Finally, we were in office. 

As I entered the room, everyone greeted me in an unusually friendly way. There was pity in their eyes and they treated me like a martyred hero. It irritated me. 

I smiled at everyone and explained that I was fine enough to be in office and not feeling sick at all. After a lot of small talk, I found my way out. 

"So, this is your office? Quite charming, I must say," Armaan said, snickering behind me. 

I knew he was mocking me, but he did seem reluctantly impressed. 

"No, this is not my office," I hissed and pointed him to follow me, "this is my office." My name on the door corroborated it. 

He couldn't help his gasp of exclamation. 

"So, what exactly do you do here?" "I am the senior editor here, and the chief journalist," I replied proudly. 

"Wow! And how about your friend Zara?" he seemed too interested in the answer, and I couldn't stop a twinge of jealousy. 

"Same, but she is in a different division. She covers crime and I cover the rest." 

We talked as I went through my daily motions, checking messages and emails. Strange, but my appointment calendar had only one entry – a meeting with Mr. Oberoi, one of the leading business tycoons in the country. 

I went next door to Zara's cabin to ask about it. She looked like she was in the middle of a disaster. 

"Hey, why is my work list empty" I asked. 

"Nothing babe. It is just that I was on leave with you the previous week. But they delegated your work because you were in a coma, not mine. They knew I was coming back for sure. So now I have a ton of stuff pending." 

I couldn't stifle the shock. 

"Miranda didn't think I'd survive?" 

Zara gave me a look of exasperation. 

"No, she just thought you'd rest longer. Apparently, everyone except you thought you'd need rest." 

I offered to help, but she shooed me away, to "relax". 

"Work relaxes me," I scoffed. 

"Why don't you work on that interview?" She barely even looked up from the file. 

"Yes, why wasn't that shuffled?" 

This time she looked up and smiled. "Well apparently you made quite an impression on Mr. Oberoi. Miranda tried to shuffle it but he refused to interview with anyone else. What did you say to him?" 

This made me giggle but I did feel Armaan stiffen beside me. I looked at him, he seemed off, but I just couldn't ask in front of Zara. I answered her instead. 

"He doesn't talk to journalists, so I pulled some strings, and used some personal points to get the interview." 

"What personal points?" 

"Nothing major; you know his son is in a coma…" I trailed off, feeling an eerie sense of Deja-vu. 

"Amrita?" Zara brought me back. 

"Nothing, I just feel like I have talked about this to someone before. Anyway, I should go back in my office and prepare." I moved, but Armaan didn't follow. 

"Ok, I am going," I announced again. 

"Bye, babe." Zara smiled but he didn't move.

Cursing the dark, I decided to step out and find someone who could tell me what was going on. To my utter surprise, I realized I was in a hospital. 

-----------

“Don’t touch me, you freak. Nothing is happening to me. I am fine, I feel fine, and I am going to my room to rest,” I yelled and I started to reach out for the door-knob but I just couldn’t. 

I tried again, but my hand just passed through it. How? 

“What is happening to me?” I shouted, instantly freaking out. I tried catching it again but I could not touch it. I pushed the door but instead of pushing it, I passed through it and fell on the floor. 

He was immediately beside me, trying to help. 

Scared to death, I pushed him away and started to crawl backwards, hoping to get away from the scary man and also hoping to find something to rest my back on, but instead of finding something, I crossed the bars of a bed and was now almost in a drawer…I stood up shrieking and started to run everywhere in a haphazard manner when suddenly my eyes fell on a still figure on a hospital bed. 

Lying there was a lump of a woman. She was in the worst state possible, bruised everywhere and had a huge bandage on her head. Tubes stuck out from every orifice. She was breathing off a life support system… She was barely alive. She was me. 

-----------

A wonderful story of how the spirits of a guy and a girl met in hospital during an out-of-body experience.

 "I’m a professional talent agent. My company is the most famous entertainment firm in the country. I see star potential in you. If you are interested, call me anytime."
 "Okay, thanks." Qin Guan stuffed the card randomly in his pocket without a pause. Then he kept walking, holding Cong Nianwei's hand. The man behind him shouted at him, "You can reach me on my phone 24/7. If you are interested, just call me!"
 "Call me! I’m the best talent agent there is! Believe me!"
 After several blocks, they finally got away from the man.
 Cong Nianwei looked at the card with curiosity. "You have no agent in the US. Why didn't you consider his proposal?" she asked.
 Qin Guan was hiding something, but he didn't want to tell Cong Nianwei about it. He threw the card in the nearest trash can without hesitation.
 "Things here are not the same as in China. I’m a newcomer here. It would be a nightmare if I fell into the wrong hands."
 "One can be austere if they have no selfish desires. That's me. I’m really firm, aren’t I? I wouldn't be forced to do something harmful to you though."
 "You mean..." This reminded Cong Nianwei of something. She sized Qin Guan up in an exaggerated manner. "Well, you are capable of attracting criminals..."
 Qin Guan hugged her around the shoulders, and the two of them headed home. "I might have grown in the gutter, but I try to keep myself as pure as I can for you..."
 A simple life was the best fate for an ordinary man. Qin Guan's part-time job hunt was going very well.
 Both THE NORTH FACE and Hollister had sent him emails. Only CK didn't respond for a long time.
 It was unbelievable. As a famous brand that had started its business by selling underwear, it was in big need of models for casual clothes and businesswear.
 Rest assured, Qin Guan hadn’t applied for the underwear position. He had applied for the apparel job.
 Just as he was thinking about it, his phone vibrated. He had received a short notice for a follow-up interview. He hadn’t gotten the job yet.
 Wow! This was really one of the top 10 brands in the world. The process was much more complicated than it was with other brands.
 Once they decided on a model though, they wouldn’t let them go easily.
 After class, Qin Guan gave his textbooks to Cong Nianwei. Looking at the setting sun, he told her, "Go home first. Save some food for me."
 Cong Nianwei knew about his plans for that evening. He was wearing his business clothes after all.
 The bus left the stop. Soon, Qin Guan arrived at the CK headquarters.
 He got a numbered card from the staff. The interviewing room was on the second floor of the building. He pushed the door open and walked into a busy hall.
 It was time for people to go home, yet the staff there looked much busier than usual.
 Some assistants were pushing lines of hangers, and several designers were making changes to final designs on plastic models.
 Qin Guan was not nervous at all. He carefully observed the models who were there for the follow-up interview. The naked ones were on the left, and the ones wearing clothes were on the right.
 Different corridors led to different doors, behind which was a big hall.
 Holding his card, Qin Guan found a quiet corner on the right and sat by the window.
 After a while, an assistant with messy hair walked along one of the corridors and shouted at the waiting crowd, "Time for the apparel models! We’re starting from No. 1. Ten minutes for each candidate. No waiting after the set time."
 Suddenly, the models looked nervous.
 No.1 strode toward the room.
 Qin Guan was at the end of the line. When the guy before him left, he glanced at his watch.
 Night had fallen, and the fashion capital had lifted its veil.
 When Qin Guan entered the interviewing room, he realized that the interviews in China paled in comparison to these.
 The room looked like it was still daylight outside thanks to the bright lights. The ceiling was about four to five meters tall, and all professional equipment and props were in place.
 Considering the moving fake shelves and the full photographic equipment, this was no simple interview. It was an imaging test.
 That kind of test was only used by top brands. Models had to interpret the featured apparel on the lens.
 It was a difficult test. First, the models had to handle the lens well and show their best angle in the high-definition digital camera.
 Second, they had to understand the concept.
 Professional skills were not enough though. The models also had to catch the eye of the designer and stand out among the rest of the candidates.
 The staff were optimistic about Qin Guan’s ability to stand out. To be frank though, they did not believe that he would meet the first two requirements.
 They wished that the chief designer of the final interview would give him a chance based on his appearance.
 Qin Guan was surprised by the outfit he had to wear. It was businesswear. He had worn CK in China before, but most of it had been underwear.


