Endless Desire

ANNE'S BAKERY AT NYC

"Get ready to pay my rent and it must be in full''. Yells the grumpy old man, the landlord of a small shop where Anne works as a baker.

"Sir, I still have a month till my rent fully expires and with all due respect, you don't have to pressure me at all". Anne fired back.

Anne is a bold and witty lady who knows her rights and she always speaks her mind without any fear. People who barely know her call her rude but she's just a straightforward person.

Her beauty is second to none and she knows it.

"Whether it's due time or not, just bear it in mind that in exactly one month, I am coming to take my rent money without hearing any plea from you and your brother'' the landlord said, hitting the counter.

"What is all this commotion about? Why are you insisting on your rent money when it hasn't expired yet?'' Anne's grandfather asked.

He overheard the conversation between Anne and the landlord and he walks into the scene.

"Forgive me Sir, but I must say that ever since the death of your daughter and her husband, paying my rent has been an issue for your granddaughter'' the landlord said nonchalantly.

"But despite all your pressures, we always come through and give you your rent in full''. Anne chimes in, holding in her tears as she remembers how her parents

died in a fatal accident three years ago.

Since then, she has been the one looking for money to take care of her brother and her grandpa who is battling asthma and that is why she works at the bakery.

The landlord storms out of the place with rage patiently waiting for the month to be over so he can humiliate Anne when the rent expires. That's what he always does whenever Anne's rent is about to expire.

"Don't worry my beautiful princess everything is going to be fine, after all, you're a good baker. Everyone loves whatever you bake'' her grandpa said, trying to keep her positive.

"But you know we have no money at all. I've used all my savings to help my brother study in college. I don't want him to drop out of school. That's the last thing I want''. She said as she removes her apron.

"Making money is hard here in New York''. She murmured to herself.

"so far so good the money I have been raising for the rent isn't going to get us anywhere, I hardly have time for myself because of the workload on my head," she said, arranging her counter.

"If your parents were alive, we would've been in a better position." her grandpa said, as he tries to reach out for his inhaler.

He took it in his mouth and inhaled it. He usually does that whenever he feels, stressed, paranoid, or mostly when his asthma attack kicks in.

Just then he saw Carlos, Anne's boyfriend.

A smile filled Anne's face as soon as she saw Carlos who is her first love and her boyfriend.

Carlos is a handsome and well-fitted man with sexy brown eyes that could steal your heart with a single glance.

Anne's grandfather got irritated when he saw the smile on his granddaughter's face. He despises Carlos so much because he is jobless and highly secretive.

Carlos's physical appearance is quite intimidating because he had a gangster look. He has a series of tattoo drawings spread from his elbow to his wrist and he has tons of piercings too.

"Someone just polluted the air and I think I have to leave'' Anne's grandfather said, glaring at Carlos as he walked in.

"You're asthmatic and old, you could barely breath'' Carlos thought to himself and chuckled mentally.

"Grandpa! What did Carlos ever do to you that hate him so bad''. Anne said in frustration.

It's difficult dating someone your family doesn't approve and Anne's grandfather has been giving Carlos a hard time since he despised him.

However, Anne has been trying her best to make her grandfather like Carlos but it was a total waste of time.

"I really love your granddaughter and I also want you to accept me as your...'' Anne's grandfather walks out on Carlos before he could finish his statement.

"Don't worry Carlos, he's probably not in a good mood" Anne said.

"What's wrong with him?" Carlos said, pretending to care.

The bitterness Anne's grandfather and Carlos felt for each other was mutual

Anne had a sad expression on her face and she sighed.

"Never mind, please tell me about your day, my love," she said trying to change the topic and feigning a happy face.

"No! I know something is wrong and you're not telling me. It's written all over your face''. Carlos insisted.

He wasn't buying her fake happy face.

"I really don't want to bother you with my problems'' she bowed her head.

"Anne, you're my girlfriend and I want you to bother me''.

