A poetry about a man who faced a god, at least that was what Victor del Angelo imagined when reading the old poems from the oldest section of that gigantic library, "lost" on a deserted island, imitating the ridiculous and superfluous poems he found, this one minimally caught his attention. (story taken from Quotation Marks, you can see several similar stories there)

My alarm is ringing loudly, so my ears are singing with it. I'm lifting my body weight up into the sitting position, only to enjoy every single aching muscle. My arms to my shoulders, my feet to my upper legs, I haven't felt more alive ever. 

With little steps forward, I make my way to the bathroom. My hair is looking much like a chicken nest, only the eggs are missing. 

My lack of enthusiasm is showing off at work. My face must be grim and my eyes are focused on the way before me, so I didn't see a worker running into me. He brings my behind onto the hard, stoney ground. Ouch, thats hurting, I'm thinking to myself. Not only are my body parts very sore, no, now I'm getting blue marks too. 

"Oh, Miss McKenzie, I'm deeply sorry for my behavior. Let me help." He takes my right hand so fast, I didn't realize it until it's to late. He's pulling me with so much energy up, I'm falling towards his chest. His arm is holding me right, before I can get to the bottom again. 

My facial expression must be funny, cause of his loud laughing. "My apologies, I didn't mean to take you by surprise. Frederick Miller is my name, I am working for the IT sector here. If you are going to have any problems with hard- or software, you can ask me anytime." 

"Oh, that's very nice of you. Your work sounds interesting, but I have to do my work now. Excuse me", I'm round him, so I can make my way to the stairs. Every step is a torture. Why didn't I take the lift? Because I must get fit soon. 

"Wanda McKenzie, you are five minutes to late, so you are staying longer today. Now get me my coffee." If you think, the morning couldn't get any worse, my boss can guarantee the worst. 

He's a idiot for sure. Sometimes I'm thinking of quitting this horrible job, only to find a normal balanced 41 hours per week work. But what should I do with the rest of my time? With either social nor private life, I'm a poor excuse for a woman, standing in the prim of her life. But my age isn't going to reduce itself, so I should get active soon. Soon. 

The last drop of coffee has been running through the machine, now I can take the cup onto the desk of the bosses office. 

On my way back to my room, I hear his words "Terrible. This coffee is to bitter." Not five seconds later, he's shouting after me. "Wanda. Next you should make a better job! This drink is to bad for dog, you see." As I am walking out, a hot splash of coffee lands on my back. 

My feet stop their motion, my eyes are widening. They must look like gigantic balls and my hands can compete Ali's fists. With a soft push to turn around my body, I focus the cold eyes of my boss. Derek Roland is dead for me. 

"I'm taking vacation for a month. We won't see us for a lifetime, now I wish you and your descendants a perfect future with a ton of respect and friendliness. Goodbye", I'm shutting the door behind myself. I can't wait to get out of here. This my last day here. My tolerance level was to high for his behaviour, I should start to live a little bit, maybe I should begin with the dancing activity at the gym this evening. My sore muscles are crying after a little bit of sport, so I can think properly. To form new ideas, how to find a new job with a nicer chef, I must clear my head from the old boss to create room for the new one. 

With the lift I'm riding down to the deepest level, only to grab some empty cartoons, in which I'm stuffing my office fittings. With the last box, I'm standing now within the door frame. My eyes are wandering all over the room, from the left wall to the right wall and back again. Actually it was a nice time, but the boss. The coworkers were a little bit mean, too. Now, after a few seconds, it's all over. I'm not a part of this firm any more. Wanda is free, free like a bird. Only the bird needs money, whereby it needs a job.

My last steps on the floor are shouting through the hall of offices "Wanda isn't going to return" and I'm somewhat happy about it. Maybe it's a brand new start into a more wonderful life. 

Nobody turns his head around as I'm walking my last way out of the firm. It's definitely the end and nobody seems to miss me. 

Arriving at home, I start to search for suitable jobs in my area. I find two matching and one possible announce in the newspaper. My fingers are tipping wildly on the keyboard until I finished the last sentence and the last enclosure.

After a little walk to the postal service I'm ready for my daily activity. Maybe I should really start dancing, so I can see, if it's good for me.

Later that sunny day, I'm moving at the beat of the pop song. The sport is called Zumba. It's actually pretty nice, but you get on your limits very fast.

My body feels refreshed after this session, I'm full of energy. My spirit is wide awake and open for new.

At eight this afternoon I'm lying in my bed. It's to early to sleep, but neither I'm in the mood to read. With wide eyes staring at the ceiling, I don't know what to do with my new free time.

A short ringing tugs at my trance, in which I've fallen in. With short steps, because I don't know who's behind the door, I'm making my way to it, only to watch a man through the peephole. Who's it? I don't have visitors.

Where do you find true love? 

Wanda happens to be the personal assistant to Mr. Watson. But for sure, she is one tough lady to get by! 

Under a coat of self pressure, she handles her own life, working for her own living. But one thing is missing: Love. 

One thing should be said: It wouldn't be love, if it's easy!

I am Harsha. I finished my degree and was in search of a job. The only option is to go to Bangalore and try my luck. I needed some lodging facilities until I get a job. When I was worried about it and trying my luck in Bangalore, my bhabhi came to my rescue.

She said that her uncle has constructed an apartment in a remote place, and it is vacant. For the time being, I can stay there. My big problem was solved. But the apartment was located far away from the city. Out of 6 houses, only two were occupied. One on the ground floor and another on the third floor.

I requested for the third floor, and with minimum luggage, I occupied it. With great difficulty, I got a job in a hotel as an assistant manager with a meager monthly salary of Rs.12000/- per month. It was a temporary arrangement, and I wanted to take competitive exams to pursue my career.

Opposite of my flat, one Muslim family was staying. Two ladies and a husband. The husband used to come only once in a week. I was minding my business and never bothered about them. Once while climbing steps, I happened to meet the Muslim guy.

He introduced himself as Aziz Khan, and he was doing cardamom business and will be on tour for six days, and only he comes home on Sunday. Forcibly he took me to house and introduced me to two burkha clad ladies, one his wife and another his sali.

He was introducing me to his wife and uttered in Urdu, saying, "Acha ladka hai, aur owner ka rishtedar hai." (Very good boy and a relative of building owner). His wife just nodded with burkha. I can hardly see her expression. A big packet of dry fruit was handed to me.

While I was about to go out, he handed me Rs. 7000/- and requested me to bring vegetables and milk at least once in 2 days and hand over to his family. He also said Rs. 2000/- may be used for his conveyance and shopping expenses, etc. I was very happy with this arrangement.

Once in two days, I use to bring fresh vegetables and milk as per their request. Once in a month, I used to submit accounts to Aziz Khan. But he never bothered about accounts, and every month he used to give Rs. 7000/- to me. With these arrangements, I had not seen the ladies without burkha.

They use to open the door with burkha and use it to hand over the list. Transactions with me were just handing over the list and say thanks to me. Even after 2 months, I have not seen any one's face. I never bothered also.

On one night at around 11.00, there was an urgent knock on my door.  When I opened the door, I could see a beautiful young lady without burkha, maybe the younger Muslim lady. She was very tensed and said her sister is not well and suffering from fever, despite the tablet, her fever has not come down.

