It's Billionaire Vs Ex Heiress Now

Jackson

'Mr. Carter there's a phone call for you.' My secretary's voice told me through the phone.

'Who is it?'

'The London client who we wanted to invest in our Star-Dream Project.'

My eyebrows furrowed. 'Weren't talks with them already done and dealt with?'

'Um.....They want to renegotiate.'

'Tell them it's not possible.'

'Sir, their investment is important for the project.'

'And so is my opinion on this.'

'But sir....' She was about to say something when my phone beeped. I unlocked it to check the message.

'Claire.'

'Yes, Sir?'

'Cancel the deal.'

'But....all of a sudden.'

'Things are always uncertain in business. Just make sure the London client know we're no longer interested.'

I pressed the button to end the call to not give her a chance to pursue me. Claire had been my secretary for nine years and I was sure she was going to be for more because she was the only one who'd got the guts to reason with me. No one in this office said anything against my word. It was almost as if they didn't have an opinion. But she didn't shy away from doing so. It was mostly because of her strong and independent nature but also because of the little something that we had in common, the scars of the past.

Buttoning the suit when I got up, I looked out the window. My company's building matched the one in front. Pride filled my chest. I've made progress, some phenomenal progress in past nine years. So much so that I've become what boys from the place that I come from only dream about. L.A. had become my home now but I craved for more. I wanted to rule it. Let's just say I'm one step away from achieving my dream. Then, the building in front of me would seem small.

As I walked out I was met with Claire's hawking eyes. 'What?' I asked.

She scoffed. 'Sir, London clients are important.'

'What if I tell you, there's even a bigger client?'

'Is there?' Now she wanted to listen.

I chuckled. 'There is and we're going to meet them right now.'

'Right now?! But I didn't get a chance to prepare myself.....'

'There's no preparation required. It's a done deal.'

'Have you met them before?'

'I have.'

'I see.'

The drive to the restaurant was quick. I would've asked Claire to book this same place but my guest's secretary had beaten me to it. You see, both me and my guest had a history with this place. Our story together had progressed greatly right here from this restaurant ten years ago.

I found myself opening the door to the private section booked especially for this meeting, as I was told. He was sitting in there quietly staring at the empty glass in front of him. I'd received a text from his secretary that he wanted to meet and there was no way I was going to say no. I can never say no to him. For he's the reason I'm well and alive today, not to mention the successful business I'm running.

His head turned and a warm smile formed on his face when he saw me approaching. 'It's been long, Jackson.' His low but clear voice greeted me.

'Very Long, Mr. Takahashi.' Tears were to their brim in my eyes. It felt hell to cry as a grown ass man but that I'd got a chance to see him again was nothing but emotional.

He got up to embrace me. When we separated he said, 'Call me Grandpa. I've told you this before.'

I nodded shyly. 'I'm too old to call you that now especially when....'

'Blood ties are not always important Jackson. If they were I wouldn't have come here only now.'

'What do you mean?'

Placing a hand on my shoulder he said, 'Sit. Let's eat first.' I obliged happily. Sushi was the first thing I had in mind when we were to order but instead he ordered steak. 'What? I've not travelled all the way from Japan to have sushi again. I eat that plenty in my home.'

'And you don't eat steak?' I asked playfully.

'Ah...now I eat that too.' Both of us laughed.

'So, Mr. Taka....I mean...Grandpa....do you mind if I ask about the reason for your visit this time?' He usually stayed in his family home in Japan and rarely came to America. Last time he was here was seven years ago probably which is why the wrinkles on his face seem more evident to me now.

He nodded. 'Of course not. There is someone I have to help.'

'Someone? I thought you came to see me.' Jealously hit me like the corner of a table, it doesn't bleed but hurts a lot.

His wrinkled skin lifted up from the corner of his lips. 'I did. I came to see both of you.'

'So do I know this someone?' Now I was curious. He was here to meet someone else too. I thought the old man had no family and I was the only one he was close to. Then who's this other person?