Qin Guan was reborn and sent back to his final semester in High School 18 years ago. Getting a second chance at life, he works hard to turn things around and eventually become a Prince Charming. What will his life be like the second time around? What will he have to go through? How will he succeed in turning from a loser into a Prince Charming? Read this story carefully and find out!

The sound a solid attachment of a shoe makes can sometimes be very powerful. Often times the deciding factor in lives. For someone getting queried at work, after a long wait, this sound increases fear of being dismissed, to another awaiting the doctors diagnosis and most importantly the sound of a lady's heel can either be greatly appreciated by a man or insanely irritating.

In this case, to the man sitting atop his throne like the king he is in the industry, whose space has been invaded by the woman who is currently cat walking towards his desk whilst giving him looks that he assumes are meant to turn him on, he is fervently pissed.

I heard the sound of someone coming into my office after I had left strict instructions to my secretary not to let anyone in. How difficult is it for people to follow simple instructions. I do not tolerate insubordination in my company.

The first thing I see when I look up is a pair of legs in a very tight and I bet uncomfortable skirt. My eyes trail up to a similarly tight top, "how is this fellow breathing?" she must have thought that my silence and the way in which I have been analyzing her was progress so she strikes a pose.
Hmm, might as well play with my meal.

I lean back on my chair and drag my eyes to see the individual that wishes to incur my wrath, up to the face of my secretary of two years. 
"What nonsense is she playing at! she knows I do not condone such an attitude except by my female acquaintances that have been given an invitation by me"

I get up from my chair and walk towards her, I can see that this excites her because she comes forward while unbuttoning her top, to reveal more flesh. Am I supposed to be aroused by this skank? I don't think so.

When I reach her, I look down because even on heels she was still brief in comparison to me. I rake my eyes over her.

"hmm Ms. Blakely?" I say while leaning into her, almost touching.

"huh?" she pants. Disgusting.

"you are fired" turning my back on her I begin walking back to my seat with purpose. This irritant has just wasted precious amounts of my time.

"what?" she exclaimed probably in shock that all her devises did not work.

"get your belongings and leave this premises in the next fifteen minutes or you'll be thrown out by security. The clock is ticking." she must have seen the look in my eyes because she scurries out of the office almost falling on her face due to those heels.

After she leaves I sit back and drag my hands through my hair. Fuck! I don't need this right now, not with so much work as regarding the closure of a very important deal. I have gone through more secretaries than most business men I know. And when miss Blakely stayed for a year, I thought she would last. Apparently I was wrong.
"well I can't dwell on that right now. I got work to do." so I roll my chair back to the desk and dial my Vice president's office. We will have to share secretaries again. I also contact the HR department. I need a secretary. Maybe I'll just stick to a male this time around.

*****
"Okay Arjana, you don't look too bad" couldn't help but praise myself. I had been worried about what to wear especially as I couldn't afford much due to a shortage in my allowance. then I remembered there was something I could wear, thanks to Project defense. It was an office gown with a jacket which complimented my body and gave off a formidable look.
If this is what I'm going to look like everyday to work then I love it. Because I look like one who has her life planned out, knows what she wants and will get it. Not bad at all.

The building in front of me was one thing and one thing alone, intimidating. Some companies co own building and accommodation spaces but not Zarlton Corp. 

This company is owned by Kyros Iason Vasilis. He started the company from scratch, then along the line, when the company was doing well he started buying out other businesses about to crash and built them up. So this company has so many branches and arms, talk about Real estate, Advertisement, shipping and some others. 

Getting a job here was the dream of every business oriented individual, as it will not only help you grow, with much experience but will boost your career to the front line. Even an interview was a struggle to acquire. Although I knew of this company i did not send an application as I thought it would be fruitless and a waste of time. Yet, here I am.

I walk pass security after signing in, to the reception desk, where a young adult male was seated with his focus on the computer screen he was typing at. I smiled, this will be me soon.

"excuse me" I called to him still maintaining my smile

"welcome ma'am. How may I help you?" he replies returning my smile, hmm so polite.

"I'm here for the Intern job, please"

"what's your name?"

"Arjana. Arjana Martins."

"here's an ID you may require it to get to the 40th floor. That's where the HR department is located. Good luck" he says still smiling

"thank you" I walk to a group of elevators and swipe my card. Time to boss up.

When I got to HR I recognized some of my colleagues seated already. And few others. You could see different emotions on  our faces. They must have arrived really early because when I check my wristwatch it's 7:30am and our interview starts at 8:00am. I have 30mins to talk my mind into a relaxed and confident state. I start my mantra "this job is mine."

One after the other we were called in, till it got to my turn

"Miss Martins" the interviewer calls. I stand up, adjust my gown and step into the room. There were two persons in the room seated behind a desk. Maintaining my smile I greet them. Was asked to seat and they started asking questions.

"your CV says that apart from being top of your class for Business administration and Strategic studies, you were also a Teachers Assistant. Plus a degree in Managerial studies."

"yes, that's right." I maintain eye contact with them while speaking

"how did you do it. I'm sure a young adult like you will also have a lot of social life. How did you handle the stress of juggling this three?

"I have always been interested in everything about business, how to start, where to pitch it, what one requires to control and also improve a business. Being a TA helped keep my grade from ever dropping in case of my social life like you said. At the end of my social activities I know I have a responsibility which had to be fulfilled. In other words, being a TA kept me in check. As for Managerial studies, it was an advise I took in after watching a short clip while studying. It said that having a degree in Managerial studies gives your career an added edge, not just during interviews but you understand what it means to manage almost anything business oriented. This I found to be true when I started the course. This three things where beneficial to my growth, I enjoyed doing them. And because of this, the stress wasn't a problem."

