New chapter is up as promised! I apologize if there are any typos. I had to type the second half on my phone so those stupid autocorrects must've butted in every now and then. I'd be grateful if you point them out when you find one. Happy reading!

It turned out, third time isn't always a charm, after all. Adrian didn't call me back. I didn't know if he even got my voicemail. Nevertheless, I didn't stop hoping, didn't stop waiting. I waited for his call the whole night, for the call that never came even after the dark night faded away with first rays of sun.

Adrian's silence hurt me more than the incident last night. I felt pathetic depending on a man to comfort me. It wasn't like I needed him to save me last night. I managed to do that on my own. All I needed was someone to talk to, someone to hold me together when I was breaking down. His lack of response only meant that he wasn't going to be that anchor to my sinking ship. The message was loud and clear. So why couldn't I get it inside my thick heart?

It was nearing 8 am in the morning. I wanted to return back home, away from the evil memories. I thought of asking Leah to book our flights but didn't want to wake her up just yet. She hadn't slept for most of the night, since it was clear that she had been awake even before the incident. I remembered her puffy eyes and decided to ask her about it later. For now, I'd let her get some rest.

Speaking of resting, it reminded me that Ed hadn't slept either. I could hear him pacing outside my room all night despite the firm lock I had on my door. I slowly got up from the bed and opened my door after many attempts to control my shaking hands.

Ed was standing a few steps down my door, just like I had imagined. There were two more men with the similar uniform standing at the ends of the hallway. He was currently talking to someone on his phone in hushed whispers. On seeing me, he said something to the person he was speaking with and cut the call before coming towards me. "Is there anything you need, miss? I can bring them for you."

I shook my head. "No, it's alright. You need to go and get some rest, Ed. We'll be leaving in a couple of hours."

"Don't worry about me, miss. Not sleeping for a night won't kill me. This is my job."

I nodded quietly when I realized he wasn't about to budge. I went back to my room and took a shower to attain a semblance of calmness. I thought of everything and anything to keep the memories from last night from resurfacing. I let out a bitter laugh as the water streamed down me. How ironic wa it I was praying for my memories to leave me alone now when I had been praying for the exact opposite all my life.

I hurriedly got dressed without looking at the mirror, not wanting to face the bruises on my body. I wore a full-sleeved turtleneck sweater and concealed some visible marks with make-up, wincing in pain at the slight movement of my hand. I briefly remembered the time I'd punched Allie's cheating ex-boyfriend Mike. It had hurt so bad then so it was bound to hurt twice as bad considering I went for two punches with my same hand. It didn't help that it was my dominant right hand. I sighed. I had to do something about the angry marks on my hand as well.

I looked at the time and saw that it was nine. I sent a text to Leah, asking if she was up. She immediately replied and I sighed in relief, glad that I didn't disturb her sleep. I got up and walked to her room, briefly noting that Ed was nowhere to be seen- there were only the two men from earlier and a new one guarding the area. Perhaps he took my advice to get some rest. The others nodded at me as I passed and I smiled slightly.

I knocked on Leah's door and she immediately let me in. I saw that she had already gotten dressed for the day and for the second time, noticed that her eyes were red, as if she'd been crying- again.

"Can I talk to you for a minute, Leah?" I asked as I walked inside. I motioned her to close the door and sit beside me on the couch. She did so hesitantly as if afraid I'd eat her.

"How are you feeling today, Ms. White? Are you alright?" She asked softly. I couldn't help but note that her voice was scratchy.

I nodded slowly. "I will be. But are you?"

She looked startled at my question. "P-pardon? I don't understand."

"I asked if you are alright, Leah." I repeated slowly.

She nodded. "O-of course, Ms. White. Why wouldn't I be?"

I pursed my lips. "Maybe because you'd been crying alone last night and you were crying a few minutes ago, before I called you?"

Her eyes widened. "I... I wasn't c-crying, Ms. White. Everything is alright."

I sighed. "I know something has been troubling you lately, Leah. You haven't been yourself. Tell me what's wrong. You're my closest employee and I wouldn't want you suffering by yourself. Maybe I can help?"

To my surprise, she burst out crying at my words. "You have already done so much, Ms. White. I-I can't ask for more. I-It's my m-mom. She's very sick, last stage of ovarian cancer. I-I've been trying so hard to arrange money for her treatment and last night I got a call saying her condition is getting worse. I didn't want to trouble you when you're going through so much by yourself."

