Feels Like Home

Cold, stern, demanding and hard-hearted. The words everyone uses to describe none other than the CEO of Soaa Group, who is also my boss. Despite his appearance that makes every girl swoon, his character? Worse than any man on this planet.

He was the most hated yet most loved man. I had never met him yet his pictures were everywhere, from magazines to social media posts to even posters at work. Every. Single. Place.

Others say he has no heart, he would fire a person for a simple mistake. Make you work overnight with no extra pay. Make you to repeat your work a hundred of times until it was perfect. For him, at least.

This is what they say about him. Lucky enough, I have never encountered him yet.

My work? It was revised and submitted by the manager in charge so I had no contact with him whatsoever. What a luck, you might say? Pretty proud of my luck if it meant not having to deal with him.

However, I still keep my guards up. Never know when I may meet this stern man. It could be in the elevator, or even in a meeting.

However, the last thing I could ever expect was to find this man right in front of my eyes as we shared the same table.

Mr. Daniel.

I gulped as I fidgeted with my hands. He was sitting ahead of me, his face almost emotionless if it weren’t for his deep, dark grey eyes. He had his armed crossed, looking unamused. Is this how he’s expecting to marry a girl? I would have walked away the second my eyes met with his scowled face, if it weren’t for my parents. And Richard.

Speaking of which… I should already be on my feet leaving this unwelcoming table. He could recognize me at any second and if that was the case, I couldn’t face him again in the future at work. I may even get fired. My heartbeat escalated as all the bad possibilities circled in my mind. I was doomed. I sighed internally as I realized the problem I was stuck into. There was no escape.

One week ago:

Today is the day. The day I have been eagerly waiting for. Our one year anniversary. I looked at the calendar between my hands The 5th of March 2022. A big smile plastered on my face, an idea creeping in my head. Should lI surprise him and go earlier? I grinned at the sudden idea, putting back the calendar, standing.

I put on the dress I have prepared, a light pink, off shoulder dress that had some white flowers on it. I wore my white pump heel, straightened my hair, put on some makeup and was ready to go. “What an angel.” My mom beamed as I passed by the living room. “Are you sure of this, Liv?” She held both of my hands, her face worried.

“Mom…”My parents were not very accepting of my relationship with Richard, my boyfriend. They wanted me to marry some random dude they chose for me just because ‘If we become families, he promised to close of the debt I owe him’ my dad says.

“I love Richard and Richard loves me. I don’t understand you both. Don’t you want to see me happy?” My mom sighed gently rubbing her fingers over my palms. “You know that’s not it…but Mr. Dean, he gave us this once in a lifetime offer.”

“Not only will we pay back our debt, but he has enough money to make you happy and you’ll live easily.” She continued.

“Money doesn’t buy happiness mom. I’m leaving.” I adjusted my bag that has fallen to my forearm, bidding my goodbye and left. As if I would marry some guy just because he is rich. I let out a huff, waking to the car.

Minutes later, I was already in front of his apartment door. I took a deep breath, my smile never leaving my face.

*ding*

I waited a couple of seconds, then a few more. And a few couple more. My brows furrowed. Moments later, I found my ear glued to the door, eyes squinting as I tried to find any hint of noise.

What the hell are you doing Olivia? I licked my lips, standing straight. This is not a good thing to do.

*ding*

I rang again. Maybe he didn’t hear it the first time. Yeah, yeah…it might happen. I fidgeted with my fingers for a good half a minute before the door flew open.

Wide eyes, raised brows, mouth agape. In shock, and disbelief, my purse now on the floor. Here he stood, a tall woman standing a few meters behind him.

“Liv,” He started, looking as shocked as I am. “I thought we were meeting at 8…” He tried to play it cool, finding my hands, which I was quick to shove. “Who is she?” Eyes on the verge of tears, I was trying to hold them in.

He sighed, rubbing his palms on his hair. He licked his lips, looking serious. “Since it happened this way… I’ll just go for it.” He turned his head to the woman that was standing hands crossed over her chest.

“Baby come here.” All sadness left my body, anger taking over. He dares to call her ‘baby’ in front of me?

“Liv…This is Jen. I’m sorry I was trying to find a way to tell you. I met her and… it just happened I fell in love with her. I don’t love you this way anymore.” He searched my eyes for any reaction, yet I just stood there. “For the past few weeks being with you was, it was like hell. As if I was trapped. Our relationship was suffocating me.”

“Couldn’t you like at least talk to me about it?”

“Liv…”

“Don’t you dare call me by my nickname again. You don’t deserve it.” I scowled, heat growing all over me.

“I tried… you’re just stubborn, you don’t even listen to me. You want everything to be your way and act so childless. I’m fed up. I don’t even know how your future boyfriends will be able to deal with you.”

And that was the sentence that sent fuel to my brain. I picked my purse, eyeing the female that now stood beside him.

“Oh really?” I nodded a few times, removing the promise ring from my hand. “Well I hope you both are happy. Finally I can be free from you. And don’t you worry about my future boyfriends, because at least they won’t be childish cheaters that are scared of marriage.”

I threw the ring at them, turning finding my way to the stairs. I turned around, throwing them a last glance, and I wished I didn’t open my mouth at this instance. I wish I thought before speaking.

“You aren’t the only one with a surprise sweetheart.” I smirked at them, both of their faces frown in confusion.

I’ll let him know what it means to play with my heart. I was full of anger, full of disappointment and shock.

Richard they guy I have been fighting with my parents for. The guy I hoped one day will propose to me, build a family with me. The guy I trusted. All shattered on our anniversary.

Tears escaped my eyes, walking down the stairs. ‘I’ll give him a surprise just like he did to me.’ I muttered as I wiped my tears.

‘This doesn’t end here Richard.’

“Mom, Dad.” I called as soon as I arrived home. Anger still dictating my every move. I was not thinking clearly, yet I didn’t care. No matter what, I need to make him feel the same way he did.

My parents both walked over, confusion evident on their faces.

“I accept.” My voice quivered, as I looked at them.

“You accept what exactly?” My dad worriedly questioned.

“I’ll marry the son of Mr. Dean.” My dad smiles lightly, walking over to me.