After speaking they look at each other, and leaned in to whisper. Hopefully good things. Because I really tried to sell myself well. Of course I omitted that I had and still have no social life because after school comes slave duties.

I was brought out of my thoughts by one of them. "Usually we would ask the candidate to go and we'll get back to them but we have to make an exception sometime." one of them said

And the other continued "Young lady you have impressed us and we'll like to talk about terms for the job."

I was overcome by joy but right now I keep calm, there will be time for celebration later so I school my features right and listen to them.
After so much discussion. They get up and shake hands with me
"welcome aboard"
"thank you" I replied the interviewer. My face is definitely going to hurt from smiling too much.
"There is something we must discuss immediately though. Although you will be working understand a staff we need you to handle the secretarial duties of the boss."

Wait, what?
she continued speaking "he is a very busy man but unfortunately doesn't know how to retain secretaries."
She must have seen the look on my face because she suddenly reassures me of my job

"you won't have to deal with him directly per se but through Emails. This should have been done by the VP's assistant but everyone is quite busy at the moment."

"we trust that you can handle this?"
"yes I can" wow
"of course you'll be paid accordingly" now this made me smile harder
"also we would like you to keep a low profile about this."
"I understand." Working for the boss I will be handling a lot of files that need to be protected so I can't bring attention to my self since I'm not his direct secretary.
"Now that it is all settled, let's get down to business" I agree. As much as I like hearing what they are saying I am eager to start work.

They give me directions to my new office. I leave the room, there are still some others to be interviewed. I make sure my facial expression is neutral and head to my new office. I like the sound of that.

 On getting there I'm shown around, given a desk to work, in an office adjourning my director. Also I'm given an email I will be using to communicate and handle everything with the boss.

I get down to work starting by going through his schedule. I see that some of them could not possibly work out the way it was set, so I rearrange the time frame. I also receive some calls as all the boss's office calls are now directed to my desk. Then I started proof reading some documents after which I filed them back to him.

At the end of the day I was truthfully stressed out. I made sure I wasn't needed and then left the office by 5:30pm. Some people had already left the office by that time because it was kind of empty.

I felt his lips trail down my neck and begin to suck on that sensitive spot

"oh my..." I moaned out loud. I couldn't hold it back. so much pleasure, there's something I want, just beyond my reach. He knows what that is, but is holding it back.

I can't think straight

"will you be mine?" I heard him ask. Somewhere in my scattered thoughts I know not to answer but I just want what he's offering so badly

so I say " Yes. yes I'll be yours, just ahhhh..."

what have I done...

To business tycoon Kyros Iason Visilis, whatever he wants, he must get

As he pulled up his email, his eyes were automatically drawn to the dozens of unread messages in his inbox. Scanning through the subject lines, his mouth pressed tightly into a line, eyes hardening as he saw the senders. 

The emails had been sent by their so-called blood relatives. He thought he had completely given up on them, yet when he saw the emails, he couldn't help grow a seed of expectation. He couldn't resist that small strand of hope and clicked into the emails. 

He clicked into the first one. The subject line said [Where Are You?]

In the body it said: [If you're alive, don't come back. If you're dead, good riddance. The family is great without you around. I hope your two twins are with you in death. 

…

Since you're probably dead, I've gotten my lawyers to move all your inheritance and property to my name. See you never again.]

Light continued to open each message. As he did, his face got darker and darker. There were a wide variety of messages ranging from demands for their inheritance to orders for his and the twins to return to pure hate mail wishing them a miserable death. Not a single relative nor cousin had ever messaged them before the apocalypse, yet the first time they did was after a major outbreak and only to demand things from them or wish them death.

He completely forgot that there was a whole audience awaiting him to share his lesson plan with them. Rin and Yukio hadn't seen their brother in this state for a long time. Before the outbreak, he could be seen with this expression almost all the time but only when he thought they weren't watching. In truth, they had always known how challenging life had been for their older brother which is why they tried their best to be as obedient and accommodating as well. 

Both of them quietly went over to hold his hands in support, not saying anything to interrupt his thought process. Feeling their touch, he woke up from his thoughts and smiled apologetically, "Sorry everyone, I got distracted for a bit."

Turning his attention back to the screen, his gaze had recovered it's usual calm. He selected all the emails and hit the delete button with no reservations. There was no need for him to pay any mind to those people who were worse to them than strangers. He had found a good place in life with good people. Instead of focusing on the past, it was time for him to look towards the future. 

As he pulled up the lesson plans for the twins, he began speaking in a teacher-like manner, "First, let's all take an assessment. I was to see what your level of knowledge is."

Rose and the twins gulped as they heard this while Xiao Ai and Little White respectively had a happy and neutral expression.

They ran around to collect different pieces of paper and pen and sat everyone down. Light sat before the tv as the teacher as the kids gathered around and listened to him ask each question. As he did, all the kids would look down at their papers and write something down. Whenever Rin didn't know how to answer something, he would not-so-furtively peek over at the others' papers. Yukio quickly covered his answers with his arms while Rose erected an ice wall to hide her answers. Xiao Ai simply bounced around with happiness while Little White stared blankly at the paper uncomprehendingly. 

Aida found it to be such a cute scene so she secretly snapped a few pictures. She also made a mental note to obtain office supplies and a whiteboard to support Light's lessons. 

Light, who was watching the kids work through the problems, shook his head in dismay. He had a newfound respect for all teachers, particularly the ones teaching the lower grades. These kids were so rowdy, he had no idea how to properly corral them into focusing. He began considering ways that he could make use of his growing empathic abilities to influence their learning.

After the initial assessment was completed, he reviewed the responses that each of them provided. To no one's surprise, Xiao Ai got a perfect score with Yukio in second. Rose also got a fairly decent score as well. Due to their levels of knowledge being so different, Light decided that place Xiao Ai and Yukio in the self study group with occasional lessons, Rose and Rin in another group for more focused lessons, and Little White would begin with picture books. 

For today, he started with some basic geography lessons. Even though they were all at different levels, they could still collectively learn certain pieces of knowledge with geography being one of the more relevant topics in this climate. Aida was spectating at the back, enjoying the youthful energy among the kids. Even Little White seemed somewhat intrigued by the lessons they were being taught.

At this time, Lucifer, who had been on the roof keeping Reapers away from the RV, tapped Aida's shoulders and gestured for her to follow him. They walked up to the stairs to the roof to chat so as not to disturb the kids from their learning. 

Sitting up on the roof of the RV, they casually got rid of Reapers as Lucifer began to speak, "I haven't been completely honest with you."

Aida continued to throw shards of metal at the oncoming Reapers and Enraged without pause, there was no change in her expression. She seemed to have already expected this conversation when he first asked her to come up.

He continued, "I want to thank and apologize to you. Thank you for saving my life twice."

'It's actually three times now, but whatever.' thought Aida and she rolled her eyes internally.

