Written in the stars?

RIELE'S POV

How the hell am I stuck in traffic on a weekend? I'm pretty sure not everyone is going to the grocery store as I currently am. Shouldn't they like be in bed?

"Hey move it!!"

A yelling behind me caught my attention, followed by the continuous blaring of a horn.

Realizing I had gotten lost in thought, I looked forward to notice the cars in front of me had moved out and I was now the one creating the traffic.

"Shit!" I muttered, stepping on the gas.

The grocery store was not so packed and I thanked God for that. Last thing I needed was a difficult time moving around. That and the fact I don't do too well with large crowds.

I busied myself with getting what I needed at home, throwing them inside the shopping basket I had picked up by the entrance.

The ringing of my phone stopped my actions. I picked it up- using my shoulder to hold it up to my ear- while I resumed shopping.

"Riele! Are you up for clubbing tonight?"

"Hello to you too Vanny" I rolled my eyes, even though I knew she couldn't see me.

"Yeah yeah whatever" she replied and repeated her earlier question.

I could stay here and argue with her on how to properly begin a call or I could just accept it. Choosing the latter, because I'd only be giving myself a headache if I started an argument with her.

I was a little skeptical of her question but I couldn't hide out in my house forever reading books and getting lost in thoughts.

'of him'.

I shut my eyes tightly at the comment from my subconscious. Definitely going to be needing this outing.

"Alright" I replied.

"Okay! We'll all meet up at the location I'm sending right now to you with the time. Bye!"

I was about to say something when I smacked right into something hard.

My phone fell down along with the basket I was holding and I made a quick move to pick it up.

A pair of hands made it down the same time mine did and I finally looked up at the something or rather someone I had ran into.

"Hi" he smiled charmingly and I stared shamelessly at his beauty and perfect dentition.

'Bad bad Riele, look away now!'

The voice in my head cautioning me didn't work till I heard him clear his throat.

I quickly looked down, picking up my stuff and hoping my red hair would cover the blush I knew was making its way to my cheeks.

Well that was embarrassing.

"Here you go" He stretched out his hand to me. Looking at it, I saw it was a box of sanitary pad and I suddenly wished there was a hole to throw myself in.

"Uh th...thank you"

Why was this man so beautiful? I never stuttered.

"You're welcome" His pearly whites were still on display and I wondered for a moment if his mouth didn't hurt from smiling so much.

I stood up awkwardly and waited for him to leave, but not all wishes are granted. I was no Cinderella

"I'm Tyler" he stretched out a hand and I shook it, nodding.

He kept looking at me expectantly and I raised a brow questioningly.

"You are?"

Oh my name!

"I'm Riele. Bye now"

I tried stepping around him to leave but he caught a hold of my hand.

I looked at his hands and back up at him. He immediately let go with an apology.

"Sorry, I uh," he scratched the back of his neck and all I could think of was 'CUTE'.

"I just wanted to ask if you wanted to hang out sometime?" He looked nervous now and I felt better that he did. Gone were minutes ago when I was the nervous one.

"It's just that I have been watching you since you came into the mall and I just felt I should uh..."

He paused, probably not knowing the words to use. Enjoying this whole exchange way too much, I encouraged with a nod of my head for him to continue.

"I was wondering if we could just sit at some place and you tell me a little about__"

"About myself?" I interrupted before he could complete that statement cause damn it, I freaking hated that line.

He looked taken aback by my sharp tone.

That shitty statement of his was all it took to snap me back to my senses.

What was I doing in the first place standing here and talking to him like I was interested in what he wanted to serve?

"Look, I wouldn't want someone wasting my time, so I'll do the same for you" I released a breath and continued. This is something I always do, so it shouldn't be that hard but with Tyler, I actually felt some kind of guilt. He seemed like a nice guy

'don't they all?' .

Agreeing with my subconscious, I faced the matter at hand.

"We both know where this conversation is headed and I might sound rude but truth is I don't have time for all this and I'm really sorry but I have to leave"

He looked hurt after my statement but I really didn't give a fuck about it

"Wow" he seemed confused. "I didn't mean to upset you, I just wanted to get to know you but_."

Again, i interrupted his talks with a raised hand

"I really don't wanna know" With that, I left him there looking completely dumbfounded

I know it might seem like I got some personality disorder right now. One minute I'm gawking at his pretty face and the next I'm being a total bitch. Don't get me wrong, he's cute and all but I don't need things like that in my life right now. Couldn't he have just helped pick up my stuff and leave? Ugh! I wasn't Interested in whatever he was offering. I was never going to allow myself to fall for that shit. Never again.

