37

[Warning: Sorry if I have typos.]

Paige.

"Seatbelts."

Blake said when I got inside his car. I wore the belt over my chest and placed my bag and wallet on my lap and he started driving.

[Hi Puppy, long time no see.]

My eyes widened when I heard a familiar sound of AI (Artificial Intelligence). "Screech?" I said in surprise looking for the helmet. "He's alive?" I looked at Blake who had his arm leaned on his windows side while one hand held the wheel.

"Obviously." He said without taking his eyes off the road.

I just nodded and looked at my window. How did he move his AI from the helmet to the car? Well I guess it's possible. As he drove, awkwardness filled us in. Ugh!

I crossed my arms on my chest. It's been so long since I've been in the same car as him. I never thought that this day would ever come. After we broke up I didn't see the reason for us to be this physically close, but look at where we are now. Ugh! I hate this!

We were covered with awkward silence as he drove. I just kept my eyes focused on the window.

"Where do you live?" He asked while keeping his eyes on the road. I frowned. "Why do you want to know where I live?"

He stopped the car when we reached a stop light. He bit his lower lip to stifle his smile. "I meant your address."

"Why on earth should I tell you my address?" I crossed my arm. "You can drop me off in the city, I'll just grab a cab to get to my condo."

"At this hour of the night?" He raised his brow at me. "Do you even know what ruckus you could cause if people see you out in the streets?"

"So what? Why should you care." I rolled my eyes.

"I don't." He said coldly.

I laughed sarcastically. "Is it your priority to get me home safely?"

"My sister's orders are my priority."

I frowned. "Look, I appreciate your sister's help but I don't want you of all people to know where I live." I said it straight to the point.

He laughed sarcastically and leaned his elbow on the window side and rested his head on his fist. "I'm sorry miss but I can't drive with my eyes closed." I frowned when he stopped the car in the stoplight. "So if you really don't want me to send you to your condo then suit yourself, I'll drop you off in the middle of the city but if you want otherwise you better let me know your address."

God I hate him!

"Fine!"

He activated Screech the AI and I told screech my address which activated his car's GPS. I groaned in my seat, why is nothing going my way?!

I suddenly peeked at his phone when I saw it ringing, He picked up the call and started talking business.

"Cancel all my meetings tonight, If there are any issues, contact my sister." He said sternly. "Lets discuss that tomorrow, I'm dealing with something important right now."

My eyes widened with what I heard. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Did he just call me important or have I misheard him?

"Bye." He ended the call and focused on driving.

Important? I thought. What's so important about this? I raised my brow at him but he was now preoccupied in driving.

When he reached the front of my condo, I hoped off immediately with my bag without giving him a glance. "Tell your sister I said thanks." I said before walking away. I heard his car drive off into the city.

"Walk faster." Stella commanded when we approached the airport doors.

I have a flight to France today to shoot for a French brand and the press were crowding up the airport's entrance.

"Doesn't your best friend know that you'll be leaving today?" Stella asked when we got inside the airport for baggage check.

"No I forgot, I was quite busy last night." I recalled myself hopping off Blake's car. The mere memory brought a frown on my face.

After we checked our bags, Aiden greeted me when we entered our gate. I laughed at how professional he looked in his business suit. He had a secretary behind him. To others he was the strict CEO of the airlines, but to me he's my stupid best friend.

"We're going back home to Massachusetts when you arrive back from France." He reminded me before I boarded the plane. "Bye Peggy!" He waved me goodbye.

I laughed. "See you soon Ugly!"

I boarded the plane in first class. The flight attendants and the pilots were all familiar of me not because I was a famous model but also because they know I'm their CEO's best friend.

"Why don't we make a rumor that you have a non-showbiz boyfriend for publicity?" Stella thought when we were on our plane.

I frowned. "Of course not, why would I want people to think that I have a boyfriend even if I'm happily single?"

"It's not like we can make a rumor out of you and your secret ex." Abby said.

I frowned. They both knew that I have an ex, I haven't just told them who it is. Stella sighed. "Fine but we really have to do something about your child rumor, it's getting quite out of hand." She opened her tablet to check my schedule. "You're going on a trip with your bestfriend right?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

"Be careful, the press will take anything they can to spread another false rumor." She reminded me.

"Don't worry I'll be careful." I promised.

When we landed in France, my first destination was to the Palace.

"Paige." Eloise smiled when I entered the French Palace's gate. "So glad you could drop by."

I spent a whole week in France, sometimes I'd hang out with Eloise and her maids would pour me tea, I had several photoshoots with a French brand and I spent the rest of my days with Abby and Stella roaming the streets of Paris.

