RUE I could sense Tysha's nervousness, practically smell it. She was definitely lying when she denied about knowing me. As she entered the passenger seat, she immediately fumbled for the seat belt, not realizing that in my Bentley Continental, it operated differently. I sighed. Despite my disdain for her, I reluctantly helped her with the seat belt. Closing the door, I triggered the automatic belt bringer, pulling it over her and intentionally closing the gap between us. I couldn't ignore her sweet scent, oddly alluring, but I pushed that thought aside. "Uhh... thanks," she muttered breathily. I remained silent. After assisting her, I made my way to the driver's seat, and we finally left Cindy’s residence. An awkward silence lingered between us, prompting me to break it by launching into an interrogation. "You know me," I accused, pretending to be entirely certain of my statement. “H-Huh?” she stuttered, obviously nervous of my accusations. I noticed how she looked in my direc
TYSHA Rue might look perfect, but his vibes were a letdown. I wouldn't suggest going through that kind of meeting again. Right now, I worried that he might get the CCTV footage from Eventide, revealing my identity as the girl he's searching for. The thought of facing him after he confirms it haunts me. Gaslighting him was tough. I was even lucky that I drifted our conversation away from what happened outside Bryse’s house because if Rue continued to ask questions about that, he could have found out the truth. Especially since I mentioned I was his nephew’s ex! Gosh! I'm anxious about keeping up the act once he has evidence. It was hard enough the first time, and I secretly pat myself on the back for escaping without getting into trouble. When the next session with Jeff came, I headed back to Miss Cindy's residence, looking forward to a quiet tutoring day since I knew that Rue only visited the last time we crossed paths there. But as I rang the doorbell, surprise hit me like a lig
RUE I messed up big time. Watching Tysha gather her things and leave my sister's house, I felt a twinge of guilt for the words I threw at her. But instead of stopping her, I just stood there like a stubborn fool, letting her walk away. "Uncle, why did you have to say that?" my nephew asked, his innocence carrying a weight of understanding beyond his years. Yet, I couldn't find the words to explain my mistake. I clenched my jaw, frustration building within me. Damn it! What the hell was I thinking? Looking back, I'm puzzled by my own feelings. Why do I have this intense dislike for her? It's like this irrational pettiness takes over, clouding my judgment and making me say things I don't mean. It's not just about her tutoring skills or any excuse I tell myself. There's something deeper, rooted in my own issues. Maybe it's a mirror of my insecurities, a need to assert control, or just a display of some unresolved frustration. Whatever it is, it's clear I need to understand myself bet
TYSHA Gosh! Why did I have to dare Rue to get a new tutor for Jeff? Now, where am I going to get income from? Stupid Tysha! I walked out of Miss Cindy’s residence, contemplating the idea of going back and just confessing that it was all a prank. What if I just stroll back in, saying, “It’s a prank! I’m not that sensitive, you know!”? No, scratch that. Erase, erase. I could already envision Rue's expression if I pulled something like that. I can't handle another round of humiliation. Come on, Rue, just follow me and apologize! I can't afford to lose my job over a stupid dare! I deliberately took each step slower than usual, a silent plea in every footfall, hoping that Rue would swallow his pride and say sorry. But, true to his stubborn nature, it never happened. Reality hit me hard when I got home, sinking in even deeper when Sir Patrick, Miss Cindy’s husband, called me to break the news—they had found a new tutor for Jeff. Now, Rue's arrogance and my silly dare had cost me my j
RUE I've been raised with everyone always saying how strong I am. Some even questioned if I had any feelings for others. Tears were never a part of my story, not even when my dad passed away. Stoicism was my shield, and I wore it proudly. But when I saw Tysha crying outside that hospital, a twinge of something new hit me. It was like something squeezed my heart, a feeling I'd never felt before. Her tears, her vulnerability, stirred an unexpected pain within me. I had become really good at keeping my feelings in check, moving through life without letting emotions show. However, in that moment, as I saw her pain, a crack formed in the tough exterior I had carefully crafted. It was like a discovery, a peek into a world of emotions I believed were out of my reach. Her tears brought about a discomfort that went beyond the surface. It wasn't just sympathy; it was a stirring of something profound, a realization of our shared humanity. Perhaps, there's more to life than the unyielding toug
RUE Rij and I entered Eventide Cabaret once again, and the rhythm of the music hit me like a wave. The place was a low-lit sanctuary, with an exclusive vibe enveloping us as we walked in. The sweet scent of pricey perfumes mixed with the rich aroma of cigars, creating a unique atmosphere. This upscale strip club for millionaires and billionaires felt like a separate world. Plush velvet drapes decorated the walls, concealing private corners where hushed conversations took place. The bar, stocked with the finest liquors, tempted patrons to indulge in luxury. “This is new. I really could not understand how your mind works,” Rij continued to tease me as we both entered his so-called paradise. “Shut up,” I retorted. “Should I get you women? Like the last time?” he asked, his eyes scanning the club. I immediately declined his offer; that wasn't my reason for being here. "No need. I gotta go." I tapped my friend's shoulder before setting off to explore the place by myself. Luckily, Rij
TYSHA In Barra's backstage dressing room at the Eventide Cabaret, the weight of the offer she presented sank in as I sat on the edge of her couch. The name she dropped caught me off guard, and I had to confirm if I heard correctly. "Rue Colterzon?!" I exclaimed, unable to believe the revelation. I contacted her the moment I decided to finally take the job she was offering last week. I had no choice but to accept her offer. This was my only hope to pay all of our debts and have some funds for my mother's upcoming surgery. She quickly laid out the details of the job and dropped the bomb – Rue Colterzon was the billionaire I'd be working with. That revelation hit me like a ton of bricks, sending my mind into a whirlwind of contemplation. Barra, leaning against her dresser with a mischievous glint in her eyes, responded, "Yes. Do you know him? Then, your work will be a lot easier if you already know him!" Of all people?! Really?! Is the universe playing tricks on me? Gosh! And what
TYSHA "So, Tysha, meet Rij, the genius behind this idea," Barra presented me to another stunning man. It felt as if I had just encountered a renowned actor due to his striking presence. With a warm smile, he displayed dimples and a charismatic grin. "Rijhon Kingsley," he introduced himself, extending his hand, and I gladly accepted the gesture. "Tysha Clifford, Sir," I introduced myself formally. When I addressed him as Sir, he shook his head. "Drop the formalities. Just call me Rij," he requested. Who was I to refuse? So, I nodded, acknowledging the shift to a more casual tone. Rij's presence was intimidating. Despite exuding playful and mischievous vibes, he carried an aura that screamed billionaire. Dressed in a black tuxedo paired with an emerald green necktie, he radiated a certain manliness that felt like he stepped out of the pages of a novel. His perfectly angled nose and chiseled jaw added to his captivating appeal. The slick back haircut only enhanced his attractiveness