"Lara, you know I don't work on weekends, and tomorrow specifically, I have a lunch planned with my family. Please clear my schedule, and if it's not urgent, book the appointment for Monday. Otherwise, let me know if I can make time for this meeting," he said curtly.
Lara watched him in awe. He was accustomed to receiving attention from girls and remained unfazed by the admiring glances of his female staff in the office. Sometimes, it irritated him. He sighed and left the office, heading straight to the parking lot. He settled inside his red Ferrari, started the ignition, and drove towards his home.
Ryder Knight, a twenty-eight-year-old billionaire and owner of Knight Enterprises, had achieved success and popularity at a young age. He was handsome, attractive, and the most sought-after bachelor in New York City. He possessed two qualities that drove girls crazy: lots of money and good looks.
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Ryder's Pov.
As soon as I got home, my phone started buzzing. I picked it up and swiped to answer.
"Hey buddy, where are you? We're waiting for you at Sizzle, the club," came Alex's voice through the speaker.
"Just got home. I'll change and be there in two minutes. Wait for me. I'll be there soon," I replied to my friend.
"OK, dude, come soon." My friend hung up, and I quickly changed into faded jeans, a black v-neck t-shirt, and a leather jacket. I gelled up my hair and spiked it, then put on my leather boots, grabbed my car keys, and headed for Club Sizzle.
After a 10-minute drive, I arrived at the club. I went through the VIP gate and entered inside. Since it was dark, I couldn't see properly in the dim light, so I made my way to the bar. I was sure my friends would be hanging out there, and indeed, I found them.
"Hey Ryder! Finally, you're here. We've been waiting for you, bro," Alex, one of my friends, said.
"I had to work a little late, so I got delayed. Sorry, bro," I said with a shrug.
"No worries. It's surprising to see you without Bella tonight. It's unlike you," Logan, another friend, commented.
"She has an assignment to complete, so she didn't come with me. Besides, she'll be joining me for a family lunch tomorrow. It's better she finishes her work today," I explained with a frown. I didn't appreciate my friends bringing up Bella all the time. I was protective of her since she was my childhood friend and ten years younger. She was like a little sister to me.
"Come on, dude. Let's not waste the night. There are plenty of girls interested in you. Just look at them. They're practically throwing themselves at you," Logan said, trying to convince me. He was the craftiest among us, always up for some mischief.
I scanned the crowd and noticed a group of girls looking my way. I smirked and nodded in their direction.
"It wouldn't be right to ignore them. So, game on, boys," I declared, adopting my playboy persona.
"Ryder, aren't you in a relationship with Kate?" Logan asked, smirking.
"Oh, no, bro. She labeled herself as my girlfriend. I never made any promises. I don't want a committed relationship. You know I'm a free spirit, and that's how I like it," I shrugged, and they all chuckled.
"So, what's happening between you and Kate?" Alex inquired this time.
"Nothing serious. I enjoy her company. I like her. But I don't want any complications in my life, and falling in love is a big no for me. I don't have time for love. I want to live life to the fullest. And when there are so many beautiful girls around, how can I settle for just one?" I smirked, casting a glance at a gorgeous blonde.
"You're so lucky, Ryder. I envy you," Alex said, scowling.
"Oh, Alex! Don't be like that, dude. Just because you're getting married doesn't mean we can't have fun." Logan winked at Alex and headed off to find a girl on the dance floor.
