterday.


    He has sent ten dresses, all black. He somehow had this gut feeling that Kyra would like to wear black for their first date.


    That''s why he himself picked up ten outfits.


    As he couldn''t come to the conclusion of which type of dress she prefers to wear, whether the ones that are formal and simple or the ones which look enthrallingly hot and alluring, he picked up ten outfits each ranging in the scale of 1 to 10 for formal - 1 to sexy - 10.


    She chose the dress which is level 7. That is, a little formal and more when it comes to hotness and allure.


    "Shall we start our date, milady?" Oliver asked, kissing the back of her hand.


    Kyra chuckled. "We shall, milord." she answered.


    Oliver chuckled at her response and he started the car.


    "Will I get to ask where we are going, milord?" Kyra asked in curiosity.


    "No. After saying, ''surprise me'' you lost that privilege, milady." Oliver answered, imitating her way of addressing each other. It''s fun and interesting.


    Kyra pouted but there was a beautiful smile on her lips that Oliver couldn''t help but look at her.


    But one glimpse was not enough to absorb her beauty. He had to sneak peek at her again and again.


    "Oliver, let''s not get into an accident again, okay?" Kyra said, controlling her laughter.


    Oliver pursed his lips and focussed on the road with a disappointing look on his face.


    "We might get into an accident if you distract me like this, Ky." Oliver said when he noticed that Kyra was staring at him openly. She is not being sneaky at all.


    "Advantage of not being the driver of the car." Kyra said, giving him a wink.


    "But Ky, if you keep looking at me like this, I might not be able to control myself." Oliver said, looking at her.


    "In that case, what might happen?" Kyra asked, looking into his eyes.


    Oliver stopped at the corner and took off his seat belt. He leaned dangerously close to her and huskily asked, "Want a demonstration?"

 Chapter 107 - The Beautiful Date For Kyra.

    "But Ky, if you keep looking at me like this, I might not be able to control myself." Oliver said, looking at her.


    "In that case, what might happen?" Kyra asked, looking into his eyes.


    Oliver stopped at the corner and took off his seat belt. He leaned dangerously close to her and huskily asked, "Want a demonstration?"


    Kyra held her breath when he moved close to her and she gulped when his lips came in close proximity to hers.


    Her fingers held tight to the seat and she curled her toes when his breath warmed up the bare skin of her neck.


    Anticipation started to make her eyelids heavy and as it intensified, she could only shut her eyes. Her lips puckered subconsciously, as if she was waiting for his kiss.


    Oliver enjoyed Kyra''s reaction towards his simple teasing. Though he wanted to escalate it to another level, he decided to stop here. This is just their first date and they have many more dates ahead.


    Feeling satisfied, Oliver retreated and continued to look at her, absorbing all the details of her face so that he could imprint them in his mind forever.


    His eyes moved slowly from her sharp eyebrows to the long eyelashes of her closed eyes and then they leisurely moved from her well proportioned nose to those juicy, red lips which are puckered out, waiting for him to invade and conquer.


    After resting his eyes on her inviting lips for a bit, his eyes moved to her high cheekbones and the sweet red blush on her cheeks tempted him to skim his lips on it, eager to feel the warmth of her skin.


    After having the fullness of her exquisite face, his eyes stopped at her slim and seductive neck. He could see her beautiful neck bones clearly and it made his mouth go dry. His condition worsened when his eyes stopped at her sexy collarbones. Only he knows how much he wants to feel them with his lips��


    Controlling himself he was about to avert his eyes but his eyes stopped at the tattoo on her shoulder. It enhanced her beauty and it looked even more beautiful because of the black dress Kyra is wearing.


    Meanwhile, Kyra, who had her eyes closed and was anticipating a kiss, frowned. Why the hell has nothing happened till now??


    And, when she opened her eyes she saw Oliver who was looking at her, more like staring at her.


    She followed his line of sight and it led to the tattoo on her shoulder. She remembered that he asked her about this tattoo once. It seems like he is familiar with it.


    Well, many of the people would be familiar with it as that tattoo was in trend for a while all thanks to her supermodel best friend, Sofia.


    "Oliver." Kyra called and it was when Oliver snapped out of his thoughts.


    "Enjoying staring at me?" Kyra asked.


    "Yeah. Now, there is nothing to hide as you are my girlfriend. I can look at you how much ever I want.", he shamelessly answer.


    "Yes��yes, you can.", Kyra chuckled and they continued with the drive.


    After a few minutes of chit chat while driving, they stopped at a huge building. It isn''t any hotel but an office building.


    Kyra looked at Oliver, amused and surprised. Nevertheless, she followed him into the elevator and after a few seconds they stopped at the rooftop.


    Only after looking at the rooftop, she understood what was happening.


    There is a chopper waiting on the helipad.


    "Are we going to another city?"Kyra asked.


    "Maybe." Oliver gave a mysterious smile.


    "You first, milady.", he added as he opened the door for Kyra and extended his hand for help.


    Kyra held it and embarked into the chopper. She was about to wear seat belt but Oliver was one step ahead of her. He helped her with it like a gentleman and then went to the other side to sit.


    "Shall we go?" Oliver asked.


    Kyra nodded her head as she wore the head set.


    "You are keeping me in the dark, Oliver. Just give one hint, okay?", she asked.


    Oliver chuckled and gave her a mysterious smile.


    "Trust me, Ky. You will love where we are going.", he said.


    After that, Kyra didn''t have any option but to stay in suspense till they zoomed in towards an island.


    So, they are having their first date on an island??


    She will like it.


    Oliver landed the chopper on the helipad and then he helped Kyra with seat belts. It is not that Kyra is unaware of these but he likes to pamper her endlessly. In fact, he knows that Kyra is a skilled pilot. How does he know? Even he doesn''t know the answer.


    "Date on the island?" Kyra asked and Oliver nodded his head with a smile.


    Kyra looked around but she couldn''t find a hotel or a house or any building at all. The island is filled with greenery from the outside.


    "We can walk but it wouldn''t be comfortable to you with heels. So, I had a car prepared for you.", Oliver said as he opened the car door for her.


    "Thank you.", Kyra said. Preparing a car seems like a normal thing to do but by looking at this island, she can tell that a car is not a suitable vehicle.


    Maybe jeeps would do but Oliver should have brought this car especially for her, all the way from the mainland to here.


    "Anything for you.", Oliver said and Kyar felt her heart go erratic with all these sweet gestures.


    After both of them got into the car, the drive was less than five minutes. The trees at either side of the mud path were decorated with the lights, making it look romantic.


    The forest was intense at the outer side but as they drove deeper, it started to thin.


    At last Oliver stopped at the clearing. And, the scenery in front of her made Kyra widen her eyes in awe.


    It looks so beautiful and out of earth!!!


    There is a lake around a piece of land, akin to an island but a smaller version of it. An island in the island, to be more accurate.


    There are huge cherry blossom trees in that island and they are perfectly shaped and tended. The island would be in size of a cricket field, not too big or too small.


    The lake around this land is not very big as well. It would be fifty feet in width at the front and eighty to ninety feet at rear. The highlight of it is, it is a shining lake, a bioluminescent one to be precise.


    There is a wooden bridge in oval shape, connecting that tiny island to the land. It is also decorated with lights.


    "Beautiful!! Splendid!!" Kyra whispered in awe and she couldn''t take her eyes off.


    As it is a full moon, the sky is already looking beautiful. With that moon and this magnificent scenery in the same frame, it indeed looked out of the world, as if it came out of a fairy tale or a painting.


    "I am glad you like it," Oliver said, holding her hand and leading her to the bridge.


    "This is really the best scenery I have ever seen, Oliver. This looks like it came out of a painting" Kyra said.


    Cherry blossoms, bioluminescent lake, this island�� it is really rare to see them together at one place.


    "This is man made, Kyra.", Oliver said as they stopped in the middle of the bridge and looked around.


    "Manmade?" Kyra asked.


    "Hmm. Everything here is made with great care. My people are working on this for almost a year and after a lot of effort and money spent, it started to look like it''s naturally formed." Oliver said.


    "Why did you put a lot of effort on creating this?" Kyra asked. Just by seeing, she could tell that this cost a fortune.


    "The plan is to make this island a forest resort. This cherry blossom mini island is one of the highlights I planned.", Oliver said as he stood behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her arms.


    Kyra snuggled against his chest and looked at the moon.


    "I feel like this resort would be heaven for nature lovers like me.", she said.


    ''I could build a place like this for you'' Oliver thought inside but didn''t voice it out, afraid that he would scare her.


    "You are welcome to come anytime, Ky. It might take at most one year to complete this project. The construction will start next month and if you want to come here and rest for a bit, you can come anytime.", Oliver said.


    "I will keep it in my mind.", Kyra said as they walked to the otherside of the bridge.


    They walked in the path with cherry blossoms on either side and after a few minutes they stopped at the pergola. It is exactly in middle of the cherry blossom field.


    The four greek pillars are supporting the wooden roof which had lights hanging from it. Under the roof, a table for two was set with candles placed on it.


    It is a candle light dinner under the moon with cherry blossoms surrounding her. The decorations enhanced the romantic vibes, making the pergola a perfect place to have a dinner date.


    And, Kyra totally loved it. This is to the next level for the nature lovers like her. Even if Oliver would have taken her to eat at the most expensive place, she would have still preffered this.


    "This is beautiful Oliver!! Thank you." Kyra said.


    Oliver smiled, pleased at himself for coming up with this idea in a short time.


    "Shall we have dinner, milady", Oliver asked extending his hand to her.

 Chapter 108 - Date (part 2,)

    After Kyra and Oliver sat down for dinner, Kyra couldn''t help but look around.


    She didn''t see even a single living being here, let alone a human. Especially chefs.


    Oliver chuckled, aware of what is going on in Kyra''s mind.


    He fished out his mobile and sent a single word message.


    And, after a few seconds, out of nowhere Kyra saw three drones flying towards them.


    They skilfully placed the dishes on the table and then flew away.


    "Is this one of the highlights you are going to add for this resort?" Kyra asked.


    "This is for you, Ky. I want you to be comfortable and I know that you won''t be at ease when strangers are there." Oliver said as he placed the dishes on her plate.


    "The kitchen is on the other side of the island and I have asked my people to carry the dishes using drones rather than making them come in person," he added.


    All again, Kyra felt touched.


    He is really considerate and caring.


    Moreover, the dishes he prepared are her favorite.


    "We have planned this date just this morning. I didn''t expect you to prepare such a great, beautiful date, Oliver."


    "I am never going to forget this day. Thank you for making this memorable." Kyra thanked Oliver.


    "We might have planned this date today morning, Ky. But I have been preparing for this from the day I realized my feelings towards you."


    "All I wanted to do is to make this memorable moment for you. And, I am glad that you like it." Oliver said.


    Later, they enjoyed the dinner as they talked about some or other things.


    After finishing their dessert, they stayed there for a few minutes and then they stood up to look around.


    Kyra walked around, enjoying the sight of cherry blossoms and the petals that were drizzling.


    Oliver quietly followed her as he enjoyed the sight of Kyra having fun. Seeing her happy like this made him happy, so he doesn''t need to do other things to find his happiness.


    "Let me show you the other highlights, Ky." Oliver said as he took her hand into his.


    Kyra nodded her head and followed Oilver. She was about to walk towards the bridge but Oliver stopped her.


    "There is another way to cross this lake, Ky." he whispered from behind as he wrapped his arms loosely around her waist. As he doesn''t know whether Kyra is comfortable with getting physically close to him, he could only be cautious.


    Kyra gulped when she felt his hot breath on her face. His husky voice made her heart beat fast.


    He led her towards a boat and then helped her into it. As the rear end of it is around a hundred feet in width, traveling by boat is more comfortable than walking on a bridge.


    The boat is not automatic. So, Oliver had to use paddles to move the boat.


    Kyra sat beside him and looked at Oliver. She couldn''t help but get touched by everything he is doing for her.


    She agreed to date him just this morning and he is already making her fall for him more and more.


    At this rate, she might fall head over heels with him in no time.


    ''He is really good towards me.'' Kyra thought as she skimmed her eyes across his handsome face.


    ''Even after I scared him out this morning, he is still willing to tolerate me. Maybe I am really lucky this time'', Kyra thought.


    "Ky, see the lake surface. The light is becoming brighter." Oliver said.


    Kyra smiled. She couldn''t help but kiss him on his cheek.


    It was very sudden that Oliver didn''t expect it. However, when he looked at her, she had already averted her eyes.


    Oliver could see a smile on her lips and it is evident that she is shy to look into his eyes. He caressed her head and kissed her forehead. According to him, the forehead kiss is the most beautiful way to express one''s feelings.


    Kyra smiled when she felt his warm lips on her forehead. She snuggled close to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. Oliver, in response, wrapped his arm around her waist and placed his head on her head.


    As if the firecrackers were waiting for this romantic time to occur, they blasted into the sky, making colorful streaks in the air.


    Full moon, the firecrackers and the glowing lake. Surrounded by these beautiful scenes, it only enhanced the romantic vibes around them.


    Kyra looked at Oliver who was already looking at her with a gentle smile. He raised his hand to show his phone through which he activated the fire crackers.


    Kyra smiled in response and continued to lean on his shoulder.


    Oliver didn''t disturb the peaceful and beautiful moment they are having. He continued to enjoy the moment with Kyra.


    Only after God knew how much time had passed, Oliver looked at Kyra who was snuggled in his embrace and it is only when he realized that Kyra is long asleep.


    He chuckled and he couldn''t help but get amused. He didn''t expect Kyra to fall asleep but he can''t blame her for that. It is so quiet and peaceful here and given how hectic the day has been, it is not surprising that she fell asleep.


    Tenderly, he tucked the strands of her hair beyond her ear and kissed her forehead again. Later, he started to use paddles to travel to the otherside of the river.


    After reaching the land, he carried her in princess style to the car. He had planned a few other things as well but she was sleeping so peacefully that he didn''t have the heart to wake her up. Today is all about her, so he would go with her flow.


    But before he could reach the car, Kyra woke up.


    "I am so inconsiderate that I fell asleep during our date. Sorry.", Kyra said, her voice still groggy.


    Oliver chuckled. "It''s fine, Ky. You want to go home?", he asked, still holding her in princess style.


    Kyra shook her head horizontally.


    "Let''s continue our date. I had enough sleep. Now, I can continue our date even if it continues till morning.", Kyra answered.


    "It''s a promise ten.", Oliver said, tapping her nose.


    "Don''t tell me that our date will really last till morning,'''' Kyra asked.


    "Now, you are hesitant?" Oliver teased.


    "I am not!! Tomorrow is the weekend, anyway." Kyra said.


    "Now, let me stand, okay?", Kyra added.


    "It''s fine. Let me carry you. We are near to our next stop." Oliver said.


    "It-", before Kyra could speak, Oliver interjected.


    "Let me pamper you, Ky." he requested and with that Kyra could not say anything else. She let him carry her as he walked in the path that is lightened by the white garden lamps.


    This time, they stopped at the flower garden. It''s entrance is decorated with the tree arches and when they walk through it, the opening is decorated with flowers, beautifully tended and organized.


    "This island really has all the things nature lovers adore. The flower organization is really beautiful. The flowers are -" before Kyra could say anything, Oliver interjected.


    "Yep, every flower type here is imported from all the corners of this world. Aren''t they beautiful?" he asked.


    "They are really beautiful. I would love to have a garden like this which I can take care of by myself everyday." Kyra said.


    "You can create your own garden after-", Oliver stopped. He is about to say, ''after we get married'' but he didn''t dare to say it aloud as Kyra might feel like he is moving too fast with his thoughts.


    "After?" Kyra asked.


    "We came to our destination." Oliver said as he stopped at the opening.


    It has garden lamps placed in a way, they highlight the land in a round shape. Oliver deposited her in the middle and then he extended his hand to her.


    "Can I ask for a dance, milady?" he asked.


    Kyra nodded her head and placed her hand into his.


    As soon as she did that, a melodious song started to play. And just by hearing it, she could tell what that song was.


    It is the song for which they have danced at the charity event but didn''t finish it.


    They danced in a perfect sync, devoting all their heart into it.


    This time, there were no other people to disturb them and given the beautiful moon in the sky and the sweet fragrance of the flowers, Kyra could feel the song and dance with all her heart.


    They danced for a ten minutes or so and by then they were holding each other in their arms. Oliver could feel the heat radiating from Kyra''s body and her natural fragrance started to intoxicate him.


    He started to regret daring to overestimate his self control.


    All he wanted to do now is to kiss each and every inch of her beautiful, intoxicating face. His control started to shred into ashes when his eyes stopped at the sexy nape of her body.


    And, before he could register what was happening, his lips had already latched themselves to her shoulder, kissing it.

 Chapter 109 - Desires.

    By the time Kyra and Oliver returned to the mainland, it was midnight.


    Instead of landing on the usual spot, he landed on the helipad of the skyscraper where Sofia and he have a flat.


    "See you later." Oliver said as he walked her to her door.


    "Tomorrow morning? How about we go cycling?" Kyra asked.


    Oliver smiled and his happiness is evident in his twinkling eyes. Seeing Kyra take initiative, he could finally feel like he had achieved something.


    "Will you be able to wake up, Ky? It is almost midnight." Oliver asked.


    "I will be fine. It is you who needs rest. Maybe we can go cycling later." Kyra said.


    She has a bad habit of deciding things before asking the other person about their opinion. Her brothers spoiler her a lot that she started to get inconsiderate.


    "I don''t sleep much, Kyra. I would be fine with four to five hours of sleep." Oliver said, caressing her hair.


    "We will go at seven in the morning then. You will at least have six hours sleep, " Kyra said.


    Oliver smiled. "As you wish, girlfriend." He whispered in her ear as he moved close to her.


    Kyra gulped. She could feel her cheeks getting warm when he called her girlfriend. The way he said that word is so sexy and husky.


    "Good night. I...I will be going." Kyra said. Her voice stuttered a little because of the close proximity of their bodies. She could literally feel the warmth of his body.


    Speaking of warmth, she remembered that she is wearing Oliver''s blazer because of the cold.


    She was about to give it back but Oliver stopped her.


    "If you want your friend to see the hickey and tease you, carry on." he said in a teasing tone.


    With that, her cheeks reached the redness of a ripe tomato.


    She pushed him away and entered the passcode and hurried inside.


    Oliver chuckled and walked towards the elevator to go upstairs where he lives.


    "You came! I have almost convinced myself that you are going to spend the whole night with Oliver in some hotel." Sofia who was sitting in the living room said, her voice teasing enough to make Kyra roll her eyes.


    "I am not as fast as you, Sofi." Kyra said but her cheeks started to become red again.


    That cunning man has taken advantage of her!! It is not that she didn''t like and in fact, he carried on only after her permission.


    But it is still his fault because he seduced her!


    "Tell me details, hurry!! Where did he take you and what you did all these hours!" Sofia asked as she dragged Kyra to sit beside her.


    "He took me to an island-" before Kyra could continue, Sofia interjected.


    "Island!! Wow!! None of my dates did that for me, hmph!" Sofia said.


    Kyra ignored her friend and told her all the details. Well, not all the details but only till the dance part. Rest of it is..*cough*... private.


    "That''s it? Nothing intimate?" Sofia asked, giving a mischievous smile.


    "What else do you want, Sofi! Move...move. I need to freshen up" Kyra said as she hurriedly stood up and left to change.


    "Just by seeing her face, I could tell that there is more to the story." Sofia said and looked at the full moon from the glass walls.


    Weather is romantic but here she is, sitting alone.


    --------


    After picking pajamas that cover her neck as well, Kyra went to take a quick, warm shower.


    After soaking herself in comforting warm water, she wrapped herself in a towel and walked into the dressing room which is connected to the bathroom.


    Squeezing moisturizer into her hand, she stood in front of the mirror.


    And as soon as she saw a hickey, her already red cheeks reddened more and she was reminded of what happened while they were dancing.


    -----


    A few hours ago...


    His first kiss landed on the place where her shoulder met her neck. It is not a kiss but more like a light peck.


    Kyra grabbed a handful of his blazer on her fist when she felt his warm lips on her shoulder.


    Her eyelids started to get heavy and she was clearly intoxicated by that warm sensation on her sensitive skin.


    When she felt his warm breath focussed on her neck, she could only cave in and close her eyes.


    "I...I couldn''t control myself. Sor..sorry," Oliver said, his breath quick and shallow. It is evident from his stammering that he is trying so hard to control his urges.


    "Do... don''t be sorry." Kyra managed to speak. However, her voice has turned sensual and it only tempted Oliver more.


    "You should be careful with your words, Kyra." Oliver said, stammering a little as he saw into her eyes.


    Seeing into her eyes is the biggest mistake he made. They are filled with passion and it proactived him more.


    And, when Kyra looked into his blue eyes that are radiating with desire, she could tell how hard he is trying to stop himself from taking advantage of this situation.


    "Why?" she asked bravely. She doesn''t know what got into her that made her this brave and provocative.


    Oliver placed his palm on the side of her neck where he had kissed and caressed it a little and that only made Kyra feel more hot inside.


    She could only resist her heavy eyelids and look into his eyes, waiting for him to answer.


    "I don''t want to do anything without your consent, Kyra. I will wait till you are ready." Oliver said and he averted his eyes, not able to take it anymore.


    If he had looked into her eyes for one more moment, he is sure he would have lost his self control. He really overestimated himself.


    When Kyra heard his answer, she melted like a puddle of butter. She couldn''t deny that she was touched.


    She saw how he is fighting himself to stay in control. It is tough on him yet, he is this considerate.


    If he would have gone with that flow, he would have seduced her enough to have his way with her. He knows that yet, he took the difficult path.


    Why? Because of her.


    Kyra smiled and raised her head and left a peck on his lips.


    "I think I wouldn''t mind this." she said, placing her palm on his cheek.


    "Sure?", Oliver asked, holding on to the last thread of his self control from shredding.


    Kyra nodded her head and before she could say anything his lips attacked her lips.


    -------


    Present.


    "When did I become this brave?" Kyra asked herself as she applied moisturizer on the tiny hickey Oliver left at her neck.


    They didn''t do anything more than hugging and kissing.


    She is not ready for anything more than that and Oliver knows it. He is already surprised that she didn''t say no to kissing.


    He has kissed her on her forehead and she kissed him once on his cheek but they are gestures they made to show support and comfort each other.


    They are not filled with desire unlike this.


    "Did I rush a bit? Oliver looked surprised. Maybe he didn''t expect me to give him a green signal to kiss." Kyra thought.


    "I liked it and I kissed him because I felt like it''s right. I did it with my heart, so I don''t feel guilty." she told herself, smiling at herself.


    This date is something she would never forget in this life. Every moment of it is precious and she enjoyed every second of it.


    After tonight''s date, she felt more connected to Oliver.


    "I did the right thing by confessing my feelings to him. I am sure that our dating journey will leave many memorable moments to cherish later." she thought and got dressed.


    After that she drank warm milk Sofia prepared for her and after that both the best friends went to sleep after chatting for a little.


    ---------


    Meanwhile, at Oliver''s side.


    After returning to his penthouse he is all smiles. He couldn''t help but touch his lips again and again.


    He can''t tell how happy he is. It is simply indescribable.


    He didn''t expect Kyra to take initiative in kissing him on his lips. When he kissed her neck, he was so engrossed and enthralled that he did it before he could register what happened.


    He panicked that Kyra might misunderstand him.


    "She is not as complicated as I expected. Maybe I can really heal her scars and give her a happy life." he thought.


    When Kyra warned him this morning about herself, he was indeed scared. He was scared that he would leave another layer of scars and bad memories for her.


    Besides that, his break up with his first girlfriend did leave him with bad experiences and scars that are yet to fade.


    He knows that he has his fair amount of wrong doings which led them to break up. What if he makes the same mistakes and hurts Kyra?


    He would never forgive himself if he did that.


    But at the same time, he didn''t want to give up his feelings for Kyra.. He is sure that she is the one for him because he never felt emotions as strong as now ever before.

 Chapter 110 - Kyra Got Caught Red Handed.

    Next morning, Sofia was the first one to wake up. She usually works out in the evening but as it is the weekend and they might go out to have fun, she scheduled her aerobics session in the morning.


    When she woke up, Kyra was in a deep sleep beside her. She had a pleasant smile on her face as if she was dreaming something sweet and pleasant.


    Sofia smiled seeing her friend''s peaceful face. It is rare to see Kyra like this. She would mostly have disturbed sleep, often punished with nightmares and bad dreams.


    "She must be dreaming about Oliver... hehe." Sofia thought.


    She couldn''t help but take a picture of Kyra. However, when she zoomed that picture, she saw something that fascinated and surprised her at the same time.


    "What the hell!" she exclaimed in shock and moved Kyra''s night shirt a little at the shoulder part.


    "Good gracious!!" Sofia muttered as her eyes zoomed at the red spot on Kyra''s skin.


    It is obvious that it is a hickey. Kyra got caught red handed...


    "Here she says that she is not as fast as me!" Sofia said.


    She took a picture of that as well and moved Kyra''s clothes back to normal and climbed out of bed to get ready for her morning exercise.


    After a few minutes Kyra woke up to the alarm. It is six thirty in the morning and she has thirty minutes to get ready and meet Oliver in the lobby.


    Feeling energetic and pleasant, Kyra swiftly got ready. She had a beautiful dream during the night and it relinquished her energy levels. The dream was another date with Oliver and they were having a lot of fun and it was very romantic.


    Before leaving to the lobby, she called Oliver to tell that she was leaving the house.


    And, when Oliver lifted the call and greeted her with a good morning, Kyra frowned.


    His voice. It''s different��


    It''s not groggy but it is as if he got a cold.


    "Are you not feeling well??" Kyra asked, worried.


    "Just a little bit of *cough* *cough" cold. I am fine." he said, coughing in the middle.


    "No. You are not fine, Oliver. It''s obvious that you are not feeling well!!" Kyra said.


    "I will be fine, Kyra. *Cough*" he said, coughing.


    "Just by your voice I could tell that you are having a sore throat and dry cough. Did you take medicine?" Kyra asked.


    "I will." Oliver said, suppressing his cough.


    "First have breakfast." Kyra said.


    "Okay." he answered. If he speaks more, he will cough in the middle and it might make Kyra worry. So, he answered in one word.


    And, Kyra understood that intention and it only made her feel worse.


    "I will get you something to eat. I know that you don''t have energy to prepare some food." Kyra said. She would say no to outside food as it is not as healthy as food made at home.


    "I will *cough* manage." Oliver said. He doesn''t want to see her like this.


    "No. That won''t do. I am one floor below you and I would be preparing breakfast for myself. So, it''s not a big deal."


    "Please let me help." she said in a tone he could never say no to.


    "I will listen to you then." Oliver said.


    "Wait for a few minutes." Kyra said and hurried to the kitchen. But after seeing the empty fridge and empty pantry, she could only shake her head.


    How could she forget that Sofia doesn''t live here and only uses this once in a while.


    "What should I do now?!" Kyra sighed. She can''t go back to her house, cook the breakfast and bring it here.


    Her house is ten to fifteen minutes away from here and it is not a big deal. The main problem is her brother and her best friend.


    They will question her endlessly and if they get to know the truth, it wouldn''t be easy for them or her or for Oliver.


    "I will cook for him in his house itself. That''s better." Kyra decided.


    After deciding, she took the elevator and went to the top floor.


    It has only one penthouse so it didn''t take any effort to find the door. And, as soon as she rang the doorbell, Oliver opened the door for her.


    He is still in his night robe. He is wearing black trousers and a black night robe is loosely tied on his upper body.


    Kyra could see a little of his chest and it made her cheeks warm. Not because of that but because she got caught again staring.


    Oliver chuckled and coughed at the same time and he couldn''t help but clear his sore throat.


    When Kyra heard the discomfort in his throat, she snapped back into reality.


    "You sleep. I will prepare herbal tea and porridge. Is it okay? Or should I prepare something else?" Kyra asked as they walked into his house.


    It is as spacious as her house in Crescent Garden. The only difference is she has a huge garden in the backyard but Oliver has an infinity pool on one side and terrace garden on another side.


    "I am fine with whatever you cook." Oliver said, coughing slightly.


    "Rest for a bit. I will cook as quickly as possible." Kyra said, worry apparent in her voice.


    Oliver smiled when he sensed the genuine concern. He wanted to hug her and tell her that he will be fine but he resisted that thought as he didn''t want to pass the flu to Kyra.


    He listened to her obediently and returned to his room which is on the ground floor itself.


    Kyra boiled warm water and found a first aid box in the kitchen.


    With a knock, she entered his bedroom.


    Oliver has removed the night robe and his upper body is naked. Kyra tried her best to ignore it and sat down at the end.


    Oliver chuckled inside, seeing her internal battle. One side of her brain wants to enjoy the view while the other side of the brain wants to take care of him first.


    He sat down, leaning on the headboard and Kyra gave him a thermometer to put inside his mouth.


    Like an obedient child, Oliver listened to her and allowed her to touch his forehead.


    Her eyebrows scrunched when she saw the reading on the thermometer. He is having 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit of fever.


    "You are having a high fever, Oliver. How come you got ill in one night." Kyra said, pursing her lips.


    "Is it because of yesterday?" Kyra asked. He gave his blazer to her and he had only one layer of clothing after that.


    It was cold.


    "Silly. It''s not because of yesterday. I was feeling a little off from before. It''s not-" Oliver was about to say something but Kyra interjected.


    "If you were not feeling well, you should have told me yesterday. We would have postponed our date. See now! You are suffering." Kyra said, her eyes clearly filled with sadness.


    "I didn''t want to disappoint you, Ky. It''s our first day as a couple , so I wanted it to be memorable to you." Oliver said as he caressed her cheek.


    "But-"


    "I will be fine, Kyra. I really had a wonderful time yesterday." Oliver interjected.


    "If you are not feeling well or if you are busy, you can tell me Oliver. We can postpone our plans. Nothing is more important than health, right?" Kyra said.


    "It takes both of our efforts to make our relationship work. Don''t try to shoulder everything by yourself. Let me do my part, okay?" Kyra said as she pressed her cheek to his palm and smiled.


    Oliver smiled. "I will keep it in my mind from now on," he answered.


    "Good." Kyra replied.


    "Now, drink this water and take a nap. I will bring breakfast and medicines in ten minutes." Kyra said as she tucked him into his duvet.


    Oliver lovingly looked at her as she tucked him as if he was a child. Not that he minds. In fact, he loved it.


    "If you spoil me like this, I would be hoping to get sick often." Oliver said as he gave her a mischievous smile.


    "Not funny!" Kyra said, rolling her eyes as she closed the door.


    After ten minutes, Kyra came back with a tray in her hand and Oliver is fast asleep.


    He had sweat on his forehead and chest that made Kyra worry. What if his fever is increasing?


    She kept the tray aside and went into the kitchen and returned with a bowl of water and a towel.


    She quickly wetted the towel and dabbed it across his forehead and chest. Oliver felt relieved and his tensed forehead relaxed a little.


    He only woke up when he felt the coldness on his chest. He grabbed her hand in reflex but when he realised that it was Kyra, it was only when he relaxed.


    He was about to say sorry but Kyra beat him to it. " You are burning you know." she said.


    "It will get reduced in a day. Don''t worry, he said and sat down, leaning on the headboard.


    Kyra placed the food tray in front of him, gesturing to him to eat.


    "How about you? You should eat as well." he said, as he took a sip of herbal tea. It felt good in his throat.


    "It''s still seven in the morning. I will have later." Kyra said, helping him to cool down the porridge a little.


    Oliver smiled and didn''t say anything. The feeling he is going through now is indescribable. It felt immensely good to have Kyra at his side.


    He wouldn''t mind getting used to this.


    However, their peaceful time got ruined when a doorbell rang.

 Chapter 111 - Protective Of His Girlfriend.

    When Kyra heard the doorbell, she panicked. What if it is his family and they misunderstand her?


    Oliver could tell what was going on in her mind. He chuckled and held her hand in his.


    "My family won''t visit me here. It could be my assistant or Jennifer or Daniel." he said.


    If he is staying in this penthouse, no one dares to disturb him. When he decides to stay here, that means he has important work to do and is busy. It is like a tacit understanding between his family and him.


    "I will see. Wait." Kyra said and went to look at the video doorbell and just like he said, it is Jennifer.


    ''What is she doing here this early?'' Kyra thought, a little jealous.


    ''She is just a friend to him, Ky. You shouldn''t misunderstand.'' she spoke to herself and walked back to his room.


    Oliver was leisurely eating the porridge she made for him and when she returned he looked at her.


    "It is Jennifer." Kyra said.


    "Want to meet her now?" he asked, standing up.


    Kyra shook her head horizontally. "It is not the right time yet. Let me and Jennifer build a good relationship then we can tell her " she explained.


    "Whenever you wish, Kyra." he said, caressing her cheek.


    "You can stay in this room. Jenny won''t enter this room. You can use the study room connected to this room if you get bored. I have a few research papers that might help you." Oliver said.


    Kyra nodded, with a smile.


    When Oliver was about to go, she held his hand.


    Oliver turned and looked at her, waiting for her to speak.


    "You forgot your night robe." Kyra said and when Oliver heard her words, he couldn''t help his laughter.


    "Possessive, already?" he teased.


    "I am not possessive!! I just reminded you to wear it and what you want to do later is your wish!" she swiftly answered.


    The tiny bit of jealousy is evident in her voice and it made Oliver chuckle. She looked so cute now that he couldn''t control his urge to kiss her.


    However, as he was having a cold and cough, he restrained himself. Otherwise, he would have definitely kissed her.


    "How much I want to kiss you now!!" he said, making Kyra blush.


    The depth in his voice and that husky tone and most importantly, the desire in his voice made her feel the blood rushing to her face.


    "Go now! Our ''friend'' must be waiting" Kyra said and pushed him out of the room before closing it.


    Oliver chuckled and tied up his night robe. As his girlfriend doesn''t want him to show off his perfect body to others, as an obedient boyfriend he will listen to her.


    "What took you so long?" Jennifer asked as she entered the house, when he opened the door.


    "You are the one coming this early and disturbing me." Oliver said, avoiding her question. He took so long because he is busy with his girlfriend.


    "My brother said you are not feeling well. I have brought you homemade breakfast and here you are, complaining that I disturbed you." Jennifer said as he placed the bag on the dining table.


    And, it is only when she noticed that someone has already brought porridge, herbal tea for Oliver.


    When she looked into the kitchen, she could see the utensils that were washed just now, hunting for food that was cooked here and not bought from elsewhere.


    "Have you asked someone to cook for you, Oliver?" Jennifer asked. He was fine yesterday evening and when her brother called Oliver early in the morning for some important work, it was only when she got to know that he fell sick.


    Who would have come this early and made breakfast for him.


    "My girlfriend cooked for me." Oliver proudly said.


    Sofia choked on her own saliva when she heard his words. Girlfriend?? She was here this early??


    *Cough*...*Cough*... did they spend the night together??


    "Girlfriend?" Jennifer asked.


    "Yes. She was here earlier." Oliver said.


    "This early?" Jennifer enquired.


    "Why not? We were about to go out early in the morning but we had to stop because of my flu." Oliver gave a thorough explanation. He didn''t want anyone to misunderstand Kyra.


    "Oh." Jennifer said, not knowing how to reply. So, they had an early morning date but it got canceled because of his health. His girlfriend came here to cook for him and just left.


    "You were fine yesterday. Why so sudden? Are you feeling okay now?" Jennifer asked, concern evident in her words.


    "I am feeling better after eating. I will get well after a good day''s rest." Oliver said.


    "Did you get exposed to coldness yesterday night, Oliver? You know that you are prone to cold weather, right?"


    "Can''t you be a little more cautious and stop worrying about me and your sister??" Jennifer chided him.


    Oliver chuckled. "I will remember that, princess. You didn''t tell Luna right?" he asked worried that his sister (Luna) might worry.


    "I didn''t. Otherwise that idiot might die with concern." Jennifer answered.


    "Good." Oliver said as he took a quick glimpse at his bedroom door. He doesn''t want to make Kyra wait for long.


    "Where were you yesterday night? Your grandpa called you for so long and he called me, worried that you are not feeling good." Jennifer said.


    "I will call him later today. I was having a date with my girlfriend and the reception was not good there." Oliver responded.


    He simply wants to show off how he and his girlfriend are spending quality time.


    "You had a date last night, so you would have returned at midnight. Again you were about to go on a date early in the morning. Can''t you and your girlfriend stay separated even for a few hours?" Jennifer asked.


    ''He must have got sick because of yesterday night. It was very chilly last night. Can''t his girlfriend be sensible?'' she thought inside.


    Oliver only smiled when he heard Jennifer''s words. If possible he wants to keep Kyra beside him for every minute of his life.


    Jennifer could only roll her eyes looking at his loving expression.


    "I can''t take this PDA anymore. Oli, when will you introduce me to your girlfriend??" Jennifer asked, pouting.


    "When she is ready, Jenny. We just started to date and I don''t want her to feel overwhelmed. When the time is right, I will bring her to meet you and Daniel, okay?" Oliver said.


    Jennifer could only nod her head.


    She asked Daniel who Oliver''s girlfriend is. But he said that even he doesn''t know.


    She contacted Ava as well. The girl who sent the picture of Oliver and his girlfriend. But even she said that she didn''t see the face clearly because of the surgery mask his girlfriend is wearing.


    So, Jenny had to ask Oliver himself.


    "Okay. Did you tell your sister, by the way?" Jennifer asked.


    "I haven''t, Jenny. And, don''t you dare to tell her, okay?" Oliver said.


    "Why?" Jennifer asked.


    "My sister is protective of me. It will make my girlfriend troubled if my sister comes and pesters her. I know that Nora will make it difficult for my girlfriend." Oliver said.


    "That''s true. So, you are not going to waver?" Jennifer asked.


    Oliver shook her head horizontally. "I am not going to tell you anything till I feel like it''s the right time." Oliver said.


    "Protective, already?!" Jennifer said.


    "If not me, who will protect her?" Oliver said.


    Jennifer rolled her eyes.


    "At least say which stage you guys reached." Jennifer asked teasingly.


    "Stop bothering a sick person, Jenny!! Go...go back to your house!!" Oliver said.


    Jennifer chuckled but obliged.


    "Take care, big guy. If you want anything, call me, okay?" she said.


    "Oops...I forgot. You have your girlfriend for that." With that sarcastic remark, she left the house.


    Meanwhile, Kyra was in Oliver''s study room, looking into the research papers he mentioned. She could have eavesdropped on their conversation but she didn''t.


    She wanted to trust Oliver. She wouldn''t deny that she got tempted to listen to their conversation but after some contemplating she decided that trust is most important in a relationship.


    "Jenny went?" Kyra asked when she saw Oliver entering the study room.


    "I had to kick her out. She was probing a lot about our relationship." Oliver said as he walked towards Kyra.


    "She is a curious person." Kyra said with a smile. Depending upon the interactions she had with Jennifer, she felt like she is a good, kind person.


    "That she is." Oliver chuckled as he sat down and took a research paper into his hand.


    "You, don''t exhaust yourself!! Get up." Kyra said, pulling him out of his chair.


    Oliver smiled but obediently followed Kyra.


    "I will come and check you in the afternoon. I will prepare food, so don''t exhaust your energy." Kyra said.


    Oliver nodded his head.


    "You look more beautiful when you are dominating." Oliver said shamelessly.


    "I will take it as a compliment." Kyra said and kissed his forehead, surprising Oliver.


    Before he could snap out of it, Kyra has already left.


    Oliver touched his forehead and smiled. It felt good.. Just with Kyra''s presence, he started to feel as if he is getting better.

 Chapter 112 - Quality Day At Home Together.

    Oliver touched his forehead and smiled. It felt good. Just with Kyra''s presence, he started to feel as if he is getting better.


    --------


    "You didn''t go cycling??" Sofia asked when she entered the house and noticed that Kyra was in the kitchen.


    "And, why are you in the kitchen, Ky? Didn''t we decide to go back to Crescent Garden ( where Kyra''s house is located) for breakfast?" she added.


    "The answer for your first question is nope, I didn''t go for my morning exercise. The answer for your second question is, "I am staying here today." Kyra answered as she arranged the groceries she just ordered.


    "Can I ask why?" Sofia asked as she sat down at kitchen island.


    "I didn''t go cycling because Oliver is not feeling well and I am staying here because I have to take care of him." Kya answered.


    After listening to Kyra''s answer Sofia could help her excitement.


    "You are going to his house??" Sofia asked approaching Kyra and holding her arm.


    "I already went. This morning." Kyra said, not getting why Sofia is excited.


    "Really? What did you both do??" Sofia asked, her voice teasing.


    "Keep your dirty thoughts in check! He is sick! What could we do other than I taking care of him." Kyra said, shaking her head at her friend.


    "How did you take care of him?" Sofia probed.


    "I don''t understand why best friends are always super excited to fish more information about their friends." Kyra mumbled, remembering how Jennifer probed about Oliver''s relationship.


    "Because we are called best friends. That''s the natural trait of a best friend." Sofia said, pinching Kyra''s cheeks making Kyra narrow her eyes and pout.


    "Now, don''t divert the topic and answer my question, will you?" Sofia said.


    "I cooked for him, gave him his medicines and came back." Kyra answered Sofia''s first question.


    "That''s it?" Sofia asked.


    "I kissed his forehead. That''s it." Kyra said, rolling her eyes.


    Sofia chuckled.


    "I know that you both would make a good pair." she said. Seeing Kyra''s happy mood, she could heave in relief that supporting Oliver has started bearing fruits.


    "You do?" Kyra asked. Although she is happy with what''s going on between her and Oliver, she couldn''t help but worry about her and Oliver''s past experiences. They both have ended up with bad memories and traumatic experiences.


    "I really think so, Ky. You are trying your best to give everything a chance again and he is cautious towards his steps because of his past. He wants someone who values the relationship and gives their best. You are doing it."


    "You want someone who can make you happy and at the same time not hurt you and cherish you. He is doing exactly the same." Sofia said.


    "You both are perfect for each other." she added. One of the reasons why she accepted Oliver as her best friend''s boyfriend is because of this.


    Luther is also a better choice but he has nothing for which Kyra could contribute other than love.


    At the start of their relationship, Kyra and Luther might not feel anything but after a few years, who knows what their relationship would be like?


    Luther could simply say he is the one who has put more effort in their relationship and Kyra was just beneficiary.


    But it is different in Oliver and Kyra''s relationship. They both have to put equal efforts and the most important thing is they like each other. They want to be with each other unlike in Luther and Kyra''s relationship where Luther is the only one who has romantic feelings.


    After hearing Sofia''s logical explanation, Kyra nodded her head. That''s right.


    Their past experiences make them the best pair. They can heal each other.


    "I will tell Luther and Ryan that you have to go to Oliver''s research center for some important work and would be able to return only at night." Sofia said.


    "Thanks Ky. You are the best." Kyra said, hugging her best friend and leaving a quick peck on her cheeks.


    Sofia smiled seeing excitement in Kyra''s eyes.


    "I know that I am the best." Sofia narcissistically said.


    "And, don''t tell your over possessive brother or over protective friend about your relationship with Oliver. Not yet." she added.


    As Ryan is siding up with Luther, he might try to distract Kyra from putting her best efforts in her relationship.


    "I won''t tell them till my relationship with Oliver stabilizes. Don''t worry." Kyra answered.


    "Good." Sofia said.


    After that, Sofia freshened up and Kyra made breakfast for herself and her best friend.


    Chatting happily, the friends finished their breakfast and Sofia left for Crescent Gardens to meet Ryan and Luther.


    She has to keep them distracted so Oliver and Kyra can spend some quality time.


    ------


    By the time Sofia reached Kyra''s house, she saw Ryan, Luther and her cousin Daniel having breakfast.


    ''What is my cousin doing here!'' Sofia worriedly thought.


    Daniel and Oliver are best friends, so it could be possible that Daniel knows where Oliver is. If it is the case, her lie will be out.


    "Where is Kyra?" as soon as she entered, Ryan and Luther asked at the same time.


    Daniel looked at his sister, expecting the answer.


    "She won''t be coming today." Sofia said.


    "What?" Luther asked, shocked.


    "Why?" Ryan asked, surprised to hear that.


    "She is going to a research center for some work. She will be back by night." Sofia lied.


    "It''s Saturday. Why is she working??" Ryan said, angry and disappointed that he won''t be getting to spend time with his sister.


    "Yes. Why is Dr. Oliver Miller keeps her busy on weekends." Luther said. He came all the way here to woo Kyra and see what is happening!!


    "She willingly went. I don''t know if Mr. Miller would be going with her to the research center." Sofia quickly came up with a lie.


    Now, even if Daniel finds out that Oliver is sick, everyone will think that Kyra went alone to do her work.


    Praising herself, Sofia went back to her room. If she stays here for some more time, they will flood her with questions.


    --------


    Meanwhile, back at Kyra and Oliver''s place.


    After a few hours, Oliver called Kyra. He just woke up now and he knows that Kyra is waiting for him to call as she didn''t want to disturb him.


    "Woke up?" Kyra asked.


    "Yes. Just now " Oliver answered with his husky tone.


    "How are you feeling?" Kyra asked. He could sense the affection in her voice.


    "Better." Oliver answered.


    "Thank God." Kyra said, feeling relieved. She was already getting attached to Oliver.


    "Wanna come up, Ky? If you are alone and feeling bored, you can keep my company. " Oliver said, acting pitiful.


    Kyra contemplated for a few seconds. "Okay. I am coming." She said,


    After a few minutes, Kyra is already in front of his house.


    She has changed from her workout outfit to casual attire.


    She is wearing an oversized, full sleeve, T-shirt and a trouser of coffee brown color and has left her hair free. Her face is void of makeup and she looked simple and elegant.


    When Oliver answered the door, he couldn''t help but look at her, absorbing the view in front of her as much as he could.


    "Can I get in?" Kyra asked in a teasing voice. She could only laugh inside because she could see that he got affected by her dress.


    "Of..of course." Oliver said, welcoming her inside. Her bare shoulders, her slim neck, her collarbones...he couldn''t take his eyes off them.


    She shouldn''t be teasing him like this!!


    "What shall we do? I can''t sleep and there is time for lunch." Oliver said. His voice has cleared up a little and he looked better compared to before.


    Kyra looked around. They can work on research papers but this is the weekend and they can have fun instead of working like workaholics, which they are.


    "Movie? We can watch some light hearted movies." Kyra said.


    Oliver nodded his head and led Kyra to the home theatre.


    Kyra selected a movie to watch and they sat down, their shoulders brushing.


    Oliver couldn''t help but get distracted because of Kyra''s natural scent and body''s warmth. Adding to that, her outfit is very distracting and tempting.


    Even Kyra couldn''t help it. She could only take glimpses at Oliver as the movie started.


    Oliver coughed a little and entwined their fingers.


    Feeling his warm palms, Kyra looked at him and smiled. She didn''t run away from showing the affection so, she placed her head on his shoulders and pretending to watch the movie.


    Truth to be told, she could feel her heart beat fast. She can''t concentrate on the movie at all.


    Oliver was taken aback by little but smiled in content. He leaned his head on her head and kissed her head.


    With a beautiful smile on their lips, they focussed their eyes on movie but truth to be told, their hearts are focussed on each other.


    They are indeed having the quality time unaware that many people outside are plotting to break them apart.

 Chapter 113 - They Are Fans Of Each Other.

    For the first half of the movie, Kyra and Oliver continued to exchange glances and smiles as they peeked at each other once in a while.


    When she second half of movie was playing, it is only when Oliver realised that Kyra has king slept, leaning her head comfortably on his shoulders.


    Oliver smiled as he suppress the cough that is trying to make its way out.


    He gently caressed Kyra''s face, taking in every detail of it. Still, unconvinced, she could only click the picture of her sleeping face.


    He couldn''t resist it because of the cute, peaceful expression she is wearing.


    After having his fill, he held her cautiously and then moved her head to his lap, so that Kyra could sleep properly on the couch.


    He continued to watch the movie as he caressed her hair. Nevertheless, it didn''t take him much time to fall asleep as well.


    First of all, the movie is sleep inducing and given the tablets he took, it didn''t take him much effort to sleep.


    ------


    Kyra woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing.


    After opening her groggy eyes, the first thing Kyra wondered about is, how and when she fell asleep.


    Her second surprise came when she noticed that she was having her head on Oliver''s lap while he was sleeping in a sitting position with his head uncomfortably leaning on the sofa.


    He is the one who is not falling well and here she is, not at all considering and sensible.


    Chidding herself, Kyra slowly stood up and reduced the air conditioning. After that she wrapped a blanket around Oliver and walked into the kitchen to make lunch for both of them.


    As her phone was buzzing earlier, she turned the screen on and as she expected, it was her brother Ryan, sending pictures of their day out.


    It is obvious that he wants her to know how they all are enjoying the weekend while she is stuck in a research institute.


    ''This is not bad as well. A peaceful movie and falling asleep to it with the man I like.'' Kyra thought as she smiled and started to make preparations for preparing lunch.


    If she is in her house, her brothers always cook. Although she is good at it, they simply wanted to pamper her and let her enjoy the weekend.


    Now, making lunch for someone she likes is actually not that bad.


    Not very long after Kyra woke up, Oliver woke up too. Because of the too much sleep he is taking, they are short and disturbed.


    He didn''t see Kyra in the room so, he knew that she was either in the kitchen or study room.


    When he came out of the home theatre, he could see Kyra''s back as he engaged herself in cutting vegetables.


    ''Should I back hug her?'' Oliver thought. He remembers that when he was a kid, his father used to do the same for his mother and she used to love it.


    His mother used to tell him that it gives the feeling of warmth and comfort to the loved one.


    So, Oliver always had this thing for a back hug when his girlfriend / wife was cooking for him.


    He doesn''t remember doing this with his first girlfriend because they have never spent a day alone with each other let alone have her cook for him in his house.


    In fact, a few of his memories of his first love are fuzzy and vague.


    Coming back to the present, Oliver was about to hug Kyra from back but remembered that his god sister Hope (the twins mother and Kyra''s sister in law) once told him that she had slapped her then boyfriend, Andrew, Kyra''s first brother, because he startled her with that sudden hug.


    After contemplating, he decided to give it a shot. If Kyra is really comfortable with him, she might not give startling responses like slapping or kicking him.


    "Hey." Oliver said as he wrapped his arms around her waist from the back. At first Kyra was too taken by his sudden gesture, but relaxed in his arms after a few moments.


    She felt good.


    She felt his warmth invading her and it gave her comfort. Comfort that someone is there for her to support her and love her.


    "You woke up so soon." Kyra said, as she placed her palm on his cheek from behind.


    "I usually sleep less. Sleeping for this long is actually a miracle to me." Oliver said, kissing the back of her head.


    "Your throat is clearing up, Oliver. Take proper rest today and you will get better by tomorrow." Kyra said.


    "If I get well tomorrow, can we go on a date tomorrow?" Oliver asked, placing his chin on her shoulder.


    "If I don''t spend tomorrow with my brother Ryan and my best friend Luther, they will throw tantrums like kids."


    "They are already sending pictures of them enjoying it to make me envious. They are thinking that I am at your research institute." Kyra said.


    Oliver chuckled. "This is actually feeling like we are having a secret affair," he said.


    "I know. I know." Kyra chuckled.


    "It''s exciting." Oliver whispered in his husky voice in her ear.


    Kyra gulped, feeling the blood rushing towards her face. His husky voice alone to turn her on?


    Her self control seems to be quite less.


    Oliver smiled inside when he saw Kyra''s distracted face. He could see that she is having the same impact as him when they distract each other.


    Oliver kissed the place where her shoulder meets neck, the same place where he left the hickey last night.


    When Kyra felt his kiss there, her heart started to beat fastly and her eyes started turning heavy.


    Oliver took this opportunity and made her turn to face him. Now, they are just a few inches apart and both of their breathing are quick and short.


    Oliver leaned his forehead to her forehead and smiled. His hand gently caressed her face and tucked the strand of her hair beneath her ear.


    If he was feeling, he would have kissed her. Unfortunately he wasn''t, so he had to stop there.


    They stayed like that for a while and they only broke it when Oliver''s phone started to ring. It''s Jennifer and she wanted to know how Oliver is feeling now.


    In another half an hour, Kyra finished preparing a healthy and simple lunch with the help of Oliver. She insisted that she can do it alone but he didn''t have the heart to let Kyra do everything.


    This is her first time visiting his home and he is making her work. He didn''t like it. Not even a single percent of it.


    Oliver and Kyra had a peaceful lunch as they chatted about work and some other personal things.


    After that, Kyra gave Oliver medicines and then, he gave her a quick home tour.


    "You have my paintings." Kyra said with a smile when she saw a few of her paintings hung to the walls in the rooms.


    "I am your fan, Ms. Collins." Oliver whispered to her.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "I am deeply honoured that my idol is my fan." she said, making him chuckle.


    "When I first found out that you are this mysterious painter, the passion, I had to tell you that I was surprised." Oliver said.


    "Why? You didn''t expect it?" Kyra asked as she looked at her painting. This is the first professional painting she did and she didn''t want to sell it.


    But her friend / slash manager who takes care of auctions and other stuff told her that she met a man who described this painting just exactly with the same concept Kyra painted it with.


    After hearing that, Kyra decided to give the painting to that man and it turned out Oliver is that man.


    Not only her first painting but he has two more of her paintings with him. She paints very few paintings so, having three of them can make Oliver be considered as her fan.


    "It''s just that, I was picturing the painter to be middle aged." Oliver said.


    "You, what??" Kyra shouted in a low tone. No girl would be unbothered if her age is misunderstood.


    "Don''t get angry, girlfriend." Oliver said, tapping her nose.


    "The paintings are too mature and deep for your age. You just started your life but the paintings feel like you have seen so much of life outside." Oliver said.


    When Oliver had put it like that, it felt more like a compliment so Kyra cooled down.


    "I have been through a lot since my childhood. I had seen the dark side of life in my teenage years, so I could be considered a little mature compared to others of my age." Kyra said that.


    "Don''t think about it anymore, Ky. You have your family and friends and now, me as well. That dark side will never appear in your life ever again." Oliver said, kissing her forehead.


    But little did he know that the ones who pushed Kyra into that dark side are soon going to reappear in her life and it is not very far from now on.

 Chapter 114 - Its Time For Revenge.

    Next Monday.


    As usual, Kyra woke up early for work.


    Last Saturday, after having a romantic dinner with Oliver in his house, Kyra returned to her house that night.


    By the time she returned, her best friend Luther and her fourth brother Ryan had planned the full Sunday.


    They left Sunday morning to a Lake house for brunch. As it was famous for its food, they spent till late afternoon there, doing various fun activities.


    After that they went clubbing. Though Kyra doesn''t like to mingle with strangers, she is fine enjoying and dancing with the people she knows.


    Besides Ryan, Luther, Sofia and herself, five more people joined the party.


    They are her friends.


    Three of them are the ones who have started business with her when she was in university.


    One of them is tech guys. He is responsible for all the research and development sections. He is the CTO.


    The second guy is the COO. He takes care of human resources, marketing and daily administration.


    The other one takes care of all the management.


    She is the face of the company, the one who meets the clients, participates in collaborations, meetings with directors.


    Kyra is responsible for strategies, finances and decision making. She is the CFO and the major shareholder of the company.


    She could have become the CEO but she knows that she is too busy to handle that role. So, she let her friend do that.


    As CFO, she can interact less with people and can rely on the facts, documents and numbers. Her brain alone is a major asset and she is natural with that role.


    The fifth one of this group is the head secretary of the company, Lisa. Lisa is her fourth best friend after Sofia, Luther, Chloe.


    She is the one who introduced her to the other four.


    So, there were a total of nine numbers and Kyra enjoyed a lot Sunday night.


    -----


    "Is your head blasting, Ky?" Sofia asked in her groggy voice.


    "A little." Kyra answered in a low voice, groggy.


    "Is this a hangover?" Sofia asked.


    "No, Sofi. It isn''t." Kyra said and sneezed.


    Sofia followed Kyra and she sneezed as well.


    "Flu?" Sofia asked.


    "Maybe." Kyra said, trying to clear her throat.


    Taking a glimpse at the clock, Kyra sighed. It''s time to work!!


    Reluctantly she woke up and got ready.


    As she went downstairs, she heard Luther coughing.


    "It''s the flu." Kyra whispered to herself.


    "Even, you are not feeling well??" Luther asked.


    Kyra nodded her head as she walked into the kitchen to help Luther. As he is not feeling as well, Kyra decided to help him.


    Kyra sneezed and cleared her throat and Luther coughed.


    "It must be those five guys. They should have spread the flu." Luther said.


    "Maybe." Kyra lied. She knows that she is the patient zero of this flu and Oliver is the one who has spread this to her.


    "So, they are here to help you, Ky?" Luther asked as he sipped the milk mixed with pepper.


    "Yeah." Kyra answered, sipping her milk.


    "So, are you really serious about establishing the branch of your company here?" Luther asked, worried.


    He doesn''t want her to be involved with the business here in this city. It is her biological mother''s turf so, it is inevitable for them not to cross their paths.


    And, it worried him a lot because there are high chances her trauma might resurface.


    "I have already decided, Luther. I took a building in the tech park for lease as well and my four friends will go there to look into other details." Kyra said.


    "They are leaving the main branch, the headquarters and are shifting here to establish a side branch here?" Luther asked.


    "Yes. It seems so. I didn''t want them to but they insisted, Luther. As I was there, supporting them at the crucial moments of their life, they wanted to do so." Kyra answered.


    "Crucial moment? How is this the crucial moment in your life, Ky?" Luther asked, now tensed with concern for her.


    "Lither, I decided to face my biological mother at last. They are thinking that I died and are enjoying the things which should legally belong to me." Kyra said.


    "You want revenge?" Luther asked. Till a few months back, she was saying no to revenge and wanted to avoid them at all costs.


    "Yes. I do. I want to break from these shackles and live my life without any traumas." Kyra said.


    "But, Ky-" Luther was about to say something but Kyra interjected.


    "It''s getting late, Luther. Let''s talk in the evening, okay?" Kyra said and stood up to leave.


    After going up and wearing her shoes, Kyra left.


    Luther looked at Kyra and sighed.


    "She changed." Luther said just at the time Ryan came downstairs.


    "She became a little brave and is trying to break from the restrictions she made for herself. It is good but at the same time it is risky. I am worried about the consequences." Ryan said.


    "I don''t want to look at her in that state again, Ryan. Should we stop her?" Luther asked.


    "I don''t know, Luther. This is a sensitive topic and I am really clueless." Ryan said.


    Luther sighed and went upstairs to get ready.


    ------------


    After a few minutes, Kyra reached the hospital.


    She sneezed again and couldn''t help but wipe her nose with a tissue and wear a mask.


    She doesn''t want to spread the flu to others.


    Sneezing again, she reached her office and it attracted everyone''s attention in the room.


    "Sick?" Jennifer asked.


    "Seems like it." Kyra answered.


    "Took medicines?" Jennifer asked again.


    "I did. Thanks for asking." Kyra thanked Jennifer.


    "I will make rounds instead of you today, Kyra. You take some rest, okay?" Jennifer said.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    If her flu gets intense, she wouldn''t be able to perform the surgeries scheduled today.


    Maybe, if she takes a rest, this flu might reduce a bit.


    Her rest didn''t last long when a nurse told her that Dr. Oliver Miller is asking her to get a file of today''s first surgery which is scheduled for the afternoon.


    Kyra nodded her head and made her way upstairs.


    Knocking the door, she sneezed again.


    Oliver could hear it from inside and he couldn''t help but worry.


    "You may leave now, Dr. Ron." Oliver said and as Ron exited, Kyra walked inside sneezing.


    Just as Kyra sneezed, Oliver sneezed as well, in sync.


    Ron looked at Kyra and then Oliver. ''This is not a flu season but these guys are having the flu. I should be careful." he thought.


    After greeting Kyra good morning, Ron left.


    "You are sneezing. Are you not feeling well?" Oliver asked, walking to Kyra.


    "I think I caught your flu, Oli." Kyra said, smiling.


    "Sorry." Oliver said, caressing her hair.


    "Don''t be. I shouldn''t have seduced you." Kyra said, smiling.


    Oliver chuckled.


    "You shouldn''t have, Ky." he teased as he made her sit.


    He poured a herbal tea for her and gave it to her.


    "You seem to be feeling well." Kyra said.


    "Thanks to the intense care of my girlfriend. I am feeling a lot better." Oliver said.


    Kyra smiled and took a sip of the herbal tea Oliver gave.


    "Now, it looks like this is my time to take care of my girlfriend." he said.


    After a few minutes, Kyra reached the hospital.


    She sneezed again and couldn''t help but wipe her nose with a tissue and wear a mask.


    She doesn''t want to spread the flu to others.


    Sneezing again, she reached her office and it attracted everyone''s attention in the room.


    "Sick?" Jennifer asked.


    "Seems like it." Kyra answered.


    "Took medicines?" Jennifer asked again.


    "I did. Thanks for asking." Kyra thanked Jennifer.


    "I will make rounds instead of you today, Kyra. You take some rest, okay?" Jennifer said.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    If her flu gets intense, she wouldn''t be able to perform the surgeries scheduled today.


    Maybe, if she takes a rest, this flu might reduce a bit.


    Her rest didn''t last long when a nurse told her that Dr. Oliver Miller is asking her to get a file of today''s first surgery which is scheduled for the afternoon.


    Kyra nodded her head and made her way upstairs.


    Knocking the door, she sneezed again.


    Oliver could hear it from inside and he couldn''t help but worry.


    "You may leave now, Dr. Ron." Oliver said and as Ron exited, Kyra walked inside sneezing.


    Just as Kyra sneezed, Oliver sneezed as well, in sync.


    Ron looked at Kyra and then Oliver. ''This is not a flu season but these guys are having the flu. I should be careful." he thought.


    After greeting Kyra good morning, Ron left.


    "You are sneezing. Are you not feeling well?" Oliver asked, walking to Kyra.


    "I think I caught your flu, Oli." Kyra said, smiling.


    "Sorry." Oliver said, caressing her hair.


    "Don''t be. I shouldn''t have seduced you." Kyra said, smiling.


    Oliver chuckled.


    "You shouldn''t have, Ky." he teased as he made her sit.


    He poured a herbal tea for her and gave it to her.


    "You seem to be feeling well." Kyra said.


    "Thanks to the intense care of my girlfriend. I am feeling a lot better." Oliver said.


    Kyra smiled and took a sip of the herbal tea Oliver gave.


    "Now, it looks like this is my time to take care of my girlfriend.." he said.

 Chapter 115 - He Is Already Taken.

    The weekdays have passed quite smoothly.


    It took Kyra and others almost three to four days to recover from their flu and all that time, Oliver secretly took care of her during working hours.


    He reduced most of her work and let her work with a diagnostic team instead of working on surgeries and doing rounds.


    Like this, Kyra got to spend some time with Luther, her best friend as well.


    Yes, Oliver was a bit jealous but he couldn''t say no to Kyra''s request.


    Luther is just like Jennifer and Oliver knew it from the first time he saw Luther. He knows that Luther likes Kyra and has romantic feelings for her.


    But he also knows that he can''t make Luther spend less time with Kyra as it would be very selfish of him.


    He knows that he could let them interact like they always do. It is because he knows that Kyra likes Luther just like how he likes Jennifer.


    Best friends. Nothing more than that.


    Besides that, there have been a few people talking about Luther, him and Kyra.


    As three of them had the flu at the same time, some over imaginative people started guessing that these three knew each other.


    And, those rumors have of course got striked away as baseless rumors. Getting the flu at the same time cannot prove that these three know each other.


    ---------


    That Friday��


    It is Luther''s last day here as he would be going back to London. Although he will miss working with Kyra and living under the same roof with her, he knows that he can''t neglect his job.


    His job is important as it is a matter of life and death to many of his patients.


    He has already been out of the town for one week and his assistant from the hospital had already started calling him to tell that his patients got admitted and are waiting for him to perform surgeries for them.


    "I will really miss you, Ky." Luther said, giving her a tight hug. He will really miss her.


    After they both got sick and she was asked to work in the diagnostic team temporarily, they had some good time together.


    It reminded him of their days back in Collins Hospitals.


    "I will miss you too." Kyra said, patting his back.


    "Come back as soon as possible, please." he said, giving her puppy eyes.


    "I will try. But I have some stuff to do here. Some old accounts to settle with some people." Kyra said.


    "Are you sure, Ky? I don''t know why but I am feeling like this is not the best time." Luther said.


    "There is no best time, Luther. She got to do this and the sooner she settles this matter, the lighter she will feel." Lisa said.


    Lisa is none other than the CEO of the company she started with her four other friends, including Lisa. She is also Kyra''s third best girlfriend.


    Luther sighed when he heard Lisa''s words.


    "Fine. Just do whatever you want but be cautious okay." Luther said.


    "I am here, right? I won''t let those bitches hurt my friend. I will make them kneel and beg for forgiveness, hmph!" Lisa said, making both Kyra and Luther chuckle.


    "I will leave her to you, then." Luther said before going upstairs to resume packing his luggage.


    He would be leaving late at night after dinner. As he wouldn''t be able to come for the next whole month, they decided to have a small get together at lunch.


    "Are you sure Luther doesn''t like you romantically, Ky? I can see that love very clearly in his eyes, you know!" Lisa said after Luther went.


    "What are you talking about, Lisa? He is my best friend and yes, he loves me but like a friend. We have been friends for almost seven years and he has never spoken anything about love and relationships."


    "He didn''t even leave a few hints. It''s impossible." Kyra said.


    "Maybe he is afraid of your past and vulnerable feelings." Lisa said.


    "I am not as vulnerable as before. He knows that I can handle my feelings pretty well now. We are just friends. Erase all your thoughts and stop acting detective, young lady." Kyra said.


    "Yes, madam." Lisa said and they both laughed.


    "Laughing without me? Both of you have already forgotten me?" Sofia asked wrapping both of her arms around Kyra and Lisa.


    Lisa is Sofia''s best friend first as well. She joined them later yet they bonded really well. People call them three troublemakers because they do bring a lot of trouble sometimes.


    Lisa was once a model as well but she had some lows in the past and had to leave that field. So, she became a CEO instead.


    "Why would we laugh without you, dearie. We are just bad mouthing you till now." Lisa said, rolling her tongue out to tease Sofia.


    "Idiots. Ganging against me!" Sofia pouted.


    "I will go and help the boys in the kitchen instead of getting bullied. au revoir" Sofia said and left Lisa and Kyra alone in the kitchen.


    Ryan, Sofia, Kyra and Lisa are preparing dinner and Luther would be joining them after he is done packing.


    Besides them, Kyra''s three other friend''s from the company would be joining them as well. And, Oliver too.


    Yes, Oliver as well.


    Luther didn''t want to invite Oliver at first. But after some contemplating he decided to do so because he didn''t want to look petty in front of Kyra.


    Oliver has ''magnanimously'' let Kyra work with him in the diagnostic team for the whole five days of the week. If he doesn''t invite Oliver for a mere three hours dinner event, he will really look like a petty and ungrateful person.


    "Our branch here will officially start functioning from next Monday, Kyra. Are you sure about our plan?" Lisa asked after some time.


    "I am. What about you?" Lisa asked.


    "We will be working together and I trust your plan, Ky." Lisa said.


    "Let''s have our revenge together." She added.


    Even, she is from this place. She lost her respect, reputation, family and career here. She had to leave her modeling career and had to flee to London to avoid getting public shaming for things she didn''t do.


    She got accused wrongly by her sister in law for her miscarrriage. Her own brother disowned her for that.


    In the process of getting her name cleared, she made her condition even more worse and ruined her modelling career.


    She was labelled as a murdered, home wrecker, slut and many more. Her father has helped her for one last time by getting her released from the prison and he gave her some money and asked her to go away from their lives.


    Lisa was just twenty one back then and didn''t know anything about life besides family and modelling career. She chose to go to London and it was a pure coincidence that she met Kyra.


    They met each other in Oxford. Lisa was doing MBA and Kyra was a weekend student there.


    After finding out about each other''s past, they bonded really quickly. They both were broken and wounded back then, so they shared so much in common.


    Later, they ended up merging the startups they started separately with their own friends and created one company.


    Lisa has always wanted to take revenge but she was afraid as well. And so was Kyra.


    They both knew that they don''t have enough power to take revenge against people who have hurt them.


    Although they didn''t plan how, when and where, they have made their company grow exponentially by channeling the inspiration from their past and remembering how helpless they were back then.


    They just wanted to become successful regardless of whether they take revenge or not in the future.


    Only a few months ago, Lisa started to bring up revenge and the reason turned out to be, Lisa''s mother was getting bullied by her sister in law and brother for something she, Lisa, didn''t do a few years back.


    After seeing her friend in pain, Kyra couldn''t bear to go blind eye because of her own fears.


    As they made a vow to face everything together, Kyra agreed to go back and help Lisa for revenge. That was why she decided to work in this hospital all of a sudden and shifted here.


    Lisa joined after a few months because of the prior commitments she had. By then Kyra had taken care of building, recruitment and other stuff.


    Now, they are ready to keep their plan in motion. With Lisa putting her all effort into it, Kyra could manage both her career and company at same time.


    "I am starving, Ky. Where are those three fellas and Dr. Miller?" Luther''s words brought Kyra and Lisa back from their thoughts.


    "Hayley (the secretary), Tayler and Taylor (the twin tech guys, COO and CTO of the company) are five minutes away." Sofia shouted from the kitchen.


    "Oliver is on his way as well." Daniel who just came said. Luther had to call Daniel as well as they are neighbours and colleagues.


    "Ky, I heard Dr. Miller is hot and totally my type. Help me by introducing him to me, will you?" Lisa asked.


    "Sorry, Lisa. He is taken." Kyra immediately answered. Oliver is, well, will be her man soon.. He is off the singles list.

 Chapter 116 - Why Should He Be So Handsome??

    "Ky, I heard Dr. Miller is hot and totally my type. Help me by introducing him to me, will you?" Lisa asked.


    "Sorry, Lisa. He is taken." Kyra immediately answered. Oliver is, well, will be her man soon. He is off the singles list.


    "Taken?" Lisa asked, surprised.


    "Yes.", Kyra answered bluntly. She doesn''t know why but she is not feeling good in her heart when someone is trying to get close to Oliver. Maybe she is already possessive of him.


    "Just a few months back, Oliver was single, you know. I heard he has set high standards for his future girlfriend." Lisa whispered to Kyra.


    "You seem to be very interested in him, Lisa." Kyra said.


    "Of course. You are a fan of his as well though it is strictly professional." Lisa said.


    Kyra didn''t say anything. Although it was strictly professional before, it has changed recently.


    "Why do I smell the burning smell?" Lisa said sniffing.


    "Is it from you, Ky? Have you started admiring Oliver personally too?!", Lisa asked, giving a shocked expression as she exclaimed.


    That''s it. Kyra lost her cool self and stood up to sit somewhere else.


    Lisa pouted and gave a puppy look to Kyra but Kyra ignored her friend.


    "When did our Kyra become this cold hearted, Sofi? Wuwuwuwu�� she ignored me for the first time and I am heart broken.", Lisa said, exaggerating just like Sofia does.


    "Why should my two friends be this dramatic.", Kyra sighed as she wiped off the imaginary sweat.


    Luther, Ryan laughed when they saw these three interacting. It will always be lively if these three girls are together. Sofia and Kyra got connected to each other because of their opposite personalities. Kyra and Lisa got bonded because of their similar circumstances and character. Sofia and Lisa became good friends because of their career, well, Sofia''s present career and Lisa''s former career.


    These three have become friends on whom they could rely and trust.


    After a few minutes. Hayley, Taylor, Tayler�� Kyra and Lisa''s business partners/friends arrived. They sat down and warmly greeted each other. Just as they finished with their greetings, Oliver arrived too.


    As soon as he came, his eyes fell on Kyra who was dolled up in a beautiful, red evening dress. Others have thought that she got dressed because of the peer pressure from Sofia and Lisa but in reality, she got dressed for Oliver.


    It is their first of many dinners in her house after they become a couple. She wanted it to be romantic with just the two of them but their first dinner in her house as a couple has turned out to be a get together for sending off Luther. It''s fine. They will have more opportunities later.


    Oliver gave a smile and Kyra returned it. He is in a semi formal attire with a black blazer, a white T shirt and black skin fit trousers. It is not so special but for Kyra it is.


    She has complimented that he looks handsome in this attire so, he has worn this instead of coming in a suit or casuals.


    His eyebrows scrunched a little when he noticed that there was no place behind Kyra for him to sit. Luther was at one side and Ryan was at the other side of Kyra as if they were bodyguards protecting their most precious jewel from getting stealed by some other man.


    Oliver could reluctantly sit down at the only remaining place and that is behind Lisa and Hayley. Lisa was looking especially happy and excited while Hayley was blushing as she sneaked a glance at Oliver.


    ''Why should he be so handsome.'' Kyra thought as she looked at both of her friends who have unusually started acting ladylike.


    "Here, have this steak, Mr. Miller. It''s very tasty", Lisa passed the steak to Oliver.


    "It''s better we cut it for him, Lisa.", Hayley said and they have started to cut it for Oliver. Others could only look at them with a mixture of amusement and surprise. This is an unexpected twist.


    Even Oliver got startled seeing these two act this way. He knows their names because Kyra has told about them once but he didn''t know them personally. However, when he looked at Kyra he decided to tease her a little bit.


    "Thank you, ladies.", he thanked the girls, giving his signature smile making their hearts flutter.


    "It''s our honor." Lisa hurriedly said and Hayley nodded her head, agreeing to her friend.


    "Shall we cut more steaks for you, Mr. Miller." Hayley asked.


    "Sure. Who can say no to the beautiful ladies?", Oliver said with a smile. If he wants to be mischievous and flirtatious no one could outdo him.


    Hayley and Lisa giggled.


    Meanwhile, Kyra could only look at them with narrowed eyes. She saw through Oliver''s little plan and she must agree that he succeeded with it.


    "Here Ky, eat this." Luther said as he placed the favorite pieces of salad onto her plate. He is not competing with the two girls there as this is what he usually does.


    "Thanks, Luther.", Kyra thanked him. Unlike before, none of the people around the table looked surprised and it only backfired Oliver''s plan because it proved that Luther always does this for Kyra.


    It continued for a few more minutes and after that everyone finished their dinner as they talked about random stuff.


    Daniel, Luther, Oliver and Kyra are doctors so they had so much to talk about it.


    Ryan, Sofia and Lisa are in the entertainment field so they talked about various things related to it.


    Taylor, Tayler, Oliver, Ryan, Luther are into technology and it''s trends so they had a lot to discuss and share their views about it.


    Lisa, Kyra, Oliver, Luther talked about the management and collaborations of their companies.


    Daniel, Hayley, Sofia, Kyra, Ryan spoke about military and politics as their families are included in at least one of it. And, it turned out that Oliver and Luther knew much about those domains as well.


    With all these common interests and a lot to discuss and share their own thoughts, three hours passed in the blink of an eye.


    It is time for Luther to leave. He reluctantly said his farewell to everyone, especially to Kyra.


    Oliver had to suppress his possessiveness and jealousy seeing Luther and Kyra hug each other and give each other emotional farewell.


    Luther promised to return once his schedule is free. ,


    "I didn''t get much time to woo Kyra.", Luther sighed as he spoke to Ryan.


    "You are here only for a week, Luther. It takes months to woo my sister. For you it could be easy. Just ask for a chance to woo her!! Ask her to try it out and she wouldn''t disagree, you know!!", Ryan said, vexed by this. He can''t get involved personally and he can''t do anything rash. He is feeling helpless now.


    "It wouldn''t be right to do it now. I am going back tonight. It will become a disaster if I ask for a long distance relationship." Luther said.


    "You are right.", Ryan sighed.


    "I will try to come back as soon as possible, okay? This time I will try to stay here for at least a month.", Luther said.


    "I will ask my dad to transfer you here. The branch of Collins Hospital is almost ready to open." Ryan said.


    "But you have to look after the management as well," he added.


    "I know. Dr. Collins has made that clear." Luther said. The new branch of Collins Hospital is opening here as they have bought a group of hospitals here and are restructuring the organization to merge it into their Collins Groups.


    As the starting stage is more crucial, Kyra''s father, Dr. Collins wanted someone trustworthy, efficient and experienced to manage it for a while. Who could be better fit than Luther who is trustworthy, has experience in managing an organization and is also efficient with the world. Most importantly, he is a doctor so knows the ins and outs as well.


    "Think about it, okay. If you are the one managing it, my sister might be willing to leave her current hospital and work with you. Everyone of us can be at ease and most importantly, you will have freedom and many opportunities to woo her.", Ryan said.


    "I will think about it, Ryan. After observing the condition here, I started to feel like I would lose Kyra if I delay this anymore. Oliver is clearly interested in her. Fortunately, he hasn''t taken any action yet.", Luther said.


    "According to Daniel, Oliver had a bad experience in his previous relationship. So, it is understandable that he is thinking this through thoroughly before taking any step. I really got busy with work and if not for my constand trips from here to Los Angeles, I would be keeping my eye on him." Ryan said and sighed.


    He has taken up a new movie and it has become pretty hectic for him. He could have asked his people to keep an eye but if his sister finds out, it will be very troublesome. This is a sensitive topic to let others take care of it.. He won''t be in peace until unless he is the one doing it personally.

 Chapter 117 - The Shocking PDA!

    "What are you both talking about? You were pretty serious back then.", Kyra said as she walked into Luther''s room.


    "Nothing. Just telling your brother to take good care of you and he is complaining about his work stress and how he was not able to look after you properly.", Luther said.


    "Don''t worry about me. I am fine and I will be fine.", Kyra said as Luther wrapped his arm around her shoulder.


    "It still worried me, Ky. All this revenge and ''taking back what is mine'' is not giving me a good feeling." Luther said.


    "I know. But I have to do this. I am not doing this to destroy my biological mother''s family but to liberate myself from my past."


    "I don''t want to be an emotionally sensitive and fragile person who has insecurities and suspects each and every good thing that happens to me. I can''t live a carefree and happy life if I can''t make my truma and low self-esteem go." Kyra said.


    Luther and Ryan are a little surprised seeing Kyra''s sudden outburst but they understand why she is adamant to do this. If this is what she wants to do, they will help her.


    "We will help you.", Ryan said and Luther nodded his head in agreement.


    "Brother, I know that you are worried. But you shouldn''t do each and everything for me. At this rate, I might even forget how to breathe by myself.", Kyra said, laughing a bit at her last sentence.


    "What I meant is, this is something I should do by myself. Only then I would feel like I have grown strong enough to take care of this. Only then, I would meet my savior too." she added.


    "Fine. We will hop in only if you need help.", Ryan said.


    "We will help only when you ask us by yourself, okay?" Luther corrected Ryan''s words.


    "This is all I want. Approval and emotional support from you guys.", Kyra said, hugging both Ryan and Luther.


    "I hate to interrupt this heart touching moment but it''s getting late for Luther.", Sofia said.


    "I will drop you at the airport.", Kyra said to Luther.


    "You are drunk", Luther and Ryan spoke at the same moment.


    "I can ask Hayley to drive.", Kyra said. Her secretary friend doesn''t drink because of her less alcohol tolerance.


    "Hayley had to take Taylor and Tayler back to the hotel as they were too drunk to drive,'''' Dofia said.


    "Don''t worry. Oliver said he would help. He didn''t drink, ``she added. Oliver has morning surgery tomorrow though it''s the weekend. So, he preferred not to drink.


    "You, Lisa and Oliver can go to drop Luther then.", Ryan said.


    He decided to stay behind as he wants to get some alone time with Sofia. And, so does Sofia, so she didn''t reject this arrangement. Luther on the other hand didn''t want Oliver and Kyra to be alone when they returned from the airport. What if Oliver takes advantage of her and seduces her? What if they do something as Kyra is drunk and Oliver asks her to take responsibility?


    So, he wanted Lisa to come with them. Kyra on other hand misinterpreted that Luther likes Lisa.