'Jackson, being jealous at thirty doesn't suit you.' He said calmly and I composed my expressions.

'Sorry.'

He started laughing. 'I was kidding, son. When had there been an age to express emotions?'

'Grandpa.' I muttered.

'Okay, let's do this. Since you're curious to know who this person is, I'll ask her to join us.' Was he serious? He was going to call her here? Wait a second, he said, 'Her'. He knows some woman? I hope this is not one of those gold-diggers who're ready to empty his bank accounts.

'I didn't know you were dating someone.'

My comment made him press his lips in a thin line. Holy Shit....did I offend him?

'I meant.....'

But he laughed harder this time. 'Oh Jackson, why would you think that?'

'We haven't seen each other since past seven years and have had minimal contact. Maybe you started seeing someone...'

'I'm afraid my ship had gone long past that harbor. But it was nice that someone thinks I've still got it that a woman would be kind enough to see me as a romantic partner.'

'If it's not someone you're seeing, then?'

'It's my granddaughter.' The breath was knocked out of my body. Mr. Takahashi has a family. He has his own blood running into other people. I closed my eyes and it was barely tolerable fact. For years even when he didn't contact me I still thought I was his only family and felt....safe. There was always a comfy blanket to fall on even when I never intended to fall on it. Now that he's mentioned he has a granddaughter, what does that makes of me?

'I see. How come you didn't mention her before?'

'I, myself, wasn't aware of her existence up until now.' He met my eyes and then continued, 'About two months ago I got a call from this girl who claimed to be my granddaughter. For obvious reason I didn't believe her. But she kept on insisting and I finally decided to run a DNA test.'

'So it's confirmed. She is related to you.' He nodded. 'If you knew about her since two months then why are you coming here only now?'

'Jackson, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before but I've been in L.A. for past one month. I came here to meet her immediately after the test confirmed our relationship.' Something pierced in my heart. He flew down from Japan to meet her the every moment he realized she is his own flesh and blood but didn't bother to return my calls when I asked for his help while facing difficulties with the Star-Dream project.

'Looks like she's your new favorite.'

Mr. Takahashi chuckled. 'She must be here anytime soon. You should decide after meeting her if you want to be jealous of such a beautiful lady or not.' The moment he said that, I had a feeling he was trying to set us up. I sighed hoping desperately he does not ask me to date her or anything because I'm not made for this. Casual has always been my style. This was TMI for grandpa and he didn't need to know this. Maybe I should just tell his granddaughter when we're alone that she can reject me, that I wouldn't mind.....

I was busy in my own head that I didn't realize that some had entered the private section. It was when a familiar voice hit my ears that I knew there was no escaping from this hot mess.

'Grandpa, I'm here.' I didn't dare to look. No, this cannot be true. Please no, this is not happening to me again.

Mr. Takahashi's introduction left no space for introspection. 'This is my beautiful granddaughter Cordelia Rosette.' My ears were on fire to hear the name I hated. If Satan had a synonym it was Cordelia. The very girl who turned out to be the granddaughter of the man I respected the most. Oh, god definitely has his ways. 'And Delia, this is the young and dashing Jackson Carter.'

I swear I wasn't going to look at her even if Mr. Takahashi had thought of me to be a psycho but then she snorted. 'Young and dashing?' Her questioning my looks made me turn my head and glare at her. Her brow shot up but she had the look of amusement and not that of shock. She knew I was going to be here!

'Cordelia.' That's it. This was my greeting to her.

Instead she crossed her arms in front and smirked. 'Hello there Jackson.' A strong stare game began, leaving Mr. Takahashi in confusion.

'You guys know each other already?' He asked.

I scoffed. 'I wish I didn't.'

'The feeling is mutual.' Satanic princess remarked.

'Well, it seems you two aren't on the best terms. But what to do, this has to change. After all, I plan on getting you two married.'

'Married?' Both I and the one-whose-name-I-hate shouted together.

