So you people got to love me! Updating another chapter B-)
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*ERICA POV*

''My house. To meet my family.'' He spoke clearly.

I was speechless. He wants me to meet his family? As if I would want to meet more snide rich people if their son is anything to go by. Hadn't I been humiliated enough? The stupid personal assistant he has as an employee who he now wants to meet his family. I think I will have to respectively decline.

I began to protest, ''Look, Xavier, I may be your personal assistant but I don't-''

''Oh, shut up would you? I've told you before, you joined this company to work for me and that includes doing everything I want and everything is anything. So stop protesting, get ready for 5 pm. I'll be there to pick you up.''

''But-'' My job as an employee resides with the company, I do not work to cater to his personal needs. Since meeting his family is personal, I can choose not to go. But Xavier being the idiot he is, wouldn't let me get a word in.

''You do as I say, otherwise, you know the consequences.'' His tone was serious. There was no room to debate.

''Fine.'' There was no point in arguing with him because I know what the consequences are so I gave up.

"Bye." He bluntly spoke.

''No! Wait!'' I cut in.

''What now?'' He sounded annoyed.

''Don't come to pick me up please.'' I hated how quickly he made me do things of my own accord and I had to then lie to people because of him.

''Look I don't want you coming in a cab to meet my family.'' He spoke with disdain. Why must he always make me look inferior? I have feelings just like he does.

''What? No! I won't come in a cab, what do you think of me?! I'll meet you outside the office at 5.'' The hurt was evident in my voice and the most hurtful thing was I don't think he cared.

''Why don't you want me to come to your house?'' The tone in his voice resembled a distraught kid bawling for ice-cream.

''Personal reasons. Okay bye.'' I bluntly spoke. Imagine the guy who got my sister pregnant knocking on the door only for my mom to open it and come face to face with him. She would scream blue murder and when she finds out that he has invited me to come to his house, I'm sure she would faint. I think I prefer meeting him at the office.

However, there is that issue of coming up with a plan so mom doesn't know where I am going. I can't just exactly dress up glamorously and expect my mom to believe that I am going to work. I have to think of a plan good enough so that she doesn't suspect anything. I hate lying, it makes me feel so bad. I hate Xavier for making me do this.

*AT NIGHT*

''Uh...mom?'' I tried to think how I would tell her.

''Yes baby?'' Mom replied.

She was washing dishes and I was cleaning them with a cloth and then placing them in the designated places.

I chose to be direct, ''I have to go for a meeting tomorrow and the people are pretty classy and I don't know what to wear. I have to look decent, so can you help me get dressed up?'' I lied. I could feel my heart hammering, praying that she didn't see through the lie.

''I'm always ready to help you dear.'' She kissed my cheek and went back to washing.

Well, you're not helping at all right now by being so sweet!

''Okay sooooo goodnight'' I turned on my heels and ran to my room not wanting to lie anymore.

''Night sweety.'' She replied. I was over the moon. I went into my room, locked it and then sat on my bed. I hated how my mom thought I was doing one thing when in reality I was about to do something totally on the other side of the spectrum. I took a deep breath, feeling ashamed. I had a close relationship with her and we always told each other the truth, there was no need to lie. Yet, working for Xavier has messed up that relationship.

But one question was constantly running through my mind. Why did Xavier want me to meet his family? I had no purpose in being there.

*Morning*

I woke up around 10 in the morning, which may be late for some but I had a day off and what way to celebrate it by sleeping in.

Today is the day I am going to meet the Manhattan family. I am pretty nervous. They are the richest people in the country, everyone respects them, but most importantly everyone fears them, badly. I can't help but prepare for the judgement. They are pretty influential people and they can ruin me in a split second, so I need to dress to impress and change my personality. Pretty easy I must say.

Around 2 pm I began getting dressed. I wanted to take my time in getting ready, allowing the nerves to settle and most importantly allowing extra time to make myself look decent with few dramas.

I picked out a red dress, it was moderately short and tight. I was a little uncomfortable thinking that it was inappropriate for meeting his family, but mom said it fitted me perfectly and made my curves look more attractive. Little did she know that I was dressing up to meet Xavier's family and not for a meeting. I thought it was too much but she insisted. I put on some light makeup and a lot of lip gloss. I do love my Eevee lip gloss. I wore my sisters black high heels and a pair of red earrings that dangled. They were very intricate. I curled my hair and left it free. Happy with how I looked, it was almost 4:30 pm, I guess the way I looked would have to do. I was happy with my appearance and knew that there wasn't much more that I could do.

