LOGIN~Lilian~"You will be disappointed if I say this," I said, pulling myself up a bit, causing him to also withdraw from his initial position."Say whatever you want to say," he replied.His weight was resting on his knees and palms now, his eyes carefully examining mine.I chuckled at how serious he looked.His brows furrowed in a way to ask "why?""It's nothing. I was just going to say, I have no interest whatsoever in your hotel politics, but nevertheless, I want you to win, just because it's going to make you happy."I saw his face break into a smile - a genuine one. I was happy for him, but I had to do what I had to do.He lifted his body and crawled to sit beside me."This is non of your business really," he whispered, his tone suddenly hard, and his face slowly forming an expression that did not seem too friendly.I refused to be unfazed."What happens if you don't win?" I expected an outburst, maybe a demand to explain why I had asked that question, and after that, a long reason
~Lilian~I had flown to California with Nikolai even after making Mr. Brostran send me the money for my flight.Of course, I had told him I wanted to watch his big moment in California. I was surprised when he had agreed.I found out later that he was the type of man that empties his pockets in return for praise.I told him I could not fly with him when he offered me a ride in his private jet - lied about having to sort things out in school.Just like that, I was in California, staying in the same hotel as the two men, risking everything just to perfect my plan.I was still trying to put the mini luggage I had with me on order when my phone began to ring on the dresser.Before I even picked it up, I already knew it was Mr. Brostran. He had called thirty minutes earlier, and I assured him I knew my way and would be in the hotel soon.I told him I would call him as soon as I got here, but I had been a little busy with Nikolai who was a bit grumpy because I wouldn't stay in the same room
~Nikolai~"How are things going over there?" I asked my assistant even though I had just gotten off the life charts published by the business life channel of California."Not good," he answered sincerely, sending a shock down my spine."The charts aren't looking good at all. They have more people on their side, and I mean, a lot of people. He won't just be winning by a margin if a miracle doesn't happen before the ceremony."I shut my eyes painfully, wishing he hadn't gone further to break my spirit even more.I was sure I could figure out a strategy.Bigard Brostran might be popular in his part of the large sky, but California was my turf until he decided to make trouble.Worst still, the people I thought their loyalty stood with me had turned their backs on me now that I needed them the most.In a few days, there'd be a final verdict for the most influential hotel business in California.It wasn't just going to be an announcement, it was going to be a declaration. Like a calling to
~Lilian~My feet stood frozen in position as I watched the two.I found myself even trying to read their lips as they talked, but it was impossible, of course.I could only make out their facial expression which was nothing less than serious and committed to whatever it was they spoke about.They talked for about ten minutes before Stephen nodded, taking the wrapped envelope Sonia held out to him, then turning and walking away towards the gate.I didn't need a fortune teller to tell.me that they were up to something.It was definitely Sonia Swissman.All of a sudden, Stephen calls me out of nowhere, putting my matters in my face, then insists I remain at home, going further to police my movements.It was unlike him. I knew something was fishy.I was mad at Stephen for being such a cheapskate.I was very sure he didn't even bother to verify the authenticity of whatever it was Sonia told him I did.Because he had passed a couple of dollar bills, he was ready to go with anything.I was n
~Lilian~It's been one week since I had been strictly at home from Stephen's order.I didn't expect him to be serious about it, but he had been home too.A rare occasion indeed, because just like his father, he was mostly out.These days have been unbearable indeed. I hated to see my mother always smiling, because I knew too well that it was just a mask. Deep down, she was unhappy, but she doesn't even want to admit it to herself.I had given up on trying to make her let go of herself and feel freely, so I had resorted to forcing myself to smile whenever I talked to her.For some odd reason, my father has always slept at home these days. I avoided him. I made sure to go to school everyday even if I don't have any lectures on the timetable. It was my only way to escape that house for sometime during the day.I had been in contact with the men - Nikolai, Jhuy Clifford and Mr. Brostran, but only on the messenger app.Each time they asked to see, I told them I was pretty busy with schoo
~Lilian~That morning, I flew back to Beverly Hills.I had even left my belongings at the Swissman's which was just my back pack that contained an extra outfit and some under wears."Do you have to go this morning?" Jhuy Clifford had asked me, as I hurriedly put on my clothes, and brushed my hair up in a low effort bun."It's an emergency. I have to go, but I'll definitely see you again," I replied, trying my possible best to stay as calm as I should in front of him.He had nodded, returning me a small wholesome smile, and drawing me into himself for a hug.The moment would have passed for an emotional one if I didn't know what type of a person he was.Well, he helped me book a quick flight, and about four hours later, I was standing before the gates of my mother's house.My body numbed with anxiety as I walked through the iron gates into the compound.As usual, the atmosphere was sickening and the space looked empty.I knew my mother would be out by this time, except if she had anoth
~Jhuy~Alone, I thought about everything that has happened in the past two weeks.Lily, the girl Sonia had introduced as her best friend, was at the center of it all.I haven't seen her at all today. I know she didn't go out with Nikolai and his daughter, but that was unlike her to sleep in until
~Lilian~Until this morning, Sonia seemed to still be angry about something.We didn't talk like we would have when we woke up, and I had to intentionally avoid getting in her way as we prepared for the morning in the room.Breakfast was quite as usual.I ate silently, not bothering to look at any
~Lilian~I was discharged from the hospital the next day.It was good to be back home again after the near death experience.It wasn't something I regretted.I did what I thought would work and it worked.Sonia was at the door to welcome me with a grin on her face.Hot daddy too.Even though I didn
~Lilian~A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I walked away from him knowingly.I had nothing urgent to attend to. I just wanted to be out of his sight, to make him long for me even more.He seemed to still have doubts in his mind as he spoke to me.I didn't want any of that.If I gave in now







