In California, a new CEO was elected..at the send off party of the old dedicated CEO..As the custom of the work, the new one was to be introduced. Arriving on the stage alone...was like a new heaven opened for angelic beings. A guy dressed in a blue-black suit stepped up the stage. The women mellowed in wows..He gave none a stare...nor a gaze. His strict nature was endearing..his lips...facial features, eyes...oh geez...only angels would have. The MC dropped her purse at his smile. He bent down to take it for her.
" Is it that you can't stand or...you have problems seeing ghosts? ". He said and the woman stood still...He climbed to the top and shook his outgoing master. He turned to talk to the audience. The women went "wowza" again.
" I'm much exuberant for the position I'm to hold. I promise to keep the good work done and do my best to develop the company" His words ended. The applauses went deafening. He sat down and waited till the ceremony was closed and stood up. He spoke to few people and smiled rarely. He seemed as though he saw no woman. Many of them were surprised at his behavior but he still remained calm when they spoke rudely to him. The news was published internationally and his pictures went viral.... One week of his working...he had fifty-five letters a day from different women and those who dared to venture into his office without his approval to seduce him, were fired. This managed to put fear into the other female employees..so they only admired him from afar. He didn't like the interruption of girls at all. In his office was a secret safe on its own. He needed nothing and had only a trusted female employee working in there. The other employees didn't understand why such a lonely poor girl could touch the heart of a block-hearted man like Harris Alexander Grandé. Some thought she was suffering in there with him, looking at how strict he was. Others also thought he would be a crazy lover to her. Rumours went round anytime she came out with different facial expressions. Exactly one month, they had a get together party at the company. Harris's special assistant got drunk. The female employees wanted to ask her questions about the CEO. She wasn't ready to talk about him. Now after they managed to get her to drink eight glasses of her favorite wine, she easily spoke to them, answering all their questions vividly. Even though she told the truth, they still felt she was under the influence of the wine..When the party ended,she couldn't go home. Her boss carried her to his mansion. He couldn't believe what the girl was blabbering. Was it really the wine that is making her talk like that or she meant it?. He thought as he tried to take off her clothes and make her shower for she smelt of wine vomit. She was now too difficult for him. She wouldn't allow him to take off her clothes, not even the buttons nor even take off his own shirt too. Huh! He wanted to hit her head with the pillow so she comes to her senses. He felt bad at his bad thinking and sat by her...he rubbed her hair with his hand and raised her up in his arms into the jacuzzi. Interestingly, the girl pulled him into it as well. The water splashed out. The girl was now moving towards him. Her attitude made him astounded as she never showed interest in him. He pulled her away. "Relax, Grenda. Listen to me. I know you are under the influence of the wine you took. I know you will be fine okay?" Harris tried to pamper her."
" I feel miserable they made me drink too much wine because I love wine. They wanted to know all about you. Now I want to kiss you." Grenda said. Harris coughed at the hearing of kiss. He stood up and moved from her.. " Okay...he walked back to her." Lie down calmly on my chest okay." Grenda nodded. " But before that let's finish taking our bath okay?" Grenda nodded like a good kid. After bathing, he carried her to the bedroom in her wet clothes. He made her stand still and covered her with a huge towel. He cleaned herself and made her wear a big shirt of his. She looked hot and sexier than he even thought. Then put her to bed.
" Where a-are you going ?" She asked when Harris stood up. " Uhmm...I'm just going to clean up and dress. " Harris simply answered. He wiped the water off his body and dress up in pyjamas. Going to lie by her won't cause a problem...will it? He slowly moved to her on the bed then lied beside her. He wrapped her in a blanket and saw her to sleep. He also slept.
A loud thunder woke them up. Grenda cried out of pain. She was having a headache and it has started raining. He must put her to sleep if not he won't sleep as well...She was already shivering with all the blanket he has covered her with. There was no option than for him to pull her closer to himself and wrap her body with his. He moved to her side and pulled her so her body would touch his. The girl coiled with comfort when their bodies touched. She was a soft skin girl..with smooth skin like his, her scent was mild and felt so natural... The girl wrapped her arms around his waist. The flesh that touched his made his body goose bumped. He shook with emotions and took her hand off. Realizing that she was asleep,he also slept....
***
Two years later..
Lucas managed to get the address of Dr. Marcvell after visiting the hospital...with Mr. Osborne. He was alone with the old doctor who was playing hard to get.
" I promise to pay you any amount if you reveal to me...the incidence of 1999" Lucas said.
" There were a lot of things that happened in that year I don't remember." The doctor said. " Precisely 6th March,1999...Dr. Alexander Grandé's wife...who bore the twins." Lucas' words made the doctor look up at his face. "Are you Harry or Harris?" He asked. "I'm Harry...the younger twin...I want to know if you have any idea about the whereabouts of my brother and please give me a detailed account of my parents". Lucas pleaded. "Your brother is in California. The CEO of the Yates company in California. Your brother was stolen and sold by one of our then nurses and you were swapped with Mrs. Walters' son. Your mother died with a will too. No one knows of this but i will tell you. She's is from the Yates family. They are richer than your dad's family and since they were married the inheritance will belong to you and your brother. Your brother now has his share...he is the junior master of the Yates family. You must take the rest which is the Grandé's inheritance. This is your grandfather's address...I had this a year ago. If you are able to reach him, you will become a Yate Grandé, richer than your brother. Take it. Add your money. I don't want it. Your father died a painful death...hm avenge him..." The doctor's words ended when he coughed out blood. Someone shot him with a silent pistol. He fell down. Lucas tried to helped only to hear the sirens of the cobs' vehicles. Was that a trap? The police appeared at the spot and he was covered in blood as he was helping the man up.
" Hands up!" A cob alerted. Lucas quietly stood up and raised his hands into the air. " Sir,I didn't kill the doctor" Lucas tried to explain." Shut up and turn..you will explain when we get to the prison." Lucas was arrested. Straight into the prison, he was sent.
