Chapter 5

Xeros's POV:

“And in today’s headlines, the highly anticipated artwork ‘BLOOMING’ has received widespread acclaim for its creative vision. Critics are hailing it as a success for Miss Charlotte Miller…”

The TV blared with gushing praise delivered in the sophisticated voice of the news telecaster. 

All this while, the screen was flashing with pictures of Charlotte; blonde hair fanning over her shoulders, lips curved into a perfectly professional smile, and eyes that sparkled with confidence. 

Jonas leaned casually against the doorframe of my office, arms crossed over his chest. 

“Miss Miller— isn’t that your fiancée! Damn, she really loves to be in the headlines, doesn’t she?” 

I didn't bother answering him.

The CEO’s office stretched before my eyes, its glass walls reflecting the view of the city skyline. 

The city was starting to wake up for the day– and from the 56th floor, all these people going about their business, looked no different than ants scurrying through the maze of the metropolitan city. 

Steel and polished black marble gleamed under the sunlight, and my reflection stared back at me like a dark silhouette: a sharp jaw that I had inherited from my father, and chocolate brown eyes of my mother, which were missing her usual warmth. 

My short black hair was brushed back, leaving not a single hair out of place.

The tailored black suit fit me perfectly, the smooth fabric hugging my broad shoulders. 

“No matter what you say, Xeros! Your fiancée certainly knows how to shine.”

Jonas pushed off the doorframe, strolling casually into my office with his hands inside his pockets. 

His reflection joined mine in the glass, standing slightly behind me, and the complete opposite of me in every manner. 

His tie was hanging loosely, with the top button left open. His sleeves were rolled up, and that godforsaken grin was still lingering on his lips, like nothing was ever serious enough to wipe it off his face. 

“Every time there is an important event, she is front and center! A crowd favorite. It doesn't matter what the occasion is, Miss. Miller seems like she has that star quality, huh?”

My fingers flexed slightly, but I didn’t turn. The streets were bustling people during the rush hour.

“And what exactly does she have? A pretty face, some rehearsed words… that's all? I don't know why everyone suddenly acts like she’s a genius or something.” 

My tone was dry, contempt slipping through despite my best efforts. 

He was egging me on for a response, and hopefully, he was going to stop gushing about my so-called fiancée now.

But the moment I thought about her, memories made their way to the forefront of my mind. 

Months ago, I had unexpectedly spotted my fiancée, who was supposed to be an ideal wife for any man… inside Zorothy’s. 

She was the centre of attention at the exclusive bar, draping herself over all the men swarming around her like flies. She was laughing freely, enjoying the attention– just a flirtatious touch here, a coy smile there, spreading her web like an expert seductress. 

Her lips, painted in the color of blood, were curved into an effortless smile, just like the one I could see on the television. 

The world might see her as perfect, like a goddess of beauty and grace. But I had taken a peek under her mask, and the view was anything but flattering. 

“I want an update on that other task I asked you about.”

I said, letting my eyes wander away from the skyline, and they fixed directly on the painting on the wall. 

It was an abstract art, titled ‘Chaos’. 

The bold and harsh strokes mirrored the internal chaos that was filled with pain, chaos, and desperation…

Jonas leaned back against the desk, leaving his usual careless arrogance aside as his face turned serious again. 

“Well, the orphanage was destroyed by a fire five years ago. The locals say it was a tragic accident, but nobody knows for sure. I'm still looking for the director of the orphanage, hopefully she will have some answers for us.”

A muscle ticked in my jaw as I studied the jagged lines of the painting. 

‘Five years ago…’

“Keep looking, and make sure that next time, I don't need to ask you for the updates.”

I ordered.

“Yeah, I’m not done digging yet. It’s a mess, but I’ll untangle it.”

Despite all his sarcasm, at least the man was loyal. 

He paused, eyes narrowing shrewdly. 

“So, how’s wedding planning going? Did you pick out the flowers yet…?”

A smirk pulled at the corner of my lips– cold and humorless. 

“How can I give any remarks about the wedding which I myself am not in favor of?”

Jonas let out a sigh. 

“Oh, come on, Xeros! I’m sure there must be something good about her that half the men in this city are ready to  sell their souls for a chance to date her. She’s the star of everyone’s eye! You could at least pretend to enjoy it, or least try and get to know—”

“I don’t care about the wedding, I'll get through it if I have to.”

I cut in, not bothering to excuse myself or explain my reasons. 

“The real event I’m waiting for is the auction, that's going to be held five days from now. The one planned by my father to celebrate the great achievement of finally washing his hands of me! The black sheep of the family!”

A bitter smile appeared on my lips. I was always a disgraceful blot on his name, and nothing I did could change that. 

“He’s even going to be selling Nova’s latest painting there… and that's what I'm actually looking forward to.”

“You're really hopeless…”

Jonas muttered under his breath as I narrowed my eyes and turned my attention towards the window again. 

His disappointed sighs reached my ears, and I didn't need to look at him to know that he must be shaking his head in annoyance. 

Along with that same look of frustration settled on his face, that showed he knew it was pointless to argue with me. 

But I knew he was going to keep trying to change my mind, anyway. 

Just like he hadn't stopped bothering me in the last ten years.