â**Prologue**â
5 Years Ago - Barcelona
â¢Madison
"Maddie, Can you please put your goddamn camera down and listen to me"
Looking up to my best friend as she raises her eyebrow looking like she's already done with me, chuckling at her as I put my camera down and slightly raise my hands in defeat.
"Okay, sorry, sorry, but you know you can tell me that without looking like a landlord who didn't get any payment from her tenant" sipping on my drink as she tipped her chin at me.
"I'm too hot to be a landlord" she gasps dramatically, making me smile. Well, that's true. Without any argument needed, My best friend is indeed a goddess.
"Hurry up, we'll be late to our flight."
"Seriously? Our flight is in three hours, and you're rushing me?"
She rolled her eyes and sit back to the bed, shaking my head at her while I grab my suitcase and put my camera in it. Together with my laptop, 4 pairs of clothes and 3 pairs of night gowns, underwear and some toiletries.
"Do you think your brother will be there?"
"Hazel, If you are going to simp over someone, please not Zane, He's no good for you sweetheart, trust me". I warned, making her chuckle.
"Idiot, I'm not interested in your brother. I just want him to scold you. Did you forget that I have a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, Your 2 years of internet love that you haven't even seen?" I said when she suddenly jolted up, making me look at her confused. "The fuck?"
"I almost forgot to tell you my surprise, We're meeting up. Finally, after 2 years" She clasped her hands together and rolled over my bed. "He said he'll also be in Barcelona for business, and we'll meet up once I got there"
"That's nice of him to ask for that. I really didn't expect you two to work out, like duh? A Long Distance Relationship is the last thing I want to do in my life."
"I don't really think you know how love feels because let me remind you-" she jumped on my back and wrapped her arms around my neck. "You've never had any decent boyfriend after your very first one, You bitch"
"It's enough, and for fuck's sake could you please stop bringing that bastard up? He's a shame. And for that looking-for-boyfriend thing you keep insisting, I already told you that I'm not interested, okay? Like for what? To get cheated on? Again? Bitch No."
"I'm really amazed by your trust issue"
"I am too" I chuckled at her and dropped her back to the bed. "Less talking, More Packing"
"Yes Mommy Maddie"
"Shut the fuck up, Hazel"
"Even I feel gross after saying that" she said while fake vomiting
****
3 Hours later - At the Airplane
Walking to my seat when I notice a man already sitting next to my seat. His perfectly fitted suit caught my attention. He looks like someone who belongs to the first class seat, but who am I to judge? I can also afford first class, but I prefer it here. Settling my coat down as I sat next to him. I got the seat next to the window and Hazel's seat right is behind me.
Do I hate my seat? Yes. Why? Because I'm afraid of heights. How come I can travel around the world? I overcame my fear 4 years ago, Not really. Am I still afraid of heights? Nope, but I'm having panic attacks every time I realize how high it is from where I am. Shit.
"Flight attendants, prepare for take-off, please." The pilot on the speaker stated. "Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off. Passengers, please fasten your seatbelts"
Closing my eyes as I prepare myself for the take-off.
'I can get through this. I just need to close my eyes, relax, think about my birthday coming in 2 days, and I'll fall asleep. If I fell asleep, then I don't need to worry about the fligâ'
My thoughts got cutted when I heard a soft manly voice beside me, it's the man.
"Uhmm... Your seatbelt" He pointed to my seatbelt as I let out an embarrassed chuckle.
"Yeah, right, thank you" Reaching for it when I realized that my hands were trembling, no, it's shaking. I've never been this nervous about flights before.
"Are you okay, Miss? Is there something wrong?" he asked while looking at my hands.
Buckling my seatbelt as I face him and smile, "Yeah I am, Just not- uhm- you know" I pointed to the window which I think he understands.
"You can take my seat" he said while closing his laptop and unbuckling his seatbelt when my hand unknowingly held his arms making him look at me.
Realizing what I did, I immediately pull my hands back. "It's okay, I appreciate it, but no"
"I can't just sit here for the next 8 hours knowing that you are nervous and shaking like that" Fuck. I don't know what's wrong with me, but why does that sound so sexy? Gosh.
"O-okay... Thank you."
The whole flight went blank, after I took his seat I immediately fell asleep and to my surprise I actually slept for the whole flight. Hazel just woke me up saying that we'll get off, and I also noticed that when I woke up, the man who gave me his seat was already gone. I didn't even get his name. Too bad, he looks handsome. And now for reality...
We got to the hotel and checked-in in our room. Hazel said she needs to go somewhere, but to my knowledge I know that 'somewhere' is her boyfriend. Picking up my phone when I saw my brother's name flashing on the screen, 'Liam'.
"Are you already in the hotel? Didn't I told you to inform me when youâ"
Stopping him mid-sentence by a simple hummed, a smile form in my lips. "I just got here, I was actually about to call you."
"Reasons... By the way, can you come to my room tomorrow morning? I need to talk to you in person" he often used his eldest brother-tone, but when he did, It's terrifying.