Cordelia

Few hours ago

'I think this will do.' Stacy said passing me a hideous dress. Certainly, my best friend even after all these years of friendship wasn't aware of the style I liked.

'Stacy, have you ever seen me wearing lace?'

'But there's nothing wrong in this!' She protested after giving the dress another good look.

I closed my eyes and sighed. Being stuck in a cheap store to buy the dress that's going to decide my future wasn't enough that I'd increased my headache by bringing her here. The way she behaved no one would believe her father owned one of the biggest talent management agencies and that her mother was the founder of a luxurious brand of watches.

'I have to go to meet my grandfather, not seduce a boyfriend! This will not work.'

'Then what will you wear? Everything here is either not according to your taste or the rest are out of your budget.' She pouted. Someone tell her, it was me who went broke not her.

We were in a discussion again about the dress when her driver came inside. 'Ma'am, it's time for your training. We should leave.' She looked at me. I nodded to tell her it was okay.

'Will you be able to manage?' She asked in concern.

I patted her back. 'I will. Don't worry.'

'Okay then, keep me updated about how it goes.' I nodded again and she followed her driver outside. Stacy was training to become an actress. Her parents were pretty serious about it though she wasn't sure. Why is she doing it then? This is because despite being born into such a wealthy family, she always came second to her elder brother, the one who was considered an heir. She had to find something to sustain herself, especially when she had an example like me before her.

If you're thinking how come someone rich and privileged became friends with me, then here's the whole story or the gist of it. I, Cordelia Rosette used to be the heiress to the Rosette Perfume Co., a business my very respectable father started, sustained, and made successful through his hard work. Ever since I was a child there was nothing that I wished I had and didn't. Everything was always at my feet. So much so that "princess" became a synonym for my name. But just like every princess, my story saw a big problem when my father made that announcement four months ago.

'Cordelia, there's been a recent discovery due to which certain I have decided to change certain things. My business will have another heir. Hope you will understand.'

That's what I got after spending years of my youth studying my ass off, just so that I could prove to him that I was capable. I was kicked out due to a discovery! Don't get me started on the discovery. Just know that an important part of it was that I had a grandfather I wasn't aware of in all these years of my existence.

Today I was going to meet him because after two months of persistent efforts he'd finally agreed to help me. He said I had to look my best since he was going to give me a test only after which he would let me become a part of his family and invest in my new venture. Everything depends on how today goes and hence the stress over the dress.

With a constrained budget, my options were also limited, only if dad hadn't canceled all my cards. 'Ma'am, would you be buying this one?' The assistant of the store manager asked me.

I looked over to the desk from where the manager was staring at me. I cleared my throat. Stacy was right, this lace dress, no matter how much of a put-off it was, was the best option for me. 'Yes.' The assistant forced a smile and took the dress for me to pack it.

'Here's your dress ma'am.' She handed me the bag and I took it from her after paying for it.

I looked at the watch hanging behind the desk and noticed the time. 'Shoot! I'm late!'

'Is there a problem ma'am?'

'Um, can I change into this here?'

'Of course ma'am. Feel free to use the changing room.'

I rushed inside the changing room and slipped on the dress. Strangely it fit well, though it still looked a bit sultry with its length being a lot distanced from the knee. That it covered my backside and my thighs was a blessing. The neckline was deep and no matter how much I stretched the fabric together, anyone who saw me could guess the size of my lingerie. I looked into the mirror, what am I doing? Never had I ever been so conscious about my appearance before.

Moving my fingers in my hair to straighten them and applying a little lip color, I got out of the changing room and after thanking the assistant I went on to take a cab.

The address he'd sent to me was of a restaurant I'd been to before. I'd been to every five-star in the city. Only now I depended on someone else to pay for me. I walked inside and asked the receptionist. 'Mr. Takahashi had a reservation here. I'm his guest.' I was received by a warm smile and nod. Someone escorted me to the private section he'd booked.

