chapter 8: Pierce Kay.

“You're grounded!” she definitely said that after noticing the defiance in my tone and posture.

Who freaking grounds a 23 year old? I'm not f**King 16.

I didn't argue with her or say anything and just walked straight to my room to rest up. It's been a rather eventful day and I need my energy if I'm going to crash Serena's date tonight.

Shoot! My phone is almost out of battery too.

I walked to the bedside cupboard and picked my charger to charge my phone before collapsing on the bed like a sack of potatoes.

It was already past 8 so I won't really be getting much sleep since I have to be there before Serena.

I set an alarm for 9pm so I'd have time to get dressed and get there on time, then I picked the wrinkly notebook I always hid among my laundry. It was my diary.

I went through it and realized just how pathetic I've been living in a place I called home.

Shortly afterwards, my phone buzzed. It was Gia. she was texting to remind me of the date I intended to crash, lol.

A small smile crept up my face as I read the text and stood up to get ready.

I was done in 30 minutes, not like I have many beauty products or skincare products to make me spend time anyway.

I have just the basics. A lavender shower gel and body soap, body lotion, my perfume and two simple sets of jewelry.

I went through my wardrobe and settled for a flowing silky burgundy gown with a pink scarf to cover the open back of the dress and applied my lipstick and simple make up.

I'm not going there to seduce him. Well, not technically.

By 9:30, I'd successfully sneaked out and made my way to Essence Hotel.

It helped that I already knew what he looked like because of our brief encounter in my past life.

I took a look at my phone to make sure I'm on time before stepping into the elevator.

It closed with a ding while I absentmindedly fiddled with my bracelet trying to mask my nervousness.

Afterall, I'm going to meet the one person who was honest with me in my past life even though he was harsh about it.

The ding of the elevator cut my train of thoughts short.

“Excuse me, I'm getting off here.”

I said to the lady in front, she was unintentionally blocking my exit.

An attendant ushered me in as soon as I got to the door.

I looked around, scanning the place for Pierce and then I saw him. I didn't have to even look too hard, he just STOOD out.

Sharp jawline, perfectly tailored suit, an elegant aura and a beautiful side profile.

I could see why Serena was gushing, definitely worth the hype.

Graciously, I walked to his table and took a seat.

“I'm sure you can see there's someone seated here meaning this table is reserved.”

He spoke without glancing up from his tablet.

I wasn't offended at all, I just smiled even though he couldn't see it.

“ Hello Mr Kay, I don't believe we've met.” I stretched my hand out for a handshake.

He didn't take it but he finally glanced up from whatever he was engrossed in and OH MY GOD. He had the most beautiful sea green eyes I'd ever seen…but that's not why I'm here.

Ahem.

“ And I don't believe you're my date. So, why're you here?” He asked calmly.

This time, the coldness was gone.

~~~Pierce’’s POV ~~~

It's her.

The girl my vehicle collided with after speaking to her harshly at the exhibition in my past life.

Was she reborn too?

She seems…different.

Her poise and mannerisms have changed too.

“ I'm Kara Jones, Serena Jones stepsister and the adopted elder daughter of the Jones family.” she said after I looked up from my tab.

“Oh, so you're the Infamous adopted daughter huh? Okay so how may I help you? I believe I was supposed to meet your sister today.” I asked, slightly relaxing my back and playing dumb.

I wanna see how much she's changed and what she can do.

“ I came to you with a proposal.” she said, bracing herself.

“Let's hear it, I wonder what you think you can offer me.”

“Marry me instead of my sister.” she said to me with all seriousness.

“And what do I gain from the proposed marriage? I'm a business man, I can't accept proposals where I'm not gaining anything.” I ask with obvious amusement.

“It's going to be a one year marriage contract, you get to throw your family off your back and I get to leave mine. Not like you really wanted to get married . Win-win for both of us, the only condition is to keep it a secret from the others.” she rambled on excitedly.

She really seems like a different person now.

I looked at her in silence for a few minutes, carefully observing her before finally deciding to speak.

“Miss Kara –”

“Kara, what're you doing here?”

Someone interrupted my next sentence with a question.

My date, her stepsister. Serena.