''Mom I'm going,'' I yelled from downstairs. My mom was in my room cleaning up the mess I made while she helped me decide what to wear. She would suggest an outfit and I would look at it before throwing it on my bed. It had to be perfect, but time was running out and mom had become impatient so I stuck to the red one.

''Bye! Have fun," she yelled back.

I hailed a cab and reached 'The Manhattan company' by 4:59. I was amazed by my punctuality for once.

Shortly after, I saw a black shining Lamborghini pulled up to where I stood. It was breath-taking. I didn't realise that Xavier had come out when I heard the door close. I looked to see the one and only Xavier Manhattan standing there with a smile on his face. Now he looked breath-taking, he wore a grey tuxedo that complicated his figure faultlessly. Cue the drool.

''Like what you see?'' He smirked.

''Seen better.'' I lied. His smirk vanished within a second and I smiled smugly. Take this you bastard.

''Get in,'' he commanded. Gone was the familiar smile, a scowl instead took over his face.

I made my way to open the door of the car when he walked towards me and stood in front of me. I could smell his cologne and all I saw was grey. I had to move to the side if I wanted to get a view of my surroundings.

He stood there frozen, our eyes locked together in a staring competition. Before it became too uncomfortable, well for the bystanders, I broke my gaze not able to look at him anymore, but he kept his gaze on me without blinking. Soon he realized what was going on and looked away. Sensing the tension, he cleared his throat and spoke, ''Let me.''

He opened the door for me and I sat down. He closed the door and walked to the other side and sat in the driver's seat. He placed the key in the ignition and started the car which then roared to life. I could feel the power surge through me and it excited me. Without commenting further, he drove off to his parent's house. We drove in silence for the first couple of minutes, but now sick of this childish behaviour, I spoke up, ''Uh. Now that I am here, can you please tell me why I have to accompany you to your parent's house?'' I went straight to the point. I must admit this question has been circling my mind since he told me and I have no clue why he wants me to come.

He looked at me and then back on the road but didn't answer. It angered me but I chose to remain silent. The duration lasted 2 hours, I didn't hate travelling but this was enough to drive me barmy.

A place with huge black gates came to view and I was curious enough to want to roll down the window and to stare at the surroundings. But in a bid to hold onto my professionalism, I stayed rooted to my seat and waited.

''We're here.'' Xavier finally spoke and got out of the car. I nodded and got out of the car to stand next to him. That was when I saw a white gargantuan sized mansion built majestically in front of me. Every corner screamed money and power, however, it was gracefully stunning. The decoration was substantial, it showed wealth but wasn't too over the top.

There was a massive garden inhabiting a vast array of flowers in front of the house. Colours of the rainbow were scattered, from striking purples, ocean blues to sultry reds. One segment of the garden held roses and I loved roses. I fantasized about playing and dancing in the garden, or just generally sitting down and smelling the air around me whilst trying to stay still whenever a bee would come to attack.

I was too occupied with my thoughts that I felt someone nudge me, "Erica." I looked at him and when he didn't say anything, I gestured for him to continue speaking.

''Look, don't create a mess here. Okay?'' Way to kill a mood Xavier. I was merely adoring nature at its finest, why would I make a mess? He really is inconsiderate at times, if not just really stupid. I don't care if he has a really successful company. He just couldn't let anyone be happy for a long time, he just had to ruin it.

''Whatever!" I spat and started walking towards the house not caring if I have to wait for someone to open it. I was about to knock when a strong pair of arms grabbed me by my waist. I turned around to see Xavier.

''What?'' I whispered yelled. I was beyond annoyed.

''Easy there tiger, don't you want to know why I brought you here?'' Finally! I wanted to see if it was a worthy enough reason to stay here and not leave his arse.

But instead, I chose to say, ''No.'' He did not deserve the satisfaction.

''Well you have to hear what I have to say.'' He ignored my attempt at a witty remark and continued to pester me.

''No I don't have-''

''I brought you because you're the only one worthy.'' He cut me in. His eyes looked soft and vulnerable.

''Worthy? Of what?'' I asked him. His moods were getting me confused, first, he would ridicule me and then he would be sentimental towards me. I couldn't keep up.

He was about to answer but stopped himself from saying anything, instead choosing to say, ''Let's go inside.'' He went back to his no-nonsense business-like voice and it vexed me.

I gritted my teeth, nodded and followed him. He opened the door and motioned for me to go in. As soon as we entered the place all eyes were on us making me nervous, there was no reason to look at us like that.

''Here.'' Xavier opened a door to another room guarded by 3 bouncers stationed outside the room. I figured this was the VIP area due to the security. It didn't make me feel any better.

