Colton

"You good? It seems like you messed up a deal." Gerald said when he saw me arrive in our office building. He always helped in the office when he didn't have class, doing paperwork and helping the Consultants.

He followed me into my office. I plopped down at my desk and he took a seat in front of me.

"It's way more than that. I saw Cox this morning at his office."

"Of shit." He cursed aloud. Just the mention of Cox made him furious. "What happened?"

He's pretty confident he's gonna take the whole thing. I discovered Luna funded the entire company and all he brings is his selling skills. The Stavrakos own the building, so they used it for free. It's another advantage for him.

"That guy is such a dick! He must have worked his magic on her if she coughed up all the cash. She's so gullible, falling for that useless jerk."

"But wait, there's more. Cox gets thirty grand every month to spend on clothes. The company paid for his apartment and sports car, also for all his travel and representation expenses, including his personal ones. Luna only gets twenty grand a month, same as Cox. She wears their brand, while Cox is all about luxury clothes."

"Wow. Her salary is smaller than his clothing allowance?" He shook his head in disbelief. "Holy shit! Nothing changed. That fucker is a damn user."

"Absolutely." I leaned back in my chair, feeling the weight on my shoulder. "They're throwing their engagement party this Saturday."

"So, the wedding is on. Tsk. Tsk. He's definitely feeling like he hooked the biggest fish in the sea. Are you going?"

"I'd rather not. But I guess I have no choice." My lips narrowed in anger. "You won't believe what that jerk did. He charged the engagement ring to the company!"

"What the fuck!" Gerald's eyes popped out in shock. "Was she aware of that?"

"I don't think so. I think she's clueless about the company's actual financial situation. Cox is up to something with the Finance Officer. Looks like they're keeping a ton of secrets."

"I bet they showed her fake monthly financial statements."

"Could be." I exhaled heavily. "There's no way they can keep it from me. I know where those sneaky company crooks stash their expenses."

"What's your plan?"

"I don't have a solid plan yet." I rubbed my chin briefly, then crossed my legs. "I was thinking of collecting evidence against Cox and showing it to Luna. But I know it ain't gonna work. She won't believe a word I say. She already thinks I'm the worst."

"Give it a shot. Perhaps she'll listen."

"If she actually listens." I shook my head. "Cox could effortlessly charm her and have her wrapped around his finger. You know him, he's a total pro. She'd let go of her anger and trust him completely."

"You're right. That asshole had a lot of practice. He was a real ladies' man in college. He used them for cash, high grades, and connections, then dumped them so harshly, shattering their hearts."

"Exactly." I agreed.

"I know you can't stand Luna. But don't let him win and marry her. He used her and her powerful family to get to the top. He doesn't deserve that privilege at all."

"I won't allow that to happen, either. It's not about hating Luna anymore, it's about looking out for her as a woman. I don't want her to be another victim of Cox's. I can't let Cox harm her family as well."

"How are you going to do that?"

"I don't know yet. I need to come up with a plan."

"Why not charm Luna yourself? You've been crushing on her since college. Let's see if it works this time."

"Are you out of your mind? We're sworn enemies. She hates me as much as I hate her."

"No, you don't. Your pride got hurt that she doesn't return your feelings."

Feelings? He could be right. I can't forget last Saturday night when I tried to get her to go out to a Japanese restaurant with me, and she said no. So, I asked her to grab coffee, but she said no again. Yeah, it stung when she turned me down twice.

"You're talking nonsense, man." I shook my head. "If you lock me and Luna in a room, we'd be at each other's throats in no time."

"But you're really attracted to her."

"I'm not going to deny that. But it's mostly about the physical thing, not emotions. Falling in love with Luna is not part of the plan, bro. That's a big no-no. Plus, you know I'm not looking for anything serious. I'm still focusing on my priorities."

"You already nailed it, bro. You're a self-made billionaire and at a very young age. You've got buildings in L.A. and New York. People in Dansville are really proud of you. Apart from your parents' enormous mansion, you also created schools, clinics, churches, orphanages, playgrounds, parks, and so on. You were so generous with your donation for the cancer patients. Don't you think that's enough?"