***
Ann and the Walter family went to see him at the prison. This was after the news was out. Ann and Mrs. Walter cried bitterly. His mother went to see the inspector leaving Ann with him. " Lucas how did you get in this mess? " Ann I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't kill the doctor. I was there with him and someone shot him. I didn't know who it was and how come." Lucas said with a face. " I will go and get some food prepared for you okay. I will be back for you. You don't deserve to be here at all." Ann said wiping her tears and left. At home, she heard her dad making a call in his room...and sneaked into the kitchen. She told Jane to tell everyone that she was in her room and needed no one to disturb her sleep. After eavesdropping her dad's conversation, she saw him leave his phone down into the bathroom. She went inside,took the phone,and sent a text to the person to alert him when the torturing was about to start. She quickly walked out and went to see Lucas. After eating Lucas told her that, his parents are going to take him out tomorrow. The news made her feel relaxed a bit. " I loved your food it tastes like..." Like what?? Ann interrupted. " Hahahah like your lips." Ann laughed." Ah Lucas....Just like that, are you serious? You always want to make fun of me huh? She said as he smiled. " So did the symbol I brought to you bring you any good thing? I mean the one I took from my dad's safe." Ann whispered. Lucas winked. " Okay, I must go.. I have something to do." Ann excused and packed the plates. Lucas held her hand. She turned to him and looked into his eyes. Lucas kissed her forehead. " Thank you" he said. She felt hypnotized and stood still like a fool. Then smiling sheepishly, she went away. Right time to target her dad and follow him to see who his father has ordered to be tortured. He sneaked into the kitchen and placed the dishes down. She went upstairs to rest a bit. Then at dinning, she ate firstly and waited for her parents to finish eating. She saw her dad get up to receive a call. That was her alert. She also went upstairs with the excuse of going to rest. She sneaked through the window and went into her father's car booth. In no time, her dad also joined. He drove straight to the prison where Lucas was kept. She carefully ran out of the boot and ran to the back of the cell where Lucas was put. Thinking of a way to get inside,she discovered a back door. Regardless of the thick cobwebs, she entered into it. She entered and saw Lucas tied to a chair and was bleeding. The room smelt of different fuels poured together. She couldn't even tell which fuel was poured on him and the floor. "For the last time. Tell me what the code to the inheritance is!" That's her father. So all this while, her father was a murderer?
" You will rot in hell and I will still not tell you!" She heard Lucas yell at him.The place was set on fire and she cried bitterly for betraying Lucas her only love. In the thick smoke,she pulled him out through the back door and finding a better place,she hid him and ran back into the car boot in tears. Her father drove away. She sneaked out in tears and then using her window she climbed into her room and slept in tears. The news went viral about the explosion and missing body of Lucas. Mrs. Walter cried and couldn't be consoled...she threatened the inspector to kill him if they don't provide Lucas' body..... After some weeks of lazy investigations the case died off.....
Three years later.....
Ann's dream of going to California came to pass. She was afraid of meeting Lucas anywhere but she wanted to apologize for betraying him as well. Luckily for her she was able to meet all the expectations of the company she went to and would start working. The Yates company which she wanted to work in, was owned by her father's enemies. Now she was assigned to the CEO's office as his assistant. This was because, Grenda was dead. She died in a pool while partying with her friends. According to the investigations, she was poisoned. Ann heard a lot about the CEO and couldn't wait to meet him. A week of working under this unknown man, finally ended..when she was flipping the pages of a file she saw on his desk. " What do you want here woman?" The voice was calm but strict. She swallowed her saliva and began" Urhhmm..s-sir I have been assigned to your office and I saw this file here. I wanted to know the content so that I will know where to keep it for you" she lied.
" Lying to me won't gain you anything. I know you were reading about the case of the couple whose death are being investigated". Harris said and sat down. Ann quickly moved away and went to her desk. She remembered she hadn't greeted him and turned to him. The sight of the man made her fall back in her chair.
'Lucas.....' she said.
Harris gave an her astonished gaze.
" Lucas is that you? " She said standing up to the table.
" And who is Lucas? I'm not whoever you think I am. I'm Harris not Lucas." He said taking off his suit. Ann rushed to help him. He didn't resist her offer to help unlike he used to do. He looked at her slim figure and wondered who she was. He looked carefully at the bare-skin of her thighs. She was fair skinned though, but not much as one would think. Her face was too cute for him...he smiled at her facial features.... admiring how on earth a person could be given such stature. He was used to studying people and so he did to everyone who came close to him. With that the least fault, he could spot. He took out his file again and read something. His frowning face made Ann laugh. She was wondering why Lucas is pretending not to know her now. The whole thing was funny to her... She tried to take her mind off ,but she couldn't and wanted to confront him even if she would be fired. She waited till lunch and stood up to stretch. Ann went to him.
" Lucas, I know you don't want to forgive me but at least let me plead okay. I never meant evil....". This Lucas stood up and went out. Then she saw something unfamiliar. It wasn't him indeed. The cologne that he had used was different from that of Lucas'. Then she remembered that Lucas once said that he had a twin in one of the usual night talks. So was this his twin?...She wondered. She followed him into the elevator. He secretly looked at him. "Sir, I didn't want to annoy you...please pardon me for my behavior. I actually..'
" Enough! Ann hiccupped as his words went sharp in her ears. For the rest of the day, she didn't speak. She wondered why a beautiful man like him was so rude and strict to people. This continued until one afternoon, when they were coming back from their usual lunch, she nearly hit him on his back. Just when she raised her hand, Harris turned to her. Her eyes popped up with her hand in the air. Harris smiled at her facial expression." Like seriously, what were you about to do?. Hit me? Ah...do you hate me like that?..." Ann felt embarrassed and looked down as they entered the office." Get to work". He ordered and she frowned. Why wouldn't this man allow her to be?
