Fading Embers: The Search for Lost Love

Fading Echoes of Desire

The weather was nice and fair, especially after the heavy downpour the previous day. There was nothing to worry about as she made her way to the massive building belonging to one of the wealthiest bachelors in Texas, Ranya Windsor.

Three years ago was the first time she had visited this place. She was in distress, desperately seeking a way to prevent her father from going to jail. She was troubled and extremely poor. But today, she held her head high, feeling a sense of belonging as her heels made resounding steps toward the receptionist. Despite being a law firm, the building felt more like a suite for people of high status.

"Good morning, miss," the blonde receptionist greeted, smiling sweetly at her. The last time she was here, the receptionist had a curt expression, unlike the friendly one now.

"Good morning," Calista replied, giving her a smile that lit up her face. "I have an appointment with Mr. Windsor."

The receptionist nodded and checked her system for further inquiries. "The name, ma'am?" she asked without taking her eyes off the screen.

"Calista MacQuoid."

"Okay, ma'am," the receptionist responded, looking up from the system. "You're a few minutes early for the appointment. You can go wait for him if you don't mind."

"No," Calista responded and walked towards his office.

She entered the elevator. It had been three years since she last visited, the day she signed a contract that saved her parents and helped her live the life she desired.

Calista's heart beat a little faster at the thought of why he wanted to meet her in his office.

They had spent the night together, caught up in the moment as it rained heavily. This morning, he had whispered to her at breakfast, "Drop by the office at 12. I have something to tell you."

She was surprised. Besides their distressing meeting three years ago, she was never allowed to visit his office. Despite any issues, they were always resolved in his bed.

The elevator beeped, indicating she had reached her destination. Calista checked her wristwatch as she walked to the waiting room, where his secretary would come to get her. It was eight minutes to twelve.

Ranya was someone who kept to time, an adherent keeper of time. He said twelve, and it would be twelve.

She pushed the door open and saw that she was the only one waiting to be attended to before the next person arrived. She sat down, taking in the scenery of the room.

Not much had changed since her last visit, but everything about the room reminded her of how he had looked at her the first time they met. His cold, expressionless hazel eyes stared deeply into her soul as he asked her to follow him.

"Miss Calista MacQuoid." The sudden mention of her name startled her, but she managed a small smile to hide her uneasiness. "Mr. Windsor is ready to see you now," the secretary said, motioning for Calista to follow her.

Impulsively, Calista stood up, adjusting her skirt that reached her knees as she followed the secretary into the grand office of the man who made her heart race.

The secretary bowed, introduced Calista, and with a nod from the boss, she left the office, closing the door slightly behind her.

Calista couldn't help but be awestruck by the magnificent office building. Ranya clearly had a liking for interiors and height. His office was situated on the top floor of the massive building.

"Please, have a seat," his voice commanded, bringing her back from her reverie.

"Oh," Calista smiled, making her way to the swivel chair facing his table. "Not there, Calista," he called, standing up and walking towards the sofa at the far end of the office. "Here."

Ranya Windsor. Despite the oddness of the office and his cold demeanor, he was a sight to behold. His kingly demeanor left her speechless the first day they met. He was undeniably good-looking, with a commanding presence that made it hard for her to breathe. But she had held this cold, thirty-year-old billionaire in her hands for three years.

She had pleased him and made him release his seeds in her countless times. A satisfied smile crept onto her face.

"Do you care for coffee?" he asked, staring intently at her. His voice had a captivating effect on her.

"No, I think I've had enough today," she answered, returning his gaze with a hint of expression.

"Calista," he called, nodding knowingly. "You can have coffee here. What I'm about to say requires that you have coffee." He gave her a long stare and then picked up the telephone. "Two cups of Americano. One with lots of honey and ice," he ordered before putting the telephone down.

"You don't usually drink Americano," Calista remarked, surprised by his choice. Only she drank Americano with lots of honey and ice.

"I'm having it today," he muttered simply, his hands resting on the table with a file placed diligently in front of him.

A slight knock on the door interrupted them, and the secretary entered with two cups of coffee. She handed a cup full of ice to Calista, who thanked her before she left, leaving just the two of them in the room, staring at each other in silence.

Ranya and Calista rarely spoke to each other outside the bedroom. Their conversations were limited to random greetings from Calista, to which Ranya would only nod or hum in response. They exchanged words, but only in the bedroom. Moaning and grunting were their form of communication.

But now, the situation was different. Calista knew Ranya to be a man of few words, something she had learned to understand. However, the current situation made her feel like he had a lot to say.