One morning, I had breakfast on the terrace in my hotel room overlooking the Eiffel tower. "We have to update your social media," Stella said at breakfast. "Now do a pose, pretend you're sipping tea." She made me do poses and afterwards made me post my pics on social media.

I honestly was never a fan of updating people on my private life, only now it was necessary and I've gotten used to it.

Before we left France, I stopped by the mall to buy some toys for Hana while Stella and Abby shopped for some clothes for me. After I got some toys and brought them to the counter, I rummaged my bag for the first time this week for my wallet. I frowned when I couldn't find it.

"What's wrong?" Stella asked when she saw me rummaging through my bag.

"I can't find my wallet." I complained.

"Where did you last leave it?" She asked.

I thought. "Shit." I muttered when I remembered where I last placed it. Blake's car.

"Just get it back when we return to the States." Stella said and paid for Hana's toy. God! Why is life always making me have to go to him?

I fell asleep in the plane on our way back to the Kingdom of the States. Abby woke me up when we landed. I rubbed my head when I felt it ache, I popped a lollipop into my mouth for me to ignore the pain. It was 5:00 am in California when we got to the airport making it have only a few people.

After I got my bags, Aiden's secretary approached me. "Good morning Ms. Bennet." He greeted me. "Mr. Dawson will be running a bit late."

I smiled. "Oh it's fine. Thankyou for informing me." After I got my bags, I parted ways with Abby and Stella while Aiden's secretary accompanied me while waiting for him.

I started walking near the exit doors of the airport while waiting for Aiden who's as slow as a turtle. After 10 minutes I pulled out my phone to call him.

"Paige Ashley Bennet! Welcome back!"

I turned behind me and found Aiden walking towards me with a bouquet in hand. Wow, he didn't forget Mom's request.

I laughed. "Aiden Wyatt Dawson! You're late!"

He chuckled when he approached me. "Sorry Peggy." He ruffled my hair. "I had to get your Mom's request last minute." He waved the bouquet in his hand. I pulled his hand and led him to the exit. The chilly morning air greeted us when we stepped outside of the airport he then led me to where his car was parked.

"What flowers did you choose?" I eyed the bouquet as walked towards his car. "Lemme see."

"I picked the best." He handed me the bouquet.

I stopped walking when I heard something. Aiden must've noticed because he looked at me with a confused expression.

"Hide your face!" I immediately moved the flowers to hide his face and I pulled him faster towards his car.

When we got inside, I rubbed my temple and closed my eyes.

"What's wrong?" Aiden asked.

"I think you should change your car's plate number, and wear a face mask when you get back here, also start using another car." I advised.

"Why?" His forehead scrunched.

"Someone took a photo of us." I sighed, and I know for sure that I'll be in a lot of trouble because of it.

________________________________________________________

[Ashley Bennet, you're all over the news! Didn't I tell you to be careful?!]

Stella nagged at me when I woke up the next day. I knew this would happen. I woke up to a headache and this issue has just added up to it. Never have I anticipated that there would be press waiting in the airport that early.

I rubbed the sides of my head as I read the news on my phone. My eyes widened when I saw the headlines. Part of me wanted to get upset, the other part of me wanted to laugh.

Supermodel, Ashley Bennet is dating the Dawson Airways CEO, Aiden Dawson.

Ashley Bennet receives flowers from Aiden Dawson.

Aiden Dawson, CEO of Dawson Airways, father of Ashely Bennet's child.

"Oh my God." I covered my mouth with my hand. "Aiden's going to kill me."

I eyed the pictures. My face was clear in the picture because the camera was focused on my face while Aiden had his back facing the camera. It showed Aiden handing me the bouquet making it look as if we were on some date. The people might've found out it was Aiden since the one who took the picture saw the car we entered in. Poor Aiden.

I rubbed my temple while I sipped on my mug of milk. "How did the people come up with all these nonsense rumors."

[Oh God. Fine, I'll take care of this, you stay put, don't do anything, don't say anything. It's so hard to come up with an excuse because he handed you the flowers, God you're really stressing me out.]

"Why don't I just tell the truth that he's my best friend and that we're bringing the flowers for Mom?"

[No one would believe that, just let me come up with a way to convince the public that he's your best friend.]

"Ok do your thing, I'll just deny the rumors if they ask."

Stella reminded me of my shoot at Euphoria today before ending the call. I sipped on my milk before heading to the shower.

"This is hilarious!" Aicko laughed while reading the news articles about me and Aiden. I dropped by her mansion before going to work.

"Oh don't get me started." I rolled my eyes and sat on the couch of her living room.

