LOGINNICHOLAS.
I sipped my coffee while staring at my PR team. "Another scandal, Mr. Bianchi?" the lady said. She's in her mid thirties, and age has never been a problem. I could guess I wasn't her type. I smirked. "She’s single." She scoffed. "The third one in a week. Your public image isn't looking good." "That’s what I pay you for," I retorted. The guy cleared his throat, and I turned to him. "What she is trying to say to you is that we need you to cooperate with us. To make this work." I nodded slowly. "What do I have to do? I don't sleep with my staff, does that count?" Except this morning. 'You are not my type.' No girl has ever said something like that to me before. I wasn't her type? Was she straight? That had to be her reason for me not to be her type. She looked incredibly gorgeous. I wouldn't mind getting down with her if she offered. I was intrigued by her. That's what it was. The lady scoffed, and I pinned her a glare. "Don't forget who the boss is." She lowered her head, and I sat up straighter in my chair. I turned to the man. "Can you tone it down? At least for the rest of the week. We would shift the media's focus away from you." I ran a hand through my hair. That's hard even though it sounded easy. I was going to hit the club later tonight. Guess I was staying celibate for three days. "I can do that." They breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Bianchi." I nodded and watched them walk out. I sipped what was left in my cup and turned to my laptop. I decided to finish my pitch for the meeting tomorrow. I was going to see her again tomorrow. Ashley Walker - my personal assistant. That had a nice ring to it. I closed my laptop after working for so many hours. I walked out of my building while replying to my friend, Ludacris Smith. Someone I could call my mate. We were supposed to meet up today, but the PR team came up. I entered my blue Lamborgini as my phone buzzed in my pockets. I took it out and read the message from a familiar person. COME TO THE MANSION TONIGHT! I groaned out as the car roared to life. My father, Alessandro Bianchi, was my world even though he could be annoying. Memories of dad talking about how my mother's death was one of the few things I would never forget. She died after giving birth to me. My dad was the only parent I grew up to know. He was able to balance both fatherly and CEO responsibilities together. He took our generational wealth - business to the next level. He's my role model, and I wanted to achieve more than he did. Lately, he had been exactly like my PR team. 'You need to be responsible, kid.' He wanted grandkids. I wanted this lifestyle. His wish wasn't happening any time soon. I couldn't just give my lifestyle away from anything. I was always extra careful doing my one night stand. I didn't need any girl to try to tie me down with that kind of responsibility. I drove into the familiar streets. The streets where I grew up before moving into my mansion a few months back. I needed freedom. Somewhere far away from my dad's nagging voice. The gate automatically opened as I approached. I got down and handed my keys to one of the guards. I stepped into the mansion, having that nostalgia feeling. Life was easy around here. My dad provided me with everything I needed while trying to instil some moral values in me. Guess he failed in that aspect. I was the golden boy in high school and college. I played basketball for fun and was really good at it. I had always had girls falling at my feet for as long as I remembered. I had options, and my dad wanted me to settle with one person. Impossible! I took the elevator to my father's floor. The elevator dinged open, and I knew exactly where he was going to be. I headed to his library and entered without knocking. I found him in his favorite spot. Eyes focused on a book. "Hello, dad," I greeted. He smiled despite his attempt of pretending to be angry at me. He opened his arms, and I wrapped my hands around him. I always need the fatherly embrace every once in a while. "My irresponsible son," he deadpanned after pulling away. His act would have been more believable if he hadn't just hugged me. I took the spot beside me, and helped myself to the snacks on the table. "Have you had dinner?" he asked. A concern look flickering in his eyes. I shook my head. "Just coming from the office. Couldn't ignore my old man's call." He scoffed but pressed the familiar button beside him. A maid came in and asked me what I wanted. I told her what I was craving at the moment. "You shouldn't miss meals because of work. Who will run the company if something happens to you?" he asked. "It could be the end of our bloodline." "Are you wishing your only child dead?" I smirked. "Life is unpredictable." I fake gasped and we burst out laughing. I launched into a conversation about the meeting tomorrow. I told him about my pitch and he advised me like he always did. The maid came back with a plate of pasta and meatballs. My stomach growled lowly at the delicious aroma. I dug in immediately and my dad's chuckle reached me. His laugh faded away and his expression turned more serious. "Stop skipping meals!" "How’s your health?" I asked, trying to change the topic. He scoffed, realizing. "I am fine." "Do you know what old people do after retiring?" He frowned at my words. "They travel around the world." "I could only do that when you become responsible. And you can take your life more seriously." "I am serious. Remember the billion-dollar deal from days ago." "That’s not the only thing you need to become a successful CEO. You need a wife, someone who is going to support you every step of the way," he paused while scanning my face. His dreams were far fetched. Commitment wasn't for me. Becoming a father was a role that I wasn't ready for. Definitely not!NICHOLAS. That's nice. I'm proud of how far you've come.I read her words again.I felt something indescribable. It was foreign. My heart settled with it like it understood it. My mind was trying to make sense of it.I took a sip of my water and leaned my back against the wall. I needed to reply. I didn't have the right response in my head. Or I just thought they weren't good enough. I tapped on the dumbbell in my hand as if it could give me the answer.I was working out when the message came in. That was thirty minutes ago.I resisted the urge to put a call through to her.I wanted to hear her voice. To just feel her presence around somehow. I was changing a lot. I couldn't deny that I didn't like it. Old me would have laughed if he was told he could turn into this.This version. Having feelings for one woman. Finding it hard to do my usual thing. Smooth talk. Sex. Forget.I typed out a message.Just going with the idea that came to my head. Somehow, you helped
