Eternal Love Quest

In a fancy restaurant of Malvey City, Aya found herself dressed up to meet a friend. She wore a simple white dress that matches up her long black hair with her lips red and cheeks so rosy that any man can immediately be captivated by her beauty. She has a fair skin that looks so smooth and irresistable. She waved her hand at the moment upon seeing a girl with curly blonde hair.

"Hey! You look stunning girl as usual!" Gracefully sat down being complimented by the girl named Jillian. The girl smiled and gazed at her confidently.

"Have you been waiting for me for a long time?" Aya took a deep breath and smiled back at her. She sat on the chair opposite to her friend.

Hearing Aya's sweet voice, Jillian shook her head as a response to her.

Upon knowing that her friend was looking forward to meet her, Aya was moved by her eagerness to see her only dearest friend. She and Jillian were friends since high school. In fact, there were a lot of guys frowning at her but she has her own goal to meet. She declined all kinds of courtship offered to her by these guys. No one has ever captured her interest. Only being with Jillian that she felt comfortable with. Back then, no one dared to get near Aya because of her frankness in rejecting men.

"Let's order something to eat. I'm starving!" Jillian laughed as she took the menu and ordered some food to the waiter who approached them a while ago. He was wearing a buttler suit that enhanced his cute look. Apparently, Aya noticed him and yet she just took a glance on him.

Aya nodded as a response to her friend. She ordered a lemon iced tea and a clubhouse sandwich while Jillian on the other hand, ordered five dishes and an orange juice. The waiter left as he took their orders looking at her without hesitation. She must be really hungry Aya thought as she looked at her friend.

That reminds her, Jillian travelled 3 hours indeed from Houston downhill to Malvey City.

Not long after, the waiter came back with their orders and still staring non-stop closely at Aya. She smiled at the waiter and said her thanks to him. The young waiter smiled contentedly and left them.

Aya took a bite on her sandwich as she gave time for Jillian to enjoy her food since Jillian drove a long way just to be with her. After eating, Jillian took out some documents on her briefcase near her and handed it over to her.

Aya is the only daughter of the legendary business tycoon all over Malvey Country, William Harvard. Her father and brothers namely: Theodore and Brian, takes care of the other family businesses while Aya just do whatever pleases her. Behind the success of their family businesses was her as well. Everytime there was trouble involving the progress of their company, Aya was the one solving it with her family's consent. She was not luxurious like other rich girls. She was contented whatever she had and made sure that the family's bond was tight that no one could break.

Aya reached out to the papers that Jillian was giving her. She immediately looked at it. The documents were about the funding case of a company which his brother Brian was having difficulty solving with. A certain Aldrich Bekkon was the one Aya suspected embezzling money of the company. That's why she called for Jillian's help to investigate this man.

Upon reading thoroughly the reports given to her by Jillian, Aya's face turned dark and gloomy. She clenched her fists with anger.

After eating, they stood up, grabbed their bags and left the restaurant urgently. Leaving behind the money on the table as payment for their meal, the waiter went to clean up the table and took the money.

Without delay, Jillian drove the car with Aya beside her. They sat quietly inside the car. They went to a nearby riverside to refresh their minds and to think of a plan. When the car stopped, they stepped out of the car. Jillian is an expert secret agent of MCPD.

As they were gazing at the body of water in front of them, Aya's long straight hair was blown by a gentle wind. She felt the cold air breeze calming her.

"If I intervene with my brother's strategy in solving the case, do you think he'll get mad at me? Or shall I just let him know what I have accumulated from my own investigation about it?" Aya turned her face towards Jillian. Worrying of the thought of being too much concerned about her brother, Aya kept quiet for a while.

"I think your overdoing things, girl. For once, you should let him solve this problem on his own so that he'll gain confidence into himself. Don't you think so?", Jillian answered.

Aya let go a big sigh. "I think your right. I guess I was a bit too hooked up about it."

Jillian lend her shoulders to Aya to lean on. Aya was a little bit exhausted because of that matter concerning their company. Knowing that Jillian would always be there for her no matter what happens, she felt safe in her arms.

"Look at the sky. It's pretty!", Jillian said cheerfully staring at the clear blue sky above. She looked up and smiled once more.

They were both sitting in front of the car. Then suddenly, they heard a loud voice screaming for help. They were both alarmed by it and decided to search into where the voice was coming from.

In the midst of a narrow bushes, Aya saw a girl with a man on her arms wounded. She immediately called up Jillian. "Over here!", Aya said to her friend.

Glancing back at the two individuals infront of her. "What on the world happened here?" Aya uttered.

"Someone tried to kill me and my friend here had a great fight against my abductors. He got hurt because of me." The girls entire body were trembling due to the incident. Her eyes were red and puffy because of crying.

"Calm down now! My friend here is a police." Aya said trying to reach out to the girl. But as soon as she was about to get hold of the right hand of the girl, the man suddenly opened his eyes and tried to struggle her by force as if she was one of the abductors.

"Don't!" The girl shouted at him.

