Stupid Love

The aroma of coffee hit my nose and even if I wanted to have my meal in a good mood, I couldn't.

The atmosphere here was different than in my country. It was busier and more populated than my home and also more dusty. There were too many routes and streets that I almost lost three times to reach here. And it took me a whole day to come here without my bodyguard.

It was a marvelous cafeteria where I was seated. It was decorated in a vintage theme. The antiques, the curtains, even the wallpaper of the walls gave off old vibes but it was built just a year ago.

By the famous multi billionaire, Mathew Watson.

And I was here for a business deal.

However, right now, I couldn't even concentrate on the deal anymore as my stomach boiled in anger.

I fisted my palms as my eyes fell on a certain person.

Daniel Fredrickson...

I was betrothed to him and we had a marriage in two months, but he was just in front of me with another girl in his arms.

With Lola.

Well, she was just a peasant not from any royal bloodline and not even a daughter of any famous businessman. She was a maid!

I couldn't believe what my dad would say if he saw Daniel like this. Well, it's not like I cared much since it was his idea to get me married with his business partner's son.

The thing I was angry about was not because I loved him, I was angry that we were going to get married yet he was shamelessly kissing Lola in a cafeteria outside of our country! He had the nerve to cheat on me and he thought if he had come with his maid, nobody would know in our home.

Did he think about my reputation even?!

Oh! Well, when did he ever think of any of our reputation?

It wasn't the first time I caught him with a girl. Lola was just another one of his list. I just didn't bother before but now I was serious!

I was just mad that even when I didn't want to marry a person like him, I had no choice!

His dad had a good political influence in Europe thus, my dad wanted to strengthen his feet in his mayor's seat so, this was a beneficial marriage.

Without love.

And I had to marry him even when I didn't love him. I didn't want to be in a loveless marriage...

I stood up as I had enough of his shit!

Daniel Fredrickson was a jerk! And I wanted to tell him that on his face!

I went with the hot coffee mug of mine and reached their table.

They were so in love that they didn't even see me standing near them.

I coughed.

Daniel said, without looking at me, "No. We don't need any more orders, we are fine."

I scowled. Did he think I was a waitress or something!

I was wearing an elegant, branded, expensive dress that even he couldn't afford.

I coughed again but they were sitting, hands in hands, gazing at each other's eyes. He batted his eyelashes and she batted hers.

She giggled and said, "Danieee... stop looking at me like that I am...I'm shy..."

He said with a gentle voice, "No... If I don't look at you, how am I able to carve you in my memories."

I cringed.

Ew! I was one step closer to puke on them but I resisted.

Was that how cringey love was!

Damn! Then I don't want to fall in love!

Seriously, who needs love when you have money?

So, I am Clara Harriett Jonas Ferdinand, a princess from Europe. Well, in this era, we didn't have any patriarchal society nor the power but because of our wealth from our ancestors, we were now into businesses.

Especially the hotel businesses and my father wanted to come, meet the famous and popular hotel owner, who had a lot of luxury hotels all over the world, Mathew Watson!

However, I heard that he had to cancel the meeting because his wife got sick. I saw in the news that she was pregnant.

I sighed. What a beautiful fairytale...

But who believed in fairytales?

Certainly, I didn't want any fairytale.

Everyone wanted money, that included me as well. Money could buy everything yet they say, money is not going to make you happy and money certainly can't buy love.

Hah! I can pretty much see how money can buy a love...

Daniel didn't love me but what he did love was money. And because of that he wanted to marry me because even if they were powerful, we were rich.

The Fredricksons wanted our wealth and we wanted their power. That's exactly how a relationship is made.

My uncles, cousins, everyone was in politics and also we had a group of companies so, he needed money while my dad needed his support to become the mayor.

It was a good deal but I still didn't want to be the martyr in this alliance...

So, when Daniel and Lola weren't really giving me much attention, I splashed the coffee at their faces to get their attention.

Daniel cursed, "The hell!"

They looked at my way and froze as I raised a brow and crossed my hands above my chest.

"Err... Clara... It's-it's not what you think it is." He said and gave me a worried smile.

I asked looking at their still attached arms, "Really?"

He pushed her away and said, "We were just...um."

