Ben didn’t sleep peacefully that night. He kept tossing and turning. He could see his happiness but couldn’t reach it. He thought back through the events of the day. His lips curled up into a smile as he recalled the kiss. He had never felt this way. ‘No matter how hard or unattainable, he would persevere- she was his!’ that was his last thought as he fell asleep with a smile on his face. The next morning, Ben woke up with the first rays of light. This was his norm, no matter how late he went to bed, he would wake with the first ray of light. He didn’t have a plan for the day. Normally, he would catch up with friends in the evening on Saturday and catch up with family on Sunday. They would all gather back at the Adalase Manor for breakfast and spend the rest of the day together. Contrary to usual, seeing Ben walk downstairs in his PJ’s, Mrs Bentley asked “Aren’t you going to the Manor? Would you like breakfast?” On Sunday’s Ben would walk down dressed in casual attire to head towards

Lara and Dana casually walked to the plaza and started browsing which movie to watch. It was not a high traffic time and there was only one staff at the counter. Shadow walked up to her and requested to book seats for him and Ben to the left side of the seats Dana and Lara booked. The staff had a difficult expression. Shadow told her that his Boss and Mrs were having a fight and his Boss was trying to win her back. The staff was a romantic at heart and quickly agreed.After debating back and forth, Lara and Dana decided to watch a romantic comedy “after love”.As per shadow’s request, the staff booked seats in the middle row for them; Shadow paid for their seats and also gave the staff a huge tip in appreciation.Lara and Dana sat with their popcorn and drinks. Lara felt a gaze on them and turned her head to look at Ben and Shadow. She didn’t recognize them and since they weren’t looking at them when she looked, she ignored them. The movie was hilarious… both Lara and Dana laughed the

Dana parked in the underground parking spot in the Sun plaza and headed to level 4 were Sahn’s golden spoon was located. Lara kept her head down. Half way up Dana felt bad for Lara “Do you want to go to the ‘wigs and hats’ shop first”“Makes sense”They got off at Level 2 and went to ‘Wigs and Hats’. Lara didn’t like wearing wigs as they made her feel itchy and she had a phobia for where it has been before. However, this was an emergency. The lady at the counter was amiable and sensible, she sensed Lara’s discomfort and asked her why she wanted a wig since she had beautiful hair.“I … I just want to remain low key, not have anyone recognize me” she smiled uncomfortably.“I can show you a high end wig which will cost 10 times more than the regular stock, but it guaranteed to clean and it is easy to manage as long as you don’t treat it with chemicals”“Let’s have a look”“Also, I only have limited stock. I have a blonde one and brunette one that is waist long; then there is a slightly

Her lips were ruthlessly sealed before she could finish. How could he let her finish what she was going to say? ‘Last time heh! This was the first of the many to come Heh…heh!’He only meant to stop her chattering, but her allure was too great for him to stop, he could never have enough… and this stupid woman didn’t know how to breathe… she was running out of air.’ He pulled back and caressed her swollen lips.“Don’t say meaningless things… I don’t want to hear” He held her tightly, breathed heavily as he tried to restrain the demons of desire.“Eh… you … Can you not kiss me? I don’t like it” She was definitely angry, but why did she sound like she was pouting coquettishly??“But I like it. What do I do? Woman, you have poisoned me!” Ben looked deeply into her eyes. They clearly had only few interactions, yet she held his soul mesmerized. He didn’t know why. He had certainly met women who are a lot more beautiful, more accomplished and outstanding, yet none of them disturbed him like

“Dring….Dring…Dring”“Hello” Ben picked up the phone with a smile looking at the caller id.“’Cuz, got a minute?”“Would you hang up if I said no?”“Has it worked when you’ve tried in the past?”“Didn’t think so… tell me… what do you want me to do?”“Do you have a meeting? Can we catch up at our normal place in 10 mins?”“Why are you so free today?”“Can’t I miss you out of brotherly love?”“I am too lazy to argue you… I’ll see you in 10, usual place!” Ben didn’t want to stay and watch Lisa acting pitiful. Any reason to get out was good enough.Both of them hung up.Ben walked out of the office “I won’t be available till 2pm. For emergencies or anything that can’t wait till 2, contact Shadow. Pass the memo to all the departments"Lisa blinked ‘Was he really going to hang her out to dry?’“CEO, do you need me to follow?”“Did I ask you to?” Ben looked sternly at Lisa ‘Was she this annoying before? How did he not notice?’Shadow “”Shadow followed Ben to the elevator, once the door clos