Owned By That Cold-Hearted Billionaire

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a black halter dress paired with killer black heels. I also applied black lipstick-oops! Just kidding. I'm not a freaking witch. My lips were the color of fresh strawberries. Luscious red. I puckered my lips in satisfaction. I even winked at my own reflection.

I took my purse and gracefully exited my room. I was halfway down the stairs when I heard my moribund stepfather utter my name. I raised my phenomenal eyebrow and turned. He was standing on his room's doorway. He scrutinized me and his expression tightened. "Do you have nothing else to do in your life except party?"

Wow. I wonder where he gets the gall to speak to me like that. "Do you have nothing else to do in your life except meddle in mine?" I shot back.

"Why don't you help out in the company instead? We're facing problems there."

"Those are your problems," I answered, rolling my eyes. I loathe him. I wish my real dad was here. But no, he's resting in peace upstairs.

Ever since my mom died five years ago, my stepdad took control of all our assets. He married my mom for money. I gave him a look of distaste when I remembered him telling me that, weeks after my mom passed away.

I want to leave this house and get away from the monster in front of me, but I won't. Why? This house is mine. It's only in my name because he brainwashed Mama.

That's why such a huge portion went to my beastly stepfather. So I decided to stay here and pester him to death. I'll just squander his money.

"I don't know what to do with you anymore. You're getting worse each passing day," he said as his jaw clenched. I batted my eyelashes as I spoke. "Awww."

I hope that's enough to piss him off. I waved my hand dismissively and descended the stairs. The maids looked at me, and I just raised an eyebrow. I grabbed the keys to my newly bought car and got in.

My iPhone buzzed inside my purse. I took it out and saw a message from my friend. They're already at the bar. I'm the only one left. I replied with an "on the way."

The drive was calming. This is how I feel every time I go out of that fucking house. I can't even call it a home. I parked in front of Andromeda. That's the name of the bar. I checked my face in the rearview mirror. Stunning. I complimented myself.

I got out of the car and entered. I was greeted by the loud music reverberating throughout the place. My two friends, Altheia and Psyche, welcomed me. "I thought you weren't going to make it," Altheia pouted.

"Can you even imagine that? I won't ditch the two of you. We just had another encounter with Alvido," I casually replied. Psyche nodded and tugged at my wrist. "Let's get wasted tonight!" She shouted to be heard. I just chuckled.

That's how it goes when you're brokenhearted, been there done that. We headed towards the bar counter. I wasn't planning to get drunk tonight but somehow I did.

Psyche and Altheia are busy dancing their hearts out. I took another shot of liquor as I stared at my hand. I eyed the ring I've been wearing for four years now.

Stop it. He's not coming back. I scolded myself. I sighed and massaged my temples. A guy slipped onto the stool next to me. He offered a smile, and I just nodded.

Hoping that he gets the message. I am not interested. I have no plans of getting laid. "I'm Ken. You are?" He offered me his hand. I halfheartedly shook it but I didn't tell him my name. He ordered a bloody mary and took it in one gulp.

"What is a beautiful lady doing in this bar alone?" He queried, obviously not giving up. "I'm with my friends." I nodded towards the dance floor.

"Hmm, okay. Do you wanna dance?" He pressed. I shook my head. I ordered another glass of liquor. I kept on drinking. Ken was still sitting beside me. I was completely blitzed out after five more shots. I reeked of alcohol.

"Hey Ken!" I hollered as I tapped his shoulder. He faced me and I pointed towards the dance floor. His face lit up as he guided me in the middle.

I giggled. We danced provocatively, and maybe I was really losing my grip on sanity because I let Ken pinch my butt. I smiled at him seductively and he chuckled like a sex-starved man.

"You're really hot," he mumbled in my ear. I looked at him seductively and bit my lip. We were grinding in the middle of the dance floor for heaven's sake. I heard his muffled moans.

"Ahhh, shit baby," he groaned. His hands roamed my body and I let him. His grip on me loosened and I heard him curse.

I don't know how it happened, but the next scene I saw was so appalling that it made me scream.

I saw Ken lying unconscious on the floor while someone was bashing him in the face. "Leave her the fuck alone!" The guy shouted as he let loose one final punch.

I froze. That voice. Even though I was drunk, I couldn't afford to make a mistake. It's him! Tiny voices were screaming in my aching head right now. Telling me to run so that he couldn't see me.

But I held my ground. I waited for him to turn and when he did, my jaw almost fell. It was him.