I made my way to the counter and paid for the stuff I bought before leaving the mall in a rush.

Thoughts of the past had begun to flood my head and I couldn't help but wonder if it would ever stop. It was becoming too much and I never liked the way it made me feel.

I hit the accelerator, picking up an unusual speed that I knew could be dangerous if I didn't control it well.

It was just who I was. Once I feel a little panic or my anxiety kicks in, my sense of reasoning just tends to fly out the window.

Now more than ever, I was glad to be going to the club tonight. I needed to clear my head and rid my thoughts of HIM. Well as much thoughts as I could clear.

*********

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hi guys! This is actually my first ever written book as an author and I'm glad to finally be putting it out here on moboreader!

Now I don't want to bore you people with my talks but there's something I needed to clear up. So as you can see, Riele talks a lot with her subconscious or according to some people, that bitchy side in your mind. Anyways, I denote whenever it speaks to her with an apostrophe(').

That'll be all. Enjoy and please share my books!

RIELE'S POV

I woke up with the worst hangover and I could pretend I was surprised but in all honesty, I wasn't.

"She's awake!" Vanny screeched and I immediately shoved deeper under the duvet.

Why was she louder than usual?

'oh i don't know, maybe because you're in a delicate state having drunk more than you should have'

As much as I would want to banter words with my subconscious, I knew she was right.

"Riele?"

I poked out my head from the covers, looking at Mia with a smile that probably looked like a wince.

Four pairs of eyes met with mine accusingly and I knew I was about to be lectured.

I couldn't even remember much from last night. I could only remember getting to the club and ordering a shot of some mixed drink that I couldn't for the life of me remember its name. After the third glass, every other thing became a blur.

"How much disgrace did I bring upon you girls?" I asked with a grimace.

"A lot but that isn't what's important right now" Liv replied.

I feigned confusion, hoping they'd drop it if I acted like I didn't know what they were on about.

"Riele it's been two years" Candice chimed in and I sighed, staring at all of them.

It really didn't feel that long to me.

"I'm sorry" It was all I could say as tears stung my eyes. I didn't like how weak I became whenever it concerned him. It was pathetic.

Well there goes my operation 'RID MY THOUGHTS OF HIM' plan

Liv moved quickly over my bed, drawing me into a comforting hug.

I heard Vanny sigh and I immediately felt ashamed of myself.

******

"Grrrrr grrrrr grrrrr"

I Woke up to the blaring of my alarm and once again like every other Monday, my mood turned sour and I said a little Monday prayer like I always do.

which goes like this:

"Lord keep my mood in check, In order for me not to be arrested for murder".

I rolled over on my back, outstretched my hand and succeeded in turning the little witch called an alarm off. I yawned, bouncing off the bed- which proved to be a terrible idea seeing as I landed on my butt.

Ouch?!

Don't even ask me how it happened. I blame it all on the day we're in. MONDAY! I mean why did a day like this have to exist. I really hate Mondays. Trust me, Garfield's hatred for the day is terrified of mine right now.

My phone's ringtone blasted around the room, breaking my line of thought. I turned to my nightstand and picked it up.

Looking at the caller ,I saw it was Ann, my personal assistant.

"Speak!!" I was a little irritated.

"Good morning, Miss," She greeted shakily.

I almost felt bad for how I treated my employees, Ann especially but I didn't even know how to be nice to people anymore. I didn't want to be taken for granted. Absolutely every human -other than my own people- scares me; So it's only right I scare them too

When I didn't reply, Ann took that as a cue to continue.

"Uhm miss, Mr Richards says he can't make it to the meeting today because he has a flight to catch at the exact time and it's for a really important matter but he's sending his Son"

Ann sounded terrified and I knew it wasn't because of me but the fact she knew I hated when plans got changed. Normally I'd get angry at the unprofessional arrangement. He should have stated it earlier, that's how it's done. But I couldn't get angry because this is THE RICHARDS! Owner of the Richards' hotel enterprise and that's one of the biggest hotel chains in the world. He's also the owner of Richards' interiors- which is the biggest interior designing company in the whole of the United States.

I remember my father trying to get a business deal with them. It would have done lots of good for our company but the deal never worked out and so by the time I got it, father was so happy and passed down the company to me. He's now retired and travels the world with Mom.

Shit, MOM!

"Oh my God!" I exclaimed, remembering I haven't called them in a while..

