Jen

I woke up feeling cold, I missed the warmth of Rick, I opened my eyes and found myself alone in the bed. I snatched up the sheets and checked the room but he was not there. I smiled to myself about recollecting our last intimated night. After freshen up I choose tight skin Jeans with a blue oversized sweater.

I went to his room then looked everywhere for him but there was no sign of him. I thought he must have gone out with Daniel but when I saw Daniel with Mrs. Adam in the garden, I started worrying. Where is he? I was juggling in my mind then I heard Daniel calling me.

"Good morning Sunshine, care to join us for Coffee?" I hesitantly return his smile.

"Good Morning." I greeted both of them, At least I won a little smile from Mrs. Adam this time.

"You are late Ms. Milano." Mrs. Adam said pointing at me, her intimidating persona making me shiver. I felt like I'm in school again.

"Sorry Mrs. Adam. I overslept today due to cold." I replied slowly.

"Oh! It's ok, Ms. Milano, I only said this because you would have said your goodbye to Rick, he left early for his business trip." Mrs. Adam wickedly smiled at me.

"What? He was supposed to leave today evening, then why he left early in the morning?" my voice came out very desperate. But I can't help it. How could he leave without meeting me? The whole night he was with me, he didn't mention it, if it was urgent at least he could have woke me up to say goodbye, especially after yesterday's night.

I felt sad. I hold my emotion in front of Mrs. Adam.

"He remembered something so left early. Don't be disheartened, when I'm here at your service." Daniel bowed in front of me dramatically which made me smile for a while, still, my heart was hurting with Rick's uncaring behavior.

Mrs. Adam cleared her throat, in a way it seems a warning for Daniel to behave. Daniel scratched his subtle in embarrassment​ and looked down like an obedient boy. If I was not in such pain, I would have laughed at him.

"Ms. Milano, I'm afraid I have to leave you alone now, I have planned my whole day in the church. Hope, you can be comfortable alone here." She asked me politely.

"If you don't mind Mrs. Adam, can I join you? I heard a lot about the beauty of the Church here." I pleaded with her.

"You haven't eaten your breakfast yet and I'm running late already." She pointed in her watch.

"I would love to join you, I'm not hungry anyway." I lied to her actually I was very hungry but didn't want to miss the bonding opportunity with Mrs. Adam.

"Ok, if you insist." It made me happy. I have seen many beautiful churches though the beauty of this church was unbeatable. It was very old with classic looks. The environment was very peaceful, Rick was right, it was the perfect place for the medication. Mrs. Adam started helping the nuns on the farm. They were planting seeds on the farm. I also tried to help but the truth is, I am useless as I don't know anything about the farm. Lucky me!!

Rick

The Auction has organized outside of the Logan Mansion, it was very huge and beautiful. It was profitable for the hotel business, it was in the center of the city which can easily attract tourists. I took the table beside Milano's with my Manager. My manager poked me to look at the door, I turned my head, then found a very beautiful and confident Ms. Scarlet Milano. She took the seat at her table. She has accompanied by two people. I guessed a guy was her Manager. She was in her business attire, pencil blue skirt, white shirt and body fitted blazer. Her hair was tied in a high pony tail, by looking at her nobody can tell it was her first business assignment. Her manager was briefing her and she was listening to him carefully.

I was observing her, she was looking confident with her face. She hides her nervousness very well, once Jen told me whenever Scarlet gets nervous she creases both her hands and starts praying. I laughed at Jen, but am now amused seeing Scarlet doing the same thing right now.

The bid started at high mode. Later only our company and Milano's left for bidding, after bidding for some time I asked my Manager to stop. So, Milano won the bid. She stood excitedly and hugged another girl. She must be her friend.

Most of the guys who were ogling her stepped at her side to congratulate her. She was politely shaking her hands with everyone, I caught her looking at me. Her friend whispered something into her ear looking at me, she shyly smiled. It seems this was the perfect time to introduce myself.

She went to another side to talk over the phone, it was my cue for my next action.

Scarlet

I cracked my first business deal. I was excited and very happy. I wanted to call dad immediately but people kept me busy by congratulating me. I was overwhelmed with their appreciation. Most of the eligible guys came forward to ask me for a date which I politely declined. Anyways, I informed dad and he was really proud of me. Jen, where the hell are you?

