I took the earliest flight to Japan after the talk I had with the private investigator Menchie had hired. Even before his investigation started, he already knew so many things about him. That was enough to raise my hope of seeing James again. All I wanted to do was talk to him, know his current situation, and how I could be of any help. Unfortunately, I couldn't go to his family since they didn't know about me. I could neither meet any of his friends since he kept me away from them. In short, we lived in a different world that only the two of us enjoyed. Whoever he was in real life, I was sure he was the complete opposite whenever he was with me. I saw a kind and romantic person in him, loving me despite the short time we knew each other. I was happy with him despite not seeing him often. And that was the first time in my life that I didn't feel lonely after dad had passed away. I went down to the hotel lounge three hours after I checked into the Imperial Hotel. I was in awe of the

ZED'S POV My three-year run away to other countries got wasted after a wild moment with Yen. If I already had enough trouble getting her off my mind before, that multiplied after I gave in to my intense yearning for her. Yet, I know I must stop before everything gets out of hand. A knock on the door jolts me out of my thoughts. I look up, thinking it's just the staff banging his vacuum cleaner on the door. But another louder round follows. I draw out a deep breath and then exhale before I force myself out of the chair. Walking to the door, I open it wide. And to my surprise, Ella's face greets my eyes. Then, perhaps noticing my expression, she smiles and says, "I told you I'd be back for dinner." "You have money. Is there a problem?" I frown. She shouldn't have come back for unimportant matters. "Yes, but-" Ella stops, her face turning pale. "But?" "I just want to have dinner with you, if you don't mind." I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. I'm sure she's not too stupi

Yen's POV "I'm only offering this if Zed and you are in the marrying stage." My eyes pop wide for a second. I don't understand why Kim brings this marriage thing up. I am already so sick of putting up a fake façade before these two men, and yet he worsens the situation. Just a few hours ago, I had been a whore and one hell of an idiot. I could have run away the moment I realized Zed was not himself. He never forced on me before, but his changed behavior towards sex made me curious. Despite the lust burning in his eyes as he devoured me, I saw desire. Desire to make me his again. But I realized that was all a presumption. Zed has already moved on and is now in love with Ella. I don't understand myself. I know I should be happy for Zed because I am happy with Kim. Yet, the way Zed laughs and smiles at Ella reminds me of how he treated me like a fragile princess before. He makes me feel so special. And that is something Kim can never do, although he loves me in his own way. "Are we,

Zed's POV   "Jamella," I mumble as I type on the G****e search box the name of the restaurant Ella and Kim talked about during the meeting. Photos of both the exterior and interior views of Jamella then appear on my screen. I gasp in surprise. What greets my eyes aren't simple views of a common restaurant but the mighty elegance and luxury of a five-star establishment. "Wow!" I turn to Ella, who sits by my side inside the car. "What?" she asks, holding my questioning gaze. If she's amused at my surprised look, her expression doesn't show. "You own this?" I ask, showing her the photos of my phone. She nods but sighs afterward. "My father, but he left them to me when he passed away." A glint of sadness flickers in her eyes for a mere moment. I get curious, so I hold her gaze. "Sorry to hear that." She chuckles, "It's alright. It's been years ago. I'm long past the mourning stage." "How's your

I walk toward the receptionist's area, a sense of self-mockery poking my conscience. I spit out the words of kind rejection several times to Ella, only to find myself swallowing my own puke. I told her I didn't want any woman in my life, embarrassing her even. But now I am here, walking into the last place I'd ever set my feet into. However, I need to do this – Yen prompting me into this. Last night at the hotel, I remember myself fuming in embarrassment deep inside. That eccentric Dennis unconsciously exposed me through his tactlessness. His words still reverberate in my mind even as my eyes were on the receptionist. "From now on, you'll keep coming here to see your inspiration," his teasing voice now taunts me again, playing like a broken tape. Damn that latte art, Dennis is right! "Good morning, sir! May I help you?" says the receptionist, interrupting my thoughts. "Please tell Miss Ella Sahara that someone wants to talk to her." "Your name please, sir?" "Zedrick Ramos." I wa