CEO'S DILEMMA

CHAPTER ONE

Luna, I understand that you are going through a tough time but you can't keep shutting yourself out on everything. Sulking won't do you any good and you know it" My best friend, Alora advices, and I know she's right. She's always right but I just can't bring myself to chill right now. I just ended a three year old relationship with my boyfriend...I mean ex-boyfriend. He was a workaholic and I didn't like it at all. If he wasn't canceling dates, he was postponing or forgetting them. I've had to spend the night on his couch countless times because I was waiting for him to show up at our planned date which he never showed up. I had put up with that attitude for the years and when I realized that he wasn't even trying to change or at least make-out time for me, for us, for our relationship, I called it off. He had been in Germany for over two months and I broke up with him over text and voice mail. I'm done with his negligence and absenteeism in my life.

I deserve better.

"Alora I know that okay, and I promise you that I'm over Seven. I just don't want to attend that party"

"Are you kidding me? you're going to meet former high school mates" she squeals in excitement.

"I know, right?" I say rolling my eyes

"No, you don't?" She cuts me off. She won't let me be unless i agree to go with her to the party.

"Alright then, you win. I'll go with you, now will you leave me the hell alone? Please?"

"I get to choose what you wear"

"Whatever," I say rolling my eyes yet again as she rushes out of my bedroom. I trust her to find me something elegant, after all, she's a fashion designer.

***************************************

So the party didn't go as planned, earlier I had planned on isolating myself from the noisy activities most especially the annoying "Awws" and "oohs" from former high school mates but that didn't happen. Alora made sure everyone noticed my presence and since I used to be quite an entertainer in school, I had to mingle and entertain the others.

After a few hours of playing silly games and drinking which was actually fun, I finally give in to my lungs' dire need for fresh oxygen. The hall is quite packed up with people dancing and chatting and laughing and the carbon dioxide they breathe out dominates the oxygen that gets in. I take a walk around the garden admiring the beautiful flowers and perceiving the sweet scent some of them emit and for once I decide to enjoy a moment without Seven raiding my mind. A hard-earned three-year relationship just went into the Abyss. To say our breakup hurt me is an understatement, it left me devastated. I invested a lot of time and emotions in that relationship. I loved Seven with all my heart and every day I had wished for us to be together but that never happened. He always chose his career over me. Not that I didn't want him to pursue his goals, not at all. All I wanted was a little attention and not credit cards and cars and trips and other luxuries that I can afford. I needed more than just material stuff from him but he didn't realize it... He refused to realize it.

Ugh!

Seven keeps raiding my mind.

"Hello there" Someone greets me from behind and when I turn to see who it is I freeze as my eyes land on the most handsome guy in the universe. He's got a perfectly sculptured face and striking facial features. Talk about high cheekbones, prominent jawline, and the darkest eyes you'll ever see. His black smooth hair is jelled backward and damn, he's just as hot and handsome as before and he's a lot more mature now.

He has on a pair of denim black trousers, a black T-shirt, and a black leather jacket over it. The pair of timberlands on his feet screams expensive and I nod internally when my eyes catch the sight of his Rolex watch on his right wrist. Everything he has on screams wealth and I'm not surprised at all. That's the famous Ace Damon, CEO of "Heritage Empire" and the richest bachelor in the country. Not forgetting the fact that he was my high-time crush way back in high school. That's no news though, all the girls in school had a crush on Ace Damon.

"Ace Damon" I call in surprise. Like ...I can't believe he's actually standing before me right now, it's like a dream come true.

"Oh wow, you know me after all"

"Of course I do, who wouldn't? You were the God of Symphony High School back then"

"Oh...so what's your name?"

"Luna Ramora Angelis," I say as I extend my hand for a handshake.

"Luna, what a lovely name for a lovely Lady like you. You look totally gorgeous Luna" He compliments as he brings the back of my palm close to his lips and kisses it.

I die five times in the second. Ace Damon just kissed me.

"Your hand" my subconscious mind reminds and I internally roll my eyes at it.

"Nice to meet your acquaintance, Luna"

"The pleasure is mine" I say as I blush hard. I need someone to pinch me so would wake up from this dream.

"So tell me, why are you out here all alone?" He asks as he shoves both hands in his trouser pockets and stands straight tall. He looks like a god, I swear.

