Chapter 5 ~ Go home

“What the hell Kiana!” Daniel fumed as he banged the door behind him. Despite being from a well-to-do family, Kiana used to stay in a simple apartment that didn’t cost a lot of money especially since she was trying to grow her mother’s company.

“Daniel you’re scaring me.” Kiana pretended to be afraid like she always did in her past life only this time, she wasn’t really afraid but just angry and full of rage. 

‘Why is he here?’ She thought as she fought the urge to show her true emotion.

“I’m sorry babe.” Daniel softened as he held her by the shoulders. “I heard from Annabel that there was a strange expensive-looking car outside your apartment and I got angry. Am I not the only one who has driven you to wherever you went?” He reached for her face but Kiana flinched without realizing it making Daniel frown. 

'He's right. In my past life, he would drive me everywhere but what I didn't know was that it wasn't out of love but he just wanted me to become highly dependent on him while he was aware of every plan I made and every ally I had! But not this time Daniel!'

With a small forced smile, she looked up at Daniel, “It’s just a taxi I called. Nothing you should really be worried about.” Kiana finally responded. 

Daniel raised his eyebrow, “It’s an Aston Martin Kiana.”

Kiana who was not even aware of the car that Arthur had sent stood in shock. But she quickly recovered, “Yes, he’s a prospective investor and he owns such cars that he uses for his taxi business.” Kiana lied and the lie sounded ridiculous even to her. 

Juliana who was still standing behind them dropped a glass. “Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry.” She rushed out to grab a broom. 

Daniel scowed at Juliana and then eyed Kiana carefully, “Are you sure?” he asked. 

“Yes, why else would I be going out wearing office clothes at 8 PM Daniel?” She asked in an irritated tone in an attempt to divert his curiosity. 

Daniel ran a hand through his hair, “You’re right. I’m sorry, he must be so rich for him to use such an expensive car as a taxi.”

“Well, I don’t know I’ll find out after our meeting which I’m late for. Is there a reason you came?” Kiana asked while she breathed a sigh of relief that this man was so focused on money and never really loved her. But at the realization, Kiana felt disgusted with herself and wondered how she walked to the aisle with such a pathetic man.

“You are my girlfriend Kiana and I love you. I came because I wanted to see how you were doing and what happened that you didn’t want the will to be read earlier today.” He reached for her hands but Kiana who used to feel warm when he touched felt like her skin was crawling at the contact as she fumed inwardly.

‘Right the will! The only thing he cares about! So could it be that he proposed immediately when he heard Mum’s condition?’ Kiana thought through the possibilities and tried to notice any more changes from her previous life. 

“I’m much better thanks to Juliana. I will come to see you tomorrow and we can talk about everything.” Kiana lied and upon hearing that, Daniel relaxed his gaze as he placed a kiss on her cheek.

“If it’s fine with you, can I wait for Annabel from here? We have to work on some project details together for tomorrow’s presentation.” Daniel asked but before Kiana could respond, Juliana cleared her throat and walked back to the kitchen. 

“Annabel is my best friend but from the way you two get closer every day, one would think you're the best friends. Anyway, No problem, Jullie let’s go I’ll give you a ride,” Kiana announced as she knew very well that the two wouldn’t be discussing any project. But she would ask Juliana to sneak in from the back and help her record them having sex. It was a slim chance but she knew she had to try and this was the perfect opportunity.

"I have the upper hand this time." She whispered to herself and walked out.

********

“This way miss,” Tim said as he gestured with his hand the way to Arthur’s office. Timmy Conwell was Arthur’s driver and bodyguard. Despite his funny name, he was tall and older but very fit and quick on his feet. 

Kiana who had arrived at Arthur’s penthouse breathed in and out as she tried to calm her fast-beating heart. The doors opened and she slowly walked in. Behind the table was Arthur who made her heart stop. But she wasn’t the only one being affected by the reunion. 

Arthur kept a straight face despite the emotions that swirled inside him. He knew he never stopped loving her but seeing her right in front of him made his heart clench painfully because despite wanting to run and hug her tightly, he couldn’t. Just like he couldn’t show her any affection.

‘She doesn’t deserve my love after what she did to me.’ He breathed as he locked his green eyes with her hazel eyes. 

“Come in and take a seat” Came his deep velvet voice that spoke smoothly. Kiana walked slowly as she drank in how much Arthur had changed. He had long brown hair with tips a little blonde that complimented his beautiful green eyes that looked like a wave when he looked at her.

“Are you done checking me out? I don’t have all day!” Arthur said coldly and that snapped Kiana out of her thoughts making her cheeks burn a bright red as she took a seat in front of him. 

'Really Kina?' She scolded herself.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you once again.” She began but he cut her off.

“That’s fine so, you need my protection? Why is that so?” Arthur leaned forward as his cologne hit her nose wanting to sniff him but that would make him kick her out so she stayed put. 

“My boyfriend has a strong influence on my mother’s company. He has been planning to have me killed while he’s cheating with my best friend.-”

“Go home, Kiana.” Arthur suddenly cut her off.

“What?” Kiana looked up at him confused. “Look Arthur-”

“I said go home. I hate repeating myself.” He said harshly and that sent pins straight to Kiana’s heart. 

‘What were you thinking? That he would jump on board and vow to keep you safe?’ Kiana scolded herself as she fought to show how disappointed she was and how much his words had hurt her. Kiana slowly picked up her purse and turned around.

She stopped and looked over her shoulder one last time and walked out defeated and feeling hopeless.