Along with her, I went to their house. I could see another beautiful stocky lady sleeping in a bed and shivering with a high fever. Immediately I called the hotel doctor known to me and explained to him. He said it may be malaria, immediately she has to be administered with injection and drips.

He advised me to bring her to his shop.  I explained to the young lady, and I tried to book a cab or auto. Since it was a remote place, I could not get any of them. I explained to the young girl, not to worry. I will take her sister on my Activa. But the problem is she was semi-conscious.

That young girl and I supported the lady to climb down the steps. Since she was wearing chudidhar, we helped her to sit on the back seat with two legs on both sides of the scooter. For safety, both hands were tied to the seat with her veil. I slowly started riding the scooter.

Now she was almost conscious and holding tightly to seat handle.  During our ride, her big boobs were touching my back. I was enjoying a little bit. When we reached the doctor's shop slowly, I parked my vehicle with a side stand. I helped her from getting down from the scooter.

I held her waist and hands and sometimes purposefully touching her luxurious boobs.  I introduced the lady to the doctor as my aunty. Since she was not wearing burkha, he did not get any suspicion. We both helped her inside their shop and placed her in the out-patient bed.

He handed one slip and asked me to bring a few medical things like drips and injections for malaria.  I purchased it from a nearby 24/7 medical shop. She was injected with drips and medicine. After both the dosages, the temperature started to come down, and she became fully conscious now.

But the doctor advised us to stay in the shop till morning. They put a wet cloth on her head without a break and advised medicine for 3 days. He handed the shop key to me. He advised me to hand over the key in the morning to the neighbor shop and left the scene.

I called her sister and told her not to worry, and her sister will be in the shop till morning. I will bring her back in the morning. The young lady was happy and agreed. Then I started putting a wet cloth on the forehead. The beautiful lady was fully awake, and she was looking like an angel in the light.

I advised her to go to sleep while putting a wet cloth on her forehead. I started staring at her huge boobs, not covered by a dupatta. All along, she was watching my action and never felt shy or tried to stop my action. At one point in time, she held my hand tightly. Maybe she wanted to thank me.

With wetness on her face, she was glowing like an angel in the light. The water drops occasionally drip down to her boobs also, and due to wetness, the boobs were exposed. She was also enjoying my touch and never bothered to cover herself. Now I was finding it difficult to calm my dick.

With a rush of blood, I started kissing her furiously.  She never expected my act but did not oppose it. My action was bolder, and I started squeezing her boobs softly. I could see her enjoyment on her face. Slowly I started massaging her stomach and her mound. Slowly she started hissing with soft moans.

I took the liberty and loosened her pant, and slid her dusky panty down. Her vital part was covered with a lot of hair, but oozing was visible. I put my hand key on her mouth and started licking her mound. It was totally unexpected for her, probably so far nobody has done it for her.

After eating her pussy for ten minutes, she experienced her first orgasm. Water was oozing out of her pussy after giving some gap. I lowered my boxer and took my six-inch dick and inserted it in her pussy. Slowly I started drilling her tight hole. I can see her reaction and pretty well know she was enjoying it.

I increased the speed and continued for 15 minutes. I had only seen the porn, and the first time I was enjoying a woman. In 15 minutes, she came twice and physically got exhausted. I did not announce and ejaculated the entire load into her pussy. She was not expecting my act but did not show any feelings.

Now her temperature was totally subsided, and she enjoyed my act completely. Next, I helped her to the bathroom. The bathroom was excellent with modern fittings. I switched on the geyser, and the hot water was ready within 5 minutes. Both of us were totally nude and started enjoying a hot shower together.

Once again, we were excited and completed one more round rituals with great excitement. She was totally nude and was looking like a sex goddess. My God, what a body. She was created by God with exceptional fineness. All these days, I was only masturbating.

For the first time in my life, I enjoyed a beautiful woman.  My entire body was sailing in heaven. Later she thanked me and expressed that the first time in her life got satisfaction. She said that her husband's dick was not thick and hardly can stand beyond five minutes.

The first time in her life, she enjoyed sex to her satisfaction. My association with these ladies increased after coming from the hotel. I use to stay with them to talk and watch tv along with them. Two to three times a week, she used to come to my apartment at midnight.

Our enjoyment continued without her sister's knowledge. I introduced her to a porn film. She used to watch eagerly and tried to use it practically. She used to enjoy on top and jump on my dick 10 to 15 minutes.  Probably she used to insert the dick from different angles and use to stimulate all places of her cunt walls.

Once she said, you are a real man, and she doesn't want to lose my relationship and advised me to marry her sister. Confidently she said that she will convince her husband. Her parents are from a very poor background. They would never bother except for money.

She also said her husband earns a lot of money and kept everything in their home. She pretty well knows her husband's shady deals. Her husband every week brings a lot of money and gold and never keeps track of money. She also started giving me a lot of money.

Sometimes she used to give dollars and dirhams. The poor lady never knew the real value of the foreign currency. My mind had already started thinking about the beautiful young cute girl and enjoying her.

This book is collection of short erotic stories. Every chapter has their own story and characters. Every chapter of this book is different from each other.

"Hot..." (Zuihou)

Zuihou plucked at her top.

"It's only May and it's already this hot." (Zuihou)

"Yeah. How about you change into your B form? Wouldn't it be cooler than your current form?"

"But it will take up resources to upgrade my equipment and rigging again." (Zuihou)

"It's not like it will take up that much. Besides, you were the one that changed yourself in the first place."

"I thought I could at least blend in with the surroundings and watch those battleships from a distance." (Zuihou)

So that's way you were hiding behind the building back then. And no, your camoflage doesn't work that way.

It's almost been a week since construction on the North Union Dorm started. Some of the destroyers and cruisers have joined in after they deemed the Eagle Union battleships as 'harmless'. Although most of the destroyers were brought by the candy they received. They are also hard at work on their giant robot project. I'm thinking of easing the number of shifts for defending our base since the Siren attacks are starting to die down a little. Usually we see an average of four Siren fleets everyday, but now we have days where there aren't any attacks. About time they gave up.

"Ahhhh! I had it! I'm going to convert back!" (Zuihou)

Zuihou went out of the office. She should be going to the factory, since Akashi is the only one that can fine-tune their equipment and do their fittings. 

Seriously though, today's really hot. I wonder how the construction group is doing. Maybe I should check on them.

Yeah... They are not doing too well. 

I went to the site to see how they were doing. As I expected, most of them, even the Eagle Union battleships are feeling lethargic from the heat. Some of them are doing the job sluggish while a few are taking a break from the heat. You know it's hot when the North Union girls have taken off their coats.

"Alright. That's enough! Good job everyone!"

"Hmm? Oh, Admiral-san. When did you arrive?" (Alabama)

"Only just. Anyway, let's stop for the day."

"Eh? But..." (Mustsuki)

"This weather is unbearable. So why don't all of you take a break for the day? And I don't think everyone is in the mood to work."

I glanced at a group of North Union girls, who are sprawled around under the shade of a nearby tree. They look so lifeless.