The man's face confusingly looked at his friend. Distracted by his friend's presence, Jillian took that opportunity. She dragged the man down by twisting his arm around his back to save Aya. The man fell down to the ground as he was being held by Jillian's force.

"Let go of me! You bitches!" The man said growling with anger. He was quite strong but his wounds made him a little bit weak.

"Are you alright Aya? " Jillian's voice was shaking with anger towards the man and fear for Aya's safety as well.

Aya just nodded and turned her face towards the girl a while back who was still crying. The girl immediately rushed into Jillian who kept holding onto the man.

"Please let him go! He meant no harm". The girl pleaded. Jillian loosened her grip towards the man's hand and interrogated them both.

Aya was amazed as she looked up closely towards the man. Even in his weakening body condition, he was capable of rescuing his friend. He was quite handsome, tall, dark and charming. It was still visible though he had wounds and bruises around his body. Aya thought.

Since Jillian had a more manly strength than Aya, Jillian helped the man to get up on his feet while Aya was the one who assisted the crying girl. Jillian slowly put the man inside the car's backseat. The girl with him sat next to him too.

Jillian and Aya took them to the hospital for treatment. Luckily, there was a nearby hospital along the riverside.

"I'm terribly sorry for what I did to you, Miss. I thought you were one of them." The man's face calmed down and slowly soften. They were inside a ward. The man's name was Charles Hokkins and the girl with him was Elise McDermott. They were both in an elite group of people just like Aya.

Aya doesn't care if what was their status in life. Helping a person in need was all that matters to her.

Jillian informed her office about the incident and she drove Elise to her house leaving Aya behind to watch over Charles in the hospital.

Charles was already asleep at the moment after being treated by the doctor. Sitting quietly near the bed, Aya turned her mobile in a vibrating mode in order for her not to disturb the wounded man who was resting. She was then curious to look at the man's face closely again. This was the first time that she was attracted by a male specie. Her heart raised when suddenly Charles opened his eyes and intentionally kissed her by surprise. It was a quick kiss yet she turned red and felt the warmth of the lips of this man.

She blushed but then her shyness turned into anger. She impulsively raised her hand and slapped the man's face. "Why did you do that for?"

"Didn't you enjoy it?, " Charles grinned touching his hurt cheek.

She was about to answer back when they heard a knocking at the door. She stood up with dismay and went to open the door. A sobbing old woman appeared in front of her as she opened it. The old woman was Mrs. Teresa Hokkins, Charles' mother accompanied by his father Roger. They entered the room and Aya left without letting them know.

"Son, what happened to you? I was so worried when a police called telling us that you were here in the hospital." Mrs. Teresa said caressing Charles hands. She was sitting next to the bed while her husband was standing next to her.

"I'm fine now. Don't worry anymore. I'll make sure they'll pay for what they did to me." Charles closed his fist tightly thinking of revenge towards those who attempted to abduct his friend.

Looking so worried, both his parents said nothing. They just stared at each other. Out of the blue, Charles remembered his closest buddy, Theo. He took the phone beside him and called.

"Hello, bro! It's me!" Charles said upon hearing a voice on the other line answering his call.

"What's up? I heard you went back to Malvey City." Theo replied.

"Yup! Unfortunately, I'm here in the hospital right now!" Charles gave all the details about what happened to him.

Meanwhile, Aya arrived at their house safe and sound. An old maid immediately came to attend her needs.

"Welcome home, Miss! Shall I prepare something for you to eat or would you rather take a rest in your favorite garden?" The old maid said smiling towards her.

"I'll rest for a bit in my room. Prepare my meal in the garden please." Aya said as she walked up to the stairs. She never bothered herself to gaze at the maid. Upon entering her room. She felt empty. Her face turned sad and lonely. Everytime she comes home, no one from her family saw her coming. All of them were busy with work while she just let herself wander around by herself as if her life was meaningless.

Feeling exhausted, she lied down gently into her soft cottony bed. She stared at the ceiling and slowly an image of a man whom they had encountered appeared into her mind.

The man who took her first kiss. How disastrous she thought. She was hoping to give her first kiss in an intimate way with the man she love and yet it was rubbed by her.

She subconsciously touched her lips remembering the warmth of that man's lips on hers when they kissed. He was quite attractive she thought. Too attractive that it made her body shiver with overflowing excitement. This was the first time that she felt this way towards a man as if she was in her teenage years.Her eyes felt heavy and she allowed herself to fall asleep.

"Hi, there! Did you enjoy being kissed by me?" a teasing smile of Charles showed up into her vision.

Aya bit her lower lips and quickly grabbed the man's face with her two hands. The pleasure of the kiss gave both of them an intense sensation throughout their body. Charles gently caressed her smooth skin from her back. Touching her back made a tingling sensation to her senses. She moaned when Charles other hands explored her front tearing up her nighties.

He was so intense that Aya fought back by clutching into him tightly. They were already in the peak of achieving their desires to each other when a man holding a gun appeared in front of them.

Aya froze and Charles was shot instantly when the man aimed the gun at them. There were so many blood scattered around her and she screamed loudly.

A strong hand that forcefully shook her body hard, Aya regained her consciousness. She was perspiring constantly as she suddenly opened her eyes. It was the hands of her brother Theo that made her realize that she was only dreaming.