The door opened to a huge hall where everyone was wearing rich and expensive outfits. Just how a trumpet would be blown announcing the arrival of a royal couple, people stopped and stared just as I and Xavier appeared in the hall. By now I was sweating with nerves, my palms were wet from holding them too tight and now I had run out of places to exert the nerves upon. I felt that if I bit my lip any harder, blood would come gushing out. It wouldn't exactly do me any favours, just increasing my chances of being the laughing stock of the whole party.

What is the deal with rich people! Why do they always stare? Their glares matched those of the others, they looked accusatory, sending out loud messages along the lines of 'What is she doing here?' I felt like that myself, I wasn't one to associate with members of high society. Alisha was an exception.

''Oh my God! You're here.'' Women who looked to be in her 40's approached us. She was beautiful even for her age. She had the perfect body and straight black coloured hair like Xavier.

''Yeah mom I'm here,'' Xavier smiled at her. I can see where the good looks gene has been inherited from, like mother like son.

She walked up to him and hugged him tightly and he returned it. All of a sudden she looked at me with her eyes widened, just like the rest of the audience. I felt myself squirm, wanting to retire to the corners of the hall away from lurking eyes. Am I looking bad? I started fiddling with my hands again.

''Is...Is she with you Xavi?'' She sounded shocked. I knew it! I knew it was a bad idea to come here!

''Yeah,'' Xavier replied nonchalantly.

All of a sudden there was this squeal that attacked my ears. ''Oh my God!'' I was then pushed into a hug. I had no clue what was happening. After standing there awkwardly for a few moments tied to Xavier's mom in a hug, she finally let go of me after Xavier cleared his throat. I couldn't have been happier when he intervened subtlety.

''Hi sweety, I'm Alison Manhattan, his mother! And you look gorgeous tonight.'' She winked and smiled showing her bright white teeth.

''I'm Erica, Erica Dixon'' I replied with a smile. I wanted to shake her hand but something told me that it wasn't needed.

''Well come, I'll show you around'' She tugged her hand in mine and literally pulled me with her. I turned around to look at Xavier who gave me a thumb's up sign. Traitor.

''Hey Mora! Lucy! Kate! Etna! '' Alison yelled. A group of 4 ladies turned around.

''This is Erica." She announced.

"Xavier brought her here!'' She sounded shocked but happy. I didn't understand why she had to specifically say that Xavier brought me here. But that just may have been the suspicious being inside of me.

''OMG! Really?'' The one with red hair spoke up. She came and hugged me tightly.

''God Etna! Let the kid breathe! '' The one with dirty blonde hair spoke up.

''Yeah Lucy's right,'' Alison spoke up. I felt like a pinball, being constantly thrown around to different people for hugs.

''Come on guys! It's not like every day that Xavier brings a girl home! It was 5 years ago when he brought her an-''

''Enough Etna!'' Alison glared at Etna. Etna let go of me and mouthed a sorry to Alison. What did Etna mean? Who did Xavier bring 5 years ago? I find it hard to believe that he hasn't brought any girl to his house in the last 5 years. That is just impossible. Or it may be he just sleeps with them in his apartment and his parents don't know about it which makes sense. I would imagine bringing a different girl almost every week would be quite exhausting for them to keep up with.

''Come on, let's go.'' Alison pulled me along with her to another crowd of guys who looked around my age.

''Hey guys.'' Alison chirped. Since the short time I have been with her, I have noticed she is a very happy woman which is good I suppose. All of them turned to look our way.

''This is Erica, she's Xavier's date!'' She squealed to them and I groaned inwardly. So this is why he brought me here.

''What! No mom she's not my date! She's just my P.A.'' Xavier spoke from behind. I turned around to look at him and breathed a sigh of relief. Relief that he was there to diffuse and rectify the situation but a little saddened that he dismissed the idea of me being his date.

"Oh really? Then does this mean she's available?" The one standing next to me with riveting green eyes spoke up and winked at me. I couldn't help but blush.

"No you bastard!" Xavier practically growled at him scaring me. What was his problem?

"Aw! Baby brother is getting possessive over a girl?" The one with green eyes mocked Xavier again.

"Shut up Conner!'' I could tell that Xavier was enraged.

''Oh keep quiet you two!'' Alison stopped them both, silencing them with a glare.

''Erica I apologize on their behalf. Please don't mind their childish behaviour.'' Alison apologized.

''Oh no! It's okay! You don't have to apologise for these kids.''

''Hey!'' Both Xavier and Conner spoke in unison.

Alison and others in the group laughed and I blushed.

