The Caucasian woman's face was pale as a ghost.

The Asian man coughed out blood once more before finally getting up and pulled out a knife.

"DIANNE, GET AWAY FROM HIM!"

Dianne who was hugging Nathan's leg let go immediately and tried to move away.

However, Nathan grabbed her by the neck and raised her up.

"Well, well, well… What do we have here?" said Nathan as he looked at the Asian man and smiled.

"BASTARD! LET HER GO RIGHT NOW!"

"You really like ordering me around, huh."

Nathan grabbed Dianne's left hand and crushed it.

Crack!

"AHHHHH!!!" Dianne screamed.

"YOU!" said the Asian and dashed forward.

However, Nathan shielded himself with Dianne's body, causing the man to stop.

The Asian man gritted his teeth and his eyes were burning with fire.

As much as he wanted to save his little sister, he knew that Nathan was far too powerful.

He already lost his parents during the zombie apocalypse. He couldn't lose his sister as well.

Nathan smiled. 

"The bitch behind me, move to this man's side or I'll break this girl's neck," said Nathan to the Caucasian woman.

"Hannah…" said Dianne weakly.

The Asian man looked at Hannah.

His eyes were pleading.

However, Hannah was frozen from fear.

"Heh~ Still not being cooperative," said Nathan as his hand slowly reached out for Dianne's left ribs.

"HANNAH! PLEASE DO AS HE SAYS!" said the Asian man.

He knelt down and bowed.

"Please… Don't hurt my sister…. Please… We only want to survive…"

Tears started flowing from his eyes.

Seeing the Asian man prostrating and crying, Hannah finally snapped back to reality.

"David…"

Hannah quickly went over to David's side and hugged him.

"Please don't hurt us… We don't mean any harm…" said Hannah and cried as well.

As for Dianne, she started crying as well and weakly said, "Please, mister… I'll do anything you want… Just don't hurt them…"

Looking at their scene, Nathan couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

He felt like he was the villain here.

'No! I'm the victim here! That dog pointed a gun at me while I was at the loo and made me beg!' 

The scene also reminded him of a certain memory…

***

3 years ago.

Nathan, 21 years old.

Liit Town, Muwin.

"Grandpa! Cousin! What are you guys doing here?" a man called out.

Sakhr and Nathan looked towards the direction where the voice was coming from.

It was Maaz, the eldest child of uncle Mabrook and aunt Mariam. And with him was a group of drugged-up and dangerous-looking men.

Maaz was 25 years old. However, despite being older, he was only 5'2" tall and was skinny. Because of that, from what Nathan has heard, he had this Napoleon complex.

Nathan glanced over at the drugged-up and dangerous-looking men.

They too looked at Nathan, sizing him up.

Back in the day, despite Karen's objection, he didn't mind talking to people like this. 

To him, they were the outcast or rebels of society and their devil-may-care outlook kind of intrigued him a little bit.

However, after he graduated and started working, he began to distance himself from such people to protect his image.

In his mind, he wasn't a teenager anymore so he needed to "man-up" or "act right" as they say.

"You drug addict, what are you up to now?" said Sakhr.

Although Sakhr believes that a real man does, say and takes what he wants, he doesn't agree with throwing your life away by doing drugs or engaging in illegal activities. 

Sure, doing drugs once in a while is acceptable. But doing it every day that it affects your physical and mental health? That's a different matter.

To him, what's the use or how can you enjoy the benefits of your success if your body is broken? What was the point if you will only end up inside a coffin or spend your life behind bars?

Maaz smiled and said, "Nice to see you too, grandpa." 

He then looked at Nathan and nodded.

Nathan nodded back as well.

Sakhr snorted.

"We're getting some fresh air," said Nathan.

"Oh, okay. See you guys later. We're going to grab something to eat," Maaz said and started walking towards the church with his crew.

When Maaz and his crew were already a couple of feet away, Maaz stopped and turned.

"Cousin, we're going to Banya city tonight. You should come with us to celebrate."

"Sorry, I can't. I have work later."

"Okay." 

Maaz resumed walking.

"Brat, don't follow the footsteps of that brat," Sakhr said and then sighed. "I only have 3 grandchildren that I know of. And unfortunately, one turned out to be a disappointment. You and Malik are the only decent ones so don't fuck up our family name."

"Wait… what? You have other grandchildren?"

As far as Nathan knows, this grandfather of his only had two children, his father and uncle Mabrook.

Sakhr hit Nathan with his cane.

Pah!

"Ouch!"

"You idiot. With the number of women I've slept with in my life, it wouldn't be a surprise if one of them got pregnant and I wasn't aware of."

Nathan checked his watch.

3:43 pm.

From Monday to Saturday, he usually wakes up around 3:00 pm because his main job is from 5:00 pm - 12:00 am and his part-time job is 2:30 - 5:30 am.

However, his employer at his part-time job was a cool guy and let him take the day off today.

With that, today, he only had to work at his main job.

'I'm going to try to take a 30-minute nap.' Nathan thought. "Grandfather, uncle Mabrook and aunt Mariam are probably looking for us."

"Go tell them to come here."

"Okay."

Nathan got up.

"Brat."

Nathan looked at his grandfather.

"Give me another stick."

Nathan didn't want to argue to he gave his grandfather his pack of cigarettes and lighter.

After returning them to Nathan, Sakhr blew smoke and said, "Go now but take your time." 

***

Nathan and his family got back home.

Maaz didn't come with them.

Nathan climbed up the second floor and went straight to his bed.

He grabbed his phone and set the alarm clock.

'4:30 pm… Okay.'

There were a few messages from his family members that were not here at Liit town.

He decided to ignore them for now and slept.

***

4:30 pm.

Ring… Ring… Ring…

Nathan opened his eyes and grabbed his phone to turn it off.

'I still want to sleep…'

His body felt so weak and heavy from the lack of sleep and food he ate earlier.

He decided to close his eyes for 5 minutes.

A minute or so passed when suddenly…

"Nathan, I made you coffee and a few snacks," said a woman.

It was aunt Mariam.

The room that Nathan shared with Maaz didn't have a door because it was removed by uncle Mabrook about 10 years ago due to Maaz's drug problem. 

Nathan opened his eyes and got up.

"It's downstairs. Do you want me to bring it here?"

"Thanks. I'll just eat them downstairs."

"Okay."

Aunt Mariam left.

Nathan stretched.

He then grabbed his laptop, phone and headphones before heading downstairs.

***

Nathan was at the dining table listening to music on his laptop while checking his email and drinking coffee.

His first work starts at 5:00 pm so he didn't open his message app and was checking his emails in the meantime.

He noticed an email.

It was an email from the company of his main job and was sent just about 4 hours ago.

It was a termination letter.

The reason he was being fired was because the company was facing some financial issues and they had to fire some of its employees.

However, the "bright side" was that his pay was sent right away instead of at the end of the month.

After reading the letter, he opened his message app right away to contact his former employer.

His status wasn't online yet.

Nevertheless, he clicked the profile of his former employer and began typing a message.

