Chapter 9 9

I flipped through the file before me once more and I sighed once again

"Are you okay?" I looked up to find Nix staring down at his table

"Yes" I answered but doubted if truly my answer is ment to convince him or myself.

"Take the day off then. if you're okay then that means everything isn't going to go well today,so kindly exit my building before any catastrophe befalls it" he said emotionlessly not sparing me a glance and the thought of him never changing came to mind

He never changed one bit ever since day one we both knew and I'm glad about that but still hope for more.

"I'd also love to take the day off but I have to deal with our current competitor" I threw my head backwards on the couch

"And that's more reason you have to leave,I can deal with them by myself have you forgotten?" He raised an eyebrow and I couldn't resist the urge to smile.

Our current competitor is actually my Dad's company and knowing the fact that he has never been on good terms with my family I know he's not going to stop at anything to make sure he destroys them.

"It would not paint a good image if I allow the heir to the company destroy the company before taking charge of it would it?" I look up to find his eyes still locked on the document before him "..the war has always been behind the eyes of the public and I'd love to keep it that way. I'll take on your father and his entire board members by myself so just relax and take the day off" he said standing to his feet as he took a closer look at the book shelve behind him.

"Are you serious about giving me a day off?"I teased more

"Yes. Because it's the only one you'll be having in the next ten years to come.

And it's not really a day off because you'll have to deal with the work papers of the state contract" I looked up at him to find an unreadable expression on his face.

"Isn't the state contract supposed to go to one of your uncle's?" I questioned standing to my feet

"Was it?" He scoffed with a devilish smirk

At first I thought my family was complicated not until I met with Nix. It's either he's playing cat and dog with his family members or pirates but in either case he's always at the winning end for some odd reason.

"Would you be free this weekend?" I walked closer to his desk

"Why do you ask?"

"My mum has been asking us to.."

"And you're just telling me?" A sudden excitement elevated him mode as he slammed the document he was signing"..Move all my weekend schedule we'll be spending the weekend at her place"I took a moment to process what he just said

Is he her son or am I? How can he love my own mother more than me?

I wondered imagining the stress I'll have to go through by calling every individual he was supposed to meet with.

I sneered making my way towards the door but remembering the scene that may unfold in front of my house if I get home,I subconsciously took four steps backwards placing a wild smile on my face as I gently turned around to face Nix

"Why are you smiling at me like a maniac?" He questioned

"Mr CEO,if you don't mind can you spare me a room in your house?" I crossed my fingers behind my back

"I mind so go lodge at a hotel if you're scared of your family harassing you" he blurted returning his gaze to his file.

"How sure are you that I'm going to be safe at a hotel? You're the only person they fear which makes me safest under your roof" I whined

"Get out"

"Please,just this once for the sake of old times"

"Get out!"

"I'll get you the information you wanted on your first uncle"

"You will?"

"Will I?" I questioned myself turning to face the wall with wild eyes did I just say I will?

"Are you going to keep to your words or not?" The sudden change in his tone sent shivers down my spine

"Yes I will,I will" I rubbed my nose laughing sarcastically at my own words

"Alright, now get out"

I did not need to be told that twice seeing the kind of deal I just made with my boss and friend.

Why did I have to get myself involved in his family issue?.

I sighed for the nth time still trying to decide if I should go up the stairs. It's been days now and I've been stuck to the ground floor which almost felt boring if not for the company Juliet gave me when she's free. There was once a time Juliet warned me about visiting the top floor but what's the use of not trying at all but still accommodating fear?

Xavier is nowhere to be found and neither would Mr Dean be back any moment from now since it's still early. I looked around to make sure none of the maids were watching before making my way up the stairs.

Ascending the staircase, my footsteps echoed in tandem with the rhythmic pulse of anticipation. As I reached the summit, a tableau of five doors stood before me, each concealing untold stories within.my gaze lingered, drawn irresistibly to the majestic portal at the room's core-a colossal door, its presence commanding attention.