" There is a lot of work today. So you ain't going home...'ah this man...hm what does he think? Funny..does he know how I love sleeping? I will sneak and ran home.' she thought and smiled. " Now don't think of running or sneaking home cos both of us are going to my house when it's late and you are tired". Ann looked at him with raised eyebrows. Then she set to work. They worked in silence for the rest of the hours till midnight. " Let's go home. Don't work again". Harris said and he arranged the desk and walked out followed by Ann walking lazily by him. She didn't even arrange her messy desk and they went home. His mansion was enormous and beautiful. Neat and serene just like she always dream to build. Harris gave her a room to sleep in. Just after a hot bath, she fell on the bed and dozing off, she slept soundly on the soft mattress like she had no worries. The next day, before Harris woke up, she was already awake and had prepared his breakfast and his working suit for the day was ready. He wondered the time she did all that without the servants even knowing, for they were also surprised when they woke up. She was in her office wear for yesterday. Harris called to one servant." Let them bring in the dresses when they arrive". He went back to his room and had his bath, then dressed up. He forgot to wear his tie as he came downstairs to have breakfast. Ann was taking her bath when the dresses were brought to her room on stands.. different clothing. She nearly scream at the sight of all the clothes. She knew her rich boss had intentionally ordered it. So she took out a blue and white office suit...like his. After dressing up, she came down to tea. The scene was beautiful that the servants admired them. After eating, they set off to work in his Limousine driven by the driver. They used the secret elevator to the office and worked till lunch. After eating, they came back and began working again. About an hour time, he raised his head only to see Ann dozing. Her head was moving left and right like a slow pendulum. He smiled and walked to her desk. He took the rest of her work to his desk and carried her to the secret room in the office Ann didn't know of. The room was just like his bedroom but inside here, everything was green. He covered her and came out to continue his work. He looked through her previous works and saw that, she had done marvelously well. He smiled and continued. Ann woke up at 7 pm and came out. She saw him with the file she had seen on his table. He was totally immersed in the content he was reading. She checked her time as she stepped into the office. What? She had been sleeping for five hours now and he didn't also bother to wake her up? She looked at her table and it was tidy and his looked neat with a pile of files already completed. She didn't know how to greet, out of the embarrassment she felt. Harris lifted his eyes to her. He felt how guilty had register it's name on her forehead. "Are you already hungry?" He asked. " Urhmm...not yet". Ann simply responded feeling relieved that, Harris didn't rebuke her." Sir..I'm sorry I couldn't finish my work" . Harris nodded smiling." Let's go home okay. I have to ask you something before you leave for your country". He stood up and remembered he was not in a tie the whole day. He felt embarrassed but pretended to be fine after all no one saw him. Only Ann did. About entering the elevator, someone called him. It was from the conference hall. An impromptu meeting was being held there. Going to pass by the main company hall into the conference hall will cause another wowza for him from the employees. This time he knew what will come out if they saw him without a tie and Ann was after him with that loose tie around her neck plus the messy hair due to her sleep. We have to get to the meeting within twenty minutes before the press comes in. " Woa...." Ann said in surprise. " It's better you do something to your messy hair and wear your tie well." Harris continued." What about you". Ann gazed at him. After dressing up she remembered that ,she had placed his tie in her bag earlier that morning. She took it out. Now the problem was if she was going to put it around his neck for him. Won't he think she was trying to harass him this time? "Umm...your tie is here. I took it along in case you forgot to take one along. Harris only nodded without taking the tie from her. Is this some kind of trick which he wants to play on her? Why would he not take it? Or he just doesn't want to wear the tie today.? Like he heard her thought responded." Yes, I don't intend to wear a tie...but since you want me to wear it and look good. Come on and do it for me. My hands are occupied" . Harris stood straightening his back. Ann took hold of the tie and walked to him. Her head on his chest, she tiptoed and embrace his neck. He was taller than her and she was just the height he wanted too. He would have done it but he wanted to punish her for sleeping that long. " Is this some kind of punishment or what? At least come down a bit" She said, under her breathe but he heard her and confirmed her doubt that it was a punishment. He held her waist to support her up. She now wore the tie around his neck and did the knot perfectly." I'm done". Harris still held on to her waist. She hated the fact that Harris would make a statement about it and as expected, Harris did. She broke from his embrace, and took the lead. Harris followed suit. The conference ended within thirty minutes and they went home. In the mansion....Ann prepared the evening meal whilst Harris conversed with her. " Who did you say I resemble?" He asked. " A guy who I was in love with. We were best friends but my dad...hm..my dad wanted to kill him. I managed to save him but we lost contact". Ann sniffed. " What did you say his name was?" Ann looked up in tears remembering how she had betrayed the only friend she ever had." Lucas. But his real name was Harry. I don't know of his other name. He is a twin as well..all facial features and manly appearance are just a duplicate of you". Ann explained. "Are you a twin?" Ann added." Yeah, the file I saw you flipping through the other time was from an investigation team I have secretly employed to look into the death of my parents as well as that of my twin. It would be fine if I can meet him through you. So Im thinking you would keep in touch and send me his details when you two meet again..." It would be a tragedy when we meet for I betrayed him to help my dad...". Harris said nothing but he understood her fears....ignorant of her, he hugged her from behind. He felt hot drops of water on his hand. Those were her tears. Harris was sorry to have made her cry. " It's silly to cry huh? Hahaha....I'm fine. Let me dish the food okay." Ann wiped her tears as well as that of his hands. After eating, they had a long chat and went to bed. She went home the next day as Harris gave her a day off. From that period, their friendship grew during the two years of her stay and work in that Yates company....
****
A year later....
