IN THE WORLD OF LOVE

I ...... I love you, remember that. She said and hugged me kissed me on my forehead. like it was the very last time I would see her and feel the warmth of her closeness. I was scared to see her like this. She then turned and kept something in our secret chamber, came to me and said, "you are very strong and beautiful and brave, never let small things affect you, never think that he doesn't love you or doesn't care he does baby he does just don't show it very often". she hugged me cried. Confused, I asked, "mamma I do not understand".

she then took her necklace and gave it to me and said, "baby when the time comes you will " with that he pulled the trigger

Boom

.................................

I woke up franticly, breathing heavily. My hands shaking as I reached for the water on my nightstand, it was rare for me now to have these dreams. It was the first one since my therapy. Even now I would hug myself at night and cry. I am terrified to even now to think of that night, that changed my whole life, ruined my childhood. Scared to think of how he, Mercilessly killed my mother. He killed her in front of a small girl, did not even think of what effect it would have on me. Every day his face is a constant reminder of my mother's death, of how lonely I am in this world.

I reached for the phone on the nightstand, I saw the time and I knew it was going to be a very long hour of me getting lectured, of how should I be, and a long of dos and don'ts. To tell you, it was 9.30 am. I got freshen up quickly, changed into my clothes. I was dressed in a black turtle neck tee and dark blue jeans with my signature pony. if anything I loved most in makeup is gloss and lipsticks. I was applying my lipstick when my phone rang I picked it up, I knew who it was

" where the bloody hell are you? it's fucking 9.35 am and you are half an hour late. Serena J . Williams I will have you by your neck if you are not here in the next ten minutes ".

"God please stop cursing and shouting I will be there be patient wil you! " I said "PATIENT my foot you will......." and I cut the call believe me you do not get on her bad side. For the last time checked me in the mirror. People say I am a complete copy of my mother with dark brown hair, thick eyebrows and olive green eyes, with freckles and cute little button-like nose and my height about 5.3, not that much you know. The only feature I have of my fathers is his lips, thin and small. My father, the hero of my life, is the best you know. Ughhhhhh best my foot, after my mother died, my custody went to my father, even though every person knew who killed her, you see my father is the richest person, so all he had to do was bribe some cops and members of the staff so that the secret stays in the dark. And I couldn't do a thing because of a certain reason. My mother was his second wife, All I heard growing up was, that his first wife died of a heart attack, well not that I believe and that he loved my mother dearly, well it's not something that I believe either. He had a son and twin daughters from his first wife and I was an only child with his second marriage. He loves his daughters so much. well, that's what he shows. People in this house hate me call me a waste of space. But for him I am a person who should be ignored at all times, even in certain situations he doesn't lose his calm with me very often, I don't always get to see him very often, only on Sunday breakfast and he doesn't bother me at all, he does not talk to me let alone look at me, for all I know he hates me well vice versa my hatred runs for him deeply, but at the same time I love him, I do not know it because he is my father or what. people even say that my name was my mother's and that he changed it after her death.

Anyways, I was packing my bag as rose my servant barged in and said: " miss Serena sir Williams asks for you he says it's urgent ". I was amazed to hear those words and what could he possibly need me for he already has three children to look after. "And could you tell me what it is for, " I asked ." don't know miss but you better hurry ". she mumbled and hurried off. Well, I guess if I want to know what for I better not keep him waiting.

I assembled all things in my bag and went downstairs straight to the dining hall. Some servants mumbled a good morning on the way.

"well if this isn't the waste of space ". came the annoying voice of Eva, my step sister. My father cleared his throat and asked " do you have plans with Jennifer this morning" .see this is what I am talking about he did not address me by my name at all. yes, father, I replied, "very well then expect you to be home by noon we have a family dinner with Mr Clifford his and family ". he said ." is it necessary that I be present, "I asked annoyed. He replied a quick yes I was about to protest again when his glare had me quiet.

I angrily stormed off from there and just when I was half out of the door " wear something nice " I heard someone say. I slammed the door and went off to see Jenny. I hated that family, well of course I knew who Clifford's were. His eldest son Mr egoistic was my first and last crush, God I am telling you they are powerful than we are, I mean money doesn't matter to me but still. He was friends of a friend let me tell you he is sooo egoistic I don't know what does he think of himself. And keeping in mind that I was the one who rejected him continuously three times I bet this time it would be awkward.VERY.

As if I have fewer things to worry about one more is added to the list.

O dear God save me.