My heart started pounding. Four long years. It's been four long years since we've been this close to each other. His mere presence brings back thousands of memories.

I looked at his face but he was expressionless. I opened my mouth to say something but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the exit.

I was too dumbfounded to react. "W-wait. Ken. He's bleeding. You might have k-killed him." I said, suddenly scared. He faced me, he was still poker-faced. "Then I'll pay for his life."

I stopped in my tracks when I heard him say those words. Never in my life have I heard him say something so unpleasant towards other people. Did he really say that?

"What?" I repeated to be sure. Anger flashed in and out of his face. "I'll pay for his life. Isn't that how it works in this world? Everyone has a price."

I looked at him intently. Was I really talking to him? "You're wrong. Not everyone can be bought with money."

He laughed sarcastically. "Oh really? Then what's your price?" He challenged. I had no answer. I was speechless, partly because I was shocked to see how much he has changed.

"Is it a man? Is that the kind of person you associate with now? The guy who was caressing your body a while ago, is that your type now?" I felt hurt and offended. How could he? How could he say this to me?

"I didn't know your standards had dropped so low." He taunted. It felt like he was stabbing me with his words. The corners of my eyes burned.

I didn't reply. I took his hand and threw it away. Then I left the bar and headed to my car. For such a long time, I wished for this day to come. But I didn't imagine that this is how it would go. I felt an arm tug at mine.

I turned only to see him staring at me with such cold eyes. "Don't you dare walk out on me when I'm talking to you!" He gritted his teeth and his grip on my arm tightened, causing me to wince in pain.

I pushed him hard and gave him a mind-shattering slap. My tears were threatening to fall but I willed them not to. I pointed a shaking finger at him. "I didn't know you could be this heartless." I uttered, my voice almost breaking.

He only gave me a cold stare and spoke calmly.

"And I didn't know you have a tendency to be a slut, Cassidy."

"Cassidy! Stop crying! Seriously, it's been ages!" Altheia said peevishly.

"I thought I'd be the one having a moment tonight. This witch just stole my thunder," Psyche chimed in as she handed me a tissue roll.

I didn't pay them any mind and just continued crying. We're at Theia's condo, since it's close to the bar. Psyche and I decided to crash here for the night. They gave me something for my headache earlier, and it's really effective because I'm now able to think clearly.

"Honey, stop crying before I go after that jerk of an ex. Seriously. What an ungrateful bastard. You're ruining your beauty with all this crying." Theia sat beside me and patted my back. I sniffed.

Psyche hugged me, "Do you want me to kick his most valuable possession?"

I laughed and gave her a light punch. I shook my head. "No, let's just leave him be. People change, right?"

Psyche snorted. "Yeah, guys always do. All they ever do is hurt and deceive!" I sighed as I wiped the last of my tears. I gave them the best smile I could muster. "Thanks."

They rolled their eyes in unison. I'm used to them. We've been friends for a long time. If I hadn't met them back then, I might have gone crazy. I'm really thankful to have them, even if they're a bit crazy. I walked towards the room I'm going to stay in. "Night," Theia said before entering her own room.

As I lay in bed, I couldn't fall asleep. It was like the word "slut" was echoing inside my head. To hear him say that to me was really painful. He's changed so much. I didn't expect that to be his reaction when we met again.

What happened? I asked myself in sadness. What happened to the sweetest and most thoughtful person I know? This is all your fault! A part of my mind screamed at me. I groaned. I don't want to think like this! It's seriously not helping!

I checked the clock, it's almost three in the morning. I paced around the room and closed my eyes to get some rest.

I woke up with the sun already high in the sky. I groggily got up from bed and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. I took my phone and checked my messages. My eyes shot up when I read a text from my manager. Oh no!

I'm dead again! I was about to call him but he beat me to it. I held the phone to my ear. "Hello-"

"Where the hell are you Cassidy? We've been waiting for you at the photoshoot!"

"Sorry Christian! I'll be there! I forgot, I'm so-"

"Just hurry! Get your ass in here!" He yelled impatiently before dropping the call. I cursed. I rushed towards Theia's bathroom for a quick shower, and borrowed some of her clothes.

I left a note saying I'm at a photoshoot and borrowed some of her clothes. I drove like a crazy race car driver. I'm so dead with Manager!

I've been a model for almost a year now, I'm not famous, mind you. I'm still a newbie. And I have no plans of becoming famous. I chose to accept the offer to become a model because I got tired of being a hermit in the mansion.