[Hi, I just read the email that was sent to me by the company. I don't understand why I'm being fired. I've been producing good articles. In fact, every week, I have one article that's part of the top 5 weekly tech news articles. What's the basis of my termination?]

After sending the message to this former employer, he decided to contact his fellow writers as well that he was friends with in the company.

[Hey, I received a termination letter today and got fired. Did you receive one as well?] 

He sent the same message on all 4 of them -- 3 were females and 1 male.

They all messaged him back.

It turns out, 1 female and the other male were fired as well. 

Also, he couldn't help but notice that the 2 females that were not fired were the beautiful ones. 

And out of the two of them, one rarely writes and doesn't even get her articles at the top 5 weekly tech news articles. 

His former employer finally replied.

The "reason" given to him was the same as written in the termination letter that he received.  

Nathan was about to ask why the writer who rarely writes wasn't fired but decided not to.

It would be no different from begging.

"FUCK!"

Bam!

Nathan slammed his fist on the table, causing his coffee to spill.

Seeing the spill, Nathan grabbed his laptop and phone right away.

"Shit!"

Aunt Mariam rushed to the dining area.

"Nathan, what's wrong?!" 

"Um… Sorry, aunt Mariam. I accidentally bumped the cup and it spilled over all my laptop."

"Oh… Let me help you wipe that."

"Don't worry. I can clean it myself."

"Oh you, it's okay. Just let me do it."

Seeing that she was so persistent, Nathan finally gave in.

However, he couldn't help but feel bad for her.

Sure, she was a housewife just like his mother, but she was too dedicated that he couldn't help but feel bad for her.

If no one knew she was married to uncle Mabrook, they probably would have thought she was the maid or something.

But who was he to question a society's culture?

Who was he to tell his aunt what's right and wrong?

Who was he to tell her how to live her life?

"Thank you," said Nathan.

"It's okay."

He went back to his room.

*********************************************
Author's thoughts:

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for reading!

To those people who voted with their power stones, I would like to thank these Power Immortal Voters:

• 

To those who want to help this immortal in his path to immortality in writing his first immortal book, you can consider these two other immortal positions:

The first immortal position is to become one of my Immortal Patrons at P-a-t-r-e-o-n and have access to my "chapter drafts" for only $5 a month. 

• https://www.*******.com/Immortal_Shades

Please note that to view my P-a-t-r-e-o-n page, you need to enter the link I posted above and replace the asterisk symbols with the appropriate words. My page doesn't appear on the search list because it's marked with adult content. Moreover, the chapters posted there are only drafts. So when I will publish them here, there will be some edits.

With that, I want to give my special thanks to the Immortal Patron(s) for March 2020:

• Teltaios
• Mandrew Stickem

The second immortal position is becoming an Immortal Donator by sending it to my PayPal address.

• immortalshades123@gmail.com

This Grandmaster Immortal would be eternally grateful to you... *Kowtows 3 times*

Thank you once again and I'll see you in the next chapter.

"I am a Chosen One! I refuse to bow down to society! Society must bow down to me!" 


Nathan is your average 24-year old man. Just like everyone else, he experienced both pain and happiness in his life which shaped him into the man who he is. 


One day, God unleashed a zombie apocalypse and gave humanity the System that allows them to level-up, forever changing the world. And among the humans, there are beings called Chosen Ones who are slightly better off than the average humans. 


Follow the journey of a man who slowly descends into madness as he survives in a zombie apocalypse and rises to power. 


Author's note: I took some ideas from the novel [God and Devil World].

The two walked hand in hand, as the secretary walked ahead of them, showing them the path to the auditorium. 
Soon they entered a long well carpeted corridor and the secretary opened the door for them, happily. "They are waiting for you sir and mam!" 
Jacob and Isa walked hand in hand, squeezing each other's hands tightly. As soon they entered the hall, there were hundreds of people sitting in the auditorium who then immediately stood up looking at the two of them.
Isa smiled and nodded leaving the boy's hand. While the secretary ushered the girl, towards a seat in front, Jacob climbed the stairs of the stage smiling at everybody.
"Good morning! Please have your seats everbody! Thank you!" Jacob smiled, suddenly transforming himself into an elegant tycoon.
"Good morning sir!" The people replied and sat down, looking at the boy happily. They are were excited to hear what their new boss had to say, after yesterday's amazing address!
Jacib smiled, adjusting the microphone. "Well, I know that most of you are all HR experts in your own right. But allow me to venture to offer my own interpretation of the acronym "HR". The first letter "H" stands for "human touch" and "harmony". HR is no doubt a people-oriented profession. And going back to the basics, central to people management is concern for pay and benefits of employees. Concern for "human touch" is also a step closer to "harmony" within an enterprise.
 The second letter "R" stands for "responsibility" and "responsiveness". A successful enterprise must fulfil its responsibility both as an employer and as a social citizen. At the same time, it has to be responsive not only to its clients and changing market demands but also the aspirations and sentiments of its employee."
The audience errupted in an applause and Jacob looked at Isa and smiled. The girl was also happily clapping, looking at the boy.
He then continued with his address, with even more confidence. "I am sure that with a "human" touch and by adopting "human-oriented" and "responsible" people management strategies, a "harmonious" and, of course, "resilient" corporate culture will set in and provide an enterprise with a strong competitive edge in the long run."
Their was again a loud applause and boy again smiled and halted, looking at the girl.
May I close by congratulating The HR team of Miller Companies, warmly once again on its outstanding achievements and wish the institute and all of you continued success in the many years to come. Thank you!"


Book 1: When Love Happens
Book 2: The girl under Red Umbrella

Love is never planned, It just happens.........

Jacob, the sole heir of "Miller group of companies" was crestfallen and heartbroken! 

His father died and his child-hood sweetheart dumped him. Having no reason to live, he decides to end his life, only to be saved by a girl, Isa.


Fate makes them meet again and again, until something unexpected happens and Isa becomes a virgin mother, tying them together with a fine string!

*************

After Jacob finished the entire bottle, he looked at Isa's face. "I don't like you at all!" 

Isa looked at him too and smiled. "You are the first guy telling me that! I like it!"

"You are so wierd! I am telling you that I don't like you and you are not feeling bad about it!" 

"It's because, I am not born to impress anybody! So,why don't you like me?" 

"You are not my kind of girl. You are too wild-spirited and kiddish." Jacob looked at the girl's face, noticing her beautiful blue eyes!
***********

Other Novels-
1. He is a Nymphomaniac.
2. The Perfect War Story.....
3. Serendipitous Wedding.
4. It started with a Bra

Join me on my discord server, for more interactions and updates! https://discord.gg/48Fvp5B

Ninu and Binoba stood erect with their backs on the caller. Instincts told them not to respond to the man. They continued to walk all the way to the rickshaw and talked of things unrelated to their purpose of coming.

"You better get your wife those sweets, Bhai." Ninu started.

"Ayoush Bhai, I don't like sweets." Binoba slightly raised his voice when he called Ninu's alias.

"She might be pregnant and you might lose the kid in her belly." 

'Shoot. What the heck is that?' Binoba was stupefied on how to respond to this charade since his wife was now in her fifties. He looked at Ninu, giving the man a quizzical look.

