Hate To Love You

The city's skyline, stood against the early morning sky, creating shadows against the growing light. Dawn was creeping in, painting the sky with soft colors like lavender and pink. I could hear the sounds of traffic starting to pick up, the engines humming in the distance as the city woke up.

Inside, my room was still dark, but the sun was sneaking through the curtains, casting patterns on the floor. The room felt quiet, No alarm, just intrusive rays of sunlight creeping through the drawn shades. Blinking away the remnants of a heavy night, a deep, unfamiliar voice shattered my drowsiness. It took moments before I recognized the voice. Damn! I thought I told this asshole to leave before I woke up.

"Good morning, babe." The voice filled the room, blending with the headache I was having. God, I was in no mood for this. A man stood at the foot of the bed, holding out coffee and biscuits he'd procured from the hotel.

"Shit" I muttered, trying to piece together the events of last night while tracing the silhouette of the man before me. He was hot, but I don't do twice. He leaned in planting a kiss on my forehead and I shifted uneasily on the bed as I accepted the coffee with a forced smile, hoping the caffeine might jolt my senses back to reality. The sheets on the bed were a mess, evidence of last night. I groaned. I did not just let a one-night stand sleep over till the next morning!

"Babe, last night was amazing. I love how you sound," he praised, trailing kisses along my neck.

"Mhmm," my response tinged with discomfort, trying to create distance.

"I still remember the sensation from slipping into you. Girl, you make my heart skip beats."

"You're awful in bed, are you aware?" Anything. I need to say something for him to leave. "I mean, just...the worst." I sat up straight, looking straight at him. But it wasn't entirely a lie. His performance failed to meet my expectations.

"What? What do you mean? Did...did I not take you there?" He stood up, glaring at me, his face a mixture of disbelief and offense as he rose from the bed.

"Look what I've stooped to. Having sex with a random stranger who can't even make me cum. Just wow." With the weight of the financial burden on my slender shoulders, I had to work tirelessly day and night to keep the business afloat. But it seems all I was doing was just in vain because I hardly saw results. I barely even have time for myself or any sort of personal affairs, with my main goal of increasing Hartley's cooperation revenue and paying off my family's debt. But then, man was no log.

No matter how hard you work, at some point, you have to crave into nature's call...satisfy your burning desires. Which was what I did. I hit the club as much as I could whenever I had the time, took shots, and always woke up with a new face on my bed. I never repeat sex because some men just want to cling onto you like a leech, and with the way I'm seeing this, this douchebag face wants to ask me to be his girlfriend. Maybe I needed to remind him what I said last night. "What is it you say your name was, again?" I asked him with a sick sweet smile

He paused, a flicker of uncertainty clouding his expression for a brief moment. "It's Darren," he replied, his tone faltering slightly.

"Ah, right. Darren," I echoed, the name hanging in the air as I scrambled to gather my bearings in the room, still in disarray from the night by the way. His name meant little to me, just another addition to the list of forgettable encounters that blurred together in a whirlwind of many hazy nights.

"You know what?" I begin, "Darren, could you do me a favor? Grab me a hot towel, would you? I think I left it in the other room."

His eyebrows furrowed "Sure, I can get that for you."

"Thanks, appreciate it," I say with a forced smile, maintaining an air of nonchalance as I edged towards the bathroom, my heart pounding with urgency. I needed an escape.

With practiced finesse, I rushed into the bathroom and hastily wrapped myself in a bath towel, the cool fabric a welcome shield against the unease that permeated the air. With silent haste, I scanned the room for an alternate escape route. My gaze landed on the window, "ah, great!" I muttered and let out a slow breath, the faint echo of Darren's confusion resonating in my mind.

"You know, Madison," he began tentatively, his voice carrying a weight of vulnerability, "last night wasn't just a casual thing for me." It was moments like these I despised. Moments where a man sleeps with you once and finally decides he's in love with you. It was moments like these when the weight of my responsibilities collided with the hollow encounters I sought in an attempt to escape the suffocating grasp of reality. I couldn't afford to handle love and Hartley Corps. I mean, I don't even know if I can love again after all that I've gone through. So when I see the men I sleep with start developing these feelings, oh boy do I peel and free myself from the tangled web of obligations,

Meanwhile, Darren's footsteps echoed outside the bathroom door, his muffled voice calling out, "I found the towels, but I'm not sure which one you wanted. Or...how you want them either"

Panic surged within me as I glanced back at the window, contemplating my next move. Should I or should I not? And what are the pros and cons that if I should maybe take a wrong step and slip or fall, I won't break my neck, my hands, or any other important part of my body, get bedridden for years, and maybe worse fade scenario, I die.