"I also want to apologize for not sharing everything earlier on. At that time, I still wasn't clear who I could and could not trust. My team and I had originally been tasked by our government to go to City A for a secret mission. The corruption case that we were chasing after was simply a cover for our true objective. Our main mission was to obtain a secret drug that could apparently give people superpowers."

Randy laughed ironically as he continued, "At that time, I scoffed at the mission. Superpowers? Did they think this was a fantasy world or something? But now, seeing what had happened then and now seeing our Variant abilities, it seems that the intel was accurate after all."

Aida's interest peaked.

Aida was an assassin, trained, employed and later betrayed by an organization with seemingly unlimited resources. Forced to hide in plain sight, she worked as an engineer for a company whose name she did not care to remember and with colleagues that droned on and on about their petty problems.  

All her wishes came true when an unknown virus infects half of the population, making it their biological imperative to eradicate humanity. Amidst the chaos, Aida is given the chance to be truly free and fully utilize her many talents. However, the apocalypse also forces her to confront the demons from her past. 

---

[Host has entered the punishment system. Host failed to eliminate a noob level mob.
Punishment: Fight 100 low level mobs and win with no abilities.]

Aida’s eyes widened as she realized where she was. She protested, “What?!?! So you were an actual system and you didn’t show yourself until now?! The only reason you showed yourself was just to punish me no less?!”

[...]

(Excerpt from novel)
---

Enjoy! Please read, rate and leave comments! Power stones are appreciated! :)

➿
17 Hours Before..



River Kennedi enters the relative calm of his small, shared Apartment Complex. A rundown space, with second hand Furniture and displays of amateur art. A place kept spotless, except for the litter of completed, half finished and discarded paintings and drawings. The only case of disarray, against the washed out, but immaculate decor. 

River whisked his Raven black hair, away from his face. Squinting his emerald green eyes, against the burning haze of oil paint and acetone. He kicked off his old converse Sneakers, shaking off his knapsack--discarding it on the floor beside his shoes. He yawned marginally, feeling his body grow fatigued as his clothes rustled. His baggy Denims and Pullover Hoodie, a size to big for his petite frame. 

His face was contrite with weariness, and his legs ached from working a twelve hour shift. Something he was accustomed to, yet still found the side effects to be entirely bothersome. 

A loud clang in the Kitchen echoed throughout the Apartment. Capturing River's attention as he shimmied out of his grey Pullover, dropping it on the old, cloth Couch. 

"Shit!" The voice of his Roommate followed shortly after, making River chuckle lightly as he walked towards the Kitchen. 

James Bordeaux, the Roommate,  was standing over a spilled bucket of Canvas paint. A gruff frown on his subtly handsome features. His dirty blond hair caught up in a messy ponytail, and his blue eyes scowling at the predicament he faced. 

The paint had splattered all over the low, wooden cupboards--forming a puddle on the tiled floors. It's bright tint leaving speckles of red across the small, old doors. 

"That's gonna be a little hard to remove," River said, jolting James out of his terrified trance. 

"River! Goddammit, you scared the crap out of me!" James exclaimed frowning--his British accent as deep and attractive, as his magazine worthy face.

"You'll get over it, once you get that mess cleaned up. We can barely afford to pay for this place as it is and I'm pretty sure Ms. Corrigan won't appreciate your splatter art all over her Kitchen Cupboards." River mused and James mocked his smile. 

"Ha ha, you're a bloody comedian." James deadpanned, entirely annoyed. 

"And you're a bloody mess." River faked a British accent, causing James's bushy eyebrows to scrunch up in confusion. 

"Are you going to help me or not?" James asked, his ocean blue eyes pleading. 

River scoffed lightly, knowing well that he needed rest for the next day to come. Another five hours at the Burger Joint, and the next few hours of daylight searching for a new Job. 

"Nope." River said, walking towards the Refrigerator. The only decent piece of electrical appliance in the small, stuffy Apartment. 

"I hate you," James griped out and River grinned. 

"I'll live with myself." River said, removing a bottle of spring water. "Besides, I need to rest. I have a long day ahead tomorrow. You know I'd have helped, if I wasn't so sleepy." 

"This is why you should have chosen Art as a Major, yah bloody wanker." James implored, watching River down the bottle of Water in just one go. 

"I don't think your Professors would appreciate my stick figures, and smearing of paint with my tiny and not so manly fingers. Enigmatic my ass." River scowled with a thoughtful glance at James who rolled his eyes. 

"Fine I'll do it my damned self, meanie." James sassed and River smiled, nudging James as he passed him. Careful not to step into the paint, that would have surely stuck to his feet for days. 

"Where's Cassie?" River asked, noticing that James' character of a Girlfriend wasn't around. "She's usually strolling around half dressed, speaking crazy and screaming at you." River grinned at James. 

"Watch it, Mr. I can't get a Boyfriend because I'm too busy with my Business Degree." James mocked in a freakishly squeaky voice, and River frowned at the inaccuracy of it. 

"Hey, I don't sound like that! And I sure as hell don't have time to be coddled and fondled by a man." River challenged, but James simply scoffed. 

"And I presume fondling yourself while you think I'm sleeping is better?" James grimaced at River, who's cheeks tinted in abysmal embarrassment. 

"Dammit those old, squeaky ass beds," River cursed under his breath. James only smirked at River's rant, but he instantly realized he was allowing the paint to dry. 

"At least you're man enough to admit it," James gibed, roaming through drawers for something to clean the mess with. 

"Shut your Pie-hole, and clean that paint up, Mr. Bordeaux." River retorted, throwing the empty, water bottle at James' head. 

"You bloody wanker!" James screamed as River sped-walked away. 

River loved the banter between him and James. It was the one thing he looked forward to, after a long day of rude customers and a nagging Boss. He however felt the urge to tell James that he had been fired, but he also hoped that the high paying internship that he had been contacted about, would be granted before he had to. 

It had been days since he submitted his resume. He thought of it almost every hour, which led to him being distracted. It also roused up a sudden confidence in him. A confidence that made River talk back at his Boss, Mr. Bash. Who then proceeded to fire him. He thought if only he had kept his mouth shut--then again. River was tired of being spat on, walked over and screamed at by a man whom was much shorter than him. A man who in James's most colorful opinion, was an Arsemonger.

•

River entered the cramped interior of his Bedroom. A rectangular space, with mismatched wooden, metal, and plastic furniture. He hurriedly stepping out of his Denims, grimacing at the sudden coldness--seeping through his pores. Caused by the stone floor, that was the same bland, cream color as the papered walls. Murky and as boring as River thought himself. A trait he hated, yet lived with because of his past. 

He discarded the Blue Denims atop his bed, yawning and covering his mouth. 

River huffed heavily as he fell backwards into the Bed--in his boxers and an old but favored Band Shirt. Frowning as the loud squeaking resonated throughout the entire Bedroom. He gazed up at the lightbulb in the ceiling, his facial expression neutral. 