"With that, I'm treaating everyone here to Mamiya's dessert. Just tell her to put it on my tab."

"Really? Yay!" (Mutsuki)

'Aha~ Yes!" (Agano)

"Mamiya? Oh, that dessert shop." (Arizona)

"I always wanted to try the ice cream there." (Avrora)

As soon as I mentioned about desserts, the North Union girlls perked up. 

"Come on, get going. I want to get out of this heat too."

I need to do the same to the ones at the robot site.

---------------------------------------------------------

It's been a while since Zuihou went to get changed. It's almost evening and she hasn't returned yet. I can only think of one reason for her being this late. Akashi must have got her to test some weird contraption of hers. Either that or she decided to stop by at Mamiya's shop for a snack.

Still, it's a little unusual that she hasn't return by now. Should I check on her? I feel like I have been walking around a little more than usual today. 

As I walked to the factory, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Здравствуйте! Admiral." (Avrora)

It was Avrora. She looks better now, compared to before when she was under the heat.

"Oh, Avrora. What's up?"

"I just want to thank you  for treating to us to such cold and delicious ice cream. Спасибо. <Thank you.>" (Avrora)

"It's no big deal. You girls are part of the district now. Of course I would take of you like my own."

Her face flushed and she squirmed a little. I know that behavior. Zuihou does the same when I tell her that I love her or call her cute.  Eh? Did I just trigger a weird flag? 

"I-I see. Then, er... What do they usually say? Ah. I will be... in your care from now on..." (Avrora)

Avrora's face become super red after saying that.

"прощание! <Bye>" (Avrora)

And off she ran. I think I really did trigger a weird flag.

I continued walking to the factory. Upon reaching, I called out to Akashi. Although, my target was already in sight.

"Akashi! Are you- Oh..."

"Wahhh~ Cute~" (Zuihou)

Originally, I wanted to ask Akashi about Zuihou. There is no need for that anymore. There she is, on the floor, staring at the aviation fairies doing maintenance on some planes. 

"She has been like that after noticing them when I was changing her fittings." (Akashi)

Akashi came up to me, with a wrench in her hand.

"I was wrong to even worry for a second."





Being an Admiral sounds fun but it is not easy. First there is the war with the mysterious Abyssal Fleet, which have decided to lock down the sea and it's surrounding airspace, indiscriminately shooting at anything they deem a threat. Then there is the issue with logistics and resources, which is hard to come by with the whole lock down going on. Most important job of being an Admiral is ship maintenance. No, not that kind of maintenance. I'm taking about making sure your ships are both physically and mentally well, since they are actually girls who possess memories of historical naval warships and have their own personalities. 

Join the Admiral of Maizuru Naval Districts he tackles the Abyssal threat and other potential problems, like dealing with the feelings his Shipgirls have for him.

"What? For one month?" Mr. Ming blurted out.

Denise smiled as she bit her lip. 

Arya had called and told Denise to ask her father for permission to stay with Arya for a month while Ryu and Shawn are away, so she could spend time with the Kens. 

This would really make life easier because she was missing Shawn too much and didn't know how to spend her time without him…

It was Elder Ken's idea in the first place for Denise to come and stay with them, she is the eldest daughter-in-law after all.

"Yeah… I already told you how much Arya and Bro Ryu helped me during the Mediterranean cruise trip. They are secretly married and sis is feeling very lonely right now since bro Ryu is in the show. She called me and sounded very depressed, so I offered that I would go and stay with her while bro Ryu is still away. I will stay with her for maximum one month but as soon as bro Ryu is out, I'll be back." Denise said, trying to convince her dad.

Mr. Ming's eyebrow arched and said, "Ryu or you mean you'll be back as soon as Shawn is out?"

Denise chuckled and answered, "Of course, as soon as Shawn is out, I'll return immediately…"

Mr. Ming sighed and said, "Alright, you're all grown up now and can decide on your own. Go and have a vacation at the Kens then,"

Denise happily jumped and hugged her dad. 

She was really excited as well as nervous to meet all the Kens especially Shawn's parents and to spend time with them. 

She could easily spend her time with Kens as Arya's best friend, without making the Old Man Skull suspicious about anything because he knew Arya was Ryu's wife and Denise was very close with Arya.

...

Denise arrived early next morning at Kens Mansion and she was given a warm welcome by Cecile who hugged her tightly.

"Oh God, Arya told me about you and I'm so relieved that my son has someone like you by his side. Please stay with him and…" Cecile paused when Karl squeezed her shoulder.

"Hon, don't scare our daughter-in-law by burdening her like this, she has just arrived… Let her settle first, let us show her the house and take her inside then afterwards, we will start bothering her." Karl said smiling.

Cecile smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry dear. Come inside and meet everyone, later I will show you your room."

Denise followed her and came inside. Everyone gave a very warm welcome to Denise. After formal greetings with everyone, Cecile took her to show her the house and then to her room.

Denise followed and she was very surprised to see that the room was quite big and lavishly decorated. 

There was a huge bed in the center of the room made of teakwood with exquisite carving on the headboard giving it a royal look, side tables that were the same as the bed with carving on their legs. 

There was a big sofa that was similar in design with the bed and looked like a set with the bed was kept on a corner of the room. Other decorations also were done, keeping in mind the elegance and lavish look at the same time. 

The walls were painted in a pastel colour with elegant and beautiful work on the ceiling which was highlighted with golden and light pink colours.

The room had a huge attached changing room where huge wardrobes were built leading to a huge bathroom equipped with all the modern bath fittings and a huge Jacuzzi in it. 

Denise was amazed to see the thoughtfulness of Shawn's parents and her heart felt warm with the love and care that exuded from all the gestures.

"Do you think Shawn will like this too," Cecile whispered, she asked smiling with her teary eyes.

Denise could feel the longing Cecile was harboring for his son, it was clearly visible in her voice and eyes, the regret of not being able to nurture and take care of Shawn was written everywhere in her demeanor.

"I arranged it all in advance, so once he returns and decides to stay with to us, everything is ready…" Shawn's mom murmured with a garble voice.

Denise felt her eyes sting and she hugged Cecile unconsciously and the tears Shawn's mom was suppressing burst out.

""Don't worry auntie, I'm sure Shawn will return soon and all those years that you've lost will be replaced by longer years that you'll have with him."  Denise said as she patted Cecile's shoulders.

"Hey! What is with this uncle and auntie? Please call me mom now and you call Karl dad. We're now family and we are welcoming you with arms wide open," Cecile said as she gently pushed her and smiled.

"Arya and Rita are quite busy with their trainings and I think father will have you under training too while you stay here." Cecile added.

"Yes, Arya already told me mom and it's alright with me." Denise answered.

It was dinner time and Denise had the chance to meet everyone including Dean's parents and Rita.

It was the first time when Denise and Rita had formally met. Denise could sense that Rita was slightly embarrassed in front of her.

Rita felt uncomfortable because Denise was the woman she misunderstood having an affair with Dean, when she saw them both together the last time.

Denise smiled at Rita genuinely and she did the same. She was actually shocked when she found out that Denise and Shawn were married already but she was happy for her brother at the same time.

"Denise, we welcome you in the family." Elder Ken said as he looked at her.

