ASH

Paris - the city of love. 

To the world it was a couple's dream destination, but to Ash Ketchum — the heir of the most exotic and expensive chain of restaurants, it was a mere place for perfect business deals. Love was never his thing anyways, overall his love life completely sucked. 

While his mother, Delia Ketchum the owner of the whole lot of restaurant chains, blamed it on him, he believed that it was to be blamed on the business. It was certainly his money and charismatic looks that caught the attention of many. Nobody even bothered to warm upto his true personality. 

Perhaps that was the reason why he dated only one girl in his entire lifespan of twenty two years. That too on the pressure from his mother. Her name was and most probably still is Miette Millefuei. 

She was beautiful like any typical rich girl taking care of her looks and going to spa every weekend. But her beauty was parallel to her psyche. She was - in simple words - egotistical. Her ego might as well fit seven seas in it, according to Ash. 

Boys would kill to date somebody from such a secured and wealthy background with the plus point of her seductive looks. But to Ash it was plain nonsense. He had was scrolling on his phone, almost inattentive to the chauffer informing him about Delia asking for him.

A message came on his phone as rolled his eyes when they fell on the number. He had deleted it many times but nothing seemed to get past Miette's thick skull. They had planned to stay on friendly terms after their parting but the blue head's advances were making him think that she wasn't actually trying to stay as friends. 

He didn't even bother to read it as he stuffed his phone in the pocket. The limo passed the huge silver gates guarded with tight security. Ash walked out as soon as the limo came to a halt and stepped inside the mansion.  

He made his way to his home on the fiftieth floor. The servants greeted him as he curtly nodded his head and closed the door as soon as he was in his room. The room was painted in white, silver glossing carefully creating patterns on the walls. 

Ash plopped on his bed carelessly as he shut his eyes. He had been tired working day and night without a break. The business was soaring and he wanted to keep it that way. 

It was half an hour later when he heard a gentle knock on his door. He groaned, not in a mood to get up but it wasn't like he had a choice. He stood up and straightened his clothes. "Come in" 

The door opened to reveal Ms Kendra who smiled warmly at the man. She was a lady in her early 50's just like Delia. Ash had known her for fifteen years and over the years he saw her as his second mother. She was tall and slim with sunkissed skin and burnished brown hair in a professional bun.

She placed her emerald eyes on Ash and gave yet another heart melting smile. "Master Ash, your mother is expecting you at her office this instant" 

"I will be there" Ash replied as the older woman withdrawed from the room. He wanted to rest a little longer and possibly not go at all but that wasn't a very wise idea on his behalf. He usually avoided his mother at working hours because she tended to be pretty serious.

He had two options - First one was to go and face his mother's wrath and second one was to not go and face his mother's wrath. 

The first seemed better because if she was already angry then he didn't wish to infuriate her any further. The last time he made her extremely pissed, he found himself in Greenland for a full week along with Gary [Ash had forcefully dragged him of course]. 

He shuddered at the thought. 

The black haired man knocked on a huge white door, craved with marbles as a soft feminine voice told him to come in. He casually went in and took a seat on the comfy chairs. And it wasn't long before, almond eyes almost sharp like a cat fell on him. 

She had fair complexion, dark silked hair securely tied at the low edge of her neck matching the colour of her eyes. Her face was carefully maintained in a sterness. To Ash, no one could sent a shiver down his spine like Delia Ketchum. As much of a lovely and caring mother she was, there was also no one more brutal than her when things didn't go the way she wanted. 

"You called me, mom?" 

"Yes, I want to inform you about something important" 

Ash prepared himself for whatever that she was going to throw at her. He was fully aware as to how much this 'important something' would be dangerous for him. She paused and Ash raised a brow, curiosity killing the cat. 

"What is it?" 