'Well, you now know who this kid is.'' Alison pointed at Conner and I nodded.

''Good, and this is Zayn, Luke, Steve and Lennon.'' She introduced me to the other guys. We greeted each other and then began chatting to each other for a few minutes. I came to know that Conner, Zayn and Luke are Xavier's cousins and Steve is Conner's best friend and is Alison's sister's son. Lennon is Alison's nephew. If you must ask, out of all of them, Luke is the hottest. After Xavier of course!

''Can I be excused, I need to go to the washroom?'' I whispered in Alison's ear. She nodded and directed me to the ladies washroom.

I followed her directions and finally after banging into two people, tripping over 3 times due to my heels, I reached my destination. As I entered I saw a girl with red hair and green eyes smoking in the ladies washroom. I expected this sort of behaviour from high school teenagers, not someone of elite status. I guess that is stereotypes working at its finest. Her eyes looked similar but I couldn't quite pinpoint where I had seen her before.

''So your Xavier's new chick huh?'' She spoke up all of a sudden. I wanted to scream out 'I'm not another one of Xavier's flings!' over a tannoy to keep the accusations at bay.

''You're mistaken. I'm not his new 'chick'. I'm his P.A.'' I replied with the biggest smile I could muster. I may have wanted to punch her but you know what they say, 'Kill them with kindness' and I intended to do just that.

''Yeah one and the same thing'' She shrugged it off. How could it be the same thing? It wasn't!

Choosing to ignore her. I checked my makeup and made my way back out.

''You know you're pretty special.'' The girl spoke up again before I could leave. Special?

''Sorry what?'' I asked her. She must have been mistaken.

''Well, Xavier, after Sapphire didn't bring anyone in this house to meet his family or friends. You're the first to make an appearance with him so you must mean something to him." She spoke as if it was something obvious to say.

Sapphire? Who's she?

''Who is Sapphire?" I asked.

The girl chuckled in a sarcastic manner. ''You don't know who Sapphire is?" She emphasized my ignorance. "You're kidding me right?'' Clearly I was out of the loop with this Sapphire and it irked me. There are people judging me, thinking I am Xavier's next fuck of the week and here I am thinking all is right with the world.

''No I'm not," I replied annoyed.

''Well let's just say some things should better be left unknown.'' She winked at me and walked out of the washroom leaving me in wonder and utter confusion. You should realize by now that I am confused most of the time and I am confused by the fact that I am so confused. Is that even a thing?

I came out of the washroom and walked to where Xavier and Alison were stood.

''What took you so long?'' Alison whispered in my ear. Inching closer, I spoke, ''Well I was in the washroom and a girl...''

''Ladies and gentlemen! It's dinner time! So dig in before our Xavier finishes off everything like he always does!'' Conner yelled from where he was standing and everyone laughed. Everyone except Xavier.

''You bastard! '' Xavier placed the wine glass on the nearest shelf and ran after Conner. They were bumping into people, spilling their drinks and falling here and there! I looked at them with my mouth open, they were literally running around the hall. Are these guys even billionaires? They sure do not act like it. I was enjoying it here funnily enough. Besides the awkward introduction and awkward encounter with the girl in the bathroom, everyone was carefree and genuinely having fun. This was the total opposite to what I was usually accustomed to. Well, I was never familiar with the lives of the rich let's be frank. With Alisha, it was all so prim and proper, strict and just not as fun as this one. Here people ate till their stomachs were full, whilst with Alisha, the food was hardly touched. It was like the opposite worlds of the elite. I found it fascinating and marvellous for a change.

''Close your mouth missy. Open it when needed, maybe at night with your man?'' A similar voice spoke from behind. I turned around to see the same girl from the washroom standing behind me smirking. I was astonished that she could be so crude.

''Oh don't be so rude Beverly, let's go Erica.'' Alison pulled me with her to the dining table. Okay, so the bitch's name is Beverly.

The glass dining table was huge! It shimmered under the huge chandelier hanging on top. There were approximately 20 chairs on either side of the table. One chair was placed on opposite ends of the table overlooking the rest of the guests. I guessed that was where Xavier's mom and dad sat. Alison let go of my hand and motioned for me to take a seat. She sat next to me which I found strange because I thought she was going to sit on the end of the table opposite her husband. It cheered me up weirdly.

Alison sat to my left, Xavier was seated in front of me and Conner to my right. Beverly sat next to Conner and Zayn sat with Xavier to his left and Luke to his right. We were a little cluster of people sat next to each other and I was excited.

''Mom, where's dad?'' Xavier asked.

