Andrea’s POV
“Andrea, is everything alright?” Granny Catherine’s voice brought me out of my daze. Ever since that phone call, I hadn’t been able to stop worrying about the next day’s meeting. I knew Zion was upset at seeing my lack of interest. Did he seriously think I would do his bidding?
After my rebuff, he had just agreed to meet me tomorrow and disconnected the call. Ever since I had no idea what was going on in his mind. It was strange he didn’t specify a time for the meeting.
“Yes, granny!” I blushed under her scrutiny. How did she figure out I was going through mental turmoil? After all, I hadn’t interacted with her for quite some time. Grandpa Vincent married Catherine Shelby six years ago. I left for Athens immediately thereafter. We could hardly bond with one another. Yet she was now an indispensable part of our family, taking care of my boys and Knox’s children, too. With Knox and his fiancée, Danielle Hartford, away on a vacation, I could hide from his relentless interference in my affairs. Knox had broken ties with Zion, his best friend five years ago, after his betrayal. Now that he was back in the city, I wondered how my twin would react!
“Are you sure? Your grandpa asked you something and you zoned out, dear!” I flushed more and gave Grandpa an apologetic look.
“Oh, I’m sorry, grandpa. I didn’t get you.” Just then, the children rushed in from the backyard. With Adrian in his room, it was just Zayden, Knox’s children, Zane and Angel. Grandpa forgot what he wanted to tell me and ushered them away to freshen up. I turned towards granny Catherine who still looked at me with concern.
“I heard Zion is back. Did he meet you?” I gaped at Granny Catherine for a minute. How did she know about Zion’s return?
“Yes, but how did you know?” She smiled and shrugged.
“He came here in search of you after you left in the morning.” A gasp of horror escaped my lips!
“Why didn’t you tell me before? Did he see the twins?” I was instantly on high alert. My heart constricted with fear at the prospect. Would he snatch them away from me if he saw them? After all, they resembled him a lot!
His words from that fateful night played in my head like a broken record.
“How the fuck am I responsible for your pregnancy, Andrea? I’m sure you’ve slept with many others! You were no virgin! Do you expect me to marry you in return for a one-night stand? I’ll pay you to get rid of the baby if that’s what you want!”
Yes, I had been a virgin! He was the only man I loved and the first and last man I surrendered to. Yet he hadn’t believed me. That night, I hadn’t been able to fight his accusations. They had devastated me. Escaping was the only way open for me, but not anymore. Now, I knew how to fight, to snatch away what was rightfully mine. I wouldn’t let my boys go! I would fight for them.
“No, the boys were still sleeping upstairs.” I released the breath I was unconsciously holding. Thank God! He didn’t see them. I didn’t know how long I would hide them from him, but I would die rather than give them up.
“So, where did you meet him, dear?”
I sighed, coming out of my trance. “He took over Conrad Architects, granny. I don’t know what I’ll do anymore. If I don’t get projects, my dream business will go bankrupt.”
“Did he tell you he wouldn’t work with you?” I gaped at her for a second, considering her question. No, Zion hadn’t explicitly specified that, but I somehow knew my days at Conrad were over. I had to look for fresh opportunities.
“No, he hasn’t yet. This contract will decide my future. Anyway, he has asked me to meet him tomorrow. Let’s see what he has to say.” Although I didn’t feel enthusiastic about meeting him, Granny looked excited.
“Oh! Has he now? I’m sure you’ll get all the answers you’re seeking. You never know! He might want you back in his life, marry you, and accept the boys, too.” I got up with an eye roll.
“No, granny. He doesn’t consider them as his! Anyway, I don’t want him in my life.” I turned to walk away but granny Catherine shook her head at my remark.
“Don’t be so harsh on yourself, Andy. The boys need a father figure in their lives.” I was quick to jump to my defense.
“They’re fine with me. It’s better to be without a father than with Zion.” I walked away, my insides bubbling with fury. The hurt he inflicted upon me was too much to bear. I was struggling to put it all behind me, but Zion’s sudden appearance today disrupted everything I struggled so hard to achieve. Now the pain resurfaced after so many years and I knew I wasn’t alright. I needed my baby boys to forget the situation I was in. I walked into the kids’ room and sat with the children to spend the evening with them. It worked like magic!
The next morning, my phone buzzed with a message from Zion.
Andrea!
Come over to my office at 9 sharp!
Your Zion.
I gazed at the message, my stupid heart skipping a beat. Was this some sort of joke? I remembered these brief messages he used to send me when I used to work for him years ago. That was before he used me, destroyed me, and threw me out of his life forever.
‘Ignore it, Andy! Don’t go down that path again!’ prodded my inner mind. I rushed with my morning routine with the twins and by the time I left, it was almost 8:55. With only five minutes at hand, I negotiated the rush-hour traffic with my heart pounding in my chest. I had no idea what this meeting was all about! Had the client approved of my designs? Then why did he summon me to his office immediately after the presentation?
