Entangled With The Cold-Hearted CEO

AALIYAH:

"Harder!"

"Give it to me...ahh!"

"Disfigure me!!!" Marisol's scream resonated in my ears and the flowers in my hands nearly fell off.

What's going on? My boyfriend was having sex with my step-sister!! I stood by the door, watching them, unable to even breathe.

They were still banging in ecstasy, so caught up in their own lusts, like the world was invisible to them. She moaned loudly as he buried his c*ck deeply into her, her legs dangling over his shoulder.

"Carlos!!!" I screamed hotly, unable to watch this anymore. Tears began to slide down my face,uncontrollably.

Carlos gasped, pushing Marisol off him. She nearly fell off the bed. Her eyes were wide with shock, but there was no guilt on her face. She seemed to be enjoying my discomfort.

"Way to ruin the fun time, you party pooper!" She scoffed, covering herself with the duvet.

"What is wrong with you? How could you do this to me? After everything I did for you?!" I sobbed, tears burning my eyelids.

Carlos steely eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. Then, he and Marisol burst out laughing.

"Look at her face." Marisol laughed louder, walking closer to me, the duvet wrapped around her slender frame. She snatched the flowers from me and threw it carelessly on the floor. "What were you exactly expecting? You think he loves you?

"Why..." was all I could utter. "Why?"

I left my sick sister at home with my best friend because I wanted to wish him a happy birthday, very early– only to see this. I wish I didn't even bother coming. I should've stayed at home with Claire.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I sobbed, filled with regrets.

She hissed loudly."Oh don't be a crybaby, Aaliyah. He's in love with me, okay? There's nothing you can do to change that fact. Besides, don't cause a scene, okay? You'll only end up embarrassing yourself. Can't you see how happy he is with me? Goodness, you're so dumb. Do you know we've been seeing each other for a whole year? Do you even know we're planning on getting married, Next month? We're engaged!" She showed off a ring and my eyes widened impossibly.

No! No! this isn't real. Carlos would never betray me like this. How could he do this to me? Why would he do this? Throw our three-year relationship into the trash? A year?? They've been seeing each other for a year?

"But why him? Why Carlos?" I screamed hoarsely, tears blurring my vision. "Aren't there other guys to snag??"

"Shut up, bitch. He was never yours in the first place. I deserve a rich handsome guy too! He loves me and that alone is important. Dating you for three years? You should feel ashamed. We met a year ago and he proposed to me already!" she laughed happily. "Gosh. I'm so happy."

Of course, she'd be happy. She has no idea what pain and betrayal feels like because she's been doing a lot of dishing out, lately.

"Just know this is just the start. I've always wanted to see who my ''weedle' sister was seeing. Who she was so smitten with. And he's gorgeous as fuck, sis." She smirked, pulling the gift bag from my grip.

Now, she pulled it open, emptying the contents ruthlessly. A gold chain fell out, its perfection gleaming. She stepped on it with disdain. "Cheap!" She spat.

I felt so pissed! I had spent half of my savings to get him that. How dare she? I pushed her away immediately, sending her nearly crashing into the floor. I knelt down to pick up my gifts, my face burning with embarrassment.

"You fúcking bitch! Don't you ever do this again! You don't know what I went through to get this!!" I screamed, picking the gold chain. As I was about to reach for the flowers, she stepped on my hands and I bit back a scream.

I looked up, blurry eyed to see the evil smirk in her face. "You're exactly where you belong, Aaliyah. On the floor. You're a nobody." she walked away to the mirror propped on the wall to obsessively examine her reflection.

I finally scrambled to my feet , moving to Carlos, who is seated on the bed watching us with an amused expression. It's as if he was expecting a fight, ready to watch us ladies pull each other's hair.

"Carlos.... What have I ever done to you?" I begged, rubbing my teary eyes. "Don't do this to me, please. Why are you doing this to me?"

"Let's be real, I did like you but. . After the abortion, c'mon. You know I can't love a woman who's barren."

"Shut the fuck up! I did that abortion for you and it damaged my womb. You said you weren't ready to have a child, so you made me do it over and over and over! Three times!"I screamed hatefully, unable to control my rage.