'Grandpa, I'm here.' I said as I opened the door, not knowing that the door will open the gate to a living hell for me. What do I see in front of me is not just the man I got to know was my grandfather four months ago but along with him was sitting the boy, no, now he was a man, the man who made me want to curse the very moment my eyes landed on him.

I snorted when grandpa called him young and dashing. That was the moment his eyes fell on me. The shock, oh I loved it. I smirked, so he was also unaware of me coming here. But the question is why he is here. And how does he know my grandfather? I maintained a calm expression. Let him think I knew he was going to be here. I'm sure he's baffled by now. The cold voice with which he greeted me says it all.

'Hello there Jackson.' I said while challenging him to a staring game.

Grandpa was confused so he asked, 'You guys know each other already?

He scoffed. 'I wish I didn't.'

'The feeling is mutual.' He better not think otherwise!

'Well, it seems you two aren't on the best terms. But what to do, this has to change. After all, I plan on getting you two married.'

'Married?' Both I and the asshole sitting in front shouted together.

I stuttered. 'Grandpa, what are you talking about?'

He took a deep breath. 'Cordelia, this is what I was talking about when I said you have to give a test to get what you want.'

'But.....' There were no words. He wanted me to marry that asshole! Never!

Mr. Jackass decided to speak, 'Grandpa, this cannot happen. We...are....we're....'

I stared at him. Did he call my grandfather, his? 'Since when is he your grandpa?'

'Since always.' He sneered while getting up to face me.

'What is he saying?' I turned toward the old man who had more grandkids than he let people know.

He smiled. 'Jackson is like my grandson only.'

I scoffed and turned back to the imposter grandkid. 'Oh, so he is LIKE a grandson. I get it. It means he is not!' Jackass winced. Looks like I'd touched a nerve.

'Grandpa, can we talk in private about this? I don't want to talk with you in front of a two-month-old granddaughter!' My jaw twitched. Did he just say that? He knows Mr. Takahashi found out about me only two months ago.

'No! I will talk to him first! Grandpa, what's happening?' I asked in anxiousness.

'Silence!' Grandpa raised his hand in the air to bring peace to the table. Both I and the one I hated shut our mouths. 'Now, I know this is surprising news for both of you because you weren't expecting this.'

'This more of a shock!' I muttered only to receive a sharp look from Grandpa. 'Sorry.'

'Cordelia, you set out to find me because you needed my help. Jackson, you wanted to meet me this time because I suppose you too need something from me.'

'No, I don't.....'

'Jackson, hear me out first, son.' He called him a son. Why? How did they even know each other? 'After putting a lot of thought into it, I have decided that will help the two of you who are my family but only if you fulfill my condition. Get married.'

'I can marry someone else. Anyone you want me to, but not her.' Jackass spoke quickly. Huh! As if I'm dying to be with him!

'Same here. If you want me to settle down, so be it. But the guy has to be someone else. Not this pauper!'

'You!' Jackass pointed his finger at me and I smirked.

'Sit down both of you! Now!' Reluctantly we followed Grandpa's order. 'I have made it very clear. Now it is up to you two to decide whether you will accept it or not.'

I had to reason him out so I said, 'But why do you want us to get married?'

'Same question.' Cheater! I snapped in my head at the guy who was full of himself.

Grandpa looked from me to him and then at his hands. 'I was left in an orphanage when I was two. No one knew who dropped me there, why they did it. I craved family all my life. It was not until I was an adult that a family claimed I was their heir and gave me all of their wealth. There was money but no one to call my own because my parents had passed away by then. My father was the only child and his aunt had found me to make sure the Takahashi family was not left behind without an heir. When I met Jackson, there was a connection between us two. I've always considered him like my grandson. Then Cordelia entered my life, my granddaughter. I realized both of you lacked something, family. To give you that, to make sure you both whom I love dearly are never left unloved, I have decided that both of you should get married to each other. This way my family stays complete.'

He was genuinely concerned. This could be because of what happened in my family. When I told him how my father refused to give me the family business, he was upset with me. I guess that made him decide to arrange a marriage alliance for me so that there's always someone to take care of me. But he has to know that someone cannot be, this jackass. Jackson Carter was the last person Cordelia Rosette will get married to.