"I just needed some fresh air, it's quite hot in there" I explain and he nods his head as a tiny smile creeps on his lips. His cute dimples become slightly prominent.

Sweet Lord, I've missed those dimples, not to talk of the smile.

"Same here. Hey, I've got some really good wine in my car, how about we go in and have a drink, that's if you don't mind of course"

"Oh, I don't!" My mouth blurts out before my brain can even think otherwise. I'm a hopeless romantic.

"Cool, come with me" He leads me out of the garden and I get slightly annoyed when we walk into the VIP Parking lot. He's always getting special treatment. Even back in high school, he was always treated differently from the rest of us. Like some royalty.

What am I saying?, the guy owns an entire business Empire. He's practically royalty.

I don't get surprised at all when he stops at a black Bugatti and opens it. He's filthy rich!.

CHAPTER TWO

I open my eyes and groan in pain as I feel my head hurt like it had been hit by a truck. I sit up straight on the bed and scan the bedroom. It's not mine. I would never have black drapes, black carpet and a black duvet. The events of last flood my mind and I lie on the bed covering my face with the duvet as I groan in frustration. Ace and I had quite a drinking spree last night and ended up spending the night on his bed. This is just crazy. I retrieve my phone from the nightstand and when I unlock it, I'm not surprised to see thirty missed calls from Alora. I bailed on her last night and I know she's going to kill me when I get home.

Just then a door opens and Ace walks in with a towel tied around his waist. His wet hair is ruffled and I swallow hard when my eyes fall on his well formed eight packs. The drops of water trickling down the abs drive me insane and without warning my mind travels to what happened between us last night. The way he had handled my body with care like I was some fragile creature that he didn't want to hurt. The way he had made love to me like he loved me from the depth of his heart. It felt like he was worshipping my body. Last night was spectacular.

"Like what you see?" He asks with a cocky smile and I immediately tear my eyes off him as I clear my throat.

"I need a towel"

"Well... good morning to you too" he says with a sweet smile.

"Towel, please"

"One minute" he disappears into another room and later cones back with a towel and hands over to me.

"Thank you"

"You're welcome"

I step down from the bed ignoring the fact that I'm naked and tie the towel . There's no need to act all shy after all, we had sex. It's not like he hasn't already seen me naked. Besides, I have nothing to be ashamed of, I have an awesome body.

I walk into the sophisticated bathroom and cringe at the sight of it, totally masculine, just like my brother's. I do my business and take a shower and when I'm done I go into the bedroom where I meet Ace all dressed up, sitting on a sofa and sipping coffee. I scan around for my clothes but I can't find them.

"I ... I can't find my clothes"

"I took them to the laundry room"

"So...what am I going to wear?"

"You can wear mine" He says shrugging

"O... kay"

"The closet is over there" he says pointing to another door and I quietly walk over to the door and get into the room. It's quite spacious and well organized. He's got like an entire mall of clothes and shoes of different brands and he sure has a thing for Tuxedos cuz an entire wardrobe is filled with Tuxedos. I'm impressed.

I use his lotion to rub my body and put on a pair of grey sweatpants and white t-shirt . I tie my hair into a messy pony tail and go back to the bedroom.

"I have to be on my way now"

"Stay for breakfast and later on, I'll ask one of my driver's to take you home"

"Thanks but you don't have to worry, I'll call a cab"

"Luna, I insist and I'm not taking no for an answer. Now sit down" He orders.

Oh... He's bossy.

"Great!" I say as roll my eyes and sit on the bed.

"Do not ever roll your eyes at me again" He warns.

"Fine" I say almost rolling my eyes again.

"There's something you need to know"

"I know what happened last night was a mistake, a one night stand that has to be gotten over" I babble as play with my fingers.

It wasn't a mistake to me though, I was conscious of what we were doing and in a way I wanted it to happen. I kind of like Ace and having sex with him had always sounded appealing to me so last night was like fulfilling a long time wish and also I needed to get my mind off the break up with Seven and the sex was the perfect way to do it.

I will never forget that one night stand we had.