He quickly fished his phone from his left pocket. Sliding the cracked screen across, hoping to find something interesting. He then decided to check his emails, a small twinge of hope, inspiriting within him. That hope burst into nauseating nervousness, as he saw the brand new email in his inbox. 

Titled; Black and Co. Application. 

He swiftly flew up, in a sitting position. His heart palpitating so loud, he could hear it beating as if within his eardrums. With a fidgeting thumb, he opened the email. But his mobile data seemed to be slowed down, as it usually did when his megabytes ran dry. 

So he waited ten seconds, but nothing. 

Another ten seconds, then his patience ran dry--yet still there was nothing. 

He opted to wait another ten, but he gave up after just three seconds, the moment he remembered his Laptop. The only thing in the Apartment, that was connected to the Neighbor's Wifi. 

"Crappy phone!" River cursed under his breath, dropping the cellphone on the Bed. 

He then rose to his feet, hurriedly striding towards his cluttered Computer Desk. Where his HP laptop sat, halfway opened. He hastily opened it up, narrowing his gaze as the screen lit up. Within seconds, he entered his password and smiled. For the screen was already on the email tab. 

He paused for a second, even more agitated than before. His head felt swollen, and he feared if he water any longer. 

His brain would explode. 

River squeezed his eyes shut, clicking the mouse once. He let out a dry huff of air, slowly opening one eye. 


From: Grace Keller, CFO. Black & Co. 
Received 12:55 pm. 
Subject: Re:Application.

After reading that first line, both of River's eyes opened. Peering at the screen, with squinty yet eager eyes. 

Hello Mr. Kennedi, 

           This reply is in regards to the Internship Application that you have submitted. I have to say I'm quite pleased with your Resume, and I look forward to you attending a scheduled Interview. 


An excited scream erupted from River's lips, but both his hands swiftly covered his mouth to stop himself. River looked around, to see if James was nearby--unable to contain his excitement. He soon squeaked almost inaudibly, continuing the email. 


I have taken the liberty of setting up an interview on the nearest date possible. I hope that you will be able to attend on such short notice. I am aware that you have been recommended, by a well known Professor at Lockwood University here in New York. 

However, I wasn't able to review your Application until earlier today, but it is to my understanding that it had been sent to us a week ago. 

My apologies for the wait, and I sincerely do hope that the chosen date of the Interview is convenient to your daily schedule. 

See below. 

January 21, 2016. 3:00pm. 

Looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Kennedi!

〰

River's eyes widened as he read the date out loud. He was finally rudely interrupted by James--bounding into the Room. A bottle of Jergens Lotion, clutched in his hands--almost defensively. 

"Umm," River grunted and James's frightened expression, changed to one of relief. 

"Thank heavens! I thought someone attacked you!" James said, clutching his chest with genuine concern written in his eyes. 

River however, glanced from James, to the bottle of Lotion in his hands. "So you came to my rescue with a bottle of Lotion." It was more of a statement than a question, and James frowned at the revelation. 

"Uhh, yes?" 

"What were you going to do?" River asked and James's left eyebrow rose in limpid puzzlement. "Moisturize them to death?" River queried, and James's gaze flattened. 

"Has this bloody thing ever been in your eyes?" James asked, walking into the Room. 

"No, it hasn't." River said, sounding a little bit concerned. 

"Oh, well." James dropped the bottle of Lotion on River's bed as he plopped down lazily. "The least you could do is say, 'thank you James, for coming to save me. What a true knight in shining armor you are." James recited, almost too dramatically and River groaned in angst. 

"Thank you James, for coming to my rescue with a bottle of Lotion, obviously almost empty due to your rigorous amounts of masturbation." River mused and James cocked an eyebrow in his direction. "Your beds are squeaky too." River smirked at James's horrified look. "But as you can see, I'm fine. Just excited." 

"That's what that girly scream was?" James asked, befuddled and River face-palmed himself roughly. 

"No, you moron, well, kind of!" River seemed confused, and James seemed even more baffled. "I'm excited because I got the Internship." River deadpanned finally and James scowled. 

"The Black & Co.?" He asked and River glared at him incredulously. 

"No, for Men.com." River muttered, "Yes! For Black & Co., twit!" River snapped and James glared at him, but it soon turned into a broad smile. 

"Now way!" James exclaimed excitedly and River grinned proudly. 

"Yes, way!" 

"I knew you would get it, babe!" James said confidently and River blushed, a big grin on his lips that hurt from smiling a bit too much. 

"The interview's tomorrow!" River said, rising from his seat and sitting down beside James. 

"Uhh, tomorrow, tomorrow?"James's smile faded, worrying River immensely. 

"Yes tomorrow," River answered, his smile fading a little as he saw the look on James's face. "Aren't you excited?" River asked with a pout and James sighed heavily. 

"I am, I am but-," he paused and River frowned marginally. "You have to go see your Mum tomorrow. You know that visits to that God- forsaken place is complicated enough as it is." 

River scowled as he pondered the outcome of not going to see his Mother. 

He considered not going, but the Hospital only allowed visits twice per week in that Ward. So River had a decision to make, and it was enough to down his spirits. 

"Ugh, you're right." River said, falling back on the Bed. 

James followed suit, and they both gazed up at the ceiling. River was lost in thought, and James opted to remain quiet. To give River time to think about his options, and come up with a solution to his problem.

"Do you think she'll wake up?" River asked and James shrugged. "What if she does and I'm not there?" He queried, but James didn't have the answers he sought after. 

"I don't know, babe." James sighed, his worry for his Best Friend, obvious and genuine. "This Internship is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If your Mother does wake up from her Coma, I'm sure she'll understand why you weren't there." James advised and River gritted his teeth, considering James' words deeply. 

"The Interview is at 3:00, and visiting hours starts at 2:30pm." River acknowledged, and James nodded. 

"Go see your Mother, if even for ten minutes then go to your interview. Your Mother lived her life, despite how terribly it turned out. Don't let anything stop you from living yours," James said as he rose from the Bed, nudging River's cheeks in the process. 

"Ok," River pursed his lips, rising up to a sitting position. 

"I'm going to make us some Pasta, and you can tell me all about this new internship." James grinned and River blushed lightly, smiling up at James. 

"Ok," River nodded and James rose an eyebrow at him. "Babe," River let out exasperated, and James pointed a finger at him--clearly pleased. 

River watched in angst as James exited the room--his feet pattering against the floor lightly. He then turned to his Laptop--a slight grimace masking his features. 


〰


Soundtrack - Remember I Told You by Nick Jonas ft. Anne Marie and Mike Posner

Highest Rank | #1 in the LOVEWINS category | Book FOUR of the Color Of Love Series. 

