"And if she is in your life then you must know that she believes that you are a battle worth fighting."

***

THREE: CONFUSION & ENCOUNTERS

"MA'AM WHAT WOULD you like to order?" the waiter asked politely as he smiled showcasing his perfect set of shining white teeth.

"I am expecting someone. After they come we'll order, if that's fine?" I asked with an arched brow. He nodded curtly, flashing a little smile again and retreated.

I was ten minutes early, hoping he would have my wallet and nothing which his hands shouldn't have unraveled. I was feeling restless since last night and couldn't even sleep properly worrying about my purse.

Fifteen minutes passed and there was no sign of him. I didn't expect him to be late at all, after him inviting me. I had even cross-checked the cafe in which I was and it was the one he had asked/ordered me to come to.

Tapping my foot on the floor and biting my lip, my eyes were set on the entrance. At last, I ended up ordering myself a coffee- more sugar, more coffee but less milk. I sipped my beverage scrolling through the news feed on my phone.

After half an hour, in which I have had two coffees to calm my nerves and cure my nerve-wracking headache, tapping my foot till I couldn't feel it at all and after my eyes had become sore while continuously glancing at the entrance every two times in a second, I gave up.

Picking up my satchel, I marched out of the restaurant. This guy has lost his mind. No, actually I have lost my mind. I shouldn't have even come. Why did I even cancel my meeting with a new client and rather came here? To meet whom? Whose name I didn't even know. Stupid me!

There was chaos outside the cafe, paparazzi surrounding the spot in front of me. There were flashes and the sounds of the camera clicking continuously, which made my eyebrows knot. A handsome man came into my view, with sunglasses on. His face was sculpted intricately, with few days growth of beard, hair a smooth shade of black raven. He looked powerful and professional. Figure no less than a Vogue model, muscular and intimidating.

"Mr. Raymond, tell us something about your deal with Kevin Inc."

"Sir, you have funded so much for telecommunications. How do you feel about funding on the refugee issue?"

"We heard you broke up with Ms. Kavanagh?"

"She implored that you broke off with her, is that true?"

"One by one, please." His voice was rich, professional, and laced with sugar and honey, which meant all fake.

But, a chill ran down my spine, then engulfed my heart, squeezing it. I craved something I couldn't recognize.

"About my deal with Kevin Inc., I would say that we are business associates and it was very intelligent to help Mr. Kevin's company. He's a hardworking man and helping him was a very strategic plan and it will be beneficial for our company as well. We get thirty percent of shares from whatever the profit he earns for a year. And... You were asking about telecommunications?" He asked, though his face clearly indicated that he already was aware of it.

"Yes, sir."

"I think it is our responsibility to help in these sectors as not many can afford it and money is not really a question for me. So it was simply good. What else can I even say? Right." He nodded, a non-committal one. He exhaled a laugh and my ears went alert. I swallowed the unsettling feeling.

"My company had already sent 50 million to help the refugees yesterday. I don't know how you reporters didn't get the information." He chuckled light-heartedly. He looked young yet mature and clever. Our eyes met just for a split second before a lady asked him again.

"What about your relationship with Rosalie Kavanagh?"

"Ms. Kavanagh and I broke up a month ago. We weren't... compatible." He seemed to pick up his words carefully as if even a word here and there would prove to be a Himalayan blunder.

"But, why? Ms. Kavanagh confessed that she still loves you." He scoffed but hid it matriculated with a cough.

"Well I am in love with somebody else-" He started but was cut off by a few reporters, throwing questions upon questions at him. I shook my head, letting out a dramatic sigh.

Same old things. These billionaires jump to new women every now and then, so randomly. Just like they change their clothes.

People cannot just mind their own damn business. I was about to walk when his velvety voice reverberated against my eardrums.

"Aurellia Hargrave." I blinked a few times and stopped on my tracks. My heart beat went shallow and I lifted my eyes to look at him, locking eyes. His eyes held mine and I just couldn't hear other voices. I don't know when he took off his glasses but that I cared the least right now. His eyes were dark and emotionless.

In an instant, all the cameras turned in my direction and there were noises of furious clicking and flashes blinding me momentarily. Instinctively, my hands shielded my eyes as the foreign feeling washed over me. Insecurity. I wanted to run away.

A hand rested on the small of my back, pressed firmly. The area became electrically concentrated as heat managed to seep within. My eyes shot towards the same muscular face, which looked even better from this up close. He was looking forward with a stoic expression as the clicking and flashing continued. Posing for the camera.

My eyes were searching for answers which weren't written on his face. His lips started moving, across the stubble on his cheek.