"And I can't marry a used, soiled woman either!" He shot back, aggressively. "You can't blame me for wanting to be a father! Besides, you're so unattractive. Our sex has never been impressive anyway. It's bland and boring, just like you. Look at your step-sister. She's an epitome of beauty! What's there not to like?"

I gasped, stunned by the utter hatred in those black eyes. He looked so vicious that I got so angry immediately. Father? How dare he say that? When he forced me to abort them, he didn't want to be a Father, right?

"You're going to be the worst father!! You're a fucking bastard! Your children are going to hate you– that is if you have any–"the words weren't even out of my mouth when he smacked me hard on my face.

I shrieked, recoiling in fright. The impact was so devastating that I slammed hard on the cold floor in tears. My lips burst and warm blood filled my mouth.

Carlos... just hit me?!

He just stood there, huffing angrily. I had whitened as if I just saw a ghost wave at me. Everything was spinning painfully. I've never felt so worthless. So hated.

Then he stormed out of the room, leaving me with Marisol.

"Besides, we know why you wanted him,"she whispered from behind.

"What do you mean?" I choked.

"Your sister's surgery. You need someone to pay off because you know you'll never get a dime from me and my mother." Marisol said bitterly, causing my tears to increase.

Oh goodness! I haven't forgotten about Claire, my baby sister. She's all I have.

I still can't believe this. He's betrayed me in the worst possible way. Pain ravaged my heart, as if a thousand knives twisted within me.

"You'll regret this," I whispered, my voice trembling with anguish. "You'll regret hurting me like this! I swear!"

I left the house unable to take their shits anymore. I boarded a cab, misery still filling my soul. I need to get a grip and go home. I need to think. Oh God!

Afterwards, I reached my apartment.

I rushed through the front door, tears streaming down my face as I replayed everything in my mind.

But as I entered our living room, my world came crashing down around me once again.

My sister Claire lay on the couch, her body limp and still. She was so still motionless that my heart thumped sickeningly.

Where's Rita? She was supposed to take care of Claire and call me if anything happened!! Oh God!

Her nose was bloodied, and her chest wasn't moving...

No!

Oh no... this isn't happening. Not again!!

"Claire! Oh God, Claire!" I screamed, rushing to her side. I shook her gently, begging her to wake up. "Please, Claire, don't leave me! Don't leave me!"

But she didn't respond. She didn't move. She just lay there, her eyes closed, her skin pale.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I realized she wasn't breathing. I'd seen her struggle with her brain tumor for months, but I never thought it would take her from me like this. She's dead. God!

"Please.. Claire!!" I screamed, hot tears sliding down my cheeks.

I grabbed my phone and dialed 911, my hands shaking as I tried to explain the situation to the operator. But all I could manage to get out was "My sister... she's not breathing... Please help me!"

As I waited for the ambulance to arrive, I held Claire's lifeless body in my arms, rocking her back and forth as I whispered desperate pleas for her to come back to me. My heart kept tightening with dread and I'm trying so hard to resist the urge to scream out. I need to be strong for her.

Please don't die!

AALIYAH:

"Miss Perez...?" The doctor called and I looked up from where I was seated with teary eyes. She gestured to me to follow her to Claire's room, and I obeyed, my heart in my mouth. Rita got up, following me. I felt so grateful she's here because it's like I'm going to pass out.

The sight of Claire, pale and fragile, with a drip inserted into her vein, was a heart-wrenching one.

I gazed at her, my eyes brimming with tears, as I struggled to come to terms with the sudden turn of events. Just hours ago, I was reeling from Carlos's shocking revelation. Now, my world has been rocked again, this time by my sister's critical condition. Oh Lord, please be merciful.

I nearly ran mad when I realized that Rita wasn't at home. She explained that Claire wanted cookies and she just left to make them. That's why she didn't notice Claire's condition.

"Miss Aaliyah, I have some news about your sister," the doctor said, her expression softening. "Claire is not dead. What happened was a seizure, likely caused by her brain tumor. She's currently in a coma, but we're doing everything we can to stabilize her condition."