In the pursuit of happiness, River Kennedi inherits a new life through sheer luck, or quite possibly his own potential. His secrets, his vulnerabilities, and the very best of him, is brought out when Sebastian Black walks into his life. Bringing with him, just enough baggage and just enough of the real and genuine him to make his own place in River's heart. 

| CAUTION | - This story contains sexual relations between two MEN. If you aren't a fan of LGBT Stories, then Color Me Black ISN'T for you. 

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Copyrighted Material. (Proof of Copyright- https://static.copyrighted.com/images/seal.gif )

Alas, she was not to be blamed for this lass not knowing how to generate hype from all the opportunities she had created for her.
After the interview, she could not help blurting out, "Yun Shishi, why didn't you make use of the chances I set up for you? Your agent has gone to great lengths to employ my help in pushing you up! With you squandering this rare chance, it'll be a miracle if you become famous."
The actress smiled. "Thank you for your kind words! If the movie becomes a box-office hit, I'll give you a treat."
The editor-in-chief truly felt deflected by then, yet she was touched by her authenticity.
The woman's genuineness was rare in the entertainment industry.
Andy was about to walk away when she had a sudden recollection. Walking back to the artist's side, she eyed her with a hostile look.
The other looked at her warily. Just when the actress thought that she would bother her again, the stylist asked incredulously, instead, "Earlier, why… didn't you follow the script?"
"What?"
"Stop your pretense."
Picking up her bag, Andy had a frosty expression. "I secretly took a peek at the interview script earlier. In it, you were supposed to talk about the rumored relationship between you and Xingze. Why didn't you follow the script during the interview and sidestepped that, instead?"
From what she had read, the focus of the interview was exactly that gossip about the two leads besides promoting the film.
In the end, the actress diverged from it with her responses.
Even the editor-in-chief was so infuriated with her that she did not know what to ask next.
Earlier, she had taken the actress for a calculative newbie. As a newcomer, she managed to star in Lin Fengtian's film and even had a chance to create a buzz with the superstar, earning a spot on Weibo's list of hottest trends.
A person who was not shrewd and conniving could not have made it this far.
At this point, the stylist knew very well how murky the entertainment industry was.
She also understood that those actresses, who had to survive in this kind of industry, were no angels.
Most had sugar daddies backing them.
This Yun Shishi was no exception.
She had, thus, initially pegged the actress as another scheming white lotus, who would use any means, including riding on the coattails of Gu Xingze's popularity, to reach stardom. In the end…
She took no bait despite the editor-in-chief giving her excellent chances time and again.
This fuddled her.
Looking detached, she answered matter-of-factly, "That's because I forgot to memorize the script."
The stylist was shocked and then immediately angrily refuted, "Forgot to memorize the script?! Please for goodness' sake! Can you stop belittling this interview?!"
An interview with Bazaar would allude to one's celebrity rating in the industry; many artists could only dream of this chance.
The magazine made the exception for Yun Shishi only because she had the support of her capable agent, yet she did not bother to memorize the script after being granted an interview!
How could this be?
The actress said neutrally, "It's not because I don't treasure this opportunity."
"Then…"
"I don't wish to act in real life."
"…"
Andy was thoroughly stumped.
The actress added, "Acting is my job. A job is just work. In real life, I prefer to stay honest to myself. I don't wish to remain an actress even in reality."
…
There was a dead silence following her confession.
The stylist eyed the actress, nonplussed, having not expected such a reply.
After what seemed like a century of silence, she chortled all of a sudden.
"What are you laughing at?" asked the actress quizzically.
The stylist replied, "You're really… I've been in this circle for so many years, but I've never seen such a stranger artist than you."


She became a surrogate mother in exchange for over a million yuan.

As the esteemed CEO of the most powerful Empire in the capital, he holds absolute power, while she is just an adopted daughter to a family of lowly status. She agreed to bear him his offspring, simply because her adoptive father's business was failing.
 
On the day of her delivery, the elder brother was born healthy, but the younger one was stillborn. Having fulfilled the contract, she disappeared from his sight along with the astronomical sum of money. 


Six years later, he is still that arrogant and high-profile CEO. When she accidentally gets embroiled with him again – like a canary trapped in his cage, he closes in on her. “Woman, do you think you can escape from my clutches?!" 

However, he does not expect a little kid to interfere; the boy pompously points his little finger at him and warns, “Mu Yazhe, you’d better leave her alone! She's mine – this baby's woman!” 

The man is alarmed, simply because the little kid's facial features are identical to his...

Tags: Adorable Child, CEO, Sweet Romance, Scheming, Wealthy Aristocrats, Fluff, Two-faced, Child, Rich and Powerful, Treachery

As I completed writing my sample draft for 'The virtue magazine' , I sent it to them with my info. I knew that I was going on a blind path as I hadn't received any special coaching for it, all I had was my love for writing. 
The next morning when I woke up, I felt fresh and new as an infant. It felt just like the old saying that, behind every successful day there is a good night sleep.
On checking my emails I found an email from the virtue magazine, saying that they'd like to meet me today in the afternoon. Well that was really fast in my perspective as the other companies in which I had applied took months to respond me and some others never did...
I got ready and attended other scheduled interviews and finally reached on the informed venue by virtue magazine. I had a talk with its manager and told him that I didn't have any experience in this field. He thought for a while and told me that, ''we'll let you know, if there's a concern regarding this.'' And then he ended our meeting without any further questions, greeted me and left. This interview was the best one I've ever attended. 
After a few days, I received 2 emails, one from 'The virtue magazine ' and the other from ' I - Tech commercial '. Both those emails said that I've been selected and I've been called to discuss the necessary terms and conditions. I was called on the same day for both of them with their timings almost clashing, so it was like either I live my dream or give it another try living someone else's dream. I was really tensed about deciding which way to choose. I didn't do anything after that, I just went to my room and slept.

This is a story about a guy named Arata Hozuki. He was forced to choose a career of his father's will and give up on his journalist dream and He eventually turns out to be a jobless failure. Will he give up and continue his life in misery or will he.....

"Boss, the applicant for assistant manager is here!" the guard called Percy through the intercom.

"Let her in." Percy placed down the receiver and cleared his table ready to receive the applicant.

Knock! knock!

"Come in!" Percy sat up straight and readied his voice a little more cold and authoritative.

A tall and slim boyish aura of a fresh young lady appeared from the door. With her cream white square pants, it was evident that her  legs are long and slender. Her  black blazer on top of her tucked in white collared blouse was hanging just above her waist. Her boyish haircut must have been her best charmer because it all the more emphasized the mole on her right lower cheek as her eyes seemed to be struggling to open wide. This made her eyes alluring and seductive. Her dangling earings also gave a womanly vibe as her face barely had any make-up on.

"Good afternoon sir! My name is Marianne and I'm here for an interview for the position of an assistant manager." Fem said confidently as she cracked a reserved smile. If she was at herself, she could have laughed hard at the formal and tensed situation she is seeing now.