    As she is bad when it comes to identifying a person''s feelings and interpreting their inner thoughts, she could only think this way. If she is not this clueless, she would have long back realized that Luther likes her. She wouldn''t have gotten betrayed by her family in the first place.


    ��-----------


    Lisa was ecstatic when she heard that she would be tagging along.


    Two handsome and sexy men!!


    She doesn''t mean any harm and she is truly happy that Kyra has got Luther, Ryan and her other four brothers but she has to admit that she is jealous.


    They soon reached the airport and Kyra insisted on following inside. As Kyra and Lisa have changed into casual attire, they are not overdressed.


    Although Oliver didn''t want to follow Luther into the airport, he couldn''t suppress the thoughts running inside his mind.


    What if Luther proposes to Kyra before he boards his flight? What if he uses his Trump Card to trap Kyra in guilt consciousness and lure her into dating him? With these going on in his mind, he could only cave in and follow the trio inside.


    "What happened, Luther? Do you have something to tell me?" Kyra asked when she saw Luther''s anxious behavior around her.


    Luther opened his mouth but no word came out, so he could only purse his lips. Why should he be so cowardly??


    "Nothing. I am just worried about you." Luther lied. Oliver sighed in relief when he heard Luther''s words.


    Truth to be told, he feels insecure when Luther is with Kyra. They have such a great relationship and Luther has done so much for Kyra and Kyra owes him a lot.


    She would do anything to return that gratitude and she might really give Luther a chance if he begged her. Who knows??


    Luther looked at Oliver and it is obvious that he is relieved after hearing his words.


    Luther started to feel uncomfortable and restless after witnessing this. What if Oliver makes a move when he is not around??


    Luther, as well, feels insecure when Oliver is with Kyra. Oliver is Kyra''s idol, the inspiration and role model for her. He was once her crush, which proves that she had or still has romantic feelings for him.


    And, after witnessing the relationship Kyra and Oliver have in their work, he could tell that they go along pretty well and that they are becoming close to each other for every passing day.


    ''Should I tell her?'' Luther thought but his fear of rejection made him back off.


    "It''s time. I have to go." Luther said as he took a glimpse at his watch.


    Kyra pursed her lips and her eyes brimmed with emotions. She will miss him.


    When Luther saw her moist eyes, he could only look at her dotingly. "Come here," he said, opening his arms.


    Kyra obliged and they hugged each other. "I will miss you." she said.


    "Me too." Luther said.


    "Don''t overwork." Kyra told him.


    "You as well." Luther replied.


    "And, take care of yourself. Eat at time and don''t spend much time at your garden house, painting. It''s getting cold." Luther nagged.


    Kyra suppressed her sobs and nodded her head.


    Reluctantly they parted.


    Lisa gave Luther a brief hug.


    Luther and Oliver shared a handshake and after that Luther looked once again at Kyra and walked to his checking point.


    They stayed till Luther was out of their sight and only after that, they left the airport.


    ''If Luther had proposed to Kyra at the right time and the right situation, maybe they would have become a couple.'' Oliver thought, remembering how emotional Kyra became earlier.


    Even though she has feelings she couldn''t identify what kind of feelings they are. As she is clueless when it comes to reading people''s hearts, she needs assurance and clarity.


    Luther should have delayed expressing his feelings when Kyra''s feelings were at a crossroads. As she didn''t get any clarification from the other side, she confirmed to herself that her feelings are purely friendship based and not romantic. And, it went on like that.


    ''I am lucky. If Luther didn''t back off back then, I wouldn''t have got to date such a wonderful woman." Oliver thought and looked at Kyra who was sitting in the passenger seat next to him.


    "What happened?" Kyra asked, noticing Oliver''s gaze. When Lisa heard Kyra''s words, she lifted her head up to see Oliver and Kyra.


    "Nothing, Ky." he said and placed his hand on her head as he gave her a smile.


    Kyra smiled in return and took his hand into hers and then pressed her cheek to his palm.


    "I feel sad." she said.


    Oliver caressed her cheek. "Don''t be. He said he would return soon." He comforted her although he was jealous.


    Meanwhile, Lisa was too shocked to speak. She could only gape at the scene unfolding in front of her and if it is possible, her lower jaw would have touched the ground.


    "You...you guys." she stammered.


    What the fudge! She was forced to witness the shocking PDA from the most unexpected couple.


    She couldn''t believe what she saw!!


    "Oh. I almost forgot that you are in the car, Lisa. Sorry for acting inconsiderately." Kyra apologized.


    ''But why do I feel like you did this on purpose, Ky.'' Lisa thought inside by making a puppy face.


    ''You just said ''He is my man. Stay away'' with this short PDA. Cruel!'' Lisa thought, crying inside.


    "Sorry for the late introduction. Lisa is my boyfriend, Oliver. Oliver, this is my best friend and business partner, Lisa." Kyra introduced.


    Though they both know each other, this introduction is to let them know that they two can trust each other.


    This is a way of telling Oliver that he could trust Lisa when it comes to her and their relationship and as for Lisa, this is to tell her that the girlfriend she just spoke about is none other than herself.


    Besides that, she is letting Lisa know that she can trust Oliver if she wants any help.. Oliver is a powerful and influential man and they might need his help in the future to stabilize their company.

 Chapter 118 - More Protective Than Her Brothers?

    "You are the girlfriend you just spoke about?", Lisa asked incredulously.


    Kyra nodded her head, chuckling.


    "I can''t believe my best friend is no longer single.", Lisa said, sniffing her nose, shedding imaginary tears.


    Oliver looked at Lisa and then shifted his attention to Kyra, ''What happened?'' he asked with his eyes.


    "All my friends, except Chloe, are dramatic. Including Lisa. She is just emotional and in shock.", Kyra told Oliver.


    "I might be dramatic, Mr. Miller. However, I am really shocked this time.", Lisa defended herself.


    "What is there to be shocked about in this?" Kyra asked her friend.


    "Dude, you just got into a relationship!" Lisa exclaimed.


    "So?", Kyra asked passively.


    "Mr. Miller, you might not believe but we never even imagined Kyra would come into a relationship sometime soon. This is really a shocking news and I must ask, Mr. Miller, what magic have you casted on this lady here?" Lisa asked, making Kyra shake her head.


    "Call me Oliver.", Oliver told Lisa. Looking at how close Kyra and Lisa are, he understood that he needs to be on the good side of Lisa to ask her about Kyra and he could tell that Lisa knows so much about his girlfriend. If lucky, Lisa might even help him in making Kyra fall for him.


    "Call me Lisa then.", Lisa immediately said. Just by looking at her friend''s sparkling eyes and heartfelt smile, she could tell that Oliver is the one for Kyra. She found Oliver attractive and wanted to know him more and if possible, progress further but after finding out that he is her friend''s man, she immediately threw her intentions out of the window.


    Her friend comes first to her.


    "So, Oliver, tell me how you made this cold hearted lady to fall for you? That too in this short span of time?" Lisa asked.


    "Kyra is not cold hearted. She is sweet and soft hearted.", Oliver said, smiling affectionately at Kyra.


    "You are such a sweet talker. But I am sure that my friend didn''t fall just for this.", Lisa said.


    "It''s mutual attraction. Fortunately, we got to spend some alone time together and it turned out that we understand each other very well and we opened up to each other not very long after we met." Oliver said, giving an affectionate smile to Kyra.


    Kyra smiled in return and he took her hand into his and entwined their fingers.


    "I didn''t expect that I would trust a person in this short span of time. He gave me that sense of security and his sincerity made me take this bold step. We bonded quite well and you know the feeling we get when we see a person and we feel the affinity towards them and we feel like we can trust them.", Kyra said looking at Lisa and then at Oliver.


    Lisa looked at the couple in front of her and her heart melted when she saw how passionate their eyes were when they were looking at each other.


    "I am happy for you, Ky.", Lisa said after the moment between Kyra and Oliver ended when the traffic light turned green.


    Kyra smiled, glad that her friend is okay with her relationship. People around her tend to be overprotective of her, especially when it comes to close relationships she is trying to develop with new people.


    Her brother Ryan and possibly all her brothers would not give in easily if she revealed that she is dating. They would make Oliver''s life a living hell till they believe that he is a genuine person. Her parents would do the same too.


    It is Sofia, Sofia alone who has encouraged her. And, Kyra knows that Sofia should have given it a lot of thought before supporting the relationship with Oliver.


    Meanwhile, Oliver smiled and thanked Lisa for supporting them. He knows that Kyra is secretly worried and sad that their relationship had to be kept secret. Support from her friends would add a relief to it.


    "Who else knows?", Lisa asked after a long silence.


    "Excluding you, only one person. Sofia." Kyra said.


    ''No wonder Luther doesn''t look heartbroken. That pitiful guy doesn''t know yet.'', Lisa thought.


    "You didn''t tell Luther yet?" Lisa asked. She is happy that Kyra found her guy but she felt equally sorry for Luther who has devoted his youth, time and heart to Kyra.


    She knows that Kyra is in no fault here. Luther always told her she is his best friend and it made Kyra believe that there is nothing and there will be nothing between them in future other than friendship.


    It''s Luther''s fault but he is not to blame as well. Circumstances were like that.


    "I didn''t." Kyra answered Lisa''s question. Oliver could feel the tension building up in the car.


    Sometimes he couldn''t help but wonder why Kyra is keeping it secret from Luther but is fine with revealing it to her other friends. Does she know that Luther has feelings for her and didn''t want to hurt him?


    If that''s the case, Kyra is left in the tough spot here. Neither could she hurt her best friend by keeping distance nor could she stay quiet and let him maintain his hopes intact.


    "I couldn''t. You know that he is more protective than my brothers. After what happened in the med school and the hospital, he is not welcoming when men get close to me." Kyra said.


    ''She is really dense when it comes to finding ulterior motives and hidden intentions. There will be one or other things in a person that can''t be changed no matter what they go through. This seems to be one of those things for Kyra.'' Lisa thought.


    It is one of Kyra''s most vulnerable flaws and that is the reason people around her always try to protect her.


    ''I just hope that this will change after she takes her revenge and breaks herself free from her past.'' Lisa thought.


    For herself, it is the opposite. She overthinks when a man gets close to her and expects a lot in return only to get disappointed and hurt. This thing never changed no matter how much incidents of such happened over time.


    "What happened in med school and the hospital?" Oliver asked, curious. If it is something that might affect their relationship, he should be careful and cautious.


    "When she and Luther were in med school, one guy tried to hit on her. He wanted to take advantage of her and take it to the other level."


    "Luther was her senior back then and had many connections and influence. When he found out about it, he was in rage and had that guy suspended." Lisa said.


    Many people started to gossip that he likes Kyra but Luther suppressed that rumour by announcing that Kyra is only a best friend and not the other way around.


    He didn''t want Kyra to get hurt because of his crazy fans. That''s why he had to lie and on the other hand, Kyra thought that he is being protective because of what happened in her past.


    "Almost the same thing happened in Collins Hospitals too." Lisa said.


    Oliver didn''t say anything. He didn''t know what to think but one thing is clear. Kyra didn''t have romantic feelings for Luther and he, Oliver, is the one she wanted to date.


    It''s enough for him. He won''t pressurize her into anything.


    Soon, they reached Kyra''s house and after a brief goodbye, Kyra left. Lisa excused herself as she had some advice to ask.


    Kyra didn''t think much and hurried inside as she had to urgently pee.


    "Mr. Miller, be good to my friend. Don''t hurt her. Don''t disappoint her expectations and most importantly, be loyal to her. Dating her is no smooth journey and if you can''t tolerate the tough road ahead of you, it''s better you back off now itself and save my friend from emotional distress." Lisa said, her voice polite and equally dangerous.


    "You don''t have to worry about my intentions, Ms. Maddison. I truly love Kyra and I feel like she is the one for me. And, I am ready to face all the things, be it bad or good, for her. You have my word." Oliver said, sincerity evident in his voice.


    "If that''s the case, I am willing to help you to bring happiness to my best friend." Lisa gave her word in return.


    "I will have to thank you in advance, Ms. Maddison." Oliver said.


    "Let''s drop the formalities. Call me Lisa." Lisa said, smiling.


    "So, Lisa, I have a question actually. It has been revolving in my mind for a very long time. Can I ask you?" Oliver asked.


    "As long as it is my place to answer that question, I will answer you honestly." Lisa replied.


    "Everyone has been saying the same thing to me. When I started dating Kyra, she told me the exact same words. When I asked Sofia to help me with my first date with Kyra, she warned me just like how you did now. I just want to know why everyone is stressing on this. And, what are the precautions to take to avoid hurting Kyra." Oliver asked.


    He doesn''t know why but he felt friendly towards Lisa more than Sofia.. Her character resemble someone he knows very well but he couldn''t remember who that person is.

 Chapter 119 - The Proof Of Their Love.

    "Well, as I already said, I can only answer vaguely to this question as it is not my place to tell you about Kyra''s history.", Lisa told Oliver who nodded his head in agreement. He doesn''t expect Lisa to give him a detailed answer as he is patient enough to wait for Kyra to tell him to be herself.


    "What do you know?" Lisa asked as she didn''t know how much Kyra had told him about herself.


    "All I know is, she had a bad past which led to her fear of abandonment and insecurity. I know that she is afraid to trust people so easily and that implies that she was betrayed once in her past.", Oliver answered.


    ``She really opened up!", Lisa thought, surprised that Oliver already knows this much about Kyra. She couldn''t help but get a little jealous of Oliver in this case. Kyra told her this almost after one and half years they met.


    "She had a difficult life from the time she was born, Oliver. She had lived her childhood in constant fear and inferiority. It became worse as she entered her teenage years. At least, in her childhood she knew that she was being hated by others but in her teenage years, she was betrayed and backstabbed."


    "All the emotions she dammed up in her heart, started to drown her and it left her with many traumas. She stopped trusting people and she started to isolate herself from the world, scared that she would get hurt again if she gets close to other people."


    "Even after all these years, her nightmares haunt her. Her trauma still tortures her in a way we, the onlookers, could feel that pain. Although she is getting better, it happened only because of the people around her. They didn''t let any bad things happen to her and they have protected her in such a way that she didn''t suffer even a tiny bit."


    "So, Kyra has not done things that could challenge her emotions and trust for years. She was protected and prevented from doing anything that could trigger her trauma and push her back into that dark void she just got away from. In order to make her a normal person, many people have put constant effort for years and made Kyra like what you are seeing."


    "Now, all of a sudden a man enters her life and can put her in a position where she has to challenge and question herself. It is good, good that she gets to walk out of the protective barriers that are built around her emotions by the people around her. At the same time there are equal chances of her getting hurt and plunged back into hell from which everyone around her is protecting her from."


    "That''s the reason we had to make sure again and again that we are trusting the right person. If it is another girl who has not been through what Kyra went through, they wouldn''t be affected to the extent Kyra will be affected if you betray her. If you betray her, she won''t be able to take it, Oliver. She has been betrayed by the people for whom she devoted her life."


    "Kyra devotes her soul and heart if she gets close to a person. Especially if it is a man with whom she wants to spend the rest of her life with. You are understanding how much impact you will have on her, right? To be more simple, your actions towards her will decide her future. If you are good to her and don''t betray her, she would be able to have a breakthrough both emotionally and mentally. If you betray her, she might not be able to get through it and she will never be able to become a normal person."


    "If that happens, you better run for your life. Your days will be numbered from the second you betray her. That is the reason, we all are warning you at the starting stage itself. If dating Kyra is just for fun and you don''t have any plans of taking it any further, you better stop or else, your life and career will be destroyed by her family and friends."


    "If you are really serious about her, you better remain loyal and take care of her properly. It wouldn''t be enough as she is emotionally fragile. A small misunderstanding is enough to break her. This is as risky as walking on ice."


    "However, if you are able to make your relationship pass through it, Kyra will be the best person you could ask for. She will be a blessing. She will be with you in your highs as well as lows. She will support you in everything and love you unconditionally. You just have to be cautious at the starting stage and for the rest of your life a smooth sail with her, provided you stay loyal and love her back.", Lisa finished her long lecture.


    She has been preparing this speech for a long time and finally, the day has at last arrived.


    After that she walked away as she knows that Oliver needs time to process it.


    -----


    Oliver doesn''t know how but he managed to return to his penthouse that is fifteen minutes away from Kyra''s house in Crescent Gardens.


    However, his mind is filled with what Lisa has told him earlier.


    He has to admit that it scared him. Even a thought of how it would affect Kyra scared him. But, one thing has not changed. He would never stop liking Kyra just because of the fear of future consequences.


    Lisa''s warning has only served as a guidebook to him, giving him a detailed analysis of what he should do and what he shouldn''t.


    A beautiful, smart and kind woman like Kyra is worth that hard work. Nothing comes freely, especially the ones which are precious and have to be cherished.


    From Lisa''s words, he understood that all Kyra needs is love, loyalty and assurance. He will give it to her and will be cautious till they cross the crucial stage�� dating.


    ''Any plans for tomorrow?'' Oliver texted Kyra.


    Meanwhile at Kyra''s place.


    After Lisa came back, Sofia looked at her, expecting that she would say something. However, Lisa just shrugged her shoulders and went to the guest room she is using now.


    She is staying in Kyra''s house for a few days to spend some time with her bestest friends Kyra and Sofia.


    It''s been more than half a year since they spent time together, all alone. They didn''t have girl''s time for month''s!!


    "I can''t believe one of us is no longer single!" Lisa chimed as she entered Kyra''s garden house.


    Ryan has just left for Los Angeles and it''s just the three of them. He should be going tomorrow morning but after hearing that tomorrow''s weather is not going to be good from his assistant, Ryan booked the last flight and has left just now.


    "And, the guy who snatched her away from is Oliver!" Sofia teased Kyra who is now sitting in front of her painting canvas, trying to start a new one.


    Kyra smiled while listening to her friends but didn''t say anything. She couldn''t help but remember how Oliver confessed how he felt for her in front of Lisa.


    Her heart is still warm with the lingering sweetness Oliver''s words left on her heart. She didn''t want to forget this warm, beautiful feeling bulging in her heart, so she wanted to secure them in the form of a painting.


    "The way they confessed about each other in the car sounded like the vows promised at marriage. Sofia, their PDA started making me lonely." Lisa told Sofia as she wiped away her imaginary tears.


    "I know that feeling, Lisa dear. I am lonely too." Sofia said, wiping her imaginary tears as she imitated Sofia''s dramatic acting.


    Kyra snickered and an image started to build in her mind.


    It happened in the car. The way he held her hand in his as he confessed in front of Lisa.


    She wanted to paint their instance of him kissing the back of her hand as he held her hand in his.


    In the previous day''s, she has painted almost three paintings.


    The first painting was in Oliver''s research facility. It is a picture of them embracing each other as their foreheads rested against each other''s. That''s the first time they have shown their feelings openly. So, it''s a memory for her.


    The second painting was them at the lake in the park. They were sitting beside each other and her head was resting on his shoulder while his head was leaning on her head. He was kissing her head affectionately.


    It is a previous memory for her as it is the time she confessed her feelings and they decided to date.


    The third painting was of them on their first date. They were dancing and it was romantic and surreal.


    This painting would be the fourth one. Be it a small or large, it is still a memory to be cherished.


    These paintings are proof of their progress and love.


    "Ky, your boyfriend texted you. Maybe it''s pictures we are not allowed to see." Sofia teased, bringing Kyra out of her thoughts.


    "We didn''t progress to that level, my drama queen." Kyra said as she took her phone from Sofia.


    "Really? See this.." Sofia said and showed a few pics in her phone that made Kyra turn into a delicious tomato.

 Chapter 120 - Innocent Sister Didnt Do Anything.

    When Kyra took a glimpse at what her best friend, Sofia is showing, Kyra widened her eyes in shock. Her face started to flush when she remembered that incident.


    "When on earth have you taken that pic, you unbelievable monster." Kyra said as she jumped off her chair to reach Sofia''s phone.


    Sofia laughed looking at her friend who was feigning her anger to cover her embarrassment.


    She held her phone high as she climbed onto the couch, so that it wouldn''t be able to get into Kyra''s hands.


    She still has so much to tease using this picture!! She would never let Kyra delete the picture from the phone.


    Kyra narrowed her eyes when Sofia climbed onto the sofa and raised the phone up. She is not going to give up so easily!!


    With that determination, Kyra jumped on to the sofa and tried to reach. But to her frustration, Sofia thru the phone towards Lisa who is sitting across from them.


    "Send the picture to yourself Lisa. I forgot to save this!" Sofia shouted as Lisa managed to take hold of the phone.


    "No, Lisa. Respect my privacy!" Kyra shouted as she tried to wriggle her way out of Sofia''s hold. This girl is holding her like a polar bear!


    Lisa stuck her tongue out as she parallelly sent the picture to herself. If Kyra deletes this photo in Sofia''s phone, she would at least have a backup picture in hers.


    "Done!" Lisa shouted in triumph and just at the same time Kyra managed to get herself free from Sofia''s hold and grabbed Sofia''s phone from Lisa''s hands.


    She swiped up and the phone unlocked.


    "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO, LISA!!" Kyra shouted, her face now a ripe tomato.


    "What did I do?" Lisa asked innocently, which she is.


    Sofia reached Kyra''s side and peeked into her phone. Soon, she gaped and her eyes widened in shock.


    Looking at her friend''s reactions, Lisa panicked and hurried towards them.


    "Gosh." she said in surprise as she placed her palm on her mouth.


    She has sent this picture not to herself but to Oliver and the group conversation called ''8 idiots''.


    Lt has Kyra, Sofia, herself, Ryan, Luther, their other best friend Chloe and Kyra''s second brother Walter and his best friend Matthew who also likes Kyra so much.


    She must have accidentally sent it to those groups instead of sending it to herself and a group called ''4 idiots'' which only has herself, Chloe, Sofia and Kyra.


    ''What the hell!'' Chloe texted as soon as she saw the pic.


    ''Whose shoulder is that?? And I am sure it''s not a musiquoto byte.'' she added.


    Although Sofia took the picture, she has cropped the picture so Kyra''s face was not visible. She has the original pics in her other phone, which is her ultimate backup.


    ''Yeah. It''s not a musiquoto byte. Who among your four girls dared to go out with some horny guy and get this hickey???'' Walter, Kyra''s brother texted.


    He, Chloe and Matthew are having dinner with some client in a hotel when this picture popped in their group chat. They were so shocked that they couldn''t help but get distracted.


    ''The tatoo. You all three have it on your shoulder. It should be one of you three.'' Chloe texted.


    ''My baby sis is innocent. She wouldn''t even meet a guy interested in her without telling her favorite brother. So, who is it among you two??'' Walter texted.


    ''Sofia, it better not be you! If it''s you, you are coming home right now and you are getting grounded!'' her brother Mathew said.


    "God, what have I done?" Lisa said.


    "Look at them firing at us. We are adults! We have the right to sleep with whoever we want!" Sofia snorted, angered that her brother Mathew is being a control freak.


    "I didn''t sleep with Oliver, not yet!! He just gave a hickey!" Kyra snapped.


    "Walter''s baby sis is no more innocent like he claimed!" Sofia said.


    "I don''t know what your brother will do if he finds out that the girl he loves is in a relationship with his arch enemy." Lisa said, referring to Matthew and Oliver who are well known enemies in the business field.


    "He will explode with jealousy." Sofia giggled. While Luther loves Kyra secretly, her brother went all public.


    He openly pursued Kyra only to get rejected later.


    Kyra rejected telling him that she has no intention of having a romantic relationship with anyone. When he asked her for a chance, she said that she is not ready to think of dating yet.


    She told him that she never saw him in that way. After failed attempts, Mathew gave up and remained as her friend.


    If he finds out that Kyra is dating his enemy, he will really die with jealousy.


    "Guys, stop your babbling and focus on averting this danger! If Walter and Ryan find out that it is me, it will seriously be a problem." Kyra said, frustrated and worried at the same time.


    "Fine. Let me use my all time favorite excuse then." Sofia said, giggling.


    "It better not be a ''mosquito bite'' excuse." Kyra said.


    "It''s not. Don''t worry." Sofia said.


    ''Guys, chill. If this is real hickey, the owner of this would never allow it to share it to everyone, especially the family.''


    ''This is just the lipstick strain we the artists experimented on Kyra. We just wanted to tease her, so Lisa and I made that mark on Kyra''s neck.'' Sofia texted.


    "Very lame." Kyra said.


    "Atleast, believable! This was practically experimented and the result was a success." Sofia said.


    "Says who?" Kyra asked.


    "Me." Sofia replied.


    "We tested this in my university days. Poor Ryan believed and was beyond jealous." Sofia added. Those days were her happy days.


    She and Ryan were free of everything and had a simple life and pure heart.


    ''But that hickey looks real!'' Chloe texted making Kyra give, ''See. We got caught red handed.'' look.


    ------


    "How do you know that?" Walter asked Chloe in shock when he saw her text.


    How does she know what a real hickey looks like? Did she get a hickey from someone?


    No one is allowed to touch his girl!! Yes, he is possessive of the ladies in his life. His mother, sister and soon to be girlfriend, Chloe.


    "Sorry. That was my sister." Walter apologized, realizing that he had blurted out loud at a meeting.


    "So, it''s true. The Collins brother''s do have a little sister." The client said with a smile. Sister of five handsome, successful, powerful brothers, how lucky she is!


    He couldn''t help but imagine how much support and help her husband will get. He knows that, that husband would be as powerful as her brothers, still, it would be good to have more help.


    "Yes, it''s true. She is just low key." Walter answered.


    "Is she an overachiever just like her brothers?" the second business partner asked.


    "She is more than that." Walter said with pride.


    "She must have had a lot of admirers then." the first client spoke. Hinting that he could have her meet his son..


    Who doesn''t want to be Collins'' son -in law??


    "I am the first in line." Matthew said, cutting off the client. He knows that Kyra has said no to him but he knows that he can''t give up.


    She didn''t want to date anyone. It''s applicable to every male, so he is not disappointed. He is waiting for her to be ready so he could steal her heart.


    He knows that he has to compete with Luther but he is confident that he will win. He has one secret that would make Kyra fall for him.


    ------


    After the danger with group chats passed, Kyra sighed in relief. However, she didn''t know that Oliver was sending the pics as well.


    It is an unknown number as Sofia hasn''t saved it. So, Kyra thought that was Lisa''s new number she took after coming to the USA.


    Remembering that Oliver had sent her the message, she opened her phone. Seeing what the message was, she smiled.


    ''Missing me, already?'' Kyra texted and sent the wink emoji.


    Oliver responded as soon as he got the text.


    "I am." he responded.


    Kyra felt warm inside her heart.


    "You need to wait till morning, then. Let''s meet in the park like always. Morning 6: 30." Kyra texted.


    "I will be waiting. Now, enjoy the girls night. You guys seem to be having fun." he replied.


    He got the pics. And, he was really shocked when he saw them but soon a smile made its way to his lips.


    These are the memories as well. The first hickey he made to his girlfriend. So, he saved it in the hidden folder and enabled a high security password.


    He doesn''t want others to see these. Not even by chance.


    Kyra felt amused after reading his message. How does he know they are having fun?


    Maybe a hunch.


    "Yes, I am having a wonderful girls night so far. What about you? Alone?" Kyra asked.


    "Unfortunately, I am alone. Wish my girlfriend could keep company as we watch movies and have some fun." he texted.


    Kyra smiled again.


    "We will have many of those in future."


    "Rest well. Good night. See you tomorrow." Kyra texted.


    "Waiting for the sun to show up asap. Good night. Sleep early.." With that text, their conversation ended and Kyra went back to having fun as Oliver went back to reading research papers for treating his sister''s paralysis.

 Chapter 121 - Marriage Alliance.

    The next morning, Kyra woke up around five thirty in the morning.


    Beside her Lisa was sleeping with her arm wrapped around Kyra. On the other side of Lisa, Sofia was in deep slumber and her leg was on Lisa, knee touching her abdomen. Kyra chuckled seeing her friends and woke up meticulously so that she wouldn''t disturb the sleeping beauties.


    They were sleeping in the garden house as it has the largest bed, perfect for sleepovers.


    Kyra tiptoed and sighed in relief after exiting the garden house. The sun had not yet risen and the dew beautifully decorated the garden bed and there was a thin layer of fog in the air. Kyra stood in her garden for a few moments as she enjoyed the beauty around her.


    With a beautiful smile playing on her lips, Kyra returned to her room in the main house and quickly freshened up. She changed into her cycling outfit and donned herself in a trench coat and looked at herself in the mirror. Satisfied with her attire, she reached the garage, not to fetch her car but to wait for Oliver there.


    Not very long after that, Oliver reached her house and gave her a call. As soon as she got a missed call, Kyra opened the garage door and Oliver was waiting for her, leaning on his car door.


    They have not gone cycling after their first date. Thanks to the flu, Kyra had to remain in her house.


    "Good morning, girlfriend.", Oliver said as he gave her a hug.


    Kyra''s eyes twinked as she felt his warm arms around her. She snuggled and leaned on his shoulder. "Good morning, handsome." she cooed.


    "Handsome, hmm? Not a boyfriend?" Oliver asked as he kissed her hair. How much he loves doing this!


    He actually prefers working out in the gym alone but his priority changed because of Kyra. Seeing her first in the morning and starting his day with her felt more important and precious than working out alone.


    "I only call my boyfriend handsome, so it is already implied." Kyra said.


    "Someone is being cheesy.", Oliver chuckled, ruffling her hair.


    "I learn from the best." Kyra winked and they both laughed.


    Kyra absolutely loved starting her day with laughter and utter happiness. It is not like she doesn''t get this with her brothers, family and friends but with Oliver, it felt different. Different in a good way.


    "Shall we go milady?" Oliver asked.


    Kyra nodded her head and sat down in the passenger seat. Soon, they left her house.


    ��--------


    Lisa and Sofia have looked at everything on the screen from the monitoring room. After Oliver texted Kyra last night and they have decided to meet in the morning, Lisa and Sofia have decided to take a peek at the couple to witness how they would interact with each other.


    It was mostly to tease Kyra after she returns but the main reason was something else. They need to confirm and convince themselves that they haven''t taken a wrong step by supporting their relationship.


    And they ended up with that assurance and PDA.


    "They are so-" Lisa stopped, not able to come up with the right word. Cringy? Cheeky? Romantic? Annoying? Maybe a mixture of it��


    "I know right!", Sofia said, shaking her head.


    "Kyra looked happy, though.", Lisa said.


    "It is as if she is home at last. Have you seen how her eyes twinkled? I have never seen her this happy, not even when she graduated." Sofia said.


    "Yeah, She didn''t look this happy, not even when our company became the unicorn company the year we started it. She was not this happy even when we got the prestigious awards." Lisa said as she zoomed at Kyra''s face.


    "She might have really met the right guy. We didn''t make a mistake by supporting them, Lisa.", Sofia said to her friend.


    "I am happy that we didn''t make a wrong decision in our friend''s life. But, I am worried how her brothers would take it. You saw what happened yesterday right?" Lisa said, worried.


    "I know." Sofia sighed. This has been going on in her mind since the day she found out Kyra''s relationship.


    "It won''t take much time for them to figure it out, Sofi. Luther, Matthew.." Lisa said, as she felt a shiver run down her spine.


    "Don''t remind me, Lisa. Luther might not cause a problem as Kyra''s happiness matters the most to him. He won''t show his pain to others but will suffer silently and, we as his friends, will be there for him. The problem comes with my brother," Sofia said.


    Her brother Matthew might not be bringing that topic but there is a marriage alliance between their family, Richards family and Kyra''s family, Collins family. It was promised by their great ancestors that the girl from the Collins family will be married to the boy of the Richards family however, the Collins family didn''t give birth to a daughter from four generations. There was no girl till Kyra got adopted by Collins couples.


    The whole elite community is waiting to hear the news of the marriage alliance as they are unaware that Kyra is an adopted, not biological daughter. That secret was not going to see light , never. But this marriage is related to the prestige of Richard''s family and Sofia knows that her grandparents won''t let it go so easily if this marriage alliance is broken.


    Otherwise, this ludicrous marriage alliance will be passed down to Kyra''s niece Addison, the daughter of Kyra''s first brother. But, which loving aunt would want her niece to be tied down by a marriage?


    Besides this, Kyra owes the Collins elders, the adopted grandparents and they took a promise from her that she would agree to fulfill one wish of theirs.


    "Let''s think about this later. For now, let''s focus on how to break this news to Kyra''s brothers, one by one." Lisa said, diverting this topic.


    "Yeah. Easy targets are the fifth brother and-oops- it''s only him. Everyone else is already having a bad opinion about Oliver." Sofia said, realizing that it is difficult.


    "First brother, Andrew?" Lisa asked. She doesn''t know much about Kyra''s first brother, the army officer.


    "He has an exceptional impression on my brother, Matthew. Although he is close to Oliver as well, his loyalty might side with Matthew.", Sofia said. Her brother is a government servant like him. An officer in foriegn Intelligence service.


    "Second brother is your brother''s best friend. His loyalty might lie with your brother.", Lisa sighed.


    "Her third brother, William and fourth brother, Ryan are very close to Luther. They will help Luther, I think they are already helping Luther to get together with their sister.", Sofia said.


    "It leaves the fifth brother." Lisa said, blushing a little. She is a fan of this tennis world champion. He is her idol just like how Oliver is Kyra''s idol. Lisa herself was a tennis player but had to stop because of her injury. As she was fit and beautiful, she got picked by a modeling agency when she was sixteen. Not very long after that, her life went upside down and she had to flee to London.


    "Yep. However, let''s get the couple to bond up first and when they are willing to meet family members, let''s come up with a plan to help Kyra. For now, lets go and workout.", Sofia said, dragging Lisa with her to upstairs.


    Sofia has suspicions that Lisa likes Dan, the identical twin of Ryan. And, Lisa already knows that Sofia likes Dan''s identical twin, Ryan. They just don''t say it loud��


    ��-----------------


    Meanwhile, Kyra and Oliver finished their morning exercise and are sitting at their usual spot at the pond.


    "What are the plans, today?" Kyra asked as they got comfortable on the garden bed.


    "Me? Hmm...let me think." Oliver said.


    "It''s usual, Ky. I would be going back to the research center and working on my research for my sister''s treatment." he answered.


    "You?" Oliver asked.


    "I and Lisa decided to go to our company and oversee the preparations." Kyra answered.


    "We both are going to be busy today," Oliver chuckled.


    "And, I liked the pictures Sofia sent me yesterday. I decided to save them and cherish the memories." Oliver added, teasing Kyra.


    "And, please give my thanks to Sofia," he said.


    Kyra looked at him confused. "Which pics?" she asked and soon after saying that she realised.


    Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed. Gosh, what would Oliver think of her?? Pervert!?


    "I am not the one who took the picture of that, Oliver. Sofia took them secretly to tease me later. I don''t know -." Kyra was about to say something but Oliver pecked her lips.


    She was so cute when she was talking now.


    Kyra stopped.


    She looked at Oliver, surprised.


    "I know what happened, Ky. But I am really glad Sofia took those pictures. Not many people get to cherish it." Oliver whispered in her ears.


    "Oliver, you are more shameless than I thought." Kyra said, her voice sexy and seducing.


    "Only with you." Oliver said as they looked into each other''s eyes.. Soon, their lips crashed into a passionate kiss.

 Chapter 122 - Bussiness Event.

    They didn''t stay for much longer and have returned to their own houses.


    Kyra could still feel the feeling of their magical kiss, well, magical kisses and she has to stay that Oliver is very good at kissing.


    He is like a professional.


    The way he teased her lips, the way his tongue slid into hers, those feelings are still vivid in her mind.


    He is a God damned good kisser!!


    "Good morning." The greetings from the gym room brought Kyra back to reality.


    "Good morning." She greeted her friend as she entered that room.


    Lisa is running on the treadmill and Sofia is lifting weights.


    "How was your date?" Sofia asked, as she left the weights and shifted to the battling ropes.


    "We just had a simple cycling section at the park! We cycled for an hour and then we came back." Kyra lied.


    They cycled for around forty- five minutes and spent another forty-five minutes near the lake, having a quality time.


    "Says the person whose lip was bitten." Lisa said as she approached Kyra and took a detailed look at Kyra''s lips.


    Kyra closed her mouth with her palms and rolled her eyes.


    "You guys don''t have to tease me everyday, you know that right?" Kyra asked in frustration..


    "We know, love. But we love to do it." Sofia said, winking at Lisa as they laughed.


    "You guys! I will have my revenge soon. It''s not like you will be single forever." Kyra said, mischievous malice in her eyes.


    "My future sister in law''s." Kyra said just before she walked up the stairs, making the two girls in the gym room blush.


    Kyra doesn''t know if it is a miracle but her three best friends, Sofia, Chloe and Lisa, like her brothers.


    Sofia loves her fourth brother Ryan and he lives with her in return as well.


    But their relationship is complicated and it seems like they have made some mistakes in the past which are apparently the reason for the delay.


    Next is Chloe and Walter, her second brother. The whole elite society knows that Walter and Chloe are betrothed to each other.


    It is just that they don''t want how Chloe looks like and where she is living now. They don''t know that Chloe is Walter''s personal secretary whom he cherishes, loves and cares a lot.


    He is ready to marry her and if she says yes, he might even marry her the next second and proudly announce to the world that she, Chloe, is his wife.


    But Chloe is not yet ready. She had a rough relationship and it ended on the most terrible note. She is still traumatized because of it, so Walter is not pressurizing her with anything.


    But the progress between the both is obvious. They are becoming close to each other though it''s going at a slow pace.


    Next comes her fifth brother, Dan and her best friend and business partner, Lisa.


    Though they have met each other and are having a good impression on each other, Dan is focussed on his tennis career now. He is not having any thoughts of getting into a relationship.


    Lisa has to wait to woo him.


    With these thoughts running in her mind, Kyra finished taking a warm shower.


    After that, she went to the kitchen and started to prepare breakfast.


    Fried eggs, salad and orange juice.


    By the time Kyra is done with it, Lisa and Sofia have already finished bathing and are dressed up.


    Sofia is going to meet the designers to trail all the outfits she would be wearing for her fashion show.


    As it is around the corner, she has to make sure that everything is prepared perfectly.


    Lisa and Kyra are in their simple clothes. Jeans and top. They are going to their new office but in disguise.


    They want to see how the employees are. Although it''s the weekend, the employees have come today as today is the first day their office will be officially functioning.


    Their other three business partners Hayley, Taylor and Tayler will be there to welcome the employees.


    This evening will be a simple event to build connections and the people from the business field here would be attending it.


    "Should I really come?" Sofia asked Kyra and Lisa.


    At first, Kyra and Lisa have decided not to show up as they want to stay low key. However, all of a sudden, Lisa decided to attend it and Kyra didn''t have any option but to tag along.


    Lisa is trying to fight her dear so, as a friend she will be there for her.


    "You must!" Kyra and Lisa spoke at the same time. Kyra has to admit that she is nervous as well.


    She is sure that her biological mother and her family would be invited to. They are one of the top five companies here. Why wouldn''t they be invited?


    "Ky, your biological mother would be attending. It''s better we not go, you know." Sofia said.


    What if Kyra''s trauma triggers? Last time, at a charity auction Kyra had a reaction when she saw her biological mother and step sister.


    "I will be fine, Sofia." Kyra said. As she decided to take revenge, it is inevitable for her not to face them.


    Why delay it any further?


    "You didn''t tell your brothers. They will kill me if anything happens to you." Sofia worriedly spoke.


    "They can''t be there for me everytime, Sofia. I must get habituated to doing things on my own. I will be fine, I promise." Kyra said, placing her hand on Sofia''s hand.


    "Moreover, I have you, Lisa, Hayley and Taylor, Tayler. I got this under control okay!" Kyra added.


    "And, you, Lisa. Are you sure?" Sofia asked.


    "I might not be able to control myself from strangling that sister in law of mine and her companions who ruined my relationship with my family."


    "Sofi, all of you have to stop me from doing that, okay? I can''t let them die, not before they pay for what they have done to me." Lisa said, anger and vengeance evident in her voice.


    She is not scared of them now. She is not the Lisa from five years back who is helpless and powerless.


    "We will be there." Sofia said, relief flooding her mind. Controlling the angry one is better than worrying about the scared one.


    Angry one is Lisa and Scared one is Kyra.


    "What about outfits, girls? You can come to my apartment and select any dress you like." Sofia offered.


    "After visiting the office, we will go for a little shopping. All the dresses and accessories you have are expensive, high end and limited versions."


    "People will recognise those very easily and we don''t want any attention. Not today." Kyra said.


    "That''s true, " Sofia agreed. All the outfits they have with them are expensive and are from luxurious brands. They are not for low key events.


    "We will be coming to that apartment of yours after the shipping. We three can get ready there and leave separately." Lisa said.


    They don''t want to go with Sofia, the world''s renowned supermodel who will always be the attention hotspot.


    "Perfect. Good luck, guys. Meet you two at five. Bye." Sofia said and gave a brief hug to Kyra and Lisa before leaving.


    After Sofia left, Kyra and Lisa left home and drove to their office which is a building at the famous tech park here.


    Her brothers have offered to buy that building for her but Kyra rejected it. It is not like their company cannot afford it but, taking it on lease is more suitable as Kyra and Lisa are planning to construct their own skyscraper here after a few years.


    The drive lasted for fifteen minutes and by the time they reached, it was nine in the morning.


    As today is the opening day, everyone is in high spirits. They have dressed up and are arriving with the sparkle in their eyes.


    They are excited to work here.


    This computer, although it was newly established around five years ago, it''s growth was exponential.


    Besides that, the company is known for it''s best treatment towards employees.


    "Seems like we are underdressed." Lisa whispered. They are getting glares from the employer for coming in such simple outfits. It''s the first day! It has to be special!!


    "We are the CEO and the CFO, also the largest shareholders. We should have at least worn a dress." she added.


    "However, this is the perfect attire to test the employees. We can''t have managers and executives who don''t treat their employees fairly."


    "In order to identify them, we should be like this. A perfect camouflage as ordinary, powerless employees." Kyra said. The people they despise the most are those who bully the powerless.


    They have been through that, so they don''t want to see others suffer from it. They can''t help everyone, so the best they could do is to make sure their employees don''t have to go through it.


    So, they are entering the company as employees and will be working under a manager.

 Chapter 123 - Person From The Past.

    Lisa and Kyra entered their company with their new employee identification cards.


    They are employees working in the Finance department as Financial analysts.


    Kyra is not only president but CFO so, she prepared these fake profiles for her and Lisa, the CEO.


    "You are pretty good at creating fake profiles, Ky." Lisa whispered to her friend as they left the orientation program in the conference room.


    "One of my many skills." Kyra winked.


    Lisa chuckled and they walked to the fifth floor which is the financial department''s office.


    "I have seen it in movies and read it in novels. But this is more exciting than I had predicted. Owner''s of the company working as employee" Lisa said as they entered another room which is the financial department''s conference room.


    They are going to allot the managers and give a briefing on the responsibilities.


    "Same boring thing." Kyra yawned as the presentation started.


    "Your financial department is boring." Lisa yawned. She is not a fan of numbers and math.


    "It''s the backbone of the company, madam CEO. Without us, you will be bankrupt." Kyra said.


    "It''s not my money anyway. You are the biggest shareholder." Lisa said, teasing her friend. Although she is the next biggest shareholder, Kyra is the main one.


    "I told you not to bring that up again, Lisa." Kyra said, her voice serious unlike a few minutes before.


    She doesn''t like to bring that up because of her brothers. They have funded the start up and after their start up started to expand and shares got scattered, they gathered a few of them and gave them as a gift to Kyra on one of her birthdays.


    They have paid five times the real value and Kyra was not happy with it but she could only cave in as they apologised.


    "Sorry." Lisa apologized.


    "You two. Would you stop talking!!" A shout from one of the managers made Kyra and Lisa stop their conversation.


    "Sorry, sir." They both apologized as the mistake was on their side.


    The manager nodded his head and returned back to giving his presentation.


    "I know him." Lisa grimly said.


    "What?" Kyra whispered, worry marred her face.


    They thought they would have some time left before they met people from their past. But it seems like they are not lucky to have that luxury.


    "He is my bitchy sister in law''s classmate and friend." Lisa said.


    "Is he good?" Kyra asked, worried.


    "He didn''t take part in shaming me in public and ruining my modelling career. At the same time he does know that I am innocent." Lisa answered.


    "He is a coward." Kyra said.


    "Yeah." Lisa agreed.


    Later they didn''t talk with each other as it would disturb their fellow employees here. Only after an hour or so, they managed to come out.


    And, unfortunately their manager is the guy who Lisa knows.


    "If you are uncomfortable, I can get us a new manager." Kyra said as they walked to the cafeteria. It''s a half an hour break.


    All Kyra has to do is text her assistant and it will be done in no time.


    "It''s fine, Ky. Our first rule. Shouldn''t try to escape." Lisa reminded herself.


    "I can''t break the rule on our first day itself." she added.


    "That''s my girl." Kyra said, encouraging and assuring her friend at same time.


    However, she couldn''t help but worry about herself. She knows that she will be meeting the people of her past this evening, in the event.


    "Even you should value our rules, okay Ky?" Lisa asked, as if she knows what is going on in her mind.


    "I promised that I will." Kyra agreed with a smile.


    Before they could continue, a voice disturbed them.


    It''s the guy Lisa knows. The new manager.


    "I am Stephen Brown. The manager." he introduced himself.


    But his eyes are on Lisa.


    "Do we know each other, miss -" he asked but he couldn''t remember her name.


    "Adalise Nash." Lisa told her fake name.


    Adalise. The last four words, Lisa.


    "And, no. We don''t know each other, Mr. Brown." Lisa said.


    "But you look familiar." Stephen said.


    "We are new to this country, Mr. Brown. We came here from London and we are employees sent by the main branch." Lisa said.


    "Oh." Stephen couldn''t speak anything else.


    "Anyhow, welcome to the USA." with that Stephen walked away.


    "For now you escaped but he might recognise you soon." Kyra said, sipping her coffee.


    "I know." Lisa said. Although she left five years back and her face hasn''t changed much, she has changed. She has changed her body language, aura and demeanor.


    After spending the morning here, they left the office as this is just the first day and weekend.


    They went to a nearby hotel and had lunch before they left for shopping at a mall.


    --------


    Oliver finished his lunch in the research facility and the first thing he did was to call Kyra.


    Damn, he misses her.


    Though he is working, having meetings with scientists and researchers and testing their new invention, Kyra was constantly in his mind.


    The steamy kiss they shared, the flirting they enjoyed while talking and those ''innocent'' teasing!! He misses them.


    "Hey." Oliver said as soon as the call was answered.


    "Hey." Kyra said, a smile on her lips.


    "Ate?" Oliver asked, his voice gentle like snow and husky enough to turn a straight guy into a gay.


    "I had. You?" Kyra asked. Her heart started to beat rapidly because of that voice. It''s so magnetic!!


    "Just finished. Checking on how my girlfriend is spending her weekend." Oliver said with the same sexy voice.


    He is sitting with Jennifer and other doctors in the cafeteria and he has really startled them.


    When Oliver started to speak with that gentle smile, they assumed that it was his sister, Luna.


    Only a few seconds back they found out that he was talking to his girlfriend and it really came as shocking news to the others.


    "Shopping?" Oliver asked when he heard Kyra tell him that she was in a shopping mall. She told him that she would be spending the whole day in her company and would be having girl''s night.


    It is not that she should tell him everything but, he would be at ease if he knows what she is doing and where she is going.


    After that conversation he had with Lisa and Sophia, he couldn''t help but be this caring and cautious.


    "I decided to go to the event my company has organized tonight. I need a low key dress to hide myself from the unwanted attention." Kyra said.


    ''She said she wouldn''t be going. What changed her mind.'' Oliver thought. He accidentally eavesdropped on Ryan and Luther''s conversation last night and it seems like they don''t want her to go either.


    "Are you sure, Ky?" Oliver asked worriedly.


    "Why do you ask?" Kyra asked. He shouldn''t be knowing that she is having issues with going to this event. So, how does he know?


    "I accidentally eavesdropped on Ryan and your best friend last night after dinner. They didn''t want you to go." Oliver said. He doesn''t want to keep anything from Kyra.


    Her friends said that loyalty is the one that matters the most to Kyra.


    "Those overprotective guys! They even got into your head." Kyra said, her voice complaining yet cute, making Oliver smile affectionately.


    "They overreact. I will be fine, " Kyra added.


    "If that''s what you want, go for it. " Oliver said. After sharing a few words, they ended the conversation.


    Oliver didn''t return to speaking to his friends who are looking at him with gaping eyes but looked into his schedule.


    After that he speed failed his new assistant who replaced Rogue.


    "Cancel my dinner plan with my uncle and aunt. I will be attending the event we got invited to." Oliver said.


    "But, sir -" the assistant was about to say something but Oliver cut her off.


    "It''s final." With that he ended the call.


    He got the invitation long back. At that time he didn''t know that Kyra was the president, so he only viewed her company as the rival his sister hates.


    So, he rejected the invitation. Which is a natural thing to do because he sister told him not to.


    However, when he found out that it was his girlfriend''s company, Oliver decided to go but Kyra told him that she wouldn''t be attending.


    That changed his mind. But now, he is worried about letting her go alone, so he could only go to keep a protective eye on her.


    Although he doesn''t know that Kyra will be meeting the people of her past, he has a hit feeling that it is not the best for her to go alone.


    He is reminded of the night at a charity event. The night he witnessed Kyra''s trauma for the first time.


    He might not be knowing what caused it but he knows that he doesn''t want to see her suffer like that again. It will squeeze life out of his heart.


    Moreover, her family is not here to cool her down. He is the one responsible for her and he wants to do the best

 Chapter 124 - So In Love.

    "I will be going now." Oliver turned around and told his fellow doctors and scientists.


    "But we decided to go through another research paper. The research institute from Japan has just sent the copy." Jennifer said.


    "Let''s go through it later. Why don''t you guys read it first? I will read it tonight if possible." Oliver said.


    Jennifer could only nod her head and after that, Oliver left.


    He should have stayed for a few more hours but he has to stop at the hospital for a few documents and he has agreed to visit an important patient to read his charts and suggest surgery.


    By the time he finishes it, he will have enough time to get ready for the event and leave.


    ----------


    Jennifer couldn''t focus on her work as her mind is filled with thoughts about Oliver and his girlfriend.


    She didn''t like how Oliver''s focus is being shifted towards his girlfriend instead of his sister''s treatment.


    His sister Luna is her friend from diapers time so, she couldn''t bear to see her getting neglected by Oliver, the most important person for Luna.


    ''What is that event and why did Oliver leave this early? Is he planning to attend it?'' she thought inside.


    She tried to distract herself from her thoughts but she couldn''t. At least, she could only contact Oliver''s assistant nd directly ask for information.


    Oliver''s new assurance was once his sister Luna''s assistant so, she knows who Jennifer is. That is why she didn''t dare to denybthe request.


    '' A bussiness event?'' Jennifer whispered to herself after she got text from Oliver''s assistant.


    LK groups.


    Venue : Regal palace.


    Timings : 6pm to 9pm.


    Only the people with invitation are allowed.


    ''It looks like Oliver''s girlfriend is related to this company. She is going to be there and Oliver to keep her company.'' Jennifer came up with her theory.


    Right or not, one thing is for sure.


    Olivets mysterious girlfriend going to be there.


    ''A perfect opportunity to break Oliver''s secrecy.'' Jennifer thought and gave a call to her brother.


    Her brother is just like Kyra''s brothers. Protective and loving towards his sister.


    "Is anything wrong, princess?" Her brother asked the very moment he answered the call.


    "I am fine, bro. Bro�� I want one favour" Jennifer asked, acting cute. Her voice would instantly melt her brother''s heart.


    "What is it, dear sis. Tell this brother what you want and I will get it for you." her brother, totally melted by her cuteness said.


    Jennifer smiled.


    "There is one bussiness party at 6 this evening in the Regal palace. I want to attend it. Can you find a way to send me inside?" Jennifer asked.


    Her brother didn''t say anything for a few seconds. He is surprised his sister is interested in the bussiness now.


    When their father begged her to take the family bussiness, she denied outright. He didn''t expect her to develop interest now.


    As if Jennifer could read what is going on in her brother''s mind, she stopped those thoughts with her next words.


    "I am not interested. My decision has not changed and will never change. I am doing this for my best friend Luna. She is currently completing with this company on some contract."


    "I want to go and take a look."


    Her brother sighed.


    It seems like his sister is not willing to divide this burden. Anyway, it is fine as she is doing something she likes.


    "I got an invite, sis. I will be going you can come as my female partner." her brother said.


    "Thank you, bro. You are the best. Pick me up at 5 from my apartment." with that Jennifer ended the call and she left the institute too.


    After coming back from Australia, she hasn''t attended any public event. As this is after one year, one long year, she wants to look pretty.


    There are some petty socialites who always wants to make fun of her. And, Jennifer never gave them a chance to do so.


    -----


    After Kyra and Lisa finished tgeir shopping they went to Sofia''s apartment.


    Coincidentally, Oliver was waiting for the elevator.


    "Oliver?" Lisa greeted in surprise. She doesn''t know he live here.


    No one told her that.


    "He lives here, Lisa. A floor above Sofia''s Apartment." Kyra said as she smiled at Oliver.


    "Done with shopping?'' Oliver asked, caressing Kyra''s head.


    "Yes. As low key as possible." Kyra said and she snuggled in his embrace when he hugged her with his one arm.


    "I am attending too. I got invitation." Oliver said.


    Kyra raised her head and looked at him. Oliver could see the srnse of relief in her eyes. So, he is right.


    Kyra is tensed about this event. He could tell that it is not company related but purely personal. That is why he is worried as well.


    "I am glad you are coming." Kyra said, wrapping both her arms around his waist, seeking his warmth comfort.


    "If anything is wrong, just text me, okay? I will be by your side in no time." Oliver said, kissing her forehead.


    Lisa looked at their interaction and apart from feeling genuinely happy for her best friend, she felt annoyed too. PDA!!


    They are giving her a lot of dog food just by these simple interactions. The emotions they are sharing, the look in their face and that genuine smile on their lips is enough to make others feel their affection.


    *Cough*...*Cough*.


    "Guys, I am here too." Lisa said but to her frustration, Oliver and Kyra ignored her continued to hug.


    They only parted when Kyra and Lisas''s floor has come. Oliver, like a gentleman which he is, walked Kyra and her friend to their door.


    "Meet you at party, Ky." Oliver said and pecked her lips.


    Kyra was little off guard as she is new to the kissing on lips part. He did it so casually that, she didn''t expect it.


    "With a nod at Lisa, Oliver returned to the elevator.


    ------


    Kyra and Lisa dressed up in simple cocktail dresses and their accessories were simple as well.


    They are from well known brands itself but not limited or luxury ones.


    "The party is bustling," Lisa said as they sat at one corner.


    Many well known bussiness magnets have came and the other powerful people from London have also come, which didn''t surprise Kyra.


    These people are either sent by her brothers or, they are people who were once client''s of LK company.


    "Some might have came to see if the LK''s influence and connections are really like what they heard. And some others are here to butter up the people who came from London and the others are here to show their interest in colloborationg with us." Kyra said.


    "By the time they leave, they will go with a good impression on our company. That is what it matters." Lisa said.


    "We need to analyse these people too. Are Hayley, Taylor and Tayler are working according to our plan?" Kyra asked.


    "They texted just now. They are already doing that." Lisa said.


    When Kyra didn''t answer, Lisa turned to look at Kyra and noticed that Kyra is looking elsewhere.


    When she followed, Kyra''s line of sight, she could only sigh.


    It''s Oliver.


    He came alone without any female partner. Right now, he is looking at Kyra as well.


    They are in their own world.


    ''These both are really in love! Argh! As much as I want to see my friend happy, I can''t bear this PDA.'' Lisa thought.


    She moved her chair in such a way that she is obstructing Kyra''s view.


    "What the-" Kyra was about to curse but stopped when Lisa flared at her.


    "You both can have your quality time later, Ky. For now, control yourself, okay?" Lisa asked.


    Kyra could only nod her head.


    She was about to focus on their plan but she got distracted sgain when she noticed that girls aroubd her are looking at Oliver, infatuated.


    "See them." Kyra said, possesiveness evident in her voice.


    "Your boyfriend has lot of fans, dear friend." Lisa chuckled.


    "Jennifer came as well." Kyra heard another girl say to her friend and when Kyra looked at Oliver, Jennifer and another man are sitting beside Oliver.


    Jennifer and Oliver and talking and Oliver just smiled.


    "Oliver smiled! I actually heard that Jennifer will be engaged to Oliver. It seems like it is true." the another girl said.


    Lisa looked at Kyra, however, Kyra didn''t look tgat disturbed.


    "You know?" Lisa asked.


    "Oliver explained." Kyra whispered.


    ----


    "Where is your girlfriend?" Jennifer asked as soon as she sat down.


    "You came here all the way just to see my girlfriend?" Oliver asked, amused.


    "Of course! You are hiding her as if she is a precious diamond about to be snatched away" Jennifer said.


    "She is more than a precious diamond to me." Oliver said with a smile. This is very rare for him to smile in public but thinking about Kyra, he couldn''t smile.


    "God! You are so in love!! You should see your face" Jennifer snorted.


    "She is worth it.." Oliver said with another smile and took a glance at Kyra who is talking to Lisa.

 Chapter 125 - Her Trauma.

    Kyra fisted her fingers on her dress when she noticed a familiar figure who entered just now.


    It is her biological mother Angela and her husband Samuel. Following just behind is her step sister Melissa.


    Kyra''s tensed movements attracted Lisa''s attention and she couldn''t help but follow the line of Kyra''s sight.


    "Those bastards have come." Lisa bitterly spatted.


    Kyra was not in a mood to listen to Lisa''s curses as she is in her own world now. The world is dark enough to make her super anxious now.


    All those memories flooded back. The memories of them pampering her and the actual intention behind those actions��


    The birthday on which she got backstabbed, swiped off her mysterious wealth, all flooded in her mind.


    And, it pained like hell.


    It wouldn''t have been this painful if they stopped there. But, those inhumane monsters sold her off to human trafficking.


    They should have killed her off, instead!! But her mother - her own mother spat at her with hate and disgust.


    She called her a mistake, a grave mistake of her life. But that monster wanted the wealth her grandmother left for her.


    "Ky!" Lisa called, shaking her arm.


    "You are shivering!" she said with concern.


    "I�� I can''t stop remembering no matter how much I tried, Lisa. One week�� for one week I was in a small container with other girls." Kyra said and she started to rub the back of her hand.


    Whenever this anxiety resurfaces, she starts to rub her arms uncontrollably till it becomes red.


    That stinking smell, their petrifying shrieks, the other girls helpless wails, that infested chamber�� Those thoughts make her body react like this.


    "Ky, your hands are turning red." Lisa said, concerned. She thought that her friend is ready to face these people but looks like she isn''t.


    "Let''s get you away from these people." Lisa urged.


    "They look so happy, Lisa. See how my mother is pampering her step daughter, who is not even her own blood. See how perfect and innocent these three are looking, unlike their ugly hearts." Kyra said, pain evident in her voice.


    "They killed my grandmother, my innocent grandmother who wanted nothing but care for me. They killed her for money. The wealth they are enjoying is tainted with my grandmother''s blood and my tears." Kyra added.


    Her breath started to become short and she started to sweat. Her rapid heartbeat and chills are evident as well. Kyra''s claustrophobia started to trigger and if she stays in this confined room for a little more, she will attract attention and that''s not the worst part. She might faint!


    All thanks to that small container in which Kyra was imprisoned for a week before she was saved by her savior.


    Lisa pursed her lips. She understands what her friend is going through but for how long?


    She should get past these memories and start a new life.


    "Let''s go from here, Kyra!" Lisa said, exerting more command into her voice.


    Kyra didn''t restrain and followed Lisa. She doesn''t want to see how that family is laughing and acting like loving people. It is not only making her angry but reminding her of her days with them.


    Every memory, though it is a fake yet happy one, is painful to her heart.


    Lisa led Kyra upstairs to a room which had a huge balcony attached to it.


    She made Kyra sit on a couch in the balcony and took a pill out of her purse. She gave it to Kyra and made her take it.


    But Kyra''s mind is elsewhere and Lisa knows where it is lingering. In her dark past.


    "Ky!" Lisa called but Kyra''s eyes are looking straight ahead, at nothing but starless sky.


    Lisa has not seen Kyra''s trauma trigger. She did witness those but they were not this intense and Kyra''s one or other brother was present at that time.


    In the last five years, Kyra didn''t suffer much from her trauma. Those episodes were rare and short.


    "What should I do?" Lisa texted Sofia. Sofia has to be here by now but due to traffic, she got held up.


    "Call Oliver. I heard he is attending the party. Our Kyra is a lot calmer and serene with him around." Sofia suggested. She remember that Oliver calmed her when she encountered her family for the first time after she came back.


    Lisa immediately contacted Oliver and requested him to come to the room in which they are now.


    -------


    At that time Oliver was talking with some business partners who were attending this event. He knows that Kyra''s company, LK groups, is one of the top new companies that amazed everyone.


    He knows that they have many famous clients and business partners. But he didn''t expect it to be true to this extent.


    No wonder his sister''s friend who is a rival of this LK group is struggling a lot to stay afloat.


    "I have to take this call. Excuse me" Oliver said when he noticed that Lisa was calling him.


    He saw that Lisa and Kyra left the venue but he thought that they were going to the restroom or either to meet their friends who are organizing this party.


    This call made Oliver a little tense.


    He told Lisa and Sofia that they could call him if anything happens. And, they have said that they would try not to disturb him much as it might raise suspicion of their relationship.


    "Oliver, sorry to call but you have to come. Kyra is a little disturbed and I couldn''t help her." Lisa spoke so fast that he could gauge how worried Lisa was.


    "Room number?" he asked.


    "The suite is on the first floor. I already informed the bodyguards of the stairs to allow you inside. Could you please hurry." Lisa urged.


    Kyra''s arms are red now. She couldn''t stop rubbing them and she is shivering a bit.


    Her eyes are still focussed on nothing but a dark sky and her mind is roaming elsewhere. She is totally in a daze.


    This is worse.


    She heard that Kyra was like this when she first met Collins. Her condition improved only because she didn''t meet her family for years till now.


    It looks like the effects of the Collins family are not sufficient. They did what they could do and the rest is in Kyra''s hands.


    "Okay. I am coming." Oliver said.


    And, all this time, Jennifer was observing Oliver. So, when he started to leave the venue, she followed him.


    However, she got stopped at the stairs by the bodyguards and it was a dead end. There is no elevator to the first floor as it is allocated to the people who are hosting the party. No one will be allowed without their permission.


    "So, Oliver''s girlfriend is either one of the hosts or someone close to the host. How would Luna react when she finds out that her brother is in love with her rival?" Jennifer thought as she walked back into the venue.


    Meanwhile, upstairs.


    As soon as Oliver entered.


    "I think she is having one of her trauma episodes. I gave her the medicine but it seems like it is not working much."


    "Please help her." Lisa said.


    "Where is she?" Oliver asked, as he scanned the room. He couldn''t find her.


    "She is on the bedroom balcony. The room on the right side." Lisa answered his question.


    She decided to wait here instead of going inside. She knows that Oliver has to be affectionate and if required, intimate to help her.


    She doesn''t want to be a third wheel.


    And, she doesn''t want dog food either.


    Oliver nodded his head and walked into the room.


    As soon as he entered the room, he saw Kyra sitting on the couch.


    "K-" he was about to call her but he stopped when he saw Kyra.


    Her lifeless eyes.


    Her red arms.


    Her distracted emotions.


    Seeing her like this, he felt thousand needles prickle his heart.


    Why? Why should God be this unfair!?


    Oliver took a long breath, trying to make his heart light weight. But, it only became heavy with each passing second.


    "She needs you, Oliver. Stay strong." Oliver whispered to himself and sat beside Kyra.


    He slowly took her hands into his, preventing her from rubbing her arms.


    "Hey" he gently spoke to get her attention.


    Kyra looked at Oliver with her golden hazel eyes. They are not twinkling like before. They are empty akin to this starless sky tonight.


    "Oliver." Kyra said, her voice choking.


    "Hush. Hush. It will go away, love. It''s just temporary." he whispered in a soothing tone as he slowly took her into his embrace.


    He kissed her head and wrapped one of his arm around her waist while the other arm rested on her cheek, keeping her face pressed to his chest.


    He doesn''t know how or why but he knows that his steady heartbeat calms Kyra. And, as expected, it did.


    Listening to that heartbeat, she doesn''t know why but a wave of warmth spreads in her heart.


    She started to feel better.


    "I didn''t think I would be this timid. Seven years. Nothing changed. I am afraid of them just like before." Kyra said, looking into the sky.


    "Who are they?" Oliver asked.

 Chapter 126 - Her Past.

    Read novel online free fast updates at novelhall.com


    Listening to that heartbeat, she doesn''t know why but a wave of warmth spreads in her heart.


    She started to feel better.


    "I didn''t think I would be this timid. Seven years. Nothing changed. I am afraid of them just like before." Kyra said, looking into the sky.


    "Who are they?" Oliver asked


    Kyra didn''t speak for a few seconds and Oliver didn''t pressurize her. He has all the time and he would wait for her to open up.


    Even now, he is trying his luck.


    "Do you know Roberts? Kyra asked, her eyes still focussed on the horizon.


    "Roberts family?" Oliver asked.


    "Of course I know. They run the Roberts group. Their business was not huge eight years ago. It expanded dramatically in these seven years." Oliver told her everything he knows about that family.


    "Samuel Roberts is my step father and his wife, Angela Roberts is my biological mother." Kyra said.


    Oliver froze when he heard that. He guessed that Kyra is from this place as she knew him nine to ten years ago.


    But he didn''t give it a serious thought as Kyra is from Collins family based in London. He thought that she was here for a brief time, perhaps for vacation and that was when she saw him.


    He didn''t expect her to be a citizen of the USA. Her British slang is so perfect that he thought she was from the UK.


    He thought she has learnt to speak in American slang for fitting here but, it is the other way around.


    "So, Collins are -" Oliver was about to ask but Kyra interjected.


    "They are my adopted family." she finished.


    "They adopted me four years back." Kyra added.


    Oliver didn''t know how to respond, so he stayed quiet.


    "I was actually from a town in California. I was born and raised in that town by my biological father and his wife, my step mother, who already had two kids."


    "My childhood�� it''s neither a good time to cherish nor remember. My father didn''t love me as I reminded him more of my biological mother who left him after they were in an accident and he injured his leg."


    "My step mother, though didn''t try to harm me, she didn''t care for me. She gave me a hard time in the house and her children, well, they never treated me like a sister but more like a free slave."


    "The only person who cared for me at that time was my grandmother. She didn''t live with us but she used to visit us once a week."


    "Sixteen years went like that and my struggles started when my grandmother died. My father disappeared and I was called a witch by the people in town."


    "They called me bad luck. They believed that I was the reason for the unfortunate situation in the family. I used to have nightmares about something at that time. What could I do?" Kyra sobbed, remembering those days. They were horrible as well.


    Oliver could only comfort her and kiss her forehead. If she is bad luck, how would her company be in a good position? If she is really a hotspot of unfortunate situations, how would she be able to save her patients in the surgery room??


    Kyra snuggles more into his warmth. At this point of time, she is sitting on his lap.


    Oliver is having his arms protectively wrapped around her body. Kyra is resting her head on his chest and her arms are wrapped around his waist.


    "I was so depressed at that time and I didn''t have any moral support. I was so alone and distressed that I tried to kill myself."


    "I thought I would really die but at that same time, my biological mother saved me. I never saw her as she left me when I was just three."


    "She brought me here to the Roberts family. They were very good to me. They loved me, pampered me and treated me like their own child."


    "For someone who didn''t have a proper family till then, it was a blessing. I got attached to them in a very short span of time."


    "Soon, I was blinded by their love. Two years�� this continued for two years and on my birthday, they gave me some papers and asked me to sign on it."


    "I, a fool blinded by that kind facade, thought that it was some birthday gift and signed on it without reading."


    "That evening, they took me somewhere. It was an old house. I remember that place too well."


    "Those shabby houses, it''s musty smell, the dead plants around them��" Kyra described and she was about to rub her arms again, but Oliver stopped her from doing it.


    "I didn''t think much and entered that house with them. And, it was when the fairy tale I was living in, crumbled."


    "Their real, uglier selves came into light that day."


    "My kind, caring mother was inhumane and crazy. Her la..laughter..it sti..still rever�� reverberate in m...my mind." Kyra''s voice stuttered.


    Oliver''s eyes brimmed with pain and pity. He felt his heart getting heavy with sorrow and the pain in his heart started to suffocate him.


    Why was he not there for her at that time?! If he was there, she wouldn''t have gone through this!!


    "Sh�� she told m�� me that sh�� she killed my grandmother and was wai... waiting for m�� me to reach my saturation poi.. point"


    "She�� was waiting for me t.. to commit suc...suicide." Kyra broke down with that. She started to sob in his embrace.


    Oliver could only hug her and caress her hair, silently assuring her that he is there for her.


    "It''s fine if you want to tell me later, Ky. Don''t force yourself to do it, hon. I can''t see you like this." Oliver said.


    Kyra smiled in between her sobs.


    "I am not forcing myself. I am telling you because I want to." Kyra said, looking into his sapphire blue eyes.


    Once again, Oliver felt speechless. He just didn''t know the right words to use right now.


    But he wanted to show his support, so he kissed her forehead.


    Kyra smiled once again. His kisses and embraces do wonders for her. He is like a natural anxiety pill for her.


    "My biological mother killed her own mother because she wanted the wealth my grandmother hid from us."


    "My grandmother was not some country woman but the owner of a multi-billion company. That company was my grandfather''s and she had to go into hiding after his death."


    "Why? I don''t know that. All I know is that she raised my mother in a small town while managing the company secretly."


    "My mother somehow found out that and she came for me because my grandmother''s will was written in a way, I will inherit all the wealth after her death."


    "My mother was furious when she found out about will. She couldn''t convince my grandmother, so she came up with this plan. The plan where my grandmother will be killed and the properties will go under my name."


    "And, they followed that plan to butter me up. They made me trust them blindly and once I was eighteen, they made me write the company and the wealth in their name."


    "They should have stopped there. But they didn''t." Kyra''s voice started to quiver again.


    "Bu�� but they wan�� wanted to get rid of me. They should have at least killed me, right?" Kyra sobbed.


    Oliver felt his heart in pain again. A tear rolled across his cheek because of the pain he is feeling because of the pain in her voice.


    His girlfriend endured so much.


    "Yo.. you know what they did? The�� they sold me to hum..human trafficking gang. They dumped every ficking truth on me and then threw me to those inhumane people."


    "I was in a goods container for one week. They wanted to ship me and the other girls to some�� some place."


    "That one week totally messed up my mind. Half of my traumas are related to that time. I can''t forget that place no matter how much I tried."


    "Those people, their bossy and inhumane nature. The helpless and wailing girls like me. That stinky place, that food��" Kyra shivered and her breath accelerated.


    Oliver could feel her rapid heart breath and the shivering body.


    Another tear rolled down his cheeks.


    "Cool down�� you are not at that place anymore. You are safe " Oliver whispered soothingly in her ear. He knows that his words won''t make Kyra feel better still he wanted to say them aloud.


    It is more like he is assuring himself that she is safe.


    Hearing Oliver''s voice, Kyra felt reassured and safe.


    His voice has that impact on her.


    "After that one week of hell, we were saved by the military." Kyra said.


    "Military?" Oliver asked. This is the police''s work. Not the military''s.


    Only the people with great influence and power can make the military do the internal work like these.


    "Yes.. Even I was surprised" Kyra responded.


    You can read the novel online free at novelhall.com

 Chapter 127 - Open Heart Conversation.

    "After that, I found out that I got shortlisted for Oxford. It is as if I was granted a second chance. I lost hope and zeal to live however getting selected for the top Medical school gave me purpose to live again."


    "Thanks to the people who saved me. They have faked my death and helped me to get admitted into my medical school."


    "If finding the courage to go there was one step, mingling with those people and competing with them was totally another step. I had difficulty socializing with strangers and I was not emotionally stable even at that time."


    "It was when I met Catherine Collins, my adopted mom. She is a psychiatrist who helped me with my difficulties."


    "Not very long after that, I met Hope, my sister in law, your God sister. She was dating Andrew, Catherine''s first son, my brother at that time."


    "I met her in one conference and she was very interested in me. She often visited me, took care of me and it turned out she was the one who recommended me to Catherine Collins."


    "She was the first person I bonded with after that incident of mine. She introduced me to her boyfriend, who is my brother now."


    "She even took me to meet the Collins family one time and it was how I met the Collins family."


    "They really treated me well and that freaked me out. I started avoiding Hope and my mother as well."


    "But Hope didn''t want to give up on me. She is like a bridge that connected me to Collins and gave me a new family. For that, I am forever indebted to my sister in law." Kyra said.


    Oliver pursed his lips. He couldn''t help but miss his God sister Hope, who is no more.


    And, he didn''t know that his God Sister, Hope, had done this much to Kyra. She never mentioned this to him.


    Maybe she did mention but he had forgotten about that. At that time, he was having a hard time as well. Accident, break up and rehabilitation�� he was not in his right mind.


    "The Collins family, Luther and the Richards family (Sofia, Chloe, Matthew and Daniel) have helped me a lot over the past seven years. They are the reason for my sophisticated life right now."


    "It took me a lot of courage and effort to believe in them and fortunately, I have met the good people who really cared for me."


    "I started my own business with their motivation and support and as a part of therapy, they made me resume my painting hobby which made me into a famous artist, Passion. Because of them, I was able to do everything I wanted."


    She was into many things like painting, business management, med school and there were other hobbies as well, like violin, defense arts. The reason was not only to prove herself but to keep her busy enough to forget about her past.


    She used to be so tired by the end of the day that she used to go into deep sleep and not dream of anything bad.


    "You became successful, Ky. There is no need to cling on to your past anymore.", Oliver said, caressing her hair.


    "I want to let go, Oliver. But I was not able to do so. You have seen how I react whenever I see them. That anxiety and trauma is the same as seven years back. It didn''t change." Kyra said.


    "It takes time, Ky. Your days away from here can''t be counted. Trauma''s are to be fighted not to be escaped.", Oliver said, continuing to caress her hair. Her hair is so soft and silky that he can''t keep his hands steady.


    "It looks like you are right. After hearing your words, I am kind of relieved. I was assuming that I might never overcome this trauma. I got scared.", Kyra said, cuddling in his embrace, seeking his comfort.


    Oliver gladly let her take his warmth. He kissed her forehead and whispered against her skin.


    "You are a fighter, Ky. Since your childhood you have been fighting against the circumstances. It is already admirable that you came all the way here, after what you have been through. These seven years of your relentless fighting and shaping your life is the preparation for what you have to fight now."


    "Although I hate to say this, it is not that easy to fight the trauma. Revenge is the best way to fight through it but it is a dangerous option. As long as we don''t forget our morals and ethics, it will be fine.", he added.


    "Why do I feel like you have been through this?" Kyra asked as she raised her head to look into his eyes.


    Oliver smiled, looking at the horizon.


    "My parents death. I remember each and every detail of it. That was my childhood trauma. I told you that it gave me a fear of blood, right? That was not it. I feared vehicles, I feared going outside after that."


    "The circumstances were not good at that time. My sister''s nervous system started to deteriorate and my family members started to fight for the wealth and power my father left. Because of those tensions, I didn''t have any moral support from anyone."


    "I just knew that I had to live by channelising strength from something. That strength came from my sister. Firstly, I overcame my fear of driving vehicles and because of my sister''s health, I decided to become a doctor."


    "And, I knew that in order to become a doctor, a surgeon in that too, I have to overcome my fear of blood. It took years for me, Ky. I went through a lot as well. My preparations to overcome that started with me, watching movies filled with blood and accidents." Oliver said, chuckling.


    Kyra smiled. Watching movies??


    "Yeah. movies. I watched till I could watch those bloody scenes without flinching. I had fear of hospitals because of my parents'' accident, so I used to go and sit in hospitals till I got used to that place."


    "These all are just one step and going into the operation room and watching the surgeries, taking part in them were totally different steps. It is just like the seven years of your time away here are your preparations to fight this thing you have with your biological family.", Oliver said.


    "So, you have walked straight into the things you are afraid of. Didn''t you get scared?", Kyra asked.


    "We won''t know what happiness feels like if we didn''t taste what sadness feels like. In the same way, we won''t be able to know how to fight until we do what scares us.", Oliver said.


    "That''s true." Kyra agreed. But walking straight into the war with her biological mother scared her. That woman is scary and inhumane!!


    Kyra didn''t say anything but continued to rest in his embrace. His hands in her hair are soothing and his warm lips on her forehead are warming her heart. With him here, she didn''t feel like it is impossible but would she really be able to do what he said by herself?


    They didn''t know how long it had been and they got disturbed only when Lisa knocked and entered after a few seconds.


    She was taken back after seeing their affection. Kyra is sitting in Oliver''s lap and their arms are wrapped around each other.


    PDA again!!


    On the other hand, Lisa felt relieved seeing Kyra''s serene face. It looks like Oliver does have a calming effect on her.


    "You look fine so, I won''t be asking you how you are feeling." Lisa said.


    Kyra just smiled and rested her head on Oliver''s shoulder.


    "Guys, please stop this PDA. I can''t bear to see it.", Lisa said and Kyra chuckled before getting off Oliver''s lap.


    She sat beside me and smiled at Oliver.


    "The party is coming to an end. Do you guys want to join or stay here till the end? Lisa asked.


    "I prefer staying here.", Kyra immediately answered.


    "I was mocking you, Ky!! You got dressed and came here all the way just to lock yourself in this room and romance with your boyfriend??" Lisa asked.


    Kyra felt her cheeks warm up and Oliver could only shake his head at this friend''s bickering.


    "Nope. I just like it here more than that noisy hall.", Kyra said, smiling affectionately at Oliver.


    "Don''t lie, Kyra.", Lisa said.


    "I am not lying!! I meant it. Do you know that you have disturbed my quality time with my boyfriend?" Kyra asked. Oliver chuckled. He didn''t interrupt them because he is loving the conversation.


    "You are just avoiding your biological mother," Lisa said.


    "I am not. And, I have decided to agree to the collaboration with my biological mother and her husband''s company. Profit wise, it''s a good collaboration and there is no reason to reject it. I decided to not let my personal problems come into the way. I will fight my trauma.." Kyra said and looked at Oliver who smiled reassuringly at her.

 Chapter 128 - The Friends Of The Past.

    While Oliver and Kyra were having the conversation about their lives, Jennifer approached the stairs, hoping to get past the security. She knows that the first floor is exclusive to the people who are hosting the event in this venue, yet she tried.


    Pretending to be clueless of this rule, Jennifer tried to access the stairs however, she got stopped by the sturdy bodyguards guarding the stairs.


    "We are sorry for the inconvenience, ma''am. We are not allowed to grant access to the first floor until the hosts permits it.", they told her.


    "Oh, is it? My friend has just gone upstairs so I thought it''s for everyone who is invited to the party.", Jennifer said, acting innocently.


    "Sorry, ma''am. It''s not accessible by everyone and we have only allowed people who are asked to be sent." the bodyguard said.


    "I will not trouble you people, then." Jennifer said and walked away.


    Who exactly is Oliver''s girlfriend??


    "A splendid acting! For a doctor, it sure is impressive.", a voice mocked Jennifer and when she recognized the voice, Jennifer could only roll her eyes and turn around to look at the unpleasant face of the owner of the voice.


    Her day is already going bad and it looks like it will only worsen.


    "Thanks for the compliments, Ms. Roberts. I am sure I am a better actor than you, who is a professional actor by the way." Jennifer mocked.


    "You-" Mellisa scorned.


    "Yes?" Jennifer smiled, her eyes looking at her with disdain.


    "You know that you are not allowed upstairs yet, you acted so shamelessly.", Melissa spoke.


    "So?"Jennifer asked, acting passive.


    "You call me shameless and evil but you are no different.", Melissa said.


    "Shameless? Yes. I am. I agree." Jennifer said, taking a step towards Melissa.