ASHLEY“This is so cute,” Lily let out.I smiled at her words, my eyes drifting to Molly as she painted her nails. I turned back to my phone just in time to see his message. I am alright. What are you doing?I tried so hard to hide my smile because I didn't want the girls to tease me again. Watching Molly paint my sister's nails. You?I pressed send before my brain found one hundred and one things wrong with that message.I tapped my fingers against my lap while waiting for him to reply.One minute went by.No reply.“Will you like to use the same color as me?” Lily asked.I nodded absentmindedly.“You good?” Molly asked, raising an eyebrow.“I am.”I fought the urge to breathe a sigh of relief when my phone finally vibrated in my hands.Six minutes felt like a year.Not like I was counting down the minutes or anything. Putting Lucy to sleep. Is it like a girls' night?I read the message without opening it. I didn't want to reply immediately. I didn't want it to look
ASHLEY“Ahhhh!”I smirked before turning to her.“You both owe me ten dollars.” I paused.They both narrowed their eyes at me.“We weren't screaming. We were just mimicking the characters,” Molly replied.I couldn't help the scoff that escaped my mouth.“I'd be dumb to believe that.”“This is scary,” Lily grunted.I giggled. “I warned you both.”“How are you not scared right now?” Molly asked.“The key to not being scared by a horror movie is to remember that it's all fiction. The characters are imaginary… they can't come and hurt you in reality.”They rolled their eyes at me.I ignored them and grabbed a handful of popcorn.By the time the movie ended, the three of us had already agreed that we'd had enough of being scared for one day.After we left the restaurant earlier, we headed to the mall.We shopped on Molly's credit card, as much as I hated to admit it. I didn't let her buy anything for me, but she did buy things for Lily.My stomach twisted.An emotion I had felt so many tim
NICHOLASDate idea: Plan a beach date for the special person.I let out a groan before closing my laptop.For a basic date, the internet ideas would have been useful.I don't move like that.Not trying to brag or anything, but Nicholas Bianchi doesn't do basic.I wanted it to be perfect.I wasn't even sure she liked me.Yes, we kissed. We confessed we had feelings, but…What if she doesn't exactly like-like me?Then I was preparing to experience my first heartbreak.She should, right?“Da-da!” Luciana mumbled.I turned to her on the floor in front of me. “Yes, principessa.”“I want ow cream,” she babbled.I stared at her, confused.Her vocabulary was beyond me. I still didn't understand most of her words.I wished Ashley was here. She somehow understood her every time.I wondered if she was okay.She hadn't looked alright when she left this morning.And she wasn't coming home tonight.I knew there was more to her than met the eye.I hoped that one day, she'd be comfortable enough to s
ASHLEY. "Girl!" Molly squealed immediately we walked up to her. "I have missed you so much."She pulled me into a hug and I relaxed into it. I needed the warmth. At least, something was normal from my crazy life. She pulled back and she finally noticed Lily. "Lily? Is that you?" she gasped. Lily rolled her eyes. "Yes, it's me.""Come here baby girl!"Lily winced slightly as her hands wrapped around her. I wondered what other bruises she was hiding. It made me sadder than I already was."I am so happy to see both of you," Molly added. We finally settled into our seats. "I missed you too," I replied with a smile. "What’s new?"She beamed widely while patting her hair. "It’s just__" she trailed off."Just what?" I asked, confused. She gave me a pointed look. "Look," Lily said gesturing to the hand she was using to pat her hair. I finally noticed it. I squealed loud. "He proposed.""You are engaged.""We have a wedding to plan.""My best friend is getting married.""This's
ASHLEY. I walked into the familiar building. My heart didn't stop pounding in my chest. I knew whatever’s going to happen in there wasn't going to be anything good. I had to meet up with Molly later today. I was excited for it until I got the message. Nicholas didn't object when I told him I had to go somewhere. Didn't ask any question. And I was thankful for that... I didn't know how to talk about Melissa without breaking down.I took deep breaths as I came in face to her apartment's door. I pressed the doorbell before putting my shaky hands in my pockets. Lily opened the door. I gasped at the sight of her. Her face was slightly bruised. I felt many emotions at once. Anger. Fear. Nervousness. Helplessness. One stood out... Helplessness. "Is it that bad?" she asked lowly. I tried to muster a smile while trying to keep my tears at bay. "I am sorry."She gave me a pointed look. "Don't start!""But_""Nothing. She is waiting for you in the living room."I nodded as
NICHOLAS I glanced at Ashley as she managed to get that baby to shut up. I could feel my driver staring at us through the rearview mirror. He knew better than to say anything.I remember nothing of the night that baby's mother was talking about. I would never sleep with a girl without protectio
There were times in life that you wished you could change some part of your life easily. Like erase them completely. That part of my life was related to Melissa. I didn't know how she knew that I worked for the Bianchi. Inc now. She told me to increase her monthly pay because I was earning more
ASHLEY."Lend me your blue shirt, Maya. It would go well with my black skirt tomorrow," I said after swallowing the food in my mouth."Sure. Still can't believe you're going to be working with my crush up close." She squealed.I rolled my eyes at her. She's one of his fans."It’s nothing special."
ASHLEY. I walked out of the organization as my phone rang again. Incessant this time so I couldn't ignore it. 'What do you want this time, mom?' I said the last part with so much venom.Not like the woman deserved any good from me.'That’s no way to greet your mom, daughter. Or should I say step-