Grandpa stood up. 'I have spoken my heart. Now it is up to you two to decide.' And then before the two of us could begin to talk again he left us in that room alone.

I breathed loudly. 'This will never happen.'

'You think I will let it happen? Keep dreaming Cordelia!'

I turned to him. 'What did you say? I'm dreaming to marry you. Only a jerk like you would think that!'

'Who do you think you're abusing? Do you even know who I am?'

'Don't care. never have, never will. Loser!' I was about to walk out of the room too when he grabbed my hand and pushed me toward the wall. 'What are you doing?'

'I'm not a loser.'

'You always were and from the way it looks, you still are.' I chortled. He hated it, his dark eyes were telling me. His head moved close to me, looks like he was in the mood for a head-butt. Bring it on! I was ready. But the moment I smirked inviting him for a fight he moved his face to my right ear.

He whispered. 'The one who scores the pricy queen of high school is never a loser, brat!' I gasped and pushed him away. He was grinning. Argh! Why did he have to bring the past right now? I was breathing heavily now. I hated him without a doubt!

'Stop making lies! You never scored anything loser!' I spat.

He came at me again and this time pinned my hands to the sides of my head. To hide from his staring eyes I looked away but his hot breath made sure to continuously make me feel his presence. Suddenly his hand shifted to hold both of my hands together above my head. I tried to resist but to no avail.

'You moron!' I shouted. By this time his hand was moving to the back of my dress slowly traveling upwards. When he was at the shoulder he slid the sides to expose my shoulder and then went on to move his hand inside the fabric. My eyes widened. 'Jackson, stop it!'

'So now you know my name.' He smirked and I closed my eyes as the tingle his touch was creating in my stomach was too much to bear. When do you hate your body? The moment it decides to betray you.

His hand now had direct contact with my back and I could feel the goosebumps. I collected all my willpower and pushed him away. This seemed easy, or maybe he let go himself. I looked at him to check what happened.

A small plastic cutout hanging from the string was dangling in his hand. 'Price tag?' I'd forgotten to remove it in a hurry.

He scoffed. 'I guess they you went broke as I had hoped for.' He could barely contain his laughter, leaving me fuming. He threw the price tag at my feet and said, 'Miss Rosette, if you ever need tips on how to manage the life of a pauper, please don't feel free to contact me because I only talk to people of my standard.'

I gritted my teeth. He buttoned his suit jacket and left me there to pick up my price tag.

Jackson

'Sir, should I call the London clients?' Claire had heard the whole conversation between me, Mr. Takahashi, and THAT girl. We were right now back at our office.

I glared at her. 'Keep them on standby for now.'

'I'm afraid that would be difficult since they've made it clear there are other fishes they're interested in buying.' She plastered her face with a smile that I disliked. It was as if she was reminding me that I wasn't the big shot I thought I was.

'Mr. Takahashi will invest in our project.' He has to. Grandpa can't do this to me. He's well aware I've worked on this project for years and this is what I had aimed for since the beginning.

'From the looks of it, he will not.' My sharp eyes found hers and she sighed. 'Sir, he's put a condition that you're not willing to fulfill. Do you think he would give you a single penny after this?' She had a point but I was adamant. I was not going to give up so easily, especially after building the JC group to such an extent. I was a successful businessman but to reach where I had to this one the last project needed to work the way it was planned. A lot of investment capital was required and that could come from one source, Grandpa Takahashi.

'I'll talk to him.'

'Fine. I'll try to hold the London Clients by then but hurry up, we don't have much time. The Star-Dream project cannot be delayed.' I nodded at Claire and she left me to be at peace only my thoughts were running wild.

I placed both my hands on the table and asked myself, 'Why did Grandpa say that? What is his motive behind proposing my marriage to that girl?' This was so frustrating.

In the evening I drove alone to Grandpa's house. I needed some answers to my questions or I'll go crazy. His secretary recognized me and bowed, I returned the gesture with a courteous nod.