Thank goodness! It was only a dream she thought while feeling relief although her body was still shivering in fear.

"Are you alright?, " Theo looked terribly worried. "You were screaming when I arrived home. Did you have a nightmare?"

Aya stared at his brother and hugged him tenderly. Her body was trembling. It was indeed a very bad nightmare.

Theo brushed his hands at the back of her head to comfort and calm her. This was the first time he saw her only sister trembled in fear. He never saw her like this since they were young and until they reached their teenage years. She was always cheerful, frank, independent, and adventurous at the same time. Aya doesn't trust any other person aside from Mike and Jillian.

A few minutes have passed, Theo carefully helped her get off her bed. He held her hands tightly reassuring her safety. They went into the garden where the maids were waiting for them.

Theo grabbed one of the chair and let her sit before he took also a chair to sit. He remained calm and yet a worried face was drawn into him. He took a glass of water and gave it to his sister.

"Here! Drink this!" He said.

Aya drank the glass of water in a refinely manner. "Thank you, brother!"

"Are you doing things on your own way again, sis?" He asked.

A little bit confused but she knew that Theo knew her a lot more than her brother Brian nor their father. He could sensed if she was lying or not.

I guess I should tell him the truth she thought. She sighed and told her everything that happened today.

"Just as I've thought!" Theo remarked after Aya told him about the incident and about her investigation on Mr. Aldrich Bekkon.

"That's what you get when you get too hooked up in one of our businesses problems. From now on, just let the rest of us do our job. You should concentrate on other matters especially on your love life." Theo stretched his arms and carefully took a slice of cake in front of them and put it on her plate.

"Speaking of love life, how are you with Elsa?" Aya took a glimpse at him before taking a sushi roll and put it on her brother's plate just like what he did to her.

Her brother's face were glowing with happiness when he heard the name of his fiancé. "We're doing great! We are planning to settle down when she graduates from her masteral degree". He happily took a bite with the slice of sushi roll on his fork.

They continue happily chatting while eating when they sensed another person staring at them.They looked around them. A man dressed in a black business suit was watching over them. She smiled when they recognized who was the man standing at the door. It was none other than her other older brother, Brian.

Brian came closer to them with a smile on his face. Cheerfully, he embraced his siblings. Aya thought for a second if she should tell her brother about what she knew or not.Furthermore, they were reunited once more. This kind of opportunity was very rare to happen for the three of them. The thought of that made her heart happy while looking at her brothers. She doesn't want to ruin the good mood so she stayed quiet for a while.

"Sis, did you heard about the embezzlement case in my company?" Brian seriously looked at her.

Upon hearing his question, Aya choked herself. She felt the urge not to speak about it so she changed the topic. "Brother, didn't you went to Jaco Island with Xia? How was the trip?"

"Yes, we did went there and we had a lot of fun being together. Why are you changing the topic anyway?" Brian was being persistent not to let her go.

Aya turned her face towards Theo with a consolidating look at him. Theo nodded as if giving her signal to go on with what their brother seek onto her. Then she looked back at Brian who was eagerly awaiting for her reply.

"Yes, I heard about it and had it investigated as soon as it reached me. I'll give you the reports given to me. But for the meantime, let's enjoy the dinner. Since we rarely have dinner together. Will you, brother?"

With a pleading look on her, Brian felt guilty. This was just a simple request from his dearest sister who was always been there to support and love them unconditionally. Who was he not to give her atmost request. He granted her wish and they had fun on that night. The flowers in the garden were also rejoicing with their scent overflowing around them.

The sun was shining so brightly when Aya woke up from her bed. It was already 9 in the morning. The birds were chirping in the garden as if they were greeting her. She remembered how happy it was last night being reunited with her siblings. She stood up and headed to the bathroom. She took a bath and changed clothes. Her smile made her face glow and then she went downstairs to take her breakfast.

A tasty meal has already been prepared for her. Her brothers left early for work as usual. One of the maid approached her with a phone on her hand.

"Miss, Sir Theo wishes to talk to you on the phone." She handed over the phone to her.

"Good morning, brother! What's up? ", she said while feeding herself with a slice of an apple.

On the other line of the phone, Theo was surprised by his friend's early visit to him.

"Can you come to my office today. I forgot to discuss to you about an important matter regarding business, " he said to her.

"Okay. I'll come as soon as I finish my meal ", she replied.

She hurriedly went back into her room to change because she was currently wearing a short and a sleeveless blouse. She picked a pink dress which implies feminine and grace. She sprayed her favorite perfume which has the cherry blossom smell. She just put on a simple make up on her face.

Afterwards, she put on a silver colored 3 inches high heels on her feet and grabbed her sling bag. She then rushed downstairs where the car is waiting for her.

The family car was already prepared for her to ride on.

"Good morning, Miss!" Their family driver greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning! ", she replied returning him with a sweet smile on her face.

The driver opened the door at the backseat for her and then she entered. They went ahead towards Theo's company building.