I smiled and said, "You were just kissing each other, hovering over each other in a very poor and unholy way and you were even saying those beautiful lines to her and that's nothing... I get it."

Lola and he both were frozen already but now they were red.

He stood up to make me feel inferior and said with an angry voice, "You didn't have to listen to us then!"

I looked at my nails and blew at it as I said, "Oh believe me, I don't want to puke by hearing your cheeky words regarding love."

And he scoffed, "Of course. You only listen where money talks."

I looked at him and caught his tie as I yanked him toward me, I grinned. "Listen, Daniel, you love money as much as I do. Isn't that the reason your daddy arranged for you to marry me?"

His face now became red with anger and he hissed, "Believe me, I never wanted to marry a girl like you."

I said, giving him a lazy gaze, "Oh... Daniel, I don't care what you do but I don't like to be cheated. Like I didn't cheat. Get your relationship over with this or I will tell our dads."

And he glared at me, "So, you are here to blackmail me!"

I scoffed and asked, "Do I look like I was blackmailing you?"

He growled, "Just what do you think of yourself? You filthy bratty girl! I don't want to marry a girl who keeps bossing everyone around and has so many complaints about everything and thinks of herself as if she was born a queen!"

He slapped away my hand and I nearly yelped at it because I had done my nails just yesterday!

He continued, "I'm done with this and you know what, I will go tell my dad by my own mouth!"

I looked at him in disbelief. He seriously wasn't going to call off the wedding, would he? I mean I had everything he needed.

I didn't know but I felt a little hurt as he said those words.

Well, I was bossy because I am a father's Princess after all. Why can't I be a little bossy and why do I need to always lower my head just because he will be my husband?!

I hated this particular social norm where I would have to obey them. But my dad never taught me to lower my head.

I growled and said, "Fine then! Go tell them because I was going to call off this marriage anyway!"

He mocked, "And who do you think will marry you? No one will marry a girl this domineering!"

And I said, "Every man would marry me if I give them a chance."

He challenged, "Fine! Then let's see if there is any man who can tolerate you."

Why won't a man tolerate me? I was rich, beautiful, had class and I knew how to crack deals! I was perfect. I was a perfect business woman.

I argued back, "There are so many men who can handle me but you are just incapable. No! You just don't have it in you."

He smiled wickedly, "If you have it in you then why don't we see if any man will ever accept you. Wait! How about we see it now?"

I looked at him with confused eyes as he challenged, "Whoever comes in from that door, you have to marry that man. Let's see if you can make that happen with your big talks."

I gave him a glare and looked at the door of the cafeteria.

I gulped and prayed that it wasn't someone who was already married or an old hag.

But to my surprise, a man in a suit and trousers entered. He had a bluetooth attached to his left ear and he was talking to someone.

But he was damn handsome and more manly than Daniel!

He had high cheekbones, strong legs and broad shoulders. He looked like a perfect man in the world that my heart fluttered just by looking at him.

I started to advance toward him with my heart beating loudly in my chest.

He was saying, "Okay, Soph! I will look for a secretary, alright! I'm not that tired!"

And I came near as he looked down at me and our eyes met. He had beautiful blue eyes and black hair.

I was wearing heels yet I reached only to his shoulders as I looked up and caught his collars.

His eyes widened as he was about to ask, "Um... Excus-"

But before he could say anything, I tugged his collar down and stood on my toes before crashing my lips on his lips.

As I pulled away from him, he was already stiffened.

My heart pumped all the blood toward my cheeks as I had never done that to anyone. Well, I had never actually kissed anyone.

My dad and mom made me study at home. So I was homeschooled all of my life. Then as I grew up, I got engaged in his business. So encounters with men were not until I finally graduated. And all those encounters were only for business purposes, very limited that there was no chance of getting involved in romance.

And one day, he told me that I was getting married. I wasn't happy nor sad since I knew it was only a business alliance.

I agreed but later I realized, I really didn't want to marry him. I wanted to know someone first and then fall in love and then marry but it was too late by then.

So, I was just swaying with the waves.

All of my childhood I was pampered with dresses, accessories and many more. Whatever I wanted, dad gave me because in reality I knew it was all investment for me to marry the Fredricksons.

They weren't only powerful people, they were also from a royal bloodline.