Jenny short for Jennifer Ivey and I were presently getting on separate ways after having a quick catch-up and discussing what we will be doing with our days and we have decided that I would be going to college for both of our attendants and notes, and she would be going to the NGO for the donations. Then we would meet at the mall, according to her I didn't have an appropriate dress for the night. She can be a little harsh I know.

She decided that it would be good if I go for black, simple and elegant, in her words.

Jenny and I are different in most ways, She could win the hearts of people just by her looks and a pretty smile, she is social, the most popular, an extrovert. whereas I, a complete introvert, books, baking, literature, food interest me, where people would love to spend weekends in bars and parting I would pack my bag and go to the library, read a book with a mug of hot chocolate and chips. And yet here we are, completing our BFF goals. She helped me grow into a better version of myself.

I reached college. After paying an extra dose of money to the gatekeeper, he let me in and as I missed the first period, I wouldn't want to do the same with the other, I went to attend the second class which was, unfortunately, political science. With all the current affairs and some boring history luckily, the class was over. As I am a backbencher, none of the lecturers would notice me. Gathering my things together, I was on my way to the cafeteria for another round of cups of hot chocolate and some fries when I bumped into someone, when I looked up I saw him giving me a toothy smile hands folded at the chest, and looking down at me. I couldn't recognise him for a moment and then it clicked to me it was him Liam Parker and did the silliest anyone would do I pinched him, I could not believe eyes.

"Oh, it's you, I mean here in flesh, wait to hold on, what are you doing you are supposed to be in California aren't you? " I asked with much happiness and a bit shocked

"Thank heavens she remembers," he said still rubbing the sore spot

"Of course, I do, you idiot now answer me," I said hitting harder this time.

"Owww stop, and I am on leave I had to attend someone, so I thought while I am here why not see you, since it had been 3 months I last saw you." still rubbing.

"Hmm good. So who is this someone you had to attend to huh? " I asked

"Ahhh just a family member you don't know of, " He said avoiding it.

"Oh, I see " it is odd since his family contains him, his mother and his granny, but I let it slide, it is none of my business.

"So how 're the studies going on? " he asked taking my order in both hands as I was carrying books.

"Pretty good, how're yours going on and the practising?" I asked back. we have been friends since our school days, not close but good. He was the old cliche, playboy in the school, he had every girl in the whole school except me, his tricks didn't work on me.

"Good, but tiring and lots of patients and so much chaos," he said helping me with books as took my fries and hot choco from him and muttering thanks.

"I know and how is your granny and Mrs Parker? "

"They are fine and healthy, although granny can be a little tough sometimes. Her mood swings, God it changes as fast as it comes. old age hits hard on her"

At that, I laughed, hard "What would she say if she hears you "

"Well she can't besides, it's true," he said shrugging.

"And when are you going back? " I asked again.

"Ready to kick me off soon Miss Williams, God it hurts," he said faking a sad expression.

"Ugh shut up I don't mean that. I am just curious" I said defending myself.

"I think you should get to class little kid. it's almost time. seen you soon " he said with a serious tone and hard face, turned and went off.

What happened to him he acted strange than usual, deciding not to let it bother me and making a note to myself to ask him afterwards. I went to, the next class.

After the odd encounter with Liam, the day went smoothly and quick. All the classes were over. I was done with my shopping and spa with Jenny. I decided not to tell her about the incident. she hated that guy, for her reasons. we bought a self-printed v neck full sleeves dress not too short though and matching jewellery and black high heels. She insisted on doing my hair so let her.

After an hour or so I am now ready. with silver jewellery and my makeup too is done, with my one side French braid bringing it to the ear securing it with pins she let my hair fall all over my back. All the while a question was unanswered that my father's pal is coming over for dinner, first I thought it might be some business but all these years for as far as I could, remember he never mingled business and family, nor have I ever seen him bring his employees home for some "business " let alone a whole family, so why now? why all of sudden his long lost friend? But he truly might be his friend, maybe I just didn't know it or heard of him I am just overthinking. I don't know and I don't want to, I need to let things the way they are.

And was brought back to the living world by a creek of the door, peeking through it, was Jenny who whistled eyeing me, I am standing near the mirror staring at my reflection with a million thoughts on my mind.

"well look at you, are you sure honey bee you are not dating or tonight isn't your date, well... secret date huh? " she said coming over to me and kissing me on the cheek. We both laughed.

"Thank you but no it's not a date Jenny bear"

I said. we turned hearing the bang when suddenly miss rose appeared at the doorstep of my room looking pale and scared, there was something in her hand which she clutched tightly in her fist.

"ma'am sir summons you in the living room", she said with a smile faking it.