The silence was suffocating, making her extremely uncomfortable as curiosity built up inside her. Determined to break the silence, she coughed, trying to remind him of her presence.

"Calista, what we have between us ends today," Ranya said calmly, his cold eyes devoid of emotion. "She's back."

That was the last thing she expected. While she didn't know what he wanted to talk about when he asked her to come to the office he had previously restricted her from, she knew it had to do with their relationship. She tightened her grip on the cup as her eyes met his, his usual cold, expressionless gaze fixed on her. Sometimes she wondered what he looked like when he smiled, as Ranya had never smiled at her.

She composed herself, pushing down any feelings she had for him. The last thing she wanted was to be a pitiful, obsessive woman crying over a young, handsome billionaire whose heart belonged to another.

"Okay." Calista nodded, loosening her grip on the cup. Despite the pain and disappointment she felt, Calista resolved to maintain her self-respect and dignity.

She knew that holding on to someone who didn't reciprocate her feelings would only lead to more heartache and suffering in the long run. The deal she had with Ranya was expected to come to an abrupt end sooner or later. She needed his help, and he needed her warmth.

Three years. Three years. Three years.

Ranya sighed, picking up a file from the table. "I asked you to come here because this is where it all started. It's a contract that must end officially, just as it began."

Calista nodded again, causing a flicker of guilt to briefly appear on his handsome face before disappearing as if it had never been there.

He was surprised that she didn't say anything. She sat there, head held high, devoid of expression, just like him, nodding at each word he spoke.

She kept her head high, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

Seeing her composed, innocent face, Ranya knew how much he owed her. "Here is a check for one million dollars. I hope this can make up for it," he stated, extending a check from the file. His gaze remained unfazed.

If he could be so cold towards her, if he could end things so easily, then she wasn't going to show him any emotions. She wasn't after his money, and Ranya knew that well. If he wanted to compensate her, who was she to refuse?

To his surprise, she reached out and accepted the check, quietly adding, "I left some things at your place. Can I retrieve them?"

Ranya smirked sarcastically. Calista had nothing when she met him. All the jewelry and clothes she had, he had bought for her. His gifts were never cheap.

"You have a week," Ranya declared, getting up and walking to his table. He picked up a card and walked back towards her, adjusting his suit. "Give it to my secretary when you're done."

"The lock code?" she inquired, accepting the card. "Is it the same as last night?"

"Yes," he replied curtly. "I will have the engineer change it after you finish packing."

He returned to his seat and pushed the files towards her. "The contract. Sign your part for the dissolution."

Calista nodded, signed, and stood up, ready to completely leave his life.

"Goodbye, Ranya," Calista murmured, her voice calm as she met his gaze one last time.

"Goodbye, Calista," he replied, hands in his pockets, as she walked out of his office majestically, determined to erase every trace of herself from his memory.

Bargaining with Fate

Three Years Earlier

Calista stood in front of the imposing doors of the Windsor Law Firm, her hands trembling. The cold air of the waiting room did little to calm her nerves. Her father's future hung in the balance, and Ranya Windsor was her last hope. She had heard from Lila, her father's colleague, that he would be of immense help.

The firm was one that loan sharks found quite intimidating. She desperately wanted to save her father from jail, not only because her family name and image would be tarnished but also because she couldn't bear to watch them take him away. She knew he was not responsible for the allegations imposed on him by Lewiston Corporation.

"Miss Calista MacQuoid, Mr. Windsor will see you now," the receptionist's voice jolted her back to the present. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, her eyes meeting the icy gaze of Ranya Windsor for the first time.

"Don't mind his cold demeanor when you meet him. He can help you," Lila's voice echoed in her head as she walked into the room, the receptionist closing the door behind her.

"Please, have a seat," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. Calista sat down, feeling small in the large leather chair. She bit her lower lip, fighting the urge to look at the undeniably good-looking man before her. His looks left her tongue-tied, and she averted her gaze elsewhere, missing the hint of amusement in his eyes as he watched her nervously bite her lip.

The lady before him was undeniably beautiful. Her skin was smooth, her nose finely shaped, and her lips akin to rose petals, full and plump. She looked magnificent, even in distress. She must have been in a hurry before coming to his office because her hair looked rough and messily packed. Her deep brown eyes flickered behind her glasses. With a deep sigh, he picked up a pen and a book, ready to be professional. He had never looked at other women aside from Vivian, the way he was looking at this lady before him.

"How may I help you?" he asked, jolting her back to life. She had been able to book an appointment with him with the help of Emily. She furrowed her brow, wondering if he hadn't gone through her portfolio.