"What is it, Miss? Do you need anything?"

I almost laughed at Ann's frantic voice on the other end of the phone.

"No, just get the meeting room on the top floor ready. I'll be there in 30"

"Okay Miss" With that, I hung up and dialed Mom.

"Darren! Guess who finally remembered she got parents"

I winced at my mother's accusatory tone.

"My princess!" Came my father's excited reply, which brought a smile to my face.

"Hello daddy" I chuckled.

I heard shuffling and my mother cursing at how easily my father was fooled by me, before his soothing voice took over the phone

"Hey princess, how are you baby?" smiling at how my father addresses me, I couldn't help but miss them. He never agrees I'm grown up.

"I'm fine dad, please tell Mom to forgive me, I've just been so busy"

"It's fine dear, I know you're busy. I just miss you so much" My mum's voice sounded distant and so I guessed she was probably far from the phone.

"I miss you too, Mom"

"What about me?" My father's voice chimed in, sounding sad.

"I miss you too, dad"

"Better" He said and I chuckled.

My father can be such a big baby .

"Aren't you supposed to be at work right now, young lady?" Mom's voice called out and I turned to the clock- which told me I probably should get moving if I needed to go through anything before the meeting.

"Oh shit! Got to go Mom, dad. The Richards' meeting is today. Love you" I rushed out, running into the bathroom.

"Love you too" I heard them chorus before the line went dead.

****

While waiting for the elevator to reach the top floor- where only my office and the biggest meeting room is located- I turned to listen to Ann as she briefed me on the happenings.

"Fire them right away"

"But miss_"

"Shut the hell up and do as I've said, Ann!".

The elevator dinged and I got off, hearing a small "okay" from Ann.

There are things I don't tolerate and one would be workers who don't take their job seriously. Having someone else do your job for you while you're taking a mini vacation without my consent? The audacity! Ann had better fire them, else she'd be joining them.

I got to my office and sat on my chair, scrolling through some news feed on Instagram. I still have some time before Mr Richards' son comes, so I'll just take my time. Social media for at least 15 minutes and then I can read through the presentation again.

Five minutes into Instagram and my office line rang. So much for a little 'Me' time.

"Yes!" I snapped.

"I...I .,uh......"

"If you don't stop that, prepare to look for a new job Ann"

I knew I was being harsh but I didn't really care, plus it's freaking MONDAY! and I don't pay her to fucking stutter

"Miss, it's Mr Richards. He's at the meeting room "

"What?! But the meeting is scheduled for 9am and this is just a little after 8"

"Yes Miss, but he said he has some things to do today, so it's now or never" I stayed quiet "his words" she quickly added, sensing my already brewing anger.

The question now though is who the hell does that bastard think he is? Not even a call or something to convey the rescheduling of time?

Great! I hate Mondays and now I have to deal with some asshole too.

"Fine Ann, I'll be there in five". I hung up and moved to the mirror beside my ceiling to floor window to rearrange whatever felt out of place with my looks before heading to the meeting.

Ann opened the double door to the meeting room as soon as she noticed me coming. It is a very big room and is only used for big clients like Mr Richards.

I've heard a lot about his sons. His eldest one is rumored to be taking after the hotel business in two weeks time, while the second is taking after the interior business in a month's time. I have no business with gossip that does not benefit me but the Richards are well known, so it's no surprise I know that information. I don't even know what they look like but I heard they are quite handsome but different in personality. I could as well check for their pictures on the internet but like I said, I have no business with it and I don't care. Turns out you can be on social media and still not know some celebrities. Love it!

I was met with 2 pair of eyes. One which I'm assuming to be Mr Richards' son, spotting a sea of deep blue eyes that looked oddly familiar but I couldn't place how or why. His eyes seemed so focused and calculative but one thing stood out the most; It looked empty. His face and eyes were kept cold and looked at me in pure impatience. I know that look because I'm putting one on too. And the other pair of eyes belongs to his assistant, I think.

"So is this how you run your business? By keeping people waiting for you" He roared, making Ann and his assistant shrink in fear but I didn't move an inch. I also kept my face void of any emotion.

Two can play the bossy act asshole! I know he's trying to intimidate me but he's met his match today .

"With all due respect, No one speaks to me that way" I snapped, matching his icy tone.

He seemed shocked at first but masked it all quickly.

"I don't have the time for all this bullshit. Let's commence" He ordered and I was finding it difficult not to just slap this man because he really was pushing my buttons.