I wished she would be here to see my first deal, silly girl sent me a mail informing me that she won't be available for one month as she wanted her space to think about her relationship with that mysterious guy. I felt bad because of me they fought. It seemed I overacted about her relation, hope she will sort out the things soon.

My competitor who gave me neck to neck completion was a very handsome guy. His hardcore body, blue deep eyes, perfect jawline asked for attention, it looked like he earned few female fans here, every girl is approaching him. I tried to avoid him still can't resist checking him out. I froze at my place when I saw him talking to his manager in front of me. I was shadowed by a tree therefore he can't see me. I tried to walk out from there as I don't want to listen to their conversation, that's bad. Then I heard them mentioning our company which made me stops.

His manager asked "Why did you give up this bid for Milano Industry?" I was surprised.

"Let it go, Ben." He calmly said.

"It was a very important deal for our company Ryan; we were prepared for this deal. We could have bid double of the Milano's but you decided to quit, why?" even I wanted to know now, my phone buzzed suddenly. He turned to me and got surprised.

He whispered something to his manager and his manager left us alone. I was standing there without saying anything.

He coughed and started this awkward conversation "Congratulation, Ms. Milano." I accepted his hand for shaking which raised a tingle in my body.

"Thank you, Mr.." I didn't know his name, he was bidding for Richards Industry.

"Hey, I'm Ryan Richards." He introduced him.

"Hi, I'm Scarlet Milano." We greeted each other. I cannot hold myself to ask him about his conversation with his manager.

"I'm sorry I heard your conversation. It made me curious, if it was not for money then why did you quit?" finally I asked him.

He gave me a strange look with a smirk on his face "It's nothing like that, you deserve this deal."

"I know, I deserve this." I said confidently and continued "If you would have bided, I surely would have bided higher." I straightened my head assertively, showing him I didn't win this because of him.

He laughed, again gave me his signature smirk "Ms. Milano, I never gave you the impression that you won because of me. No need to prove me, I know you are talented."

"I'm not here to prove anything, just wanted to know why you quit?" I was irritated now.

"Let it go, you won't appreciate the reason." I was done with this conversation so I moved ahead angrily.

He called me back "I didn't mean to anger you, sweetheart. Ok, how could I put this, um..I saw a very innocent girl praying holding her hands nervously in the auction for winning her first bid. How could I hurt such a beautiful girl?"

I looked back at him shockingly. How did he know?

"No, I was not doing such thing. You misunderstood and lost the deal. One thing I want to suggest to you Mr. Richards, in business, there is no place for emotion." I nodded him saying this as I meant every word.

"Without emotion, nothing can work. You need dedication and passion for the business which is one kind of emotion, sweetheart." He told me sweetly. I was breathless, losing myself into his deep blue ocean eyes.

"Whatever, you lost. End of the story." I raised an eyebrow at him.

"No I am not, I won something precious than this deal." He said with a coy smile.

"Really, and what's​ that?" I gave him a mocking smirk.

"Your heart Ms. Milano." He winked me naughtily. I was sure my face colored, I was blushing.. I never thought a sweet comment can make me blush.

I poised myself and told him clearly "A long way to go Mr. Richards to reach my heart. Best of luck for that." I left him there alone. I was aware he was flirting with me but I didn't want to talk to him otherwise he will definitely make me fall for his charms.....

After the Auction, Ryan was only one thing in my mind. I tried to busy myself in my studies but couldn't get him off of my mind. I felt strong chemistry between us. I regret not exchanging our numbers, my pride came in between. I was expecting him to court me around for getting my attention like other guys then again he proved me wrong. Mr. Ryan Richards is different and unique with an appealing personality. I wish our path will cross again, God please make this possible.

"Hey girl, daydreaming about that handsome hunk. " Nat teased.

"Stop, Nat, Get over with your teasing. It's been a week now." I gave her a serious look.

"Yeah, I also want you to get over with your obsession for that guy."

"I'm not interested in Ryan." I scrunched my eyes & replied.

"Really, I mean Really." she said rolling her eyes, "Whatever, let's go to the party, we are late already."

Dad came here only to throw the success party in my honor. I was dressed in a red gown tightly placed in my body to show my perfect curves. I highlighted my eyes with mascara and eyeliner.

"Hey, Scarlet, you look beautiful" dad complimented me.