"are you fine, did something happen downstairs? " I asked worried

"no, it's nothing. You should go and... and be careful," she said a little softer this time. Before I could say something she turned and left. well two odds same day, and that's odd.

I sighed. Let the night begin.

--------------

"Ah yes! that night how could I forget it. It was truly a one to remember, and oh you remember the short girl with a hideous outfit and the stunt she pulled. God, now I think she is an assistant to that boy. Ah, the fate". laughter echoed in the room everyone was busy chatting. I was greeted by that elderly unfamiliar voice as I descend the stairs. when I made my appearance, my father lovingly introduced me to everyone,

"Meet my youngest daughter, Serena. She is doing her masters in BA," he then turned to me and continued. "And Serena this here is my friend James. James Clifford".

"Ah, so you are the infamous Serena I have heard so much about. you look just like your mother," he said, though last past was in a very low voice, dad and I heard it. He cleared his throat

"Hello it's nice to meet you" I formally said. well, that's odd too. Hmm, that third in a row, I mumbled to myself and scratched my neck as said.

After all formal introductions were done again everybody was busy with themselves, but my eyes were searching for a certain someone, everyone in his family was present here except him. His younger sister and his mother too, but for him.As if on cue, my father asked Mr Clifford

"Where is your son tonight ?"

"I think he'll be here in a moment " he answered. Hmm, I think he might skip it. I guessed. I wished. with my whole heart.

"He'll be here I know it. I saw it in his eyes. The excitement." his sister said. And I was brought back to the land of the living by his sister. Cheryl

"huh? who..... wh.....what?I am not thinking about him. I am not at all, bothering him. ... I... I mean his presence doesn't bother me at all." I just blabbered and bit my tongue as I realised my mistake. She just smirked and said. " Glad to know you still think about him."

It was a big mistake in my life when I told her about my little crush, we were in high school though and she was a friend, back then we both had English and history together. But then time changed, and both had our misconceptions and we both drifted apart and went our ways and now she works as an assistant in her brother's company.

And how do I know this, don't ask me. Just then the big doors opened, the smooth wind blowing, kissed my soft skin, and I saw him standing on the threshold wearing a formal suit with his one hand inside the pocket and in another, he had his phone, busy typing. Our eyes met, and it felt like it's just me and him now. His hot and handsome looking self coming my way still maintaining eye contact, coming near and near and he passed me. Dramatic much! I know, you can blame it on the books, not me. Except that is exactly what happened excluding the eyes meeting part, the doors and the winds. Surely he did not look at me once, But I did. And it was enough for me.

wait hold on where did that come from. see I am whipped all over again. As he came everyone gave him attention like he was some sort of celebrity. He is. But still, there are other people present here. And again I was all alone.

After some time we were called for dinner, and we gathered at the table, everyone was seated according to their wish but there was one chair empty beside me and one person to be seated and that was none other than him. He sat beside me like it didn't matter to him, I mean not one ounce of annoyance, or irritation crossed his face. Well good for me. And everything was being served on the table and we started eating. During the dinner, Mr and Mrs Clifford made small talks with me and I replied to them with the same enthusiasm. Not once did Simon looked at me let alone talk to me, I wish I could say that it didn't hurt, but it did and that didn't go unnoticed by his sister, I could say that by the looks she was giving me.

The night went on, with laughter and giggles and my sisters, trying to get Simon's attention and as usual, and him Dodging it every time. And soon it was time to bid them goodbyes. Everything went perfectly fine tonight, nothing unusual or odd.

Just I was passing through I saw dad's cigar on the centre table in the living room, and again that is odd, and fourth time this day I guess it was too early for me to say that. He never leaves his cigar like that in public, let it be home or office. I took it and was going to his study to keep it there, just when I was about to open it I heard hushed voices, I went near the door my hand on the knob, careful not to make some noise, the first voice was my fathers and the second one was him, Simon? didn't he leave already and if he didn't then how did I miss it. deciding to let that go I listened closely.

THIRD Pov :

"So what have you gathered so far?" asked William very calmly.

"They know that she is alive, and they are after her will. someone inside the circle informed them, though I am holding him captive still I can't reach him," replied Simon messaging his temples.

"Hmm, and the family? what about that boy?"William asked again tapping his fingers on the table.

"He is in the city, my men are following him around. He went to the college today. "Simon answered.

"Hmm, let them do whatever they want. We will wait for them to strike first. Do you have it?" William asked, putting his hand out.

"Here take it I have washed it thoroughly, even if they get this, they can't find anything," Simon said passing him the pen drive.