" Grandfather...why do you still pour out your marriage props....on me? I'm not ready and I won't marry till I want to?" The man said. The old man took off his pair of glasses and looked at him clear eyed." What did you say? What sort of grandson are you? You are always chasing after money and work whiles the ladies are there. Who does that?" The old man said. A servant knocked and entered." Mr. Grande Yates....your order is in". He said and went out. The young man's phone vibrated as a message popped up. It was a message from the Model Company. The audition has began and they wanted him to be one of their judge as he was the CEO as well.." Grandmaster I will bring my wife to you, please don't arrange for any blind date." The man said. " I give you only a week to do so as you have said. Failure to do that will attract another blind that from me!" The old man retorted. The young dude stepped out of the G. Y. Mansion. He went straight to the Model Company and sat amongst the judges. He intentionally came unannounced to see how things are going....As usual his crushes were around. One of them tried to act smart with him and she ended up embarrassing herself to the whole crowd at the audition. This was when the man told her to change her perfume and use a sweet scented one because hers was too strong. That was when they noticed his presence and acknowledged him. He looked at none of the ladies. Even with their special body signs they gave him, he ignored them all. His aura was like that of a king, well-mannered as though he had no fault. He was the ladies-man. Gentle yet strict. " Oh Mr. Harry Alexander Grandé Yates....when did you arrive?" The man in charge acknowledged smiling. He raised his hand to silence him. The man immediately shut up and swallowed hard. " Take care of the rest. I have a lot to handle. Select the best..no mistakes this time" he said and walked toward the elevator followed by his personal assistant, Larry. At the outside of the Company, something caught his attention. A slim figure walked past him. She was a cute maiden, pink lipped and round faced. Even though her stature was slim, it suit everything about her. As slim as she was, her body curves were registered in her dress. She was a charming episode of beauty with an attractive aura of gentility. For the first time in a long era, he was bewitched by the kind of beauty the lady possessed. He remembered a blur scene of himself and a woman who looked like the girl infront of him now. The flashback made him feel dizzy and Larry hurried to his aid and sent him into his working Limousine and drove him home, the H.A.G.Y Mansion... The house was more enormous than Harris's...it had more servant who were professionally trained from the family's great hospitality and services College. Amongst the servant was an old trusted man,Mr. Davis. He loved Harry like his own son and respected him like his master. He was the one Harry put in charge of all the housing affairs and he was a great mannered servant who knew Harry very well. Since the establishment of the Yate Company, Harry never had enough time to cater for himself and Mr. Davis made sure he was well catered for. The Grandé Yates company was the biggest and richest company world-wide. They owned many companies throughout the world. From the music,to modelling,to acting, to security agencies,to media tracking companies and a whole lot. The next day, he woke up just when breakfast was ready. After his hygiene, he came downstairs. He looked better as though nothing happened the previous night. He ate all his food to the surprise of the servants. He decided to go out to have a walk in one of his favorite mall. Now it happened that as he entered, someone hugged him. He pushed her slowly from him and looked at her. Was that not the same woman he had seen the previous day at the Model Company? And why was she hugging him now? Is the beautiful girl out of her senses? He wondered. Then the next thing he saw, the girl had flanged her arms around his neck. WHAT THE...the girl's lips were already dominating on his. At a minute she stopped and said panting." Please safe me back...just follow my trend I will pay for this favour." Her words ended and Harry unknowingly responded to her lips' action. He was now taking the lead. A public viewing?. All cameras on them. The kissing scene was viral. About thirty minutes, the girl's senses dropped into her and she loosened her stand and gripped. Then she waved at three people who seemed to be of high status and ran out with the man. All this while, Harry didn't understand what was happening, he just did as the girl was doing. Now at a distant,they stopped. The girl was already panting. Harry held her into his car and drove away to a place where no one will see them. He gripped her arm. "Ouch... that hurts!" The girl said." Do you realize what you have done?" Harry was furious with her now. " I know but please relax and let go off me. I was only escaping a blind date." ...." So I was the bait you could see huh...do you know what you have done due to this kissing thing of yours?" Harry was harsh now. He remembered his grandfather who by now is rejoicing over the kissing video. He took out his phone and answered a call." Master ..I just saw a video of you kissing a beautiful woman. The video is actually everywhere. Grandfather called your office as well. I didn't reply to it." Larry said. " Call the Secret Yate Media Tracking Company and ask them to delete all the kissing video within a minute." His voice was stern and Larry knew he was furious. He did as told and all the videos were deleted in no time. He got the confirmation and returned to the girl who was looking at him flabagastedly. " Who are you?" She asked. " Are you Lucas?" .." Are you out of your senses again?. Harry queried. " Or you are Harris? The girl asked. Harry shook his head and walked away . At the second step, she said "HARRY!" . Harry stopped in his steps and stood still. That's his name. Who is this girl? She actually seems familiar but he can't recognize her. The operation that was performed on him has really caused him to forget everything that happened in his past. Everything was new to him now. All the people from his past were new people he was now meeting. He turned to the girl. If Larry had heard the girl call his name this way, like he would have looked at her well to find what kind of girl shows no respect to a man with such dignity... The girl walked to him. " I'm Navaro Ann Z..." She couldn't continue and stopped. Maybe hearing her surname will result to something else so it was better she doesn't mention it. He said nothing and walked away. ' Why has he changed so much like that? Was it that he doesn't want to be reminded of their relationship in the past? Or he was just ignoring her?" Her thoughts raised. She felt bad and couldn't think well. " I must leave things to be the way they are now." She said to herself and saw him drive his car away. She also boarded one home and arriving, she slept. Harry went to work that evening. He stayed awake throughout the evening thinking about Ann. What was the thing with this girl he couldn't resist? Or was she a mens-babe?..... He shook the thoughts off and continued his work. At 5am, he was exhausted and went to his secret room to rest before the new secretary came . She came to work earlier than before and did all the clean up and other works left in the absence of Harry. She was a new secretary assigned to Harry's office. She didn't know Harry was going to be her boss. She was relaxing in a chair when Harry entered the office from the room. She jumped up.
"S- sir....I-Im sorry....I was urh... waiting for you." Ann rubbed her eyes. Was she seeing Harry?. Harry looked at her and felt an urge of anger rise up. His secretary entered.
" Sir...the Agents of the game company have a new update today. Here is the document." Larry pulled a file to him.
" Did you receive anything from the Model Company?" Harry queried.
" Not yet". Larry simply answered. The office telephone rang. Harry watched it and didn't pick up. Larry answered the call. He made a face and Harry knew that it was grandfather. " He wants to talk to you." Larry smiled. Harry took the phone from him. "Grandfather...yes...but I didn't promise you I would bring her today. I will bring her soon. That video was a coincidence..." He threw the phone to Larry and looked at Ann whose face was buried in a document. She looked so serious but there was nothing she was doing. He shook his head and sat down.