"You don't look bad either, dad" I missed him so much, he took me in his arms lovingly. He was handsome and well maintained at the age of fifty. His appeal screamed royalty, his grey hair suits him. He has dark eyes like me which can easily intimate anyone. Young women always throw herself on him to get his attention or at least for a picture from paparazzi to be in the limelight. As a daughter, it's awkward but can't blame him either.

He proudly said, "Scarlet, I'm very happy." He kissed my forehead. The night started meeting several corporate people. Dad, very smugly introduced me to his business associates, praising my business skills. Suddenly my heart stopped looking at the guy who ruled my dreams for a week. He looked more gorgeous than how I remembered. His eyes never left mine while approaching us, he put his hand forward which I have taken immediately without even thinking. He has a strong impact on me, it made me grin like a fool.

"Congratulation once again Ms. Milano." His muscular honey voice made me shiver.

"Thanks, Rya.... Mr. Richards." He smiled cunningly at my reaction. God, I was embarrassed.

His touch jolted me to reality, I bit my lips nervously leaving his hand.

"Congratulation to you too, Mr. Milano, I'm Ryan Richards." He shook his hand with dad. His eyes spark meeting dad.

"Oh, you are the one who is slowly capturing the market. I heard about you, finally, get the pleasure to meet you." Dad praised him.

"Pleasure is all mine sir, you don't know how long I have waited to meet you. You are my mentor, sir." Dad got confused by his statement.

"C'mon, I am meeting you for the first time," Dad said in his confident voice.

"You are the king of this field sir, without meeting you can mentor the youth. I always kept my eyes on you, I mean for motivation, as my role model. Your success story was not hidden from the world, how come a simple employee became the employer of half of the world" he said very passionately. He was right, my dad was a mentor for our youth. Even he is my role model.

"I'm very humbled to hear that. You referred to me as I'm too old to mentor the youth." He jokingly said.

Ryan smiled "I didn't mean to offend you, sir." He scratched his head anxiously.

Dad laughed loudly patting his shoulder "I like you Ryan, Please call me David, sir sounds very old."

"Sure, Si.. David." He replied.

"Now excuse me Ryan, nice to meet you." After this dad left us alone.

"Hey, I thought business attire suited you but I must say red is your color." I looked down shyly.

"Last time I checked you have a sassy voice, what happened now?" now he started annoying me.

"Thank you Mr." he cut me in mid "Call me Ryan. I don't want us to talk like professionally."

"Ok, then how you want me to talk?" I said firmly.

"You can talk to me all naughty, I don't mind." he winked me charmingly. I was sure my face colored again with his comment.

"Excuse me, I don't like you, Ryan."

"Liar, check your face into the mirror, you are blushing on my every word, you are happy to see me." Oh God, he was right.

"Don't flatter yourself, I'm happy because it's my success party." I defended myself.

"Ok, if this makes you happy and sleeps well in the night" He sarcastically said.

"This is my cue to attend my next guest, goodbye Mr. Ryan Richards." I turned to move ahead but he pulled me to him holding my waist, and air caught my throat.

"You owe me one dance." He took me to the dance floor without waiting for my response. I was shocked by his advances, internally I was happy though. I looked around to avoid his gaze and met with Nat's accusing eyes. She gave me "I told you so" look. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Scarlet, you are very beautiful. Please give me a chance to know you better" He asked me with his honey voice. Music was playing in the background but we lost in each other's eyes. This was much intimated moment I have ever had.

While leaving the party he stored his number on my phone like he owned it. I thought there was no harm to know each other, I like him. It's too early for any commitment at least my left few days here in this city won't be wasted. I laughed at myself for my silly joke. This time I didn't hesitate to call him.

We started spending hours talking on the phone. As usual, he flirted over the phone, we shared how we spent our day in the city, he kept telling me how to score well in our final course. Slowly I got addicted to his call, Nat suggested meeting him up. So, we started meeting at the club. My every day is getting better than last. He is becoming part of my life, my best friend gave me silent approval for him. She encouraged me to take our relationship to next level as she felt Ryan is head over a heel in love with me. I kept my heart grounded for years and this man is not leaving any chance to get trespassing in it. I refused to admit this is love but I knew secretly I already lost this battle for a very long time.Hello lovelies!!

Rick succeeded once again, Scarlet is falling for him..

What do you think what will happen next 😉😉