Ninu understood his stupid remark. He laughed inside and smiled apologetically at Binoba. 

"Bhai, my wife is not pregnant, I'm sure of that." Binoba rolled his eyeballs and shrugged. What else more he could say? 

Both went up the rickshaw. "Go to New Bazaar," Binoba instructed the rickshaw driver. 

The man calling was Rimas, who was left there, dumbfounded. "I'm really sure it was him." Those hazel eyes told him so, only a few had that kind of eyes in these parts. And those exact eyes enchanted his sister who died in despair. But he could be wrong because the man didn't respond to the name. "Ninu is already dead, I must be crazy." Rimas entered Borenya's house even though he knew his brother wasn't there.

In a tea shop across Borenya's house, a young man drinking tea took note of the house visitors that day and the rest of the days. And he was not alone, three of Arup's men were stationed there, waiting on when Borenya would return.

That night, one of the men reported to Tarapati of Ayoush's appearance at Borenya's house.

"Did they ask anyone about anything?" Tarapati asked.

"No, Uncle. They just stood outside the gate for minutes and left." 

"Thank you for reporting. Continue your surveillance."

The curious young man was not satisfied with the old man's unconcerned reaction. He was waiting for good gossip. "Why do you think Ayoush went there?"

Tarapati looked at the young man squarely in the eye and raised his eyebrows. "Do you want to get in trouble?"

The young man's eyes widened, in fear. "No, no, Uncle. I don't want to." He clasped his hands on his chest. "Sorry, Uncle."

"Ish, do as you are told. Don't ask if you don't want to get in trouble."

"Yes, Uncle." The young man scurried on his way out from Tarapati's room.

The old butler sat in silence on his bed, contemplating on Ayoush's activities. First, in the dead officer's room and next, at Borenya's house. "What is he up to?"

He kept the news to himself, as long as this newly hired cook wouldn't do anything that could harm himself or his employer … Tarapati wouldn't mind. Such trivial news need not reach Arup's ears, he thought.
. . . . .

Ronjon prepared his suitcase for their travel, which would be days from now. Not for long, he would be reunited with his wife. "Asha, I miss you." He took Asha's sharee, smelled and placed it on his bosom. "Just wait a bit more, my wife, I will be there soon."
. . . . .

In France, Asha received a letter from Ronjon stating their date of arrival to France. Asha couldn't hold her tears from gushing out. She clasped the letter as she laughed while tears filled her face. She ran down the stairs to share the good news to her Aunt Labani.

"They got the tickets, they're coming." She hugged her aunt as she jumped with glee and didn't notice her Aunt's awkward smile. Labani tucked away Harry's letter that she had read just minutes ago and gave Asha a sincere embrace. "I'm glad to hear that." 

Asha gleefully guffawed, she couldn't contain her joy. "I'll cook dinner to celebrate the good news," She said and happily ran off to the kitchen. 

"That's nice, go ahead. I'll rest for a while." Labani said as she faked a smile at her excited niece. 

"Rest, Auntie. I'll call you when dinner is ready." The young girl enthusiastically moved in the kitchen, preparing the ingredients. She then paused at the sink and cried in joy again. "Thank you, Lord. They are coming." 

Labani walked fast to her room and locked the door behind her. She also received a letter from Harry. The latter shared about Ronjon's accident and instructed his wife not to mention anything to Asha. He also told her about jovial but grave news for them. The good news, the British Raj decided to divide the country into two, one for the Muslims and one for the Hindus, then return it to the nationals the following year. 

The bad news, however, the passports they held would be considered useless after independence. It meant, they couldn't come back unless they got a new passport under the new country's name or they would become citizens of a nameless country. The parliament was still discussing the transition period including the possible actions to assist the passport holders abroad.

Another bad news, flights for the locals going out the country would be delayed for months, giving way for the expatriates to leave the country before independence the next year. Thus, his flight for France would be delayed for another month, including Ronjon's.

In other words, Ronjon had not heard the news yet.

Asha is now on the brink of helplessness and despair. Would she let despair to chase her for the rest of her life? Thus, she faces the man who wanted her dead and to stand as a woman in the world of chefs. 

She will create her own dishes and make his father's recipes alive again. Her adventures lead to clues of the real killer of his father and get entangles with love. 

Somehow, when she is face to face with the murderer, will she forgive or not? The Recipe of Love will show her the right decision to make.

This is a story of a girl in her journey to become a lady chef while in life-threatening situations and falls in love. So, don't expect a fast pace cooking battles. It is Asha's journey.

The setting of the story is India before its Independence in 1947. The exact timeline is 1945. However, in the first part of the story, I didn't use during the British occupation since the places/villages I mentioned do not exist in the present country. I used Bangla words since the culture is more on present Bangladesh. 

This is absolutely a fiction story.

If you have questions about the culture, please ask me in the comment and I'll try to explain things to you. I can't write the culture within the story for that will bore you to death. Most are written in the Author's Thoughts.

(This novel won the 2nd place in the writing prompt contest #34: Chef, but got the same prize as the first place. Thanks to all who supported.)

Latest and ongoing book: 
1. The Sorceress' Heir: Blossoming Youth and Power

2. My completed book:
I'm Guilty, My Beauty

Gun-Ho came back to Yangju and went back to his work at Bangil Gas again.
Once sales were made, Gun-Ho issued electronic tax invoices and added earnings and expenses to <Daily Earnings and Expenses> table in Excel, and then reported it to the owner.
 
Gun-Ho made sure to collect all receipts of every business expense incurred and attached them with glue to the back of an expense form he had purchased from a stationary store in order to properly document them. If there was a client with an outstanding balance for LP gas, Gun-Ho would make a collection phone call to that client as well. He also ran errands for the owner.
"Years of my life will go by like this?"
Gun-Ho was barely making a living; he felt anxious about getting old without saving money.
"It's Wednesday and I don't hear anything from that company in Asan which I had an interview with."
Gun-Ho was constantly checking his smartphone to see if there was any text message from the company. He increased the ringtone of his phone to make sure he didn't miss any calls. There was no phone call, let alone any text message.
"I don't think I got the job. Let's just move on; it is a lost cause. So many smart people are out there. I can't compete with them with my rubbish work experience and qualification. I just have to appreciate the opportunity for having a job interview with them."
Friday came around after Wednesday and Thursday. Gun-Ho gave up on getting a position in the company in Asan. He once again started looking through the newspaper classified section and WorkNet; however, there was no job advertisement which drew Gun-Ho's attention.
"The companies posting a bookkeeper job opening in a newspaper classified section will hire a female, not me. If they hire a male for the job, that's probably because the position is half bookkeeping and half irrelevant chores."
After work, Gun-Ho usually surfed the internet on his laptop in dim light or he went to the PC room in the neighborhood. He felt like he was falling so much farther behind in life compared to his high school friends, which made him feel depressed.
"Won-Chul Jo who is now married should be doing fine, shouldn't he? Byung-Tae Hwang who is working in a research facility of a startup company in Pangyo is getting married soon. He posted about his wedding on Facebook but didn't personally inform me. He could easily find my phone number by contacting Won-Chul or the others."
Gun-Ho drank soju almost every other day, and that increased his alcohol tolerance.
"I am destined to live in the countryside. My life is f*cked up. I have ShinWangJaeWang fate? ShinWangJaeWang my a*s."
 