It didn't matter but my dad wanted me to marry into royalty. It was like he wanted his family to always be royalty.

But that day, I was just finding some excuses to call off the wedding. I knew if I said that, dad would be so angry but if Daniel told him, he would have no choice.

Although I still didn't care even if I got married but from inside, I really wanted to run away from this marriage.

And that man before me became a chance.

I asked him, "Will you marry me?"

He looked like I had grown a head as Daniel and Lola both got shocked at my bold movement.

I pointed at them with my eyes and mouthed him, "Please say yes."

It seemed that man understood immediately as he said, "Why not."

I smiled and caught his arm as I glanced at Daniel with a mocking grin and walked out with that man leaving both of them in shock.

It was late in the evening already as we came out of the cafeteria. We walked to a distance from that cafeteria and then we stopped.

Now it was just so awkward that I wanted to dig the ground and hide there!

I turned around and said, "I'm so sorry! I really am! I was just..."

"Err... Okay. Was that your boyfriend?" He asked politely.

I looked up and said, "We were going to get married."

He paled as he asked, "Oh my God! Did I just ruin a marriage?"

I shook my head. "No. You saved me from that marriage."

He seemed relieved as he let out a sigh but the tension on his shoulders were still visible.

Then he looked at me and said, "Anyways, I have to go now since I really have an important meeting in a few days and I need to work on that."

I nodded and as he turned around to leave, I said, "Wait!"

He glanced while his body was still back facing, and man did he look hot!

I asked even when I was really embarrassed and my heart was jumping, "What's... what's your name?"

He said with a smile, "Killian Harris."

I nodded and asked, "You went to the cafeteria for a coffee, right?"

He turned around fully toward me. "Well, not exactly. I went there to have something to eat since I hadn't eaten the whole day."

Now I felt so bad as I, once again, apologized, "I'm so sorry. Because of me you could not even have your food."

He smiled and said, "It's okay. I'm going back home anyways."

I didn't even have my lunch today since I was lost in the streets. Now, I felt hungry.

I asked, "Do you mind...um...going to a restaurant with me since I hadn't eaten the whole day either..."

He gave it a thought and nodded, "Alright. Let's go then."

And my stomach flipped because I could get to know him a little.

Or that's what I thought...

He suggested a good restaurant nearby and we ordered our food but he kept on talking on his phone. It seemed like he was dealing with some clients. I wanted to ask him what he did but he looked like he was still working even after working hours.

He wasn't too muscular but not too lean either. From tip to toe, his clothes, his get up everything seemed perfect. His nails were trimmed, his hair was short but combed with gel, his clothes were pressed and even when it was evening, he had no bad smell on him. It seemed like he had a lot of maids to do that for him.

That was how my first meeting with Killian Harris went.

I didn't know who he was or was he from royalty or a famous businessman from here. Was he rich or poor or an employed man in a company?

But the name was enough for me. And the way he was so gentle and polite even to his clients made me really impressed. It was like he knew what he was doing and he was good at it. Not once, his voice rose even when a client was calling him several times while we were eating.

He let out a sigh as I asked, "Do you always work even when you are on breaks?"

He gave me a sheepish smile, "Well, Sophia and dad always complain about it too. You can say I may be a workaholic."

I smiled but my heart thumped as he mentioned a name. Was that his girlfriend?

Out of curiosity, I asked, "So, Sophia is your... girlfriend? Wife?"

He laughed and shook his head as he said, "No! She's my little sister," and his phone again vibrated as he looked at it and added, "and she is again calling me..."

He picked it up as I released a sigh of relief.

My phone started to vibrate as well and it made me annoyed because for the last half an hour, I had been avoiding it.

It was dad and I knew that Denial might have already told them to call off the marriage.

My dad would be angry...

And since I didn't come with my bodyguard he would be furious. I wasn't allowed to go outside of my house without any protection and I was getting annoyed with it.

In this country, no one knew me and there was no threat! Why would I have to take a bodyguard with me? That would attract a lot of attention and I wanted to experience a free spirited life without any bodyguards or anything.

The business deal was just an excuse for me. What I really wanted was to come out of my shell and see everything with my own eyes.

"Okay! I have told HR to look for a secretary! Are you happy now?" He said as it caught my attention.