I sat down in the chair beside Claire's bed, taking her hand in mine. "What are her chances?" I asked the doctor, trying not to choke on my tears.

The doctor hesitated before responding. "We'll need to run more tests, but...the seizure was severe. The tumor is malignant and aggressive. Claire needs surgery as soon as possible. How many times do I need to remind you?? Your sister is dying!" She shouted..

I felt a surge of fear, but I knew I had to relax, I had to think. "Please, doctor, you have to operate. You have to save my sister," I begged, tears streaming down my face.

But the doctor's expression remained cold, unyielding. "I'm afraid it's not that simple," she said, her voice firm. "The surgery will cost a significant amount of money. And until that bill is paid, I'm afraid we can't proceed."

A loud ringing filled my ear. Everything the doctor said became hazy and distinct. The only audible thing I could hear was my own labored breathing.

The words spun like a carousel. Over and over and over and over again......

Finally I got back to my senses. I felt a wave of anger wash over me. "You're telling me that you won't save my sister's life because of money?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Are you fúcking kidding me?"

The doctor sighed. "I'm just telling you the reality of the situation. We can't provide treatment without payment." She replied adamantly. Then softening, "miss Perez, I wish you understood this is beyond me."

I can't count the times I've disturbed her about Claire's surgery, begging her to just start the damn thing.

"Please, I'm begging you. Just start. I'll come up with money soon." I begged.

"I'm sorry ma'am, we can't start without the payment." She replied. "There's nothing I can do."

"I need to be with my sister, alone."I clenched my teeth. There was a noticeable edge to my words. The doctor nodded grimly, exiting the room..

"It's going to be fine.." Rita said from behind. I forgot she was with me, for a moment.

"No! You don't understand what I'm going through! I can't even come up with the money in two weeks! I'm so lost. I don't know what to do. We just recently discovered her condition and it's going to be too late. I'm going to die. I can't let her die!" I sobbed in agony.

Rita immediately wrapped her arms around me. "Aaliyah, I want you to know that I'm here for you. I'll help with the bills, okay? I'll work extra shifts, pick up more hours...we'll get through this together. Don't worry. I'll help you."

My eyes welled up with tears at Rita's kindness, but I knew I couldn't accept her help. I'd always been the strong one, the one who took care of everyone else. I couldn't let Rita, or anyone else, into my battles.

"Rita, no," I said, pulling my hands back. "I appreciate it, but I've got this. I'll figure it out on my own."

Rita's face fell, but she nodded. "Okay, Aaliyah. But promise me one thing: if you need help, you'll ask?"

I forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt for lying."I promise."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, and reached out to gently brush a strand of hair behind Claire's ear. Her eyes remained closed, her chest rising and falling with each steady breath. She looks so peaceful and it makes me glad.

I've seen so many worse days. My sister filled with pains everyday, sometimes she's not able to move. It's driving me crazy with fear and for minutes, I thought she was dead. I thought she was gone from me.

I whispered softly, "I'm here, Claire. I'll stay with you, always."

**

I immediately stopped at the hotel that I booked for Carlos and I. I didn't care. I was going to make the best of it. After all it's my money, my surprise. He can't abandon me this way. He's ruined everything.

My step sister always thought she's better than me, and that bastard helped her prove that point – great job, Carlos. He can't mess with me like that again.

I rushed to the cocktail bar and I ordered a bottle, drowning everything. I was going to drink all my worries away. I stumbled on my feet, the room spinning around me. I had lost count of the number of drinks I'd had, but I knew it was too many.

Everything feels better right now...

No one's going to mess with me! I'm on top of the world! I laughed drunkenly.

I stumbled towards the booked room. Fuck! What was the number? Room 74? 78? Damn. I can't remember.

My vision was blurry from the countless drinks I had. I pushed a door open, regretting drinking too much. I shut the door, feeling sick. I just need to sleep.

But my emotions got the better of me. I started crying, the tears streaming down my face as I thought about Carlos's betrayal and Claire's critical condition in the hospital.