    "Evil? I suppose I am not as evil as you and your family.", she added, her voice morphing with anger and disgust.


    "How dare you-", before Meliisa could finish her finish, Jennifer interjected.


    "Don''t you dare to deny, Mellisa!! I know what you and your family did to Alex. I know her death is not as innocent as you and your shitty family claim to be. The evidences might have been destroyed but the truth can''t be suppressed.", Jennifer said, trying her best to suppress the anger that is about to explode.


    Alex was her best friend in high school. Although they have known each other only for two years, they were best friends. They bonded quite well and they were like soulmates, understanding and caring towards each other.


    Alex was naive and innocent. Though she was incredibly smart and a fast learner, she loved her adopted family blindly. That blind love made her see the bright side and filter the remaining. She has warned Alex a few times but it has done nothing but increase the distance between them.


    Her friend, Alex, was not ready to listen to such conspiring ideas about the people who gave her the dream family she wanted. After many failed attempts, Jennifer couldn''t change her friend''s mindset. And, at the end of high school, they have lost touch.


    And, Jennifer knows that Alex has done it intentionally. Her best friend didn''t want to talk to her anymore. The last thing she heard about Alex is that she will be studying business management and work for her step father.


    Jennifer didn''t see anything suspicious in it and one year has passed. Jennifer went to her med school to follow her crush, Oliver and didn''t think much about Alex for the whole one year. Only at the Christmas Holidays, she has got to know that Alex died.


    Pretty shaken by that news, Jennifer went to confront the Roberts family. However, their answers didn''t convince her. She wanted to dig deeper but every detail about Alex''s death was well fit. Too flawless that it only raised more suspicion.


    Jennifer couldn''t bring evidence but deep down, she knows that Robert''s family is the reason for her friend''s death.


    "We have shown you the evidence eight years before, Florence. Sorry, it''s Jennifer now, right?", Melissa said, giving a provocative smile.


    "Excuse me," a voice in a rich British accent made Jennifer and Melissa stop their heated conversation.


    When Melissa noticed who it was, her eyes grew wide and they sparkled with admiration and devotion.


    "Ms. Sophia Richards. I am a big fan of yours. I am a model and an actor. We met once.", Mellisa said to Sophia, her voice filled with adoration. It is as if she is ready to bootlick, if necessary to curry up the favors with one of the world''s best supermodels.


    Sophia deftly avoided Melissa and turned towards Jennifer who is still glaring at Melissa.


    "Dr. Smith, what a coincidence. How are you?" Sophia asked.


    Jennifer, albeit surprised, smiled casually.


    "I am doing fine, Ms. Richards. It''s indeed a surprise to see you here. How have you been?", she asked.


    "Yes, I am fine as well. How was your fellowship in Australia? My brother has been gloating a lot about your accomplishments.", Sophia said.


    "Daniel is too much. He exaggerates a lot.", Jennifer laughed as she answered. She met this supermodel when she went to meet her friend Daniel. She knows that Sophia and Daniel are cousins.


    "That, he does.", Sophia laughed as well.


    "Sofi, you are here. Thank God! Why the hell-", Lisa approached them and when she saw Jennifer and Meliisa she stopped her tantrums.


    ''Lisa'', Mellisa thought inside. She knows Lisa as she was once a model who was a top fresher back then. She hated and envied her. Fortunately, she disappeared not very soon after that.


    "It looks like I am needed elsewhere, Dr. Smith. It''s nice talking with you.", Sophia said.


    "I had good time as we, Ms. Richards.", Jennifer said, bidding her goodbye.


    After that Sophia and Lisa went upstairs and both Melissa and Jennifer looked at their receding figures till they were out of sight.


    Jennifer was thinking how Sophia and Oliver might know each other as Sophia has walked upstairs as well. It means Sophia should be acquainted with Oliver''s girlfriend right?


    ''Don''t tell me Sophia is his girlfriend.'' Jennifer thought.


    ''No��No, it can''t be. If it is the case, Daniel might have told me.'' She convinced herself.


    ''He might not know as well.'' another part of her main thought.


    ''What if this other girl who fetched Sophia is his girlfriend? She is pretty and doesn''t look that naive and docile as well,'' Jennifer thought.


    While Jennifer was in her own thoughts, Mellisa was currently exploding with anger.


    Sophia, her idol, has totally ignored her and acted as if she is invincible. It was very embarrassing and humiliating to her. Besides that, seeing Lisa here worried her. What if Lisa is here to compete again? Didn''t Lisa''s sister in law say that she took care of everything? How come Lisa is here again, that too, looking this beautiful and charismatic??


    "Jen, where were you? I was worried.", her brother who was looking for her approached Jennifer with worry marring his face.


    "Sorry, bro. I didn''t think that I would meet an old acquaintance here. I was looking for Oliver actually and as he went upstairs, I was waiting for him here." Jennifer relied.


    "He went to meet his girlfriend. He just texted me that he wouldn''t be joining us to the party and would rather spend his time with his girlfriend, cuddling. That idiot is throwing a lot of dog food at us, the singles.", her brother complained, upset that his friend, Oliver is in a relationship and he isn''t.


    He has no problem talking about Olover''s relationship with his sister as he believes that Jennifer has moved on and treats Oliver only as a friend. Even if she has slightest hope left inside, he wants her to suppress them and that is why he is open with her.


    "Is it?" Jennifer asked.


    "I will talk to him tomorrow morning then. Let''s go.", she added and then left with her brother to join the party.


    Meanwhile, Meliisa, who has heard all of this, couldn''t bring herself to digest the information.


    She is attending this party only because Oliver is coming. She was waiting for him to come downstairs so she could talk to him and that was when she bumped into Jennifer.


    She is crazy about Oliver. His charisma, his intellect, his handsomeness, his wealth, his power and everything about him makes her go crazy for him. He was her senior in school and she had a crush on him since then. And, she was always jealous of Jennifer because she was close to Oliver.


    She couldn''t help but fantasize about her life with him but this news about Oliver having a girlfriend and she is just a stairs away is making her kill that homewrecker. Oliver must her hers, hers alone!!


    ��-----


    Meanwhile��


    "Why did you talk to Jennifer so nicely?? She is the rival of Kyra." Lisa deadpanned.


    "Do you remember Florence, Kyra used to talk about?" Sophia asked.


    "Yeah! That high school friend who warned our Kyra about her family before itself. Why do you ask?" Lisa asked.


    "Jennifer is that Florence. Looks like she changed her name to Jennifer after Kyra left the country.", Sophia said.


    What a twist!


    And, Alex about whom Jennifer and Mellisa are talking about, is none other than Kyra.


    Kyra Alexandria Collins.


    Alexandria is the name given by her grandmother to Kyra.. Only after leaving the country, Kyra changed her name to Kyra.

 Chapter 129 - Alone In The House.

    "So, Jennifer is not a rival?" Lisa asked. After getting to know about the little misunderstanding Oliver and Kyra had because of Jennifer, she has thought Jennifer more as a rival to Kyra.


    Now, finding out that Jennifer was once a dear friend to Kyra, she couldn''t come to a conclusion.


    "Not necessarily.", Sophia said as she watched Jennifer walking away with her brother.


    "Though she was a friend to Kyra once, it''s been years. Many things must have changed.


    "It''s been eight years since they saw each other. Jennifer couldn''t recognize Kyra because of the disguise our friend maintains. How come Kyra hasn''t recognized Jennifer?" Lisa said.


    She couldn''t believe that things are getting this twisted and complex.


    "Jennifer was in an accident eight years back. It is what my brother told me. That accident caused some damage to Jennifer''s face and she had to go under the knife for a plastic surgery."


    "It might also be a reason why Jennifer changed her name from Florence to Jennifer. According to my brother, she gets very edgy and emotional if anyone discusses that matter around her." Sophia explained.


    She has known about this matter for a very long time but she didn''t see any importance in disclosing this information.


    "Should we tell Kyra about this? Meeting an old friend might make her get comfortable with what she is about to do. What I meant is, having support from an old friend might make Kyra confident.", Lisa said.


    "I don''t know. We hadn''t expected that something like this might happen. There are pros and cons to this matter."


    "If we tell Kyra about this she might drop her guard around Jennifer and what if that makes Jennifer take advantage of Kyra?" Sophia asked. She knows that she is being paranoid but it is Kyra''s love life.


    "And, What if Kyra wants to reveal herself to Jennifer? It will force Kyra to come clean and we don''t know how Jennifer would react to it"


    "She has after all loved Oliver once and by what I have seen today, it looks like she is adamant to find out who Olover''s mysterious girlfriend is. We are not sure what her intentions are.", Sophia added, looking apprehensive.


    Lisa leaned against the wall and sighed. They are now in the passage of the first floor, just a few feet away from the suite where Oliver and Kyra are in.


    Before going inside, they wanted to come to one decision about Jennifer''s past relationship with Kyra.


    "Yes, you are right, Sophia. Kyra is sensitive when it comes to her past relationships."


    "If Jennifer did something which might count as betrayal, our friend would be depressed and it might lead her to back off from facing her biological mother and the family." Lisa agreed.


    "Yes. If she backs off now, she might never be able to fight her trauma. We can''t let this happen.", Sophia agreed.


    "But, it will make no difference between us and Kyra''s overprotective brothers. Sophia."


    "They are controlling half of Kyra''s life and life choices because of their overprotectiveness. We have agreed that it is interrupting Kyra''s exposure to real life."


    "Isn''t it the reason why we have risked encouraging Kyra to follow her heart in progressing her relationship with Oliver?"


    "If we make decisions for Kyra because of some prejudice, we would be the people harming her instead." Lisa said, struck in a dilemma on how to proceed.


    "So, you are suggesting that we tell Kyra about Jennifer?" Sophia asked, apprehensive of Lisa''s decision.


    "Yes. Just think about it, okay? I am aware that you know what''s best for Kyra. You have, after all, been with her for eight years and have seen with your own eyes how she suffered."


    "I will be going inside to see what Oliver and Kyra are upto. In the meantime, you decide and join us." Lisa said.


    She has known Kyra only for five to six years and by then, Kyra has almost become normal.


    Though she had her traumas and nightmares still haunting her, they were not as intense as the ones she had in previous years.


    Sophia nodded her head.


    "I will be going then." Lisa said and entered the room.


    ��-----------


    After Lisa was forced to eat enough Dog food from Oliver and Kyra, Sophia entered the site.


    "Here you are! I would have got diabetics if I was left alone with these fellas here.", Lisa threw a tantrum.


    Sophia chuckled and sat down beside Lisa.


    "You are fine,'''' Sophia said, surprised. She didn''t expect Kyra to recover her usual self this fast, especially after looking at her biological mother with her loving family for the first time in eight years.


    "I got disturbed and I was upset after looking at three of them. I must admit that it brought some horrid memories and triggered an episode but it didn''t last long." Kyra said, looking at Oliver affectionately.


    Like always, Oliver stayed quiet and gave his silent support to Kyra. He entwined their fingers and gave her a reassuring smile.


    "I was distressed by my own reaction but thanks to Oliver, I feel totally fine now. The little conversation we had gave me the assurance I wanted.", she added.


    "I am glad it helped, Ky.", Oliver said and pressed a kiss on her temple, making Sophia and Lisa smile. These both are getting more and more brave with their public display of affection.


    It''s just been a month or so they have gotten into a relationship and they are already throwing the dog food in bundles!!


    "You know what Kyra have promised now?", Lisa asked Sophia, grabbing her attention.


    "What?", Sophia asked, curious.


    "She decided to lead the new collaboration her biological mother''s family has proposed. She was thinking to reject it first but Oliver here has casted some magic on our friends all again and made her this brave.", Lisa said.


    "Really?", Sophia asked, surprised.


    "We need to thank Oliver then.", she said and looked at Oliver.


    "How about dinner, Oliver?" Sophia asked.


    "Me and Lisa won''t be there. It''s just you and Kyra in Kyra''s house. A home cooked, proper dinner date.", Sophia suggested.


    "I would be more than willing if Kyra is willing.", Oliver immediately agreed. Who would say no when the couple get the house to themselves? Especially at night?


    "Why won''t I be willing? Though he got to taste the food I cooked, it was food for a sick person. I won''t mind cooking for my boyfriend during our date.", Kyra said and smiled.


    Oliver and Kyra glanced at each other and smiled.


    "Off you go, then. You have decided not to attend the party downstairs, anyway, Utilize this time properly" Sophia winked.


    Kyra took a glance at Oliver and he did the same. Their eyes interlocked, as if having a silent conversation. After a few minutes, Kyra averted her eyes and there was a slight blush on her face.


    "Seems like the love birds have decided to have a night for themselves. Let''s leave, shall we?" Sophia asked Lisa.


    Lisa, although confused, followed Sophia and they left the room.


    "What is this?" Lisa whispered, clueless of what was going in Sophia''s mind.


    "You are right. We need to let Kyra make her own decisions. But not today, Lisa. Kyra already had enough today and looked at her. She is in a good mood tonight and it is time for Kyra to enjoy romance," Sophia said.


    "They have decided to go on a date today but you insisted on attending this party so Kyra had no option but to cancel the plan she made with Oliver,'''' Sophia told Lisa.


    "Kyra didn''t tell me that. If I would have known, I wouldn''t have insisted on bringing her with me to this party." Lisa said.


    "I know, Lisa. Kyra didn''t tell you because she didn''t want you to go alone. I am here now, so let the couple spend some time and bond with each other.", Sophia said.


    "Why do I feel like you have other plans as well?" Lisa asked.


    "Let''s watch Jennifer closely. I asked someone I know to look into Jennifer''s relationship with Kyra during their high school. Let''s make sure we wouldn''t be harming our friend before giving her this information.", Sophia said.


    They wouldn''t be having any objection if Jennifer was not madly in love with Oliver who is now dating their friend Kyra.


    "It''s better we be cautious.", Lisa agreed and they walked downstairs together.


    ��-----------


    Meanwhile, Oliver and Kyra used the elevator to reach the basement where Oliver had parked his car.


    Though Kyra is excited and happy to cook dinner for Oliver in her own house with no one around except for the two of them, it made her feel giddy.


    They haven''t done more than kissing and hugging each other. But, it doesn''t mean that there was no romantic tension between them!


    They were holding on to their self control all this time as they were still in the first step of dating.


    But today''s conversation has made them close to each other emotionally.. They have unlocked the new phase of their relationship tonight and the way they are feeling now would make it difficult to hold onto their self control.

 Chapter 130 - Staying For Night.

    Journey back to Kyra''s house was a lot silent. Except for occasional smiles and peeking at each other, neither of them did anything.


    They could have started a conversation but they have already spoken a lot while they were at the party. Even after scratching their heads they couldn''t think of any relaxing and fun topic to talk about.


    Talking about their work would have erased this silence but they have decided not to act like workaholics at least when they are with each other.


    ''It''s getting hot.'' Kyra thought as she rolled down the window for some fresh air. The anticipation of what might happen after dinner started to set the mood in the car.


    Oliver unbuttoned the first button of his shirt and loosened the tie. He moved his fingers through his hair while his other hand made rhythmic tappings with it''s fingers on the steering. It is obvious that they are thinking about it at the same time.


    ''That little devil! Why should she twist the intention of her words so much.'' Kyra cursed her friend. Her words were nothing but innocent, however, the real meaning was obvious in her teasing tone and playful eyes.


    The fresh air didn''t help Kyra much. She had to roll her hair into a bun and pin it to her head in order to feel less ''hot''. However, her innocent move has unintentionally made the person sitting beside her suffer.


    When his eyes fell on that pale neck and it''s sexy curves, they turned dark. His throat started to dry as his eyes fixed on her collarbones.


    Oliver gulped and cleared his throat which caught Kyra''s attention. It was so quiet that even a small sound could be heard, let alone his nervous cough.


    When Kyra turned her head to look at him, their eyes interlocked and it only made the atmosphere more hot and stuffy for them. The car honk saved them and they swifty averted their eyes.


    Oliver focused on the road and Kyra had nothing to do but scroll down her phone.


    God! It''s getting out of hand!


    "Ky" Oliver spoke with his hoarse voice.


    "Hmm?", Kyra immediately responded, startled. This is the first time they are speaking after they got into the car.


    "You��better��wear this.", Oliver said as he passed his blazer to her.


    Her shoulders, neck and the collarbone are making him go crazy. Why should she love off shoulder dresses this much?? It''s cruel towards him.


    Kyra flushed, understanding why he was getting tensed. She is distracting him with her unintentional seduction.


    She hastily took it and covered her shoulders with it. A beautiful shade of red spread to her face, neck and shoulders which made Oliver chuckle but he knows that he is at a disadvantage now. This is not helping his situation at all!!


    After a few minutes of stressful self control, they reached Kyra''s house.


    This was not his first time coming here but it somehow felt different this time.


    "What do you want to eat?", Kyra asked, at last breaking the silence as they walked to the main door.


    Kyra unlocked the door as she asked the question.


    "Anything is fine, Ky. I am not a picky eater.", Oliver said and Kyra raised her eyebrow, amused.


    "Are you?"she asked, making Oliver laugh. It lightened the atmosphere but the tension is still present.


    "I might be. But, I can eat whatever my girlfriend cooks.", Oliver said as he followed her into the house.


    "Says the person who made a puppy face to drink his herbal medicine.", Kyra teased. She is referring to the time when he was sick and she took care of him.


    "My girlfriend prepared that medicine? I didn''t know.", Oliver told a white lie, smiling at her knowingly.


    Kyra rolled her eyes as she smiled.


    "I will change and start cooking dinner. Are you hungry?" Kyra asked and they awkwardly stood in the middle of the hall, not knowing how to act normal. They have been alone in a house before but it was when Oliver was sick and bedridden. They didn''t have time to think of anything else.


    "I am not that hungry. You can proceed and in the meantime, I will finish the call from my secretary.", Oliver said.


    Kyra indeed her head in appreciation. She knows that he is only trying to make her comfortable with his presence. He wants her to proceed with her work without worrying about him.


    "I will be in the garden." Oliver said with an affectionate smile playing on his lips.


    Kyra nodded her head and went upstairs while Oliver walked to the outdoors.


    In fifteen minutes Kyra removed her makeup, took a quick bath and changed into a homely dress. It is a white nightgown that reached her thighs. Nothing special but enough to make her look beautiful and alluring. She looked dainty like an angel.


    By the time she reaches outdoors, Oliver is still in the call. He wanted to finish it soon but his new secretary is not accustomed to her job so he had to be more patient.


    Oliver smiled when he saw Kyra and gestured to her to sit beside him. Kyra didn''t deny and walked to her boyfriend and sat beside him and snuggled into his embrace and in return, Oliver draped his arm around her and kissed her forehead.


    They have done nothing more than this snuggling and kissing till now. What happens after dinner is yet to be decided depending on their self control and the circumstances.


    Call went for another five minutes and even after that, they stayed in the same position, enjoying the light breeze and the serene surroundings.


    "You wanna freshen up?" Kyra asked after a few minutes. Staying in this three piece suit for this long might be uncomfortable, especially at dinner time.


    Oliver raised his eyebrow amused.


    Kyra blushed under his ministrations but hey, she is just trying to be a good girlfriend.


    "What?"Kyra asked.


    "I am just trying to be nice!", she added.


    "I know, Ky. I don''t know what is going through your mind to blush like this." Oliver teased.


    "All I meant to say is, my brother have new, unused home wear clothes if you want to freshen up.", Kyra said, slight anger evident on her face. It only made her more enticing!


    "You want me to stay tonight? I don-", before he could finish, Kyra shoved her elbow into his stomach, gentle yet enough to make him stop speaking.


    "I am speechless. What can I do if my boyfriend is this shameless to imagine too much. Hmph!", Kyra said as she furrowed her eyebrows and pursed her lips.


    She stood up and was about to go away but Oliver yanked her arm and Kyra was back in his embrace and was sitting on his lap.


    Oliver laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I am just teasing you, Ky.", he said, his voice husky and playful.


    Kyra didn''t cave in. She averted her face when he was about to turn her face to look at him.


    "Where are those clothes? I had to stay even if my intentions were not shameless. Your friends are not coming tonight and want me to stay here so that you won''t be alone.", Oliver said.


    "Not coming?" Kyra asked.


    ''I knew this would happen!!'' she thought. Just looking at Sophia she thought there was something naughty going on in that mind.


    "I will bring them to the guest room on the right of the stairs. You can, for now, use that room.", Kyra said.


    "For now? You mean till I fresh up? What about later??", Oliver asked, teasing.


    Kyra gave him a smile and moved her lips to his ears. "Later? You mean at night?", she asked.


    Her voice was low and alluring that he gulped. He nodded his head in unintentional anticipation. Even if she agrees, which she might not, all he would do is hug her to sleep. He wants her to give her heart to him, whole heartedly first and the other things would proceed only after that.


    He doesn''t want her to regret anything.


    "You, my boyfriend, are going to sleep in that garden house.", Kyra said and pointed at the garden house on the other side of the garden.


    Before Oliver could respond, Kyra has already left his side and is on her way to her brother''s room to fetch clothes for him.


    Oliver chuckled and followed her inside. His girlfriend is really cute!


    ��--------


    After a few minutes. Oliver walked out of the guest room, changed into black T-shirt and black track pants.


    He noticed that Kyra was busy in the kitchen and stopped in his tracks. He leaned against the wall and took his sweet time, observing her. Her gentle expressions, her nimble moments and occasional biting of her lips.


    He couldn''t help but fish out his phone and take a short video of her. Whenever he will miss her, he could see this video.


    After being satisfied with the video he took, he walked into the kitchen and back hugged her. He placed his chin on her shoulder and asked, "Any help from your boyfriend?"

 Chapter 131 - A Lot Of Distraction.

    He noticed that Kyra was busy in the kitchen and stopped in his tracks. He leaned against the wall and took his sweet time, observing her. Her gentle expressions, her nimble moments and occasional biting of her lips.


    He couldn''t help but fish out his phone and take a short video of her. Whenever he will miss her, he could see this video.


    After being satisfied with the video he took, he walked into the kitchen and back hugged her. He placed his chin on her shoulder and asked, "Any help from your boyfriend?"


    Kyra was startled for a second but quickly returned to calm self. She smiled and placed her hands on his arms and snuggled her back against his freshly showered body.


    "I can do it by myself. How can I ask my esteemed guest to work?", she said, teasing him.


    "Guest?", Oliver asked, placing his warm lips on the crook of her neck, making Kyra shiver.


    "Y..yes," Kyra stammered, distracted.


    "Really?", Oliver asked as his lips traveled a little down, kissing the place where her neck and shoulders meet.


    "I don''t think so.", he whispered in her ears and finally retreated with a playful smile on his lips.


    "Breath, silly.", he said and chuckled seeing her red cheeks.


    It was only when Kyra realized that she was holding her breath. Should he really seduce her like this??


    Not that she is complaining. In fact, she liked it. It is just that he shouldn''t have stopped midway like this.


    "Now, what can I help?" Oliver asked.


    "Wanna help?" Kyra asked as she turned to look at him.


    Seeing the victory in his eyes and the naughty smile dangling on his lips, Kyra pursed her lips. He left her frustrated like this and there he was enjoying the impact he left on her.


    ''I will have my revenge after the dinner'', Kyra thought.


    She took a step towards him and raised her face so that her lips are just a inch away from his lips.


    Oliver looked at their lips, distracted but filled with anticipation.


    "If you wanna help, I prefer to have you do nothing and stop distracting me like this.", Kyra said and pushed him away.


    After that she went back to her cooking.


    Oliver looked at Kyra and sighed. He shouldn''t have tried to distract her and stop midway. Feeling slightly guilty, he went and sat down at kitchen island and continued to stare at her.


    "Your staring is distracting me.", Kyra said, placing a dish in the oven.


    "You remember the first time we met at the hospital?" Oliver asked, reminiscing about their first meeting that happened a few months back.


    Kyra chuckled, remembering that day. It was the day she landed and in the airport she had to save a boy and send him to hospital. After doing that she went to the terrace and was enjoying her coffee.


    It was the first time she saw him after coming back.


    "You were staring at my waist. Like a pervert.", Kyra said.


    "Was I the only one who stared?" Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Kyra sat down across from him. She has put a dish in the oven and the other two dishes are on the shove, getting cooked. She didn''t have anything left to do, so she sat down.


    "We both had our fair amount of staring sessions." Kyra said and Oliver let out a short, happy laugh. Yes, they do.


    It was his first time sneaking glances at a girl and he must say, he was embarrassed. His feelings and abrupt emotions distrurbed and worried him a lot but they turned into sweet memories after he realized why he was feeling like that.


    "Tell me why you agreed to take me as a fellow to work with you? I heard that I am the first person to get that honor.", Kyra asked.


    "You want the truth?" Oliver asked.


    "If it is a good one.", Kyra said, making Oliver smile.


    "Don''t worry. It is not that bad." Oliver responded as he tucked the strands of her hair beneath her ear.


    "You love doing this, don''t you?", she asked, referring to his habit of playing with her hair.


    "I kind of became addicted." Oliver agreed, looking at her with loving eyes.


    "Now, back to the topic. Tell me why you chose me.", Kyra asked, changing the topic. If they dwell deep into this topic this is a good chance their innocent flirting could lead to something like this.


    "At first, I didn''t want to. Our president, my uncle, sent me your profile and it was outstanding. I was impressed but I was hesitant because of my fatal attraction towards you. I got scared that my puzzling emotions towards you will disrupt my work." he said.


    "I can''t disagree. In fact, I felt the same when uncle asked you in front of everyone to take me as your fellow. So, what changed your mind?" Kyra asked.


    "I didn''t want my personal problems to affect your career. You should have worked very hard to have such an outstanding profile, so how could I be unprofessional and take away an honor of learning from me?" Oliver asked, smiling as he played with her hair, twirling them around his fingers.


    "Narcissist." Kyra accused but there was a satisfactory smile on her lips. His answer should have satisfied her.


    "I am glad I didn''t say no to my uncle." Oliver said.


    "I am glad as well." Kyra said, smiling.


    She was about to say something else but the sound from the oven stopped her.


    "Looks like dessert is done." Kyra said and walked towards the oven. Later she became busy finishing the dishes.


    Oliver didn''t talk and allowed her to work. He felt bad for not helping her but he understood that she wanted to cook for him. He decided to reciprocate when they are having dinner at his house in future.


    After five minutes or so, Kyra placed dishes on the dining table with Oliver''s help.


    "Tasty?" Kyra asked as they started to eat.


    Oliver took a bite and gave a pause before responding to the question.


    "Not bad," he said.


    "Not bad?", Kyra asked, pouting. She has put so much effort into cooking and he was saying that it''s not that bad??


    Oliver laughed looking at her pout. "I am kidding, Ky. Food is delicious." he answered.


    "Really?", Kyra asked, with a spark in her eyes.


    "Real.", Oliver answered with a doting smile and ruffled her hair lightly.


    Satisfied with his answer, Kyra continued to dig in. She is starving!


    They finished the dinner, striking casual conversation once in a while.


    "It''s still 8''O clock. Should we do something to pass the time?", Kyra asked as they finished placing the washed dishes in the stand. Oliver insisted on helping, so she could not say no. He said it would make him feel uncomfortable if she does all the work.


    "Something?" Oliver asked, his voice naughty and teasing.


    She could tell what he was suggesting.


    "I mean watching movies or something like that." Kyra said.


    Oliver smiled. She started to understand the pattern of his teasing.


    "It''s boring. We have already done that." Oliver said.


    "Reading research papers?" Kyra asked.


    "You are turning into a workaholic, Ky.", Oliver said as they walked into the garden. A little walk in the fresh air while deciding what to do is not bad.


    Holding hands, they walked around and stopped at their usual meeting spot. The Garden patio.


    "We used to have our research discussions here.", Kyra said.


    "We can still have those discussions here." Oliver said, wrapping his arm around her waist.


    Kyra nodded her head. Why is she talking as if that is in the past?


    "Ky, how about I watch you paint?" Oliver asked. He was having this in his mind for days but didn''t have time to ask her. He remembers how she used to be indulged in painting whenever he used to come to visit her after his work.


    He missed that time. Her focussed and sharp eyes, her peaceful smile..


    "Watching me paint?" Kyra asked. Well, she didn''t expect this��


    What is so special about her to watch??


    "It''s another thing I got addicted to. You might not have noticed but I used to stand here and watch you paint. It used to take a few minutes for you to realize that I am here.", Oliver said.


    Kyra amiled, reminiscing about those days. Those were the days after she got a concussion from the accident.


    "If it is what my boyfriend wants.", Kyra said as they walked to the porch of her garden house where she often paints.


    "One of your paintings is in process?" Oliver asked when he saw the canvas.


    "Yes. You can remove the cover.", Kyra said before going inside to bring her palette.


    Oliver did as Kyra said and when he saw the incomplete painting, his face morphed with surprise and joy.


    Kyra who just came back noticed his shocked face and smiled. "I am painting our memories so I could remember them even��", Kyra stopped. She was about to say, ''even if we break up in future'' but decided not to ruin the moment they are having. However, it was too late.


    "Even?", Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow.

 Chapter 132 - Reminiscing The Love.

    Kyra who just came back noticed his shocked face and smiled. "I am painting our memories so I could remember them even��", Kyra stopped. She was about to say, ''even if we break up in future'' but decided not to ruin the moment they are having. However, it was too late.


    "Even?", Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Uhmm��nothing." Kyra said, trying to hide her guilty face. Why should she be so pessimistic at a romantic time like this?


    "Kyra." Oliver called her and when she saw into his eyes, she couldn''t help but cave in.


    "Even if��we br *cough* eak up.", Kyra finished the sentence.


    "Break up? Are you even thinking about it?", Oliver asked, displeased and disappointed.


    "I didn''t want to think this pessimistically. But, most of my relationships ended so badly that I can''t control this negative side." Kyra honestly answered.


    "But I have adamantly decided to give my best. And, with every passing day, this negative is being suppressed by the beautiful moments we are having. My perspective towards my ability to have a successful relationship is changing drastically." she added.


    "You are changing me." Kyra said with an honest smile and leaned to kiss Oliver on his lips.


    It was a short yet sweet kiss.


    But, Oliver couldn''t react to it at the right time. Her words have moved him to his core and he was startled by her confession.


    It took him a few moments to register those words but when he did, a smile blossomed on his lips.


    He wrapped his arms around her waist and before she could avert her face, he pulled her into another kiss. This time, it lasted long and it was more intimate and emotional. Neither of them fought for dominance and savored the slow kiss.


    And, by the time they pulled away, their breath was ragged. They had a satisfying smile on their lips and their eyes are closed in content while they remained in each other''s embrace with their foreheads leaned against each others.


    "Never talk about breaking up, okay Ky? I don''t even want to think about that." Oliver said.


    "I will not think about it either. This time, I might not have to be pessimistic." Kyra responded.


    "Yes, there is no need for you to do that. You will never hear those words from my mouth." Oliver said.


    "You never fail to assure me.", Kyra spoke.


    "It''s not just an assurance but a promise." Oliver replied.


    Kyra felt her eyes brim with happy tears and her nose became red, indicating that she is about to cry.


    "Yo.. you said that you want to see me paint right? Let''s go." Kyra said and turned away before wiping her tears away.


    Kyra sat down on her chair and Oliver sat down beside her on the other chair.


    "You remember the scene in your mind?" Oliver asked. He could tell from this painting that she was painting the moment he kissed the back of her hand while they were in the car. He remembers that this happened when they went to drop Luther at the airport.


    "I do. As this is an important memory to cherish, I want to paint it before I could forget even a single detail about it." Kyra said.


    "Did you paint other memories of us?" Oliver asked, fascinated and moved by her intention.


    "Of course. They are inside. You can go and see." Kyra said, pointing to the garden house. This house in her garden is more like her mini studio.


    Oliver nodded his head and walked inside. He couldn''t hold his excitement.


    He was her fan even before he met her. He purchased a handful of her paintings and that number might not be big but his whole house is filled with her paintings alone. The thought that she painted their memories excited him.


    Kyra could only chuckle and follow him inside.


    The first painting was of them on the hospital''s terrace. The first time they met.


    The second one was of them in Oliver''s research facility. It was the first time he confessed his feelings for her.


    The third one was of them in the park, sitting at the lake. The first time she confessed and accepted to date him.


    Next painting was of them in Oliver''s island. Their first kiss.


    The one she is painting right now is the painting of them in his car. Not so special but it is the first time they confessed to each other at the same time.


    "All our firsts." Oliver whispered. He is all again moved by these paintings. Her dedication towards their relationship is clearly evident in the effort Kyra has put on these paintings. When he saw them, he couldn''t help but live that moment again.


    "Yes." Kyra said, entwining their fingers.


    "There is one painting of this album missing." Kyra said.


    "Missing? You mean it disappeared?" Oliver asked. He will kill the person who stole the piece of their memory!


    Kyra laughed and shook her head horizontally, indicating that it didn''t disappear. From this face she could tell what was going on in his mind. Nevertheless, he looked so cute.


    "I was talking about the time we first danced." Kyra said.


    "Twins birthday three years agao?" Oliver asked. How could he forget that? He hadn''t seen her face that time because of the masquerade theme but that dance is forever imprinted in his mind. It is that special to him.


    "Yes.", Kyra said, nodding her head.


    "You painted that as well?" Oliver asked, surprised. He thought that she only painted the things that happened after they decided to date.


    "Yes. I painted it long ago. It is in my studio in London." Kyra answered.


    ''So, she painted it before coming here and meeting me. I was really special to her from before.'' Oliver happily thought.


    "You have to ask someone to send it here. If it''s not possible, at least a picture of it. I prefer seeing it live though.", Oliver said.


    Kyra chuckled. "I will ask my manager to ship it." she agreed.


    "We have to cherish all our first time, Ky. How about the night we spent in that house in the mountains. It''s the first time we had our first open hearted conversation. The first time we felt bonded towards each other. The night that made us change our perspective towards our puzzling emotions." Oliver said.


    That night was special to him.


    "I am about to start it after I am done with this painting. It''s the moment I won''t be able to forget so, I can paint it anytime with no fear of forgetting the details.", Kyra said.


    Oliver wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her head. "It indeed is special," he whispered.


    "I even thought about painting the time I first saw you. But it is at an accident spot so I am still contemplating how to put it on canvas." Kyra said.


    I like this. All our first as one album." Oliver said.


    ''We could build a separate room in our home for these paintings.'' Oliver thought inside and even that thought warmed his heart. He has to say, he can''t wait for that day.


    ''Maybe I should start looking for suitable land and hire an architect.'' he thought, overexcited by the idea.


    ''No. I will personally design our home'' he agreed.


    "There are many first to be added into these." Kyra said, immersed in her thoughts. She didn''t think how much impact her words would have on him now.


    Many firsts��


    It can imply too many things.


    First vacation.


    First love making.


    First honeymoon.


    First babymoon.


    First baby.


    Their wedding, his grand proposal, their first home and the firsts they do in that home��


    For now, maybe the first cuddling on the same bed. If lucky, the first time they sleep in the same room, be it the same bed or not.


    The atmosphere started to get hot again with the same thoughts running in their mind. Even imagining all those firsts, they are getting turned on.


    They have so much future ahead. They just started their journey and the future did leave the sweet anticipation and spicy desires lingering in their hearts.


    After the moment passed, Kyra painted for a few minutes while Oliver sat beside her and watched her do that. Her nimble yet careful strokes, her focussed eyes and smile that blossomed on her lips once in a few seconds�� Oliver didn''t miss anything.


    When she smiles, he knows that she is thinking about their confessions they made in front of Lisa in their car. He almost had the urge to ask her to call him every time she paints something related to them so that he could see her expressions. But he didn''t voice out as it could be troubling for her.


    He remembers from the interview she gave that she prefers to paint alone, with no one watching her. She already made an exception for him tonight.


    "I will finish the remaining part later.", Kyra said and placed her brush aside.


    "Oliver, I want to see you paint me.", Kyra said, taking him off guard.. No one painted her face and she wants that first time to be done by Oliver.

 Chapter 133 - Short Lived Moment.

    Oliver was stunned when he heard Kyra''s request.


    Him, painting her face??


    He painted when he was a teenager but it was just a hobby to him. To be even more Frank, he accompanied his sister while she learnt painting.


    "I might not be good, Ky. I don''t want to paint a pretty face and make it look horrible." he said, waving his hand as a sign of saying no.


    "I am not expecting you to draw as it is." Kyra said.


    "No, Ky. I don''t want to embarrass myself in front of my girlfriend." Oliver said.


    "Please." Kyra requested with a puppy face.


    Oliver sighed inside. How can he say no now?? He can''t bring himself to do it after seeing those eyes.


    "How could I say no if you ask like this?" Oliver said and stood up.


    However, instead of walking towards the canvas he walked towards Kyra and stood in front of her and leaned towards her.


    "Ky, I would ask for something in return and you shouldn''t say no, okay?" he whispered to her.


    Kyra''s mind filled with dirty thoughts and blood flooded towards her cheek. However, she did a fine job in concealing them.


    Coughing a bit, she gulped. "As long as it''s in my ability and I am comfortable with it " she answered.


    "Of course. I wouldn''t be asking something that would make you uncomfortable too." Oliver said.


    "Then, it''s a deal." Kyra smiled.


    Oliver smiled and kissed her forehead before walking towards the canvas.


    He sat down and stared at Kyra. This time he could stare at her beautiful face however he wished.


    After an hour or so��


    "Don''t laugh. And, don''t comment." Oliver said and placed the brushes on the table.


    Getting the clue, Kyra sprinted excitedly towards Oliver and took a glance at the painting.


    He didn''t paint. He drew her face.


    But it looked beautiful and it exceeded her expectations.


    "Oliver, it''s really good. Have you practised before?" Kyra asked.


    "Just for two years. I accompanied my sister during her painting and drawing classes. So, I have a little practice." Oliver said.


    "It should have been years, right? But your skill hasn''t deteriorated." Kyra said, as she looked at the drawing.


    She will cherish it.


    Noticing the smile on Kyra''s lips, Oliver understood how much she might cherish this drawing. It is just the same as how he found her paintings previously.


    ''Maybe I should start drawing again. I can draw our memories too.'' he thought.


    He is good at photography but he can''t take a camera everywhere and seal their memories in a photo.


    "I am keeping this with me." Kyra told Oliver.


    Oliver looked at Kyra dotingly and kissed the top of her head. "As you wish, milady," he told her.


    They spent a few minutes talking and walking around her garden and returned to the house only when it started to pour.


    It started to rain all of a sudden and by the time they went back, they were drenched.


    Oliver''s eyes darkened when his eyes fell on her dress which turned a little translucent and is sticking to her body now.


    He suddenly felt the urge to roam his hands, exploring those exquisite curves. His body temperature started to raise and his breathing started to accelerate a little.


    "I will bring towels." Kyra said as soon as she closed the doors. Without waiting for his answer, she sprinted towards the stairs which lead to her room.


    And, before Oliver could say something, Kyra was already out of his sight.


    She didn''t look flustered or shy and was pretty normal. She didn''t notice the change in her boyfriend.


    "It rained so abruptly. Thank God I have placed the canvas inside." she said as she walked towards Oliver and passed him a towel.


    Oliver took a breath in and then breathed out. He repeated it to focus on something and not let his self control shred away.


    Goad! His girlfriend is looking so alluring now! How could he keep his cool self?


    With all these in his mind, Oliver continued to stare at Kyra and didn''t dry his hair.


    Kyra noticed it only after she dried her hair.


    "Why are you not drying your hair? You just recovered from the cold." Kyra repiramided Oliver.


    "Ky, remember what I said earlier?" he asked.


    Kyra didn''t get what he meant, so she could only look at him with a question mark face.


    "The deal we had." Oliver reminded her.


    "What about it!" Kyra asked.


    "I want you to dry my hair in return." Oliver said and smiled cheekily.


    "That''s it?" Kyra asked. She would have done that even if he had asked her casually.


    "Yeah. That''s it." Oliver said. He wouldn''t trouble her with something that might make her uncomfortable, so he decided to take it easy on her.


    Kyra smiled and took the towel before walking to him.


    She pushed him into the chair and stood in front of him before placing the towel on his head and drying it.


    Oliver enjoyed the process. It was not only soothing but it did provide a beautiful visual to his eyes.


    Her white dress is still sticking to her skin and he could see her waist through the translucent material.


    The scenery in front of him made his throat dry and he couldn''t help the temptation.


    To keep his hands in his control he could only start fidgeting with his fingers.


    ''Control Oliver'' he continuously chanted but his self control didn''t last long.


    His hands couldn''t stay still and they made their way to her waist.


    When Kyra felt his warm palms on her cold waist, she was startled. She felt as if the sudden electric jab was passing through her body.


    Oliver smiled in response when he noticed the impact.


    "What happened?" he innocently asked while his fingers tightened around her waist.


    Kyra narrowed her eyes accusingly.


    "Nothing." she said.


    ''This guy has been teasing since the time he came!'' she thought.


    Without any warning, Kyra sat on his lap and continued to dry his hair. Now, he can''t have access to her waist.


    Kyra smiled in triumph not knowing that she had delivered herself to the lion''s den.


    This move of hers might have stopped him from having a view of her waist but, they are sitting in an intimate way that their bodies are brushing to each other.


    "Now, it''s convenient." Kyra said, unknown to what her words might imply.


    "Yes, very convenient." Oliver said and his voice made Kyra scrunch her eyebrows.


    Why is it sounding like he is teasing her?


    And, it was when she realised what she just did.


    "Pervert!" Kyra accused him and she was about to slap his arm but Oliver caught it.


    Their eyes met and the fiery passion ignited.


    The tension that was lingering from hours has at last exploded and they started to kiss.


    It was no more slow and sweet but it was filled with passion.


    Oliver''s hands started to explore her curves and Kyra''s hands were in Oliver''s hair as they kissed again and again.


    With one move, Oliver pulled Kyra under him and they were now on the sofa with him hovering over her.


    Though it''s hard for him to control, he waited for Kyra to stop him; however, it didn''t come. Kyra didn''t stop him.


    She just waited with her eyes closed while she placed her hands around his neck.


    Noticing her like that, Oliver couldn''t control anymore. The last strand shredded away and his lips attacked her lips once again.


    This time, they didn''t focus on her lips alone but gave equal attention to her neck, shoulders and face.


    -------


    The next morning.


    Kyra was the first one to wake up.


    However, she felt something caging her from moving freely.


    Still groggy, she looked at the arms holding her down and smiled.


    She placed her arms around Oliver''s arms and turned her face to look at Oliver who had a pleasant smile on his lips.


    They didn''t do anything yesterday night.


    They kissed. A lot.


    They ''might'' have had a make out if she didn''t get her periods. Things were about to get a little intense when she felt her periods arrive.


    Oliver, although a little disappointed, her health comes first to him. So, as a caring boyfriend which he is, he boiled ginger tea for her and cuddled her to sleep.


    "Like what you see?" Oliver asked with a smile. He had woken up long back but didn''t want to disturb her sleep.


    He pretends to sleep even when Kyra is admiring his morning face. He only responded when she was about to touch his face.


    He doesn''t want to have another cold shower.


    "Yes." Kyra agreed, smiling at him.


    "I love waking up with you." Oliver whispered and rested his face on her neck.


    He could see the hickeys he made and it made him smile with satisfaction.


    "Me too." Kyra said and smuggled into his embrace.


    They were enjoying the moment however, it was short-lived when someone started knocking the door.

 Chapter 134 - You Have A Long Road Ahead, Mister.

    They were enjoying the moment however, it was short-lived when someone started knocking the door.


    Kyra''s eyes widened and she almost fell off the bed but managed to scramble her way out of bed.


    "Shit! It should be Lisa and Sofia!", Kyra said frantically.


    However, unlike Kyra, Oliver didn''t move but continued to look at Kyra who was panicking.


    ''Why is she panicking like this? Is..Is she regretting?'' Oliver thought. But her actions a few seconds back didn''t look that way but the other way around.


    If she is fine with this, why don''t she want her friends to know?


    "What would happen if they found out we are sharing the bed?" Oliver quietly asked however, the disappointment is obvious in his voice.


    Kyra stopped what she was doing and turned to look at Oliver. She was fixing her dress so that her friends won''t be able to spot the red marks on her fair skin.


    Only after looking at his slightly painful expression, she understood what was going on in his mind and sighed.


    "They will tease me indefinitely. They will have their sweet revenge on me for what I have done in the past to tease them. You remember the pictures accidentally sent by Lisa to you? She has sent them in a group where my brothers are added. I had a tough time convincing them that it was nothing but a prank pulled by Sophia and Lisa on me.", she explained and sat beside him on the edge of the bed.


    She took his hand into hers, entwined their fingers and pressed it to her cheeks. "It''s not like I want to hide, Oliver. I am being cautious so my brothers won''t come hunting for you. You understand why they are overprotective of me right? They are just scared that I would hurt myself as I am very skilled in doing that to myself." Kyra chuckled at her last sentence.


    "I want to wait for the right time to introduce you to them. Our relationship is still in its early stage so, even if I tell them how I feel about you, it won''t bring anything but panic in them"


    "I want them to see by themselves that you are the right choice." Kyra explained.


    Oliver smiled.


    It is not that he doesn''t know Kyra''s intentions. In fact, he never even questioned his trust towards her. He is just anxious and it can''t be helped.


    "We will wait for the right time. And, I promise that I will successfully impress your brothers.", Oliver said, kissing her forehead.


    "You have a long road ahead, Oliver. But afraid not, I will be there with you throughout the journey," Kyra said and she leaned into Oliver''s embrace. They were having a moment here but the voice from outside spoiled the environment again.


    "Ky, if you don''t open it, I am gonna have to open it with a master key." Sofia shouted.


    ��-------


    Sofia and Lisa didn''t plan to return early but they started to feel like they had given too much freedom to Oliver and Kyra.


    What if they get carried away and do something only to regret it later?


    At first, they didn''t think much but the more they thought about it, the more they started to worry about it. It kept them awake the whole night so they could only return early.


    On their way upstairs they have seen the mess Kyra and Oliver made on the couch. The pillows on the couch were lying on the floor along with two towels. It is obvious what might have happened here.


    It only made them more restless and that''s why they went directly to knock on the door. When they didn''t get any response, Lisa signaled Sophia that she would search in guest rooms for Oliver. If he is using the guest room, there is no need to wake Kyra from her slumber.


    After listening to Lisa''s reasoning, Sophia waited patiently for a few minutes and waited for Lisa to return.


    "Empty.", Lisa said and it was enough for Sophia to knock on the door again.


    "Ky, if you don''t open it, I am gonna have to open it with a master key." she shouted.


    ��-------


    Kyra opened the door after a couple of minutes. She has changed into thermal wear with a turtleneck which she often wore during a rainy night. She thought it might reduce the suspicion. She hoped it would.


    "You opened at last!" Sophia said in relief.


    "I was sleeping! I needed some time to wake up. What''s there to worry about?" Kyra asked.


    "I was not worried. I was curious. Quick, tell me where Oliver is!" Sophia asked and peeked into Kyra''s room.


    "Why?" Kyra asked.


    "To thank him for keeping company." Sophia lied.


    "He slept in the garden house." Kyra said. It''s not like she doesn''t want Sophia and Lisa to know. She just doesn''t want to risk it as there are chances Sophia or Lisa might accidentally leak it to her brothers. In fact, there is nothing special to hide. They just cuddled to sleep.


    "What? Really?" Sophia asked, failing to believe it.


    "Yes. He lost the bet and had to keep his side of the bargain." Kyra casually told as she walked out of her room to follow Sophia and Lisa to the garden.


    While they were talking, Oliver quickly used the balcony to exit the main house and sneaked his way into the garden house. He felt like a teenage boy sneaking out of his girlfriend''s house after doing something mischievous.


    "Oh. I noticed the mess you guys made on the couch and I thought-" Lisa giggled with a teasing and mischievous smile.


    "What did you think? We haven''t done anything and he had to take care of me because of my period cramps.", Kyra said. She didn''t lie. He made ginger tea for her to drink and then they cuddled to sleep which is also part of taking care of her. He kept her warm and comfortable.


    "So, your periods ruined your romantic time? What a shame.", Sophia said but felt relieved. So, they haven''t done anything on heat.


    "We had a nice evening. He helped me cook and we walked for a few minutes in the garden, talking. I showed him my painting and he drew my face. I painted for a while and then we slept." Kyra said. She just omitted a few details.


    Sophia and Lisa nodded their heads and by the time they reached the garden house, Oliver had just opened the door. He looked like he just woke up and when he saw the other two ladies who accompanied his girlfriend, he looked visibly surprised.


    "I didn''t expect such an early return. I was about to return to the main house to cook something for Kyra." he said. He sounded so genuine that Kyra had to suppress her urge to smile.


    "We didn''t want to trouble you, so we returned early. And, we already bought breakfast for four." Sophia said.


    "You guys fresh up and join us.", Lisa said and after that Sophia and Lisa walked back to the house to heat the breakfast.


    "You can become an actor." Kyra said to Oliver.


    Oliver just smiled and kissed her forehead and they walked into the main house and went to different rooms to freshen up. As Oliver used the restroom last night he simply walked towards it and Kyra went upstairs.


    "Seems like they really didn''t go to phase 2 of their relationship." Lisa said.


    "Kyra is not someone who is comfortable with physical affection. She took almost two years to hug me and one year more to let me sleep in the same bed as hers." Sofia said.


    "Almost the same in my case as well.", Lisa said.


    "Although Oliver is special to her I don''t think our friend would enter into physical intimacy this soon. Maybe a few more months to let him sleep on the same bed and the same amount of time to allow making out. As for making love, she might agree only after marriage." Sophia said.


    "Our friend has the best self control and she might not have lost all of her rationality to love. However, I feel bad for Oliver." Lisa said.


    "I pity Kyra too. She has such a feast in front of her but can''t do anything more than cuddling." Sophia chuckled.


    "Or, they might. Never underestimate the power of love and they both feast to the eyes to hold on to self control." Lisa said.


    "They don''t have to restrain themselves. Let''s see what happens." Sophia said and finished placing the dishes on the dining table outdoors.


    As soon as Sophia and Lisa were done, Oliver and Kyra joined them.


    "Ky, I have something to say to you. It happened yesterday." Sophia said as they were about to finish dinner. She hasn''t told Kyra about Jennifer and how they were good friends eight years ago.


    They have pulled out some threads and enquired about Jennifer''s intentions toward Kyra.. It looked like she really cared about Kyra and was genuinely worried about her.

 Chapter 135 - Reminiscing Their Friendship.

    "Ky, I have something to say to you. It happened yesterday." Sophia said as they were about to finish dinner. She hasn''t told Kyra about Jennifer and how they were good friends eight years ago.


    They have pulled out some threads and enquired about Jennifer''s intentions toward Kyra. It looked like she really cared about Kyra and was genuinely worried about her.


    "What is it, Sofi?" Kyra asked as she ate.


    "You remember Florence?" Sophia asked.


    Kyra stopped her moments and raised her head to look at Sophia. How can she forget Florence?


    Florence is her first true friend. If only she would have given some thought to Florence''s warnings, her past wouldn''t have been that horrible.


    Meanwhile, when Oliver heard that name he looked at Sophia and then turned to look at Kyra.


    Florence is Jennifer''s former name. She changed her name after her accident and face surgery.


    "Why are you asking it now?" Kyra asked. When she came back to this city, she gave a serious thought of finding Florence and apologized to her but she couldn''t muster up her courage to do so.


    Besides that Florence might be in touch with Robert''s family, the family of her step mother. So, there are chances of risk.


    "Me and Sophia have accidentally come across her during the party. She was having an argument with your step sister, Melissa." Lisa said.


    "We are sure because they were arguing about you. Florence seems to have not forgotten you, Ky." Sophia said.


    Kyra''s hand trembled slightly after hearing her friend''s words.


    So, Florence is still the same. Protective, genuine friend.


    "How is she? Is she living well?" Kyra asked. She is aware that her friends are telling her this details only after looking into Florence''s background.


    "She is living well. In fact, you have met her." Sophia said.


    "What?" Kyra exclaimed in surprise. How could she have Florence?


    There is no chance she wouldn''t have recognized Florence.


    Florence might have not recognized her as she has changed a lot and is also disguising herself a little.


    Oliver didn''t butt in. He has already realized they are talking about Jennifer. And, by Kyra''s expression, he could tell that she needs some time before finding the truth. So, he have left everything to Sophia and Lisa.


    "I have not met her." Kyra said.


    "Jennifer." Sophia said.


    "What about Jennifer?" Kyra asked. Why is Sophia talking about Jennifer all of a sudden.


    "Jennifer is Florence," Sophia said.


    "That''s not possible. I agree that there is a slight resemblance but how can Jennifer be Florence?" Kyra asked.


    "Florence had an accident after you left. It ruined her face, so she had surgery." this time Oliver spoke.


    "This is something Flo- Jennifer doesn''t like to talk about. That accident followed by surgery disturbed her mind. She used to cry saying that she doesn''t feel like herself and doesn''t want to meet others. She didn''t want people from her pre-surgery to see her."


    "That left no other option to her family. They could only change her name and hide her surgery and accidents. They removed all the photos and ID proofs of Florence and replaced them with her new life with the name Jennifer."


    "Fortunately, she got into the same med school as me which is far from here. And, as soon as she finished her graduation she went abroad. She returned just at the same time as you have returned." Oliver told the story of Florence who is now Jennifer.


    Kyra didn''t respond for a long time. This information is too much to digest and she felt sad for what her friend went through. They both had rough lives and no wonder Oliver was always cautious towards Jennifer as well.


    As he knows that his best friend went through so much, he didn''t want her to suffer any more than this.


    "Jennifer is Florence, my high school friend." Kyra whispered to herself.


    "At least she is leading a good life now. And, she looks happy as well. Thank God, her accident and surgery didn''t traumatize her." Kyra said standing up.


    "That''s it?" Sophia asked.


    "Hmm.", Kyra hummed in response and she was about to go inside but Lisa stopped her.


    "Don''t you want to meet your true friend? That girl still visits the graveyard on your birthday. Poor thing still thinks that you were buried there." she said.


    "I don''t want to remind her of her past. Didn''t Oliver say that she didn''t want to meet any friends from her pre-surgery time?" Kyra said.


    Besides this, she is ashamed to meet Florence (Jennifer) and ask for her forgiveness.


    "Ky, were you using the name Alexandria during your high school?" Oliver asked.


    He knows that Kyra''s midname is Alexandria as she introduced herself with that name three years ago when they met at the twin''s birthday in London.


    "Yes. Didn''t I say that my grandmother named me Alexandria. I used the same name even in high school and changed it to Kyra only after my traumatic experience. I didn''t want to be reminded of my past." Kyra answered Oliver.


    "Coincidence. You thought just the way Florence thought. No wonder you both were best friends. Have I ever told you that Jennifer and my sister are best friends? My sister Nora used to get jealous when Florence used to talk continuously about you. That was the first time I saw my little sister Nora getting jealous.", Oliver said.


    "So, Florence used to talk about me? Has she ever spoken about me to you" Kyra asked.


    "Yeah. I didn''t get to listen much as I was in med school, busy and far from home. She used to talk about her best friend on the phone sometimes. One time she even said that she suspected your mother and step family''s intentions towards you but just like you, I didn''t give much thought to it. I didn''t bother to think about that possibility." Oliver said.


    "Of course. Which mother would harm her own daughter. I used to think that Florence is being paranoid. Only if I would have listened to her��" Kyra trailed off and pursed her lips.


    "It''s fine, Ky. Past is past. Do you know how happy I am now?" Oliver asked.


    "Why?" Kyra asked.


    "I used to envy your brother Ryan when it comes to this. Now, I don''t have to. At least not as much as before. Oliver said.


    "I used to envy him because the three most important ladies in his life are best friends," he added.


    The girl; he loves (Sophia), his only sister (Kyra) and his best friend (Lisa) are in a harmonious relationship


    Yes, Lisa is his best friend. He was the one who brought Lisa to London after her modeling career crashed. He did one endorsement in which Lisa was his fellow actor and they bonded up at that time. So, when he found that his friend Lisa had fallen out with her family and had reached the bottom of her career, he brought her with him to London and gave her sanctuary.


    And, it made Sophia jealous at that time. She even considered Lisa as her love rival but that didn''t last long when Lisa assured her that she is ot interested in Ryan at all. After that they became good friends and now, they are best friends who could never fall out.


    "You are happy because I and Fl- Jeniffer will get along with each other?" Kyra asked.


    Oliver nodded his head.


    Lisa and Sophia have gone back inside as Oliver was handling the matter much smoother than them. Besides that they are yet to bathe as they have not taken it when they returned.


    "But I am not sure that Jennifer will be as warm as you are guessing. I have said many bad things to her before we graduated from high school. I have severed my friendship with Oliver. I have chased away the person who genuinely cared for me for those fake people." Kyra said as she bent her head down, ashamed.


    "Jennifer doesn''t hold grudges, Kyra. I think she understood why you have chosen to believe them over her. I think she has forgiven her long back and would be very happy to know that you are alive and you are doing well." Oliver said.


    "We were partners in labs, project works and group studies. She would be very happy to know that it didn''t change even after all these years. But, I am scared how she would react after finding out that I am her friend Alex. What if she doesn''t accept me?" Kyra asked, worry ec]vident in her eyes.


    She is sensitive when it comes to family and relationships.


    "You are worrying too much, Ky. She would be very happy to see you and it''s really destiny that you guys met again as colleagues. Same hospital, same specialization and same team.", Oliver said. This is really destiny.


    "It looks like we are destined to meet. Florence (Jennifer) was the one who knows that I am preparing to write entrance exams for med schools. As she was doing the same back then, she helped me a lot to prepare secretly." Kyra reminisced about those days.


    She badly want to meet her friend now but she is scared.

 Chapter 136 - Degrading Her.

    Oliver left shortly after their conversation.


    Kyra decided to meet her high school best friend, Jennifer. However, not immediately but after some time. As Jennifer has changed a lot character wise, she wanted to observe her friend, find more about her before meeting.


    Oliver wanted to stay for more time but he had back on back meetings in his company and besides that, Kyra had other work to do.


    Sophia''s father, Mr. Richard is coming and she wants to meet with him. He didn''t ask her much as he wanted to respect her privacy but something felt fishy. Sophia doesn''t know that her father is coming. And, Kyra lied to Sophia that she has some other work.


    Oliver didn''t butt in. Maybe they are planning a surprise for Sophia and that''s why she lied.


    But why did she lie to Lisa as well??


    ''Don''t think much, Oliver. Give her time.'' Oliver told himself.


    His worry is not because Kyra is hiding something but it is because Matthew, his arch enemy is coming as well.


    He has heard that the Collins family and Richard family want to get tied by marriage. Collin''s elders have promised to marry daughter into Richard''s family and Kyra is the only girl in Collins family. Moreover, Matthew has confessed his feelings for Kyra openly. Kyra''s brother has once told him this and at that time Oliver didn''t know Kyra.


    ''Matthew got rejected every time Kyra proposed. She didn''t agree to date him even when she was single. There is no need for me to feel insecure,'' Oliver convinced himself.


    The day passed and the weekend flew in no time.


    This time, Oliver and Kyra haven''t met on Monday for their early morning cycling. As Kyra is on her periods she said she would rest, so Oliver went back to his former exercise plan. Monday - Gym.


    ��-------


    Kyra reached the hospital earlier than usual. She has some files of the patients to go through and upload them into the database.


    "You came early." Ron, who is the early one, said in surprise when he saw Kyra.


    "I had work." Kyra answered, not raising her head from the document in her hand.


    Ron placed his bag on his desk and approached Kyra before sitting on the chair nearer to her.


    "Have you seen our hospital''s website today?" he asked.


    "Not yet. I will surf it after I upload these files. Why are you asking?" Kyra asked, still not raising her head.


    "There will be a field trip next week," he said.


    "Field trip?" Kyra asked, looking at him. In her parent''s hospital, there are no field trips but workshops.


    "Yes. You are new right, I forgot." Ron chuckled, slightly slapping his head for forgetting.


    "What we do on field trips is, we select one town and do some free checkups for the citizens there. If we are able to finish it early, we will chill." Ron said.


    "It''s mandatory?" Kyra asked. She doesn''t like to mingle much so, she prefers to be left behind.


    "It is. Our hospital and the other hospitals under Serenity Groups do this every year. Each department has to go once a year. We selected this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday because of less work load. There are no scheduled surgeries on this Thursday and Friday. For these two days our night shift doctors will be taking up." Ron explained.


    "Ok. I will postpone my other work for this weekend then." Kyra said. There is a slight disappointment visible in her eyes that Ron chuckled.


    "We will be paid twice the daily income for working on weekends. We also get free coupons to chill in resorts and ticket charges for traveling as a compensation. We can use these coupons and tickets on any other weekends this month.Our staff waits for this field trip, you know." Ron said, thinking that Kyra is sad as she has to work on weekends as well.


    "Oh." Kyra said. Paid twice the salary, free coupons and tickets doesn''t excite her. She is not lacking money and as for resorts and traveling, she got bored of them. She is disappointed because she and Oliver planned to go on a long bike ride for two days. They scheduled it this weekend as they both are free and Lisa, Sophia are going out of the city.


    "Our hospital management treats us really well.", Kyra said and smiled.


    "Of course! This plan is introduced by Dr. Oliver Miller to the board. As he is the major shareholder they have agreed to his plan. I heard that the resorts which we will get to stay in are under Dr. Miller''s company. Even the ticket charges come from his pocket. Our hospital has to pay twice the salary for those two days, that''s it."


    "Although our sir looks cold and doesn''t interact much, he is kind by heart." Ron said before going back to his desk.


    Kyra smiled when she heard his words. Oliver is really kind and soft hearted. He put on that facade so that people won''t try to get close to him unnecessarily.


    Only if they see him how he is with her, they wouldn''t be calling him cold and aloof.


    "You are blushing! Don''t tell me you fell for our sir as well." Ron exclaimed from his place just in the time when Teressa and her tails entered the office.


    "Her? Who would like her?" Teressa said and laughed.


    "What''s wrong with her?!", Ron asked, frowning.


    "What''s wrong with her?" Teressa asked, laughing hard.


    "Her horrid dressing style, that nerd glasses, that old fashion hair style." Teressa said.


    "Only shallow people like you judge a person by how they look." Ron sneered.


    "So protective of her, aren''t you?" Teressa laughed, mocking.


    "Don''t tell me you like her." she added and when Ron heard that he flushed.


    He doesn''t know about love but he admires her and he likes her character and attitude.


    "Dear God, did you just blush?" Teressa laughed.


    "You really like her, don''t you?" she asked.


    "It''s not like that," Ron said, looking at the floor.


    "Says the person who called me narrow minded." Teressa counterattacked.


    "ENOUGH!" a voice came from the door, making Teressa and Ron look at the source of that voice.


    It''s Jennifer.


    Kyra didn''t give a fu?k about what Teressa and Ron are talking about. She simply doesn''t care about what other people think of her. She just does what she likes and that never changes. But when she heard Jennifer, Kyra raised her head to look at her high school friend who looked beyond angry.


    "Is this how you were taught, Teressa? I knew you were a mean person but I didn''t think you were this narrow minded. You look this beautiful but what''s the use? No one likes you. I have never seen someone proposing to you. Whereas the girls who are not as beautiful as you have already found a boyfriend and are already in love." Jennifer said with a sneering smile.


    "You-", Teressa scoffed but didn''t argue. Jennifer is from a family which can''t be played with.


    "Cat got your tongue?" Jennifer laughed.


    "It''s not that I don''t get a boyfriend. I don''t want an ordinary man as my boyfriend." Teressa said. She only wants Oliver.


    "Very high expectations. Don''t worry, I will book a seat for you in church to become a nun. Not finding a man would be very embarrassing. Becoming a nun would reduce it." Jennnifer said.


    Kyra almost laughed out loud. Her friend is really as sharp as before. And, that nun line was used by Jennifer many times when they were in school.


    "You are crossing limits, Jennifer." Teressa warned.


    "You did it first, Teressa. If you don''t want me to cross the line you better do that first." saying so, Jennifer took a seat next to Kyra.


    "You should have said something, Ria." Jennifer said. She doesn''t know why but Ria always maintains her composure. She never gets angry nor talks back and this makes her the prey to this bullying.


    "I prefer not to take those to heart. It''s not like her words affected me." Kyra said and smiled. There is nostalgia evident in her eyes.


    The more Jennifer is talking, the more resemblance she could see in Jennifer.


    Her friend Florence is still the same and it is just the face that changed.


    "That''s even better. I lost my composure so soon that I was always called a hot head by my friends." Jennifer said.


    ''That you are.'' Kyra thought. She herself would have called Jennifer hot headed many times.


    Jennifer smiled and her eyes brimmed with nostalgia as well. She is remembering her friend Alex who is now Kyra.


    "Anyway, let-" before Jennifer could speak a couple of nurses rushed inside.


    "Dr. Collins, Dr. Smith, you are wanted in the emergency room now!" they said in such a hurry that Kyra and Jennifer had to rush. Ron also followed them to see what happened. He have ten minutes before their shift starts.


    By the time they reached, they saw a man getting rolled inside. He looked like a rich, powerful man. Dressed in a suit that costs millions, he has blood on his head.


    "Uncle Richards..", Kyra called and rushed to the patient. It is Sophia''s father!

 Chapter 137 - Her Devilish Side.

    "Anyway, let-" before Jennifer could speak a couple of nurses rushed inside.


    "Dr. Collins, Dr. Smith, you are wanted in the emergency room now!" they said in such a hurry that Kyra and Jennifer had to rush.


    Ron also followed them to see what happened as he has ten minutes before their shift begins.


    And, by the time they reached the ER, they saw a man getting rolled inside.


    He looked like a rich, powerful person.


    Dressed in a suit that costs millions, he has blood on his head. By a single look, one could tell how bad he is injured.


    When Kyra and others sprinted towards the man, Kyra''s face went pale.


    She knows this man. In fact, very well.


    He is her favorite uncle. A father figure. He is from the Richards family based in London just like the Collins family and both the families are very close to each other.


    Besides her five brothers, Luther, this person is the one who pampered her and treated her like his own daughter.


    "Uncle Richards.", Kyra called and rushed to the patient.


    He is none other than Matthew''s and Sophia''s father! The one she went to meet yesterday.


    "K�� ky", he stuttered, drained to even talk. He is still conscious but he looked like he would lose his consciousness anytime soon.


    "Uncle, you will be fine. Hold on" Kyra said as they hurried him inside.


    "Pe ..people are co .." before uncle Richard could speak, he lost his consciousness completely.


    "Hurry!" Kyra exclaimed anxiously.


    Although Jennifer and Ron are shocked and stunned, they gave priority to handing the patient first.


    Soon, he was rolled into the surgery room.


    He has three bullets in his body.


    One is near his backbone while the other one on his shoulder and the last one near his stomach.


    It is already a miracle that he held his consciousness till now.


    He also has blood on his head, so Oliver had to take the action.


    While uncle Richards got prepped for surgery, Kyra, Ron and Jennifer scrubbed in and joined Oliver in the surgery room.


    Don''t worry. He will be fine." Oliver said to her when everyone was busy with their work.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    As she has seen the wounds, she could tell that he will be fine as long as they operate on him soon.


    "Let''s begin." Oliver said and the operation started.


    To fetch the tray, Kyra walked to the table near the door and just at the same time, the doors flung open and a man rashly entered the room.


    Before anyone could even register what was happening, he grabbed Kyra and placed a knife at her throat.


    By his nimble moments and swift actions, it is evident that he was trained to do all this.


    Now, Kyra understood what her uncle Richards was about to tell him before he lost his consciousness.


    He was about to warn her that people behind him would track him to here. He wanted to tell her to call his son and tell him to bring reinforcement.


    Meanwhile, everyone in the surgery room was shocked to witness what just happened and they were clearly shocked.


    Who would expect that something like this would happen?


    But, they could only stop their respective works and looked at him and Kyra.


    Oliver was already taking the bullets off the body. He was handling the bullet near the backbone and if he removed his hand from there carelessly, it might make the patient paralyzed.


    So, Oliver stood there, helpless now. He can''t risk the patient and he can''t risk Kyra as well.


    Meanwhile Jenifer and Ron were taking care of the injuries on Richard''s head. It looked deeper than they had imagined.


    They need to work on it as soon as possible.


    "Stop what you are doing otherwise this woman here will die." the attacker said in his rich british accent.


    Kyra didn''t move. But she knows that there are more people to come. This attacker is only the beginning.


    Seems like her uncle got spotted while he was looking for clues for his mission.


    "Don''t hurt her." Oliver immediately said. He didn''t want to see Kyra getting hurt.


    While he was saying this, the anesthetist slowly moved to the table which had an emergency button. He was about to press it but a bullet swooped into his palm and he could do nothing but scream in agony and retreat.


    The attacker who was holding a knife to Kyra''s throat has taken a gun from his secret pocket and has shot the doctor in his palm.


    After seeing the anesthetist screaming and holding his hand in pain, no one dared to do anything.


    "If you don''t want anything to happen to anyone, stop what you are doing and let me put a bullet in his body." the man said.


    "Let her go and we could talk, okay." the other doctor said as he held his arms up as a signal of surrender.


    The attacker in turn pressed a knife into Kyra''s throat. A slight red line appeared on Kura''s throat.


    Oliver pursed his lips. He is in a difficult spot here. If he prioritizes Kyra and loses a patient, he will be breaking the vow he made as a doctor.


    So, he could only trust Kyra. She doesn''t look scared and seems like she has a plan.


    "You think you can hurt me?" Kyra asked all of a sudden. Her voice is void of fear and panic. Surprisingly, she was smiling.


    The man frowned and looked at her.


    Her voice�� it felt familiar.


    And, when he saw her face for the first time after he came here his eyes widened in surprise.


    ''She��'' before he could think, Kyra took the opportunity of his distraction and swiftly freed herself from the grip of the attacker.


    As soon as she did that she grabbed a knife at the table and threw it at his other arm which exactly targeted the knife in his hand.


    The gun fell down and that was when the man regained his focus.


    He dodged another knife that was about to target him and he lunged himself at Kyra but Kyra swiftly escaped him.


    She took the knife near her and stabbed him on his back.


    Everything happened in a span of seconds. Kyra was too fast and she looked like she knew what she was doing.


    "Continue the operation." Kyra said and kicked the man in his stomach. Her powerful kick made the injured man even more distracted.


    Before he could regain control, Kyra snapped his head and he fell down, unconscious.


    Kyra smiled. It is not her sweet and kind smile but the one which is filled with mirth.


    She looked devilish.


    Everyone, although had to operate, didn''t forget to look at how she made that man fall down.


    They didn''t expect this from this young nerd doctor who always stays quiet and does not protest even if someone talks bad about her.


    Right now, the devilish smile on her lips looked scary but it made her look like a fatal beauty.


    Before Kyra could speak, another man ran into the operation theater.


    Kyra heard the noise from downstairs. She could tell that security is trying to hold the men but they are failing.


    A few attackers are escaping and reaching the surgery room.


    Kyra didn''t bat an eye and handled the attacker with ease, using her taekwondo and knife throwing skills.


    Couple of men ran into the room but Kyra took care of him in the same manner.


    Distracting them with her nimble, swift moves and snapping their head or attacking them with a knife.


    She either made them go unconscious or terribly injured to even stand up.


    By her moves, it is evident that she is experienced with fighting and is aware of being stabbed or injured to make a person immobile.


    While she was handling these people, her specs had fallen down and her hair bun came loose, letting her long lustrous hair bundle on her shoulders.


    "Ron, lock the door from inside." saying so, Kyra left. Before she left, people in the room had seen how beautiful she looked without those nerdy specs and those old fashioned buns.


    ''She looks familiar'' Jennifer thought but she didn''t get much time to think about it as she had to focus on her surgery.


    ��---------


    It was quite a shock but it didn''t affect the result of the surgery. As everyone inside are experienced doctors who can focus on the surgery even at stressful times, Kyra''s uncle Richard was saved.


    He has to be under surveillance for another twenty four hours.


    By the time others walked out of the surgery room, what they saw was something they didn''t expect to see.


    Around ten people were injured and are now getting cuffed by police. By the noise coming from the corridor, it is evident that more people are there in the corridors.


    Besides the ordinary cops, there are black dressed cops who are equipped with weapons. They are escorting the cuffed attackers outside.


    "What happened?" Oliver asked his uncle who was standing with the chief officer.


    "Dr. Lopez (Kyra) handled a few of these attackers. Fortunately, reinforcements arrived at the right time and handled the rest of the people here. According to the officer here, these criminals belong to some gang. They came chasing Mr. Richard because he has managed to acquire confidential information related to their gang." he answered.


    "How is Dr. Lopez?" Oliver asked. He can''t call her Kyra because of the people around him.. Jennifer and others are still here.

 Chapter 138 - 139

    He noticed that Kyra was busy in the kitchen and stopped in his tracks. He leaned against the wall and took his sweet time, observing her. Her gentle expressions, her nimble moments and occasional biting of her lips.


    He couldn''t help but fish out his phone and take a short video of her. Whenever he will miss her, he could see this video.


    After being satisfied with the video he took, he walked into the kitchen and back hugged her. He placed his chin on her shoulder and asked, "Any help from your boyfriend?"


    Kyra was startled for a second but quickly returned to calm self. She smiled and placed her hands on his arms and snuggled her back against his freshly showered body.


    "I can do it by myself. How can I ask my esteemed guest to work?", she said, teasing him.


    "Guest?", Oliver asked, placing his warm lips on the crook of her neck, making Kyra shiver.


    "Y..yes," Kyra stammered, distracted.


    "Really?", Oliver asked as his lips traveled a little down, kissing the place where her neck and shoulders meet.


    "I don''t think so.", he whispered in her ears and finally retreated with a playful smile on his lips.


    "Breath, silly.", he said and chuckled seeing her red cheeks.


    It was only when Kyra realized that she was holding her breath. Should he really seduce her like this??


    Not that she is complaining. In fact, she liked it. It is just that he shouldn''t have stopped midway like this.


    "Now, what can I help?" Oliver asked.


    "Wanna help?" Kyra asked as she turned to look at him.


    Seeing the victory in his eyes and the naughty smile dangling on his lips, Kyra pursed her lips. He left her frustrated like this and there he was enjoying the impact he left on her.


    ''I will have my revenge after the dinner'', Kyra thought.


    She took a step towards him and raised her face so that her lips are just a inch away from his lips.


    Oliver looked at their lips, distracted but filled with anticipation.


    "If you wanna help, I prefer to have you do nothing and stop distracting me like this.", Kyra said and pushed him away.


    After that she went back to her cooking.


    Oliver looked at Kyra and sighed. He shouldn''t have tried to distract her and stop midway. Feeling slightly guilty, he went and sat down at kitchen island and continued to stare at her.


    "Your staring is distracting me.", Kyra said, placing a dish in the oven.


    "You remember the first time we met at the hospital?" Oliver asked, reminiscing about their first meeting that happened a few months back.


    Kyra chuckled, remembering that day. It was the day she landed and in the airport she had to save a boy and send him to hospital. After doing that she went to the terrace and was enjoying her coffee.


    It was the first time she saw him after coming back.


    "You were staring at my waist. Like a pervert.", Kyra said.


    "Was I the only one who stared?" Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Kyra sat down across from him. She has put a dish in the oven and the other two dishes are on the shove, getting cooked. She didn''t have anything left to do, so she sat down.


    "We both had our fair amount of staring sessions." Kyra said and Oliver let out a short, happy laugh. Yes, they do.


    It was his first time sneaking glances at a girl and he must say, he was embarrassed. His feelings and abrupt emotions distrurbed and worried him a lot but they turned into sweet memories after he realized why he was feeling like that.


    "Tell me why you agreed to take me as a fellow to work with you? I heard that I am the first person to get that honor.", Kyra asked.


    "You want the truth?" Oliver asked.


    "If it is a good one.", Kyra said, making Oliver smile.


    "Don''t worry. It is not that bad." Oliver responded as he tucked the strands of her hair beneath her ear.


    "You love doing this, don''t you?", she asked, referring to his habit of playing with her hair.


    "I kind of became addicted." Oliver agreed, looking at her with loving eyes.


    "Now, back to the topic. Tell me why you chose me.", Kyra asked, changing the topic. If they dwell deep into this topic this is a good chance their innocent flirting could lead to something like this.


    "At first, I didn''t want to. Our president, my uncle, sent me your profile and it was outstanding. I was impressed but I was hesitant because of my fatal attraction towards you. I got scared that my puzzling emotions towards you will disrupt my work." he said.


    "I can''t disagree. In fact, I felt the same when uncle asked you in front of everyone to take me as your fellow. So, what changed your mind?" Kyra asked.


    "I didn''t want my personal problems to affect your career. You should have worked very hard to have such an outstanding profile, so how could I be unprofessional and take away an honor of learning from me?" Oliver asked, smiling as he played with her hair, twirling them around his fingers.


    "Narcissist." Kyra accused but there was a satisfactory smile on her lips. His answer should have satisfied her.


    "I am glad I didn''t say no to my uncle." Oliver said.


    "I am glad as well." Kyra said, smiling.


    She was about to say something else but the sound from the oven stopped her.


    "Looks like dessert is done." Kyra said and walked towards the oven. Later she became busy finishing the dishes.


    Oliver didn''t talk and allowed her to work. He felt bad for not helping her but he understood that she wanted to cook for him. He decided to reciprocate when they are having dinner at his house in future.


    After five minutes or so, Kyra placed dishes on the dining table with Oliver''s help.


    "Tasty?" Kyra asked as they started to eat.


    Oliver took a bite and gave a pause before responding to the question.


    "Not bad," he said.


    "Not bad?", Kyra asked, pouting. She has put so much effort into cooking and he was saying that it''s not that bad??


    Oliver laughed looking at her pout. "I am kidding, Ky. Food is delicious." he answered.


    "Really?", Kyra asked, with a spark in her eyes.


    "Real.", Oliver answered with a doting smile and ruffled her hair lightly.


    Satisfied with his answer, Kyra continued to dig in. She is starving!


    They finished the dinner, striking casual conversation once in a while.


    "It''s still 8''O clock. Should we do something to pass the time?", Kyra asked as they finished placing the washed dishes in the stand. Oliver insisted on helping, so she could not say no. He said it would make him feel uncomfortable if she does all the work.


    "Something?" Oliver asked, his voice naughty and teasing.


    She could tell what he was suggesting.


    "I mean watching movies or something like that." Kyra said.


    Oliver smiled. She started to understand the pattern of his teasing.


    "It''s boring. We have already done that." Oliver said.


    "Reading research papers?" Kyra asked.


    "You are turning into a workaholic, Ky.", Oliver said as they walked into the garden. A little walk in the fresh air while deciding what to do is not bad.


    Holding hands, they walked around and stopped at their usual meeting spot. The Garden patio.


    "We used to have our research discussions here.", Kyra said.


    "We can still have those discussions here." Oliver said, wrapping his arm around her waist.


    Kyra nodded her head. Why is she talking as if that is in the past?


    "Ky, how about I watch you paint?" Oliver asked. He was having this in his mind for days but didn''t have time to ask her. He remembers how she used to be indulged in painting whenever he used to come to visit her after his work.


    He missed that time. Her focussed and sharp eyes, her peaceful smile..


    "Watching me paint?" Kyra asked. Well, she didn''t expect this��


    What is so special about her to watch??


    "It''s another thing I got addicted to. You might not have noticed but I used to stand here and watch you paint. It used to take a few minutes for you to realize that I am here.", Oliver said.


    Kyra amiled, reminiscing about those days. Those were the days after she got a concussion from the accident.


    "If it is what my boyfriend wants.", Kyra said as they walked to the porch of her garden house where she often paints.


    "One of your paintings is in process?" Oliver asked when he saw the canvas.


    "Yes. You can remove the cover.", Kyra said before going inside to bring her palette.


    Oliver did as Kyra said and when he saw the incomplete painting, his face morphed with surprise and joy.


    Kyra who just came back noticed his shocked face and smiled. "I am painting our memories so I could remember them even��", Kyra stopped. She was about to say, ''even if we break up in future'' but decided not to ruin the moment they are having. However, it was too late.