Carlos is a good listener and he's ready to listen to Anne all day.

"My rent is expiring towards month-end and my landlord is already pressuring me. I don't know where to start 'cause I don't have enough money'' she blurted.

"How much is the rent money?'' Carlos asked caressing her hair.

He now understood why Anne was trying to change the topic. She hated talking about her money problems.

"A hundred dollars," she said in a low tone

"Well, I promise to give you the money before the month ends," Carlos said with a smile.

"Really??" Anne was astonished.

"Of course!! I'll do anything to make my girlfriend happy".

He dipped his hand in his pocket and brought out a tiny silver bracelet that has Anne's name customized on it

ANASTASIA, her full name

Carlos wrapped it on her wrist but it was a little loose.

"geez... I'm sorry I didn't get your size" Carlos said, feeling disappointed

"What? It doesn't matter at all. This is so beautiful!! Thank you so much for this''. Anne said checking out the bracelet.

She felt really happy

"How did you get my name on it? And this is quite expensive. I'm sorry to ask but how did you get the money to buy such an expensive bracelet?'' Anne asked because she knew Carlos didn't have much money to get her that bracelet.

"I've been saving up to get this for you as a gift for our first relationship anniversary." He said

"Oh! Carlos! Oh no! I can't believe I forgot to get you something. So today is our relationship anniversary?" she slapped her forehead.

"you forgot?" Carlos asked and she nodded.

"but I promise I'll make it up to you," She said

"umm... You can make it up to me by baking me cookies. You know how much I love your cookies". He said licking his lips

Anne giggled

"consider it done my love," she said

She wrapped her hands around Carlos's neck and was about to kiss him when Dexter, her younger brother barged in, startling the both of them.

"Oh hey sorry, but I'm really not sorry to interrupt whatever you guys were about to do," Dexter said as he grabs muffins by the counter and starts devouring them in his mouth.

"Don't you know how to knock? Can't you see I and Anne were in the middle of something?'' Carlos glared at Dexter.

"First of all, this is my sister's diner and I have every right to barge in unlike you who's just a temporary boyfriend," Dexter said.

Dexter also can't stand Carlos and it was because of petty reasons. Dexter isn't afraid to speak his mind about Carlos even in front of Anne. He's ready to paint Carlos black at every chance he gets.

That word from Dexter 'temporary boyfriend' pricked Carlos's heart like a needle and besides, Carlos is the type to get angry seconds.

Carlos is a hot head with anger issues and to top it all, he has severe bipolar disorder that is mostly triggered when he's being yelled at.

His bipolar disorder isn't a secret, everyone around Carlos knows about it and Anne his girlfriend still loves him either way.

"Apologies to him immediately" Anne yelled at Dexter "can't you see you're being disrespectful to the both of us?"

"I'm sorry!'' Dexter said without showing any emotions.

Anne rolled her eyes at Dexter. 'I'm terribly sorry for my brother's stupid attitude towards you" she said while cupping Carlos's face.

"It's okay, I'm somehow used to his childish behavior". He kissed her forehead. "Promise me you're not taking this bracelet off".

"I promise". She said and Carlos left the bakery.

"Gosh, I thought he'll never leave," Dexter said rolling his eyes

"I still don't understand why you and grandpa hate him so much when he's nothing but being sweet". She said.

"If you watch closely he's only nice to you just because he loves you which I hope is true... Wait what's that on your wrist?'' Dexter said looking stunned by Anne's bracelet.

"Oh my boyfriend, Carlos bought it for me". Anne bragged.

"Haa! I'm sure it's stolen. Carlos can never afford that." Dexter said.

"You know what? Just keep your opinion to yourself. Carlos loves me and I love him too end of conversation"

"Yes, ma," Dexter said throwing a salute.

A week later, Carlos boarded a plane to see his best friend in Canada. The trip was sponsored by his best friend Carl who asked him to see him in Canada.