Delia contemplated for a spilt-second before replying. "Miette's family invited us for a dinner. After one week at their luxurious mansion" 

Ash rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Thats amazing. Now mind telling me why you actually called me here? Because obviously the dinner party wasn't all you had to say" 

Delia looked at him, snorting as she stood up with a fierce glare; her calm composure shattered in pieces. "Well! You are so smart to guess that but not enough smart to tell what I want! You always brush off what I say because I had always been gentle with you! Stop slouching around for once and think of your future for once, Ash Ketchum!"  

"I am thinking about my future. I had planned to expand the business -" 

"How about expanding the family instead? You are almost thirty"

"I don't think that twenty two is even close to thirty" 

"Hmph, you are growing to be old sooner than you think. And me? Pitiful me would die without having to see her grandchildren breaking tea sets and scribbling on the walls! Just because of my nut head of a son!"

Ash sighed as Delia slammed her hands on the table, dramatically. Did she recently got herself in daily soaps or something or was her age affecting her metal wellbeing? He preferred to think the first one was correct. He would be stupid to not pick up the hints of marriage she throws around but he prefers to be oblivion to them. Looks like she finally erupted after all. 

"Are you done?" Ash yawned, waving a hand carelessly. "Now if you will excuse me, I have much better work to do than listen about your complaints regarding my love life" 

"As if you even have a love life in the first place; work isn't going to give me a daughter-in-law, let alone a heir" Delia huffed, flipping her hair in sass. Ash gave her a bored look and she stuck out her tongue at him in a childish manner, her strictness long vanished in thin air. "Do whatever you want. But remember that if you don't find anyone then I might as well consider Miette as your wife" 

Ash gaped at her and even though he knew she was joking, he couldn't help but feel terrified at the thought. Out of everyone, if he is forced to married that snobbish swine than might as well suicide. He cringed. "No thanks but that won't be necessary. Have a nice day" 

He hastily walked out as Delia watched him go before letting a satisfied smirk take her red glossed lips. She snapped her fingers. "Well well, if you think you can get out of this so easily Ash Ketchum ─ then you might want to brace yourself from this moment on" 

SERENA

Serena scrunched up her nose in disgust as she stared at the nauseating cup of coffee with bubbles inside them. Her hand held the carton of expired milk as she mentally cursed herself at her stupidity. Did she really needed to mess up on the first day itself?

She was already on the mercy of the sweet owner ─ Arianna, a lady in her early twenties with a kind heart. She had been sympathetic to them aka May and Serena after hearing their tragic backstory and no means of survival. Fortunately enough, the honey blonde knew how to cook while May agreed to serve the guests. That was enough for Arianna to give them the jobs. 

And then? Serena didn't wished the least to disappoint her. She heard the clicking of heels and in sheer panic, she took the cup and threw it out of the window, silently praying that it doesn't fall on someone's poor head. The red haired woman came into view, adjusting her hat properly and smiling at Serena. 

"Hey, sweetheart. How is the work going?" Arianna asked kindly. Her flowing hair was tied in two at the bottom of her head loosely and a hat was carefully placed on her head. She watched Serena with her curious red orbs from under her spectacles. Serena fiddled but managed to laugh out nervously. 

"Its been great. Thanks again for letting us work here" She bowed slightly in politeness 0to appreciate the other. Arianna just waved her hand and giggled. 

"Dear, you have thanked me multiple times already. And I see that you have done quite a good job at baking" Arianna skipped to the nearest freshly baked chocolate macaroons that were neatly stacked on a plate. The red-eyed woman turned to Serena with a grin as she picked up one of the treats. "Do you mind if I taste one?" 

"Of course not!" Serena exclaimed hastily, playing with the hem of her skirt. Her heart pounded in her chest in nervousness as Arianna took a bite. May loved Serena's treats so the honey blonde hoped that even her employer would like them. The tension faded away the very next moment when Arianna's eyes shone with delight. 