It had been more than two weeks since Gun-Ho had a job interview with the company in Asan. The memory of the interview was fading away when he received a phone call from that company, a very unexpected one at that.
"Mr. Gun-Ho Goo? How are you? I am the manager of YS Tech in Asan."
"Oh, hi. This is Gun-Ho Goo."
"I am sorry that we took a long time to contact you. You have been hired as our bookkeeper. Can you start on the 1st of next month?"
Gun-Ho came to his senses by this unexpected and sudden phone call.
"Oh, of course, sure. I… I can."
"You have only five days left until the 1st of next month. Can you manage to quit the current job and start a new job with us within five days?"
"Of course, of course. I can certainly do that!"
"Let me tell you then what to bring on your first day of work. You might want to get a pen and a paper."
"Yes, I am ready."
Gun-Ho was so perplexed that he dropped his cell phone while looking for a pen and a paper, and stumbled over the computer power cord.
"You should bring a resident registration, a resident registration abstract showing the status of your military service duty, your highest school diploma, Consent to Collect and Use Personal Data, Identity Assurance Statement, and a work experience certificate letter from your current employer. I will send the forms for the Consent to Collect and Use Personal Data and Identity Assurance Statement to the email address indicated on your resume."
"Okay. I will prepare all those documents and bring them on my first day of work!"
"You can come by 8 AM on the 1st next month. I will see you then."
"Thank you. Thank you."
Gun-Ho felt so grateful to be hired by this company that he repeated "thank you" twice.
"I got it! I got the job!"
Gun-Ho clapped. He felt like he could fly.
"By the way, why did they call me just now? They said they would contact me by last Wednesday."
Gun-Ho sat on the chair and started thinking.
"I guess that the person they hired decided not to work with them, so they hired me instead as a substitute. Of course, I can't be their first choice. Well, they hired me anyway. Let's move to Asan."
Gun-Ho stopped by the Eunhyeon Township Office to get the resident registration and the resident registration abstract on the way to work after collecting bills.
"I can get my college diploma online, but what about the work experience certificate letter? There is no such thing in Bangil Gas. Well, I can find some samples on the internet and make one for me."
After he returned to the office, Gun-Ho drafted a work experience certificate letter referring to some examples he found on the internet.
"I need the boss' stamp to officially seal this letter… I have his stamp for the tax invoices stamping purpose; should I just use it?"
Gun-Ho thought he still should ask the owner for it.
"When he comes back from the gas pipe repairing work, I will carefully inform him."
A little after five o'clock, the owner came back to the office, looking exhausted.
"A*sholes! They tried to bargain for the repairing cost. I should have just left without fixing their pipes. Sh*t!"
The owner slumped down in his chair, looking really tired. Gun-Ho had to tell the owner that he would quit the job, but he couldn't because the owner seemed very tired.
"Gee, it is already half past five. Goo Jooim, you can go home."
Gun-Ho hesitated and the owner looked at him with a question mark on his face.
"What's the matter? Do you have something you want to tell me?"
"Umm… I am so sorry to tell you that I think I have to move to the city where my parents are."
"Why? Because your father is in the hospital?"
"My parents want me to come, and they are old now…"
"Hmmm…"
The owner looked very uncomfortable.
"I will have to find someone again. I really liked you here."
"Well, I've been thinking, and I think your wife can handle the work. You can save money that way."
"My wife? She doesn't even know how to work with a computer."
"She just needs to get the knack of it. She will become better and faster at the job after one or two months of practice."
"I know I can save money… But she always tries to argue with me whenever she is here in the office. That is the problem."
"Haha. That's because she likes you a lot."
"Well, I will have to think about it."
"I will work until the end of this month then."
"You leave that early?"
"My parents are pressing me."
"Oh well, what can I do about it."
"And once I move to the city where my parents live in, I might need a work experience certificate letter from this company."
"A work experience certificate letter? I've never done it before."
"I already drafted the letter. I just need your stamp. You can use the same stamp we use for tax invoices."
"Really? Then you do what you have to do."
"Thank you."
"Go home before it gets dark."
"Thank you."
Gun-Ho walked out of the office and turned his head to look behind him.
"Bangil Gas. I have so many good memories of this factory. The boss and his wife are good-natured people. Once I become successful, I will come and visit them."
It was getting dark; Gun-Ho drove to the Gwangjeok Township Office area where his room was located. He called the landlord to give him the notice to vacate his room.

This is the story of a poor young man whose poverty even shreds apart their family willing to climb his way through society and into the top. A very realistic novel that moves away from fantasy and sci-fi and focuses solely on the issues of society and life.

"Haaaa" Duke sat on the grassy hill as Vivian asked him "What's wrong?"
"Nothing" Duke smiled at the sky filled with stars. It became their routine to sometimes just relax and sit at the hill at night.
"It's just I never really believed in my grandfather before, you know" Duke continued.
"Not believing in a national hero? Well someone here has high standards of trust" Vivian joked.
Duke thought she looked cute when she gave her usual intelligent remarks... Although he'd appreciate it more if the sarcasm was lessened.
"No, I meant he always told me I was special and talented you know... But I never believed in him. I mean I might be dumb and stupid-"
"You know dumb and stupid mean the same thing" Vivian corrected, interrupting Duke's speech.
"And for the record... I don't think you're stupid... nor are you dumb. So don't say that about yourself" Vivian continued blushing at her own corny words.
"Yeah, that's my point! All my life, other than my grandfather, everyone around me called me stupid and worthless. When I was in boarding school, all I wanted was to go home and wallow in self-pity. And when I'm home I wouldn't believe my grandfather's words when he's telling me that I'm special that I could actually be something! I always thought I was destined to be at the bottom... But deep inside I wanted to believe my grandpa's words. I don't know how many times I wished for some God or Goddess to bless me with anything! Anything! This one time I even asked Ba'al! Ba'al! For Power! Like isn't that how villains were normally born in novels? But in the end, I wasn't even good enough to be some Villain the hero beats and uses as a stepping stone.
Reality was just too... Too real. Ya know. You can't just lie to yourself and *Boom*. You're suddenly a great person.
But now... with you, Byran, and the other Knights, heck even what that old man in Milan said actually gave me some confidence. It's like I can maybe become something this time..."
"Thank you, Vivian..." Duke solemnly said after finishing his speech.
"That's..." Vivian was speechless.
"I didn't do anything you should thank me for... I'm, I didn't do it for you, you know. I did it for myself. To accomplish my dreams and goals. I needed to help you... I'm no hero" She knew she couldn't take the credit she was being given as she was doing this to help herself.
Vivian didn't want the guilt of making someone believe they were indebted to her even though she had selfish intentions in the first place.
Duke saw through this and smiled.
"I don't care. The moment you helped me, even if you were doing it for yourself. I still thank you" Duke replied.
Vivian felt Duke became 100 times more manly at this moment. And she felt he became 20 times more stupid because of his next question.
"What... was your dream again?" Duke asked feeling guilty as if he had already been told this before.
"Didn't I already tell you? I want-" She suddenly stopped as she thought [Duke was right! His question wasn't stupid! I'm stupid!]
Vivian rebuked herself for not realizing that she didn't "know" what her dream was in the first place.
[I always wanted to be free from the Palace... Then is it freedom? Is that it? Wait... aren't I already free? I mean I don't hate being here... I certainly wouldn't want to part from this place... Ah!] A sudden thought entered her brain as she was pondering.