"It's not enough. I still have a long way of proving myself."

Gerald shook his head, then chuckled. "If you keep doing good deeds, they'll make a statue of you."

"Hopefully not. That's not what I'm aiming for." I said and joined him, laughing.

Luna

"Thank you, Miss Stavrakos, for changing the items, and giving us some freebies."

"Don't worry about it, Mr. Kline. Apologies for the trouble. If you run into any problems with the shipment and items, just call us." I said to Mr. Kline, one of our avid customers.

I was so relieved when a buyer came by the office and griped about the incorrect items being sent to him. I had to leave my meeting with the men and handle the problem myself. It was unbearable with Colton around. My anger toward him was like a raging inferno.

Remember the attraction I mentioned earlier? It just vanished into thin air. Thank heavens. I really hope it won't come back. I have nothing but hate for him now.

Who does he think he is, wanting to investigate Barry? Barry is a total sweetheart. He's a really sweet, nice, and charming guy. There's nothing to investigate. I met his close friends, and they were equally nice. Sadly, he was an orphan at a very young age and raised by his grandparents. They died in the same year, before he graduated college and that was the saddest thing that happened in his life.

Imagine how Barry would feel if he found out I snooped on him. It would really break his heart. We would've totally ended things. I'm sure Colton would totally love that. He's determined to ruin my happiness.

Colton obviously thinks every guy is just like him — a player that needs to be investigated. He used to hook up with the bridesmaids at Sweet and Sebastian's wedding. How much more now that he's grown up? He most likely has mistresses all around the world.

While Barry was honest with his past. He admitted he had some flings back in the day, but never got serious with anyone. Until he met me.

I called Sally into the office, and she showed up immediately.

"Please tell Barry I'm heading home. I'm tired. I need to rest."

"Yes, ma'am. Do you want me to give your driver a call?" She suggested.

"Yes, please."

Barry was better off handling Colton. Colton and I were a hot mess when we were alone, with no professionalism whatsoever. He never really changed. He's still the same old Colton I knew eight years ago. Rude, arrogant, and seriously getting on my nerves.

I went down to the lobby and waited for my car. Once it arrived, a bodyguard opened the door so I could jump into the backseat.

I needed a break after my heated clash with Colton. It felt like my blood pressure went through the roof, giving me a killer headache.

I was staring out the window as the car was going. I couldn't help but think about what actually went on between Colton and me, making this feud that lasted eight years.

Eight years ago.

After the incident in the elevator, and knowing that Colton was Sweet's younger brother, I thought I'd never see him again. But then, a week later, we crossed paths again really unfortunately, and it just made us hate each other more.

There was a mix-up with the rooms at the NYU dorm. Somehow, Colton ended up in my room in the dorm.

"Why are you here?" I totally lost it with Colton when I walked into my room and saw him all spread out on the bed near the door.

"Are you following me around or something?" was his immediate reply.

"Excuse me? Why in the world should I do that? Get out right now! This is my room."

"So, this is your room, huh? Then why do I have the key here?" He got up, acting all big, and waved the key in my face.

I pushed his hand away and did the same thing, showing him my key.

"Seriously? This is a freaking nightmare. No way am I going to share a room with you."

"Same here. Absolutely not going to happen over my dead body." I crossed my arms, showing him I wasn't backing down. "There's got to be some sort of mistake here."

Indeed, there was. We both faced the Admin and the headmistress of the dorm. They said sorry for messing up and putting Colton and me in the same room. They suggested that one of us should move to another room to solve the issue.

Colton and I were both so stubborn about not giving up the room, but we had valid excuses. I had the most epic view of the NYU campus park. While he didn't want to go because it was Tim Roberts' room, the NYU basketball legend. He was crashing in the guy's bed, too.

Nobody moved for the entire two months. And over the course of two months of sharing a room, so many things happened.