"Wow Paige, you two are the talk of the country." She showed me her phone while giving me her ridiculous smile. I frowned and read some comment on our pictures. They were all nonsense so I gave Aicko back her phone.

"What does Andi have to say about this?" She handed me a bag of chips.

I waved off the chips and sighed. "He's been whining ever since I told him that someone took a picture of us."

"I can imagine that." Aicko thought.

"He keeps on complaining on how come his handsome face got partnered with mine." I rolled my eyes. "He's definitely not making matters easier for me."

Aicko laughed. "By the way, after your shoot later, bring Andi here so that we plan on Eloise's surprise bachelorette party, Shari's going to come as well."

"Alright." I nodded.

After talking with Aicko, I went to Euphoria for a shoot but before my shoot started, I walked towards Blake's office. I needed my wallet and I'm sure it's with him. I stopped infront of his office, and turned to one of the company's interns. "Is Mr. Carlisle inside?"

"He's not yet here Ma'am." He said politely.

"Move." Blake suddenly walked in the middle of me and the intern and went straight inside his office. How rude!

"Thankyou." I said to the intern before I followed Blake inside. The second I entered, I saw the office's structure, it's gray walls, clear windows, bookshelves, and a large desk with a swivel chair in the middle.

This was my first time inside Blake's office, I know for sure that he has a lot of them since he has many companies but it still felt quite overwhelming to be in one. I eyed all of his certificates hung on the sides of the walls.

I didn't know why but amidst the hate I have for him, I can't help but feel proud of his accomplishments. He's achieved a lot throughout the years, I can't deny that I'm happy for him.

Blake had his back facing me while he took off his coat revealing his white dress shirt that had it's sleeves folded up to his elbows. He then placed it on his coat rack and sat on his swivel chair. He glanced at me to acknowledge my presence waiting for me to talk but I just didn't know when to start or if he was listening because he started typing on his laptop.

"Are you here to stare at me?" He asked after the silence.

I took a deep breath and walked closer to his desk. "I left my wallet at you car."

"I know." He said casually without taking his eyes off his laptop.

I sighed to maintain my patience. "I want it back."

He just continued typing.

I rolled my eyes. Is he ignoring me right now?! "Where is it?"

"First, aren't you going to thank me?" He asked.

I frowned. "Why would I thank you?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

He let out an amused chuckle. "You see, I've kept your wallet safe for almost a week, don't I deserve thanks?" He raised a brow.

"No, you don't." I rolled my eyes.

"Sir?" His assistant peeked through the door. "You have a guest."

"Tell the guest to wait, I'm still having a conversation with the puppy." He pointed to me.

"A very important guest sir." The assistant added.

"Let the guest wait." Blake said sternly before facing me again. He placed his arm on his desk and rested his chin on his right fist. "Did the puppy wake up in the wrong side of the bed?"

I glared at him. "Enough with the pup-"

The door of the office suddenly opened, Blake and I faced the person who entered.

"Uh oh, did I just enter world war 3?" Ram asked.

Blake's face looked just as shocked as I am to see him. "What are you doing here?"

Ram frowned. "Is that the first thing you tell your best friend after not seeing him for months?" He then turned to me, a smile formed on Ram's face. "Oh I see what's happening." He smirked.

I immediately came back to my senses and bowed at Ram making him laugh again.

Blake sighed. "You can leave now Ms. Bennet."

I frowned. "What about my wallet?!"

"I'll give it back later, it's inside my car." He explained. "Now you can leave." He repeated.

I scoffed. "Fine."

"Anyway, that's what you're good at."

"Excuse me?!" I glared. "It wasn't me who left the country-" I immediately stopped talking. This isn't a conversation that I'm willing to have with him.

"Do I need popcorn for this?" Ram asked.

I sighed and looked at my watch. "I'm sorry for the commotion." I turned to Ram. "I'll leave you two, to it." I walked to the door.

"Wait!" Ram called. I turned to him.

"I'll be staying in the country for 2 months, when you're free, you seriously have to see my baking skills, and maybe we can bake together."

"Sorry I...don't bake anymore." I gave him a small apologetic smile before I left the office without missing Ram's dropped jaw. Blake just ignored me as I left the door.

"You really have a pretty face ma'am." Abby complimented me while she was doing my make up. I'm starting to shoot for Euphoria's brand.

"I'm not sure about that but thankyou." I smiled at Abby.

After my shoot, I felt so exhausted. Everyday was so busy and I kept losing energy.

"You don't look that well ma'am, are you okay?" Abby asked me with a concern look.

"No I'm fine, just a little tired." I gave her a small smile. Stella eyed my condition. "You look exhausted, go to the building's cafe and drink something."