" Master... grandfather seems very happy about the kissing video. He wishes to see the woman who broke your icy heart." Larry teased him. Harry gave him a queer look. Larry walked out smiling to himself as Harry looked annoyingly at the girl who sat infront of him and an idea dropped in his head. He didn't like her but he must marry her so his grandfather will stop setting blind dates for him. He didn't know how to approach her with it, so he decided to set a day for that. He wanted to know her inner beauty, how rude she could be, her bad side and everything that can allow him to venture her. He realized that getting angry at her for kissing him in public was nothing to write home about. Moreover, in the end, he was the one who took the lead. This was after a month of working with her in his office. Ann on the other hand, had grown fond of most male employees in the company. She was used to Harry's behavior and thought he was a different person now. No need to show him how much she would love to be with him. She often went out with her new colleagues and left her boss alone when he needed her company the more. He was changing in order for her to like him and see how he loved her. Now Ann wasn't regular to the office again. Harry without any information got bored with the lonely feeling her absence brought him. He wasn't ready to admit that....he was beginning to change and that was making him love her. After three days of absence, Ann came to work.
" Good morning sir". She greeted. Harry didn't respond. She also said nothing and went to her desk. Harry stole several glances at her when she wasn't looking at him. He was happy she was back, but she not telling him anything about her absence annoyed him.
" Let's go for lunch." He broke the silence.
" I don't want to". Ann replied shortly. " Stop the work and let's go". He ordered again. This time his voice was calm than usual. Ann noticed it but she wasn't having any appetite for food so she refused. Harry got bored with her action.
" You wouldn't go and have lunch with me but you would go out with other colleagues to eat and have fun...right? You went absent for weeks without any permission and you came back today...going out is a dare for you to do..." Harry spilled.
"Oh stop it Harry. Just stop it! . I've had enough of your behavior..... Ask me of my reason for absenting myself and you would know. I didn't go absent for any dud reason okay. Moreover, my colleagues are just like me. I do whatever I like and I need you not to control me. Oh...yeah, you talking of having lunch with them..hm...you want to know why? Cos' you are boring and you order too much. I hate too much strictness. I'm tired of staying in this prison with you....I will leave. I'm no match for you. Boss and secretary...that's all."..... Her words sent him wet. He couldn't believe his ears. If Larry had heard this, he would have collapsed seeing a lady speak her mind out to Harry and he didn't say a word.
" So you think....I'm too bossy too? Ann for all this while...I never caged you, you did what you wanted. I....." He stopped his words as the office door opened and Larry came in. Ann ran out in tears. Larry looked startled at Harry. He knew his boss was a warm-hearted man but he had no idea about how to handle women. He thought Ann would be better but he made her cry? What is ... His thoughts were distracted by Harry's voice. " Answer the call" . Harry walked into the secret room. His voice was dry and harsh. Ann's words digged deeply into him. He poured out a drink, gulped it down and threw the glass to the ground. The glass broke into pieces. He didn't know what was happening to him...he felt strange all at once. Why should a fight with a worker bother him?. A part of him was scared. He felt a sharp pain....and knelt heavily on his knees, he hit his hands clenched into fist on the broken glass. Now he was bleeding. Larry entered the secret room and saw the scene. He nearly stumbled. Was his boss in pain because he fought with Ann? No...his thoughts were stupid. If not so, then why is he in this state? How then will he tell him about what his grandfather had said. He helped him up to a chair and cleared the pieces of glasses and blood stains. Harry went to wash down and after dressing up,he came to Larry who dressed his wound for him. His attitude was now himself. " What did grandfather say? " He asked in his harsh tone. His face showed no emotion." He wants to have a word with you". Harry without a word, took the lead. Larry followed. The driver drove them straight to the other city where the G. Y Mansion was. He entered, walking briskly to his grandfather's study. " There you are my boy" his grandfather,Mr Grandé Yates said with a smile. Harry sat infront of him." Now I realize what you said was true...the kissing video I saw was a camouflage. So I have brought you a true woman from the Yates family. You know that's the family you must marry from. Your mother was a Yates and your dad was a Grande." The old man said without throwing caution to the wind. " You will love her when you see her." The door opened. " Oh...haha there she comes." The man rested in the chair looking happily at the girl who just entered. She was a maiden of a height almost like Harry. Slender, beautiful and graceful. Harry looked at her with no emotion. She smiled as she walked towards them. " Hi Harry! " She said. Harry looked away and fixed his eyes on his grandfather who looked like he was satisfied with what he saw. He stood up. " Eirené.....hope you are good. I'm sorry to tell you this okay....I'm not interested in marrying you. I have a fiancee." Harry turned to the old man..." Grandpa....she is a perfect match for cousin Manel Grandé." Permit me to step out." He turned to go." You jerk! You dare deny my proposal again. You must marry her." The old man's words stopped him but he didn't turn." You have only three days to bring to me your marriage certificate and your wife...if not I will not change my mind." The old man ended. Harry walked away without turning. He was beginning to remember what happened at the office. On their way home, he felt that, a part of him was worried. He looked through the window, looking at the city. " Do you know where I can find Navaro?" Larry thought he didn't hear him well. So he said nothing." Are you aware of her whereabouts?" Now Larry knew that his boss was actually talking to him. And wait.... what was he asking about? A woman's whereabouts? " I don't please" He also answered and kept quiet in his thoughts. " Uhmm.. maybe you should call her..." Larry suggested." She wouldn't answer." He said. " She feels too bored with me and thinks I'm bossy and strict hahahaha" . Larry said nothing but he understood his words and pain. He went home. He called her severally but she refused to answer his call. After a week, she appeared. He was happy she came back. This happiness faded when Ann brought out a resignation letter. Harry nearly cried. He jumped off his chair." Ann....wh- what is this?." Tear dropped down her cheeks." I'm sorry but I can't work with you again not even in this company. I'm sorry I ruined everything for you in just a day....I promise to return that favour.. for now I must resign." Harry couldn't stand still. He continuously bit his lower lip. With full courage, he took hold of his pen. His hand trembled as he signed and handed it to her. The thought of her leaving pained him more, so he couldn't even look at her. Ann turned and walked on. At the door, she was stopped by an embrace." Ann...please...don't leave. P- please." Harry's voice was touching this time...Ann said nothing but wept in silence. She unfolded his arms around her and left the office. Harry smashed his hand against the sensor button to the elevator and it broke ....but Ann was gone. After several hours of trying to gather courage, he finally stood up and went home. Larry worked in place of him.....
*****
A month later.....