I took in a large breath to rein in my anger. Absolutely no one tells me what to do but this is for my father and the company, so I'll just feign ignorance this time.

'This is for my father' I kept chanting in my head.

"Fine then" I gave in.

*****

"This must be a joke to you right?" He asked, letting out a dry chuckle.

We are still at the meeting and I have had just about enough of this idiot.

"What are you talking about?" I spoke calmly. Way too calmly and it wasn't a good thing for this man. Ann noticed and looked scared.

"Your presentation and analysis are just unskilled and trash" He spoke without a care and I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

"Ann, leave us please. Same goes to you too, bimbo" I spoke, referring to his assistant.

She glared at me and looked at her boss for permission.

"Just go Kara. I'll be out soon" with that, she left and Ann followed behind.

As soon as the door shut, I turned back to the idiot man with me.

Now alone with just him, I was a little taken aback and speechless as I noticed how handsome he was but didn't dwell on it much because his character definitely outweighed his look.

"What exactly is your problem?" I slammed my hand down on the table, earning an eyebrow raise from him.

"First, you changed the time for the meeting without any heads up. Secondly, you weren't even listening to the presentation because God knows what bimbo's hands were doing between your legs and now you have the audacity to tell me my presentation is unskilled?" He looked unfazed by my outburst and just stared at me like I was singing the 'happy birthday song' wrongly

"Are you done now?" He asked, looking at his watch.

My left eye twitched in anger.

"Well I guess you are" He concluded with an indifferent shrug. "Look, I'd only do one thing for you- which is another chance- since father spoke so highly of your company" he threw the words out like he was doing me a favor. "My company in three days time and please be prepared. Same time too" he says, standing and heading to the door, while I stared after him like he'd grown two heads with my mouth agape.

He stopped and turned slightly, holding on to the door knob.

"Oh and the 'bimbo' as you called her, was just relieving me from listening to your boring and unskilled presentation" he gave a taunting smirk, before going out the door

I stood there stunned and way past furious.

UNKNOWN POV

I have never craved for a woman like I craved this red hair. She was so beautiful and would be way more beautiful squirming beneath me.

Laughter bubbled out of me at the image of her begging for more of me, which of course I'd oblige her. I probably would give her the whole world, if she asked for it.

I watched as she drove Into her luxurious mansion and couldn't help but plan all the better things I'd give her when I finally have her.

Blowing a kiss to her as the gates closed, I drove off smiling.

She's mine and soon, everyone would know. Anyone who stands in my way might as well welcome death.

****

RIELE'S POV

I landed with my back on my bed, smiling.

This is the only time I love Mondays- When it's ending. Thank God and hey, I didn't kill anybody.

I clapped my hands, feeling proud.

The ringing of my phone brought me out of my peace and I scowled at it.

Blindly searching around for it with my hand, I finally picked it up without looking at the caller. I was way too tired to look at anything at that point.

"Ahhhhhh".

I quickly removed the phone from my ear as a reflex action. I checked the caller and saw it was Candice.

"Jesus! What the hell is wrong with you Candice?! " I shouted, trying to steady my heartbeat.

She scared the shit out of me.

"Turn on Celebrity news, girl"

I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see it and did just as she said.

I was met with a cover for the Summer body dream and my two best friends were on it. Yup Vanny and Candice, and they were serving hot!

They've both been waiting for this moment since they started their modeling career and now look at them. They've just been officially announced as top models of the biggest modeling agency in the world.

"Congrats babe, and by the way, you both look so hot in those bathing suits. It is totally about to sell out" and it wasn't a lie, even I am interested now.

I just love the fact my girls are all doing well. Mia is a big shot lawyer and loves her job. Liv on the other hand, is a mass communicator and show hostess. She's very popular in the entertainment industry, sometimes we barely see her because she's traveling here and there busy as hell but right now, she's taking a little break from any job outside the states and so for now, we got her to ourselves.

"Thanks girl, and by the way, you've got an invitation coming in tomorrow for the welcome party being thrown for Vanny and I on Saturday by the owner of the agency" she beamed on the phone and I could swear she was smiling from ear to ear.

"That's really cool. I'll definitely be there, can't miss it for the world"

"Okay b, talk later and oh! Liv is the red carpet hostess"

"She's the best in the business, I'm not surprised"

"Yeah. Anyways we are going shopping on Friday , no buts you must come with, bye love ya" The line went dead.

"She didn't even give me a chance to say no," I grumbled to myself.