''Oh, he had a meeting in Paris. He couldn't make it.''

''Okay,'' Xavier replied.

''So Erica, your Xavier's personal secretary right?'' Luke spoke up to diffuse the tension.

I nodded.

''Lucky Xavier,'' Zayn commented and everybody laughed.

''Oh, so what else do you two do besides work huh?'' Beverly asked sweetly but everyone knew what she meant. She was beginning to get on my nerves.

''Shut up Bev.'' Luke glared at her.

''Yeah Bev you need to behave. She's our guest'' Conner winked at me and I blushed. I found myself doing it a lot today. I found it cute how they all defended me. I didn't even know them that well but they never let anyone say anything harsh to me.

''Whatever!'' Beverly scoffed and sat back on her seat clearly not receiving the attention she wanted.

The conversation became animated with everyone talking over each other and Conner kept on making us all laugh. He spoke about his adventures, his hobbies and his company. Whilst Alison told us about Xavier's childhood and his funny childhood memories. We all chortled whilst Xavier sat there immensely embarrassed. It was nice to hear stories about him because in reality I knew nothing about him but he knew a lot about me. It was terrifying.

When Xavier was young...

He once stepped on a dog's tail on his way to school and the dog ran after him until Xavier reached the school gate and had climbed it! Even after the dog was taken away he refused to come down because he was scared that the dog might come out of the cage with some superpower and bite him!

And once he danced naked in the snow to show everyone how strong he was and how the snow didn't affect him. Instead, he was rewarded with a cold, a high fever and ended up being taken to the hospital immediately!

I could never think that Xavier would be like this!

I also found out that Conner and Beverly are real siblings, even though they are total opposites. Conner is sweet and Beverly well lets not even start.

Suddenly the kitchen door burst open and around 20 waiters and waitresses came and began placing piping hot dishes in front of us. The food looked incredible, I was salivating as the aroma surrounded us, my taste buds dancing in anticipation of the first bite.

''Dig in people!'' Conner chirped and we all began eating. I and Conner continued talking whereas everyone else sat in silence. He made me laugh and I enjoyed his company. But from the corner of my eye, I could see Xavier staring making me uncomfortable.

We finished our dinner and it was time to say goodbye. I was standing on the mansion's doorstep and bidding my goodbyes when Alison spoke, ''When will you visit us again Erica?" It seemed that she was saddened by my departure.

''Very soon Mrs. Manhattan,'' I smiled. I hoped that I would be able to come again.

''Call me Alison kiddo.'' She smiled back. We hugged one last time and I sat in Beverly's car. Why? you must be thinking. Alison wanted both of us to stay in their home for the night, but I had to go back due to my mother. Beverly volunteered to take me home allowing Xavier to stay back. I silently prayed that she wouldn't harm me too much or even kidnap me.

''Ready?'' Beverly asked in her sickly sweet tone.

I nodded not wanting to talk to her. We drove in silence and after two hours I reached my house.

''Thanks, Beverly.'' I thanked her while getting out of the car.

''Welcome.'' She replied and sped off. Happy that our journey was void of any dramas, I reached for the extra key under the doormat to open the door to my house. After switching on the living room and kitchen lights, I walked up to my room to change into comfortable clothes. Choosing to go asleep instead of reading a chapter of my book, I went to bed. However, fate had other plans.

XAVIER calling

I picked up my phone without thinking and ignored the butterflies in my stomach.

''Hello,'' He spoke in his deep voice.

''What do you want?'' I didn't want to sound rude but I was tired and I wanted to go to sleep.

''Geez! Just wanted to thank you for coming with me that's all.'' He replied.

''Oh, I'm sorry Xavier, it's fine I had fun. I should be thanking you for inviting me to come. They are all so nice." I smiled over the phone at the past events.

''Um- yeah...so going to sleep?''

''No.'' I didn't hesitate to lie and I don't know why.

''So... urmm can we talk?'' He asked nervously.

''About what?'' I was confused. We had just spent the evening together and he could have talked to me then. But I wasn't complaining, just a little perplexed.

''Anything and everything.'' He chuckled and I smiled. I was so happy that he couldn't see me.

''Okay then.'' I could feel him smile over the phone.

We ended up talking the whole night about anything and everything. About our favourite colours, food, music but I was hesitant in asking him about the one topic everyone acted reserved about.

Sapphire.

Who is she?

Why isn't anyone telling me about her?

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This is the longest  chapter ever! Comment  and tell me how is is? Did you like it???  And oH! Erica knows about sapphire!?? What will happen next!??? Sttaaayyyy tunedddddd ! Muwahhhhhhh .

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