I frowned at her. "Leah, this is your mother's life that is on line. You should've told me earlier. I wouldn't have refused to help."

She didn't stop crying. "I know you wouldn't ever refuse something like this, but I was just... ashamed. I know I've never been a good assistant to you. I've never been punctual and am always messing things up. I... I was just embarrassed to tell you and also partly scared that you'd finally be fed up of my excuses and fire me. I-I really need this job and don't know what I'd do if that happens."

"You're more stupid than I thought before, Leah." I mumbled. "Now, stop these waterworks and do something for me. I want to you book us flight to New York. We're returning right now. That was another thing I wanted to talk to you about. In the meantime, I'm depositing the amount you need in your bank account. Send me the hospital bills and treatment details if you've got. As soon as we land, you'll go see your mom and make her healthy. Trust me, there are many people in this world who would die to experience their mother's love just once. Yours is still with you. Make her healthy and happy now instead of regretting it later."

My voice cracked at the end when I wondered how it would have felt if I had my mom with me today. Maybe I wouldn't have been pining for Adrian's call to comfort me. It made me realize how terribly alone I was. I snapped out of my thoughts and asked her to check for the flights, giving her a stern glare when she was about to refuse the money.

Leah started working on her laptop and made a few calls while I walked back to my room. I saw Ed standing outside my door with a paper bag in his hand. He called out just as I was about to get into my room. I raised my eyebrows when he extended the bag to me. "I... I thought I'd get you something to eat. And drink." He explained, looking uncomfortable.

I smiled slightly at his thoughtfulness. I took it and thanked him, despite knowing I won't be able to eat anything. I couldn't bring myself to turn down his sweet gesture.

Once in my room, I looked inside the bag and saw that there was a takeaway box. Opening it, I saw two blueberry muffins and a takeaway cup with hot chocolate in it. I felt tears springing my eyes as it reminded me of Adrian, how he would send these to me when I was busy in office. Before I knew what I was doing, I had taken a sip of the hot chocolate. My heart thudded against my chest. The taste was so familiar- just like how Adrian's hot chocolate tasted. What if he has come to see me?

I jumped up from my bed and ran towards the door, praying that he was, indeed here. I forgot about all my pain when I thought of the possibility of him coming to me. I opened my door with a newfound energy and came face to face with a startled looking Ed who hurriedly put his phone inside his pocket. He and the other guards were alerted at my sudden presence, some even took out their guns. "Ms. White? Is there a problem? Did anyone enter you room?" He quickly entered my room, aiming his gun around.

I chuckled for the first time after last night, making all the men pause their investigations and look at me like I'd gone mad. They were too polite to utter the words, however. "No, nothing is wrong, Ed. I'm sorry if I startled you all," I said, addressing all the men. Turning back to Ed, I spoke hesitantly, "I just wanted to ask you something. The hot chocolate and the muffins you brought... where did you get them from?"

My eyes were hopeful, my heart beating furiously as I awaited his response. I swore on all Gods above that I'd forgive him and tell him I love him right now if he was indeed here. I realized there was no use holding back your feelings for some special occasion when all that mattered was whether you mean them or not. I forced myself to remain calm when Ed took some time to answer. It looked as if he was still processing my sudden appearance and sudden question.

"I brought them from a small café down the street. I went there to have some breakfast because the extravagant menu here isn't my thing. Their hot chocolate was quite good so I thought to bring you one along with the muffins. I've noticed you eat them a lot." His words shattered every hope I had within me. I scolded myself again for letting my hopes up without thinking.

"Oh."

Ed looked concerned at my sudden change of mood. "Miss, are they not to your liking? I can bring you something else if you wish. I'm sorry I got ahead of myself and just assumed you'd like them." He said hurriedly.

I smiled at him weakly and shook my head. "No, it's okay. There's no need. They taste quite good, which is why I asked. Don't worry about it. And thank you, Ed."

I willed myself not to cry once I re-entered my room. I'd done enough of that already. I sipped the hot chocolate, swallowing my tears along with the sweet drink. The muffins were left untouched. I was afraid I'd find the taste of the muffin familiar as well. I played with the promise ring on my finger. I was getting scared that both of our promises were about to be broken- his to love me and mine to trust him. Did you even mean it, Adrian?

Just then a knock sounded on the door. Leah slowly poked her head in, making me realize I hadn't locked the door. I told her to come in and she did so hesitantly. "What is it, Leah? Are we ready to leave?" I asked.