    "Even?", Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow.

 Chapter 139 - Professing His Love For Her.

    "Where is Kyra?" Oliver asked after Jennifer and Ron had gone back to their offices.


    He was worried about her.


    She almost got hurt. Seeing her with the knife on her neck, he only knows how scared he was.


    "She is downstairs, answering to the authorities. She will be done in a few minutes." his uncle said, patting his shoulder.


    Oliver nodded his head and his eyes shifted towards the elevator, as if he was waiting for the door to open so he could expect Kyra.


    "She is fine. You don''t have to worry about her when hurting her physically is not so easy. Her brothers tried to make her as strong as possible, be it emotionally or physically." Oliver''s uncle, the president, comforted him. The worry in his eyes is that evident.


    "I will have to thank her brothers for teaching her self defense to that extreme. She was really awesome." Oliver said with a smile. The adoration and admiration sparkled his eyes and a smile made its way to his lips.


    He can never forget how Kyra has fought with those people. She was spectacular abd he must say that it is the version of her which shone with a deadly beauty.


    Her moves, her calculated attacks, they were up to the point that she could be treated as a professional fighter.


    Her first brother is in a high military rank and everyone from her maternal side family are from the military. They should have provided her with this level of coaching and Kyra should have worked equally hard to reach their expectations.


    She never fails to surprise him.


    Firstly, he found that she is the famous and mysterious painter, The passion.


    It surprised him but it was not unexpected. As a surgeon her hands are at their best level and she was passionate about paintings from her childhood.


    Very shortly after that he found out that she is the president of the company LK groups, the new company that is growing exponentially and is making wonders. He was surprised but he didn''t mind it unexplainable.


    She has that caliber and capacity. Moreover, business administration was her minor and she had her brothers to give her extra knowledge. She found the best people for the collaboration and partnership.


    Now, this. She is a skilled fighter.


    What next?


    "Look at you. The love in your eyes is brimming out." his uncle teased, bringing back from his reverie.


    "She was awesome. There is no way to deny that." Oliver said.


    "That, she is. She is Collins after all. Did you see anyone in that family who could be deemed as ordinary?" his uncle said.


    Oliver smiled in agreement.


    She is not a Collins by blood but as she was with them for years, she got motivated to reach the pinnacles in whatever she does.


    "Now, tell me how your relationship is progressing. I didn''t get to ask either of you about that because of my hectic schedule." his uncle said as they walked beside each other to the office room.


    The patient will be shifted to his room soon. Till then, they could go and have some fresh air.


    ��-------------------


    "Thanks for saving my dad, Ky. If not because of you, he would have been in a critical situation." Matthew thanked Kyra. They are currently at the canteen, drinking coffee.


    Kyra didn''t speak anything and nodded her head. She didn''t like how people were looking towards them. She hates attention.


    However, all thanks to Matthew who doesn''t like being low key. Dressed in a Brioni suit, one of the expensive suits, he was emitting the aura of a noble, handsome man. Who wouldn''t be attracted?


    ''He is Matthew Richards, the heir of the Richards family.'' a passing nurse whispered to her friend.


    ''What is he doing with Dr. Nerd?'' her friend asked.


    Kyra''s nickname is doctor nerd not only because of her looks but her character as well. She is one of the best fellows the hospital has ever seen. She is almost as knowledgeable as an experienced attending physician. Besides doing her work, she doesn''t care about other things.


    She is either busy in the surgery room or in front of her laptop, doing her research or reading the papers and publishings.


    ''I heard she saved Mr. Richard''s father who is in the operating room just a few minutes back.'' her friend, the nurse, replied.


    ''There were cops sometime back. Do you know what happened?, her friend asked.


    ''Something related to Mr. Richards. It''s confidential but I heard our Dr. Nerd handled the situation smartly and averted the crisis. That''s why Matthew Richards is treating her for a coffee.'' the nurse replied.


    ''She is lucky'' her friend said dreamily as she looked at Matthew.


    "Can we finish this coffee somewhere else?" Matthew asked. He knows that Kyra hates crowds especially when she is at center of attention like this.


    Kyra nodded her head. "Follow me." she said and they left the public cafeteria.


    They walked to the spot out in the garden which is mostly used by the neurology department, tactically.


    "Did you listen to that conversation? They called you lucky just because you got to talk to me." Matthew said, pleased to hear that.


    "Don''t let them get to your head. They were just exaggerating." Kyra said.


    "They didn''t exaggerate, Ky. I am clearly the cream of the crop." Matthew said, giving his signature smile.


    "Narcissist.", Kyra said and rolled her eyes.


    Matthew just laughed and finished his coffee.


    "Ky." he called her.


    "Hmm." Kyra hummed in response as she took the sip of her coffee.


    "One chance." he said.


    "What chance?" Kyra asked.


    "One chance to let me show you my love." he said looking at her expectantly.


    Kyra stopped and looked at him.


    "Don''t make this awkward, Matt. Can''t we just be friends like how we are now? I don''t want what we have to be spoiled." Kyra said.


    "We are not spoiling what we have now. Can''t we be friends and be in a relationship too?" Matthew asked.


    "You promised not to bring this again, Matthew. Didn''t we sort this out?" Kyra asked.


    "We did. I agreed to your condition only because I knew I can''t spoil the friendship we have. You will be my fian?eein future and I knew that you needed time. But after seeing what happened just now, I realized life is short and many unexpected things happen in the meantime. I can''t wait till the day our engagement will be official." Matthew said.


    Kyra sighed.


    "The engagement, it�� though it is not annulled, it is not fixed yet. Didn''t our parents agree that they would leave it to us? If any of us are not happy with the marriage they promised, it is void. And�� didn''t we agree that if both of us are single even after three years, we can consider it?" Kyra said.


    She can''t hurt him and at the same time she can''t agree as well.


    As she is in a relationship with Oliver and it is, in fact, going very smoothly, there are very high chances that she would be saying no to this agreement their family had.


    "Three years. Fine. What can I do? Everyone in Collins'' family is stubborn and strong headed. I can''t win over them." Matthew said, forcing a smile. But disappointment was evident in his eyes.


    "Anyway, thanks again, Ky. I owe you for saving my dad." he added.


    "You don''t owe me anything. Uncle Richards is like a father to me. And, I am a doctor so, saving the patient in need is my responsibility." Kyra said.


    "You didn''t tell my sister right?" he asked, diverting the topic to bring it to hide the sadness he is going through.


    "I didn''t tell. Sophia and Lisa are on a tour right now. They left this morning. They decided to visit around unexpectedly." Kyra said.


    "That''s good. When will they be returning?" he asked.


    "Next Sunday, probably. They might extend but there are no chances they would be returning before that." Kyra said.


    Matthew nodded his head.


    "I will be going then. I need to return to work." Kyra said.


    "Sure. I will see you after work." he said. He got rejected again but it''s okay. He can wait for three years if it is her. He is confident that Kyra wouldn''t fall in love with another man.


    "I will visit uncle later. He will be shifted to a room soon. I will take my leave then." After saying so Kyra left.


    She walked to the women changing room. She has to change into her normal clothes yet. After what happened, she didn''t get a chance to change.


    Just when Kyra took off the top, the door opened and Jennifer entered the room. Kyra didn''t react much as it is common room surgeons and doctors use.


    But Jennifer��


    She couldn''t help but widen her eyes.


    There is a hickey on Kyra''s shoulder. It is obvious that it is a hickey.


    Having a hickey is not something to react like this as they are adults and these things are normal to do.


    But, she has just heard the conversation between Mathew and Kyra.


    Kyra lied that she is single and they could wait for three years before thinking of their engagement.

 Chapter 140 - What About Me?

    But Jennifer��


    She couldn''t help but widen her eyes.


    There is a hickey on Kyra''s shoulder. It is obvious that it is a hickey.


    Having a hickey is not something to react like this as they are adults and these things are normal to do.


    But, she has just heard the conversation between Mathew and Kyra.


    Kyra lied that she is single and they could wait for three years before thinking of their engagement.


    Isn''t she giving him false hopes by letting him think that he still has a chance?


    She should have simply told him that she is committed right now so that Matthew wouldn''t waste his time on her.


    She should be in a relationship or she should be messing around for fun.


    If it is the first case, she should have told Matthew about that.


    In the second case, she doesn''t deserve a faithful person like Matthew who is waiting for her for years.


    ''I can''t believe Ria is this different from how she portrays herself.'' Jennifer thought.


    It''s not only about this relationship thing but the other things as well.


    Ria, who had not spoken a word when Terssa made fun of her, could easily handle the attackers with ease.


    Ria is not from some nameless tier 3 med school but it is from one of the best med schools, Oxford.


    And, she isn''t an ordinary person.


    She is from the Collins family. The daughter of Charles Collins, the best of the best neurosurgeon.


    She is the only sister of five extraordinary men and has connections with many powerful people like Richards.


    Jennifer couldn''t believe this. If people here would have known that she is the daughter of Collins family they would have treated her like a Goddess.


    Teressa who is bullying her would bootlick her and become her slave.


    ''Professional wise, this woman is really admirable. She doesn''t want to exploit her identity to have an easy life, which is a luxury for surgeons.'' Jennifer thought.


    And, she didn''t forget the other details.


    Ria (Kyra) is beautiful! She is only hiding it using her spectacles, outdated hairstyle and baggy clothes.


    ''Maybe she doesn''t want to be the centre of attention.'' Jennifer thought. She has heard that the daughter of the Collins family is very beautiful and successful like the rest of her family.


    ''If she wants to stay low key, let her be. Who am I to ruin the peaceful life of hers by revealing this.'' Jennifer decided.


    Once this identity and beauty gets revealed, Kyra would be twenty four by seven center of attention.


    Deciding not to disturb Kyra, Jennifer quietly left the changing room.


    After changing Kyra is about to go back to her office as she has other surgeries to perform.


    But, Oliver''s call made her go to his office instead of hers.


    ------


    "I am fine." Kyra said with a smile as she patted Oliver''s back while he was hugging her tightly.


    As soon as she entered the room, Oliver, who was waiting just at the door, pulled into an embrace.


    He didn''t look worried as others have already informed him that she is safe and sound.


    He wanted to hug her as he didn''t get to see her after the surgery. Not until she is in his arms, he could be relieved of concern.


    "I know." Oliver whispered into her neck.


    "Was I awesome?" Kyra asked, asking for praise.


    Oliver chuckled.


    He loosened his embrace and looked at her. Her eyes are sparkling and she has a beautiful smile on her lips.


    She looked so cute unlike the morning when she was looking devilishly enthralling.


    He kissed the top of her nose and pressed his forehead to hers. "You were spectacular. I didn''t know that my girlfriend could be this dangerous." He said, smiling at her.


    "You are warned. Don''t upset this girlfriend and give her a kiss." Kyra said.


    "With pleasure." Oliver whispered and pressed his lips to her.


    It started with a slow pace and soon it became intense.


    Oliver pressed her in between him and his wall and Kyra wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him more close to her.


    The kiss was a long fight as they competed with each other in taking control of the kiss.


    The fight continued till they couldn''t take it anymore and had to stop to breathe.


    "I went berserk when that guy pressed the knife to your throat." Oliver said, panting while his eyes fell on the bandage on her neck.


    He gently traced his finger on it and his eyes dimmed with pain seeing it.


    "Don''t get hurt ever again, okay? I won''t be able to stay this quiet and controlled." he said before kissing on her bandage.


    Kyra smiled but didn''t respond to him. She is not sure if she could assure him like this.


    "I could only look at you helplessly at that time. You don''t know how much anger and concern I had to suppress to stay controlled."


    "If I was not operating on the patient at that time, I would have surely beaten him to death." Oliver said.


    He doesn''t want to be a boyfriend who can''t protect his girlfriend.


    Kyra smiled, understanding what was going in Oliver''s mind.


    "I saw that you were operating on the risky bullet injury. If you would have taken out your hand in a hurry, my uncle would have died there itself."


    "You did what a doctor has to do. Save and protect the patient." Kyra comforted Oliver.


    "For the first time in my career, I seriously considered breaking my oath. I wanted to save you and I might have done it if I didn''t notice your nonchalant expression."


    "I knew at that moment that you had some plan to save yourself." Oliver said.


    "I had to distract that person. When we were rolling my uncle into the operation theatre, I noticed that one of my uncle''s men had arrived."


    "So, I knew that he had informed Matthew about his father''s condition. I was distracting the attacker so I could buy some time for Matthew to bring his people here." Kyra explained.


    "But, you almost got yourself injured!" Oliver said as his eyes fell on Kyra''s neck.


    "I fought with that attacker because I didn''t want to risk myself anymore. My plan was to wait for Matthew to come and take control." Kyra said, trying to cool down her boyfriend.


    She has seen that her uncle''s condition was stable and she could risk a few minutes. That''s why she wanted to wait for Matthew to come.


    Oliver nodded his head and they sat down on the sofa. He wrapped his arms around her while Kyra rested her head on his chest.


    Listening to his heartbeat always cools her down.


    "Did you notice how that attacker got distracted when you spoke? Did you know him before?" Oliver asked.


    He remembers how the attacker got distracted when he heard her voice and looked down to get a glimpse of her face. It is as if he knows her and didn''t expect to see her.


    "I am wondering the same, Oliver. I don''t know him but it seems like he knows me. Or, he might have felt like he saw me somewhere. Maybe he got confused and thought I was some other person." Kyra said.


    Even she is wondering about the same. Depending upon how skilled the attacker looked, he shouldn''t have gotten distracted.


    "Ask your uncle about it later. He will wake up by evening." Oliver said, pressing a kiss on her forehead.


    "I don''t want to worry uncle. I will tell Matt to look into it." Kyra said as she continued to listen to his heartbeat.


    "Matt?" Oliver asked.


    "Are you that close to him?" he asked.


    Kyra retreated from their embrace and looked at Oliver with amusement. He is jealous just because she called Matthew as Matt?


    "Of course we are close. I have known him for seven years and I used to stay at their house most of the weekends. Richards are an extended family of Collins and vice versa." Kyra said.


    "Extended family? You mean like a brother and sister?" Oliver asked.


    "Nope. Don''t you know? These families have a marriage contract with each other for generations. But Collins always gave birth to boys." Kyra said.


    "And, not to mention that Matthew has proposed to me many times." she added.


    "I heard he got rejected ruthlessly." Oliver said, playing with her hair.


    "Not ruthlessly! I politely rejected him." Kyra pouted.


    Oliver laughed, kissing her temple.


    "Why did you reject him? He is handsome, rich, successful and he loves you." Oliver said.


    "That''s true. However, I didn''t feel the spark with him. How can I go on a date with him when I never felt anything romantic with him?"


    "Moreover, I was not mentally prepared to allow another person into my life and my personal space." Kyra said.


    "What about me? Did you feel the spark?" Oliver asked, kissing her hair.


    Kyra rolled her eyes.


    "I am in your arms, allowing you to kiss me and cuddle me. Isn''t it obvious? Why to ask!" she said.


    "I want to hear from you.." Oliver grinned.

 Chapter 141 - Pheonix.

    "Why did you reject him? He is handsome, rich, successful and he loves you." Oliver said.


    "That''s true. However, I didn''t feel the spark with him. How can I go on a date with him when I never felt anything romantic with him?"


    "Moreover, I was not mentally prepared to allow another person into my life and my personal space." Kyra said.


    "What about me? Did you feel the spark?" Oliver asked, kissing her hair.


    Kyra rolled her eyes.


    "I am in your arms, allowing you to kiss me and cuddle me. Isn''t it obvious? Why to ask!" she said.


    "I want to hear from you." Oliver grinned.


    Kyra didn''t speak anything but climbed into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck before pulling him into a kiss.


    Oliver took some time to respond but he had a content smile on his lips.


    "Before meeting you I had never thought that I would get close to someone this soon, Oliver."


    "The progress we are going through in our relationship is very fast paced. It''s making me scared but that feeling got overpowered by the happiness."


    "The first time I saw you on the terrace, that was my first time staring at a man. Those feelings I went through at that time are very confusing but once I realised, it has started to bring more color into my life." Kyra confessed.


    She doesn''t know what got into her but she felt the sudden urge to say all these.


    "Is it enough to make you understand how special you are?" Kyra asked.


    Oliver felt touched. Kyra is not someone who speaks about feelings willingly.


    Oliver flipped her so that she was under him.


    Caressing her cheek with one of his hands, Oliver rested his weight on his other side.


    "Yeah. It''s more than enough." Oliver said and kissed her forehead and then her cheeks and traced them to her chin before giving it a slight bite.


    Slowly and seducingly he moved to her lips.


    Kyra couldn''t help but feel drunk in love. Her eyes grew heavy and moist, making her look more alluring.


    "Shall we continue what we have stopped that night?" he whispered in her ears.


    "I am still in my periods." Kyra said.


    Oliver pulled his face away and smiled, his eyes mischievous.


    "I don''t know what Ms. Collins is thinking but what I meant is finishing the research paper we couldn''t complete reading that day."


    "What was Ms. Collins thinking that she had to tell the status of her periods?" Oliver asked.


    Kyra narrowed her eyes and pushed him away, making him fall butt hard on the floor.


    "You are a mood pooper." Kyra said, standing up.


    They were having such a good romantic time and he dared to spoil it by teasing her like this.


    "If this is it, I would prefer to go and finish the research paper Dr. Miller mentioned." Kyra said and she was about to stomp away but Oliver hugged her from behind and kissed her hair.


    "I just wanted to tease you. Don''t be an angry bird." He said in a doting tone and took out a box from his pocket.


    Opening it, he took out the neck chain and placed it around her neck.


    "This is for the woman who has made me admire her. She rose like a phoenix despite getting stopped by many obstacles."


    "She is the person who fought bravely till now and will fight in the same manner in the future. I want to see her rise to new pinnacles." Oliver said.


    Kyra looked down and saw a gold chain with a phoenix pendant which is embedded with red, tiny diamonds.


    Kyra took it into her hand and smiled.


    Phoenix.


    Which symbolises the endurance and pioneering spirit.


    "I will cherish it. Thank you." Kyra said as she tiptoed and kissed his lips.


    "Whenever you come across a difficult situation, look at this and remember how much you have endured to come this far."


    "Remember that I would always be there to remind you how strong you actually are." he said, kissing her forehead.


    "When did you buy this?" Kyra asked.


    She felt a sudden surge of energy and courage after listening to his words.


    "Yesterday. After hearing about your story, I thought this phoenix would suit you the best. I didn''t give you anything that would remind you of me, so I wanted to give you something from long back." Oliver said.


    "Whenever you are not beside me, this will keep me company. I will not back down now. I will not escape my past and traumas and win against them just like how you did." Kyra said.


    "Now, I am getting jealous of this neck chain." Oliver said.


    "Childish." Kyra rolled her eyes but there was a smile on her lips.


    "Although I don''t want to remove this, I will have to treat this injury before I keep anything around my neck." Kyra said, showing the bandage on her neck.


    It is the cut the attacker gave her during the surgery.


    Oliver''s eyes dimmed but nodded his head. He could only promise himself quietly that he would protect her from now on.


    "I will remove it after going back to my office." Kyra said. She didn''t want to remove it in front of Oliver as it might make him feel sad.


    Oliver nodded his head.


    "And, don''t forget to ask your uncle why that attacker got distracted after seeing you." Oliver reminds her.


    "I will ask him tonight after he regains consciousness." Kyra said.


    "See you tonight?" Oliver asked.


    "Maybe I won''t be able to. I am thinking of staying here with my uncle." Kyra said.


    "Don''t forget to rest though." Oliver said and after kissing her forehead he let her walk out of his office.


    -----


    "Does Dr. Miller and Dr. Lopez ( Kyra ) takes this long to discuss their patients?" Matthew asked the nurse who was standing behind him while he was seated on the sofa, waiting to meet Oliver.


    He didn''t want to meet Oliver, his arch enemy but what can he do? Oliver operated on his father and didn''t let the attack affect the operation.


    His mother pestered him to thank Oliver and he didn''t have an option but to come here.


    He wanted to thank Oliver and leave as soon as possible but it''s been more than half an hour and Oliver is still busy.


    At first he didn''t think much but it started to bother him after finding out that Kyra is the one who is inside the office, all alone with Oliver.


    "They take time to discuss thoroughly, Mr. Richards." the nurse answered.


    "Is he like this with everyone?" he asked.


    "No sir. Dr. Miller''s closely connect with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Smith ( Kyra and Jennifer ) only. The rest of them would barely manage five minutes to discuss with Dr. Miller." The nurse answered.


    "Is that so? By the way, who takes more time to discuss things with Dr. Miller? Is it Dr. Lopez or Dr. Smith?" Matthew enquired.


    "It''s Dr. Lopez, sir. Although Dr. Smith connect with Dr. Miller closely, it is Dr. Lopez who frequently connects with sir outside the Operation theatre." Nurse answered.


    "So, Dr. Lopez asks for assistance and help a lot?" he asked.


    "No sir. Though Dr. Lopez is new here and is quite young, she is one of the best we have."


    "That is why Dr. Miller treats her very well. He calls for her everyday and they discuss the patients, surgeries and research everyday." the nurse answered.


    She don''t know why Mr. Matthew Richards is asking so much about Dr. Miller, she didn''t dare to ask him the reason.


    "So, it is him who calls her." Matthew thought.


    "Tell me more about them." he asked, narrowing his eyes. He can smell something fishy already.


    Does Oliver like Kyra??


    "Dr. Lopez and Dr. Miller started to become the golden partner inside the operation theatre."


    "The level of understanding they have during surgery is amazing. They can communicate without words, efficiently and effectively no matter how serious the condition is."


    "They will be in sync as if they have known each other for years and are working together." The nurse answered.


    "Have we known each other for years?" Matthew thought inside.


    He is about to ask more about Oliver but the door opens and Kyra walks out.


    She looked indifferent and she has bunch of files in her hands.


    Others would have thought that there is nothing special about it but Matthew could sense the happiness in her golden hazel eyes.


    ''Is she happy because of work related things or personal things?'' he thought.


    ''No. It can''t be personally related. Kyra can never get close to a person easily." Matthew convinced himself.


    What can Kyra do? Everyone thinks about her just like Matthew. That is why she is scared to introduce Oliver to others.


    They would think that she took an impulse decision and try to butt in.. She doesn''t want interference from a third party in her relationship.

 Chapter 142 - Oliver Infuriating Matthew

    Matthew smiled at Kyra who was in her own world. He thought she would notice him and smile at him but her focus was solely devoted to something in her palm.


    He couldn''t look at it but he could see that Kyra adores it. Her eyes are twinkling with happiness and her smile is so pure and genuine that he had never seen her smile like this.


    Looking at her like this, he started to feel uneasy.


    This is not how she usually reacts.


    "Mr. Richards, you can meet Dr. Miller now." the nurse said, bringing Matthew out of his world.


    Matthew nodded his head and went inside to talk to Oliver.


    When Oliver saw his arch enemy, he narrowed his eyes but didn''t say anything. Matthew is here as guardian of a patient not as an enemy or a business competitor.


    ��-----


    "Your father will make a full recovery. He can either stay in hospital for treatment or he can opt to get treated remotely as well." Oliver said at the end, after telling his part of the discussion.


    "We would opt for remote treatment. It looks like this hospital has the worst security." Matthew said.


    "You can contact the management downstairs and have the patient discharged." Oliver said while he focussed on his papers on the desktop. He would prefer to stay out of silly bickering with Matthew.


    Matthew narrowed his eyes. He wanted to infuriate Oliver but it looks like Oliver is making him furious instead.


    "Will this hospital provide remote treatment or does it don''t have that facility?" Matthew asked.


    "We do." Oliver passively said.


    "If you have queries about the treatment process and patient''s condition, you may talk to me. Rest of the things will be handled by the office downstairs." Oliver added. He is in a good mood and he doesn''t want that to be spoiled.


    Matthew gritted his teeth and stomped out of the room.


    Oliver looked at the receding figure and could only sigh.'' When will this childishness and temper subside in that person?'' Oliver thought and went back to read his research paper. Kyra sent this yesterday and the content in it looks promising to experiment for his sister''s treatment.


    His sister would be returning soon as she has done her best to help her friend and the things that would follow later are not in her hands. Although she wants to stay behind, she noticed that workload is affecting her brother and making him exhausted.


    ��--------


    The day soon passed and it was already time to leave.


    As Kyra had already decided to meet uncle Richards, she went to his room. It is a VVIP room with a lot of security guarding him.


    When the guards noticed that she was about to enter, they blocked the door with their hunk-like bodies.


    "Is Mr. Richards awake?" Kyra asked but the guards didn''t speak. They are ordered not to disclose any information to anyone but the nurses and doctors assigned to take care of their boss''s father.


    Kyra smiled. She could see that the guards were doing a splendid job.


    "If he is awake, tell him that Dr. Lopez is here. If he is sleeping you can call boss Matthew Richards and tell the same." she said.


    They looked at her hesitantly but did the same.


    One of the bodyguards went inside and another one swiftly took the former''s position, guarding the door.


    After a few seconds, the bodyguard came outside and placed a fist on his left heart, a sign of respect, and made a way for her.


    "I see that Matt''s men are being as alert as ever." Kyra said as she entered the room.


    "They are. Matthew got mad seeing me like this." Uncle Richard responded as he increased the bed''s angle using remote so that it looked like he is half lying and half sitting.


    "Even I am angry, dad. You shouldn''t be this reckless and aggressive. You are not young anymore you know." Kyra said as she sat down on the chair near the bed.


    "Princess, should you remind me of my age?" her uncle Richard pouted, making Kyra chuckle.


    "You gave me a heart attack, dad. You were filled with blood and -" Kyra is about to say something but uncle Richard interjected her.


    "I am sorry, dear child. I will be cautious next time." uncle Richard said.


    "Next time, dad? Are you seriously thinking that I would allow you to tag along with me next time?" Matthew said as he entered the room.


    "I am your boss, son. I can do what I am pleased with." Uncle Richard said. His sweet and doting voice is nowhere to be found. It morphed into a serious one when it came to Matthew.


    "You could be boss, dad. But mom is the bigboss of the house. If you want to be in the doghouse then feel free to tag along." Matthew said.


    Kyra chuckled. She was about to laugh but suppressed it.


    Uncle Richards pouted but didn''t complain.


    "My dad becomes a cat when it comes to my mom." Matthew said, taking a glimpse at Kyra.


    "No so different from my mom and dad. We all know that." Kyra said, laughing.


    "It runs in both families, son." his father said. His voice returned to it''s doting self as he was talking about his wife.


    "I will gladly do the same, dad. My wife would be the ultimate boss. I will listen to her." Matthew said and looked at Kyra. He made no attempt to hide the message he is giving.


    "Marry me, Kyra. Be the boss." he added.


    "I rejected you this afternoon itself if you forgot." Kyra ruthlessly rejected.


    She is not surprised because this is not the first time he is doing this. She got habituated to it in the same way Matthew persistently confesses. He hopes that she would say yes one or other time and her hope is that he would stop saying this after getting vexed by countless rejections.


    "Forty ninth rejection. Near to half a century. Son, you have a long way ahead." Uncle Richards said.


    He wants Kyra as a daughter in law but not by force. If his son is able to make her fall for him, he would be the happiest person. Even if Kyra falls for another man and she is happy with her choice, he would give his blessings.


    It is his father and mother, grandfather and grandmother Richards, who are forcing.


    Uncle Richards doesn''t want that because his own brother disappeared from their lives because of this arranged marriage and marriage contract thing. He didn''t want to marry the girl his family chose, so he left the family and never returned.


    Meanwhile, Ron who just came inside has heard everything starting from ''Marry me, be the boss''.


    "Dr. Hunt. You are here." Uncle Richards noticed Ron and smiled. Ron is the one who took care of him after the operation. He is the assistant doctor in charge while Oliver is the doctor in charge.


    "Princess, doctors in this hospital are as capable as the ones in Collins. Not bad option." uncle Richard said to Kyra.


    Kyra smiled. She knows that by now, Ron and Jennifer would have figured out that she is familiar with Richard''s family.


    Before the operation started, she told everyone in the OP that Mr. Richard is allergic to latex and they shouldn''t use the latex gloves. She even mentioned that he was taking sleeping pills and had a minor surgery a few months back.


    "Of course. This hospital is no less compared to Collins medical center." Kyra said.


    Ron gave a short smile to Kyra and she returned the same before he went to check on his patient, uncle Richard.


    Meanwhile, Matthew looked at Kyra.


    "How''s your neck now? The scar will fade right?", he asked.


    "It''s just a small cut. I will fade." Kyra said, touching the bandage.


    "Good. Otherwise, I would be killed by six men back at home." Matthew sighed in relief.


    "They know?" Kyra asked. She almost shouted, to be precise.


    "Don''t worry, princess. They don''t but they might soon." Uncle Richards responded.


    "I can hide this incident as long as you guys keep this secret." Kyra said.


    "I will. But you need to take me to dinner." Matthew said, smiling at her. When it comes to Kya, he is shameless.


    Kyra rolled her eyes. "You are at a disadvantage, idiot! Not me." she said, palming her forehead.


    "They wouldn''t even shout at her. You would be the one to get that wrath." Matthew''s father said.


    "You will be there to protect me right, dad?" Matthew asked, yawning.


    "Why don''t you go and rest? Have a good night''s sleep. I will take care of dad." Kyra said, keeping her hand on his.


    "I might really need this sleep. Are you sure, tho? You have to work tomorrow." Matthew said.


    "I will be fine. I don''t have much work tomorrow. Don''t worry and go" Kyra said.


    "Can I go to your house to sleep? I can bring fresh clothes tomorrow if you want." Matthew said.


    "Can''t you just go to Daniel''s house?" Kyra asked.


    "No, it''s far." Matthew said.


    "It''s the house beside mine! How far could it be?" Kyra deadpaneed.


    "Hundred meters more far. Moreover, Daniel is not in his house. I will be crashing in my sister''s room in your house." Daniel said.


    "You better not leave any hints, okay? Otherwise Sophia might find out that her father is hospitalized." Kyra said.


    "Fine." Matthew said and left.


    Kyra looked at Ron who was leaving and followed him. She spoke normally with Matthew and Uncle Richard so Ron might have realized that she is very close to these people.. She have to ask him to keep this a secret.

 Chapter 143 - Kiss It. It Will Go Away.

    After asking Ron to keep everything a secret, Kyra returned to the room.


    Uncle Richard has fallen asleep due to the painkillers and Kyra sat down on the sofa after covering him properly with a blanket.


    Maybe she herself is exhausted that she fell asleep even before she could register that slumber took her over.


    -----


    Meanwhile, Matthew reached Kyra''s house. As Kyra already informed the security at Crescent Gardens about Matthew''s arrival, they have let him in.


    Reaching her villa, he opened it using the passcode Kyra told him before he left.


    "This is totally according to her taste." he told himself as he looked around.


    White and grey decorations. Minimalistic style.


    Warm and cosy.


    This is how her house looked. It is almost similar to the villa she bought herself in London.


    It is similar to the Collins mansion as well.


    "She wants to feel like she is at home. Why leave her home and come all the way here?" he asked himself, looking around.


    The more he saw, the more similar it felt to her home.


    He still doesn''t understand why she left an excellent place like London and came here.


    He failed to understand how her mind and heart works. Although he loves her, she is still a piece of puzzle to him.


    She is an attending physician in a world renowned hospital, Collins medical center. She was respected and pampered in her work as she is the daughter of the owner.


    Her life was smooth.


    She used to wake up, go to morning workout with any one of her brothers or Luther or him.


    After that she used to return to her home, which could be Collins mansion or her own villa or any of her brother''s home''s and get ready for work.


    If she was at her own place, she used to drive by herself. If she is at her brother''s place, they used to drop her. If she is at Collins mansion, a designated driver or her parents use to take her to work.


    Whatever she wishes, she was free to do it. It is applied in the hospital as well as everywhere.


    After work, she used to return to her home and do whatever she felt like doing. Be it painting, playing violin, meeting her friends, going to her company, anything she wanted.


    Her life was peaceful but see now! She disguised herself as some nerd so that people won''t bother her or find her identity.


    She has to go to morning workout by herself, cook breakfast by herself and rush to work. She can''t afford to be late even for a few minutes.


    And, during the work, she has to listen to her superiors and do the work they ask her to do.


    Moreover, she is not an attending physician but a fellow doctor. Her workload is so stressful that she returns late and can''t do the things she likes.


    But little he knew that this is what she wants. She wants to be treated like everyone and she wants to face difficulties and everyday challenges to strengthen and enlighten herself.


    She wanted to walk out of the comfort zone and face the plans God has for her.


    And, thanks to her wise decision, she got to meet the love of her life and improve herself.


    Thinking of Kyra, Matthew walked to his sister''s room. But when he opened it, he could only sigh and shake his head.


    This sister of his made a mess of her room.


    Her clothes are carelessly chucked out all over the room and he can confidently say that the price of all the dresses here combined would buy a house like this.


    Many of the cosmetic and self care products are also lying on the bed along with clothes and other accessories.


    She must have packed her bag at the last minute so she had to remove many things from her bag.


    Chuckling, Matthew closed the room and searched for the guest room.


    Maybe Kyra has already guessed that Sophia''s room will be beyond use, so she told him where the guest room is.


    "Seems like no one used the room." Matthew thought as he placed his bag on the bed and started to unpack.


    He swiftly selected a night dress and went inside to take a quick shower, which he wanted to do since the morning.


    "She even placed the men''s shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom. Maybe she is expecting that I would come." Matthew thought, full of himself.


    Only if he would have known that these are the products Kyra bought for his arch enemy Oliver, he would have felt his heart sinking.


    After freshening up, he heated the food he ordered and quickly finished eating it.


    As soon as he finished with it, he fell asleep. He was so tired that he couldn''t even keep his eyes open. Although he wanted to take a quick look at Kyra''s room, his body didn''t cooperate and he found himself doxxing off.


    ----


    Not very long after Kyra fell asleep, Oliver entered the room with Ron following him behind.


    Oliver had to stay behind because of the surgery which took longer than expected.


    He wanted to take a look at Mr. Richard before going home. Well, that''s what others thought.


    They assumed that Dr. Miller is making a quick visit to the VVIP patient so that nothing would go wrong during the night.


    But the truth is, he is here to see Kyra before he could go back. He is here for his patient but also for Kyra.


    Kyra is more important.


    His eyes softened when he looked at Kyra''s sleeping face.


    She has opened the hair bun and her long hair is now resting on the shoulders, some of it, covering her face.


    She has changed from office attire to casual attire. She is wearing track pants and a loose T-Shirt which is revealing one side of her shoulders completely. It''s loose that it''s left sleeve has slipped to the arm.


    Her rosy lips are slightly open and her eyelashes shone under the light.


    She is looking beautiful and peaceful.


    Meanwhile, Ron is at shock.


    He never thought Ria Lopez was this beautiful.


    With her looks, baggy clothes and tight hair bun, she looked a lot different. He could tell that she has made it intentionally and even applied make up in such a manner that her exquisite features are hidden well.


    Though he wanted to stare more at her, he could suppress it as his boss Oliver is here.


    Meanwhile, Oliver didn''t react as extremely as Ron. He has seen his girlfriend looking even more beautiful than now.


    He walked towards the patient and took the chart before examining it. He asked Ron some quick questions and told him what to do if something happens at night.


    Ron is on the night shift and he is usually the one who takes care of VIP patients so, he stayed behind.


    Kyra is here as a family of the patient but not as the doctor of the patient so, she can''t be counted as the doctor in charge.


    After finishing the last checkup, Oliver was about to leave the room but stopped at the door and looked at Kyra who was sleeping like dead.


    She has not woken up even when they are discussing. Which is not like her.


    She must be so exhausted that she is sleeping without caring about the surroundings.


    Ron looked at his boss confusingly as Oliver walked towards Kyra.


    Stopping in front of her, Oliver did the thing Ron didn''t even expect to dream in his most illogical dreams.


    Oliver covered Kyra with the blanket properly and fixed the pillows so that she wouldn''t get neck pain.


    ''She has bandages on her neck. As a doctor, Dr. Miller is only making sure that Ria will be fine. Nothing much.'' he told himself.


    It is because he never saw Oliver doing this to anyone let alone a girl. During his time with Oliver which is four years and still counting, he has not seen Oliver taking a liking to a girl.


    "Let''s go." Oliver said to Ron and he was about to go but Kyra held Oliver''s hand, making Ron skip a beat.


    Is she looking for a death wish? She might be close to Richards family and possibly someone of the same status but Oliver, their boss, is not easy to melt.


    Kyra pulled his hand and placed it on her cheek out of habit. This is one of the things she loves to do, so, whenever she feels Oliver warm palms she does this.


    "Warm." she muttered with a smile and went back to sleep.


    Oliver smiled involuntarily. Looking at his girlfriend''s cute a tions, how could he stay aloof?


    Oliver reluctantly tries to retreat but her grip is firm, as if she is afraid to let him go. It melted his heart but he knows that she wouldn''t appreciate it if her uncle finds their relationship.


    Although the man is sleeping, who knows what might happen?


    Kyra frowned in sleep and entwined their fingers. "It hurts." she said with a pout.


    "Where?" Oliver asked, concerned about taking over his rationality.


    "Here." she said in sleep, placing his hand at her throat which has a cut from the morning.


    "Does it hurt badly, Ky?" he asked, worried.


    "No. Kiss it. It will go away." she said, still in sleep.


    Oliver chuckled and placed a kiss on her bandage.


    "Feeling good?" he asked with a smile as he caressed her hair.


    Kyra happily nodded her head and went back to sleep with his hand on her cheek.


    Meanwhile, Ron didn''t knew whether he is dreaming or seeing it for real.

 Chapter 144 - Matthew Found Out.

    "Where?" Oliver asked as concern took over his rationality.


    "Here." Kyra said still in sleep, placing his hand at her throat which has a cut from the morning.


    "Does it hurt badly, Ky?" Oliver asked, worried.


    "Not much. Kiss it and it will go away." she answered, still in sleep.


    Oliver chuckled and placed a kiss on her bandage.


    "Feeling good?" he asked with a smile as he caressed her hair.


    Kyra happily nodded her head and went back to sleep with his hand on her cheek.


    Meanwhile, Ron didn''t know whether he was dreaming or seeing it for real.


    Covering her with a blanket is fine. She is after all Dr. Miller''s favourite fellow doctor and besides that, she is injured.


    Ron felt his life being sucked away when Kyra yanked Dr. Miller''s hand and placed it on her cheeks. Ron assumed that Dr. Miller would get annoyed and retreat his hand.


    But, he didn''t even get angry let alone feel annoyed. Ron still tries to convince himself by telling himself that Ria (Kyra) is injured and Dr. Miller didn''t want to act rashly with her.


    All his rationality started to leave him when Ria shamelessly asked for a kiss and their boss, Dr. Oliver Miller obliged gladly. He even left a kiss on her forehead.


    It is only when Ron realised that Dr. Miller called Ria as ''Ky'' earlier.


    And, he remembered that Dr. Miller''s rumoured girlfriend who was in an accident with him and got his utmost care and concern later is called ''Kyra''.


    Kyra - Ky.


    As if he got hit by the lightning, everything started to fall into place.


    No wonder Kyra used to take hours of time whenever she consulted Dr. Oliver Miller in his office. She is his girlfriend. The rumoured girlfriend for whom both Dr. Miller and the Hospital''s president care deeply.


    Meanwhile, Oliver placed a kiss on Kyra''s forehead and took a glance at Kyra''s uncle Mr. Richards felt relieved to see the man in deep slumber. Then he shifted his focus to Ron who is still looking at Kyra absent mindedly.


    Oliver cleared his throat. Although he knows that Ron is in shock and is not ''staring'' at her, he still didn''t like it.


    Only when Ron heard that, he forced himself to focus.


    Oliver gestured towards the door with his eyes, asking Ron to follow him out.


    Ron nodded his head and followed Oliver outside the room.


    "Don''t allow anyone inside. Only Dr. Ron here and the nurses you saw earlier are assigned to Mr. Richard." Oliver instructed the guards outside and walked away.


    Ron silently followed him to his office and only after he closed the door, Oliver looked at him.


    "Just pretend like you didn''t see anything that happened today." Oliver said.


    Ron nodded his head. Although it''s tough to obey, he will. He must.


    He knows that Dr. Miller trusts him and that''s why he allowed him to see this. If Dr. Miller didn''t trust him, he wouldn''t have taken him to Mr. Richard''s room.


    "Any questions?" Oliver asked. As Ron assumed, Oliver indeed trusts him.


    "Dr. Ria Lopez, she..," Ron trailed off, not sure whether he could ask this question.


    "What about her?" Oliver asked.


    "Her real name is not Ria Lopez, right? And, she is not from some nameless tier 3 medical school or from some ordinary family, right?" Ron asked, mustering his courage.


    "Right." Oliver answered. After what Ron has witnessed, it would be meaningless to lie.


    "She��she is your girlfriend, Dr. Miller?" Ron blurted out.


    "She is. But you better not spill this anywhere. No one knows about us, not yet." Oliver warned him.


    "I wouldn''t dare, Dr. Miller. I don''t know what her real name is or who she really is, but for me, she is Ria Lopez, one of my good friends. I wouldn''t bring any trouble for her intentionally. You can trust me on this." Ron honestly promised.


    He knows what would happen if everyone in the hospital finds out Dr. Miller and his new fellow, Dr. Lopez. The people in Dr. Miller''s fangroup are crazily possessive for him and they would bring hell down to the earth if they notice someone getting close to their idol.


    What would happen if they find out that he has a girlfriend and she is someone from the hospital??!


    They will try to make her life a living hell and Dr. Miller will have to protect her from those crazy ladies. It will distract him from focusing on his patients and surgeries and that could bring danger to the patient''s life as well.


    The consequences are so extreme that he wouldn''t dare to stir the storm.


    "Good. You better keep it that way, Ron. I don''t want her to suffer because of me in any way." Oliver said.


    Ron smiled and nodded his head in agreement. So, the cold and aloof Oliver Miller is soft inside the heart. His kindness and concern is not only for his patients but it is for the other people as well.


    "Sir�� could I ask who she really is?" Ron asked.


    He is really curious about his boss, Dr. Miller''s girlfriend now.


    She is good at her work. She is brave and smart enough to avert dire situations.


    She knows the prominent figures like Mr. Richards and his son, Matthew Richards, who even asked her to marry him not once but twice in the same hour.


    "You can ask her yourself, Ron. If she is fine with it, she will tell you." Oliver said. Though he is her boyfriend, even he has some boundaries he shouldn''t cross. One of them is to disclose her identity without asking her.


    "Understood, Dr. Miller." Ron said and left the room.


    Oliver left not very long after that.


    ��---------------


    The next morning.


    Matthew woke up early as it is his habt to do so no matter what circumstances he is in.


    It didn''t take him much effort to find the gym.


    After sweating for an hour or so, Matthew returned to the guest room and took a bath.


    Freshening up, the first thing he did was to roam around the house. He didn''t get to see it yesterday night as he was very exhausted.


    "So, this is my soon to be wife''s room" Matthew spoke to himself and chuckled as he opened the door. As expected her room is decorated in the same neutral colours, Grey and white themed design. It has a mini study room attached to it and a huge veranda as well.


    "She should have slept on this side" he thought and traced his fingers on the neatly arranged bed sheet. He lied down on that side and took a whiff of the familiar scent.


    "When will you let me use the other side of this bed, Ky?" he asked as he looked at her portrait that is hung on the wall behind the bed.


    Getting no answer, he sighed.


    "At least there is no one who is worthy enough to compete with me for this place" he said as he rolled to the other side. However, little did he know that this place was occupied by someone long back.


    Staying in the same place for a few more minutes. Matthew stood up and cleaned the bed before leaving the room. Then, he walked to the Garden house where she might be storing the paintings she has painted recently.


    "Let''s see how your mood is, nowadays." he said and walked to the porch where her canvas is. Her paintings determine the mood she is in. If she is sad, the paintings she paints will show the sadness and the same applies for all her moods.


    So far, he has seen happy, sad, depressed, melancholic and pleasant paintings. He never got to see the romance, love and intimacy in any of her paintings. The thought of it always gave him a sense of peace because it is a sign that she never felt those emotions and feelings till now.


    "She locked the door!" Matthew exclaimed in disappointment when the door of the garden house didn''t open.


    "What is she hiding? This is new. She never locks." he said as he tried once again but in vain. Kyra is indeed hiding something. Her memories with Oliver she painted recently. She doesn''t want anyone to see it.


    Matthew gave up and walked to the canvass which still has the painting that is yet to be finished.


    He removed the cover hovering over it and when he saw the painting, he felt his heart sink.


    Kyra, who never depicted romance or anything that relates to love, has painted something that could be deemed as a romantic moment.


    A man and a woman were holding hands and the man was kissing the back of her palm. He couldn''t tell whether the man in it is real or not as the man''s face is yet to be painted. Only the outline, the contours of his face are drawn.


    However, Matthew could tell that the girl''s hand in the painting is Kyra''s.


    The ring on her finger is the exact copy of the ring Kyra wears.


    ''What''s going on!'' Matthew thought horrifiedly.

 Chapter 145 - My Real Name Is Kyra, Kyra Collins.

    A man and a woman were holding hands and the man was kissing the back of her palm. He couldn''t tell whether the man in it is real or not as the man''s face is yet to be painted. Only the outline, the contours of his face are drawn.


    However, Matthew could tell that the girl''s hand in the painting is Kyra''s.


    The ring on her finger is the exact copy of the ring Kyra wears.


    ''What''s going on!'' Matthew thought horrified.


    He couldn''t help but take a look again and again. The more he saw, the more similar it started to feel like.


    ''Is this a coincidence or did she paint it intentionally?'' he thought.


    If it is a coincidence, he could sigh in relief and go at his own pace to woo her.


    If it is intentionally painted to look like her hand, there are quite a good chances Kyra is infatuated. If worse, she might have already fallen in love already.


    If it is the case, he honestly doesn''t know how to handle it. He doesn''t want to let her go and at the same time he can''t inflict emotional pain in Kyra by trying to seperate them.


    Even thinking of that, Matthew started to feel a headache coming.


    "She better not be thinking of another man." he said, looking at the man''s hand in the painting.


    He couldn''t identify any unique thing on the man''s hand to identify him.


    Matthew could only look at the face contour of the man and try to recall but his efforts went in vain as the man''s face is still to be painted and Kyra has just started to give a shape to the face.


    At least, she might have had a crush on this man and at most, she would have tried to get close to a man.


    But Matthew is so sure that she wouldn''t have confessed. In this short span of time, it is impossible for her to break all her mental barriers and come into a relationship with a stranger.


    "This can''t be Luther. If it was him, he would have boosted about it endlessly and might not have returned to London this soon. Besides him, she is not close to another man who is interested in her except me."


    "This can''t be me right?" Matthew asked himself and his eyes twinkled as he thought about it.


    But deep down, he knows that it is not him. The way Kyra treats him has not changed at all. She is still a ruthless woman who rejected his proposal twice in a single day.


    However, a little hope still lingered in Matthew''s heart.


    He went back to the main house and prepared breakfast for both his father and Kyra.


    He took his time to prepare the favorite, healthy foods of Kyra and his father. After packing them, he swiftly got ready in a while T-shirt, a black blazer and black pants.


    Making sure he didn''t leave a trace of his inspection of her house, he left her home.


    -----


    By the time he reached the private VIP room of his father''s, there were doctors talking to his father.


    Doctors from different departments pay him a visit and give him a thorough last check. Although the injuries are not that serious, they are not to be neglected as well.


    Meanwhile, Kyra was sleeping. There is a curtain separating her bed from the main room so the other doctors couldn''t see who she is.


    But they are aware that she is someone from their hospital itself. They saw her white coat which is now lying on the sofa. It has their hospital''s logo embedded on it.


    Mr. Richard has asked them to talk slowly so that she wouldn''t wake up.


    He even told them that she was awake almost the whole night to take care of him as he was feeling pain in his abdomen region which was punched horribly by the attackers.


    When Matthew returned, he greeted all the doctors and asked his father how he was feeling.


    As soon as he was done with it, he walked to the other side of the curtain where Kyra was sleeping.


    He stopped and took his sweet time to admire her face which had a beautiful smile on her lips.


    After that he walked to her and gently patted her cheek.


    "Ky, Wake up if you don''t want to be late. You need to get ready for your shift." he said. He is not speaking loudly but it was enough for a few doctors to hear.


    Kyra didn''t wake up but pulled the blanket to get face and turned to her other side. "Five minutes," she said.


    "Let her sleep, Matthew. Don''t disturb her and go ask the president to give her a day off today." his father said from the other side of the curtain.


    "I suggested that yesterday night but she told me that she has important meeting and a surgery she can''t miss." Matthew answered his father.


    Only when Kyra heard that, she woke up and sat down on the bed.


    "I better not be late." she said, still sleepy.


    Matthew chuckled.


    "I brought your dress and I already made breakfast. Here is your coffee from Starbucks. All you need to do is get ready." he told her.


    "Thank God." Kyra said. It is not that she will get scolded for being late. Her boss is none other than her boyfriend and he would never bring himself to scold her.


    It is just that she prefers to be on time and besides that, today is an important meeting and many other departments will be there.


    She shouldn''t ruin the name of the neurosurgery department by being tardy.


    "I am such a good fiance, right?" Matthew asked, hitting on her again. He could hear his father chuckling and Kyra sighing deeply.


    "You better not call me that again, Matthew. I am really not in a mood to reject you thrice in the two days." she said.


    She doesn''t know that there are doctors on the other side of the curtain. She couldn''t hear any voices because they are quietly doing their work like checking up, filling charts and changing bandages.


    "Then accept me." Matthew said.


    "Don''t force her into anything, Matthew!" his father said.


    Kyra didn''t say anything but walked to the bathroom and closed the door on her other side.


    Matthew sighed.


    ------


    By the time Kyra came out, no one was there in the room except his uncle. Even Matthew went out to talk to the doctors.


    "Sorry for that, dear. That son of mine is annoying sometimes. He is stubborn and he won''t leave until he gets what he wants. He didn''t make you feel awkward, right?" her uncle, Uncle Richards asked.


    "It''s a little awkward to be honest, uncle. I feel bad for him at the same time but I can''t bring myself to see him in that way."


    "The last thing I want to do is to be in a relationship where there is no love. I know that he likes me and if I say yes, it will be unfair for him."


    "I can''t love him back in the way he loves me. After some time, it would become a burden to him and by the time he realised that he shouldn''t have gotten into a loveless relationship, it would be too late." Kyra said.


    "Then, give me a chance. Once, Ky. Only once." Matthew asked as he entered the room.


    "What has gotten into you, Matthew? Ever since yesterday, all you can talk about is this!" Kyra said.


    "I was patient for so long, Ky. I just can''t do it anymore and I realised that life is short. I don''t want to spend any more time waiting on you." he said.


    "I really don''t understand why you are stuck on me, Matt. There are better women outside." Kyra gently said, placing her hand on his.


    "I don''t have eyes on others." he said.


    Before Kyra could say anything, a knock distracted them.


    "Get in," her uncle answered.


    It was Ron who knocked on the door.


    "Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Richard but Dr. Lopez is being summoned by our head. She has to hurry." he said.


    Kyra nodded her head and swiftly stood up.


    "Be careful and rest well, uncle. I will see you later. Thanks for the breakfast and coffee, Matthew. Seems like I can''t have them now." saying so, Kyra followed Ron outside.


    Only after leaving the room, she took a deep breath and sighed in relief. That was close!


    "Dr. Miller is already here?" Kyra asked Ron.


    "He hasn''t arrived yet. I felt like you needed some help so I phoned Dr. Miller and told him about the situation. He asked to give this excuse and bring you out." Ron answered.


    "So you know about us?" Kyra asked.


    "I figured out most of the part and Dr. Miller confirmed it last night." Ron answered.


    "Oh." Kyra didn''t know how else to reply.


    "Who are you, Ria? What is your real name and who are you exactly?" he asked.


    Kyra looked at him and after a few seconds she looked away.


    "My real name is Kyra. Kyra Collins.." she answered.

 Chapter 146 - His Proposal Went Overboard.

    "Dr. Miller is already here?" Kyra asked Ron.


    "He hasn''t arrived yet. I felt like you needed some help so I phoned Dr. Miller and told him about the situation. He asked to give this excuse and bring you out." Ron answered.


    "So you know about us?" Kyra asked.


    "I figured out most of the part and Dr. Miller confirmed it last night." Ron answered.


    "Oh." Kyra didn''t know how else to reply.


    "Who are you, Ria? What is your real name and who are you exactly?" he asked.


    Kyra looked at him and after a few seconds she looked away.


    "My real name is Kyra. Kyra Collins."  she answered.


    "Collins? You mean the Collins family based in London?" he incredulously asked.


    "Yes." Kyra answered with a smile.


    Ron almost dropped his jaws when he got her affirmation.


    Collins in London?


    They are an aristocratic family who have their roots in military as well as politics. With each new generation, they started spreading their wings. Now, they are well known in the medicine and health care sector, business sector like automobiles, biotechnology, construction, technology etc.


    They are also into other service sectors and have educational industries, law firms, telecommunication, transport, finance, media and what not? They are also into entertainment as well.


    They are basically ruling the business sector.


    There are branch families each having their dominance in their own sector. And, here comes the main family. The current elder is Charles Collins, the famous neurosurgeon who is more into research and innovation right now.


    As he is busy with his stuff, his wife, Catherine Collins, the top psychiatrist, is taking care of the Collins Medical Center and the branches of it. She is into politics as her maiden family is mainly into it.


    Their five sons, The first one is a military officer. His life and work are a mystery to many.


    The second son is the CEO who was an entrepreneur and then he inherited most of the family business.


    Their third son is a lawyer who is the owner of the law firm, the first person of the Collins family to enter into the law business. For now, it is going very well and he is expanding his wings internationally. He is to inherit the educational and finance business of their family.


    The fourth son is an internationally renowned actor and singer. There are rumors that he has upgraded their family entertainment industry into his own entertainment company which consists of broadcasting, media, showbiz, music and video games.


    The fifth son is the gold medal winner in olympics straight three times and has many other medals, trophies and titles. He is devoted to tennis and is not into anything else. But there are chances he might start his own business soon in the sports and restaurant industries. As food and tennis are the ones he loves the most.


    And there is a hot rumor that there is a sixth sibling as well. A girl. It is said that she is guarded well and prefers to be low key. But there are gossips that she is as overachieving as her family. But her career is not yet revealed.


    A few people believe that she followed her fourth brother and became a model and actor. Some others believe that she followed her second brother and started not one but many businesses. A few others believe that she found her own path and is an artist, a famous one in that too. However, most of them believe that she followed her father and became a doctor.


    Her whereabouts are unknown but it is confirmed that everyone dotes on her and pampers her crazily. So, most of the envious people say that she is nothing but a spoiled, rich brat who is living on her family''s wealth.


    "So, you are the rumored daughter of the Collins family?" Ron asked.


    "Yes." Kyra said with a laugh. Everyone calls her rumored daughter only as most of the people don''t know about her existence.


    "Can I ask you one thing, if you don''t mind?" Ron asked, excited and curious.


    "Sure. But I will answer those questions only if I am comfortable with it." Kyra responded.


    "I won''t make you uncomfortable, don''t worry." Ron said, chuckling as he brushed his hair.


    "First question, you are in a disguise, right? I heard that Collin''s only daughter is so beautiful and breathtaking." Ron asked.


    "Does that mean, I am not looking beautiful now?" Kyra asked.


    "It''s not like that. I mean��" Ron didn''t know how to answer.


    Kyra laughed. "I am just teasing. I only wear specs and baggy clothes. A little makeup to fit into nerd criteria." she said.


    "Second question. You are inspired by which family member of yours when it comes to your career? Excluding your father, Dr. Collins of course."  Ron asked.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "All of them have a great impact on me. You can find their traces in my career life for sure and I am inspired by all of them. But I have my own style." she answered.


    "Last question. Why did you come here if you are already working at your family''s hospital? Why come so far?" Ron asked.


    "I have my reasons. One of the reasons is, I needed change." Kyra said.


    "You graduated from Oxford, right?" he asked.


    "Yes. Anymore curiosity?" Kyra asked, laughing.


    "No..no. But it''s great knowing the real you." Ron said.


    "Just don''t tell others, okay?" Kyra asked.


    "I promise, I won''t" he promised.


    Just then, Kyra''s phone started to buzz and when Kyra fished out her phone, she noticed that it''s Oliver.


    "You still have his number feeded as Dr. Miller?" Ron asked.


    "Shouldn''t it be a baby, honey, darling or at least, a boyfriend with hearts following that?" he teased.


    "I would have but I don''t want to get caught by my brothers." Kyra said.


    "Is it true that you are friends with supermodel Sophia?" Ron asked.


    "How many questions do you have?" Kyra laughed.


    "Yes. She is." Kyra added. Ron is a good person and she believes that he won''t tell others. Oliver trusts him, so she does that too.


    "Can I get her autograph? I am a big fan of hers." Ron asked, excitedly.


    "I will get you one next week." Kyra said.


    Then, she walked away.


    Oliver asked her to visit him once.


    ��-------------


    "I heard that my girlfriend proposed many times in a span of two days." Oliver said, hugging her from behind as soon as she entered.


    "Your intel is strong." Kyra agreed.


    "It looks like I have many competitors." he said, kissing the side of her face.


    "I don''t think so. No need to get jealous you know" Kyra teased as she turned around and hugged him before leaning on his chest to hear his heartbeat.


    "Me? Jealous?" Oliver asked, kissing the top of her head.


    "Are you not? Is it that tough to accept the truth?" Kyra asked.


    "I am jealous. Someone is calling my girlfriend his fiancee. How can I not be bothered?" Oliver asked, looking into her golden hazel eyes.


    Kyra tiptoed and kissed his forehead.


    "It''s just words. What matters is what we think of that person in our heart."


    "When it comes to me, I have only you in my heart. Matthew is just a friend but it is difficult for him to accept it. That''s why he keeps on proposing assuming that I might agree one or other time." Kyra said.


    "Assume that you didn''t meet me here. Would you have accepted him?" Oliver asked, leading her to the couch. He made breakfast for feeling like she might want it. And, he is right. She didn''t eat nor drink coffee.


    "Maybe." Kyra answered.


    "Maybe?!!" Oliver exclaimed. He hates Matthew. What can he do?


    "I can''t stay single for my whole life, right? My parents would like to play with their grandchildren and see me settle with my own family." Kyra said, digging up into the breakfast.


    "Grandchildren? We can give them." Oliver said, smiling mischievously.


    "Shameless!" Kyra exclaimed and gave him a little smack on his arm.


    "So, you are serious about what you said. If you hadn''t shifted to this hospital and didn''t meet me, would you have really married Matthew?" Oliver asked.


    "His proposals went overboard a few months back. So, I told him that if both of us were single after three years, we could get married. At that time. I didn''t believe in love, so it didn''t matter much when I decided that. All I want is to make my parents happy and not worry about me." yra said.


    "Does your promise stand even now?" Oliver asked as he mixed her salad.


    "Yes. I have to tell him about our relationship if I want to break the promise I gave and if he finds out about us, I don''t know how he would react. I don''t want him to pester you." Kyra said, leaning on his shoulder.


    "But he will continue to pester you. I don''t think you can escape it every time." Oliver said.


    "He will leave in a few days. I really don''t want our relationship to be disclosed before we could make a plan to convince my brothers and family.." Kyra said.

 Chapter 147 - Finishing What We Couldnt Finish The Last Night

    After speaking to Oliver for a few minutes, Kyra left his room and arrived at her office which she shares with five other doctors, Ron, Jennifer, Claire, Teressa and Lillian.


    When Ron noticed Kyra, he gave her a smile.


    He still couldn''t digest the fact that Ria Lopez he knows is Kyra Collins, the daughter of his idol, Charles Collins and sister of five most powerful men.


    She is down to earth and very modest.


    If it is someone like Teressa and Lillian, they would have boosted about it in every opportunity they can find.


    They would have taken advantage of their family and bossed around. On the first hand, they wouldn''t be hardworking enough to become a doctor!


    "Good Morning." Jennifer greeted as soon as she saw Kyra.


    "Good morning, Jennifer. Good morning, everyone." Kyra greeted everyone.


    Teressa and Lillian nodded their heads, not taking their eyes off from the screen of their PC.


    "Good morning." Claire wished.


    "It''s been a week since I saw you. How are you feeling now?" Kyra asked her other friend, Claire who got Typhoid and has taken a sick leave for a week.


    "Lot better. I went back to my hometown and my parents took care of me." Claire said.


    "Parents are best." Kyra said and smiled. But there is something bitter lingering in her eyes.


    Her adopted parents are best but not her biological parents.


    "They are." Claire agreed.


    "And, girl, I heard that you got attacked in the operation theater by some attacker. Are you fine now?" she asked.


    "I am fine. Just a small scar." Kyra answered as she showed the bandage.


    "I am asking about your emotional state. You should have got scared right? If not for the cops who arrived at the right time, who knows what might have happened." Claire said.


    "Yeah, I was lucky." Kyra agreed. So, they have made up a story to cover the real incident. It''s fine as long as she can continue her normal life.


    Meanwhile, Jennifer and Ron looked at each other. Only they knew what happened as they were in the operation theater; however, the higher ups asked them to keep it a secret.


    "Yeah, she got lucky. All she had to do was get one scar on her neck and she got to have a coffee with Matthew Richards!" Teressa grumbled.


    "Just because she got into danger because of her father Matthew Richards treated her to a coffee yesterday in the cafeteria. Isn''t she so lucky?" Lillian said, enviously looking at Kyra.


    "You had coffee with Mr. Richards?" Claire asked, incredulously.


    "Yes. What is so special about him?" Kyra asked. In his eyes, he is an ordinary person. Well, if you exclude the fact that he is a wealthy businessman who is also a top officer in the intelligence bureau.


    "He is from Richard''s family, Ria. He is the brother of Dr. Daniel Richard in the gynecology department and he is the brother of the supermodel Sophia Richards."


    "He is also a genius, wealthy business magnate who is creating innovations in technology and is bringing revolutions in many other industries with his partner, the great Walter Collins (Kyra''s second brother)" Teressa said.


    "My bad! Why will she know that? She is a typical nerd who only knows about surgery and medicine." Teressa added with a smirk.


    She can''t deny that Kyra is a talented surgeon, so they could only come in this way to disparage Kyra.


    When Ron heard them, he could only ball his fists in anger. Only if they know who Kyra is, they would fall on their knees and ask for an apology.


    The great Walter Collins they praised now is none other than the brother of this woman and the Matthew Richards they are drooling over is the man who is waiting for approval from this woman here.


    "Enough! Teressa. You better work hard and bring your career back on the line first. Then you could diarage someone for being good at their work!" Jennifer said, her voice as sharp as a knife.


    "And, you! Can''t you speak for yourself? I know that you don''t care about what others think about you but you must keep them in check. Otherwise it will get out of control. You are strong enough to zip their mouths forever." Jennifer said to Kyra.


    When Kyra got lectured by her childhood friend she could only smile. This is so Florence. It''s been eight years and this woman is still the same.


    "I will keep it in my mind." Kyra said and smiled again.


    For a few moments, Jennifer was stunned. Why does Kyra look so familiar when she smiles? And, those words as well��


    It made her remember her friend Alex who might be dead by now.


    Remembering Alex, she could only avert her eyes from Kyra. She doesn''t want to remind herself of Alex. That fool blindly trusted her family and got killed mercilessly.


    "And, what are you guys doing? You are stuck with your PC''s and you all came so early." Kyra said.


    "You don''t know, right? I totally forgot to tell you. We are having an efficiency evaluation and feedback revelation meeting in a few hours. We get evaluated with respect to our efficiency, expertise and cognitive development."


    "We also get feedback from our attending physicians and the patients we interact with. The ranks are generated depending on the points we earn and this ranking plays a crucial role for promotions, salary raise and almost all the other factors." Ron said.


    "I see." Kyra said and didn''t say anything after that.


    She is not worried about other things and she knows that she will get a good ranking but what she hates is the ranking system and the unnecessary attention and enemies it brings.


    It''s too bothersome.


    "We all are finishing the charts and updating the status on the website. We shouldn''t be lagging." Claire said, suggesting Kyra to do the same.


    Kyra never lags as she finishes everything in time.


    As they are free thai whole morning and everyone else is busy doing their pending work. Kyra decided to utilize this time to meet her uncle and ask him about the details of yesterday''s attack.


    When she entered the room, Oliver was talking to her Uncle Richards about the operation, the precautions and the consequences.


    When he saw Kyra, Oliver politely smiled. He became good at hiding their relationship as it is something he is doing on a daily basis.


    "Dr. Lopez." he politely acknowledged her.


    Kyra rolled her eyes inside but returned a polite smile.


    "I know that Dr. Miller is aware of who she is." Kyra''s uncle said. The president of the hospital, Kyra''s other uncle, told him that Oliver is aware of Kyra''s real identity so there is no need to worry about her.


    "I got habituated to addressing Dr. Collins like this." Oliver replied to Kyra''s uncle.


    "It''s for her own good." Mr. Richard said.


    "Weren''t you supposed to be in your office, working on the documents Dr. Lopez?" Oliver asked.


    "I am done with it, Dr. Miller." Kyra said.


    She actually escaped from Oliver saying that she has documents to finish and upload. Although she didn''t have much work, she made it sound like she had too much to handle. But, here she is, visiting her uncle.


    "Don''t give her a hard time, Dr. Miller. That poor child has to stay awake all night taking care of me." Kyra''s uncle said. He looked worried and it seems like he is expecting Oliver to chide Kyra for attending personal matters during her work shift.


    Little he knew that Oliver would never ever scold Kyra for doing that. He and Kyra spend at least half an hour together in his office doing nothing but cuddling, flirting and talking. It is necessary to have some refreshment in the midst of a stressful time as a surgeon.


    "He is not that cold and strict as told by others." Kyra said. She is the only person who saw the other side of him. Sweet, romantic, considering and sometimes shameless and narcissism,


    "It''s a relief then." Mr. Richard said.


    "Dr. Lopez, can you follow me please." Oliver said and turned to look at Mr. Richard.


    "You have one last injection left for today. We will prepare it for you." he said and walked to the room connected to this VVIP room.


    It is used to store the medicines and if wanted, the confidential things related to the patient.


    "He would have got suspicious." Kyra whispered as soon as they walked into the room.


    Oliver hummed in response but locked her in between him and the wall and started to kiss her.


    "Wh..what are you doing, Oliver??!!" Kyra exclaimed.


    "Finishing what we couldn''t complete yesterday night." Kyra said.


    "We didn''t meet yesterday night." Kyra whispered, her breath already erratic because of Oliver''s long kisses.


    "You might not remember but you tried to seduce me yesterday night when I came to check on your uncle." Oliver said with a teasing smile.


    "What??!" Kyra asked, horrified. What if her uncle saw them?


    "You asked for a kiss. You said my kiss would end your pain.." Oliver said, kissing her neck.

 Chapter 148 - Luna Is Back.

    "He would have got suspicious." Kyra whispered as soon as they walked into the room.


    Oliver hummed in response but locked her in between him and the wall and started to kiss her.


    "Wh..what are you doing, Oliver??!!" Kyra exclaimed.


    "Finishing what we couldn''t complete yesterday night." Kyra said.


    "We didn''t meet yesterday night." Kyra whispered, her breath already erratic because of Oliver''s long kisses.


    "You might not remember but you tried to seduce me yesterday night when I came to check on your uncle." Oliver said with a teasing smile.


    "What??!" Kyra asked, horrified. What if her uncle saw them?


    "You asked for a kiss. You said my kiss would end your pain." Oliver said, kissing her neck.


    "I did what?", Kyra asked, frightened.


    "You asked for a kiss and when I gave it to you, you hugged my arm and slept." Oliver said.


    "So, you want to finish what? Let me sleep or hug you?" Kyra asked, raising her eyebrow.


    Oliver looked at her, amused. She was frightened and anxious and just a few seconds before and now, she is trying to provoke him.


    "I want to finish kissing you." Oliver said, closing in to kiss her.


    "Haven''t you done it already?" Kyra asked.


    Before Oliver could say anything, they heard the door open and Kyra pushed him away. She sprinted out and just at that time Matthew entered.


    "Ky, you are here too?" he asked.


    "I just came." Kyra said.


    "There is something I need to talk to you about." Matthew said.


    "What is it," Kyra asked, alarmed. He better not propose to her again.


    "Don''t worry. I am not asking you to marry me again. It''s serious this time." he told as he gave her his signature, mischievous smile.


    However, before he could say anything more, Oliver came out with a tray in his hand. It has an injection on it.


    "Dr. Miller?" Matthew said. He didn''t expect to see this annoying face here.


    He then looked at Kyra who looked a little flushed and her eyes were a little misty. She was looking alluring but his main concern was, ''why is she with Oliver in that small room?''


    "Why are you here?" Matthew asked.


    "I am your father''s doctor, Mr. Richards. I came to check on him" Oliver answered as he walked to the patient, who is Matthew''s father.


    "Giving the medicines is supposed to be a nurse''s work, right? I didn''t know that the great Dr. Miller has become a nurse." Matthew commented.


    "Matthew!!!" Kyra shouted.


    "What? I told the truth!" Matthew said.


    "I asked Dr. Miller, to take care of uncle''s things personally. I didn''t want to risk the chance of attack again. Don''t talk without learning what is happening." Kyra scolded. Her voice was so cold that it made Matthew feel the chill.


    "You should be thanking Dr. Miller instead of looking down at him like this. He has such a busy schedule yet he has come, respecting my words. You should apologize to him right now!" Kyra said.


    "I won''t apologize. I spoke what I know as a fact. Isn''t it like this, nurses take care of basic things and doctors monitor it." Matthew retaliated. He would do whatever Kyra asked except this thing. He would never apologize to Oliver! Never!!


    "That''s exactly why you should apologize." Kyra made her point.


    "I." Matthew was about to say something but Oliver interjected.


    "It''s fine, Dr. Lopez. And, Mr. Richards morning medicines are monitored. I will visit him in the evening." saying so, Oliver gave a polite nod to Kyra''s uncle, Mr. Richard then left.


    Kyra pursed her lips and waited for Oliver to leave and then she looked at Matthew. "You are so childish and unreasonable sometimes!" he chided him


    "I hate him, Ky. You can ask me anything but apologize to him, okay?" Matthew said in a gentle tone, trying to cool down Kyra.


    "Why do you hate him so much? Everytime you cross paths with him, all I can see is hostility and tension between you both." Kyra said.


    "I hate him and that is it. I don''t want to talk about it." Matthew said and stomped out of the room.


    "They were friends before. You know that Dr. Olive Miller and my nephew, Dr. Daniel Richards are best friends right? Matthew was close to Oliver but something happened and they started to hate each other." Matthew''s father, uncle Richard said.


    Kyra listened to him attentively and she could do nothing but nod her head. She decided to ask Oliver later.


    "Uncle, I have something to ask you." Kyra said.


    "What is it, child?" her uncle asked, giving her a tender smile.


    "Yesterday, when I was held captive by the attacker, he got distracted after seeing my face and listening to my voice." Kyra said.


    Her uncle looked at her surprised. He didn''t speak anything for a few seconds and then he sighed and averted his eyes.


    "What happened, uncle?" Kyra asked.


    "Nothing dear. I am thinking." he said.


    "Even you don''t know the reason, uncle? Is there anything I don''t know about? The way he looked at me�� he was genuinely surprised."


    "For someone as professional and dangerous as him, how could he get distracted by a hostage?" Kyra asked.


    "Maybe you were so beautiful that he got distracted, " her uncle tried to crack a joke.


    "Uncle, I am serious! He is an assassin who came to kill you. A professional hit man." Kyra said.


    "He won''t fall for something as trivial as beauty, emotions and feelings. It�� it is as if he knows me." Kyra said. The horror in her eyes is obvious.


    "Princess�� princess, you are overthinking. Let me investigate that matter, okay? He is taken to the headquarters and they will start interrogating him soon. I will ask Matthew to add this point as well."


    "Now, go back to work. This is not Collins Hospitals and your higher ups will get mad if you attend personal things." he said.


    Kyra wanted to say something but she decided not to press on this topic. Maybe her uncle really doesn''t know and he himself is clueless and worried.


    --------


    After Kyra went away, Mr. Richards called someone.


    "Yes, Arthur." a man''s voice came from the other side.


    "Kyra asked me about that assassin who attacked her. She got suspicious of why he got distracted after looking at her. Any updates?" Arthur Richards, Kyra''s uncle asked.


    "She noticed it?" the man from the other side asked.


    "Of course she did. I told you that it''s matter of time before she starts to see the traces." Arthur told that man.


    "Yes. Anyway, we found out that he is not from the gang you and Matthew are chasing." The man said.


    "As expected. That assassin was too professional enough to be from that gang. He came as a surprise to us." Arthur Richards said.


    "And, did you investigate who he is and why he is after me? Why did he find Kyra familiar? Is he�� is he from-" before Arthur can ask, the man from the other side interjected.


    "He escaped, Arthur."


    "He escaped right under our nose and he left chaos on his way out. Two guards are dead and five others are severely injured."


    "We are searching for him but he vanished into thin air. And, I think your guess is right." The man said.


    "If my guess is right, why is he after me instead of Kyra? And, he looked genuinely surprised to see her there. It is as if he didn''t expect to see her there." Arthur said.


    "We are not aware of the major prices of this puzzle, Arthur. He might be familiar with Kyra and he might not be. Or, he would have found her familiar only after seeing her here." the man tried to reason with Kyra''s uncle.


    "Try to track him down and when you do so, don''t leave him till you squeeze out all the information from him." Arthur said.


    "We are trying our best. The most important thing is don''t let Collins'' family know about this. It will be problematic." the man warned.


    "Why would I tell them and make it more complicated?" Arthur said and sighed.


    "And, there is another thing." Arthur said.


    "What is it?" the man asked.


    "It looks like Kyra is dating Oliver. They are not showing off but I feel like they are." Arthur said.


    "Oliver? Him?" the man asked.


    "Yeah. Oliver Miller you know from eight years back." Arthur said.


    "I will get back to you later, Arthur. Rest well." Saying so that man cut the call.


    ------


    The next day...


    In London.


    "Luna, should you really go?" her friend asked.


    "I must, El." Luna answered as she packed her luggage.


    "My problem with LK groups (Kyra and Lisas''s company) has not been solved. You told me you will help me till the end." Luna''s friend who is Kyra''s business rival said.


    "I know, El. I want to but I have more important work to do." Luna said as she moved her wheelchair into the walk in wardrobe.


    "You will lose billions of dollars of collaboration if my company goes bankrupt." Her friend said.


    Luna wheeled back to face her friend.


    "My brother is more important than partnership and besides that, LK groups opened their branch in my turf. I am more powerful there." Luna said.


    "What happened to your brother?" her friend asked Luna. She always had a crush on Oliver, so she visibly became worried.


    "He seems to have gotten into a relationship. I found out just a few hours back." Luna said while she started rubbing her hands.


    "Relationship? He didn''t mention it at all to you, right?" her friend asked.

 Chapter 149 - Brother, I Am Back.

    Luna wheeled back to face her friend.


    "My brother is more important than partnership and besides that, LK groups opened their branch in my turf. I am more powerful there." Luna said.


    "What happened to your brother?" her friend asked Luna. She always had a crush on Oliver, so she visibly became worried.


    "He seems to have gotten into a relationship. I found out just a few hours back." Luna said while she started rubbing her hands.


    "Relationship? He didn''t mention it at all to you, right?!" her friend exclaimed.


    She tried her best to hide her jealousy and disappointment. To be honest, she doesn''t treat Luna as a friend but a mere tool to keep her business afloat and her another ulterior motive is to get close to Oliver through his sister.


    She knows that Oliver gives the first priority to his sister and she believes that Nora is one of the reasons for his singlehood.


    According to her, Oliver is afraid to bring another woman into his life as his sister needs his constant care and support.


    It is inevitable for Oliver''s wife to get jealous and this might lead to the disturbances in the relationship between the three of them.


    Only if Oliver''s wife is someone who has a great relationship with Nora and can gladly allow and in fact help her husband to take care of his sister, Oliver would be willing to marry that person.


    Who else could be more suitable than Nora''s good friends?


    This is why she cares for Nora and masks the facade of best friend.


    Now, all of a sudden she found out that Oliver is having a girlfriend and Nora doesn''t seem to know about it.


    "How can he not tell you? He calls you everyday and shares even the trivial matters. How can he forget to say that he found a girlfriend for himself."


    "Isn''t it too fishy?" her friend Elena Davis blabbered. She is merely trying to plant the seed of dispute in Nora''s heart.


    Nora sighed.


    She must say that she is worried and disappointed at the same time. All she could wish for is her brother''s happiness.


    He had a hard life till now. Although it might look all shiny and grandeur on the surface, he suffered a lot emotionally.


    He had to keep up with her, take care of her and suffer together with her. He filled the parents'' place for her and took great care of her selflessly.


    So, all Nora could hope is that this girlfriend of his is genuine towards him and is not after his wealth or status.


    "I am not sure whether he has a girlfriend or not, El. I just heard from someone that my brother got spotted with a girl and they looked close. I will go and have a detailed investigation on that."


    "Don''t worry about your company. I will make sure to help you even if I am not here." saying so, Nora signalled her bodyguards to take her luggage.


    --------


    "Your uncle. Is he fine?" Oliver asked, kissing Kyra on her shoulder as he back hugged her.


    They are in Sophia''s apartment in Oliver''s community which Sophia offered Kyra to use whenever she wants.


    As it is near the hospital and not as big as her villa in Crescent Gardens, Kyra decided to crash here often.


    Lisa and Sophia are on their vacation, enjoying the wildlife in Amazon now. They have extended their vacation by another week so they wouldn''t be coming back for another ten days.


    Without them, Kyra started to feel lonely in her big house. So, Oliver suggested that she could shift to Sophia''s house temporarily as it is just a floor down to his and he would be there to keep her company.


    Kyra continued to stir fry the veggies and snuggled in his hug.


    "He is good. He is staying in a secured villa provided by the embassy and as soon as he gets a green flag for long travel, he will return to London." she answered.


    "I felt warm yesterday." he told her, still not letting her out of his embrace.


    "Yeah, it''s cold today compared to yesterday." Kyra said but started to laugh at her own lame joke.


    Oliver chuckled and kissed the back of her head.


    "The way you backed me up yesterday in front of Matthew made me feel love and warmth. And, the look on his face when you took my side, God, I can''t forget that ever in my life." Oliver said with an obvious satisfaction in his voice.


    Kyra turned off the stove and turned to look at Oliver. He wrapped her arms around his neck and he held her by her waist, pulling her close to him.


    "What''s between you and Matthew, hmm? You both are mature, successful and sensible adults but when you come across each other, all I see is childish and petty grown ups." Kyra said, trying to resist Oliver''s advances.


    He just hummed in response but continued to kiss her neck while his nimble fingers started to unbutton her shirt to access her collarbones and to get more area to cover with his kisses and if possible, hickeys.


    "Oliver, I asked you a question." Kyra said as she combed his hair with her fingers. Her voice sounded angry but her actions implied otherwise.


    "Shall we not talk about him, now? I don''t want this romantic night to turn into an unpleasant one because of him." Oliver said looking into her eyes.


    Kyra could only agree with him. The rivalry between Matthew and Oliver doesn''t seem to be business related but much more deeper, personal and complex.


    "I will finish cooking in a few minutes if I don''t get distracted by some smart hands here." Kyra said, giving a slight slap to Oliver''s hand which is still working on her shirt.


    Oliver pouted but retrieved his hands.


    "I will go and bring some wine from my wine cellar upstairs. Do you have any preferences?" Oliver asked.


    As Kyra just moved to this apartment, she only has some necessary groceries here. She didn''t buy any wine, beer or whiskey.


    "Red wine. No preferences in that." she said.


    Oliver gave her a quick kiss on her lips and left for his penthouse upstairs.


    After a few minutes, many Italian dishes were served on the table and Oliver served them the wine.