"My my, this is one of the tastiest I have ever had. I don't regret employing you at all" Arianna smiled and in response got a shy look from Serena. She took out her watch and furrowed her bbrows with a frown on her face. She gave an apologetic look to Serena. "I am sorry, dear but I need to go now. I wish you the best of luck though" 

With a final wave and a heart-warming smile, Arianna walked away as Serena breathed out a sigh of relief. She was glad everything was going smoothly till now. The least Serena wished for was to have troubles come into her life.

ASH

Ash placed his sunglasses to cover his chocolate orbs as he walked over to the two very familiar guys that stood near the fence, talking about something. They soon heard his approaching steps and looking in his direction, they both passed the man grins simultaneously. 

"Sup" Gary grinned, fist-bumping with his childhood friend. His brown hair was as usual in their chaotic mess, falling over his olive eyes that glimmered mischievously. A casual denim jacket was thrown over his shoulders and black tee to match with it. 

"Hey, Ash" Drew smiled. He had the same color of eyes like Gary but they were more of an emerald hued than being dark. His hair was dyed in the similar green shade. It was an eccentric choice but it suited him well. He was dressed in a much more formal attire than Gary - black suit and white t-shirt with black tie around its collar. 

Ash grinned back at them. They were both his best friends ever since middle school along with Paul. He had known Gary since birth but they were more of rivals than friends up to middle school. Now they are closer than ever; no one could tell that these two were the people who couldn't stand each other in primary school. 

"Whats the plan?" Ash asked, putting on his sunglasses again. His friends also placed their respective sunglasses. 

"Just chilling out today. I am too tired of working day and night like - the hell should I work so much?" Gary rolled his eyes while Drew agreed. He was the grandson of the world renowned researcher known by Professor Oak who specifically studied the evolution of animals and humans alike. Even though Gary appeared to be dim-witted, he was far by the most excellent researchers Ash had ever met. 

On the other hand, there was Drew. He was the heir to the multiple global resorts or The Royal Paradise expanded all over the world. His father ran the Japanese family business while his mother was an English Rose, a popular actress of England. His father was frequently busy at other places and so it was Drew who handled their resort at France. 

"Right - a break won't hurt once in often" Ash sighed and looked at his watch. "Only thirty minutes though. I have a meeting to attend"

"Okay, how about we go to the Starbucks?" Gary cheered. Ash shook his head while Drew frowned at him. 

"The nearest Starbuck will take forty five minutes to reach because of the heavy traffic. I barely managed to come here in time. Besides, it looks as if it is going to rain soon. Can probably miss my meeting if we go there" Ash commented as Gary pouted.

"Lets go to the nearest café. I know a place where they make delicious coffee and it isn't even a corner around. It would work for now" Drew suggested as he peeped at his own watch. "Besides, I also have to meet my secretary to inform him about an upcoming project" 

"Thats fine, Drew. We can catch up some other time at dinner or something. What do you say Gary?" The raven haired man glanced at his bestfriend who shrugged with a grin and a small 'fine'.

David ─ a man who was in his early forties and the chauffer for the Ketchum family for almost fifteen years now ─ greeted them as he pulled the limo in front them. Gary waved at him and Drew polietly smiled as they got in. 

"Where to, Mr Ketchum?" David asked in his usual optimistic and cheerful voice. 

He had watched Ash practically grow up since he was younger and he was used to taking him to places all the time. It was a pleasant surprise to David that a boy like Ash who never had a father's support had rather grown up to be the 'perfect' man instead of being a delinquent. He praised Delia's skills at raising a child so faultless as him even while being a single mother and a busy businesswoman.

"To the nearest café the next street, David" Drew interrupted. The old man nodded and started the car. 

Ash's eyes hovered over the passing trees as he absentmindedly stared at them. He suddenly recalled his mother's words as he slightly shuddered. She had her never giving up trait that Ash had gotten from her and which he initially deeply admired. But now that he thinks of it, it would have been a little better if she wasn't as strong-headed as she is right now. 

Because to Ash, love is not his priority at the moment.