It's not like I hate shopping. Oh far from that actually. I love it, but I prefer sitting in my house and ordering it because I am lazy like that, but the girls love going out to get it and they always find a way to drag me along.

Oh well, I guess it won't hurt to go out once in a while.

****

Have you ever felt like you were forgetting something that is supposed to be important? Because that's how I felt right now.

Tuesday and Wednesday passed in a rush and I didn't get this feeling but today- while preparing for work- I felt like there's something I'm forgetting. I didn't have to think long before my answers came to me in the form of my phone ringing.

"Speak Ann" I answered

"Miss we have a meeting with Mr Richards at his company in an hour's time. I sent you an email last night about it but still calling to let you know"

My mouth gaped open. So that's what I was forgetting.

I did see the email, but pitch perfect 2 was being aired and I was watching it for the 1000th time while singing along and decided to check the mail later. Safe to say I didn't.

"And where are you?''

I heard the doorbell and went down to open it.

Standing there was Ann. Then why was she calling to inform_ you know what, I didn't care. Only problem I've got now is meeting Jerkface. I don't care what his real name is; I'm sticking with this.

"Good morning, Miss"

"Good morning, Ann. Now please get to work and make me breakfast. I gave Greta today off"

Greta is my help but I feel better using the word lifesaver. She's just on time when I need her, so yeah, lifesaver.

"Okay miss" Ann rushed off to the kitchen "Pancakes?" I heard her ask.

"Yeah whatever" I replied, running up the stairs to pick an outfit. Thank God I already had my bath and brushed my teeth.

I took out a black pencil skirt that stopped just above my knees and had a little slit by my left leg, then a buttoned down white shirt that was a little transparent if properly looked at. I paired it off with my black ankle heel and I was pleased at what I saw staring back at me in my mirror. I looked hot and classy at the same time.

I applied no makeup and left my hair down in its natural wavy red goodness. My hair is probably my favorite asset seeing as I don't stress when it comes to it.

Soon enough I was done eating and we hit the road.

****

I looked up at the Richards' company and couldn't help but be mesmerized. It was so beautiful and breathtaking. With every time the sun hits the name written in Gold on top, it glistens. It is a really tall building and all glass too; black and gold being the prominent color.

We stepped into the building and Ann rushed off to the reception area to introduce us and why we were here. The receptionist's eyes widened slightly on seeing me and I didn't blame her.

The thing is I had never been photographed and even when I must have been, my PR team knew what to do. My employees were signed to a sworn confidentiality that if broken could end badly for them.

So imagine someone walking in and announcing themselves as CEO of Morris construction. They all know the company has been passed down to me but still didn't know what I looked like. I just wasn't ready for the world yet. Never been a fan of the attention that came with fame and besides, I liked the freedom I have of moving around the way I pleased.

"Miss it's confirmed, We can go in"

I gave Ann a nod "Alright let's go".

We followed the receptionist as she led the way.

We got off the elevator at the highest floor and saw bimbo signaling us to follow her.

"Not you" she rolled her eyes at Ann and directed her gaze towards me "just you".

"Ann, wait here, I'll be out soon"

Ann nodded, throwing dirty looks at bimbo and I couldn't help the silent laugh that escaped me.

****

MASON'S POV

Father has been seriously bothering me. Yes I know getting married was my mother's last wish on her deathbed and no, I am not planning on breaking that promise but right now, I am really not ready to be tied down to a loveless marriage because let's face it, that word doesn't exist in this current generation of ours. I have never felt it and doubt I ever will.

Women were just made to satisfy our urge for sex and that's all. Besides I'm just 28, what's the rush?

Father has got to know I still have a long way to go and now on top of that, I have this useless meeting with this woman who thinks because she's the CEO of a very successful company , she could talk me down. Seems she hasn't done her assignment because she should know I'm not one to mess with. There's a reason why people say I have a stone for a heart. I care for nothing and no one that isn't my father or little brother. I don't even know why I let myself be bothered by stupid people like her.

'Maybe because she's sexy as sin'.

Oh please I've seen better

'Yeah, keep telling yourself that'.

You know what? Yes, I will.

The knocking at my door brought me out of the argument with my subconscious. I've always talked to it since I was a kid. It's weird, I know and it sometimes puts me in some annoying situations.

"Come in" I called out to who I presumed must be Kara and the annoying woman.

The doors opened and I definitely wasn't prepared for what came through it.

*********

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Yeahhhhh did I forget to tell y'all Mason talks to his subconscious too?😂 sorry