L E V I ' S P O V

I pushed my sleeves above my elbows as I waited for the door to my parents' house to open.

Tapping my foot impatiently, I checked the watch on my wrist and if possible, I grew even more agitated.

I'm not a patient person.

I had a lot of other shit to do before midnight.

Finally hearing the sound of the doorknob, the door opened to reveal Matilda, one of the housemaids and the woman who practically raised me.

I haven't seen her since the last time I visited here, which just happened to be months ago.

If my parents wanted me, they would come to the office and give any information to me.

I had no need to come because truly, I can't stand my parents.

They were the reason why I can't have fucking peace in my life because of their damn expectations and the 'high hopes' they claim to have for me.

I rolled my eyes at the thought.

What more could you fucking want? I'm a multi-billionaire, owning one of the largest companies in the state, possibly the world.

Matilda was a very short woman with long silver hair, indicating that she was ageing with the years. She was actually Mexican and had a fair complexion.

The crinkles that formed under her eyes when she smiled largely up at me were what gave away her age.

She gasped, resting her hands on her cheeks as she pulled me into a hug in which I returned by wrapping my arms around her small form.

"Look how much you've grown! You've become so handsome!" She exaggerated.

Not about me being handsome because I know I am...

–but she made it seem like I hadn't visited in years.

I sent her a small smile in return as I replied, "Good to see you again, Mrs. Rodriguez."

She sent me a warning look which I've grown to know already.

She had always told me to call her by her first name in which I never listened.

She was more of a mother to me than my own so she deserved the utmost respect.

Sending her a sheepish smile, she spoke, "Well, come in, come in! Your parents are waiting for you." She rushed me into the house.

I stepped into the large mansion, feeling a familiar shiver run down my spine. I seriously can't stand it here.

After Matilda informed me that they were in the dining room waiting for me, I made my way through the house and as soon as I turned the corner, I saw my father, along with my mother sitting at the long dinner table suited for about 50 more guests.

My father's long gray streak was the first thing that was noticeable about him.

He was a large man, bigger than me actually, and who for most people, would come across as very intimidating.

His face was always stoic, showing absolutely no emotion at all. His semi-long beard was in need of a shave and his dark brown, almost black eyes stared at me emotionlessly.

"Levi! How wonderful to see you!" My mother gushed as she rounded the table to stand in front of me.

She was a tall woman with about the height of 5'9 who had long blonde hair which my brother, Elijah, inherited from her. That, along with deep ocean blue eyes that fitted her complexion perfectly.

The first appearance with my mother would make anyone think that she was the nicest woman on this planet, especially with the large smile that was always presented on her features.

Despite this, my mother was a total bitch when she didn't get what she wanted; which happened to include my happiness, according to her– and power.

She was very power-selfish and would go through any lengths to push any obstacles out of her way.

Apparently, a new wife for me was something that had to be done. It would supposedly add to my fame and 'stabilize' my life.

The last thing I wanted was for more press to be up my ass.

This was where Amanda came in.

According to my parents, she was a friend of theirs, who had a neighbouring company, and us being together, would get the public all 'riled up.'

Normally, I would do anything to go against my parents' word but they were just always in my fucking business that I grew tired with it and decided to 'tolerate' Amanda.

"I've been busy. Now, what paperwork did you have for me?" I questioned, growing very impatient as each second passed.

My mother came up to me and began dusting imaginary dust from my shirt as she replied, "There is none. You just hardly visit anymore, son. I just wish that you would bring Amanda more and–" She began.

I pinch my nose, frustrated as I shake my head, "If you want Amanda to visit, then call her." I exhaled. "Don't waste my time, I have other shit to do." I ran my hand down my face.

"Don't talk to your mother like that," My father's deep authoritative voice boomed throughout the entire room. "It was my idea, your mother missed you very much." He continued.

Checking my watch one final time, I shook my head at both of them before leaving without another word.

Getting into my car and slamming the door, I drove to my house to change my clothes to go to work and deal with some unkempt papers.

Upon arriving home, I opened the door to see Amanda sprawled out on my couch in some lacy underwear, almost as if she was expecting me.

"How did you get in?" Was the first question I asked as I dropped my keys on the coffee table.

"The guards let me in." She got on all fours and sent me a seductive smile. "Your parents told me you were coming so I decided to – surprise you." She purred.

Why was everyone on my case today?

Is it 'Piss off Levi Morterez' day?