He had mentioned it was a personal meeting. What did he mean by that?
I reached the office fifteen minutes late despite my efforts. I could feel the tension in the air the moment I stepped out of the elevator to his floor. Was he annoyed again?
I knocked to hear his permission from the other side of the door. Pushing the door open, I sucked in a deep breath and walked in confidently. I would never show him how much he affected me.
“Are you in the habit of arriving late? Change it, Andrea! I’m a busy man with no time to wait for you every single time!”
“I’m sorry. I got held up!” I stopped at his desk, breathing hard. If only he knew the marathon I needed to run in the mornings before arriving at work! He scoffed, misunderstanding me as always.
“Sit!” He looked annoyed at my lack of explanation. My eyes flicked over him as he busied himself with his laptop. His designer black suit jacket seemed tailored to highlight his broad shoulders and arms, barely containing his muscles. I still remember the way he begged me to run my hands over those muscles!
“How have you been, Andrea?” I blinked and focused on his face as I settled down in the seat opposite him.
“I’m fine. Can we please get to the point? I’m busy, too.” I wanted to wrap up this meeting as fast as I could.
Zion looked taken aback by my bluntness, while I felt claustrophobic already within the close confines of his office. With his unwavering gaze stuck on me, I felt more like a worm under a microscope!
He soon recovered from the momentary confusion and flashed me a big, sexy smirk! “We could take this elsewhere. When are you free?” The dimples in his cheeks deepened while the glint in his eyes grew more feral. I stopped breathing at that moment, reminding myself to not let him charm me once again.
“I’m never free. So what is it you wanted to discuss with me, Zion?” His smile deepened when I used his name for the first time since we met.
“That’s unbelievable. Everyone is entitled to some free time. I’m sure you have yours too.” I wanted to tear off my hair in frustration. Didn’t he get it? I wasn’t interested in going out with him.
“Shut it, Zion. Go out with your wife. I’m a busy woman with no time for shitty dates with you!” His smirk vanished as he watched me closely.
“I’m not married anymore. Surely you know that by now.” I got up angrily. I wasn’t interested in his martial status.
“No, I don’t. I’ve moved on from you five years ago, Zion. Nothing can make me go down that path again with you. So just let this be a professional collaboration. If you can’t come to the point, I’ll leave.” He got up and walked around the desk to stand inches away from me, his expression solemn, furious, and threatening.
“Fine! I’ll be honest with you. Your designs are excellent, Andrea, but you have to understand the competition is extreme! Don’t worry, I will provide you with work to build up your portfolio. Conrad Architects will support you in every way possible, but..” He paused and gave me a pointed look while I waited in apprehension, knowing he needed something in return for the favor. What could it be?
“Thank you, Zion. So what’s the catch?”
He smirked again, and I knew I was in trouble. Whatever it was, I would surely turn the tables soon. I would get my revenge at all costs!
Andrea’s POVZion’s eyes glittered as they focused on me, holding my gaze, challenging me to look away. I couldn’t because the memories of the little time I shared with him came rushing into my mind. My emotions were all over the place! I tried hard to keep them at bay, to maintain a cold, professional front, but my heart gave me away. He was the father of my children, after all! ‘You shouldn’t forgive him for what he’s done to you. He doesn’t even accept them as his own!’ reminded my inner mind. I blinked the emotions away. I had to be stronger if I wanted my revenge. “You know me so well, Andrea! Yes, there’s a catch, but don’t worry. It’s not a daunting task to do.” He leaned towards me, but I didn’t back off, facing him bravely. “I will help your business in every way as long as you stay with me in my house here. I want you to move in with me! The moment you leave, I’ll stop providing you with work.” My jaws dropped with shock. “What the f*ck! Why would I do that?” I felt like
Zion’s POV “Damn! Why hasn’t Mr. Robinson arrived here yet? The restaurant project should be ours at all costs.” Charlie Martin, the marketing manager of Conrad Architects, stammered, having to deal with me for the first time. He had no idea how difficult I would make his life if I didn’t get what I wanted. Yes, I wanted to see Andrea accept defeat and bow down to my terms and conditions. She might consider me evil, but I didn’t care. I was helpless five years ago, but not anymore. I wanted her back in my life! “He called to inform us he would be the twenty minutes late, sir.” I punched the desk in frustration. “I hate tardiness. Didn’t you tell him that? What about the other projects? Did you follow up on those?” I had appointed my trusted PA, Steve McGuire, to track down all the projects Ratio Architects took up. I knew I could blindly trust him and he lived up to my expectations, giving me a detailed report on the subject.“All have agreed to work with us except Edward Sterling