I nodded and brought Abby with me to the company's cafe. There were a few employees inside when I entered, they seemed like they wanted to ask for a picture, Abby tried to shoo them away but I allowed them to take a picture with me.

I reserved us a table while Abby went to the counter to order. While waiting, I texted Aiden to fetch me later so that we can go to Aicko's place to plan our surprise bachelorette party for Eloise.

"Here, got you some coffee," Abby placed my drink in front of me. I thanked her and sipped on my drink. As the minutes pass by, I kept feeling more and more drowsy.

I continued eating when my eyes widened when I saw Blake and Ram enter the Cafe. I immediately looked down.

"Your highness." The cashier said to Ram. "What can I get for you?"

"Mr. Carlisle would like a bottle of water." Ram said in the most dignified way.

"What's wrong? I don't see any press." Abby looked around.

"Nothing, nothing." I kept my head down while sipping on my coffee float. My headache kept getting worse and worse.

"Wait here I'll get water." Abby stood up. I frowned. "W-wait-" Before I could pull her to sit, she already walked off to get me water.

I couldn't tell her that I didn't want to be seen alone right now. I rubbed the sides of my temple and opened my wallet to check if I still had my money and cards. All my belongings were there, My brows furrowed when I saw a candy wrapped in it's wrapper. Since when did I keep candies in my wallet?!

I eyed the candy. Did it come from Blake? I looked up to the counter, Blake was there standing while Ram was picking what to buy.

I just ignored them. I can't jump into any conclusions right now, my headache was taking over me. I rubbed my temple while trying to massage the sides of my head.

I sensed Abby approach me. "What took you so long?" I turned up to her but my eyes widened when I saw Blake standing there instead of her. My eyes widened when he took my hand and placed a medicine capsule in it. "Take it."

He then placed a bottle of water in front of me. "It'll help your headache more than flowers."

I paused while confusion filled me. What on earth?

After Abby and I left the cafe we returned to the shooting studio to collect our things. I then received a text that Aiden was already in the parking lot waiting for me.

"Let's go Ashley." Stella said.

"Wait." I almost forgot. "I still have to meet with Mrs. Kline." They agreed to wait for me while I took the elevator to Mrs. Kline's office.

"You'll be having a photoshoot at a resort to model a bikini brand tomorrow right?" She asked.

"Yes." I nodded.

"Well, I want to inform you that I'll be leaving the country for a week." she stated. "I'll be leaving the company in the hands of my brother so you'll be reporting to him tomorrow." She looked inside her papers.

With her words I felt like a nuclear bomb exploded. Why is the whole universe against me?! I was about to complain but Mom's words suddenly rang in my ears. I must act professionally.

I faked a smile and nodded. "I understand."

I walked out of her office with my hands gripped. I can do this right? I waited outside the elevator and pressed the button to bring me to the ground floor. My eyes widened when the elevator doors opened. There were a few employees and Blake.

I walked inside and pressed the ground floor button. I kept quiet while the female employees flirted with Blake. He just ignored them. When the elevator doors opened, the employees left leaving Blake and me alone inside the elevator.

I played with my hands to ignore the awkward atmosphere.

"Here." Blake handed me my wallet.

I took it from him and kept it in my bag. "Thanks." I plainly said.

He looked at his watch as if his time was so important. "You don't bake anymore?" He suddenly asked out of the blue.

I nodded.

"Why?"

I exhaled. "I lost time for it."

Before he could say anything else the elevator doors opened to the ground floor. I was planning on walking out before him but he left the elevator before me. I just followed him. From the looks of it, we both were leaving the building. I met Abby and Stella near the entrance.

"You're leaving?" Abby asked.

"Yeah, you guys take care," I smiled.

Blake was busy texting while walking towards the parking, not minding our conversation. I waved bye to Stella and Abby and went straight to the parking. I chuckled when I saw Aiden's car beside Blake's.

Blake was still texting that's why he wasn't yet entering his car. When Aiden saw me he hoped down his car to get my bag.

"What took you so long?" He ruffled my head.

I laughed and was about to stomp on his foot but immediately stopped when I saw Blake looking at our side with dark eyes. He kept his phone inside his pocket and opened the door of his car.

"Where's your next shoot?" He suddenly asked.

"Uhm...wait." I pulled out my phone to check my sched.

"At a resort, she's modeling for a summer brand, right Peggy?" Aiden asked me.

"I didn't ask you." Blake answered coldly.

My eyes widened with what he said. Blake went inside his car and drove away swiftly. Aiden gasped and held his chest acting hurt.

"Peggy, what did I do wrong?"

___________________________________________________

hehe:))