I let out a long tired sigh as I walked past her saying, "Just clean up when you're done." And I made my way upstairs.

Not waiting for a reaction, I hurriedly changed into one of my suits and in record time, I'm already downstairs to leave.

Much to my relief, I realized that Amanda had left already.

Walking outside and sending a short nod of acknowledgement to my bodyguards, I made my way to the limousine parked directly in front of the door.

Adjusting my cufflinks, I hear Gerald, my personal driver greeting me. "Good evening, sir. How was your day?" He opened the door for me.

"Fine for the most part." Was my only reply as he gave me a simple nod and off we went.

-----

Settling in the large black chair in front of my desk, I began my work.

Not many people are here due to the time– but some still are since they obviously had overdue work to finish.

Not even five minutes into my work, the office phone rings.

"Speak." I answered as I checked my watch.

"Ah, little brother." A familiar husky voice spoke through the phone.

"Elijah..." I relax back into my chair. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" I asked him.

He chuckled deeply, "How did today go? Meet anyone interesting?" There's a knowing tone in his voice, even over the phone.

"In fact, yes. Yes, I did." I played momentarily with the phone cord as I thought about Ophelia.

He hummed in understanding and spoke. "Would it have something to do with a particular waitress?" I could practically hear his smirk.

I sat up straight at this newfound information, squinting my eyes at my brother's antics.

"How?" Was my only question.

I ignored how bitter my voice sounded just thinking about the fact that Elijah knew of Ophelia.

"Relax, Leviathan." He chuckled.

I rolled my eyes at him calling my full name.

Fingers grazing the slight stubble on my chin thoughtfully, I thought of a theory.

"You sly bastard." I smiled largely as I leaned over my desk and unbuttoned my suit jacket.

"That didn't take you that long to figure out, little brother. You're not as stupid as I thought." His teasing tone rang in my ears.

"Do explain."

"You seemed stressed lately with the press and everything," He started. "That was the main reason I suggested Vincent's to you." I hummed to show I was listening.

"I've been there before and my little friend Ophelia caught my eye. I thought about you. She seemed exactly like your type. Sweet, caring, kind, and as a bonus, she gave off an aura of – pure innocence." He continued. "Not to mention that she was indescribably beautiful."

I nodded my head, although I knew that he couldn't see.

"Well," I sighed. "She's completely unaware of her surroundings and oblivious of the men vying for her attention, I being one of them." I breathed out frustrated.

"I've done the first part for you brother, you finish the rest." He said and with that, he ended the call.

I left the phone to my ear a little longer before placing it on the hook as I mindlessly thought about Ophelia.

-------

"Man, get the fuck up!" I hear Kace shout at me after my door is slammed open.

I groaned as I shielded my eyes from the blaring light as he pushed my curtains apart, allowing for the bright sunlight to illuminate my whole room.

I sat up as the comforter fell from over my naked chest as I glared at the man that was way too happy so early in the morning.

"Why the fuck are you here?" I questioned as I threw a pillow at his back.

Kace was my best friend ever since college. He was two years younger than me at age 23 and he had light brown hair that was in for a haircut. His eyes were a dark green, that surely got the ladies going, and he had a relatively tall height of 6'2.

I met him around my second year of college and graduated that same year, early I might add.

"I'm hungry man, and your cook claims that she 'needs permission from you to cook.'" He put on a bitterly high-pitched voice as he mimicked Trinity, my cook, and afterward, he rolled his eyes.

"She's just doing her job," I mumbled as I stretched my muscles, cracking my neck tiredly.

"Doing her job? I'm always here so she doesn't get to act like I'm a stranger." He shook his head. "I'm telling you, man, she has a crush on you." I rolled my eyes at his theory as he threw me a shirt.

"Here, get your shit together so we can go out to eat." He said as he left the room, shutting the door in the process.

Rolling my eyes one final time at his idiocy, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and to take a bath and later, put on a white tee with a pair of ripped jeans. Lastly, I threw my signature jacket over my shoulders.

I ran my hand through my hair a few times so it didn't look like I just woke up.

Opening the door and walking out, I found Kace sitting on my couch looking down at his phone.

Hearing my presence, he got up from the couch and spoke. "Took you long enough." He exaggerated.

We headed to my garage and without looking at which of the six keys that were hung up on the rack, I chose any and threw it at Kace to which he caught it expertly.