"Last night was not a mistake" Ace contradicts and I look at him in shock "yeah, to me it wasn't. I actually enjoyed every moment of it so don't ever say that"

"It was just a one night stand" I insist

"I know that, but I cheated you"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I didn't use the condom I was supposed to use"

The confession jars in my ears like loud music. He cannot be serious. God please, he should not be serious.

He's a selfish bastard!

"You sneaky son of a..." I pause and swallow the next word that had to come out "What?" I ask aghast.

"I'm sorry...I'm just not a condom guy"

"Oh my God you have an STI right?, or worst still you have HIV. You've infected me!" I cry in rage as I feel my nerves tensioning all over my body and my heart starts hammering against my chest. I'm actually trembling right now. What was I even thinking when I agreed to come here with him.

This is just the end of me

"Jesus!, No Luna I'm not sick. I have none of these illnesses I'm healthy. I swear!" He says seriously and I feel my nerves relax. In a few seconds I'm calm again but my heart is still racing.

"You swear?"

"I swear Luna I'm healthy"

"Ok"

"Are you still mad?"

"Of course I am, I could get pregnant you moron!"

"Then I'm going to find you. Even if it means turning this world up-side-down, I would"

"You wouldn't"

"Try me"

He says looking at me straight in the eye. The rumors aren't true after all. They say he's bossy and ruthless. Yeah he's bossy and that's annoying as hell but he's not ruthless. He has been nothing but caring to me ever since we met and now he's determined to take responsibility for a pregnancy that isn't even certain yet.

That doesn't sound like ruthlessness to me. I find his concern entirely genuine. He's indisputably a gentleman.

"Yeah whatever, can I go now?"

"No you cannot, you have to eat first and also, were not done talking"

"What's there for us to talk about?"

"The pregnancy"

"Jesus Christ!, Ace I said I COULD get pregnant not I WILL get pregnant. It's not certain yet"

"I know that but I want to be the first person you tell when that happens. Can you promise to do that?"

"Why would you care?" I ask curious

"Because I take responsibility for my actions."

"Alright then, I promise"

"Thank you"

"Why won't you just let me go?"

"Because you have to take breakfast and I brought you here so it's only right for me to see to it that you get home safe and sound. I'm trying hard to be a gentleman, so please don't ruin it for me" He says with a serious tone and I can't help but chuckle.

"You've got some sense of humor after all"

"Oh, you will be shocked at the things I've got" He says with cocky smile.

"Indeed I will"

" Want me to show you more?"

"Oh no, I saw more than enough last night"

"Fascinated, weren't you?"

"I'll just... go and help the maids prepare breakfast" I say nervously as I exit the bedroom with him laughing.

I'm still feeling giddy from last night's hot sex, I'm not ready to talk about it with him.

CHAPTER THREE

"Thank you so much for the heart attack!. There's something called a cellphone Luna and you've got one, a very good one at that, one phone call would've saved me all the trouble."

Says a raging Alora as I step into the living room. I'm dead meat.

"I'm sorry"

"I said to go out and have fun, not to unleash the whore in you"

"I couldn't help it, Alora please let me explain "

"I'm all... " She suddenly halts and looks at me from head to toe. "Whose clothes are those you have on?" She asks as she stands akimbo.

"Um... It's part of the explanation"

"Ok then, commence" She says as she makes herself comfortable on the couch. I walk helter skelter around the living room wondering how I have to start telling to her that I had a one night stand which was actually a memorable one with the famous Ace Damon.

When I'm done narrating to her the events of last night and this morning, Alora is staring at me like I suddenly turned into a ghost. I can understand why she's so shocked, what I did last night was totally unlike me. I'm not the most reserved girl but I never share a drinks with strangers not to talk of having sex with them. It was just outrageous. Well maybe it was because the other strangers weren't as hot as Ace and not to talk of the fact that he was my highschool crush.

"Wow!" Alora suddenly exclaims with a wide smile and I'm surprised as to why she's smiling. I had expected her to rip my head off.

It's quite relieving though.

"Yeah...wow"

"You had a one night stand with the famous Ace Damon. That... is a huge accomplishment" She says excitedly and I look at her in awe.

Is she really serious about what she just said?

"Really Alora?, You think sleeping with a random guy is a huge accomplishment?... Wow!"