She nodded. "Yes, Ms. White. There is only a slight change in plans. The flights aren't available for the next four hours so I had Ed check for others. Thankfully he has managed to hire a private jet. I hope it isn't a problem. We're ready to leave if you are."

I nodded slowly. So that was why Ed was talking on his phone just now. I had hired a private jet a couple of times in the past when it was urgent so I had no problem with it. "Alright, then. Let's go. We'll leave now. Have Ed accompany us and please make sure that the media isn't aware of our return. I believe last night's incidents have not been made known to anyone outside?"

She shook her head. "No, Ms. White. Ed has made sure to ensure that the news doesn't get out. I'll ask him to manage the reporters today. I've called for a doctor to see your hand, if you don't mind. He has been made to sign an NDA so the news won't get out. Shall I send him in? We can leave once he's tended your wounds."

What about the wounds in my heart? I wanted to ask, but held myself back. Sighing, I nodded at her, knowing I couldn't go back with bruised knuckles. She excused herself and went out, coming back immediately with a man who introduced himself as Dr. Monet. He inspected my hands and wrapped it with a gauze bandage after applying some ointments on it. He excused himself after that, giving the universal advice to let my hands rest for a few days. I was finally returning home.

The jet was magnificent and unlike anything I'd gotten into before. It was elegant. I saw a name printed beautifully on its surface. Brittany. Somewhere in the back of my mind, the name sounded familiar but I couldn't bring myself to remember it- nor did I have the will to. The world could burn down into flames and I wouldn't bother to think or feel anything.

All through the journey, I thought of what I'd do once I landed. Was I to go and see Adrian- demand explanations from him? Was I to get into my office and immerse myself into work until he came to me? Or was I to leave everything and just sleep my worries away? I thought of the plans I had for this day and how perfectly I had it all mapped out in my head.

In my plans, Adrian would be there on the airport waiting for me and I would remove his shades and mask and kiss him in front of everyone. Once we got home, my special guests would be there waiting to meet him. Then I'd confess him of my feeling, how I loved him from every fiber of my being. Of course, nome of that would be happening now, not until we had cleared everything up.

I sighed as I got off the jet and saw no signs of Adrian despite knowing he wouldn't be here. I remembered that night in Paris when he had promised he would be waiting for me at the airport when I returned. I scoffed inwardly when I recalled how he said he had never broken any promise he made to me and would never break any. I could see clearly how his promise went.

I snapped out of my thoughts when Ed directed us to the back entrance where a man was waiting for us with a car. I found out that he was a member of security and Ed had instructed him to come fetch us. Thankfully, there were no reporters loitering around this time. I got in the back seat with Leah while Ed joined his mate in the passenger seat.

"Where to, Ms. White? Shall I drop you to your apartment or is there anywhere else you wish to go?" The man, who introduced himself as Ed's trusted assistant Peter, asked once he pulled out of the airport.

"No, drop my assistant, Ms. Brooks to her apartment first. She has some urgent business to attend to. You can take me to my place then." Leah smiled in gratitude at my response and I nodded at her. I'd transferred the money required for her mother's treatment and for additional charges into her account a while ago. I just hoped she'd be healthy soon.

Peter was driving me to my place after dropping Leah to her address when Ed got a call. He listened to the person on the other side and hung up before turning to me with a grave expression on his face.

"Miss, I think you would like to go to the office first. There seems to be a problem."

I frowned at his words. He said that was all information he had. I nodded and asked Peter to drive to the office fast. Throughout the drive, the nagging feeling I'd been having since the last two weeks only kept returning intensified. My heart started beating anxiously when we finally arrived at my office. I saw some media personnel standing outside the building. Their attention turned to me as soon as I stepped out of the car but Ed handled them while I hurried inside.

The inside of my office was chaos. There were people removing the office logos and emptying the cabins. The employees were whispering amongst themselves in confusion, some yelling at the workers. I felt my entire body flare up with rage.

"What the hell do you think you're doing in my office? Stop whatever you're doing, right now!"

Everyone stopped on hearing my loud voice that reverberated throughout the office. An unfamiliar man who was shooting orders to take off the company's nameplate turned to me with a smirk. He walked towards me. "No need to get so angry, miss. We only followin' orders. It seems that this company has a new owner now."