"I want to be a merchant!" Vivian enthusiastically remarked.
She remembered the words of the merchant from Milan and then she remembered the fun times she was having thinking of ways to get money while Duke was away training.

Yes, indeed. Duke wasn't the only one busy.

While he was out huffing around the training field Vivian was already concocting different ingenious plans to make that sweet sweet yellow metal.
Vivian's main inspiration was Duke's mother.
Yes, the more she read of what his mother was doing while she was still alive, the more inspired she became in being the same type of independent woman his mother was.
[She's a genius!] Vivian thought as she read through the accounts and bills his mother had.
[This woman could turn rocks into gold!] Vivian praised as her eyes sparkled while she read the reference materials the late Countess of Maine left.
"I want A LOT of money! Tons of it!" Vivian was ecstatic.
It gave her great excitement to think of the great amounts of cash she could generate once she gets her hands on sufficient capital.
[Thankyou Duke's mama gehehehe] Vivian laughed like a villain in her mind... she was being influenced by Duke.
Duke wondered if Vivian was alright as he looked at her weird cash stricken face.
[Will she leave me if some rich man courts her?] Duke's worries continued to grow.

It was a happy moment for the both of them as they continued to talk of daily life and their great aspirations under the star-lit night.

Sadly, happy moments were always meant to be followed by sad ones. And as the saying goes: "When it rains, it pours"
A messenger was hurrying towards the gate as Vivian and Duke saw him head towards their mansion's direction.
Duke got up as he helped Vivian stand and they immediately headed towards the mansion.
"Are you sir, Count Duke of Maine?" Although the messenger was polite he was visibly fatigued as if he had hurried to reach this place. This signalled as bad news for the pair.
"Y-yes, whose messenger are you good sir?" Duke tried to talk like a count so as not to besmirch his noble position.
"I have the Bank's reply letter and an urgent letter from my employer Sir Benjamin Kastark. He told me it was very urgent" The messenger respectfully handed duke two letters.
"T-thank you, and you may g-Go now!" Duke still acting like a noble stuttered.
"uhh, why of course" The messenger staggered when the noble in front of him stuttered. [I guess there are all kinds of people in this world] The messenger thought.
Duke and Vivian opened the letter as Vivian began to slowly read the devastating letter.
"To Count Duke of Maine, the Imperial Bank of Brune have decided to deny you the loan as it was not in our best interests..." It was a typical denial letter from the bank.
But as anxiety and negativity began to grip Vivian's heart from the first letter, a sliver of hope came to them through the second letter.
"Hello to you again Sir Duke, this is Benjamin Kastark of Milan's branch. First of all, I ask for your forgiveness for accidentally reading the Main Branch's reply but as I was the one to interview you, I feel that I cannot let a young couple such as you two to fall into destitution at such a young age. I know it is awfully nosy of me to do this, but please let me help you. As you know, with a bank manager's recommendation we could the very least try to appeal to the Main branch for a reconsideration. I once again ask forgiveness for being nosy and please come as earliest as possible- From Benjamin Kastark"
"W-who is he?" Vivian felt as if an angel had descended from above.
"Ah! He's that kind old man from before!" [Although he "was" a bit scary] Duke thought.
"Duke lets go... We don't have time to waste!" Vivian firmly reminded Duke.
"Yes!" Duke sternly replied.
Vivian immediately put her things together while Duke wore the clothes Vivian had chosen for him before and they quickly called for a carriage as they headed for Milan.
[There's no time to lose] Vivian thought as she was extremely nervous. She felt like crying as she thought of the possibility of this deal going sour. They might not even have food to eat when next winter comes. It was no exaggeration that their lives hanged on this loan.
Duke on the other hand... was already crying.

The carriage galloped as swiftly as it could. But as the saying goes: "When it pours... It rains"
Another horse swiftly galloped towards the carriage forcing it to stop.
The man who chased after them was the Knight Dannis or Dan for short. The old man was visibly tired as he tried to pursue Duke.
*Haa* *Haa* *Haa* Dan tried to catch his breath as he suddenly spoke: "My lord! The bandits were reported to have been spotted near Kath Village! It is presumed they would ransack it by tomorrow at the very least!"
Dan brought in more terrible news for Duke and Vivian.
It was even worse than the first news as Kath was the largest exporter of wheat. If Kath was ransacked the Whole of Main would literally starve this time. Not only Vivian and Duke's future hanged on Kath but the whole of Maine was in dire straits as a real man-caused famine might occur.
Duke looked on Vivian for answers. And she looked back, visibly distressed.
Vivian took a deep breath as she said to Duke: "Go... I'll take care of the Bank"
Duke felt extremely powerless at this moment as he looked at Vivian.
Duke regretted this moment of his life as all he could say to Vivian was "Be careful"
Vivian too felt the same. She was used to being powerless, but this was another level of helplessness for her as all she could say to Duke too was "Be careful too"
Duke sent Dan to protect Vivian as both Duke and Vivian went to their respective battlefields.

Meet Vivian, a powerless Princess who was sold off in an auction the new Emperor sugarcoated as a ball.

Sadly for Vivian, the one who got her was Duke the Fat, a lowly count known for being weak and fat.

On the night of their consummation, she no longer could hide her misery and burst into tears. But instead of getting a hard slap as she expected for showing her disgust of him, Duke instead started to cry with her?!
And instead of forcing himself on her, they TALK instead?!

Now meet Duke called by many as The Fat.
Duke was never lucky in life as everyone he knew mocked and belittled him. But it wasn't all bad as at least he still had a loving grandpa.

And Duke was content with that.

Having someone, even if it was just one person who believed in him.

Until he didn't.
One day his grandpa died and Duke was alone.

He wanted to make his grandpa proud, but it was just too hard for him to fight the world alone. That is until he caught sight of Vivian.

Read as Vivian becomes Duke's inspiration and how Duke becomes Vivian's pillar.
Watch love sprout from a misunderstanding between a fat Count and a lonely Princess.

And don't worry! Duke won't be The Fat forever!
No.
For this is not the story of some countryside Count and his wife.
This is the story of Gailasfall, The legendary World Conqueror, The Berserk Dragon, and Eater of Gods.
Or as he is known by those close to him, Duke Pendragon, ridiculed during his youth as "The Fat"
But now even the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars dare not offend his whose name inspires fear and awe.
And his mysterious wife. The enigmatic figure who would one day secretly run the world's politics and economy.
"The Phantom Pillar" they named her and those who saw her beauty called her "The Hidden Rose Thorn"
But Duke called her by a different name.
He called her Vivian.

