Xavier Thorn.
Becoming a billionaire at the young age of 27, Xavier was the talk of the town due to the heights he had brought his company to. Thorn Inc started out as a small town business when Zander Thorn created it 30 years ago. Specializing in hospiatitly and hotel ownership, Thorn Inc slowly rose from the roots of New York City and spread throughout the country. However, as the worth of Thorn Inc rose over the years, the health of Zander deteriorated.
Being a workaholic, Zander paid little to no attention on his body, leaving him helpless when he  learned he had stage 4 cancer on a rare visit to the doctor. Because it was diagnoses so late, the doctors couldn't save the millionaire and he passed away six years ago, leaving Thorn Inc to the sole heir of the family, Xavier.
At the age of 21, Xavier Thorn became the CEO and sole owner of Thorn Inc, the biggest hotel and hospitably industry in the world. If his father had taken Thorn Inc to the sky, Xavier had taken the company out of this world. The company reached the next level when Xavier applied his own business knowledge and creativity to his work, causing a company worth millions to change into a company worth billions. Today, Thorn Inc was the top hotel industry, not only in New York and America, but also the word. From Dubai to Milan to Shanghai to London to San Francisco, Thorn Inc's hotels dotted the world and provided top class service and treatment.
A company so big came with many responsibilities, and the burden of such responsibilities drove Xavier in becoming a cold hearted, and ruthless man. Unlike most people who divided their lives into professional and personal, Xavier was different. He had no personal life apart from Thorn Inc. Being the only child who grew up without the presence of a mother, Xavier had been accustomed to taking on life's challenges with a blank face. Emotions were something he no longer felt. He had lost the last bit of the child in him when his father began coming home less and less. The booming of Thorn Inc had driven Zander apart from his son, and though he regretted it, Zander was too late to fix things. What is the outcome of a motherless child with a workaholic father? Two words.
Xavier Thorn.
* * *
Like any typical Wednesday, Xavier was at it with his routine life. Sitting in the CEO cabin on the top floor of Thorn Inc, Xavier was engrossed in the files set on his desk when a familiar man entered the room.
"Good Morning Mr. Thorn," The man greeted with a subtle smile on his face. The middle aged man set a stack of papers on the table before standing in front of Xavier. "Those are the copies you requested."
Xavier stared at the papers, nodding before his eyes met the man. "Morning Jordan, any updates this morning?"
Jordan Harring had been working for Xavier since the moment he took on the responsibilites of being the CEO. Jordan had worked under Zander for a year before he passed away and his duties were shifted over to Xavier. Though most people at the company hated the change of CEO, Jordan was more than happy serving Xavier. Not only was he Xavier's head bodyguard, but he also played the role of his driver and assistant at work, taking care of all of Xavier's needs.
"I'm waiting on a confirmation for the meeting you have next week with Mr. Golden. As soon as their representative sends a response, I will confirm it for you."
"Great."
"Shall I get you your coffee?"
Quickly looking up from the files that had caught his attention, Xavier abruptly refused. "No. I will get that my myself."
"Are you sure Mr. Thorn? You do have three files to review before the conference later today." Jordon spoke with a look of concern evident on his face.
"From now on, I will get my coffee personally. I no longer need your assistance." Xavier's tone was precise, serious, and stern, making his point irrefutable.
"You have always requested that I present you with coffee 9 sharp in the morning. What has caused the sudden change Mr. Thorn? Is there an issue you perhaps want to discuss?"
"No, no Jordan. It's not you. I....I just...." Xavier's mind when back in time to Sunday.
What started out to be just a normal Sunday, transformed into one of the most momentous days of his life. Xavier was is a terrible mood for having to cancel his precious Sunday plans of resting at home. The management team had requested an urgent compilation of reports for the new project to be approved, and since Xavier was the CEO, only he had access to the information needed for the reports. Though he was irritated for leaving the comfort of his home, Xavier headed back to his office to quickly put together a file of reports.
The day was going as boring as always with Xavier sitting amongst a stack of files. The stacked kept getting taller and taller while the headache throbbing at the back of his head was getting harder and harder for him to bare. Throwing one of the files across the room, Xavier charged out of his office and to the nearest coffee shop he could locate.