"Yeah sure, send me your room number. Is Dada with you? And Zane?" I haven't seen my grandfather and my asshole brother.
"Dada is here and Zane will arrive tomorrow, in fact Dada is the one who wants to talk to you" I can feel something is wrong in the other line, and that's not good.
"Okay, I still need to unpack my things, I'll call you tomorrow."
"K Bye, Love you princess."
"Love you too Liam, but it's cheesy" Chuckling at him as I ended the call.
Looking at the clock when I realize that it's already 8 pm.
****
Am I hearing it right? E-engage? Me? What the fuck is Liam talking about?
"I know it's so sudden, but that's what Dada wants. Please try to understand it" He says while taking the seat in front of me. "I never really wanted to do that to you, I hope you know that. But you know I already took a risk by taking the company and soon Zane will have to fly abroad to study to take our company to London. Dada wants you to have a future with someone."
"What about what I want? I'm not even in my twenties yet, and you're telling me that I'm engaged? Dada? What is this?" facing my grandpa as he just looked down to his feet.
"Sweetheart, all of us are aware that my days are already counted. And your brothers will soon have their own life. I can't just leave knowing that you have no one. Beside, my best friend's grandson is a man every girl wantâ"
"But not me, What I want is to finish my studies and live my life how I wanted" looking straight into his eyes when something suddenly flashes to my mind, a reason for this. " It's for the company, isn't?"
"I know you can handle it, but it's much better if there's someone who can be by your side. I'm not saying that you can't butâ" and again he got cut off, by Liam this time.
"The company won't be yours if you're not married. That's what Mama's will says. So it's either you accept or you won't have company. Decision that yours to make." He said with a straight face. Now I know he's serious about this issue.
It's normal for them to suspect me after my crazy night parties, spoiled personality and especially my 'bad influence' best friend. If I just know that this will happen in the future, then I should have studied much harder. Now I'm stuck.
Letting out a sigh as I took my purse and stood up from where I am sitting. "I need to go now, Hazel is waiting for me." I'm not really in the mood to talk about anything right now.
After five years, I'll be someone's wife. I want to do anything but marriage? I may be spoiled, but I still care about my future. Who might be this lucky man to be my fiancé? He's really lucky to have me, not going to lie, even a bit.
â¢Ace
Arriving at the party when a certain someone caught my eyes.
What is she doing here?
Following me? Might be.
Ignoring her presence as I walk to my table where my friends/business partner are sitting.
"At last Mr. Ashford came, You are late" one of my friends mock, gaining their attention. One of the things I hate the most. Attention.
Looking at my watch as I raise my eyebrow. "I'm just in time Zane, stop being dramatic" Taking the seat next to him when he suddenly hit my shoulder as I gave him a death glare. "What is that for, Mr. Grey?"
"Why did you not tell us about your engagement? If you think you can hide from us, then you don't know us at all"
"How the fuck did you know that? I just found that out an hour ago, and you already know about it?" for real, What are they? Advance fortune-teller?
"Uhmmâ Y-your sister told me. I asked her earlier if you'll make it,, and she said you're in a meeting with your Dad about your engagement."
I don't really expect this news, but if that's what I need to sustain the company in our hands then I'll do it. Besides, I don't really care, I didn't even think that I'll be able to marry someone. Let's just say it's a bonus. But you shouldn't treat a woman like some kind of bonus.
"Yeah let's not talk about it, getting married to some bitch is not really a big deal you know. It's not like I'll fall for just some random bride, right? " I shrugged, trying to change the topic.
"Well, you can't really say that. What if you fall for her? Like they said, 'Keep your words sweet in case you need to swallow them back'"
"And I'll swallow it if I need to" Roaming my eyes around the venue when I saw her walking towards us.
"I wonder if she'll stop coming to you if she knows that you're already engaged to someone that is not her?" He asked, also looking at my ex.
"Just ignore her."
"I'm very good at that game, Ohh, I forgot to tell you that my sister is coming later."
"The one you are always talking about?"
"Yeah? Maybe, because I only have one sister?" He said sarcastically while drinking his wine.
"Excuse me. Ace, I need to talk to you." there she is.
"Is it something important? If no, then don't waste my time Mila"
"I can explain it, please give me a chance. I'll do everything please" She grabbed my hand to hold it, but I yanked her hands away.
"No need to. I don't want to have another bitch in my life"
"Yep, And Mila for your information he's not available anymore." Zane added for me. Which I'm thankful for because I can't somehow say that I'm already tied to someone.
"What do you mean?" Glaring at him when her hand falls on her side.
"He's engaged. He's going to marry someone. He has a fiancé. And he can't be yours, that's what I mean."
"That not true, Ace? You can't be engaged to someone when we just broke up a month ago"
"But that's the truth. Actually, I'm on my way to pick up my fiancé now."
The moment those words came out of my mouth, I immediately cursed myself. How dumb am I to say those words? Who am I going to show her if she asks? Fuck it.