Carlos watched his best friend as he comes out of the swimming pool. Carl's body is a work of art, with well-defined abs.

Carlos is definitely a good-looking man but compared to Carl, he's the second best. Carl's handsomeness is just out of this world.

He has nice black curly hair that suits his manly face, adored with a chiseled jawline. His alluring dark green eyes are to die for, talk more about his slightly-full pink lips that were just too sexy.

Carl was a former model during his teens before he became a prosecutor. He is born with a silver spoon but he still worked his ass out like a commoner.

He's currently a multi-billionaire with exotic cars and estates. He owns different companies that do well.

Carl is literally the definition of every woman's dream.

"I've missed you, bro. I see you've been busy and we barely even speak. Sometimes you ghost me''. Carl said while grabbing a towel to clean his wet body.

''I know we've got separate lives but never be too busy for your pals. And I'm glad you finally agreed to come to see me here in Canada,'' he added.

"Dude I know we've been best friends since we were five years old and you're right we got our separate lives but you can't compare yours to mine. I only came to see you cause you paid for my trip from New York here to Canada. You're filthy rich, so nothing bothers you. I on the other hand,'' Carlos exhaled sharply.

"I have works to do that I can't stop and it drains the shit out of me and most importantly, I have a girlfriend I am committed to."

Carl laughed hysterically.

"A girlfriend you say, you of all people have a girlfriend? Nah! You can never stick to one girl I know you that much. And besides, who said nothing bothers me? My mom is forcing me to get married to a girl she picked for me I barely know her name and my kid brother is being a pain in the neck."

"Wow, that's too many problems," Carlos said sarcastically.

"We've been apart for more than a year and I don't think you still know me that well. I have a girlfriend that I love and we've been dating for a year now." Carlos added.

"That's bullshit!! You treated your exes like trash and you always cheat on them. Once a cheat always a cheat.'' Carl said confidently

"Well, this one is different, and to prove I'm not lying, once you get to New York, I'll introduce you to my sweetheart," Carlos said

"Yeah, stories!!" Carl said rolling his eyes.

"Speaking of New York, I want to buy a big company over there to start a police firm."

"Wow, that's huge!! In that case, you'll relocate to New York right?'' Carlos asked

"Yes. With my family'' Carl responded

"Please when you've completed your project in New York give me a job. You know I've always wanted to be a lawyer." Carlos said

Being a lawyer has always been his dream job.

"Of course, I have no problem with that. What are friends for?" Carl said

***

That same week, Carl moved to New York and bought a mansion there for him and his family to live in.

"I hate it here and I want to go back home. I don't like it here at all" Carl's younger brother Richie said throwing tantrums.

"Mom, tell Carl we need to go back to Canada''. Richie pouted, trying to maintain a cute face.

"You're turning 13 real soon. You're no longer a kid so stop all this nonsense". Carl warned his younger brother.

"You too argue like you're both twins when there's a whole 14-year-old gap''. Carl's Mom, Ms. Sarah said shaking her head in disbelief.

"I'm sorry Richie but you have to adapt to your new home and very soon you'll make new friends and you'll get to love here."

"I'll try! But mom please take me to school. I can't stand Carl holding my hands tight in public like I'm an egg. Other kids make fun of me because of that."

"don't tell me you're ashamed of me your elder brother," Carl said to Richie

"Duh! You barely use your exotic cars. We trek down the road like we're simpletons. I know you're kinda humble but please allow me to leave a good life. I'm not as old as you". Richie said as he took his school bag to wait for Carl outside.

"I'm only 27!!'' Yells Carl.

"Mother!! Do you see what just happened? You're spoiling Richie and he now talks without control".

"Sheesh forget about him. So when are you getting married to Blair?" Ms. Sarah said, waiting for Carl's answer

"Look, mom, I'm not looking for any sort of relationship right now besides, Blair and I don't even love each other". He said starting to get upset

"Who told you Blair doesn't love you? Her family is also wealthy and she has class. I know you're scared of relationships ever since what happened between you and.."