After walking in the cool fall air, Xavier found himself in front of a small yet elegant cafe with a "Cathy's Cakes & Coffee" sign handing from above the door. With doubts in his mind, he pushed the glass doors open to be welcoming by a chiming bell and the back of a petite girl. Just as he was about to walk closer to the register, the girl abruptly turned and rushed towards the counter when her foot slipped. The girl was about to come crashing to the ground when Xavier's instincts pulled him to the girl, catching her in his arms. And just as his eyes fell on the brown orbes of the girl, he knew that one visit to this coffee shop wouldn't be enough.
"Sir?" Xavier was broken out of his memories with Jordan's voice.
"I'm sorry, where was I?"
After giving Xavier a skeptical look, he continued. "For the past 6 years, I have be ordered to present you with coffee in the morning. So what has triggered the sudden change?"
"I.....I just wanted to change things up a bit. Like I said before, from now on, do not worry about my coffee. I am capable of getting it on my own. If I need your assistance, I will gladly let you know."Â With that being said, Xavier dismissed Jordan and filed through the pile of paper work that was lingering on his desk.
Ever since that Sunday afternoon coffee break he had given himself, he was unable to concentrate on his work. Every time he turned his attention to the papers, a pair of brown eyes would captivate his mind, distracting him to work further. No matter how much he tried to control desires, he would find himself walking to the same coffee shop in hopes of getting one more glimpse of the girl who had blurred his mind.
It had been about ten days since Xavier Thorn had met the innocent Raine Woods. Though at first he had tried to stay away from her, his mind refused to let go of those eyes that seemed to draw him in. They seemed to speak to him and for some wierd reason, he wanted to listen to what they had to say.
So every day, pushing his assistant aside, Xavier would venture out to Cathy's Cakes & Coffee to get glimpse of the girl.
Raine.
Xavier recalled the way she reacted when she heard his name. He could still taste the sweetness of the Pistachio Rose Latte she had so sweetly recommended. He never thought that he would ever find something so sweet, flow down his throat as he was accustomed to the bitterness of his usual black, no sugar. A smile came upon his face recalling her cute rants for which she always apologized. Little did she know that for Xavier, those meaningless rants weren't meaningless. The rants had the ability to put a smile on his face. And though the smile might have been faint, it was still a smile. A smile that rarely ever appeared on his face. And the dimple that he hid from the world, he showed to her. Something he ever expected himself to do nor dreamt of doing. He was known as a cold man and he never denied those accusations, in fact he strengthened them with his intimidating glares and conceited behavior.
But there was something about Raine that left his cold heart to warm up when he was near her. And though he had always tried to lock his heart away, he actually enjoyed the weird feelings that would happen throughout his body when Raine was around.
Xavier's thoughts were interrupted when the phone on his desk began to ring. He ran his fingers through his hair before putting his thoughts aside, and answering the phone.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Thorn, I'm calling to remind you that your meeting for Toronto, tomorrow morning is set for 10 am. Your private jet is ready to take off tonight whenever you are ready." Cindy, his junior assistant, chirped through the phone causing Xavier to cringe.
"Meeting in Toronto? I thought it was cancelled?"
"It had been cancelled, however Mr. Amberton with Amberton & Co. was able to fly into the city this morning, thus, reappointing the meeting. And your schedule appears to be cleared out for tonight and tomorrow."
"Very well then. Tell Jordan to have the jet and my bags ready by 8 pm tonight. And go ahead and confirm the meeting with Mr. Amberton."
"Of course Mr. Thorn. Would that be all?"
"Yes." Xavier hung up the phone and ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated. Not only had today been an extremely busy day for him, he also hadn't been able to go to the coffee shop to meet Raine. Ever since the day his eyes had landed on her, there hadn't been a day that he didn't see her mystical brown eyes that shined brightly at him. Although after exchanging names and his sudden departure, they hadn't talked about much, Xavier would still go to the coffee shop simply to be around her. He didn't know why, but it made him feel content.
Knowing that he wouldn't get to see Raine tomorrow, Xavier quickly packed up his belongings in hopes of getting a glimpse of her tonight before he left. It was 4:55 and he knew that cafe closed at 5. Deciding to wing it, he rushed out of his office and down the elevator.
"Jordan! Get the car out now," He said as he went past the main counter and out the tall glass doors of the building. Standing outside, he eagerly waited for his car to arrive from the valet parking.
After a long two minutes, Jordan was seen through the windshield of the luxury black sedan. Before Jordan could get out and open the door for him, he rushed to the passenger side, getting into the car.