In Theo's private office, Charles made his way to reunite again to his best buddy. They were sitting next to each other with a glass of wine on their hands.

"So tell me, what made you come back to Malvey City? "Out of curiosity, Theo asked him.

Charles tossed the wine that he was holding. " I have a big problem, man.I came here because I know that you can help me with it."

Upon hearing his statement, Theo seriously looked at him.

"Someone tried to abduct Elise because of me.I want to know whose behind it.I tried to hire secret agents but I am not satisfied with their reports. I know that there is a deeper reason on why this happened to her. " Charles drank the wine.

"How can I help you then?", Theo exclaimed.

"I need someone who is skillful enough and act as my fiancè. We've been friends for a long time. Surely you wouldn't let me down on my request isn't it, bro?"

Theo thought for a second and he nodded. "I'll help you out but I need to think who would claim you to be her fiance.If only Jillian is near here, I would recommend her to you."

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Theo put down his glass of wine on the table and went to the door to see who is bothering them. He gently opened it and he found her sister smiling at her.

"Brother! " Aya shouted excitedly as she threw herself into him.

A similar face was now looking at her who is sitting on the couch. She tried to blink her eyes several times because of disbelief. It was really him. Charles Hokkins!

"Is he your new client, brother?", She said as she gazed at the man.

Theo laughed and led her inside his office. Charles was mesmerized for a while when he saw her. The girl in front of her was astonishing and irresistible as if he was looking at a fairy or a goddess. He had the urge to touch her and own her. She's definitely going to be mine he thought.

"Aya, let me introduce you to my best buddy. Charles Hokkins!" Theo said smiling at her.

Charles stood up and raised his right hand indicating to have a hand shake with her.

As a fine young lady, Aya took his hand for hand shake.Unexpectedly, Charles lowered his head and kissed her hand instead. Into her surprise, she immediately withdrew her hand.

This guy was too confident with himself. How did my brother end up having him as his friend. Tsk...Tsk...Tsk...I think I'm going to be in great trouble. She said to herself.

"Charles meet Aya.My only precious sister. The gem stone of our family.", Theo continued.

"It's a pleasure meeting you again, My lady! " Charles didn't bother himself looking at Theo.His mind was with her. His eyes were focused only to her.

"Again?! What do you mean by that, bro?" Suddenly, Theo's mind got curious.

"Remember the incident that happened before I was hospitalized? She was one of the two girls who helped us back then. Thanks to both of them we were brought to the hospital for treatment. I guess she's my angel in disguise, " Charles said staring at her intensely.

Aya blushed and hid her face on her brothers back. She can't help herself not to notice his charming look that made her giggle for a bit. She smiled and bit her lower lips. She tried hard to hide her feelings.

Theo was surprised by her action. He looked at her with tenderness and concern.

"Come! Join us and take a sit, sis. He led her to the couch near them.

She sat down and tried to compose herself. Her brother offered her a drink. It was her favorite wine, Margarita.She took a sip on the glass of wine that was given to her.

They talked about business for a couple of minutes but afterwards, the issue concerning Charles problem arose. That being brought out to her knowledge made her conclude of something.

" What is this topic concerns my brother? ", she said anticipatingly.

"It concerns your brother because he owes me a lot. Not to mention having him jailed without you being notified. I was the one who helped him back then.Now, it's his turn to do me a great favor ". Charles said without hesitation.

Aya turned her face towards her brother. Theo's face looked down as if he had no courage to look at her straight to her eyes. She shook her head in dismay. Her face saddened as she learned about a secret that her brother was keeping from her. She averted her look into Charles.

"What favor is it that you want from my brother? "Her voice was firm and there were no traced of doubt.

"I need someone to pretend to be my fiancé. I want to know who has the grudge against me", he said." I want you!"

Shocked by his proposal, Aya thought for a second and gazed at her brother who was helpless at the current situation. She doesn't want anyone to have a grudge to her brother so she decided to take his proposal. "Okay then.I'll do it!"

Theo helplessly looked at her and objected. "No!"

He doesn't want her sister's life to be in vain. He rather have other girls to pursuade to act as Charles fiancè.

After hearing his objection, Charles got mad.

"Do you have other girls in mind to recommend me them", he said coldly.

For a brief moment, Theo kept himself quiet. Thinking of another way to keep his sister out of this situation.Unfortunately, he couldn't think of another person to replace her sister.

"Well, have you decided already?" Charles asked earnestly. He let a little smile show on his face for he already knew the possible answer of his friend

Theo was perspiring heavily and sighed. Turned his face towards his friend. He wiped his sweat with his handkerchief that he took from his pocket.

"You win! I don't have anyone in mind but please ....don't you dare let my sister get hurt", he said affirming his defeat towards his friend.

"Then, it settled. I'll take Aya with me as my fiancé. Don't worry because I'll treat her well, " Charles said with reassurance.

After their discussion, Theo hugged Aya. "I'm so terribly sorry, sis." He felt like crying as he hold on to her.

"It's fine, brother!You know me very well. I won't lose to anyone", she said with a soft voice.

"Call me if you need any help. Take care of yourself there", he said as he bid her farewell to her. His eyes was watery when he let her go.

