Chapter 8

Chapter 08

Kyla’s POV

Web of pictures in my wall turned my vision red, for the past years I have been monitoring and keeping tabs of Alison and Karen’s activity. Documents are scattered on the floor, every article about them I kept like a prized trophy.

Along with those pictures was Rowan and his connection to my so-called enemy. I lied, I knew who he was. I knew what had he been up to, his activities, his favorite restaurant, his friends, and the party that he goes to. And I would lie if I said that I didn’t once followed him on a certain event to see him in person… the person who I was supposed to marry.

But the incident with Caleb and when Rowan saved me, that was pure coincidence. The odds are in my favor.

I got close to the Hermoso Group’s Chairwoman—Nena, with a purpose. I needed a upper hand to help me when things are out of my control and my hard work didn’t go unnoticed. So, when I happen to witness how she was cornered in a dark-alley with no guards on site I didn’t hesitate to jump in and saved her. Years of training in combat and self defense paid off.

One particular newspaper caught my attention that painful memories of the past resurfaced made my gut churn. The accident that killed me and the funeral of my mother where everything changed. That memory still stings and I am facing the consequences of my father’s weakness.

My eyes sparkled when my father hid the bouquet of flowers on his back, signaling me to keep quiet as he approached mom slowly. My mother gave him a confused look that made my father scratch his head and his neck as he handed her the flower.

I watched from a distance but the love was so full that it stretch across the room. On my 7-years old mind, hearts were flying and the scent of flower filled the room along with our laughter.

I chuckled when my mom and dad kissed, and now heading towards my direction. My dad scooped me in his arms and carried me in his arms as he also handed me a flower. I couldn’t help but hug his neck tightly. I momentarily broke the hug and hugged my mom along, our laughter filled the room.

But the flowers withered along with the memories fading in the back of my mind. We now live a different life.

I didn’t realize tears were streaming down my cheeks and the newspaper crumbled on my fist, my knuckles white.

I have been robbed with the life and family I could have if my mother was still alive. She had been replaced by an evil step-mother and a manipulative step-sister who stole my identity… and my weak father that I haven’t heard and seen, but I will make sure that they will regret everything they did.

Roman. He offered an agreement that’s tempting to take. I mean, that’s what I’ve been wanting for so long, an opening to their world and create chaos for the thieves. However, the doubt is eating me up, especially that being around Roman sometimes… every time clouds my mind.

I look at the evidence I gathered one last time before hiding it. I need fresh air, fresh perspective, and a time to reflect to what I really do. Sometimes the thought of it makes me doubt if it’s even worth it especially with the life that I had built for myself…but thinking of my mother ignites something within me.

With a sigh I decided to take awake from the apartment’s rooftop garden. No one was there when I arrived, safe for me to let my emotions came out.

I sat on the bench overlooking the city building, feeling the power of fame can do… but still it wasn’t enough to buy what I’ve always wanted…freedom from the past… and my mother.

Being in the spotlight doesn’t always as shiny as it sounds, especially when I feel down, angry, or frustrated. I had been maintaining an image the past years that I cannot let anything crack despite my motto “bad publicity is still publicity.”

“Funny seeing you here.” I felt a dark and warm presence before he came to light and spoke.

When I heard his low and bossy voice spoke I jump in my seat.  

I masked up my emotions before looking intently at his eyes where no visible emotions can be seen.

“I believe this is a public space, and I live here.” I crank my neck and gave him a knowing look that made him raise his brows.

“I speculated that you were avoiding me after our latest conversation,” he stepped closer, he wasn’t close enough but his presence was consuming. “I might be wrong, then.”

“Certainly.” I straighten my back as he sat from the far end of the bench I was sitting. “You’re proposal,” I gulp ready to take the step…I think. “You’re benefiting from it more than I do.”

His full attention towards me. His hands pressed on the bench near my thigh that I couldn’t help but bite my lips.

The long paused made my heart beat. “No. You’ll benefit from it to.” He smirked. “I am a Hermoso. Connections and privileges would come in handy especially with your career advancement.”

He was right, but I didn’t care about any of those things. But he didn’t know something that comes along with being tangled with him, the power to drive Alison and Karen away for good… which is what Rowan wants.

“You really hate your fiancé that much, huh?” I played with my fingers but eyes fixed towards him.

“I guess so.” His thumb played with his lips as he smirked that took my breathe away, and as much as I want to look away, I couldn’t help but to be drawn towards him.

This would be a dangerous game to play with Rowan as partner… but I need this. We both need this.

“Deal.” I whispered, still hypnotize with his lips.

“Deal.”