"I sent..." she started, returning her gaze to him, the troubled and impatient look returning. "I sent a portfolio to the secretary yesterday."

"I know," he replied, making rhythmic sounds with the pen as he watched her furrowed brow turn into frustration. "This is a law firm, and I'm here to assist you. It would be more professional for you to explain to me why you're here."

"My dad is at the point of being destroyed, Mr. Windsor."

"Windsor," he interrupted calmly but sternly.

She stopped, looking at him, confused. "What?" she inquired, a little irritated at the interruption.

"Windsor, Miss MacQuoid," he repeated. "Windsor is the name."

Calista smiled, pushing her displeasure aside. 'He's arrogant for a lawyer,' she thought. "I'm sorry, Mr. Windsor, but I really need your help. I've been told you're the best at this. Please, I beg of you. He's in prison and will be convicted if..."

"I get it, Miss MacQuoid," he cut in just in time to stop her from probably breaking down. He hated the sight of it. It infuriated him to see someone cry. He used to be there. "Lewiston Corporation, is that not?"

"Yes," Calista responded almost immediately, hoping he would accept to help her.

"Fine," he said after a brief pause. "Please make the necessary payments. We can only proceed once the payment is complete."

Calista's heart shattered into pieces. She had nothing, not even a dime on her. She immediately dropped to the floor, clasping her hands together in supplication.

Ranya stared, his expressionless and unfazed look unchanged.

"You don't have any money?" His lips twitched with mockery. It was bold of her to think he offered free services.

"Yes... Yes, please," she begged, now doing what he detested. Crying.

A pang of hatred washed over him. He had climbed this ladder of greatness with money, and it was funny how some peasants thought he ran a charity organization. How on earth would Vivian return if he was still struggling?

"Get up," he ordered calmly, undisturbed.

Calista raised her head. She knew that voice meant something, something like he's not moved by her show of pity.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I can't," she begged, still stubbornly clinging to the floor.

"I said get up!" he ordered, a little more sternly.

"Please, I will do anything-anything at all. Don't let my dad go to jail. Please."

Is she serious? Apart from the no-payment service she's begging for, he would have to fight in court against his father's company. As much as he was pleased to take the case, payments were necessary.

"I will do anything... I will do anything, please."

He sighed, standing up from the chair. "Get up and sit," he ordered, now more calmly-the very voice Calista wanted to hear. She raised her head gradually, her face damp from tears, a long strand of hair clinging stubbornly to her face. She stood and sat while watching him shove his hands into his pockets.

"Sit here and wait," he ordered, walking out of the office.

Calista sighed, sinking into his fresh masculine smell as the door closed slightly behind him. A few minutes later, he returned, his left hand in his pocket while the right held onto a file as he walked majestically to his seat.

He sat and opened the file, bringing out a pair of delicate paper sheets, and pushed the file to her, his eyes boring into her keenly.

She sensed the look on his face, but couldn't grasp it. Her pale face shifted from his handsome and extremely calm looks to the neatly newly printed sheet on the table.

"I understand you're in a difficult situation, Miss Calista," Ranya began, looking over the file. "Your father's case is substantial."

Calista nodded, her throat too tight and her voice too coarse to speak. She watched as Ranya leaned back, his hazel eyes studying her.

His eyes were captivating and enchanting. Why had she only just noticed?

"I can help you," he continued as a slight grin of amusement pushed itself to his face. "But it will come with conditions."

"What kind of conditions?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will do anything as long as he doesn't go to jail."

Ranya pointed at the file before her, his eyes on her. "This," he added, "is an agreement for companionship." He paused, taking in her confused gaze. He pointed at it, indicating that she should go through the file before her. She gasped at the content.

'Will father be happy?' she thought, staring blankly at the contract, 'if he finds out I'm about to trade myself for him?'

'He would do this over and over if you were to be in his shoes, Calista,' she reminded herself. After all, money would be available-anything and everything that would guarantee her a soft life, and most importantly, an assurance that Dad would be vindicated.

"You," he continued, "will be available to me whenever I require, and in return, I will ensure that your father's debt is paid, and he stays out of jail. He will be vindicated."

Calista stared at the content with burning eyes, her heart heavy beyond words. Ranya noticed but remained unfazed by her emotions. He took delight in pushing Lewiston into the mud, but he needed something to clear his mind with-something with no strings attached.

Ranya knew what he was doing was unethical, but she stubbornly pleaded with him to do anything.