She smiled. The Ken Family was amazing, she instantly felt at home and comfortable.

"Oh Butler Omni, how come you're left behind? Soon these Ken boys will have little Kens and don't tell me that you'll be still single by that time?" Dean's mom commented.

Butler Omni crumpled his face and answered, "We have a new member between us tonight, please spare me the horror of discussing my loveless life in front of the new daughter-in-law." 

Elder Ken laughed then shifted his gaze towards Denise, "Hmm Omni is right… so Denise tell us. What are your positive points and what do you feel are your lacking points. As a granddaughter-in-law of mine, I expect you to be able to take care of the household as well as be strong enough to protect yourself enough in case of an emergency. How is your fighting skill and how well do you think you can take care of an entire household?"

Elder Ken paused and looked at Arya and Rita and spoke, "You know Arya here is good with the handling of the entire house and all the chores and duties that needs attention and how, she knows them all and understands these things very well but she lacks in skills for self-defense so she's been training on that aspect of hers for a month. While Rita here is good in fighting and self-defense but lacks the ability on simple things about how to maintain the house like cooking, taking care of the entire household monitoring the house-helps, what to buy for home and how to manage the resources of the household etc."

Denise bit her lips as she looked at Arya and Rita simultaneously. They were both smiling at her with mischief in their eyes.

She felt like she was in a very tight and hot spot right now.

"So dear, I want to know this as soon as possible so that we know what we would need to improve in you and start with the training of that skill so you could help Shawn along the way. But of course, just being beside my grandson alone, giving him comfort and making him feel loved and cared, we are already grateful to you and happy to see you both together. But being a part of this family, I just want to make sure that everyone could learn more things so you could be your partner's strength in any given situation of life." Elder Ken added

Her in laws were ready to burn her alive on the spot. 

For the first time, Denise felt embarrassed for not listening to her mom, to study things that could help her to be a good housewife like cooking and looking after and monitoring the house and maids etc. 

For the first time, she regretted her refusal whenever her dad would ask her to study martial arts and other fighting skill lessons together with her brothers.

Elder Ken smiled as he waited for her answer.

'Oh shoot! I'm so dead!' She thought helplessly because she did not know anything at all except for bartending and her bar businesses.

"Uhm grandpa, I think you'll need two months to train this ignorant woman. I'm really sorry but I'm so lacking. The only thing I'm good at is in mixing up alcohols and making cocktails." Denise whispered as she scratched her head and added, "Do you want to try? I'll make you an amazing cocktail that's only my specialty."

Elder Ken laughed, "Alright, I like your honesty child. Let us try your mixing skill later and celebrate your coming in here. Don't worry I will put more efforts for your training to make sure you will improve within a span of a month…"

Denise almost choked…

And she could see the teasing smile from Arya and Rita, their grin widening as if saying, "Good luck girl, that's the actual welcome to the Kens world… hahaha!"

The meanest person to you could sometimes be the one who loved you the most...
---

Arya Tan made a reckless decision because of a desperate situation. She had to disappear from his sight to save her loved ones. In return, she vowed to repay the debt she owed him if they were to meet again.

Ryu Ken gave his heart to only one woman.
But that woman left, broke his heart and hurt him. So, he vowed to find her, despite how long it would take. He would give her the punishment she deserved.

======
Excerpt:

"Leaving already? You seem to be in such a rush to talk to me. Why don't you spill it out now?"

Stunned, Arya wondered if she was hallucinating. The voice was very familiar. Her mind was spinning; she thought he sounded like Ryu. Then it occurred to her that the anger she was feeling might just clouding her judgment.

She abruptly shook her head and declared, "It's okay, I can wait outside. Dress first and let's talk after that. Call the reception once you are ready."

She heard the man chuckle as if amused, a familiar sound that made her turned around. She gasped when she almost bumped into a man's wet chest.

"Um sorry, you sound familiar." She said slightly, bowing her head to hide her flushed face.

She felt the man's arm encircled her waist while she was abruptly pulled towards him.

He then leaned forward and scornfully whispered into her ear, "Aren't you here to negotiate? I was hoping you had a better offer."

Arya frowned and abruptly pushed the man, attempting to get away from him. Instead, she was pushed back until she could feel her back pinned against the wall.

She tilted her head to look up at the rude man and was left with open-mouthed looking at a familiar face.

She was shocked but mumbled, "Ryu?"

Ryu smirked and stared at Arya's slightly opened lips and said, "Did you miss me? How about this?"

Before Arya can utter another word, Ryu captured her lips abruptly and kissed her roughly.

Arya felt the familiar lips that were deeply probing hers. It was the familiar conquering lips that, for six months, she had missed terribly.

The kiss that made her legs weak. They trembled slightly. Butterflies fluttered from her throat down to her stomach, sending a shiver through her core.

This was the kiss she had been longing for her entire life.

[Warning: novel is r-18]
=============
Author's Note:

Hope you enjoy reading this ORIGINAL novel of mine (It's absolutely a happy ending! Author hates sad ending!). 

If you like the story and would love to support the author personally, you may send donations to the ff:

Buy me a Coffee --
https://ko-fi.com/eustoma

Paypal Account --
paypal.me/eustoma

Many thanks in advance for your support.

With Lots of Love,
EUSTOMA_reyna

P.S. My Other Hate & Love Series (Standalone book):

The CEO Who Hates Me (completed)
The General Who Hates Me (completed)
The Doctor Who LOVES Me (completed)
Loving A Heartless Lawyer (in writing)

contact me at:

Discord Link:
https://discord.gg/PNGkTUy

Facebook Page: @eustoma.reyna
twitter: @EUSTOMA_reyna
instagram: eustoma_reyna

fyi. cover is mine; commissioned art by Shanart

JOB VACANCIES

Fashion Design Assistant.

Responsibility:
- Giving creative and practical support to the head designer
- Working with customers
Sourcing fabrics and item needed for styling
- Assiting and scheduling fittings, photoshoots, and runaway shows
Traveling occasionally

Requirements:
- Male
- Maximum age 30 years old
- Diploma or bachelor degree in fashion design
- Update on fashion trends and market needs
- Creative, innovative, disicipline, hard worker, able to work with target
High integrity, loyalty, honest, responsibility and trusworthy.

Urgent needed. Sent your application letter and complete CV to : recruitment@refoboutique.com

.
.
.

Adit melihat kembali lembaran kertas yang berisi lowongan pekerjaan. "Kamu yakin bang?" 

Adit melirik lagi kertas yang di genggamnya. "Disini jelas tertulis 'Male' yang dibutuhin berarti cowok."

"Lo nggak usah pusing soal itu, boss gue lagi butuh banget asisten menjelang fashion week gini. Mesti diterima walau untuk sementara. Lo butuh banget pekerjaan kan sekarang?" Adit menganguk tanpa ragu.

"Oke, kalau begitu besok lo datang bareng gue ke butik."

"Tapi ...," ucapnya ragu.

"Di coba dulu, Dit."

"Okey," ucapnya pelan.

Adit melihat kembali lembaran kertas yang berisi lowongan pekerjaan. "Kamu yakin bang?" 