My heart stopped on hearing his words. Barely suppressing my rage, I glared at him. "Do you know of the consequences of coming to my office without permission, destroying my office property and spreading rumors? I suggest you to leave my property right this instant with your minions before I use my authority on you."

The man scoffed, making my blood boil. "Talkin' 'bout suggestions, miss, I suggest you to review your ownership documents before preachin' here. The new owner is in your office at the moment. You can go preach 'im instead. I ain't got time to dally."

I rushed to the elevators and pressed the button to the topmost floor. I felt like my whole world was about to fall apart. I didn't remember doing any agreement with anyone about the ownership of my company. It had always been under my sole ownership. I would kill this person who dared to think otherwise.

The elevator opened and I ran to my office. The door was open and I saw three men standing there with their backs facing the door while some other workers were going through my things. "What is the meaning of this?" I asked in a deadly tone as I walked in, making all heads turn to me.

My eyes widened when I saw Adrian and Nate standing there with an unfamiliar man. I finally realized why Adrian had been so busy and cursed myself for thinking the worst of him. It seemed that he had been trying to solve this issue with my office without my knowledge while I was out there doubting his sincerity. I wanted to kiss him then and there, despite wanting to slap him at the same time for keeping me in dark about the happenings of my own company.

"Oh, thank heavens! Adrian, you're here. Is this why you were ignoring my calls? You could've told me at least. Anyways, we'll talk about this later. Just what the hell is going on?! I saw men destroying my office downstairs. Can you please handle this? Nate, I need your help too, since I don't believe my lawyer is present at the moment. And for God's sake! Stop moving my things and get the hell out of my office before I have you removed by force!" I yelled at the workers who were still moving my things around.

I made a move to sit down on my chair when the unfamiliar man spoke. "I'm afraid we'll have to go against your orders, Ms. White. The work is not to be stopped."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "And who do you think you are to say this to me, standing on my property?"

The man raised his hands in surrender. "Let me introduce myself, Ms. White. I'm Brian. I was asked to clear this place since this company has a new owner now."

I clenched my fist in anger and levelled him with a cold glare. "Then pray tell me, who is this new owner you speak of?"

He coughed awkwardly and looked back and forth between me and Adrian. The man opened his mouth to speak when somebody else beat him to it.

"That would be me, Ms. White."

I felt as if I'd fallen down from the highest building when I registered that voice. I looked at Adrian with shock and hurt all over my features to find him staring back at me with indifference. Shaking my head to pull myself together, I asked him, "You're kidding, aren't you? Adrian Stone, I swear to God I'm going to cut all ties with you if you keep up making these stupid jokes! This is not funny at all."

Without breaking our eye contact, he addressed the others present in the office. "Can I have some privacy? Nate, you stay back. You'll be explaining about the legalities to Ms. White."

Everyone scurried out of the office, leaving me, Nate and Adrian behind. Once we were alone, Adrian raised an eyebrow at me. "Now, Ms. White, I don't like repeating myself. Nor do I like wasting my time on stupid jokes. It would be highly appreciated if you show your co-operation."

Shocked, I could only stare at the man in front of me with wide eyes. There wasn't an ounce of warmth in his eyes as he stared at me now- only cold seriousness that made me shiver despite the warmth in the office. There was no hint of the playfulness I was so used to in his tone when he addressed me as Ms. White.

I shook my head. "Adrian, come on now, it's really not funny anymore. You know I don't like it when someone threatens my company. I'm sorry if I've upset you in any way. But this is not the way of getting back at me. I'm already tired from my journey. I can't think anymore. Please stop this nonsense. Nate, please tell your friend to stop fooling around."

Nate looked uncomfortable and I saw a hint of remorse in his eyes. But he stood silently. Adrian rolled his eyes spoke again, his every single word piercing my heart as a sharp dagger. "As I already said, Ms. White, I don't like repeating myself. It would really be better for you and us if you stop wasting our time with these stupid notions you have that I'm joking."

I felt anger running through my veins at his words. I snapped. "That's it. I really don't know why you're doing all this right now, but I'm out of patience. You're taking this too far, Adrian Stone. I don't care what you think anymore. Just get out of my office before I do something I regret."

To my surprise and anger, Adrian laughed loudly. It wasn't a carefree laugh like I'd heard from him before. His laugh was cruel, mocking. I felt hurt and anger battling within me, trying to be the dominant emotion as I saw him standing before me with a cruel smirk. 

