50 Questions

On New Year, my childhood friend, Maverick Kirk, asks for the passcode of my new home. Initially, I thought he wanted to give me a housewarming gift. But when I open the door, I'm stunned to see more than a dozen people gathering in my home. As Maverick smiles and approaches me, he makes sure to shoot me a look. "What are you doing here, Chloe? You're in luck—we're having a family dinner!" I just look very confused in return. Before I can even ask Maverick any questions, his girlfriend, Bianca Bennett, adopts a passive-aggressive tone instantly. "Is your childhood friend extremely charismatic? I'm curious as to how she managed to coax your home's passcode out of your mouth!" Maverick's expression turns grim instantly. "Chloe didn't coax it out of me! In fact, she got down on her knees and begged for it! She claimed that she didn't have anywhere else to live after she got into a big fight with her family and got kicked out of her home! You know how big of a softie I am, Bianca. I didn't think much about it when I gave her the passcode." Bianca's expression becomes one of disdain afterward. "Regular women aren't as shameless as her, you know. Maybe she's done the same thing to countless men just to obtain what she wants behind our backs." Maverick gives her a thumbs-up immediately. "Wow, you really are smart, babe! Previously, Chloe had stripped naked and begged me to buy her her favorite bag! I told you what happened afterward last time." Bianca covers her mouth and starts giggling. "Oh, so that was her, huh? She really is shameless!" The sight of Maverick's despicable face pisses me off to no end. So, I rush over and slap him right away. "Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you make my home your own while slandering me on the side! Now get lost!"

"Look, if I told you I loved you, it would be a lie," I said to him. "But I love you, Anika," he responded, his eyes filled with sadness. "I don't feel the same way. I am content with my life as it is. I don't believe in love, and I value my freedom too much to give it up," I explained to him, hoping he would understand. "Please, just give me a chance. I promise I'll make you happy," he pleaded. "Stop..." I interrupted, feeling exhausted by his continuous pleading. "I'll do whatever you ask, I'll even change-" "Just stop!" I finally yelled, unable to tolerate any more of his words. "Why would you love me when I clearly stated my aversion to relationships?" I screamed in frustration. "I thought we could give our friendship a try, but you ruined it all by falling in love with me. Let's not see each other again," I firmly stated and walked away. *** Anika Rebecca Downs, a 23-year-old woman, appears to have it all. She possesses beauty, a charismatic figure, wealth, popularity, and all the good things one could desire. However, there is one crucial thing missing from her life – love. This absence stems from her past experiences of being used by men who were drawn to her wealth. Fed up with the constant disappointment, Anika vowed to never fall in love again. But what happens when Kelvin Birtch enters the picture? Kelvin was an appealing man who works for her company. At first, she tries to deny the growing attraction she feels towards him. However, how long can she suppress her feelings? And what will happen when her manipulating ex resurfaces in her life? To uncover the answers to these questions and more, delve into the rest of the book... :)