Adit melirik lagi kertas yang di genggamnya. "Disini jelas tertulis 'Male' yang dibutuhin berarti cowok."

"Lo nggak usah pusing soal itu, boss gue lagi butuh banget asisten menjelang fashion week gini. Mesti diterima walau untuk sementara. Lo butuh banget pekerjaan kan sekarang?" Adit menganguk tanpa ragu.

"Oke, kalau begitu besok lo datang bareng gue ke butik."

"Tapi ...," ucapnya ragu.

"Di coba dulu, Dit."

"Okey," ucapnya pelan.

The trio sitting around knew which was 'That wedding' she mentioned.
David patted on her hands and spoke, "If you don't want, you can reject it."
Sky sat up straight, "Of course not! This is the first wedding I will be the maid of honor. I'm kind of looking forward to it." She was once a bridesmaid when her classmate got married.
"Silly!" David rubbed her head dotingly.
"Okay! I have a busy day tomorrow. First I have to go with them for a wedding gown and bridesmaid gown selection followed by I have to go to Harley resort. I have many files to finish today. See you at dinner."
Sky who took few steps turned towards Arlo, "Are you coming with me? or sitting with Dad?"
"I will help you out." Arlo told her and nodded at David before following her.
With his help, Sky finished all the files before dinner. After dinner, Arlo left for the Smith mansion.
--
The next day after breakfast Sky left with Sam to Bridal shop.
Elina was with her parents and Peter was present when Sky went in with Sam.
Sky's introduction with Elina's parents was like Sky Barton. Soon they started trials of wedding gowns for Elina.
Since they were under budget, She liked only a few pieces but she wasn't satisfied. After talking with her, Sky strolled the designer shop, she gave her two dresses to try on.
One was A-line gown and another one was mermaid style gown. Elina liked the mermaid style so as her parents.
"May I know the price?" Elina asked the manager. "650 US dollars only." Manager responded.
Elina and her family's budget for the dress were 400. Sky knew Elina would reject it due to price so she spoke, "It's on me!"
"No, No. How can I take it from you? It's okay, I will check another dress."
"Child! It's expensive." Elina's mother told Sky.
Peter was in the groom's section, so Sky couldn't ask him to convince. "Consider this as my gift. Since you liked it, you should go for it." Sky amiably convinced her.
The latter took time and nodded her head. She hugged Sky almost startling her, "Thank you so much."
Sky sighed and smiled, "I will call your groom."
She called Peter who was in a black tuxedo. Even though Peter didn't show much on his face, Sam and Sky could feel how emotional he was looking at Elina.
Sky whispered to him, "Go on! I can help you close the curtains."
Sam knocked on her head, "Can't you see her parents?"
Sky shrugged him off and closed curtains when Peter went to her. She then turned to the manager, "Please show us where is bridesmaid dresses?"
"Mrs.Paxton, please help me select a dress?" Sky said glared at Sam to take Mr.Paxton.
Mr&Mrs Paxton knew what was going on but still, they went with the flow and left Peter and Elina.
Sky was selecting the simplest plain gown and Mrs.Paxton was selecting which had lace and other detailing works.
"Mrs.Paxton, It will be Elina's day. Why does Bridesmaid need such a grand dress? This is simple and beautiful. I like this bow too."
She chose a blush pink, scooped neck, plain, sleeveless, knee-length, A-line dress. It had a big bow in the back of its lower waist.
It was the simplest dress she could find in the collection which Mrs.Paxton didn't really like it. It looked too pale with respect to the wedding gown which Sky selected for Elina.
Yes! That was the aim of Sky while selecting the dress. She didn't want to attract even a tiny bit of attention. But she didn't know she was underestimating herself. How they carry the dress was more important than the simplicity or grand look of the dress.
Mrs.Paxton gave in to her after hearing she liked the bow. "Okay, Try this on! If others say no like me, you have to choose another one."
Sky reluctantly nodded and went towards the trial area where the curtains were open and Elina was asking for fittings. She then changed and came out, Elina was near her, "Don't say no."
Everybody looked at Sky in a simple gown but she looked very elegant and graceful. The Bow behind her waist added more detail to figure making her look enchanting with curves.
"It was the simplest dress in the shop and costs only 45 US dollars. She looks beautiful in that too. No doubt she insisted on this." Mrs.Paxton told to her husband.
"Is it Yes or No?"
"Yes!" All felt the same as Mrs.Paxton but nobody said anything to her.
Sky sighed. It was lace-up back, she didn't need any fittings. Since groomsmen didn't come, Sam and Peter had to stay back.
Four had lunch in the nearest restaurant. Arlo picked Sky to the Harley resort.
With four Harley guards, Sky and Arlo reached near the parking of Resorts guests where all guests would reach there.
Since there was a lake nearby and it was time nearing to sunset, Sky started to feel cold. It wasn't that cold in the capital hence she wore an asymmetrical long jacket on Jeans and T-shirt.
She pulled her hoodie cap on and stuffed her hands in pockets. There were still fifteen minutes for their checkouts hence she heard reports of resort manager.
Arlo saw her and put on his jacket on her. Sky looked at him who was wearing only a full sleeve sweatshirt.
"You will feel cold if you give it to me. Wear it back." Sky handed his jacket back.
"I'm not cold." Arlo said.
Instead of wrapping her, he made her wear it. Sky glanced at the manager and his secretary who were alternatively looking at her.
'are Sky Barton and the CEO's secretary...?'
Sky wore the jacket and let him fold sleeves. "What about the fencing around the area?" Sky asked after the manager reported everything.
"It will be completed in two days." The manager replied and turned towards the other side where two were cycling towards them.
"Why are your hands so cold?" When he folded sleeves, her fingertips brushed his hand.
Sky knew her palms get cold faster. "I will stuff in the pockets to warm it."
After folding both sleeves, he held her palms in between his palms ignoring her gaze.


Secretary Andy asked Sky, "Miss. Sky, why do you come here often? What is so special about this place?" 

Sky looked at him and asked unemotionally, "Are you asking as a secretary or as... as an old friend?"

Andy hesitated for a movement and answered, "A... A friend." and he looked forward to listening to her. 

After a minute of silence, "A few years back I came with a guy, I was so happy to be with him here, I miss those laughter n smiles. Just by standing beside him, accompanying him was making me happiest and cheerful. I liked spending time with him. was I too greedy?" she looked at him with an expectant look. 

Andy never expected Sky to be emotional. he tried to analyze what she said and he was dumbfounded by his thought. 

'Was.. was it me?', he doesn't want to think about it. 

--- 

"Sky! Come here!" He waved his hand to call her near controlling his surge of anger. 

Sky frantically shook her head and removed her heels seeing him coming towards her. 

He breathed out through his mouth slowly and asked patiently, "Who told you that I'm..." He gritted his teeth before saying, "Gay." 

'I will make sure that person regret all his life.' He thought to himself and saw Sky. 

She climbed on the bed and moved towards another end of the room as she replied, "Didn't Dad say it in front of you about you and Ray?" 

It was a bombshell to his poor heart. He stared at her. 

She was holding her heels and looked at him in horror. 

'This dumb woman thought me as gay from day one.' He thought to himself. 