Hello~! Japhet here, I hope you give this story a chance.
And if you already have and you loved it:
GIVE IT A REVIEW!
And share it with your friends!

Also, read my other novel "Space Janitor Bop"
If you enjoyed how I write comedy and interesting characters, I'm sure you'll also love Space Janitor Bop.

I hope you have a nice day and ENJOY!

Follow me on Twitter: @JPJaphet
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XEeFvbZ
Original Art "Princess and Dragon" by Nikita Volobuev from ArtStation. Check out his art!

Shopping center- Suite 12

Li Xiuying checked her watch; it had been 5 hours since she entered Suite 12. She had finally finished selecting the makeup and wigs she needed. Li Xiuying was ready to head home and turn in for the night. 

The reason Li Xiuying had taken so long is that she had asked the makeup artists to give her a tutorial.  She was now prepared for step two of her revenge plan against The Soulless. 

Pan Lanfen: "Miss. Li do you require any further assistance today?"

Li Xiuying: "No. "

Pan Lanfen: "Miss. Li everything has been charged to your card. I've arranged several people to help carry your bags to your car." She then handed Li Xiuying back her credit card. 

Li Xiuying put the card in her coat pocket and nodded. 

Pan Lanfen opened the door to the suite. Several staff members walked in.

Staff members: "Good evening Miss. Li. Manager Pan." They then walked to the bags and picked them up. 

Li Xiuying: "Thank you all." 

Pan Lanfen: "It was our pleasure."

Li Xiuying left the room with the staff members. 

After Li Xiuying exited, Pan Lanfen closed the door. The two assistants and two makeup artists collapsed on the sofa. They started talking among themselves. 

"I feel absolutely exhausted! I felt like I was under pressure to perform when Miss. Li looked directly at me. It was worse than sitting exams."

"I felt exactly the same! It was like she was looking into my soul!!!"

"Forget that. I didn't expect Miss. Li to have such amazing makeup skills. When she made herself look like a little old lady I was absolutely gob-smacked."

"That was nothing compared to when she made herself look like a man! I became a total fan girl!"

Pan Lanfen sighed in exhaustion and said: "It was a lucky coincidence that the two of you had gone to courses on various styles of makeup."

They all got off the sofas and began cleaning up the room.

.....

The next day Unity at Unity Hospital - Wednesday 8:50 am

Li Xiuying was sitting on the sofa opposite Qin Song, Elder Qin and Qin Jingfei. 

Elder Qin: "Xiuying, how are you adjusting to working at Unity hospital?"

Li Xiuying: "Fine." 

Elder Qin: "If you have anything you're not happy with don't be shy in letting us know. We'll be happy to accommodate you."

Qin Jingfei: "Dr. Li we've called this meeting today to discuss a change in your rota this week. CEO Huang visited the hospital yesterday to discuss his grandson's Huang Fuhua's transplant. It was decided that the kidney transplant would be taking place at Unity hospital this Friday."

The Qin's widened their eyes as they witnessed Li Xiuying's expressionless face slowly morph into an expression filled with scorn then back to her usual unemotional state. 

Li Xiuying was annoyed that her plans for revenge had been altered. How would she destroy Yang Zian now? Even if she had him take part in the surgery at Unity hospital Yang Zian wouldn't let his guard down.

Li Xiuying stared into Qin Jingfei's eyes : "Who decided?"

Qin Jingfei felt powerless under Li Xiuying's deep penetrating gaze she ratted out her family without a second thought.  Qin Jingfei pointed to Elder Qin and Qin song: "It was them. They decided! I was only told after they had the discussion with CEO Huang." Qin Jingfei couldn't let her idol hate her. 

Elder Qin rolled his eyes at Qin Jingfei's behaviour. 
This stupid niece of his would probably even sell off her soul if Xiuying wanted it. 

Elder Qin: "Xiuying, Huang Teng unexpectedly turned up at Qin enterprises yesterday. He informed us that your uncle had agreed to you performing the transplant several months ago. We informed him that you now have a contract with Unity hospital."

Li Xiuying turned gaze predatory as she eyes Elder Qin: "Clause 10.1"

Elder Qin: "..." What did I say wrong? Why am I on the receiving end of Xiuying's death stare?!
He thought back to Li Xiuying's contract but couldn't remember every detail.

Li Xiuying opened her briefcase and took out a document flipped to page 3 and laid it in front of Elder Qin. She pointed to 10.1.

Elder Qin read out loud: "Dr. Li has the right to work at other medical facilities outside of her contracted hours at Unity hospital. Unity hospital has no legal right to interfere with her work outside of her contracted hours this includes but is not limited to choice of location, choice of employer and/or patient."

Elder Qin: "Well you see... Qin Song you explain."

Li Xiuying looked at Qin Song. It was definitely this stupid man that had ruined her plans.

Qin Song glanced at the betrayers beside him. 

Qin Song: "CEO Huang was adamant in wanting you to be the lead surgeon. It will be beneficial to our hospital both financially and in terms of experience for our surgeons here." 

Qin Song could feel Li Xiuying becoming increasingly annoyed. He frowned slightly. Qin Song didn't know what he said wrong.

Li Xiuying calmed herself down. She could still get revenge on Yang Zian at a later date. Chen Meng would be desperate to hire her and if she requested Yang Zian's assistance as a condition he would have no choice but to comply. 

Li Xiuying planned to beat Yang Zian at his own game.  During the surgery she planned to constantly aggravate Yang Zian and belittle his surgical skills causing him to be blinded by anger and frustration. She wanted Yang Zian to lose all reason and get impatient to sabotage the surgery. When Yang Zian was desperate enough to sabotage the surgery she would catch him in the act in front of all to see. Then it would be a simple case of reporting him to the medical council.

Li Xiuying finished strategizing: "Fine."

Qin Song saw that Li Xiuying had come around to the idea. He tried his best to sell it to her: "It was also beneficial to you that the surgery takes place at Unity hospital with our staff supporting you. Emerald hospital had hired Yang Zian as the lead surgeon. He is known to sabotage the surgeries of others and then step in to rectify the situation claiming the surgery as his. "

Li Xiuying showed no reaction.

Qin Song pressed on: "After finding out about Yang Zian's misdeeds I immediately reported him to the Medical Council. I sent them all of the evidence against Yang Zian such as witness statements, surgical reports and a statement from the surgeons who were his victims.  He has been suspended from practicing as the investigation takes place."

Qin Song had chosen to go into detail about Yang Zian so Li Xiuying would be more grateful to him as her trusted and competent employer.

Qin Song had a smug expression on his face as he waited for Li Xiuying's words of gratitude.

Li Xiuying was fuming. Her plans for revenge would never come into fruition. So what if Yang Zian was struck off?! She felt no satisfaction whatsoever in having someone else take down her enemies.

Li Xiuying felt that Yang Zian had gotten off too lightly! Even if he was struck off here he could still practice illegally. He could even go abroad to practice with forged documents. With his powerful backing he would never see the inside of a jail cell.  That's why Li Xiuying wanted to destroy his deep rooted confidence so his hands would tremble at the mere mention of an operation. 