"... date with Aurellia but I became so engaged in answering all of you that my girlfriend seems to be offended."

"I'll make it up to you." He said nearing my ear with a sensitive, almost nonexistent smile, but it was intended to be loud enough for the media to hear it. I figured that.

The media commented on how we looked great together, making a perfect couple to which I made a disgusted face, obviously. I knew they were faking because they were talking to such a great figure and insulting him about his choice would result in them being beaten up if not more.

After clicking a million more pictures in which I didn't pose for the camera and shaking hands with him they left. Finally! I rejoiced internally. Now I want a proper explanation.

I stepped back, maintaining a respectable distance between us. Surprisingly enough, even he took a few steps back at the same time giving me a look that I couldn't successfully decipher. The energy in the air shifted.

My face had question marks drawn all over it and eyes held angered rage. I haven't spoken a word till now as my throat felt like the Sahara desert, barren and dusty. Holding my eyes for how much time I didn't seem to pay heed to, he said, "Follow me."

Follow me.

Follow me?!

Before I could even inhale to let out my anger, his car was out of my sight. This man has definitely lost his FUCKING sense. How the fuck could he do this! And then all he says is following me?

Calm down, Lia. Breathe. Breathe. You have to catch him and find the answers. There is no other way.

NO, I'll catch him then beat him red, black and blue. His face must definitely resemble a rainbow by the next morning.

Relaaaaax!!!!!

I got in my car and bolted towards the direction his car went in.

My eyes enlarged at a huge glass building, definitely with more than twenty floors. It is made of all glass and steel, looking luxurious would be an understatement. 'Raymond Enterprise Holding Inc.' written in discreet steel letters, just above the enormous sliding glass entrance.

Oh, so he was the Theodore Raymond. The owner of Raymond Enterprises Holdings Inc. Obviously I knew him, he was constantly giving interviews and his personal life has been top on the charts.

Behind the curved sandstone desk stood a blonde, well-groomed lady, all posh and professional. She was dressed in the sharpest coal-black blazer with a crisp white shirt beneath. Her makeup was beyond perfect. She forwarded a friendly smile and said, "How may I help you?"

"I am here to meet Mr. Raymond. I think he must have reached a few minutes back."

"And you are?" she asked, giving me all her attention.

"Aurellia Hargrave." I asserted plainly.

"Oh, yeah. Mr. Raymond is expecting you. You'll want the last elevator and press the twenty-fourth floor. There will not be any receptionist on that floor. Only one room resides there, Mr. Raymond's private office. You'll know once you are there."

She hands me a security pass with 'VISITOR' stamped clearly on it in purple ink. Obviously, I am just visiting.

The elevator whisked me with terminal velocity to the respective floor. Walking out confidently, like the original badass Aurellia Hargrave, I knock on the only but massive double-doored wooden plank. Gulping nervously, I pushed the door opened.

His office was too big for a single person. The front side was covered in glass walls from floor to ceiling. In front of it was a huge modern dark-wood table that could easily accommodate six people to dine in. There was also a coffee table matched with the desk. The back door wall was covered completely with mosaic paintings- big and small, mysterious, and eye-holding. They were breathtaking, forgotten the price of the art. The other two walls were painted in plain but rich white. And on top of that, a pure lavender and vanilla scent occupied the air around the room.

Mr. Raymond was following my actions with calculated eyes, not speaking a verse. When our eyes met he motioned me to sit which I gingerly did.

"We have got a lot to discuss."

"I have questions."

We both said together.

"Continue." He said, placing his elbows on the desk and intertwining his long fingers in front, looking as intimidating as ever. His lip curled upwards when he caught my eyes roaming his face.

And, I suddenly realized how dumbly I came to the office of a person whom I have never met or seen before. God forbids, but what if he has some foul intentions?

"Which belonging of mine were you talking about? My wallet?" I asked a bit unsurely, adhering to my norms.

"Yes. Your wallet. I thought you would have figured that. Looks like I was expecting you to be smarter." He feigned disappointment.

Ignoring the last part I continued. "Where did you find it?" I straightened my backbone and squared my shoulders to appear confident.

"Isn't it obvious? The hospital." He said it as a matter-of-fact tone. Is he lying, when did I even drop it there? Oh. Oh, no it was on the reception table. Shit. Irresponsible me.

"Okay. And that tells how you know my name and number," I said it mostly to myself, nodded my head in understanding.

He smirked and shook his head.

Oh, Shit.

"Are you his brother? The one whom I took to the hospital - "

"Took you long enough. Yes, I am the very own brother of the person whom you had hit with your motorbike. When you cannot handle an instrument as such then why do you have to prove shit?" his voice kept rising after every word until he was yelling at me. His face was serious and untamed.