"Sky! Let's sit and talk. Come here." Arlo called again patiently. 

Sky shook her head hysterically, "I would have never allowed you in my room if I knew you are bis..." 

He didn't let her finish and grunted "Sky!" 

--- *** --- 

This is an original story. 

DISCORD: Munchkin_2#7368 
Story DISCORD: https://discord.gg/QhhXXWq 
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/munchkin_2 
Instagram: auth_munchkin_2 
link tree: https://linktr.ee/munchkin

Another novel: Livid Guardian's Endless Coddling

^_^

As Cao Xiu entered the building, she had to use every inch of self control so that she would act like an awe-struck teen but considering the circumstances that was very hard. Once again Lesley King had beat everyone's expectations. When she got to the boutique section, she was greeted with exquisite glass fittings,  chandeliers, mauve marble tiles with a silver pattern covered mostly with a white fur rug and black leather sofas that screamed luxury. 
   Seayed on one of such sofas was Lesley talking to a woman who Xiu didn't recognize. As Xiu studied her she realized that the woman was younger than Lesley and had a slight facial resemblance. When she got closer to Lesley she broke into a heartfelt smile and hugged her. Lesley's first reaction was surprise then confusion registered when sje heard Xiu say "I missed you Les, they said you were dead". Sensing no sign of acknowledgement, Xiu pulled back and said ever so softly "Les, its me Xiu". After a glance at her face and hearing the name Xiu, Lesley cried out "Sister!", Xiu became confused, thinking she was mistaken. "Sister?","Les, it's me Cao Xiu ", "I know, I've been looking for you. I discovered a few months back that you are my Sister"

Day 3 – 7:43 AM – Bacoor City Hall 4th Floor, Molino Boulevard, Bayanan, Bacoor City, Cavite

Charmaine looked at the radio in her hand, shocked. 

'He came to pick me up? Why? How did he find me?'

Those questions echoed in her mind but she did not have much thought to voice it. She also wanted to get out of this hellhole.

But then she remembered why they were trapped in here in the first place.

"Big Brother! Don't come here, it's dangerous!"

She shouted her concern. What a good girl. She already felt weak and did not have the ability to escape this place without the help of others but she still did not want to implicate anyone. Especially since this Big Brother of hers who did not have contact with them in the past years actually came to look for her.

There was a lot of infected outside the building and around the compound. There were also those tree people and the larger tree person roaming the street.

Charmaine then heard his reply.

"I already saw the situation and I already thought of a plan to pick you up. I'll be there in several minutes. Keep the radio with you alright?"

The drone that landed in front of her then started to fly up with buzzing sounds coming from its four propellers.

***

Mark controlled the drone to fly while he saw Charmaine watching the drone as it took off. However, the drone just managed to take flight to a certain height when someone snatched the radio out of Charmaine's hand and even pushed her away.

Mark frowned. He was furious.

The person that snatched the radio was a man. The man stared at the camera on the drone and spoke at the radio.

***

"Hey! What about us! You have to help us!"

What a thick face. After what the man did to Charmaine, he was actually looking hopefully at the camera. Unfortunately, the reply he received was enough to give him chills in his spine.

"When I arrive there, the first thing I will do is kill you."

The voice was calm and detached but that just added to the threat factor of the reply.

The man stepped back in fear but he soon regained his composure. He actually got scared of a threat? He felt shame and then the shame turned to anger. He smashed the radio to the floor in front of the camera and ran off.

Charmaine, teary eyed, crawled towards the broken radio. The tried to put the radio piece by piece but of course, it could not be fixed just like that.

***

From the scene in the monitor, everyone in the vehicle looked furious. Even the always silent Abbbygale looked at Mark and ask.

"Are we going to kill that bad man Papa?"

Her Papa did not answer but the furious look on his face surely judged the fate of that man later.

Looking at the pitiful appearance of Charmaine in the monitor, Mark could not hold back anymore and wanted to charge to that place as soon as possible.

It was then that a woman approached Charmaine in panic and pulled her back to spot where she was resting before. The woman looked like she was in her late twenty's and was wearing a nurse uniform. Mark did not saw this woman from the window earlier.

Looking at her panic at Charmaine's pitiful appearance as she tried to fix the radio while glancing at the Drone warily, it looked like she did not know what happened just now.

***

Under Charmaine's stare and the nurse's wary glances, the drone turned around while remaining in place. It looked like whoever was controlling the drone was checking the place. It then stopped while looking at the man who stood behind the congresswoman's group.

The congresswoman had a complicated look on her face. She also had the notion to ask for help from the person who was controlling the drone. She was waiting for the right timing and to politely ask the man on the radio for help. Since the weakened woman on the floor was still talking to the radio, the congresswoman patiently waited.

However, before she could make a move, the man just now turned the situation awry.  Still, she could not do anything to the man.

That man was the owner of a known private-owned enterprise here in Bacoor and had large dealings with the local government. Furthermore, the man had relatives within the government and their position was higher than what she had as a congresswoman.

The congresswoman sighed. She knew that the chances of getting help now were very slim. Even the people around them had complicated faces as they looked at the man. If he wanted to dig a grave for himself, why also drag them into it?

The policemen and the bodyguards of the congresswoman were also boiling inside as they glanced at the man by the side of their eyes. If the congresswoman were to order it, they would not hesitate to shoot this aggravating person.

The drone then flew away back to where it came from under everyone's gazes. They all knew that the person behind that drone would come here sooner or later.

The man who smashed the radio had a different opinion though. With the number of infected inside, the person behind that drone would surely die before he could even enter the building. He was hoping that it would happen. He did not want to admit or show it in his face but there was something that gave him fear when he heard the voice from that radio making him disoriented and act without thinking.

***

Back inside the vehicle, Mark was getting ready. The others were also helping Abbygale ready herself.

For this operation, Mark was going with Abbygale. For sure, he needed to carry Charmaine and his fighting capability would be hindered severely. In that case, he needed to bring someone and the only possible person to bring was Abbygale. Still, she might just be a little girl but her physical fighting prowess might even be higher than her Papa.

Odelina was in charge of driving the vehicle of course and Mei was in charge of luring the infected away from the extraction point. How? She will be using the drone.

Right now, Mei was the one controlling the drone back to the car. It was a form of practice for her as they needed someone to take on the role. Mei was also eager to do it as she wanted to help even just with a little thing. She did not want to be just a baggage for the group.

Mark wore a black jacket as always but the one he was wearing right now had several pockets on the chest, abdomen and the sides. He was still wearing the security belt and he put several things on the open pockets of the belt. On his arm, Mark wore a metal forearm guards locked with a buckle. These armguards was something he made using the same materials they used in refitting the vehicle.

On his head, he wore a skate helmet and a pair of clear goggles for his eyes. He also had his mouth covered with a motorcycle face mask.

Abbygale on the other hand was wearing a frilled dress. Even back in the mall, this girl did not really want to wear anything else other than this style of clothes. She said that her mommy always bought her clothes like this before. As the little girl would not relent about it, her Papa just decided to make her several kinds of equipment suitable for her.