I like modeling because it's not a regular job. It's not like working in a company where you have to be there every single day. That's just boring!

Finally, I arrived at the studio. I entered and saw Christian-my manager-let out a sigh of relief. "Finally." He said impatiently.

The photographer nodded in my direction. "Miss Cassidy Hurdiss. We thought you weren't going to show up." I pasted a smile on my lips. "Sorry. Shall we start?"

They fixed me up, they gave me a fierce look with heavy makeup. They made me wear a denim bralette and bleached high-waisted shorts.

We finished quickly. I changed into more casual clothes afterwards.

I thanked the photographers and make-up artists before I followed Christian outside. He's six years older than me. He just turned twenty nine last month. "I thought I'd embarrass myself earlier. You're always a troublemaker," he said as we were walking down the hallway.

"I overslept!" I defended myself while rolling my eyes.

"You better not tell me you were out with Altheia and Psyche at the bar again last night. Your bar hopping is getting out of hand, you even dragged Theia with you," he reprimanded. I punched him.

"So thick-skinned! It was Altheia's idea. Maybe she's looking for a guy." I teased and he shot me a look.

He really likes Theia. That other guy is just so dense. I can't help but laugh at the two of them. "Come on Cassidy, cut it out with the teasing. You do realize I'm immune to it unlike with you-know-who."

"Well? What if I told you that someone's hitting on Theia again? Remember the soccer player she likes? Well, he's hitting on-"

"Shut up! Stop it!" He covered his ears. I hugged him while smiling mischievously. We were right in front of the elevator. I pressed the open button to go up.

"Don't be so shy." I advised. *ding*

I looked at the elevator and took a step back when I saw who was inside.

"A-Aaron?!" I blurted out in surprise. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze drifting to my arm draped on Christian's shoulder. I quickly removed it.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, his tone cold. I looked down at my toes. I couldn't meet his eyes. "Photoshoot."

I could almost imagine him nodding. "You're a model?" I nodded, which probably looked silly since I was looking down.

"I thought you wanted to be a chef," he said again. "Priorities change," I gave a weak response.

"Yeah, they do. That's why you left, right?"

When he said that, I didn't say a word and just walked past him, getting inside the elevator. Christian followed suit, his brow furrowed. He looked at Aaron, scrutinizing him. He pressed the elevator button so it wouldn't close. Damn.

"WHAT IS IT!" I screamed. He just stood there, looking at Christian. "Is he your boyfriend? Just a piece of advice. Your girlfriend had a guy with her last night. Tsk. Seems like you're not making her happy, so she's looking elsewhere." Then he turned and walked down the hallway like a king.

I pressed the close button. Christian gave me a confused look as the elevator doors closed. "What the hell was that?! Who was that jerk?" He asked, annoyed. I shook my head, signaling that I didn't want to talk about it. He sighed and gave me a brotherly hug.

"It's okay. Whoever he is, he's an ass." I nodded, holding back my tears. He let go and led me outside the building. "Will you be okay?"

"Yeah." I was relieved that my voice didn't falter. "Okay, take care." I got into my car and drove home. Shit. I felt like trash. I entered the mansion and was relieved to find out my stepfather was at the company. At least my bad mood won't get worse. Sheesh.

I went straight to my room and stayed there for hours. I didn't bother eating or checking my phone. It was already ten o'clock when I decided to stop letting it get to me. Clubbing alone would be really perfect right now.

As usual, I picked a sexy dress that would accentuate my curves. I wore my 'fuck me' heels and felt satisfied. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table. Theia had called. I didn't call her back because she's probably with Christian right now and I don't want to interfere with a budding romance.

I drove towards Andromeda. The bouncer gave me a creepy smile, but I decided to just shrug it off. I sat at the bar counter and ordered tequila. My eyebrow shot up when I saw someone approaching.

He was looking at me in a dirty way, as if figuring out which position would be suitable if we were to have sex. Wow, such a brazen-faced guy. He gave me a lopsided smile. "Hello."

"You're ogling. Stop it." I blurted out when we were face to face. He laughed. The sound grated on me. I just wanted to drink alone tonight. No flirting.

"You're too vocal, don't you think?" He asked while also ordering a drink. I shrugged and drank the last drop of my tequila. "I've been told," I answered without enthusiasm.

"You look sad," he commented. My eyebrow instantly shot up. What's it to him? Annoyed, I stood up and left the bar. It's a good thing that pervert didn't follow.