    They have turned off all the lights and they are sitting in the verandah garden with scented candles filling the mild vanilla smell in the air.


    A melodious song is playing in the background but it is so low that it can be ignored most of the time.


    Although the couple are having a romantic candle light dinner, they are wearing night suits.


    "What shall we do after dinner?" Oliver asked in the middle of their conversation.


    They spoke throughout the dinner and the domain of their conversation ranged diversely from their career to their food choices.


    "We already saw a movie on our first date. We went for a walk and had some fun outside on our last date. We have to do something different." Kyra said.


    "How about we cuddle to sleep?" Oliver asked as they started putting the dishes in the dishwasher.


    "Are you indirectly saying that you want to stay here tonight?" Kyra asked, raising her eyebrow.


    "Not indirectly, Ky. I am directly saying it. We already did that last time." Oliver said as he finished washing his hands and hugged her from behind.


    "Didn''t we decide not to repeat what we have already done?" Kyra asked, giving him a smile.


    "We are not only going to cuddle. Let''s do something more." Oliver whispered to her.


    "Wh...what do..you mean.. by that?" Kyra stuttered as dirty thoughts invaded her mind.


    "We will cuddle and play some games." Oliver said.


    "What did my girlfriend think that she had turned into a red tomato?" He teased her.


    "Which games?" Kyra asked, diverting the topic.


    "There are many games. I planned it already." he whispered to her.


    Kyra gulped but nodded her head.


    ------


    The next morning.


    Oliver is spooning Kyra and they both are in deep, peaceful sleep.


    They played a few board games and then they had some fun with truth and dare, zenga, stare off and other games while they flirted.


    And, they of course did some making out before they slept.


    Kyra is having her night pants on and her shirt is on the floor. The same with Oliver as well.


    Their peaceful sleep got disrupted when Oliver''s phone started to ring. It''s around 5:30 and they had an alarm at 6 am.


    Oliver frowned but untangled himself from Kyra and answered the call without seeing the ID.


    "Bro��" a voice sounded, making Oliver lose all his sleep.


    "Nora. What happened?" Oliver said.


    "Bro, you are not in your penthouse. Where are you?" Nora asked.


    "You are here?!" Oliver exclaimed as he sat upright.


    "Yes. Where are you?" Nora asked, pressing on this topic.


    "I am in hospital. I will come in ten minutes. Go inside and wait." he said and ended the call.


    Because of his moments, Kyra woke up too and now, she is looking at Oliver with a sleepy yet alluring face.


    "What happened?" she asked. She has never seen him this anxious.. Not even in operation theatre.

 Chapter 150 - Balancing Technique.

    "Bro��" a voice sounded, making Oliver lose all his sleep.


    "Nora. What happened?" Oliver said.


    "Bro, you are not in your penthouse. Where are you?" Nora asked.


    "You are here?!" Oliver exclaimed as he sat upright.


    "Yes. Where are you?" Nora asked, pressing on this topic.


    "I am in hospital. I will come in ten minutes. Go inside and wait." he said and ended the call.


    Because of his moments, Kyra woke up too and now, she is looking at Oliver with a sleepy yet alluring face.


    "What happened?" she asked. She has never seen him this anxious. Not even in operation theatre.


    Oliver looked at Kyra and then lied back on bed before taking her into his arms and kissing her forehead.


    "You are scaring me. Tell me what happened." Kyra said, as she cupped his face.


    "Ky, if suppose your brother fell in love with a girl and didn''t mention it to you at all. You have discovered it from a third party. How would you react?" he asked.


    "Why are you asking out of context questions?" Kyra asked instead of answering his question.


    "Answer it first. I will tell you after I get the answer." Oliver said as he caressed her arms.


    "I will be pissed off. I talk to my second and fourth brother almost everyday and if they have hidden something as important as that, I will be really angry." Kyra answered honestly.


    She could tell what this is about and she didn''t want to lie even if she would be at a disadvantage here.


    "How would you treat that girl?" Oliver asked, deep in thought.


    "I am protecting my brothers. If someone totally unfamiliar enters his life and now is part of most of his daily life, I would first try to understand how their relationship is and how she is and if she really loves my brother."


    "If she is really genuine, I wouldn''t be having any problem. I will gladly accept her into the family and treat her as my own sister."


    "Sometimes I might get jealous but getting a girlfriend, marrying and having my own family�� These are inevitable." Kyra said.


    Oliver hummed in response and looked at her.


    "I think you already figured out why I asked this all of a sudden early in the morning out of nowhere." he said.


    "I didn''t ask you to make you feel uncomfortable or awkward. My sister�� She thinks just like you."


    "Her thought process is the same as yours so, I wanted to know how she would be feeling now so that I can go prepared." Oliver said.


    "She knows about us, already?" Kyra asked, alarmed.


    "You didn''t tell her about it, so she should have found out from some other people. Does that mean there are other people who know about us?" Kyra asked as she sat up.


    "I am not sure. She may know or she may not know." Oliver answered and sat down.


    Kyra shifted into his lap and snuggled as she leaned her head on his chest.


    "She might have found out, right?" Kyra asked. Otherwise, why would she come back without prior notice?


    "Seems like she found out." Oliver said, sharing his girlfriend''s thoughts. His sister told him a few days back that she would be staying in London for one more month.


    But she came back without even telling him about her arrival.


    "Will she like me?" Kyra asked.


    "What is there not to like in you, Ky? You are intelligent, sensible, beautiful and lovely. My sister will like you for sure." Oliver said as he kissed the back of her hand.


    "Stop buttering me. And, your opinion on me varies from other people''s opinion on me. I am your girlfriend, so you like me."


    "As for your sister�� First of all, I have stolen her brother. Secondly, we kept our relationship secret. Besides this, she is used to having you all by herself and now, you have a girlfriend."


    "Oliver, promise me that you will not let our relationship affect your relationship with your sister. I don''t want her to feel insecure because of me."


    "I know what it feels like." Kyra said.


    When her father married her step mother, he started neglecting her. She, who has been his priority till then, has become someone invisible in his eyes.


    "And, you can''t let her presence affect our relationship too. Let''s meet, go on dates and cuddle like this whenever we get time." she added.


    She is being selfish but she didn''t want to get jealous of his sister.


    Whenever her father used to try to spend time with her, which used to happen only at early stage of his marriage, her step mother used to get jealous and vent all her anger on her.


    Oliver looked at Kyra and kissed her forehead.


    He gently caressed her cheek and his other hand entwined it''s fingers with her''s.


    "I will balance between you and my sister, Ky. I won''t let anything affect the relationship you both have to build." Oliver said.


    "I am not sure if she will like me." Kyra worriedly said.


    She is bad with new people. She can''t accept them into her life anytime soon after meeting them.


    And, she is utterly clueless of how to get into some stranger''s good side as she couldn''t bring herself to trust them and open up to them.


    "All you have to do is, be yourself. I am sure my sister will like you the way you are." Oliver said, kissing her pouting lips. He soothed her stressed eyebrows and kissed her forehead.


    "I will try my best." Kyra promised as she hugged him.


    He is willing to do so much for her. All she had to do is accept another person into her life and make that person like her and approve her.


    She knows how tough it will be to balance between the sister and girlfriend. Oliver is already in tough spot and she didn''t want to make it more difficult for him.


    "I will be going then. I told her I will be there in ten minutes." Oliver said as he got out of bed.


    His naked front body is well toned and she couldn''t help but admire his abs and sturdy chest.


    "Like what you see, girlfriend?" Oliver asked, buttoning his shirt which he just picked from the floor.


    Kyra didn''t reply and got out of the bed.


    She walked to the curtains of the floor to ceiling window and opened them.


    The sun has just set and it''s golden light shone on her body, making it glow.


    "Like what you are seeing, boyfriend?" she asked with a smile as she picked her own shirt and started to wear it.


    Till now, she only had her bra on her.


    Oliver gulped and averted his eyes. He doesn''t want to get distracted and become late. It would make his sister have a bad impression on Kyra.


    "Don''t skip breakfast and ummm�� meet you in hospital." he said and kissed her forehead before hurrying out of the bedroom.


    "Wait!" Kyra said as she chuckled.


    Walking to him, she planted a kiss on his cheek. "You want to go in your night suit? Do you think your sister wouldn''t find out if you went like this?" Kyra asked.


    "And, who would return from hospital in a night dress with a hickey on his neck?" Kyra whispered in his ear. Her voice is sexy enough to make Oliver gulp again.


    "What should I do?" he asked, his voice faint.


    "Follow me." Kyra said and pulled him with her to a massive closest room.


    "Sophia said that you might need these. I didn''t understand why she asked someone to bring a few clothes for you. Now, I understood" Kyra said as she showed him a dozen of formal, semi casual and casual attire that suits Oliver''s size and taste.


    "She is really insightful. She might have expected that we would spend the night together. But I would have clothes which I wore before coming here, right?" Oliver asked.


    "May be she thought that you would rip them off and t-" before Oliver could continue, a soft toy hot his face, making him stop.


    When Oliver looked at Kyra, he couldn''t stop laughing. She looks so cute when she is embarrassed.


    "Show yourself to the bathroom and freshen up. I will not say my farewell." saying so, Kyra escaped from his sight.


    "Cute." he thought and went to have a quick freshening up session.


    By the time he came out, he couldn''t find Kyra anywhere. Only after searching for a couple of minutes did he find her in the gym room, doing the treadmill.


    So, he didn''t disturb her and quickly left.


    ------


    Upstairs��


    By the time Oliver reached his penthouse, his sister just finished her bath and came out on her wheelchair.


    "Thirty minutes. You took thirty minutes, brother." she said.


    "I had to come from the hospital, Nora. You became thin! Were you not eating properly there?" Oliver asked as he took a look at his sister''s face.


    "I didn''t have my brother to cook for me." Nora said, her eyes shining.


    "Yeah. My little sis couldn''t shove me into her bag and take me there." Oliver said repeating a joke which Nora used before she went to London.


    Nora laughed.


    "Come, I will prepare all your favorite food. What do you want to eat? Mac and Cheese? Pancakes? Perhaps my signature dish?" Oliver asked, pushing her chair to the kitchen island.


    "You mean your burnt waffles when you said ''Signature dish''" Nora asked.


    "Hey, they aren''t burnt." Oliver complained.


    "Really, bro?" Nora asked.


    "Fine. I admit defeat." Oliver said and chuckled.


    "So, any significant updates during my absence?" Nora asked.

 Chapter 151 - Who Is More Important??

    By the time Oliver reached his penthouse, his sister just finished her bath and came out on her wheelchair.


    "Thirty minutes. You took thirty minutes, brother." she said.


    "I had to come from the hospital, Nora. You became thin! Were you not eating properly there?" Oliver asked as he took a look at his sister''s face.


    "I didn''t have my brother to cook for me." Nora said, her eyes shining.


    "Yeah. My little sis couldn''t shove me into her bag and take me there." Oliver said repeating a joke which Nora used before she went to London.


    Nora laughed.


    "Come, I will prepare all your favorite food. What do you want to eat? Mac and Cheese? Pancakes? Perhaps my signature dish?" Oliver asked, pushing her chair to the kitchen island.


    "You mean your burnt waffles when you said ''Signature dish''" Nora asked.


    "Hey, they aren''t burnt." Oliver complained.


    "Really, bro?" Nora asked.


    "Fine. I admit defeat." Oliver said and chuckled.


    "So, any significant updates during my absence?" Nora asked abruptly.


    Oliver stopped in his tracks for a second and then retained his composure.


    "Nothing much. You haven''t been away for a long time so, nothing has changed much." he lied. He decided to tell his sister about his girlfriend but at this moment, he couldn''t muster his courage to do so.


    He doesn''t know why but his guts are signaling him a red sign. Moreover, this is a sensitive topic and he has to find a suitable time and suitable situation to break it up to his sister. He simply can''t reveal it!


    "Yes, there is something you need to know. The research is going pretty well and we have found some promising methods to retain the full functionality of your legs. The scientists are looking deeply into it and in a few days we will try it experimentally." Oliver told his sister.


    "It''s good. To be honest brother, I�� I lost my hope. It�� it''s been years and nothing changed." Nora said as she looked at legs which were immobile.


    Oliver felt his heart sink when he saw his sister''s distressed face. He walked to her and kneeled so that he could look at her face properly.


    "Don''t give up hope, Nora. It''s true that nothing changed but at the same time, your situation didn''t deteriorate as well. We are near to the breakthrough, Nora. Hold on, all right?'' Oliver said and kissed his sister''s forehead.


    Nora felt her eyes brim but nodded her head. The siblings remained in a warm hug and Oliver broke it only when the oven beeped.


    "How was your time in London?" Oliver asked.


    "Eleena is really in trouble. I tried my best to help her but that LK group is stronger than I estimated. Their strategies are top notch and very deceiving for anyone who tries to overrun them. Their choices of collaboration and investment are very precise and on point." Nora said.


    "I couldn''t find any loophole to work on. I tried to help Eleena to get some investments and win some collaborations but LK group''s strategy team will always be one step ahead. I don''t know who is in charge of all this but that person seems to be a genius." she added.


    Oliver was smiling all the time. Nora is talking about none other than his girlfriend, Kyra. She might not be the CEO but she is the head of the strategist team and she is the CFO of the company who handles the investments and decides which collaborations are profitable and which are not.


    "So, you have a good impression on that person whoever she or he is?" Oliver asked.


    "I don''t know, bro. I have never met that person and all I could find about that person is that she is CFO and doesn''t live in London now. She works remotely and will be in direct contact only with the special team she has personally selected by herself. Eleena tried to loot a person in that team but it only backfired. That CFO is really something that she was able to build that level of loyalty." Nora answered.


    "So, she values loyalty. It''s good right?" Oliver asked. He wants to build a positive image of Kyra in his sister''s mind before introducing Kyra to her. It seems like he is at an advantage now.


    "Maybe. But she is vengeful and is very possessive. She is ruthless and didn''t cave in even after noticing Elena and her company''s plight." Nora said.


    "Elena is at fault, Nora. She would have plagiarized LK group''s laptop design if they were not cautious." Oliversaid.


    "I know, bro. But why should they go to this extent and attempt to bankrupt the Davis Company? It''s just a plagiarism attempt. They didn''t suffer any loss." Nora said.


    "Eleena''s company was in collaboration with LK groups but they tried to betray them and get all the profits for themselves For someone who values the loyalty so much, this betrayal is enough to go to such lengths." Oliver said.


    As he understands Kyra and knows her past, he can understand why she is so cold and unforgivable to someone who tries to betray her


    "Why are you taking a stranger''s side, brother? Yes, I understand that what Eleena did is not right but that CFO should have filed a case and terminated the contract and demanded the compensation mentioned in the contract. It''s fair and I would have made Elena understand that. Bankruptcy is a terrible thing, bro. What would happen to employees?" Nora said.


    Oliver couldn''t say anything.


    He asked Kyra once why she did that to Eleena''s company.


    Kyra told him that she wanted to buy that company and label it with her company''s name. She said that she is ruthless to that company and Davis family only because this is not their first time and have done terrible things before.


    Besides that, acquiring that company would extend LK group into a few other domains.


    "Leave about that. Let''s talk about something else." Oliver said as he served breakfast.


    "Bro, are you free this weekend?" Nora asked.


    "Why are you asking?" Oliver asked.


    He and Kyra decided to go on the long road trip for two days. They planned it this weekend and they have already decided everything and even booked a beautiful cottage on the mountain side for a night and even planned where else to stop by.


    He is looking forward to having that quality time with Kyra. Their relationship might strengthen up and they would get to find out more about each other.


    "Let''s spend some time together in our mansion, bro. Let''s cook our favorite dishes, rewatch our favorite Japanese anime, play video games all night, go on a night drive and have dinner at our favorite restaurant." Nora said.


    "It''s been months since we did that and I really miss our siblings time." she added.


    Oliver never felt this helpless ever before.


    One side, it is his girlfriend and on the other side, it is his sister. Both of them are equally important and he can''t show bias in this aspect.


    "Let me see my schedule, Nora. I will let you know later." Oliver said.


    "What schedule? I already looked into your schedule and you don''t have any meetings in the company and you don''t have any surgeries scheduled in the hospital as well." Nora said.


    "I have some research work in a research institute. I have to look into it and decide if I can postpone them." Oliver lied.


    He has to develop some plan for this weekend so that both the girls in his life won''t feel neglected by him.


    "Bro, are they more important than me?" Nora asked.


    "All those researches and experiments are for you, Nora." Oliver said.


    "I want to spend some time with you and you have never said no ever before. No matter how important your work is, you have always postponed them excluding the emergency surgeries."


    "You changed, brother." saying the last sentence, Nora wheeled herself to her room.


    "Nora, wait!" Oliver said but Nora didn''t give a heck about it.


    Oliver sighed and went back to his room to get ready. He will sort this out by afternoon and then coax his sister.


    Not very long after Oliver went back to his room, Nora wheeled herself out of his house.


    She is so pissed off that she needs to vent it out. The best solution for this is playing violin for her so, she is on her way to her house where she has her violin set-up.


    -----


    After Nora wheeled herself into the elevator, it stopped at the down floor.


    Kyra, who was waiting for the elevator, entered. She is wearing her leggings and a tank top and a jacket.


    She just finished her workout and then remembered that she had left a few documents in her house in Crescent Gardens. So, she is on her way to fetch them and get ready for work.


    "No. I forgot the documents in my house. I am going to fetch them." Kyra spoke on her phone .


    "Breakfast?" she asked.


    "You made such a sumptuous breakfast in that short span of time? I am going to miss my boyfriend''s cooking from now on." Kyra said in an adorable voice as she pouted a little.


    "No need to bring some for me. I am going to cook something quick. Or, I could eat in our hospital''s cafeteria."


    "Moreover, we have surgery to perform the very next hour, so I would prefer to have a full meal after that." Kyra responded to the speaker on the other side who is none other than Oliver.


    Meanwhile, Nora looked at Kyra''s back. She felt that Kyra''s face is a little familiar but she didn''t get a chance to have a detailed look.


    And, her attention is more focussed on Kyra''s conversation.


    Hospital cafeteria.


    Surgery.


    Documents.


    After listening to this conversation, she could tell that this woman is a doctor and her home is not in this community.

 Chapter 152 - Jennifer Finding Out. (Part 1)

    Meanwhile, Nora looked at Kyra''s back. She felt that Kyra''s face is a little familiar but she didn''t get a chance to have a detailed look.


    And, her attention is more focussed on Kyra''s conversation.


    Hospital cafeteria.


    Surgery.


    Documents.


    After listening to this conversation, she could tell that this woman is a doctor and her home is not in this community.


    The elevator stopped at the basement and Kyra walked to her car which is a new, limited version of ferrari. She would have noticed Nora if she was not in a hurry. She was thinking of something and didn''t notice Nora when she walked into the elevator.


    Only when she was about to climb into her car, she realized that there was another person in the elevator, all along. However, by the time she turned to look at the elevator, she could only see the wheelchair and the back of that person.


    "Is it Oliver''s sister, Nora?" Kyra asked herself. Just an hour back, Oliver left her place and that means, he only spent an hour with his sister. Not even one hour to be precise. He was on call with her for around ten minutes and that means he left his sister''s company even before he made a call to her.


    "Did they have an argument?" Kyra wondered but didn''t think much about it as it is sibling''s business.


    "I just hope I am not the reason." she whispered and got into the car.


    When Kyra got into her car and closed the door, Nora wheeled her chair around to look at the person who was in the elevator with her.


    "Do I know her?" she wondered for herself. She wanted to see that person as the exit was on her way. But, her car came and stopped in front of her just at the exact moment Kyra''s car crossed her.


    Nora''s personal assistant came and opened the door for Nora. Nora''s car is customised for her comfort. She can wheel her chair easily into the car and instead of the seat, she can make her wheelchair stand in its place.


    "To Jennifer''s place." Nora ordered the driver.


    Jennifer is her bestest friend and she is someone who she cherishes equally to her brother. As she had an argument with her brother, Jennifer is her next stop.


    ��------


    "When did you come!!!" Jennifer squealed in surprise and sprinted towards her friends before hugging her head to her stomach, which is the convenient way.


    As Nora knows the passcode of Jennifer''s penthouse, she directly entered and at that moment, Jennifer was making herself a banana smoothie. She just returned from her night shift and was having her breakfast.


    When the door beeped open, she assumed that it was her elder brother. But instead of him, her best friend, whom she never expected to see anytime soon, has entered the house.


    Nora smiled brightly and hugged her friend Jennifer by her waist.


    "I arrived this morning." She answered her friend''s question.


    "I am honoured, my baby. Instead of returning to meet your brother you came to find me. I have to say that I am deeply surprised and impressed." Jennifer said, giggling.


    "I went to meet my brother only! That guy slept in the hospital yesterday night  and only arrived when I phoned him." Nora complained.


    "Slept in hospital?" Jennifer asked as she poured some orange juice for Nora.


    "He said so. Why did you ask?" Nora enquired.


    "I didn''t know he crashed in the hospital yesterday night. He left the hospital even before I left. I had a night shift and had to stay till midnight." Jennifer said.


    "So, he was not in the hospital last night? Then, why did he lie to me?" Nora asked.


    "He was not in the hospital till midnight. Maybe he returned after I left. It is true that he has a lot of workload as there are many surgeries lined up for these four days. Everyone is working overtime on the paperwork and other stuff as we have a field trip planned for three days next week." Jennifer quickly covered up.


    She is sure Oliver didn''t return to hospital last night as she was till the early morning and returned a few hours back.


    "He is having a lot of workload?" Nora asked.


    "I am not lying, baby. He is a leading surgeon, a head of surgery department and a temporary director. It is very difficult to manage and in addition to that, your absence gave him extra work. He has to attend meetings and go on inspection." Jennifer said.


    Truth to be told, Oliver is not that busy now. It is true that they are having many surgeries lined up and a field trip next week. But Oliver has everything in control. He works fast and effectively and in addition to that, he has two hardworking and diligent fellows to help him in surgeries and other works.


    There is no need for him to return after midnight and work. So, Jennifer is sure he didn''t return to the hospital. ''Where was he, then?'' she wondered.


    ''Don''t tell me that he was sleeping at his girlfriend''s place!'' she thought.


    "I fired up on him before coming here. I wanted him to spend this weekend with me and he said that he would look into his schedule and decide. I shouldn''t have acted this unreasonably." Nora said, pursuing her lips. She couldn''t help but feel guilty.


    "He will understand, baby. When was he ever upset with you, hmm?" Jennifer comforted her friend but deep inside, her heart was in turmoil.


    She overheard Oliver ordering his assistants both from the research institute and their company to clear his schedule for this weekend. He doesn''t have anything lined up for this weekend in the hospital as well.


    He could have happily accompanied his sister this weekend. Why did he say that he will look into it?


    If it was Oliver from before, he would have said yes in a heartbeat. He would in fact cancel all his work for spending time with his sister. He changed a lot!!


    ''Was he having a date planned with his girlfriend. It makes sense. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have hesitated now.'' Jennifer came to a conclusion.


    ''I thought Oliver was different but it seems like I misinterpreted him. Just like every other man he gives first preference to his girlfriend and romance. Such a shame.'' she thought.


    "Why did you return so early? Weren''t you supposed to be helping your ''good friend'' in London?" Jennifer asked, emphasising on ''good friend''.


    "Aww�� someone is jealous," Nora laughed.


    "I am not jealous. It''s good to help our friends, otherwise we will regret it if something happens to them later." Jennifer said.


    Nora of course understood that Jennifer is referring to her once good friend from high school, Alex who died.


    "I didn''t want to interfere much but I remembered how you regretted not holding on to your friend for a little longer. I didn''t want to be in the same position." Nora said. She never met Jennifer''s good friend Alex, not even once. She was having health issues at that time and was hospitalised.


    "I am proud of you, my baby." Jennifer said as she dug into her breakfast.


    "The reason I came back is because of some rumor I heard about my brother. I heard that he found himself a girlfriend during my absence. Is it true, Jenny?" Nora asked.


    "You can''t say that you don''t know, all right! You are his best friend and you work with him in both hospital and research institute. There is no way he would have gone unnoticed." she added.


    Jennifer gulped.


    She knows that Oliver is having a girlfriend who he cares a lot about. However, if she reveals it to her best friend, it wouldn''t take long for Nora to find out where her brother stayed that night and why he is hesitant to devote a weekend to her.


    It would break her best friend Nora''s heart.


    As a friend, she doesn''t want to see Nora in that state.


    "Answer me, Jenny." Nora insisted when Jennifer didn''t answer.


    Jennifer didn''t know what to say. Fortunately, a call saved her.


    "It''s my fellow doctor. I have to take this." saying so, she answered the call.


    "Yes, Ria. I will bring it right away." Jennifer answered. She must thank Ria ( Kyra ) for saving her now.


    "No.. no. It''s fine. I am at fault, anyway." she replied to Kyra before ending the call.


    "I am sorry, baby. It seems like I have brought back the wrong files. My partner wants those files back asap as it contains the charts of the patient who will be having a surgery in a few hours." saying so, Jennifer ran to her room.


    Nora pursed her lips.


    She silently promised herself that she would never date or marry a doctor.


    "I will be returning to the mansion, Jenny. I have to go to work as well." saying so, Nora left.


    ��--------


    After placing the file on Ria (Kyra''s) table, Jennifer stormed towards Oliver''s office room to confront Oliver for his behaviour.


    However, as soon as she opened it, the scene in front of her took all her voice away.


    ''Ria!''

 Chapter 153 - Jennifer Finding Out. (Last Part)

    After placing the file on Ria (Kyra''s) table, Jennifer stormed towards Oliver''s office room to confront Oliver for his behaviour.


    However, as soon as she opened it, the scene in front of her took all her voice away. She didn''t open the door fully but she was able to see them from the little space between the door and the door frame.


    Oliver and Kyra are sitting on the sofa and she is leaning in his embrace while he has his lips pressed to the top of her head.


    "You have to spend the weekend with your sister. We can postpone our plan." She heard Kyra say this to Oliver.


    "Are you sure? This has been in our plan for weeks and we couldn''t find the perfect time to go. " Oliver asked.


    "I am sure, Oliver. We can really go on the other weekend." Kyra assured him.


    "Are you not disappointed or angry for bailing on you?" Oliver asked. Kyra''s friends and brother are out of town, so she has no one to spend the weekend with. He found out from Lisa that Kyra hates to spend weekends alone as it would make her feel lonely and remember her past.


    "Why will I be angry, silly? I have five brothers and no one can understand better than me how it would feel if they say they don''t want to spend a weekend with me. Moreover, you didn''t spend time with your sister for so long and it is natural that she is missing you."


    "We spend almost every day together; however, in contrast, your sister only gets weekends to spend with you. I am honest and I mean this, okay." Kyra said as she pressed his palm to her cheek.


    "I never felt as helpless as this morning, Ky. I wanted to spend time with my sister but at the same time I didn''t want to cancel the date we had been planning for a long time. I didn''t want to disappoint either of you." Oliver said as he caressed her cheek.


    "Don''t be so hard on yourself, Oliver. You can talk with me when you can''t decide what to do. We can come up with a solution together." Kyra assured him.


    "It would be better if I come clean with Nora but I am scared how she would react. I should have spoken about us with her from the very start but I don''t know why I decided to keep it under wraps." Oliver sighed.


    "I understand how you feel. I know that all my brothers have a good impression on you. I hesitated to even bring up your name in front of them. We care so much about their opinions that we are too cautious to reveal about our lover before we feel certain that they will accept our relationship." Kyra said.


    "Yeah. Our relationship was smooth till now but from now on, we have to work hard." Oliver said.


    "I saw your sister in the elevator. She was leaving your house in a bad mood. You have to placate her." Kyra said.


    "I have been thinking since morning what to do so that she will forget about our argument." Oliver said.


    "Go and spend more time with her. Cook for her, pamper her and take her wherever she wishes to go. The most effective trick is to understand her heart and do the things before she asks you." Kyra advised.


    "A piece of advice from the sister of five men. It will definitely work. Trust me." Kyra said and winked.


    Oliver chuckled.


    "So, what will you do this weekend? Won''t you feel alone without Sophia and Lisa?" Oliver asked.


    "I will go back to work and work on my revenge project. I need to create some whirlwind in Roberts Corps before turning the situation to my advantage. I will first take back what belongs to me and then I will destroy them." Kyra said.


    "I will be there to support you emotionally. Just asking, are you sure you will be able to face them after what they did to you?" Oliver asked.


    "I know that you are worried about me. But, have faith in me, okay? I will definitely make them regret for toying with me." Kyra said.


    "Of course I have faith in you, Kyra. After seeing the impact your step sister Melissa and your biological mother have on you, I am worried for your health." Oliver said and kissed her forehead.


    Kyra closed her eyes and allowed Oliver to shower slow kisses on her face.


    Meanwhile��


    Jennifer, who was standing outside, managed to eavesdrop. Thanks to her good listening power, she heard every single word.


    It was only when Oliver and Kyra were kissing each other and stopped talking, she left quietly.


    "Don''t allow anyone inside, okay? Dr. Miller and Dr. Lopez is having a serious conversation." Jennifer ordered the guard guarding the corridor that leads to Oliver''s room. He allowed her only because she and Kyra had access to Oliver''s office and didn''t need permission from Oliver.


    But who would have thought that he would forget to close the door and she would get to listen and see the things she never even anticipated in her wildest dreams?


    As soon as Jennifer returned to the office, she slumped into her chair. She is supposed to be having a day off as she had a night shift last night. But she came here to return the misplaced files to Kyra.


    Everything she heard now, started to rewind in her mind.


    Ria''s real name is Kyra.


    She has five brothers and is close to Richard''s family. So, it didn''t take much time to infer who Kyra is. She is Collins.


    The youngest child of legendary couple Charles and Catherine Collins.


    More than this revelation, what shocked her is that Oliver and Kyra are a couple. Now thinking of it, she could see hints then and there in the past which hinted at their budding relationship. However, none of them were able to pick these hints because no one expected that Ria and Oliver would get into a relationship.


    Everyone in the hospital knows that Oliver has someone he likes and her name starts with ''Ky''. As Kyra is living with the name Ria, no one expected this.


    She must agree that Oliver and Kyra were extremely cautious.


    All right�� Ria is Kyra Collins who is dating Oliver, maybe the surprise but what made her more stunned and speechless is Kyra talking about Robert''s Family (Kyra''s biological mother Angela, her step father, her step siblings Maeliisa and her brother).


    She remembers clearly that Oliver called Melissa as Kyra''s step sister. And, as far as she knows, Melissa only had one step sister and it is Alex who is also called Alexandria.


    Alexandria. The last three letters and Kyra''s present alias which is Ria can''t be a mere coincidence right?


    Just like how she changed her name from Florence to Jennifer after her surgery, Alex must have changed her name from Alexandria to Kyra.


    Jennifer let out a sob as her eyes brimmed with tears.


    So, her best friend Alex is not dead?


    She has come back as Kyra for revenge?


    This information is too much for Jennifer to digest.


    But, she felt happy that Alex didn''t die in her cruel mother''s hands.


    "She became a doctor. The best one, that too." Jennifer sobbed as she smiled.


    "And, she found the best family for herself. Good�� good. She deserves this life. She does." she told herself and wiped her tears.


    After composing her emotions, she went back to Oliver''s office.


    "Did Dr. Lopez leave?" She asked the bodyguard who replied that Oliver is now alone in his office.


    Thanking him, Jennifer took a long, hurried strides to his room and barged inside.


    When Oliver saw her, he raised his brow.


    "Came to lecture me on behalf of my sister?" he asked with a smile.


    "Is Ria my friend from high school?" she asked, ignoring his question.


    When Oliver heard her question, he stood up. His face was blank with no emotions but his eyes were enough for Jennifer to figure out the answer.


    "So, she is!" saying so, Jennifer slumped into the sofa.


    "Your girlfriend is my best friend from high school for whom I am still mourning and yet, you decided to hide it from me, Oliver?" Jennifer demanded.


    Oliver froze when he heard Jennifer mentioning Kyra as his girlfriend.


    "How did you find out that Ria is my girlfriend?" he asked as he sat down across her.


    "You mean Kyra Collins?" Jennifer asked, giving another surprise to Oliver. So, Jennifer found out that Ria is Kyra Collins.


    "How? How do you know so much about her?" he questioned Jennifer again. He couldn''t help but worry that their relationship and her identity leaked.


    "I overheard you both, stupid. Who forgets to close the door when romancing with their lover?" she mocked him in the midst of her sobs.


    Oliver brushed his hair helplessly. He was in so much tension and he had so much in his mind that he forgot to check if the door was closed.. Naturally, he orders the guard stationed outside not to allow others when Kyra is with him but this time, he forgot.

 Chapter 154 - At Last They Meet.

    "Your girlfriend is my best friend from high school for whom I am still mourning and yet, you decided to hide it from me, Oliver?" Jennifer demanded.


    Oliver froze when he heard Jennifer mentioning Kyra as his girlfriend.


    "How did you find out that Ria is my girlfriend?" he asked as he sat down across from her.


    "You mean Kyra Collins?" Jennifer asked, giving another surprise to Oliver. So, Jennifer found out that Ria is Kyra Collins.


    "How? How do you know so much about her?" he questioned Jennifer again. He couldn''t help but worry that their relationship and her identity leaked.


    "I overheard you both, stupid. Who forgets to close the door when romancing with their lover?" she mocked him in the midst of her sobs.


    Oliver brushed his hair helplessly. He was in so much tension and he had so much in his mind that he forgot to check if the door was closed. Naturally, he orders the guard stationed outside not to allow others when Kyra is with him but this time, he forgot.


    Seeing Oliver helpless. Jennifer could only shake her head.


    "I wanted to introduce her to you but we decided to wait." Oliver told Jennifer.


    "I know. You are being cautious. I overheard that too." Jennifer said.


    "So, does she know?" Jennifer asked.


    "She found out a few days ago at the LK group''s party. Kyra''s friend Sophia heard a conversation between you and Kyra''s step sister Melissa."


    "Sophia told Kyra about you the next day." Oliver added.


    Jennifer nodded her head.


    She remembers the day she attended a party hosted by LK groups. It was after all the first time she met that bitch Melissa after many years.


    "So, you were there with Al - sorry, Kyra that day, upstairs?" Jennifer asked.


    "I was. You don''t know how much Kyra struggles whenever she encounters that family, Jenny. I had to distract her and divert her focus to cool her down."


    "Whenever I see her in that condition, I feel like I want to crush Robert''s family." Oliver told his best friend.


    Robert''s family is nothing compared to the power he can yield. He can make them disappear from this earth if he wants to, however, he knows that he can''t do it.


    This is something his girlfriend had to take care of, all by herself in order to fight her trauma. He can only support her emotionally.


    "I want to know what happened to Kyra and how she ended up in the Collins family. I want to know how her life has been in the past eight years." Jennifer said as she pursed her lips with concern.


    After listening to Oliver''s words, her heart started to hurt for her friend.


    "I can''t tell you all these, Jenny. Although Kyra is my girlfriend this is something you have to ask her by yourself." Oliver replied.


    "But, will she be willing to meet me?" Jennifer asked as she casted her eyes down in guilt.


    If only she would have insisted a little more, Kyra wouldn''t have suffered this much.


    In addition to this guilt, they have ended their friendship on bad note and she doesn''t know how Kyra would react.


    Moreover, Kyra didn''t make any contact even after finding out that she. Jennifer is Florence, her best buddy from high school.


    "You both are truly the best friends. She asked the same when she found out about you." Oliver said, chuckling.


    "So, Kyra is willing to meet me?" Jennifer asked.


    "Yes, she is more than willing! She is hesitating to come clean with you because she is guilty that she took your words lightly and sided with her good to nothing family." Oliver said.


    "Oliver, can you set up a meeting? I want to reconcile with her as soon as possible. God, I can''t believe that Alex is alive and she was in front of me all these days." Jennifer said and started to sob.


    Oliver chuckled and ruffled her hair affectionately.


    "I am so happy." Jennifer said as she wiped her tears.


    "I am the happiest one." Oliver said.


    Jennifer raised her eyes and looked at him with a question mark face.


    "Who wouldn''t be happy if his best friend and girlfriend are best friends?" he asked.


    "I didn''t approve of her yet. I know her eight years back and she would have changed a lot in these years. I need to observe your relationship to approve of her." Jennifer said but Oliver could see that she was joking.


    "So, what do you think of her now? Leave the friendship you had with her eight years back and tell me what do you feel about her now?" Oliver asked.


    "As a doctor, there is nothing I can criticize about her. She is passionate about her career and is very diligent and sincere. As for her personal life, I don''t know much about her and I don''t know how she is after she leaves the hospital." Jennifer said.


    Oliver nodded his head. He is sure Jennifer would love Kyra''s character and attitude.


    "Enough of your questions and tell me how you both met and how the spark has started between you both. And, who proposed first and till which stage have you guys gone in terms of intimacy." Jennifer fired the questions.


    "I met her around four years back in London during the uncle''s grandchildren ( twins ) birthday. But we haven''t introduced ourselves and I didn''t even know how she looks and the same goes for her as well. But that interaction left a deep impression on me." Oliver said.


    "Later, we met in the hospital itself and she became the fellow under me. The spark between us has ignited the first time we met itself and thanks to the opportunities we got. We were able to meet each other outside the hospital as well, due to her connection to the president and the Collins family."


    "Even before we could realize, we were falling for each other and I was the one who took the initiative as Kyra is a little hesitant about forming a relationship with a new person. She eventually said yes and we started dating."


    "As of the state we are currently in, we have started to spend night together but didn''t go far than cuddling and making out." Oliver said.


    He didn''t hesitate to answer. Afterall, he was waiting to boast about his girlfriend.


    "Routine love story�� but it''s okay." Jennifer said in a teasing manner.


    "But, you, my friend, have a lot of rivals to look out for." she added.


    "I know. Matthew and Luther." Oliver responded.


    "Luther? Dr. Luther Smith?" Jennifer asked, incredulously.


    "He was Kyra''s senior when she was attending med school in Oxford. They have been best friends for almost seven years but I am sure he has feelings for her." Oliver said.


    "Luther is such a handsome, successful and lovely guy. She must have had higher requirements for her boyfriend." Jennifer said.


    "It''s not about expectations and requirements, silly. It''s about feelings and trust. How many times should I lecture you about this." Oliver chided her.


    "Kyra trusts Luther. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be friends for this long. As for feelings, I don''t understand why she didn''t develop feelings for such a great guy." Jennifer said.


    Oliver rolled his eyes.


    "It looks like you admire him a lot." Oliver teased his friend.


    "I admire him as a doctor." Jennifer said but she blushed.


    "You are blushing. Tell me the truth, do you have a crush on him?" Oliver asked.


    Jennifer glared at him and as a response to his question, she threw a pillow at him.


    "Text me the meeting venue and time. I will be there." saying so, she stood up and left the room.


    After she left, Oliver phone called Kyra.


    Oliver didn''t tell Kyra about Jennifer and only asked her to meet at tea house near her house.


    He just told her that he has someone important to introduce to her.


    -----


    Kyra went back to her house in Crescent Gardens and freshened up quickly before donning herself in a simple yet elegant jumpsuit. As Oliver said that he wanted her to meet an important person, she has put a little more effort than usual to doll herself up.


    First impressions are a crucial moment after all.


    She reached at 8 pm, the exact time they scheduled this meeting. However, when she entered the private room Oliver booked, there was no one inside.


    Although she is confused, she walked inside and sat down before making a phone call to Oliver. But her anticipation increased when he didn''t pick her call.


    "Is he busy?" she thought.


    She was about to call him again but the door opened, making her turn her head to look at the person who entered the room.


    "Jennifer?" Kyra called. Although she sounded normal, her heart started to beat so fastly. After all Jennifer is her best friend with whom she is about to reconcile.


    "Yes, it''s me. The important person he mentioned is none other than me, Alex.." Jennifer said, stressing on the word ''Alex'' which is Kyra''s nickname during her high school times.

 Chapter 155 - How Is He Treating You?

    She was about to call him again but the door opened, making her turn her head to look at the person who entered the room.


    "Jennifer?" Kyra called. Although she sounded normal, her heart started to beat so fastly. After all Jennifer is her best friend with whom she is about to reconcile.


    "Yes, it''s me. The important person he mentioned is none other than me, Alex." Jennifer said, stressing on the word ''Alex'' which is Kyra''s nickname during her high school times.


    When Kyra heard Jennifer''s last sentence, her mind went into a total shock. For a few seconds, she forgot how to breathe as well.


    All she could do is to widen her eyes and stare at Jennifer.


    Jennifer chuckled.


    "You are cute like always." Jennifer said and for which Kyra blushed.


    Jennifer couldn''t help her laughter anymore.


    "Still the same. God! I missed you" she said in the midst of her laughter and sob.


    It''s been already a few seconds and Kyra''s mind has started to recompose itself.


    "Florence." Kyra whispered as she stood up.


    "I�� I missed you too." Kyra managed to speak. Her golden hazel eyes started to blur with the happy tears.


    "I can''t be formal anymore." Jennifer / Florence uttered as she sprinted towards Kyra to hug her.


    Kyra reciprocated the hug and both the girls started to cry silently.


    Kyra''s tears started to wet Jennifer''s shirt and in the same way, Jennifer''s tears started to wet Kyra''s top.


    "You are such a crybaby. Like always." Jennifer chuckled as she wiped her tears.


    "Your mood swings are terrible like always." Kyra said as she chuckled.


    "Let me have a good look at my friend." saying so, Jennifer held Kyra''s face and started to closely look at Kyra.


    Kyra blushed again.


    When Kyra joined Jennifer''s high school, she was just an innocent, naive country bumpkin.


    The sudden transitioning from a normal local school to elite, posh school made it difficult for Kyra to adapt and adjust.


    Jennifer was her very first friend and that is why she is very important to Kyra.


    Jennifer was kind and friendly which made Kyra feel at ease and quickly adjust. Since the first day they met, they have become good friends.


    However, Kyra was a crybaby at that time. She used to get frightened and scared of simple things.


    That behaviour of hers changed only after a few months but for Jennifer, Kyra is always a crybaby she met in the beginning.


    "Look wise, you haven''t changed much but why did I fail to recognise you?" Jennifer asked.


    "Maybe because of that little disguise I use." Kyra said.


    "Yes, that''s fine. I know why I couldn''t recognise you in the hospital but I remember that I have seen you at a hotel once. You didn''t have any disguise back then. Still, I failed to recognise you." Jennifer said.


    She seems to be taking it seriously.


    "Maybe you couldn''t recognise me because I was dead according to you back then. Moreover, I am not the gullible, sweet Alex anymore. My aura and character has changed a lot, so you couldn''t map me with Alex from eight years back." Kyra told Jennifer.


    "Yeah. You changed a lot, my best buddy. I can''t forget how you fought those attackers in the operation theatre. And, your personality has become quite powerful. Although I like sweet, cute Alex from before, I prefer the strong, powerful you." Jennifer said.


    Kyra smiled.


    "I have to be strong. I can''t let others take advantage of me. I already had enough." Kyra said as she looked at her hands.


    Jennifer could only purse her lips and pay Kyra''s hands as a gesture of comfort.


    "I am sorry, Flo - sorry - Jennifer. I am sorry for lashing on you that day. You were trying to protect me that time and you have done that for my own good but I, a fool, foolishly taken the side of the Roberts family."


    "I have not only broken our friendship but disrespected you at that time. I am extremely sorry for that. I have been carrying this guilt for so long that it started crushing me." Kyra apologized sincerely.


    Jennifer shook her head with a sweet smile.


    "Even I was at fault back then. I knew that your biological mother saved you from hell and brought you to this city. At that time, she was like an angel in your eyes and the Roberts family was like a real family to you."


    "You were very protective of them. I should have tried to explain my suspicion step by step to you instead of dumping it on you all of a sudden. I made them look like monsters while their image in your eyes at that time was no less to angels."


    "Even if I was in your place, I would have reacted in the same manner. It was too much to take in alone, believe it. I am sorry" Jennifer apologized to Kyra.


    "Done apologize, Jennifer." Kyra said, holding her friend''s hand.


    "You too. It was the circumstances that were at fault. Anyway, you are fine now and that''s what matters." Jennifer said.


    "Yeah. Although I suffered a lot, I ended up in good condition now. I got the loving family for which I was craving from very long."


    "I became a doctor just like I wished for. Everything is fine now." Kyra said.


    "You even got a wonderful boyfriend, my dear." Jennifer teased.


    Kyra didn''t know what to say as Jennifer once loved Oliver sincerely. She didn''t know how to reply to this while making sure she didn''t hurt Jennifer''s feelings.


    "So, you know." Jennifer chuckled.


    "Oliver told me. I have seen how close you both are so, in order to avoid misunderstandings he had to explain. It''s not his fault." Kyra said, defending Oliver.


    "So Protective." Jennifer chuckled again.


    "And, it''s fine. He had to explain. You are his girlfriend after all, " she added.


    "I am over him. It''s been years and I was a lot immature and strong headed back then. I had a crush on him from childhood, so I mistakenly took those feelings as love."


    "It indeed took time to get over him as the crush on him was strong and was there from long back. But he had a point back then."


    "Love shouldn''t be forced and the love he had for me is purely sisterly love. Now, I am over him. He is my best friend for whom I care so much." Jennifer said.


    Kyra only nodded her head.


    Although Jennifer is making it sound like she doesn''t care much about it, she actually does.


    After all, he rejected her.


    "If you don''t mind, can I ask you what happened after we cut our friendship? What I meant to ask is, ``How did you end up in London with the Collins family?" Jennifer asked to divert the topic.


    She can tell that Oliver will be the awkward topic between them.


    Kyra sighed and then she narrated how she got betrayed, sold to human trafficking and how the military have saved them and how she ended up in a sanctuary where she got her depression treatment.


    Then she explained how she got the admission in Oxford and how her saviour from earlier has sponsored to send her to med school.


    She also explained how she met Catherine Collins, her sister in law Hope, who is god sister of Oliver.


    "Like that I got familiar with all the members of Collins family and I don''t know when and how it happened but we all got pretty close."


    "Then, all of a sudden they said they wanted to legally adopt me. I hesitated af first. In fact, I got scared by how well they were treating me."


    "It made me remind of my previous family but I decided to take a step this time. After all, I had nothing to lose that time."


    "So, after three years of knowing them, I said yes and in no time I became Collins." Kyra ended her story.


    "How do they treat you? Are they good to you?" Jennifer asked.


    She knows that Collins family is very reputed and good by heart. However, that is how they potray themselves to the world. They might be totally different personally.


    "Just by seeing how happy and how good I am living, you can easily tell that they treats me very well."


    "My brothers spoil me and my parents dote on me. The friends I made there are also genuine and caring. I am living the best years og my life, Jennifer." Kyra assured her friend.


    "It''s good then. It''s good." Jennifer said.


    "So, how do Oliver treats you? He is good by heart but I rarely see him exhibit deep emotions towards other person, excluding his sister of course." Jennifer asked.


    "He is very good to me. I got to see the caring, loving side of him. I am really blessed to have wonderful people like you guys in my life, Jennifer.." Kyra said, getting emotional.

 Chapter 156 - You Are The Most Beautiful In This.

    Oliver looked at the girls who were hugging each other emotionally and smiled.


    They have cleared the air between them and have finally reconciled after many years.


    Jennifer is one of the most important people in his life. So, he wanted her to accept his girlfriend and get along with her.


    He hoped for harmony and friendship between them and it has finally been fulfilled.


    ''If Nora can accept Kyra and form a deep bond with her, there will be no trouble from my side.'' he thought.


    His grandfather has to accept Kyra too. Actually, Oliver doesn''t care about all this but Kyra does. She wants to be on the good side with all his family members so that everyone can be a happy, harmonious family.


    If it isn''t for this request Kyra requested, he wouldn''t be thinking so much about this.


    He and she will be the people who share their life together. So, it doesn''t matter how others feel about her.


    "Can I enter?" Oliver asked as he knocked on the door of the private room.


    When Kyra and Jennifer heard the sound, they looked at each other first and then they shifted their attention to him.


    "I don''t think he is invited, Ky." Jennifer said.


    "Whatever you say is right, bestie." Kyra said, giving a wink to Jennifer.


    Although it''s been years they have been this comfortable with each other, their friendship has never faded.


    So, it didn''t take much time for Kyra to become comfortable with Jennifer again.


    "You guys are really something!" Oliver said while feigning a disappointed look.


    "I don''t remember inviting you to this dinner." Jennifer said.


    "He just said that he has someone important for me to meet. He never said he would be joining us." Kyra backed her best friend.


    "Ky, how could you side with your friend and leave your boyfriend like this?" Oliver asked, acting pitiful.


    "And, you, I had stressed myself out thinking about various ways to cool down you guys if anything goes wrong and here you are making fun of me instead of thanking me." He said to Jennifer as he walked inside and sat down beside Kyra.


    "Moreover, you guys shouldn''t dare to offend your boss like this, got it?" he asked as he pressed a button to call the server.


    After the server had placed the dishes on the table, he went back, leaving the trio alone in the room.


    Oliver took Kyra''s hand and entwined their fingers, passing his warmth to her cold fingers.


    He then brought it to his hand and kissed the back of her hand.


    "He is here as a boss, Ky. You shouldn''t be letting our boss take advantage of you. Come on, sit beside me." Jennifer said, tugging Kyra''s other arm.


    "Who said, I am here as your boss? I am here as Kyra''s boyfriend." Oliver said, pulling Kyra back to her seat.


    "How can a boyfriend crash his girlfriend''s girl''s night like this? Ky, he is a bad boyfriend. Leave him and I can introduce you to more handsome and sexy guys." Jennifer said.


    "YOU DARE!" Oliver said as he tightened his grip on Kyra''s hand.


    "Ky, she is a bad influence. Don''t meet her much, okay?" Oliver said.


    Kyra, who was holding her laughter till now, couldn''t do it anymore. This guy''s are bantering just like how her brother Ryan and her best friend Sophia banter.


    The only difference is Ryan and Sophia have feelings for each other and these guys here don''t have those types of feelings.


    "Guys, you are like a cat and mouse." Kyra said as she laughed.


    "I am the cat." Jennifer said.


    "You, who are afraid of mice, don''t deserve to be a cat." Oliver said.


    "Enough of banter, kids." Kyra said and three of them laughed together.


    With the similar light hearted and lively atmosphere they finished their light dinner and they walked outside.


    "Nora informed me that she is staying in a mansion with grandfather. You guys are fine, right?" Jennifer asked Oliver.


    "I went to the company and appeased my sister. We are going to spend this weekend however she wants. We are fine now. She went to see grandfather, that''s it." Oliver answered.


    "So, you both are going to spend the night together, right?" Jennifer abruptly asked, making Kyra blush.


    "I just asked if you guys will be spending some ''quality'' time. Why are you blushing, Ky?" Jennifer teased.


    "Stop flustering my girlfriend. I will take her back to her home." Oliver said, placing his hand on her back.


    "You both live in the same community. In fact, on the floors down to each other." Jennifer said.


    "I don''t live there, actually. I have been crashing in that place for a few days." Kyra said.


    "Sophia''s apartment is more convenient, Ky. Why don''t you shift there permanently?" Oliver asked.


    "Awww." Jennifer said.


    "You guys are really something." this time, it is Kyra who said it.


    "Can I get to go with you guys?" Jennifer asked, snickering.


    "No." Oliver right away rejected.


    "You can go some other time," he added.


    "Fine. Good night, for now." Jennifer said.


    "Good night, Jenny." Kyra said and they hugged each other.


    "Good night." Oliver said after ruffling Jennifer''s hair a little.


    ----


    "Thank you so much, Oli." Kyra said after they left the restaurant.


    "For?" Oliver asked.


    "For bringing Jennifer." Kyra said.


    "She was the one who found out about you and requested to meet you. I just meditated." Oliver said and smiled.


    "Still." Kyra said and kissed Oliver''s cheek.


    "Ky, darling, I don''t want to be distracted while driving." Oliver said.


    "Okay" Kyra said and kissed Oliver again.


    "Wait till we go back." He huskily whispered, making Kyra gulp. His voice is so sexy that it brought butterflies in her stomach.


    --------


    As soon as Kyra and Oliver entered Kyra''s house, he pushed her against the door gently and started to kiss her crazily.


    It took a few seconds for Kyra to adjust to his fast pace but as soon as she did, she was no less dominant than Oliver.


    Wrapping her arms around his neck, she actively participated in their kissing session.


    Oliver grunted when his body started to feel hot.


    Continuing to kiss Kyra, he wrapped her legs around his waist and then walked towards the nearest sofa and deposited her on it before straddling her.


    His kisses slowly took control of her face, her neck and her shoulders.


    Kyra could only close her eyes and let Oliver take control. He is so good with kissing that she often wonders how he could have this experience.


    Only when Oliver found himself losing his control, he stopped and took comfort in her neck by resting his face on her neck curves.


    "I am happy." Oliver whispered against her neck.


    "Me too." Kyra said in a faint voice.


    Oliver raised his face to look at Kyra. Her entracing and misty eyes, her red, juicy lips, her enthralling expressions, they captivated him.


    "Why are you staring at me like this?" Kyra asked, feeling a little shy.


    "You are looking so beautiful." he said, pecking her lips.


    Kyra gladly reciprocated his kiss and before they knew it, they started making out again.


    "We better stop here." saying so, Oliver got up. He is afraid that if he is anymore, he can''t stop himself and do something which he might regret later.


    Patience.


    This is the most important thing when it comes to Kyra.


    Kyra looked at Oliver and smiled before getting off the sofa.


    "Want any drink?" Kyra asked.


    "You are sweating." she added as she eyes his forehead.


    Then she took another step towards him and placed her hand on his forehead. "You are hot." she whispered in his ears.


    Oliver gulped.


    "Water would do." he said, taking a step away.


    "Why don''t you take a quick shower? Your face is getting all red." Kyra said as she traced her fingers on his cheek.


    "You better stop teasing me, Ky." Oliver said, as he removed her hand from his cheeks.


    "What happened?" Kyra asked, hugging his neck.


    Oliver let out a huge sigh and then yanked her towards him, making her collide against his sturdy body.


    "Don''t blame me now." saying so, Oliver carried her towards the bedroom.


    -----


    The next morning.


    By the time Kyra woke up, Oliver was not beside her. His place is empty.


    Kyra straightened her bed hair and picked her clothes which were on the floor. She was about to wear them but stopped mid way.


    With a mischievous smile, she decided to wear his shirt, which is also lying on the floor, instead.


    They haven''t done the deed yet but have made out this night as well.


    Oliver promised that he would never force her into anything so, till she asked for herself, he would not do the deed.


    Even now, he asked for her permission before proceeding with their hot make out session.


    "Good morning." Kyra greeted as she hugged him back.


    "Good morning." Oliver greeted her as he turned to hug her. A smile made its way to his lips when he saw his shirt on her.


    "You look the most beautiful in this." Oliver said, placing a kiss on her lips.


    Kyra chuckled and peeked at the stove to see what he was cooking.


    "My favourite?" Kyra asked.


    "Of course." Oliver said.


    "Today is Saturday. You need to go back to spend time with your sister." Kyra said, when she realised that the weekend had started.


    "I will go after I make breakfast for you. I know that my girlfriend is too lazy to cook for herself." Oliver said.


    Kyra chuckled and climbed on to the kitchen platform and waited for him to finish cooking.

 Chapter 157 - I Already Have Someone I Love.

    After having a pleasant breakfast with Kyra, Oliver left to pick up his sister and spend some quality time just as she wished for. However, he didn''t go to their  family mansion but picked her up at Nora''s own penthouse.


    He asked her to come there so that he could reduce the distance he had to cover. It is after all weekend and the traffic will be terrible for sure.


    "Are we going to your house, bro?" Nora asked her brother Oliver after he made her sit in the passenger seat beside him.


    "I have something to pick up from my penthouse. We will stay there till afternoon and after that I will take you somewhere." Oliver answered.


    "Somewhere?" Nora asked.


    "It''s a surprise my little sis." Oliver said, ruffling her hair.


    Nora nodded her head and didn''t ask anything.


    After a few minutes'' ride, they reached Oliver''s penthouse and when they were waiting at the lobby for the elevator, Kyra got out of her car and walked towards the elevator.


    ''The girl from yesterday.'' Nora thought.


    Oliver and Kyra shared a brief look and didn''t dare to prolong it as Nora might have caught them.


    ''What happened? Were you not supposed to be in the company?" Oliver texted Kyra. He is simply worried because Kyra will be meeting her step sister for a company meeting today.


    Although he believes in her, he is still uncertain whether Kyra would be able to face them.


    ''I didn''t run away. Sophia wanted me to find her passport and send it. So, I had to return to fetch it.'' Kyra replied in text.


    ''All the best then. Try your best to face them.'' Oliver texted her with a ''you can do it'' emoji.


    ''Don''t worry about me and enjoy it with your sister'' Kyra texted.


    Meanwhile, Nora looked at her brother who is buddy with his phone and shifted her attention to the girl who is doing the same.


    ''Addicts!'' She thought and sighed.


    She didn''t find it suspicious that they are accessing their phones at the same time because the notification tone is silent and Kyra was using her phone from the second she got out.


    The elevator opened and they walked into it. Oliver selected the top floor and Kyra selected the floor down to the top floor.


    Kyra''s phone started to ring as soon as she got inside the elevator.


    It is Jennifer.


    "Good morning." Kyra joyfully answered.


    "I missed you too," Kyra replied with a smile, making Oliver curious and jealous. Who is that brave person missing his girlfriend? Luther??


    "Now?" Kyra asked after Jennifer asked her to meet her for brunch. They, after all, have so much to catch up.


    "I have meetings till evening. How about in the evening? We can go and enjoy the nightlife like always." Kyra suggested.


    Like always?


    ''It''s Luther for sure!'' Oliver thought inside, already drinking the vinegar. He knows that Kyra, Luther, Sophia and Ran used to enjoy the weekend nightlife together.


    "It''s a deal then. I will talk to you later. I need to rush." Kyra ended the call, just in time for her to leave the elevator as her floor had arrived.


    "It looks like she was talking to her boyfriend, bro. I saw her yesterday as well and she was on call with someone. She must be very busy." Nora made a comment as they walked out of the elevator.


    Oliver felt as if salt was rubbed on his wound. He is already jealous and his sister is adding fire to it.


    "It could be a friend too." Oliver said.


    "Maybe a friend who can become a boyfriend soon." Nora said.


    "The person on the other side could be a girl too." Oliver said. Maybe it is Jennifer. She assured him yesterday that she will make sure Kyra enjoys her weekend.


    "Bro, when will you accept Jennifer? She likes you and she is your friend. Becoming a lover from a friend is not so difficult." Nora said.


    Oliver was in his own thoughts and didn''t listen to Nora.


    "What?" he asked.


    "I want you to marry Jennifer." Nora said, this time not playing around bushes.


    "But I treat her as a friend." Oliver said.


    "Becoming a lover from a friend is not that difficult bro. All it takes is one step to try it." Nora said.


    "I can''t even see Jennifer in that way, Nora. She is not any different from you in my eyes. Moreover, Jennifer moved on long back." Oliver said.


    "No, she didn''t! I asked her just yesterday and she said she still likes you." Nora said, almost in tears.


    Oliver sighed and squatted to look into Nora''s tear brimmed eyes.


    "Nora, you are not a child. You should be able to understand when I said that I can''t do it. And, you shouldn''t lie when it comes to matters like this. I am sure Jennifer didn''t say this to you. You are making it up to persuade me." Oliver said.


    "No, she really said that." Nora argued.


    "She didn''t! Should I call her to confirm?" Oliver asked.


    "She will lie to you." Nora said.


    "There is nothing to lie here. She moved on and I know that." Oliver firmly said.


    "How can you be so sure?" Nora asked.


    "Because I know." Oliver said.


    "How?" Nora asked.


    "Enough, Nora." Oliver said, raising his voice a little.


    "I won''t be marrying Jennifer and my decision won''t change even if Jennifer still likes me. Got it?" Oliver said.


    "Now, you better drop this topic if you want to spend this weekend with me." Oliver said.


    "I will make a quick brunch for you. You can pack your bag for today and tomorrow by then" Oliver said, leaving no space for negotiation.


    Nora, still with tears, wheeled her chair back to her room.


    Oliver sighed feeling bad for his sister. He understood why his sister wanted him to marry Jennifer. If it is Jennifer. Nora wouldn''t become the third wheel and there would be no scope of arguments between the three of them.


    ''Kyra can get along with Nora, right?'' he thought, a little worried. He knows that it is difficult for Kyra to mingle with others, especially strangers.


    ��------------


    "Nora, you shouldn''t have lied." Jennifer chided her friend. After returning to her room, the first thing Nora did is to call her best friend Jennifer.


    "But you love him right?" Nora asked.


    "It''s years back." Jennifer said. She is not lying. Yes, she was curious about Oliver''s girlfriend because she wanted to see what is so special about that woman that he selected that girl over her.


    But after finding out that it is Kyra, that little ego and jealousy dissipated.


    "You are lying. How could you move on so easily? I don''t believe it." Nora stubbornly refused to accept it.


    "Because I realized that it is just an attraction which, although I had a chance to progress, can''t go on further. He treats me as a sister and friend, Nora. I can''t force him to love me, can I?" Jennifer gently tried to explain to her friend.


    She knows that Nora is just being paranoid which is making her act this way. Maybe after listening to rumors that Oliver has a girlfriend, she started to panic.


    "I will help you, Jennifer. I will help you to make him fall for you. You promised that you will help me in future. I am asking you to do it now." Nora sounded desperate.


    "I am sorry, Nora. But�� but�� I already have someone I love." Jennifer didn''t know what to say.


    "Boyfriend?" Nora asked.


    "Yes. After Oliver''s rejection, I moved to Australia right? I met a gentleman there and he won my heart with his sincerity and lively character. I was about to tell you yesterday but I couldn''t because of the emergency call." Jennifer said.


    "Is it true?" Nora asked.


    "Yes. Why will I lie to you?" Jennifer said.


    "I want to meet him then. Day after tomorrow." Nora said.


    "But-" before Jennifer could finish, Nora interfered.


    "If I don''t meet him the day after tomorrow, I am not going to talk to you. And, I need to see proof that he met you in Australia and he pursued you back then." after saying that Nora ended the call.


    Meanwhile, Jennifer didn''t know what to do. Where can she find a boyfriend now? That too someone who lived in Australia in her same locality and had connection to her.


    After thinking for a long time, she gave a call to a person to whom she swore not to call.


    ��--------


    The afternoon��..


    After Kyra quickly corriered Sophia''s passport, she went to her company, LK Groups to attend the meeting with the new executives from the Finance and strategy department which lasted for two and half hours.


    Now, she is currently on her way to the hotel to have a business meeting with her dearest step sister over lunch.


    Kyra''s step sister Melissa is three years older than her and has graduated from a business school. However, her passion lies in modeling, so she divides her time equally between her career and modeling.


    Dressed in a formal yet trendy business suit, she patiently waited in the private room for the other party to arrive. She should have gotten angry by now as she had to wait for this long but she has heard that the person coming to meet her now is no ordinary and is a backbone of the LK groups.


    ''He should be around mid age to have accomplished so much..'' this is Melissa''s point of view.

 Chapter 158 - Why Is She So Familar?

    The afternoon��..


    After Kyra quickly corriered Sophia''s passport, she went to her company, LK Groups to attend the meeting with the new executives from the Finance and strategy department which lasted for two and half hours.


    Now, she is currently on her way to the hotel to have a business meeting with her dearest step sister over lunch.


    Kyra''s step sister Melissa is three years older than her and has graduated from a business school.


    However, her passion lies in modeling, so she divides her time equally between her career and modeling.


    Dressed in a formal yet trendy business suit, she patiently waited in the private room for the other party to arrive.


    She would have gotten angry by now as she had to wait this long but she has heard that the person coming to meet her now is no ordinary and is a backbone of the LK groups.


    ''He should be around mid age to have accomplished so much.'' This is Melissa''s point of view.


    ''Ms. Roberts, my boss is here. I will be taking my leave then.'' Kyra''s friend/ temporary personal assistant Hayley, said Melissa and was about to leave the room.


    She had arrived earlier and was waiting for Kyra to arrive. Hayley wanted to observe Melissa before leaving Kyra with her.


    As she is one of the few persons who knows about Kyra''s past, she is naturally cautious.


    "One minute." Melissa said, stopping Hayley at the door.


    Hayley turned around with her left eyebrow raised.


    "I heard that you are the personal secretary of the CEO of LK groups. If I am not meeting the CEO, why are you here?" Melissa asked. However, she realised that her questions could be misunderstood, so she quickly added more explanation to it.


    "What I meant to ask is, Is the person I am meeting now so important that you have personally attended today?" she added.


    Hayley smiled.


    "Yes. She is as important as the CEO." saying so she left the room.


    "She?" Melissa whispered to herself.


    "Be careful. I am getting bad vibes from that woman." Hayley told Kyra whom she met in the corridor.


    "You are overthinking. Melissa is not that cunning and dangerous. She is just like a puppet in my biological mother''s hands, " Kyra assured her friend.


    "I don''t care. If something happens to you I will be killed by your dear brothers and boyfriend." Hayley grumbled. But her genuine concern is evident in her black orbs.


    Kyra chuckled and gave a brief hug to her friend. "I won''t have my ace employee killed. Don''t worry " saying so, she left.


    "You better keep your word." Hayley said as she looked at Kyra''s receding figure.


    Kyra stopped at the door and sighed. She closed her eyes for a few seconds and the memories she had with Melissa''s resurfaced.


    Their girl nights, Melissa teaching her the art of makeup, tagging along for shopping, helping in her studies��


    Genuine or not, Kyra really appreciated the sisterly love they had until she got betrayed.


    ''She is an accomplice too, Kyra. She knew what her father and step mother were planning to do with you.'' Kyra reminded herself before opening the door.


    Melissa turned her head to look at the person, as soon as she heard the door open.


    And, the very next second she saw the woman at the door, her mind went blank.


    Dressed in a white, turtle neck top, she coupled it with a black blazer and blank pants. Her long hair is freely resting on her shoulders and her three inch heels made her long legs look even more sexy and hot.


    Her hazel golden eyes sparkled under the light and her strawberry lips glistened with beauty.


    ''She is damn beautiful.'' Melissa thought.


    But when Kyra approachedstarted to approached her , the view of Kyra''s features became more clear to her eyes.


    ''She�� she looks a little similar to Alexandra (Kyra)'' Melisaa thought as she stared at Kyra.


    Same eyes.


    Same hair color.


    Even their features are a little similar.


    "Ms. Roberts." Kyra greeted and took her seat.


    ''No, this is not Alex. Alex can''t be this confident and she doesn''t have a strong personality like this woman here.'' Melissa thought inside.


    Besides this, Alex is dead anyway.


    Even if she is alive, which she is not, she wouldn''t have reached this level.


    "Ms. Roberts?" Kyra called again. She knows what is going on in Melissa''s mind.


    "Yes. Yes. Sorry Ms. K." Melissa apolosized.


    Everyone in LK groups calls Lisa as Ms. L and Kyra as Ms. K.


    Just before Hayley left, she told Melissa that the person she would be meeting is called Ms. K.


    "Seems like something is preoccupying your mind, Ms. Roberts. I will be wanting unwavered attention at this meeting." Kyra said. Her voice has that sense of authority and that made Melissa focus.


    Her paranoia about Alex being alive was temporarily suppressed.


    "I don''t understand why our terms were not being accepted, Ms. K. We haven''t made any unreasonable demands and my company''s market value is good enough to strike these demands." Melissa came to the point.


    "I won''t deny that your company is more suitable for this collaboration. However, we are currently having second thoughts because of the rumors of the internal rivalry going on in your company."


    "If those rumors are legit, the demands you made would pull us into loss." Kyra said.


    "Those rumors are...well�� rumors. Not real." Melissa said confidently.


    Truth to be told, the internal rivalry is true. Roberts company was just a medium sized enterprise eight years back.


    After taking all the shares of The Zenith Corp from Kyra, they became the major shareholders of that multi-billion company and merged it with their family business and renamed it as Roberts corps.


    At that time they didn''t get much opposition. The executives of Zenith Corp thought that their mysterious CEO (Kyra''s maternal grandmother) transferred these shares to her daughter, who is Kyra''s mother.


    Moreover, they didn''t feel like there would be any problem even if the company is renamed and is merged with a small sized enterprise.


    But after eight years, which is now, some opposition about the company shares, authority and management started to surface.


    ------


    After having a long discussion with Kyra, Melissa still couldn''t persuade her.


    Right now she is in the washroom, on call with her father.


    "Dad, that woman is really something. She has counter responses for every point I raise. She is really inconceivable and God, I can''t persuade her to accept our terms."


    "I am getting so frustrated and irritated but I am utterly helpless. She is someone I can''t offend and the worst thing is she is younger than me. I am getting cornered by her, dad."


    "She is scary." Melissa said, almost on the verge of tears and from her voice it is obvious that she is angry yet helpless.


    "Fine.Fine. I will come back and next time, I am not meeting this scary little brat. You guys can try to handle her." she responded to her father.


    After that she left the washroom and not very long after that, Nira who was using the washroom came out.


    She has heard everything and from the voice alone she could tell that it is Melissa. She knows Melissa because they studied in the same school.


    Melissa was her senior.


    "So, Melissa got outran by someone." Nora thought as she snickered.


    Melissa is someone who won''t admit defeat. She is known for her stubborn and headstrong character.


    Although she has some admiring qualities as well, Nora never liked her character.


    Melissa is a prideful, spoiled brat who used to annoy her so much in their business school.


    Her pride was because of her outstanding persuasion and manipulation qualities.


    Now, after hearing that someone outsmarted Melissa and trampled her, she couldn''t help her curiosity to take a look at that person.


    Carefully, she followed Melissa and by the time Melissa reached the door, Kyra just came out of the private room.


    From far, Nora continued to look at them and once she noticed who that lady was, a smile made its way to her face.


    She is the lady from the elevator at her brother''s house.


    ''Three times in two days. Are we destined to meet so frequently?'' Nora thought as she looked at Melissa who said her farewell and started to leave.


    "This is so satisfying." She thought and quickly hid herself behind the wall when she noticed that Kyra was walking in her direction.


    Nora was at the left corridor when Kyra leaned on the wall beside it and answered the call.


    "It''s done. She is pathetic." Kyra answered the person on the other side.


    "Yes. You are right." she answered again. It was Oliver and he said that ''See, it is not that tough to meet someone from the past.''


    "Hmm." Kyra hummed when Oliver said ''You are out of her league now and so is her family.'' from the other side.


    "I miss you" Kyra said and her longing for him is so evident in her voice.


    "It''s fine. We will meet the day after tomorrow anyway. For now enjoy with your family. I will see you later, bye.." Kyra ended the call and as soon as she ended it, her phone started to ring again.

 Chapter 159 - Zap Of Electricity.

    Nora didn''t want to eavesdrop but she couldn''t suppress her curiosity about this woman. She must say that this lady here is very interesting.


    The first day, which was yesterday,  she saw her in the elevator. Nora came to the conclusion that she is a doctor.


    Today, she is here, having a business meeting with Melissa.


    ''This lady must be a genius and a hardworking person. She reminds me of my brother.'' Nora thought inside as she eavesdropped on Kyra who was on call with Oliver who is none other than Nora''s brother.


    ''And, from her conversation with her boyfriend, she doesn''t look like a clingy and fussy girlfriend.'' Nora thought after listening to Kyra who asked Oliver to enjoy it with his family first.


    ''And, she seems very busy.'' she thought when Kyra''s phone started to ring again.


    ��----


    The second call Kyra picked up is from Sophia and Lisa who are enjoying their vacation.


    "Enjoying it?" Kyra asked with a gentle voice.


    "Me? Just finished a meeting. Had to go back for another meeting." Kyra answered Lisa''s question.


    "That''s fine, Lisa. I can hold the fort. Just enjoy to your fullest okay?" Kyra told Lisa who, on the other hand, apologised to her for dumping all the work on Kyra and went on a vacation.


    "Stop apologising, silly. I know you will do the same for me if I want to go on a vacation with my boyfriend." Kyra said with a chuckle when Lisa didn''t stop with her apologising.


    "Oops! I forgot that you are on a girls vacation. I didn''t mean to show off." Kyra teased Lisa who complained to Kyra for showing off.


    "That''s okay, dear. After my brother is done with his matches, I will somehow trick him to go on blind date with you. Rest will be on your performance." Kyra comforted Lisa who is attracted to Kyra''s fifth brother, the renowned Tennis player.


    "Sophia? Her relationship with my fourth brother is too complicated for me to interfere. Even a sister has some boundaries she shouldn''t cross, right? I could set a blind date for you with my brother but I can''t push him to reciprocate your feelings. Just in the same way, I can''t interfere anymore in their relationship." Kyra tools to Lisa who just told her that Sophia and Ryan had another quarrel and this time it is serious.


    "Maybe they are really not meant for each other. They can only remain as friends if they keep on fighting and blaming each other like this. I can''t push Sophia nor can I push my brother to make their relationship work" Kyra sighed.


    "Yes..yes. I will call after I go back." Kyra replied to Lisa on the call, who asked her to let go of this topic.


    "Nope. I will be going back to Crescent Gardens tonight. I have to finish my paintings. Exhibition is around the corner and my manager is already worried." Kyra sighed.


    "I will remember. Bye." saying so, Kyra finished the call and walked away, totally not aware of what her unintentional speech changed Nora''s perspective.


    Meanwhile, Nora who just heard Kyra''s words of relationship and boundaries is in deep thought.


    From the conversation she heard, she could tell that this lady here was on call with her two best friends who are in love with this lady''s brothers.


    ''She is a good friend. She is willing to overwork so that her friend can enjoy her vacation. She is very similar to Jennifer.'' Nora thought remembering how this lady assured her friend that she can manage.


    ''And, she is right. Even sisters have boundaries that shouldn''t be crossed. In my case, I think I have crossed them not once but many times. But my brother never got angry at me for violating his privacy.'' Nora thought.


    ''And, I can''t push Jennifer too. It won''t work.'' Nora sighed.


    "What are you doing here?" Oliver, who came in search of his sister, said as he approached her.


    "I�� I was doing nothing." Nora said.


    "I thought you got lost." Oliver teased his sister, ruffling her hair.


    "Bro, I am sorry." Nora said.


    "For what?" Oliver asked in a gentle yet surprised tone. His sister never apologise He has pampered and spoiled her so much that she became quite stubborn.


    "For what I said today morning. I shouldn''t have forced you to date Jennifer. I crossed my line." Nora said.


    Oliver smiled and kneels on one of his knees and looked into his sister''s eyes.


    "I understand why you did that, Nora. I understand it quite well but I never saw Jennifer that way so I can never even think of dating her or marrying her. I can''t look at her that way and I can''t treat her how a husband should treat his wife."


    "That would only hurt both of us. We would end up as an unhappy family and eventually divorce each other. Seeing me and Jenny in that situation would only make you feel guilty for pushing us." Oliver said.


    "I didn''t want to hurt Jenny so I shouted at you. I am sorry for that." Oliver apologised as well.


    After putting a full stop to their little argument, Oliver and Nora have spent quality sibling time in the resort which Oliver''s company is currently working on.


    While Oliver is spending time with his sister, Kyra spent her Saturday night with her childhood friend Jennifer. They recalled their happy memories and revisited the places they used to hang out often. Then they called it a night and Kyra spent her Sunday in her garden studio, finishing her paintings and attending virtual meetings with her manager from the studio.


    ��----


    Next day��


    Nora was reluctant to go back to work but she had to. It is Monday and she has a lot of pending work to finish.


    Most importantly, she has to meet her best friend, Jennifer, who has promised to introduce her ''boyfriend'' with whom she claimed to have fallen in love during her stay in London.


    Although she is not hellbent to pair her brother and best friend anymore, that doesn''t mean she would leave this matter. She understood that she can''t force her brother and Jennifer but she can at least try to change her brother''s heart.


    There are cases in which a man and woman who have treated each other as friends and siblings have fallen in love later. After all, a single moment is enough to change the view of a person. Just one spark!


    Nora knows that she is being stubborn and unreasonable but it is her biggest dream to see her brother and best friend marry each other. The outcome of this last effort of hers doesn''t matter. I


    f fortunate, she might change her brother''s feelings towards Jennifer and even if that doesn''t happen, she could at least convince herself that she has tried her best and let her dream go.


    She doesn''t want any regrets to be left behind.


    However, before she could sketch her cupid plan, she has to make sure that Jennifer is not faking her claim of ''not single anymore''.


    If her best friend is really in love with her boyfriend, which she highly doubts, Nora won''t proceed with her matchmaking plan anymore.


    She would make sure that Jennifer''s boyfriend is genuine and serious and if he really passes her tests, she would happily give blessings to them.


    While Nora was anxiously waiting for the evening to arrive, Jennifer was sweating profusely while she waited near the airport to pick up her so-called ''boyfriend''.


    ''Will he come?" she thought as she fiddled with her fingers.


    The person who is coming now is her neighbour, Anthony. They lived in adjacent penthouses in Australia and had a bitter sweet relationship.


    The reason why she decided to call him is because he owes her a favour.


    However, she is not sure whether he will come or not. That is because they ended their farewell on a bad note.


    "Jennifer." a deep, husky voice came from behind, making Jennifer jump in fright.


    When she turned around, she couldn''t help but get mesmerised by the man in front of her.


    6 feet 3 inches tall, he has a well toned figure akin to a model. His natural blonde hair, his rich brownish eyes, his charming smile�� they captivated her again.


    A pleasant blush made its way to her cheeks when some snippets of her memory flashed in her brain.


    "You came." she managed to utter while she tried to cool her erratic heart. This guy always makes her lose her cool self.


    "I have to." he said. Though he talks less, Jennifer feels like she can understand what''s going on in his heart.


    By reflex, she was about to take his luggage and accidentally their fingers touched, sending a zap of electricity into her body. Jennifer immediately retreated and gestured towards her car.


    "I booked a hotel for you." she said, feeling awkward. This is the first time they are alone in this small space after ''that incident'' between them.


    "No need." Anthony said.


    "Please. It is the least I can do to disrupt your busy schedule." Jennifer urged.


    Looking at her for a few seconds he said, ''Fine.''


    Jennifer gulped and tried to focus on the road.


    When Kyra said that she and Oliver got into an accident because of Oliver''s distracted mind, she thought Kyra was exaggerating a little.


    But now, she realised that her friend wasn''t lying.


    Just like how Kyra distracted Oliver which caused the accident, Anthony''s hot gaze on her is making her jittery and she must say that it is getting hard to focus on the road.

 Chapter 160 - Anthony Knows Kyra!

    By reflex, she was about to take his luggage and accidentally their fingers touched, sending a zap of electricity into her body. Jennifer immediately retreated and gestured towards her car.


    "I booked a hotel for you." she said, feeling awkward. This is the first time they are alone in this small space after ''that incident'' between them.


    "No need." Anthony said.


    "Please. It is the least I can do to disrupt your busy schedule." Jennifer urged.


    Looking at her for a few seconds he said, ''Fine.''


    Jennifer gulped and tried to focus on the road.


    When Kyra said that she and Oliver got into an accident because of Oliver''s distracted mind, she thought Kyra was exaggerating a little.


    But now, she realised that her friend wasn''t lying.


    Just like how Kyra distracted Oliver which caused the accident, Anthony''s hot gaze on her is making her jittery and she must say that it is getting hard to focus on the road.


    Anthony passively looked away after a few seconds and if not for this, Jennifer would have already gotten into an accident.


    "So, you want me to act as your boyfriend?" Anthony asked as they took seats in the coffee house in hotels'' lobby.


    Jennifer''s phone called him a couple of days back and made this weird and surprising request. As he owes her, he couldn''t say no.


    He sounded desperate, so he didn''t ask many details as well.


    "Yes." Jennifer answered.


    "My best friend wants me to pair up with her brother and she is super serious about this. She didn''t cave in to any of my excuses so, I had no option but to lie that I have a boyfriend. However, I didn''t think that she would demand to meet my boyfriend."