Calista raised her eyes, determination glistening in them. He owed her no explanation as to whether she was the first he had proposed such a contract to; she was just relieved there was a solution. Sleeping with him was her way of getting back at her cheating boyfriend.

"It's a decision you can refuse," Ranya stated, but she nodded and, with trembling hands, picked up the contract. It was clear and concise, outlining the terms of her commitment. Desperation clouded her judgment, and she signed her name at the bottom, sealing her fate.

Ranya stood up, his lips twitching in an unreadable expression, extending his hand. "Welcome, Miss MacQuoid. Our arrangement begins now."

She shook his hand, feeling a chill run down her spine. She had saved her father, but at what personal cost?

---

Three Years Later

She sighed as she walked out of the firm, the check weighing heavily in her hand as she stared at it intently. She gave the company a long glare and turned, marching out of the building with an ego fit for a queen.

Ranya couldn't help but stare at the position she sat in during the meeting. He longed for lasting peace as he settled into his chair, wondering about Calista's thoughts on everything. Hmm, she did well to conceal her emotions.

He sat down, and opened his laptop, trying to clear his mind and focus on the most important news, when his phone beeped. He picked it up, and a wide grin spread across his face as he read the message.

"Wow!" he exclaimed calmly. "Just wow, Miss Calista MacQuoid."

Echoes of the Past

"Ranya," Vivian called impatiently. "I'm sorry, but I can't refuse. Yang proposed to me, and you expect me to turn him down?"

"Vivian, please," Ranya begged, holding her wrist pleadingly. "I promised I would be so good to you. I would take over Father's company if that would make you stay. You can't leave me."

"And to think you thought I was leaving you because you were still struggling is annoying. I'm telling you this because I don't want you to see it in the news. I love Yang, and I'm marrying him!"

Her voice echoed in his head, especially the last word. Now she's back, and he's still hopelessly in love with her. The reason he couldn't move on or open his heart to another was because of her. She had returned, making many promises never to leave.

A slight knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. He turned slightly towards his secretary, who silently walked in towards the table and dropped a file.

"The prime minister booked an appointment, sir," she announced, stepping backward after dropping the file.

"Why?" Ranya asked, not turning his face away from the transparent wall of his office. The night view of Texas sparked numerous thoughts in his mind. "Did he mention the purpose of our meeting?"

"Yes, sir," she replied curtly. "He said to take up a case he's involved in."

"Have you sent him the criteria for our payments?"

"No," she responded, her voice coupled with a hint of fear. "Why?"

"Why are you omitting that part when we always inform every client of that information?" He demanded. "Tell me."

"I'm sorry, sir," she apologized, bowing slightly. "I didn't because he's your father, and..."

"And you assume I will render my service to him for free?" Ranya interrupted, shoving his hands in his pocket. "Answer me, Valerie."

"I'm sorry, sir," she begged, bowing repeatedly. "I'm sorry, sir. I will put a call across to him and inform..."

"Cancel the appointment," he ordered, turning his face back to the view. He would be meeting Vivian soon, and he wanted to avoid getting annoyed or upset. Any hint of emotion could ruin his day. Seeing his father would be the last thing he wanted to do.

"What... I mean, sir?"

"Valerie, get out of my office and do as you're told."

"Yes, sir," she said, turning to take her leave, but his voice made her stop and turn.

"The lady, the last one who left here some hours ago... What was her reaction when she left?"

Damn it! He had been curious. Extremely curious after Calista left. Her blank expression stirred emotions he couldn't quite grasp. Asking Valerie was out of place, but he needed to know if Calista bottled her feelings only in his presence or if she displayed emotions while walking away. So, he had to find out. What bothered him even more was her hasty withdrawal of the money he gave her. What was she up to? He had to know.

"Sir?" She asked, wearing a complete look of confusion.

"Never mind," he announced, waving her off. "Get out."

"Yes, sir," she bowed again before closing the door behind her.

A long sigh escaped his lips as he walked towards his chair, finding the view a little boring compared to the numerous questions piling up in his heart. His cell phone rang, and he stretched his hand towards it, a hint of amusement crossing his face at the caller.

"What?" he said, resting his head on the chair.

"You asked your secretary to cancel the appointment with your dad!?"

The voice screeched across the phone. Ranya scoffed, taking the phone off his ear and dramatically putting it on speaker.

"I didn't cancel any appointments with my dad, man. I canceled with the Prime Minister."

"They're freaking the same person here, Ranya. Your dad can be the Minister, the CEO, and the chairman. Are you trying to get me fired?"

"Come work for me, Damian. I pay way better than any organization or company in Texas."