Larry came to Harry with a new set of lists from the Model Company. Scanning through the list, he saw Navaro Ann Zanes... "So now she went round and still fell in my company." He thought as he signed. She was actually the new model now...very famous even though her entry has not been long. " Give me the daily activities of the model industry". Larry nodded as Harry handed the list to him. As instructed, Larry gave the day-to-day activities of the company to him and updated him dito into each model's performance. If he hears him well, Ann was the leading celebrity. He was not surprised for he saw the girl to have possess multiple personalities. Now it was time to reward the best model, and he must be there. This was two weeks after he signed the contract. He got there exactly when the show was about to begin. All the contestants came in their numbers and most of them nearly lost their stand when they saw him. He seemed to have charmed them. They kept making silly mistakes amidst error that gave them low marks. Now it was Ann's turn. She came walking and just then, her eyes met his stare. She quickly looked elsewhere...and remained her stand. The audience went applauding amidst screams. Her modelling was very pleasing. The judges gave her a standing innovation but Harry sat still, his eyes fixed directly on her. He requested that all of them be rewarded but Ann's was going to be different since they chose her to be the winner. He was called to extend the reward to her. Ann was walking towards him when she prodded upon someone's foot. She jerked in the direction to fall..all she felt was a hold. Someone was supporting her from falling. It was a strong but gentle hold around her waist..she shivered in the person's arm and raised her head. Her eyes would have popped out if her sockets were weak. Harry? How come?. It was in her least expectation that Harry would save her." I bet you ain't going to cause another kissing act here right? Harry whispered and she positioned herself well since they were facing each other and their chance of kissing would be higher. There were murmurings amongst the crowd but no one dared to voice it out. Harry knew it was about the kissing video with this same silly girl he had saved. He gave her the reward and left. At the end of the awarding party, it had started raining. Those with cars had left already. Ann didn't bring hers for it was her assistant who came with her. She had also left to attend to something urgent. She stood thinking of what to do...when the rain reduced it's heavy drops and was drizzling, she stepped in with her gown. Then while walking, her left heel broke. She felt miserable and screamed a " urrgghh'. She removed both heels and walked barefooted. She walked to the roadside to see if she can get a taxi home. While waiting, a car sped off and splashed water on her. 'Drip, drip, drip' her whole body began. Luckily, a car came passing. It stopped right infront of her. The door opened for her but she stood still wanting to know who it was. Larry's voice came through asking her to jump in. She hesitated but sat in. The car sped off. The girl who looked so adorable was now looking miserable in her wet gown and hair. Harry looked at her then to Larry. " Let's go home". " Are we going home to your house?" Ann asked in a shaky tone. Larry coughed. " Where will you drop me." She continued. " In the center of the sea". Harry answered. She turned to him. " You...." She raised her hand but stopped in her action because Harry turned to look at her. If he was looking away, she would have slap his head. She made a face as she sent her hand down. She sat quietly till they got home....home?. This was a mansion she had dreamed to live in...but this was the.H.A.G.Y Mansion. They got down and Larry went home whiles they went inside the mansion. " Are we going to sleep on a bed together?" Ann was now shivering, her whole body struck with goosebumps. " There are rooms you can choose from." The servants came to greet them." Mr. Davis, take her to any room she prefers." Harry said and went upstairs. Mr. Davis was happy to see a woman in the house. He felt like the house will be lively now. He wondered if she was his master's fiancee for his master would not bring any woman to the house unless there is something special. He admired the girl so much that he smiled and she smiled back shivering. Mr. Davis sent her upstairs to a room opposite Harry's own. He said his goodnight and left. Ann had a hot shower and came out to sleep in her towel forgetting she was in someone's mansion. At dawn, she woke up and wore pyjamas then drifted to sleep again. She slept like a child, coiling herself up to sleep, and her hair was messy as well... She rolled from here and there on the big mattress. The next morning got her still in bed. This time, her head was beneath the pillow. Harry has been waiting for her since 7am, luckily, it was a Saturday. Now it was 12pm and she was still in bed. Was she not fine or she was just tired and needed more rest? Harry thought. He climbed the stairs and knocked on her door. There was no sound. He opened the door, entered and sat by her on the bed. This was when she noticed a presence in the room. The smell of this presence was familiar. Ah... was this not the cologne of Harry? She opened her eyes halfway and saw him sitting by her. She quickly sat upright. " Urhmm...." She stole a glance at the alarm and gave a silent 'aishh'. " I know you want to say you are sorry. It's Saturday..so I don't care about that. I'm here for business. Now take..." Ann made a face as though she wanted to cry. " But I haven't had my hygiene yet. Can you give me thirty minutes to have my morning hygiene? " She begged. Harry stood up without a word and left. She also went into the bathroom and had all her hygiene. She came out and saw him sitting there. " Can you please just go out so I finish dressing up?. That would be sweet of you." Harry said nothing even though he heard her clearly. He looked up at her. " What nice body do you have?. What at all are you hiding. Ha!... Such a pity. You want to tell me you are wanting your privacy." Ann looked at him in surprise. " Young man...you...." She raised her hand again walking towards him to hit him for talking so low about her stature and appearance. Harry stood up to her. She missed her step and slipped. Her eyes widened...Harry caught her faster than she thought. She held her towel in a firm grip, afraid it might drop off her body to reveal her bare body. The towel around her hair dropped, making her wet hair fall back. She held Harry with one and held the towel with the other. Harry looked into her eyes and she looked down biting her lower lip. She prayed Harry wouldn't do anything stupid. He, on the other hand actually intended to prank her. " So what should I do now? You are continuously biting your lower lip. Ha...why didn't you tell me you still want to have my lips after the video? I would have understood. You shouldn't be making up scenes like this in order to kiss...." Ann broke from his arms angrily. " What do you think huh? That I would want to - to...do what you think?." Ah. What I'm I thinking? Say it if I'm telling a lie. Is it not true you want to kiss me?" Harry pranked her. " Why would I want to do that? You don't even have sweet..." Harry nestled close to her." I don't have what?... Go on.. Ann was quiet. She dared not talk. She only moved back as Harry walked closer to her. The more he moved closer, the more she also walked backwards till her back touched the wall and couldn't move again. Harry blocked her chances of escaping. Now she was trapped in between his arms with scattered thoughts. Harry could now feel the curves of her breasts on his masculine chest and her heart was thumbing louder inside her. " You smell good" Harry whispered in her ears. Goosebumps baptized her body. She shivered. " Harry please don't do this. Please....". Ann pleaded. Harry laughed. " I was pranking you". Harry said in his laughter." But seriously you are sexy...I didn't expect that. I nearly went low... I'm out, call me when you are done." He waved her and left. Ann nearly went dizzy. " I will teach this stupid boy a lesson. How dare him prank me. He just played with my emotions." Ann felt teased by him. She clenched her teeth in anger. After dressing, she went downstairs to eat and knocked on his door. He ordered her to come in and she entered. He was relaxing in his bed. When he saw her, he handed some documents to her. She read it and looked worried. " What is this?" She queried. " It's a marriage contract. Let's have a fake marriage. My grandfather wants me..to marry a woman I don't want. It's better to be with you than with someone I don't like." Harry explained.
