Chapter 9

I’m upset, and it’s a good thing Veronica didn’t irritate me, or I could lose control and pull her hair out.

Karious didn’t call either, but he messages me that he was busy and that we’d see each other again on the weekend. We’re going to visit Rious, so he’ll pick me up.

I didn’t immediately return to the unit after work. I asked my coworkers to dinner and then to the bar afterward. They agreed right away.

We formed a convoy and drove to a hotel. There is a restaurant there, as well as a pub where we frequently gather.

There are six of us, the majority of whom are female. We were accompanied by only two men.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Bella replied shyly, “for the treat! It’s embarrassing that you have to pay for everything we ate.”

“It’s fine. This is my way of saying thank you,” I said, smiling. “And just call me Kassandra. we’re not in the office.”

“Thank you so much; we’ll respond to your drinks later to make amends.”

They weren’t required to do so any longer, but I agreed because they also took my treat.

“Thank you so much! We’ll answer your drinks later so we can make up for it.”

They didn’t have to do it anymore, but I agreed because they accepted my treat as well.

When we got to the bar, we immediately went to the sofa we had reserved. We each took a seat and requested our drinks from the waiter.

People rushed to our location to greet us. The majority are Bella’s friends. Those that greet me are shy, and I believe they are a little intimidated.

“You’re Kassandra Ympress? The Ympress Incorporation’s heiress? Nice to meet you!” I simply smiled at the people who approached and greeted me. Shake hands with anyone who requests it.

We were already drinking and feeling the vibe from the loud sound system when our drinks arrived.

Because I’m not always at the bar, many individuals approach me and introduce themselves. I’m also not used to socializing. Unless it’s the business we’re talking about.

Dad frequently takes me to business gatherings so that I could meet future business associates with whom I can collaborate.

However, if it isn’t important, I can decline.

I had been invited to several people’s gatherings, but I had declined. Aside from being busy at school, I have a strict father, and when I graduated, my focus changed to my job.

I’ve only recently learned to relax in a bar. It was pleasant to socialize and meet new people who were not tied to my father or our business. And as a woman who did not experience it during my younger years, it was fulfilling.

I was too obedient to my father’s commands, and I recently understood that it shouldn’t be like that. this was not the case. And then one day, I just found myself being alone.

The night became darker. My colleagues headed to the dance floor and started dancing. Some people sat on our sofas to talk as well. I’d already consumed a glass of wine and was feeling a little hot. I haven’t yet drunk. I won’t become wasted after a couple of mild drinks.

After conversing with a socialite named Venice, I decided to hit the dancefloor as well. She’s pleasant and has recently become involved in helping endeavors. She hopes to fundraise for the organization she is establishing to help mistreated children. I told her to just inform my secretary and we’d set up a meeting to discuss it further since I’m interested.

When I was dancing, several people recognized me. When I start dancing, some familiar faces gather around me. Actually, this is quite good. To momentarily ease my problems. The drinks I drank made me a little wild.

In the middle of my dance, someone grasped my waist and began dancing behind me. That didn’t bother me, so I just kept dancing. I’m not reacting because the guy wasn’t touching me inappropriately.

I turned around to see his face. He was a tall, dark man. His smile makes him appear untrustworthy. I can even detect malice in the way he touches my waist. But, as I already stated, he is not acting inappropriately, and I could be judging him incorrectly.

“Veronica, I didn’t realize you were free to dance here? How’s life?” he asked. I raised my brows.

It looks like I was mistaken again for that annoying Veronica.

If it hadn’t just occurred to me that I could acquire information from him, I would have already walked away.

My eyes narrowed, and I smiled charmingly, just like Veronica.

With a hint of sarcasm, I arch my brow. “Why can’t I be here? My life is fantastic! Thank you for asking.”

“Your husband isn’t prohibiting you anymore? That’s great! If that’s the case, then can I have my chance now?” he asked, smirking. I kept a smile on my face instead of frowning.

He must certainly refer to Karious.

“Zackarios and I are through, so I’m free,” I stated solemnly before smiling.

I could see his faces light up with joy. “Who is he? Your new boy toy? What about Lorence?” I was taken aback. Who the heck was Lorence? Why does Veronica seem to attract so many men?