"You're nuts. I can't see myself calling you boss or, worse, taking orders from you," Damian said between gritted teeth.

"Your choice, man," Ranya replied, smiling. Damian, after being stabbed by the love of his life, was the only person capable of bringing smiles to his cold face.

"You really have to consider, or you will be sending your half-brother to jail," Damian advised.

Ranya sighed, turning the phone repeatedly between his fingers. "If this is a family issue, why use the status here?"

"I advised him to, and I fucking made the call. I know you're professional, and family is the last thing you want to indulge in."

"Saying 'fucking' on a call like this is unethical," Ranya winced, rubbing the back of his neck with his hands. He took a quick glance at the wall clock; it was already late.

"Does that mean you're meeting with him?" Damian asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"If that son of his is involved in a serious crime, I will do everything in my power to ensure he is held accountable and faces imprisonment."

"No. It's just some political scheme to stop the chairman from winning the election. I promise it's nothing criminal," he replied, scoffing. "You wouldn't know any of this since you chose to be an outcast. You should at least read the news."

Ranya's lips curled into a tight, murderous smirk. Damian could only say those words miles away from him.

"Send the files to the secretary. I'll see if it's worth playing with," he replied, ending the call.

For his father to swallow his pride and come to him for help meant he had proven himself as a son capable of being anything beyond the shadow of his wealthy father.

His firm, his love. Those were the things he worked tirelessly to keep. And when she left, he was left with only one thing... or maybe two that kept him going. And now that she's back, he's the winner after all. He has proven his father wrong about him.

He stands again, walking towards the glass. It is the only thing, aside from his work, that gives him peace. He looks over the city, wondering if she's out there.

"Ranya." A very familiar voice called, sending a chill down his spine. He turned and quickened his pace to catch the woman running towards him. "Ranya," she said, pushing herself firmly into his hands. Her scent-the very one he had dearly missed.

"Vivian," he called, winding his arms firmly around her waist. "You came."

She disentangled from the hug, her hands on his shoulder. "Yes."

"You're just as beautiful," he complimented, releasing his hold on her. "When did you leave Beijing?"

Vivian smiled, releasing her hold on his shoulder and walking over to the other chair, her eyes roaming the vicinity. It's been three years, and little has changed. A sign that he hasn't truly moved on.

Vivian had been married, in fact, to one of the richest men in the world. However, his wealth paled in comparison to Ranya's three years ago. Ranya was wealthy but still struggling to keep a hold of things at that time.

But the Ranya standing elegantly before her now is the richest lawyer in the US. A billionaire who used to and is still in love with her.

"Yesterday. Goodness, I told you I would be leaving Beijing for Florida yesterday. You sent Damian to pick me up, remember?"

"Oh," he said, forcing out an apologetic smile. What the heck is wrong with him? He loved Vivian and felt extremely comfortable with her, but this sudden uneasiness toward her made him feel weak.

Vivian noticed. She knew and understood why he felt that way. She left him heartbroken; he had begged and called tirelessly until he stopped, seeing she was truly marrying Yang.

"I wanted to surprise you. I know we're supposed to meet tomorrow, but I couldn't wait. I missed you so much," Vivian said, her eyes teary as she gazed deeply into his brown eyes.

"I missed you too, Vivian," Ranya replied, moving closer to her. He wanted to touch her but stopped. For some reason, that word didn't feel genuine. He used to miss her- for years, for the past three years, the past two years, and the past year. But now, they felt like mere words. This is the moment he had dreamed of... the day he had wished she would come back to him. And now that she's here, where's the excitement?

Her smile broadened as she clasped his hands. He hesitated, feeling the urge to pull away. If he does, he will lose her forever, and he's certain he can't live with that.

"Kiss me, Ranya," she requested, her eyes on his lips and then his face. "Kiss me now to prove you missed me as much as I missed you."

Her lips. He stared at them, his gaze lingering on her succulent lips, that had always aroused him in the past. He refrained from kissing anyone else all through the years because he feared it might replace the memories he had with her.

He didn't kiss anyone, not even Calista. Calista... he refrained almost immediately as her name echoed, earning a furrow from Vivian.

"Is there another woman, Ranya?" she demanded, hurt evident on her face as she stared at him. Her blue eyes pleaded for answers, for a negative response.

"No!" He replied almost immediately, having no time to think it through. "No, Vivian..."

He wanted to say more. To tell her the truth: while she was away, there was another woman who kept him sane and prevented him from losing himself, but she was nothing to him. Calista was nothing but a mere toy.

"Then kiss me," she urged, pushing him back into her arms.