"Is everything alright Mr. Thorn? You look like you're in a rush. Any emergencies I should inform the security about?" Jordan said with a concerned expression on his face.
"Coffeeshop! Now."
Confused, Jordan did as he was told. Turning the car around the block, he began to travel up the street.
"Where the hell are you going?! Cathy's! I want to go to Cathy's Cakes & Coffee!! Southbound now."
"I'm afraid Cathy's shuts down at 5 Mr. Thorn. If coffee is what you would like, the Starbucks up north is open late."
"Turn the car around and I should not have to repeat myself!" Xavier's tone was dead serious. Although he had known Jordan for the longest time, he hated when he had to repeat his orders. And if he made up his mind once, changing that was not an option.
Following the orders, Jordan made a quick U-turn and drove down the block to the small cafe at the corner of the block. The car stopped just in front of the cafe and again, before Jordan could open the door, Xavier rushed out. He approached the glass door of the cafe to find another women standing in front of them. She was locking the door much to Xavier's disappointed. However, Xavier's eyes were in search of something else, and not seeing it, made him frown.
"Sorry Sir, the cafe is closed." Daisy said as she finished locking the door and dropping the keys into her bag. She gave Xavier a soft smile, recognizing him to be a daily customer from the past couple of days. And not just any customer, a special one for a certain somebody.
"Um....I'm looking for Raine. Is there a possibility she's still here?" Xavier asked with hope in his eyes. This was one of the emotions that rarely visited his eyes. Much like a eclipse. He had forgotten long ago to hope and pray for things. The world didn't work on those bases according to Xavier.
"Normally she stays until we close but she wasn't feeling well so she left early."
"Wasn't feeling well?! What happened to her?" At this point Xavier's heart was thumping in his chest. Why? He has no clue. This was all new to him. Concerned and him, was something anyone close to him would laugh about if you mentioned together. Xavier Thorn wasn't a man to care about people, whether they were his family or random people on the streets. But for some unknown reason, Raine's absence affected him.
"I don't think that concerns you. I'm not allow to give out personal information about my employees to my customers."
"All I want to know is if she's fine." At this point, Xavier was fisting his hands, ready to punch the women in front of him. Rejection was something his wasn't used to. And when he wanted answers, he made sure he got them. But this women was testing his limits now and he didn't think he could hold for much longer.
"I don't think a headache can kill her. She'll be fine," Daisy said with an amused expression lingering on her face. From the moment she had seen Xavier and the way he looked at Raine, she knew something was up. Whether the both of them could see it or not, the lack of each other's presence drove them insane.
With relief flooding through his body, Xavier relaxed and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank you. Ms?"
"Daisy. I'm Cathy's daughter."
"Thank you Daisy. I should be going now."
"Oh! You should take this. I'm assuming Raine wasn't the only reason you came here. It's not much but our Berry Blue Bagels are a seasonal favorite." Daisy took the small paper bag in her hand and passed it to Xavier. She was right. It was true that Raine was the main reason he came to the cafe but he also came here to get a quick bite. Only then did he realize how hungry he truly was. The stress of finishing work and going to the cafe had caused him to skip lunch.
"Thanks." Taking the bag from her hand, Xavier gave her a nod and turned around, heading back to his car. Jordan had been standing, with his back resting against the car. Upon seeing Xavier, he straightened up and reached out to open the door for him. Once they were both settled in Xavier finally spoke. "Have my bags been packed?"
"Yes Sir. Your bags have been packed with all essential items and the jet is ready to go whenever you are. Shall I take it to the airport?"
"Yes."
Jordan began to drive down the busy streets of New York. It was rush hour and traffic was as crazy as every. Xavier pulled out his computer, reviewing all of the information and presentations for tomorrow's meeting in Toronto. He had been working on this project for quiet some time and was eager to open a branch of Thorn Hotels in Canada for the very first time. Once his reviewing was down, he set the computer aside, resting his back against the seat and looking outside at the buildings which passed and the sun which was slowly disappearing in the horizon.
"Jordan, what's the forecast for Toronto tomorrow? Will there be any snow?"
Looking up in the rear view mirror, "I doubt the snow has began yet. But according to the weather app, there will be rain."
A faint smile appeared on Xavier's face as he looked outside.
"Raine."
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