"Please enough I don't want to have this conversation with you any longer". Carl interrupted and walks out

"I am still going to set a date between the both of you whether you like it or not". Carl's mom yelled, watching Carl's back view as he leaves the house.

"What took you so long? Do you want me to get to school late on my first day? Damn old people". Richie cursed as he facepalmed.

Carl grabbed Richie's hand.

"Mind your language, mom isn't here right now to save you". Richie could see the seriousness on Carl's face.

They walk down the road and waited in the subway park. Richie saw his age mates laughing at him because of how Carl held his hand and he became embarrassed.

"Let go of me," Richie said to Carl.

"No, I will not, you ill-mannered brat!" Carl retaliated.

Meanwhile, There was a young lady at their front but backing them. She was also waiting for a subway train.

She was wearing a skimpy black dress that made her hourglass figure visible. Richie had a terrible idea on his mind. He kicked her butt with his knee.

"What is wrong with you?" Carl whispered to Richie with gritted teeth.

"I'm really sorry miss I... I..."Carl stuttered with his mouth agape.

He looked like a love-sick puppy as soon as he saw her, face to face.

The lady was Anne.

Her black dress made her white skin shine like that of Snow White the Disney princess and her jet-black long hair was packed in a high ponytail.

He stared at her silver eyes wondering if it was real or contacts lens. She looked so good to be true. She's beautiful beyond all measures and she looked so unreal.

Her arched brows are well carved, also her slim pointed nose and her beautiful silver orbs could get you hypnotized.

Carl felt like he was in slow motion as he scanned Anne's features. He has never looked at a woman like that before.

His eyes traced her sexy full pouted red lips and he immediately came back to reality when she slapped him hard on his cheeks.

"Pervert!" she growled with gritted teeth.

she adjust her dress and walked out of the scene.

"hahaha," Richie laughed hard. "You should look at your face. Oh, do I see blood on your lips?" Richie said pointing at Carl's lips

Carl touched the bottom side at the corner of his lips and felt tiny blood on it.

"What kind of a woman is that and how is she so strong to give me a slap that injured my lips". Carl said to himself.

"This is all your fault, Richie!! She probably thought I was the one who kicked her butt but it was you. You little brat!!'' He yelled

"you could've just let go of my hand when I told you so. I already like that lady who stood up for me cause you're such a bully" Richie said

"Wait what's that on the floor," Carl said to himself while picking it up something.

It was Anne's bracelet. ''ANASTASIA" he read it to himself.

"This must be that pretty lady's bracelet but how can I get it back to her" He searched around with his eyes but he couldn't see her in the crowd.

"Something tells me I might see her again besides she'll come looking for this". He kept the bracelet in his pockets

Carl took Richie to school and said to himself smiling. "Finally, that Lil brat is in school.

The next day morning, Carlos received a text from his best friend Carl.

'I am now the new president of NYPD (New York Police Department company and I also work as a prosecutor. I am offering your dream job to become a lawyer at my company, what do you say?'

Carlos was amazed and couldn't wait to share it with his girlfriend Anne.

***

At Anne's bakery

"Where's my bracelet? What am I going to tell Carlos if he finds out I misplaced it" Anne said to herself in anxiety as she search for her bracelet.

As she searched the counter and she felt someone hug her from behind. She recognized Carlos's scent.

"Gosh, you scared me," Anne said trying to find her balance.

"I'm sorry sweetheart," Carlos said as he disengaged from hugging Anne.

"I'm really excited because I just got a job at NYPD. They want me as their personal lawyer" Carlos grinned.

"Oh my goodness!! I'm really happy for you" Anne hugged him in excitement. "I'm so proud of you," she said, holding his hand.