William took it, after examining it he said "no one can find out about this alliance "

Simon nodded his head in response. stood up and left.

Serena now hiding behind the wall was oblivious that this is about her but determined to find out what were they talking about.

Simon was laying on his bed, thinking all kinds of possibilities that, the night could have turned out like, like maybe if he would talk to her, or much less even looked at her. with her noticing it. Sure he looked at her tonight, she was looking beautiful in that black dress, he noticed her every move, when he entered the house, the first thing he saw was her, sitting beside his sister, fidgeting with her fingers, the glow on her face when she saw him, that smile, maybe ....... maybe If he could get over himself, he would have heard her beautiful voice and laugh.

Alas, the time had passed now.

His phone vibrated, it was about some important meeting he had to attend tomorrow. After seeing the message he kept his phone aside, he glanced at the jug kept on his nightstand and to his surprise he found it-empty, too lazy or tired to get up and fill it, he rather ignored it and lied down again, staring at the ceiling above. At stars.

His room has painted all dark and grey, almost black with a hint of glitter, the room held no colour just dark, even his bedcovers were black and grey and he preferred it that way. On the opposite side of his bed at a distance, he had a sitting area along with a tv and opposite to that he had his closets and washroom. On the right of his bed, he had a bookshelf and beside it was a portrait of his family which he painted. No one was allowed to see it, for he never allowed anyone in his room, though he lived separately. He would even clean his room himself because he never liked anyone doing his work and never liked the idea of someone invading his privacy. He only had a home cook, Dahlia previously his nanny, he requested her personally to come with him and stay with him, when moved into his house.

He was not that close to his family, just formal for, he had a rough childhood. He was a man of few words. In his childhood, he was neglected. Though, He has an elder sister and he never had felt the need to share anything with her. His sister was always busy with the makeover with her friends or a shopping spree or the pedicures or with the manicures. She would always say that " if you want to play go find somebody else, I am busy now." or would say " not now Mimi I am tired" if he ever asks to play. Most of the time he was lost in his books or would be painting in the studio. His parents never had time for him, his father would be busy handling the company and his mother would be busy tailing behind her husband. He always felt that he was unwanted, always under the shadow of his sister. Everybody would shush him away saying he had a nanny, he could spend time with her.

With all the constant fights of his parents, he just wanted, a change of environment. Bored constantly feeling the same, he wanted to escape. But alas he was never given a choice. He was given everything in his childhood, every toy, every video game, you name he had it, except the love and attention he wanted from his family. When he grew up was told what was expected of him being the only boy in the family. He grew strong, he learned never to share his feelings, never to love and never to expect anything in return from anybody, he thought this was how a man is supposed to be.

But oh! how wrong he was until he met a certain girl.

**FLASHBACK**

He was sitting on a bench, in the city park waiting for her. Today was his 11th birthday and yet again his parents forgot to wish him, except Lia. It was around half an hour and he was still waiting, but it was normal for him to wait. They would always meet in the park at sharply 6 pm as their trimming were different in school. All the wait is worth it, he thought to himself. After all, he would be celebrating his birthday with her, for the first time in years. She was a friend from his school.

It was during a fight when he saw her for the first time. There was a crowd in the hallways of the school. She stood in the middle, crying silently, it was a boy from her class who was teasing her and calling her names. He stood afar watching, finally taking pity on her, he interfered with the fight, sending a death glare to the boy making him quiet. And threatening everybody included in this fight and those standing in the crowd, to tease her again and he would beat them to a pulp. He then gently took her hand and wiped her tears. And he even, to make her smile, gave her a cupcake from his lunch. At that, she smiled and hugged him and in a meek voice said

"Friends". From that day they were best buddies.

He felt a small hand on him and immediately knew who it was, He whipped his to the side and smiled at her, cheekily. She hugged him sideways and sang the birthday song. He felt happy. She gave him his gift and...

"Happy Birthday Mion," she said, as her 6-year-old couldn't pronounce his name properly. He hurriedly opens the gift, and saw a black and golden set of Parker pens, with a circular keychain attached to one of them, probably one with a thick nip. The keychain had his name carved on it. Although, he didn't like pens that much but gave her a toothy smile and thanked her. A gift is a gift, might it be a paper or a pen, he thought.

"Mamma said that you should get big things on your birthday so, I bought you this. " She took a deep breath and continued, " and only big boys use pens. Soo thoughtful of me I know," she said smiling at him lovingly.

" Haww!! you called me old, you ruined my birthday am not going to talk to you now " he said faking the sadness, she still amuses him that way. Putting his hands on his face he faked crying and sobbing now and then, just to see how she reacts.