"Good afternoon Marianne. Please sit down and introduce yourself." Percy maintained his straight posture. Fem looked slightly away to hide her growing smile.

Fem gently sat down and handed her resume`"First of all, I am Marianne Rizzo, my peers call me Maia. I am 22 years old turning 23 this coming month. I was born in this city but was adopted by my distant relatives in the north after my parents drowned in the sea when I was a child. I just came back few days ago to start my life here...." Fem continued her self-introduction from her name, age, school graduated, degree course finished, accomplishments and purpose of her application.

" So you are a certified accountant?" Percy clarified.

Fem didn't have any idea about what an accountant should be doing but having managed this branch for say three months actually was easy. "Yes sir! Although I admit I don't have any experience in this field yet." Fem replied.

"Will you be willing to work at other branches?" Percy asked.

Ouch! Fem thought it will defeat the purpose if she was indeed transferred. " I'm sorry sir! I am not willing. I could have applied in other branches if I just needed a job. I can only take up jobs in this city. As I said, I need to trace back my family's property while I am working to start my life." Fem said seriously. In her mind, she also wondered where those ideas came from. They sound so real even to her senses.

"Oh! Then how do you picture yourself handling pressure?" Percy asked his last question.

"I am a single lady. There are many means to handle a pressure, depending upon the situation and who I am with." Fem  cracked a mischievous smile that almost looked familiar to Percy.

"Well, I hope you can really handle things well. Congratulations Miss Rizzo! You can start your work tomorrow.!" Percy stood up and extended his hand to the lady in front of him.

"Thank you sir Percy! You don't know how much this means to me! This is my first interview ever and I got hired immediately!" Fem took Percy's hand and shook it with all gratitude.

"K, you may go. I still have to make space for you ready for tomorrow." Percy said then saw Fem until his office door

Fem went out from the WangCargo Express Building with a triumphant heart although she reserved her smiles for fear that someone might recognise her smile  She bore in mind to smile less and speak a little deep and cold.


Upon stepping out of the WangCargo Express Building, Fem walked to a nearby mall and thought of treating herself a good meal. She couldn't contain the mixed glee inside her system. She wanted to laugh at the thought of herself from the police precincts to the interview. She wondered why she found it easy for her to tell those lies. Somehow, an inner voice was tugging her conscience that it wasn't good but imagining the reactions of those people made her laugh in her mind.


Fem walked around the mall leisurely when she remembered she had only three pairs of formal attires. She needed to buy atleast three more and some shoes too. Also, she had no beddings yet. Oh, she had better treat herself first with a good meal before doing the shopping spree.

....

That night at his apartment, Mark felt the pain of being deserted again by his woman. Until now, there was no lead as to where his woman has gone. It was already one week and not even a single hint of her was traced. In his theory, there is a high probability that she will visit the places she had been before. That was why he has posted secret men wherever he knew she went. From Niel's boarding house to the bus terminal at B City, to her uncle Benjie's house at the outskirts of the city, and to every bus terminal in B City bound to South City.

Bryan and Manuel gave a negative report from Wang's Residence. The guard at WangCargo Express also sent same report.

"Did she hide herself in a cave?" Ha! Mark stood up from the bed and went the kitchen to  pour himself some wine.

Holding the wine bottle in his hand, he had the urge to thug it down wishing that if he did, the pain that is weighing in his heart will drown as well.

Mark quickly uncorked the bottle of wine then straightly raised up to his mouth as the bitter taste and smell of concentrated alcohol  filled his senses. After having downed almost half of the content, he went back to his living room, sat on the sofa placing his long mascular legs on the coffee table. His hand still gripping the bottle.

He remained quiet as he continued to pour the wine into his mouth yet nothing seemed to change. His mind and his heart was still aching just the same. Damn!

He stood up and threw the empty bottle to the garbage bin then went back to his bed. He browsed his emails and saw they have been addressed earlier during his inspection.

Suddenly, a text message from Percy popped up. Mark stared at the popped out message becore he clicked it open.

[Major, I worry Fem might not come. She has not called back to confirm if she can come. Today, I hired an assistant manager who can take her place if ever she will not show up till next week.]

Mark thought for a while before he replied.

[ I understand. I don't have a say on that Mr. Wang. If she will appear next week, then it would be for the good." Mark sent his reply.

Then he remembered he had something installed in his woman's desk. He clicked the app in his cellphone then tapped download. After some minutes, there played the day he followed her to her office. Gladly, that moment was recorded clearly. It was them making out before he went to work. That was two days before the Christmas day! That day has been his best day at work!

Mark felt a surge of longing as he watched their downloaded scene. How she succumbed to his embrace submissively and allowed herself being kissed by him. Mark licked his dry lips as he watched the scene. He continued to watch until it came to a part where his woman was not seen. He dragged it to fast forward to the latest.

There today emerged a tall lady in a boycut wearing almost no make up but her dangling earings made her look elegant as her blazer and long large pants made her look respectable and exquisite.

'This must be the applicant Percy was telling just now' Mark thought. 'Why of all parts of the body does that mole appear on her cheek?" Mark muttered to himself as he zoomed the lady's face to see closer.

There was no audio for the device so he couldn't hear what they said to each other. Percy's side left shoulder and his hands were the only parts visible while Fem's whole upper body was captured by the device as she was sitting down infront of the table. Mark observed her body language and tried to study them.

He saw her head turn slightly away as she hid a restrained laughter giving off only a bit wide smile. How she confidently folded her arms on her lap and looked at her interviewer eye to eye that seem to say no one can intimidate her. How she erupted a reserved smile upon answering a serious question.

'This lady is something! She's quite capable' Mark thought then ended the video as the wine worked its way into his nerves making him feel relaxed and sleepy.

"Fem, please come back to me...." Mark whispered with eyes closed while his hand reached out to the other pillow beside his.

A poor but exceptionally brilliant girl, with an adventurous spirit meets the man who caught her attention in the bar. 
She caught his attention with her mischievous smile and lazy eyes. He caught her attention by his thunderous commanding voice.

The hard and poor upbringing made her strong and mature early.
His wealthy and distinguished family didn't spoil him.

She was a topnotch student of a government school located far away from the city.
He was building his career as the most reliable intelligence agent in the entire police force of B City.

They had exchanged letters as was the only means of communication during that time. It seemed beautiful and all was well planned. He strived to visit her but never got the chance to meet her there.
She digged herself to her studies with him as her inspiration.

The pressure of hard life and busy student life occupied her. Then the preparion to start a career.
The demand of work that takes most of his time and energy. Then the woman that distracted him, his plan, his dream...

Then when they finally met.....

"Would you leave your wife for me?" she coldly asked him.

He shook his head and his lips trembled. "I... I  don't know. All I know is that....this is all your fault." He said wiping away a tear from his blurry eyes.