"Really? Ace, I know youâ"
"Not really. Now, if you excuse me. She's waiting for me" Getting up from my seat as I walk to the exit. I know she's going to follow me. I can't just take my words back, so let's just play it cool.
Getting in the elevator as I press the ground level. Hopefully I can just walk away from this. I know Zane will understand me. I want to stay at the party, but with that crazy woman inside? No. Not only that, but I already wasted two years of my life with a cheater, and I'm not planning on extending it.
It's not like I hate women, but I really do. Maybe on a scale of one to 'let them suffer', it's almost at the top. My life has never been good with a woman in it. Except for my sister, but she's still a girl, and she's a teenager. My only reason why I'm staying in that company.
When I heard the elevator pinged, I immediately went out. Then I heard another elevator opened, she's still following me. When I reach the lobby I can't think of anything to make her stop, so I just continue walking out of the hotel.
****
Madison
Stepping out of the cab as I look up at the hotel in front of me where my brother told me to meet him. Fixing my sling bag as I was about to walk when...
Wtf?.
A strong arm wrapped around my waist to pull my petite body closer, and the next thing that sank in my mind was when he suddenly attached his lips on mine, making me widen my eyes. I'm certain that I need to do something, but my body is like a statue and my mind went black. His strong scent is caging me together with his arms that are slowly wrapping around my body.
Chances that some stranger will kiss you out of nowhere, in front of some luxurious hotel is for real a one in a million. But at this time, I don't really care about anything or anyone who can see us.
Just when I thought he'll pull away, he tightens his arms around me and the front door of the hotel is opened by a girl who looks surprised to see us, who wouldn't be?. I felt his lips starting to move against mine when my eyes unconsciously closed on their own.
I felt like a teenage girl who got her first kiss, but the problem is this is not my first, definitely not my second or third too.
After some time, he slowly pulled away while looking straight at my eyes with his green one.
"Babe, why didn't you wait for me? I told you I'll pick you up" he asks with his soft finger
Caressing my cheeks.
What am I supposed to do?
Should I slap him? But he's too handsome to have my hand printed on his cheeks.
"Uhmmâ I thinkâ" I was about to say that maybe he mistook me for his girlfriend, but he took my hands and turned to the girl, the one who's standing behind him right now with anything but happiness.
"Babe, This is Mila, a friend. And Mila this is my fiancé" he introduced, making me speechless.
Like, what the actual fuck? He kissed me out of nowhere,, and now he's introducing me to his friend as his fiancé? I don't even know him. What does this sand-haired man think he's doing?
But the girl seemed to be in a bad mood, as she gave me a death glare and stomped her feet back in the hotel like a kid giving up after not having her parents buy her a teddy bear.
Hearing the man release a sigh of relief brought me back to my sense.
"What just happened? And who are you Mister?" snapping at my attention to him as he immediately let go of my hands.
"I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to do that" with his eyes flashing how sorry he was.
That's when I realized that he looks familiar, but I forgot where and when I saw him.
"The kiss lasted that long, and you didn't realize that you didn't mean it?"
"I meanâ I needed help with that woman, okay? And it just happened that you're the one who I first saw to kiss" he admitted, making me somehow understand him, but that disappeared after he mumbled "It's not like you didn't like it".
"How nice of you to say that instead of thanking me that I didn't call the police '' crossing my arms over my chest when I notice his eyes go along with my arms. Couldn't blame him, My lavender-pastel silk dress is showing some tease of my chest.
"Are you really going to call, though? Is that why you closed your eyes while I'm kissing you?"
His smugness had me snorting. "Pardon?".
It was like he saw a fuming air coming out of my nose as his smirk slowly disappeared.
"Okay, I'm sorry. It's my fault. I apologize for kissing you. I'mâ"
I'm unable to hear his next words when my brother honked at us. Liam stepped out of his car and stepped towards us.
"Maddie, Why are you still here? The conference started 10 minutes ago if I'm not mistaken?" showing his sleeves up to look at his watch while his other hands went to my waist.
Shit. If he happens to arrive on time, then he might see us. For the first time in my life, I'm thankful that he's late.
"I'm on my way there" I simply told him when I realized that he's glaring at the man in front of me. "He just asked me the way to the hall, let's go?"
He nodded at me as we had our way to where Zane was waiting for us.
The rest of the night passed with my mind playing me. That kiss.
If someone passes by and sees me grinning like this, They might think I'm crazy.
I'm not the kind of girl who believes in love at first sight, but maybe Interest in first kiss is what is appropriate to use now. This is just a one time thing, and I'm aware that I'll never see him again, but part of me is willing to watch the night sky for the whole night just to catch a shooting star and wish to see him again.
I don't hate him, and I can't say that I like him either.
Or maybe the kiss is what I like, maybe he's right about it.
I'll never forget how his lips moved over mine, and I'm sure he tasted my cherry-flavored chapstick. I literally needed to re-apply it again because my lips went dry.
It's eating me up that I even forgot that we just discussed my engagement back in Liam's room.
I hope to see him again.