    "I could have asked others but I blurted out that I met my boyfriend in Australia. She has the potential to check my info legit or not, so I had to ask you as you are my neighbor and we have also crossed paths in our work." Jennifer explained.


    "You should have gone on a date with her brother and said no later." Anthony commented as he elegantly sipped his coffee.


    He doesn''t like people who lie. He would rather prefer to solve the situations straightforwardly.


    "Her brother treats me like a sister and he already has a girlfriend who is also my other best friend. My interference will only make things complicated, so I didn''t have an option but to lie." Jennifer said. She is aware that Anthony hates lying.


    "So, this guy didn''t tell his sister that he already has a girlfriend?" Anthony enquired. He doesn''t want to be nosy but it is necessary to understand the situation before jumping into action. Moreover, his line of work has a lot of enquiring, interrogating and inferring.


    "He is working on that. He might need some time to introduce his girlfriend to his sister. I know that I can drag this matter till he does that but I want to be the one to step out of this. Otherwise, my best friend might misunderstand her brother''s girlfriend." Jennifer said.


    Nora might think that Jennifer stepped out because of Kyra. It will make Kyra look bad in Nora''s eyes and Jennifer didn''t want that to happen. She can only avert this crisis if she is the one to introduce her boyfriend and confess that she doesn''t have feelings for Oliver.


    Anthony sighed.


    He understood that Jennifer is trying to do a good thing here.


    Like always, she is the kind one who would rather have her heart broken than seeing others heart broken.


    This selfless side of Jennifer makes him admire her and pity her at same time.


    "So, you are stepping out because he has a girlfriend? Do you still have feelings for him?" Anthony asked. There is some anger lingering in his voice and Jennifer could feel it.


    "I don''t love him anymore. I moved on after I realised the meaning behind his words." Jennifer said. Anthony already knows that she moved to Australia to forget a certain person in her life.


    "Whatever." Anthony said and he stood up as he elegantly pressed tissue to his lips to remove the stains of coffee if they exist.


    "I will stay here for a week. I can act as your boyfriend only for this one week and later, I would have nothing to do with you." he said and he was about to leave but Jennifer stopped him by holding his wrist.


    As soon as he stopped and turned around, she let go of his hand and looked at him. "That''s it? Any base rules I have to follow?" she asked. Anthony is a principled mind and he has rules for almost everything.


    "Rules? I don''t have any for the time being. We have already done things, so there is nothing much left." he indifferently said and left.


    Jennifer blushed. They��*cough*... had one night stand before she left Australia. They both were drunk and realised only in the morning.


    They had an argument on this matter and that afternoon she left. It''s been a few months since this happened.


    ��-------------


    Jennifer waited in the private room for Jennifer and her so-called boyfriend.


    "Ten seconds late. No time sense unlike my brother." she whispered to herself just at the moment the door opened and Jennifer entered the room with Anthony.


    "Anthony, she is my best friend Nora Miller." Jennifer introduced.


    "Nora, this is my boyfriend Anthony." she added.


    "Ms. Miller." Anthony greeted politely. Her name rang a bell in his mind and in no time he could tell that she is one of the main figures in Miller corps.


    "Only Anthony? No last name?" Nora asked Jennifer.


    "I prefer my first name, Ms. Miller." Anthony answered as everyone took their seats.


    "Fine." Nora said and after giving a pause she asked, "What do you do, Anthony?"


    "I am a lawyer." Anthony answered.


    "Lawyer. Good. But, Jenny, I have never heard his name in the law field." Nora said. What she meant is, Anthony is not famous.


    "I am a small time lawyer, Ms. Miller." Anthony said but his appearance and attitude said otherwise.


    "I am a director in Miller Corps. If you need any help I can gladly ask my brother to help you." Nora said.


    Jennifer could only pinch Nora''s hand under the table, gesturing to her to stop disparaging Anthony. Even Jennifer thought that Anthony is an ordinary guy when she met him but as time passed she was proven wrong again and again.


    "I know who you are, Ms. Miller." Anthony said.


    "You must have done your research then." Nora said.


    Anthony didn''t say anything. Truth to be told, he came across Nora''s name just a few months back, so he remembers who she is and what she does.


    "So, how did you both meet?" Nora asked Anthony.


    "We met a few years back in the hospital where she was doing her residency. We were just acquaintances but we met again when she moved back to Australia for her fellowship a year and half."  Anthony said. And, his words are true.


    "We became neighbours the second time and that is how we started seeing each other." Jennifer added. They went on a few dinners and had a couple of drinks together once in a while. Mostly,  they would meet coincidentally and end up having dinner together.


    "Who made the first move?" Nora asked. Their story doesn''t seem that suspicious but she has to dig deeper for a more accurate answer.


    "I did. I fell for her when she was trying to save her patient in the hospital." Anthony said. She was working in an ER back then and he found her kind and passionate at that moment and started to treat her as his neighbour / friend.


    After a few more questions and dinner, Jennifer finally decided to let go of them. She is not convinced yet but she will go and check if their story is legit or not before meeting them again.


    "I will drive you to your hotel. Otherwise, Nora might get suspicious." Jennifer whispered to Anthony as they walked to the parking lot.


    He could only nod his head and once they were alone in the car, he said, "Not to the hotel. I have a friend whom I am visiting tonight. Drop me there." Anthony said and pinned the location in GPS before closing his eyes. He has jet lag so he is a little lethargic.


    "Crescent Gardens. This is a very costly community. He is not a small - time lawyer!" Jennifer thought as they drove inside.


    Anthony woke up when he felt the car stopping.


    "Did we reach?" he asked as he looked at Jennifer who was fascinatingly looking at something.


    Getting no answer from her, he frowned and followed Jennifer''s line of sight and it ended at a couple who were passionately kissing at the entrance of a house.


    "Can''t they get a room." he grumbled.


    "They are the ones I am talking about. My best friend''s brother and his girlfriend." Jennifer said and this made Anthony look at them again, this time he focussed on the faces.


    When he saw who the girl was, his eyes turned blood thirsty and he kicked the door open before storming towards them.

 Chapter 161 - He Will Keep A Close Eye On Them.

    "Crescent Gardens. This is a very costly community. He is not a small - time lawyer!" Jennifer thought as they drove inside.


    Anthony woke up when he felt the car stopping.


    "Did we reach?" he asked as he looked at Jennifer who was fascinatingly looking at something.


    Getting no answer from her, he frowned and followed Jennifer''s line of sight and it ended at a couple who were passionately kissing at the entrance of a house.


    "Can''t they get a room." he grumbled.


    "They are the ones I am talking about. My best friend''s brother and his girlfriend." Jennifer said and this made Anthony look at them again, this time he focussed on the faces.


    When he saw who the girl was, his eyes turned blood thirsty and he kicked the door open before storming towards them.


    Jennifer, bewildered and confused, followed him.


    "KYRA!!" a familiar voice made Kyra jump in fright. She pushed Oliver away in reflex and hurriedly looked at the source of the sound.


    "What the hell, Ky!!" Anthony shouted as he approached her and pulled her towards him.


    Oliver quickly caught Kyra''s wrist and pulled her to stand behind him.


    "Anthony." Jennifer called Anthony, her voice faint and she looked visibly scared. She never saw Anthony lose his composed self. He is always calm and controlled and that shade of him is frightening enough. This angry shade made him even more scared.


    Meanwhile, Kyra just came out of shock and could only gulp.


    "What are you doing here?" Kyra asked.


    Anthony raised his eyebrow at Kyra. "Can''t I visit my little sister?" he asked.


    "What I meant to ask is, when did you come?" Kyra quickly changed her question as she forced a smile at her third brother William Anthony Collins.


    Every man in Collins'' family has a middle name ''Anthony'' and not many know that. All the five brothers of Kyra use that name whenever they wish to hide their real identities.


    Kyra''s third brother William established his second headquarters in Australia and that is why he often travels back and forth.


    (Author''s note : For convenience lets calle Kyra''s third brother Anthony only. Not Williams as it might confuse us sometimes.)


    "The friend you wanted to visit is Kyra?" Jennifer managed to ask her question to Anthony. She was in shock that she didn''t register any of the conversation that happened now.


    Anthony ignored Jennifer and angrily looked at Kyra making Kyra flinch and hide herself behind Oliver''s back.


    "Ky, you know him?" Jennifer asked as she angrily looked at Anthony who was still looking at Kyra. Then, she shifted her attention to Oliver who is not retaliating but is quiet. As Oliver only knows that this man here is Kyra''s third brother, he decided to not interfere.


    He knows that his interference will not help. Moreover, he knows that Kyra can handle this situation.


    "He��he is my third brother, Jennifer. The lawyer I spoke about yesterday." Kyra reminded her best friend.


    "Brother?" Jennifer asked, not able to digest this information. So, the Anthony she knows is legendary lawyer, William Collins!


    No wonder he is this extraordinary and handsome. Jennifer heard that William, the third son of Collins family has his own law firm which is ruling over the law firms in Europe.


    "We better go inside, Kyra." Oliver said, gesturing to her to invite her brother and Jennifer inside.


    "Yes��yes. Pardon my rudeness. Guys, please come in." Kyra said as she gave a smile to brother.


    God! She is in serious trouble!


    She just got caught romancing her boyfriend.


    William glared at Oliver who is acting like a husband and then looked at his sister who just smiled at Oliver sweetly as if she is a wife.


    ''Gosh, this is too much. When did she get a boyfriend!!'' William thought as he looked at Kyra and Oliver who were glancing at each other and smiling while four of them walked into Kyra''s house.


    "Kyra, let''s talk." Anthony, her third brother said as soon as they entered Kyra''s house.


    Kyra gulped and looked at Oliver who could only smile helplessly at her. ''You can do it.'' he silently whispered to her.


    "Sis, I am not going to eat you or something right? We are just going to have a talk." Anthony said as he led Kyra to the adjacent room.


    ��------


    "Boyfriend?" Anthony enquired as he sat in front of his sister.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    "From when?" he asked.


    "It''s been around three months," Kyra answered.


    "Don''t you feel like you got into a relationship pretty fast with him??" Anthony asked. His sister came here eight months back. So, they have known each other for five months before they got into a relationship.


    "I know. But I am sure I made the right judgment this time. I feel like he is the one, brother." Kyra said confidently.


    "Are you sure?" Anthony asked.


    "I have never been this certain in my life." Kyra answered.


    Anthony looked into Kyra''s eyes for a few seconds. His sister didn''t even bat her eyes nor she dropped her confidence. She was unyielding.


    "Fine. But don''t get too blinded with love and think properly with a clear mind before you make any decision." Anthony said.


    "That''s it?" Kyra asked, incredulously. She can''t believe that her brother caved in this fast. It''s been like five minutes or so, and he said he is fine with her relationship with Oliver.


    "Yes, that is it. It''s your life, You choose what is right and wrong for you." Anthony said.


    "I didn''t expect you to be this cool when it comes to this matter." Kyra said as she leaned on her brother''s shoulder.


    Anthony ruffled her hair.


    "If it was someone else, I would definitely not act this cool. I know Oliver and I know that he is a good guy who values the people around him." Anthony said.


    Although Jennifer never told him that the person she once loved was Oliver, she has told him many times how he made her understand the importance of feelings, loyalty and relationships.


    Jennifer is a successful, beautiful and elegant lady yet Oliver stood firm and didn''t cave in to anything. It showed how much he values his feelings and how certain he is in differentiating between his feelings.


    It means Oliver must have given a lot of thought before getting into a relationship with Kyra.


    And, Anthony knows that Oliver is very picky with people around him. He searched for months before appointing a person as a personal secretary for himself. It is enough to tell how meticulous Oliver is.


    He must be loving Kyra so much. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have allowed her into his life.


    "You think highly of Oliver unlike our brothers." Kyra said.


    "They know that you are getting close to Oliver. At that time, we thought to give you some time before interfering. It''s not like they hate him but they have formed a bad impression on him. It was because Ryan saw Jennifer and Oliver acting close with each other and he has also noticed how disturbed you are because of that."


    "At that time, Oliver claimed to be single and according to Ryan, that gave you some hope. Ryan thought that Oliver is manipulating you into trusting him while he covertly interacted with Jennifer. It made our second and fourth brother have a bad impression on Oliver,"


    "Even though I was on the same page as them, I realized today that Oliver is not like what Ryan depicted him to be. But that doesn''t mean I will trust him blindly, dear sister. I am going to keep an eye on him from now on." Anthony said.


    Kyra smiled and nodded her head. She is sure Oliver would pass this little test of her brother''s.


    "So, what is going on between you and Jennifer? You both came together if I am not wrong." Kyra asked.


    How can she forget that??


    "We met each other in Australia and became friends.." Anthony said.


    "That''s it?" Kyra asked.


    "What else could be there between each other?" Anthony asked.


    "You traveled across the globe and the first person you met is not your dearest sister but your friend? This friend must be very special in your heart." Kyra teased.


    Anthony blushed a little but composed himself.


    "Seems like someone became too mischievous after getting into a relationship." Anthony said, diverting the topic.


    "Don''t divert the topic, bro. Just tell me what you think about Jennifer." Kyra asked.


    "There is nothing special, Kyra. She is just a friend." Anthony told his sister.


    "Fine. Just like how you are keeping an eye on my boyfriend, I will keep an eye on you and Jennifer too." Kyra told her brother as they walked out of the room.


    "Ky, can you and Jennifer prepare some night snacks while I and Oliver have  a quick chat." Anthony, Kyra''s brother said as he gave a meaningful look to Oliver.


    Kyra nodded her head and gave a quick smile to Oliver.


    She saw this coming already.. Her brothers never say anything to her so, she has already expected that Anthony would talk to Oliver about the rest of the things.

 Chapter 162 - Mission Matchmaking.

    "Are you serious?" Anthony asked Oliver as soon as they stepped out of the house.


    "About your sister? I am super serious." Oliver answered immediately.


    "Why do you like her?" Anthony asked.


    "Should there be a reason?" Oliver questioned back.


    Anthony let out a snicker.


    "I don''t know cheesy answers, Oliver. What attracted you to my sister? What made you realise that it is more than a superficial attraction with her?" Anthony asked.


    "Is this some kind of interrogation, William?" Oliver asked. He calls Kyra''s third brother William. They got to know each other while they were attending their respective businesses.


    So, Oliver knows William Anthony Collins as William itself. And, Oliver is relatively close to Kyra''s third brother compared to the remaining four brother''s of Kyra.


    "It''s more than interrogation, Oliver. This is the concern of a brother. I am sure you know how a brother protects his sister." William said.


    Oliver smiled.


    "I can''t express what I felt for Kyra as attraction. When I saw her for the first time here, I felt oddly bonded to her."


    "It can''t be a coincidence but a destiny that your sister felt the same towards me. We both felt scared because of those intense yet strange emotions."


    "However, thanks to the time we got to spend with each other. We realised how special we feel towards each other and maybe because of those feelings, we opened up very fast to each other."


    "As time passed, our feelings for each other strengthened and before I even realised, I had already fallen for her."


    "Maybe because of her past, Kyra took more time than me to realize and sort her feelings but she did come around."


    "Then, we started dating each other." Oliver said. He didn''t go into details because he felt like it''s not necessary. William can understand.


    "You know about her past?" William Anthony asked, surprised and taken back.


    "Not in a detailed manner but yes, I know. Kyra told me after we started dating, " Oliver said.


    "You are indeed special to her then." William Anthony chuckled.


    "Sophia told me once that Kyra took a lot of time to open up to you guys." Oliver said.


    "No need to bloat." William said, rolling his eyes.


    Oliver laughed.


    "But you guys are very important to her." Oliver comforted his friend who seemed to be drinking tons and tons of vinegar.


    "Of course, we are!" William said.


    "You don''t have to worry. I will take care of her properly. I will never hurt her. Even if I had to end up hurting myself I will gladly put her above myself." Oliver promised.


    "I know you are man of your words, Oliver. But doing these things are not as easy as said." William said.


    "I know. I have mentally prepared myself to face anything before I asked Kyra to date me. Right now, she is the most important person in my life." Oliver said.


    "I am happy to hear that. I know you are exaggerating a little but there is some truth in it." William said.


    "Exaggerating?" Oliver asked. He didn''t exaggerate. Kyra is and will be an important person in his life.


    "You said that Kyra is the most important person in your life. What about your sister? Isn''t she the most important one in your life?"


    "After all, your profession as a doctor and your lifetime research is to help your sister to recover her mobility back." William said.


    "I am not asking you to put my sister first. All I ask is, treat her and love her selflessly just like how you love Nora. If you can do that, I will not have any worries about my sister." he added.


    William has seen how much Oliver devotes himself to be a better brother for Nora. His life for his sister is selfless and so pure.


    If Oliver would be able to love Kyra in the same way, what else can he, as a brother of Kyra, ask for?


    Oliver smiled.


    "My sister is still my first priority. But I am willing to treat Kyra as my first priority too. My sister and Kyra are equally important to me." Oliver sincerely said.


    "For now, I will take your words and trust you with my sister. But that doesn''t mean I trust you completely. I will be keeping my eyes on you Oliver. If you even dare to think of hurting my sister I will come after you." William said.


    "I am sure that day won''t come, William." Oliver said.


    "I hope so. However, first of all, you must introduce my sister formally to your sister. You won''t be able to keep your word if they don''t get along."


    "As a brother myself I know that this is a sensitive topic. So, I am willing to give you some time to work on this. But, try your best to do it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will become complex day by day." William said.


    "I am already working on that. You don''t have to worry. I can handle this " Oliver said.


    "Now, it''s my turn to ask you. What is your relationship with Jennifer? She is like a sister to me so, I have a responsibility as a brother towards her " Oliver said.


    William smiled.


    "I am a friend who owes her something. I came back to return that favor " William said.


    -------


    Meanwhile, Jennifer and Kyra who are sitting in the living room continued to look at the two figures who are standing in the garden, still in a serious conversation.


    "Just a friend? Are you being truthful?" Kyra asked once again.


    While Oliver and William are having a conversation, Jennifer has already narrated her story.


    She hid many things but she has covered the outline of her story.


    "Yes, Ky. He is helping me to convince Nora that''s it. He will leave next week and after that we will be as good as strangers." Jennifer said.


    "Do you think that your relationship with Anthony would leave a misunderstanding between you and Nora? I should have seen this coming." Jennifer said, scolding herself.


    Kyra looked at her friend and patted her back.


    "How could you have seen this coming, Jenny? You met my brother in Australia. He was using a different name and it would have been impossible for you to find out that he is from the Collins family. "


    "How could you have linked me to my brother without knowing all this? So, you did nothing to blame yourself."


    "As if your dear Nora is misunderstanding you, I have a great solution." Kyra said.


    That immediately attracted Jennifer''s attention.


    "What is it? Hurry! Tell me!" Jennifer said, shaking Kyra''s arms.


    "Date my brother in real." Kyra said, smiling.


    After listening to Kyra''s words, Jennifer''s excitement dissipated.


    "What? Is my brother not handsome? Is he not a good person?" Kyra asked.


    Jennifer looked at Kyra and sighed.


    "Both my best friends want me to date their brother. Fate is really playing games with me." Jennifer said.


    "You are a beautiful, kind, good hearted person. Every sister would be more than happy to have you as her sister in law." Kyra said, hugging Jennifer''s shoulders.


    Jennifer smiled and hugged Kyra back.


    "So, tell me. Are you agreeing to date my brother?" Kyra asked.


    "You!" Jennifer shouted and started to chase Kyra. Their laughter filled the living room and when William and Oliver came back, they were shocked to see the messy room and the adults fighting like kids.


    "What''s happening?" William asked and as soon as Jennifer heard his voice she stopped herself from throwing a pillow at Kyra.


    "Nothing." Jennifer said.


    When she looked at Anthony her cheeks started to become red. Dating him for real?


    It ..it doesn''t sound that bad.


    "Ky�� I�� need to use the powder room." Jennifer said and quickly escaped. If Oliver and Kyra see her face, they won''t stop teasing her.


    "I will go and freshen up, then." William Anthony told his sister and walked towards the room he is sharing with his twin brother, Walter.


    At last, left alone, Oliver and Kyra smiled and hugged each other.


    "Did my brother say something offensive?" Kyra asked as they sat down on the sofa while they cuddled each other.


    "No. As a brother myself, I understand his concerns." Oliver answered.


    "So, is he okay with us dating?" Kyra asked. Although her brother gave his approval to her, she wanted to make sure he was not lying to her.


    "He is. But he told me that he will keep an eye on me." Oliver said.


    "But he is worried about you and my sister. He is worried that you both might not get along with each other." Oliver said.


    "Jennifer is scared of the same thing too." Kyra responded.


    "Speaking of Jennifer, I am not convinced that she has no feelings for my brother." Kyra added.


    "I am thinking the same, Ky. Your brother seems to have something special with Jennifer." Oliver said and when they looked at each other, a knowing smile made its way to their lips.


    Mission matchmaking.

 Chapter 163 - These Are The Times When He Feels Very Attracted To Her.

    It was already past midnight when four of them noticed the time.


    They were talking about some random stuff outdoors, near the small fire pit in Kyra''s backyard and didn''t notice how the time had passed.


    "Why don''t you both stay for the night?" Kyra offered to Jennifer and Oliver who are preparing to leave.


    When Anthony heard his sister, he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. His sister indeed became brave enough to ask her boyfriend to stay for night.


    Oliver would have gladly agreed to her request and truth to be told, he has come here to accompany her tonight. But who would have thought that Kyra''s brother would show up?


    "I am fine with it, Ky." Jennifer said.


    Kyra turned to look at her brother who gave her a disapproving look. He doesn''t want Oliver to stay.


    Kyra blinked her eyes and gave him a puppy look. That alone was enough for her brother to cave in to her request. Sometimes he regrets pampering her this much. Everyone of them became habituated to giving her what she wants.


    "Fine. But he will sleep in the guest room and Jennifer will share the room with you." Anthony said. Like this Oliver won''t be able to sneak into his sister''s room at night.


    Kyra could only sigh inside. Her brother is really something!


    "That is how the arrangement will always be." Kyra lied. If not for her brother, she would have preferred to sleep in the warmth and comfort of Oliver''s embrace.


    "Always? This is the last time your boyfriend is allowed to crash in here. There will be no next time." Anthony said.


    Kyra could only nod her head.


    If only her brother was in love, he would have understood how tough it is to stay apart.


    ''I must devise my plan asap. He seriously needs to fall in love.'' Kyra thought inside.


    "I will be across the guest room. And, I might stay awake for some more time." Anthony said, implying that he will be watching Oliver.


    Oliver could only chuckle and walk towards the guest room. He has stayed in this room for a handful of times and he really hoped that this would be the last time. Kyra''s room would be more preferable.


    "How do you know that Kyra is talking about this room?" Anthony asked Oliver.


    "Just now you mentioned that my room is across yours. I have seen you enter this room when you went to freshen up." Oliver quickly came up with an excuse.


    As it made sense, Anthony nodded his head and walked into his room. However, he didn''t close the door immediately and waited for Oliver to go into his room before closing his door.


    ��--------


    "I don''t have any objections if you want to spend the night with Oliver. I can manage to sneak Oliver inside." Jennifer offered after Kyra freshened up and changed her dress to a night suite.


    She passed a new set of night suites to Jennifer and asked, "How are you going to manage that?"


    "I will distract your brother." Jennifer offered.


    "How?" Kyra asked.


    "Maybe this suit is not suitable. Should I give you something sexy and hot to wear?" Kyra teased her friend.


    "YOU!" Jennifer shouted and throwed a pillow at Kyra, making Kyra laugh.


    Dodging it with ease, Kyra looked at her friend, "Then, how do you plan to ''distract'' my brother?" she asked, insisting on the word, ''distract''.


    "You dirty minded! Do you think it is the only way to distract someone?" Jennifer said.


    "An effective method, tho." Kyra said.


    "Leave about that and tell me why you have ''hot and sexy'' night lingeries with you?" she asked, emphasizing the words ''hot and sexy''.


    "Don''t tell me you prepared them beforehand to seduce Oliver!" Jennifer exclaimed.


    "God! Have you done that already? Maybe you were thinking to do it tonight and couldn''t do so because I and Anthony  have interfered." she added while she continued to dodge Kyra''s pillow attack.


    "I didn''t do that nor I have a plan to do it."  Kyra said.


    "Not yet." Jennifer added.


    "Yes��yes. Not yet." Kyra agreed.


    After having their little banter, Kyra and Jennifer lay on the bed, looking at the ceiling.


    "We used to spend nights like these in your house, remember? They were good times." Jennifer said.


    "The only genuine relationship I made at that time was you." Kyra said, smiling at her friend.


    Jennifer smiled too.


    She started to suspect yoKyra''s biological mother and that Roberts family after the night outs she and Kyra had in Roberts mansion. They were controlling Kyra so meticulously that Kyra never realized that.


    They used to refuse to send Kyra to Jennifer''s home for spending a girls night there. In fact, they used to not send her anywhere alone.


    Anyway, that''s in the past. Jennifer didn''t want to ruin the mood by reminding those.


    "We both got our day off granted for tomorrow. Any plans?" Jennifer asked.


    As they have worked hard the last month and didn''t use the day off. So, they have applied for it.


    "No specific plans. I initially planned to work on my paintings. But I finished the work this afternoon."


    "So, I have thought of going to the company and finishing some work but Lisa redirected my work to herself." Kyra said.


    "I know that you are busy. But, you are free tomorrow right?" Jennifer asked.


    Kyra nodded her head while she yawned.


    "Let''s go on a shopping spree." Jennifer said.


    "What do you want to buy?" Kyra asked as she covered both of them with a blanket."


    "Nothing in particular. I have always wanted to go shopping with you but that step sister of yours used to tag along everytime we went." Jennifer said.


    "Let''s do that then." Kyra said.


    Next morning.


    Anthony is the first one to wake up.


    The first thing he did was to check if Oliver was in his room. The door was closed from inside so Anthony couldn''t do anything but wait for someone to wake up.


    Freshening up, he was about to hit the gym on the first floor but by the time he entered the gym room, Kyra was already there, doing treadmill.


    "Morning." he wished her as he sat down to lift weights.


    "Morning, bro." Kyra greeted her brother with a bright smile.


    "I believe that you stayed in your room last night." Anthony said.


    Kyra rolled her eyes and stopped the treadmill to turn to look at him.


    "I was so tired that I slept the very next minute I went to bed. Have a little faith in your sister, bro." Kyra said.


    "You fell in love. Anyone who is in love can''t be trusted with the words." Anthony said.


    Kyra chuckled and continued her workout.


    "I will be going back tomorrow." Anthony said after some time.


    "Tomorrow? Jennifer said that you would be staying for a week." Kyra asked.


    "Something came up. I have to go." her brother replied.


    Kyra didn''t ask much. Her brother is busy after all.


    "I will come back in three days. Don''t get too excited that I am leaving." he added.


    Kyra rolled her eyes.


    "Why will I be excited that you are leaving? I have a boyfriend but that doesn''t mean I will neglect my brothers." Kyra said.


    ��--------


    "How is your treatment going on?" Jennifer asked Anthony while she drove. She was waiting to ask this from yesterday, but she didn''t get a proper time to do it.


    "It''s going well. According to my doctor, medication would be enough. He is confident that he can. I won''t be needing any surgery," Anthony said.


    A few months back, he found out that he has a tumor in his brain. It is in its early stage so surgery won''t be necessary. It started with migraine and he neglected it assuming that it is his stressful job that''s giving him headaches.


    He fainted in the elevator once and Jennifer happened to be in the elevator at that time. She helped him to his house and insisted on having a check up but he didn''t take her words seriously.


    However, Jennifer didn''t leave it there. She forced him to come with her to the hospital and when she did some tests, this tumor came into light.


    This is what for which he owes her.


    "You should tell your family you know." Jennifer said.


    Except her and his doctor in Australia, no one knows about this tumor.


    He didn''t want to worry his family.


    "I am recovering. If everything goes well, I will be back to normal in a few months. I don''t see any use in worrying them with this." he told her.


    "Stubborn like always." Jennifer muttered.


    "Take care of yourself then. Don''t overwork and have proper sleep. Take your medication properly." Jennifer gave a lecture.


    Anthony chuckled.


    "Don''t nag. I will listen to you okay." he promised her.


    "I don''t believe you! I used to remind you and sometimes, I had to personally visit you to remind you to take medication. Now, I am not there to remind you. How can I not worry?" Jennifer said, concern evident in her voice.


    Anthony looked at her and smiled.


    These are the times when he feels very attracted to her.

 Chapter 164 - You Are Indeed Prepared.

    Kyra and Oliver were left alone when Jennifer and William Anthony left to their own places.


    "That''s the long night." Kyra sighed as she leaned on the sofa and smiled.


    "It is but on the bright side, I don''t have to impress five unyielding brother''s of my girlfriend but only four of them now." Oliver said.


    "Hmm. That''s indeed the best thing that happened last night." Kyra agreed.


    "And, did Jennifer or my brother tell you why he owes Jennifer?" she asked.


    "Nope. I was about to ask you the same thing." Oliver said.


    "I am curious because my brother is very adamant to help Jenny to convince your sister. He never did anything like this. Never." Kyra said.


    "It is indeed making me curious as well. Jennifer has many friends, male friends in Australia. There is a doctor there who is very close to her. My sister would have been easily convinced if it was him." Oliver said.


    "Really?" Kyra asked.


    "Then why did she ask my brother to act as her boyfriend?" Kyra asked.


    "It can be one of these two reasons. She could have asked your brother because she likes him. Or, it could be quite the opposite. She might have asked your brother to act as her boyfriend because she is sure that he would not fall in love with her." Oliver said.


    "I am more focussed on why she didn''t ask her male doctor friend. Is he so in love with her that she didn''t want to give him false hope?" Kyra asked.


    "Nope. He doesn''t have any romantic feelings for Jennifer. He doesn''t have any girlfriend either. He would have gladly helped Jennifer if she asked him." Oliver said.


    "So, that leaves us with an assumption that she asked my brother not because of the second possibility we made. The first one is more logical." Kyra said.


    "Let''s just leave all these and agree to the fact that we are excited to see them in a relationship." Oliver said, chuckling.


    Kyra laughed and nodded her head as she leaned into his embrace.


    "I will work on how to introduce you to my sister. Don''t worry about that and enjoy today''s day off." Oliver said, kissing Kyra''s forehead as he brushed his fingers soothingly on her back.


    "I will leave it to you. I just hope that we will get along well. I will try my level best to make her comfortable with me once we get introduced." Kyra said. This is worrying her most as Nora is an important person in Oliver''s life.


    At the early stages of their dating, she didn''t think much about all these because she was not sure where their relationship would take them too.


    But now, she is sure that he is the right person for her. If everything goes well, they might even marry each other. For dating, two persons and their feelings are enough but for getting married, they had to consider two families.


    Oliver kissed the top of her head and leaned his forehead to hers. After staying like that for a few seconds, they parted.


    It is almost time and he has to go to work.


    "This Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be the charity campaign, Ky. The management team will divide us into groups and allot us to the places. If you want I can pull some strings and have you on the same team as me. Or, in case you want to spend it with Jennifer, I can make you both fall into the same group." Oliver said.


    He, of course, would prefer the first option but he wanted to leave it to Kyra.


    "Can''t we have three of us in the same team?" Kyra asked.


    She liked both the options. What can she do?


    "I don''t want to compete and I definitely don''t want to drink vinegar." Oliver said, making Kyra laugh.


    "You take Jenny as a competitor?" Kyra asked as they walked out of the house towards his car.


    "I started to. She got to sleep with you last night and you both are going on a date this evening." Oliver said. Not to forget that Kyra and Jennifer had enjoyed the night life of the city on Saturday.


    "Aww�� my poor boyfriend." Kyra said, pecking his lips as they stopped at his car.


    "Your boyfriend wants more than a peck." Oliver said, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.


    Kyra chuckled and tiptoed to give a proper kiss.


    Oliver gladly prolonged it till their lungs screamed for oxygen.


    "Next weekend. Let''s go on the long drive we planned." Kyra said.


    "Let''s not postpone it no matter what." Oliver agreed.


    Kyra kissed him again and then they parted their ways.


    ��------------


    The afternoon.


    Kyra dressed up in blue ripped Jeans, a white tank top and a denim jacket. She paired it with comfortable shoes and a handbag.


    She drove by herself to the mall and Jennifer did the same.


    Jennifer was wearing a knee length dress, a denim jacket and she paired them with sneakers and a sling bag. She wanted to recreate their teenage time, so they dressed up like that.


    "You look so cute." Kyra said as she clicked Jennifer''s pic.


    "You look hot no matter what you wear. You are hotter in your nightwear the most." Jennifer said, giggling.


    Kyra could only chuckle and ignore her friends'' teasing. Jennifer has gone through Kyra''s nightwear and even asked Kyra to wear them and show her. They couldn''t sleep last night so they passed their times like that.


    Unfortunately, there are some sexy nightdresses in her closet and they looked so hot and seducing on her that Jennifer couldn''t get enough of teasing Kyra.


    "I told you already. Those are bought by Sophia for me." Kyra said.


    She never had to go shopping because Sophia, Lisa did enough shopping for her. They select outfits better than her so that Kyra never had to go on a clothes hunt. Not to mention her brothers who spoil her with jewelry, handbags, shoes and what not!


    "I will buy for you now, then. As your first best friend, how can I let your second best friend beat me?" Jennifer said, pulling Kyra with her to the nearest store.


    Within thirty minutes or so, Kyra and Jennifer came out with a bunch of bags in their hands. They are not particular about brands and they don''t give a damn about it. They simply don''t care to show off how rich they are, so they buy what they like.


    "Let''s go to that shop." Jennifer said, pointing her finger towards the lingerie shop.


    "You wanna buy for you?" Kyra asked.


    "No idiot. Let''s buy it for you. You are the one with a boyfriend, not me. These will come handy for you sooner or later." Jennifer said.


    Kyra sighed inside.


    "I think I have enough." Kyra said. She indeed has enough. In fact she has more than enough. Lisa and Sophia have been shopping for sexy dresses for her ever since they found out about her relationship with Oliver.


    "So, you are indeed prepared." Jennifer teased.


    "I am not!" Kyra said, flustered.


    "Then, we need to get you prepared. After seeing how intimate you guys became, I think it wouldn''t be long before you guys do ''it''" Jennifer said.


    "Sophia and Lisa bought enough of those for me. I am seriously running out of space in my closet." Kyra said.


    "Are they? Then, I must buy for you too." Jennifer said and pulled Kyra with her to the lingerie shop.


    "She recently found herself a boyfriend and she is looking forward to having a quality time with him. Show the outfits suitable for this occasion please." Jennifer told the sales girl, making Kyra blush.


    She is not used to telling this out loud to anyone.


    "Who said I am looking forward to, Jenny?" Kyra whispered.


    "You are going on a long drive with him. It will last three nights and two days right?" Jennifer asked and Kyra nodded her head.


    "Then, we need three outfits, miss." Jennifer told the sales girl.


    Kyra didn''t know whether to laugh or cry.


    "We are going to enjoy nature, Jen. We would be camping on the mountains in ''tents''. There will be no appropriate time for that, okay." Kyra told Jennifer.


    "Camping? First time under the stars in the wild. You can have a wild night. Miss, show us outfits that have long coats." Jennifer said.


    "You little devil." Kyra said, throwing a shopping bag at Jennifer making her sticking her tongue out.


    "Whatever you select, select two pairs, okay?" Kyra asked.


    "That''s the spirit!" Jennifer said and started to select almost every outfit she was shown.


    "One before doing it and one after doing it, right?" Jennifer asked, making the sales lady chuckle. These both are very cute friends she has seen.


    "No, my little devil. The second pair is for you. How can you seduce my brother if not like this?" Kyra teased.


    While Jennifer and Kyra are having fun, Mellisa (Kyra''s step sister) who is in the same shop with her friend continues to stare at them with jealousy.

 Chapter 165 - Clash Between Sisters.

    "Jennifer..huh." Melissa''s friend asked when she noticed how Jennifer is happily spending time with her friend.


    "She does look so happy." her friend added.


    Melissa snorted.


    "She is indeed a lucky person. Even after that freaking accident, she turned out beautiful like always." her friend continued to speak.


    "She is still close to Oliver, right? I heard that they work in the same hospital and in the same department. That Flo - Jennifer is really something. She followed him to med school and even after getting rejected, she is shamelessly clinging to him." Melissa''s friend diverted the topic when she noticed Melissa''s dark face.


    Melissa is the same age as Oliver and has been in the same class as him for more than fifteen years but she never got his attention, affection or recognition.


    However, Jennifer, although she is younger than him and never shared the same class as him, he used to meet her very often in their school time. They are pretty close that Mellisa was always jealous of her.


    "Who is that other girl beside her?" Melissa''s friend asked. Looking at Kyra, she can tell that she is not an ordinary person.


    "I don''t know her name but I met her once. She works for LK groups." Melissa answered.


    "Employee?" Melissa''s friend asked for which Melissa nodded her head.


    "From what we saw till now, it seems like Jennifer is buying some things for her. That other girl must be from an ordinary background and is taking advantage of Jennifer." her friend shared her thoughts with Melissa.


    Melissa knows that it is not true. Today, this woman might be looking ordinary and pretty easy going but from what she has experienced a couple of days back, Melissa can assure that it is quite the opposite.


    "Mel, seeing that new friend of Jennifer''s I am remembering someone from eight years back. Your step sister. That country bumpkin was close to Jennifer right? It''s a shame that Oliver and you have graduated by the time that country bumpkin became friends with Jennifer. Otherwise, you would have utilized that chance to get close to Oliver." her friend said.


    "That country bumpkin was good for nothing, She was not useful to you at all." she said in a mocking manner.


    "I don''t know why but when I look at that woman with Jennifer, I feel like she resembles my step sister a lot." Melissa said.


    "Why the hell did you feel like that, huh? That country bumpkin is dead for good. This woman here is not your step sister. You are overthinking that''s it." her friend told Melissa.


    "She humiliated me during the meeting." Melissa muttered.


    "What? She humiliated you?! How can we let it go, Mel? Let''s reciprocate the honor, come on." Melissa''s friend pulled her with her to the next store to which Kyra and Jennifer just walked to.


    ��---------


    "We have to go on charity champagne this Thursday right? Let''s buy some suitable, comfy clothes for those four days." Jennifer told Kyra who is getting exhausted already. Unlike most of the women, she is that affinated towards shopping.


    "I have enough, Jen." Kyra helplessly said.


    She was never asked to accompany Sophia and Lisa to shopping because they know that she will hold them back. That is why they would do her shopping as well.


    "You wear such baggy clothes, Ky. You have such a beautiful and sexy figure, which often made me wonder how your boyfriend is still holding his self control, anyway, what I am saying is, be yourself. There is no need to be this low key." Jennifer said.


    Kyra rolled her eyes.


    Jennifer has a knack for jumping from one topic to a totally different topic as freely as water.


    "You want me to stop disguising myself as a nerd dork and be myself?" Kyra asked.


    "Exactly!" Jennifer said.


    "Let''s do that. It is not like I can hide this forever." Kyra said.


    She wanted to avoid attention but it became impossible the next second she got into a relationship with Oliver.


    Their relationship will be brought into light, if not now, at least at some time in future. All her personal details will be dug out and hiding herself would no longer be possible.


    "You agreed!!" Jennifer jumped excitedly, making every person in the shop look at her.


    Controlling her excitement, she whispered, "I never thought you would agree this fast."


    "I am not seeing any use of being low key now." Kyra said.


    "Exactly! First of all, you are the president of LK groups and would be taking over your grandmother''s company soon as well (The company which is now under control of her biological mother). Secondly, you are dating and would marry the most eligible bachelor of this circle anytime soon. Thirdly, you are Collins! You are bound to become a public figure," Jennifer whispered.


    She made sure no one was able to listen to her and in fact no one did. It was at this moment, Melissa and her friend entered the shop and leisurely walked around.


    "It will be cold as we are going to hillside towns this time. Let''s get geared up to bear that freaking temperature first." Jennifer said.


    "Hillside towns? You mean the towns in the mountains to the east of our city?" Kyra asked.


    "Most probably." Jennifer said as she looked around in the winter section.


    "This scarf is good, Ky. It will go well with the dark shaded clothes which you always wear." Jennifer said, showing the scarf to Kyra.


    But Kyra was distracted and didn''t respond to her friend, making Jennifer look at Kyra.


    "What''s wrong?" Jennifer asked.


    But before Kyra could say anything, Melissa''s friend Emma grabbed the scarf in Jennifer''s hand.


    "We will take this." she told the saleslady and chucked it towards her.


    The sales lady managed to catch it but she looked at Jennifer for confirmation. After all, she was holding it first.


    "Flies. So many flies." Jennifer said, looking at Melissa and Emma.


    Kyra chuckled.


    She was in no mood for this child''s play so she let Jennifer have the fun.


    "YOU- how dare you." Emma sneered and was about to get physical but Kyra stopped her thanks to her quick reflexes.


    "Jen, after observing this lady''s emotions, I feel like she needs mental counseling. Should we help her in making appointments in our hospital?" Kyra asked.


    "You are generous like always, Ky. I don''t think rude people deserve that generosity." Jen said.


    "Oh, even you work in that hospital. Let me tell you miss, this Jennifer here is so shameless that she is clinging on to your boss, Mr. Miller even though he rejected her countless times. You shouldn''t be hanging out with shameless people like her." Emma said.


    Jennifer clenched her fists. This news of Oliver rejecting her has become famous in the whole circle that she is often mocked for that.


    "Really, Jen?" Kyra asked and that made Emma and Melissa smirk.


    Jennifer is so perfect.


    Beautiful.


    Successful.


    Rich.


    Loved by everyone and adored by mostly every guy in the circle.


    Only opportunity to mock her is to bring her the most humiliating rejection.


    "My brother would be so mad if he finds out some people here are mocking his girlfriend with some small thing in the past. Maybe you are right. These people do need counseling."


    "They are holding on to such a small thing from the past and are overthinking it to this extent. Ut shows how free they are. They must be given counseling for wasting their precious peak age on other people''s life instead of enhancing their own." Kyra said.


    "It is your friend who needs counseling, miss. She was and might still be depressed for getting rejected in such a humiliating way." Emma, although embraced, retaliated.


    "Is there no security here? Kick those both who started the fight out." the onlooker said.


    "Yes. It''s noisy. High end shops like yours should take care of these." another person said.


    Emma got frustrated.


    "You- how dare you!" she shouted and threw a heavy yet small statue which is kept for show.


    Kyra was about to catch it but someone else did it first, preventing it from injuring Jennifer.


    "You fine, baby?" he asked Jennifer, making Kyra almost cough. It is her brother.


    She texted him to come here to pick her up. Her actual plan was to ask him to send Jennifer home but she knows that he wouldn''t come if she said the truth. So, she came up with a white lie.


    ''Perfect time, bro'' Kyra thought inside and smiled.


    "Jen," Anthony called her again. Even he doesn''t know why he did this. He simply couldn''t tolerate seeing Jennifer getting bullied.


    It made his blood boil. So, even before he registered what he did, he was already here.


    Meanwhile, Melissa and Emma are in utter shock.


    So handsome!


    He is no less to Oliver and God! His voice is so sexy and husky that it pumped all their blood to their cheeks.


    This guy here is Jennifer''s boyfriend??


    He is like a human version of adonis!

 Chapter 166 - Finally She Vented Out Her Anger.

    Meanwhile, Melissa and Emma are in utter shock.


    So handsome!


    He is no less to Oliver and God! His voice is so sexy and husky that it pumped all their blood to their cheeks.


    This guy here is Jennifer''s boyfriend??


    He is like a human version of adonis!


    She might have got rejected by a gem. But she found an equally valuable gem for her.


    "Call the security and get these people out of here if you don''t want a case filed against your boutique." Anthony told the manager.


    "She is the daughter of the owner of this boutique, sir." the manager politely said, not knowing what to do.


    "I will lose my job if I call the security on her," he added.


    "You know what, Bro. Let''s leave by ourselves. I am starting to feel like this boutique is not that suitable for mine and Jenny''s taste. Moreover, quality is poor and there are no proper collections as well."


    "I was initially thinking of tying up with a company for the next collaboration. It seems like they are really not worthy." Kyra said.


    It is when Melissa was snapped back into reality.


    How the hell did she forget that this woman here is in charge of the major collaboration her dad is trying so hard to get?


    How did she dare to forget how hard she has worked to get one chance from this woman. Kyra said she will look into the matter one last time and if she is not convinced even then, she said she would reject the collaboration.


    "No��no. Ms. K. Don''t say that. Please don''t say that."


    "One chance. One last chance. I will prove to you that our other businesses are worthy of collaboration with your company. My dad will kill me if I become the reason for losing a collaboration worth billions." Melissa begged.


    "So, you agree that this clothing business of yours is not worthy. Alas! I can''t help you then. Me and my friend will prefer the collaborations only if every business of our party B is successful and worthy enough." Kyra said.


    Melissa was on the verge of tears.


    The way this woman carried herself and the mysterious authority in her voice made Melissa feel pressured. It made her say such a lame words.


    "I beg for the last chance, Ms. K. This is the last chance my father gave me to prove myself. Please." Melissa begged as she fell onto her knees. If she fails to prove herself now, her father won''t allow her to work in the modeling field parallel to this business career of hers.


    This is what he told her the last night when she said that she can''t handle Kyra.


    "This is a competitive world, Ms. Roberts. Begging or crying won''t take you anywhere. It is not my fault that you failed to prove yourself."


    "You have not only offended a customer here but brought up her personal life and even dared to go physical with your attacks." Kyra said.


    "This is done by my friend. Not me!" Melissa said, throwing an angry glare at her distressed friend, Emma.


    "You are an accomplice. Although you stood here without doing anything but let your friend bully someone, you are an accomplice. I would have not questioned your character if you would have stopped your friend and made her apologize to my friend here."


    "Which, I recall, you didn''t. The most important and the first thing I take into consideration while collaborating with someone is their character and their sincerity."


    "You lack in both of these. I can''t give you a last chance nor I could pity you for bringing this on yourself." Kyra said and turned to her brother and friend who were looking at her with a smile.


    "Let''s go back home, bro. I am sorry that this ruined the mood of your date night." Kyra said. Which is not a complete lie. She has planned a surprise date night for these both and that is why she called her brother to pick her here.


    Everything happened in a span of a few minutes. The onlookers are still in shock as they haven''t expected that this situation would unravel into this satisfying climax.


    "You said that woman is a mere employee!!" Emma shouted at Melissa.


    "Does she look like a mere employee? Don''t lie! You know that she is not someone ordinary." Melissa rebuked.


    "But I didn''t know that she is this important! You knew yet didn''t stop me from provoking her. She is right! You are not sincere. You don''t treat me as a friend but a mere follower of yours. Shame on you, Melissa. I regret going to this extent for you!" Emma sneered as tears fell from her eyes.


    "Goodbye!!" saying that, Emma left without turning back.


    Melissa clenched her teeth and balled her fists as she looked at Kyra who was almost out of her sight.


    ��----------


    "That was satisfying," Kyra told her brother and Jennifer.


    When she was venting out on Melissa it was not only because of what happened now but for the things that happened eight years back.


    All that ''being accomplice even if you did nothing yourself'' was because of what Melissa did eight years back.


    Yes, it was true that Melissa did nothing to directly harm her. But she had known all the time what was happening and will happen in future.


    Just like today, all she did was stay quiet and let her father and step mother destroy an innocent life but for two years.


    Not being sincere and not having a proper character is also inferred from eight years back.


    She has trusted Melissa and treated her like her own sister. They had many memories.


    Kyra thought that Melissa had at least not faked the moment''s they had.


    But it turned out Melissa was trying to use her for her selfish deeds.


    Asking to be friends with Jennifer, tagging along for the shopping with her and Jennifer and many other things she did were to get close to Oliver who was and is still her crush.


    Everything was fake!


    She was not only selfish, cunning and fake but also treated everyone around her as resources for her own growth and happiness.


    "Feeling light now?" Jennifer asked. At first she felt guilty for dragging Kyra to that boutique which belongs to Robert''s family but the climax was very satisfying.


    "So much. More than the other three in that family, I loathed Melissa the most. We used to be so close and everything was nothing but lies. I feel less agonized now." Kyra answered her friend.


    "That is why you need to vent everything, Ky. You will feel much better after handling all those people from that family." Jennifer said.


    Kyra smiled and leaned on to her friend. Jennifer reciprocated happily.


    Meanwhile, Anthony looked at his sister and Jennifer who were having a moment and smiled.


    After going back to the hotel, he investigated more about Jennifer and her relationship with Kyra.


    He was not able to dig more into her life before. It was because she had a different name back then and all her past as Florence was tightly protected by her family.


    They are not someone he can simply mess up with. It''s not impossible to extract the information about Jennifer but he didn''t want unknown trouble.


    Moreover there was no threat to Kyra from her.


    He got curious only after finding out that Florence from his sister''s past is the Jennifer he knows in Australia.


    Only after finding out this, he risked digging deeper and he fortunately found out enough to understand how much Jennifer valued Kyra.


    His opinion on Jennifer went to the next level after learning this. Jennifer is the only real and selfless bond Kyra made in the past.


    ''She is not that bad.'' he thought as he looked at his sister and Jennifer who were eating ice cream and were bantering about something like kids.


    A smile made its way to his lips.


    "How good it would be if me and Jennifer got to stay like this forever right, bro?" Kyra asked when Jennifer excused herself to use the restroom.


    "You are friends. You get to stay like this no matter how many years pass." Anthony told his sister.


    "If I get married to someone and she gets married to some stranger, we will have our own, busy lives to live. We would only get to stay like this if we become family." Kyra said.


    Twisting his sister''s ear, Anthony asked, "What are you trying to tell?"


    Kyra turned towards him and eagerly said, "Try to bring her as my sister in law."


    "Ky, this is not in my hands." Anthony told his sister.


    "What do you think of her?" Kyra asked.


    "She is a good person," he answered.


    "That''s it?" Kyra asked.


    "She is lively," he added.


    "And?" Kyra probed.


    "She is fun to talk to and hang out with," he said, remembering the time they used to hang out.


    "Talking to her makes me feel light and refreshed." he added, remembering how she assured him and comforted him when he got diagnosed with a tumor.


    "You never felt like this towards any other woman, right?" Kyra asked.


    "No. You, our mom, our sister in law makes me feel assured and refreshed as well." he said.


    Kyra laughed looking at her naive brother.

 Chapter 167 - Messing With Them.

    "You never felt like this towards any other woman, right?" Kyra asked.


    "No. You, our mom, our sister in law makes me feel assured and refreshed as well." he said.


    Kyra laughed looking at her naive brother.


    "We are different bro. And, it is too obvious that you have a special bond with her, is it not?"


    Kyra asked but her brother didn''t respond.


    "We are your family, someone you trust and cherish so much. You, feeling the same towards her alone is enough to say that she is a special person in your heart." Kyra said.


    "My sister has grown up a lot." Anthony said with a smile as he dotingly looked at her.


    "I have grown up a long time back." Kyra said.


    Anthony ruffled her hair.


    "You were clueless and naive when it came to people''s feelings and analyzing them. But you have changed a lot after meeting him. You are more mature and can study someone else''s feelings and motives. I am relieved." he told her.


    Kyra smiled and held her brother''s hand.


    "You can be rest assured that I can handle the people properly now. I won''t get betrayed or backstabbed again." Kyra assured her brother. She knows that her brother''s greatest worry about her is this. They were worried she might judge the people poorly and get herself into trouble.


    "Now, don''t divert the topic. Promise me that you will think about what I said. I am not forcing you to like her because I like her. I am urging you to think about it because I feel like she is compatible with you." Kyra said.


    "She might be the one for you." Kyra whispered as she smiled at her friend who just returned.


    ��---------


    "Bro, I have a date with my boyfriend. Why don''t you drop Jennifer on your way?" Kyra said as soon as they entered the parking lot.


    Oliver was already waiting and waved at them.


    He has changed into casuals and he looked different than his everyday look. He has this devilish charm in his face, making him look more like a mischievous, easy going guy rather than indifferent, aloof person.


    "You didn''t bring your car?" Anthony asked Jennifer who shook her head horizontally.


    "Kyra told me that she would drop me and asked me not to drive myself." Jennifer answered. Kyra told her that she was craving Chinese which was near their school and asked her not to drive her car. She said they could go in her car instead as it will be convenient.


    "Alright. I will drop her." Anthony agreed.


    "Ky, come back early. Before ten." he added.


    "Ten?" Kyra pouted. It''s almost past seven now.


    "Yes, ten. I will be waiting for you in your house." her brother said.


    "Didn''t you book a hotel to stay?" Oliver asked.


    He was thinking of asking Kyra to stay behind tonight. They can have a nice home made dinner in his garden roof, spend some romantic time and cuddle to sleep.


    His favorite part of this is waking up and seeing her beautiful,pleasant face as the first thing in the morning. Then, he can cook, make a quick breakfast for her and leave to work just like a typical married couple do.


    "So?" Anthony asked, aware of what exactly is running in his sister and her boyfriend''s mind.


    They wanted to spend a night together and that is why his mischievous and clever sister is diverting his attention to somewhere else.


    "What Oliver meant is, it would be shameful to not enjoy the perks of that presidential suite you are staying in. Sauna, skyline view, sumptuous food��" Kyra added.


    "It''s not like this is my last stay in some presidential suite. I would rather prefer to spend some siblings time with my sister in her house. So, don''t waste your time in convincing me. The more you stay here, the less quality time you both are gonna get." Anthony said.


    "And, I believe that going to his house is not the ''date'' you are talking about. Cuz, if it is the case, I would have to ask my sister to spend time with me as I will be going back tomorrow." he added.


    Well, going to his house was the plan. Oliver would be tired after his work. So, they rather have some peaceful time in the home than going out.


    "No, we are going to an underwater restaurant to have dinner and have some fun." Oliver quickly said. That was one of the many restaurants he got recommended online.


    "Enjoy then." Anthony said and left with Jennifer.


    Kyra pursed her lips and looked at Oliver.


    "Sorry. We had to change our original plan" she apologized.


    Oliver smiled dotingly at her and hugged her with one hand.


    "That''s fine, Ky. We will have many opportunities in the future." Oliver comforted his disappointed girlfriend.


    Kyra was looking forward to eating his hand made dinner, watching some classic movie and end up sleeping in his warm embrace which not only wards off her bad dreams but also make her have the most beautiful dreams she never dreamt ever before.


    "Yep. We will have many opportunities later." she repeated his words and smiled.


    "Let''s go then. We are left with almost two hours. That''s it." Oliver reminded Kyra as he ushered her into the car.


    ��--------------


    "You are very strict with your sister. It is very evident that they were hoping to spend the night with each other. She is not some eighteen year old teen who might make some mistake and regret it later." Jennifer told Anthony once they got into his car.


    "I am not strict with her. I am just messing with them." Anthony said and winked at her. He doesn''t know why but he is in a very good mood now.


    "Messing with them?" Jennifer asked, not able to believe his words. He sounded genuinely strict a while back.


    "Yes. I can read between the lines, Jenny. I know what they have planned and I know that they are adults and won''t need adult supervision. How many chances I might get to boss my sister and her boyfriend like this?" he asked.


    "You will have eternity to do it, Anthony!" she said. Why is he talking like this? Does it have something to do about his tumor?


    "I know! What I meant is, once they get engaged or married, I will not have the authority to boss them like this." he said, understanding what Jennifer is thinking.


    Only after listening to his explanation, Jennifer let out a sigh in relief.


    "And, thank you for what you did for me back then." She thanked him for helping him in the boutique.


    "I agreed to be your boyfriend for a week. It''s my responsibility to protect you as a boyfriend, right?" he asked, smiling.


    For a second, Jennifer felt disappointed to hear his explanation. He didn''t do it because he cared for her but because he agreed to return her favor wholeheartedly.


    "Moreover, Melissa and her friend have hurt my sister," he added.


    Disappointment became more evident on Jennifer''s face.


    All along, Anthony was observing Jennifer''s face. He has seen how her expressions have morphed depending on his words.


    ''Did she think that I have done it because I care for her? She wanted it to be real,'' he thought.


    Thinking of it, he has done it because he cared for her. He didn''t do it because of that favor he is returning.


    His actions are true by his heart.


    "What happened? You look disappointed." he asked. He doesn''t know why but he loves teasing her like this.


    "Me? No�� not at all. I was thinking about something else." Jennifer lied.


    "Dinner?" he asked, diverting the topic. He likes teasing her but seeing her sad makes him uncomfortable.


    Speaking of his feelings, his sister seems to be right. He does treat Jennifer differently compared to other women.


    "I will have it at home. Thank you." she said, throwing a tantrum.


    "You just did hours of boutique ping. I am sure you will eat some cereal and sleep. Let''s just have dinner and I will drop you after that" he said.


    "Don''t you bring the cereal topic ever again!" Jennifer exclaimed in anger and embarrassment.


    The first time they had dinner together, he was ill and she had to prepare some quick dinner for him. She had nothing but cereal in her house back then.


    "Then, have a proper dinner," he said.


    "Fine!'' Jennifer said, making Anthony chuckle.


    ��--------------


    After having dinner, Jennifer has drunk a bit. So, Anthony had to leave her till her door.


    "Why is your alcohol tolerance so low?" he asked as he helped her to open the door.


    "I have always been like this. You know, no." Jennifer said as she smiled, drunk.


    "Yes..yes. How can I forget and let you drink this much." He chided himself as he followed the drunk lady into her living room, guiding her safely so she wouldn''t hit herself to the wall.


    "Careful, Jen. Otherwise, you will hit the wall again." he said, holding her arm.


    "Can''t you forget that incident?" Jennifer asked as she moved her face too close to his.

 Chapter 168 - More Than Oliver.

    "Careful, Jen. Otherwise, you will hit the wall again." he said, holding her arm.


    "Can''t you forget that incident?" Jennifer asked as she moved her face too close to his.


    She traced her finger on the mark he had on his eyebrow and fixed her eyes on his face.


    She is intoxicated with his handsome face.


    Anthony gulped and held her hand from progressing further. His ear tips started to turn pink as he tried his best to gently stop her.


    "Jen, I don''t want you to regret this later. So, please stop." he said as he stopped her hand from reaching his lips.


    They both were drunk on the last day of her stay in Australia and have crossed the line without much consciousness. Her disappointed and startled self is still imprinted in his face. Did she hate it so much that she has escaped even without listening to his explanation?


    "Regret? I didn''t regret it." she purred in her drunken state.


    Anthony was taken aback by her words that he had let go of her hands.


    Taking that opportunity, Jennifer wrapped her hands around his neck and looked straight into his eyes.


    "I don''t regret giving my first to you. It is�� it is just that I was not able to recall it and when I woke up, you��you seemed to be disgusted. I�� I thought you hated it��so, I�� I left." Jennifer said with tears brimming in her eyes.


    She always looked up to him and had a very good impression on him. She, at one point, even felt attracted to him. He was her secret crush but it only lasted till that morning.


    Looking at his sad and worried face, she felt heart broken.


    She thought that he didn''t look at her like how she used to look at him. It has hit her hard.


    After all, her first love was an unrequited one.


    Even her crush towards Anthony ended in the same direction.


    So, she has killed all her feelings towards him. But when her friend Nora said that she wanted to meet her boyfriend, Jennifer had no option but to approach Anthony.


    He was the first person that came into her mind. Besides her bias towards him, he was the only one who fit perfectly in her fake story. Moreover, he owed her one and once and for all, Jennifer wanted to let go of him completely.


    Anthony took time to register her words and infer the meaning behind those words.


    Disgust?


    Hate?


    Hell no! He was more worried of how she would react and that was the reason for his worried and sad face.


    "I��I was worried about you back then. I thought you would hate me for taking your first. I have never felt disgusted. I�� I would not have touched you in the first place if I did not like you." he whispered to her, suddenly realizing something.


    Yes! He wouldn''t have crossed the line if he didn''t feel special towards her. Drunk or not drunk, it was and still his bottom point.


    Deep down, there was some spark between them but he was not able to realize it. That''s it.


    Jennifer smiled and moved her lips close to him but before she could do anything she fainted on his shoulder.


    Anthony gulped one last time and carefully carried her to the sofa and deposited her there.


    He was about to search for a blanket but he noticed someone at the rails of the first floor, looking at them.


    When he looked up, it was Nora, Jennifer''s best friend and Oliver''s sister.


    She was there for a long time, waiting for her friend Jennifer to come. So, when the door beeped open, she wheeled her chair to the rails to greet Jennifer but happened to witness everything.


    As they were whispering, she couldn''t hear their conversation.


    She waited without announcing her presence as she wanted to see how Anthony treated drunken Jennifen. How would he handle the girl who was drunk and pouncing on him without much consciousness left?


    Would he take advantage of that situation and fulfill his desires or would he respect her and focus on taking care of her rather than taking care of his urges?


    It looks like he falls under the second category.


    "Blanket is in the room right to you." Nora said as she wheeled herself to the mini elevator to bring herself downstairs.


    Anthony nodded his head and left to get a blanket.


    By the time he came back, Nora had already wheeled herself towards Jennifer.


    "I will warm some water for her, first." he said and walked towards the kitchen.


    ''It looks like he knows how to take care of drunken Jennifer'' Nora thought. Forcing this girl to have some warm water is essential. Otherwise, she would end up with an upset stomach the next morning.


    "Jen, wake up." Nora told her best friend, patting her cheeks.


    "I�� I like him." Jennifer subconsciously whispered as she smiled.


    "Really?" Nora asked.


    Her best friend answers even when she is asleep. Her brain is always active.


    "Yes." she answered.


    "More than Oliver?" Nora asked as she nervously clenched her fists.


    "Hmm. I do." Jennifer answered with a smile again.


    What she had for Oliver is not some more attraction. But what she felt with Anthony is more than what she could fathom.


    She used to look forward to meeting him coincidentally in the elevator.


    She used to wait for the weekend so they could meet at their favorite restaurant coincidentally too.


    That excitement, that anticipation�� they are not that special and people often feel the same towards the other person towards whom they are interested. But for Jennifer it is more than excitement and anticipation. His words, his smile�� they used to calm her mind instantly.


    Seeing him sick used to squeeze her heart.


    Maybe she would have understood that she has feelings for him if they had more time and he was equally excited.


    "Here." Anthony said as he slowly made half asleep Jennifer sit. He brought the brim of the glass towards her lips and Jennifer, by reflex, sipped the water.


    He patiently let her finish it before he pressed a tablet to her lips, which Jennifer gulped before having a few sips of water.


    "You seem to be so experienced with handling her drunken self." Nora commented.


    "I was her neighbor for more than a year. We used to go to the same bars and restaurants very often, so I had to help her into her house." he said. He knew her and as a gentleman, how would he leave a drunken woman to her own mercy. Moreover, he was her neighbor.


    And, then his tumor got detected and she became his doctor. She used to take care of him and remind him of everything like his check up schedules, precautions, medications etc. How could he not reciprocate the effort? Without even realizing he started to care for her.


    Jennifer used to hide her feelings saying that she is doing what a doctor has to do. It was because he was indifferent and passive and she didn''t want to look like a fool. Afterall, she got rejected and people in the circle used to make fun of her because her affection towards Oliver was too obvious to everyone.


    "She will not wake up till the morning. If you have any other things to do, you can leave.I will take care of her." Nora said.


    "I will take my leave then. I will leave my number with you, so call me when she wakes up or even if you need any other help." Anthony told Nora.


    After taking a glance at Jennifer once again, he left.


    Nora smiled.


    Whenever she tells the people that she can take care of someone, they often question her if she would really be able to do it. Afterall she is handicapped and taking care of herself alone is a big task.


    It is a typical ideology of the people.


    However, Anthony didn''t even hesitate before leaving his girlfriend in her care.


    It could be that he doesn''t care about his girlfriend or, it could be because he believes that Nora can handle the matter.


    Nora hoped that it was later and went to fetch her laptop to work. She has loads of work pending because of her absence for these past few months.


    While she was immersed in doing her work, a notification made her stop.


    It is the secured, private message from the guy she hired.


    As soon as she met Anthony, she hired a professional spy to keep an eye on him. Today is the first day of their spying on Anthony and she got a few pictures, a video and a brief report from the guy.


    She went through the report her spy had added and then turned on the video. According to the report, Anthony, who was in a meeting with another law firm, left everything and went to the shopping mall. There he met Jennifer.


    The video was added following this brief report.


    Quickly connecting her laptop to her earpods, Nora opened the video.

 Chapter 169 - Bro, You Have To Find Your Happiness Too.

    She went through the report her spy had added and then turned on the video. According to the report, Anthony, who was in a meeting with another law firm, left everything and went to the shopping mall. There he met Jennifer.


    The video was added following this brief report.


    Quickly connecting her laptop to her earpods, Nora opened the video.


    Nora could see that Jennifer was in a boutique by the time Anthony walked. She was with another girl and they seemed to be having an argument with the other two ladies.


    "She?" Nora whispered to herself when she noticed that Jennifer''s shopping buddy was none other than the woman she metin elevator of her brother''s penthouse.


    ''This world can''t be this small, right? Seeing the same person many times just in a span of a few days?'' Nora thought.


    She saw this woman in the hotel the last day and she has been to her brother''s building many times already.


    But Nora didn''t find it that suspicious. She has already found out that this woman is a doctor. The best hospital in the city is Serenity Group of Hospitals where her brother and Jennifer are working. Yesterday she witnessed how extraordinary this woman in the video is. So, it is not a surprise that Jennifer and this woman are colleagues who became friends later.


    Nora resumed the video and she had to pause the video again when she recognized that people arguing with Jennifer and Jenifer''s friend are Mellisa and Emma.


    ''This world is indeed small'' she thought and resumed the video again. It looked like Melissa and Emma were bullying Jennifer. Probably they brought her past again to humiliate her.


    Nora clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. One of the reasons she wants her brother to marry Jennifer is because of this. If, he, the one who rejected her in the past is the one who married her, it will be like a tight slap on the face to people like Melissa and Emma.


    Continuing to watch, she saw that Anthony marched into the boutique and stopped Emma who was about to manhandle Jennifer. He wrapped his arm around her waist and gave a sharp glare to Emma.


    Although Nora couldn''t hear, she could clearly see that Anthony is protecting Jennifer.


    ''So, he actually cares.'' Nora thought and smiled. When she found out that Jennifer and Anthony hadn''t contacted each other the whole day, she started growing suspicious. She asked a hired spy to dig a little more on what Anthony was doing and found out that he is busy with meeting a few law firms to buy them.


    Now, seeing him protect Jennifer like this, her suspicion started to dissipate.


    As the video continued, the spy she hired, who has the hidden camera embedded into his button, moved to the position where Nora could listen and see properly.


    After listening to the conversation of Melissa and Jennifer''s friend, a smile made its way to Nora''s lips.


    This is so satisfying!


    Melissa begging for a chance.


    Nora knows how much Melissa envied Jennifer for having a close relationship with the Miller siblings, Oliver and herself.


    She is also aware how Melissa and her friends cashed Jennifer''s unrequited love to mock her and bully her.


    They used to bring Jennifer''s accident and surgery as well but it once offended Jennifer''s family so much that Melissa and her friends faced consequences.


    From that time they stopped bringing it up. Only after finding out that Jennifer loved Oliver and followed him all the way to med school just to get rejected by him, they got a perfect bait to vent their envity on Jennifer.


    Seeing how Melissa became humbled in front of this woman, Nora felt very satisfied.


    And, the look on Melissa''s face when Anthony claimed to be Jennifer''s boyfriend is even more thrilling and exciting to watch.


    Nora has to rewind it again and again to see the expressions on Melissa''s face.


    ''Maybe Anthony is the right guy for Jenny. Most importantly they both have feelings for each other unlike my brother who treats Jenny as his sister.'' Nora thought and sighed.


    It''s not that easy for her to accept this situation as she has always dreamt to have Jennifer as her sister in law in future.


    But the circumstances are forcing her to accept the truth.


    Nora sighed once again and looked at Jennifer who was smiling in her sleep.


    A smile made its way to Nora''s lips as well.


    Jennifer and Oliver are the most important people in her life and she wishes for their happiness.


    She hoped that they could share the happiness with each other as a wife and husband but it''s fine. If they are happy and living their life, it''s enough.


    Nora knows that she can''t live a long life like her brother and her best friend. Her health conditions are not ideal and if not for her brother''s constant efforts, her quality of life would have deteriorated a lot.


    But she is aware that her body would soon get immune to the medication. It is just a matter of time��


    And, she has accepted that truth.


    ''Jennifer seems to have found her happiness. I can rest in peace if my brother finds his happiness too.'' she thought.


    She preferred Jennifer not only because of their friendship but also because of her family.


    If she is going to die in the future, her brother would be alone. He might be powerful and rich but he will be alone.


    He won''t have someone to lean on when he is exhausted. He won''t have a family to look for if he wants emotional support.


    If it''s Jennifer''s family, Nora is sure that her brother will blend well with them. After all, their families have been close with each other and he is familiar with everyone.


    They can become his family if she, his sister, has to leave him.


    Wiping her tears away, Nora wheeled her hair to the balcony and made a phone call to her brother.


    ��-


    At that time Oliver has just returned after dropping Kyra at her house exactly at ten O clock. Not a minute before or a minute less.


    He took a quick bath and sat down to review the progress of the research his research team or doing on their new approach to help Nora.


    "Hey, sis." he greeted cheerfully. He is in a good mood after spending some time with his girlfriend.


    Nora could sense his high spirits just by his greeting.


    He seems to be in a bright mood today.


    "What''s up?" he asked, sensing his sister unusual silence.


    "Nothing. Just felt like to listen to your voice before I sleep." Nora lied.


    "Aww! My sister is missing her brother. How about I pick you up so we could spend this night watching your favourite movie?" Oliver asked.


    Nora smiled. Her brother must have been truly busy the last week. He is back to normal now. He is not pushing her away.


    "I would love to. But Jennifer came drunk and I promised her ''boyfriend'' to take care of her." Nora said, emphasising the word ''boyfriend''.


    "Oh. She do have a low alcohol tolerance." Oliver said and chuckled. So, Anthony must have dropped her and Nora must have met him now.


    Nora could sense that Oliver didn''t even hesitate or stop. It is as if he truly didn''t get affected by Jennifer having a boyfriend.


    If Oliver had even an ounce of romantic affinity towards Jennifer, he would have paused at least!


    It must be true that he treat Jennifer like a sister.


    He is not even bothered let alone get jealous to realise his feelings for Jennifer, in case they exist, which seems to be impossible now.


    "You knows about her boyfriend?" Nora asked.


    "I found out on the same day you did." Oliver said.


    "What are your thoughts on him?" Nora asked her brother.


    "He seems to care for her." Oliver said. Which is true.


    Anthony has to realise his feelings and take a step forward. That''s it!


    "True. So, are you happy for her?" Nora asked.


    "If she finds her true Mr. Right, how can I not be happy for her?" Oliver said.


    "Don''t you feel sad or empty in the heart? The feeling that something important is leaving your side?" Nora asked.


    It is often that people realise their true feelings only when they are about to get seperated from each other.


    "Nope. It is not like she is going away. We will get to meet her like we always do. In fact, I am feeling happy for her." Oliver said.


    Nora wanted to check if that is the condition here. All again, she got dissapointed that it''s not the case.


    Nora sighed.


    It looks like this is the high time. She have to give up on her hopeless dream.


    "Bro�� you need to find our own happiness too." Nora said with teary eyes and ended the call.


    Tears streamed down her cheek.

 Chapter 170 - Long Distance Dating.

    Thursday.


    After Nora and Oliver''s call, three days have passed and worried Oliver tried many times to talk to his sister but in vain.


    She didn''t tell him why she abruptly wished that he should find his own happiness. Oliver was happy that his sister started to let go of her hopeless dream to see Jennifer and him together but he is more worried about her downcasted, despondent she sounded that night.


    His sister sounded as if she was going to leave him soon and wished him happiness in her absence.


    Although he is worried he didn''t probe any further and took his girlfriend''s advice to give some space to Nora so she could figure things out herself.


    On the other hand, Anthony left for Australia the very next day after his confession to Jennifer. Although he said he would return, he didn''t give any assurance which left Jennifer disappointed and anxious.


    Three days ago, when Jennifer woke up, she found herself lying on the sofa in her home with a terrible hangover. It was Nora who told her that Anthony was the one who came to drop her off that night.


    When Jennifer tried to recall what she did in her drunken state, everything came back to her mind and it left her embarrassed and equally elated at the same time.


    Anthony, her secret crush, confessed that he had a liking towards her and it was not entirely one sided from her side.


    He said that he didn''t regret crossing the line with her a few months back in Australia.


    Although it was a mistake they made in their drunken states, he said he doesn''t feel remorse but guilty for taking her first.


    A smile made its way to Jennifer''s lips when she remembered what happened the next day after his confession.


    ��-----------


    Two days ago. Tuesday.


    Anthony came to meet her in the morning. He brought a hangover soup and later they had breakfast together. Both of them finished their breakfast acting as if nothing changed between them and their pretense remained that way till they stopped at the hospital.


    It was Jennifer''s stop and if she leaves now, she won''t be able to see him again for god knows till when!


    He will be leaving for Australia in the afternoon.


    They sat in the car and he didn''t ask her to alight his car. He looked hesitant and reluctant and it was obvious from his actions that he had something to tell her .


    Seconds become minutes and the silence etched in the car. Neither of them spoke and all they could do is look at each other and give a half smile


    At last, Jennifer mustered up her courage. She had already told him last night that she had a crush on him. Even if she gets rejected, nothing is going to change. Her little secret is out anyway.


    "For what happened that night, a few months ago." she spoke, her voice faint yet audible.


    Anthony''s heart skipped a beat as he fixed his eyes on her and waited for her to finish her words.


    "I��I want you to take responsibility. Anthony, let''s date. Let''s see if we can be a couple." Nora blurted out quickly. Her words are rushed and even before Anthiny could register what Jennifer said, she has already alighted the car and disappeared. She literally ran away, afraid that he would say no.


    Dazed, Anthony made his way to the hotel and checked out. On his way to the airport, all he could think about was Jennifer. Their time in Australia started to play in his mind as he recalled their happy memories and the all heart touching gestures she did for him.


    He has realized that his moments with Jennifer are so far the next happy moments he has besides his time with his family. He actually used to look forward to talking to her, spend time with her. It is just that he never realized how much he got habituated to her presence in his daily life.


    As he never experienced these types of things in his life, he didn''t realize that emptiness in his heart is because of the absence of her in his life after she left. Now, thinking of it, he started to realize everything.


    As his time to board his flight started to approach, he started feeling more and more restless. A bad feeling started to invade his heart. He felt that he would lose his opportunity to understand his true feelings for her if he left now.


    When it started to intensify, he couldn''t take it anymore and immediately took a trip to Jennifer''s hospital. When he went to meet her, she was about to go into the surgery room.


    "Hurry up. I need to go inside.", he heard her say as she shifted her attention from the door to his sweating face. He should have used the stairs and ran all the way here that he is panting.


    "I�� I" he stumbled on his words.


    Jennifer looked at him with a mixture of expectation and anxiety taking over her.


    "I agree. Let''s date, Jen. Let''s give it a try." he told her.


    Jennifer was in shock when she heard his words. She dreamt of this many times but never thought she would listen to these words in real life.


    However, before she could say anything the nurse rushed towards her and urged her to hurry up. The doctors and nurses are waiting for her inside.


    Jennifer had no option. She looked at Anthony apologingly. "Call. I will call later." she said and ran towards the operation team.


    Then, they got busy and could only talk after one whole day had passed.


    Now, they are officially dating. Long distance dating, however.


    ��-------


    "Back to Earth, Jen." Kyra''s words brought Jennifer back from her dream world.


    "You are going into daze more often these days." Kyra said to her friend Jennifer as she packed her last bag.


    They are leaving for their mandatory field trip to provide medical services in rural places. It lasts for four days and everyone must go.


    ''Fortunately'' they are placed in the same group and so was Oliver. Both Jennifer and Kyra know that Oliver pulled some strings to have both of them in the group he is leading.


    Kyra has stayed in Oliver''s house the last two days that she didn''t pack her luggage. She rushed this morning to pack. As Nora stayed in Jennifer''s home, the couple got a chance to stay together.


    They had a lot of work to do at the hospital that they had to work at different times. Sometimes, Oliver used to come back at midnight and sometimes Kyra had to stay at the hospital all night. But they cherished their time together, though they got less time to spend together.


    "Missing my brother, already?" Kyra teased when she noticed that Jennifer is texting Anthony.


    "Can''t I?" Jennifer asked, making Kyra say aww.


    "He didn''t call me last night. Did he call you?" Kyra asked as she and Jennifer descended the stairs.


    "He actually did. I forgot. He asked me to wish you a happy journey." Jennifer said.


    Kyra pouted and wrapped her arms around Oliver who was waiting for her at the stairs to take her luggage.


    "My brother changed a lot. Now, he prefers to speak to his girlfriend more than his sister." she said.


    "Don''t worry, Ky. You can talk to me anytime you want and I will be there with you forever." Oliver said as he kissed Kyra''s forehead.


    "Ahh! So sweet!! I can''t take this PDA anymore. Guys, please understand that I am in a long distance relationship now." Jennifer said.


    "And, that you never had a chance to kiss your boyfriend." Kyra said, rubbing salt on Jennifer''s wound as she kissed Oliver who happily returned the kiss.


    Jennifer''s mood became more sour.


    "You�� you guys!" saying so, she marched out, feigning her anger.


    Oliver and Kyra chuckled and followed their friend out. Past two days, the trio had fun like this even in the hospital.


    Oliver is the happiest one here. These two ladies got each other''s back. In this competitive, tough life of surgeons, it is really a blessing to have a true friend as a colleague. He used to have one as well. Raymond. Not anymore though.


    Oliver left in his own car after he helped Kyra in loading her luggage in her car.


    Jennifer and Kyra got into Kyra''s car and Jennifer looked at a friend who is looking at the neighborhood house.


    "Is it not Daniel''s house? Where is he? It''s been a few months since he answered my call." Jennifer said. He disappeared at the exact time Kyra and Oliver got into a relationship and ever since then there is no trace of him.


    "I asked my second brother. It looks like Daniel didn''t go back to London. He went somewhere else." Kyra answered her friend''s question.


    "Where is he, then? Even Oliver doesn''t know. But, he doesn''t look worried about Daniel." Jennifer said.


    "Oliver said that Daniel told him not to worry. Though Daniel didn''t tell Oliver where he is going, it looks like Daniel knows what he is doing. Don''t worry. According to Daniel''s sister, Chloe, this is not the first time. He disappears for months and returns later."


    "I am not sure but according to what I heard from his family, he often goes to help his friend who does research in the Amazon who has the same expertise as Daniel. Maybe it is where he went.." Kyra added.

 Chapter 171 - She Transformed Back.

    Kyra and Jennifer reached the hospital premises and they right away identified dozens of buses waiting in the west parking lot of the hospital.


    The whole surgery department is going on this four day event but to different locations.


    Kyra parked her car in her designated parking space and alighted the car with Jennifer. She looked a little bothered because she is not wearing her disguise anymore.


    Her hair is not in a tight bun anymore. Her slightly wavy blonde hair reached her waist, bouncing it''s silky waves at the bottom.


    She no longer used her spectacles to conceal her beautiful eyes. Her hazel eyes shone as she walked into sunlight, making her golden flecks more attractive and magnetic.


    She, who always wears formal, slightly baggy clothes, is wearing blue skinny jeans, a white turtle top and a gray trench coat. Her toned body and the hourglass figure is obvious now.


    As it''s going to be cold in mountain regions, Oliver insisted on wearing as many as possible layers of clothes. He didn''t leave Kyra or Jennifer till they were adequately prepared to face cold.


    "Kyra," Jennifer called when Kyra stood at her door, not bothering to close it.


    "Yeah." Kyra responded and when Jennifer signaled her to open the car trunk. Kyra quickly apologized with her eyes and opened the trunk so that they could take their luggage out.


    "Are you not used to the attention?" Jennifer asked. Kyra was a little bubbly but she was attractive when they were in high school. Her beautiful features did receive attention but because of her introverted, low self esteem nature at that time, it didn''t last long.