"You are no one to comment on anything. Do you get that? Give me my wallet this instant and I'll leave." I said standing up and leaning on the table, on my hands.

"You might have come here according to your own free will but you cannot leave without my will." He growled standing up as well, his eyes never leaving mine, darkening every passing second. Those grey orbs reflected a storm brewing inside, making me shudder.

"What do you even want from me? I have cleared the hospital bills-"

"Don't show your money here. I have multiple times more than you. How can you repay the pain you gave to my brother? If I want then I can file a police report immediately." His face hard and tone firmed with a lot of authority hidden behind it.

The name of the police made me shut my mouth. If they arrest me, there will be a lack of money for the NGO. Right now, I cannot risk innocent lives so I kept quiet, but didn't withdraw my gaze from his face, looking at him squarely.

"That wasn't intentional," I muttered looking down, finally realizing the mistake I have made.

The NGO and my lost wallet engrossed me so much that I forgot about the poor person I have hurt. I didn't even apologize nor do I know his name. I am such a heartless and careless wreck. He must have seen my guilt covered face cause he asked me to sit down.

Taking a steady breath I looked at him. "What can I do?" I stated simply, already regaining my lost thoughts and plastering on my confident mode.

"Christian is fine, thankfully he had just got a few scratches and a sprained ankle." He informed me in a conversational tone.

"That I am aware of." Because I had a talk with the doctor. I add just to myself.

"But now you see, I have declared you as my official girlfriend-"

"Which brings me to ask. Why?" I raised both of my eyebrows.

"Yeah, I am coming to that if you could keep your mouth shut." He shot me a stern glare, daring me to continue. So I don't, but my facial expressions remain the same-stoic as if I didn't care. It was a lie. I didn't like being scolded.

"You are not any popular figure so they won't come after you. They won't even remember you after this week."

"But why did you take my name? Why me? Why not any other girl. Because you seem to pick up random girls and claim them." I shifted forward, placing my palms over the glass of the wooden table.

"I knew your name. And I didn't pick any random girl. We have talked twice if you have a memory that stores information."

He made it sound like I am a computer, didn't he?

Disgusting.

Heaving a sigh I said, "Okay, now give me my wallet so I can go. I pray we never meet again." I stood up and extended my hand, waiting for the thing to be placed on my palm.

He looked at my hand for a moment and stood up as well. He pulled out my Gucci black leather wallet from a drawer and inspected it.

Impatiently, I started tapping my foot on the marble floor, my view not wavering at all.

He finally handed it to me, as I almost snatched it from him. His face was adorned with a deep smirk. Ignoring him, I opened my wallet. However stupid it looks but I cannot leave without checking if he has stolen anything.

Inspecting it thoroughly, I found something lacking but I couldn't put a finger on what it was. I was rechecking again when he said, "Your identity record for racing. It's not in there. It's with me."

Annoyed at his immature behavior I glared at him with knitted brows. "What are you waiting for? Give it to me. Or you had found your long lost sleeping buddy in it?"

"If I had to give then why would I have even taken? You are so dumb." He added so casually that it made me want to stab him with a dagger. Three times, to be exact.

Gosh. This man is freaking out of his shifty mind. Throwing an irritated look I ordered, "Give it to me. Now."

"Beggars are not choosers," he quoted.

"Fuck. I have had enough of your bullshit. I am telling you for the last time. Give." This man gets into my nerves. Douche. I could feel the heat rising up my nerves till they claimed my brain, giving a headache. I clenched my teeth together to stop the unrequited throbbing.

"I'll not give it to you. Until I want to. You may leave now." Saying that, he sat on his chair and picked up a blue file from his desk.

What?!

"See, that thing is very important. Take something else. But why do you even want anything- you have everything. Why are you irritating the shit out of me?" I demanded, my brain thumping against the hard cranium.

"You leave or I'll call guards." Neither did I bulge nor I said a thing for I didn't even know if he was kidding or being serious.

He pressed a button on his phone and the doors opened immediately. Two men appeared in rich suits, very tall and well built.

"Hold. I have got two legs. I'll go myself." I turned to Mr. Raymond.

"When will I get it back?" I asked in a series tone. He didn't look at me but then lifted his eyes and held them.

"Whenever I feel like it. You'll be informed. It was a pleasure meeting you." He said with a looped side taunting smile. He was enjoying making a living joke out of me.

"Shame, I cannot say the same." I turned around and walked off.

***

Quite a long long chapter it was ... *Phew*