She just nodded and kissed her brother's cheek as she bid her goodbye to him.

Charles went near her and grabbed her hand.

Afterwards, the two of them took their way out of the building and went to a luxurious car where the driver awaits them.

Charles opened the door at the backseat for her and she entered. He then sat next to her. She felt nervous when she noticed him staring at her intensely. She turned her face towards the window of the car.

"So, would you like to go shopping first before we head back to my place?", suddenly Charles said to her without even blinking his eyes.His gazed never left her face.

"Yes, please!", she said shyly.

The car started to switch its engine and they headed towards a nearby mall since they are still in the center of the city.Not long enough, the car stopped at their wished destination. Charles went out first off the car and he opened the door for her.

Aya smiled at him when she got off the car. Charles' hand was warm when he held her hand and they went inside the building. She felt like a strange electric wave just came across into her body.

Aya was amazed to see a lot of things inside the mall as they walk together along the way. She was like a child who started to gaze at the things around her. She swing herself around and around as she was like in her garden. She was definitely having fun. Her innocent look made Charles heart more fonder over her.

"Come over here, Aya!", Charles said to her that made her wondering mood stop.

In a dress boutique, a woman approached them wearing a big smile on her face. The woman has a short hair just above her shoulder and has a chubby face. Her body figure suits her height.

"Mr. Hokkins, it's been a long while. Good afternoon! Do you want me to assist the young girl here with you?" The woman asked excitedly. She was about at the age of thirties. Aya guessed as she take a good looked at her.

"Yes, please!", Charles replied as he was smiling to her as well.

"I'll wait for you on that corner", he said turning his face to Aya.

Aya smiled and nodded.

"By the way, my name is Mae. Please allow me to assist you, Ma'am", the woman said politely.

It took them 30 minutes looking for her the right clothes that suits her taste. They went in the dressing room when she already had decided on what clothes to wear. She picked 3 pairs of nighties, 5 short pants, 2 long fitted pants, 5 sleeveless blouse with ruffles on it, 5 simple dresses, 3 mini skirt, 5 white blouses and 2 long gowns for formal events.She even took 1 dozen of panties and 1 dozen of bra.

Mae can't take her eyes of her when she tried all what she had chosen to wear. She seemed to be amazed on how she looks. Her eyes were sparkling as if she had seen a female model.

"Wow! You look stunningly beautiful, Miss!", she said carelessly.

Aya blushed and gave her a sweet smile. They went back to the counter when they had finished taking a fit on the clothes. Charles was sitting while holding a magazine on the other side of the counter. He stopped reading when he saw them heading back to the counter.He set aside the magazine and stood up.

"Are you done shopping?", he said calmly.

"Yes. I'll just pay all of these", she said glancing on the clothes she had picked.

"You don't have to. I'll take care of that, " Charles said giving his silver card to Mae.

She was hesitant at first but then she found herself enduring being spoiled by this man.

After shopping, they went to a VIP restaurant. A fine young man guided them towards a pavillion.There were lots of food prepared only for the two of them. The place was filled with flowers and there was a small pond near them.The place was exquisitely beautiful and peaceful. My type of place she thought to herself.

Charles offered her a chair to sit. She smiled and sat down. Afterwards, Charles took the chair on the opposite direction. He is quite a gentle man she thought.Keenly observing every detail about him.

While they were eating, Aya heard a melody played on a piano.It soothes her heart. The more she loved the place. She enjoyed having a meal with Charles as if they were on a date.

Date! OMG! She exaggerated at the thought but she remained compose. She just focused on the meal.

Charles was observing her actions as well.He was enjoying the moment they have right now.

When they had finished eating, Charles gently hold her hands to assist her in standing. He treated her like her Queen.

"We are going to stop by on a jewellery store next for your ring", Charles said to her close to her ears.

Aya felt his warm breath and his voice resonated into her ears giving her a chill.

They left the restaurant and went to a jewellery store.His hands never let go of her hand.

At the counter, a lady in red dress smiled at them. She was sexy and her dress was quite revealing.

"Good afternoon, Sir Hokkins! Good afternoon, Miss!" The lady greeted them.

"I am looking for a ring suitable for my fiancé here ", he said turning his face to Aya. His smile was not fading.

"Would you like to take a look at our top best selling item for this year, Sir?", she said and took a red velvety box. She showed her an extra ordinary ring. "This ring is made up of emerald gemstone with 2 small sapphire stone on its edges. Perfect fit for a goddess like your fiance, dear Sir."

Charles took the ring and place it on her ring finger. It really is beautiful. It perfectly fits on her finger.

"It does fits on you perfectly isn't it?", Charles said staring at her intensely once more.

She choked to give warning towards him.

"How much is this cost? "Aya said hastily.

"It cost 1.5 million pesos, Miss. "The lady said without hesitation.

Aya tried to pull back the ring on her finger but a strong force stopped her from doing it. She looked at Charles hesitantly. Their eyes met. Charles eyes were focused only to her. She noticed that the lady suddenly choked. That made Charles returned his senses and turned his face towards the lady.