As Mark observed about Abbygale, she did not really use her arms when fighting. What she mainly used was her legs. He also saw that even if her physical strength was high, it was not her forte but her speed. With these traits, Mark modified a pair of shoes for her and added metal fittings around the sole with a rubber inner side lessen the force of impact received by her feet. He also made sure that she the fittings were sturdy but would not hinder the little girl's movements. He also made a pair of metal fitted gloves and a pair of smaller metal armguards for the little girl.

For her head, she wore a skate helmet designed for children. She did not want to wear anything on her face for some reason so Mark did not force her to do so.

For the weapons, Mark was bringing his machete, a silenced assault rifle and a silenced pistol while Mark made Abbygale bring a pistol just in case. Even if the little girl was not trained for it, it would sure come in handy.

Mark also brought a backpack with ready to eat high calorie but low sugar food and drinks. He could at least feed Charmaine before bringing her out.

He wanted to prepare some molotovs but he had no gasoline to use to fill the bottles. Diesel could not be used as it was combustible rather than flammable. He could only bring two spray canisters of butane he brought that was supposed to be used to refill lighters. 

About the fruit that Odelina and Abbygale wanted, he decided to bring it up for later. Right now, getting Charmaine out of there was the priority.

It was now time to move out.

***

Around the compound, a quadcopter drone was flying low, about 8 feet from the ground, while slowly moving around the street. It started to gather the attention of the infected. Those who were attracted to the drone were mostly Biters while the slower Eaters did not seem to care. It was just like how Mark observed these infected. The Biters were sensitive to any kind of sound but the Eaters would only have reaction towards human voices. That was why…

A radio was attached under the drone and was turned into full volume. Voices of two children were heard from the radio attracting the Eaters around the drone. The two voices came from Odelina's children. They were in charge of making more noise around the drone.

The pace of the drone was slow but it was effective to some extent as the Eaters were slow moving in the first place.

***

Inside the City Hall, the one of the survivors noticed the commotion outside and called the attention of the other survivors. When the others looked at the road in front of the City Hall, they saw a large procession. No, it was not a procession but actually dozens of infected being led by a very familiar drone. 

They all watched as the drone led the dozens of infected away. As the crowd grew larger and larger, there would be stragglers. It was also obvious that some of the infected noticed that the drone was something that they could not bite and left the crowd.

Still, most of the infected followed the drone and most of them were the fast running infected. They all watched the drone led the infected away until they could not see the drone anymore after it went behind the building through the northern side.

Then, they saw a vehicle coming from the direction of the boulevard. It was a large black van with metal fittings around it. The solar panels on the roof of the vehicle and the wide V-shaped ram in front of it could also be seen. They could not see the inside of the vehicle though. It was not because they were high up but because the windows of the vehicle were heavily tinted.

The remaining infected on the way rushed towards the vehicle but they were decimated as the vehicle mercilessly crashed on their frail bodies. The V-shaped ram pushed the zombies to the side with great force leaving their bodies with injuries worse than before.

Under the gazes of the people watching by the windows, the vehicle followed the same route the drone took but stopped in front of the gymnasium.

When it stopped, two people came out of the vehicle, a man and a small girl. The man was armed with an assault rifle and was accurately shooting the infected rushing towards them.

The two ran towards the office building attached to the gymnasium and entered it. When the two entered, the vehicle made a U-turn and went back the way it came from.

It was just a normal morning but it was unknown to many that the apocalypse already started.

The origin was not determined but the infected started to appear after a cosmic event happened just outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.

The people and animals turned into man-eating mutants and zombies while some of the lucky ones gained superhuman abilities. Every living creature that had not "turned" started to evolve as the whole world was affected by the Mutagen. 

Follow Mark, an Otaku, a Gamer and a Shut-in that got trapped in the middle of the apocalypse due to an uncanny reason. Using his unconventional thinking, knowledge and abilities, how far can he go in surviving the apocalypse filled with zombies, mutated beings and dangerous people as a survivor in an overpopulated country?

"What was that?" Catherine curiously asked Laurice the instant she got back to their table. She just saw how one of those five gorgeous men spoke with her but did not have any idea what they were talking about at all. She surmised that the guy was actually interested to her friend but looking at Laurice's indifferent attitude, it probably did not end up any good. 

"Nothing." Laurice simply replied. She did not want to concern herself with insignificant people. She was already used to dealing with those type of men it has gotten boring. 

Catherine could somehow guess what had transpired between them so she did not bother asking further. If her friend wasn't interested, then it only meant one thing. The guy was nothing special. 

There also seemed to be a commotion from across the other table and Catherine could tell it was from those men since she could hear voices mocking and laughing at someone in particular.

'Eh. The poor thing.'

She ignored the situation and shifted her attention to Laurice who was slurping and gulping a mouthful of ramen noodles and broth already. She was putting in tons of side-dishes in her mouth as well and was mumbling to herself. Her smile broaden. Laurice have such a huge appetite but looking at her feasting over her meal wasn't appalling at all. 

"Right, Laurice. I've got good news for you honey!" She got excited herself to tell her about her upcoming project.

...

Laurice tilted her head and glanced at her friend. Seeing her happy face it seemed to be a good news indeed. "What is it?" She asked excitedly.

"I got an invitation from 'il piu notevole' in Italy to showcase my brand! God, can you believe it? 'il piu notevole' was the largest across Europe and was even awarded as the best department store at the recent Global Summit! And to have a chance to promote my brand and possibly had my clothes sold off from their racks is a dream come true honey!" Catherine shrieked while being lost in a daydream.

That was quite big, indeed!
Such invitation from a premier retail chain is limited to very few people and only reputable fashion brands and fashion houses can take part on the said fashion showcase that is to be held inside the store itself. The same prestigious department store had also launched it's very own fashion magazine which will eventually feature the event participant's apparel which would be available for distribution from across all nations. 

Right. Her friend has gotten far ahead on her career as a Fashion Designer already. If the event will be successful then Catherine will finally debut her brand even beyond the domestic market. 

Laurice felt like celebrating as well. She knew how hard her friend had work over the years and she deserved such great compensation for it.

She smiled widely at Catherine and exclaimed, "Wow! Congratulations Cat! You deserve it!" She leaned forward to pat Catherine on the head. It was a small gesture which they got used with that turned into a habit whenever any of them achieved a certain goal. 

The both of them talked about the details for a bit. About how Catherine struggled to vie for her position in Milan's Fashion Lab which was a program created by The National Chamber of Fashion, a non-profit association promoting fashion and artisan skills of designers in the country. Catherine participated to various fashion labs and workshops and was finally able to present her brand at the previous Fashion Hub Market where she was recognized by the Association and was duly recommended to showcase for 'il piu notevole' that houses the most esteemed fashion brands of both renowed designers and novice or up and coming fashion designers of the industry.

...

"Thank you Liz. I owe you this one. Thank you for always supporting me." Catherine said thereafter. A sudden glint flashed past her eyes. 

"Why thanked me honey? It was all because of your dedication and passion that got you a recommendation. I wish you all the best! I should congratulate you beforehand for a successful showcase!" Laurice was ecstatic. She was so proud of Catherine. She lifted her wineglass containing water instead to offer her friend a toast.

Catherine looked at her with a somber expression but yielded anyway clinking her glass filled with champagne towards hers.