"Where is your bracelet? The one I gave you as a gift to mark our one year of relationship anniversary" Carlos asked with a straight face.

Anne saw how Carlos's face changed from being jolly and excited to being very serious as he paid attention to her wrist.

He got upset all of a sudden seeing that the bracelet is not on her wrist.

"Umm, I had to bake pizza so I took it off so it won't get spoilt". She lied

"It's real silver! It can't get rusted. You promised me you were never taking it off" Carlos said, feeling disappointed.

Anne knew Carlos was upset because one of his major flaws is his anger issues.

Every little thing gets Carlos upset.

"I'm sorry I had to take it off. I only did that because I was busy with my hands and I didn't want it to get in the way". She lied again. She didn't want to upset Carlos upset.

"I understand you're a baker..." Carlos said and Anne interrupted him with a short kiss on his lips to ease the tension.

"I promise I'll put it on once I'm done okay?" Anne said.

Suddenly there was an aggressive knock on Anne's shop.

"I need my rent money right now" the landlord barged in, yelling.

"Gosh! The month hasn't ended yet why is this man bothering me" Anne said to herself.

"I need my rent money right now," said the landlord again.

"It's the 25th of this month and my rent usually expires on the 30th so what's your deal huh? What do you gain by putting up a show" Anne yelled at the landlord

"I can't wait for the 30th I want it right now." The landlord insisted.

Carlos interrupted the landlord "hold up, I promise to give you your rent money with 10 percent interest tomorrow if you stop harassing Anne."

Anne looked at Carlos with doubt hoping he wasn't kidding.

"Hmm, do you promise? The landlord was surprised.

He came there to humiliate Anne but it seemed the tables has turned.

"I promise" Carlos assured.

"If I don't get it by tomorrow as promised, both of you will get the embarrassment of your lives," the landlord said and he walked out.

"Carlos, how are you going to get such money by tomorrow?" Anne asked worriedly.

"Baby, just trust me, okay? you know I always keep to my word" Carlos said and kissed her forehead.

"Now, if you'll excuse me I have something I need to take care of," Carlos said and left.

Anne smiled as she now had faith in Carlos and she felt hopeful that her rent will soon be paid.

"I need to keep on looking for my bracelet," she said to herself.

"I've searched everywhere and I don't think it's here," she said and left the diner.

She walked down the street in search of her bracelet.

"How am I going to see it when it's so tiny? I'm so screwed" she groaned.

****

Meanwhile at Carl's new office.

Carl was sitting in his swivel chair absent-minded daydreaming about Anne and smiling to himself while touching his cheek that was slapped.

He laughed silently whenever he thought of that. He looked at the transparent glass behind him to see if he still had the wound on his lips but it was hard to see.

"Why can't I stop thinking about her, I barely know her. I wonder if I'll ever see her again" he said.

He brought out her bracelet staring at it, fantasizing about the scenario when she turned to look at him with rage at the subway.

"The subway," he said to himself, smiling like an idiot.

If someone should look at him at that point, they'll think he has lost it in his head.

"I have to check the subway again to see if she'll come looking for her bracelet," he said and kept the bracelet inside his pocket.

Just then, Carlos barged in and sat on the chair opposite Carl with his feet on Carl's desk.

"If it isn't the baddest CEO who has taken over NYPD's company with amazing reporters, incredible journalists, badass detectives, professional prosecutors, and an intellectual lawyer like myself with brilliant cops". Carlos hailed Carl while clapping.

"You know it's highly unprofessional as my employee to keep his feet on my desk," Carl smirked

"My best friend is the CEO of this company so I can do whatever the fuck I want," Carlos laughed.

Carl also laughed "I knew I scared you at some point didn't I?" Carl asked

"not really! You're very nice and soft-hearted but when it comes to your job, you can be cold-hearted but not for me. We've been friends for twenty-two years and you can never bail on me" Carlos said and dropped his feet off the desk.