"Son, what happened to the job I gave you?"
The young man hands an envelope to the older man who smiles upon reading the papers in it.
"An exclusive, huh? Great job! When will this take effect?" 
"Today. I'm leaving after breakfast to have an interview with Hyacinth." Lester answers his father's questions while eating fried rice with hotdog and egg, paired with brewed coffee, on the side.
"SkyMu is really making a lot of noise ever since the change in their president. But when will they reveal the person behind all of these?" His father curiously asks. 
"I'm not really sure, either. She told me she's just waiting for an appropriate time." 
"It means she's waiting for a bigger event or bigger achievement before she reveals her name in public." Lester's faster laughs out loud after saying those words.
"What's so funny, Father?"
"She's ambitious thus she wants a name for herself with her achievement instead of being called someone's wife in the business world." The elder explains.
The remark of his father makes Lester recall the time he had spent with Yve. Indeed, Yve is an independent woman. As for being ambitious, he's not that sure. At school, Yve has achieved the top seat and all because of her hard work.
His father has stopped laughing and looks at Lester intently waiting for him to express his thoughts. 
"Father, do you think, it's a good idea to continue this partnership in the future?" Lester looks at him with a very confused face. 
"So far, it's fine. But for your safety, have the project-based exclusivity first since we really don't know yet her full abilities. We are already earning a lot from getting exclusive rights on Mr. Gray's group of companies." His father explains what he has to say on this issue. 
After eating their breakfast, Lester leaves the dining table and gets his things before driving his car towards SkyMu office where he is scheduled to meet Hyacinth's manager. 
Once the scheduled time comes, Lester finds himself on the way to the location with Hyacinth's manager. 
"Are the questions fine?"
"I think so. I didn't hear any complaints or special requests from Hyacinth." 
"I see." 
Soon after, they find themselves inside Hyacinth's house and where a team of SkyMu's video team is already setting up the needed equipment.
In the meantime, Yve has finally wake up. But her head is really banging in pain. 
"Awake now, my dear little drunkard?" Vince smiles at their doorstep with a cup of warm tea in his hand. 
"I'm not a drunkard." Yve pouts and tries to sit down on the bed but her headache is stopping her.
"How come you're fine? You didn't drink a lot last night?" 
"Well, I did. I asked Chrysthe to pick us up while Jaleb was with Mom last night. Here, drink this tea to make you feel a little better." Vince answers her question and hands her the tea after helping her sit on the bed properly.
"Thanks." Yve drinks the warm tea and it really helps her lower the pain at least a notch.
"You can sleep more if you like."
"I can't. Hyacinth is having an interview with Lester this morning. I need to be ready for updates." 
"Don't worry too much. Lester is the interviewer and Hyacinth is the interviewee. There are both good people and well experienced in their field. I sent Sylvan though just in case." Vince explains as he tries to convince her to sleep more. 
"Ok. Wake me up if anything comes up, okay? Also I need to review my lessons for the upcoming major exam. " Yve reminds him.
"I got it. I will wake you up by lunch. But that time, I think your hangover has subsided. Now, drink that tea up until the last drop." 
Yve does what Vince told her partly because she knows that she will not be very productive because of her hangover so might as well sleep. Once Yve's breathing has stabilized, Vince leaves her inside their room and heads to the study where he can read some reports from Team Bravo.
Speaking of Team Bravo's works, Steve is having a lot of trouble because of them. Ever since he landed the other day, he hasn't slept on his bed. 
"We need to make sure that we win this bid." Steve informs his team.
"We understand, sir!"
Once he receives the papers and final project proposal they will present, Steve adjourns the meeting and heads back to his hotel. Since he came earlier than planned, his room is not yet finished. So he had no choice but to stay in a hotel room. To make it a little bit convenient, the hotel he stays at is a closer to their company building.
Back in the country, Jenny wakes up and does her exercise routine to keep her body healthy and in tip-top shape. 
"Good morning, dear. What do you want for breakfast?" Her nanny asks her seeing her in their private gym.
"Just whip up the usual breakfast. Please bring them in my room and place it on desk beside my study table." Jenny replies to her nanny with a wide smile on her face.
"I will. But your brother's secretary called and said he will visit around lunch time just to check on you. So lunch has to be in the dining table." 
"I see. Thanks, Nanny." Jenny smiles and starts her exercise. Seeing her do so, her nanny leaves her alone inside. 
Eating in her room is also one of the things that she can only do because her brother isn't around.
In Hyacinth's place, the interview space has been set up as Lester and Hyacinth take their seats.
"Hello, Miss Hyacinth."
"I'm Lester. Thank you for this interview."
"You're welcome. Thank you for the wonderful questions. I'm excited for this interview."
"Thank you. Please take care of me."
"The same way, please take care of me." 
The camera starts rolling and Lester proceeds with the interview. 
Sylvan is on the side observing her Lady Boss' friend. He's a journalist but his interviewing skills aren't bad either. He isn't shy or nervous in front of the camera and a star like Hyacinth.
'Seems like there's nothing to worry. Lester will also nail the exclusive interviews for this project.' Sylvan's train of thought is broken when he felt Hyacinth's secretary pushes his elbow a little bit. 
"Thank you for this care and consideration to Hyacinth."
"No need to thank me. I believe our president fully appreciates Hyacinth's worth and just giving it back to her." Sylvan nonchalantly responds to the manager before leaving her. 
The manager tries to follow her but stops when Sylvan pulls out his phone,
"Yes, Miss Yve?" 
When Sylvan heard her footsteps walking away from him, he puts his phone back to his pocket and releases a deep sigh.
'Lady Boss, please forgive me for using your name without permission just to avoid the lady. I promise to serve and protect you to the best of my skills.' Sylvan recites in his mind and makes an oath as if Yve is standing and waiting in front of him. 


Today is another busy day for me. Work and home are the only places I go to for the past 3 years. The end of THAT relationship ended my happy, easy-going life. But then, when I think about it, it was not his fault but mine. My friends would tell me that I need to move on. I HAVE MOVED ON. It's just I don't want any side trips anymore in my life. I have my dreams and I am working hard for it. Little did I know what the destiny has installed for me.

"Mom, I still love her. She ended the relationship without any valid reason and I didn't agree."

"But son, what if the reason is that she doesn't love you anymore? Isn't that a reason valid enough for you?"

"I have to know it this time, mom. I did try to go out on dates but still failed. I think meeting her again will help me know what is happening with me."

"I guess I have no other choice. But remember, don't let her disrupt your plans and the family's business."

"I know, mom. Steph, book my flight to the Philippines tomorrow."

"Vincent! Why are you in so much rush?!"

"Because I believe that the early bird gets the worm."



Just wait for me, Yve. I will get you back by hook or by crook.

thank you follow up emails after an interview

Interview with an Impossibility

I'm In Love With A Spirit

Rebirth: How A Loser Became A Prince Charming

CEO's Little Bride: My Irrevocable Decision

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