I went back to my car and took a cigarette. I lit it and puffed. I don't always smoke, only when I'm feeling troubled. And right now, I just can't get Aaron out of my fucking head.

I was halfway through finishing my cigarette when a familiar voice echoed. "So you smoke now, too. It's gonna damage your lungs, so you should stop."

I turned to him, raising an eyebrow. And who is he to meddle in my affairs? After all those rude things he's done, he's still going to bother me? This guy is really pushing it! It still hurt to hear him call me a slut!

And what he did earlier? Psh, still not forgiven. I glared at him and took another drag. "I said stop Cassidy! You're putting your health at risk!" He snatched the cigarette and hastily threw it to the ground. He stepped on it and shot me a death stare.

Fine! I'll just go get another one! I reached for the pack of cigarettes in my car and took one stick. But he snatched it before I could even put it in my mouth. My temper skyrocketed. "Bullshit! What is it?! Will you just mind your own business Aaron?! Don't bother me! Get the hell out of my face!"

He gave me a stern look. "You are my business."

"Damn you!" I wanted to give him the middle finger, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I settled for kicking my own car. It created loud honking sounds.

"What happened to you? You've changed so much. I can't see the sweet Cassidy I once loved in you anymore." He said, looking into my eyes. I turned away. The sweet Cassidy is gone. She will never come back.

It felt like he cut my heart with his words. The sweet Cassidy he once loved? Loved. Past tense. I suddenly felt a rush of pity for myself. I almost wanted to laugh at myself right now. It's like my knees went weak. "You've changed so much. I can't even imagine that you'd end up like this, messed up." I squeezed my eyes shut.

I clenched my fists to keep them from trembling. This is too much. This is just too much. But I can't retaliate, because I know he has a reason to be angry with me. He was right. I left him. I left him behind.

I opened my eyes and looked at him. "I also never imagined I'd turn out like this. I've always been nice and timid. But I guess I've unlocked the true me. Maybe this is really who I am. I feel so free. So... alive."

Alive wasn't the right word to describe me. Yes, I'm breathing, but that doesn't make me alive. I just exist. That's all. Free? I felt free... and sad, and alone. I've lived with this sadness ever since I let him go.

I learned to cope with it every single day of my fucking life. I felt like an empty shell. Good-looking on the outside, hollow on the inside.

His eyes seemed to be boring into my soul, unraveling my thoughts. I cleared my throat and tried to look nonchalant. "I heard you have your own company in New York. Wow, that's your dream, isn't it?" I gave him a sidelong glance.

He leaned against my car. "Yeah. Thanks for that." I frowned. "What for?"

He sniggered. "For leaving me. If you hadn't, I wouldn't have achieved this. So, thank you." Sarcasm dripped from his voice.

That's why I had to go. Because I was the obstacle. I thought sadly.

I had to bite my lip to prevent any sound from escaping. He's doing it again. He's hurting me.

I stifled a sob and tried to maintain a composed face. "I'm s-sorry. I know you're angry." I wanted to tell him that I never really left. I was there in New York, watching his progress. I was watching from afar.

"Angry? Wow, no. I'm not angry. I even thanked you, right? Why would I be angry at you? It's not like what you did was angering, right? The kind where you're falling so hard, and then you're suddenly left. The kind where you can't imagine your life without them, and then they tell you they're done. That they love someone else. No Cassidy, I'm not angry at you. In fact, I'm even happy."

I lowered my head, this time unable to stop my tears. "Sorry."

"BULLSHIT!" He shouted angrily. He forcefully turned me to face him. "SORRY?! Is that all you have to say?! Is your sorry enough for all the pain?! Your sorry can't fix what you've done to me! You turned me into a coldhearted monster!"

I choked on my sobs. I kept repeating that word. It seemed to only enrage him further. He was right; I couldn't erase his pain. "Damn it Cassidy. If you only knew how much it hurt when you left me."

I wanted to tell him that I did know. Because I experienced it too. I hurt too. But I kept my mouth shut.

"I wondered if you were feeling sad and hurt too, like me. But then I realized, of course not. You already have someone else."

I didn't have anyone else. I said those things so you wouldn't chase after me. But you did. And I admired you even more. I loved you even more.

But the timing wasn't right. I had to set you free. I had to let you go so you could pursue your dreams, hoping that when you achieved them, you'd come back and we could pick up where we left off.

But I was foolish to believe that. I was really, really foolish. Because as I looked at him now,

All I could see was anger.