"No! I am sorry I don't say it again", she said with tears in her eyes, she then saw his teasing smile, she hit his arm and ran to her mother crying, with Simon along with her.

Her mother was now busy chatting with Dahlia, who had their hands filled with all kinds of junk. The little girl hugged her mother's legs, putting her face between them and started crying, with inherent words. Simon stood beside Dahlia with a smug look on his face, the little girl pulled out and said, " Mion bad, he made me cry, mother," at that Dahlia twisted Simons's ear.

" oww! lia don't do that, she called me old first " Simon said, trying to free his ear from the death grip and pointed at her.

"No, I called you big, " the little girl shouted angrily.

"Okay, both of you stop fighting and Simon, this is your gift, and it's time for some food and then we will play," Her mother said as she handed Simon his gift. This woman always had a soft space in Simon's heart. For she would always listen to what he has to say. She was a mother figure to him and he loved her and respected her.

They all gathered around and had their dinner, filled with laughter, joy and peace.

This was how their evening was spent.

**END OF FLASHBACK**

All memories flooded back as he looked at the stars, on his ceiling. Yes, this was a gift from that woman. She had said to him, that she knew he liked stars and dark skies and gifted him the celestial stickers that glow in dark.

He was almost lost when his phone chimed again and this time it was not his assistant.it was his father. He tensed and hesitantly opened the message. It said.

Father:

I have to discuss, something important. I hope you think this through. Come home, straight to my study.

He frowned kept the phone aside and changed into his regular t-shirt grabbed the keys and drove to his fathers. He had a vague idea of what this talk is about.

---------------------------

There was a knock on the study of James Clifford, with small 'come in ' he replied it. Simon entered the study with a curious face and eyebrows raised, he sat on the chair nearby. There was a long silence between them and then James asked...

" would you like some coffee? " Simon exhaled an irritating sign and he replied, "father no need for formalities and please don't beat around the bush,"

James seemed calm and gestures towards the only file kept on the table. Still confused, Simon asked, " what's that " keeping a cold face.

"That's the will of your grandfather, which is now, passed on to you. But there is a condition, it can only be done when you are married..." he was cut short when Simon said

" By the age of 30, I am very well aware of it. " Simon took a pause and continued, " if this the discussion all about, I would very likely to go home and take a much-needed bath and go to sleep, father"

"No, son your company is at stake here, You have a big opportunity in front of you. The Williams industrials And Co. have offered you a deal, in which the only benefit is ours. You are being ignorant. " his father said

Simon was well aware of the deal, in fact, the dinner a day ago and the important meeting he has tomorrow is all about the deal. Even though the only benefit from this deal is his, he wants to do things the other way. For his reasons. He sighed, massaging his temples.

What his father was saying is true. He could get the will before-handed, Just by....... but this was not about money. He could get the will one way or another, It's about the company, he has worked his ass off in past years. Thinking all about the pros this could bring him, with this deal, his company gains worldwide recognition and more clients. Giving it a last thought.

"So, what now," he asked his father. James had a shocked expression on his face, he didn't know that his son would agree to it.

He recovered and said.

"Now you agree to marry her, Marry Serena. Although it is not a contracted marriage, you both can divorce after some time. " James started.

"Ok, but mind you father this is not about the will, it is because of the company that I built, working my ass off, building its branches, selling and launching. which you couldn't do." He said maintained a cold demeanour.

'Watch your tongue boy, I am your father." his father shouted.

"I am not a slave, you can order around. I am not ma " Simon said calmly.

"Simon, he is your father, " His mother said in an authoritative tone. She came running she hearing the noises.

"No, ma he is not. I am not a dog he uses and throws on the streets when wants. Like he did to you " he said with tears in his eyes. He does not forgive his father, for what he did to his mother.

"Simon," she whispered and went near him, she caresses his face gently. He backed away from her not wanting to break down. He kissed her forehead and went off, leaving a mess behind. All the while James was quiet, sinking in the reality of his life. He was still paying for his mistakes. Whatever his son had said was true, He left his wife, his love, all alone in times of need. I can't even love her or ask for her forgiveness properly, he thought to himself. And cried all night.

It was at that time when Simon went away for further studies, his family realised their mistakes but it was too late. He had become and strong, a man but grew distant from society. His heart softened when heard his mother call him "Simon, my child, Mimi I am sorry, please forgive me, dear," in a very breaking voice. But didn't show. He would over and over again to hear his mother call him so lovingly. All his rage is gone. He decided to them a chance. But not his father.