    But Jennifer is aware that Kyra was famous during her last years of med school and that continued even when she was working in Collins Hospitals. One of the reasons she came here is because of that.


    She didn''t like getting constant attention and after her family background as Collins got revealed, it went to the other level, making it intolerable. That is why she hid her family background and disguised herself just enough to mix in the crowd.


    But now, it didn''t bother her as much as it used to do a few months back. Perhaps, it has something to do with her changing preferences.


    Oliver, his love for her and the recently changing circumstances have started making her feel more free and less obliged to her past.


    "I was used to attention. However, It''s been a bad experience." Kyra told her friend.


    How can she forget that a lunatic was after her and her brother''s had to reveal her background to keep him in check? But their plan backfired later when many started to give her special attention which she hated.


    "I know. Anthony told me about it when I told him yesterday that you will no longer follow your ridiculous rules." Jennifer said. From the start she didn''t like how Kyra overdid her low keyness. She believes that Kyra''s good looks are to give confidence to her, not the other way.


    "You and my brother seem to be getting bonded up in an exponential manner." Kyra said, diverting the topic. She knows that Jennifer has different opinions on some matters compared to her.


    "Are you not happy?" Jennifer asked, pouting.


    "Of course, I am happy. I am elated to know that I will be getting a sister in law soon." Kyra teased her friend who started blushing profusely.


    Kyra laughed and Jennifer pouted in response.


    While the girls were in their own world, enjoying their time, a few people who are standing a few feet away from them are drowning in the envity and awe.


    "I didn''t know Ria was this beautiful!" Claire exclaimed when she looked at Kyra. She never saw Kyra in her casual attire. None of them did.


    "She has such long, beautiful hair. Why does she hide it in a bun? I used to think that she does that to hide her broken, damaged hair to protect it from getting more damaged." the other girl, a nurse from their neuro department said.


    "Yeah, me as well." another nurse agreed.


    "And, she used to wear such loose clothes that I often mocked her for her low sense of fashion. Now, seeing her like this, I can''t say that anymore. Her fashion sense is really good!" another girl who just joined them said.


    "Yeah. See her long legs, well maintained figure!! That thin waist, that sexy bum and ahhh! Totally sexy!" another girl fangirled.


    Meanwhile, Teressa and her minions are fuming.


    They didn''t like how the other girls here were getting smitten by Kyra. They used to be on their side, fangirling Teressa.


    "That might have taken her a lot of effort. She must have spent days in salons for her hair, her face. About fashion sense, she must have planned everything for weeks and got someone to help her with her shopping." Teressa said.


    "She must have gone to some weight-loss treatments." her minion supported Teressa.


    After that, none of them spoke and dispersed to their own buses. It''s almost time and they had to settle in.


    Ignoring the gazes of her colleagues who noticed the drastic changes in her, Kyra followed Jennifer into the bus.


    It''s a group of thirty people for each batch.


    Ron, Claire, Teressa, Lillian, her colleagues and office roommates are in the same batch as her.


    Kyra knows that Oliver wanted Ron to accompany them in the same group. Afterall, he is the only one who knows about Kyra, her background and her relationship with Oliver. He can look after Kyra and Jennifer when Oliver is not with them.


    As for Teressa, her father must have pulled strings to get her into the same group as Oliver. And Lillian must be accompanying her friend. Claire must be a coincidence.


    "Let''s sit here." Jennifer said, pulling Kyra with her to the empty seats. Each row has four seats, two at the left side and other two at the right side, with a walkway in the middle. Four seats share a table, two and two facing each other.


    Kyra simply did what her friend asked.


    She sat down at the window side and so did Jennifer, leaving their next seats empty.


    "I want a window too." Jennifer simply gave an excuse but Kyra knows why Jennifer left a seat empty. It''s for Oliver.


    Her friend is so insightful that she allowed Kyra to board the bus only after every seat except theirs got filled. So, Oliver has to come to sit with them. Teressa left the place between her empty hoping that Oliver would sit beside her but Ron occupied it.


    Kyra knows that he did it intentionally.


    Both Ron and Jennifer are on Oliver''s side.


    When Oliver boarded the bus, a smile made its way to his lips. As expected, only two seats are empty. One is next to his girlfriend and the second one is next to his best friend.


    Pretending to be indifferent, he went and sat beside Kyra. His best friend Jennifer has cleverly filled the seat beside her with a snacks bag she brought to eat.


    The other girls in the bus didn''t know that Oliver would be coming with them on the bus. They thought that he would use his own vehicle like always. This Ria (Kyra) is really lucky!


    As soon as Oliver boarded, the bus took off.


    ''I feel like we are in high school.'' Kyra texted Oliver.


    ''Yeah. See, how much I had to do just to sit beside my girlfriend.'' he texted back.


    Kyra sent a laughing emoji.


    ''You guys would not be getting to sleep together either.'' Jennifer texted.


    ''And, please check once before you text. This is not your private line. It''s our group chat!'' she added.


    Oliver and Kyra texted back at the same time.


    ''We know!''


    ''We wanted to drown you in PDA even now.'''' with a wink emoji.


    ''Soo in the sink!'' Jennifer texted with a crying emoji.


    Kyra chuckled and stopped texting.


    Oliver smiled and leaned on his seat.


    "Dr. Miller, where are we going? No one told us the name of the place." a resident asked.


    More than the fellow doctors, residents are close to Oliver. He often goes to check their progress and help them if they are facing any political trouble in the hospital. However, he doesn''t involve much in their personal stuff. He helps them so that they can focus on their work and not bother about the other affairs of the hospital.


    "Ash Ville," Oliver answered.


    When Kyra heard that name, she became stiff. Her fingers started to tremble slightly and it''s evident that she didn''t take a breath.


    "Ria, are you fine?" Jennifer worriedly asked. This name rang a bell in her head but she couldn''t recall why.


    "Hey, what happened?" Jennifer asked when she saw the trembling fingers.


    The residents looked at Kyra in worry but when Oliver shot a glance, they averted their eyes.


    As their seats are at the end of the bus, only these four residents can look at them. With them averting their eyes, Oliver got enough privacy to worry about his girlfriend openly.


    "What''s wrong, Ky?" He asked, taking her hands into his. It''s evident that her condition has something to do with the town Oliver mentioned.


    Could it be��

 Chapter 172 - She Thought About That Possibility..yet..

    "Ash Ville," Oliver answered.


    When Kyra heard that name, she became stiff. Her fingers started to tremble slightly and it''s evident that she didn''t take a breath.


    "Ria, are you fine?" Jennifer worriedly asked. This name rang a bell in her head but she couldn''t recall why.


    "Hey, what happened?" Jennifer asked when she saw the trembling fingers.


    The residents looked at Kyra in worry but when Oliver shot a glance, they averted their eyes.


    As their seats are at the end of the bus, only these four residents can look at them. With them averting their eyes, Oliver got enough privacy to worry about his girlfriend openly.


    "What''s wrong, Ky?" He asked, taking her hands into his. It''s evident that her condition has something to do with the town Oliver mentioned.


    Could it be��


    "That..that''s my hometown." Kyra whispered just enough for Oliver to hear.


    Jennifer looked at him quizzically and when Oliver nodded his head, confirming Jennifer''s suspicion.


    The name of the town sounded familiar because she heard it from Kyra many years back. AshVille is Kyra''s childhood town.


    It is where she was born and lived for fourteen years before her mother brought her to this city.


    "Are you fine going there?" Oliver asked, caressing Kyra''s palms. They are sweaty and he could tell that she is not fine with going there.


    He could only scold himself for being this reckless.


    He should have looked into the background of the town and he should have asked his girlfriend if she is fine going there.


    He didn''t ask her about this because Kyra told him that any place would be fine as long as they are together.


    "I don''t know." Kyra answered, her voice faint and uncertain.


    Her step mother, her step siblings and a few of her relatives still live there and it hasn''t been smooth sailing for her in the past. She has struggled a lot and when her grandmother died, it became intolerable that she went into depression.


    She tried to commit sucide and got rescued by some mysterious man. A few months later, she tried to take her life again and it was when her biological mother came to rescue but only made her life worse.


    "I don''t think people there will recognize you." Jennifer said.


    "It''s not about trouble, Jen. It''s about memories." Oliver said as he looked at Kyra worriedly.


    "We will be there to ward off all the bad memories." Jennifer said, giving a comfort squeeze to Kyra''s hand.


    "We will get through this, Ky. We are here for you and most importantly, you are not that little girl anymore." Oliver said, pressing a kiss to Kyra''s forehead. He didn''t care that they were in public. For him, his girlfriend comes first.


    "To be frank, I have actually considered this. When you guys said that we would be going to the mountain region to the west of the city, I knew that there was a possibility of me getting assigned to my hometown, AshVille. However, there are many towns and the probability is very low." Kyra said to her friends. Her voice is audible to Oliver and Jennifer alone.


    "If you have already thought about the possibility, you should have told me about it, once Ky. I would have made sure that we wouldn''t get assigned." Oliver said. One word from her and he would have made sure they wouldn''t go to this town where his girlfriend had many bad memories.


    "I know. But I wanted to let nature take its course. If I am destined to go there, I will go there. And, I didn''t want to run away." Kyra said.


    She contemplated it a lot. She knows that the probability of her going back to her hometown is less than five percent. She could make sure she would never go there and all it needs is a one call to Oliver or her uncle.


    But, she remembered Oliver''s words. He asked her not to run away from things and try to face them bravely. It is the only way to fight her trauma. So, at that exact moment, she decided to let fate decide where she had to head.


    "Good. It''s a sign that my girlfriend is progressing. We will be there to support you." Oliver said, smiling at his girlfriend. His pride for her is obvious in his eyes.


    Jennifer nodded her head, confirming that she would be there with Jennifer.


    Kyra nodded her head and leaned on Oliver''s shoulder. She would have maintained her distance however, she wants his comfort so much now. Although she said that she is ready to face it, she is not ready yet.


    There was a chance of ninety five percent for her to evade the possibility of facing her past but when Oliver confirmed that they are going to her hometown, she was taken aback.


    Now, she has to face her past and she doesn''t have the enough courage to do so.


    Oliver leaned his head on her head and entwined their fingers.


    "Don''t be afraid. We are here." Oliver whispered soothingly, lulling Kyra to sleep and kissed Kyra''s cheek. They seem to not care about the other people only!!


    Jennifer is the worried one here. She couldn''t help but worry that her friend''s would get caught red handed. It''s not that they had to worry about it but the consequences might make Kyra''s life tough. Oliver is after all the doctor with a crazy fan base.


    Kyra slept off as soon as she leaned on to Oliver. When he is with her, every worry just disappears and she can peacefully go to sleep.


    After his girlfriend slept. Oliver gently placed her head back on her head rest and distangled their fingers. He would have gladly let Kyra rest on him but he doesn''t want his girlfriend to be the victim of the green eyes monsters in this bus.


    "You come here. I will go there." Jennifer whispered to Oliver and he obliged. Kyra can rest on Jennifer''s shoulder now.


    ��---------


    "Ria has worked hard to make herself attractive. But what''s the use? Our Dr. Miller is immune to it." Teressa proudly said.


    She just saw how Oliver swapped places with Jennifer and it has satiated her jealousy. She was drowning in jealousy when Kyra got to sit beside Oliver. She simply couldn''t stop imagining what Kyra must be cooking to seduce Oliver.


    "Yeah. She must have tried to get close to him but our Dr. Miller must have realized what that seductress is doing and swapped places to protect himself from her." Lillian said, mocking Kyra.


    Ron and Claire who are sitting with them couldn''t help but grit their teeth.


    "First of all, Ria is beautiful from the start. She just didn''t want to be the center of attention to all these malicious comments and gossip." Ron told them.


    And, what seductress?


    Their boss, Dr. Miller is the one who seduced Ria to fall in love with him.


    Taking advantage? For what? For Oliver''s money, status?


    She has them already. Why does she need Oliver to give her these things?


    She is with him because she loves him. Nothing more, nothing less. It''s pure feelings.


    "So, you know how she looks?" Lillian asked.


    "I accidentally saw." he lied.


    "So what if she is a natural beauty?? She has a crappy attitude and character." Teressa said.


    "Crappy character? How do you know?" Claire asked.


    Their conversation is audible to the people in the next seat and they know that it won''t end well.


    So, a girl stood up.


    "Welcome aboard guys. It''s going to be a long journey so, we, the fun club, have decided to organize a few fun activities to keep you guys entertained and of course to get to know each other as we will be working together for the next four days." she announced.


    It caught everyone''s attention and the sleepy Kyra woke up too.


    "So, this is the first game. All our names are written in these papers and we have placed them in this box. I will pick one chit and the person mentioned in it gets to pick another paper. The first person who got picked by me gets to ask a question to the person in the second chit." the girl told everyone.


    Everyone is fine with the game. In fact, it is a nice opportunity as well.


    "Claire." the girl announced. Claire stood up and picked a chit in the box. When she opened the paper, the name written on it was Oliver. Ao, she gets to ask a question to him.


    Oliver couldn''t refuse. After all, this four days trip is not only for charity but to strengthen the relationship between the staff. It means, the hierarchy, the positions of the people don''t matter here.


    "Fine. Ask away." Oliver said. He is indifferent like always but he sounded casual.


    "Dr. Miller, do you have a girlfriend? If you have, then, when did you fall for her?" Claire asked.


    "That''s two questions," the girl who is managing the game said.


    Oliver smiled.


    "Yes, I have a girlfriend. Although I can refrain from answering the second question, I will answer it. It''s been almost four years since I fell for her." he said. Which is true.. Kyra and he met at a twins '' birthday party and it is a love at first sight for him.

 Chapter 173 - Whom Would You Save First?

    Oliver couldn''t refuse. After all, this four days trip is not only for charity but to strengthen the relationship between the staff. It means, the hierarchy, the positions of the people don''t matter here.


    "Fine. Ask away." Oliver said. He is indifferent like always but he sounded casual.


    "Dr. Miller, do you have a girlfriend? If you have, then, when did you fall for her?" Claire asked.


    "That''s two questions," the girl who is managing the game said.


    Oliver smiled.


    "Yes, I have a girlfriend. Although I can refrain from answering the second question, I will answer it. It''s been almost four years since I fell for her." he said. Which is true. Kyra and he met at a twins '' birthday party and it is a love at first sight for him.


    Kyra smiled inside. Yes, that day laid the foundation to their feelings. The dance they shared and the small conversation they had after that are most special to them. Although they haven''t seen each other''s faces and have lied about their names, the time they spent is most precious to them.


    Everyone cheered except for a few people like Teressa, Lillian and the other crazy fans.


    "This is the first time we are seeing you smile like this, Dr. Miller." the girl who is managing this game said.


    Oliver smiled even more. "Thinking of my girlfriend alone makes me smile," he said. He wanted to entwine his fingers with Kyra and smile at her. If possible he wants to kiss her as well.


    Another cheer erupted in the bus, making Oliver shy for the very first time.


    He had to avert his face and look away. It''s too obvious��


    Everyone who was genuinely happy for Oliver felt it was cute. They haven''t seen this shade of him never before. This proves that he is like an ordinary person when it comes to feelings and emotions.


    "We are glad to know that our Dr. Miller is in a relationship." the girl said.


    "Yes, we expect a wedding invitation, Dr. Miller." another guy said.


    Oliver chuckled.


    "I would send everyone the invitation after I propose to my girlfriend." Oliver said. It''s not like he never thought of wedding. In fact, it is something he has been looking forward to.


    Marrying Kyra and officially living with her under one roof and starting his own family with the woman he loves after a few years of enjoying their couple life��


    These are his happiest dreams. The dreams he is looking forward to.


    Before meeting Kyra and falling in love with her, all he dreamt was to become successful and treat his sister''s disease. Now, he has new dreams to look forward to. Of course, his sister is his top priority as well.


    "When can we expect, Dr. Miller." one of the interns asked, excited.


    "You can ask this question if you get the chance in this game." Oliver said with a smile. He would love to answer and show off how much he loves his girlfriend but he can''t answer this question in front of her as it might pressurize Kyra.


    The girl pouted but nodded her head in agreement.


    "The next participant then." the girl said and put the chits back into the box and jiggled it before taking a chit out.


    "This time��it''s Dr. Smith." the girl said, giving a smile to Jennifer.


    Jennifer chuckled and went to take a chit out of the box.


    "It''s Dr. Miller again." Jennifer said.


    "Am I getting scammed here?" Oliver said but gestured to Jennifer to ask him a question.


    "Dr. Miller, you have a girlfriend and you might also have a best female friend, right" So, if both of them fall into the river, whom would you rescue?" she asked. This is a cliche question but she wanted to ask. It''s not like she would get jealous if he saved Kyra and not her. She simply wanted to ask.


    "I will have to save both, Dr. Smith. My girlfriend and best friend are bestest friends and I would be dead if I neglect even one of them. Sometimes, I feel like my girlfriend loves her best friend more than me." Oliver said.


    Everyone laughed. They didn''t know Oliver could speak this much in one go and that his life is this colorful and exciting.


    "I want an exact answer, Dr. Miller." Jennifer demanded.


    "Well, I would save my girlfriend and leave my best friend to be saved by her boyfriend." Oliver said.


    Jennifer smiled and nodded.


    Kyra could only chuckle inside. Oliver played well. He knows that Jennifer would be cooled once Anthony is brought into conversation.


    "It looks like you guys can go on a double date." the girl said.


    Kyra and Jennifer looked at each other and they were obviously thinking, ''Let''s do it as soon as Anthony comes back''.


    "I am looking forward to it." Oliver responded.


    Everyone could only smile again. They could see that he is really happy with his life.


    The game continued.


    After a few rounds��


    "Dr. Lopez." Oliver said looking at his girlfriend. He was waiting for this chance. As there are not many people in the bus, this possibility was something he expected.


    However, now, he didn''t know what to ask.


    "I have heard that you have worked in another hospital before coming here. If you get a chance to go back, what would you do?" he asked.


    It''s been long since this question started haunting him.


    Kyra came here for a year or so. Her initial plan was to return to London and work in her parent''s hospital. She is already missing her family.


    Oliver is not sure whether Kyra''s plans have changed.


    Kyra didn''t answer for a minute.


    "Well, that''s a difficult question, Dr. Miller. I heard that the hospital I used to work at has started to consider opening their branch here. I might go to work there for a few years if they ask me to return. But, I am not sure. I started liking it here." Kyra answered.


    Her family was considering opening a branch here as this city is famous for medical facilities in the whole country, but they have refrained till now.


    If she decides to stay here, they might expand their hospitals to the United States as well. Like this, they could make trips often from London to here. They can even stay here for months if they want to see their daughter.


    Oliver read between the lines and just nodded his head. But, Kyra could see the smile on Oliver''s lips.


    She will miss her parents and family but now, if they have the second head quarters here, they would come here often. Like this, she wouldn''t have to miss them. She would go and work in their parent''s new hospital here so, even she could go on work trips to London and they could do the same.


    Oliver became equally important to her.


    She couldn''t help but miss him.


    Everyone knows that Oliver wouldn''t ask personal questions even if it is out of their working times. So, they didn''t think much. Besides that, everyone knows that he values Dr. Lopez (Ria''s) workmanship so much.


    The game continued for a few more minutes and then they shifted to other games. After playing for an hour or so, everyone returned to their own work.


    Kyra and Jennifer are sitting beside each other, so they had a lot of fun leaving Oliver jealous. He would have had fun along with them if they three were alone.


    Kyra and Jennifer secretly enjoyed Oliver''s jealous glances and after a couple of hours their destination came.


    As the town started to arrive, the surroundings started to become familiar to Kyra. The familiar mountains, the terrains, the fields��


    All her memories started to come back. When she was a small girl and her family was still united, her father used to take her to roam. She would only sleep after she gets some fresh air. Those�� those days�� They were good but after that accident which made her father cripple, her biological mother divorced him and left and married herself into a rich family (The Robert''s family).


    Her father didn''t stay single for long and married his childhood love who just returned to town after divorcing her own husband. Like this, for six years Kyra got an elder step brother and an elder step sister.


    As Kyra resembled her mother a little, it angered her father whenever he saw her. He didn''t love her the same again but her paternal grandparents and relatives loved her. It only made Kyra''s step mother angry and that made Kyra''s life more difficult.


    When Kyra was around twelve or like that, her father and paternal grandparents died as well. It left Kyra in her step mother''s mercy. It was when her step mother started to make her life a living hell. She tarnished Kyra''s name step by step and made her look like a crazy kid.


    At that time, only her maternal grandmother supported her but her maternal grandmother used to live somewhere else and she would say no if Kyra insisted on going back with her.. Kyra didn''t understand why her maternal grandmother used to say no.

 Chapter 174 - Home Town.

    As the bus made its way to the town''s center, Kyra started to feel uneasy. Her knuckles started to turn pale because of her strong grip.


    It''s been more than a decade since she came here and something''s remained the same. The more familiar she felt to this place, the more nervous she started to feel.


    Oliver and Jennifer shared a worried look as they looked at Kyra''s nervous eyes.


    She was around fifteen or so, when she left this place. And, her stay here was not smooth and it is obvious. She tried to commit sucide two times!!


    Oliver could only thank God for sending a savior to help her both times. Although the second time, it was her mother who saved Kyra, he can''t ignore the fact that she saved Kyra from taking her own life. If she didn''t rescue Kyra at that time, he wouldn''t have got an opportunity to meet a wonderful person like Kyra.


    "It''s okay, Ky." Jennifer whispered to her friend and placed Kyra''s head on her shoulders and patted Kyra''s cheeks.


    "Thanks, Jen." Kyra all of a sudden thanked her friend.


    "For what, silly?" Jennifer asked.


    "For coming back into my life and being there for me now and then." Kyra said. She came to realize that she never thanked her friend for doing all these things for her.


    Jennifer smiled.


    "You are making me cry." she said, getting emotional.


    Kyra''s eyes watered too and they shared an affectionate glance.


    Oliver didn''t know whether he should get jealous or feel happy for these friends. He decided to go with the latter for now. Jennifer managed to distract his girlfriend from recalling her past and got distressed.


    The bus stopped at the local hospital which is a two storeyed building.


    As soon as it came to halt, everyone started alighting the bus and Kyra looked at the hospital through the windows once and sighed.


    She got admitted here for a two weeks or so when she tried to commit sucide for the first time. It was when her step mother spread the rumors that Kyra has gone mad and has some psychological problems.


    Kyra''s grip on her arms tightened as she bit her lips.


    A worried look morphed Oliver''s eyes as he looked at his girlfriend. Maybe he can change the venue even now. The group that has gone to the neighborhood town could come here and they could go there instead of working here.


    "I�� I can handle this." Kyra said, although she sounded uncertain the meaning was clear in her eyes. She doesn''t want to run away no matter what happens.


    "Are you sure, Ky?" Oliver asked as he held her hand in his. They are freezing!


    Kyra nodded her head and gave a gentle squeeze to his hand, assuring him.


    "If you can''t take it anymore, let me know, okay?" Oliver whispered to her as he quickly placed a kiss on Kyra''s forehead. As no one in here and everyone except him, Kyra and Jennifer have already disembarked, he took this chance to spread some warmth to his girlfriend.


    Kyra nodded her head. She would have preferred to stay in his embrace for a longer time but she knows that she can''t risk it.


    The trio together alighted the bus and the town mayor was already waiting for them with a big flower blanket in his hands. Kyra right away recognized him. He was their neighbor when she was a kid. She went to school with this guy''s kids and he was a good person back then.


    Now, she is not sure.


    "Dr. Miller, it''s a pleasure to have you here." the man said as he gave a bouquet to Oliver and shook his hand.


    Oliver nodded his head and like always, his indifference only added more respect to him.


    Kyra looked at her boyfriend and smiled. She sometimes forgets that he is one of the top five neurosurgeons in the world. He is actually unapproachable and she must have been blessed to share her life with him.


    While Kyra was busy looking at Oliver in awe, another man beside the town mayor was busy looking at Kyra.


    She�� she looks familiar.


    "This is my son Justin. He will be looking after all the arrangements for these four days. Please look for him anytime, Dr. Miller. He will be glad to help." the town Mayor said as he introduced Oliver to the person beside him.


    Oliver has long back noticed how this ''Justin'' guy is looking at his girlfriend.


    For now, Oliver decided to let it go. He gave a firm handshake to Justin and gave an aloof nod.


    "Welcome to Ash Ville." Justin welcomed and gave a smile to everyone. His eyes lingered on Kyra for a brief second before he shifted his attention back to Oliver.


    "Your stay is at Jackson''s breakfast and bread. They have agreed to take care of the accommodation and food for these four days." Justin said.


    When Kyra heard Jackson''s name, her face stiffened.


    It''s her former family.


    Yes, her surname was Jackson''s till she was fourteen and it changed to Roberts after that. Then, her mysterious savior gave her a fake identity and after that she got adopted by Collins. Maybe she is the only one who has changed her surnames many times!


    Jennifer noticed her friend''s emotions and she right away understood what happened to her. She remembers hearing from Kyra that her family used to run a breakfast and bed at her hometown.


    So, Jackson''s are the ex family!


    Oliver and Jennifer shared a glance and he understood what Jennifer was thinking. He turned to look at Kyra who shook her head horizontally. She knows that her boyfriend was thinking of asking for the change in the accommodation facilities.


    Kyra didn''t want that to happen. She can''t let her discomfort make the other people suffer. Although she hates Jackson''s now, she has to agree that they have the best accommodation facilities in town.


    Oliver could only sigh and let go of his plan.


    Justin didn''t know why but he could not let go of his suddenly developed interest towards Kyra. He, coincidentally, noticed everything but didn''t give it a much thought. Maybe these female doctors and Dr. Miller are close.


    Justin finished showing around the hospital and then turned to look at everyone.


    "This part of the town is called Upper Town. It accommodates all the well established families who can afford a little bit of luxury and of course, they have capacity to go to the city and afford the hospital bill. The second part of the town is what everyone calls ''Lower Town''. It has working class families who barely could meet the ends. The main reason why the mayor has requested the help from the hospital is for the wellness of those people." Justin said.


    Everyone now understood why a well established town wanted these facilities.


    Justin smiled and a dimple formed, making many girls get attracted. He is handsome and looks rich by the way.


    "Ky, you know this guy?" Jennifer asked as they walked around the hospital. After a few minutes they would be going to rest for a few hours and then start their work. By then, the staff would finish setting up the required equipment.


    "Of course, I know. He was my classmate and neighbor. Thinking of the past, I came to realize that he was the closest friend I had. I think�� I had a kind of crush on him when I was young." Kyra said.


    Oliver was walking not far from them and when he heard Kyra, he could only purse his lips. Another guy!


    He took a long stride and he was now walking at the same pace as them.


    "I think he recognized you. But you don''t have many similarities if we compare you with your childhood picture." Oliver said.


    This is what he is more worried about. He is slightly jealous that he is not Kyra''s first crush and didn''t get to see how Kyra from childhood used to be but it''s okay. He gets to see her for the rest of his life.


    "Maybe he didn''t recognize. He just found me attractive." Kyra said, intending to tease her boyfriend who is already sounding slightly jealous.


    "Hmm. My girlfriend is indeed attractive. But that poor guy has to back off as her boyfriend is possessive of her." Oliver whispered.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "Of course�� of course. I am already taken." Kyra agreed.


    "Yeah, she is taken by someone who is far better than him." Oliver said.


    "Guys, I am still here. Please refrain from throwing dog food like this." Jennifer said.


    "Yes, right. Her boyfriend is not here to give her the affection she wants." Kyra teased jennifer.


    While the trio were having fun, Teressa and Lillian looked at them.


    "Why do I feel like these three has become quite close? I feel like Oliver''s girlfriend could be one of these both." a girl who is more observant said.


    "Don''t guess around! Dr. Miller could be lying about having a girlfriend. He doesn''t like it if someone invades his private life. How can he have a girlfriend?" Lillian said as she gave a hurried look to Teressa.


    "I have a friend who studied in Oliver''s school. I heard that he and Jennifer were close back then. Maybe Jennifer is his best friend.. We have seen how she asked Oliver whom he would save if his girlfriend and bestfriend were drowning in the sea, right?" the girl from before said.

 Chapter 175 - There Is More To The Story.

    As usual, Kyra and Jennifer decided to share the room. Like this, Oliver doesn''t have to worry about Kyra.


    "This place didn''t change much." Kyra said as she looked around. This is a three storey building which has almost forty rooms. This town gets a fair amount of tourists every spring because of the mountain view and peaceful weather.


    "It''s the same ten years back?" Jennifer asked.


    "Almost. They renovated and have changed the interior designs. But the structure, the rooms are the same." Kyra said as she traced her hand on the wall.


    "Any good memories here?" Jennifer asked.


    "When I was a child and my paternal grandparents were alive, I did have a few sweet memories here. Only after they died, my life became miserable." Kyra said.


    Jennifer didn''t probe much as they took the elevator with a few others to the third floor where their rooms are alloted.


    Oliver''s room is ''coincidentally'' the next one. He asked Justin to give him a room facing the mountain side and this room is the one with the best view.


    "At Least the view is nice." Jennifer said, opening the curtains of the glass door.


    "Third floor has good scenery." Kyra said as she followed Jennifer into the balcony.


    Oliver was already standing on the balcony and when he saw the girls he smiled.


    "How''s the room?" he asked.


    "It''s good." Jennifer answered.


    "We have to leave in an hour to the hospital. Get some rest." he told Jennifer and then looked at Kyra who was looking outside. Her eyes fixated on the mountain.


    "Ky." he called and the first time, Kyra didn''t respond. She only reacted after a couple of efforts.


    "Come to my room," he said.


    "But -" Kyra was about to say something but Oliver interjected.


    "It''s fine. No one will come to know." he said.


    Kyra contemplated for a few seconds and nodded her head.


    "I will take an hour nap then. Wake me up after you come back." Jennifer said to Kyra, indicating that she is fine with getting left alone.


    Oliver would be able to lift Kyra''s mood when compared to her.


    Kyra nodded her head and gave a weak smile and left for Oliver''s room which is next door.


    As soon as he opened the door, he hugged Kyra and gave a kiss on her forehead.


    That''s it. The wall Kyra has built around her heart crumbled and the tears streamed out of her eyes.


    When Oliver sensed the dampness on his chest, he knew Kyra was crying. He didn''t attempt to give her a worldly comfort as he is aware that it won''t work in this situation. He just hugged her close to his heart and continued brushing her hair with his fingers.


    Only God knows how long has passed when Kyra detached herself from Oliver and looked at his face.


    "I am such a nuisance, no? I always make you and Jennifer worry about me. I should be strong like you." Kyra said, pouting.


    Olier shook his head horizontally and placed another kiss on Kyra''s forehead.


    "You worry us but you are not a nuisance. We are more than willing to face this with you. All we want is to see you happy." Oliver said.


    "Thank you." Kyra said and tiptoed to give Oliver a kiss on his lips.


    Oliver smiled and kissed her deeply. He led her to the sofa and then they cuddled and continued their fervent business.


    ��------


    Meanwhile��


    Jennifer took a hot shower and came out wearing a bathrobe. She was about to go to sleep when her phone started to ring.


    Towel drying her hair, Jennifer walked to her phone and when she noticed that the caller is none other than her boyfriend, a smile made its way to her lips.


    She immediately answered the video call and it seems like he just took a bath. Even though he was in his bathrobe.


    "Had a shower just now?" he asked as he looked at Jennifer whose hair is damp and letting the droplets fall on her slightly flushed face.


    "Hmm. I just took a bath." Jennifer said as her eyes trailed to his hard chest.


    Anthony chuckled seeing his girlfriend distracted.


    "Missing me?" he asked to which Jennifer nodded her head out of reflex.


    When she realized that she let her heart take over, she quickly covered it by saying. "Me? No�� not at all. I am too busy to think of you."


    "Really?" Anthony asked.


    When Jennifer nodded her head, he smirked.


    "So unfortunate. It''s a shame that my girlfriend doesn''t miss me. I was about to go to meet her this weekend." he said.


    "You are coming here??" Jennifer asked, excited. She almost jumped in happiness.


    "Nope. She doesn''t miss me anymore." he replied.


    "What if she doesn''t miss you? You miss her, right? If you do, you can go to meet her." Jennifer said.


    Anthony chuckled and nodded his head as he looked into Jennifer''s eyes lovingly.


    "Oh! No!" Jennifer exclaimed, suddenly realizing something.


    "What happened now?" he asked, curious.


    "This weekend, I won''t be available." Jennifer said.


    "Then, I will simply spend time with my sister." Anthony said, trying to provoke his girlfriend into spending time with him.


    "That''s not possible either. We didn''t tell you but we are working this weekend too. We came for the field trip, remember? It lasts till Sunday evening and we would be returning only on Monday morning." Jennifer said.


    "Right�� right. I forgot that you guys are out of town. But how can your hospital make you work on weekends too? Anthony said.


    "We will be compensated later for our hard work. Our hospital is no less than the Collins Hospital, okay?" Jennifer said.


    Anthony sighed.


    "Tell me where you guys are now. I will try to postpone but if I can''t I will at least come and see my sister and girlfriend from afar and go back." he said.


    When Jennifer remembered that they are in Kyra''s hometown now, she hesitated to tell Anthony. She didn''t ask Kyra if she could tell her brother about their trip to her hometown where her trauma started for the first time.


    "What happened?" Anthony asked.


    "''No..nothing. We�� we are in Ash Ville." Jennifer at last blurted out the truth. As she didn''t know what to say, she could only say the truth.


    "Ash Ville???" Anthony exclaimed. This is the first time he looked this surprised and taken aback.


    "Yeah. We didn''t know till we came." Jennifer said.


    Seeing his expressions change, Jennifer knew that he was infuriated.


    "Kyra was -" before she could say anything Anthony interfered.


    "I will call you in a few minutes, Jen." he said and cut the call. As soon as he ended the call, he called Oliver.


    ��-----


    When Oliver''s phone started to vibrate, Kyra was taking a nap. Oliver just finished persuading Kyra to take a nap as they are left with around half an hour more.


    He is scrolling his phone and was quite surprised to see that his soon to be brother in law is calling him.


    Answering the call, Oliver waited for Anthony to speak.


    "I heard my sister is AshVille. Do you know what that place could do to her?" Anthony came straight to the point.


    Oliver looked at Kyra and then walked into the balcony.


    "We found out only after we came. By the time I wanted to change the plan, we were already here and Kyra said that she didn''t want to escape." Oliver explained.


    "She is stubborn. Don''t let her stay there for long. It would be okay even if she has to be cut from this program but don''t let her stay in that town. There is more to the story you know." Anthony said.


    Oliver has to agree that he was surprised by Anthony''s firm stand on this topic.


    And, there is more to the story he knows???


    ''There is something I should know?" Oliver asked.


    "I know that you have good intentions in letting Kyra stay. I know that you want her to face the trauma rather than letting her escape." Anthony said, not wanting Oliver to misunderstand his hesitancy as lack of trust in him.


    "But, I don''t want her past to trigger something that ended long back." Anthony said.


    "Ended long back?" Oliver asked, now curious and confused.


    All he knows is that Kyra committed suicides two times here and had some bad memeories.


    "When Kyra committed sucide for the first time, she jumped into the river in the mountain there. It was a near death experience to her before she got saved by some tourists there. But after she got out of her coma, she started having very horrible and meaningless dreams that people thought she started to go mad."


    "It is good that she forgot what kind of dreams they were. But, according to the doctors who treated her that time, they used to make her cry and talk gibberish in sleep. They don''t know how but all of a sudden they ceased."


    "They warned us to be careful so that she won''t get triggered again.." Anthony aid.

 Chapter 176 - You Dont Believe In Me?

    "Should I replace her then? I can send her back or I could swap her place with other." Oliver told Anthony.


    "That would be better. I will explain about her situation after I come back this weekend." Anthony said.


    Oliver just nodded his head and ended the call. When he turned around to return to his room, he stopped. In front of him, Kyra is standing with her arms crossed.


    "Replace me? You want me to run away ?" Kyra asked.


    "Ky-" Oliver was about to say something but Kyra interjected.


    "Haven''t you told me just this morning that you would support me through this trip?" Kyra asked, disappointed.


    "I thought you were true with your words and I believed that your trust in me was genuine. Oliver, you are just like my brothers."


    "They love me so much and spoil me endless but when it comes to this, they would rather prefer if I run away than facing it. They don''t believe in me in this aspect"


    "I�� I thought that I at least have you but��but" Kyra didn''t finish speaking and just shook her head and averted her face.


    It is obvious that she is hurt and sad.


    Oliver panicked.


    The first rule. Never make Kyra sad.


    He seems to have broken it.


    "Ky, I believe in you. And, I am genuine when I promised to support you through this. It''s just that your brothers are worried." Oliver said and tried to approach her to hug her.


    Kyra evaded and looked at Oliver.


    "They are always like that. They won''t support me if it comes to this." Kyra said.


    "They have a good reason." Oliver said. Every brother is like this. Even he is the same.


    So, you are on their side, now?" Kyra asked.


    Oliver didn''t answer and that was enough for Kyra to understand.


    "Fine. You can try to send me back but at the end of the day, it would be my choice whether to leave or not." Kyra said and she took a step forward.


    "And, I am not going anywhere. I will show you guys that I am not a coward who can''t face her past." Kyra told Oliver.


    "Kyra. let''s not act on impulse, okay?" Oliver said. Her brothers are right. Kyra is too stubborn sometimes but he somehow understood how she is feeling.


    She is frustrated and angry.


    But she can''t vent it out because the people on the other side are her well wishers on whom she can never get angry.


    The people she loves and values most are the ones who are telling her to back off. It would crumble her confidence and make her feel useless.


    He used to be afraid of blood. So, when he told his family that he wants to become a doctor, they opposed it. They said they believed him but at the same time they covertly opposed his decision.


    When he found out that they don''t have enough trust and confidence in him, Oliver felt terrible and useless.


    ''Do they think I am so fragile and easily intimidated that they couldn''t even think of letting me take a try?'' This was what flooded his mind that time.


    But thank God he had Jennifer and Raymond (his best friend) to support him through that ordeal.


    Now, Kyra is in the same phase as him. She wants to fight her trauma like how he did a few years back. If he listened to his family and decided to cave in to their persuasion, he would not have become one of the top neurosurgeon now.


    He would have inherited the company and would be working as CEO.


    He knows that if Kyra could make it through and have a breakthrough, she would become more successful and happier in her life. But, he is scared.


    Scared that she would plunge more deeper into her trauma if she fails to make it through this ordeal.


    Now, he understood why his grandparents and sister were against him at that time.


    But his friends took a brave step because they have trust in him and were ready to face it with him if he fails.


    Oliver wants to be that person to Kyra now. But, his love for her and the concern for her is dominating this brave idea.


    Meanwhile, Kyra waited and when Oliver didn''t say anything her heart sank. So, he is still against her idea to face her trauma.


    "All right. Do whatever you want but I will not yield." Kyra said and left his room. Before Oliver could even register what happened, Kyra had long left his room.


    He sighed. He has to think thoroughly before taking action but for now, he have to go back to his work.


    ��----------


    When Kyra walked into her room, Jennifer just finished speaking to her boyfriend who is Kyra''s third brother.


    Just by looking at her best friend''s face, she could right away tell that Anthony has planted the same panic seeds in Jennifer as well.


    "Ky-" Jennifer was about to say something to Kyra but Kyra stopped her friend.


    "I don''t want to listen to anything." she said and went into the washroom before slamming the door shut.


    Jennifer looked at her friend and shrugged. Did the couple fight for the first time??


    After a few minutes, Kyra came out patting her face dry.


    "Let''s go?" Jennifer asked.


    "You go. I will come in a few minutes." Kyra said.


    "I can wait." Jennifer offered.


    "I want a few minutes of alone time." Kyra said with a smile.


    Jennifer nodded her head and gave a smile before leaving her friend alone.


    When Jennifer exited the room, Oliver just came out as well.


    "What did you do to my friend? She is in a very sour mood." Jennifer demanded.


    Oliver sighed and told her everything. After hearing him, Jennifer could only imitate him and sigh in return.


    "This�� " Jennifer had no words to say. Surprisingly, she holds the same thoughts as Oliver.


    Oliver''s trauma back then was not as complex as Kyra''s. It is simpler and they actually know the origin of his trauma and how to fight it.


    But Kyra''s trauma is formed layer upon layer. The origin might look simpler but it isn''t.


    However, it looks like this sucide is the starting point. The nightmares that followed this nightmare had such a strong impact on her that she remained almost the same later.


    Depressed, pessimistic, desolated and sad.


    They remained shut when her mother took her under her wing but flooded back once she got betrayed.


    Her trauma is complex and the origin seems even more mysterious.


    "Let''s go. We will persuade her after she cools down a little." Jennifer said.


    Oliver reluctantly looked at the door of Kyra''s room and then nodded his head.


    ��-----------


    The evening quickly passed. Oliver and Kyra crossed paths a few times but Kyra cold heartedly ignored him. Although Oliver wanted to go and cool his girlfriend''s anger, the whole staff was busy.


    As their boss, he can''t go and do his personal work as it will not set the right example.


    By the time he finished and started searching for his girlfriend, the sun had already set. On his way to search for Kyra, he came across Jennifer who seems to be searching for her best friend as well.


    "Nope. The last time I saw, she was treating a kid who is suffering from malnutrition." Jennifer said.


    "Yeah. Me too. But it is a couple of hours back." Oliver said.


    "I will go and ask others if they have seen her somewhere. I saw her with Claire often today." Jennifer said.


    Oliver nodded his head and looked around worriedly.


    Where did his girlfriend go? He should have expected this.


    What if she had decided to look around and something triggered her trauma and made her faint?


    Thinking of that alone made Oliver''s heart race in panic.


    This Girlfriend of his is really, really stubborn.


    "Ky��Kyra took off an hour back it seems. When Claire asked where Kyra was going, she said�� she said that she is going to the mountain for fresh air." Jennifer said while she panted.


    She had to run all the way after hearing Claire''s words.


    "What??" Oliver shouted.


    "How could they let her go alone to the mountain?? That too at this time??" he shouted.


    "Claire insisted on going but Kyra stopped her, it seems. She insisted on going alone and assured me that she would be back in an hour." Jennifer said.


    "Kyra told Claire that she would not be going deep into the mountains and would return as soon as it starts to turn dark." she added.


    "Still!" Oliver exclaimed angrily. What exactly is Kyra thinking??


    "It''s been almost an hour since she went and the sky is already dark. I�� I am going to search for her." Oliver said.


    "I�� I will come with you." Jennifer said but Oliver shook his head horizontally.


    "If I don''t return with Kyra in an hour, alert Justin and come to search for her. No�� don''t wait. Go now only and tell him that one of the staff went missing and has to be found immediately.." Oliver said and ran towards the mountain.

 Chapter 177 - Missing.

    "What??" Oliver shouted.


    "How could they let her go alone to the mountain?? That too at this time??" he shouted.


    "Claire insisted on going but Kyra stopped her, it seems. She insisted on going alone and assured me that she would be back in an hour." Jennifer said.


    "Kyra told Claire that she would not be going deep into the mountains and would return as soon as it starts to turn dark." she added.


    "Still!" Oliver exclaimed angrily. What exactly is Kyra thinking??


    "It''s been almost an hour since she went and the sky is already dark. I�� I am going to search for her." Oliver said.


    "I�� I will come with you." Jennifer said but Oliver shook his head horizontally.


    "If I don''t return with Kyra in an hour, alert Justin and come to search for her. No�� don''t wait. Go now only and tell him that one of the staff went missing and has to be found immediately." Oliver said and ran towards the mountain.


    Jennifer nodded her head and rushed to ask for help.


    She has to agree that even she is having a bad feeling about this. Her guts are telling her that something bad could happen.


    "I should have kept an eye on her. I should have. I promised Oliver and Anthony that I will be there for her.." she muttered to herself as she made her way hurriedly out of the hospital.


    Her tension and anxiety is evident in her eyes that the passerby people had to stop and look at her.


    "What happened?" Ron asked, stopping her in the middle. He just noticed that their boss, Oliver, was in a hurry as well. And, he could tell that it is something related to Kyra ( Ria Lopez ).


    "It�� It''s Kyra. She�� She is missing. We can''t find her and I.. I think something bad is going to happen." she said, panting.


    "What??" Ron exclaimed.


    "I need help." Jennifer said. Ron nodded his head.


    "I will ask my friends to search with me. You go and ask Justin to help you. He will be knowing the terrain well" Ron said and patted her shoulder before rushing to ask the staff from the hospital who came along with him.


    While Jennifer and Ron are calling for enforcement, Oliver is already on his way to the mountain. He continued to dial her number though it was coming off. His tension and fear is evident in his eyes and for the first time, his arms are shivering.


    If not for Kyra, he would not have managed to walk.


    "Ky��why did you do this. You should have asked someone to accompany us! We would have come with you." Oliver thought as he scolded himself for what happened.


    He should have known that Kyra would get this hurt for what he did. He should have at least told her that he would support her. He should have expected that Kyra would get this hurt with his decision to support her brother rather than her.


    Oliver walked towards the mountain and the sky already started to turn dark. The only light is the full moon and his flashlight.


    He is walking towards the mountain but to be frank he is clueless where he is heading. He should have waited for Jennifer to bring Justin or someone to accompany him. As they are locals they would know where to start and how to search for the people. But he is too worried that he rushed all by himself.


    The forest is not so thick and it is a relief that there are no wild animals or thick flora. It means Kyra would have not gotten attacked. There are only two options left.


    Kyra should have gone somewhere where she wanted to go and spend some time. Or, God forbid, she might have fainted somewhere.


    He hopes that it is the latter.


    "Where would she go?" he thought.


    After thinking for a few minutes he decided to ask her brothers. Oliver has heard of Kyra''s past but it is mainly focused on Kyra''s biological mother and her family. He rarely heard her talking about her childhood and paternal family.


    She used to say that she is not that hurt and didn''t feel betrayed by her father''s family. She used to tell that her step mother and her step siblings never tried to hide their disgust, hate and enmity towards her. What they did, she somehow predicted it.


    Moreover, they didn''t try to hurt her. At least not directly.


    Their actions towards her made her decide to take her own life.


    Anthony, Kyra''s third brother answered the call in the first ring itself. It is as if he is waiting for Oliver or Jennifer to call him. He should be expecting to hear the news that his sister, Kyra got swapped or dropped from this campaign.


    However, when Anthony heard what happened, he felt his heart stop. Anger, fear and anxiety took over him.


    He is in an important meeting with the clients but he is indeed waiting for a call from Oliver. Ever since he heard that his sister is in her childhood home town, his heart is jot at ease. Just like Oliver and Jennifer, he had an intuition that something bad was going to happen.


    "She said she would go to have some fresh air??" Anthony asked. He would have blamed Oliver for letting Kyra out of his sight, but this is not the right time to do it. Finding his sister is more important.


    Moreover, he knows that Oliver and Jennifer would be too busy to keep a constant eye on Kyra. They have their work to do and besides that, his sister is sometimes too stubborn that she would still find a way to do the things in her way no matter how many people try to stop her.


    "Yeah, she told her colleague that she will return in an hour but it''s been more than an one and a half since she left. I am thinking that Kyra would have gone to visit the place that is very special to her."


    "She is angry at me and Jennifer. She is upset the whole day for not taking her side. So, I think she would have gone somewhere which could make her feel calm." Oliver said.


    "Her grandmother''s tomb. Yes! That''s it. Her maternal grandmother''s tomb!" Anthony said, suddenly realizing it.


    "Kyra was close to her grandmother from the maternal side. She once told us that her grandmother used to support her no matter what and spending time with her grandmother would always cheer her up. Even after her grandmother died, Kyra used to go there often and spend most of her time there."


    "Even when�� even when Kyra tried to take her life the second time, she was at her grandmother''s tomb only. Even the first time, she has jumped into the river on her way back from her grandmother''s tomb." ANthony told Oliver.


    "So, we can tell that Kyra would go there when she is very upset. But, she also try some extreme methods!" Oliver exclaimed.


    It doesn''t look like Kyra goes to her grandmother''s tomb to cheer her up but to become more sad and upset.


    "You�� You can say that. That''s why you need to hurry there. It''s on the mountain but I don''t know the exact place." Anthony said. Only he knows how fast his heart is beating.


    His second brother and mother are right! They shouldn''t have allowed her to go to America only! They made a big mistake by letting her go.


    "I will�� I will go there as fast as possible. William, is there any other place where she would go to calm her mind? I don''t think she would have gone to her grandmother''s tomb." Oliver said. He doesn''t know why but his gut feelings are telling him that Kyra wouldn''t have gone to see her grandmother.


    She is not that sad and upset to go and cry her heart out. She is upset and hurt but not to the extent that she can''t bear it. She is happy and she is cherishing the life she has now.


    Even if she wanted to meet her grandmother and tell how she is living her life, she would have gone on a good, sunny day and maybe she would have asked him to accompany her.


    He didn''t know why but he felt like that. He is little confident with his intuition because he and Kyra think very alike most of the time and that is the reason they don''t have to speak much but what is going on in each other''s mind. They simply understand each other.


    "There is another place. The river. Kyra loves that place and she told us that it has a calming effect on her." Anthony said.


    "But, please go to the tomb as well. Ask someone to check the riverside and you go to the tomb." Anthony said. It seems like he has some other thoughts.


    "Yes, I will do that." Oliver said and he cut the call. As soon as he ended it, he called Jennifer and told her to ask Justin to accompany her to the river side.. He wanted to go there but he can''t ask Justin to go to the tomb because they have to reveal Kyra''s past to do that.

 Chapter 178 - Rescuing Her.

    It started to rain. To Oliver''s dismay, the drizzle which had started a few minutes back has started to intensify.


    It would have made the searching process more difficult however, while he was on his way to the mountain, Oliver contacted one of his friends who is a tech geek.


    He asked him to get the detailed, real time map of this mountain asap so that he could know where the river and the graveyard is.


    While his friend was working on this, Oliver made a call to Anthony and just now, he finished the call.


    As the map could be found instantly, Oliver''s friend sent him the very next moment he asked.


    As requested, it is a real time map which his friend has directly accessed using a satellite.


    So, Oliver was able to find a way to Kyra''s grandmother''s tomb though it was raining.


    Besides asking for the map, Oliver has also asked his friend to track Kyra''s phone. Though it is switched off, his techy friend could do it like a cakewalk. All he needs is a few minutes to do that.


    After Oliver ended his call with Kyra''s third brother, Anthony, he made a call to his friend again and this time, to his relief, his friend had already finished his task.


    He found out where Kyra was. At least, where her phone is.


    The location of Kyra was sent right away. Though it is not very accurate, the location might only vary ten meters in radius.


    This will reduce most of the work and Oliver just had to cover the ten meter radius with respect to the location his friend sent.


    When Oliver looked into the location his friend shared, he sighed in relief. Kyra is not at her grandmother''s tomb but at the river which is not very far from where he is standing right now.


    Still, he forwarded the location to Jennifer. Whoever is nearest to Kyra and make sure that she is safe. As it was raining, the land became slippery and it would have become more wet at the riverside. So, finding out that she is safe is enough for Oliver to feel relieved.


    Only he knows how he is feeling right now. He is almost on the verge of a panic attack and to his dismay his gut feelings are still aligned to the bad side.


    Suppressing these pessimistic thoughts, Oliver made his way towards the river. His steps are hurried but he is cautious not to get slipped by the wet, slippery land of this mountain.


    It took him five minutes to reach the location his friend had sent and maybe because of the thick rain that is invading the mountain, he couldn''t find her right away.


    He hoped that Kyra would move away from the river side but her location remained unchanged, indicating that she has not moved from that place yet. Or�� she might have lost her phone at the riverside.


    Oliver could only hope that it is not the latter one.


    "Where are you?" Oliver thought inside as he looked around.


    This river side is looking dangerous. As it is the mountain and the river is flowing downwards, the current is little fast. Moreover, the place where people could stand is not on the same level as the river level. The height of the land is higher compared to that of the river.


    So, if someone accidentally falls into water, they would sink deep into the water because of the height they traveled towards the downfall. Besides this, adding to his worries, the land here is extremely slippery.


    "Kyra!!!" Oliver shouted, hoping that Kyra would be able to hear him.


    Getting no response, he continued to shout her name as he moved around the location his friend had sent him. Thanks to the rain, his friend was not able to pinpoint the location of Kyra.


    Oliver lost count of how many times he called out his girlfriend''s name. His hopes to find her here started to deteriorate and the pessimistic thoughts started to take over him again.


    She might have truly lost her phone here. Otherwise she should have answered by now.


    "Maybe I have to go to the tomb as Anthony suggested." Oliver whispered to himself. Now, he has no confidence in his intuitions. Sticking to the facts seems much more reliable than this.


    However, when Oliver was on his way to the tomb, a scream stopped him in his tracks.


    That voice��


    It is so familiar.


    "Kyra!" Oliver shouted and he started to run towards the source of the sound. It took him a minute or so and by the time he reached, he could only see the water ripples and bubbles at the surface, indicating that someone might have fallen in it.


    Without much thought, Oliver jumped into the river.


    More than the current, the depth and pressure are more dominating. He got plunged into the water right away but it didn''t scare him.


    His focus is solely on the person who is sinking away.


    It''s Kyra and she seems to be having a panic attack.


    ''Shit! She might have remembered her first sucide attempt." Oliver thought. His girlfriend was making no attempts to swim upwards. She is letting the river plunge her into its depths.


    Oliver forced himself to reach Kyra and he did reach her, thanks to his athletic body and swimming practice, he was able to reach her before it''s too late.


    When his hand reached to hold hers, a sudden memory flashed in his mind. He couldn''t tell it was real or something he imagined out of stress, but it is too vivid.


    He could see a girl, around fifteen years old, drowning in the water, just like how Kyra was drowning now. He couldn''t see her face but he could see that she was saved by someone. That person held her hand and pulled her towards himself while he or she swam to reach her.


    The memory ended there and it vanished as soon as it appeared.


    Oliver didn''t have much time to think about it as he had to bring Kyra to the land first.She is already unconscious so she needs the emergency treatment as soon as possible.


    Oliver gripped Kyra''s hand and once she was in his arm, he tightened his hold on her waist and swam to reach the surface.


    Though he managed to do it, he knew that he needed external help to bring Kyra to the shore. There is no land in the same height as this river so, someone from the higher ground has to throw some rope or anything to pull them up.


    When Oliver manages to reach the surface with Kyra in his arms, Jennifer, Justin, Ron and a few other familiar faces are already there, waiting with the rope and a safety harness attached to it.


    They lowered it down and Oliver managed to tighten it around Kyra while he resisted the river flow. As soon as Kyra is in safe hands he holds another rope Ron and others have lowered for him to hold and with the help of these people, he reaches the land.


    By the time he reached, Jennifer and others had just removed the harness and they were about to perform CPR on her but Oliver took the charge and Jennifer assisted him. They performed CPR and mouth to mouth resuscitation continuously till Kyra was able to choke the water.


    Thank God, Kyra was not in a dangerous condition. She didn''t inhale that much of water and after this emergency procedure, Oliver and Jennifer sighed in relief once they made sure that Kyra was safe. Safe at least till they take her to the hospital.


    As Justin brought his jeep which could be used even on this terrain, they drove Kyra to the hospital as fast as they could and as they had already informed the staff there, they were ready with the required equipment.


    Fortunately, Kyra didn''t look as bad as it appeared. After treating, they transferred her to the room and except for Oliver, Jennifer, Ron and Justin, everyone dispersed to their rooms.


    By now, Justin realized that Oliver is Kyra''s boyfriend and that her name is not Ria but Kyra. Although he has many questions now, he didn''t voice them out as this is not the right situation to do so.


    "Call William and tell him that his sister is fine. However, don''t tell him about what happened. Kyra is safe now and it doesn''t matter even if they know." Oliver said.


    He didn''t want her family to know because he is scared. Scared that they would come and take her back to London and never allow her to step into America anymore.


    Jennifer shared the same thoughts. Moreover, Kyra fell into the river by accident. She didn''t intend to do anything extreme.


    "Got it. I will tell him that we found her at the river side and she was taking shelter there for the time being as it started raining" Jennifer said.


    "Tell him that she couldn''t contact us because her phone battery died." Oliver said.


    Jennifer nodded her head and contacted her boyfriend and conveyed the message. Fortunately, he didn''t insist on speaking to Kyra when she told him that his sister is sleeping. After assuring her boyfriend that she will call as soon as Kyra wakes up, Jennifer ended the call and looked at Oliver who is deep in thought.


    He is thinking about the memory that flashed in his brain when he was rescuing Kyra.

 Chapter 179 - It Is Her!!

    "Call William and tell him that his sister is fine. However, don''t tell him about what happened. Kyra is safe now and it doesn''t matter even if they know." Oliver said.


    He didn''t want her family to know because he is scared. Scared that they would come and take her back to London and never allow her to step into America anymore.


    Jennifer shared the same thoughts. Moreover, Kyra fell into the river by accident. She didn''t intend to do anything extreme.


    "Got it. I will tell him that we found her at the river side and she was taking shelter there for the time being as it started raining" Jennifer said.


    "Tell him that she couldn''t contact us because her phone battery died." Oliver said.


    Jennifer nodded her head and contacted her boyfriend and conveyed the message. Fortunately, he didn''t insist on speaking to Kyra when she told him that his sister is sleeping. After assuring her boyfriend that she will call as soon as Kyra wakes up, Jennifer ended the call and looked at Oliver who is deep in thought.


    He is thinking about the memory that flashed in his brain when he was rescuing Kyra. It felt so real but he is sure that he never came across a situation like that.


    Maybe he is not the guy who saved Kyra there. Maybe it is just his imagination due to the stress.


    Or, that girl might not be Kyra. The memory that flashed back there is some random glimpse of something he couldn''t fathom.


    If that girl is really Kyra and the guy who saved her that time is himself, why in the world would he forget it? In the first place, he never came to this town ever before. He didn''t know Kyra until three to four years back.


    "Oliver." Jennifer worriedly called him as she shook his arm. She has been calling him and he didn''t respond at all.


    "Wh..what?" Oliver asked, snapping back into reality.


    "You go and rest. I will look after Kyra." Jennifer said.


    "It''s fine. I will wait here." Oliver insisted. This is the only way he could feel at ease.


    "You got wet in the rain and had to jump into that freezing lake. You must go and eat something hot and rest properly. Else, you will catch a cold, if worse, fever as well." Jennifer said.


    "But-" Oliver was about to say something but Jennifer interjected.


    "Trust me, I will take proper care of her. If you get sick, Kyra will feel guilty and will not stop blaming herself." Jennifer said.


    Justin and Ron who are seated with them looked at each other, sharing same thoughts.


    Kyra is guilty and she is to blame. Who asked her to go at this time and bring trouble to her boyfriend??


    Only if they would have known about Kyra''s past and it''s connection to this town and that river, they might not have felt the same way. But, at the end of the day, Kyra is the one to be blamed.


    However, Oliver loves his girlfriend so much and he could never get angry with her. Moreover, he has his fair amount of share in this. Even after knowing that his girlfriend is sensitive about her past and requires his utmost support, he chose to play safe.


    She got upset and wanted to vent it out. So, she chose to go to the place where she could clear her mind, however, unfortunately, it started to rain and the slippery slopes made her fall into the river.


    If�� he would have told her that he would support her, this wouldn''t have happened.


    This made Oliver blame himself for what happened.


    "I will come back in a few hours so that you can take a rest. Inform me if she wakes up. Don''t forget to eat something, all right?" Oliver said and patted Jennifer''s head. She is the best friend he could never thank enough.


    Jennifer smiled and her eyes twinkled. "Sure." she answered and with that Oliver turned to look at Ron and Justin who are looking at the best friends.


    "Thanks a lot for coming to help at this short notice." he thanked them.


    "She is my friend, sir. No need to thank me for helping a friend." Ron said.


    Oliver smiled. "You can go back and rest. We still have to wake up tomorrow for work." Oliver said.


    Ron nodded his head and wished everyone a good night and left.


    "I will take my leave as well. Call me if you guys need any help." Justin said and he left after wishing them a safe night.


    ��-----


    Oliver felt exhausted. He had to work overnight last night and only returned in the early morning. Even before he could have enough sleep, he had to wake up and get ready for this journey. That made him physically washed out.


    Because of what happened just now, he got fatigued both emotionally and physically. So, as soon as his body felt the warmth of his bed, sleep kicked in.


    He slept well for an hour or so and then it started. The dream��


    It showed him from his point of view where he jumped into the river and to save a girl who was drowning. This time, he could see the girl''s face clearly. It didn''t resemble much of Kyra''s but the features are similar. If one sees clearly he or she could find the resemblance.


    However, Oliver knew that it was Kyra. He felt like he had seen this face before. Though he can''t put his finger on when and where, he is certain that he has seen her.


    All again, that dream stopped when he reached for her hand and he woke up, sweating. It is not a nightmare or a bad dream but his whole body is sweating.


    His sleep vanished as well.


    Oliver sat down and had to remove his shirt to cool down his seating body. Despite the cold weather here, he is literally drowning in his sweat.


    "If the girl in my dreams is really Kyra, then what am I doing there? I don''t remember saving her" He whispered to himself.


    All again, he couldn''t find the answer for that.


    Taking a cold bath, he dressed up and went to the hospital to relieve Jennifer so that she could get enough rest.


    He sat down beside Kyra''s bed and took her hand into his and looked at her face. He is trying to find the resemblance between the girl in his dreams and Kyra. He is sure that it is Kyra but he had to make sure of it again for his own satisfaction.


    "Did we really know each other back then, Ky? If so, why can''t I remember?" he whispered and placed his head on the back of her hand.


    He closed his eyes and without even registering what''s happening, he fell asleep. They are the natural sleeping pills for each other.


    He only woke up when he felt a touch on his head.


    It took him a few seconds to register what was happening and a relief spread across his face when he noticed that his girlfriend was awake and was brushing his hair.


    "How are you feeling?" he asked as he entwined their fingers.


    "Just weak. I am sorry. I troubled you a lot this time." She apologized. She doesn''t remember the details but she could feel that someone had jumped into the water to save her and she faintly recognized the voices when she got wheeled into the hospital. It was her boyfriend who saved her. She can recognize his voice even in her deep sleep.


    "Why did you go at that time? You scared the life out of me." Oliver said, Fear evident in his eyes.


    "Sorry. I was very upset and I might have overthought everything. So, I wanted to clear my head and all I could think of was that river side." Kyra explained.


    "I was about to come back to apologize to you and Jennifer but it started to rain and then only I realized that I was too upset to even charge my phone. I was battery dead long back." she added.


    "I had to stop for shelter but when I realized that rain is not going to stop anytime soon, I wanted to come back. I was in a hurry as I didn''t want to worry you but then I somehow slipped and fell into the water. I am sorry." Kyra apologized as she batted her eyes like a cute puppy and held her ears apologetically like a kid.


    Her actions right away melted Oliver''s heart. Now, he understood why Kyra''s brothers are so helpless when it comes to getting angry at their sister.


    "Don''t do this again, okay? Let us know where you are going at least and double check once if your phone is charged or not. Do you know how scared we were?" Oliver said.


    Kyra pouted and whispered sorry to him.


    Oliver sighed. He could never get angry at her, dammit!


    "You can send me back if you want. I won''t retaliate." Kyra said.. Thinking of it, Oliver and Jennifer had solid reasons for their decision to support her brother.

 Chapter 180 - What Made You Believe It?

    Her actions right away melted Oliver''s heart. Now, he understood why Kyra''s brothers are so helpless when it comes to getting angry at their sister.


    "Don''t do this again, okay? Let us know where you are going at least and double check once if your phone is charged or not. Do you know how scared we were?" Oliver said.


    Kyra pouted and whispered sorry to him.


    Oliver sighed. He could never get angry at her, dammit!


    "You can send me back if you want. I won''t retaliate." Kyra said. Thinking of it, Oliver and Jennifer had solid reasons for their decision to support her brother.


    She thought of it when she was at the river and she felt bad for getting angry at Oliver for no reason. If she is in his shoes, she would do the same as well. She would try to protect him from hurting himself.


    Yes, supporting him to fight his trauma is important but not the top priority compared to protecting him from getting hurt!


    After clearing her head, Kyra wanted to rush to her boyfriend, hug him tightly and apologize for her insensitive behavior but this accident happened and ruined her sweet apology she planned. It in turn made everyone worry about her.


    Oliver smiled after listening to Kyra. He brushed her hair out of her forehead and kissed her forehead.


    "I decided to let you finish your stay here. You are right. You have a tendency to face this." Oliver said.


    "What made you believe it?" Kyra asked as she patted the place beside her, gesturing to him to join her.


    Oliver obliged and after nesteling in the cozy blanket he kissed her hair and said, "At the river. You experienced the same situation you once faced years back yet, it didn''t affect you as much as I predicted. This is enough to confirm that you have become strong to face this." Oliver said.


    Kyra didn''t say anything for a few seconds. Thinking of it, Oliver is right. She didn''t get impacted by this let alone get triggered again.


    "You think so?" Kyra asked as she leaned on his shoulder.


    Oliver smiled and nodded his head.


    "Then, will you come with me tomorrow? I want to introduce you to both my maternal grandmother and paternal grandparents." Kyra asked.


    "I am waiting for you to ask." Oliver said and they both chuckled before snuggling against each other.


    Kyra closed her eyes and soon fell asleep. Oliver wanted to climb out of the bed after Kyra fell asleep but even before he knew it, he fell asleep too.


    ��----------


    The first one to reach the hospital is Jennifer. Fortunately, no one else from their hospital has arrived yet and she was the first one to see how Oliver and Kyra are fast asleep cuddling each other.


    A smile made its way to Jennifer''s lips when she looked at the cute couple who had sweet smiles on their lips. They looked so peaceful and Jennifer has never seen any of them this pleasant.


    ''Would it be this warm and cozy in Anthony''s arms too?'' she thought as she imagined herself sharing a bed with her boyfriend as they cuddled each other.


    A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she got immersed in imagining things.


    She snapped out of it only after remembering something important for which she has rushed to inform both Oliver and Kyra.


    Although she was in a hurry, she didn''t forget to take a quick picture of these cute guys and send them to Sophia and Lisa. Kyra''s two other best friends. At first, she was a little jealous of them as they got to spend eight years with Kyra but eventually became friendly with them as well.


    They want Kyra to be happy and so does she. She supports Oliver and so do they. Their intentions are similar, so it didn''t take them much time to become friends.


    After Jennifer was done with her photo session, she went to Oliver''s side and woke him up by shaking his shoulder.


    Oliver woke up with a jerk but when he saw Jennifer, he pulled his guards down.


    "What happened?" he asked in a low voice.


    "Let''s go out first, shall we? People started to arrive and if you don''t want them to see you cuddling Kyra, you need to leave right now." she said. It is already their luck that she is the one who noticed them.


    Oliver nodded his head. He doesn''t remember falling asleep, thanks to the physical and mental exhaustion he suffered.


    Gently placing Kyra''s head on the pillow, he stood up, straightened his clothes and brushed his hair with his fingers before he followed Jennifer out.


    "Anthony is getting on the flight in a few hours. He will be here by tomorrow morning. I think it has something to do with Kyra''s incident yesterday." she told Olover.


    "He must be worried about his sister. Don''t overthink." Oliver said.


    "Really? Don''t pretend, Oliver." Jennifer said.


    "I think he is coming here to persuade Kyra to return with him to London." she added.


    Oliver pursed his lips. He had the same thoughts as well and he could only hope that it was not the case.


    "I don''t think Kyra will agree. She has many unattended businesses." Oliver said.


    She still had to look for her mysterious savior who sent her to London and not only that but she had to face her trauma and end everything with her biological mother''s family once and for all.


    "I hope so too." Jennifer said.


    "He is your boyfriend. Try to persuade him." Oliver said.


    "We just started to date! Do you really think that I will have such an impact on him?" Jennifer retaliated.


    "Kyra has that impact on me. I could barely get angry at her even after she did this much last night." Oliver said.


    "You are showing off." Jennifer huffed.


    Oliver chuckled but didn''t say anything.


    He knows that Jennifer is less helpful in this matter. He is just messing up with her.


    "But, I will try to persuade." Jennifer said.


    "It would be a great help." Oliver responded.


    After that Oliver went to freshen up and in meanwhile, Kyra woke up and Jennifer brought her breakfast.


    After running a few tests and making sure that she is safe to go, Jennifer lets Kyra discharge from the hospital. However, she was asked to take rest for the morning and if she is feeling better, she is allowed to go to work.


    Oliver spent around an half an hour with Kyra in her room and then he went to hospital to see the patients who are swarming up for the free checkups.


    ��---------


    Meanwhile��


    Kyra took a hot bath and dressed up in denim jeans, a T-shirt and protected herself from the cold with a jacket and a knit hat. Oliver insisted on that and she didn''t want to disobey as she didn''t want him to worry about her.


    She texted Oliver that she would be walking around and assured him that she wouldn''t get herself into trouble. She even shared her live location before heading out.


    She wanted to see how this town has changed in a span of a decade.


    Her first stop was a convenience store. It was once owned by the father of her friend and she used to eat a lot of snacks for free. They are few of the people who pitied her and tried their best to help her.


    These guys are the reason she didn''t suffer malnutrition. For what they have done for her, Kyra is thankful.


    ''She took over.'' Kyra thought and smiled when she saw her childhood friend sitting at the counter.


    ''Oh, she is pregnant'' Kyra thought inside and wondered who the father could be. This is a town and everyone knows each other.


    "Hello." the girl said and smiled at Kyra.


    "Hi." Kyra said. It''s been more than a decade since they have talked to each other and it felt like they were strangers.


    "You are one of the medical staff who came yesterday, right?" she asked Kyra for which Kyra nodded her head.


    "Then, the bill is on me. You can buy whatever you want." the lady said.


    "I can''t do that." Kyra said.


    "Think of it as gratitude. Please don''t say no." the lady said.


    ''Still as kind as before.'' Kyra thought. Yeah, some people never change.


    Kyra nodded her head and looked around before buying a juice, a packet of chips, a dip and a cake.


    These are her childhood favorite combos. She used to eat the same every time she was offered food.


    When the girl saw the products Kyra bought, tears brimmed in her eyes.


    "What happened? Are you in pain?" Kyra asked, as she looked at the protruded belly.


    "No��no. You just reminded me of a friend I lost ten years back." the lady said.


    When Kyra heard that, she even got affected by it. She didn''t expect her childhood friend to remember that. It seems like there are people who still remember her.


    Hiding her emotions, Kyra gave a weak smile and without even looking into her friend''s eyes, she left the store.


    She could only hope that her friend didn''t notice the changes in her but she failed to notice a person who has been following from the start, observing each and every emotion.

 Chapter 181 - Bad Memories Overridden.

    "Hello." the girl said and smiled at Kyra.


    "Hi." Kyra said. It''s been more than a decade since they have talked to each other and it felt like they were strangers.


    "You are one of the medical staff who came yesterday, right?" she asked Kyra for which Kyra nodded her head.


    "Then, the bill is on me. You can buy whatever you want." the lady said.


    "I can''t do that." Kyra said.


    "Think of it as gratitude. Please don''t say no." the lady said.


    ''Still as kind as before.'' Kyra thought. Yeah, some people never change.


    Kyra nodded her head and looked around before buying a juice, a packet of chips, a dip and a cake.


    These are her childhood favorite combos. She used to eat the same every time she was offered food.


    When the girl saw the products Kyra bought, tears brimmed in her eyes.


    "What happened? Are you in pain?" Kyra asked, as she looked at the protruded belly.


    "No��no. You just reminded me of a friend I lost ten years back." the lady said.


    When Kyra heard that, she even got affected by it. She didn''t expect her childhood friend to remember that. It seems like there are people who still remember her.


    Hiding her emotions, Kyra gave a weak smile and without even looking into her friend''s eyes, she left the store.


    She could only hope that her friend didn''t notice the changes in her but she failed to notice a person who has been following from the start, observing each and every emotion.


    After leaving the convenience store, Kyra walked to the park and sat down at her favorite place. This park hasn''t changed even though it''s been like ten years.


    Her favorite bench under her favorite tree is still there.


    ''I think I missed this place'' Kyra thought. Though she had bad memories here she had some good memories as well.


    When she was a kid, she used to sit in this place and eat the snacks she bought from the convenience store.


    She did the same now.


    She sat down on the bench and started to enjoy her food.


    "The taste didn''t change. This juice tastes as good as always." she whispered to herself as she leisurely finished eating. After that she walked around the park, as she reminisced her good memories here as a child.


    Her next stop is a games arcade.


    Before her paternal grandparents died, she had a good childhood and at that time she was a game addict. Her friends�� the one from the convenience store, Justin, the guy who is looking after their stay and other two friends used to play here all their weekend and vacation.


    ''They didn''t remove this place either.'' Kyra thought and went inside.


    Everything is as it is. Nothing changed. Not even the places of the claw machines, arcade machines.


    "Are you here to play, miss?" a man who just came inside, asked.


    When Kyra turned to look around, it was one of her childhood friends again. He didn''t change. He looked similar to his childhood self.


    "Yes." Kyra said.


    He smiled and took the entrance fee and let her inside. Not many people come here to play. After video games became famous, arcade shops have become less popular. However, after the phones and the mobile games became famous, the arcade games have lost its charm.


    Only a few people come to play.


    Kyra went to her favorite claw machine and started to pick the dolls as if they are nothing. A smile made its way to her lips. When she was a kid, she used to fail in picking up the dolls. She used to win once in a while, that too because of luck.


    But now, she knows how to master this claw machine.


    "You seem to be skilled." her childhood friend said as he approached her.


    "I am a surgeon. My fingers are nimble" Kyra said, not averting her eyes from the claw machine.


    She is enjoying this so much that it is reminding her of childhood.


    "So, you are one of the doctors who came here yesterday." he asked and Kyra nodded her head.


    "You love playing these games?" he asked.


    "It reminds me of my only good memories I had in childhood." Kyra answered.


    "It''s been long since I played with a professional like you. Do you want to compete with me?" he asked, pointing to the arcade machine.


    "Sure." Kyra said with a smirk and then the games went for an hour.


    Kyra stopped playing only after she got a call from Oliver.


    It is time for her to report to work. The half day off she got to rest got passed just like this but it happened for good.


    She realized that she has good memories of this place. She has years of good memories to replace with her bad memories. Oliver and her brother''s shouldn''t have to worry about her stay here anymore.


    "I need to report to work. I will try to come back at least once before I go back." Kyra said.


    "We can have a quick lunch, if you don''t mind. My friend owns the best chinese restaurant here." he offered.


    Kyra looked at time and then contemplated for a few seconds before she smiled and nodded her head.


    That''s her favorite restaurant. The owner was her childhood friend.


    Three of her best friends became the owners of a convenience store, an arcade shop and a Chinese restaurant. If her parents didn''t have an accident which led to their divorce and the second marriage of her father, she would have become the owner of the bed and breakfast she is currently residing in.


    Maybe she suffered all this for her own good. If all this wouldn''t have happened, she wouldn''t have become a neurosurgeon who graduated from one of the best med schools. She wouldn''t have started a company with her friends and most importantly, she wouldn''t have got to meet a wonderful family like Collins.


    This sudden realization made it lot easier of her to think of her miserable past now.


    She and her childhood friend walked to the chinese resturant and then she ordered her favorite noodles and fried rice. Although she was full, the delicious smell which wafted her nose made her finish everything she ordered.


    "The lunch is on me, doc." her childhood friend said.


    "No, I can''t let you guys do this." Kyra said.


    "Let me guess. The owner of the convenience store didn''t let you pay, right?" he asked.


    "Right." Kyra said.


    "My wife is as sweet as ever." the chinese restaurant owner said as he gave a dessert to end the meal.


    "Your wife?" Kyra asked. She must say that she is surprised. She thought that her friend one and friend two (arcade shop owner and the convenience shop owner) would end up together.


    "Yes." the Chinese restaurant owner said.


    Kyra looked at her friend two, the arcade guy and she knew that he had feelings but had to let go. The love triangle didn''t end too!


    "I will be going then." Kyra said and bid her farewell before going back to work. She couldn''t help but be excited to share this with Oliver and Jennifer. They would be happy to know that she is not scared of this place anymore.


    ��---------


    "You seem to be in a good mood." Oliver said as they returned to his room after their work was done.


    "I met my childhood friends." Kyra said as she hugged him from behind.


    Oliver smiled and turned around to hug her. "They recognize you?" he asked.


    "Nope. Thanks to knit hats and the specs." Kyra said.


    "What made my girlfriend this happy, then?" he asked as he kissed her head.


    "I just realized that I had good memories too. Meeting them and recreating the childhood memories made me realize that bad memories could be replaced with the good memories I had."  Kyra said.


    Oliver smiled. He is glad that Kyra realizes something worthy enough to convince her brother. This realization is what he call as pogressing.


    However, he didn''t want to tell Kyra that her brother would be coming tomorrow morning. She is in a good mood, so he didn''t want her to worry about the future.


    "Are we still going to meet your grandparents, Ms. Girlfriend?" Oliver asked.


    "Of course. But only if you are not tired. We still have two days." Kyra answered.


    "Let''s go today itself. I want to go to those shops of your friends and see how you lived your childhood." Oliver said, hugging her from behind and kissing her neck.


    Kyra tilted her neck, giving him more access to her pale neck.


    "We will do as my boyfriend says." Kyra agreed with a smile.


    "Let''s leave after freshening up then." Kyra said.


    "We need to hurry, so how about we take a bath together?" Oliver asked, flirting with her.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "What a shame. I have a bathroom in my room which is just a few seconds from here," Kyra said and gave a peck on Oliver''s lips before leaving.


    Oliver smirked and went to take his own bath.

 Chapter 182 - Someone Are Following Them.

    Kyra and Oliver met downstairs.


    It is already evening and the sun has already started to set. But it''s golden light still decorated the sky, making it look beautiful and peaceful.


    "Today''s weather is beautiful," Kyra said.


    "It indeed is." Oliver answered.


    "I would love to walk with you to the end of the town, hand in hand but I think we have to go separately till there." Kyra said as she signalled with her eyes to look in the right direction.


    When Oliver followed her directions, he saw the staff of the hospital. They seems to be going into town to have fun.


    Oliver pursed his lips but reluctantly nodded his head. He would live to announce that Kyra is his girlfriend but as she doesn''t want that, he could only oblige.


    Kyra understood Oliver''s thoughts and could only feel guilty.


    "Give me some more time. We need not have to hide our relationship anymore." Kyra said in an apologizing tone.


    "Take as long as you want, Ky. I understand you and I know that you are progressing step by step. I will wait for you." Oliver said as he took her hand in his and gently squeezed it before letting it go.


    From his actions, it is evident that he is afraid of letting others see them.


    Kyra smiled gratefully. All again she felt blessed for having a boyfriend who is supporting, considerate and understanding.


    "I will see you at the entrance of the mountain." Oliver said.


    "See you in ten minutes." Kyra said and then they seperated.


    Kyra decided to take the easy road. Although it is a little far, it would at least make it look like she and Oliver are not going towards the same destination.


    Meanwhile, not known to both of them, a person has been observing their moments.


    He was following Kyra from the morning. He has followed her to the convenience store, the park, the arcade games center and then to the chinese restaurant as well.


    Now, he is following her to the mountain.


    _______


    Almost after ten minutes, Kyra met Oliver who has already reached and is waiting for her at the entrance of the mountain.


    She smiled and took his hand into hers. They entwined their fingers are shared a loving gaze for a moment.


    "Let''s go to my paternal parents'' tombs first. It''s nearer." Kyra said.


    It''s already evening and soon it will get dark. They better return early and escape the eyes of their hospital friends.


    "Your paternal grandparents and maternal grandmother are buried in the same town. So, they belong to the same place?" Oliver asked as they walked on the narrow road of the mountain.


    "No. My paternal grandparents are from here. My maternal grandmother�� She is still a mystery." Kyra said.


    "She was once a CEO. She was rich yet she let her only daughter marry into a small town."