That Lorence must be the accomplice Karious was referring to. The person who owns up for their mistake.

Someone grabbed me unexpectedly before I could think of what to ask.

Karious gave me a cold glance before facing the stranger I was dancing with. Karious clenched his teeth and stared menacingly at the man who had just stepped back.

“I thought you were busy, Karious?” I pondered. My brows furrowed as he simply stared at me. Luh! What exactly is his problem?

I just followed him when he tugged me somewhere. We moved to the bar’s second floor, where there were fewer customers.

He added harshly, “I told you to simply stay in your condo,” which made me wince.

He texted me about it earlier, but I didn’t respond because I knew I wouldn’t do what he said. I didn’t mention going to a bar.

My lips were pursed. “How did you find out I was here?”

He led me to the bar’s corner, from which I could see the first floor. We were like gods and goddesses, with sinful humans underneath us.

“I apologize for not informing you. I had a plan for tonight,” I admit. He simply looks at me as if I should know how he got here. He is, after all, the powerful Zackarios Bullet Hyacinth.

I was cornered on the side when he placed both of his hands next to my body, asking instead, “Who’s that guy your dancing with?”

He is so near to me that I can practically hear his rapid heartbeat. Or maybe it’s mine?

It felt wonderful to be enveloped in his body’s heat. I’m at peace.

I shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know. Just one of Veronica’s boys. He mistook me for her so.” He’s no longer significant to me because I didn’t learn anything useful there.

His mouth started to clench, and I noticed it. He seemed to be furious. But why?

“You shouldn’t be here when I’m not around.”

My forehead furrowed, “Excuse me, why are there such rules? I’m just having fun!”

He tsk-ed as his eyebrows touched. I could only laugh.

I grabbed a drink when a server passed by with it.

He questioned, bending down to look me in the eye, “How are you feeling right now?”

He truly has captivating eyes. I can’t help but simply ogle them.

I stumbled over my response, “I’m fine.” Because you’re here with me.

He smelled like alcohol and body perfume, which made me feel a little hotter. “Not tipsy?” he asked. I wasn’t drunk, but being around him made me feel queasy.

I sip my drinks slowly. “I’m only on my third glass, if you may ask, and it’s not even hard liquor so I won’t become tipsy with this. My work is still early tomorrow.”

He whispered in my ear, “Hmm. You want to go home now?”

I grasped his arm after shaking my head. I’m still enjoying what we’re doing, “Later.”

He continues to kiss my cheek, neck, nose, forehead, and ear while we are still in that stance.

He was like an alpha jailing his prey to him and that was me.

I become a little distracted and smile since it’s sort of tickling me.

I softly asked him why he couldn’t kiss me on the lips. Only the side of my lips. I feel as if he is luring me, and I would be afraid to refuse.

“Unless you tell me why you’re here tonight,”

I bent my head and said, “Didn’t I just answer that? I was having fun.” Do I need to tell him what my father said?

I probably ought to, but not tonight. I don’t want that news to completely ruin my evening.

“I believe you have another issue. Is there a problem in the office?”

“Is there an open position in your company? I might apply!” I grinned at the idea. Of course, that was simply a joke. I refuse to budge. I’ll find a way to get around my father’s plans.

He just gave me a hard look and seemed to be thinking a lot.

I give a sheepish grin. “I’m just kidding. And whatever’s problem in the office, I can handle it just fine.”

He didn’t ask any more questions, but based on his thoughts, it appears that he wasn’t satisfied with my response. Nevertheless, he decided not to ask any more questions because he knew I wouldn’t answer.

“Can I have my kiss now?” I whispered at him.

He gave me another long look before lowering his head to meet me.

I smile widely as I wait for his lips to touch mine. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. His hands encircle my waist and pulled me more as if we are not close enough.

When his lips touched mine, we did so many wonders. When he sucks my lips, I tried to also suck his. When he enters, I also enter mine. We fight inside using our tongues.

We change the position of our heads and gasp an air before we devour each other again. He bit nipped, sucks, and licks the sting away.