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Logan's pov.As I slowly opened my eyes, the harsh, sterile lights of the hospital room greeted me. Disoriented and weak, I blinked several times until the blurry figures around me came into focus. There was Mia, her eyes filled with worry and relief, and my family standing by her side, their faces etched with concern."Mia..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.Her eyes lit up with tears of joy as she took my hand in hers. "Thank goodness you're awake," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.My family wore expressions of both happiness and concern. My mother's eyes were red from crying, while my father's stern facade tried to hide his fear. It was then that I knew I had to be honest with them about how I felt."I can't go through with the marriage," I admitted, my voice stronger now. "I love Mia, and I can't marry someone else."My father's face turned stern, and he scolded me, "You're being impractical! You have responsibilities, and this is no time for childish whims!"Befor
Logan’s pov. Amidst the busy preparations for my upcoming wedding, I couldn't shake off the lingering unease in my heart. Mia's sudden resignation from my company had left me bewildered and bruised my ego. I had made it clear to her that our relationship would remain strictly professional, yet she chose to leave. "Why does it bother me so much?" I wondered aloud as I paced in my luxurious penthouse. Alex, who had been helping me with the wedding arrangements, noticed my distress. "Hey, man, what's bothering you? You should be on cloud nine with your marriage just around the corner," Alex said, concern evident in his voice. "I don't know, Alex. It's just that Mia's resignation hit me harder than I expected," I admitted with a sigh. "Even though I told myself I didn't care about her rejecting me, there's this nagging feeling inside me." "Why do you bother? It is not like you feel something for her, do you?" Alex inquired. "Remember, you have a stunning fiancée, a glamorous weddi
Alex's Pov. We all gathered at Ryder's wedding, witnessing the heartfelt exchange of vows between Ryder and Bella. Their hurried marriage brought back memories of my own wedding day, where I had first laid eyes on Sarah. But after she left, things took a painful turn. I tried countless times to meet her, to explain myself, but she refused to hear me out. Her parents, adamant in their disapproval, forbade me from entering their home. It was absurd – I was her husband, not some boyfriend they could simply cast aside. I pleaded with them, insisting that I had changed, that I wanted to be with her, but they turned a deaf ear. Unbeknownst to me, Ryder had invited Sarah to the wedding as well. My heart filled with both hope and trepidation, praying that she would show up so I could finally talk to her. And then, there she was, entering the venue in a stunning peach-colored gown. Something about her appearance was different, and it left me bewildered. Her face was radiant, and I couldn't he
Bella's pov. The sound of my phone jolted me awake from my slumber, disturbing the peaceful moment I had been sharing with Ryder. Gently, I disentangled myself from his embrace, aware that I was still unclothed, and hurriedly pulled the sheet to cover myself before answering the call. "Mum!" I greeted cheerfully, my heart still elated from Ryder's heartfelt confession of love. "Bella, what is going on?" Her voice carried a tone of anger. Confused by her question, I asked, "What do you mean, mum?" "You and Ryder are all over the news, and your father is furious," she complained. My mind raced, trying to comprehend the situation. "What? I don't understand, mum. What's happening?" "Where are you right now, Bella?" Her concern was evident. "I am... I am..." I hesitated, unable to come up with a lie. "Are you with Ryder?" She guessed, and I fell silent, confirming her suspicion. "Why did you do this, Bella?" Her disappointment in me was palpable. Suddenly, the phone was snatched
Ryder's pov. My futile attempts to incite jealousy in Bella by meeting other girls left me feeling disheartened. No matter who I interacted with, she remained composed and collected, as if her emotions were impervious to my antics. Undeterred, I had to switch to plan B. I smirked as I thought about it because it was foolproof, and Ryder never failed to get what he wanted. "Bella, I have planned a vacation for us," I called her while she was in school. I smiled as I could imagine her eyes widened in surprise. "What? No, Ryder, I can't go on vacation, and, most of all, I have some assignments to complete," she replied, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Come on, Bella. Mum is persistent about my marriage, so it will be our last vacation together. I am sending my secretary. Give her your passport. We are going to Switzerland for a week. Just me and you. I want to spend some time with you alone," I insisted, hoping she would agree. "Abroad trip? You will get clicked by the media, a
Ryder's pov. At 9:00 a.m. on a lazy Sunday morning, my peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted by the incessant ringing of my phone. I groggily reached for it, wondering who could possibly be disturbing me at this ungodly hour. To my delight, Bella stirred in my arms, her tiny meows adding a touch of charm to the waking chaos. I carefully placed Bella on the pillow, ensuring her continued comfort, before reluctantly sitting up to answer the call. The screen displayed my mother's face, which meant it was likely to be something important. I swiped the answer button and, slipping my feet into slippers, made my way to the balcony, hoping to maintain some tranquility around Bella's sleeping form. "Hey mum! What's up? Why did you have to call so early on a Sunday morning?" I questioned, attempting to sound both concerned and slightly annoyed. "Ryder, I've sent some pictures of the daughters from reputable families to your number. Take a look and choose one of them. I'll set up a date f