" So you think I want to get married like this? A contract marriage? How on earth did I even meet you again Harry. Did you even think about my emotions before wanting to go on this agreement with me? Why do you do such painful things like this Harry..why?. A tear trickled down her cheek. " I can't do this. I'm really sorry. Even my work doesn't permit me to get married". Ann dropped the papers. Harry stood up to her.
" I know you don't know me. You only know me by what people say about me. Ann this is against your will, but it's for your good too. You kissed me in public just to run away from forced and arranged marriages. Why don't you just sign. It's a contract. You don't love me fine. We will act as married couples. Just to make your family and my grandfather know that you are occupied and they will stop worrying us." Harry explained again. If Larry heard him explain himself like this, he would have dropped his mouth for he never explained himself to anyone. How come he is doing that now? " What of the media?" Ann remembered. " We will keep this from them now. Leave that for me and let your status be single." Harry picked up the document for her. She signed and handed it to him. Then they left to the registrar's office to get their certificates and other marriage documents and came home. Three days later, Manel Grandé returned to the country. He sent Harry two bottles of wine as his greetings. Manel was a rich man who owned a big wine industry in the country. When the wine was brought, Harry was working on his laptop while Ann sat watching the TV and stealing glances at him. " Young master...master Manel sent two bottles of his special wines to you". Mr. Davis said. " Put that somewhere...you know I don't like these things.". Harry said. " Oh no please bring it back. Harry what is that! Please let us just have a taste". Ann pleaded. " Okay Davis...bring two glasses. Davis smiled as he walked away. His was happy his master was now changing because of his wife. In no time, one maid brought the glasses and set it on the table. Ann poured it out herself after the maid had left. She handed one to Harry and took the other. Within twenty minutes, Ann has finished half of the content. But something was uncertain. She definitely is drunk but there was something unusual. Only half a bottle and she was tuned into a different zone. She was beginning to take off her clothes. Harry looked startled at the sight. He placed the laptop down and gulped down his wine. After thirty minutes, he realized that he was sweating and there was a crazy desire building up inside of him... That was when he realized what was happening to Ann. Was the wine drugged? Or the ingredients used was something of another sort?. He stood up and carried her to her room. Putting her down became the problem. Ann refused to lie on the bed. She tightly wrapped her arms around his neck. The wine was beginning to have effect in Harry and he wanted to leave. After several attempt, Ann loosened her arms and finally lied on the bed. She held his collar. " Don't be so wicked like they say. How can you leave me here in this prison. The lion is coming for me. Please come for me. Stay with me my love. Don't go. Why are you treating me this way...I signed the contract because I loved you. But you still can't see that I love you." She removed her blouse, leaving the vest she wore beneathe. The sight of her bare skin made him want to have her more. " Ann please relax okay. Umm maybe you should wash down. You will be fine". He said..trying hard to control himself. But Ann wouldn't let go. He saw how she was struggling to remain calm but it wasn't working for her. He slept by her and caressed her. He didn't know if that would help though, all he wanted to do, was to help her. But his body touching hers, caused another trigger. He was now wanting more than he wanted to offer but he was scared it was going to be out of their will. " The lights are hurting my eyes. It's removing my eyes from it's socket." Harry stood up and switched the lamp off. He sat on the bed with his back facing her. All he felt was a hug from behind...and that was Ann. He was still. " I see you are tired let me help you out. I can massage you okay don't worry you will be fine" Ann said ignorantly . She began a serious massage on his back. Harry's desire began rising again. His body was responding to everything she was doing due to the wine they had both taken. He was dangerously getting aroused that his body couldn't stand it. In the darkness, he could still see her. He held her hand to halt her. He whispered her name but she didn't respond. " I'm sorry I can't hold it in any longer. " He said and began a slow kiss on her neck up to her jaw bone. He sent his kisses down her throat towards her curves. She moaned as she held him in a grip. She called his name and he stopped." I don't want to do this. We aren't suppose to do this. We ain't married." She said. Harry looked at her face and caressed her cheek. " I'm sorry Ann but it's not in my wish to do this now. But I can't hold it in. Please find a way to forgive me okay?" Harry begged as his lips entangled with hers. Their lips were now fighting for domination. The emotion got build up and he had no option than to slid into her under the bedsheets, fondling each other with intense pleasure. The next day, Ann woke up with a headache. Her hair was messy and the bed was scattered. She thought of yesterday and remembered what had transpired between Harry and her. She nearly cursed herself out of anger and disappointment. She was in no mood to talk to Harry. She was about to enter the bathroom when her phone rang. It was from the Movie Industry...she was needed to play a role. She entered the bathroom to have her hygiene and came out. After dressing, she came downstairs and saw Harry at the table. Her anger rose and she clenched her teeth together. She passed by without greeting anyone. " Not even a good morning?" Harry said. She pretended not to have heard him and opened the door. Harry shut the door with the remote control. " Sit and have breakfast before you go out?". He ordered. She stood for about a minute and moved to the table, sat down and ate the food in anger. She stood up." Ann listen I..." Ann walked on. She went out of the mansion. Harry's heart almost exploded. He had no idea where she was going, so he called her severally but she also refused to answer the call. For three days, Ann never returned home and he also never came home from work. He left the house for the servants. Now it happened that on that third day, there was a live ceremony at G.Y Mansion. Larry came in rushing to bring him the news . Just when he got to the office, grandfather called. " Hello...okay I will be there." Harry was off mood and this engagement news being showed on the media too had rear it ugly head. He thought of Navaro as he walked out. Why would his grandfather conduct an engagement for him and Eirené without confronting him? And the annoying aspect, was the media involved. They were driven speedily to the G.Y Mansion. " Larry please take care of the internet works. All news pertaining this should be deleted." He told him as they neared the Mansion.. Larry made a call to the Secret Yate Media Tracking Company to take care of that. Now they arrived in the Mansion and the news anchors tried to interrogate him. He gave none a smile or a chance...they only took pictures. When he got inside, he
s
aid ". Take care of the media" and walked on to see his grandfather. " What is this grand master?