I composed myself, getting up to use the bathroom. Immediately I opened it, I collided with a stranger.. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. And he was drunk, just like me. He stumbled backwards, catching me by the arms to steady me.

I looked up at him, and without thinking, I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He smelled like whiskey and smoke, yet the scent was alluring. At that moment, he felt like my rock.

"I'm so sorry," I sobbed, my words slurred from the alcohol. "I'm sorry. I don't want to be alone. I'm just scared, I need someone now." My voice was cracking.

As I looked up, I gasped at the handsome stranger, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features.

Oh goodness. I know him.

Damon Hernandez!

The name itself commands respect, evoking a sense of awe and trepidation. As the CEO of Hernandez Industries, he has built a business empire that spans the globe, with interests in finance, technology, and real estate.

Oh goodness.. I'm scared.

Yet mesmerized.

So fúcking attractive. Oh my goodness. My body was pulsating with desire. I wanted to move backwards but he held me. "I could give you more than someone." he slurred, obviously completely intoxicated.

As his hands slithered down my waist, his breath fanning my face, I shook helplessly.

Oh goodness. I'm too drunk to think properly. My heart reeled with everything that just happened and.. and I just want to feel better. I just want to be loved and stop feeling so useless.

But I'm ready to give him my body. Carlos might not want me but this handsome devil might think otherwise...

To hell with them!

I didn't care that he was years older than me. I wanted him badly. Fúck!

"I need it." I sobbed, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"You do?" He smirked, kissing my hair. "Aurora?"

I didn't know who that was but I didn't care..let me be your Aurora or whatever...

"Just touch me, handsome," I slurred, my eyes watery. "Just make me feel good, please," I choked on the words.

He hesitated, still staring intently at me.

I smirked. "You think I'm not attractive enough to get laid.. Well, let me show you what I'm capable of."

He gave a drunk, yet hot smirk and I melted in his arms, kissing him hotly.

AALIYAH:

I opened my eyes slowly, my head still feeling groggy. It was throbbing like hell, causing me to wince slightly. I didn't like the feeling I was getting. My entire body felt like a rock was on it. My eyes parted and I gasped, noticing my surroundings.

This isn't my room! This...room oozed with luxury and perfection. I could literally smell the wealthy aura emanating from the room. Everywhere was golden, the walls were immaculate white and expensively decorated.

How did I get here? The last thing I remembered was that I was at the hotel, drunk and wasted. Then shouldn't I be in the hotel room?

Immediately I sprang up, my legs aching terribly. What happened? Most importantly, what have I done?

My eyes landed on the figure, standing in the room, his eyes blazing with anger. Oh gosh. Damon. The man at the hotel.

I had.. I had just spent the night with him. With a billionaire?

"What the fuck have you done?" he spat, his voice low and menacing. "How dare you?"

I rubbed my temples, remembering how I willingly allowed this man to touch me. How I didn't even try resisting because I was hurt by my sister and my stupid ex boyfriend.

I now understood that we spent the night together in the hotel and he took me to his mansion before I woke up.

"I'm sorry. I don't know how I got here. Who are you?" I tried to ask, pretending I was clueless, but my voice was shaking. My heart thumped just being assessed by this man.

"You know exactly who I am," he growled. "We spent the night together. You're in my house."His voice was so cruel, his gaze murderous. He looked like he was regretting being intimate with me.

I wish I could say the same.

I tried to stand up, but Damon was too quick. He cornered me, his arms trapping me against the wall. "Don't even think about trying to leave," he hissed. "You're not going anywhere until we've had a little... chat."

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "W-what do you want from me?"

"Who are you?" He asked.

I trembled, trying to relax– and failing."I-I'm Aaliyah," I stuttered, my teeth chattering. I'm not easily scared but this man is the definition of intense.. "Aaliyah Perez."

Damon's eyes narrowed. "How did you get into my hotel room? You think I'm going to let you go that easily for crossing boundaries? Do you know I can get you arrested for that?"