He needed a secretary...

Then he was in a good position... Should I ask him what he does?

As he cut the phone he seemed tired. He said, "I guess I need a secretary soon."

I chuckled and asked, "Work is getting busier then."

He said, "You wouldn't imagine. I even ended up in the hospital."

And I laughed. "Don't be so workaholic!"

He joined me as he said, "Can't help. My company is rising and with added new deals, I need to make sure our turnover this year is really good."

So, he was the owner...then maybe I could propose a deal.

I asked, "What kind of company?"

He said, "A small manufacturing business. Our is tire business."

And again my heart sank. Our companies were based only on hotels or travel. There was no link with tires...

I didn't know but I was strangely attracted to him and I felt desperate to have his company. I just didn't want our meeting to end after this.

I was really impressed with him that I just wanted a man like him.

The others were just too arrogant, well, that included me but he was simple. And I liked that.

But I had no guts to ask him for his contact information. It felt embarrassing...

But then I got a plan.

I asked, "If you are searching for a secretary, how about you give me your contact information. I can find you some secretary."

He looked at me and my heart started to throb. He didn't find out that I wanted to have his number, did he? I added immediately, "Well, I can't guarantee if they will be up to your expectations."

He chuckled lightly as I gave a smile which made me look so stupid. Sweat formed on my forehead as I was wishing that he didn't find out my real intentions. He nodded and brought out a card.

I took it and saw it was the company card with the numbers of their HR department, management and his official landline number.

I blinked at it.

Was he serious!

Where was his personal number?! How would I call him then? Landlines were connected so if I contacted him by that, others would surely hear us!

Should I just ask him?

No! I can't! I'm a lady!

As we finished our food, I was about to bring out my card to pay when he said, "Please, don't. Let me pay for it."

I said, "But it was basically me who dragged you here...and also for that...kiss because it was so rude of me."

He shook his head and declined, "It's okay. I'm happy to help you."

And at the end, he was the one who paid. He said, "Take it as a dinner from me."

I smiled and it was making me lonely that he would be leaving now.

As we came out of the restaurant, I was thinking about more excuses to make him stay with me. At least for a few minutes more.

My head ran through notions but he asked, "So, if you want me to drop anywhere, tell me. I will drop you before going back home."

I said, "No."

He blinked, "Okay...?"

"I mean..." I couldn't come up with an excuse as I said, "Let's have a drink. But this time, it's on me."

He blinked at me, "Now?"

I said, "It's not that late and oh!" I asked him back, "Don't tell me you can't hold your liquor?"

He raised a brow as he scoffed, "You won't be able to hold your liquor, young lady."

I knew I just hurt his ego and it played the right way to make him come with me for a drink.

I chuckled and gave him a smug look, "Are you sure you wanna challenge me?"

He seemed really amused as he studied my face for a moment and said with a smirk, "Alright then, let's go for a drink."

As we started to walk I glanced at him and asked, "Do you know any bar? I heard that bars here are really amazing."

In reality, I had never been to a bar. I certainly had wine and alcohol but it was always available in our house.

"I do know one..." He said and then he asked, "You're not from here, are you?"

I shook my head. "I'm not."

He looked at me and asked, "Where are you from? If you don't mind me asking?"

"From a small town in Europe... Are you from here?" I asked back.

He nodded, "I am. This is my city."

I said, "It's a big city."

He led me to a bar. It wasn't a small one but not a bigger establishment either however there were guards everywhere in its entrances. There was a large line of people but they couldn't go inside without showing the guards some passes.

However, as soon as the guards spotted him they let him enter but stopped me.

I wanted to ask if they needed money to let me enter but before I could ask, Killian said to the guards, "She's with me."

And my heart thumped...

They immediately let me through as I followed Killian from behind. It seemed they knew him as he didn't even need any pass or anything.

It was busy inside as loud songs were playing while the people around us were all intoxicated by the beats. The air was mixed with alcohol, cigars and sweat as we started to go through the crowd. I cringed as I wasn't accustomed to this type of environment. People were just hovering over one another, most of the females had little to nothing clothes on them and for males, they seemed like they were finding just one chance to put their d*cks into the women around them.

I couldn't advance or follow Killian as I felt a hand crawling on my waist and yanking toward them. Weird bunch of people!