Each of our breaths mixes with the other. He raises his palm to my head as if we aren’t quite that deep, motioning for us to go further. I wrap my other arm around his waist and move my fingers down to his torso.

I’m out of breath when we’re done. I lick my lower lip to taste him.

“Again?” he playfully asked.

Someone calls Karious’ name before I can reply.

The sound of the familiar voice caused my eyes to widen. Veronica is here!

“Zack, you’re here! Who’s that b*tch?

I quickly hid my face in Karious' chest. Veronica should not figure out my connection with Karious. Not now. Not yet. We haven’t even laid out the plan properly yet. Karious is still looking for evidence about this.

“Veron, it’s none of your business,” Karious remarked coldly.

I bowed as his arm wrapped around me. He muttered, “Are you all right?”

I nodded. Why would I not be? He is here with me.

“Oh, come on, Zack. What happened in the past was simply a misunderstanding. I was abducted. I was the victim here. Why are you so angry at me instead of saving me, I don’t know. Maybe you just really don’t love me. Maybe, we really aren’t meant to be. You found another woman. I found mine.”

Tss. She portrays herself as the victim. She had no idea that we were aware that it was all a façade.

“Your ex-wife has a thick face. I said in a low voice.

“I don’t care anymore what you do, Veron,” Karious seriously said before he lead me out of that place. I was still hiding in front of him.

"Can't you be civil? Can't you move on with me? Anyway, it's really hard to forget first love. But seriously, we can still be friends if you want," Veronica said proudly. I’m restraining myself from going up to that b*tch and giving her what’s due to her.

“She was your first love Karious?” I asked even though I know she’s not.

“No. She’s bluffing.”

I rolled my eyes and added, “And delusional.” Ghad! I could never completely accept that she was my sister.

Veronica cheerfully announced, “By the way Zack, I’m getting married again soon. I will give you an invitation.”

When is this woman's speech going to end?

“I hope you and that woman have a long-lasting relationship. Bye!”

The woman’s footsteps leaving were the last thing I heard. After then, I released Karious’ embrace.

I scowled as I raised my gaze to him. “And she didn’t even ask about your son. What kind of a mother is she.”

“A worthless woman. I can’t believe I married her,” Karious' face darkened. Even he couldn’t stand his ex-wife’s behavior.

“I will ask for updates about the inquiry and also try to talk to her boy toy in jail. Maybe I can get him to admit the truth.” He states seriously.

Karious and I had a bad night, so we didn’t hang around at the bar for very long. He simply drove me to my condo before leaving.

“MA’AM, I RECEIVED a call from Venice Chan about the sponsorship? You make an appointment for tomorrow. What time are you available?” Anette enters my office. I was in the process of signing some documents.

“Oh sure, I am aware of that. Please plan the meeting for lunch. I have dinner scheduled for tonight. Thank you.” I formally responded.

“Your father asked me to arrange a dinner date for you with Mr. Chianco for tomorrow. However, the time cannot be modified due to Mr. Chianco’s hectic schedule.”

“What?” I exclaimed in shock! My father wasn’t joking when he claimed he would pair me up with someone.

What I heard gave me a sharp headache. Karious and I always dine together, so I can’t go after dark. It seems like every time, he wanted to see my beauty, so every night we’ll go out on a date and discussed the strategy there.

But it looks like our date will be delayed because of Mr. Chianco.

“Fine. I’ll just re-schedule my dinner for some other time.”

Tomorrow is Friday and I will go to Karious’ house the next day. I’ll just inform him. I also need to tell him what dad is planning.

I don’t want to confront dad because we will definitely fight again. I haven’t received the notice yet that I’m being fired but will I still wait for that to happen? Of course not.

Veronica thankfully didn’t bother me on that particular day. That woman’s way of thinking is something I don’t truly comprehend, and I don’t intend to. Her absence from my dad’s life is all I desire, really.

I’m preparing for the DNA test. I also needed to take care of that. The expert I consulted advised me to collect a sample, such as a saliva or hair. I’ve heard that she is camping at our house so I intend to return to our home. At home, I might obtain a sample. I’ll do that when I return from Karious’ house.

Karious and I decided to meet in the mall after my work. He didn’t have to go get me because I brought my car.