'I want to meet Grandpa.'

'He's currently with someone. Please wait.' I don't want to but as if there's a choice.

'Sure.'

The next two hours told me I was more patient than I thought I was. Who was he with that he didn't have ten minutes for me? If someone found out CEO Jackson Carter waited for someone for even two minutes everything would turn upside down and here I was at the mercy of an old man to who I was forever indebted. Our past was the only reason that held me from acting impulsively.

'Sir's ready to meet you.' Finally!

I got up from the extravagant couch that didn't deserve to be called a couch in the living room of Mr. Takahashi's huge mansion. 'Lead the way, please.'

'Come in.' Grandpa said when he heard me knock on the door to his study. I entered with his secretary.

'Please give us a moment.' He told the secretary who bowed and followed the order. Claire would never give me such over and above respect. I wonder if it had to do with us being the same age or me being too lenient with her.

'Grandpa....' I began but he interrupted me immediately.

'Jackson, I understand it might have come as a shock but whatever I said was because I was concerned for you and Delia, both.' He was calling her by her nickname but he'd never given me one. Somehow it felt all these years I was the only one thinking of him and me as family. There was never anything from his side. I sighed.

He chuckled. 'If there is something in the heart say it out loud or your heart will feel heavy.'

'Why her?'

'Why do I want you to marry her?' I nodded. 'Because she's my only granddaughter.'

'I still don't get it. You want me to take her responsibility when she doesn't need anyone. She's an independent woman, who can think of her well-being herself and survive in this big bad world all alone. Even after all this if she needs to be with someone, I'm sure there are far better options than me. Then why do you want her to be with me?'

He smiled. 'Here I thought this would be difficult because you dislike her. But clearly, you think very highly of her.'

'I hate her.' I said right away. He can feel bad if he wants to but I never shied away from the truth.

He laughed. 'Hate is a very strong word, son. If you're using it for Delia, then sure there would've been some strong love before that.'

'Fortunately, there was none.' It felt weird to say it for some reason. Cordelia and I were a complicated case of rivals. Push and pull weren't enough, we worked on applying and ripping off the Band-Aid. That's what we were. Now, we weren't even that, at least not after I made sure she was cut off from my life completely.

'See, I have made up my mind and I will not change it either for you or for Cordelia. You have a week, tell me if you agree.'

My eyes widened. 'A week?'

'I am here for a week more. Then I have to return to Japan to look after some matters at the company. That is why I want you to get married before I leave.'

'Grandpa, I still don't get it. Why the need for us to get married?'

'Fine, if you want me to be blunt about it then here it goes. You want me to invest in your Star-Dream Project. I am willing to help you as I did at the beginning of your business journey. Only this time I want you to pay a price.'

'I will do anything you want me to....'

'Then marry Cordelia.'

'Except for that!' I uttered in irritation.

'Then I will go back a week later and never see you again. Also, forget about the investment.' I moved towards him.

'Grandpa, please...' He didn't say anything. I closed my eyes and opened them after a brief period. 'What is she getting in return for this?' I had to know.

'That is not for you to know.'

Baffled by his reply I shot back, 'aren't married couples to know everything about each other?!'

'You said you didn't want to marry her.'

'But I want to know what she is getting out of this too.'

'Marry her and she might tell you herself.'

'Ridiculous! Does she know about the project?'

He shook his head. 'As she has her end of the bargain that you can only know when you sign the marriage papers, she will know about the project after that too.'

'It's not like I'm interested in knowing about her.'

'The way you asked it looked like you did.' I looked away. 'Jackson, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Cordelia is a beautiful soul. It's very easy to fall for her.' Huh! He had no idea the dark soul she possessed. Only I had the opportunity or I should say bad luck seeing it.

'I don't like her at all.'

'Good. From hate, you've come on dislike. We're making progress already.' Unbelievable!