"Not just any kind of guy honey, the most eligible bachelor in the country. Damn girl if I were you I would beg God to bless me with pregnancy" At the mention of the word pregnancy my heart falls in my stomach and Ace's words replay in my mind. I have this weird giddy feeling in my stomach. What if I really get pregnant?.

No... That won't happen. I instantly shake off the thought. This is not some fairy tale where the girl gets pregnant for the arrogant billionaire and then ends up marrying him. This is reality.

"Luna what are you not telling me?" Alora asks looking at me suspiciously.

"Um... I..." I start laughing.

"Come on, just tell me already" she insists impatiently.

"Ace said to let him know if that happens"

"Oh... That sounds scary"

"Does it?"

"Yeah, it does"

"Whatever, I'm not going to get pregnant so... let's just brush it off. I need to rest now, I had a long and tedious night"

"I can only imagine how long it was for you. You had all that fine dick all to yourself last night, I'm jealous of you"

"You should, it's not only fine but also very effective. It made me forget my name"

"You are a spoilt whore, there is no hope for you" She says as she goes into the kitchen, I chuckle hard as I take the stairs leading to my bedroom.

You will never understand why I feel this way until you live in my city and get to about this man called Ace Damon. He's every woman's idol.

***************************************

ACE'S POV

It's been a week since my encounter with the gorgeous Luna and for some unknown reasons I just can't seem to get over her. I had loved every moment we spent together and the passionate sex with her keeps reminiscing on my mind. I didn't have sex with her like I did with other girls, not even my girlfriend Sophia, there was something about her body that made worship it. She is the most fragile girl I have touched and I couldn't help but handle her with so much care. I smile every time I remember how she let me explore her perfect body and her gentle moans keep replaying on my mind like some sweet slow music. That night was impeccable and I swear I wish I could have another with her in my room on my bed.

When she first saw me she looked nervous like she had seen a ghost but as we conversed she eventually relaxed and we flowed. Most girls I meet do nothing but smile the entire time but Luna had actually spoken freely and she even called me a moron!, I like her fierce nature.

"Babe" A voice calls and when I turn to look I see my girlfriend, Sophia. It's been more than two weeks since we last spoke after she stood me up at our dinner date and travelled to Paris with her manager for a photoshoot. I was so mad at her that I asked her to give me some space. I held a heavy grudge against her but after my encounter with Luna, It all went away. I'm not mad at her anymore.

"Babe I'm so sorry about the other day. I really couldn't turn down Mr. Nick's offer. Look babe he was going to call Tracy if I didn't go and you know how much I dislike that skinny whore. I can never let her take my place in that agency" she rants on and I just stare at her blankly. she just called another model skinny when she's just as skinny too. I really don't get girls at times, especially Sophia.

"Babe are you listening to me?" She asks and when I look at her, I notice that she's crying already. Mind you, Sophia is not a sentimental girl, one of the reasons I love her very much. The last thing she does is whine over trivial issues so if she's crying right now, it means she's really sorry.

"It's fine Sophia"

"No it's not, you just called me Sophia. You never call me by my name"

Scratch what I just said up there about Sophia not whining about trivial issues. I was wrong.

"Babe it's okay, I'm over it"

"Really?"

"Yeah, come here" I stretch out my arms and she falls into them and I engulf her in a big hug "I miss you"

"I miss you more, are we ready cool now?"

"I promise we are"

"Thank you"

It's not like I have a choice though. My relationship with Sophia is bound to work whether I like it or not. It's true that I love. Yes, I love Sophia. She's not only my girlfriend but my childhood friend, we grew up together and our mothers are best friends. They are both leaders of the biggest women organization in the country and are quite famous. They are the ones who hooked us up together and they have made us to understand that we are going to get married.

I don't have any problem with the decision though. Sophia is a great girl. She's beautiful, smart, goal oriented, successful and even though her personality is a bit shitty, it's nothing I can't handle. She's not meant to be perfect and I love her imperfections. I love Sophia, so there's no reason why I won't marry her.

"Babe" I call and l she looks at me.

"Yes Ace"

"Something just crossed my mind" I say smiling.

"What could that be?" She asks curious

"I don't know how it's gonna sound to you though"

"Just tell me already" She says impatiently

"I want us to get married" I announce and she looks at me awe.