Li Xiuying put her contract in her briefcase and stood up to leave.

Qin Song was perplexed: "Dr. Li shouldn't you be happy? You've been saved from being one of Yang Zian's victims. You also won't have to go back to Emerald hospital."

Li Xiuying stopped her steps. She slowly turned around and faced Qin Song. 

Elder Qin and Qin Jingfei shuffled away from Qin Song. Right now Li Xiuying's eyes had a crazed look like something out of the exorcist.

Qin Song swallowed his saliva. 

Li Xiuying voice was low and steely: "Listen here allergy man. You have ruined everything with your meddling behaviour. A surgery that concerns ME should be discussed with ME. It is not up to you to decide." 

Qin Song spoke with indignation: "As your employer I.."

Li Xiuying: "As my employer you have a duty to follow the contract to the letter. This is your first strike. Now if you don't have any further interfering or meddling to do I am late for my CONTRACTED work hours due to this meeting."

Li Xiuying turned to look at elder Qin and Qin Jingfei.

Li Xiuying: "Mistakes such as this should not be repeated."

Elder Qin: "Yes!" Qin Jingfei frantically nodded her head. 

Li Xiuying left the room.

Qin Jingfei looked over at her cousin and asked with a voice full of disbelief: "Allergy man?!"

Li Xiuying is the youngest surgeon the world has ever seen. 

Once upon a time, her work had meaning; to save lives. But soon surgery lost all of its meaning to her, she became an operating machine. She didn’t even meet the patient until they were unconscious on her surgical table like a piece of meat waiting to be carved. 

She neglected love, friendship, beauty, her health all to work tirelessly like a dog and continue to make her family happy. Even when she had no more left to give; they made sure she gave.

But betrayal came swiftly and suddenly and Li Xiuying met her untimely end at the hands of her most trusted and loves ones. 

All the world’s a stage and it seems it is not yet time for Li Xiuying to exit. She finds herself waking up in her bed, 8 years in the past.
 
She is granted a second chance at life.

............................................................................................

This is a slow romance novel 

The novel may have realistic elements but it is a Work of Fiction.

There will be medical cases and scenario's included due to the main character (Li Xiuying) being a doctor. I have tried my best to explain as much of the medical terminology as possible.

...........................................................................................

The next day, Emily did not have to wait long for a call from her friend and soon to be fake boyfriend.

She meant to call him as soon as she finished breakfast, but her phone rang at 9 am. 

"Have you forgiven me yet?" Byron's smooth voice caressed her ear.

"Yes," she replied, "and I want to do the fake dating."

"You do?" his voice suddenly lost some of its professional lustre, and he sounded vulnerable for a moment. "Let's talk it over. I'll pick you up for lunch at Mangiamo."

The Italian restaurant was bustling with glamorous couples and smartly dressed professionals. Amadeo, the same middle-aged man who had served them the last time they were here, appeared even happier to see Byron. Once again he had a hug for his employer and a warm greeting for Emily.

She was bewildered by how close Byron was to his staff, despite all the articles she had read about his ruthlessness and how he crushed all companies that stood in his way. Maybe he truly cared about the people who worked for him but saw all others as mere statistics of collateral damage.

"This might not be easy," Byron began, "considering what I can safely call our mutual attraction for each other."

As she sat at the table across from him, Emily could not deny it. It was good that the table separated them because she was tempted to reach out and stroke the beautiful outlines of his face. She wondered what it would feel like to kiss him. Suddenly she realized Byron was saying something, while she was completely distracted by his god-like appearance.

"...so, maybe you would like to make any suggestions?" he asked.

"Suggestions?" she echoed.

"About our new arrangement."

"Oh, of course," she said, flustered, "No, you go first."

"All right." He smiled as if he knew she had been admiring his looks. "Let's start with public displays of affection. How far are we willing to go?"

"Um..." Emily had not considered this.

He took her hand and stroked it with his thumb, a light and teasing touch.

"Would this be okay?" he asked. 

Emily nodded, wondering how she was going to be able to stand this without surrendering to his charm.

"What about hugging?" he went on.

"Hugging..." Emily cleared her throat nervously. 

"We need to proved something for the journalists to talk about," he said, though Emily suspected it was not the only reason he wanted to get closer to her.

"Hugging would be fine."

"I guess kissing would be out of the question?" His eye glinted mysteriously as his lips bent in a wicked smile.

"I... haven't thought about it," Emily said. "Kissing on the cheek might be allowed."

"No kissing on the lips then?" he asked. His whole look seemed to say, "try it, you might like it."

Her body melting with desire, Emily stayed firm on this point. "No kissing on the lips."

Amadeo came to take their order, providing a much-needed break from the sultry discussion. After they both ordered pizza, they resumed what was turning into an indulgent yet alarming list of things they might be doing in the future.

"I know you'll think this is too much," Byron said, looking more serious, "but what about sleeping over at my place?"

"But that could lead to much more touching than we agreed on," Emily said, unsure what he had in mind.

"It doesn't have to," he responded. 

"Can you really believe that?" she asked. It was hard to picture herself in the same house as him without feeling the temptation to forget all the rules. 

He almost seemed offended. "Hey, I'm not a wild animal. I can control myself."

Emily smiled, tipping her head to the side. "What if I'm a wild animal?"

He grinned. "I'd like to see that very much."

"I'll bet you would." They both laughed, and Emily was having too much fun to remain cautious like she had planned. 

"But I want you to know," Byron said, resuming a serious look, "you'll always be safe at my place."

"I know," she said, "I trust you."

His lips opened a touch in surprise. "So you'll think about it?"

Emily took a long drink of water, trying to reduce the heat that infused her whole body.

"Yeah. Maybe a sleepover would be nice."

"Why are you being so agreeable today?" Byron asked suspiciously.

Emily was glad she could finally reveal the reason since this was good timing. "I got your letter!"

"So, it finally arrived," he remarked with a slight smile, "I sent it by regular mail to make sure you get the full experience."

"Thank you," Emily said sincerely, "I'll treasure it forever. I've always wanted to receive a hand-written letter."

She decided not to mention she had always wanted to receive one from an attractive young man.

"I'm glad it arrived when it did," Byron said, "or you might not have forgiven me for yesterday's blunder. But I'd still like to make it up to you."

Author:
Carolee Croft is an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author of fantasy and contemporary romance with witty dialogue and dizzying plot twists. She lives in British Columbia, Canada and enjoys exploring the outdoors, trying chocolate in all its various forms, and relaxing with a good book. She is obsessed with Italian greyhounds.

Synopsis:
Emily Danzi has been stalked by a deranged man for most of her adult life. She thought she had left him behind when she moved to the west coast of Canada, but one rainy night, he catches up with her. Emily finds a temporary solution by having a complete stranger pose as her boyfriend. 

Byron Pomeroy, the man who was about to end his own life by jumping off a bridge scares off her pursuer but brings complications when she learns how deeply troubled he is, despite his enormous wealth. Emily wants to help him in return, but she must contend with Byron’s domineering mother and a devious journalist who wants Byron for herself and will destroy the reputation of anyone who gets in her way.