"You crack good jokes time and again, Ms. White. It is something I really like about you. But coming to reality, I want you to get out of my office before I do something I won't regret." His voice was hard as steel, successfully managing to shatter the remaining pieces of my heart.

I turned to Nate. "Nate, what nonsense is he speaking?" I hated the way my voice shook, making me feel weak.

He shifted uncomfortably on his feet and cleared his throat. "Eves, Adrian is right. The company is uh... it's in his name now. There are the documents signed by you."

"What documents? I haven't signed anything! Why on earth would I even give away my company to anyone?!" I was growing frustrated with everything happening in my life lately. Why was the universe conspiring against me?

Nate shuffled over his files and handed me one. I took them with shaky hands, heart beating furiously with dread. Swallowing back my anxiety, I read every word. My world fell apart when I realized that indeed, the papers were authentic and indeed, they said I had sold the company to Adrian. Indeed, there were my signatures. I had no idea where they came from.

I shook my head vehemently. "No, I don't agree with this. I never signed anything as such. I should know, because I have never signed anything without reading them through. So I know that this is not my signature. This is fake. It must be forged by someone wh-"  A sudden realization made me stop my words. I looked at the stranger standing in place of the person I loved more than myself.

"You did this, didn't you? You forged my signatures and transferred my company into your name." My voice was a soft whisper as I looked into his eyes that held no emotions. He didn't even blink at my words, there was no regret on his eyes- nothing.

I couldn't believe this. The one thing I'd worked hard for all my life, the one thing I'd done for my sister, for my dad- it was now being taken away from me. That too, by the person I loved, by the person who claimed to love me, who had promised to not break my trust only a week ago. I could feel tears pooling around my eyes but didn't dare let them fall. Then came a sudden thought into me and I spoke again, this time with desperation lacing my words.

"I don't know what games you're playing, Adrian. But I'll get to the bottom of this. I know you're not doing this willingly. You'd never even think of hurting me this way, let alone actually carry this out. There is something you're hiding from me, isn't there? Tell me what it is, Adrian. Please, let me in. Whatever the matter is, I know we can solve this together. Please." I pleaded with him, hoping that he'd open up to me. My heart still believed that he would never hurt me intentionally.

When he stood there silently, I felt a flicker of hope blossom into my chest. I took a step closer to him and cupped his cheeks with my hands. "Adrian, I know you love me. I know you'd never take my company from me knowing how much it means to me. What is it, Adrian? Is anyone threatening you? Oh, someone is blackmailing you, aren't they? They must be threatening me if you've taken this step. Tell me who it is, Adrian. We can talk to the best detectives and solve this case. Please don't let them tear us apart. You won't get anything from this while I will lose everything. I beg you, Adrian. Don't do this, please."

My fragile heart broke into million pieces when he took a step back and let my hands fall beside me. His cold eyes turned cruel as he smirked. "Love," he started and I couldn't help but flinch at the coldness with which he spoke that term of endearment, as if mocking me. "You're more stupid than I thought. You believed me when I said I love you, didn't you? Ah, they said all women are the same and I'm beginning to find that very true. Despite being somewhat successful, you've been fooled by a few sweet gestures and a few kisses. A mighty easy task for me, if I must say. The fact that you were my childhood 'friend' was an added bonus. You trusted me in no time, which is what I wanted ultimately. I must thank you for this little gift and those kisses. I enjoyed them a lot. Now, my patience is running thin. I want you to leave this instant. Don't worry about money. I'll have them deposited into your account in a few minutes. You'll also be heavily compensated for this inconvenience since we came without prior notice. If you have any questions, you can consult my lawyer. I want this room. Have a good day, Ms. White." With that, he nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait." I called out just as he opened the door. Keeping his hands in his pockets, he turned to me with a bored expression. I willed my voice to come out strong when I spoke next. "You, Mr. Stone are the biggest idiot in the world if you think I'm letting you have this office without a fight. You and I both know that this is illegal. I want to take this matter to the court."

He shrugged. "I'd say that is nothing but a waste of time and money, but if that's what you need to do to come back into reality, then by all means, proceed. We'll be present wherever and whenever we are required to."

I nodded once and walked out, feeling that I had hit the rock bottom. I had been violated, betrayed and hurt in the worst way in the span of less than twenty four hours. But I wasn't about to let him take my company. I would fight him even if it breaks me entirely.

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Dun dun dun. *intense music on the background*

Thoughts please?