"I'll buy it."He said firmly and took again the silver card on his wallet.

The lady took the card and swiped it on the card machine.

Afterwards, they left the jewellery store and headed back to the car.

They are now on their way to Charles place. Aya looked at the ring and took a quick glance at him. If this was real, I think I might have fell in love with him already she said to herself. But she knew that these were just part of their plan.Charles was quiet on his seat but his hand was keeping hold of her hand still. His face is now on its normal state. There wasn't any trace of emotion that can be seen into him anymore.

Aya didn't bother to ask nor reclaim to his actions. She was just merely going with the flow. It didn't took them a long time when they reached Charles place. The house was grand. There were so many maids waiting for them infront of the house.The car stopped and they got off the car immediately.

She took her cellphone from her sling bag and took a picture of the house.

The maids greeted them at the same time. Some of them went to get her things in the car while the others went back to their own works.An old gray haired woman followed the two of them on their way inside the house.

"Marga will take you to your new room. If you need anything else, just call me."He said coldly.He took her phone that she was holding and dialled his number on it."If you'll excuse me now, I need to go to my room."

Aya was confused on the sudden change of mood of Charles. Now, she just saw another part of him. She shook her head subconsciously.

"Please follow me, Miss!", Marga said to her with a smile.

They walked together and showed her the room assigned to her.She was surprised to see that her things were inside the room already. Marga gave the key to her room before leaving.

She felt exhausted. She threw her sling bag at the side of the bed and lied down.She looked around the room. It is really made for a female guest she said.The room was filled with pink colored objects. Then, her eyes and body began to get weary .She began to fall asleep.

On Charles room, he went to the bathroom and took a shower. His manhood was as hard as a rock. He noticed it a long time ago when he was with Aya .Her body really turned him on.He instinctively tried to ease his desire over her by satisfying himself through self service.

He caught himself a goddess he said to himself. A devilish smile appeared into his face

A strong knocking on the door suddenly wake up Aya from her slumber.She looked at her watch. It was already 7 in the evening. She stood up and opened the door. Marga appeared in front of her.

"Miss, Sir Charles asked me to call you for dinner", she said tenderly.

"I'll be down in a minute.Thank you!"Aya said and the old maid left.

She took a towel and went to the bathroom to take a shower.Without further due, she dried herself with the towel. She put on a white blouse and a short pants that they bought a while ago. Then, she combed her hair. She looked her reflection into the mirror. She smiled and went downstairs.

Charles again was mesmerized upon seeing her. She wore only a simple clothes and yet his manhood got hardened again.Her presence affected him greatly. He tried to compose himself and let go a smile on his face.

"Please take a sit." He instructed her.

She took a chair and sat on the opposite direction facing him. There were lots of food infront of them but she only took a portion of chicken soup with potato salad, fried tempura and a glass of milk.

On the other hand, Charles was carefully observing her.He took a sweet and sour beef with rice, spring rolls, chicken soup, tempura and a glass of water.

Before Aya took a bite of her food, she silently made a sign of the cross and closed her eyes.Charles suddenly stopped eating when he saw what she was doing.He felt embarrassed and prayed before he continued to eat.

"Do you always do that in your house?", he said to her with curiosity.

Aya looked at him. "Of course!", she said confirming her action.

Then, they continued eating without saying another word to each other.

"I'm stuffed!", Aya said touching her belly.

Charles smiled upon knowing that she was fully satisfied on what they had eaten for dinner.

After eating, Aya stood up to leave the room but Charles doesn't want to end this day without touching her luscious lips.

"Are you going back to your room now?", he asked.

"Yes!", she replied.

Charles left his chair and went near her.

"I'll accompany you into your way to your room", he insisted.

"No need!", she exclaimed.

But Charles took her hand and she went along with him when he started walking.

As they were walking, Aya felt helpless. She wanted to refuse but her heart was beating so fast when Charles took her hand. She felt a strong energy connecting him to her. Is this what they call love she said to herself.

Upon reaching her room, Charles stopped walking and gazed at her.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me today, Charles.I really appreciate it", she said turning her head sideways. She can't look at him straight in his eyes.

"A thank you is not enough, " he said.

Surprisingly, his hands gently held her face and forced her to face him.When their eyes met, something magical came across them.They felt like there was a magnet between them. Slowly, Charles made his move. He lowered his head to touch her lips and kissed her.

Aya was breathing hard when the kissed ended.

"Good night, my Queen!Sweet dreams!", Charles said to her in a husky voice near to her ears.He was too close to her.

She was shy to look at him therefore she remained her head down to hid her blushing face.

Charles left with a grin on his face.Leaving her still standing infront of her room.

Charles woke up in a great mood. He started his day with a great smile on his face. He brushed his teeth first. Then, he took a bath while humming joyfully. The water was dripping all over his body. He remembered what happened last night. He punched his right hand through the air to release the excitement that he was feeling right now.

Afterwards, he took the towel and dried up his body with it. He wrapped the towel on his waist to hide his manhood. Then, he went back to his room and took a business suite on his cabinet. He wore his underwear before putting on his clothes. He sprayed a man's perfume into his body and combed his hair. He put on his socks and leather shoes.