They kept trying to make me dance and some of them even held my waist as I looked around with panic filled eyes. There was no trace of Killian as I was surrounded by a bunch of filthy men.

I pushed their hands away from me as one of them asked, "C'mon girl, you do know you want it."

I hissed with a straight face, "Get your filthy hands to yourself if you don't want to lose your family jewels."

The men scoffed as their eyes ran top to bottom of me and asked, "Do you really think that skinny legs of your can hit my cro**h? It's hard enough to get you crying till morning."

I cringed and one of my knees kicked just below his belly without giving a warning. He moaned in pain as he caught his family jewels with both of his hands. I smiled smugly.

And I heard a laugh just behind me.

I turned around and saw it was Killian. He said with an amused look on his face, "I didn't know you were this daring."

I felt my heart thumping with the beats of the song as my face heated. I didn't want him to know that side of me. Yet.

"Sir, is everything alright?" Two bouncers came behind him as he said, "Please, show the gentleman the exit."

They immediately took him away as the floor again became crowded.

But this time he looked behind and held my hand as he guided me. All the while, my heart pumped blood to my ears as I hadn't expected that.

Whoever tried to hold me, or came before me, he kept giving a straight, cold face as they didn't even try to come near me.

And somehow it made me feel so safe around him. He certainly was my type.

We went for the bartender as he ordered our drinks. He asked, "I asked for the strongest ones. I hope you won't pass out after this."

I said, "Don't worry, I'm not that easy to beat in a drink."

The drinks arrived as we raised our glasses in the air to each other and our glasses touched, making a clunk noise. We both said, "Cheers."

And we gulped it in a go.

He looked my way and was surprised that even if it was a strong drink, my expression didn't change.

I smirked as I asked, teasing him, "So, shall we see who can really win in this battle, Mr Harris?"

The corners of his lips went up as he said, "Well, you really have planned to delay me in my work..."

I pouted, "Oh, so you certainly are trying to run away now giving an excuse of work, is it?"

He let out a sigh and said, "Fine. Let the battle begin."

And in an hour, we both were finishing the line of small shots that were lined before us. We both were fast as the crowd around us cheered.

I had no idea just how many shots I had taken but now my head really floated in the air as the drink had started to work.

He was the same however, he certainly knew how to stabilize himself.

We were finishing the line and whoever finished the last shot would win. There was just one shot left and we both looked at each. At lightning speed, my hand reached the small glass and I took it, gulping it down immediately.

And the crowd around us cheered.

I grinned widely and raised my hands upward as he laughed.

I said, "So, I did tell uo dat I win... Dat, I' el... I'll win."

My words started to jumble as I giggled at my own words and he chuckled. "Oh, no. You're drunk."

I whined, "I'm not!"

And then I started to giggle again as he shook his head. He asked, raising a brow, "So, who can hold their liquor now?"

I was really impressed that he wasn't even wobbling like me while I was a giggling mess. My feet wobbled and I swear I was seeing everything triple.

I said, "Me!"

He chuckled and said, "Well, I have to say you certainly can drink a lot but you can't hold it."

I pouted, "I am holding it. See, I won!"

He admitted as he said, "Alright. Let's get you home."

I whined, "What! No... We just came here like a minute ago."

He said, "We are here for more than an hour."

But I didn't even listen to it as I turned around and said, "Let's dance!"

"Wait!" Before he could stop me I went to the dance floor and started to jump like how all of them were jumping on the floor. I swayed my hips and he immediately came by as he shouted over the music, "We have to go!"

"Why?"

"I have to finish the papers..."

I complained, "Are you always this workaholic, Mr Harris? That's a party pooper!"

He sighed as he said, "Come in! Tell me where are you staying?"

"On Earth!"

He gave me a look as I giggled again at my own jokes. I didn't know why I was laughing but I really liked the feeling of being a care free lady for the night.

I should have been cautious about my surroundings or maybe more suspicious of everyone however with Killian Harris, I wasn't feeling like that. It was exactly the opposite I was feeling.

I felt safe and felt like doing childish things. All of my life I was trained to be a proper lady but only this one I wanted to do whatever I wanted.

And I did.

I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him toward me as I kissed him again.