Chapter 6

I was having a fantastic day till 9 am today. Then my alarm rang and woke me up.

But it's Friday, the last workday of the week, which means the weekend is just around the corner. With that thought keeping me motivated, I head to the bathroom to take care of business and hop in the shower.

After my shower, I towel-dry my hair before carefully brushing and blow-drying it into place. Feeling refreshed, I step into my wardrobe and decide on an outfit: a crisp white suit waistcoat paired with a pleated mini skirt. Once dressed, I move on to my makeup—keeping it minimal and fresh, except for my lips. My lips are my signature, so I swipe on a bold red lip gloss that instantly makes me feel confident.

Slipping into my heels, I step out of my room, ready to take on the day. Just as I do, I'm greeted by Kia, who's dressed in who's the picture of elegance in a fitted black pant and matching suit jacket. The tailoring is impeccable, and her look is completed with sleek black heels and a simple silver necklace.

"Morning, baby!" I call out cheerfully as I move past Kia, heading straight for the kitchen in desperate need of coffee.

"Morning," she replies, her tone flat as her fingers fly across her phone screen. Just as I reach for the coffee maker, she glances up and continues, "I've got a meeting with a new client today. Apparently, this guy is interested in purchasing around a hundred of our dresses. I only found out about it this morning, so I won't be able to make it to the office."

I pause mid-reach, turning to face her. "A hundred dresses? That's amazing. It's time to drink bitches! Finally I needed an excuse to get shitfaced and pass out."

She nods, her expression softening slightly but still focused. "It is. If this works out, it could be huge for us. But first, I need to make sure it's legit and no one's trying to mess with us," she says, her voice sharp with determination.

Then, a playful glint flashes in her eyes as she adds, "If I do close this deal, I'll bring the drinks." She winks, her confidence shining through.

I squeal already excited at the idea of alcohol. I chuckle, raising my empty coffee mug in a mock toast. "I'll hold you to that. Go get 'em, boss."

With a smirk, she grabs her bag, her heels clicking against the floor as she heads out, leaving me alone to make my much-needed coffee.

I reach for the coffee canister in the cupboard, only to find it empty. Frowning, I search through the other cabinets, pulling open doors like a caffeine-fueled detective.

Nothing. Not a single grain of coffee in sight.

I close my eyes and let my head fall back, groaning dramatically. "This is it," I mutter to no one in particular. "This is how it ends."

I glance at the kettle, then at the box of green tea in the corner. "Don't even look at me," I say, pointing accusingly at the tea. "And you shut the fuck up bland bitch."

I grab my phone and text Kia:

"You drank the last of the coffee and didn't replace it. I will be filing a physical assault case on you.

Bring coffee with those drinks later and bring food too. Some chocolates as a sorry would also be nice.

Thanks."

I need coffee or I will smash my face through the wall. I'm not kidding I will do it. I'm going to cry early in the morning oh my god.

I head out, making my way to the nearest coffee shop. It looks new, but it was the only one that came on the route between my penthouse and the office. Spotting it ahead, I quicken my pace and slip inside, desperate for caffeine.

I glance around the space, taking in the decor.

Ew. Does no one know style these days? Who thought pastel walls and mismatched chairs were a good idea?

I shake my head, too caffeine-deprived to care about interior design critiques right now. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifts my way as I approach the counter, instantly soothing my frustration.

Relief. Sweet, caffeinated relief.

The barista behind the counter greets me with a cheerful smile. "Hello! What can I get you?"

"Drugs," I reply, leaning slightly onto the counter. "Kidding I would like some caramel macchiato."

The barista chuckles. "Got it. Coming right up."

Suddenly, the piercing wail of a child echoes through the café, cutting through the comforting hum of coffee machines. I flinch, and drop my head against the counter's edge.

"Too early for this," I mutter under my breath

No coffee in me plus a crying child. I will kill myself.

The wailing only grows louder, a relentless assault on me.

If anything  Im the victims here.

I feel a wave of nausea rising and silently plead to the universe. Please, someone make it stop before I commit a sin.

The child abruptly quiets. I glance over to see his mother crouched down, cooing softly to him. The boy sniffs, his tears vanishing as he points excitedly toward the display case.

"Look, Mommy!" he exclaims, his voice now filled with urgency. "There are only four chocolate donuts left! Let's go before they're all gone!"

Turning my attention back to the barista,

"On second thought can you add four chocolate donuts to my order too. I'm quite hungry."

One donut for every minute that little boy cried.

A deep chuckle echoes beside me. "You don't like kids, do you?"

Oh my god. That voice. The same deep, sultry tone that had me clenching my thighs last night.

Zaden.

I try to keep my cool, but my heart races. "Hate them. Can't tolerate them," I reply, turning to glance at him. And there he is looking as irresistible as ever, those sexy specs still perched on his freckled nose, his lips pulling into that trademark smirk.

He smiles, that familiar mischievous glint in his eyes. "Nice to meet you again, doll."

Please, stop calling me that. I'm going to faint.

I force myself to take a breath, glancing away briefly to steady myself. "My name is Iliana," I remind him, trying to sound collected, but all I get in return is a teasing smirk.

"Oh I know and I love your name, but 'doll' just seems to fit you better."

I roll my eyes, fighting the blush creeping up my neck. "I really don't like you."

He just laughs, clearly enjoying the effect he has on me. " If anything, I should be the one to be upset here. You made me listen to the rant of an old lady and how I should never allow you to enter my restaurant again."

I thought everything was forgiven and forgotten?

I got tricked.

I shift slightly, trying to change the subject and regain some control. "Look, about last night... Can I buy you a coffee to make up for it?" I ask, my tone light but sincere.

He looks momentarily surprised at my offer, his eyebrows lifting slightly. I quickly add, trying to cover my tracks, "That is, if you haven't already had some, because it's almost eleven, and people usually have their coffee by now. I'm not assuming anything, I'm just guessing," I finish, my voice trailing off awkwardly as I realize I might've over-explained.

He chuckles, clearly entertained by my rambling. "No I haven't had my coffee yet."he smiles as he accepts my offer.

"You're cute when you get flustered," he says, that cocky grin spreading across his face again.

Don't blush iliana.

I narrow my eyes, crossing my arms. "Oh, I'm only cute when I'm flustered? You're calling me not cute otherwise? Do you know that calling someone not cute is basically the same as calling them ugly? And here you are, calling me ugly... after I've only been nice to you." My voice cracking slightly in the end.

I dramatically curl my finger and wipe at the corner of my eye, pretending to hold back a tear. "Oh my makeup," I add, as I fan my eyes, my voice dripping with exaggerated sorrow.

Zaden's eyes widen slightly, and his grin falters. He steps closer. "Wait, no doll, I didn't mean—"

I give him an innocent look through my faux tears. "It's too late now, Zaden. The damage is done."

He opens his mouth to apologise again but stops when he sees the twitch on my lips. "Oh wow real mature." he says rolling his eyes.

I laugh, enjoying the moment. "You should've seen your face! I got you twice now. What's wrong with you?"

He rolls his eyes, clearly not impressed, but a smile tugs at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. Where were we before you decided to fuck with me?" he asks sarcastically.

I raise an eyebrow and reply nonchalantly, "Oh, you were buying me coffee."

He pauses for a beat, looking at me puzzled, then smiles. "Me? But you said—never mind."

With a shake of his head and a small smile still playing at his lips, he turns to the barista and adds, "Add one black coffee to that order too."

I smirk, feeling victorious.