Finally, he was ready to go to his office. He went downstairs to take his breakfast. Unfortunately, Aya wasn't around yet. So, he decided to take his meal without her. But his naughty mind had a plan on her, he quickly finished his meal and went upstairs again. He directly went towards Aya 's room.

He tried to open the door quietly. Luckily, the door was not locked. Therefore, he took the chance and went inside the room carefully. He saw Aya sleeping soundly on her bed. He slowly sat down near her and gently touched her lovely face. He lowered his head to kiss her lips.

Upon kissing her, he moved out of the room immediately.

Aya was awakened by a scent of a man's perfume that has spread into her room. She felt also a warm, soothing feeling on her lips. How strange she thought to herself. She stood up and took a bath. She wore a sky blue colored dress that she bought yesterday. Finally, she put on her high heel sandals.

She went into the dining room. The maids attended to her meal eagerly. She only ate scrambled egg, one slice of bread and a glass of milk. After eating, She brushed her teeth and headed out of the house. A car was already prepared for her. She got inside the car and told the driver to go to the Montessori Cemetery.

Along the way, Aya took her phone and called her father. She doesn't want him to get worried.

"Hello, my angel?", a cheerful voice was heard on the other line of the phone.

"Hello, Dad! How are you?" She cheerfully asked him.

"I'm doing fine. How's my angel doing?" Her father continued." I miss my dear angel so much."

She smiled when she heard her father's longingness towards her. It had been 2 years that they never had seen each other. They only had contact with each other through phone calls.

"I miss you too, Dad. By the way, I'm staying for a while at Charles Hokkins' place. I had Theo's approval about it." She said having doubts on how her father would react.

In a brief moment, there was silence on the other line. Then she heard a big sigh on the phone.

Impatiently, she initiated to start to talk again." Dad, are you still there?"

"Yes, " her father confirmed. "If you think he's not going to do any harm on you, then It's fine with me. Just make sure that you contact me anytime. "

She felt relief when she heard her father's approval.

"Yes, Dad! Noted! I'm on my way to the cemetery to visit mom's grave now, " she uttered.

"Say a prayer for me for your mom, my angel." He said with a sad tune.

"Okay, Dad!" She answered back before she turned off her phone.

She glanced at the driver for a while.

"Can we please stop by to a flower shop first please?, " she politely asked him.

The driver looked at the driver's mirror to look at her.

"Of course, Miss!", he answered.

Then the car stopped infront of a flower shop. She got off the car and went inside the shop. A cute teenage boy about the age of 18 approached her with an apron on him. He smiled at her and greeted her.

"How can I help you, Miss?", he said to her.

She smiled and looked around.

"I need a dozen of white roses please", she said while gazing at the beautiful flowers around her.

The boy went near a bucket of white roses and took a dozen of it. He arranged the flowers in a red and silver decorated plastic wrapper. He tied it up with a red ribbon. It looked dashing.

"Here, Miss!" He said handling over to her the bouquet.

She took the bouquet and handed it over to her driver. She took 2000 pesos from her wallet. She gave the money to the boy. The boy went to the counter to get her change. She was about to leave when the boy suddenly stopped her.

"Please wait, Miss! You forgot your change, " the boy shouted.

She smiled and turned her face towards him once again.

"Keep the change! Those flowers are precious to me and to my mother." She said looking back at the flowers that he had arranged for her." You deserve it because you made it perfectly for my mother."

The boy smiled and said his thanks to her. She turned her back and headed out towards the car. She went inside the car and the driver started the switch on the engine.

When they reached the cemetery, she put the flowers on to the grave of her mother. She said a prayer and sitted next to the grave. She talked to her mother by herself. She told her what was happening to their family and how they lived without her. She was so sad.

Her mother died because of a car accident. She was lucky enough to survive the tragedy because her mom protected her. She was only 10 years old back then. Remembering the tragedy, she felt her heart ached and burst into sadness. She felt her tears flowing through her cheeks.

This was the first time that she felt this way again. She promised herself not to cry again but she couldn't help it. She wiped her tears with her handkerchief and bid farewell to her mother.

On their way to her office, a sudden huge bump was felt by Aya. She almost hit her head on the back of the driver seat.

"Are you alright, Miss?", her driver asked looking so worried.

"What was that?" She felt irritated.

"Someone must have bumped into our car, Miss. I'll go out for a bit to check it, " he said leaving her behind.

She lowered the car window near her to gaze at the side mirror. She saw her driver talking to a man wearing a sweat shirt and a jogging pants. The man noticed her and went near her. He bent his head down to the car window to take a good look at her.

"Hi there, Miss! I'm sorry if I bumped into your car. I was in a rush and suddenly, I lost control of my speed. By the way, I'm Zander Lara. May I ask your name?, " he said with a grin on his face.

Definitely this man was up to no good. By the looks of him, He was not her type. She thought while observing the man's physical features. The man had a formidable body but lacks in conduct.

"I'm sorry but I am in a rush too. I'm not interested into someone like you ", she said frankly.

The man got annoyed upon hearing her response. He was pissed off.