Andrea’s POV “Andrea, Michael has emailed you his resignation before leaving! Have you checked?” asked Roberta as I went through the terms and conditions of the Wells Group project. After all the deals went out of our hands, this was my only hope. It was obvious Zion was deliberately trying to force me to surrender to his wishes, but he had no idea about my patience. After raising the twins single-handedly since they were born, I had loads of it. I wasn’t the immature, reckless Andrea I used to be. However much he tried, I wouldn’t rise to the bait. Now, this fresh piece of news shattered my inner resolve. How could Michael backstab me? How could he leave Ratio now, when I needed him the most? “Are you sure? I have received no email from him yet.” Roberta looked uncomfortable while I gave her a suspicious look. No, there were no emails from Michael. “How do you know about this? Did he tell you he will leave Ratio?” I was now sure this was a joke. I trusted Michael even with my eyes
Andrea’s POVA sense of dread spread over my mind as I watched Mrs. Hamilton approach the door. No, I couldn’t face him. “Please deal with him, Kathy. Tell him I’m busy!” I dashed off towards Adrian’s room to avoid Zion at all costs. The therapist had completed his work and got up to leave. I could hear the main door close. So Zion had left! Granny Catherine was arranging Adrian’s duvet and cushions, so I followed the therapist out. “Call me if he faces any discomfort. Otherwise, I’ll come over after two days to check up on him.” “Thank you so much for coming over at such short notice.” He smiled and nodded at me.“It’s my job.” As we walked out of the room towards the main door, I froze at the sight of Zion, sitting in the living room, maybe waiting for me. What was he doing here? Didn’t he know I was busy? The therapist took his leave while I walked over to Zion, glaring at him all the while. “What brings you here, Zion? There is nothing to discuss. I’m busy!” I continued to glar
Andrea’s POV I felt relaxed, rested, and much better! The soft bed I was lying on didn’t seem mine! Where was I? I remembered falling unconscious in the office! After that, everything was hazy. I had no memory of anything whatsoever. Immediately I opened my eyes with a start as a feeling of dread clutched at my heart. I looked around the tastefully done-up room. Where was I? This wasn’t my room or Cromwell Mansion! With its neutral shades of beige, it looked more like a man’s bedroom. My heart constricted with fright. I dreaded accepting the obvious. Did Zion bring me over to his house? After all, he was the only one present near me when I lost consciousness. No, I had to escape. I didn’t want to stay here a second longer to confront him. My head swooned as I tried to get up. It was a futile effort, and I fell back on the bed. I knew I was burning with a fever, but I had to leave. If I stayed here, I would go crazy. I made repeated attempts at getting up on my feet. At last, I sto
Zion’s POV Mad fury coursed through my body as I realized what she had done. How dare she hit me? I would punish her right away! No one could get away after messing with Zion Concorde! Maybe she hadn’t gone far without a car or her bag!I was about to open the door and run after her when a phone buzzed somewhere on the floor. I felt my phone in my pocket. It wasn’t mine. I looked around to find Andrea’s phone lying outside the main door. She might have dropped it in her haste. Then how would she summon help in her condition? I walked out of the penthouse, picked up the phone and glared at the screen. The name Adrian flashed across the screen, immediately making me see red. At that moment, I could have killed the guy with my bare hands. I was about to accept the call immediately, intending to blast him for calling at odd hours, when my gaze fell near the elevator. A gasp of horror escaped my lips at the sight of Andrea lying near my private elevator. I knew she was burning with feve
Andrea’s POV I waited outside Zion’s condominium for Grandpa Vincent’s car. I was glad I could get away from Zion. It was true he had helped me recover, but I couldn’t breathe in his presence. I didn’t want to go down memory lane and relive the moments I spent with him. What was the use? He didn’t love me the way I did. It was best to stay away from one another. His gesture couldn’t undo the hurt he had inflicted on me. He had broken me five years ago. Even now, his harsh, judgemental words shattered me, more than a fatal wound could. How could he have such a low opinion of me without proof? No, he was too toxic for me. It was better I avoided him at all costs. Thankfully, I had found my mobile phone lying on the bed beside me. I had dropped it somewhere when I fell unconscious. Seeing it suddenly near me gave me the idea of escaping. Maybe Zion had left it accidentally on my bed. I sneaked out with it while he was busy in the kitchen. After everything he did to me, did he really e
Andrea’s POV I turned a deaf ear to the phone, letting it buzz. Somehow, I had the feeling Zion had a hand in the eviction. Why else would they evict us so abruptly? I just couldn’t sit idle at home and rest when there was so much on my plate. I popped a pill and got ready to go to the office. Grandpa was upset with me and refused to talk to me. I could understand his point of view, but today, I had to check out what was going on. I would definitely demand a notice period when I wasn’t a defaulter. The moment I drove out through the gates, I came across Zion’s car, heading right inside. Why was he here now? Maybe he was here to blast me for escaping him and ignoring his call. It served him right. I swerved the car, but he blocked me. Lowering his window, he handed me my laptop bag. I could see the amusement in his eyes, but I ignored it. I snatched my bag from his grip and drove away, leaving him where he was. After ten minutes, I braced the LA traffic and reached my office. Rober