I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "No! Wait! I-I don't know," I admitted, feeling a wave of panic wash over me. "I was at the hotel, and then...and then I don't know.. I think I passed out.. I don't know how I got in there. I'm sorry."

"Shit! Fuck!" He growled, grabbing a vase and tossed it. It slammed into the wall, shattering. I was so unnerved by his rage but I still didn't move. He's so.. cold and dangerous.

But I didn't want to leave yet.

"Someone fúcking sedated me." He said, confusing me the more but I didn't dare ask. "And then my bodyguard disappeared!"

Then he whipped his head in my direction. "Listen, Aaliyah, whatever happened between us last night, I don't want to hear about it," he growled, menacingly. "And I don't want anyone else to hear about it either. Do you understand? I brought you here immediately. I discovered you were naked in my arms in the hotel bed.."

I flushed, feeling more embarrassed than ever. I nodded slowly, exhausted.

"Good," Damon spat. "I'll make sure you're taken care of. How much do you need?"

"Pardon?" I'm not sure I heard him.

"It depends on what you're looking for, right?. A comfortable lifestyle? A new place to live?"

"I..you're paying me.." I gasped, breathless. I squeezed my hands tight. Something I do when I'm nervous.

Damon's eyes never left mine. "I want you to be silent. I'll pay you to keep your mouth shut and butt off my life forever."

I gulped, feeling a lump form in my throat. What was I getting myself into?

"I...I don't know," I stuttered, trying to play dumb.

Damon's expression turned even colder. "Don't play games with me," he sneered. "I know exactly what you're thinking. You're thinking about how much money you can get out of me. Well, let me tell you something. I'll give you whatever you want. But in return, you'll do exactly as I say."

"I...I have a problem," I ventured, trying to find a way out. "My sister needs surgery. She has a tumor in her brain."

Damon's expression didn't change. "I'll pay for it," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I'll make sure she gets the best care possible. But let me make one thing clear: I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I'm doing this because I want to ensure your silence. You'll do exactly as I say, or you'll suffer the consequences."

Immediately, Damon's phone rang. He answered it, his expression growing darker with each passing moment.

"The fúck? Someone took pictures of us together?" Damon gasped, eyes wide with fright. He looked so genuinely scared, and fear started to claw at my heart too.

Is something bad happening?

My phone chimed, and I hesitantly picked it up. My eyes scanned the screen, and my face burned with shame.

Videos of me and Damon were all over social media, with headlines screaming about his latest scandal. Oh no. It can't be I can't believe this is happening. Who the fuck uploaded this? Shit!!

Damon's voice cut through my shock. "This can't happen again," he growled, his eyes blazing with panic "I've been through this before, and I won't let it happen again."

For the first time I've seen him so vulnerable, so hurt "What do you mean?" I asked.

Damon's expression turned bitter. "My brother framed me for a scandal with a minor," he spat. "It took me years to clear my name, and even then, the damage was done. It happened twice. And now...now this happens again. It can't!" he ruffled his hair sadly. "I went to the hotel to chill with my bodyguard, then all of a sudden, he's gone and I spent the night with a stranger and pictures are all over. This was another plan to smear my name."

I felt a pang of sympathy for him, despite the circumstances. Oh shit. What would the world think of him again?

Oh God. What have I done? Why didn't I try leaving? Now he's in trouble.

"I'll get back to you, miss Perez. In the meantime, the maids will bring some food."Damon said calmly..

I nodded, feeling at ease. One moment he's heated and terribly upset, the next, he's calm. I wonder what's going to happen now. Will he actually pay off my sister's bills?

**

I sat beside Damon on the couch, his phone on speaker as he talked to his PR team. I tried to focus on my food, but my ears perked up as I caught snippets of their conversation. I took a tentative sip of my drink.

Damon cut the call immediately and sighed out. He looked up at me and once our eyes met, I saw the resignation in them. "We need to get married," he said, his voice firm. "This is not happening again. I have no choice "

I gasped, my mind reeling. Married? To Damon Hernandez? It was unthinkable.

"No.."

"We have no choice. I'll pay for your sister's surgery and that's a promise."