"Who do you think you are? You may look pretty but I guess you're a bitch. You should be taught a lesson, " he said and at an instant, he took her out of the car. He pulled her closer to his body attempting to kiss her.

Her driver interfered into his intention towards her.

"Let the Miss go!", he said roughly. He grabbed the man's arm and stopped him.

Unfortunately, Zander punched him on his face. At one stroke, her driver fell down to the ground. Zander looked at her and had no intention of letting her go. He held her closer and tighter into his arms. He was magnetized by her beauty. Aya felt that she needed to save herself from this man.

Zander was shocked when he felt his feet stamped by her.

"Ouch!, " he said and she was released from his grasp. "Why you?" He got mad at her.

She was about to run when she felt a strong force pulling her long black hair. She stopped from her attempt.

"Let her go!", her driver said and started to get up on his feet once more. Before her driver could get any closer to them, Zander kicked him and he fell down back to the ground again.

Luckily, Aya knew some martial arts movement. She held the man's hands and turned around facing him. She slashed his hands on hers and kicked his manhood. Zander felt hurt and he jumped hard touching his manhood. She rushed into the car and got her phone. She pushed the alarm button on the back of her phone. She looked at Zander angrily.

"You messed up with the wrong girl, mister!", she said furiously.

Theo saw the alarm rang on the digital mobile. He was shocked and immediately took the locator on his computer. He looked at her location and then he called for police assistance. When the police got his call, they rushed to the area where Aya is. He also rushed out of his office and drove his personal car.

When he reached Aya's location, he saw the man that the police were arresting. He looked at Aya who had a messed up hair look. He immediately went near her and held her tightly in his arms.

"Are you alright?, " Theo said looking worried.

"I'm fine now, brother, " she answered.

Another man came rushing to them. It was her brother, Brian. He looked terribly worried just like Theo.

"Aya!" He shouted.

Theo let her go and Brian embraced her tightly in his arms. Caressing her back and kissing her head repeatedly as if she was a baby who was lost for a long time to him. When he saw the man who assaulted their sister being held by the police, he got furious. He set her free from his arms and went near Zander. He rapidly threw a big hard punch on Zander's guts.

Zander was helpless at the moment.

"That's for my sister! Who do you think you are? No one hurts our sister. Bastard!, " Brian said angrily and once more kicked him.

The police took away Zander and brought him to jail.

In the meantime, her driver started to feel frightened looking at her brother's angry faces. He gathered his strength to face them.

"I'm so sorry, Miss and to you too dear sirs, " he said in a trembling voice when he got closer to them.

Aya and her brothers looked at one another. Aya patted her driver's shoulder.

"Thank you! You should not say sorry because you tried your best to protect me. I'm very grateful to you and for that you earned my trust. Can you treat me as your friend and not as your employer's guest? By the way, I forgot to ask your name." She said in a gentle voice.

"My name is Benjamin Villaflor. Ben for short. It'll be my honor to be your friend, Miss, " he said hastily.

"Okay, Ben! We entrust our sister into your care from now on, " Brian said in a calm manner.

"You should get those bruises treated so that you will not get sick, " Theo said to Ben.

They were all smiling afterwards. Ben took the car into the police station while the three of them went to Theo's private office. Her brother was consistently comforting her and never left their sight on her. She felt loved.

After a long while, they opened the tv monitor to watch some news. A newsbreak caught their attention. The incident that happened to her a while back was the main headline of the business news.

They saw Zander's picture and learned that he was a son of the Lara Group of Companies. It was a shame for Zander's family to be held as a prisoner for assaulting her.

Brian's phone rang. "Excuse me!" He said glancing at them.

"I'll come there!", He said on the phone.

Then he went back near them and kissed her on her forehead. "I have some other important matters to attend to, sis. I'll be leaving now. Theo, make sure Aya doesn't do anything today. Let her take a rest, " he said to them.

Theo nodded and she smiled at her brother who was leaving the room.

A ring on Theo's phone caught their attention. Theo saw the name on the screen of his phone. It was their father calling. He answered the phone and he had already an idea on what his father was going to tell him.

"Where is Aya? Is she okay?", Their father said terrified and worried.

He gave the phone onto her. "I'm fine, Dad!", she said reassuring her father.

Meanwhile in a close door room, Zander was being tormented by some tremendously masculine men. There were 5 of them and were armed. Brian was furiously looking at him who was standing infront of him as well.

"Do you know whom you messed up with?, " he said in a ravishing voice. "You dared to touch our only sister. We, the Harvard family doesn't allow such an atrocity. You'll pay highly with what you did to her."

Zander was beaten by the 5 men. He was punched and kicked by them. He was fully injured by them. His blood was overflowing onto his body. But Brian wasn't satisfied yet by his looks, Brian himself went near Zander and punched his face until Zander couldn't bear the pain and suffering anymore. Zander fell unconscious. He just met a devil in a man's form.

"Idiot!" Brian said to him. Spitting on him with his saliva.

Then he left without looking back at him. "Take him back to the prison, " he said to the group of men whom he hired before he disappeared completely into their vision.