    "My biological mother was not aware of my grandmother''s wealth back then. She used to think that my grandmother works as a contract worker in a department store."


    "So, when she met my father who was relatively wealthier than her family, she married him. My father treated her well but when he went crimp after the accident she had enough of him and divorced him."


    "Even then, my maternal grandmother didn''t reveal her true identity. She asked my mother to go and find a job in the city." Kyra said.


    "At that time my grandmother was living in the city itself. I think she was managing her company remotely to stay low key. I still remember. She used to live in a small house." Kyra added, remembering the summer vacation she used to spend with her grandmother.


    "Anyway, my mother was angry at my grandmother. To be precise, she was angry at everyone. Angry and frustrated that she had to suffer this much."


    "That was when she met her current husband. He owned a small company back then and was instantly attracted to my mother."


    "By then he was already married and had two kids. Melissa and her brother, Mason. But his wife died recently."


    "He and my mother had an affair for a couple of years and then, they married. I think, when he married her, he was already aware of my grandmother''s secret riches and her connection to my mother."


    "Maybe he thought that it was a win-win situation and married my mother. He slowly revealed the truth to her and my mother was furious."


    "She might have thought of going to my grandmother and demanding an answer but my grandmother disappeared. None of us were able to get into touch with her."


    "She only came into contact after my father and paternal grandparents died. She might have kept an eye on my situation and she might have returned because I needed her."


    "She stayed with me for a few months but had to return to the city. However, she used to come to meet me whenever it was possible for her."


    "My step mother didn''t object because my grandmother used to stay in the bed and breakfast she used to run. My grandmother used to pay money for her stay so, it was a profit to my step mother."


    "I remember begging my grandmother to take me away but she used to refuse. She used to say that I am safe here."


    "When her health started to deteriorate she decided to take her last breath here. At that time she asked me to bury her in the mountains and in order to do that, she gave a satisfying amount of money to my step mother." Kyra said.


    When she noticed that Oliver was looking at her with sad eyes, she smiled.


    "It''s already in the past. All I wonder is why my grandmother hid her identity to this extent." Kyra said.


    "Didn''t you investigate it?" Oliver asked.


    "Collins'' family tried to do it for me but they got nothing from the investigation. My grandmother covered her tracks really well."


    "They might have found the answer if they had to dig deeper but they decided not to. If my grandmother was that adamant to hide her identity, she might have had a good reason for that."


    "I just recovered back then. They didn''t want to put me in danger by trying to stir the pot, " Kyra said.


    Oliver nodded his head. If her grandmother was that determined, she might have had a logical reason for that.


    "What about your maternal grandfather?" Oliver asked.


    "My grandmother said that he died even before she gave birth to my mother." Kyra said.


    Although Oliver felt it was fishy, he didn''t probe further. Kyra is safe now. That is what it matters.


    After that they talked about random things. Kyra talked about her memories in this mountain, this town and her school. However, this time she didn''t bring anything sad.


    The weather is good and pleasant. She didn''t want to ruin the mood by bringing sad things like these.


    Soon, they reached the tombs of her paternal grandparents.


    They placed the flowers on their tombs and stood in silence for a couple of minutes before Kyra started to tell them about her life.


    Then, she introduced Oliver who in return thanked them for taking care of Kyra during her childhood. He promised to take care of her and assured them that he would keep her happy.


    His words moved Kyra and they shared an emotional moment for a few minutes.


    After that, Kyra took Oliver further into the mountains and stopped at the most beautiful spot.


    "This is where my grandmother is out to rest." Kyra showed him a tree.


    "She wanted me to plant a tree. She used to say that I could treat this tree as her and share my thoughts, my feelings and my problems with her." Kyra said.


    "She must have loved you a lot " Oliver said.


    "She must have. I was to inherit her wealth and company when I turned eighteen. I heard that she was busy all those years planning how to make my future smooth and easy after I took over."


    "But who would have thought that there would be whistleblowers who joined their hands with my biological mother and her husband to take the company from me?" Kyra said.


    "They will pay for it soon." Oliver said, hugging her with one arm. He could see how upset she was.


    "They will." Kyra agreed.


    After that, Oliver and Kyra spoke a bit to a tree. Like before, Oliver promised to take care of Kyra and make her happy.


    Kyra apologized for not coming to visit her all these years and promised that she would take revenge for what happened.


    The couple spent some more time at the tomb as Kyra wanted to stay a bit longer.


    Only when it was getting dark, they decided to leave, however a rustling sound from the trees made them stop.


    "Someone is here." Oliver said, pulling Kyra behind him.


    "It could be an animal." Kyra said.


    "No. Wait.." Oliver whispered and carefully took cautious steps towards the sound.

 Chapter 183 - Who Saved Her A Decade Ago?

    Only when it was getting dark, they decided to leave, however a rustling sound from the trees made them stop.


    "Someone is here." Oliver said, pulling Kyra behind him.


    "It could be an animal." Kyra said.


    "No. Wait." Oliver whispered and carefully took cautious steps towards the sound. On his way, he picked up a stick and without making a noise, he approached the source.


    However, when he had a good look at what it was, he stopped.


    "Justin?" Oliver called.


    Justin, the person who was taking care of their stay here, the son of the town mayor is hiding behind the thick bushes. He had his eyes closed and he was crouched to avoid getting noticed.


    When Kyra heard that it was Justin, one of her three childhood friends, she dropped her guard and approached them.


    "What are you doing here, Mr. Brown?" Kyra asked.


    Justin stood up and looked at her intently. And, all of a sudden he lurched forward and hugged her.


    "It''s really you!" he said, placing his chin on her shoulder.


    Kyra awkwardly patted his shoulder and looked at Oliver who was obviously clueless what to do.


    Noticing the silence, Justin retracted.


    "I have been following you since this morning. From the time I saw you, I had this feeling. You felt familiar." he told her.


    "And, yesterday, that feeling intensified when I saw that mark on your ankle. I had a friend, a dear childhood friend who has the same mark. She got it because of me. I accidentally pushed her and that injury left a mark on her ankle."


    "And, ''coincidentally'' you resemble her a bit. So, I thought I should follow you for a few hours to clarify my lame logic. Who would even think that his childhood friend who died would come back alive and that too as a doctor?" Justin said, giving a short laugh but Oliver and Kyra could see the pain in his eyes.


    That second, Oliver confirmed that Justin has feelings for Kyra.


    It''s been more than a decade and Justin is still mourning for some friend he lost. He must have had very deep feelings for her. After all, they grew together for fifteen years.


    If Kyra wouldn''t have gotten taken away by her mother, Justin might have already married Kyra and they might even have given birth to their kids. Oliver secretly felt relieved that it didn''t happen.


    It is not only because he wouldn''t have got to meet the love of his life but also because he believes that Kyra doesn''t belong in some small town. She is born to shine and reach the pinnacles of her life.


    "When I followed you this morning, my logic started to become more and more real. You buy her favorite food, the exact combo and exact amount and then eat them in the same order she used to do that too by sitting under her favorite tree, it is not a coincidence."


    "But, I convinced myself that it is a coincidence. Then you went to the arcade games center and played her favorite games using her machines. That spark in your eyes resembled so much of her when she used to play."


    "I couldn''t convince myself anymore that it was a coincidence. That mark, that food combo, those games and then your favorite food in the chinese restaurant. How could it be a coincidence?" he said, almost on the verge of tears.


    "Still, I wanted to verify it again. The Alexandria I knew was naive, sweet and so cute that we used to worry she wouldn''t be able to live alone in this cruel world. But here you are, a doctor at a famous hospital, looking all brave and full of noble air." he laughed, his eyes looking at her dotingly.


    Kyra chuckled too, her eyes brimming with tears.


    Oliver must admit that he felt jealous but he did a pretty fine job hiding it. This is not the right time to exhibit his jealousy. He could tell that this moment is important to Kyra. Important enough to rediscover a part of herself and erase some bad memories that still haunts her.


    "When I followed you here, I knew for sure that you are our Alexandria. I�� I still can''t believe this." Justin said, coming to hug her again.


    But Oliver came in the middle, stopping the guy from reaching Kyra.


    Kyra chuckled.


    "Let me introduce you guys officially." Kyra said. She knew that her boyfriend was a little bit jealous for ignoring him during this conversation.


    "Oliver, this is Justin, my bestest friend and a neighbor when I was living here. And, Justin, meet my boyfriend Oliver." Kyra said looking lovingly at Oliver. Oliver smiled and took her hand into his.


    It is obvious that Justin is disappointed but he is not that irrational and stupid. Ten years it''s been ten years and she is not the same Alexandria he knows. It is too obvious.


    "So�� you want to meet our friends?" Justin asked.


    "Ummm�� would they still remember me?" Kyra asked.


    "They do, Alex. Today, after you met Mia at the convenience store she texted in our group that you reminded her of our friend. Well your taste of food to be precise." he told.


    "The same goes to others too. We all recall the memories we have of you and we cut birthday cake at your so-called tomb every year. You should meet them. I can ask Henry to keep his chinese restaurant open if you want to have dinner with us." Justin offered.


    Kyra hesitated and looked at Oliver who just smiled and nodded his head. This is what he wants. He wants his girlfriend to fight her truma and one of the best methods is to replace those bad memories with new ones.


    "Comeback by midnight. Tomorrow is going to be an exhausting day." Oliver said, hugging her with one shoulder.


    "Exhausting? Even Jennifer said the same and she actually looked excited for tomorrow. I am having a bad feeling about that." Kyra said, looking at Oliver.


    Oliver smiled, giving her a ''you caught me'' look.


    "Your brother is coming tomorrow and he seems to be mad about what happened yesterday." Oliver said.


    "What?" Kyra asked.


    "Sorry. He knows about what happened last night. I couldn''t find you last night so I had to ask him where you might have headed." Oliver apologized.


    Kyra sighed.


    "It''s the third brother, right?", she asked.


    "Yes. Others don''t know that you are here." Oliver assured her.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    "I will handle him." she said.


    "It''s a relief." Oliver said and looked at Justin.


    "Take care of her and drop her at the hotel." Oliver said.


    Justin nodded his head.


    "You are not coming with us to the town?" Kyra asked.


    "I kind of like the surroundings here. I will walk a bit and return. Don''t worry about me. I will not trip like a certain someone here." Oliver teased her.


    Kyra rolled her eyes but pecked his lips before following Justin to meet their other friends. He had already texted them to come to Henry''s restaurant and they instantly agreed.


    ��----------


    "So, your death was faked?" her friend Mia asked, hard to believe.


    Kyra smiled and nodded her head.


    "It''s a big story but yeah, my death was faked." Kyra said. She didn''t tell them how she was betrayed by her mother and directly skipped to the part where she got an admission in med school.


    And, they didn''t probe further either.


    "So, who is this brother you are talking to Dr. Miller about?" Justin asked.


    "Dr. Miller? You are close to him?" Henry, Mia''s husband asked.


    "He is her boyfriend," Justin said, making Mia squeal in delight.


    "He is a big fish and apparently a good guy. Good for you, Alex." Mia genuinely congratulated her.


    Kyra smiled. Her eyes turned lovey dovey when she remembered Oliver.


    "So, the brothers Justin talked about?" Landon, the owner of the arcade game center asked.


    "After I got into med school I got close to this family. They are my family now." Kyra said.


    "New family. New life. This is actually a good thing, Alex. See you now. A surgeon. Everything bad thing that happened to you is for a good reason." Mia said.


    Kyra nodded her head. "Yeah, it''s true." she agreed.


    "So, this new family. They treat you well?" Justin asked.


    "I am what I am because of them. They treat me like a princess." Kyra said.


    "So, what is your new name then?" Landon asked. He just knows her as Kyra.


    "Kyra Alexandria Collins." Kyra said.


    "I still keep Alexandria in my name." she added to indicate that she never forgot the past she had here.


    "Collins!?" Justin asked.


    Kyra just nodded her head.


    "Who are they?" Mia asked.


    "They are this super rich, powerful and influential family based in London. They are extraordinary and each of them is a legendary figure in their own career." Justin said.


    "You are well informed about them," Kyra said. She must admit that she is very proud of her family.


    "Of course, I am." Justin said and then they talked for a few more minutes about the Collins family and Oxford University and her life there.


    Then, all of a sudden, Kyra asked, "Do you guys know who saved me when I fell into water a decade ago?"

 Chapter 184 - The Identity Of Her Rescuer.

    "So, what is your new name then?" Landon asked. He just knows her as Kyra.


    "Kyra Alexandria Collins." Kyra said.


    "I still keep Alexandria in my name." she added to indicate that she never forgot the past she had here.


    "Collins!?" Justin asked.


    Kyra just nodded her head.


    "Who are they?" Mia asked.


    "They are this super rich, powerful and influential family based in London. They are extraordinary and each of them is a legendary figure in their own career." Justin said.


    "You are well informed about them," Kyra said. She must admit that she is very proud of her family.


    "Of course, I am." Justin said and then they talked for a few more minutes about the Collins family and Oxford University and her life there.


    Then, all of a sudden, Kyra asked, "Do you guys know who saved me when I fell into water a decade ago?"


    After Oliver saved her yesterday, she has been thinking a lot about the person who saved her the very first time she tried to take her life. That person is her savior as well.


    She, in fact, has two saviors now. First one saved her here and the second one saved her from her mother''s devious plan and even sponsored her studies in med school.


    Justin and others looked at each other making Kyra curious.


    Did they find out who her savior is?


    "My father might know. I have searched for details of that person a decade ago but there was no information about him. I think your rescuer was some passerby who saved you out of kindness." Justin told Kyra.


    When Kyra got admitted into hospital that time and was still in coma, he tried to find who her rescuer was. He wanted some details. He wanted to find out if that was an accident, a murder attempt or a sucide.


    However, he couldn''t find any details.


    "Oh." Kyra pursed her lips. AS she is here anyway, just wanted to thank that person for saving her life.


    "We still have a last hope though." Justin told her, making Kyra curious.


    "I think there were two rescuers that time. Just like yesterday, a minimum of two people are needed to do this. One to jump into the river and save you. Another to pull you guys to the land." Justin told her.


    Kyra nodded her head. Someone must be holding the ropes and simultaneously pulling them up.


    "When you were brought to hospital, the camera there captured a picture of them. I saw it back then but it was blurry and we didn''t have technology to recover the quality. Now, we can try it, if you want. We can try to restore that picture." Justin said.


    "You still have that recording?" Kyra asked.


    "I should be having it. It''s been ten years so I have to search for it." Justin told her.


    "How about the footage? Is it still there?" Kyra asked but she knows that no one keeps the footage of ten years old, Especially not in a small town like this.


    "Nope. We recently discarded them." Justin said.


    "But don''t worry. I will search for that recording I saved." he told her.


    "So, you will be leaving the day after tomorrow?" Mia asked, diverting the topic.


    Kyra nodded her head.


    "I will be coming often, don''t be sad." Kyra said with a smile.


    Mia smiled and nodded her head.


    "Hey, I forgot something important." Landon, the owner of the arcade game center said.


    "What is it?" Kyra asked, smiling.


    "You remember the dog you had before you uhm��left?" he asked.


    "Summer. I was pregnant back then." Kyra said, remembering the samoyed she used to raise. It was her only companion in the hell house of her step mother.


    "Yes. That cutie pie has grandchildren now. A pup was just born a couple of days ago but we couldn''t find a home for her. You wanna take it with you? It can be something that reminds you of this place and the happy memories you had here." Landon told her.


    "No one is taking it in. Poor puppy." Mia said.


    Kyra thought for a few seconds. She weighed the pros and cons but she couldn''t find a reason not to take it in.


    She has a big house, a huge garden and most importantly her besties Sophia and Lisa love dogs. Most importantly, she loves dogs too.


    When she heard that no one is taking that puppy in, she felt bad. Summer, the puppy''s grandmother was her only emotional support at her lows.


    "I will take it then." Kyra said.


    "Awesome!" Landon said.


    "It is in my garage. I will bring it." he told and even before Kyra could say anything, he already left the restaurant.


    "His newborn girl is allergic to dogs so, he had no option but to give away all the dogs. However, no one is ready to take a newborn puppy as taking care of it is difficult. Everyone will be doing their own work, so it''s really tough." Henry, the owner of a Chinese restaurant said.


    "I would have taken that darling but I don''t think I would be able to take care of that puppy and my baby at same time." Mia said, caressing her pregnant tummy.


    Kyra nodded her head, understanding the circumstances.


    "Except Justin, everyone here is married and is already having babies." Kyra said.


    Mia chuckled.


    "This idiot is simply too picky that he never liked any girls." Mia said, shooting a glance at Justin.


    "He will find his girl soon." Kyra said.


    "You found yours. So, when can we expect the wedding invitation?" Henry asked.


    Kyra smiled. She never thought this depth but at the same time, she is not against it. It is just that she has unfinished businesses to complete and she doesn''t want them to disturb the new life she would be starting with her husband.


    "Not too soon but not too long as well. Maybe next year." Kyra said.


    "The groom will be Dr. Miller, right?" Mia teased.


    "Of course. If he agrees." Kyra said, slightly blushing.


    "Why won''t he agree? His eyes are filled with love for you." Landon who just entered the restaurant said. He was at the hospital this afternoon and accidentally saw them together.


    Kyra smiled but didn''t say anything.


    "Here. This is your pup now." Landon told her and gently placed the sleeping pup in her arms. It instantly snuggled, making Kyra''s heart melt.


    ��------------


    While Kyra was having fun with her friends and adopted a puppy in that process, Oliver was at the river where he saved Kyra yesterday.


    He came here as soon as Kyra and Justin left.


    His dreams are the main reason he is here.


    He had the same dream twice in one day. The dream of Kyra being saved by a guy from his point of view.


    Oliver wanted to see if he could find any clues here. If it is him who saved her then he should be able to remember right?


    It''s been almost one hour but nothing came to his mind.


    "There should be two rescuers. If I was one of them, who could be the second one?" Oliver asked himself.


    Could it be someone from the local area? Or, is it one of his friends?


    But Oliver found it ridiculous. He being her savior is impossible! This is his first time coming here!!


    Oliver was about to leave but an old man came across him.


    "It''s you again." he told Oliver.


    "You know me?" Oliver asked, confused.


    "You were here ten years back and saved a girl. Ten years after you saved the same girl again. What a destined fate." he said and chuckled.


    "You are telling me that I saved the same girl ten years back?" Oliver asked.


    "You, youngsters! How could your memory be this week! No one in town was able to recognize the girl who grew up here for fifteen years. Such a shame." he said, laughing mockingly.


    Oliver is in no position to listen to the old man''s lecture.


    Right now, his mind is filled with many questions that he couldn''t comprehend what to believe and what not to.


    How could he be here and not remember it?


    What the hell is happening?


    Did he lose his memories or what??


    "So, you are saying that I was here when Alexandria (Kyra) jumped into the river and I was the person who saved her and brought her to the hospital?" Oliver asked to confirm once again.


    "Yes. You were here with your friend and I was the one who guided you guys to reach the river. You both came in a jeep and asked me, the first person you met in the town, to lead you guys up the mountain." the old man said.


    "You wanted to go to the river and when I led you here, Alexandria just jumped into the river. You didn''t hesitate to rescue her."


    "I and your friend helped in pulling you both to the land. After that, you performed CPR on her and asked me and your friend to admit her in the hospital. You gave us your jeep."


    "However, by the time I returned to fetch you, you weren''t there.. I searched for you but I couldn''t find you, so I went back to town to inform your friend but he vanished as well" the old man said.

 Chapter 185 - Lets Adopt This Puppy.

    Oliver returned to his room, his mind filled with the new information he just received. It left him with many questions which can''t be answered logically.


    He asked the old man about the friend who accompanied him but the old man said that he can''t recall how that man looked. He said he could recall Oliver only because of yesterday''s incident.


    ''Maybe the old man mistook me as someone else. Whatever he told doesn''t ring a bell at all.'' Oliver thought. It is the only plausible conclusion he could come to.


    ''Let''s see. He said that he would show me the jeep in which I came here. Maybe it will answer my questions.'' Oliver thought. He can send the jeep''s registration number to his assistant and ask to whom it used to belong.


    By the time he returned, it was already night and everyone had dispersed to their own room. Like yesterday, the guard/ receptionist was in the lobby and greeted him.


    Oliver nodded his head and took the elevator to his floor.


    Instead of going to his room, he knocked on the next door to check if Kyra had returned. He hoped that she would have a good time with her childhood friends.


    No one answered but he could hear the delightful screams from inside. He was about to knock on the door again but he realized that it was open.


    "These girls! Do they not care about safety at all?" he nagged and pushed the door open and walked inside.


    "Careful, Jen. My baby is still sleeping" Oliver heard Kyra say.


    "He''s so cute and soft. Let''s raise this baby together, Ky. You can be the momma and I will be dada." Oliver heard Jennifer say.


    ''What the hell is going on!'' Oliver thought.


    What baby?


    ''Did they adopt a baby?'' he thought and it alone horrified him that he lurched inside the bedroom without a knock and what he witnessed made him speechless.


    Kyra was holding a small, white puppy in her arms in the same way a mom holds her baby.


    Jennifer was caressing its head. Both their eyes are filled with love and gentleness.


    "Oliver, you returned." Kyra said as she smiled at her boyfriend who was standing at the door with a funny expression on his face.


    "Oliver, meet mine and Kyra''s baby, Butter." Jennifer introduced the puppy which is sleeping in Kyra''s arms.


    "You guys adopted a dog?" Oliver asked. At least they didn''t adopt a human body.


    "Yep. What did you think?" Jennifer asked, looking at him.


    "I didn''t think anything." Oliver lied and shifted his attention to his girlfriend who had not even talked to him let alone kissed him. She used to give him a kiss as soon as he returned from anywhere.


    "How is your reunion?" he asked.


    Kyra didn''t move her eyes from the puppy. "I went good. I got to adopt this sweetheart here." she answered and kissed the dog''s head before brushing its fur dotingly. It reminded her of her dog so much that she started to miss it.


    "Ate dinner?" he asked.


    "Yep. You?" she asked.


    "I will cook something." Oliver said and waited for an answer but Kyra didn''t say anything but nodded her head.


    Feeling neglected, Oliver glared at his competitor. Jennifer chuckled seeing the interaction which was funny.


    "Good night, Oliver. We are kind of busy here." Jennifer said, waving him away.


    Oliver shot another glance at the attention grabber and with a sour face he left. This little fur ball here has not only taken attention from his girlfriend but also his best friend.


    ��----------


    "I win." Jennifer jumped in joy.


    "Yeah��yeah, you win." Kyra agreed.


    "I didn''t think Oliver would be the jealous type. Seriously? Jealous of an innocent puppy here?" Kyra added as she shook her head and chuckled.


    "Admit that you enjoyed it." Jennifer said.


    Kyra smiled and nodded her head, holding her laughter.


    "He has been a jealous type from childhood. He didn''t like me when we were kids. He was rude to me and later I found out that he was jealous of me because his sister loved spending time with me rather than him." Jennifer shared a childhood memory and laughed.


    "It''s cute." Kyra said, smiling.


    "It looks cute now. But Ky, what will you do if he gets jealous of his own babies because they are grabbing your attention?" Jennifer asked.


    Kyra slightly blushed.


    "Why is everyone talking about marriage and kids today?" Kyra asked and sighed.


    "You are imagining it right now, aren''t you?" Jennifer asked when she noticed that Kyra spaced out.


    Kyra didn''t answer but smiled. It actually made her feel warm and happy when she thought about her own family with Oliver.


    Jennifer smiled as well. Even she couldn''t help but think of her family with Anthony.


    Sweet silence engulfed the room until they heard a loud bang from next door.


    "It looks like your boyfriend is angry and is showing it on his innocent door." Jennifer said.


    "I better cool that big baby first." Kyra said and stood up.


    She walked to the microwave oven and took out the dishes she brought for Oliver from the restaurant. She knew that Oliver would miss the dinner sp, so she took a takeout for him and kept it in the oven to prevent it from cooling.


    ��-------


    By the time Oliver comes out of his bathroom, freshly showered, Kyra has already served the dinner for him and is waiting for him.


    He had a towel wrapped around his waist and another towel was around his neck. The droplets from his wet hair are still on his face, making him look hot.


    "So, someone has at last remembered that she has a boyfriend." he said, making Kyra chuckle.


    She is already accustomed to Oliver''s appearance like this. Though they are not living together, they did spend a good amount of time together in the same house.


    "That certain someone has never forgotten about her boyfriend." Kyra said as she walked to him and took the towel.


    Not the towel around his waist. The one wrapped around his neck.


    "Sit. I will dry your hair first." she said, making him sit on the edge of the bed.


    Oliver gladly obliged and let her towel dry his hair.


    He wrapped his arms around her waist and asked, "So, besides adopting the dog, what else have you done?" he asked. He wants to know if she has asked her friends about her mysterious rescuer.


    "We reminisced our childhood memories and talked about our life''s. One of them already has two kids while the other two are having a baby next month." Kyra said.


    "They got married pretty quick." Oliver said.


    Is she saying that she wants to get married and have babies??


    Oliver erased that thought as soon as it occured.


    She has so much to do before settling in her life. Her career as a surgeon is in its important arc now. This is not the time for her to get distracted. Maybe next year or the next year after that year.


    He is ready to wait. Though he is eager to start the next arc of their life''s, he knows that this year and the next year are important for Kyra in both her careers as surgeon and businesswoman.


    "So, how was your time on the mountain? Did you like any specific place there?" Kyra diverted the topic. She could only sell herself for talking about marriage and babies out of nowhere. What would he have thought about her?


    "I just walked around. I think the whole mountain is beautiful and peaceful. No wonder people come here for summer." Oliver said.


    Kyra hummed in response and finished drying his hair. She placed a quick kiss on his lips and said, "The food is getting cold. Hurry up."


    "Should I eat first and get dressed or, should I dress up first and eat later?" he asked.


    "Latter would be good." Kyra said.


    "Wanna enjoy the visuals?" he teased.


    Kyra rolled her eyes.


    "I don''t want someone to get a cold, that is why." she explained. She found out that Oliver is prone to cold.


    "I know." Oliver said and pecked her lips before getting dressed. Kyra closed her eyes all the way and had her head turned in another direction.


    "Your favorite dishes?" Oliver asked as he sat down. It is when Kyra opened her eyes.


    "Not the top favs. I didn''t want dishes to get cold, so I had to compromise. After my brother comes tomorrow, we four can go and eat there." Kyra said.


    "Our first double date." Oliver said.


    "One of the best ways to replace my bad memories with good ones." Kyra answered.


    Oliver smiled and nodded his head in agreement. As Kyra is not nervous about her brother''s arrival, why should he be?


    It looks like his girlfriend is prepared to handle the storm.


    Oliver finished eating and Kyra decided to go back to her and Jennifer''s room to sleep. Though Oliver wanted her to stay with him, Kyra didn''t want to leave Jennifer alone. Okay! One of the main reasons is the puppy as well.


    She was about to give a good night kiss but her phone vibrated and a notification popped up. It is from Justin and it showed that he has sent her a video.


    When she opened the chat, her heart started to beat fast. Justin has already found the video and has also made its quality and resolution upgraded.


    "What is it?" Oliver asked when he saw her nervous face.


    "It''s��it''s the video of one of my rescuers a decade ago. The camera at the hospital captured the face of one of the rescuers who saved me from drowning." Kyra said and played it.


    When Oliver saw the face of the guy, he froze.

 Chapter 186 - His Bestest Friend.

    Oliver finished eating and Kyra decided to go back to her and Jennifer''s room to sleep.


    Though Oliver wanted her to stay with him, Kyra didn''t want to leave Jennifer alone. Okay! One of the main reasons is the puppy as well.


    She was about to give a good night kiss but her phone vibrated and a notification popped up. It is from Justin and it showed that he has sent her a video.


    When she opened the chat, her heart started to beat fast. Justin has already found the video and has also made its quality and resolution upgraded.


    "What is it?" Oliver asked when he saw her nervous face.


    "It''s��it''s the video of one of my rescuers a decade ago. The camera at the hospital captured the face of one of the rescuers who saved me from drowning." Kyra said and played it.


    When Oliver saw the face of the guy, he froze.


    He knows that person.


    In fact, he knows him too well.


    That is none other than his best friend of all, Raymond Grey.


    Black hair, chocolate brown eyes, well built figure and a charismatic face.


    It is for sure, his best friend, well, ex best friend, Raymond.


    They were literally inseparable when they just started their med school. Friends from their babyhood, he and Raymond were like one soul, two bodies.


    However, they had fallen off at the end of their med school. Ever since then, Raymond vanished.


    He disappeared and never came back.


    Oliver tried to search for him though they were no longer the best friends. But he couldn''t focus on searching for his friend at that time


    He just met with some accident and they had a breakup with his first girlfriend whom he thought he loved.


    Fortunately after rehabilitation for a few months somewhere far from all this, his memories with his so-called first love started to fade away.


    He believes that time healed him. He also believed that his first girlfriend was not his true love. If she really was, he wouldn''t have forgotten her easily.


    He did suffer and it took him months to get over her but he succeeded in it.


    "What happened?" Kyra asked, looking at Oliver''s face. He spaced out for a long, long time.


    "Uhmm.. nothing, Ky. I was thinking of something else." Oliver said, kissing her head.


    "It''s getting late. Go to sleep first. Tomorrow, you are going to have a long day." he said, reminding her that her brother is coming.


    "Should we book a room for him? He might want to freshen up and rest for a bit." Oliver asked, diverting the topic.


    "I don''t think he will use that suite. He might prefer to share with you." Kyra teased.


    Anyway they have two seperate beds and the room is spacious as well. It wouldn''t be a problem sharing it.


    "He doesn''t want me to sneak into his sister''s suite if Jennifer decides to be with him, leaving his sister alone." Oliver finished.


    Kyra chuckled and nodded her head.


    Her brother knows that she and Oliver sometimes stay overnight at each other''s houses but he says that he doesn''t want her to do that, at least in front of him.


    Although Kyra finds it illogical and funny, she could only agree. It''s not a big deal anyway.


    "Maybe he would prefer a separate room. After all, he has a girlfriend too. And, they have a long distance relationship." Oliver said, chuckling.


    "That''s possible too. Let''s just book a suite and let him decide." Kyra said.


    "I will book it." Oliver said. He is worried that Kyra might encounter her father''s wife and her children if she decides to book it.


    "Okay." Kyra said and gave a kiss before standing up to leave. She is already sleepy and exhausted.


    ��------


    Oliver couldn''t sleep a bit.


    Ever since he saw Raymond in that video Kyra''s childhood friend Justin sent, his mind is getting flooded with numerous possibilities.


    Now, it is confirmed that he was here a decade ago.


    As he and Raymond were inseparable, it is obvious that he was with Raymond that day.


    Moreover, it matches the story that the old man told.


    So, he is the one who saved Kyra?


    Though he has many unanswered questions, he had to admit that he felt happy for being the one who saved her.


    They are destined and fated.


    So, they met each other ten years ago. He knows Kyra for the longest time, not Jennifer or her brothers.


    It gave him a sense of joy.


    He used to feel jealous for meeting her only four years back and for being the person who didn''t know her for a long time.


    Now, he could say that he knows her for the longest.


    For now, he decided to forget the bad side of this story and concentrate on the good part.


    As he couldn''t figure out this mysterious situation all by himself, he had to wait patiently and investigate about it discreetly.


    He can''t let Kyra know about this before he could figure out proper answers.


    ��------------


    The next morning.


    The first thing Kyra did is to wake up and take a walk. She dropped her puppy, Butter at Landon''s shop and asked him to take care of it till evening.


    As it is still a baby, it needs constant watch.


    After that, Kyra went back and freshened up quickly before leaving to have breakfast.


    The lobby has banquet hall enough for a few people to have breakfast. By the time, Kyra and Jennifer reached, Oliver was already waiting for them.


    For the past two days, they are eating together. Many people from hospital staff were jealous of Kyra and Jennifer since they saw how close this trio has become.


    Besides that, they had a huge shock after Kyra had changed her style.


    The doctor whom they thought to be an introverted nerd with a terrible fashion sense is a hot, beautiful lady with elegance and grace.


    "I am in same floor as Dr. Miller and these two ladies here. I saw Ria (Kyra) going to Dr. Miller''s room last night. She didn''t come out for almost a couple of hours." one girl said.


    "It might not be what you are thinking. Dr. Miller went to Ria and Jennifer''s first. He was in their room for five minutes and then went back to his room." another girl whispered.


    "He might have asked them something and Ria might have gone to talk about something related to work." she added.


    "I don''t think so. Didn''t you see how close they are now? It''s like they don''t want to hide their affection anymore." The first girl disagreed with the second one.


    "Dr. Miller was professionally close to Ria. I agree with that. She is after all the best fellow we have right now and they make the best partners in the operating room." the second one said.


    "But he seems to have gotten closer to her after she transformed into this hot, beautiful lady." the first one said.


    "So, you are saying that Dr. Miller fell for her looks and wants to get close to her?" the second girl angrily asked.


    "Who knows?" the first girl enviously said.


    However, before they could take their lame argument to another level, the attention of everyone was stolen by the limited edition Ferrari car that stopped in front of the hotel.


    Thanks to the huge, continuous windows, everyone was able to see it.


    After the car stopped, a guy alighted the car. He is wearing a black V neck T shirt and denim and he looked very handsome and charismatic with his sunglasses on.


    Girls instantly forgot everything and looked at him as he walked inside except for a certain someone who was glaring at the fan girls.


    Kyra and Oliver chuckled looking at Jennifer''s possessiveness.


    As soon as Anthony walked inside, he looked around and spotted his sister, his girlfriend and his girlfriend''s best friend, Oliver ( not his sister''s boyfriend).


    "Should I hug him?" Jennifer hurriedly asked as she looked at Anthony.


    "You definitely should." Kyra said.


    And, as soon as Anthony walked to them, Jennifer stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck, surprising Anthony a little bit.


    But he recomposed himself and hugged her in return. He even gave a peck on her lips, making Jennifer blush.


    Kyra chuckled, noticing her friend''s ripe tomato face.


    After giving enough attention to his girlfriend, Anthony turned to Oliver who just stood up at the right moment for a bro hug.


    Then, he looked at his sister who stood up for a hug. Kyra has long back decided to not hide her relationship with her brothers after she found out they would feel hurt if she hid it.


    Anthony hugged his sister and kissed her forehead. "Are you fine?" he asked, observing her face and her emotions.


    "I am more than good." Kyra answered before she moved to make a place for her brother to sit beside Jennifer.


    No place left, she sat beside Oliver.


    "Mom wants to talk to you.." Anthony said and after giving a pause he looked at Oliver. "With you as well"

 Chapter 187 - AUTHOR NOTE : READERS MUST READ. Author Has Exciting News.

    _______


    Check Author''s note for free 100 coins to 10 lucky readers.


    _______


    Kyra chuckled, noticing her friend''s ripe tomato face.


    After giving enough attention to his girlfriend, Anthony turned to Oliver who just stood up at the right moment for a bro hug.


    Then, he looked at his sister who stood up for a hug. Kyra has long back decided to not hide her relationship with her brothers after she found out they would feel hurt if she hid it.


    Anthony hugged his sister and kissed her forehead. "Are you fine?" he asked, observing her face and her emotions.


    "I am more than good." Kyra answered before she moved to make a place for her brother to sit beside Jennifer.


    No place left, she sat beside Oliver.


    "Mom wants to talk to you." Anthony said and after giving a pause he looked at Oliver. "With you as well"


    Kyra looked at her brother.


    "You told her, didn''t you?" she asked.


    "About your relationship with Oliver or about the day before yesterday''s incident?" Anthony asked.


    "The latter!" Kyra answered.


    "So, you don''t have any problem with mom finding out about your relationship with Oliver?" Anthony asked.


    "No, I don''t mind. They will find out about it in some or other way but I was hoping that I should be the person to break it to them." Kyra said.


    "I was just kidding. She doesn''t know anything." Anthony said in a playful voice.


    "Idiot!" Kyra muttered as she threw her bag at him.


    Anthony managed to catch it and laughed.


    "Mom wanted to talk to you as you didn''t call for continuous three days." he said.


    Then, why did you lie that she wanted to talk to Oliver?" Kyra demanded. She almost had a panic attack as her mother, Catherine Collins is the most protective one of all.


    "I didn''t lie. She said she wants to talk about something related to research Oliver''s research institute is currently doing." Anthony said.


    "Oh." Kyra said. She didn''t know what else to speak.


    "You love teasing your sister, don''t you?!" Jennifer chided her boyfriend.


    "Of course, I love it! Doesn''t every brother love doing it?" he asked, looking at Oliver who just chuckled and nodded his head.


    "Don''t worry about it darling. I love teasing my girlfriend as well." he said and whispered something in Jennifer''s ears making her blush again.


    "Shameless." Jennifer muttered, making Anthony laugh again.


    Kyra and Oliver chuckled and didn''t complain about the PDA that is being thrown at them.


    As this is the first time her brother is having a girlfriend, well, the first girlfriend she met, this is the new side of him. It''s fascinating.


    Same goes with Jennifer too. She is getting blushed for almost everything and currently they are acting like corny teenagers in love. Looking at these guys, Oliver and Kyra felt like they are lot mature.


    While the couple are having breakfast, chit chatting and teasing each other like this, almost everyone''s eyes are on them.


    Two elegant and attractive women and two hot, handsome men in one frame. It is rare to have such a delicious sight.


    While few of them returned back to finishing their breakfast, a few others are intently looking at the couple.


    It is obvious that Jennifer and the new, richy rich guy are in a romantic relationship just by looking at their actions. But they couldn''t put a finger on how this new guy is related to Dr. Miller and Ria (Kyra''s fake alias.)


    "Maybe Dr. Miller and this guy are friends. They seems close." one of Teressa''s minions said.


    "That''s obvious! What we are curious about is, how exactly is he related to Ria? They seem closer compared to Jennifer and Dr. Miller''s relationship with him. They were speaking non stop." Lillian, Teressa''s main lackey said.


    "Am I the only one who noticed Dr. Miller''s and Ria''s close interaction? They have been exchanging lovey dovey looks since this guy came. It is as if they are having a double date and they are finding the other couple''s PDA cute." one of them who is more observing said, earning only a glare from Teressa.


    "It can''t be possible! You are just overthinking." Lillian immediately interfered and said. She doesn''t want Teressa to get jealous and do something that might cause her a headache.


    "This Ria is actually full of surprises. She might not be as innocent and ordinary as we think. Judging by her interaction with this richy rich, hot guy she has to be pretty close to him." Lillian tried to divert the topic.


    "Did Oliver really look at Ria in that way? Did that bitch do the same?" Teressa asked, crushing the diet coke can in her hands.


    "Hahaha�� she was just kidding, Teressa. Don''t take her words seriously." Lillian tried to cool Teressa.


    "Maybe Ria did. Dr. Miller didn''t even give her a look." she added, noticing that Teressa is glaring at Ria (Kyra).


    Liliian is actually scared that Teressa might do something to Ria. She heard from someone that Ria has strong connections but is hiding that to have a peaceful work environment. Moreover, someone coincidentally saw her entering the Crescent Gardens, the luxurious society of Elites in a posh sports car.


    And, she herself saw that Ria is close to the president''s twin grandchildren. They were hugging her when she entered the VVIP floor to check on her patient.


    So, Lillian is sure that Ria is someone who shouldn''t be messed with. As a true friend, she doesn''t want Teressa to get into trouble.


    "Then she better be away from my Oliver." Teressa grunted her teeth. Girls around her could only sigh. They are Dr. Miller''s fans too but not to this insane level. Yes, they get jealous when someone gets close to him and yes, they love checking him out but they are not like Teressa who thinks that Dr. Miller belongs to her and only her.


    They are aware of reality, so they know that Dr. Miller might not look at them let alone become their man. He is too busy to check on everyone and think about them. Only the fated person or someone of his level both intellectually and background wise can get to be with him.


    This is one of the reasons Teressa thinks that she can be that one. Although her family background is not as great as Oliver''s, she is still hopeful.


    "On the bright side, Jennifer is not in your way. She is Dr. Miller''s childhood friend and her family are equal as well. I heard that Dr. Miller''s sister and grandfather loved her and wanted her to marry Dr. Miller." one of the girls said.


    "Really?" Teressa asked. She knows that Jennifer is rich and has a powerful background but she didn''t know about this.


    "Yes. My brother works for Dr. Miller''s sister Ellenora Miller. He somehow heard this from his boss''s inner circle." the girl answered.


    "You should have told me at first only! I would have befriended Jennifer. I think that bitch Ria got close to Jennifer because of this." Teressa scoffed.


    ��--------------


    After their breakfast, Anthony followed Kyra and Jennifer to their room. Oliver said he would come later. He told them that he has work to do.


    "So, say something about the day before yesterday''s. Are you not here because of that?" Kyra is the one who started.


    This shocked Anthony. His sister willingly started to talk about this!


    He didn''t expect this from her. The Kyra he knows is not like this. She would get sad and frustrated to even answer the questions related to her past let alone talk about it openly like this.


    "I know that it is an accident. So, I am not going to ask you about it." her brother said as he sat down beside her. Jennifer has wisely left the room to give some personal time for her boyfriend and bestfriend who have so much to talk about.


    "Then? Are you here to persuade me to come back to Lindon so nothing like this will ever happen to me again?" Kyra asked.


    "To be frank, I gave a serious thought about it, sis. But you stayed in this place for two days without even getting upset. You in fact enjoyed your stay here and gathered courage to reunite with your old friends and even went to the places which hold bad memories. This is a huge progress." Anthony said.


    "How do you know all this?" Kyra demanded.


    "Oh, don''t scold me for this! I was worried about you so I asked my men here to send someone to look after you." Anthony said. He knows what happened yesterday. He knows that Justin was following her all day but didn''t take any action as Justin didn''t make any move.


    And, his subordinate was the person who made the sound that made Kyra and Oliver aware of Justin''s stalking.


    "Mom actually knows what happened the day before yesterday. She overheard me instructing men, so I had to tell her. And, I am sorry but she knows about you and Oliver too. I didn''t want to tell but you know that I can''t lie to her if she directly questions me.." Anthony apologized.

 Chapter 188 - Someone Intentionally Did It.

    "Then? Are you here to persuade me to come back to London so nothing like this will ever happen to me again?" Kyra asked.


    "To be frank, I gave a serious thought about it, sis. But you stayed in this place for two days without even getting upset. You in fact enjoyed your stay here and gathered courage to reunite with your old friends and even went to the places which hold bad memories. This is a huge progress." Anthony said.


    "How do you know all this?" Kyra demanded.


    "Oh, don''t scold me for this! I was worried about you so I asked my men here to send someone to look after you." Anthony said. He knows what happened yesterday. He knows that Justin was following her all day but didn''t take any action as Justin didn''t make any move.


    And, his subordinate was the person who made the sound that made Kyra and Oliver aware of Justin''s stalking.


    "Mom actually knows what happened the day before yesterday. She overheard me instructing men, so I had to tell her. And, I am sorry but she knows about you and Oliver too. I didn''t want to tell but you know that I can''t lie to her if she directly questions me." Anthony apologized.


    Kyra was too stunned to respond.


    So, her mother who is too protective of her knows about her boyfriend and her trip to these place.


    "What�� what does she think?" Oliver asked.


    "You want to know the truth?" Anthony asked, masking his face with seriousness.


    "Bro, you better not kid with me here!!" Kyra chided her brother as she slapped his arm.


    Anthony laughed but turned serious the next second, making Kyra anxious.


    "I think she has a pretty good impression on Oliver." he answered at last, making Kyra sigh in relief.


    "It could be because he helped me while I was facing one of my trauma''s episode when I first came here." Kyra recalled the day she first saw her biological mother in one of the charity events.


    "Maybe. But that doesn''t mean he got approval." Anthony warned his sister.


    Oliver is her first boyfriend and the first person she is allowing into her life without spending much time with him.


    "She has a good impression on him. That''s enough. We will manage." Kyra said.


    "So, you are serious about Oliver." Anthony asked.


    He is her first boyfriend. She is ready to share her life with first boyfriend! She is young and can explore more.


    But, on the bright side, she found the one she is looking for without getting hurt by break-ups.


    "I am. Yesterday after hearing a friend''s stories, I even imagined myself and Oliver having babies and starting a family." Kyra said with a smile.


    Anthony chuckled.


    "I won''t mind a niece and nephew." He added.


    "Me neither." Kyra teased.


    "How''s your relationship with my best friend?" Kyra asked.


    "So far, it is good. But we are in a long distance relationship so it''s challenging to maintain the spark. However, I think we are doing pretty well." Anthony answered.


    "Why don''t you shift here for a few months?" Kyra asked.


    "Then?" Anthony asked.


    "If you and Jennifer find your relationship serious, you guys can think of something." Kyra said.


    "As your relationship with Oliver is pretty serious, what have you guys decided? Will you move here??" Anthony asked.


    This is something the brothers used to worry about. What if their only sister marries sometime outside London and moves on?


    What if she eventually forgets them??


    Now, she is not only moving out of the city but also the country!! She is moving out of the continent!


    "Bro, we are not to that level yet! We will think about it later." Kyra said.


    Even she couldn''t come to a decision.


    "Let''s not talk about it shall we!" Kyra said.


    "Yeah, because you have already decided!" Anthony said, upset.


    "Bro, it seems like you are in a bad mood! I will talk with you later." Kyra said and left the room with a bang.


    She took the elevator and just entered the lobby when she saw Jennifer.


    "You finished talking so soon!" Jennifer exclaimed.


    "My brother is in a very bad mood. I couldn''t speak to him!" Kyra said, sighing.


    "I will go and see what made him like that. It seems like he is venting out his frustration here." Jennifer said.


    "Could be." Kyra said.


    "What happened?" Jennifer probed.


    "We were talking about something and we ended up discussing where we might live in future." Kyra said.


    "Oh! He is upset that you might end up living here and move out from London." Jennifer realised.


    "Yeah. This aspect could be the main reason why my brothers might object - you know." Kyra said, implying her relationship with Oliver.


    "We will figure it out. I will try to drill some sense into him." Jennifer said.


    "Don''t do that. You guys just started to date. I don''t want my best friend and my brother to have an argument , especially because of me." Kyra said.


    "Then, you just need to wait for the right moment." Jennifer said.


    Kyra nodded her head and left to search for Oliver.


    ��----------------


    Meanwhile��


    The important work Oliver mentioned is none other than meeting the old man who he met yesterday night at the river where he rescued Kyra a decade ago.


    He went to meet that old man to check on the jeep in which he and Raymond had come.


    The old man lived near to the mountain and as soon as Oliver went there, he led Oliver to a small garage and there it was.


    Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.


    When Oliver saw it, his face ashened.


    He had the exact same jeep a decade ago. He remembers it very well because it was the first thing he bought with his own money.


    "Remember anything, Dr. Miller?" the old man asked.


    When Oliver confessed that he can''t remember this incident of his life, he couldn''t believe it. How could someone forget this wonderful thing??


    He saved a fifteen years old girl! This is something one would never forget. Well, at least, it is something worthy not to forget!


    " I owned the same jeep." Oliver said and walked to see the license plate.


    Even the license I''d is the same!!!


    "Then, it''s confirmed that you are the one who rescued your current girlfriend!" the old man told him.


    "But sir, I still have this jeep somewhere in my garage. I am certain of it." Oliver said.


    "You are saying that you have the exact same jeep with you? How''s it possible?" Old man asked.


    "Le��let me ask my assistant to check if this jeep is still in my garage" Oliver said and fished out his phone and gave a call.


    He instructed his assistant to search for the jeep with the license id XXX XXX in every garage Oliver and his family owns.


    "Thanks for the help, sir. I will figure this out by myself from here." Oliver said.


    If the jeep is really there in his garage somewhere, someone should have bought the exam model and attached the license plate with the same ID.


    Even if it is not there, Oliver is certain that he had this jeep till the middle of his left school.


    He remembers driving it once in a while until his grandfather gifted him the jeep which he loved and wanted to have for many years.


    It is just that, if the jeep is still there somewhere in his garage, people who have set up this are not that keen with their work.


    They left some traces using which Oliver cab tracked them.


    The only problem is if the Jeep is not there anywhere, it is not easy to trace it back to the culprits.


    With all this in mind Oliver directly returned to the hospital.


    The whole day passed with Oliver, Kyra and Jennifer busy with their work.


    Meanwhile, Anthony just roamed around. He went to have a look at Kyra''s childhood house first. He didn''t go inside but took a look at it from far.


    ''My sister''s room is bigger than this house! She is living a good life thanks to you bitch.'' he thought in his mind as he cursed Kyra''s step mother who was cruel to her.


    And then we went to the convenience store, arcade games center, chinese restaurant and the park which Kyra used to mention.


    "She at least had something that can be counted as good memories." he talked to himself as he sat down at her favourite spot in the park and started to eat the combo his sister used to like.


    "So, you are the brother." someone asked, making him turn his head.


    In front of him stood a pregnant woman whom he recognised as Mia, his sister''s childhood friend.


    His subordinate from yesterday mentioned Mia.


    "So, you are the friend." Anthony said making a place for her.


    "Alexandria couldn''t stop talking about you guys. She sounded happy and she really loves her brothers." Mia said.


    "She found her happiness here, thanks to you people." Anthony thanked her.


    "Sometimes, our loved ones are happier away from us. Though I would have liked it if she grew up with us here in the town, she became successful and happier only because she didn''t grow up here."


    "As someone who wishes for her happiness, I am glad she left this place and found her own family.." Mia said.

 Chapter 189 - The Step Mother.

    "Sometimes, our loved ones are happier away from us. Though I would have liked it if she grew up with us here in the town, she became successful and happier only because she didn''t grow up here."


    "As someone who wishes for her happiness, I am glad she left this place and found her own family." Mia said.


    Anthony looked at the woman beside him and he couldn''t help but think about the argument he had with his sister earlier.


    If she is really happy with Oliver and wants to spend the rest of her life with him, maybe he should let her do as she wished.


    Asking her to stay forever in London for him and others is selfishness.


    "She is happy with him." Anthony said.


    "Dr. Miller?" Mia asked.


    "Yes." Anthony answered.


    "My friends have told me that Dr. Miller was very good to her when they saw them together."


    "He seems to be a good person." Mia said.


    Anthony nodded his head and after a few minutes of conversation, Mia left. She was here for a walk and saw him sitting in Kyra''s favourite spot and eating her favourite snacks.


    She remembered that Kyra''s brother would be coming today so, it didn''t take her much time to piece these both together.


    For a long time, Anthony sat in that spot thinking about nothing in particular.


    He thought about his sister and what she has to do if she wants to settle in this country.


    This thought led him to think about Jennifer and himself. He is currently living in London but he often goes to Australia as he is expanding his law firm.


    Would Jennifer be willing to shift to London leaving her family here? Would their relationship be as strong as Oliver and Kyra''s?


    "What are you thinking?" Jennifer asked as she sat down beside him.


    "Nothing in particular." Anthony answered.


    "About Kyra?" she asked and he nodded his head.


    "You shouldn''t have an argument with her. She is upset." Jennifer said.


    "I know. I will apologize to her this evening." Anthony said.


    "You better not upset her again." Jennifer said, pecking his cheeks.


    "I will remember that, Ms. Girlfriend." Anthony said and kissed her forehead.


    He doesn''t know why but ever since he met Jennifer, he was happy and most importantly he had something to look forward to at the end of the day.


    She is special.


    He had many girlfriends before. But he was never serious about them. At least not serious enough to think about his future with them.


    Jennifer is different. Although it haven''t been long they got into a relationship, he is already serious about her.


    ��---


    Meanwhile��


    After having lunch, Kyra returned to her work. Jennifer went to meet her boyfriend and Oliver was busy in phone as soon as they are done with lunch.


    ''Everyone is too busy to think of me.'' Kyra thought and sat down before asking the attender there to send the next person.


    But the person who entered next made her freeze in shock.


    It''s her step mother.


    While Kyra was in shock, so was her step mother who assumed her dead. When Kyra''s biological mother came for rescue, she also faked Kyra''s death by throwing a different body into river.


    As it decomposed, they couldn''t recognise her. Kyra, who was depressed and have already made continuous attempts of suicide, was again suspected of taking her own life.


    Kyra''s biological mother paid the hospital people the hefty amount to give the fake results of the post mortem.


    So, for Kyra''s step mother and her family, Kyra was dead for more than ten years.


    Yesterday, one of her friends from the town told her that his son reunited with his childhood friend.


    She didn''t take it seriously untill a girl came and told her that this childhood friend was none other than Alexandria ( Kyra Alexandria Collins ).


    At first she didn''t believe it. How can a girl who died resurructed and brought back to life?


    But, when she recalled about her step daughter''s suspicious death, she started to think of a possibility.


    A possibility where her step daughter is still alive and her death was faked by someone.


    As that thought started to haunt her, she decided to see this girl by herself.


    And, yes!


    She is sure that it is her step daughter.


    The features of her face resembles her paternal grandparents. So, it was obvious.


    The reason why Kyra''s biological mother and her family couldn''t recognise her us because she was in disguise most of the time.


    However, she decided to drop this disguising act before she came on this trip. So, recognising her now is not that hard.


    "You are alive." Kyra heard her step mother mutter.


    Kyra held the facade of indifference but her eyes gave it away. The emotions that are flaring in her eyes are too obvious to ignore or miss.


    "I don''t know what you are talking about ma''am. If you are not a patient, please leave." Kyra said, trying to be normal and bussiness like.


    "Your grandmother left something important for you. Something about your rescuer." her step mother said.


    "What?" Kyra asked and she instantly regretted it. How careless of her!!


    Her cunning step mother used the two most weak spots to toy with her. Her grandmother. Her rescuer from a decade ago.


    "So, it''s you!" Her step mother exclaimed and started to laugh hysterically.


    "You bitch. You are really alive!" her step mother spatted as she looked at Kyra with murderous look.


    "Now, you are here to loot us away!!'' she shouted again. It attracted the people around them.


    "Loot you away? How would I be able to loot you away when I got nothing to do with you." Kyra said.


    Loot them away?


    Their total worth won''t even be one percent of her wealth. Moreover, she would not do anything that might tie her up with this family here.


    "You must be aware that your paternal grandparents left the hotel, house and the land on your name! You are here to take it away aren''t you? You daughter of a bitch!" her step mother angrily yelled.


    "When we found out about that, we just wanted to erase you from our away. So, we didn''t give you the medicines you were actually prescribed."


    "It made you more depressed and just as we hoped, you took your life. Atleast that is what we thought." that step mother gritted.


    She kept her voice low so that Kyra would be the only person who could listen to her.


    And, when Kyra heard that, her eyes became red and started to turn moist.


    So, she was not only tried to be murdered by her biological mother and her family but also her step mother and her family as well.


    Why?


    Money. Wealth. Power.


    "You are such a shameless slut to return and try to take back what me and my kids built all these years in your absence."


    "We got a contract from Miller''s Corps to turn our hotel into a resort. We got a oppurtunity to sell our land to a MNC based London. We are about to get rich!" that step mother yelled in anger.


    If Kyra makes a official claim that she is Alexandra, the rightful owner of everything her paternal grandparents left for her, everything must be returned to her.


    Their efforts will be drained.


    "A contract from Miller''s Corps to turn the hotel into a resort?" a voice came from behind making Kyra and her step mother shift their focus on to that voice.


    It is Oliver.


    There are few onlookers but they were suddenly ushered out. Probably Oliver''s work


    "Yes. And, who are you to interfere?" the step mother demaded, clueless that Oliver is the owner of the Miller corps which has sent a contract to turn the hotel into a resort


    "Who am I to interfere? Well, I am not someone special. I am just worried that you will offend the soon to be Mrs. Miller, the boss of the boss of the Millers corps


    When Kyra''s step mother heard it she started to laugh making Oliver angry.


    "Her? Mrs. Millers?" she asked, laughing.


    "Well, don''t you believe?" Oliver asked.


    "Why should I? Even I can go and say that I am president''s wife." her step mother mocked.


    Oliver wrinkled his nose in disgust. How did his girlfriend tolerate a lady like this for years??


    No wonder she was very depressed back then.


    Anger rushed into him when he started to imagine how this arrogant, stupid woman would have tortured Kyra.


    "Well, I can prove it." Oliver said.


    "In a few seconds you will be getting a call from the manager." Oliver said and just as he finished, Kyra''s step mother''s phone started to ring.


    When she saw who the caller is, her eyes filled with fear. It is the manager who came to make a offer representing Miller Corps.


    And, the contents of the call made her legs tremble.


    "Did you like the gift for offending your lady boss here?" Oliver asked

 Chapter 190 - Face Slapping (Part 1)

    "Who am I to interfere? Well, I am not someone special. I am just worried that you will offend the soon to be Mrs. Miller, the boss of the boss of the Millers corps


    When Kyra''s step mother heard it she started to laugh making Oliver angry.


    "Her? Mrs. Millers?" she asked, laughing.


    "Well, don''t you believe?" Oliver asked.


    "Why should I? I can go and say that I am the president''s wife." her step mother mocked.


    Oliver wrinkled his nose in disgust. How did his girlfriend tolerate a lady like this for years??


    No wonder she was very depressed back then.


    Anger rushed into him when he started to imagine how this arrogant, stupid woman would have tortured Kyra.


    "Well, I can prove it." Oliver said.


    "In a few seconds you will be getting a call from the manager." Oliver said and just as he finished, Kyra''s step mother''s phone started to ring.


    When she saw who the caller was, her eyes filled with fear. It is the manager who came to make an offer representing Miller Corps.


    And, the contents of the call made her legs tremble.


    "Did you like the gift for offending your lady boss here?" Oliver asked.


    Kyra''s stepmother Rose looked at Oliver in horror. Just now she received a phone call from the manager who just informed that the contact has been revoked. As the contract has not yet been signed, she can''t even ask for the compensation fees.


    She should have signed it. But she thought that if she waited for a little longer, they might increase the price. Her greed has just backlashed on her.


    "You- what did you do?" Rose asked in panic. The offer was so good that she felt like the happiest woman alive. She even bought a huge plot in the city and even gave money to a contractor to build a luxurious house there.


    Though she didn''t have money at that time to afford these things, she has taken a loan from loan sharks and banks, confident that she could pay them back once the money from Miller corps is settled.


    Now, what should she do?


    As she gave the money to the contractor, the cancellation fees will be more than what she could afford right now. Till that contract to build a house is revoked, no one will buy that plot.


    How will she manage? Not to mention the interest she has to pay to those greedy landlords.


    However, she is not ready to cave in to her step daughter.


    "So�� so. What if you have got the contract canceled? I can go to other companies who are lining up for this hotel." Rose blurted out. The price offered by Miller corps is far, far better than what other companies have offered.


    But, she doesn''t have any other choice.


    "Other companies?" Oliver laughed.


    "Do you think that other companies will dare to go against Miller corps? If you get blacklisted by Millers no one would even take your hotel for free." Oliver said.


    "You- this is called bullying. I will complain to the cops." Rose stuttered in fear.


    She underestimated this guy without any thought.


    The reason was simple. As he is with her step daughter, he is worthless and insignificant.


    But who would have thought that her step daughter has powerful connections like this guy here.


    Meanwhile, Kyra who was in shock because of the cruel discovery, composed her mental stability and looked at her boyfriend who is lashing out on her step mother.


    He called her soon to be Mrs. Millers.


    That alone suppressed half of her pain.


    Seeing him doing all this for her, she didn''t feel the need to grieve because of someone as insignificant as her step mother. After all, Oliver has never ever used his power for something purely personal. He never crossed the line and it was said to be his bottom line.


    "Cops?" Oliver laughed again and looked at Kyra.


    "Love, did you record the audio?" he asked, his face turning gentle.


    Kyra smiled and showed him a tiny recorder she has on her table. As soon as she saw her step mother entering the room, the first thing she did was to turn on the recorder.


    She clicked on the tiny play button and the recording started to play. Everything she spoke about trying to kill her step daughter and confessing about her role in it are clearly audible.


    While Kyra was playing the recording, Jennifer and Anthony entered the room. They got a phone call from Ron and he informed them about this crazy lady who started to lash out on Kyra.


    It didn''t take them much time to guess who that woman could be. They left their lunch in the middle and hurried here. There are only a few people as it is still lunchtime and these people were standing out confused and curious.


    Justin was trying his best to keep them out so that Kyra won''t get humiliated in front of her colleagues.


    Her third brother and Jennifer joined Kyra and they looked worriedly at her, hoping that she is fine.


    But they never expected to see her this calm and peaceful.


    They lost their cool self when they found out how Kyra''s step mother tampered with Kyra''s medicines which led her into deep depression which was the cause of the attempted sucide.


    Anthony was enraged and so was Oliver. If not because of Kyra who stopped them, her step mother would have beaten black and blue.


    Rose trembled. She didn''t expect her step daughter to become this shrewd and insightful.


    And, this guy here just called her ''Love''.


    Does that mean he is Mr. Miller, the CEO of Miller Corps. It makes sense. Only he, The CEO, could make the contract get revoked this fast.


    So, her good to nothing step daughter is marrying a CEO while her precious, pampered daughter has to marry some country guy??


    "Oliver, even if we give this to the cops, she won''t be getting the punishment she deserves." Anthony told Oliver.


    Kyra is alive and her step mother has only stopped giving the prescribed pills to Kyra. She didn''t get involved in direct murder attempt.


    At most, she will become a prisoner for a few years.


    "Yeah, she deserves something more torturous." Jennifer agreed.


    "Who are you guys to judge what I deserve??" Rose spatted furiously.


    "And, it''s fine if you cancel the contract! I can still manage to stay afloat. Even if I get punished for what I did a decade ago, it still won''t change a thing." she added.


    This time Anthony and Oliver both laughed at the same time.


    "Are you talking about the land and house you own?" Anthony asked.


    "She just said that her lands are being purchased by some London based company to build some industry." Oliver told Anthony.


    Jennifer quickly searched and when she saw who owns that company she couldn''t hold her grin.


    "Oh. I pity the devil stepmother of your Ky. She indeed has the worst luck this year," Jennifer said and when Anthony and Oliver searched the same, they started to laugh too.


    "Guys, what''s so funny?" Kyra asked.


    "It''s L&K Groups that decided to buy the land outside the town." Anthony told his sister.


    "Seriously, don''t you know what your own company is doing nowadays?" He chided his sister.


    "I am busy in my career as a surgeon. Lisa and I have divided the work." Kyra answered.


    "No wonder Lisa was excited. She told me that she has prepared a good gift for Kyra." Oliver said. He is really happy with the gift Lisa prepared.


    "That brat told me that she was looking for land to build a fabric industry." Anthony recalled. L&K groups, which are owned by Kyra and Lisa, entered the clothing industry a few years ago and they decided to have their own fabric made as it is more economical and profitable. As they have already started their second headquarters here, they decided to build the fabric empire starting here.


    While the four of them were talking about this, Rose, Kyra''s step mother, was dumbfounded.


    Her step daughter owns a company??


    How did this happen and when exactly has she become this successful??


    And, why should it be her step daughter''s company that has approached for buying the land!


    "It''s fine. Don''t buy!! It''s not like there are no people to buy it." Rose yelled, helpless.


    L&K Groups have offered triple the original amount that she became exhilarated. She was so happy that she used all the hard earned money of her son and daughter to buy the lands around the land where the fabric industries would be coming. She even loaned some money for buying the lands.


    Now, if the fabric industry is not coming anymore, the land she bought is simply waste. When she bought the lands, they were a little more expensive than the usual rate because Miller corps was building the resorts.


    Now, there is no fabric industry and no resorts.


    She will be bankrupt.. Even if she sells everything she owns, she wouldn''t be able to pay the debt she accumulated.

 Chapter 191 - Face Slapping Part 2

    Her step daughter owns a company??


    How did this happen and when exactly has she become this successful??


    And, why should it be her step daughter''s company that has approached for buying the land!


    "It''s fine. Don''t buy!! It''s not like there are no people to buy it." Rose yelled, helpless.


    L&K Groups have offered triple the original amount that she became exhilarated. She was so happy that she used all the hard earned money of her son and daughter to buy the lands around the land where the fabric industries would be coming. She even loaned some money for buying the lands.


    Now, if the fabric industry is not coming anymore, the land she bought is simply waste. When she bought the lands, they were a little more expensive than the usual rate because Miller corps was building the resorts.


    Now, there is no fabric industry and no resorts.


    She will be bankrupt. Even if she sells everything she owns, she wouldn''t be able to pay the debt she accumulated.


    Never in her dreams she thought that her step daughter would show up alive. She couldn''t tolerate how well this step daughter of hers is doing.


    A surgeon.


    A owner of a fastly developing company.


    And, most importantly she has a boyfriend who is from a well established and influential family that owns the wealth she could not even think of.


    Only she knows how envious she is feeling right now.


    While her kids are living in this small town depending on the hotel and rents from the building, her step daughter is living a luxurious, happy life.


    "I raised you for ten years! I am like a mother to you. Can''t you let go of this? This hotel and properties here are nothing compared to what you own. It is cruel to ruin the life of a family." her step mother Rose changed the way of her approach.


    "Cruel?" Oliver and Anthony asked at the same time.


    "Kyra is not the person who caused a riot here. It''s you." Oliver said to Kyra''s step mother.


    "You came here and started to shout like a crazy lady, disrupting your step daughter''s work. It is you who brought this on yourself." Oliver said.


    "Kyra didn''t even contact you people. All she wanted to do is to finish her work here and return to her usual peaceful life. In the first place, she didn''t even think about taking back any of her properties here." Anthony said.


    "She doesn''t have anything to do with your family. You guys are calling her cruel while you are the people who were cruel to her. She was in her vulnerable situation when you took advantage of it and tried to erase her from your lives." Anthony fired up. These are the emotions that were suppressed for years.


    At last he found the right target to vent them out.


    Rose didn''t say anything. She couldn''t find any suitable excuses for this. Even she knows that she was cruel towards her step daughter and has done many evil deeds. But she did them to secure her own family.


    It is her excuse for the things she did.


    "Oliver, what should we do?" Anthony asked Oliver who also wanted to vent out but was waiting for him to finish.


    "We can send the audio evidence to the cops and as you are a lawyer with this ninety nine percent strike rate, I believe you can manage to throw this lady and her accomplices into prison." Oliver said.


    "But, it is an easy way out. So, let''s have them go bankrupt. I will blacklist the hotel so that no one will be able to buy it. We can ask Lisa to revoke the offer to buy the lands and I think that would be enough to send them into a financial crisis."


    "Let the loan sharks and banks torture them for money and when they have no option but to kill themselves, let us send them to prison. A prison where they would experience what the real hell feels like." Oliver added.


    "As Kyra is now a citizen of the UK. It won''t be a big deal for my family to pull some strings and have them sent to the worst prison on the Earth." Anthony said with a devilish smile.


    "I like it." Oliver agreed.


    "Although it sounds ruthless, I think these people deserve it for making my bestie suffer all these years." Jennifer agreed. She is soft hearted and forgiving in nature but this time, she can make an exception.


    Meanwhile, Rose trembled as she listened to their plans.


    They are ruthlessly planning the fall of her family excitingly.


    All again she couldn''t help but get surprised by how much these powerful men here are caring for her step daughter.


    "Th��this is cruel!! All I did was to stop giving her medications. Me and my family don''t deserve this." Rose wailed, at last her arrogant facade shredded off from her face.


    "My girlfriend is not cruel but that doesn''t mean we are like her." Oliver said.


    Rose shivered.


    Oliver''s voice sent shivers down her spines and his intimidating eyes made her feel suffocating.


    She looked at Kyra who was simply sitting and drinking a juice. Not at all bothered by the drama that''s being infolded in front of her. She has her knights taking care of everything so why should she sweat unnecessarily?


    Moreover, Kyra knows that her brother and boyfriend need to vent their anger out. Surprisingly, she felt nothing seeing her step mother like this.


    Kneeling on the floor and crying out of desperation.


    She neither felt satisfied nor her heart ached. It is as if she actually doesn''t care about this family of hers.


    This sudden realization made Kura feel relieved. Not feeling anything is good.


    It is the sign that she has really moved on and what happens here doesn''t affect her in any way.


    "Alex��" her stepmother''s desperate call brought Kyra back from her thoughts. She looked at her step mother with no emotions in her eyes. If it is her previous self, she would be too emotional that she would have already had another episode of her trauma.


    But she changed in these few months. She realized that the past is something she has to let go and she actually did it.


    If she hadn''t moved on, she wouldn''t be this calm even after finding out that this woman here, whom she treated as her mother tried to kill her a decade ago.


    When Rose noticed that Kyra''s attention was on her, she started to cry even more. It looks like her step daughter is the only person who can stop this from happening.


    Her step daughter holds the control of these scary men here. They listen to her. Only her.


    "Your step sister has a husband and a daughter. Your step brother just married a woman he loves and they are expecting a boy. Please don''t ruin your niece and nephew''s life''s because of something we did in the past."


    "Their spouses are innocent and so are their children. Even your stepsister and stepbrother are innocent. Though they were not nice to you, they knew nothing about what I did with your medication. Please spare them. Please��" she begged.


    Kyra looked at her step mother and she could say that this old woman here is genuine.


    And, she knows how difficult and traumatic it will be to live without a proper family. She is not a saint but at the same time, she can''t ruin two lives because of the grudge she used to hold. She doesn''t want the kids and her step sibling''s spouses to curse her and wish for her misery.


    Moreover, she moved on. So, taking revenge won''t change anything in her life. There will be no sense of satisfaction or happiness so, what is the need of revenge right now?


    "Sis, don''t tell me that you are going to melt these words! I know this look!! This is the exact look which you pull off when you act like a saint." Anthony said.


    "What are your thoughts, love? What do you want to do?" Oiver asked, holding Kyra''s hands.


    "Don''t tell me that you are on her side for this, Oliver. Don''t you think this family deserves what they did to my sister?" Anthony asked.


    "Baby, it''s Kyra''s cue. She has to be the one to decide what these people deserve."Jennifer told Anthony as she tugged his sleeve.


    "But-" Anthony stopped and sighed. He can''t snap at his girlfriend!


    "Fine!" he gave up.


    Kyra smiled and clinged to her brother''s arm and smiled at him.


    "This is not the family that is the reason for my trauma. Yes, they have their fair share but you see, I moved on. I don''t want to dirty my hands with anything that connects me back to these people."


    "Brother, I don''t want to be the reason for two kid''s suffering. What will be the difference between me and her if I do the same as her?" Kyra asked.


    When Anthony heard her explanation, he cooled down a bit.


    "But this lady here deserves a proper punishment, Ky. Don''t forgive her." Anthony said.


    "He is right, love.." Oliver agreed.

 Chapter 192 - I Am Not A Saint.

    "Fine!" he gave up.


    Kyra smiled and clinged to her brother''s arm and smiled at him.


    "This is not the family that is the reason for my trauma. Yes, they have their fair share but you see, I moved on. I don''t want to dirty my hands with anything that connects me back to these people."


    "Brother, I don''t want to be the reason for two kid''s suffering. What will be the difference between me and her if I do the same as her?" Kyra asked.


    When Anthony heard her explanation, he cooled down a bit.


    "But this lady here deserves a proper punishment, Ky. Don''t forgive her." Anthony said.


    "He is right, love." Oliver agreed.


    "I agree." Jennifer said.


    Rose looked at her step daughter hoping that she would go easy on her and her family.


    Her and her childrens'' life depends on what her step daughter decides. Never in her dreams did she think that her life would be in the hands of her step daughter.


    Meanwhile, Kyra looked at her step mother and sighed.


    "If I have to send her to prison I have to prove that I am the Alexadria and I am not dead. All this will lead to my biological mother and they will end up finding out that their enemy is alive. I don''t want my peace to be ruined. Not yet. I have a plan on how to handle them." Kyra whispered to Oliver.


    Oliver nodded his head.


    "You can decide what you want to do, Ky. We will support you." Oliver told her and kissed her forehead.


    Though she kept her voice down Anthony and Jennifer were able to hear her.


    She actually made sense. As it is her birth mother who faked the death of Kyra she will find out some or other how that her daughter is alive. And, it wouldn''t be a big deal to track Kyra and find out her whereabouts.


    It will disrupt Kyra''s life in a way Kyra wouldn''t have expected. Her birth mother is crazy, irrational and ruthless. It is not wise to alarm that lady about this.


    "You want to let this woman go?" Anthony asked, angered again.


    "I am not a saint." Kyra said.


    "Then?" Anthony asked.


    "I have a plan. For now, let''s stop here. It is past lunchtime and staff must be waiting outside, curious of what is happening here. Moreover, their idol Dr. Miller is inside with a girl. They will ruin my peace if they suspect that I have something for him." Kyra said.


    The last thing she wants is to handle the fans of her boyfriend and ruin her peace.


    Yes, peace is the most important thing in her life. She has, after all, lived without it for twenty years straight. Now, she has a chance to have a peaceful time, so she doesn''t want to ruin it for herself.


    "For now you are free to go. But that doesn''t mean we have forgiven you for what you did." Anthony said.


    And that was enough for Rose to run away. She decided not to tell her kids about this as they might overreact. They might also start hating her as they are not aware about what she did with their step sister Alexandria''s medication.


    Though they were not kind to her, they were not cruel either. Their hatred towards her was because of their mother. She manipulated their feelings and emotions to make them hate their step sister.


    They will surely stop treating her the same way if they find out how far she went to eliminate their step sister. They might even stop letting their children interact with her.


    ��------


    After her step mother left the hospital using a fire exit, Kyra and Anthony left using the same way.


    Today was emotionally exhausting to her. She needs a way out to refresh herself from all this mess. Anthony decided to tag along with his sister so that she can have someone beside her if she wants to cry.


    He can''t and won''t believe that she has nothing in her heart. She just found out that her step mother had a hand in something that almost took her life not once but twice. The doctor gave her medication for her depression and to help her with her nightmares but that step mother of her''s stopped giving the right medicines and even spread the news that her step daughter went nuts.


    This is not something small and insignificant to let go.


    Anthony is sure that his sister is controlling her emotions for now so that he, Oliver and Jennifer won''t worry about her.


    "Let''s go out of this town for a while." Anthony said, leading his sister towards the car.


    "I have work." Kyra said.


    "I called you sick for you. Moreover, you have reached the minimum hours so, no need to worry about it." Anthony said.


    "I am in no mood, brother." Kyra said.


    "That is the exact reason we have to do it. To uplift your mood." Anthony said, wrapping his arms around Kyra''s shoulder.


    "But-" before Kyra could intervene Anthony stopped her by opening his car door for her.


    "You will like where we are going, sis. Trust me." Anthony said and closed the car door after she got inside. After that he got into the driver''s seat and they drove away.


    It was around a half an hour ride and they stopped at the nearby resort.


    "Is this where you wanted me to bring?" Kyra asked. She has been to much more luxurious and beautiful resorts.


    "This is the closest place to reefresh and have fun." Anthony said and gave a puppy face.


    "I could have taken you to see nature as that is what you love the most but that town is filled with it." he added.


    Kyra chuckled and nodded her head.


    Effort matters the most. Not the result.


    "So, how exactly did my brother decide to refresh his sister''s mind?" Kyra asked as they checked in.

 Chapter 193 - Ruining Her Reputation.

    While Kyra and Anthony were having a quality sibling time, Teressa, Lillian and two more girls who followed them to the resort are beyond happy.


    As Kyra was getting close to Oliver, they wanted to ruin her reputation and kick her out of the hospital.


    "I told you guys right? She is a slut. She seduces all the rich and handsome guys. She is a materialistic bitch." Teressa smirked.


    "I just enquired. They took one room. It means they are going to the same room." Lillian said.


    "It''s till tomorrow morning." she added.


    "I just got off from a call. That Anthony guy has called in sick for Ria. So, she won''t be returning to the town next morning." the third girl said.


    "I am sure they will enjoy Sunday together in some luxurious place." the fourth girl said.


    "Jennifer treats her like a good friend and here she is, hooking up with her boyfriend just because he has money." Teressa scoffed.


    "Yes. She is a homewrecker. If Jennifer finds this out she will be heart broken." Lillian showed her fake pity.


    "It''s okay. She is rich and her family will find her another suitable groom." the third girl said.


    "Let''s check in and take some pictures of them." Teressa said grinning as she looked at Kyra who was now leaning in Anthony''s embrace.


    The first thing they Kyra did is to enjoy the sauna. Anthony sat out and waited patiently.


    "Why didn''t he join her��huh? It''s a private room and they can enjoy it together right?" Teressa said, impatient.


    "Maybe he wants that filthy woman to clean herself up before he could have his way with her." Lillian comforted her friend.


    "It makes sense." others agreed.


    After waiting for thirty minutes, Kyra came back and then Anthony took Kyra to a spa. As it is for ladies, he waited outside again.


    He was on call and was busy all the time as he waited.


    "There are private spa places here. They could have enjoyed it together right?" Teressa asked again.


    "Maybe he wants her to relax and become flexible." Lillian said, comforting her friend.


    They had to wait for another hour for Kyra to come out.


    "Feeling relaxed?" her brother asked her and Kyra nodded her head.


    "I don''t don''t have to do thisl, bro. I am fine." Kyra said. She didn''t like how he waited for her outside. He is having a lot of work and that is why he is not relaxing like her. He is on call all the time.


    "You enjoyed it, right? That is all I want." he said, ruffling her hair.


    Kyra smiled and nodded her head. Truth to be told, she really wanted this.


    "The next stop?" Kyra asked.


    "Snacks." he whispered into her ears.


    Teressa took a pic of it and smiled. Although it can''t be proof of adultery going on here, she can use this.


    "He must be feeding her so that she won''t pass out later." Lillian said.


    Teressa nodded her head.


    Kyra ordered all the things she loves to eat without any restraint. She will work out after going back. For now, she will enjoy the food.


    "My little glutton is back." Anthony said, laughing.


    Kyra stuck her tongue out but laughed.


    "Here, eat this. It''s yummy." Kyra said and held a spoon for him to eat.


    Anthony''s face lit up and he gladly led his sister to feed her. She fed him a spoon of every recipe she ordered and Teressa took pictures of all those.


    "See, she is eating like a beggar who never ate the expensive food." Lillian said.


    "Yeah. She is not even worried that Anthony would feel disgusted by her glutton stomach. No one eats like this except when they are with someone they feel like family." the third one said.


    "She is an exception." Teressa grunted.


    "What is our next stop?" Kyra asked yawning.


    Anthony laughed. "Sleepy already?" he asked, resting his hand on her back.


    "A bit. But I am going to finish the plan you meticulously planned for me." Kyra said leaning into his embrace.


    "I am glad. But I am warning you my sis. You will have a long night ahead." he told her.


    "I am fine with it." Kyra said and the next stop was the suite he booked for her.


    "Go inside. I will be back in half an hour." he told her and after she went inside he left.


    "Why didn''t he go inside?" Teressa asked.


    "Maybe he wants her to dress up and get into the mood." Lillian said.


    They waited for another half an hour and Anthony came up dressed in a suit and knocked on the door.


    Kyra came out dressed in a black gown. She is looking so gorgeous that Teressa and the other three girls were stunned.


    She looks familiar.


    "She looks similar to the one Dr. Miller has brought it as his date for a charity event." Lillian said.


    "You are just overthinking." Teressa said.


    "But where is he taking her? Isn''t he supposed to go inside?" Lillian said.


    By the way they dressed, it seems like they are going for a party or something like that.


    "Where to?" Kyra asked, as surprised as Teressa and her lackey''s.


    "A party. Business gathering to be precise." he answered her.


    "My workaholic brother!" Kyra said and gently smacked his arm.


    Kyra and Anthony walked into an open garden and it was already dark outside.


    All of a sudden, her brother left her side and the garden lit up with light.


    Kyra winced because of the brightness but when she saw who else was there, she could only place her palm on her mouth in surprise.


    Her best friends Lisa, Sophia and Jennifer are there along with Oliver, Anthony and her fourth brother Ryan. Her childhood friends Mia, Landon, Justin and Henry are there as well.


    In front of them are huge cakes and the decoration in the garden mentioned that it is her birthday.


    Yes.. This is her real birthday but she stopped celebrating it after she left this place.