"It doesn't mean you have to go against the law just because we're friends. I won't spare if you commit any criminal crime okay?" he warned Carlos

"chill that's not why I'm here. When am I getting paid? Carlos asked

"As soon as you get a job done. Why? Do you want money for something?" Carl asked.

Carlos knew Carl is a cheerful giver and a selfless person who was ready to help him financially no matter the amount.

Carlos took a deep breath, his pride didn't let him ask Carl he needed money to pay his girlfriend's rent.

"I'll stick with my plan A on how to pay Anne's rent," Carlos said in his head.

"Nope I was just asking" Carlos replied

"Okay I want to ask you something I'm asking for a friend," Carl said.

"Okay go on, I'm all ears," Carlos said, paying full attention to Carl.

"my friend told me he saw a lady, a very beautiful lady he just saw her once which didn't even take up to two minutes and since then, he can't stop daydreaming about her.

She's all over his head and he's longing to meet her again. What do you think about that? Do you have any idea what he is feeling inside?" Carl asked not admitting he was talking about himself.

He's too embarrassed to talk about a lady because he swore never to fall in love again ever since his last relationship which caused him to get traumatized.

"tell your friend...," Carlos said as he airs quotes.

"he's just experienced love at first sight. Tell him to give in to his feelings and if it grows, he's really in love but If it fades as time goes by it was just an attraction" Carlos advised.

"what if it grows against my own will because I'm a little scared of falling in love again". Carl responded

"I thought you were asking for a friend? Carlos laughed.

"Okay, you got me. What about your fake girlfriend Carl asked to change the topic

"She's not fake and I'll introduce you both to prove she's real" Carlos responded sharply.

Just then, Ms. Sarah, Carl's mom walks in.

"see you, later bro," Carlos said to Carl while leaving the office giving Ms. Sarah a death stare while she rolled her eyes and sat down where Carlos was sitting.

"mother, welcome to my office but why are you here". Carl said.

"I heard you've not been returning Blair's calls or texts. What is the matter with you? Isn't she beautiful enough?" Ms. Sarah questioned

"Mom, she is but I can't just give my heart to her. I'm not just interested in her." Carl said arranging the files and paper works on his desk

"So is there someone else on your mind?" she asked suspiciously but Carl ignored her question.

"silence means yes." She said and Carl scoffed.

"I see!, Blair's mom and I are like sisters and I want you to get married into that family of class, not some random girls who are likely to be gold diggers. I've set you and Blair on a date and you must not let her down." Ms. Sarah said pointing at him.

"of course, I'm going to show up," Carl replied.

"I'm glad you've reconsidered," Ms. Sarah smiled and left the office.

***

Carlos was in a secret building designed for just the Black Blade. The black blade is the name of the gang he's in. They do criminal stuff like; selling illegal drugs, robbing banks, and sometimes even killing people who mess with them.

"I want to rob a bank tonight," Carlos said to the leader of the gang who is mostly known as the drug lord.

He is in his fifties and he started the whole black blade group.

"I thought you'll ditch us now that you're a lawyer. But isn't it dangerous now that Mr. McAlester who is a famous prosecutor in Canada now works with the police here in New York?" Linda said.

She's the drug lord's daughter and currently Carlos's ex-girlfriend but she's still madly in love with him.

Carlos sneered at Linda hearing her own opinion but she added.

"his team is always alert whenever there's a crime scene and we both know he's a good stuntman so criminals barely escape from him whether armed or not?"

The members of the gang used to be 13 in number and most of them lost their lives through gunshots from the police while some are now in prison.

They're now down to five; Carlos, Linda, Snakes, Kim, and their leader the drug lord.

They all cover their faces with masks during their operations so no one can tell who's who.

Carlos is the drug lord's favorite and most trusted member because of his high intelligence.

"That is why you're carrying out this operation alone," the drug lord said to Carlos.

"what??" Carlos scoffed at what the drug lord just said.