"Eh?! You're ruining tradition, honey." Catherine pouted and protested.

Laurice pursed her lips and uttered, "Don't start Cathy. You know i don't drink."

"Just a little. Please? For me?" Her sulky puppy eyes that were begging her shot an arrow straight to her heart. 

Laurice sighed. She could not bare to refuse her. Atleast not this time. Her friend was rather in a festive mood, she did not want to spoil the fun.

"Fine. Just for tonight. But only a sip." She said with a stern expression. 

Catherine beamed the moment she approved and immediately asked for some wine from the wait staff in the restaurant.

'Bring out the wine! Someone's getting drunk tonight.' 
Catherine was laughing in her head while someone was completely oblivious of her intentions. If Laurice knew what was going on in her head right now, she would regret coming and drinking to such place she was not supposed to.

...

Laurice thought Catherine ordered for some special wine for the both of them but she was surprised that she got a root beer instead while Catherine had some sort of sparkling wine.

Well, Good thing her friend was actually considerate enough.

She actually likes root bear. It was sweet and foamy.
Laurice does not like the bitterness of most alcoholic beverages and she has low alcohol tolerance so she never really drinks liquor.

"It's a digestif, it will aid your digestion." Catherine said to her a matter-of-factly while sipping her wine.

Laurice didn't know root bear can be that helpful. She only knows that it was pretty much just a carbonated drink. She nodded in response enthusiastically. She was enjoying her drink when Catherine begun talking about the details of the upcoming fashion showcase.

"When will the event happen?" Laurice asked afterwards.

"It's a spring/summer collection so probably late October."  Catherine responded.

According to Catherine, she came back to the Philippines mainly for inspiration to create additional pieces of apparel and jewelries for her ready-to-wear line. She's been here for over a month so she must have been currently working with her brand already.

Laurice: "Next year?" She asked.

Catherine: "This year."

Laurice: "What?! Then you must be so busy. What are you idling around here for?" Laurice was stunned. She know atleast the fact that fashion shows always took an awfully long period of time of preparation and such. Designing is tough enough but putting everything together is the ultimate problem. All hands should be on deck and not so much time could be spared for rest.

Catherine pouted and said, "Don't i deserve to relax and lazy around sometime? I won't be able to do and sell anything if i look and feel like crap anyway."

She has a point there. 
The Fashion Industry has a reputation to protect. 
Catherine couldn't be careless. Her state of mind is her top most priority.

"Oh! By the way, i need your help with something." Catherine said oh-so-nonchalantly.

Laurice froze. 

She had an inkling that what Catherine was about to say has something to do with the favor she was going to ask from her.

"That's right. I need you to do me a favor. I want you to model for me Liz." Catherine pleaded. 

Laurice looked at her with a shock expression. 

'The woman's crazy.'
She thought she was hearing things. 

Pointing at herself with her long slender fingers, she said to her, "Are you kidding? Me, model for your brand? That's absurb Cathy."

"I'm serious. I want you to walk my clothes down the runway with a few more women i've pre-selected already. This has been part of my plan from the very beginning. Please don't disappoint me." Catherine spoke in a firm manner.

Laurice gaped at her and replied, "I might probably disappoint you, you know! I'm not a model! I can barely walk on high heels. Besides, i'm short!" 

"What short? You're five foot and seven inches tall. You are actually even taller than most asian models i know." She confirmed as if it sounds convincing enough.

"It's still a no, Catherine." Laurice replied sharply.

"I do not accept. I have already signed up for you. Don't worry honey, i got your back! And you have nothing to worry about. It won't get in any way of your busy schedule in the latter months to come. Just a few appearances for fittings and practices would be enough." Catherine made it sound so simple but it was the exact opposite for her.

Laurice was starting to feel a bit hazy for some reason.

'Me, a model? Walk down the runway amongst the top models and designers before a crowd of distinguished guests from the fashion industry? Impossible.'

Laurice felt a nerve twitching.

She let out a breath and was about to talk again when Catherine spoke, "It's just one time, Liz. I beg you." She looked somehow disheartened because of her reaction. How can her heart not be perturbed?

"Fine. But can you promise me one thing?" Laurice uttered. She was still troubled nonetheless but she can only compromise now.

Catherine brightened up afterwards and reassured her. "Yes, whatever it is honey." 

"If i don't satisfy any of your demands atleast, or if i'm not satisfied with my own performance, then please drop and exclude me from the show. I'm not confident at all, Cat. And there's only a few months left, i'm afraid i would not have that much time to prepare for it." Laurice muttered.

There wasn't a major change in Catherine's expression. It was as if she was expecting such outcome already. She smiled warmly instead at Laurice and said, "I promise. Thank you, Liz." 

Catherine continued explaining the order and rules of the said event while also giving her some pointers and guidelines. She was well prepared and even showed her some of the pictures of her latest designs which will be presented in the showcase and that is currently being tailored by her team back in Milan.

...

Moments passed, Laurice excused herself to the lavatory. She was feeling a bit warm and heady. She tried washing her face with some cool water but it did nothing to help ease the odd sensation she was feeling. Her mind is also somehow muddled and her vision was starting to blur. She was trying to remain as conscious as possible to go get Catherine to send her back at the room to rest.

The moment she step out of the bathroom, she bumped into a huge figure. Laurice instantly got a whiff of a familiar scent and it was unsconsciously drawing her body close ... and closer ... until she actually ended up leaning at the person's back. Her consciousness slowly drifting away.

Tout de suite, the man's back stiffened.

UNTIL I FALL INLOVE AGAIN
Romance, Comedy, Drama, Modern

(Graphic Warning: With Mature Content)


SYNOPSIS:


Laurice Ledesma Azul

Had an artistic temperament.
A shrewd femme d'affaires.
With a sheltered past. A broken home. Thwarted passion.

She possessed an unrivalved beauty that is envied by women and coveted by men. An exquisite woman of her youth with a vulnerable character.


...

With her sanity on the line, will Laurice eventually succumb to the temptation of the gorgeous stranger with a son playing as his wingman? Sid Walsh was relentless.

Another Walsh however came in play. Laurice's interest is perked up. Will there be rivalry between brothers? 

An old flame returned as well. It was the most disturbing one.

But if an ex-boyfriend's appearance wasn't chaotic enough, a tenacious fiance revealed himself claiming his rights as the future husband!

The battle among lovers is on!
Laurice was somehow caught in between.

But she still had a missing person to find and a career to foster. 

Will she ever find the courage to be free from all control, abandon herself to her desires without reserve and trust wherever fate leads her to be? 


...

20th of March, Year 20XX

At that serendipitous moment, Laurice was certain she saw something in his cognac eyes - something akin to love.

...

Extra Scene: 

"I like you." 

The man was still lost in his thoughts when he heard the words. It was almost inaudible. Like a careless whisper.

"Y-you like me?" He uttered.

"W-well, i don't h-hate you." Laurice stammered. 

The man arched his eyebrows in amusement. He grinned at the woman who was being defensive. A playful glint flashed past his eyes.

"Can i kiss you, then?" Sid asked.

Laurice: " ...???!!! " A kiss?

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