Although hunted by the thoughts of slipping falling and dying, I swiftly released the window latch, welcoming a rush of fresh air and distant city sounds. Peering outside, I assessed the distance, calculating the likelihood of a swift escape. Luckily, it was just the ground floor-a small relief amid my hurried decision-making.

"Madison?" Darren's voice interrupted my hurried thoughts. "The towels."

"Oh, yeah...yeah. Could you just leave it outside the door?" I called out, my voice strained as I mustered a sense of casualness, hoping to buy myself a few more moments to execute my escape plan.

"Are you okay, in there?" There was a brief pause before he continued, "Alright, I'll leave it here."

"Yes...Yes, I'm fine." I quickly assured him, my voice strained with forced calmness. "I mean, Why wouldn't I be? It's just a hangover fall, nothing to be worried about"

"If you say so babe" Babe? Ugh! His footsteps retreated, the sound growing fainter as he presumably placed the towel outside the bathroom door. Feeling a rush of relief as Darren seemingly accepted my explanation, I turned my attention back to the window, adrenaline coursing through my veins, I swung a leg over the windowsill, With a last cautious glance around the room, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the leap.

Balancing precariously on the windowsill, I steadied my stance, carefully judging the distance to the ground below. It wasn't a considerable drop, but anxiety gnawed at my chest. What if I don't make it? And I fall? Who was going to take care of Chelsea and Hartley Corps.?

Outside, the faint noises of the waking city mingled with the silence of my internal deliberation. The decision lay squarely in my hands, Summoning every ounce of courage, I pushed off the windowsill, descending in a controlled descent to the ground below. The landing was softer than expected, a muted thud against the pavement. Relief surged within me as I straightened up, my heart racing from the adrenaline-fueled escape.

Quickly glancing around to ensure no one witnessed a young adult woman jump out of a hotel building. Pretty funny, right? Swiftly navigating through the hotel corridors, I emerged onto the busy streets, clad in nothing but a bath towel and barefoot. Aware of the curious stares from passersby, I dialed my driver's number.

"Please hurry," I cried, a touch of embarrassment creeping in. "I'm getting some odd looks here, and it's making me feel a bit conspicuous."

After about thirty minutes or so, a familiar car pulled up beside me, offering a sense of relief. Hastily, I slipped into the backseat, grateful for the cover it provided from the curious gazes of onlookers.

"Sorry for the rush," I apologized to my driver.

"No worries, Miss Madison," the driver responded, though a hint of amusement laced his voice. He's been my father's driver for years now and now he was my driver. He obviously knew what my deal was "Anything you need, just let me know."

"Cool," I chuckled "Just get me home please, I need to get to work. Shelly must be wondering how 'punctual' her boss is." Note the sarcasm.

+~+~+~

"Good morning boss" Shelley, my secretary greeted me as usual with a coffee as I made my way to my office.

"I don't want to see a coffee right now Shelley, get that out of my face" I shivered as the thought of Darren crossed my mind. Love he says, Poor kid. I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry ma'am" She immediately threw the coffee into the trashcan and walked with with me to my office as other employees greeted me as I walked.

"Has Williams PLC returned our calls yet?" I inquired instantly switching to boss mode.

"No ma'am" Shelley replied walking beside me trying to keep up my pace as she updated me on my schedules and appointments.

"Well, have you sent an email?" I ask, because why haven't they responded yet? It's been weeks now. Or were they calling off the deal?

"No ma'am, I–"

"You what?!" I stopped walking and turned to face her. She was terrified. Shaking from her face to her legs. I loved this feeling. If my employees don't at least respect me, then they should fear me. "It's been two weeks now!" I shouted at her, which earned us looks from the other people. Good. They should watch what will happen to them if they so much as to make mistakes like this. "If you can't do your job right I'll easily get someone to replace you, do you understand?!"