There was no point in talking to him anymore. He would only twist my words to make them look like something that it is not! 'I'll be taking your leave then.' I bowed and moved to go out when he said something strange.

'You know Jackson, at times we try to dismiss destiny for it is not something we want but regret it the moment we lose our chance.'

'What do you mean?' I asked.

He smiled and said, 'You'll know when clouds will disperse and there will be a clear sky.'

'As in?'

'I'll see you out.' And he did. I never got any clear answer from him but it was clear he wasn't going to invest in the project until I marry that little Satan.

Back home I was on a video call with Claire when she mentioned our rivals were in talks with the London clients. Star-Dream Project was looking like a far-fetch dream now. 'They're new but the rivals seemed like tough competition to us.'

'Since when do newbies are a match for us? Work on it, Claire. Find out who they are.'

'The Company is registered under some Rosette.' My mind stopped working for a second. This can't be a coincidence, right?

'Weren't they in the perfume industry?' I asked. For sure they were. I've known the Rosettes since my childhood. They had the family business and involved perfume and nothing else. Someone even mentioned they were against the idea of expanding to other industries and kept being limited to the area chosen by their ancestors.

Claire replied, 'They still are number one in that. There's been a development and a recent news article shared that Rosettes were looking for expansion.'

'Strange. Do you know why they're chasing the London Clients?'

'Ah, now that is something concerning.' Claire made a face and then bit her lip. This was not good.

'From what I could find out was that Rosette Co. is also establishing a chain of hotels.' I exhaled loudly. This was not happening to me again.

'Claire, check if there's been a security breach in our office recently.' I ordered quickly.

She shook her head. 'No, there hasn't been. I already checked it. Turns out they're getting into the same industry as us but their project is designed differently a significant difference. They're a no match for Star-Dream.'

I slumped back on the couch. 'Then why did you look worried?'

'Because the London clients seemed to be more interested in them than us.'

'There has to be a reason.'

'There is.' I raised a brow. 'Cordelia Rosette.'

'She's the one headlining the project?'

'No.'

'Then?'

A weird smile appeared on Claire's face. 'Well, the London client is her ex.' It felt as if someone opened the window on a rainy day and my office flooded because of it.

'They're broken up. There must've been a reason. Why would he invest in her family's business?'

'Probably he still has feelings for her.'

I scoffed. 'The hell he does.'

'Are you jealous?'

'Why would I be jealous?'

Claire pouted and said, 'Well, you used to date her back in college...'

'I never dated her.'

'There are pictures of you in your....'

'Did you snoop into my house?'

She protested. 'You gave me the keys to get it cleaned.'

I sighed. 'I hope you threw the photos in the trash then.' I eyed her for a reaction.

She smirked. 'Of course, I did, boss!'

I blinked. 'I gotta go.' I said in a hurry and shut the laptop without signing out. Quickly grabbing the car keys I drove to my house. I punched in the code with forceful fingers and entered the house. Running towards the store room I turned the lights on and fiddled through boxes and papers. They were not there. She did throw them in the garbage! I couldn't breathe all of a sudden.

I looked around some more almost on the verge of breaking down. This was when my phone rang. I picked it up. 'I stacked them nicely and kept them in the second drawer of the table in your study. They were too beautiful to be kept in a dusty storeroom.' Claire said and ended the call when she heard me sigh in relief.

Going to the study I opened the drawer and picked up the stack of photos tied with a silk thread. I pulled at it and the pictures fell to the floor. I sat down and picked them up one by one. A tear fell reminiscing the time when I had thought the ice had thawed when in reality, it was preparing to freeze me to death.

As I picked up the last picture a tear rolled down my cheek for looking at the last happy moment of my life was painful. The morning of Graduation day was perfect but noon made sure to melt the façade and reveal the true faces of people, especially her, Cordelia Rosette.

I called Claire again. 'Did you find them?' She asked soon after picking up.

'Prepare a contract and put it on my table in the office by tomorrow morning.'

'What kind of contract?'

'A marriage contract.' I said staring fiercely at the photo still in my hand.