Why do you have to do this without my knowledge sir? I told you I don't love Eirené and I won't marry her. And why did you call the media here? I don't need them fixing their bulging noses in my personal life matters and spreading them to the world". " I didn't call the media here, I thought you did." His grandfather replied. The marriage was cancelled and he went back to his office. Ann saw the news earlier before it was deleted and she was broken hearted. She cried till she couldn't cry again. She felt betrayed. Harry called and this time after the third dialing. She answered the phone call. " Ann where are you?" Harry asked but she didn't respond. " Why did you do this to me Harry? Why would you have me go into a marriage contract with you and still go in for another?. How dare you do this to me? So it was true that you are a wicked and selfish man. Stay away from me." ..She hanged up. Harry felt hurt. Larry saw his mood and called Ann when he was away from him. He explained everything to her. Now Ann realized that the marriage was a fake but what of the affair they had?. She went home when she couldn't reach him. Upon asking of him, she's was told he had not been in the house since she left the house. She felt grieved. Mr. Davis called Harry and told him everything. Harry immediately stopped working and went home. He went upstairs and had a long bath. He thought of Ann. Was the fight to continue or they had to forgive each other?. He wrapped a towel around his waist leaving his masculine chest bare and entered the bedroom. To his outermost dismay, Ann was in the room. Just when her eyes met him, she turned to run out of the room. " Stop there!". Harry instructed and she paused. She walked a step back to him. " I didn't know that you were such a spoilt girl too..". She heard him say that softly. She was surprised as she was already thinking Harry would be angry with her for what she did, but he was cool. "Now you come into my room anytime you want to huh? " Harry's words distracted her thoughts. " No...no I - I came here to...". Her words were struggling to pour out. " Harry it's just that I- I'm sorry for what I did." She finally found her words. "What did you do?. What have you done?". Harry asked her looking straight at her. His eyes were full of warmth and she felt very guilty yet afraid." If I'm not wrong, you came here to say you are sorry right?." Ann nodded feeling extremely sorry. Harry smiled and moved to her, but she turned away from facing him. He hugged her tightly from behind. Ann turned and embraced him. " I'm really sorry Harry. I'm so sorry...I thought you wanted to use me for your own good. Now I know I was wrong. Harry I'm so sorry". She said continuously. " I know. I'm also sorry. I promise I won't do anything to hurt you, Ann just trust me." Harry promised. He made her look at him. " My crazy heart was searching for you. I really missed you honey". Larry and Mr. Davis should have heard him say this like by now, they might be receiving oxygen at the hospital for suffocating. " I missed you than I wanted to". Ann admitted and smiled shyly with her head down. Harry loved her innocent attitude." I can't believe you bewitched me." His words sent her blushing. " Stop it". She managed to say. " But I'm talking truthfully. You've really made me mellow when I never wanted to say hello. Promise me you won't hide anything from me." Harry told her. She looked at him in the eye and looked down shyly. " Ofcourse I won't". She answered. " So..." Ann looked at him again." I wanna go". She added. " Three centuries of leaving me, you arrived only to leave me again in a second" Harry spoke in a tone unusual to her. She admired." But you have to dress up right?". Ann enquired and pushed away towards the door. Harry shut it and she turned to him smiling." I knew this. You wanna be a bad boy these days". Ann laughed and Harry stood looking at her standing in akimbo. He nestled to her. " Oh really?.. Ann nodded." You forgot it's because of you..huh?". His words ended with his hands already on her waist. His body touching hers. " Don't tell me because you miss me I'm gonna pay huh?". Ann sarcastically teased him. " Shhhh..... don't talk". He tilted her head and kissed her. Ann didn't respond to his kiss but he still went on till she began. He pushed her closer to himself taking full authority of the atmosphere, his hands were moving to and fro..on her body and she nearly got aroused. She pushed him away. He run his hand through his hair and smiled. She was panting for breathe and so was he. They were looking at each other as though one intends to use the other as a prey. " I'm sorry I got carried away. Your lips...I'm sorry but they are too sweet I don't know how to explain it's sweetness. I'm sorry okay?". Harry said. Ann was quiet. She only stared at him. " I won't mind you. Dress up and let's go downstairs. I'm hungry and you are also draining the rest of my saved energy from me with those deep.....energy from your lips". Harry walked to the bed and then to the wardrobe and took out his clothes. After dressing, they walked downstairs to dine. She was in his arms till she wanted to go to bed. But he wouldn't allow. He was now asking questions and demanding answers. She nearly cried. " So tell me when you will move into my room?". He asked again. " I don't know.. please I want to sleep". Ann begged. " If you let me sleep, I will buy you pringles and cheese. She lazily said with her eyes closed in sleep. '. What childish prank is that?. Harry thought. " Okay you can go to sleep....". She nodded. " But...". " Oh Harry please. Mmm.... She cried. Harry laughed and pampered her to sleep. She slept deeply that when Harry changed her clothes into pyjamas she couldn't feel. She has been working with the movie industry continuously for some days now with less or no sleep at all and that had left her exhausted. She woke up the next day only to find herself in loosed clothes. She went straight to have her hygiene. When she was in her room reading a book, Harry entered with her breakfast. " Good morning..", he greeted and she responded with a smile. She was hungry and didn't hesitate to eat. Harry quietly looked at her. "Urhm... See I changed your dress into pyjamas for you but I didn't watch your nakedness. You know I can't resist you so I didn't dare watch your bare body without your permission". But I never asked you anything?". Ann said.
" I know but you might be having some doubt about it cos you look worried.
****