Filled with fear Shelley looked at me, with tears in her eyes and clenched onto her iPad. As I saw the tears threatening to fall from her eyes, I sighed, placing my fingers on the bridge of my nose. I didn't mean to exactly scream at her, I wasn't that boss. I was just frustrated. I continued walking towards my office with her following up closely behind me. I was sure she was already crying. Shelly was such a crybaby. When we got to my office, I turned and hugged her. I didn't want the other employees to think their boss was weak or hadn't grown a pair yet and take advantage of my niceness. After all, Kindness only got you far.

"I'm so, so sorry for screaming at you like that Shells. But you know this company's future is at stake, our goods aren't selling. And we need Williams PLC for that. We need that deal badly" I grabbed her shoulders and stared into her eyes "Please send them an email"

"I will ma'am. It's just...I've been handling the traitors of the company and at the same time, trying to tone down the rumor trying to spread about you. I'm so sorry once again" Shelly apologized to me. Oh, that's true. There were a bunch of six of my employees I caught trying to steal important documents from my office and when I found out, I had to take care of them. And then, there's the rumor about me being a walking whore. Of course! That's the only way this situation could get any more depressing.

"It's alright. Leave the rumors, they've been flying around ever since I took over my late father's company." I gave her a weak smile "Handle the E-mail with that obnoxious company and I'll handle those fucking traitors" Those bitches aren't gonna know what hit them after I'm done torturing them.

Do you know the best thing about working from home? your office attire can go from "business casual" to "business pajamas" real quick! Plus, the commute from your bed to your desk? Now that's a daily record you can't beat! Despite the evening setting in, I've practically spent the entire day here on the floor in front of the table, making it feel like I've been in my office all along!

I remained firmly planted on the floor, my focus fixated on the laptop screen as I typed away, determined to complete the task at hand. As I hadn't gone to the office today, Shelly, my efficient PA, forwarded a list of documents for me to review and sign.

Despite her organizational skills, it was apparent that these particular documents hadn't received her thorough scrutiny with each file presenting its complexities. From morning until now, I was still grappling with the 11th document out of twenty, which still required my signature.

As the hours passed, I looked up at the clock which seemed to mock my progress. I wondered how a seemingly straightforward task had morphed into an all-day affair. Glancing at the remaining stack, frustration settled within me.

Today had been really hectic, especially with Chelsea returning home from school in tears. I attempted to comfort her, but she blew me off, concealing whatever was troubling her. But I knew all too well what was eating at her.

Months earlier, Chelsea had confided in me about being bullied by her classmates. In a fit of anger, I stormed to the school, creating a huge scene-which I hadn't realized I did - as I confronted the authorities about their negligence in handling student bullying. Little did I realize the chaos I caused until Chelsea later approached me, questioning my actions. She was annoyed that I reported the girls harassing her, because I was sure they were at it again.

Her distress amplified when boys compared her to me, highlighting her insecurities, which struck me as foolish, particularly because I've always harbored jealousy toward Chelsea, envious of her innate beauty since the day she was born.

I felt guilty for the entire day as I reflected on all the impulsive actions I've taken till now. Seeing Chelsea upset, bearing the brunt of my misguided attempt to protect her, tore at my heart. But no matter what I was going through, no matter how hard life was for me now, despite my useless insecurities, my sister would always take precedence. I've always told her that she didn't need to conform to any standard, especially not the unrealistic ones set by others.

I sighed, knowing if I let my mind dwell on such matters, I might turn into a depressed old woman and get wrinkles too early.

Just then, the doorbell rang, bringing me out of my reverie. I should get it but I was too lazy to stand up. Chelsea was here, Chelsea could get it. "Chelsea" I called out, no reply. I was sure she was in the kitchen "Chelsea, could you please get the door? Pretty please?"

Chelsea strolled out lazily from the kitchen, a buttered slice of buttered bread dangling from her mouth. "You know I need to eat to stay alive, right?" She said, grumbling about interruptions.