The massive door, centrally positioned, beckoned with an air of mysterious allure. Its intricate carvings whispered tales of hidden wonders, and the polished surface reflected my anticipation as if inviting me to unravel the enigma beyond.

While the other doors, adorned with varying motifs and colors, exuded their own charm, it was the monumental entrance that held an irresistible gravitational pull. But, I was only captivated by the allure of the central door, which felt like a magnet pulling me towards Its direction.

Intrigued, I approached the colossal door, my hand instinctively reaching for the ornate handle. As the door creaked open, it revealed a dimly lit expanse of the room, shadows dancing upon brooding walls like silent echoes of unresolved emotions. The air, heavy with an enigmatic melancholy, embraces the space, where a canvas of obsidian curtains sways gently, reminiscent of the veiled mysteries.

I stepped into the room gently closing the door behind me,and for some reason the air in the room felt heavy.

A grand piano, draped in the hues of a somber symphony, stands as a maestro of the room, its ebony keys echoing the deep resonance of solitude.Darkened hues bleed into the tapestry, intertwining with the threads of desolation.

In one corner, a solitary chair, draped in midnight velvet, beckons introspection, a silent witness to the chiaroscuro of emotions. A solitary lamp casts elongated shadows, painting a chiaroscuro of solitude on the expansive floor, where my footprints echo like whispers of a tortured mind.

The room, albeit spacious, lacked embellishments, featuring only a large bed, a piano, and a modest light stand. Despite the minimalist decor, an inexplicable unease pervaded the atmosphere, casting a pall over the otherwise unremarkable setting.

My attention was captivated by a small photo frame positioned adjacent to the light stand. Intrigued, I bridged the gap between myself and the photograph, discovering the image of a young woman with a radiant smile, her eyes reflecting genuine happiness. The question lingered was is she his girlfriend or an ex-lover?

A stern internal admonition reminded me that her identity was not my concern, yet the undeniable beauty of the woman persisted in my thoughts.

"I'll freshen up and be back in five minutes," Mr. Dean's voice interrupted my contemplation, prompting me to hastily return the photo to its place. Panic set in as I sought a discreet refuge, dismissing the impracticality of hiding under the bed or attempting a risky escape through the window. His wardrobe crossed my mind, but my head reasons prevailed.

The bathroom emerged as the most viable option, and with a sense of urgency, I maneuvered towards its door totally wiping off the fact that he said he was going to shower.

However, a twinge of apprehension accompanied my decision, intensified by Mr. Dean's unexpected early return.

As his voice echoed through the room, questioning my prolonged conversation, a sinking realization of my predicament took hold. The idea of admitting my presence seemed mature but fraught with potential consequences. The uncertainty of facing expulsion loomed large, exacerbating the turmoil within me.

In the midst of my internal struggle, the precarious nature of my current circumstances unfolded, leaving me to grapple with the capricious hand of fate and the unsettling realization that my luck remained steadfastly elusive.

In a moment of emotional vulnerability, I found myself internally grappling with unspoken turmoil, my eyes tightly closed as if to contain the overwhelming urge to shed tears. The silence was disrupted by the uttered name, "Carmela." Upon reopening my eyes, I was met with the gaze of Mr. Dean. Despite the intention to maintain eye contact with his discerning gray eyes, an involuntary drift ensued, my focus tracing the contours of his shirtless form-an unintentional distraction that evoked a sudden warmth, causing a noticeable flush on my face.

"Why have you come here? And why is your complexion flushed? Are you experiencing a fever?" He flooded me with questions, gently laying his hand upon my forehead. The contact sent an unexpected shiver down my spine, rendering my feet momentarily immobile.

"Why do you appear so visibly agitated?" He leaned towards my eye level.

"It's not the first time we've been this closer.." his hush whisper sent shivers down my spine remarkably prompting me to involuntary close my eyes"..don't tell me you are not satisfied with the the last time and you are wanting more?" He blew air into my ear leaving me momentarily incapacitated. In response, I pushed him aside, swiftly propelling myself towards the exit.