He headed for the passenger's door and pushed the keys into my Bugatti Veyron.

After I settled myself comfortably in the seat, I asked, "Where are we going?"

"I don't know, you tell me." He shrugged.

I rubbed my forehead, frustrated but relaxed as I thought of a place to eat, the thought of her immediately calming me.

"There's a diner called Vincent's that we could go to," I suggested, really not waiting for an answer.

He shrugged his shoulders in reply as we head off into the direction of the small diner to which I've wanted to visit again since my first appearance.

Upon arriving, we exited the car and entered the diner.

It looked just as busy as the first time I visited which was two days ago.

I wasn't sure just when Ophelia was supposed to work, nor did I know her shifts, so I just silently hoped that she was on the job right now.

Taking our seats, Kace nodded in approval at his surroundings and then turned back to me. "The food better taste good," He joked.

Not really paying attention to him, my eyes searched frantically for a certain someone but to no avail.

I let out a quiet huff and refrained the urge to roll my eyes at all the people looking at us and the waitresses staring over at us in the corner.

Kace eyed their short uniforms and sent them a wink as they giggled foolishly.

Leave it up to Kace to be a total player.

"Makes you wonder why all the staff here are females, huh?" He asked me to which I nodded in agreement. "Not that I mind but—"

"K-Kace?" A soft familiar voice whispered as we both snapped our heads up.

Kace looked up at the angel above us confused until a strike of realization struck his features.

"Ophelia?" He asked as he slowly stood up. "What— what are you doing here?" He tumbled over his words and I stood also, watching their exchange with a confused expression etched to my face.

He suddenly hugged her tightly as she shyly hugged him back, smiling largely.

She's never smiled like that at me.

"It's been so long since I last saw you!" He began as he looked at her.

In return, Ophelia just shyly played with her fingers as his hands remained planted on her waist.

My hands have never been on her waist.

And I'm not sure how much I like the look of it.

Still with a smile on his face, he looked down at her and his smile slowly disappeared and so did Ophelia's as she watched his face.

I watched as the fucker visibly gulped and spoke. "Wow, you sure have... grown." He chose his words carefully. I'm sure he meant to say something like, "Wow, your ass got bigger and your breasts sure grew."

It wouldn't be a surprise. Kace has absolutely no problem with checking women out as he is right now with Ophelia but once again, she doesn't even realize it.

"Is that bad?" She asked, obviously not aware that that was anything but bad. Her bottom lip began to discreetly tremble as she waited for his reply.

I cursed myself for admitting that I don't like the way she didn't stutter around him which means that she feels comfortable around him.

"No!" Kace snapped his eyes back to hers after fully gawking at her, quickly assuring her so that she didn't cry. He laughed awkwardly and continued. "Trust me, it isn't bad." He mumbled under his breath but I heard it.

He cleared his throat, "I just meant that you look different, that's all." He answered her.

Ophelia looked at him unsurely, not exactly believing him.

"Ophelia?" A voice behind us startled Ophelia and she quickly jumped out of Kace's grasp looking down at her feet.

"Y-Yes ma'am?" She replied to the woman now standing in front of us.

She had dark red hair and wore long heels, along with a blouse and a pencil skirt.

The lady forced out a laugh and said, "How many times do I have to tell you to call me, Rachel?" I saw the way she side-looked me but my face remained emotionless as I peered down at her.

"B-but you never told—" I didn't miss the warning look the lady who I assume is Ophelia's boss, Rachel, sent her. "Many times." She changed her answer quickly.

"Is there a problem here?" I asked as I looked at everyone.

Rachel looked at me instantly and smiled. "Not at all, Mr. Morterez. Please forgive Opehlia and her clumsiness. I always tell her that she talked too much." She laughed loudly as if it was the funniest thing in the world.

Once seeing that no one joined in on her laughter, she stopped awkwardly. "I suggested another waitress, or maybe even me, I know everything—" She began.

"That won't be necessary." I cut her off. "Now please, I'm quite hungry and would love it if our waitress could take our orders without any further distractions," I said with finality in my tone.

"Yes, sir." She slightly bowed her head and scurried off and we all hear her door slam.

Kace, being the first to speak, said, "Why don't you just bring us two coffees, okay?" He hesitated before kissing her cheek as if it was a usual routine for him and she blushed as she whispered an 'okay'.

I clenched my jaw not only at the action, but at the way he stared at her ass when she walked away.

Fucker.