I chuckled "Of course you do!" I say sarcastically "My hands are just...full"

Chelsea rolled her eyes, retorting, "Or you're just too lazy to get the door." I playfully removed the pen holding my messy bun and tossed it in her direction, which she effortlessly dodged with the bread still in her hand.

"Go on, get the door, will ya?" I urged.

"Whatever," she replied, flashing a mischievous smile as she picked up the pen and threw it back, skillfully landing it on the table. She eventually relented and begrudgingly made her way to the door, a look of mild annoyance etched on her face.

Curious about the delay, I called out, "Chels, who is it?"

"It's... someone," she mumbled, her voice slightly muffled. "Coming!"

Moments later, Chelsea returned holding a box, prompting me to look up from my laptop with curiosity.

"A box? I didn't order anything," I say "Hey, what's in the box?" I ask "Who's it from?" I ask again making her chuckle

"Calm down sis," She says and proceeds to sit down with me, and starts unboxing it. When she finishes unboxing it she smiles. Curious, I ask again, peering over, trying to catch a glimpse. "Hey, what's in the box?"

"It's a surprise," Chelsea teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Come on, Chels, spill the beans," I urged, shifting closer to her and she immediately got up and started laughing.

"Just hand it over" I sigh. With a grin, she handed me the box, nudging, "Open it!"

"Who's it from?" I asked as I began to unbox it. As I lifted the lid, I found a beautifully wrapped golden invitation to a charity event nestled inside.

"Oh, it's from the delivery guy, obviously," she replied sarcastically.

Rolling my eyes, I retorted, "Of course I know that, smarty pants. I meant, who sent this invitation?

"Just read the goddamn thing, will ya!" she groans

"It's an invitation to the charity event this weekend," I announce with a frown, puzzled by why the Hartley Corps, a smaller company, would be invited to such a prestigious event usually reserved for larger corporations.

"What is it?" My sister asks once she notices my frown.

"I won't be going," I declared, frowning at the invitation

"Wh..whattt??" Chelsea looked at me in confusion "What do you mean by 'You're not going' Madz?"

"It is what it is," I replied, rising from my seat. "I am not going to attend this ridiculous event for rich people."

"You do realize we're not poor, right?" Chelsea pointed out. "And why pass on an opportunity for our company's growth?"

I hesitated, pondering her words. "I'm not sure, Chels. It feels a bit odd for us to attend such a grand event. What if we're out of place?"

Chelsea groaned "But think about the connections we could make, Madz. This could be a big step forward for our company. You could make connections... and not to mention, you'll have the chance to meet influential people and potentially strike deals that could really boost our growth. Or maybe meet a rich groom" she winked

Chelsea was right. I hadn't considered this in this direction. We might surprise ourselves and find opportunities we hadn't even considered. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and the prospect of expanding our business was appealing to me. "Okay," I conceded reluctantly, "I'll consider it."

"Awesome!" Chelsea exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. "I can't wait to see you in 'the' dress." She flashed me a smile filled with anticipation. "Now, please let me finish my bread in peace!" She stuck her tongue out playfully and dashed off to the kitchen before I could respond.

Seating myself on the floor in front of my laptop, I gathered my hair into another messy bun using the pen from the table, contemplating how the weekend's charity event might unfold.

After a while, I called Shelly and informed her about the charity event and told her to book an appointment "Hey, Shelly," I began, "we've got that charity event this weekend. Can you do me a favor and book me in with my designer?" I ask with a tired sigh.

"Of course, ma'am," Shelly replied cheerfully. "I'll get right on that for you."

"Perfect, thanks so much!" I expressed my gratitude, feeling relieved that Shelly was handling the arrangements. "Also, make sure they understand the urgency; I need something stunning for this event."

"Absolutely, I'll emphasize the importance of this appointment," Shelly assured me.

"Thanks, Shelly. Oh, and also, can you find out more details about the event? Location, timings, the works," I requested.

"Sure thing. I'll gather all the necessary information and pass it along to you," Shelly confirmed.

"Awesome, thanks a bunch. Let me know as soon as everything's sorted," I concluded, feeling grateful for Shelly's efficiency.

A few hours later, Shelly called me back to tell me that the designer is going to show up tomorrow. I say great and hang up the call, feeling the urge to rest.