Leonardo Ricci's POV
After we established with each other and how we ended up in the same room, we went to sleep. Only that I did not sleep right away. I was thinking about my letter to the princess. I have to write it tonight before I can give it to Kate in the morning.
 If she was available to meet me.
So, I went to the hallway as I wanted to get out of the room before anyone can catch me with my letter. It was the last thing that I wanted people to know. I sighed as I saw that people and servants that were in the contest have gone to sleep.
 I took out my phone and I switched on my phone flashlight and I went to find a quiet and secluded place for my time to think and write for Princess Katherine. I took out the paper and pencil that I borrowed from Eddy since Tyler was mocking me for asking such things from him. I sighed as I shook my head at the memory. 
 "Wait, you write?" Tyler asked me as I nodded.
 "On paper? With a pen?" He added. I nodded. And then he burst out laughing at my frowning face.
 "What's wrong with being authentic? It's not a crime, you know," Eddy said as he handed me his stuff.
 "Here, you can use mine. Forget Tyler. He's insane," Eddy said as Tyler was still laughing to his heart content on his bed.
 "You guys are sissy! What a pair!" He said before Eddy told him to keep quiet as it was time to sleep. And we turned off the lights before I went out into the hallway which I was in the secure place with my flashlight from my flip phone and I was about to write to Princess Katherine.

Greetings, Princess Katherine,
You may not know me as you have other contestants that you might find your attention to but my name is Leonardo Ricci, one of the contestants. I hope this letter found you quite well with all of this ruckus of finding a husband.
 You might think that I'm writing to you was to attract your attention but I just merely wanted to say thank you and my gratitude for my opportunity to find myself as one of the suitors that you might consider to hand yourself in marriage. 
 Honestly, I was not looking forward to that. I know it was a shame and all but I believe that woman should have the choice to find who is best to be her protector, the father of her children and most importantly, her partner and equal. Forgive me if I was speaking out of my place but I wish that you will find such a man to stand by your side at the end of the contest.
 Anyway, it's all I wanted to say to you since I will be stuck here for one month on free accommodation, meals, and clothing. I am forever grateful and I hope you will find what you're looking for in this contest.
Sincerely,
Leonardo Ricci.

I stared at the letter that I was ready to send to Kate to pass it along to Princess Katherine. It was a long one but I think it has pointed out everything that I wanted to say to her. Except for the part that I wanted to tell her that she can choose whoever she wanted. She does not have to have this contest to find her husband.
 "What are you doing?" A voice was coming beside my left ear as I jerked away from it. To my surprise, it was Kate. 
 "Jeez, can you not do that? You nearly gave me a heart attack," I said as I was holding my chest that was beating like a tornado. I cannot believe that Kate was not sleeping yet. It was almost one in the morning.
 "Why are you here?" She asked me as she sat beside me as if it was the most natural thing to her. Surprisingly, I kind of glad that she did.
 "Well, I was trying to get away from my crazy but nice roommates. They would make fun of me if I told them I wrote a letter to Princess Katherine. Especially Tyler. He's insane," I said as I was folding the letter. I might as well given to Kate now.
 "So, you're done? Don't you want to make sure that you're sincerely giving your thanks to her? I don't want to run to her twice. I heard she's a cold queen," Kate said as she was smiling at me before I paled.
 "Just kidding. She's cool," Kate said as she was patting my shoulder. I chuckled nervously.
 "But I don't think that she would be happy to read my letter. She still has other stuff to do,"
 "You sure like to belittle yourself, Leo. You never know until you try," Kate said as she was encouraged to send it to her. Maybe I was belittling myself but I was in no condition to tell her that I saw it her way. I sighed.
 "I'm sure Her Royal Highness will be happy to read it. I can tell it from my experience," she said. I smiled at her as I handed her the letter.
 "You sure know how to cheer me up,"
 "Let's just say I have a charm that you cannot resist," she said as she tucked the letter inside the pocket of her apron. Suddenly, the image of her grazing her ample bosoms were flashing through my eyes right now. I packed my stuff immediately as I was trying to get away from Kate right now.
 "Why are you in a rush? Did I do something?" Kate asked as she was looking at me when I was packing my stuff before. I chuckled nervously as I don't know what to tell her that she was making me nervous when I saw her lips.
 I gulped.
 "Leo?" She asked innocently as her maroon eyes were shining against the dim light in the secluded area, my flashlight from the phone.
 "I'm sorry. I should go," I said as I was packing my stuff before she held my wrist. I halted as she was standing in front of me.
 "You're afraid. You're afraid of me. Why?" She asked as I was gulping that my Adam's apple was hopping up and down in my throat.
 "It's late. You should go to bed, Kate. What would people say if they saw you with me in the secluded area in the middle of the night?" I asked her as she scoffed at me.
 "First of all, it's one in the morning so technically it was early in the morning. Then, I was a mere servant girl for the contest as I was a normal girl and lastly, I like to be in your company," she said as she was inching closer to me. I stepped backward before my back was hitting the walls.
 "Kate," I warned her as I hoped that she got the idea.
 "What?" She asked innocently. Damn her!
 "You're playing a dangerous game," I whispered to her as my breath quickened with her intoxicated perfume lingered in my nasal cavity.
 Damn her 3000!
 "Hmm, was it bad? I think playing this game was rather…fascinating," she said as she was leaning closer to me. I was looking at her lips that were coming closer to my chin. I gulped again.
 "Kate, please," I begged her as her eyes were staring into mine. I cursed silently as I was looking at her.
 "Please what? Kiss you? I know you want it as much as I do," she whispered before our hot breaths mingled, creating an intense sexual tension in the air. I groaned.
 "Please, you know I cannot do it. I don't want your employer to know that I was harassing her employee," I said as Kate was holding my chin with her thumb and forefinger.
 "She wouldn't know. She was not even here,"
 "But what if—"
 "Shh, just relax. I will not tell anyone if you worry about your chance to win the princess. After all, that's all the men cared about," she said as if she was lacing her voice with hunger. She thinks that I was like the men that she encountered here. I held her arms as I put at arm's length.
 "No," I said as I was pushing her away. She blinked a few times at me before she was smiling at me.
 "I know you're one of the good guys but you were not for me," she whispered before she stepped back. I don't get what she said but all that I know, I was holding her hand. She looked at me as if I was going mad.
 Well, maybe I was.
 "Leo, you said—" the sentence cannot be completed because my lips have crashed against her in a full force.
 Without thinking, I kissed her, servant or not.

These Ingenious Male will melt your hearts with their charming and witty senses. But they have baggage from their past with them. Can their match overcome them?
First, we have Kai Virtanen who was arranged to marry the Finnish Princess, Kathleen Remes.
Then, we have our Wedding Planner, Antonio Romano, whose task was to locate the missing Princess, Christine Rovski.
Also, we have Charles Debrun who has been kidnapped by Kiara Hoffman because of his research.
Lastly, we have Katherine Remes, the Acting Queen of Finland to find a suitor by a contest that Leonardo Ricci was forced to participate in.
Can they face their past together or will they fall apart? Find out in this new series by Nikki Larousse.

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